Austin - Bulletproof? See Why

Vegas still flattened by downturn, but Austin may be bulletproof

Austin, Texas -- steady as she goes

By Martin Wolk, msnbc.com's business editor

Austin, Texas, has the nation's best-performing economy over the past two
years, while Las Vegas has the worst, according to a new study of 150 of the
world's biggest metropolitan areas.

The study of key cities in 53 countries found that many of the areas that
flew the highest in the long expansion of 1993 to 2007 fell the hardest in
the so-called Great Recession of 2008-09.

Dublin, Ireland; Madrid, Spain; the three Baltic capitals of Riga (Latvia)
Tallinn (Estonia) and Vilnius, (Lithuania); along with Las Vegas and
Riverside, Calif., moved from the top 30 spots before the recession to the
bottom 30 spots during the recession, according to Global Metro Monitor from
the Brookings Institution and London School of Economics.

Vegas was the nation's No. 1 economic performer in the 17 years before the
recession, trailed by Phoenix and Austin. Austin appears to hold the
distinction of being the American city least affected by the downturn,
ranking as No. 3 in economic performance before the recession, No. 3 during
the recession and No. 1 since.

The recovery of the past two years, extremely modest in the United States
and Europe, has been felt more strongly in other parts of the world.

Of the top 30 ranked metros in the most recent period, 29 were located
outside the United States and Europe, according to the report. At the top of
the heap is Istanbul, Turkey, a city that straddles Europe and Asia. China
and India alone accounted for 10 of the top 30 cities.

Among U.S. cities, Virginia Beach, Va., Washington, D.C., and Dallas appear
to be well on the road to recovery along with Austin. Pittsburgh,
Indianapolis, and Atlanta join Las Vegas at the bottom of the heap.

The report underscores the sluggish nature of the global recovery: About
half the 150 cities studied, especially in the United States and Europe,
continue to lose ground in either income or employment.

Click
here for a summary of the findings by region or you
can get the full, 52-page
report.

(Full Article Link Below)
http://lifeinc.todayshow.com/_news/2010/11/30/5554679-vegas-still-flattened-
by-downturn-but-austin-may-be-bulletproof

Keeping you informed, wanting to help you with your real estate needs and
wishing you all the best, Anne ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor(r)

512-917-5260 Cell 512-328-5151 Office 512-328-0404 Fax

Follow me on

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RE/MAX Austin Skyline 4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78746 annejohnson@austin.rr.com anne@HookemHomes.com SEARCH ALL LISTINGS REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember
me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or
selling residential and investment real estate.

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October 2010 MLS Data Texas Cities

October 2010 MLS data for many Texas cities (current as of Nov. 29, 2010)
Sales

Change from
Last Year

Median
Price

Change from
Last Year

Months'
Inventory

Amarillo

216

down 19%

$125,500

up 1%

6.8

Austin

1,331

down 32%

$195,000

up 9%

6.5

Corpus Christi

238

down 25%

$134,200

down 1%

10.5

Dallas

2,928

down 29%

$156,000

up 2%

7.1

El Paso

416

down 23%

$134,400

up 3%

7

Fort Worth

541

down 36%

$115,400

up 2%

7.3

Harlingen

59

down 24%

$81,700

down 8%

27.4

Houston

4,072

down 25%

$148,900

up 1%

7.9

Lubbock

185

down 26%

$114,100

down 1%

7.4

Odessa

71

down 19%

$113,000

down 13%

4.3

San Angelo

90

down 18%

$109,200

down 8%

6.4

San Antonio

1,311

down 25%

$148,700

up 7%

8.1

Temple-Belton

105

down 29%

$119,200

no change

7.8

Tyler

202

down 26%

$136,000

no change

13.5

Wichita Falls

113

down 4%

$100,700

up 1%

8.1

Texas

14,404

down 26%

$145,100

up 2%

7.8

Keeping you informed and wishing you all the best, Anne

ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor(r)

512-917-5260 Cell 512-328-5151 Office 512-328-0404 Fax

Follow me on

LinkedIn Twitter

Facebook
HookemHomes.com

RE/MAX Austin Skyline 4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78746 annejohnson@austin.rr.com anne@HookemHomes.com SEARCH ALL LISTINGS REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember
me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or
selling residential and investment real estate.

