JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin & San Antonio Real Estate Blog - Living in Austin

Austin's Red Hot Real Estate Market Is Projected To Continue Into 2016

It was an exciting year to be a part of Austin's flourishing real estate market. In one year, there were increases in the median price, housing inventory, and the total number of units sold over the previous year. These impressive trends show no sign of slowing down as we kick-off 2016.

A growing demand for homes means that Austinites are now paying some of the highest prices in the state on average to buy and rent in the area, but that hasn’t seemed to hinder the market here whatsoever. The median value of a home in Austin right now is $241,200 and rents are averaging around $1,683 per month for a single-family home. Now more than ever, it could be better to buy a home instead of renting in this robust and exciting real estate market. 

What’s Driving…

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Spotlight on Featured Builder Highland Homes

Highland Homes often comes to mind when our clients are on the hunt for a high-quality distinguished home in the Austin area. For that reason and more, we’re pleased to highlight this local company as our featured builder of the week! Why choose Highland Homes? Read on to find out.

Local Roots

A homegrown Texas firm that started with a brother-sister duo, Highland Homes has maintained that same familial bond throughout its 30 year history, making it not only a quality-driven firm, but also one of the best employers in the state. They ranked #6 by Texas Monthly’s 50 Best Companies to Work for in Texas, and that’s just one award among many.

Measured Success

Time and time again, the numbers back up Highland Home’s commitment to excellence. They…

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Austin Leasing And Rental Stats - January 2016

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Eanes ISD Ranks Second in Nation

It’s no wonder this area is a real estate hot spot. Time and time again we receive requests for homes for sale in the Eanes ISD, and recent rankings back up the popularity of this renowned school district. Out of more than 10,000 districts across the nation, Eanes Independent School District ranked an impressive second place.

The Rankings

Eanes ISD took home top accolades in heavy hitter categories, with an A+ for academics, teachers, and educational outcomes. The 11 schools in the district also made waves in the areas of Sports & Fitness and Health & Safety. Student reviews that helped boost the district’s ranking include notes on a strong academic foundation, engaging teachers, and a well-rounded sports program.

Niche, the platform behind the…

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Austin Area Rents Will Continue To Rise In 2016

As we enter a brand new year, it comes as little surprise that Austin area rents are expected to continue to rise throughout 2016.

The rental prices of apartments in particular are expected to increase, where demand continues to outweigh supply.

Recent market reports by Capitol Market Research indicate that apartments of all sizes have an average rental cost of $1,190 per month, which is the highest figure our region has ever seen. This is an increase of 7.5% when compared to 2014's rental average of $1,107.

A total of 9,554 units were built in the Austin area last year, while 9,346 new apartments were leased. Having such a small gap between new units and new leases indicates a healthy market, with very strong interest and competition.

What…

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It's Time To File Your Homestead Exemption Forms

Welcome to the New Year! Filling out forms probably wasn't part of your New Years resolutions, but the time has come to file your Homestead Exemption forms.

The homestead exemption lowers your property taxes, by subtracting a portion of your property value from the taxation. These amounts vary based on circumstance and county taxes, but can add up to as much as $25,000.

However, there are a few conditions:

• You must be a surviving spouse
• You must own and occupy the property
• The home must have been purchased prior to January 1
• Applications must be filed between Jan. 1 - Apr. 30 of the tax year

If you meet the above requirements, we strongly encourage you to apply. For those who qualify, it's a great perk of owning a homestead and…

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6 Great Real Estate Resolutions For 2016

The start of a new year is the perfect time to start fresh and make plans for the months above. Whether you're looking to sell, or simply want to maintain your home to its best potential, you'll want to check out our 6 real estate resolutions for 2016!

6. Skip Money Sucking Renovations

Here's an easy resolution to start off with, because it requires no effort: don't renovate your home (with bad investments.) The truth is that most renovations will never recover their full value, which means you're actually losing money on them. Unless it's for your own personal happiness, skip these classic money sinks: swimming pools, stainless steel appliances, brand new carpets, elaborate landscaping and luxury fixtures or upgrades. Buyers certainly may…

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JBGoodwin REALTOR® Approves Closing Disclosure Form In Statesman

Byron "Buddy" Schilling, president of JBGoodwin REALTORS®, was featured in the Statesman giving his approval for the new home closing procedures.

The initial changes were met with concern for many agents throughout the industry, but JBGoodwin saw the opportunity for what it was: good for the people.

A big difference in the new process, which launched October 3, is an improved closing disclosure form.

“The closing disclosure goes through, in great detail and in simple English, what it is that the buyer and seller are actually closing, and what the buyer is getting in terms of a loan,” Schilling said, to the Statesman. “It's a beautiful thing due to the simplicity of it.”

This simplicity is exactly the intention behind the changes, which seek to…

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Austin Leasing & Rental Stats - December 2015

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JBGoodwin REALTORS® Wants Your Help With Coats For Kids!

The holiday season is all about giving, and what better way to show your spirit than to give a child the gift of warmth. There's no better feeling than knowing you've helped someone in need. With the winter season threatening freezing temperatures, JBGoodwin REALTORS® will be participating in the community drive called Coats for Kids for the 19th consecutive year. This organization, created by the Junior League of Austin, collects coats from all over Central Texas to donate to children in need. We have been partaking in the wonderful cause for many years and will be continuing this Austin tradition this year.

Coats For Kids is one of the largest coat drives in the nation and has been helping to keep children warm for 29 years. This event not only…

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