Austin-area Home Sales Hit Seven Year High for November Wow!  The latest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS® shows that November home sales hit a seven-year high and became the 30th straight month of sales volume increases.  November to November sales from the previous year also showed a 14 percent increase while the median home price rose more than 10 percent to $219,530. Austin Real Estate November 2013 Statistics 1,899 – Single-family homes sold, 14 percent more than November 2012. $219,530 – Median price for single-family homes, 10 percent more than November 2012. 51 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, 16 days fewer than November 2012. 1,967 – New single-family home listings on the market, statistically unchanged from November 2012. 5,119 – Active single-family home listings on the market, 11 percent fewer than November 2012. 1,756 – Pending sales for single-family homes, two percent more than November 2012. 2.3 – Months of inventory* of single-family homes, more than half of a month less than November 2012. $555,757,542 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 24 percent more than November 2012. If you are in the market to buy or sell in the Austin or surrounding area, contact TCP Real Estate today!  We can provide you with a… >>

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Things to Do in Austin in January 2014 Happy New Year!  2014 should be a great year in Austin.  Enjoy this list of things to do in Austin in January 2014.  And as always, if you are ready for your Austin Home Search, contact TCP Real Estate today to get started! Wildflower Center FREE Admission Month     January 2014 Enjoy all the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has to offer from Jan. 2-Jan. 31, including our indoor art exhibits, Store, Café and Little House for kids. New Year’s Day Polar Bear Splash    January 1, 2014 Central Texans have swum in Barton Springs year ’round for hundreds of years. The annual “Polar Bear Swim” on New Year’s Day is a growing tradition that brings together Austinites of all stripes for a fun, festive way to bring in the new year!  Official plunge is at 10 am. Austin FREE Week    January 2 – January 11, 2014 The first week of January might be the best time for a music fan to visit Austin. Why? Hundreds of Austin bands participate in this annual event, that encompasses multiple venues all over Austin. 28th Annual TRIBUTE TO THE KING    January 4, 2013 28th Annual TRIBUTE TO THE KING at The Continental Club.… >>

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How to File your 2014 Texas Homestead Exemption If you purchased a property in Texas in 2013, it’s time to file your Homestead Exemption.  Texas law allows partial or complete exemptions from local property taxes.  You just need to follow the guidelines and apply before the deadline. Exemptions remove part or all of a fixed dollar amount of the property’ s value from taxation.   Exemptions from property tax require applications in most circumstances and usually need to be filed before May 1. If you are filing for a Texas Homestead Residential Exemption, to qualify: You must own your home on January 1 of the tax year. You must be an individual and use the home as your primary residence on January 1st of the tax year. There are several types of Texas Homestead Exemptions. School taxes: All residence homestead owners are allowed a $15,000 homestead exemption from their home’s value for school taxes. County taxes: If a county collects a special tax for farm-to-market roads or flood control, a residence homestead is allowed to receive a $3,000 exemption for this tax. If the county grants an optional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older or disabled, the owners will receive only the local-option exemption. Age 65 or older and disabled… >>

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Common Real Estate Terms Ever wonder what a home appraiser does?  What about a closing agent?  Does your property have an easement?  We’ve compiled a list of common real estate terms and their definitions. Appraiser The person who determines the fair estimate of market value of a home based on its condition and the selling prices of comparable homes recently sold in the area for a lender. Closing Also known as “Settlement,” this represents the completion of a real estate transfer when title passes from seller to buyer, or a mortgage lien is given by the borrower to secure debt taken by the buyer to purchase the home. Closing Agent Also referred to as “Settlement Agent,” “Closer” or “Escrow Officer.”  The person responsible for facilitating a closing, usually an attorney or a representative of a title company. Closing Costs The expenses involved in closing a real estate transaction over and above the price of the land.  These may include items such as transfer taxes, recording fees, and legal fees. Deed The document that determines ownership of a property once recorded by the local government. Easement A right to use the land of another person for a specific purpose.  For example, for the use of a right or way or utilities.… >>