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Vote For Kelly Anne

The web site crashed – the instructions are now to submit an email which Kelly Anne’s name – and that’s your vote.  Here is the email address.

info@elluminize.com

Thanks to all,

Anne

 

ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor®

512-917-5260 Cell

512-328-5151 Office

512-328-0404 Fax

 

Follow me on

LinkedIn 

Twitter

Facebook

HookemHomes.com

 

RE/MAX Austin Skyline

4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200

Austin, Texas 78746

 

annejohnson@austin.rr.com 

anne@HookemHomes.com

 

SEARCH ALL LISTINGS

REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or selling residential and investment real estate.

Posted via email from annejohnson's posterous

Vote for my kiddo, Kelly Anne

Kiddo, Kelly Anne Johnson decided to compete in a spokes model contest for
Elluminize

Please vote for her - daily. http://elluminize.com/vote/wp-content/plugins/wp-photocontest/view.php?post_
id=37
&order=chrono&p=2

Thank you, Anne

ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor(r)

512-917-5260 Cell 512-328-5151 Office 512-328-0404 Fax

Follow me on

LinkedIn Twitter

Facebook
HookemHomes.com

RE/MAX Austin Skyline 4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78746 annejohnson@austin.rr.com anne@HookemHomes.com SEARCH ALL LISTINGS REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember
me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or
selling residential and investment real estate.

Posted via email from annejohnson's posterous

The Downtown Austin Condo Market - Steady

Shonda Novak of the Austin American-Statesman recently provided an in-depth look at the downtown condo market.   Here are some highlights and excerpts from her article.

Despite coming to market during the worst national recession in decades, the newest projects have managed to hold their own.

“The market in the past 12 months is far stronger than what we experienced in the previous year,” said David Ward, executive vice president for Atlanta-based Post Properties Inc., which developed the Four Seasons Residences with Ardent Residential. “The fear that was prevalent during the depth of the downturn has been replaced by confidence.”

At the Four Seasons, 77 of the 148 units are sold or under contract, the developers said. The count at the other projects: 70 of the 178 units at the Austonian; 158 of 247 at Spring; and 84 of the 159 at the W, where the first buyers will be able to move in within a few months.

At the Four Seasons, where prices range from $400,000 to $4 million, Ward said pricing “has been very stable.” The Austonian has even raised prices on some units.

In general, sales activity “has been surprisingly good, given the very high price point of this latest wave of condominium construction,” said Charles Heimsath, a local real estate consultant for many downtown developers. Heimsath noted that the average asking price among the four projects is just over $1 million.

Aside from a recovering economy, the developers of the new projects have two other things in their favor.

One is that most of the projects targeted very affluent buyers. Heimsath said a fairly high percentage of buyers in the four new projects paid cash for their units, which are second or third homes for some.

Another is the absence of new competition. As lenders turned off the spigot for new construction during the downturn, several proposed projects have been postponed or shelved. 

When construction started on Spring that year, Zuniga said, “we thought we would be 70 percent sold at completion.” But she said those expectations were adjusted when the recession hit in 2008, and the project ended up with about 35 to 40 percent of its units spoken for.

“We are currently selling at a much faster pace than we thought we would be in 2008,” Zuniga said. “We just hit the 60 percent sold mark, and the pace of sales continues to increase. \u2026 We are making five to 10 new sales every month, and we expect to see this number increase as the economy continues to improve and consumer fear continues to lessen.”

To see the complete article on the Austin American-Statesman website, click here.

Sales Tax on Homes?

This from an expert CPA! Robert Ellis

That is not exactly correct, but it is closer to the truth than comfort allows.

Since Obama’s health care bill passed, it has been circulating around the web that a 3.8% sales tax on home sales was included in the legislation.  But I could never find anything in the literature, so I basically discounted it.

However, it turns out where there is smoke there is fire.  There is such a tax.  Right now the tax is supposedly limited to high income taxpayers.  But when was the last time Congress wasted a great tax on a limited part of the population?  Never?  (As an example, even retired people must pay tax on their social security.)

Besides, even if you aren’t “high income” according to the government definition, you can still be caught up in this tax.  All you have to do to be subject to this tax is sell your house for $250,000.  You pay 6% commission then you pay 3.8% tax.  10% total is $25,000.  In today’s market, that could spell the difference between being right side up and upside down.

Plus, the tax is broader than just on home sales, it includes all investments you may have.

