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        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2017-11/</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/jb-goodwin-presents-austin-mls-sold-comparison-october-2005-2017.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-presents-austin-mls-sold-comparison-october-2005-2017.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>JB Goodwin Presents Austin MLS Sold Comparison - October 2005-2017 </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

2017 Has Been Good for Austin Real Estate Growth


Although demand has continued to dip throughout 2017 and inventory throughout the year has continued to climb, the median price of a home in Austin has steadily gained traction. In fact, the median price of a home in Austin has steadily climbed since 2013.


However, after years of continued growth in the 7-9 region, the market price has slowed to just 5 between 2016 and 2017.


Whether you're thinking of buying a home in Austin or are looking to sell your home in Austin, contact the experts at JB Goodwin.
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    <pubDate>Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/5-affordable-neighborhoods-for-first-time-homebuyers-in.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/5-affordable-neighborhoods-for-first-time-homebuyers-in.html</link>
        <title>5 Affordable Neighborhoods For First-Time Homebuyers In Austin</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

Austin has grown into a sprawling, innovative place. It is a magnet for many young people wanting to jumpstart their careers, raise their kids in a healthy and fun place, and foster an enjoyable lifestyle in one of America’s most popular cities.


With a thriving job market, regular accolades from top media outlets across the country, and rich culture and cuisine, Austin attracts new residents every day from across the country. As some have put it, Austin is where young people go to retire.


Among the many praises Austin receives, it has been recognized as a choice city to invest in real estate. It turns out that year-round temperate weather, great academic institutions, and local incentives for business development can really attract many people ready to stay for the long run. Real estate, in other words, has boomed.


Austin’s fame has resulted in a quick rise in real estate costs. While this is delightful to hear for those who already own homes in the area, families wanting to move to Austin may worry they can’t afford the appreciated real estate costs.


It’s true that the city has become an increasingly challenging place for first-time homebuyers to find affordable housing. But neighborhoods still exist with opportunities for lower-budget families to lay claim to a beautiful home and property all their own without breaking the bank.


If you need help finding an Austin home within your budget, a JB Goodwin agent will be happy to work with you. In the meantime, here are 5 neighborhoods in Austin where you might find an affordable home. All data comes from real estate purchasing data published by Curbed Austin.


East Riverside-Oltorf


Situated near Lady Bird Lake, the East Riverside-Oltorf area is convenient for its lower-cost proximity to downtown Austin. The area offers easy-access to a nearby HEB, as well as several tasty restaurants and nearby parks. For students, Austin Community College offers one of its main campuses in this area.


East Riverside-Oltorf was the most affordable area on Curbed Austin’s list, which is based on houses purchased during the final quarter of 2016. In that time, the East Riverside-Oltorf area had houses selling from between $82,500 – $210,000. To find homes in Austin for less than $100,000 is an increasingly difficult feat, but East Riverside-Oltorf proves there are still deals to be found.


Rosedale


Almost in the exact opposite corner of Austin, Rosedale is another affordable community. Located in the Northwest side of the city, it is situated near the University of Texas campus. This location means ample restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops within walking or short driving distance of your home.


There is plenty to enjoy for those who love to stay active. Tennis courts, a pool, and playgrounds are available in Ramsey Park, which is in the very heart of Rosedale.


Regarding the numbers, houses were sold from between $169,999 and $639,900 during the final quarter of 2016. Don’t worry, that’s the largest margin on our list.


MLK-183


Back to the East, MLK-183 is a neighborhood that’s less connected to the bustle of Austin-central. This area is a quieter side of the city that many enjoy. But even if you escape some of the busyness of Austin, MLK-183 isn’t an escape from the local grocery stores or delicious cuisine. There’s a lot to explore nearby.


Many first-time homebuyers in Austin prefer not to purchase a home near the buzz of the city, but are still looking for a home situated near Austin’s awesome jobs, schools, and entertainment. For these families, MLK-183 may be the perfect fit. With only a short drive to Central Austin, you can enjoy less traffic near your home but only have to make a short commute when you’re ready for a night on the town.


Since this neighborhood is on our list, it’s more affordable as well The housing margin in this area was between $185,000 and $349,000.


