Austin-Area Sales Remain Strong in May According to the latest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, Austin-area home sales continued last year’s pace in May 2014 while prices increased. The number of active listings also grew compared to the year before, the first time in more than three years! While homes still sold quickly, spending an average of 40 days on the market – four days less than the year before – active listings increased by four percent and new listings increased by seven percent in May 2014 compared to the prior year. Austin Real Estate May 2014 Statistics 2,943–Single-family homes sold, three percent more than May 2013. $249,000– Median price for single-family homes, eight percent more than May 2013. $325,926–Average price for single-family homes, eight percent more than May 2013. 40–Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, four days fewer than May 2013. 4,002–New single-family home listings on the market, seven percent more than May 2013. 5,949–Active single-family home listings on the market, four percent more than May 2013. 2,928 –Pending sales for single-family homes, two percent more than May 2013. 2.6 –Months of inventory of single-family homes, 0.1 months less than May 2013. It’s a great time to buy and sell in… >>

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South Austin Neighborhoods Located south of the river, South Austin is home to an eclectic variety of homes and residents.  It’s in close proximity to Auditorium Shores, The Palmer Event Center and downtown.   It mirrors the “Keep Austin Weird” mentality throughout the area. Here you will find a variety of South Austin Homes… >>

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Top Tips for FSBO Sellers Selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think, but it’s not for everyone.  Here are some tips if you decide to go the FSBO route when selling your own home. 1) Make Sure… >>

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Austin Home Sales Set June Record It’s definitely a hot real estate market in Austin and the summer is continuing to heat things up with record sales in June!  According to the lastest MLS report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, Austin-area home sales reached an all-time high for the… >>

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Things To Do In Austin In August 2014 Middle of summer has hit and school has been out for some time now…have you hit a bump in keeping the kids occupied? Here are some great things happening in August around Austin and the Hill Country to hold you over till school starts! NINJA WARRIOR… >>

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Things To Do In Houston In August 2014 We are in the middle of summer and school has been out for some time now. Are the kids getting bored? Have you run out of ideas to keep them entertained? Here are some great things you can do around Houston in… >>

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Reasons to Move to Austin TX Once you move to Austin, you may never want to leave!  Recent reports have 110 people moving here every day and CNN has noted that Austin is the fastest growing city in the U.S.  So why are so many people of different backgrounds and… >>

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ShareAustin Real Estate Market Update July 2014 According to the latest MLS report from the Austin Board of REALTORS®, monthly housing inventory in July increased on a year-over-year basis for the first time in three years as more listings entered the market.  Residential single-family home sales did dip in July, dropping 3… >>

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ShareBudget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover If you’re looking for a kitchen remodel that can increase the quality of life for the cook in your life while still be budget friendly,  consider updating your kitchen cabinetry.  It’s usually the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, often eating up about half of the… >>

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Biggest ACL Date is Happening in October With more than 100 bands playing eight stages over two weekends this year, the biggest ACL date is happening in October.  The Austin City Limits Festival has many other new additions this year as well, including the new site at www.aclfestival.com that allows users to create custom band schedules. Each year, ACL generates millions of dollars for the city.  Last year alone, the city benefited by more than $102 million.  Expanding ACL to two full weekends should bring in multiple benefits including added revenue to the local economy.  ACL is also a great plug for local bands who get to showcase their talent to a new audience and get a wider range of publicity. ACL Fun Facts ACL music festival was derived from the ACL television program.  The program originally aired in 1976. The first ACL music festival took place in 2002 was only 2 days long with 56 bands scheduled. Ryan Adams was the headline act in 2002. The ACL music festival takes place at the 46-acre Zilker Park. ACL proceeds have contributed $7.4 million to the Austin Parks Foundation since 2006 for beautification projects all over Austin.  

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Austin Pumpkin Patches 2013 Not everyone is attending the ACL Music Festival this year.  So if you are looking for the best Austin Pumpkin Patches for 2013, we’ve complied a list to make your hunt for the perfect Jack-O-Lantern easier. Bethany Lutheran Church  3701 W. Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX This Pumpkin Patch will be open October 11 – 31, 2013, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. At this annual event, you can find more than 2000 various sizes of pumpkins for sale. On the weekends, there will be storybook readers for children, children’s activities, and great picture opportunities. First Evangelical Free Church   4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd., Austin, TX This Pumpkin Patch will be open to the entire Austin community October 13 – 31, 2013. St. John’s United Methodist Church   2140 Allendale Rd, Austin, TX  The Pumpkin Patch will be open daily until 7 p.m. St. Mark United Methodist Church  601 W Braker, Austin, TX The Pumpkin Patch will open for the season on Monday, October 14, 2013. Tarrytown United Methodist Church   2601 Exposition Road, Austin, TX  The Pumpkin Patch will be open daily from October 1 – 31, 2013, until 7:30pm. Red Barn Garden Center  12881 Pond Springs Rd, Austin, TX A special fall festival is planned for Saturday, October 19, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.… >>