To be fair, there is some dispute over the reach of this legislation, but I personally no longer trust the MSM to report the truth.  A government in search of money can do what they want, unfortunately.

Read it on Snopes.  http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/realestate.asp

Save Money With a DING

I learned several years ago -- from my then college girls -- how to save on airline tickets, specifically Southwest Airlines.  They taught me to set up a DING on the Southwest web site by entering some basic information such as name, email address and areas of the country that I travel to frequently. Two of my girls live in Tempe, AZ so that is where I wanted to go and they love coming home to Texas for the holidays.   They also taught me that I should only book Southwest tickets on Tuesday, a day they post their cheapest fares.

Now each Tuesday of the week, I get my DING from Southwest promoting "Click and Save".  The best prices are INTERNET ONLY bookings.  That works.

Several months ago I booked a trip to Phoenix to see my girls and celebrate my youngest daughter's up-coming 21st Birthday.  Since booking the flight, I continue to get my Tuesday morning DING and each Tuesday I go in and check to see if the fares to Phoenix lowered any.  To my amazement better deals popped up this past Tuesday and I found a way to get credit on the tickets I previously purchased.  Really cool because I can use the credit for the kiddos to fly home during the holidays.  

This is money saving information all my family, friends and followers need to know.  Feel free to contact me on a quick tutorial on how to capture the credit by using your confirmation number.  Really easy but does require some instruction.

I can't wait to see my girls.

		Welcome! Thank you for signing up for Click 'n Save. You're on your way to becoming a Southwest-savvy traveler. Each week, we will send the best deals Southwest has to offer, and you will be one of the first to know about them! Missed the last 48-hour sale? With Click 'n Save, you will never miss another deal in your inbox! So, sit back and wait for the deals to start arriving! Click 'n Save e-mails are sent every Tuesday and occasionally on weekends.
For All Things Travel, We've Got You Covered...

Off-Menu Burgers, Austin Style

This is an off-beat hamburger joint in East Austin -- Your Mom's Burger Bar!  I love good, even mediocre hamburgers, but this place sounds too good to be true.  I do believe I will try some of their creations at home, but I will have to invite some -- not so traditional buddies as taster testers.

Your Mom's Burger Bar

Located at 1701 East Cesar Chavez Unit B. on the corner of Chalmers Ave. and East Cesar Chavez in Austin, TX. Watch for me at lunch.

Mortgage News to Start the Week -- Heads Up!

Good information to start your week. Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing interest rates moderately higher. The up and down trading pattern continued with rates rising and falling throughout the week. Strong stocks mid week and stronger than expected ISM Index data didn’t help keeping rates as low. Consumer confidence came in at 53.5, higher than the expected 49.9 mark and pressured rates. Weekly jobless claims and factory orders data were near expectations. Rates rose by about 1/4 of a discount point for the week.

The Treasury auctions and the weekly jobless claims data will be the most important releases this week. Expect more volatility, as stocks and bonds are likely to continue their back and forth trading pattern.

F1 Austin track map, site revealed - Austin Business Journal

F1 Austin track map, site revealed - Austin Business Journal

Trailer Food Succeeds in Austin

Austin, Texas has many "Weird" designations and I may be going out on a limb on this one, but I think Austin is the Trailer Food Capitol of the world. Years ago quirky restaurants in Windstreams and carts on wheels began popping up on South Congress and the surrounding area. To date I don't think one of those "Quirky" eateries ranging in variety from cup cakes to tacos to crepes -- has failed. Solid as a rock, all of them. Well, I just noticed a new Trailer Food establishment, this one on 5th Street - Downtown Austin (sort of) and it sounds tasty and yes, very "Quirky" -- sort of like a chuck wagon on fire -- Italian style. It seems if you sell your foodstuff on anything with wheels in Austin, it moves to success.

Lucky's Puccia next to the Tiniest Bar in Texas

SXSW accelerating music... business - Austin Business Journal

Texas Leads Economic Recovery

By Bryan Pope, Associate Editor, Real Estate Center

Release No. 22-0710

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (Real Estate Center) — Texas is leading the United States in the current U-shaped economic recovery, according to the latest monthly review of the Texas economy from the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

The state’s economy had its second month of positive annual employment growth after 16 months of job losses.