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Austin Home Sales Reach Historic Highs in December It was a historic month in December for Austin home sales!  The Austin Board of Realtors just came out with the MLS statistics for December 2013 and reports that 2,080 single family homes sold during the final month of the year, a 14 percent increase from December 2012.  Inventory dropped to 2 months, down from 2.5 months in November, and the lowest amount recorded historically. Year End and December 2013 Austin Real Estate Statistics • 27,298 single family homes sold during 2013, 19 percent more than in 2012 • $226,000 was the median home price for the month, 8 percent more than December 2012 • $223,890 was the median home price for 2013, 9 percent more than in 2012 • 52 was the average number of days homes spent on the market in December, 19 fewer days than in December 2012 • 50 was the average number of days homes spent on the market in 2013, 19 days less than in 2012 • 1,404 was the number of new single family home listings in December, 3 percent more than in December 2012 • 34,132 was the number of new single family home listings in 2013, 9 percent more than in 2012 • 4,545… >>

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Things to Do in Austin in February 2014 There’s plenty to do to heat up the winter season around Austin.  We’ve compiled this list of happenings around town.   And as always, if you are ready for your 2014 Austin Home Search, contact TCP Real Estate today to get started! Modern Home Tour Austin   February 1, 2014 This self paced tour provides visitors a chance to visit and picked spectacular homes from some of Austin’s premier Modern Architects.  Advanced tickets are $30 and $40 the day of the tour. First Thursday on South Congress    February 6, 2013 First Thursday is a popular monthly event that takes place along South Congress Avenue, generally from Barton Springs Road to Elizabeth Street.   Stores that normally close early stay open late.  Some of the stores have special sales and give out free drinks. 5th Annual Chili Cookoff     February 15, 2014, 1pm to 3pm Join Texas Humane Heroes as a taste tester and judge at their Chili Cookoff.  Tickets: $10 adults, $5 kids 10 and under. All you can eat chili and soft drinks.  Be a chili chef $30.00 entry fee. Prizes for top 3 winners. Hyde Park FronteraFest 2014    through February 15, 2014 The 21st season of FronteraFest at Hyde Park… >>

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Common Home Buying Mistakes Buying a home may seem overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be.  With the right preparation and a great REALTOR working in your corner, you can avoid these common home buying mistakes. 1. Maxing Out Your Budget Home shopping can be exciting and when you’re dealing with some large financial numbers, it’s easy to get caught up and want to stretch your budget to the max.  After all, for another $10,000 you could get granite countertops or another bathroom!  What you have to remember is that buying a home is not like renting.  You’ll not only have a payment to make every month, but you’ll have expenses to think about, including maintenance and unexpected repairs to contend with.  As a homeowner, it will be your responsibility to fix things when they break. And you shouldn’t forget about your property taxes or homeowner association dues. It all adds up and if you max out your budget on the home purchase, you won’t be prepared for the future.  Your best bet is to take what your lender tells you is your pre-approval amount and cut about 10% to 20% off that. 2. Moving Without Thinking About Moving Not everyone is meant to be a homeowner.  If you’re a… >>

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Things to Do in Austin in March 2014 There are some great events taking place in March to go with this beautiful weather we’re getting!  We’ve compiled this list of happenings around town.   Don’t forget to tell your friends about us, we LOVE referrals! STAR OF TEXAS FAIR & RODEO   March 1-16, 2014 Austin goes cowboy as PCRA competitors hit the arena and area-students exhibit prize livestock. Headline entertainers perform in concert nightly. SHERWOOD FOREST FAIRE   March 1-30, 2014 Visit Sherwood Forest Faire each weekend in March for a medieval-themed show with over 100 musical, comedic and dramatic performances per day, including a full-contact heavy armor joust, falconry show, feasts, and wine tastings – all in period costume and character. TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE   March 1, 2014 Join in the celebration and honor the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence during this festive event. EXPLORE UT   March 1, 2014 The biggest open house in Texas, Explore UT is a day-long celebration of education, as UT Austin opens up its doors to the entire state for a day full of special activities, including open houses at the LBJ Library, a campus scavenger hunt, the Hot Science-Cool Talks: Space Exploration and Environmental Science Festival, a chance to march with the… >>

