<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2020-04/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/2020-04/</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-area-real-estate-statistics-march-2020.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-area-real-estate-statistics-march-2020.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>Austin Area Real Estate Statistics March 2020</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Thank you for checking out the latest edition of the JB Goodwin Austin real estate market report for March 2020. We've got plenty of great information direct from the local Austin MLS® and our team of experienced agents.


The trend of lowering inventory continues into March as Austin home owners continue to be hesitant to list their homes. Of course, this isn't surprising given the current international crisis.


Despite the uneasy feeling in the marketplace, Austin home values continue to grow, as do sales. It's actually a great time to sell - declining supply and steady demand means that homes are still selling quickly. JB Goodwin's agents as well other real esate agents across the city have gotten creative in order to be able to show homes and close sales while keeping everyone safe


Here are a few key stats to look out for:




7, 552 units have been sold so far this year, up 6


The median price of a home in Austin is $321,000, up 2.5


Available inventory lies at 4,908 units, down 26






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>Tue, 28 Apr 2020 11:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-6-most-affordable-san-antonio-neighborhoods-for-first-time-homebuyers.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-6-most-affordable-san-antonio-neighborhoods-for-first-time-homebuyers.html</link>
        <title>The 6 Most Affordable San Antonio Neighborhoods for First-Time Homebuyers in 2020</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Every time we walk a first-time homebuyer through the process of finding and purchasing a new home, it’s cause for celebration.


At JB Goodwin, we recognize purchasing a home is a big commitment — and a very exciting decision. There are so many factors to consider including location, number of bedrooms, style of home, price range, amenities, forecasted rates of appreciation, property taxes, and more.


If San Antonio is your choice for a first home, expect to enjoy a blend of affordable city-living with a deep Texas pride connected to one of its most popular locations. Alamo City is definitely up-and-coming, with new restaurants and developments being added every day.


First-time homebuyers in San Antonio have a lot to think about. The property should satisfy several key criteria that aligns with their lifestyle. Homebuyers should ask questions like:




Is it a good investment?


Does it offer ample room for starting a family?


Will it make it easy to enjoy a lifestyle you love?




Homebuyers should also consider commute times as well as traffic levels. Fortunately, San Antonio has less traffic compared to cities of comparable size.


Whatever you’re looking for in a new home, you may consider some of these San Antonio neighborhoods and surrounding areas for affordability, access to highways, and a community where you can build a family:


Affordable San Antonio Neighborhoods for New Homebuyers


Leon Valley


In Northwest San Antonio, Leon Valley is a happening cultural area that’s ideal for young families. This community is 20 minutes from SeaWorld, and blocks from a movie theater, multiple parks, and popular shopping centers.


The median home price in Leon Valley is $160,100.


Browse homes in Leon Valley


Lafayette Place


CultureMap San Antonio reports that Lafayette Place has ranked as a top U.S. neighborhood for “Having It All” — affordability, liveability, quality schools, etc. With a median home price of $162,500, this northwest neighborhood just north of Balcones Heights may be worth serious consideration.


Browse homes in Lafayette Place


Live Oak


Live Oak has events for the entire family, good school options, and access to the I35 Highway. This area is a residential suburb of San Antonio that may appeal to first-time homebuyers.


The median price of a single-family home is $141,200.


Browse homes in Live Oak


China Grove


This small community falls just east of San Antonio on a map. With a country feel and affordable housing within proximity to the Alamo City metro area, China Grove is a nice area to consider as you look to own a home in Texas.


In addition, The Doobie Brothers inadvertently created a song called “China Grove” about this tiny San Antonio suburb. The median home price is $212,800


Browse homes in China Grove


Seguin


40 minutes outside the city center, the town of Seguin has Texas Hill Country charm without the exorbitant price tag. Boasting the world’s largest pecan tree, Seguin is a big producer of pecans, a staple of down-home Texas cooking. Seguin‘s median home price is around $124,000.


Browse homes in Seguin


Windcrest


Just east of 35, Windcrest is a great option for families who want to live in northeast San Antonio. With plenty of recreation including trails and a golf course, this small Texas town will quickly win your heart. With a median home price of $191,900, Windcrest could be a wonderful place to settle down and start a family.


Browse homes in Windcrest


*Median home prices come from Niche.com.


Hopefully this article has helped to guide your search for an affordable home in San Antonio. Let us know what you find — we’re here to help.




San Antonio is a wonderful city to call home. Let an experienced JB Goodwin agent help you find the best property for your family by contacting us today. We look forward to meeting you


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2020 07:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-condo-buyers-guide.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-condo-buyers-guide.html</link>
        <title>Austin Condo Buyer’s Guide 2020</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It may be an understatement, but people are moving to Austin - lots of people.