Zilker


Zilker is another neighborhood near Lady Bird Lake, except it is further West than East Riverside-Oltorf. Zilker is a famous part of Austin that many know for Zilker Park, which is the popular location that annually hosts several famous Austin events, including Austin City Limits.


Zilker runs beside South Lamar, which is an active place for many Austinites. With bars, eclectic stores, coffee shops, and restaurants, families living in the Zilker neighborhood will have no problem participating in local Austin fun.


Here are the numbers: $199,000 – $649,000.


Central East


Central East is exactly where it sounds. I35 separates downtown Austin from the neighborhoods and businesses located in Central East. This side of I35 is popular for several entertaining bars like Native Hostel, Lazarus Brewery, and Brew and Brew.


The homes in this area sold between $209,000 to $499,000. For a place within such easy walking distance of downtown Austin, this neighborhood is prime real estate.


Now that you know about some of the most affordable neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers in Austin, visit JB Goodwin’s housing map to learn even more You can browse listings based on their location to find the home that’s best for you. For more help, contact a JB Goodwin agent. We’ll be happy to work with you to provide a smooth home buying experience.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 24 Nov 2017 12:18:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/why-female-entrepreneurs-are-succeeding-in-austin.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/why-female-entrepreneurs-are-succeeding-in-austin.html</link>
        <title>Why Female Entrepreneurs are Succeeding in Austin </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Austin, Texas wears many different hats. Live Music Capital. Home of SXSW. Filming location of Richard Linklater’s early films. Namesake of the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan. Up-and-coming tech hub.


But more recently, Austin has come to be defined by its young, entrepreneurial base that celebrates the increase in women-owned businesses across the city. This fact has never been more clear than when you talk to the women who are starting and running successful businesses in Austin. Their energy is apparent, and the optimism is almost tangible.


“Austin is perfect for growing a business,” says Page Vandiver, founder of Simply Heaven Design. “There's a unique blend of creativity that allows people to think flexibly and dream for the future. There are enough places to work, no matter your preference--brick and mortar, coworking, or virtual office. And it also allows you to counterbalance your effort with a real life. You don't have to sacrifice one for the other. I feel like this market understands and makes allowances for that.”


Austin and its surrounding metro areas are a mix of vibrant industry and a lot of culture. From award-winning restaurants to some of the top music and tech festivals in the country, there’s something in Austin for everyone, even outdoor adventurers. There’s a lot a green space for hiking, biking, and trail running in the Texas hill country. Women entrepreneurs who set up shop in Austin can find themselves networking and attending events almost every night.


Page’s business has felt the direct benefits of Austin’s robust business scene. “In terms of challenge, there are a lot of top producers here--people who have grown businesses to 7 figures who challenge your thinking to take it to the next level, but there's also opportunity,” she offers.


“Those who disrupt the industry are the ones to watch, and you can always be one of those companies that finds the newest product or shortcut that changes the market. Creatively, Austin is so diverse that no matter where you go you will find new ideas, cultures, and subcultures that will help to give you a new perspective or a different way to approach your current problem or situation.”


Austin tied for 5 in the US for women-owned business growth and economic clout


According to Howmuch.net, the number of women-owned businesses in the US increased by over 45 from 2007-2016. In other words, American women have opened 3.5 million businesses in the past nine years. Women are creating jobs and disrupting markets in unique ways at an unprecedented rate. Austin is tied at 5 among US metro areas for women-owned firms based on its ranking in combined terms of both growth and economic clout.


“I love being a woman entrepreneur in Austin” says Kiera Wallner, an Austin-based photographer. “I feel like there is an amazing community here. A community that wants to encourage and build each other up rather than compete and tear each other down. I also feel like there is so much growth here and that allows for more opportunities.”


Twenty- and thirty-somethings are flocking to Austin to start businesses, find willing collaborators, and quickly make their mark in lucrative industries such as tech. Austin is a great place to launch a woman-owned business because it has been ranked the top US city for young entrepreneurs and America’s best place to start a business in 2016.


Austin is 10 in the country for female-owned business growth from 2007-2016


In terms of absolute growth, from 2007-2016, Austin added 41,413 women-owned businesses (WOBs), raking in over $10 billion total in profit. This means that Austin has been adding new WOBs at a rate of 65.2.


