The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options. Longer lifespans, greater health, increased affluence and current sensibilities about aging are transforming the neighborhoods designed for late Boomers and Gen X homebuyers. Full article here: 55-Plus Buyers Want Wellness Features And Loved Ones Nearby (512) 853-0110...

  Legislators enacted a slew of bills aimed at curbing home prices and rents, which reached new peaks in recent years as the state gained hundreds of thousands of new residents and its economy boomed. As the state grew, so did its housing shortage, which housing advocates have blamed for the run-up in housing costs. State lawmakers sought to relieve that shortage with a broad collection of ideas, cutting...

  Despite the current attention around buyers paying all-cash for homes, the majority of home buyers finance their home purchase. Among primary residence buyers, 74% percent financed their home purchase, a share that rises to 91% among first-time buyers. When financing a home, buyers typically have a down payment. But how much is it? And where does it come from?  Full article here: Tackling Home...

Outdoor lighting serves a variety of functions: style, ambiance, safety and, for home sellers, serious curb appeal.  Homeowners are increasingly elevating their exteriors with features such as dramatic uplighting to show off architectural features and soft down lighting that casts flower beds in an inviting glow. Full article here: Landscape Lighting: The Curb Appeal Boost (512) 853-0110...

  This might come as a surprise, but you don’t actually need to put down 20% on your home. In fact, for first-time homebuyers, the average down payment is just 8% — and it’s possible to put down even less. But how does the math shake out in your monthly mortgage payments? Full article here: The Math Behind Putting Down Less Than 20% (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If...

  Homebuyers who purchase newly built homes are typically saving about half a percentage point on their mortgage rate, likely due to incentives from homebuilders, new research has found. Last year, the average mortgage rate for buyers of new-construction homes was 6.1%, compared with an average of 6.6% for buyers of previously owned homes. Full article here: Mortgage Rates for New Homes Are Typically...

  Texas added 35,900 jobs in April, the 58th month of growth out of the past 60. The state’s labor force grew to a record high of more than 15.8 million people. The number of people looking for work also increased and the state’s adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. Full article here: Texas labor force hits record (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are...

  Following years of planning and discussion, the Austin City Council took its first major vote on a plan to cover sections of Interstate 35 in Central Austin with acres of parkland and walkways.  The primary goal of the so-called “Cap and Stitch” program is to reunite the historically segregated East Side with the city center while creating more space for recreation and tourism. Full article...

  Although this spring hasn’t been a lively home-sales period nationally—sales remain near a 30-year low—“the latest mortgage application data is clearly showing some positive encouragement. Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the economy, home buyers seem to be taking advantage of loosening housing inventory in certain markets. Full article here: Home Buyer Demand Shows Signs of...

Amid continued housing demand across Central Texas, a new phase of homes is underway in Lariat, a 706-acre master-planned community in Liberty Hill, northwest of Austin. Lariat’s second phase will have 579 homes. Full article here: Lariat kicks off 2nd phase of homes (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are unable to open the link/article above, please let me know so I...