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JKB Realty Group 512.532.5005 www.JKBRealty.com
January 2015 Statistics 8 1,547 – Single-family homes sold, 11% more than Jan. '14.
8 $240,000 – Median price for single-family homes, 13% more than Jan. '14.
8 $310,187 – Average price for single-family homes, 14% more than Jan. '14.
8 63 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, unchanged from Jan. '14.
8 2,360 – New single-family home listings on the market, 1% more than Jan. '14.
8 5,005 – Active single-family home listings on the market, 9% more than Jan. '14.
8 2,026 – Pending sales for single-family homes, 4% more than Jan. '14.
8 2.2 – Months of inventory of single-family homes, .2 months more than Jan. '14.
8 $479,859,289 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 27% more than Jan. '14.
FOR THE AUSTIN AND SURROUNDING AREAS
March 2015JKB Realty Newsletter
The Austin-area housing market started the year strong in January 2015, with single-family home prices reaching all-time highs for the month of January and home sales posting double-digit increases according to the MLS report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS®. This marks the fifth-straight month of annual home sales increases and the fourth-straight month of double-digit gains in home prices, as housing affordability continues to be a challenge in the Austin market.
The 2015 President of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, explained, “With housing affordability already a challenge for many Austin residents, this increasing pace of home price growth is concerning. More than half of the homes sold in the Austin-area are now priced out of an affordable range for much of Austin’s workforce.”
“Housing inventory is rising, but the current pace is not enough to alleviate Austin’s affordability challenges,” added ABoR President. “Furthermore, more homes on the market will not increase housing affordability if those homes are all priced for move-up homebuyers. Austin needs a regulatory environment that will ensure development of all housing types, priced in an affordable range for all Austin residents.”
In conclusion, “While single-family homes will always be a part of Austin’s fabric, Austin’s city leaders should consider housing types that cost less to develop and can allow for a greater range of affordable infill options, such duplexes and small apartment buildings, in neighborhoods where they are needed most. The Austin Board of REALTORS® is hopeful that the Austin City Council will embrace changes to the land development code and permitting process to allow for an abundance of housing in all neighborhoods.”
Austin-area home prices hit all-time high for January, home sales rise in JanUARY 2015
Information provided by www.abor.com. Data release is the 20th of each month. For the most current information please call us on the 21st or after.
From the Office ofJessica Bruehl
R AT E D O N E O F A U S T I N ’ S 2 5 TO P R E A LTO R S $195M+ SALES 700+ CLOSINGS 13+ YRS EXPERIENCE
JKB Realty Group
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The Listings Hot Sheet109 HOPEWELL CIRCLE
3,665 sq. ft. | 4 bed | 4 bath | 3 livingFEATURED LISTING #1
This fantastic lot includes an abundance of shade trees & extends well beyond the fence line guaranteeing no one will ever build directly behind you!
The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, island, breakfast bar, knotty alder cabinets, butler’s pantry, Thermador dual oven, 6 burner gas cooktop with griddle and KitchenAid® stainless appliances including refrigerator, wine fridge and microwave. The inviting master suite offers beautiful Travertine floors, coffered ceiling, plantation shutters, access to the courtyard, double vanity, granite counters, jetted tub, spacious walk-in shower, plus 2 walk-in closets.
All bedrooms are ensuite. There is no carpet throughout the home. This flexible floorplan gives you the option of turning the 4th bedroom into a gameroom. The home also includes a study, a courtyard with fountain to welcome your guests and a lovely morning room to enjoy your coffee & news.
Click for Virtual Tour
Mortgage insurance is indeed an insurance policy. The policy is typically paid by the borrower to the benefit of the lender.
For conventional loans, if the first mortgage is greater than 80% of the value of the home, lenders require a mortgage insurance policy be in force. The policy loosely covers the difference between the down payment and the 80% mark. If a borrower has a down payment of 5%, the policy covers the remaining 15%. It can be a bit pricey and adds to the borrowers’ monthly payment. On a $200,000 mortgage with the borrowers putting down 5%, the monthly mortgage insurance payment is around $150. But it’s not a “forever” thing.
The Homeowner’s Protection Act applies to all conventional mortgages closed on or after July 29, 1999 and provides specific guidelines lenders must follow to remove the mortgage insurance coverage. Note, these rules do not apply to government loans such as VA and FHA programs, they follow their own rules. Lenders are
required by statute to automatically drop the mortgage insurance payment when the loan naturally amortizes to 78% of the original value. For a 30 year fixed rate loan, that’s about halfway through the mortgage.
Borrowers don’t have to wait however and can apply to have the mortgage insurance policy removed if the mortgage balance represents 80% of the current market value. This can be achieved with property appreciation as well as a gradual reduction in the amount owed. Using the same example above, a loan amount of $200,000 with a 5% down payment means a sales price of $210,525. If the property’s value has increased to something closer to $250,000, the outstanding loan amount may very well be at or below the 80 percent mark. The borrowers can expect to pay a fee for an appraisal and perhaps a small processing fee, but borrowers have options other than just waiting around.
