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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!
Friday, June 18, 2010
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
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
Sunday, June 13, 2010
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).
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).
Friday, June 11, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
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.
“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.
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