Real Estate With A Pulse

COMING SOON! 213 Anacua Loop!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:24:00 +0000

#COMINGSOON 🔥$315,000!!!🔥 If you're going to leave quarantine it has to be for this! UNBELIEVABLE DEAL in Manchaca at 213 Anacua Loop with a 1.8% tax rate! The one you've been waiting for! Best lot in the neighborhood! No neighbors behind, no neighbors in front, no neighbors on one side! Long sweeping driveway and xeriscaped backyard with terrace for your firepit! Interior decked out with wood floors throughout (NO CARPET!), additional can lighting added, door switches, high ceilings. Bathrooms with upgraded tile package and high end counters! Kitchen with level 6 cabinetry, quartz counters, upgraded backsplash, expanded pantry. Check out that view from the back covered patio! Doesn't get any better! OMGosh get over there! Vacant so no germ risk! Just schedule here! https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/cms/213-anacua/ #AUSTINHOMESEEKERS #NEWLISTING

2016 Built Stunner! Better than New Home in Enclave at Estancia in South Austin!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 16:24:00 +0000

Ultra-desirable ALABASTER PLAN! Only Alabaster plan finished and available in Enclave at Estancia Hill Country neighborhood! BETTER THAN NEW home w/ stunning, dark hardwood flooring, open concept kitchen with massive granite slab counter, & glass tile backsplash. Mother-in-law plan with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths downstairs! Expansive game room, media room pre-wired for surround sound & projection, tons of storage, sprinkler system, soaring ceilings, endless natural light & stellar community amenities!!

See more pics, details, and schedule your no-hassle viewing here:

https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/9238109-608-cardenas-ln-austin-tx-78748

Hot New Listing Built in 2016 in Ranch at Brushy Creek!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 19:58:00 +0000

Seller's job relocation is your gain! Almost BRAND NEW home finished mid-2016 with stunning rich, dark hardwood flooring installed post-purchase for $15k! Open concept kitchen with massive granite slab counter, and built-in appliances. Mother-in-law plan with 2 bedrooms downstairs! $15k spent on this lot premium providing your serene POND and FIELD VIEW! The perfect setting to relax at the end of the day or have a barbeque among friends! Expansive game room, water filtration system, tons of storage, sprinkler system, soaring ceilings, and endless natural light!

Ranch at Brushy Creek amenities including swimming pool, splash pad, basketball court, volleyball court, jogging trails, and more!!

See more and schedule your showing here:

https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/cms/610-cheyenne/

JUST LISTED in Highlands at Crystal Falls! Upgrades Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 23:17:00 +0000

Full of after-purchase upgrades! This Drees Home features custom bookshelf cabinetry, built in speakers, LED lighting throughout, custom drapes and rods, water softener and whole home water filtration, massive 13'x33' stained concrete patio, outdoor TV, built-in grill with rotisserie and fridge, thousands on professional landscaping and trees, and $10,000+ in custom painting! Hoarders rejoice: 2.5 car garage with extensive storage rack system! $1300 Children's playset (2014) conveys! Mother-in-law plan with private full bath! Granite counters, stainless steel built-in appliances, separate office/flex room, formal dining, upstairs game room, and MORE!

See more and schedule showings here: https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/5912668-2516-thunder-horse-leander-tx-78641/

House Rentals in Round Rock and Downtown Austin Perfect for Long or Short Term!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:41:00 +0000

Offering Two Stellar Homes in Downtown Austin and Round Rock east. Both are AVAILABLE for IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN. For More Information and to Schedule an Appointment to View These Immaculately Kept Homes, Follow the Links Below!

https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/cms/613-lynn/

https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/cms/102-fred-couples/

NEW on Market! 3 Car Garage on Nearly 1/4 acre in Round Rock!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 19:31:00 +0000