Page, who has grown a successful digital marketing firm in Austin in the past several years, says: “Overall, to grow a business, you need a few things: Stability, support, opportunity, challenge, and creativity. I think Austin offers the best of all worlds.”


Sophie Kwok, another woman entrepreneur in Austin, found a place in tech through an accelerator program geared toward launching businesses owned by women and minority entrepreneurs. “I’m extremely lucky to be entering tech in Austin at this time and to have found incredible communities like DivInc,” she says.


“DivInc is an accelerator program I went through that promotes diversity in tech by supporting female and minority founders. Through DivInc I was able to have an intro to incredible mentors who genuinely want to lift up female and minority founders. I am extremely fortunate to have such an amazing support system around me but I know as I begin to raise funding my perspective will likely shift.”


Sophie is the founder of Love Intently. She is currently in the process of launching an app to provide couples with a personal relationship guide. “Our app sends customized suggestions to couples based on their personalities, interests, and their relationship, fostering open communication and strengthens their relationship with their partner. Essentially, we help take the guesswork out of showing you care. In the midst of our noisy and chaotic world, we empower them by reminding them of the little things that matter most. There are tons of apps and services that help you find love, we empower you to stay in love.”


Female entrepreneurs based in Austin


Up-and-coming female founders like Page and Sophie are making their mark on Austin. Many Austin businesses are forward-thinking and innovative, which means they are looking for ways to include, empower, and propel women along in their careers. In Austin, women-owned business are hiring. Austin is 3 in the country for WOB employee growth. Businesses owned by women had a 59.5 employment growth rate from 2007-2016.


In Austin, the overall sentiment is that if you need to hire, there is a good chance you will have a stack of qualified resumes on your desk within a couple hours of posting a job.


Simply Heaven Design has added three female employees in the past two years. “People are open. They want to talk, network, and work together,” Page says. “When you need community, team members, or outside help, there's a strong workforce out there that can help.”


Austin also boasts some female-owned brands that have become household names. Kendra Scott calls Austin home, and it’s where she runs her successful jewelry, home decor, and beauty company. Bumble CEO Whitney Wolf recently moved her headquarters to Austin, establishing a chic office for the female-friendly dating app startup just off North Lamar. Hiring for both companies has been strong.


Majority women-owned businesses Workplace Resource LLC and Shelton-Keller Group Inc. (SKG) dominate the office furniture retail space in Austin. Gay Gaddis’ innovation agency T-3 rakes in over $16 million dollars a year while allowing new moms and dads to bring their babies to the office.


Women Supporting Women in Business in Austin


Between homegrown Female Founders Meetup groups and a growing number of supportive collectives for female entrepreneurs, you can find a mentor or a group of women to help you thrive in business. Page Vandiver has benefited directly from this sharing economy:


“There are vibrant communities of experts here--whether you need support or community, you can't throw a stone in this city without hitting a marketing expert, a web developer, or a business pro who has connections, answers--and who simultaneously wants to exchange with your expertise. Over the last year alone, we've gotten thousands of dollars of sales, hundreds of leads, and exposure in the millions for our clients. Most of those clients exist nationally or internationally, but I landed them through relationships I have here in Austin.”


Mallory Lehenbauer, a freelance marketer and copywriter with a background in editorial, is one of the many young entrepreneurs finding a space in Austin. She is the incumbent chapter leader of Yellow Co. in Austin. “Yellow Collective is a national organization for women entrepreneurs and women who believe in doing good,” she writes. “The Austin chapter is very small (currently 8 women). We meet once a month and talk about ways we can support one another, we have access to a database of other women entrepreneurs across the world, as well as online resources.” 


Best places for entrepreneurs to own a home in Austin


It’s a really exciting time to live in the capital of Texas. If you’re looking to move to Austin to relocate your HQ or start a business from scratch, our best piece of advice is to live in a neighborhood near where you work.


Even if you’re moving from Atlanta or LA, Austin traffic is no laughing matter. If you’re starting a business on Manchaca down south, don’t move to Lago Vista. If you’re going to work in Lakeway, don’t get an east side bungalow. As an entrepreneur, you fortunately have flexibility to limit or eliminate your commute altogether. All you need is a game plan.


