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        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2017-05/</link>
        <description>Stay up to date on the latest Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas real estate trends with JBGoodwin's real estate blog.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-named-in-the-top-5-best-cities-in-the-us-for-first-time-homebuyers-in-2017.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-named-in-the-top-5-best-cities-in-the-us-for-first-time-homebuyers-in-2017.html</link>
        <title>San Antonio Named In The Top 5 Best Cities In The U.S. For First-Time Homebuyers In 2017</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ San Antonio has a lot going for it. Americans from across the country can recall iconic scenes from our city’s hero-filled history. Major corporations and tech companies move here for the city’s generous business incentives. And the family-centeredness of San Antonio rightly captures the attention of many people looking for a comfortable place to call their own.

At JB Goodwin, we give San Antonio a lot of praise because we genuinely believe it is an awesome place for anyone to call home. In fact, many of us do So when we see others pointing out some of the features that make San Antonio so great, we like to share their findings with our cherished readers. Recent data from Zillow found that families looking to buy their first home ought to conduct their house shopping right here in the Alamo side of the Texas Hill Country. Zillow concluded that San Antonio is the fifth best city in the U.S. for first-time homebuyers. Here are a few of the factors that they considered and why that data is important to young families in the real estate market:


High Inventory Gives You The Power Of Choice


When a real estate market offers high inventory, that means that it 1) becomes more competitive, and 2) gives future homeowners more options when it comes to one of life’s most important decisions. High inventory markets are the most likely place for first-time homebuyers to locate exceptional homes for reasonable costs. In a way, high inventory cities give families new to the home buying market a generous leg-up. If you’re in the market for a home, maybe you should begin by browsing San Antonio’s huge inventory of over 7,400 houses


An Investment To Call Home


From an economics standpoint, buying a house is never just buying a house. Homes are also an investment with the possibility of very strong returns. Appreciation is more than just the word JB Goodwin uses to describe how we feel about the San Antonio home market. It also means that year after year the value of homes in San Antonio are expected to grow at a rate of 3.0 percent. Trust us realtors on this one: That’s a friendly long term investment that many San Antonio first-time homebuyers will enjoy.


First time homebuyers in San Antonio have much to look forward to. If San Antonio sounds like a place you’d like to call home, then a JB Goodwin agent will help you find the house that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Don’t be intimidated by this new life step, we’ll help you every step of the way.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2017 13:28:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-named-one-of-austins-best-places-to-work-2017.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-named-one-of-austins-best-places-to-work-2017.html</link>
        <title>JB Goodwin Named One Of Austin's Best Places To Work 2017</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

We weren’t too surprised to hear it, but the news still makes us proud. JBGoodwin REALTORS® was once again named one of Austin’s Best Places to Work in 2017 by Austin Business Journal When you gather a group of hardworking, optimistic people and equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to give real help to families and businesses, a great work environment almost sounds like it’d come naturally. While nature may have something to do with it, we also prioritize making our workplace one that is empowering, enjoyable, and fair for each employee. That’s because we believe that the most efficient and productive workplaces are those that make a big deal about treating people like… well… peopleWhat makes JB Goodwin such a great place to work?


Our first office opened over forty years ago in Austin. Since, JBGoodwin REALTORS® has gone out of its way to show the immense value we have for our employees, customers, and every community where we’re involved. By offering knowledge-driven services to our customers, top-of-the-industry training and work incentives to our employees, and regular investment to local causes that improve the community, it’s little surprise to us that our intentionality again caught someone’s attention.  The whole JBGoodwin team is honored by the recognition from Austin Business Journal. And while we don’t expect this to be the last time someone points out our fantastic work environment, we promise to continue improving our operations for the sake of both our employees and our beloved customers. Central Texas is our home, and our agents and customers are our family. If you’re curious about a career at JBGoodwin, take a peek at our Careers page. Driven, enthusiastic, and friendly people fit right in with our team. JBGoodwin REALTORS® has received national recognition for our sales coaching and career development programs, and we know how to launch anyone into a successful real estate career.