The Mortgage CafeA special column from the lending experts at New Penn Financial.
Tera Gilbert, Senior Mortgage Consultant | 512.828.6420
The Mortgage CafeHOW TO GET RIDOF MORTGAGE INSURANCEHOW TO GET RIDOF MORTGAGE INSURANCE
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The Listings Hot Sheet
Beautiful, Turnkey Waterfront Condo on Lake Travis.
Fully furnished & ready for move in, just bring your clothes! The property also includes a private boat dock & lift w/ storage & 2 wave runners. The open family room offers stained concrete floors, wood burning fireplace & recessed lighting.
The kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, island, breakfast bar & an abundance of storage. The master suite includes private access to the balcony, huge walk-in closet & spacious tiled shower.
Relax or entertain on the back covered patio while taking in the gorgeous hill country & lake views. You can even keep warm by the fire on those chilly nights at the community fire pit!
THIS IS A DEAL YOU CAN'T PASS UP!
615 Cat Hollow Club Dr. Unit A
VACATION HOME OR RENTAL INCOME
• Located in North Lakeway Village• 2,856 Square Feet
• 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath• Fireplace
• Walking distance to Dinning and ShoppingMore Details Coming Soon
218 Bellagio Dr.
COMING SOON!
Click for Virtual Tour
This is a terrific 1.37 acre golf course lot in a gated community on Lake Travis.
With an abundance of mature Live Oak trees and a level lot, allowing for easy construction of your dream home! It backs directly to Lakecliff's
Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.
Some other top-notch community amenities include: tennis courts, a racquet club and clubhouse.
2711 Cliff Point (lot)
AVAILABLE NOW
DO YOU KNOW OF A HOME FOR OUR BUYERS?IF SO, WE ‘D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
Area: Tarrytown, Barton Hills or Westlake areas.Min 2 bedroom, 1 bath.
1,200+ SF.$800K Max.BU
YER
#1
Area: South Austin preferred (not required).Min 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
3,000+ SF.6 Car Garage (or room to build).
$600K Max.
BUYE
R #2
Area: Central or Downtown Austin.Min 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom.
2,500 SF.$900K Max
Walkability is a Must!
BUYE
R #3
JKB Realty Group
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512.532.5005 www.JKBRealty.com
reprinted with permission from Realtor.org
ZILKER GARDEN FESTIVALWHEN: MARCH 28-29, 10am - 5pm | WHERE: ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN
For over 50 years, the annual Zilker Garden Festival has been a one-stop, garden shopping destination when spring arrives in Austin and Central Texas. A family-friendly event, the garden festival offers something for everyone.
Visit our vendor booths from Austin and Central Texas who will offer a variety of plants for sale – native and adapted annuals and perennials, cacti & succulents, veggies & herbs, orchids, and tropicals. Shop for garden-themed arts & crafts, ceramic pottery, custom jewelry, handmade artistic clothing, herbal products, and garden hats.
Plan to arrive early and bring your wagon!
RODEO AUSTINWHEN: MARCH 14 - 28, 2015 | WHERE: TRAVIS COUNTY EXPO CENTER
Our rich history of preserving western heritage began in 1938. Over the years, Rodeo Austin has grown from a stock show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin’s premier events, featuring a top 10 ProRodeo, daily concerts, a world class livestock show and more. In addition, the Rodeo Austin Scholarship Program has impacted the lives of thousands of Texas youth, donating millions of dollars to their education.
Activities include: ProRodeo, Live Music, BBQ, Carnival Fairgrounds, Cowboy Breakfast, Stock Show, Youth Auction, Sporting Clay Tournament, Fashion and Fine Arts.
Besides an upscale kitchen and plenty of space, what are new-home buyers’ looking for when house hunting? Surveys
by the National Association of Home Builders and homebuilder PulteGroup shed some light on a few of the latest in-demand amenities.
1. Walk-in Closets: Large closets, particularly in the master bedroom, is among one of home shoppers’ top priorities, according to the NAHB survey of builders and remodelers. Indeed, 31 percent of 1,000 home owners recently surveyed by PulteGroup said they’d sacrifice another household feature in order to have his-and-hers closets in the master bedroom.
2. Luxurious Laundry Rooms: Buyers are looking for more than just a place to stick their washer and dryer. They want upgraded laundry rooms – complete with skylights, built-in ironing boards, space for folding clothes, extra storage, and upgraded appliances, according to the NAHB survey.
3. Energy Efficiency: Home buyers are looking to cut utility costs, and energy efficiency appliances and products can be one way to do that. Low e-windows, Energy Star appliances, and programmable thermostats are more in demand among home shoppers.
4. Great Rooms: These large open spaces that often merge dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens continue to be in high-demand among home shoppers, according to NAHB’s poll of builders. “Great rooms are wonderful places where everyone in the family can sit around, or where the kids can do their homework while you get dinner ready,” Stephen Melman of NAHB told MainStreet. “Today’s great rooms are large, bright and just make you feel good being there.”
