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        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2019-01/</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>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-mls-leasing-statistics-january-2019.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-mls-leasing-statistics-january-2019.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin Real Estate MLS Leasing Statistics - January 2019</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Welcome to 2019 - here is JB Goodwin's first MLS® leasing report of 2019 Check out the info-graphic below.


As the Austin rental market enters 2019, trends remain remarkably similar to last year. In the first month of the new year, demand continues to grow as supply levels remain low. Demand is up 4 from 2018 It's a good time to have an investment property.


Here are the key stats to watch:




Total leases are up 4


Home leases are up 6


Property leases are down 10


Single-family home leases are down 13




Remember, JB Goodwin REALTORS® can get your rental property filled 5 days faster than the average Austin agent




If you're interested in learning more about leasing out your property or finding the perfect rental, please get in touch JB Goodwin today





 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2019 09:42:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-ultimate-relocation-checklist-for-moving-to-san-antonio.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-ultimate-relocation-checklist-for-moving-to-san-antonio.html</link>
        <title>The Ultimate Relocation Checklist for Moving to San Antonio</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



San Antonio is a popular place to call home, even by the numbers. Beyond its famous landmarks that attract 31 million visitors every year, San Antonio is the second most populous city in Texas, after Houston.


It’s a sought-after place to visit and an even more welcoming place to call home.


If you’re thinking about moving to San Antonio, we created this checklist to help ensure your move is as smooth and straightforward as possible.


Is San Antonio the City for You?


It’s not easy to relocate to a new city. You must take on a lot of unknown unknowns, make new friends, and get to know an entirely new collection of roads, businesses, and local culture.


Fortunately, San Antonio has a little bit for everyone. The city offers a mix of luxury, affordable, and mid-market homes. Houses are available in bustling downtown, in quiet suburbs outside the city, and many places between.


Retirees have the convenience of numerous golf courses throughout the famous Hill Country and young families enjoy proximity to Seaworld, The Doseum, and Six Flags.


Not to mention, San Antonio is home to many famous Texas sites, including the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and the Natural Bridge Caverns.


When it comes to day to day offerings, San Antonio has a lot to offer. There are reputable schools throughout the area, ranging from preschool through university. In fact, Saint Mary’s University of San Antonio and Trinity University appeared in US News article about the best universities in Texas.


San Antonio of course offers all the standard big-city amenities, like your choice in grocery stores, local parks, libraries, and diverse retail shops.


While one section along the Riverwalk is year-round busy with tourists, many don’t know that the fun goes on for miles and miles. It’s easy to find a quiet, river-front restaurant or bar as long as you look outside the main tourism district.


San Antonio’s great eateries extend beyond its winding river. Destinations like the Pearl District host a blend of restaurants, featuring fresh pastries, gourmet American cuisine, local beer and wine, and much more. Saint Mary Street is another popular area for drinks.


Click Here To Learn More About San Antonio &amp; Browse Local Properties.


Buying a Home In San Antonio


Buying a home is a very exciting life step. It is also an extensive process with many steps.


As you enter the San Antonio market, it’s helpful to keep a visual reminder of the steps you still have to take, and those you’ve already completed. We’ve provided this San Antonio moving checklist for you to save online or even print out and hang on your refrigerator.


Hope this helps


The Home Search


Finding a home in San Antonio starts with knowing your goals and using the best local real estate resources.



 Start building your credit months -- if not years -- before you enter the real estate market. A great credit score can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.



 Save for the downpayment and closing costs: recommended down payments are 20 of the home’s value and closing costs can be about 5 of the home’s value.



 Get pre-approval for a mortgage from your bank.



 Research savings opportunities: first time homebuyers, for example, can enjoy benefits that simplify the purchase.



 Create a list of priorities for your ideal home. Make sure to include:


         
 Number of rooms and bathrooms


         
 Part of town


         
 Fixer-upper vs. move-in ready


         
 Square footage


         
 Design / layout


         
 Number of floors


         
 Type of home (standard house, duplex, etc.)


         
 Distance from downtown


         
 Misc.



 Find a trusted real estate agent with access to MLS and knowledge of the area.



 Use MLS to browse homes online.



 Attend open houses.



 Visit properties with your agent.


The Home Offer Process


Once you find a house or property that you love, here are some best practices for getting your bid noticed, even if you’re competing against other homebuyers.



 Write a personal letter to the existing homeowners to explain your plans for the home: you might say it will be the place you raise your kids, a convenient location for your work, that it would be your first home, or a place to retire, etc. Personal notes can go a long way.



 Consult your real estate agent about competing for the bid. Real estate markets are constantly fluctuating. Your agent should be able to tell you whether an area or home has a lot of competition, how long the home has been on market, and more.



 Research how much comparable homes have recently sold for in the area.



 Speak with neighbors to learn more about the neighborhood.



 Add conditions to your offer that ensure the home passes proper inspections.



 Give an offer for the home.



 Expect and respond to a counter offer. Most homeowners won’t accept your first offer. Instead, they’ll send a counter-offer, which is a price somewhere between your offer and the original listing price. You can, in turn, respond with another offer or accept their new price. The two parties may go back and forth until both of you come to an agreement.


Making The Purchase


Your lender and agent will make sure nothing critical is skipped during the home buying process, but it’s good to know what’s going on anyway. Here’s what will take place as you finalize the purchase:



 Hire an inspector to assess the home.



 Your lender coordinates all paperwork with a title company.



 Conduct a final walkthrough 24 hours before closing day.



 Receive final approval for your mortgage.



 Pay the down payment.



 Pay all closing costs.



 Sign the paperwork and home title.



 Receive the key and move in on the agreed-upon day.