The area has a perpetual allure that draws more and more families from across the country to call Austin their home.


As the basic laws of supply and demand would predict, our popularity has resulted in years of appreciating real estate values. For those in the market to live in or around downtown Austin, these growing home costs come with clear pros and cons.


In one regard, appreciating values mean a healthy real estate investment opportunity. On the other hand, rising costs mean there’s a growing financial barrier of entry for families in the market to buy central properties.


This barrier of entry has added to the growing trend of purchasing Austin condos. By investing in condos instead of houses, many exchange square footage for the luxury of buying newer homes in more central locations. Also, Austin condos are often synonymous with newer utilities and exclusive residential amenities like workout rooms and swimming pools.


If you want to live close to your downtown office and have the ability to walk to SXSW or ACL every year, condo living might be the way to go. Investors looking for competitive leasing space should consider the premium leasing potential that comes with offering tenants a central condo in one of America’s most loved cities.


For old and new Austinites in the market for affordable condominiums, here are some things to consider during your Austin condo search:


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

Find A Great Austin Condo Today


What Is A Condo?


Real estate is a huge industry with diverse offerings. Sometimes people get a little lost in the jargon. Here’s a quick definition:


Condo: A multi-unit building with a deed that can be divided to sell individual units to different buyers.


In other words, there are condos of almost every style home you can imagine. They include luxurious, high-rise apartments as well as quiet duplexes in the suburbs, with many floorplans in-between.


Determine Whether A Specific Condo Fulfills What You’re Looking for In A Home


Home satisfaction has a lot to do with how much that property suits your individual needs and goals. As earlier defined, condos come in many shapes and sizes. Some are very similar to houses, while others reflect the style of an apartment.


Consider your ideal lifestyle. If you enjoy hosting lavish parties with lots of friends and family, make sure easy parking is accessible and that plenty of communal space is available within the home.


Does home utility mean a lot to you? If so, many condos are suited with homeowner association (HOA) benefits like gym access, lawn care, community tennis courts, and much more.


Since condos are multi-unit buildings, living close to your neighbors is inevitable. For people used to apartment living, you already know many of the drawbacks and virtues of this proximity.


For others, it’s worth doing some research and careful self-assessment to determine what level of living density makes you most comfortable and happy.


Are Condo HOAs (Home Owner Association) Worth It?


Many condos are situated with HOA (Home Owner Association) responsibilities. Before purchasing an Austin condo, consider carefully if HOA responsibilities, benefits, and fees are right for you.


Families with tight monthly budgets may be deterred by the added cost of HOA fees. If money is a concern, HOA fees should be measured realistically in regard to your income and existing expenses.


On the other hand, HOAs can provide generous and exclusive amenities that make your condo that much more luxurious and enjoyable. These amenities can be some of the biggest selling points of some condos. They make life simpler and, depending on the amenities available, may guarantee more privacy for often-crowded activities like swimming or working out at a gym.


HOAs can also alleviate many responsibilities like cleaning, lawn care, and more


Investors have one additional HOA restriction to consider.


Many HOA agreements prohibit condo owners from leasing out their units. If your plan is to buy-and-lease your condo, read the fine print and ask the HOA office if tenant leasing is available. Any buyer hoping to use AirBnb for a side income should also consider these potential restrictions. Some HOA agreements might even allow one rental type while refusing the other, so learn the laws before you purchase.


Have Condos Professionally Inspected Before You Purchase


When you find and fall in love with a condo in Austin, hire a Texas home inspector to provide a clear, unbiased report about the condition of the home. Investing a few hundred dollars to have a condo properly inspected can save condo owners thousands of dollars in future expenses, assuming critical flaws are discovered.


While most of us would have no trouble finding cosmetic damage to a home, it’s worth remembering that damage to paint, counters, and windows are the easy--and usually least expensive--things to catch. Inspectors are trained to catch the more expensive problems that also tend to be harder to find.


Real estate is a large investment. At the very least, hiring an inspector before a purchase can give homebuyers the peace of mind that they deserve as they move forward with their exciting new purchase.




Need help locating that perfect Austin condo? Use the Listings page on JB Goodwin’s website to browse many of the beautiful options available across town. When something catches your attention, contact a JB Goodwin agent to learn more or schedule a tour


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:04:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/top-4-neighborhoods-for-san-antonio-military-families.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/top-4-neighborhoods-for-san-antonio-military-families.html</link>
        <author>macastro@jbgoodwin.com (Mary Ann Castro)</author>
        <title>Top 4 Neighborhoods for San Antonio Military Families in 2020</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
San Antonio has a proud military heritage that is a big part of the city's culture and identity. Thousands of military personnel are stationed throughout the area's bases, and each year military families from all over the country make their home in the Alamo City.