Welcome to 1527 Shady Hillside Pass of Forest Ridge Neighborhood in Round Rock. A stylish home with a flowing, open floorplan with gorgeous dark wood floors, soaring ceilings, and massive windows. Kitchen open to the living room with granite, stainless steel appliances, & large island. Sun room off kitchen is excellent place for children play area or a quiet place to read with your morning coffee. Redone master bathroom features separate vanities with granite counters, a separate shower, and glass tile tub surrounds. Four spacious bedrooms. Huge covered patio overlooking almost a 1/4 acre corner lot! 3 Car Garage makes parking your large fleet of automobiles a breeze. For more info, pictures, and to request a showing visit here:
https://www.austinhomeseeker.com/listing/cms/1527-shady-hillside/

Eanes Independent School District Ranks #2 in the Nation!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 18:40:00 +0000

Niche.com's 2016 List of the United States' top school districts included the Austin area's Eanes Independent School District as the #2 top school district in the country! The website examined strength of academics, school resources, quality of teachers, quality of student life, and parent and student reviews to gauge the overall level of excellence at more than 10,000 school districts.

Eanes School District received A+ scores in academics, teacher quality, health and safety, and resources and facilities. The district scored an A- for extracurriculars and activities and an A for sports and fitness. The district's lowest grade was a B- for culture and diversity.

Source: https://k12.niche.com/rankings/public-school-districts/best-overall/

HOME TIPS! New Uses For Toothpaste!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 21 May 2015 20:29:00 +0000

This medicine cabinet staple is actually a handy house cleaner- and so much more. 5 Ingenious uses for toothpaste:

#1 Make Faucets Gleam- Rub a bit of toothpaste on the fixture and follow with a wet sponge to get the gunk off the chrome.

#2 Remove Stains from Mugs- When your coffee or tea leaves a stubborn ring behind, use a little toothpaste to clean it off.

#3 Erase Marks on Wood- Pesky water or marker stains can be quickly buffed out with a damp cloth and toothpaste.

#4 Make Sneakers Bright Again- Get your tennis shoes to their just-out-of-the-box state by rubbing toothpaste on the rubber.

#5 Plot A Gallery Wall- With a dot of toothpaste, mark exactly where the nail will meet the back of the frame.

She-Sheds: The Woman's Man Cave

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:52:00 +0000

In my adventures as a Realtor, I've long heard of the demand for a man's "personal space." A place to retreat and get away from things. A place to call his own. This escape room is commonly referred to as "The Man Cave." With a special room for the man-of-the-house to withdraw to, where does the woman go to get away from the kids, the household responsibilities, and the .......husband, to relax and digest the day? From this, the "She-Shed" was born.

The She-Shed is a cozy, quaint, personal space where a woman can take part in the festivities of life that she takes interest in. Away from the hustle and bustle of life she can partake in some arts and crafts, painting, gardening, raise chickens, take a quiet bath, or even just retreat to have a glass of wine in her own space.

The She-Shed is a growing trend in real estate with the necessity for a more feminine hideaway. Why should the men be the only ones with a personal domain to call their own. We live in an age of equality after all! Above is a collection of a variety of types of She-Sheds around the country, including rustic, cottage-style, Japanese Teahouse, greenhouse, human birdhouse, and Shabby Chic.

HOME TIPS! : Seal Your Walls!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 17:22:00 +0000

A simple home tip that may save you money and energy this winter.

We're all looking for ways to improve the energy-efficiency of our homes to help the environment and lower our utility bills in the process. Thankfully in Texas, basements are rare, so it's one less place you have to expect drafts to emanate. However, your home may have spots where air penetrates through the walls causing a draft and a change in temperature inside your home. This will likely occur in the areas where holes have been cut out of the walls to install plugs, switches, and canned lights. If you have ever removed these during cold weather, you have probably noticed some cold air pouring out.

You may reduce air leakage by using a tube of high quality caulk or a spray foam can to seal around the area where the electrical box meets the drywall. There are also alternative recessed lighting cans or fixtures that you can install which provide a tighter seal to keep the cool (or hot) temperatures out. This simple process will potentially save you energy this winter season!

