Homeowners

  You may have heard homeowners today have a lot of equity built up. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down. Because your equity isn’t just a number, it’s a powerful asset that can help you take your next big step in life. How Much Equity Does the Typical Homeowner Have? Full article here: Four Ways Your Home Equity Can Work for You (512) 853-0110...

  Hearing talk about home prices falling? That may leave you worried about whether your house is losing value. But here’s what you need to know. While some local markets have seen small price dips this year, home prices are not falling nationally. So, don’t let the headlines scare you. Full article here: Headlines Have You Worried about Your Home’s Value? (512) 853-0110...

  The Texas housing market has experienced an unprecedented increase in appraisal values in recent years, particularly during the 2020-22 boom. As a result, homeowners have been feeling the pressure of rising property taxes. In the most recent election, Texas voters passed Proposition 13, which increased the homestead tax exemption for school districts from $100,000 to $140,000 — an increase that was...

  Mortgage activity continued to climb in November, posting the largest year-over-year increase in more than five years. Every major category increased on a year-over-year basis as mortgage rates continue to trend lower, led by strong increases in refinancing and adjustable-rate mortgage activity.  Full article here: Mortgage Activity Continued to Climb in November (512) 853-0110...

  If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dropping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for the value of your home too. Here’s what you really need to know. Even with small price declines in some markets, data shows you’re likely still way ahead. And that’s thanks to your home equity. Full article here: Why Your Home Equity Still Puts You Way Ahead (512) 853-0110...

Experts say there are criminals running scams to change property deeds into their names and they tend to target properties without a mortgage, which makes it easier for them to try to sell it or borrow against the site. While I haven’t personally heard of this happening to anyone I know, it can be a nightmare to get resolved after weeks and a lot of money.  One step you can take is sign up for alerts...

Property tax bills are now out, so be on the lookout for yours.  Also, if you bought a home as your primary residence in the last few years, did you also record your Homestead Exemption?  This is a free service that can reduce the amount of property taxes you pay on your home each year and only needs to be filed once per home you claim.  Here is more information:  Texas Residence Homestead Exemption....

  If you’ve been thinking about downsizing to lower your expenses, be closer to family, or just make life easier, here's a trend worth paying attention to: More homeowners are buying their next house outright, without taking on a new mortgage. And, if you’ve owned your home for a while, you may be able to do the same. No mortgage. No monthly housing payments. Full article here: Downsizing Without...

  If recent home price headlines have you feeling worried, here’s some perspective.​​ Home values almost always go up in the long run. ​And the long-term gains offset any short-term dips. Basically, if you plan to live there for 5 or more years, you should be able to buffer yourself against any short-term declines. Let’s have a conversation about what’s happening with prices in our market,...

Home values are up roughly 50% in five years, leaving households with $35trillion in equity. Of that amount, homeowners who have a mortgage have $11trillion in 'tappable equity' – money that can be borrowed against while leaving a 20% equity buffer in the home. Full article here: Americans are awash in home equity  (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are unable to open...