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SXSW Survival Tips SXSW is about to hijack Austin for a week-long music, film and interactive festival, an annual marathon of incredible multimedia experiences.  There will be tens of thousands of people spread over several square miles of Austin over several days.  To get the most out of it, you need to prepare early and thoroughly.  Here are a few essential survival tips that might help along the way: ♣  There is so much going on, take a deep breath and soak it all in! ♣  Don’t forget to pack the essentials: a CARRYING BAG-a backpack or something you can strap across a shoulder; a couple pairs of very COMFORTABLE SHOES-you can count on doing miles and miles of walking every day; ID-just about every event will need valid identification, and even with a wristband or badge you’re going to get carded; CASH-most vendors only accept cash, and those ATM fees are outrageous; PHONE CHARGER-Looking up maps, venue locations and directions will shorten your phone battery’s lifespan in ridiculous ways.  There will be charging stations for mobile devices set up in various locations. Use them as often as you can; SUNSCREEN; and lastly but still extremely important-WATER-Buy a portable bottle at the grocery store and refill it where you can… >>

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Average 30-year Mortgage Rate Rises But Still Close to Historic Lows Although the U.S. average fixed 30-year mortgage rate rose this last week it still remains close to historically low levels. That’s great news if you are in the market to buy a home! According to Freddie Mac,

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Things to Do in Austin in April 2014 Spring is finally here and there are some great events taking place this month! There is something for everyone-racing fans, car enthusiasts, runners, artists, musicians, comedians, all the way to fashionistas! So get up, head out and enjoy all that Austin has to offer! As always, don’t forget TCP Real Estate

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According to the latest MLS reports from the Austin Board of REALTORS® and the Houston Association of REALTORS®, home sales continue to rise in Texas. In fact, Austin-area home sales and home prices hit an all-time high in February! With 1,761 single-family homes sold in the Austin area,

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Things to Do in Austin in May 2014 Things are really starting to heat up outside, what better excuse to get going! Check out our list of events happening around Austin and the Hill Country. If you’re looking to buy or sell real estate, call us today! We’d love to help in any way we can! AUSTIN FASHION WEEK April 24-May 3, 2014 Austin Fashion Week showcases the work of fashion designers, photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists and models from around the state of Texas. Over a hundred events take place during Austin Fashion week including runway shows, designer meet-and-greets, themed parties and benefits for Austin non-profits. HILL COUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL May 1-4, 2014 Annual film festival screens the best of independent film from Texas and around the world, hosting four days of features and short films, plus parties and other gatherings. AUSTIN PSYCH FEST May 2-4, 2014 Austin Psych Fest will celebrate its 7th year, spotlighting the best new vanguards of mind expanding music and hosting legendary artists from around the world. PECAN STREET FESTIVAL May 3-4, 2014 The Pecan Street Festival is a FREE, bi-annual juried arts and crafts festival held on historic 6th Street in Austin, TX. The show proudly features over 275 artisan vendors from all… >>

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Things to Do in Houston in May 2014 It’s no big surprise that it’s warming up outside already, which is perfect for all the great events taking place. Check out what Houston has to offer this month. Also, if you’re looking to buy or sell real estate in the Houston and surrounding areas, please give us a call today! TCP Real Estate would love to help you in any way we can! BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND May 6, 2014 The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas presents Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band in concert at 7:30 pm. ART CAR PARADE May 10, 2014 The pinnacle of Houston Art Car Parade Weekend is the Parade itself! On Over 300 jaw-dropping cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized creatures will roll down Allen Parkway. There’s a full day of events leading up to the parade – make sure you get there early! PASADENA STRAWBERRY FEST May 16-18, 2014 The 40th Annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival will include 128 teams playing Mud Volleyball, 70 BBQ cook off teams, Specialty Act- Pig races, Swam master Alligator show, Magic acts, stunt shows, Children’s area, Teen area, Washer Pitching Contest, Wine Tent, 2 stages of Live entertainment, and the World’s Largest Strawberry… >>

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ShareSouth 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 for Sale. Buying a Home in South Austin South Austin’s well-known shopping strip area is called “SoCo” and has a collection of unique and trendy shopping, music and food venues.  Homeowners in the area enjoy the hometown feel with the benefits of a large metropolitan area. St. Edward’s University is located in South Austin and has been named one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report.  It is considered to be a top liberal arts university in the country.  School-age children attend schools in the Austin Independent School District. Whether you decide to walk or bike the nearby Lady Bird Lake trails or settle into a fine gourmet dinner, buying a home in South Austin can mean just about anything for everyone.  The area provides a convenient location to the city while maintaining its unique Austin vibe. Tanglewood Forest in South Austin Tanglewood Forest is a well-established and popular neighborhood in South Austin located in the 78748 zip code.  Homeowners enjoy… >>