December Stats & End of Year Wrap Up Numbers!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:13:00 +0000

December 2014

2,283 – Single-family homes sold, 14 percent more than December 2013.
$246,530 – Median price for single-family homes, 10 percent more than December 2013.
55 – Average number of days single-family homes were on market, 3 days more than Dec. 2013.
5,077 – Active single-family home listings on the market, 12 percent more than December 2013.
2.2 – Months of inventory of single-family homes, 0.2 month more than December 2013.
$710,200,206 – Total dollar volume of single-family homes sold, 21 percent more than Dec. 2013.

2014 Year-End Totals

27,768 – Single-family homes sold, two percent more than 2013.
$242,500 – Median price for single-family homes, eight percent more than 2013.
47 – Average number of days that single-family homes spent on the market, 3 days fewer than 2013.
$8,607,385,376 – Total dollar volume of single-family homes sold, nine percent more than 2013.

Released January 2015 by The Austin Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

How to Successfully Protest Your Property Tax Appraisal

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Wed, 21 May 2014 18:33:00 +0000

With the real estate market in Austin absolutely exploding in 2013 everyone is experiencing a dramatic shock to their mortgage payments due to the enormous jump in the tax appraised value of their homes for 2014. I have gotten at least 30 calls from past client's asking about how to protest their tax appraisals because they've gone up significantly with the market. I have successfully protested my property taxes on all properties every year. It is usually not difficult and a pretty straight forward process, which I will go over here, but do NOT hesitate to call me with questions because as you all know.... I'm pro-style with negotiating life.

First, by having a homestead exemption it caps the increase in appraised value by 10% any one year. So if you filed a homestead exemption and your tax appraised value went up more than 10% from what it was last year, you need to call your county's appraisal district and ask about the status. You can back file it, if you did it incorrectly somehow (Which is hard. It's like 2 pages that you write your name and address on and what exemption you're requesting) and the county will send you a credit of the overpayment once homestead is applied.

Ok, now to file your notice of protest you must do so BEFORE May 31st. In Travis and Williamson County, you can usually file the notice online. Always do this first because it's faster and easier online than mailing it in. Your appraisal should have come with instructions, if not you can find it on the county's appraisal district website. You log on and type in the code it gives you and it asks you what you think the value should be. Aim low, but not unrealistic. Don't say $120,000 on a $300,000 house. I usually just say like $10,000 below the year it was before. Then it asks the reason. "Value not equal", "Value over market value", etc. I don't even think this really matters. I usually just check one or both of them. Then submit.

A couple days later, you'll receive a proposed settlement number from a computer re-analyzing numbers. Sometimes it's decent and you can accept. Sometimes it's still too high. If you decline you're going to formals, unless you just want to keep what you got. If you go to formals, you will need comps to take to prove value is lower. Do NOT go in unprepared and with nothing figuring you will do it all on the spot with the appraiser. This frustrates them immensely. At a formal protest you will go and sit in a cubicle with one appraiser and give them comps and evidence for why your home value should be lower. Williamson County is generally a little tighter, but it's quite subjective based on which appraiser you happen to get. Some are easier than others. Travis County usually accepts more in terms of broader amount of sections of the same neighborhood. They take 5 comparable properties and drop the highest and lowest and average the remaining 3 and that's the value you get. So if you can find 5 really low VALID comps, you're usually good to get them down some. To be valid they can't be foreclosures. They will sometimes take short sales and usually estate sales. Don't look at just price, price per sqft is better. Find as low price per sqft as possible, because computer takes into account size, lot value, etc when it makes adjustments. Bring as many comps as possible that help your case. If you roll in with 1, don't expect anything to happen.

ALSO, if you have done large repairs to your home, such as foundation, roof, etc. Or had mold, termites, or any of that. Bring receipts and invoices and cite that telling them your home is the biggest piece of junk in the neighborhood. If you have the case of purchasing in the year being analyzed and they argue that, you state that this is a current market evaluation. You say, "Sir (ma'am), it doesn't matter what I paid for the property. Let's focus on what the market says it's worth. This is supposed to be an independent, unbiased appraisal process."