Moving In



 Call to turn on your electricity at least a few days before you need it turned on. Local utility companies may need a few days to get to your home, which means you shouldn’t count on same-day power activation.



 Start packing boxes at least a week before your move. This can make moving day simpler because all you have to do is move the boxes into a truck.



 Avoid buying new household items during the move. Often we forget what we own while its boxed away. Plus, when you change your address, you may receive coupons in the mail for the item you need.



 Label all sealed boxes with their destination: “kitchen,” “master bath,” “family room,” etc.



 Change your mailing address.



 Change your billing zip code.


Get Used To Life in San Antonio


Now that you’re finally settled, it’s time to discover what makes your new neighborhood so wonderful. Here are some activities to accomplish in your first few months:



 Eat out at a locally-owned restaurant.



 Start going places where you can make friends: networking events, local churches, special events at bars and restaurants.



 Meet some of your neighbors: make an effort to introduce yourself by joining apps like Nextdoor, saying “hello” to neighbors passing by, and maybe even knocking on someone’s door.



 Find a regular activity that gets you out of the house.



 See at least one famous San Antonio destination: the Alamo, the Riverwalk, Japanese Tea Garden, Six Flags, The Bridge Caverns, and the Farmers Market at Pearl District are just a few great options.


Welcome home




Hope you found this checklist helpful If you have any questions, or would like help from a JB Goodwin agent, contact our team. We would love to help you find your next home in San Antonio. Talk soon


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2019 09:52:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/why-moving-to-austin-is-a-no-brainer-for-tech-workers.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/why-moving-to-austin-is-a-no-brainer-for-tech-workers.html</link>
        <title>Why Moving to Austin is a No-Brainer for Tech Workers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Careers in tech are more accessible than ever. With the influx of VC-backed startups, accessible training, and high job growth across many fields, it’s a great time to work in tech.


One of the first decisions when it comes to job hunting is location. Though remote work is on the rise, in-office jobs remain the standard.


Even in tech.


Known by some as Silicon Hills, Austin has been a destination for tech businesses and innovative minds for decades.


This beautiful city has so much going for it: quirky nightlife, beautiful natural areas in the hill country for hiking and camping, innovative dining, new luxury condo/apartment options, and a city pride that is larger than life.


People love living in Austin.


If you’re in tech, here’s why Austin might be the best place for your next career move:


Work at world-renowned tech companies


Austin is home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world. Facebook, Apple, Google, and many others have large offices in the area. Other tech leaders like Dell, Indeed, and National Instruments are headquartered here.


And the tech business opportunities are expanding every year. Within the last few months, Resideo Technologies—a Fortune 100 company and Honeywell spinoff—and Apple have both announced plans to build large campuses within Austin city limits.


Alternatively, if you’re looking to join a startup, take a look at the Austin Inno’s 19 Startups to Watch in 2019.


Learn highly sought-after skills


Austin boasts some incredible learning opportunities. If you’re just starting your career or want to live in a place that welcomes continuous learning and professional growth, Austin is an advantageous place to look.


From renowned institutions like UT-Austin, to niche training programs like General Assembly for coding, data, design, project management and other in-demand skills, Austin is a great place to learn and grow.


Check out other local coding bootcamps here.


Start your own business


Texas is consistently named one of the top states for starting a small business. Entrepreneurship in Austin is celebrated in our slogan itself. “Keep Austin Weird” was established as a call to action for people to maintain a vibrant culture and individualistic mindset here in central Texas.


Crowdspring recently named Austin the best city in the United States for startups and entrepreneurs. CNBC gave Austin a similar nod just a couple years ago.


There’s a strong entrepreneurial spirit in the air here, and we’re just getting started.


We are continually enriched by the accelerator and venture fund opportunities presented by Austin’s own Capital Factory as well as VC funds like ATX Seed Ventures, Live Oak Venture Partners, Austin Ventures, among others.


Network with global industry leaders


As one of the premier destinations for tech companies, Austin is also home to some of the most innovative industry minds. Working in Austin enables people to network, businesses to collaborate and expand, and ideas to spread with momentum.


In addition, Austin hosts numerous renowned tech conferences throughout the year. People from many disciplines can attend conferences geared toward improving their knowledge and bolstering their network in the tech world.


Love where you live


At the end of the day, quality of life is as important as a fulfilling job. Austin is consistently ranked the best place to live in the country, making it a pleasurable destination to call home.


Among the many factors that make Austin unique is our housing. With stunning high-rises, beautiful homes along the Texas Hill Country, and an appreciating real estate market, Austinites have a lot to enjoy.


It’s no wonder Austin has become so popular among the Millennial generation, who in general emphasize the value of a great work-life balance.




Want to expand your career here in Silicon Hills? JB Goodwin can help you find a comfortable home that you love. Contact one of our agents today to learn about Austin houses and apartments. We look forward to hearing from you.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:10:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-mls-statistics-november-2018.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-real-estate-mls-statistics-november-2018.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Austin Real Estate MLS Statistics - November 2018</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Happy new year Here are the latest stats direct from the Austin MLS® for November of 2018. You can read JB Goodwin's full analysis of the month's sold data below.


Despite a seasonal slowdown, inventory is actually up with 700 additional units hitting the marketplace. With the year nearing its close, Austin's total inventory sits at 7,750 units. Even with this increase, the total inventory is still quite low, with a supply of just 2.7 months total.


Here are the key stats, compared to 2017 figures:




The median price of a home is $305,000, up 4 from 2017


Total inventory is up 10 from 2017


31, 789 units have been sold this year to date, up 3 from 2017






Have more questions about the Austin real estate market? Please don't hesitate to contact JB Goodwin REALTORS® online today





 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2019 10:50:00 -0600</pubDate>
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