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        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2020-02/</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-new-construction-4-home-builders-to-look-out-for.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/san-antonio-new-construction-4-home-builders-to-look-out-for.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>San Antonio New Construction: 4 Home Builders to Look Out For</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It’s impossible to deny that San Antonio is an amazing city.


It’s filled with colorful buildings, top-rated restaurants, and cultural events, making it one of the top visited cities in the United States.


Every year, over 37 million people come to visit this beautiful city we call home.


And although visitors come for the majesty of the city, they stay for the incredible lifestyle.


Over the past several years, San Antonio has seen a steady increase in population, meaning more and more homes have been needed.


As a result, plenty of new construction homes have been popping up in and around the city, and have been impressing homebuyers of all types.


But if you're looking for the best of the best, here are the top four home builders to look out for in San Antonio:


Robare Custom Homes


Robare Custom Homes has been operating in San Antonio since 1998. And since then, they have been voted one of the best rural builders 12 times over.


They are known for their formidable homes that can be found in both urban and rural settings in and around San Antonio. No matter where they build—whether it be close to the city or in a nearby suburb—they always choose a family-friendly location near tons of amenities.


Although the location of Robare Custom homes alone is enough to sell homebuyers on their properties, what striked everyone is their architectural beauty.


You’ll be charmed from the moment you first lay your eyes on their gorgeous, Tuscan designs that foreground natural materials like stone and wood


The interiors are even more impressive with their modern features and details that make family living comfortable and convenient. You can find amenities like home offices, laundry rooms, and flex spaces in nearly every one of their homes.


When you work with Robare Custom Homes, you learn why they’ve been awarded over 50 summit awards for design and development from some of the most influential institutions in San Antonio.


View Active Listings for Robare Custom Homes Today


G Morris Homes


If you're looking for an upscale new-build in San Antonio, search no further than G Morris. This local homebuilding company specializes in high-end homes that are made with the perfect blend of beauty and functionality.


Many of their homes are built with Tuscan architecture, though they are also known for building gorgeous country and traditional style homes. No matter what kind of home you’re on the market for, you’ll be able to find it with G Morris.


What impresses all of the homebuyers who work with G Morris is their effective communication.


The company believes that the homebuyer should be well informed throughout the entire building process to ensure that there are no surprises along the way.


Another one of their terrific qualities is that they care about the community they serve. You can see this in the way they support local charities and give back to the Gary Sinise Foundation.


View Active Listings for G Morris Custom Homes Today


David Weekley Homes


David Weekley Homes is one of the top homebuilders in San Antonio because they truly care about their clients and the lifestyles they lead.


Ever since 1976, David Weekley Homes has been building houses with lifestyle in mind, so that their properties are not just a place to live, but a place to enjoy life.


Their homes are built with life’s every-changing nature in mind. All of their homes have flex spaces that can shift with your family, making these homes ideal for all types of homebuyers—from growing families to retirees.


These homes are decorated with soft colors and hues to create a comfortable and welcoming space for all.


David Weekley Homes can be found all around San Antonio, but they’re most prevalent north of the city in neighborhoods like Timberwood Park and Leon Springs.


View Active Listings for David Weekley Homes Today


Monticello Homes


Founded in 1994, Monticello Homes has built over 1,000 semi-custom and custom houses across San Antonio. You can find their homes anywhere from San Antonio’s city center to its suburban towns of New Braunfels and Boerne.


They are known for building luxury homes that impress all homebuyers with their gorgeous designs and details. Their homes typically have hardwood flooring, ceiling details, and wall treatments to blend beauty with utility.


Most of their homes are single story, though they also have two story and transitional style houses that are built for family-living.


It’s easy to see why so many homebuyers choose to work with Monticello homes—they have phenomenal customer service and award-winning designs.


Not only have they won awards from the Greater San Antonio Builder Association, they’ve been recognized by the National Association of HomeBuilders and the Texas Association of Builders as well.


View Active Listings for Monticello Homes Today


With so many beautiful homes being built in and around San Antonio, it’s hard to decide on which builder is best for you. So consider these amazing homebuilders in San Antonio when you’re buying or building a home in the city.


