SOLD: 7912 Finch Trail, Cherry Creek Neighborhood, 78745

Another Beautiful #BIRDHOMElife remodel!

This craftsman-chic 2 story home sits on a charming tree-lined street in South Austin 

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a #BIRDHOMElife remodel! This home needed a complete rehab from the roof down to the floors. We put a lot of love and energy into this project and it’s ready for you to call it home.

7912 Finch Trail Austin, TX 78745

Neighborhood: Cherry Creek

Specifications: 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 1,736sqft

Asking Price: $399,500

If you live here, you will host great parties, sleep easy in well-appointed master and make plenty of memories with the amazing neighbors who couldn’t be more excited to have you!

Enjoy everything that this Crafstman-chic home has to offer. Towering ceilings with a wall of windows greets you as you enter the front door. New luxury laminate wood floors throughout. The well appointed chef’s kitchen features custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, butcher block counters and marble-inspired ceramic tile. The master bedroom suite also has vaulted ceilings and a dreamy master bathroom. Over-sized soaking tub, his/her closets and double vanity. This is the home you have been waiting for! 

Home Upgrades Include:

• New HVAC system with conveyable warranty

• New Roof with conveyable warranty

• Stainless steel appliances

• New Garage Door

• New Fixtures, hardware throughout

• New luxury laminate floors and high end carpet

• New Custom Kitchen by Ikea

Location:

• South Austin neighborhood of Cherry Creek

• Easy access to I35 and Mopac

• Minutes from Shopping at:

  • Central Market

  • HEB

• 15 minutes to Downtown Austin

SOLD - 2133 Castellano - Custom Bella Vista Home on Greenbelt Lot

Dramatic Greenbelt & Lake Views are the center-point of this Custom Home in the family-friendly neighborhood of Bella Vista in Cedar Park.

This home was originally built for an Executive of the Development company for the neighborhood. The lot was hand picked for it’s views and location within the community. The home has design features not seen in any other home in the community.

Panoramic views of the Hill Country, Twin Creeks Golf Course and Lake Travis.

3122 Castellano Way Cedar Park, TX 78613

Neighborhood: Bella Vista

Specifications: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 3,300sqft with over 1,100sqft of outdoor living space

Asking Price: $600,000

If you live here, you will wake up every morning and take in the gorgeous greenbelt and Lake Travis views through the panoramic windows. Don’t miss this completely custom home on a premium greenbelt lot. Like none other in Bella Vista. With the master bedroom and mother-in-law suite downstairs and two more spacious rooms and a game room upstairs, there is plenty of room to spread out. 

Beautiful hand-scraped wood floors, oversized Renewal by Anderson windows, new Trane HVAC and ducts with allergy system and upgraded sprinkler system are only a few of the updates the seller made. Enjoy the great outdoor living spaces with fireplace, sauna, custom grill and smoker. New custom-wood garage door contains and fully finished garage space with plenty of storage and workshop. This home has it all and won’t last long.   

Furnishings, grills and TVs are all negotiable.

Home Upgrades Include:

• Trane HVAC System with new duct work and allergy system

• Renewal by Anderson Oversized windows throughout the home

• Luxury Carpet Upstairs and in Bedrooms and Office

• Wood Garage Door

• Garage Epoxy flooring, custom storage systems and workshop.

• Upgraded Sprinkler System, tuned and serviced yearly.

• Expanded custom rock work patio

• New Water Heaters

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Location:

• On the edge of the Austin/Cedar Park Border

• Bella Vista is at the corner of Anderson Mill and Volente Rd (CR 2769)

• Minutes from Shopping at:

  • Lakeline Mall

  • HEB Plus

• Twin Creek Country Club and Golf Course a few minutes away

• 10 minutes from Lake Travis

• Travassa Spa and Resort is 5 minutes down Volente Road

Neighborhood Amenities include party room, pool and playground.