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ShareTop 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 Your Home is Priced Right.  The first two weeks are the most critical; it’s when buyer’s interest levels will peak. If you are interested in a FREE evaluation of your current home to determine its current value, we’d be happy to provide you with an Instant Home Valuation of your property or a more detailed report at your request. 2) Be Ready for Unexpected Showings. Potential buyers have their own schedule and it likely won’t match with yours.  You will have agents and their clients wanting to see your home at any time of day or evening. 3) Market Your Home to Get the Most Exposure! It really does take more than just putting a sign in the yard to sell a home.  Take advantage of the internet-Craigslist and websites that cater to FSBOs, e-flyers, consider print advertising and direct mail, hold open houses, and post flyers on public bulletin boards at the grocery store, gym, and workplace. 4) Think… >>

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ShareAustin 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 month of June with an increase of 13 percent of the year before with almost 3,000 homes single-family homes sold! It certainly helped to have a rise in inventory with six percent more homes on the market in June than the previous year.  Housing development has was a driving force in the housing market with the final Q2-2014 data from Metrostudy showing that home starts in the Austin area have increased eight percent year-over-year to 9,782 homes. Austin Real Estate Market Statistics June 2014 2,997 – Single-family homes sold, 13 percent more than June 2013. $252,520 – Median price for single-family homes, seven percent more than June 2013. $326,998 – Average price for single-family homes, eight percent more than June 2013 39 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, four days fewer than June 2013. 3,701 – New single-family home listings on the market, two percent more than June 2013. 6,426 – Active single-family home listings on the market, six percent more… >>

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ShareThings 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 WORKSHOP August 2, 2014 Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet Drew Drechsel, NBC’s Ninja Warrior’s most popular contestant for this one of a kind workshop at BAM Academy. You’ll be training for one of the world’s most challenging physical gauntlets including the salmon ladder, warped wall, quintuple steps and more surprises. MARBLE FALLS LAKEFEST August 8-10, 2014 23rd year that the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce transforms Lake Marble Falls into a liquid quarter-mile “racetrack” and the banks of the lake into a wild three-day boat race party. There will be plenty of food, drinks, merchandise and vendors to visit between races. AUSTIN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL August 9, 2014 The Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival is fun for the whole family. Games, activities, contests, live entertainment and of course, ice cream, will keep you cool and happy. PLUCKERS WING BAR SECOND ANNUAL WING-EATING CONTEST August 15, 2014 Pluckers is hosting their second annual Wing-Eating Contest. Ten percent of… >>

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ShareThings 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 August to get you over the hump until school starts again! HUNTER’S EXTRAVAGANZA August 1-3, 2014 The Grandaddy of all Texas hunting shows is back at Reliant Center in 2014! Try out the latest deer hunting equipment, hunting accessories, hunting clothing, rifles, knives, archery and other exciting hunting gear! HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL August 1-3, 2014 The Houston International Jazz Festival presents the most exciting Jazz artists from around the world, bringing a diverse mix of styles to Houston. It has established its place among notable events as thousands of loyal fans turn out the first week-end of each August. Enjoy the Battle of The Brass Bands and the SJW All-stars. MESSINA HOF WINERY AND RESORT HARVEST FESTIVAL August 1-23, 2014 Gather and stomp grapes, enjoy wine tasting classes and dine on vineyard cuisine at Messina Hof’s 37th Annual Harvest Festival. BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP KAYAK TOURS August 2, 2014 Come experience the heart of Houston while gliding down its flowing… >>

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ShareReasons 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 ages relocating to the Capital City?  There are quite a few reasons to move to Austin TX and here are a few! JOBS!  The booming tech industry has been great for our city.  Dell, Samsung, Apple and Google are some top companies just to name a few.  Along with a strong job market and unemployment below the national average, Austin is great for small and big business alike.  In fact, Austin topped the list for the 10 Best U.S. Cities for Job Seekers in 2014 by MNN.com. LOW COST OF LIVING! If you look at major cities across the nation, most residents in the Austin-metro area can achieve a high standard of living for less money here than any other comparative city.  Forbes ranked Austin third in The 25 Best Places to Retire in 2014 with cost of living playing a factor in the data. OUTDOOR LIVING! Austin boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and green spaces of any… >>

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