Learn more about all other homebuilder in this city by consulting our San Antonio Builders Guide. You can also contact JB Goodwin agents today to learn more about buying a new construction home in Texas.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2020 07:26:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-area-real-estate-statistics-january-2020.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-area-real-estate-statistics-january-2020.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>Austin Area Real Estate Statistics January 2020</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Here we are at the end of the first month of 2020 Welcome to the January 2020 edition of the JB Goodwin Austin real estate market report, featuring exclusive data from our agents and the Austin MLS®


Business is booming in the city, even as indicators point to a slight cooling off. The median price of homes in Austin are more or less steady compared to last year at this time, even as inventory levels continue to drop. Inventory is down a total of 24 compared to January 2019.


Even with cooling median home prices, demand continues to rise. It's never been a better time to sell


Key stats to look out for:




1,947 units were sold in January, up 8.5 from last year


Austin median home price is down 1


Inventory is low, with a 1.6 months supply






Want to learn more about buying or selling a home in Austin? Talk to one of our expert agents at JB Goodwin who are always happy to help





 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2020 17:52:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/5-reasons-why-so-many-californians-are-relocating-to-austin-tx.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/5-reasons-why-so-many-californians-are-relocating-to-austin-tx.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>5 Reasons Why So Many Californians Are Relocating To Austin, TX</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Ever since the 2008 U.S. recession, thousands of Californians have been making the decision to relocate to Austin, TX.


So what's going on?


California has long been the dream location for many. Picture year-round warm weather, gorgeous sandy beaches, endless blue skies, and that notorious laid-back attitude. It's hard to believe that anyone would want to move away from such a luxurious location.


The reality of the situation is that many Californians are realizing that this picturesque dream is just that; a dream.


California is becoming an increasingly difficult place to live and work. Well...relative to Austin at least.


The cost of living continues to grow, housing prices are astronomical, and though the active lifestyle, food industry, and arts and culture scene are outstanding, the lack of job market growth is stifling.


Austin has recently been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the number one metro area to live in this country. This is due to the low crime rate, steady job growth, stable housing market, and the desirable lifestyle of the city, not to mention the booming tech industry.


What it boils down to for many Californians is that Austin provides that dream of living in a sunny, mild climate where incredible food and beverage options are vast, and the arts and culture scene is alive, but with the ability to afford your home, and without the crippling cost of living.


Find a Central Texas Home Today


Here are the top 5 reasons Californians are relocating to Austin, TX:


1. Strong Projected Population Growth


While many from across the U.S. are relocating to Austin, TX, those moving from California are by far the most notable.


How many people are moving here?


Between 2010 and 2014, Austin saw an increase of approximately 15,000 new residents from California alone. That's roughly 3,000 per year. Among the top-moving city residents are Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, San Bernardino, and Thousand Oaks.


It may seem surprising to see that many of the cities relocating to Austin are in the Southern California region and not in the Silicon Valley, considering Austin's the top ranking city for the tech industry. This is largely due to the increase in benefits Austin has to offer its residents without having to compromise the desirable climate Southern Californians are accustomed to.


If living in a booming tech city with endless possibilities sounds like the place for you, talk to out team at JB Goodwin REALTORS® today to discover how you can relocate to Austin, TX.


2. Low Unemployment &amp; Diversity In Industry


When making the decision to relocate, the potential job market is often one of the most heavily ranked criterion considered.


Therefore, it's no wonder that Austin ranks high on the list for Californians as it hosts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S. In fact, Austin is ranked as the third-highest metro city for job growth.


Austin has also recently been recognized as an ideal place for inventors and techies, as it's known as one of the top 10 cities for patent activity and startups. It's also worth noting that Austin ranks as number six in the world for venture capital investments.


Due to its steady job market and population growth, Austin is now referred to as the next 'Boomtown', meaning it has the best chance of thriving economically in the next 10 years.


If job and economic factors rank anywhere on your list of reasons to relocate, there's no question that Austin should be considered the best place to live in the U.S.


3. Endless Lifestyle Opportunities


Californians know that moving to Austin means their active lifestyles and filled social calendars won't change because there is an endless list of things to do in Austin, TX.


If food is your thing, Austin is for you From food trucks to small eateries to fine dining restaurants, there are endless cuisine options. Choose from tacos, soul food, traditional Americana—there are all kinds of food options available for every palate.


Perhaps dinner and a show is more your style?


Noted as the best movie theater in the world by influencers such as Quentin Tarantino and Elijah Woods, the Alamo Drafthouse offers a unique movie-going experience, showing some of the best cult classics and, new films while serving food and beer.