Moving from abroad is hard enough, but military families also bring with them specific requirements when searching for a home, like:






a home within close proximity to the military base


quality school districts


neighborhood safety






Here are our picks for the top four neighborhoods for San Antonio military families.


1. Olympia Hills


Olympia Hills is a golf course community in Universal City, just 20 miles northeast of San Antonio. With proximity to Randolph Air Force Base and Ft. Sam Houston, this highly desirable neighborhood also offers a wealth of amenities for the entire family.


Take advantage of the community pool, residents-only clubhouse, and playground. There's also nearby shopping at The Forum and plenty of outdoor lake recreation.


Students of Olympia Hills attend top-ranking schools served by the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, which boasts an impressive 96 percent completion rate—the highest in the state.


Homes start in the $400,000s, so this area is for the military family looking to move up to a more prestigious address.


If you're interested in Olympia Hills, you may also want to look in Kirby, Converse, and The Fairways of Woodlake.


Search Olympia Hills Real Estate




Looking for more information on homes for military families in San Antonio? To get in touch with top regional real estate experts, contact JB Goodwin Realtors today.




2. Alamo Heights/Terrell Hills/Northwood


Alamo Heights homes for sale are definitely on the upscale side of San Antonio real estate, but have all the desirable features military families are looking for.


Located only 7-minutes away from Fort Sam Houston, this neighborhood offers a quick commute. Parents can also live with peace of mind as Alamo Heights ranks as one of the safest areas in San Antonio. The area has plenty of outstanding amenities, like gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques, art museums and more.


Alamo Heights home values have increased year after year, making this a smart investment opportunity for the right buyer. Charming homes on mature tree-lined streets translates to an excellent resale value for homeowners looking to sell in a few years.


Search Alamo Heights Real Estate



3. Stone Oak


Stone Oak homes for sale are ideal for military homebuyers stationed at Camp Bullis or at the Brooke Army Medical Center. Located only 12 miles from the base, this upscale master-planned community is close to the San Antonio International Airport and downtown San Antonio. With homes starting in the $200,000s, this popular area offers something for every price range. If you're looking for the safety and security of a gated community, you can find plenty to choose from in Stone Oak. With a highly acclaimed school district (Northeast Independent School District), ample shopping, and nearby North Central Baptist Hospital, it's easy to see why this neighborhood is a great choice for military families.


Search Stone Oak Real Estate


4. Live Oak


Live Oak homes for sale border the northeastern end of San Antonio. This community is located down the way from the Air Force Public Affairs Agency. It is also only 30-minutes to the San Antonio Military Medical Center and 35-minutes to downtown San Antonio.


Military families will find this area convenient because it's easy to commute to other bases in the area. If you are stationed in Camp Bullis it is only a 30-minute drive away.


Your family gets the benefits of fantastic local amenities just outside of the hustle and bustle of San Antonio. There are fantastic schools in this area, as well as small, community parks for the kids to run around and play in.


The majority of shopping and restaurants just off of the I-35, which is just minutes from most of the homes in this neighborhood.


You'll find a range of homes anywhere from affordable condos and single-family homes to newer homes with excellent upgrades.


Search Live Oak Real Estate




For more information on military relocations in the San Antonio area contact a JBGoowin agent, or visit our Military on the Move Program, and see how you can save money on your new home.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:55:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-unabashed-history-of-keep-austin-weird.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-unabashed-history-of-keep-austin-weird.html</link>
        <title>The Unabashed History of &quot;Keep Austin Weird&quot;</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Austin, Texas lives up to many of the iconic slogans that people have given it. We're known to some as &quot;Bat City&quot; and to others, &quot;the place young people go to retire.&quot; But no phrase captures our city’s character quite like the 18-year-old slogan, &quot;Keep Austin Weird.&quot;


Today this phrase lives on our mugs, t-shirts, and street art. But it is more than just an enjoyable statement of pride about our city’s uniqueness. Keep Austin Weird has been the rallying cry of not just one, but several important social movements in Austin’s recent history.


The phrase lives on through the ethos of peculiarity that attracts artists, creatives, innovators, and misfits from across the globe to call Austin their home.


Here’s how the famous Austin slogan got its start:


Austin: A Magnet for Creatives &amp; Innovators


Between the 1970s - 1990s, Austin gained a reputation for being the new launching pad for struggling artists, as well as a hub for technological innovation.


