South & Southwest Austin: Tanglewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 9/26/2009

Finally fall, ahh fall.

Cooler temps and the forgotten feel of wet grass on bare feet. And then the small wet puddles where the small feet traipsed through the living room.  Ahhhh.

That also means there is barely time left to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer $8000 Tax Credit.  To qualify, the sale of the home must close by December 1, 2009.  Given the 45-60 days a home sale can normally take, we’re at the tail end of this opportunity so don’t miss out if you are still mulling it over.

Current reports indicate slipping numbers for home sales and prices despite a reversal of that trend the few months prior in the other direction. Don’t despair, as economic soothsayers foretell a strengthening Texas as well as Austin economic environment.

More jobs and population growth fueling demand for housing even as builders ramp down new construction curbing the supply of new homes on the market.  Rising prices are soon to follow. Perhaps.  

If you are shopping for more unique properties, with acreage or waterfront for example, beware the new lending rules and regs.  Stringent new appraisal and underwriting policies have resulted in sales falling apart. 

Sometimes because the appraisal comes in ridiculously low due to simple dearth of recent comparable sales, sometimes even though the appraisal comes in above the sales price, the underwriter gets cold feet and kills the sale the day of closing.

It’s painful if you are the seller and you are forced to reduce your sales price or lose the deal.  It’s painful for the buyer who has to find other financing options at the last moment or try to come up with lots more cash for down payment from an already empty piggy-bank.

With six or so homes selling per month, and nine currently available and not under contract, that leaves us with a month or two of home inventory.  Recent sales are coming in close to the list price.

Under $250,000 in Austin is still movin’ movin’.  But not movin’ movin’ movin, if you get my drift.  If you are ready to sell your home in Tanglewood Forest, it’s the perfect time to get moving.

Through the near-end September 2009, the neighborhood numbers look like this in Tanglewood Forest…

9 homes for sale  

  • Median asking price = $174,900

  • Median square footage = 1511

8 homes currently under contract 

  • Median asking price = $175,000

  • Median square footage = 1585

Homes SOLD in August-September  

  • 7 homes sold

  • Median sales price = $165,000

  • Median square footage = 1400

  • Average days on market = 36.86

See them now. Preview available Tanglewood Forest Homes for sale online or search for homes in other southwest Austin neighborhoods!

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

If you are ready to get your home on the market, call or email me right now. 

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at trusttim@kw.com, or call for a free evaluation of your home’s value in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

The number of reasons to make Tanglewood Forest your home keeps on growing.  If you have little ones, and I do, the quality of the schools they will attend is a top priority.  Today the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released their school accountability ratings, and one of Tanglewood Forest’s neighborhood elementary schools received the highest rating possible.  Cowan Elementary achieved the coveted ‘Exemplary” rating for 2009.  My oldest daughter starts kindergarten there next month -  so this report was music to my ears. Read the full report here….

Posted By Your Southwest Austin Realtor, Tim Tole

Keller Williams Realtors

512-297-8534

South & Southwest Austin: Tanglewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 6/15/2009 

Summer is almost here…on paper anyway. But you couldn’t convince me it didn’t begin weeks ago with the return of the ‘furnace in the sky.’  Whew!

Along with the summertime heat, comes the home buying season, and it has definitely begun.  First Time Home Buyer $8000 Tax Credit is still in the mix.  With ten homes selling per month, and just seven homes currently available, that leaves us with less than ONE month of home inventory.  Recent sales are coming in ranging from 96%  up to 101% of the list price.  Not bad. 

At this price point, its a sellers market in the neighborhood.  Under $250,000 in Austin is movin’ movin’ movin’.  If you are ready to sell your home in Tanglewood Forest, it’s the perfect time to get moving.  

Midway through June 2009, the neighborhood numbers look like this in Tanglewood Forest…

7 homes for sale  

  • Median asking price = $165,000
  • Median square footage = 1330

7 homes currently under contract 

  • Median asking price = $179,900
  • Median square footage = 1636

Homes SOLD in May-June  

  • 10 homes sold
  • Median sales price = $163,276
  • Median square footage = 1564
  • Average days on market = 34.3

See them now. Preview available Tanglewood Forest Homes for sale online or search for homes in other southwest Austin neighborhoods!