Or maybe your prefer to hang out in one of the many local cafe and coffee bars, reading a good book or working on your next project.


You'll also want to check out one of the many food and beverage festivals that occur through the year including Beerfest: a beer tasting festival hosting a wide variety of breweries and craft beers.


Thanks to its mild climate, Austin has a wide variety of outdoor activities available too.






Not sure which area of Austin or San Antonio you want to settle in? Read up on JB Goodwin's comprehensive community guides:


Austin  San Antonio






What's there to do outside?


There are many natural wonders around Austin like the Longhorn Caves or Mount Bonnell. Austin is one of the most active U.S. cities, encouraging residents to get out hiking or biking. Swimming is another popular activity in Barton Springs Pool, which stays a refreshing 70 degrees year-round, or in the stunning natural swimming grotto, Hamilton Pool Preserve.


One of the most popular Texan traditions is tailgating and in Austin, that is no exception Gather on Saturday nights with your Austin neighbors in the fall to watch and celebrate the University of Texas Longhorns. This is one local experience you will not want to miss out on.


Whether you're single, a family, a young professional or well into retirement, there is something to appeal to everyone




Relocating to Austin or San Antonio? Get JB Goodwin's complimentary relocation package today




4. Desirable Housing Situation


Though housing prices are on the rise, the Austin housing market is still priced significantly lower than many locations across the U.S. As of early 2017, the median house price in Austin is $289,000 with a 3-year appreciation rate of 25.2.


With figures like these, there is no question as to why the Austin real estate market is booming. The piece to the Austin housing market puzzle is the city's low rate of foreclosures, which are among the lowest in the U.S.


If the cost of living and affordable housing prices aren't enough, Austin has also been noted as one of the top 10 U.S. cities for living the American dream.


5. Desirable Climate


When you think of desirable climates, California is often at the top of the list. So how can this be one of the reasons Californians are relocating to Austin?


Because Californians never have to sacrifice a day of sunshine, thanks to Austin's gorgeous climate.


Austin typically experiences 300 days of sunshine each year, meaning you can make use of your outdoor space the whole year-round. The temperate climate means there are no extremes, though the change from hot and dry to chilled and wet can happen quickly in Austin, giving the illusion of extreme weather.


Summers are typically hot and winters are mild, but you can expect the weather to be pleasant and comfortable all year. This gorgeous climate plays a role in Austin's ranking as the fifth friendliest city and fourth best city for dogs.


How can anyone be upset when the sun is shining and the dogs are playing?


If you want more information on relocating to Austin, TX, talk to our team at JB Goodwin REALTORS® today
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Feb 2020 06:02:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-real-estate-investing-in-san-antonio.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-real-estate-investing-in-san-antonio.html</link>
        <title>A Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing in San Antonio</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Every homeowner is an investor.


With home values appreciating in San Antonio, it’s a great time to think about buying so you can start seeing the benefits for yourself.Even if you never take the extra steps to directly monetize your real estate purchase—like flipping, short term renting, or leasing out your home—at least you’ll start putting more money in your own pocket, as opposed to the pocket of someone else.


&quot;It helps to put homeownership in perspective: If there is a roof over your head, you’re either paying a landlord’s mortgage or you’re investing in your own future.&quot;


But real estate investment offers more than just an escape from paying rent.


The Benefits of Investing in San Antonio Real Estate


Passive Income


There are sides to home investment that are not passive, such as house flipping. But as a rule of thumb, whether you live in the home yourself or someone pays you rent month-to-month, being a homeowner can put serious cash in your pocket with (for the most part) minimal effort.


Financial and Lifestyle Autonomy


Passive income through real estate investment has a way of leading many homeowners to great financial freedom and lifestyle autonomy. Instead of living paycheck to paycheck, real estate investments have given many families a broader financial foundation to stand upon. Just remember that borrowing against the equity gained on your home doesn’t mean that it is free money, you should always have a plan to pay off what you borrowed.


Business Ownership


You’ll need to put on your business owner hat to turn your house into a real estate investment. Right off the bat, you may benefit from incorporating yourself for tax benefits. As things grow, you may even have employees, scale to oversee multiple properties, learn about property marketing and listing, and more


If you’ve ever desired to be a business owner, real estate investment can be a rewarding, lucrative market.


