Rosie & Charles Stephens Austin Real Estate

Existing Home Sales December 2011

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

This data has just been published by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M. This data is current as of January 30, 2012. Note that Austins inventory of homes is up 11% but average sales price has dropped 2%. TEXAS' EXISTING HOME SALES UP 4 PERCENT COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Sales of existing single-family Texas homes in December were up 4 percent from a year ago, according to the most recent Multiple Listing Services (MLS) data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M...(read more)

Austin Positive Housing Trend Forecast for 2012

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:43:00 GMT

Below is a summary of a very informative meeting we attended. This positive forecast is what many of us have been feeling recently. We would welcome any discussion or answer any questions you might have. Just give us a call. Austin Business Journal by Cody Lyon, Staff writer Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 1:14pm CST The housing market in Austin will continue to see improvement in 2012, according to the Fourth Annual Housing Forecast. Cody Lyon Staff writer - Austin Business Journal Austin’s...(read more)

Austin Poised for Greatness

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:01:00 GMT

Another great recognition for our city! This has just been posted on the Austin Business Journal. "Austin is a great place to be this year, according to The Street, which named the Capital City among the top 10 cities “poised for greatness” in 2012. The Street, a financial news website, named its top 10 cities for 2012 based on financial forecasts, large-scale events and new initiatives. Austin was cited on the list for its low unemployment rate, its many music and film festivals,...(read more)

TEXAS' PRIVATE SECTOR JOB GROWTH OUTPACES NATION'S

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:03:00 GMT

this just published from real estate center "TEXAS' PRIVATE SECTOR JOB GROWTH OUTPACES NATION'S COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Texas gained 227,800 nonfarm jobs from November 2010 to November 2011 according to the Center’s latest Monthly Review of the Texas Economy . That represents an annual growth rate of 2.2 percent compared with 1.2 percent for the United States. The state’s nongovernment sector grew at an even faster rate, adding 292,700 jobs (3.4 percent)...(read more)

Christmas Camping Adventure

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:44:00 GMT

Ruby's Maiden Voyage Well as you can imagine I wanted to drive Ruby everywhere and all the time. But she did already have 82,000 miles on her and has Paco gently reminded me she was an investment. Even though we took her to the best Volkwagen repair ship in Austin, Vee-Dub, and she got a clean bill of health. In fact they said that she was one of the best, BEST and CLEANEST Eurovans they had ever seen! So I drove her a few times to school and that was it. Fast forward a month and it was full...(read more)

Ruby's Maiden Voyage

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:44:00 GMT

Austin Area Home Sales

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:53:00 GMT

This recent release from the Austin Board of Realtors is welcome news. Austin-area Real Estate Sales Volumes Continue to Surge in Second Half of 2011 According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), 1,455 single-family homes were sold in the Austin area in October 2011, which is 19 percent more than October 2010. This might be a good time to consider selling your home. We are always available to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with...(read more)

Happy Holidays

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:42:00 GMT

All of us on the Stephens Team extend best wishes and happy holidays. It is a time to be thankful. If you travel please be careful. We appreciate all our friends and clients. Rosie & Charles...(read more)

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Rated Among Best In The World

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:45:00 GMT

Another reason to live in Austin is access to excellent air service. ABIA has just been recognized among the "Best in the World" by Airport Council International. To qualify it has had to be listed among the top airports world wide for the past five years. This is indeed a prestigious award for the city. For details go to the Austin Business Journal....(read more)

Austin Job Market

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:35:00 GMT

This article just appearing in the Austin Business Journal is encouraging. "Employers in the Austin-Round Rock area expect slightly stronger hiring levels this fall, according to a Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. Austin was ranked fifth on a list of U.S. cities with the most healthy employment outlooks. Among the companies surveyed, 71 percent will maintain headcount, 19 percent plan to increase staff levels, while eight percent will reduce workforce. According to the survey, job prospects...(read more)

Steiner Ranch Community of Wonderful Neighbors

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:54:00 GMT

It has been one week since we were displaced from our home due to the awful wild fire in Steiner Ranch. It was a terrible happening and many friends and neighbors lost their homes. Things could have been so much worse if it had not been for the fast response of firefighters, law enforcement members, and hundres if thousands of volunteers. The organization and efficiency was outstanding. An estimated 5,500 residents were evacuated in a timely way. Immediately volunteers came to set up assistance centers...(read more)

Rosie Stephens Testimonial

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:03:00 GMT

Testimonial Maria E. Salgueiro-Alessio TESTIMONIAL: When my husband told me in May that he got a job offer in Houston I was pretty stressed out.... I loved my house, both my kids were brought home for the first time to that house, took their first steps, first words.... you get the idea. Plus, w e had to sell our home in Austin and be settled in a new city before school started in August, t he race against time started! That's when Rosie came in the picture... she was sweet, and understanding,...(read more)

Austin Real Estate Market

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:20:00 GMT

Sales Volume Up, Price Steady for Austin-area Real Estate Sales of single-family Austin homes were up nine percent in June 2011 compared to June 2010 with 2,145 single-family homes sold, according to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS®. This bodes well for our Austin market in view of what is happening around the nation. Yesterdays announcement by the Fed with interest rates remaining low for the next two years sets up a wonderful opportunity for...(read more)

Austin Homeowners Property Values

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:46:00 GMT

This reprint from the NYT is a problem that most sellers are facing today. It is very difficult to understand why they cannot get what they paid for property just a couple of years ago. The market value in Austin is not as severe as many areas, it still is down. A general rule we have found is that it takes about 5 years after the purchase of a home to get all that you paid for it new. We have been through a housing boom period in which it was not uncommon to make a profit on selling. It is not true...(read more)

