Just 6 percent of home sales last year were for-sale-by-owner (FSBO), an all-time low, according to an annual report by the National Association of Realtors, the trade organization that represents over 1.5 million real estate professionals. And the typical FSBO property sold for $380,000 compared to $435,000 for agent-assisted home sales last year. Full article here: They tried to sell their homes...

  Contract signings for home sales jumped in March, which could indicate a reversal of slowing many markets have experienced this spring. Pending home sales—a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings—climbed 6.1% in March compared to February. The rise in pending home sales could hint at a turnaround, says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. Full article here: Signs...

  A record-high 6.8 million households shared their housing with unrelated housemates, roommates or boarders in 2023. While college-age and young adults make up the largest subset of house sharers (close to 41%), this type of living arrangement is gaining popularity among older householders fastest, with the 55+ segment accounting for 30% of all house-sharing households in 2023. Full article here:...

  A modest decline in mortgage rates and lean existing inventory helped boost new home sales in March even as builders and consumers contend with uncertain market conditions. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in March increased 7.4% to a 724,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a revised January number. Full article here: New Home Sales Rise in March (512) 853-0110...

  Considering mortgage applications for home purchases are posting double-digit percentage annual increases, “it’s a clear sign that this year’s spring home buying season is off to a stronger start” than last year, says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. Full article here: After a Wild Ride, Mortgage Rates Settle Back Under 7% (512) 853-0110...

  A distinct Austin culture began to emerge during the 1960s, so what has changed over the past 40 to 50 years? Austin has grown in geographic size, population, complexity, wealth and cost of living. You don’t need numbers to convince you of this conclusion, but one set of data related to the population of the metro area, can stand in for the rest: It grew from 320,000 people in 1975 to an estimated...

  After several delays over the past couple of years, Google Inc. has confirmed it will finally be moving into the high-profile, 35-story sail-shaped tower in downtown Austin this year. Google has been at home in Texas since 2007. The 804,000-square-foot Sail Tower at West Cesar Chavez and Nueces streets is near the Second Street entertainment district downtown, and it has unobstructed views of Lady Bird...

There are all sorts of activities listed like festivals, culture, art & theatre, music and sports. Full article here: Monthly calendar of events in May for central Texas  (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are unable to open the link/article above, please let me know so I can get it to you another...

  Before 1974, women couldn’t secure a mortgage without a male co-signer. That was before passage of the Fair Housing Act’s prohibitions against sex discrimination and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. But today, single women have emerged as a major segment of homebuyers. In fact, single women have outpaced single men in homebuying for more than 40 consecutive years. Full article here: Single...

  An Austin developer has kicked off construction on the first phase of a six-story luxury condominium project just west of downtown. Located at 300 Pressler St., just a few blocks from Austin’s Whole Foods flagship store, the initial phase of the development, called the Belvedere, will have 158 upscale condominiums.  Full article here: Upscale condo project launches near trail along Lady Bird...