Someone Else Pays Your Mortgage for You


This point alone should catch every Texas homeowner’s attention. Whether you choose to lease using annual contracts or through a vacation rental site like AirBnb, the weight of paying off a huge mortgage can be minimized or entirely taken off your shoulders. If the monthly rent checks exceed the mortgage and property taxes, it’s even better.


Tax Benefits


Here’s what a writer at Entrepreneur had to say about rental properties vs. other types of business ownership:


“Let me ask you a quick question: if you earn $100,000 at your own business and I earn $100,000 through rental properties, who gets to keep more?


That’s right: I do. Because the government rewards rental property owners.”


And Much More


We’ve only scratched the surface. Whether you buy and hold, flip the house, or lease it out, there are many additional benefits of investing in San Antonio real estate. Our list didn’t even dive into some of the basics: long-term financial security, a guard against inflation, and real estate appreciation.


Now that we’ve whet your appetite, let’s dive into the different types of real estate investment and some of the practical steps you can take to get started. After all, this article is for San Antonio homeowners who want to take those extra steps to directly monetize their property.


3 Main Types of Real Estate Investment


House Flipping


If you want to be hands-on with your real estate investments, house flipping can be a fun side project or even a full-time career. Don’t jump in before you know a thing or two about the risks, costs, best practices, and tricks of the trade. Watching HGTV can sometimes make the process seem easier than it actually is. Many people have found themselves way in over their heads because they didn’t understand the process as well as they could have before getting started.


If you want to start transforming shabby homes into magnificent ones, be vigilant. Learn from the experts before you dive in. Start with small investments to lower your risks.


Become a Landlord (or Short-Term Rental Host) in Texas


It’s a great time for San Antonio residents to turn their real estate investments into rental properties. One in three Texans pays rent, as opposed to owning their home. And according to CNBC, a higher percentage of Americans pay rent now than in 1965 So there’s business to be had if you have a home or room to rent out.


Landlords account for a major national industry. According to Rental Protection Agency, there are over 23 million landlords across the United States. This doesn’t even account for the large and growing short-term rental market. Apps like AirBnb have opened the door for homeowners to make money in the tourism market.


Make a (mostly) passive income by turning your home into a business.


Buy-and-Hold


Home values tend to increase over the years. Buy-and-hold investors are those who purchase a home and then wait several years--or even decades--to sell the house for a profit.


In the short term, buying a home and immediately selling it again (with little or no change done to the home during that time), will likely result in a loss for the homeowner because of closing costs and short-term fluctuations in house values.


Fortunately, while the short-term real estate market sees many ups and downs, the overall market trend is upward.


Most buy-and-hold investments are just families who decided to buy and build lifelong memories in their dream-home. Over the years, the home value appreciates. If the family eventually downsizes, they often sell having turned a comfortable profit without even trying.


In these cases, the home isn’t necessarily purchased with the intention of eventually selling. On the other hand, many long-term property owners exclusively buy Texas homes for the investment. Usually these investors also know that there are ways to streamline the buy-and-hold process to increase their profits along the way.


These streamlining methods include versions of the other two investments we’ve already discussed. When it comes to house flipping, long-term investors don’t care about restoring their house overnight. Instead, they take projects on slowly, knowing that years of slow improvement will significantly increase the value of the property when they finally choose to sell.


The other option is to turn your buy-and-hold into a rental opportunity. It’s easier to do today than ever before. Online listing services and mobile apps have made it easy to connect with potential short term and long term renters.


Every Texas real estate investor begins with their first home. If you’re in the market for a San Antonio property, contact JB Goodwin. Our agents know the area and local market trends. They can help you start to your investing career by connecting you to the property that starts it all.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:27:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-ultimate-relocation-checklist-for-moving-to-texas.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-ultimate-relocation-checklist-for-moving-to-texas.html</link>
        <title>The Ultimate Relocation Checklist For Moving To Texas -  2020 Edition </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Why Move to Texas?


Texas has become one of the most popular places for relocation in the United States, according to The Fiscal Times. Our state is home to sprawling cities, temperate weather, and an ethos that is still punctuated by the independence and adventure of Louis L’Amour novels and John Wayne films.


On their way to their new Texas homes, families drive through the dips and winds of the Texas Hill Country, passing horses and farms, city lights and towers. Texas is still a place where independence and new beginnings draw families from across the country to experience fresh starts that are filled with adventure.