If you decline the formal, in person protest number, you go to Appraisal Review Board (ARB). You wear a suit, dress nice. You sit down in front of 3 appraisal board members (regular citizens) and you sit next to a county appraiser at a computer. You bring ALL EVIDENCE you can, comps, repair invoices, etc and you be super polite to the citizen board members. Shake hands and say, "yes sir" "no sir." You act like it's court. Bring 3-4 copies of all evidence. You essentially debate the price with the appraiser, only one of you speaks at a time and you get rebuttals back and forth. At the end, the 3 board members give what they think the price should be and the lead one decides. I have been to the ARB only once and I won pretty good. I have to say, it sounds intimidating, but it was an amazing rush to have a formal debate. I didn't tell them I was a Realtor though. So they weren't expecting a Matthews Whirlwind of FACTS!! CHECK IT FOOLS! Anyways, you more than likely won't go to the ARB unless you have a huge disagreement. The formals is made to root out and settle with the 90% that make it that far.

ALWAYS PROTEST YOUR PROPERTY TAXES. It pays off every year for me. If you have rental properties they will try to destroy you every year because there is no homestead cap. Don't let them. This year I got them down on one property $41,801 which was the equivalent to $1,200 in property taxes. I prevented them from taking $100 extra from me every month on my mortgage payment. It is extremely worth it when you think of the 10% cap and the growth Austin is projected to have. Get it as low as possible every year!

NEW on Market! Hutto GEM Almost 3,300 sqft Backing Greenspace and Woods!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 19:06:00 +0000

Best Deal in Hutto! ALMOST 3300 sqft for UNDER 175k!? CURRENTLY MOST INEXPENSIVE HOME IN HUTTO OVER 3,000 SQFT by over $20,000! The BEST lot in the Creek Bend neighborhood! VIEWS OF GREENSPACE PARK with jogging trails and WOODS on 2 SIDES! Almost a 1/3 acre! Gorgeous PERGOLA w/ stone path! Spacious VERY Fuctional Floorplan! Durable Corian counters! 2nd LOWEST PPSQFT Active in ALL of Hutto!

Very Popular neighborhood for new homes at an affordable price! Motivated Seller! Functional, gorgeous floorplan with spacious rooms full of character! 4 BEDROOMS and an office! HUGE Game Room AND Living Room! Curb Appeal! Cul-De-Sac LOT! Community pool, playground, jogging trails, and basketball court!

Check the video tour here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9f6ZIZe-Qg

As usual you can see MORE PHOTOS AND INFO on this property and EVERY property for sale at: http://www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com! This truly is a homeowner's paradise.

Contact Chris Matthews at the numbers below if you'd like a NO PRESSURE showing and are not currently working with an agent. Thanks for looking!

12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 21:19:00 +0000

1. Get at least 3 written estimates.

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won't lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn't. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor's workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage. In addition, make sure any potential demo work is also included.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

12. NEVER make the final payment until you're satisfied with the work, it's completely finished, and every little detail is wrapped up.

336 Navigator Drive: A Highland Horizon Masterpiece

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 15:52:00 +0000

336 Navigator Dr. Austin, TX 78717

Absolutely gorgeous STUNNER in MEGA-Desirable Highland Horizon! This is the pinnacle of luxury! SPACIOUS 4,477 sqft!! 3 car garage! TOP NOTCH UPGRADES incl pro-garden with gate & arbor entrance, INSANE COOL, MODERN DECK w/ PERGOLA/BENCH SURROUND & built in lighting, & plantation shutters! GOURMET KITCHEN W/ THREE ovens, 36" GE Monogram Stove, HUGE island, & beautiful rich, dark wood cabinetry! Mother-in-law plan w/full bath. 2 beds down 3 up! GAME ROOM & MEDIA ROOM! Wood, Enlarged Tile, Soaring Ceilings! NEW, DESIRABLE Elsa England Elementary School! Great schools all-around! Why be 1 of 2,000 in Ranch at Brushy Creek and Avery Ranch? Be exclusive in Highland Horizon! Don't spend every day in traffic on Parmer, get direct access home on 45 toll road to Highland Horizon!! YOU CANNOT BUILD THIS HOME FOR A LOWER PRICE IN HIGHLAND HORIZON!
WWW.336Navigator.COM