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Austin Pumpkin Patches 2013 Not everyone is attending the ACL Music Festival this year.  So if you are looking for the best Austin Pumpkin Patches for 2013, we’ve complied a list to make your hunt for the perfect Jack-O-Lantern easier. Bethany Lutheran Church 3701 W. Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX - This Pumpkin Patch will be open October 11 – 31, 2013, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. At this annual event, you can find more than 2000 various sizes of pumpkins for sale. On the weekends, there will be storybook readers for children, children’s activities, and great picture opportunities. First Evangelical Free Church    4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd., Austin, TX - This Pumpkin Patch will be open to the entire Austin community October 13 – 31, 2013. St. John’s United Methodist Church 2140 Allendale Rd, Austin, TX - The Pumpkin Patch will be open daily until 7 p.m. St. Mark United Methodist Church   601 W Braker, Austin, TX - The Pumpkin Patch will open for the season on Monday, October 14, 2013. Tarrytown United Methodist Church 2601 Exposition Road, Austin, TX -  The Pumpkin Patch will be open daily from October 1 – 31, 2013, until 7:30pm. Red Barn Garden Center   12881 Pond Springs Rd, Austin, TX - A special fall festival is planned for Saturday, October 19, 2013, from 10 a.m. to… >>

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Most Austin-Area Home Sales Since September 2005 WOW!  According to the MLS report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), the volume of Austin-area home sales had the most single-family homes sold for the month of September since 2005.  Almost 2,400 homes were sold in the area in September – that’s a 34 percent increase from the year before!  Also impressive, homes spent 44 days on the market, a decrease of 22 days from the year before. September 2013 Real Estate Statistics 2,391 – Single-family homes sold, 34 percent more than September 2012. $223,000 – Median price for single-family homes, 13 percent more than September 2012. 44 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, 22 days fewer than September 2012. 2,487– New single-family home listings on the market, 17 percent more than September 2012. 5,965 – Active single-family home listings on the market, 12 percent fewer than September 2012. 1,978 – Pending sales for single-family homes, six percent more than September 2012. 2.7 – Months of inventory* of single-family homes, 1 month less than September 2012. $688,347,381 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 47 percent more than September 2012. If you are looking to BUY or SELL in the Austin or surrounding area, contact TCP Real Estate today!  Our team of… >>

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Deciding to buy a home is a big step.  You need to choose a home and financing program that’s right for you.  Start by thinking in terms of budget, lifestyle and goals.  Here are some common home buying questions that we frequently get asked. Why buy instead of rent? Think of buying a home as an investment.  Typically a property will increase in value over time and if you plan on staying in the home for years to come, you can build ownership interest, also known as equity.  Home ownership also allows you to deduct the interest you pay toward your home mortgage, saving you money on your taxes. How much home can I afford? A lender will look at your credit history, your available cash for a down payment and closing costs, your income, and your existing debt and financial obligations to determine your maximum mortgage amount. How important is my credit when buying a home? A credit score/FICO can be a factor in the kind of mortgage program you qualify for.  You will also want to show that you have a history of making payments on time.  Your credit history can affect the amount required for a down payment, the amount your allowed to borrow, and the interest… >>

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Things to Do in Austin November 2013 There are plenty of things to do in November 2013 and TCP Real Estate has got you covered!  We’ve compiled a list of events taking place all around Austin.   If you’re looking for a date-night idea, check out one of the many concerts or theater productions.  For family fun, check out one of the exhibits or tree lighting ceremony.  Whether you’re into music, theater, art, food, or fitness, Austin won’t disappoint! William Shakespeare’s Macbeth     November 1-3, 2013 Shakespeare’s darkest and most powerful tragedy. It is the infamous chronicle of a Scottish hero’s fall from grace, through spellbound seduction and the evil and bloody pursuit of power. Tempted by witches, apparitions and even his own wife, it is the story of a man willing to sacrifice everything to gain the crown pushing the sanity and humanity of all those around him. Texas Monthy BBQ Fest     November 3, 2013 Second annual BBQ Festival, where some 3,000 hungry carnivores will descend on the Terrace at the Long Center in Austin to devour a truly massive spread of meat at the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival. They’ll have 22 pit-masters from across the state serving up brisket, ribs, and sausage as festival-goers enjoy live music from… >>