Texas’ annual employment growth rate was 0.9 percent from June 2009 to June 2010 compared with a negative rate of 0.1 percent for the nation. After 17 months of job losses, the state’s private sector posted a positive annual employment growth rate of 0.4 percent.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 7.8 percent in June 2009 to 8.2 percent in June 2010, while the U.S. rate in June was 9.5 percent, the same as in June 2009.

Six Texas industries — education and health services; mining and logging; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; manufacturing; and transportation, warehousing, utilities — and the government sector had more jobs in June 2010 than in June 2009. Five other industries experienced net job losses over the same period.

Sixteen Texas metro areas experienced positive employment growth rates from June 2009 to June 2010, up from 13 for the period from May 2009 to May 2010. College Station-Bryan ranked first in job creation followed by San Angelo, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood and Waco.

The state’s actual unemployment rate in June 2010 was 8.5 percent. Midland had the lowest unemployment rate followed by Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Abilene and College Station-Bryan.

The complete economic review, written by Center Research Economist Dr. Ali Anari, is online at http://recenter.tamu.edu/econ/.

This Should Make You Feel Good About Buying Real Estate in Austin

The 5 counties that make up the Austin metropolitan area (Travis, Williamson, Hayes, Bastrop and Caldwell counties):

●lead the nation in job growth during the last year - both in percentage increase and actual number of new jobs - wow!!

●Forbes magazine ranked Austin #1 in the nation on its list of best large cities/regions for job growth.

●Monster.com also named Austin as the #1 city in America for job growth.

●Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine ranked Austin #1 in America on its list of Ten Best Cities for the Next Decade

●The Milken Institute ranked Austin #1 in America on its list of Best Performing Cities In 2009 where jobs are created and sustained.

●Porfolio.com ranks Austin #1 in America in its Small Business Vitality rankings for 2010.

●RelocateAmerica.com ranked Austin the 3rd best city in the United States to move to.

●America's Top 100 Places to Live For 2010 ranked Austin the 2nd best City in America.

●Airports Council International's survey of passengers at 118 airports worldwide ranked Austin's airport as #1 in North America - and #2 worldwide.

●The Brookings Institution named Austin as one of only 10 American Cities as a "Next Frontier" Metro Area based on exceeding national averages on population growth, diversity and educational attainment.

●The Brookings Institution also reports that Austin and Raleigh, North Carolina lead the nation in growth among "pre-seniors" (55 to 64 year olds) - translation, Austin area is a great place to retire.

●Add on top of all of that Samsung's recently announced $3.6 Billion direct investment for Phase 2 of its semi-conductor fabrication plant in northeast Austin - the largest private capital investment so far this year in the U.S. - and in the top ten largest private capital investments in America in the last decade - creating 500 new, high paying permanent jobs and more than 1,000 construction jobs - and total payroll of $105 million per year - double wow!!

●Plus Hanger Orthopedic, Pioneer Surgical, Face Book, Legal Zoom, Formula One Racing.........all coming to Austin.

Even two of our local bars took best of show in Playboy's best places to drink list,then there is the news that Dell sales up 19%, reclaims No. 2 ranking on the world’s computer maker ladder.

Austin Up - Texas Dominates - Houston No. 1

A concentration of talent, the presence of alumni from prestigious schools, big company headquarters and good job growth make Houston, Austin and Dallas headliners in Forbes list of top 10 cities in the nation where young professionals are most likely to succeed.

Houston takes top billing on the list with Dallas in the 6th spot and Austin rounding out at No. 10.

It is a good thing we are friendly in Texas because it looks like we are going to have some new guys and gals in state.

Welcome!

Austin Real Estate Stats for May 2010

In Austin, Texas the number of active listings is up 12.79% from last year during the same week.

New listings are down 13.29% this week compared to the same week last year.

Pending properties are down this week by 35.87%.

Sold residential units are down 3.93% compared to the same week last year.
How are we doing on sales prices? Call me @ 512-917-5260

As for Average Prices:

May 30 - June 5, 2010

Sold average sales prices decreased 0.63% to $270,054. In 2009 it was $268,368 for the same week

100% Foolproof Pie Dough Relies on an 80% Proof Ingredient

I usually blog about Central Texas/Austin real estate, a business I happen to love, but I also love cooking and I just discovered something from America's Test Kitchen -- read on and try a very different way to make pie crust.