Many entrepreneurs find that biking to their workplace is increasingly the best option in Austin. Alternatively, if you need to get downtown, consider living along the MetroRail.


Page loves Austin because it also offers hard-working entrepreneurs infinite chances to play and destress from a long work day. “I also need a heavy counterbalance to the mental strain of leading and staying on the ever-evolving edge of digital marketing. The ability to get outside and walk around, go to a coffee shop, have meetings on the fly, and take a trip down an unknown street--only to find a new little dive, a group of people that are totally opposite to my background or a creative place to challenge my thinking and break me out of my box. Austin and Pflugerville really offer that.”


Top Neighborhoods in Austin, Texas


To get a feel for different neighborhoods around Austin and the surrounding areas, click on the following link to see listings and read our breakdown of top Austin neighborhoods. You can use this search tool to find top school districts or learn about some other Austin metro areas that might be a good fit for your lifestyle.


Here are some of our suggestions for finding a home in Austin:


East Austin


Filled with the young and the restless, east Austin has changed dramatically year after year. Many young professionals and families have chosen the east side. Sophie Kwok, when asked about trends in where Austin entrepreneurs live, responded, “I think it depends on what your business is. My initial answer would be East Austin if you are a creative or in tech because it puts you close enough to everything happening downtown yet you’re in the creative sphere as well. The most successful tech startups have incredible designers or creatives on their team. However, these areas are not necessarily the most affordable.”


North Central Austin


“I have lived in Far West and now in Parmer/Metric area and I loved both areas. I know many other female entrepreneurs that have also lived in the area,” says Kiera Wallner.


West Austin


West Austin is the traditional home of Austin’s affluent community. Rollingwood and Westlake are hubs for families looking for a good school district. Neighborhoods to check out are Balcones and Bee Cave for amazing, unique 3-4 bedroom homes that will define your Austin lifestyle.


Downtown Austin


If you want to walk or easily bike to work, living downtown may be well worth the rent. “In my opinion, most of the women I know work and live close to downtown,” says Mallory Lehenbauer. Check out properties and get ready for some stunning views.


South Austin


South Austin is where the “Keep Austin Weird” still really runs the show. Neighborhoods like Shady Hollow and South Manchaca have loads of personality and plenty of access to Ben White Blvd (which usually remains low-traffic compared to other highways in Austin). Many younger homeowners are moving south for more affordable prices, and enjoying the quirky Austin vibes.


Other Austin Metro Areas to consider:


Buda (south)


Pflugerville (north) 


Page says, “I would recommend Pflugerville. It's along a toll corridor so it's easy to get to meetings when I have them in town. It's also a quiet edge of the city, so it's easy to record live video on the fly or have spontaneous sales calls.


Lago Vista (north)


Leander (north)


In the end, Page says it best:


“I got my degree here, went and lived in Australia for a few years, and then came back. I am totally biased. There are many beautiful places in the world, and I travel regularly to them, but this is where I call home.


Uh, plus, there's queso and creamy jalapeno sauce here. Just saying.”


Considering relocating to Austin to start a business? JB Goodwin can help you learn more about each neighborhood so that you settle in the right place in the city. Contact us. We’d love to help.


 


 


 
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    <pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2017 09:47:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/its-all-going-up-austin-leasing-stats-for-november-2017.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/its-all-going-up-austin-leasing-stats-for-november-2017.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>It's All Going Up Austin Leasing Stats for November 2017</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Austin Leasing Statistics


November 2017



Despite demand more than doubling between 2016 and 2017, the base price for a lease in Austin has remained relatively flat, which is great for both renters and landlords. Since 2013 the rate of apartment occupancy has been on a steady decrease, which is a trend that continued in 2017. That being said, landlords can expect that listing their apartment for lease with JB Goodwin means that their property has the greatest opportunity to be occupied.