New Listings on www.I-Am-Real-Estate.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:15:00 +0000

$136,950 Amazing stunner in Hutto for a value price! Wood laminate throughout, no carpet! Never vacuum stairs again! Expansive patios! Upgraded Appliances! Granite sink! Zero Down USDA Loan Eligible! Click for more Info!

$99,750 Extremely well maintained Round Rock Condo that's cheaper than rent! Wood laminate! Built-in bookcases, cabinets, and desks! Vaulted Master Ceiling! 2006 Trane HVAC and 2007 Water Heater! Laundry in Unit! Click for more info!

$179,750 Unbelievable size for the price! Under $70/sqft in Springbrook! One of best values currently available OR sold! New upgraded carpet throughout! Upgraded enlarged hard tile! Expensive window treatments! Click for more info!

10 Tips to Keep Your Utility Bills Low in the Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 21:07:00 +0000

1. Keep your thermostat as high as you comfortably can. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the less energy you are using.

2. Do not set your thermostat lower than normal when turning it on; it will not cool your house any faster, but it will run up your cooling bill.

3. Make good use of ceiling fans; they allow you to raise the thermostat up to 4 degrees while maintaining the same cool comfort.

4. Keep lamps and TVs away from your AC thermostat. The heat created by these appliances will mislead thermostat sensors and force your cooling system to run longer than necessary.

5. Be sure that registers are cleared of dust regularly. Any buildup can cause it to run inefficiently.

6. Avoid using your oven as much as possible during the summer months - grill outdoors or use the stove and microwave as alternatives.

7. Efficient lighting will keep your house cooler. Up to 90% of the electricity that powers incandescent lights is turned into unwanted heat in your home.

8. Make sure your water heater is set to warm (120 degrees) instead of hot. This will avoid scalding and save on energy bills.

9. During times of the day when the sun is hottest, pull window treatments closed to block out warm rays and your AC unit won't have to work as hard.

10. Have a professional come out to inspect your AC unit before you need it, and maintain it by replacing intake filters every month and pouring a 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of bleach mixture down the condensate line to keep it flowing smooth.

BOOM! SOLD in ONE DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:14:00 +0000

I sold this beautiful home in HIGHLAND HORIZON Neighborhood in 1 day with 5 offers all over list price, with two of the five ALL CASH! Sold for $17,000 higher than the same floorplan that was 3 years newer. Austin city limits with RR ISD! 3 bedroom w/office 2 bath. LEGIT shows like a model. List of upgrades is HUGE! Dark rich wood cabinetry, upgraded tile, wood floors, granite on all counters, switch activated gas fireplace, stainless steel appliances, upgraded toilets, fans in all rooms, professionally done upgraded paint, corner lot, stone masonry, curb appeal to the MAX! No stone left unturned! If you'd like me to show you what I can do for you, buying or selling, give me a call (512) 703-7416.

Was Your Home Built Before 1978?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:58:00 +0000

If you live in an older Austin home and have children or grandchildren age 5 or younger who live with you or visit often, it is important to get you home inspected for hazardous lead. Lead can be found in paint, tile, flooring, walls, mini blinds, window areas, and yards. The City of Austin, through its LeadSmart program, will inspect income-qualified homes for lead (often found in homes built prior to 1978) and will remove it at no cost to you, at a value up to $30,000.

Lead is a poison that can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, blood and vital organs such as kidneys. Lead poisoning is especially harmful to young children and babies; it often shows no symptoms or is mistaken for other problems -- even people who appear healthy can have lead poisoning.