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

If you are ready to list your home, call or email today.  

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of your home’s value in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

$8,000 HOMEBUYER INCENTIVE AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE

According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the $8,000 incentive for first-time homebuyers has been tweaked from a refund at tax time to cash made available for assistance on down payments or closing costs.

The mechanics of the new program, according to National Association of Home Builders economist Robert Dietz, allow lenders to purchase tax credits from the buyers and then collect the rebate from the IRS.

Homebuyers must still come up with the Federal Housing Administration’s mandatory down payment of 3.5 percent on their own, but they can use the tax credit to lower their principal balance and save on monthly payments.

“Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away,” said HUD secretary Shaun Donovan. “What we’re doing will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing.”     Read more in the CNNMoney.com article…

Wow

Sounds good, and NOW as of mid-July some lenders in Texas are able to offer this great service.  You essentially get the tax credit up front to apply against your downpayment or other closing costs.  Be aware though that FHA guidelines still apply if you are going that route, and an FHA buyer is still required to put 3.5% of their own money down for those type loans.

Ask your lender how this news could affect you and your ability to buy a home in today’s market. 

If you are ready to buy a home, call or email today.   

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of your home’s value in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

South & Southwest Austin: Castlewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 6/01/2009

Castlewood Forest is coming alive with the sound of music…ah..ah..ah..aahhh….yes, the late spring & early summer buyers.  First time buyers and moving up buyers, too.  Four homes sold April through May, with three currently under contract, and six more actively looking for buyers.  That leaves 2 months worth of home inventory in the neighborhood, and that translates to a local sellers market for the most part, and prices should not be going down.

Inventory levels of 6 months or more typically indicate a buyers market and a downward pressure on sales prices.

Homes sold the last 60 day period in Castlewood Forest have sold ranging from 93% to 100% of list price.  A good solid figure.

The numbers for Castlewood Forest Homes for sale through late February look like this…

6 homes for sale  

  • Average asking price = $244,000
  • Average square footage = 2012

3 homes currently under contract 

  • Average asking price = $222,298
  • Average square footage = 2395

Homes SOLD in last 60 days 

  • 4
  • Average sales price = $242,500
  • Average square footage =1917
  • Average price per square foot = $129.94

Current homes for sale average days on market = 52

Preview all available Castlewood Forest Homes For Sale online.

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of what your home should sell for in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

South & Southwest Austin: Tanglewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 5/31/2009

Tanglewood Forest is a great place to call home, and now its a great place to SELL a home.  With SIX homes selling per month, and just SIX homes currently available, that leaves us with barely ONE month of home inventory.  Recent sales are coming in averaging 97% to 101% of the list price.  That ain’t shabby folks.  That says if you are ready to sell your home in Tanglewood Forest, it’s the perfect time to get moving.

The neighborhood numbers look like this in Tanglewood Forest…

6 homes for sale  

  • Median asking price = $181,250
  • Median square footage = 1701

7 homes currently under contract 

  • Median asking price = $164,900
  • Median square footage = 1511

Homes SOLD in April-May 

  • 7 homes sold
  • Median sales price = $168,200
  • Median square footage = 1538
  • Average days on market = 32

See them now. Preview available Tanglewood Forest Homes for sale online!

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

If you are ready to list your home, call or email today.

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of your home’s value in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

South & Southwest Austin: Tanglewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 4/30/2009

Tanglewood Forest is hot hot HOT again.  Buyers are getting off the fence.  With two to four homes selling per month, and just 5 homes currently available, that leaves us with barely 2 months of home inventory.  Don’t look for prices to come down in the ‘hood.  Recent sales are coming in averaging 99.62% of the list price.  Sweet.  If you are thinking of selling, the stage is set.