Demand has risen 8.5 in 2017


Price has remained steady for 2017


JB Goodwin listings have been on the market 5 days less than the MLS average


3,000 fewer apartments between 2016 and 2017 (to date)






Are you a landlord looking to have your rental property listed and occupied quickly? If so, contact the professionals at JB Goodwin. 
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    <pubDate>Tue, 14 Nov 2017 09:12:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-comprehensive-checklist-for-staging-your-central-texas-home1.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-comprehensive-checklist-for-staging-your-central-texas-home1.html</link>
        <title>The Comprehensive Checklist For Staging Your Central Texas Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Prepping your home for a showing can be a bit surreal. It’s likely that your house has been a home to you and your family for years; saying goodbye can be difficult. As bigger and better things come your way, however, you will need to sell a home and move At JB Goodwin, we created this checklist to give you a go-to resource as you setup your home for a showing or an open house. Unfortunately, staging a home is not as simple as vacuuming, making the bed, and putting away the dishes. As we wrote in our article about how to sell quickly in San Antonio, you can’t just spruce for 10 minutes and then hope for the best. If you want to get top dollar for your property, it will take some work to prep your home—work that will absolutely pay off in the long run. You need to declutter, deep clean any problem spots, and remove personal keepsakes so that people can see the property as their potential new home and not the place you’ve lived for the last 10 years. It’s about presenting home hunters and potential buyers with a fresh start. Your goal is to depersonalize to make your home seem like a model home: no family photos, no toybox explosions, no dishes in the sink, no grout stains in the bathroom. We want to help you make your place shine.


To do that, here’s our practical checklist for successfully staging a home:


Entryway




Sweep all leaves and dirt off your entryway. Consider power washing your entry if it is a deck or concrete structure. Buy a cute new welcome mat that you can take with you to your new house.


Clear spider webs and wash your front door.


Put out seasonally-appropriate flowers or hang a wreath on your front door. Try a planter of daisies in the summer or a few pumpkins in the fall.


Put a nice bowl of individually-wrapped candies out on your credenza or table in the entry. Peppermints or chocolates can go a long way.


Remove and put away shoes piled in the entry. Organize your mail and buy containers to organize entry way clutter (mail, change, keys, etc.) if necessary.




Kitchen




Clean all surfaces with a multi-surface cleaner. Scrub where needed. Don’t forget the front panels of cabinets, the appliance handles, drawers.


Clean microwave: put 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar in a Pyrex and microwave for 4 minutes. Wipe the inside clean. (Be sure to do this well in advance of your showing so that your kitchen doesn’t smell like vinegar)


Bleach the tile grout if necessary and remove any rust stains on stainless steel surfaces


Consider re-caulking your sink and buying new hardware for your cabinets.


Clear as much counter space as possible. Remove excess appliances from counter tops like blenders, toasters, food processors, etc.


If you are going to replace any appliances opt for stainless steel over white or black options.


Change boilerplates under burners and clean stovetop to make the oven appear new.


Deep clean under the sink and organize cleaning supplies under the sink.


Make your kitchen warm and inviting by installing under-cabinet lighting or putting a warm lamp in a corner space.


Organize the pantry and throw away old items. Clean the floor in the pantry and be sure to clean up any stickiness or spills on the shelves.




Living Room




Take a look at your living room. Is there too much furniture? If it feels crowded, consider removing some items. Face couches and chairs toward each other in a way that would promote good conversation. Try to avoid making the TV the focal point of the room.


If your carpet is old, consider replacing it. We recommend hardwood floors or tile with a nice rug on top if possible.


Symmetry is key: arrange complementary accent pillows evenly on either side of your couch. Consider buying a throw that matches the pillows to drape over the back of your couch for a splash of color.


Make the room as light and airy as possible—instill sheer curtains instead of heavy upholstered ones. Add lamps on end tables for warmth.


Put 3-4 magazines or 1-2 large art or architecture books on the coffee table. Throw out large stacks of magazines and put away all clutter.




Dining Room




Give potential buyers a look into the room where they could spend Thanksgiving feasts or have dear friends over for a warm meal. Think: entertainment.


Give the dining room a good scrub—remove all food debris and stains.


Remove all clutter from your table and cabinet space.


Use slip covers on chairs if they are old or stained.


Set the table with nice tableware if you have it—try to strike a good balance between fancy and casual.


Place a vase with flowers or a nice centerpiece and consider buying either placemats or a table runner that coordinate with your décor.




Bedroom




Help buyers see this room as a place they could get a good night’s rest.


Remove photographs of family and mementos that are particular to your family. Make the room inviting with a cozy bedspread and comfy pillows.


Keep everything as neutral as possible—make your bedroom look like a spa or an oasis from the world.