July 2018 Market Report - Single-family home sales experience double-digit growth

July 2018 Market Report - Single-family home sales experience double-digit growth

Summer is over and the market has started to enter it's cooling off period. School is starting, Football season is right around the corner and Austin is in need of a much needed break from the heat. The same goes for the Hotter than Hot real estate market that reached new highs for the month of July. 

Here is a quick snapshot of what happened in July 2018:

The Median home price for Central Austin (which includes the entire 5 county MSA) is $320,000, up 6% year over year. The volume of sales has also increased by 9%, up to 3,103 homes sold in July. The average days on market (44) and the total supply of homes (2.9 months of inventory) has stayed somewhat flat. However, with fewer homes coming on the market than last year and more homes selling, our market is continuing to tighten up with demand far exceeding supply. 

Here is the Press Release from the Austin Board of Realtors with the rest of the market update for July 2018. 

AUSTIN, TX– Strong homebuying activity throughout the summer led to double-digit home sales growth in July, according to the July 2018 Central Texas Housing Market Report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS®. The five-county Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the highest volume of home sales since July 2011, and the highest median home price on record for any month.

“Strong pending sales activity in June contributed to a big uptick in home sales growth last month, and pending sales growth was strong again in July, too,” Steve Crorey, 2018 president of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, said. “This means we could see another uptick in home sales growth in August to end the summer selling season on a high note.”

In the city of Austin, single-family home sales experienced a double-digit increase of 13.5 percent year over year to 952 sales, while sales dollar volume increased 19.8 percent to $451,315,853 in July.

Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
In the Austin-Round Rock MSA, July single-family home sales increased 8.8 percent year over year to 3,103 sales, while sales dollar volume increased 13.7 percent to $1,254,255,680. The median home price increased six percent year over year to a record-breaking $320,000.

For the second month in a row, pending sales growth experienced strong gains across the MSA, increasing 8.3 percent year over year to 3,201 pending sales in June and 10.8 percent to 3,065 pending sales in July. However, the number of homes on the market fell during the same time frame. In July, active listings for the five-county MSA fell 2.7 percent to 7,522 listings and new listings decreased 1.2 percent to 3,738 listings.

“Housing construction is at an all-time high in Central Texas, but the pace of new housing stock entering the market can’t justify last month’s jump in sales growth on its own. These gains in home sales activity are being driven by pure demand,” Vaike O’Grady, Austin regional director for Metrostudy, said.

“Home sales are up across the board in the Austin area, but declines in housing inventory are almost just as steep. The city of Austin, in particular, lost almost half a month of inventory from July 2017 to July 2018. That's a lot of inventory to lose year over year,” Crorey said. “ABoR housing market data underscores not only the ongoing strong housing demand in our region, but the critical need for more housing stock at all price points in and around Austin.”

City of Austin

In the city of Austin, the July median price for a single-family home increased six percent year over year to $390,000. During the same time frame, new listings decreased seven percent to 1,066 listings; active listings decreased 13.8 percent to 1,675 listings; and pending sales rose 11.6 percent to 904 sales. Monthly housing inventory decreased 0.4 months to 2.1 months, well below the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University’s benchmark of 6.0 months as a balanced housing market.

Travis County

In Travis County, July single-family home sales increased 15.7 percent year over year to 1,594 home sales, while sales dollar volume increased 17.5 percent to $769,540,765. The median price for single-family homes grew 4.5 percent to $375,000. During the same period, new listings remained relatively flat, with a 0.3 percent increase to 1,854 listings. Active listings decreased 7.8 percent to 3,543 listings, while pending sales jumped 12.3 percent to 1,503 sales. Monthly housing inventory decreased 0.3 months year over year to 2.8 months of inventory.

Williamson County

In Williamson County, July single-family home sales increased 5.7 percent year over year to 1,054 home sales, while sales dollar volume increased 7.7 percent to $326,159,581. During the same period, the median price for single-family homes increased 2.1 percent to $280,734. New listings decreased 6.5 percent to 1,204 listings; active listings decreased 2.1 percent to 2,497 listings; and pending sales rose 10.6 percent to 1,055 pending sales. Housing inventory decreased 0.2 months year over year to 2.8 months of inventory.