Musicians like Willie Nelson and music festivals like Austin City Limits put Austin’s artistic side on the national map. It became an artist-centered place that wasn’t oversaturated by creatives, as had become the reputation of Nashville. By the early 90s, Austin’s per-capita live music venues had grown so high that the city earned its title as the Live Music Capital of the World.


During the same period, Austin’s tech scene proliferated. Businesses like IBM, Motorola, and Texas Instruments had by then established major offices in Austin and there was a growing pool of local talent beginning to further the research accomplishments and reputation of the University of Texas at Austin. Naturally, local tech businesses were born, including Dell Technologies.


Booming technology resulted in fast industrial growth. The major influx of people and businesses sparked a preservation movement to protect Austin's natural ecosystem from being overtaken by industrial developments. Activists fought hard to keep developers from disrupting places like Barton Springs.


From the perspective of many local creatives, expanding infrastructure was overshadowing some of the key features that made Austin so ideal for artists.


From the Radio


Red Wassenich, a librarian at Austin Community College since the mid-80s, witnessed some of Austin’s weirdest days. Like others, he was not a fan of some of the expansions happening around the city. It seemed a new culture of high-tech and luxury were seeping in to overshadow the characteristics that made Austin so… weird.


In 2000, Mr. Wassenich called to make a donation to a local weekly radio show, The Lounge. The station employee who received his call asked Mr. Wassenich why he’d made his donation.


“I don’t know. It helps keep Austin weird,” he answered.


Contagious Weirdness


Mr. Wassenich's own response caught his attention. With the help of his wife, Mr. Wassenich decided to do something with the phrase. The couple printed bumper stickers that they sold at an intentional loss. To make a profit from his idea, in Mr. Wassenich’s mind, would be an affront to the cause he was inspired to create. They would create a movement that couldn’t be mistaken for a money-making scheme. 


The new saying caught on and started becoming a common phrase--and eventually a slogan--for Austin, Texas.


The contagiousness didn’t stop in Texas. Three years after Mr. Wassenich’s radio donation, the phrase was brought to Portland by Terry Currier, a Portland-local record store owner. Eventually, Keep Portland Weird also became an iconic saying pasted on the back of many Oregon cars.


Keep it Weird, Keep it Local


In 2003, the same year that Mr. Currier took Keep Portland Weird to Oregon, a controversial business move was imminent in Austin. National bookstore chain, Borders, planned to open a location in Central Austin, across the street from one of Austin’s most famous local bookstores, BookPeople.


The controversy concerned huge financial incentives the local government had offered Borders Group to move to the area. BookPeople and many other indie-businesses thought it was unfair that a national chain was being offered millions of dollars in government waivers, despite the fact that Borders would be a direct competitor to local--and even nearby--stores. 


Many small businesses and Austin residents came together against the government's decision. During the mix, Keep Austin Weird evolved into a rallying cry that encouraged the local government to side with locally owned businesses.


The phrase stuck. Keep Austin Weird captured the familiar image that tourists and locals already associated with many Austin businesses: they're often artist-owned and craft-driven. They're weird, in the best possible sense. 


In the end, Borders eventually announced that it would not move forward with opening its 6th and Lamar location. 


Small businesses won. 


A City Still Known For Its Art &amp; Tech


Today, Austin is still known for its weirdness.


Through our music festivals, art exhibits, iconic street art and murals, and small local businesses with their unique quirks, Austin remains a magnet attracting those who see the world inherently differently.


From cartoonish cars to bright-colored homes with peculiar front yard decor; from people riding bicycles as tall as trucks to Jaws film viewings from rafts in the water, Austin lives up to the rumors. Keep Austin Weird lives on, encouraging people to be themselves, express their creativity, and stand up for what they believe in.




If you hear your quirky side calling, consider moving to Austin. Contact a JB Goodwin agent to help you find the perfect Austin home. We look forward to introducing you to our wonderful city.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:46:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-area-real-estate-statistics-february-2020.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/austin-area-real-estate-statistics-february-2020.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>Austin Area Real Estate Statistics February 2020</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Welcome to the latest edition of the JB Goodwin Austin real estate market report for February 2020. We've pulled data from the local Austin MLS® and the experience of our agents to bring this information to you


Despite an uncertain climate, the Austin real estate market continues to charge ahead. Total units sold are up 8.3 over last year and the median price has remained level. Demand remains high, especially as inventory levels dip, sitting at 29 below last year's level.


The Austin real estate market is still active and it's a great time to sell - lower inventory levels are sure to make your property that much more attractive to potential buyers. And buyers, lending rates are low and real estate is a great, stable investment. Think about purchasing that home or investment property now




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>Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:45:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
</rss>