Austin Is Destination For Recent Graduates

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:09:00 GMT

"The Daily Beast" just listed Austin #4 in recent survey for recent Graduates nation wide. 4, Austin, Texas Population: 1,705,075 Percent of population between age 22-24: 4.5% Cost of Living Index: 95.0 Percent of housing units for rental: 41% Unemployment rate: 6.8 Average per-capita personal income: $37,544 These statistics are reassuring compared to the nation as a whole. We all know that Austin is the place to live and work but the word is spreading....(read more)

Double Dip Recession Follow Up

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:01:00 GMT

FOLLOW UP FROM PREVIOUS BLOG: Below is a news release from Texas A&M Real Estae Center by Dr. Dozer, Chief Economist. Our view is the Austin economy has shown improvement, property values are down, but indications are that a gradual recovery is in process. This is an opportunity for those who plan a long term purchase at a favorable price and very inviting mortgate rate. Rosie and Charles RECESSION: DOUBLE-DIP OR FINAL STAGE? NEW YORK (Real Estate Center) – What some people consider a double-dip...(read more)

Austin June Upcoming Fun Events

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:02:00 GMT

Here some events that sound like summer fun. Take time to enjoy. Charles Edible Texas Wine Food Match Friday June 3 rd 7-10 at AT&T Center A Three Course Celebration of Texas Wine and Food in Five Rounds National Trails Day Saturday June 4 th - 8 :30 am at various venues The Austin Parks Foundation will host be hosting the third annual American Hiking Society's National Trails Day with volunteer projects at spots like Barton Springs Pool and various Austin trails. After the hard work's...(read more)

Home Prices Experience Double Dip Low

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:21:00 GMT

The following article appeared in CNNMoney today. The data reflects the general state over the nation as a whole, with some areas worse than ever. There is no doubt that the foreclosure market has a great influence even here in the Austin area. It is a difficult time for those wanting to sell and cannot accept the fact that buyers are looking for bargains and in general demanding lower purchase prices. On the other hand it is an excellent opportunity and probably a chance for ownership that will...(read more)

Texas Economic Recovery

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 11 May 2011 21:04:00 GMT

The following coments taken from the Texas association of Realtors is something to consider. TEXAS' ECONOMIC RECOVERY CONTINUES, FIGURES SHOW AUSTIN ( Texas Association of Realtors ) May 2, 2011– According to the Texas Quarterly Housing Report released yesterday by the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR), Texas homes maintained their value in first quarter 2011. This despite a decrease in sales volume, indicating that economic recovery continues in Texas. "While Texas has not been...(read more)

April Steiner Ranch Real Estate Statistics

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:15:00 GMT

In the past 30 days Steiner Ranch Statistics are as follows: 13 sales with average price $356,464; 108 average days on the market 89 active listins with average price $579,014 42 pending sales with average price $543,559; 85 days on the market There are many opportunities available in this market that includes resale and new homes. Sales statistics reveal a stable market with reasonable days on the market before sale. We will be happy to discuss this market with you. Email or call us at anytime....(read more)

Austin Area Real Estate Statistics

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:18:00 GMT

Latest March sales statistics released by the Austin Board of Realtors for last month are: Sales 1597 compared to same month a year ago 1771 Average sales price $248,209 compared to a year ago of $236,569 Median sales price $185,260 compared to a year ago of $181,000 Active listings 9,156 compared to a year ago of 103,000 Sales volume is down but sales price remains stable for our market. There are many great opportunities out there for both buyer or seller. Feel free to email or call to discuss...(read more)

Texas Economy

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:49:00 GMT

This report from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center has just been released. It is worth sharing. It is reassuring to know that our economy is outperforming the U. S. Economy. We have noticed that the Austin Real Estate market was down significantly in Febuary and much of March compared to a year ago but have notice a significant rise in activity over the past several weeks. We will be quite happy to discuss the current situation with you. Give us a call or email. COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center)...(read more)

Should I Buy A House Now

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:58:00 GMT

This publication by David S. Jones, Texas A & M Real Estate Center is worth sharing. Real estate insights One rotten apple doesn’t ruin whole market By David S. Jones | columnist Mar. 22, 2011 Share If I buy a house today, will it be cheaper tomorrow? In other words, if I buy now, what is the likelihood my property’s value will decline, and I won’t be able to sell it for what I paid for it? Put yet another way, have we hit bottom on home prices? Regardless of how it’s...(read more)

Austin Real Estate Febuary 2011 Statistics

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:32:00 GMT

Febuary preliminary statistics reveals Sold units are down 4.24% while new listings are down 24.62% compared to the same month a year ago. The average list price was $308,936, up 4.56%, sold price $$240,864, up 2%. The reduced activity may well be seasonal and one would expect more activity in the next several months. Mortgage rates remain low and there are some great opportunities for both the seller and buyer. We are here to discuss any real estate issues with you and will assist in any way possible....(read more)

Austin Real Estate Statistics

Rosie & Charles Stephens — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:29:00 GMT

The latest data available from the Austin Board of Realtors shows and increase in sales of 14% for the same period last year but with a increase of 11% for days on the market. Interestingly enough the listings for the same period is also down 14%. The general feeling is that the economic recovery continues in Austin and the real estate market is quite active. With sales increased and listings decreased buyers may experience a little more difficulty in finding the property they want at the price they...(read more)