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Austin Welcomes Formula 1 Racing Again Formula 1 racing is in the top five of most popular spectator sports in the world. YES, world!  And The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will be held for a second year this November 15-17 right here in Austin, Texas.  Last year’s debut races at the Circuit of the Americas F1 track drew crowds of more than 265,000, making it the second most attended F1 race in the world. Located in Southeast Austin, the new Circuit of the Americas track is the only track in the United States that is permanently dedicated to Formula 1 racing.  While popular in Europe, this type of racing is new to many Americans who are being exposed to precision racing. Formula 1 race cars are lightweight, single-seat cars designed for speed.  The engine is behind the driver’s cockpit and the wheels and tires are on the outside of the vehicle’s body.   They typically have 700 horsepower and can go over 200 mph. Most of us know NASCAR but unlike its track, Formula 1 racing is not held on an oval course.  The Circuit of Americas Track (COTA) is a 3.4 mile circuit with an elevation change of 133 feet situated on 1,000 acres in southeast Austin.  It… >>

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What Mortgage Loan is Right for Me? There are many types of mortgage programs to choose from on the market that you be asking yourself “what type of mortgage loan is right for me?”  Every situation is different and everyone has different needs, restrictions, goals and finances.  Working with an experienced mortgage specialist will help you determine and select a program that best suits your budget and financial goals. You may choose a Conventional Loan program which is not backed by the government.  It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time or move up home buyer as long as you have good credit and enough cash for a down payment.  Conforming loans are made for loan amounts up to $417,000 and jumbo loans for more than that amount in Texas. If you need more flexible credit guidelines and have little or no money to put down, you may choose a Government Loan program that is backed by federal or state agencies.  These types of loans include FHA, VA and State Bond Programs.  To qualify for a VA loan sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, you must prove your U.S. military veteran or active duty status.   VA loans are usually financed for 100 percent of the purchase price.  FHA loans… >>

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Austin-area Home Sales, Prices up Nine Percent in October Read the latest  Austin Board of REALTORS® Press Release for October 2013 Austin-area real estate statistics. AUSTIN, Texas – Nov. 21, 2013 – According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), Austin-area home sales and prices increased nine percent in October. According to the report, 2,145 single-family homes were sold in the Austin area, which is nine percent more than October 2012. The median price for Austin-area homes was $217,000, which is nine percent more than the same month in 2012. Cathy Coneway, 2013 President of the Austin Board of REALTORS® explained, “Given the last year of steady sales volume and home price increases, many have begun to wonder if Austin is in a housing bubble. This is not the case. Industry experts say the growth of Austin’s housing market has been fueled by true demand, not speculation. Our city’s high growth rate – currently estimated at 150 people per day – is a primary reason why we continue to see increases in home sales and prices.” In October 2013, inventory dropped back to a historically low level of 2.5 months, which was first reached in January this year and is approximately one month less… >>

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Austin Christmas and Holiday Events 2013 Looking for a way to brighten up your holiday season? There are so many Christmas and Holiday events happening all over Austin and Central Texas in the next month. There is something for everyone, so pack up the family and check out a few of them. It’s the most wonderful time of year, indeed. TCP Real Estate would like to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season! Santa’s Ranch     November 1, 2013-January 4, 2014 A drive-thru Christmas Light Park is located just 30 minutes south of Austin on I-35. With over 1 million lights and 100 displays & animations, the one mile drive thru park is seen from the comfort of your own vehicle. A Christmas Story     November 27-December 22, 2013 One of the most fun Christmas tales unfolds on ZACH’s Topfer Theatre. I couldn’t think of a more fun date night or family night. Fourth Annual Holiday Lights & Ice      November 27, 2013-January 6, 2014 Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa will light up this holiday season with the return of the resort’s fourth annual Holiday Lights & Ice event featuring Austin’s largest ice skating rink and more than 200,000 twinkling lights. A portion of the proceeds will… >>

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Austin Mortgage Rate Update As of December 13, 2013, Austin mortgage rates only moved up a little this past week, but we may see an upward tick soon.  If you are still on the fence about buying a home in Austin, this is a great time!  Use our mortgage payment calculator to find out what today’s interest rate will get you. Conventional & Gov. 30yr Fixed- 4.5% 30yr FHA-  4.00% 30yr FHA 203k (improvement loan) 4.75% 15yr Fixed- 3.5% 10yr Fixed- 3.375%   100% Financing 30yr Fixed VA- 4.25% 30yr Fixed USDA- 4.25% 30yr Fixed Bond79- 4.75% 30yr Fixed Home Sweet Home – 4.75%   Jumbo 30yr Fixed- 4.375% 15yr Fixed- 3.5% 5yr ARM- 3.25%   ***All rates surveyed are 1+0, 80% ltv 740 fico- conv, 660 fico gov via Freddie Mac. Rates are not an offer to lend. For market analysis only.  Mortgages underwritten by Supreme Lending. Pre-qualify for an Austin home loan today: David Cockrell #224491 Senior Loan Officer The Texas Team – Supreme Lending david.cockrell@supremelending.com 512.775.2073

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