I read an article recently regarding our city's push to re-energize urban development in what is being referred to as the "Decade of Downtown."  This is an effort by city leaders to try to bring people back to the epicenter of San Antonio.  Helping to spur that push is the affordability factor of San Antonio's rental market. 

San Antonio is Still Affordable

According to the 2014 trends coming out from a real estate analytics group, San Antonio is still one of the most affordable housing markets in the country.  Apartment List's "Rental Price Monitor" has our city at almost half of more expensive markets like San Diego, CA where the median rent for a 2-bedroom is $1,700 and here in the Alamo City the comparable unit's rent is $830.  In fact, the

The University of Texas at Austin has been a mainstay in the city for decades. One of the largest universities in the world, UT has over 50,000 students and employs over 24,000 faculty and staff.

In fact, much of Austin's reputation as a fun, friendly and innovative city comes from its local student body. From Longhorns football to concerts at Bates Recital Hall, there's always something going on around campus.

Here are the latest news and happenings coming out of UT.

UT Welcomes Chancellor William McRaven

Taking the reigns from former Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa, Chancellor William McRaven started his service at UT earlier this month. A retired admiral of the United States Navy, McRaven bravely served his country for 37 years. His service

Are you renting in Austin, and thinking about home ownership? You're not alone. With rising home prices in Austin, many renters feel as though they are being priced out of the market. The median home price in Austin was $238,000 in 2014, and shows no signs of easing up in the near future. First time buyers need not despair. It is still possible to find affordable Austin homes for sale.

Here's a look at what about $200,000 will get you today.

11406 Powder Mill Trl, Austin

Location: Austin, TX
Price: $250,000
Subdivision: Village of Anderson Mill
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
MLS®: #6879872

If you have a growing family, you may enjoy this roomy 5 bedroom home in North Austin. For $250,000, you and your family can take advantage of this recently updated

Designers are moving away from cottage inspired bathrooms and are opting for a more contemporary look in 2015. Expect an increase in popularity in zen-like bathrooms, which offer a spa-like retreat for homeowners. Think clean lines and minimalist design. Not sure where to begin? We pick our favorite bathroom trends for 2015 guaranteed to up your home's appeal.

Freestanding Bathtubs

Contemporary basins are reigning supreme with high-end bathroom remodels. Enclosed bathtubs are declining in popularity and making way for freestanding bathtubs in 2015. They offer lots of visual appeal and help set the mood for a self-indulgent soak. The curved lines of freestanding bathtubs also help to soften the overall look of the room.

Gray Tones

Beige is out

Stay connected with the latest Austin real estate news. See what's happening in Austin and stay ahead of the game in this increasingly competitive market. Courtesy of JBGoodwin REALTORS®. This month we feature stories on millenial homebuyers, record setting sales in November and more.

Austin one of the best cities for millennial homebuyers, CNN Money

It's official, Austin is one of the best cities for millennial buyers says an article by CNN Money. With lots of tech employers offering employment, and a job growth of 4.2%, it's no wonder why so many millennials are attracted to Austin. In fact, about 110 people are moving to Austin every day, many of which are under the age of 35. While homes in Austin aren't exactly cheap, high wages more than make

It's that time again, Texas! The time of year when we celebrate the coming year with champagne, fireworks and funny hats. Where will you be when the ball drops at midnight? Here are our favorite picks for Austin New Year's Eve events this year.

Gatsby: A Roaring 20's New Year's Eve

December 31, 2014 at 8:00pm- January 1st at 2:00am
Highland Lounge
Admission: $10 at the door; Free before 10:00pm; VIP packages available

Gatsby: A Roaring 20's New Year's Eve is a fun filled night for all guys and dolls. Come dressed to impress and dance the night away at this Great Gatsby themed New Year's Ever party. The night will feature complimentary swing dance lessons at 8:00pm, live entertainment by CHICO CHICO, burlesque performances by Avant Glam Cabaret, and

One of the first things travelers notice when they visit the Lone Star State is the distinctive Texas accent spoken by locals. While it resembles other mid-west accents, the Texas twang is quite unique. It's a Southern accent with a twist, that often leaves visitors tongue-tied.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the pronunciation of Texas cities. Newcomers frequently mis-pronounce local Texas towns, which can be embarrassing even to those with the thickest of skins. Stop sounding like a tourist, and brush up on the local lingo. With our handy pronunciation guide to help, we'll have you talkin' like a Texan in no time.

Boerne (BURN-nee)

The name of this small Texan city southwest of Austin is often butchered in its pronunciation. The name

Negotiating that first commercial lease agreement is one of the most important steps in starting your new commercial enterprise. When it comes time to renew a commercial lease, your negotiating power will depend on how well you negotiated their first lease.

That being said signing the perfect lease takes time, and the right attitude. Here are some key things to consider when negotiating for your perfect space.

Do: Hire a Professional (Not the Listing Agent)

While this may seem obvious, hiring a commercial real estate broker has its benefits. They know the market, and can help you find the right property for your business. Hiring a professional also gives you greater leverage during negotiations. Never have the listing agent or property

Recent awards in the San Antonio architecture sphere have had us thinking of the city’s wealth of striking structures. Stalwart staples such as the Alamo, the Emily Morgan, and the Gunter Hotel come to mind, but architects looking to the future are creating noteworthy blends of Texas’ architectural innovation.

The American Institute of Architects in San Antonio recently recognized a handful of constructed and un-built projects from the city’s best. Here’s a look at the recent award winners, and their modern brand of San Antonio style.

Play By The Rules

In the honor awards category, the aesthetics and design behind the Law Enforcement Training Center won over jurors thanks to an innovative take on a current need in the community. The use of

JB Goodwin REALTORS® was recently awarded the top spot among midsize employers in Austin according to the American-Statesman’s 2014 Top Workplaces of Greater Austin project. The annual report which surveys over 22,000 employees at 159 Austin companies was released last week, and announced the top 100 local businesses.

As it turns out, Austinites are looking for more than just a job that pays well. Factors which ranked high on employees' lists included a balance between work and family life, being valued at work, good company leadership, and professional development.

So what makes JB Goodwin REALTORS® one of the top Austin employers? According to survey, the company's approach to leadership, technology support, and down-to-earth professional