The LeadSmart program is provided by the City of Austin Neighboring Housing and Community Development Office. Visit www.austintexas.gov/empower for details about free home repair and financial empowerment programs, or call (512) 974-3100.

From Austin Energy

Quick Low Cost Tips: Cabinet Fronts

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:18:00 +0000

Home owners should consider updating tired looking kitchen cabinets. Reconditioning is the least expensive move for under $1,000. If the wood is starting to look shabby from use or contaminants in the air, you can take out nicks and scratches, recondition it with oil, and put new hardware on. For $1,500 to $4,000, owners can replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and for $4,000 to $10,000, they can have all the cabinets refaced, all depending on the style and decor the owner chooses.

This is far cheaper than replacing old cabinets with a completely new set which can cost $15,000 to $20,000 and up depending on the size kitchen, style cabinet, and quality. With refacing, owners can change the color of the cabinets by replacing the door and having a new skin put on the boxes. If you have oak cabinets today, you can have cherry the next day!

Renting Out Your House or a Room? Deduct Expenses!!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:20:00 +0000

If you have an investment property or you just rent out a room of your house, practically every expense on that house or room is completely deductible. Repairs to the investment property, any improvement cost, or expense are completely tax deductible.

If you just rent out a room of your house you have to divide what is for the room and what is for the rest of the house. Items and portions only for the rented room are tax deductible. So if new carpet is needed in the whole house, only count the cost of carpet for the square footage for the rented room as a deduction. Same thing for blinds, painting, or even providing your tenant with furniture. All items for the rented room are tax deductible.

Expenses for your entire home must be divided between the part you rent and the part you live in. This includes your payments for:

mortgage interest.
repairs for your entire home; for example, repairing the roof or furnace, or painting the entire home.
improvements for your entire home; for example, replacing the roof.
homeowners insurance.
utilities such as electricity, gas and heating oil.
housecleaning or gardening services for your whole home.
trash removal.
snow removal costs.
security system costs.
condominium association fees.

If the entire home is rented out, this is all deductible in it's entirety if the payment is your responsibility. You can also deduct depreciation on the part of your home you rent.

Austin Ranked #2 Best Real Estate Investment Market

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:35:00 +0000

According to Inman News and Realtor.com, Austin, Texas ranked high in the latest top 10 investment markets. Coming in at #2 on the list, outranked by only Tucson, Arizona, this is just one more achievement in Austin's long list of recent high survey rankings.

Built from Realtor.com data updated through February 2012, the report put Austin as the second highest current real estate markets to invest in. The top 10 list was built by analyzing the housing inventories, price trends and unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 146 markets Realtor.com tracks.

Austin, Texas with a median list price of $229,500, boasted a 12 percent year-over-year increase, and low relative unemployment (6.3 percent as of December 2011). Kansas City, Baltimore, and Forth Worth round out the Top 5. Click on the link below for more details on the top 10 list:

http://www.inman.com/news/2012/03/23/top-10-markets-invest-in

To See More of Austin's Rankings and Achievements:

http://www.i-am-real-estate.com/austin-rankings-c23311.html

Survey Shows More Reasons to Buy Than Rent

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 05:07:00 +0000

According to the National Association of Realtors and Fannie Mae’s March 2012 National Housing Survey, 33% of Americans say they expect home prices to rise in the next 12 months, the highest level in more than a year.

The number of people who say now is a good time to buy is also on the rise, increasing to 73 percent—also the highest level in more than a year. The percentage who said it’s a good time to sell a home also increased one point to 14 percent in March.

Meanwhile, more Americans expect rental prices to rise and are projecting an increase by 4.1 percent over the next year, the highest number recorded to date.

“Conditions are coming together to encourage people to want to buy homes,” says Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s chief economist. “Americans’ rental price expectations for the next year continue to rise, reaching their record high level for our survey this month. With an increasing share of consumers expecting higher mortgage rates and home prices over the next 12 months, some may feel that renting is becoming more costly and that home ownership is more compelling house choice.”