If you’re looking for a trusted local real estate team to help you locate the perfect home or office space in Austin or San Antonio, reach out to us today A friendly JBGoodwin agent will work closely with you to find the location, budget, and style that fits you.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 26 May 2017 11:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/what-makes-austin-so-great-for-cyclists.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/what-makes-austin-so-great-for-cyclists.html</link>
        <title>What Makes Austin So Great For Cyclists?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

Strap on your helmets, everyone. Austin is a city made for cyclists. You don't have to spend much time in Austin to notice the city’s vibrant bicycle culture. The bike-designated lanes and numerous riders paint a clear picture of our city’s love for two-wheeled transportation. Cycling is how many enjoy exercise, exploration, and a more cost- and energy-efficient way to get around town. For many Austinites, their bike equips them for the errands of their day. It is their reliable, year-round vehicle for getting to work, school, and across town.


And then there are Austin’s mountain bikers: these enthusiasts love to explore the city’s winding streams and forest paths. They can meander peacefully through local Texas wildlife, even through some of their own backyards.


It takes a lot to make a city as safe and ride-friendly as Austin. Here are some of the ways the city and its residents empower the local biking community, and a few excuses for you to give the routes a try for yourself:


Terrain for every biker


Austin’s cycling paths satisfy the off-roader and street-commuter alike. Trail enthusiasts can meander their way alongside the flora-rich paths of the Greenbelt, which offers many entrances to diverse paths. These trail-blazers love the rush of off-roading. Austin’s backwoods offers them quiet, winding paths beside picture-perfect creeks, cliffs, and rolling hills.


Many cyclists prefer cement beneath their tires. Austin’s major roads are often equipped with designated bike lanes to make rider’s commutes easier. The lanes provide greater safety for riders and make car drivers more attentive by reminding them that they share the road.


Robert Boler is an avid rider in Austin who says, &quot;I love bicycling. Mostly for the feeling of gliding along the ground, being outside, and passing traffic. It's also a free workout twice a day, and so much cheaper to buy and maintain than a car. It's a more personal and independent vehicle, compared to cars.&quot;


Texas weather is on your side


Austin’s riders have little to worry about when it comes to weather getting in the way of their daily travel. Beside the occasional thunderstorm, cyclists can usually bike undisturbed to work, school, or on their destination-free ride. Seasonal weather challenges that most other U.S. cities experience, like snow, just aren’t as much of an annual problem around here.


The most severe weather to consistently be mindful of in Austin is our Texas heat. Mid-day rides, especially in the summer, can be very hot. Stay hydrated


Family-friendly riding


Wide paths like those around Lady Bird Lake are ideal for families who want a simple afternoon ride. The sidewalks are relatively flat compared to some of the Greenbelt paths, and beyond the tall trailside trees, riders can catch stunning views of the Austin towers.


Benches and the soft grass of parks also give ample opportunity for weekend picnics and short breaks for the little ones who can’t seem to stay on their bike saddles for long periods of time.


A large and welcoming cycling community


Cyclists in Austin are never alone. Perhaps the biggest reason for the many bike lanes, nature paths, and parks is the huge population of riders who call Austin their home. Competitive cyclists can tell you all about the upcoming races around town, and those who take their bike to work are usually happy to clue you in on the safest routes to and from different parts of Austin.


Thanks to the bikers who openly advocate for new ways to improve the city's cycling community, the safety, diversity, and fun of riding in Austin only looks to grow better in the future. Robert says, “Austin's bike infrastructure has a ways to go, but it's well on its way. I definitely chose where I live specifically to be able to bike and bus to work and downtown easier, and there are many neighborhoods where it's not so easy. But the biggest safety benefit for cyclists is just living in a city where cars are used to expecting them.”


At JB Goodwin, we like to be the first to welcome new people to the Austin community. If living in a city as bike friendly as ours sounds as irresistible to you as it has for us, let our team help you find a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. Reach out to a JB Goodwin real estate agent today to find the apartment rental or home purchase that is best for you. In the mean time, ride safely
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    <pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2017 08:55:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/new-home-construction-in-central-texas-reaches-decade-high.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/new-home-construction-in-central-texas-reaches-decade-high.html</link>
        <title>New Home Construction in Central Texas Reaches Decade High</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

The allure of living in Central Texas is reflected in decade-high new home construction rates. Recent real estate data shows that homes in the Greater Austin area are moving in a positive trend that could mean huge benefits for many families. Current and future homeowners have reason to look forward to these latest real estate climbs. Here are some simple details you should know:


Expect Lots Of New Homes:

Prepare to welcome a few new families to the neighborhood. Data by MetroStudy from 2016 and 2017 reveal that new residential housing in Central Texas has recently experienced some of the highest new construction rates of the past decade.