100% foolproof pie dough relies on an
80-proof secret ingredient! Pie dough should be simple: mix flour, salt, and sugar together, cut in some fat, add water, roll it out, and bake it. But somehow the same recipe can result in perfect crust one day and a tough-as-nails crust the next. We wanted to figure out why this happens, and how to guarantee a tender, flaky crust every time. The trick to creating consistently great dough depended on the amount of water incorporated, and in particular how it was absorbed. There had to be a substitution that would keep the dough moist but not create too much gluten, which is produced by combining water and flour and makes for a leathery crust. After many dry, crumbly, dough “don'ts” we discovered the perfect liquid to use. Vodka! It added moisture, but is only 60% water—the other 40% of vodka is ethanol. The alcohol doesn't create dough-toughening gluten, so when we baked up this pie dough, we had a perfectly flaky AND tender pie crust with absolutely no vodka taste (all the alcohol evaporates in the oven during baking).

Do You Know This About Austin?

I am amazed at the press that circulates about the economic viability of Texas and Austin in particular. During the past week Austin ranked HIGH on 'Quality of Life' in a new study released by Portfolio.com. Stated in the report, Austin ranked highest on the job opportunities for young adults, Houston taking the 5th position and Dallas 7th. In another report released by NEWSMAX, Texas ranked numero uno for business, the result of a recent survey of CEO's and stating that "Texas is pro-business with reasonable regulations. The article went on to mention that Texas is where 70% of all new U. S. jobs created since 2008 are based.
There is more -- Kiplingers just released an article ranking the top 10 cities in the nation for the next decade. Guess which city is #1 – A town. The article states that while smart people and great ideas charge a city -- collaboration supercharges. Another characteristic that is usually always mentioned when referencing Austin -- it is just a fun city to live, work, play and visit.

Tax Credits are Kaput -- Bond 77 to the Rescue

When I first heard about this program, I was worried that the average home price in Austin, which is around $180K would not qualify, but it does. Note the lofty limits below.

TDHCA Bond 77 Map Search/Program Details
This program is NOT for investors, second homes, and multi-family
Areas in blue are considered “Targeted” areas by the TDHCA; all other areas are considered “Non-Targeted” areas.
Austin Map

TDHCA Bond 77 Program Details
The TDHCA (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs) has rolled out a new bond program to assist buyers with their down payment when purchasing a home. “Bond 77″ is its largest financing allotment to date and is an incredible 500 Million in funds, released monthly in 50 million dollar increments. This program comes just in time to fill the void left behind by the Federal $8,000 home buyer tax credit which expired April 30th. With liberal income limits and availability to both existing home buyers and first time home buyers alike, this affordable alternative for down payment assistance will surely be a hit. Below I have listed some of the major details – for more information feel free to email me at John.McClellan@SupremeLending.com or simply fill out the form above.

Are You Eligible?
There are income Income limits:
• Targeted areas (Location determine using Census Tracts, use our maps above)
o 1-2 persons = $87,960
o 3+ persons = $ 102,620

• Non- targeted areas
o 1-2 persons = $73,300
o 3+ persons = $84,295
• “Income” is defined as: the sum of the current monthly income of the mortgagors and anyone both living in the property and listed on the Deed.
• “Targeted Areas” are defined as: a census tract in which 70% or more of the families have incomes that are 80% or less of the statewide median income or an area of chronic economic distress, see maps above.


Property Price limits:
• Targeted areas: $316,177
• Non- targeted areas: $258,690
Other Details:
• Targeted areas: First time home buyers OR previous homeowners
• Non- targeted areas: First time home buyers only
• Choose either below market interest rate OR 5% down payment assistance
• No interest, no payments, note balloons in year 30
• NOT for investment properties, vacation homes, apartments, or multifamily

Destination Austin

Looks like vacationing Texans like to stay in Texas, at least during this economic uncertainty. According the AAA, Texans are more likely to travel this summer, but will vacation in state for the summer of 2010. Of the many really hot spots within the Lone Star State to vacation – Austin seems to be the second most popular destination, while San Antonio took the number 1 position.

“Travelers who booked trips for this summer have tended to focus more on getting the most value for their money,” said Rhonda Wilson, AAA Texas vice president and general manager. “However, right now we are seeing people who are more willing to come in and book more expensive ‘dream trips’ for the future beyond this summer, which is a signal that they are feeling more optimistic about their economic situations.”