No matter the city you choose, finding a new home in Texas is thrilling. It also comes with a handful of challenges.


We created a supportive checklist to help your family relocate to Texas with the greatest possible ease and pleasure. We figure that the more speed bumps we can help you avoid, the simpler your relocation to Texas will be.


Get comfortable, here’s how to prepare for your move to Texas:


Find a Central Texas Home Today


BEFORE THE MOVE


1. Get to know Texas


I do not mean picking up Louis L’Amour novels, though that might be a fun place to start. Since you have already settled on Texas as your new home, you should investigate the character of each city to know which is best for you.


Relocating to Austin, for example, is to move into a quirky city where art and innovation reign. It is the &quot;Live Music Capital of the World&quot;, as well as the home to several Fortune 500 headquarters, including Dell Technologies and Whole Foods Market.


If you choose to relocate to San Antonio, learn about the breadth of the city. Beyond its famous history—Alamo, David Crockett, etc.—San Antonio is also an exciting place to raise a family. Home to theme parks, museums, and great schools, you’ll discover no shortage of education, entertainment, and family fun.


Begin your investigation online. There are ample blogs and news articles that will introduce you to the spirit of most Texas cities. Wikipedia is also a great resource.


Once you decide on a city…




Relocating to Austin or San Antonio? Get JB Goodwin's complimentary relocation package today




2. Research your new neighborhood


(Of course, if you haven’t found your neighborhood yet, contact a JB Goodwin agent. We would love to make your search simpler.)


Once you have honed in on your new neighborhood, it’s time to become familiar with that area. Schools, grocery stores, hospitals, restaurants—the discoveries are worth your investigation.


Set yourself up for move-in success. Explore the area online or during a visit. Getting to know your neighborhood before the move can make acclamation a lot easier after you’ve moved all the boxes.






Not sure which area of Austin or San Antonio you want to settle in? Read up on JB Goodwin's comprehensive community guides:


Austin  San Antonio






3. Create a worst-case-scenario moving budget


When it comes to packing your life into a moving truck and bringing your family across the country to begin a new life, there are many expenses that can show up along the way. So, it is best to prepare for the worst.


Budget for potential breakdowns, emergencies, and for things not necessarily going as planned. Financial readiness is a helpful strategy to moving, because you never know the snags that may arise along the way.


4. Cancel, delete, and change


You are moving to a new state, which means many old ties need to be cut. It’s time to cancel local services, especially the ones you are paying for. This includes, of course, your utilities and internet or TV subscriptions.


If you are subscribed to national magazines, update your mailing address before the Postal Service stops rerouting mail from the previous address.


Also, change your address on the driver’s license, and then for your banks, insurance, etc. You are a Texan now— don’t procrastinate when it comes to telling those who need to know.




Need a hand finding the services for your new home? Get in touch with JB Goodwin's experienced &amp; dedicated relocation team today




AFTER THE MOVE


5. Be strategic about new purchases


When you change your home’s address, the postal service routinely sends an assortment of generous coupons to your home that can be redeemed at stores and restaurants near your new house. Before you take care of purchasing some of your new-home accessories, wait until that letter has arrived


Also, many people have garage sales after or before a move to get rid of excess furniture and items. To alleviate the number of double-purchases, make sure everything is in your new house before you start buying new things. That way you know you aren’t repurchasing things that just haven’t been unboxed yet.


6. Prepare to build a new community


Moving to a new state takes most of us deeply out of our comfort zones. We must take initiative to find and grow new friendships.


A good way to prepare for this is to give yourself and your family clear goals for making new friendships. Begin by considering the social environments you will soon be immersed within: new workplace, college, neighborhood, church.


Many people are happy to meet those new to their community, but won’t necessarily make the first move. If no one approaches you, muster some social courage and be the conversation starter Every friendship starts with a simple hello.


7. Enjoy being a Texan


Texas is your home. Now is your time to meet neighbors, experience BBQ like never before, and find your place and community in this new state.


Sometimes the first few months living in a new place are the most challenging, so don’t get disheartened as you take chances, experience your new workplace, and make those first friendships.


Welcome to Texas, neighbor




Still in the process of relocating to Texas? JB Goodwin is here to help. With offices in Austin and San Antonio, one of our agents will help you find a beautiful home here in Texas.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2020 04:14:00 -0600</pubDate>
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