2016’s third quarter proved the highest new home construction rate in Austin since 2006. Similarly, 2017’s first quarter revealed that new home construction is again at its highest since 2007. This means that beautiful, brand new houses are expected to pop up in the coming years, further growing and diversifying this piece of Texas that so many of us enjoy.


People Are Buying Central Texas Homes:

Central Texas is a popular place to call home. New families arrive every day to take advantage of the local lifestyle that so regularly receives generous national attention. U.S. News and World Report even recently named Austin as the best place to live in the United States

As no surprise to us, MetroStudy found that the Greater Austin area shows substantial growth to the percentage of real estate closings. Residents new and old agree that Austin is a wholesome place to watch children, pets, ideas, and communities grow.


Home Values Are On The Rise:

Interest grows for homes in Austin and nearby cities like Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Pflugerville, Georgetown and others. And with all of this interest, home values are on the rise. As cities welcome their new neighbors and anticipate new developments, many residents will likely experience substantial growth to the value of their homes. Many residents have already seen their mortgages turn into ambitious investments. 

Cost-Friendly Construction Helps To Keep Housing Affordable:

The fast pace of local home values can make houses too expensive for median income families. Fortunately, the fight for the availability of affordable housing has been taken on by certain residential developers who want to keep Central Texas as a welcoming place to all. Their teams keep prices more economical by eliminating some of the unnecessary features that often drive up the cost of new houses. Condominiums, duplexes, and other forms of more cost-friendly living options are also popping up across the Greater Austin area. Local developers are strategizing methods to ensure that houses remain affordable to anyone who wants to call this area their home. If Central Texas has caught your attention, a JB Goodwin real estate agent can help you find the home that’s best for your family. You can start by browsing our extensive selection of San Antonio and Austin real estate. Let us be the first to welcome you to the Central Texas family. ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 19 May 2017 10:33:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-is-making-a-splash-in-tech-heres-how-you-can-get-involved.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-is-making-a-splash-in-tech-heres-how-you-can-get-involved.html</link>
        <title>San Antonio is Making a Splash in Tech: Here’s How You Can Get Involved </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



We live in a time when self-driving cars, robots, and virtual reality are no longer just the topics of sci-fi movies. These futuristic innovations are now real products undergoing rapid cycles of improvement. With all that is being created through the modern tech revolution, it can be easy for San Antonio residents to overlook just how close they are to the real action. Many don’t realize that a digital boom is taking place right here in the &quot;Alamo City.&quot; New startups and established tech-giants of San Antonio are taking industry strides that reverberate across our state and country. Finding out the roles that San Antonio’ innovators play in the worldwide tech boom is easier than some might think. You just need to know where to look. Here are some of the ways you can be more involved in the local tech community and how you can learn about the latest creations that are going on right here in San Antonio:


San Antonio Code Academies:


Tech is an expanding industry with many chances to get involved across the city. Even people with little to no experience working in tech have ample opportunity to learn some of the basics that go into creating apps and websites. Code academies exist downtown and in other parts of San Antonio for beginners and experts alike to sharpen their skills and bond with fellow coders. Taking a few classes is an easy way to discover a new skill and connect with others who share your excitement for new technology.


Tech Jobs:


There’s no better way to know an industry than to join it. San Antonio will be seeing some new tech company jobs over the coming year, even for those who aren’t very tech-savvy. Employers like Freedom Security Alliance are moving the bulk of their operations to San Antonio over the coming year. They’ll be needing teams for sales and marketing, among other roles. Even if computer design, data analytics, and coding aren’t your expertise, there still might be room for your professional skills to help these companies accomplish their goals. Of course, if you are proficient behind a computer screen there are plenty of employment opportunities for you as well.


Subscribe To Local Business And Tech Blogs:


One of the best way to follow the innovations that take place in San Antonio is to subscribe to the journals and blogs that directly follow local tech and startup activities. On this blog, we help businesses and residents stay in the loop by covering local innovations, events, and business trends.  Another good source to follow is San Antonio Tech District. They do a remarkable job at keeping tech-followers in the know regarding local digital events and businesses in the downtown area.