Hays County

In July 2018, Hays County single-family home sales rose 2.7 percent to 347 sales, while sales dollar volume slightly decreased, with a 0.6 percent decrease to $113,218,199. Median price decreased three percent year over year to $265,000. During the same time frame, new listings remained relatively flat, with a 0.2 percent increase to 478 listings; active listings increased 5.9 percent to 1,045 listings; and pending sales rose 6.1 percent to 366 sales. Housing inventory increased 0.1 months to 3.6 months of inventory.

2018 Austin Mid Year Market Update

Welcome to the second half of 2018! 

The Austin real estate market has been experiencing some new highs and just a few indicators of a possible shift. We have decided to take a new approach to interpreting the data. We are including the Austin Board of Realtors entire Press Release here. I will be adding my thoughts and commentary in BOLD Italic. 

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Austin Board of REALTORS® releases June & Midyear 2018 Central Texas Housing Market Report

AUSTIN, TX– Single-family home sales in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced strong and steady growth in the first half of this year but declined in June 2018, according to the June & Midyear 2018 Central Texas Housing Market Report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS®. In the first half of the year, area home prices continued to increase and housing inventory levels slowly declined amidst strong housing demand.

“Despite a decline in home sales volume across Central Texas in June, 2018 is on track to be another record-setting year for the region’s housing market,” Steve Crorey, 2018 president of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, said. “Consecutive years of record-breaking sales activity have set the bar incredibly high, and it’s important to remember that we’re comparing June 2018 figures to that strong activity. The Central Texas housing market remains strong and continues to move at a demanding pace.”

The slow down in sales is purely Supply-driven. Fewer people are putting their homes on the market, so there are fewer sales. Buyer demand remains at a record high. 

Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
In the five-county MSA, single-family home sales increased 3.7 percent year-over-year to 15,364 home sales, while the median home price increased 4.3 percent year-over-year to $313,000. The volume of homes on the market declined year-to-date, although pending sales activity increased during the same time frame. From January to June 2018, active listings fell 0.8 percent to 5,951 listings; new listings decreased 0.6 percent to 21,795 listings; and pending sales rose 4.8 percent to 17,008 sales. Sales dollar volume in the Austin-Round Rock MSA was $6,025,035,605—an 8.2 percent increase from the first six months of 2017.

In June 2018, single-family home sales activity declined 2.7 percent year-over-year to 3,299 sales. During the same period, the median price for a single-family home rose 4.9 percent year-over-year to $326,250. Monthly housing inventory decreased 0.1 months year-over-year to 2.9 months, well below the Real Estate Center of Texas A&M University’s benchmark of 6.0 months as a balanced housing market. While home sales decreased across the MSA in June, this is not indicative of a declining housing market, suggested Jim Gaines, chief economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

“The Central Texas housing market is among the top three in the country. The region’s population growth, particularly along the I-35 corridor, is fueled by diversified economic opportunities that bring jobs, new businesses, and resources across multiple industries,” he said. “Strong population growth and home sales activity are expected to continue in the Central Texas region for the rest of the year and into 2019.”

Our overall market is still experiencing contracted inventory and increased demand. Buyers are either paying more for homes or buying new construction homes further outside of the city. 

City of Austin
In the city of Austin, single-family home sales in the first half of the year edged upward 1.3 percent year-over-year to 4,757 sales and the median price for a single-family home increased 3 percent to $375,760. During the same period, active listings decreased 10.1 percent to 1,279 listings; new listings decreased 3.9 percent to 6,458 listings; and pending sales rose 2.7 percent to 5,248 sales.

City of Austin home sales have not experienced a year-over-year decrease in the month of June since 2013. Austin home sales decreased 4.5 percent to 988 home sales and median price dipped 0.4 percent to $388,000. Housing inventory also decreased 0.3 months to 2.1 months of inventory. However, homes spent six fewer days on the market in 2018 than the previous June, averaging 30 days on the market.