Also from AAA, Texas gas prices are down. The statewide average price hit $2.67 per gallon, down 2 cents from one week ago. Austin motorists continued to pay less than average, $2.65.

If you were not here for Memorial Day – sorry, you should have been. A town was hopping with activities – something for everybody. Austin made the top 10 list of Memorial Day Destinations.

If you are interested in a look back at some of the fun on Lake Travis, especially Devil’s Cove – enjoy! You have heard of Devil’s Cove right?

Then there is Lake Austin -- more calm but great fun and boat loaded.

Ready, Set, Go -- Austin, Texas

I am amazed at the press that circulates about the economic viability of Texas and Austin in particular.  During the past week Austin ranked HIGH on 'Quality of Life' in a new study released by Portfolio.com.  Stated in the report, Austin ranked highest on the job opportunities for young adults, Houston taking the 5th position and Dallas 7th. In another report released by NEWSMAX, Texas ranked numero uno for business, the result of a recent  survey of CEO's and stating that "Texas is pro-business with reasonable regulations.  The article went on to mention that Texas is where 70% of all new U. S. jobs created since 2008 are based.
There is more -- Kiplingers just released an article ranking the top 10 cities in the nation for the next decade.  Guess which city is 1 -- The A city.  The article states that while smart people and great ideas charge a city -- collaboration supercharges.  Another characteristic that is usually always mentioned when referencing Austin -- it is just a fun city to live, work, play and visit.

Austin Home on Acreage

 

ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor®

 

512-917-5260 Cell

512-328-5151 Office

512-328-0404 Fax

 

Follow me on

LinkedIn 

Twitter

Facebook

HookemHomes.com

 

RE/MAX Austin Skyline

4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200

Austin, Texas 78746

 

annejohnson@austin.rr.com 

anne@HookemHomes.com

 

SEARCH ALL LISTINGS

REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or selling residential and investment real estate.

Posted via email from annejohnson's posterous

Austin, Texas

This is a MUST read

Three Texas metro areas among best for growth, study says

Posted Thursday, May. 13, 2010

By STEVE CAMPBELL

sfcampbell@star-telegram.com

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Texas metro areas have already been singled out as among the best places to ride out the Great Recession, but a new study illustrates the long-term vigor of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin economies.

Seattle; Washington, D.C.; and Denver topped the list of strongest local economies over two decades, from 1989 to 2008, according to Policom Corp.'s 2010 ranking of 366 metropolitan statistical areas.

And while Houston (No. 4), Dallas-Fort Worth (No. 10) and Austin (No. 12) didn't lead the list, the top 15 spots are virtually interchangeable, said William Fruth, president of Policom, a Palm City, Fla., company that specializes in analyzing local and state economies.

What does stand out is Texas' long-term economic performance, he said.

Driving that success is the state's diversified economy, low tax rates and limited regulation, he said.

"There is no other state in the country that has had a better track record for 20 years of quality economic growth than Texas," Fruth said. "When you chart out the states, no one has done better."

Why?

"I knew the answer to that question and I asked a local economic developer in Texas. His response: 'We shoot regulators at the state line.' That sums it up," Fruth said. "You have greater economic freedom and an attitude that we want economic development.

"You go to Texas and you are a go-go state. We want you to come here and grow and be profitable."

Fruth's list closely mirrors an assessment of the best cities to find jobs released by Newgeography.com in April.

"If you look at all the regions, nothing else does as well as Texas," Pepperdine University professor Michael Shires told the Star-Telegram after the five major Texas cities notched half of the top 10 spots for jobs.

"During volatile times, places with broad-based growth strategies -- like Texas and Utah -- do best," Shires wrote in an article accompanying the rankings, "Finding the Good in This Bad Time."

Fruth said his rankings incorporate 23 economic factors and don't reflect the "latest 'hot spot' or boomtown" but areas with the strongest economic foundations.

"While most communities have slowed or declined during this recession, the strongest areas have been able to weather the storm," he said. "The top-rated areas have had rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality for an extended period of time."

Two factors helped Seattle notch the top spot: Boeing and Microsoft. "They provide lots of jobs, and they pay very well," Fruth said.

Washington, D.C., which has been ranked 1st, 2nd or 3rd over the last seven years, has a built-in advantage, he said.

"The federal government is bigger than any corporation. It keeps growing. The jobs are stable, and they pay well."

