Blue Skies Here | Central Texas

Start Fresh in Austin

Not only is Austin a bargain, but it's THE place for starting over and seeking out new opportunities, according to relocation.com.  Dallas and Houston also rank in the top 10.  The full list and more details are available here.

Austin's a Bargain

According to Forbes.com, Austin ranks No. 1 on a list of the nation's best bargain cities due to its affordability and number of job opportunities. 

Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Ft. Worth were also among the top 10 best bargains, but none come close to Austin's 5.5 percent unemployment rate, which is the best in the country and about half the national average.  How do you like them apples? 

What It's Worth Wednesday

Here's another installment of our series -- enjoy!    

Sales period from 3/14/2009 to 5/13/2009

                                      # sold         Ave. sale price           % list price          Days on market

Forest Creek,                    21                $306,936                      91%                      90
Round Rock East 

Ranch Brushy Creek,        11                $299,573                      91%                       96
Round Rock West

Red Oaks,                           5                $332,748                      89%                     131
Cedar Park South

Blockhouse Creek,            10                $151,520                      97%                      50
Leander 

Woodland Park,                 3                 $449,167                      85%                    219
Georgetown West

Georgian Place,                 2                 $137,450                      97%                      42
Georgetown East

NOTE: If you would like specific information about your home, email or call and we’ll pull together a comparative market analysis for you free of charge, no strings attached.

Sales Tax-Free Weekend

This Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25, 2009) is a sales tax-free weekend on Energy Star appliances.  Retailers will not collect taxes on the following items:

•     air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
•     clothes washers (but not clothes dryers)
•     ceiling fans
•     dehumidifiers
•     dishwashers
•     light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
•     programmable thermostats
•     refrigerators priced under $2,000

Depending on the situation, labor, delivery, and shipping and handling may not be taxed.  More information and details are available on the state Comptroller's Web site.

It's Great to be a First-time Home Buyer!

You may have heard, but in case you haven't, Congress enacted legislation providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers.  This year, those qualifying taxpayers who purchase a home on or after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009, can claim the credit on their 2009 tax returns.  Buyers do not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their main home for 36 months after the purchase date.  Click here to learn more.

Pending Home Sales Rise; Housing Affordability Near Record Highs

This is good news.  According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, pending home sales rose 3.2 percent in March, the second monthly increase after it hit an all-time low in January.  Also, NAR’s Housing Affordability Index remained near record highs. That means a typical family can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without necessarily increasing their monthly payment. For buyers who’ve been on the sidelines and have good jobs, the market has never looked more favorable.

Executive Estate in Shady Hollow

I've just listed this gorgeous estate in always desireable Shady Hollow.  Nestled on 1.72 treed acres on a cul-de-sac lot, this property takes advantage of every angle.  Looking out the window from each room, you'll enjoy the view. 

The sellers have recently updated for the discriminating buyer -- including: travertine tile, wide-planked cherry hardwood flooring, granite counters, designer paint, landscaping, just to name a few. 

Upon entering, you feel the quality and craftsmanship - but also feel welcome and at home immediately.   There are three living areas -- and two dining -- the kitchen is open in a greatroom setting -- and you can look out the wall of windows to the backyard. 

In the master suite, the sellers have featured the architectural details and framed the view with their paint selection -- leading you out onto the master suite balcony looking out over the property.  The master bathroom has a serene, spa-like feeling -- and the master closet is like a room unto itself.

I've included some pictures -- and feel free to visit the website for the complete tour:

www.12513RiverRock.com