The neighborhood numbers look like this in Tanglewood Forest… 

5 homes for sale  

  • Median asking price = $164,990
  • Median square footage = 1526

9 homes currently under contract 

  • Median asking price = $165,500
  • Median square footage = 1617

Homes SOLD in February - March - April 

  • 6 homes sold
  • Median sales price = $165,450
  • Median square footage = 1641.5
  • Average days on market = 18.3

See them now. Preview available Tanglewood Forest Homes for sale online!

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

If you are ready to list your home, call or email today. 

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of your home’s value in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

South & Southwest Austin: Tanglewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 3/31/2009 Tanglewood Forest

This is the tale of the new Spring tape.  Thus far into the new year, our absorption rate sits at .20.  

With two to three homes selling per month, and ten homes currently available, that leaves us with five months inventory.  Which of these homes will still be sitting for sale in 5 months, and which will sell quickly in below average market time?  The most important thing you can do is contact someone who knows the neighborhood better than anyone else.

The neighborhood numbers look like this in Tanglewood Forest…

10 homes for sale  

  • Median asking price = $173,400
  • Median square footage = 1646

2 homes currently under contract 

  • Average asking price = $164,700
  • Average square footage = 1504

Homes SOLD in February - March 

  • 4 homes sold
  • Median sales price = $175,250
  • Median square footage = 1641.5
  • Average days on market = 25.75

See them now. Preview available Tanglewood Forest Homes for sale online! 

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

If you are ready to list your home, call or email today.

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of your home’s value in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

 

Start writing here…

South & Southwest Austin: Castlewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 2/24/2009

Still no takers on great homes in Castlewood Forest.  

No homes sold again this month.  

Sigh.

One lucky seller has a contract and is holding their breath that the buyers do not bail before the checks clear the bank.  Hang in there brave soul!

Don’t despair!  There is renovation in the pre-printemps (spring) air.  Some homes are getting fixed up for the market, doing their hair and nails before the ball, if you will.  Others that have been wallflowers at the dance to date are getting much needed rejuvenation.  Perhaps a nibble of renewed interest awaits… 

The numbers for Castlewood Forest Homes for sale through late February look like this…

5 homes for sale  

  • Average asking price = $242,500
  • Average square footage = 1960

1 home currently under contract 

  • Asking price = $179,900
  • Quoted square footage = 2606

Homes SOLD in last 30 days 

  • NONE
  • Sales price = ZERO
  • Square footage = ZILCH

 

Current homes for sale average days on market = 60.6

 

Preview all available Castlewood Forest Homes For Sale online. 

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

   Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of what your home should sell for in today’s market. 512-297-8534.

South & Southwest Austin: Tanglewood Forest Homes for Sale Market Snapshot 2/23/2009

The average days on market for homes selling in Tanglewood Forest shoots down to just 30 days! Gloom and doom in the media are making a great real estate investment environment even better. Some kind of stimulus is coming, will it stimulate local home sales? Congress is still fidgeting with the Home Buyer Tax Credit, it started as $7,000 then went to $15,000 then back down to $8,000. Where it all stops nobody knows.

But we do know this:  According to Builder magazine five Texas cities swept the top spots on the magazine’s list of “Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009.”

Houston ranked first, Austin second, Fort Worth third, San Antonio fourth and Dallas fifth. More importantly, Tanglewood Forest Homes are selling. The numbers look like this…

6 homes for sale  

  • Median asking price = $197,449
  • Median square footage = 1858

3 homes currently under contract 

  • Average asking price = $171,300
  • Average square footage = 1833

Homes SOLD in last 30 days 

  • 4 homes sold
  • Average sales price = $163,225
  • Average square footage = 1381
  • Average days on market = 30.25

Preview all available Tanglewood Forest Homes For Sale online.

If you would like to see any one or more of them up close and in person, call or email me and I’ll be happy to set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you to view the home or homes that really catch your eye.

Posted by Tim Tole, your Southwest Austin Realtor®,Keller Williams Realtors in Austin, Texas, and specializing in residential and investment properties in south and southwest Austin. Email Tim at tim@timtole.com, or call for a free evaluation of what your home should sell for in today’s market.

512-297-8534.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6