Tragedy Precipitates Growth

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:32:00 +0000

It's impossible to try to predict events that occur in your life and the paths you'll be lead down as a result of them. It's all in how you respond to those events that comprise who we are as people. Whether that event was horrible, beautiful, depressing, or wonderful, you keep your head up and move forward regardless. Never forget the past because it helps shape us, but focus on the future and the bright things to come.

As many of my friends, colleagues, and client's know my son Madden passed away a year and a half ago. I received so much support from everyone. Even client's at the time, who were relative strangers extended warm sympathies that I will never forget. Many of them will be friends for life as a result.

I had never experienced anyone in my life close to me passing away until he left me. I found it unbearable at times, especially when I had to put a smile on my face for work. A month after he passed, my grandmother on my mother's side passed away from pancreatic cancer. She had been fighting for so long and promised me she wouldn't give up until she met my son. It hurt immensely that I was never able to make good on that promise. I never got to introduce them, but I know she's taking care of him in heaven.

Shortly after that, my grandfather on my father's side passed away from cancer in the scalp. It just seemed like one crushing blow after another over that year. I went from never experiencing tragedy to having three gigantic losses in the same year. Like I never had a chance to recover. It just kept stacking on top of my shoulders and eventually I didn't know how to handle it anymore. I just became so emotionally numb. I felt like crying, but I just couldn't anymore. I didn't feel anything inside. It made me hate myself that I was unable to externalize the emotions I knew I should have. I bottled it up and didn't share my pain with others, not even my wife. I can advise you now, that isn't the right thing to do. I've recognized that now.

It's true what they say, you really have this sense of invincibility until something bad really does happen to you. I never thought I would be the one who loses their child. It made me so bitter with life and the world for awhile. That people who don't even want a child and treat their bodies so horribly through pregnancy, so often get a healthy child. Then there is my wife and I, who do everything the way we were told. Don't stand next to the microwave, no fish with mercury. Full-term, baby born, looks beautiful, gone in 5 days from breathing complications. You just want to scream that it isn't fair. Why does something so beautiful have to be taken when you've done nothing wrong? But that's how life goes. Impossible to predict.

The important thing is to remember that life goes on and there are always brighter things on the horizon. God has a plan for our lives and sometimes that plan has a few bumps. Tragedy precipitates growth. Life will always throw you curveballs. Learn how to knock them out of the park and win the game of life. My wife is now pregnant with our second child. I am beyond excited. While I'll never forget Madden and how much I loved and wanted him, I look forward to my turn to have a child and people be happy for me instead of feeling bad for me. There is so much I can't wait to do. Pass on my sparkling personality and laugh with him/her over an inside joke that mommy doesn't get. Play in the park, read to them, tuck them into bed. Kiss them and tell them how much I love them. I can't wait for the future.

Apple Creating 3,600 New Jobs in Austin!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Matthews) — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:56:00 +0000

Texas Governor Rick Perry announced Friday that Apple will create 3,600 new jobs and expand it's operations in Austin. A $304 million investment in a new campus will double the current size of Apple's workforce in Texas over the course of the next decade. The expansion will see most jobs in the customer support, sales, and accounting functions.

In order to entice Apple's commitment to Austin, the State of Texas has offered $21 million over 10 years through the Texas Enterprise Fund. Completion of contracts and local incentive agreements with the City of Austin and Travis County are contingencies of the agreement. Until the incentive deals are approved, both Apple and local business recruiters are being tight-lipped about the totality of expansion plans in the city.

Apple's official statement: "Our operations in Austin have grown dramatically over the past decade, from less than 1,000 employees in 2004 to more than 3500 today. We're looking forward to building a new campus in Austin, which will more than double the size of our workforce there over the next decade."

This is great for Austin's economy and real estate market. With 3,600 new jobs over the next 10 years, that's thousands of homes that will be purchased by employees. This will help preserve home values as inventory is kept in check and desirability of certain areas remains strong through the influx of a steady stream of buyers.