Consider running a white noise machine quietly during an open house.


Remove as much from the closets as possible to make them appear bigger. Pack up all clothes that are out of season and put them away in the attic or a storage unit.




Bathroom




Scrub &amp; bleach all grout surfaces until they shine.


Re-caulk needed areas around sink, toilet, and shower.


Clean up rust stains in showers and sink and replace hardware on cabinets if needed.


Remove shower head buildup.


Give the toilet a scrub like it’s never been scrubbed before. Don’t forget to clean the outside and bottom of the bowl where dust can gather.


Empty trashes and remove empty shampoo bottles.


Clean mirrors with Windex and make sure the floors are clean.


Consider replacing themed shower curtains with something light and airy. Wash or update your bath mats.


Remove any visible bottles or toiletries. Put out a small candle, fluffy white towels, incense sticks, or some flowers for a feeling of luxury and retreat.




Walls, Vents, Windows and Carpet




Clean all the vents in your home and replace the air filter in your a/c. Replace any air vents that won’t come clean.


Wipe down all the baseboards in your home—it makes your home appear newer. People will notice.


Dust fan blades and remove any cobwebs or dust from the ceiling.


Vacuum carpet and consider renting a carpet steamer to deep clean carpets—steam cleaning is mandatory if you have a pet.


Clean windows inside and out to let in maximum light and give potential buyers a good impression of both the interior and exterior of your home.




Decluttering


It is essential to remove clutter from your home in preparation for a showing. Unfortunately, just stuffing everything in a closet will not work—people really like to see how much storage they will have, so it is important to remove clutter from common spaces and from closets.




Reduce the number of personal mementos from around your home so that it looks more like a model home than the place your kids grew up. Removing personal items can help potential buyers see themselves in the home, which is a key part of staging a house.


Often, sellers will use the time preparing for a showing to downsize and donate to large amounts of unused items to charity. If you need to, rent a temporary storage unit to put away overflow items.




Closets


As emphasized before, potential buyers will look in your closets. When you declutter, you cannot just stuff everything away in hopes that prospective buyers won’t peak in one of the closets.




Remove items so that the closets look bigger, not small and crowded. Expect every closet to be inspected by potential buyers.


Get bins from your local home goods store and put items away in them if necessary.


Refold and organize linens. Consider getting under-bed storage bins to put things away.




Curb Appeal




Pressure wash exterior of home and/or driveway and sidewalk.


Manicure your lawn and sow grass seed in bald places. Use an edger along the curbs and driveway to make clean lines along your lawn.


Trim back overgrown trees and bushes, and cut back ivy if it is overgrown. Adding a few bags of mulch can also work wonders for cleaning up the appearance of the outside of a home.


Plant a few small flowers in flowerbeds near the front door and consider buying a hanging fern or basket of bright flowers.


Remove and clean screens on windows with a water hose and make sure windows are gleaming.


Take a look at the condition of your gutters, roof, chimney, siding, and mailbox of your home and fix anything that needs repair.




Miscellaneous




If you decide to paint the walls, keep it neutral. If you have dark accent walls—paint over them. Keep rooms light-colored to make them appear larger and more move-in ready.


Consider buying a home warranty to cover any unexpected appliances or expensive fixes that might arise after inspection.


Do a burnt-out lightbulb check throughout your entire house


Dust like you’ve never dusted before. Fan blades, book shelves, cabinets, bed frames, wall art, and anything else you can find - let no speck remain.


If you have a lot of trash in your garage, it is time to spend a Saturday cleaning it out. Have three piles: keep, give away, and throw away. Be relentless. Buyers need to be able to see garage space, and a cluttered garage can be a big deterrent.




Day of the showing or open house:




Turn on lights and lamps and open blinds/curtains to let in maximum natural light.


Give the floors one last vacuum or sweep.


Set the a/c to a comfortable temperature for the season, but err on the colder side for an open house because people will be opening doors to come in and out frequently.


Consider one of the following: lighting a couple delicious-smelling candles in different parts of the house, using scented wax plug-ins, or baking chocolate chip cookies a few minutes before you head out. Leave the cookies on the counter with a small sign that reads, “Please take one” Make your house smell divine.