Other Texas metro areas in the top 100 were San Antonio (No. 29), Corpus Christi (No. 80) and Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood (No. 89).

STEVE CAMPBELL, 817-390-7981

 

ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor®

 

512-917-5260 Cell

512-328-5151 Office

512-328-0404 Fax

 

Follow me on

LinkedIn 

Twitter

Facebook

HookemHomes.com

 

RE/MAX Austin Skyline

4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200

Austin, Texas 78746

 

annejohnson@austin.rr.com 

anne@HookemHomes.com

 

SEARCH ALL LISTINGS

REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or selling residential and investment real estate.

Posted via email from annejohnson's posterous

Three Texas metro areas among best for growth, study says

This is a MUST read Star-Telegram.com

Three Texas metro areas among best for growth, study says

Posted Thursday, May. 13, 2010

By STEVE CAMPBELL

sfcampbell@star-telegram.com

Texas metro areas have already been singled out as among the best places to
ride out the Great Recession, but a new study illustrates the long-term
vigor of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin economies.

Seattle; Washington, D.C.; and Denver topped the list of strongest local
economies over two decades, from 1989 to 2008, according to Policom Corp.'s
2010 ranking of 366 metropolitan statistical areas.

And while Houston (No. 4), Dallas-Fort Worth (No. 10) and Austin (No. 12)
didn't lead the list, the top 15 spots are virtually interchangeable, said
William Fruth, president of Policom, a Palm City, Fla., company that
specializes in analyzing local and state economies.

What does stand out is Texas' long-term economic performance, he said.

Driving that success is the state's diversified economy, low tax rates and
limited regulation, he said.

"There is no other state in the country that has had a better track record
for 20 years of quality economic growth than Texas," Fruth said. "When you
chart out the states, no one has done better."

Why?

"I knew the answer to that question and I asked a local economic developer
in Texas. His response: 'We shoot regulators at the state line.' That sums
it up," Fruth said. "You have greater economic freedom and an attitude that
we want economic development.

"You go to Texas and you are a go-go state. We want you to come here and
grow and be profitable."

Fruth's list closely mirrors an assessment of the best cities to find jobs
released by Newgeography.com in April.

"If you look at all the regions, nothing else does as well as Texas,"
Pepperdine University professor Michael Shires told the Star-Telegram after
the five major Texas cities notched half of the top 10 spots for jobs.

"During volatile times, places with broad-based growth strategies -- like
Texas and Utah -- do best," Shires wrote in an article accompanying the
rankings, "Finding the Good in This Bad Time."

Fruth said his rankings incorporate 23 economic factors and don't reflect
the "latest 'hot spot' or boomtown" but areas with the strongest economic
foundations.

"While most communities have slowed or declined during this recession, the
strongest areas have been able to weather the storm," he said. "The
top-rated areas have had rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality
for an extended period of time."

Two factors helped Seattle notch the top spot: Boeing and Microsoft. "They
provide lots of jobs, and they pay very well," Fruth said.

Washington, D.C., which has been ranked 1st, 2nd or 3rd over the last seven
years, has a built-in advantage, he said.

"The federal government is bigger than any corporation. It keeps growing.
The jobs are stable, and they pay well."

Other Texas metro areas in the top 100 were San Antonio (No. 29), Corpus
Christi (No. 80) and Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood (No. 89).

STEVE CAMPBELL, 817-390-7981

Looking
for comments?

ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor(r)

512-917-5260 Cell 512-328-5151 Office 512-328-0404 Fax

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RE/MAX Austin Skyline 4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78746 annejohnson@austin.rr.com anne@HookemHomes.com SEARCH ALL LISTINGS REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember
me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or
selling residential and investment real estate.

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This is a MUST read Star-Telegram.com

Three Texas metro areas among best for growth, study says

Posted Thursday, May. 13, 2010

By STEVE CAMPBELL

sfcampbell@star-telegram.com

Texas metro areas have already been singled out as among the best places to
ride out the Great Recession, but a new study illustrates the long-term
vigor of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin economies.

Seattle; Washington, D.C.; and Denver topped the list of strongest local
economies over two decades, from 1989 to 2008, according to Policom Corp.'s
2010 ranking of 366 metropolitan statistical areas.