Learn About The Next Local Tech Event:


Subscribing to the right blogs can also be a good way to find out about the latest tech-related events that are going on around San Antonio. Bring your curiosity to one of these events so that you can strike up conversations with fellow San Antonio neighbors who share your interest for all things business, technology, and science fiction. San Antonio is home to a pioneering technology scene that provides jobs, piques national interest, and puts our city on the worldwide digital map. If you run a growing tech company, consider browsing some of San Antonio’s commercial real estate to find the next office that best suits your team. Local JBGoodwin REALTOR® agents are here to help. Happy innovating
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 19 May 2017 10:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/orchard-ridge-new-construction-in-liberty-hill-tx.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/orchard-ridge-new-construction-in-liberty-hill-tx.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Orchard Ridge: New Construction In Liberty Hill, TX</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



So you're looking for a small community away from the throng of the big city Somewhere safe to raise your family. Somewhere to relax and enjoy your well-deserved retirement. Even somewhere to grow a new business because you've got an entrepreneurial spirit. Why not take a look at the developing community of Orchard Ridge for new construction homes in Liberty Hill, TX? This may be the perfect place for you


Liberty Hill's Newest Community


Just a fifty-minute drive northwest of the thriving city of Austin and just outside of Liberty Hill is the small, affordable community of Orchard Ridge. Nestled between the North and South forks of the San Gabriel River, this community boasts beautiful pasture land with cattle, rolling hills, hiking trails and a hometown feeling of family and community.


Orchard Ridge offers the experience of small-town living, peace, and serenity. Its convenient location along Austin's northern growth corridor brings with it direct access to daily needs, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, technology employment hubs, and the outstanding Leander Independent School District (LISD). Liberty Hill has 175 years of history as a small ranching and farming village. It's now one of the fastest growing communities in the Austin metro area


Why Choose The Community Of Orchard Ridge?


Why the community of Orchard Ridge? This development is aimed at attracting a large variety of buyers, so whether you're an empty nester, have a family, or are a first-time home buyer, you should take a look. Along with all of the great amenities that accompany this community, quality, affordability, and a healthy lifestyle seem to be the focus of Dream Finder Homes and Buffington Homes. These builders are dedicated to building a community inspired by the past with a focus on the future. Orchard Ridge &quot;embraces healthy living, connectivity, stewardship, and a strong foundation for home and family.&quot;


These beautiful homes are affordably priced at between $200,000 and $400,000. Phase one of the development has already been launched, with a Grand Opening in February 2017. There are over 180 lots available in this phase alone. The second quarter of 2017 will introduce phase two and within the next five years, a plan for phase three is also underway. The final development will consist of just over 700 homes.





What Exactly Does &quot;Amenity&quot; Mean?


The formal definition of amenity is &quot;a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place.&quot; Orchard Ridge strives to move beyond this definition and have developed a community that fully envelopes a healthy living lifestyle.


This community boasts:




An Activity Center designed for both indoor and outdoor activities


Community Gardens and Orchards allowing all residents a variety of accessible gardening opportunities


A Fitness Center, centrally located with convenient hours and easy community access


Parks and Recreation that allow residents to expand their living space beyond their backyards


A resort-style pool to cool off and relax at the end of a busy day of work




Orchard Ridge Education And Learning Opportunities


For those who are raising families, you'll want to explore education and learning options in Orchard Ridge. You'll be happy to know that the community of Orchard Ridge falls within the Leander ISD, which has a rich history of both academic and athletic accomplishments. Leander ISD is one of the fastest growing school districts in the state, educating more than 38,000 students at its 41 campuses. The district encompasses almost 200 square miles.


If higher education is a priority, thirty minutes outside of Liberty Hill are a multitude of universities and colleges:




University of Texas at Austin


Central Texas College


St. Edward's University


Austin Community College


University of Mary Hardin-Baylor


Southwestern University


The Art Institute of Austin


Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute of Austin




If you're interested in learning more about the community of Orchard Ridge or any other developments outside of the greater Austin region, we want to be there to help you. Contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® today for first-class Austin and San Antonio real estate services.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2017 11:48:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/why-major-companies-are-choosing-austin.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/why-major-companies-are-choosing-austin.html</link>
        <title>Why Major Companies Are Choosing Austin</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Leading business journals love to cover Austin because it’s a hotspot for technology and innovation. The industry boom has brought many businesses to the area and incentivized top tier employees to find jobs in Travis County and the surrounding areas.  Business growth in Austin has occurred for eight years and will continue in 2017, according to Austin Chamber. Data from the organization shows a 1.9 business growth rate for 2016, with education, health services, and financial services growing the fastest.  Businesses are propelled to the area by many of Austin’s advantages, including the following:  Tax-friendliness: Texas is a state with strong tax incentives. With no state income tax, businesses and employees can see more cash in their pockets at the end of the year. Austin Chamber says that local and state taxes here are about 16 lower than the national average, bringing greater savings to residents and corporations alike. Pro-Business: Austin is a pro-business city with a welcoming environment for ambitious entrepreneurs. Austin residents like to support local businesses. The area’s diversely skilled workforce helps small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike to thrive. In addition, there are many public and private business organizations that provide networking opportunities for the business community.  Education: The University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward’s University are two of several reputable colleges in Austin. When industry-shaping names like Facebook, Apple, Dell, and Google have position openings, the local schools make it easier to find the brightest and most savvy candidates. New graduates are excited to commit their knowledge and skill to the future of these companies. Green energy: Taking better care of our city, country, and world has become a priority goal for many Austinites. Increasingly, residents are intentional about where and how they invest their money. Businesses who reflect a similar care for the earth through green-energy, buying locally produced goods, and other clean-production practices have historically received plenty of praise and customer commitment. Texas also happens to provide some of the most clean-energy jobs in the country, which means that businesses in Austin rest right at the heart of this growing movement. Commercial real estate: Austin is home to a beautiful downtown and intimate store-front office spaces. The commercial real estate of Travis County offers work environments that satisfy the business needs of many professional fields. Businesses find that securing quality offices in a healthy, family-oriented city can improve the effectiveness of their teams.


Want to jumpstart your career in Austin? JBGoodwin will help you find the right office space or commercial real estate for your needs.
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    <pubDate>Thu, 11 May 2017 09:51:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-rental-and-leasing-statistics-may-2017.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-rental-and-leasing-statistics-may-2017.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin Rental And Leasing Statistics - May 2017</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Here's a look at Austin's leasing and rental statistics as of May 1, 2017. Highlights include:




Homes were rented 5 days faster with JB Goodwin


Total number of properties leased increased by 48


The median Austin rental price per month is $1,695 or $1.15 per square foot





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    <pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2017 11:51:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/trulia-guest-post-home-inventory-and-price-in-san-antonio.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/trulia-guest-post-home-inventory-and-price-in-san-antonio.html</link>
        <title>Trulia Guest Post: Home Inventory And Price In San Antonio</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Housing inventory continues to fall nationwide, as we continue to see home availability dip for the eighth consecutive quarter. In fact, the end of the first quarter in 2017 recorded a low for home inventory in the United States. Trulia conducted an analysis of supply and affordability for the three housing segments – starter homes, trade-up homes, and premium homes – explaining the correlation between our declining inventory and home prices.


Three factors that go into the analysis include:




The number and share of inventory that are starter, trade up, and premium homes


The change in share and number of these homes


The affordability of those homes for each type of buyer




A more in depth look at the Trulia’s home inventory analysis can help explain the current housing market in San Antonio, Austin, and other cities across the country.


Housing Inventory, From A National Perspective





It’s no lie that the homes are shrinking on a national level, but the reduction at each segmented level tells a larger story. Within the past year, starter homes have dropped 8.7 percent on average while trade-up homes have fallen 7.9 percent and premium homes at 1.7 percent.


This disjointed drop has actually caused affordability issues, making it more difficult for home owners to upgrade to a new home. According to research, homebuyers must spend 2.9 percent more of their income when purchasing a starter home and 1.6 percent more when progressing to a trade-up home. Even those moving to a premium home are spending .9 percent more of their income, as opposed to last year at this time.


Housing Inventory In Texas


On average, it has been found that the more valuable a metro’s housing market is compared to pre-recession levels, the larger the drop in inventory it has seen. So, what does that mean for Texas? The answer depends on what city you are living in. Homeowners in Austin have seen a 19 percent decrease in homes over the past five years and that could be due to the 116 percent home value recover when comparing the home value in Austin before the recession. This is above the national trend line, which creates a promising future for those living in Austin. The San Antonio market follows closer to the national trend line with a home value recovery peak at 105 percent, causing a 38 percent decrease over the past five years.


While these cities in Texas are following the same downward trend, homeowners in these metros have it pretty well off when compared to other cities. Those living in Denver, for example, have experienced otherwise. The Denver housing market has seen at 136 percent home value recovery, which has resulted in a 61 percent decrease of homes over the past five years, making it extremely difficult to  buy a home in Denver.


To get expert advice and to view the finest in southern San Antonio homes for sale, contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® today.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 02 May 2017 14:08:00 -0500</pubDate>
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