Once you’ve checked all these points, it’s time to step out of the way and let your house shine Go get yourself a latte and leave it to your REALTOR® to talk potential buyers through the best aspects of your now-gleaming home. Fingers crossed Also, let a JB Goodwin agent know if we can help you find your next home.
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    <pubDate>Thu, 09 Nov 2017 12:36:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/wealthy-austinites-are-choosing-to-rent-instead-of-buy.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/wealthy-austinites-are-choosing-to-rent-instead-of-buy.html</link>
        <title>Why Wealthy Austinites Are Choosing to Rent Instead of Buy</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



A peculiar housing trend has emerged in Austin and many other cities across the United States in the last few years. The trend disrupts what many thought was an inseparable correlation: high-income families prefer buying homes instead of paying rent. The vast majority of affluent families, until lately, were homeowners. As soon as they had the means to begin building equity in their own home, these individuals took the real estate plunge into home ownership.


But lately, this eons-old trend has diminished substantially. According to data released by Rent Cafe, the trend for high-income households to rent is on the rise.


The number of high-income households who choose to rent has increased by a whopping 217 from 2005 to 2015 across the United States. Conversely, this same “high-income” bracket, which is defined as households who earn $150K or more a year, only increased in homeownership by 82.


The top cities for massive increases in high-income renters


According to Rent Cafe’s 2014-2015 study, these are the cities where most of these high-income renters reside:




Fort Worth


Portland


Memphis


Phoenix


Chicago


San Francisco


San Jose


Austin


Charlotte


Detroit




At 8, the data for Austin shows a 31 increase in the number of high-income renters, as opposed to the 14 increase in the number of high-income homeowners. From our own data, JB Goodwin found that in August 2017 rent was up 7 in Austin over the same month last year.


Every year since 2009 the largest year-to-year increase in renters has consistently been in the top income bracket. The affluent are choosing to rent and not buy. But why?


What is a ‘Lifestyle Renter’?


Many in the real estate world are trying to understand this phenomenon. Some point to heavy debt among Millennials. Young professionals may continue signing annual leases as a way of prioritizing their income toward paying off college or credit card debt.


Others posit that the high-income renters are a response to the Great Recession. Even after almost a decade, some high-income families may still not be ready to trust real estate as a safe investment.


In the end, the reasons change from person to person. But, one thing is clear: choosing rent over mortgage has resulted in a lifestyle choice.


It’s a trend that’s proliferated in large cities. And, as is the manner of supply and demand, developers are changing the way they design apartments and multi-family homes.This new wave of high-income renters are changing the way investors and developers build properties.


The rise of luxurious apartments


The market is responding with confidence to this growing demographic of affluent renters:


“A closer look at the data reveals that in 2015, 75 of all large multi-family rental developments completed were high-end rentals. The ratio of high-end to total apartments completed increased by a staggering 63 from 2012.”


Developers are dead-set on building for rich renters, which may come at a cost. If only 1 in 4 new apartment complexes across the US is being built for mid-to-low income renters, then it is clear that the availability of affordable housing is definitely in question. According to this RentCafe data cited above regarding luxury development, in Austin alone, 92 of apartment buildings that went up in 2015 can be classified as luxury living.


But Austin renters remain less burdened than in many other major cities across the United States. According to ApartmentList, 47.9 of Austin-area renters are cost burdened, just under the national average of 50.6. This means that renters in Southern California and South Florida are typically more rent-burdened than in the Mid-South.


To put that in perspective, conventional wisdom has it that rent should comprise a maximum of 30 of your income. From 30-50 of income, renters can be considered moderately burdened, with anything above 50 regarded as severely burdened. Lifestyle renters don’t seem to heed the 30 rule when making choices about where to live.


At the end of the day, Austin’s growing population of high-income renters has resulted in the creation of immaculate apartments throughout the city. Residents enjoy short work commutes, luxury living, and many of the amenities that have become custom-build: weight rooms, swimming pools, full kitchens, and modern designs. We may not know all the reasons this renting trend began, but momentum alludes to its continuation in the coming years.


Interested in a luxury condo? Check out our list of top properties. Looking for a lifestyle change? A JB Goodwin agent can help you navigate the difficult decision of whether to rent or buy. Contact us--we’re here to help. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Nov 2017 16:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
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