And while Houston (No. 4), Dallas-Fort Worth (No. 10) and Austin (No. 12)
didn't lead the list, the top 15 spots are virtually interchangeable, said
William Fruth, president of Policom, a Palm City, Fla., company that
specializes in analyzing local and state economies.

What does stand out is Texas' long-term economic performance, he said.

Driving that success is the state's diversified economy, low tax rates and
limited regulation, he said.

"There is no other state in the country that has had a better track record
for 20 years of quality economic growth than Texas," Fruth said. "When you
chart out the states, no one has done better."

Why?

"I knew the answer to that question and I asked a local economic developer
in Texas. His response: 'We shoot regulators at the state line.' That sums
it up," Fruth said. "You have greater economic freedom and an attitude that
we want economic development.

"You go to Texas and you are a go-go state. We want you to come here and
grow and be profitable."

Fruth's list closely mirrors an assessment of the best cities to find jobs
released by Newgeography.com in April.

"If you look at all the regions, nothing else does as well as Texas,"
Pepperdine University professor Michael Shires told the Star-Telegram after
the five major Texas cities notched half of the top 10 spots for jobs.

"During volatile times, places with broad-based growth strategies -- like
Texas and Utah -- do best," Shires wrote in an article accompanying the
rankings, "Finding the Good in This Bad Time."

Fruth said his rankings incorporate 23 economic factors and don't reflect
the "latest 'hot spot' or boomtown" but areas with the strongest economic
foundations.

"While most communities have slowed or declined during this recession, the
strongest areas have been able to weather the storm," he said. "The
top-rated areas have had rapid, consistent growth in both size and quality
for an extended period of time."

Two factors helped Seattle notch the top spot: Boeing and Microsoft. "They
provide lots of jobs, and they pay very well," Fruth said.

Washington, D.C., which has been ranked 1st, 2nd or 3rd over the last seven
years, has a built-in advantage, he said.

"The federal government is bigger than any corporation. It keeps growing.
The jobs are stable, and they pay well."

Other Texas metro areas in the top 100 were San Antonio (No. 29), Corpus
Christi (No. 80) and Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood (No. 89).

STEVE CAMPBELL, 817-390-7981

Looking
for comments?

ANNE JOHNSON-CHEVERERE

Realtor(r)

512-917-5260 Cell 512-328-5151 Office 512-328-0404 Fax

Follow me on

LinkedIn Twitter

Facebook
HookemHomes.com

RE/MAX Austin Skyline 4611 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78746 annejohnson@austin.rr.com anne@HookemHomes.com SEARCH ALL LISTINGS REMAX.COM

The finest compliment I can ever receive is your referral. Please remember
me when your friends, family, and co-workers are thinking about buying or
selling residential and investment real estate.

Posted via email from annejohnson's posterous

Citysearch launching iPad app for Austin - Austin Business Journal:

It is so cool to be in Austin -- check out this news released yesterday --Citysearch launching iPad app for Austin - Austin Business Journal:

Austin Rental Rates Increase

The numbers are out for the first quarter for the top 10 spots in the nation that have experienced rent rate increases. Austin is No. 7 on the list. While this not good news for those that lease, such as our large student population, it is good news for existing landlords and those looking to invest in Austin. Read the article from the Austin Business Journal. I would have to caution my seller’s that this does not mean they can raise their asking price, it is only a 1% increase. Below is just one of my properties that I lease for my investor clients and it stays leased and seldom does the owner concede on the rental rate.

In 6 days, you can reserve your Texas Trade Up Rebate…. « Hookemhomes's Blog

In 6 days, you can reserve your Texas Trade Up Rebate…. « Hookemhomes's Blog

Study: Austin best market for young adults - Austin Business Journal:

Great article from Austin Business Journal -- note there are 4 Texas cities in the top 10 -- Dallas/Ft. Worth are counted as one. Click here to read the article. Study: Austin best market for young adults - Austin Business Journal:

The Google-Austin Gig

Residents asked to help Austin vie for Google fiber - Austin Business Journal:

A License To Sell Your Home?

There is information circulating about the Cap and Trade Bill and the implications that home owners will be required to have a license to sell their homes, as well as retrofitting requirements, energy efficient requirements, labeling, increased taxation to pay for the "residential features" of the Cap and Trade Bill and much more. After spending a reasonable amount of time researching, I ended up at the National Association of Realtors website and read what NAR's Government Affairs Division has to report on the matter. Read for yourself and share your thoughts.