According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Austin real estate market continues to hold its value despite a slowdown in sales.
The volume of Austin area home sales in October 2010 was 1,221, down 31 percent from the same month in 2009. Sales volume year-to-date was down five percent from the same period in 2009 with 15,228 homes sold. Homes spent an average of 92 days on the market in October 2010, up 26 percent from the same month in 2009.
The median price of single-family homes in October 2010 was $198,500, up 10 percent from October 2009. Year-to-date, the median home price was $194,990, up three percent from the same period in 2009. Sales activity in the higher prices ranges continued to increase on a year-to-date basis in October with homes priced at $500,000 and above experiencing double-digit sales increases.
According to John Horton, Chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, “Higher priced homes have continued to sell well over the last few months. This trend has been a driver in the steady increases in the median and average prices the market has experienced during the same period.”
Chairman Horton explained, “It has been a unique year in evaluating trends in the real estate market due to the impact of the expired homebuyer tax credits. Monthly comparisons are still being skewed by the artificial stimulus the tax credits provided.”
Horton added, “The market is still providing exceptional opportunities for buyers as we approach the end of the year. Increased active listings throughout the month provide buyers with a good selection of homes to choose from. This, combined with stable home prices and historically low interest rates, makes it a great time for those looking to purchase.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Useful Financial Websites
Many of my clients have asked about good financial websites. Here are a few that I think you may find useful:
1. www.mortgagecalculator.org: easy to use mortgage calculator.
2. www.bankrate.com: has a variety of useful resources including information on more lucrative savings account rates, mortgage rates, and credit card information.
3. www.dinkytown.com: provides access to a over 350 financial calculators for things like mortgage, auto, tax, budgeting, credit cards, retirement, and investment and savings.
1. www.mortgagecalculator.org: easy to use mortgage calculator.
2. www.bankrate.com: has a variety of useful resources including information on more lucrative savings account rates, mortgage rates, and credit card information.
3. www.dinkytown.com: provides access to a over 350 financial calculators for things like mortgage, auto, tax, budgeting, credit cards, retirement, and investment and savings.
Monday, October 11, 2010
New Lows for Long-Term Mortgages
Long-term mortgage rates hit new lows this week, on signs inflation remains in check.
The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the week ending Oct. 7 was 4.27 percent, down from 4.32 percent last week. A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to an average of 3.72 percent, down from 3.75 percent last week.
Both are the lowest long-term rates have been since Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) began keeping track.Read more: New lows for long-term mortgages - Austin Business Journal
Read more...
http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/10/04/daily60.html
The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the week ending Oct. 7 was 4.27 percent, down from 4.32 percent last week. A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to an average of 3.72 percent, down from 3.75 percent last week.
Both are the lowest long-term rates have been since Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) began keeping track.Read more: New lows for long-term mortgages - Austin Business Journal
Read more...
http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/10/04/daily60.html
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Tx
October 1-3, 2010
OKTOBERFEST is a colorful, festive celebration of Fredericksburg, Texas' German heritage. Oktoberfest has become an annual tradition around the world. Oktoberfest is a community event of family entertainment featuring two stages and two tents with continuous oompah music, art & crafts, Children's fun area ~ Kinder Park, a German Bier Tent, and Oktoberfest Vineyard area, plus delicious food and drink ... all weekend long!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Texas Wine Month-Fall Events
October 1-31: Texas Wine Month Wine Trail, Hill Country
About 20 area wineries offer a variety of events.
www.texaswinetrail.com
October 8-10: 6th Annual Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction
Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction is pleased to continue its tradition as a major
fundraiser for Texas wine research. The festival is hosted over a fall weekend at the
Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. The weekend offers
seminars, lunches, winery tours and a gala dinner and wine auction with celebrity
guest chefs and Texas wine and food experts.
www.texasfallfest.com
October 7: Tour de Vin - Whole Foods Market • 525 N. Lamar Blvd.
The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas & Whole Foods Market invite you to get your
passport stamped at Tour de Vin, a world tour of the finest international wine and
cuisine to be found in Central Texas. Join us on the rooftop plaza of Whole Foods
Market on October 8th for a truly world-class tasting, silent auction and live music
under the stars.
www.winefoodfoundation.org
October 7-10: Gruene Music & Wine Festival, Gruene, Texas
For the 24th year, the Gruene Music & Wine Fest is an event featuring the best in live Texas
music, Texas food and of course, Texas wine. What's more, proceeds from each event benefit
The United Way of Comal County.
www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org
October 10: Kiepersol Estates Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp
Plan to be at the 10th annual Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp in the vineyard. Great family fun
and music in the vineyard. Old World Grape Stomping, Fabulous Wine, Sangria and Wine-a-Ritas,
Festive Music, Children's Activities, Great Food and Unique Vendors.
http://www.kiepersol.com/winery/harvest_fest.shtml
October 14: 21st Annual La Dolce Vita, Austin, Texas
Experience this annual food & wine festival on the grounds of Austin's beloved lakeside oasis: Laguna
Gloria. Sample fare provided by over 50 of Austin's most prestigious chefs, and linger over fine wines. This
highly anticipated event supports the exhibition and education programs at the Austin Museum of Art.
Support AMOA and experience for yourself why Austin voted it the "Best Food Event".
www.amoa.org/ladolcevita
October 23: 20th Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival, Fredericksburg
Held in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas, on Marktplatz (the 100 block of West Main Street). It is a
full-course celebration of Texas food, wine, music, specialty booths, food court, and fun for all.
www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com
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