We are seeing a slight housing price correction in the City of Austin. Appraisers and banks are being more conservative to stave off a bubble. Median prices also could be going down slightly because there is even more activity below that price where there is more affordability as prices continue to rise. 

Travis County
In Travis County, single-family home sales increased 3.8 percent year-over-year to 7,675 home sales in the first half of the year. During the same time frame, the median price for single-family homes grew 3.6 percent to $362,500. Active listings decreased 6.1 percent to 2,796 listings; new listings decreased 1.2 percent to 10,977 listings; and pending sales increased 6 percent to 8,587 sales.

In June 2018, single-family home sales decreased 2 percent to 1,651 home sales, while median price increased 1.2 percent to $374,500. Monthly housing inventory decreased 0.2 months to 2.8 months of inventory.

Williamson County
In Williamson County, single-family home sales in the first half of 2018 increased 5.2 percent year-over-year to 5,333 home sales. During the same period, the median price for single-family homes increased 3.7 percent to $286,900. Active listings increased 5.2 percent to 2,033 listings; new listings decreased 0.8 percent to 7,303 listings; and pending sales rose 4.7 percent to 5,832 sales.

In June 2018, single-family homes sales dipped 1.7 percent year-over-year to 1,143 sales, while the median price rose 4.7 percent to $300,000. During the same time frame, housing inventory declined 0.1 months to 2.8 months of inventory.

Hays County
In the first half of 2018, Hays County single-family home sales rose 2.6 percent year-over-year to 1,721 home sales, while median price increased 3.3 percent year-over-year to $264,900. New listings increased 2.2 percent to 2,536 listings and active listings increased 1.9 percent year-over-year to 799 listings. During the same time frame, pending sales rose 4.4 percent to 1,907 sales.

In June 2018, single-family home sales decreased 7.1 percent year-over-year to 369 sales, while median price increased 7.5 percent year-over-year to $284,900. During the same time frame, housing inventory increased 0.1 months to 3.4 months of inventory.

With new listings increasing in Hays and Williamson County, more people are willing to sell and move up or move closer in with the higher values of their homes. This trend will continue with affordability continuing to be an issue within Austin City Limits. 

To find out what your home is worth in today's market or ask any related housing question, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at BIRDHOME---home@birdhome.com or call (512) 596-2035. 

Everything You Need to Know to Start the Loan Process When Buying a Home

I hear it constantly... "I can't afford to buy a house.", "I have to save for 2 years until I'm ready to buy.", "The prices are going up so much in Austin, I just have to keep renting.". These statements may be true or they may not be. You won't know until you talk to a lender.

As you know, the first step in the home buying process is to hire an exceptional real estate agent. You need a great team to help you though this process, and your agent is the Team Captain. Read more about the "Top Ten Interview Questions You Should Ask a Real Estate Agent" for guidance on what to ask when you are interviewing an agent.

Great, now that you have hired an amazing BIRDHOME agent, the next step is to talk to a lender. What is the one thing you want to find out in this meeting...how much house can I afford, right??!

First, let's prep. You will need a few documents to begin the loan process. If you are a salaried or hourly earning employee you will need:

• 2 Years of your most recent Tax Returns & W2's
• Your last 2 pay stubs
• Most recent past 2 months of bank statements - all of them! Checking, Savings, IRA, 401K, Stocks
• Address for your residence the past 2 years
• Past 2 years employers name and address
• Photo ID

If you are a self-employed borrower, you will need:

• 2 Years of your most recent Personal and Business Tax Returns
• Any 1099 forms for the last 2 years (if applicable)
• Most recent past 2 months of bank statements - all of them, personal and business! Checking, Savings, IRA, 401K, Stocks
• Address for your residence the past 2 years
• Photo ID

Based on this information, the lender will be able to determine the sales price that you are qualified for. More importantly, when you are financing a home, what we are really talking about is the monthly payment not the actual sales price. So lets talk numbers!