5. Taller First-Floor Ceilings: More home buyers want the first floor to stretch beyond the typical eight-foot ceiling. They’re asking builders for nine-foot ceiling heights. The taller ceilings can open up living rooms, dining rooms, and other spaces on the first floor. But home shoppers say they can do without the cathedral ceiling in the family room, which can be too costly to heat and cool. Also, they aren’t preferring the higher ceilings on the second floor, which many home buyers say they want to feel more cozy, Melman says.
THE 5 LATEST ‘MUST-HAVE’ AMENITIES OF HOME SHOPPERS
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EVENTS & FESTIVALS1 ZILKER PARK KITE FESTIVAL
The nation’s oldest kite festival complete with kite flying contests, food, games and more.
Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin
5 FIRST THURSDAY ALONG SOUTH CONGRESS AVE.Food, fun, shopping and people watching
South Congress Avenue, Austin
5 FIRST THURSDAY IN DT BUDAShop unique antique and specialty vendors while enjoying food from DT restaurants.
Downtown, Buda
6 FIRST FRIDAY IN DT GEORGETOWNEnjoy live music and a festive evening atmosphere!
Downtown, Georgetown
7 THE GEORGETOWN SWIRLSip, savor, shop and swirl around the Square! Enjoy an evening of jazz music and shopping downtown while sampling Texas wines and dining on local restaurants’ cuisine.
Georgetown Courthouse Square
12 TEXAS FILM AWARDSInducting legends of cinema & television into the Texas Film Hall of Fame.
Austin Studios, Stage 7
13/22 SXSW: INTERACTIVE FILM & MUSIC FESTIVALNoted filmmakers, musicians and multimedia artists from around the world converge to showcase music, film and interactive media during this internationally-recognized event.
Downtown and All Over Austin
14 SECOND SATURDAY MARKET DAYSHandmade arts & crafts, unique gifts, entertainment, food, & much more!
Georgetown Square
17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVALA family friendly event where families can come out and enjoy the culture of Ireland including music, dance and language.
Shoal Crossing Event Center, Austin
26 SPRING FLING GIRLS NIGHT OUTShop in the square while benefiting the Georgetown Animal Shelter.
Downtown Georgetown
FOOD, ART & CULTURE7 EXPLORE UT
Something for everyone. Young children participate in fun, educational and engaging activities; middle school students explore their favorite subjects and learn about future career opportunities; high school students meet with UT Austin admissions counselors, advisers, faculty members and current students; parents and educators enjoy a variety of cultural events, inspiring lectures, performances and exhibits; and alumni reconnect with campus and share memories with family and friends.
The University of Texas at Austin
11 KEVIN JAMESStand Up Comedy Show
Bass Concert Hall, Austin
24/29 JERSEY BOYS
Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history.
Bass Concert Hall, Austin
SPORTS1 ACC FAIRWAY 5K CROSS COUNTRY RUN & WALK
Proceeds will support Austin Community College student scholarships
Riverside Golf Course, Austin
1 RUN FOR A PURPOSE 5K AND KIDSKTo fight lung cancer
3103 Lakeway Blvd, Lakeway
6 MOONTOWNER RUNA FREE community run will take you on a tour of Austin’s iconic moonlight towers, and the 10 mile route will have you back in plenty of time to wrap up the night with adult beverages.
Rogue Running, Austin
7 TWISTED 5KEnjoy craft beer, food trucks and exercise
Twisted X Brewery, Dripping Springs
• TEXAS LONGHORNS SPORTS EVENT CALENDAR• CALENDAR OF RUNNING EVENTS• CALENDAR OF CYCLING EVENTS
MUSIC1 FLEETWOOD MAC ON WITH THE SHOW TOUR
Frank Erwin Center, Austin
5 JOURNEY / STEVE MILLER BAND W/SPECIAL GUEST TOWER OF POWERAustin360 Amphitheatre
5 ELECTRIC SIXStubbs, Austin
7 COLD WAR KIDSStubbs, Austin
8 JOHN MELLENCAMPBass Concert Hall, Austin
27 THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOURStubbs, Austin
SEARCH AND FIND MORE MUSIC EVENTS AT:• Austin Live Music• Red7 Austin• Mohawk Austin
• Nutty Brown Cafe • Emo's Austin• The Continental Club
MARCH EVENTS CALENDAR
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ALLSIDESROOFING & CONSTRUCTION
Free EstimatesLocal: 512.626.5294
Toll Free: 877.864.9037
Michael Katsus | 512.539.7901 [email protected]
The Vendor List
Vendors provide sponsorships, door-prizes and a wealth of valuable services to our clients.Please mention JKB Realty when scheduling your next appointment.
Want to know who’s on our speed dial? Here’s our ‘GO TO’ team!
TERA GILBERT
SENIOR MORTGAGE CONSULTANT
LoansByTera.com512.828.6420
Each office is independently owned and operated.
M O V I N G S E R V I C E S
512.751.0893
888.492.7359 [email protected]
If your home is listed for sale with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of business.
DON’T PAY TOO MUCHFOR YOUR NEXT HOME!
We can save youTHOUSANDS OF DOLLARS
through our negotiating experience with builders!
CALL US TODAY 512.532.5005
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