Below are examples of 5% down, 10% down, and 20% down on a 30-year fixed rate and 15-year fixed rate loan. These are estimates based on the median home value in Austin as of February 2017 at $330,000. The interest rates* were the current rates as of March 2017. We also assumed $7,500 yearly tax payment and $1,200 for homeowners insurance for the year.

*Rates change daily. I would like to take a moment to call your attention to the fact that interest rates have risen sharply since October of 2016 and are on the rise. With every tiny increase in interest rates, you are losing buying power because your monthly payments will increase but your total sales price will not.

Here is a quick comparioson of these different loan options:

View fullsize

Before we move on the the nitty gritty of each of the loans, I wanted to take a minute to talk about Keller Mortgage, who provided the loan estimates below. Keller Mortgage provides a new type of loan with no lender fees and $1,000 credit to closing costs available exclusively to buyers using a Keller Williams agent or a buyer who is buying a home from a Keller Williams agent. Here's a little bit of information from their website:

A new model allows us to deliver a new type of loan. When we say No Fees*, we mean it. No lender fees! Additionally, we credit $1000 toward 3rd party closing costs.  Just use a Keller Williams agent and finance with us. We offer fantastic rates and a loan that lets you keep more of your money for something more important to you. (*Min loan amount – $150,000. Buyer must qualify for loan.)

Our No lender fee loan + $1000 credit is exclusive to KW transactions. Buyers must be working with a KW agent or submitting an offer on a KW listing. By working with a Keller Williams Realtor, buyer can save thousands upfront and sellers make their home more attractive to the market. If you are not working with a KW Realtor but are submitting an offer on a KW listed property, you are also eligible for this special deal.

When I first heard about Keller Mortgage, I didn't believe it. It sounded too good to be true, so when we decided to buy a house recently, we decided to give it a try. All I can say is "wow"! They walk the walk and talk the talk.

Below are the initial fees worksheets provided by Keller Mortgage for you to dive in deep with all the details on closing costs, how much cash you need at closing and monthly payment breakdown.

30 Year Fixed/5% Down

30 Year Fixed/5% Down

30 Year Fixed/10% Down

30 Year Fixed/10% Down

30 Year Fixed/20% Down

15 Year Fixed/5% Down

15 Year Fixed/5% Down

15 Year Fixed/10% Down

15 Year Fixed/10% Down

15 Year Fixed/20% Down

15 Year Fixed/20% Down

I love using Karl's Mortgage Calculator to compare different loan scenarios as well. This allows you to enter different variables than those used in this example so you can tailor it to your situation. They also have an iPhone App as well! 

Ready to get started?! Here is a list of our most trusted lenders:

Debbie Foley | Keller Mortgage
(614) 310-3116 | Dfoley@kellermortgage.com
www.kellermortgage.com

Carson Vaughn Team | Guild Mortgage Company
(512) 439-7555 | carson.vaughn@guildmortgage.net
http://www.guildmortgage.com/officers/cvaughn

Cody Daniel | Capstar Lending
(512) 750-2999 | cody@danielmortgagegroup.com
www.capstarlending.com

Jason Buckley | Cornerstone Home Lending
(512) 771-4365  | Jbuckley@houseloan.com
www.jasonbuckleylending.com

Michelle Alberts | Supreme Lending
(512) 698-8738  | Michelle.Alberts@SupremeLending.com
https://michellealberts.com/

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One of the things we love most about aligning our business with Keller Williams is the access to the education that they provide. Gary Keller and Jay Papasan wrote an amazing, best selling book called The ONE Thing.

In this book, Gary Keller has identified that behind every successful person is their ONE Thing. No matter how success is measured, personal or professional, only the ability to dismiss distractions and concentrate on your ONE Thing stands between you and your goals. The ONE Thing is about getting extraordinary results in every situation.

Our ONE Thing is helping you reach your real estate goals. We'd love to share a copy of this book with you, so you can discover your ONE Thing!