Archive for August, 2009
The New Rules of Austin Real Estate: Austin Realtor Predicts Home Prices Will Drop
As America’s financial mess continues, everyone wants to know: What’s going on with Austin real estate values?
Local real estate agent, investor and educator Jay Carter says the local real estate market will get worse for sellers before it gets better. “Not since the oil and gas bust of the 1980s has Austin seen such a wonderful opportunity for Austin real estate buyers and investors,” Carter says. “For sellers, this is only going to get worse.”
Carter disagrees with many prominent local Austin real estate agents who are suggesting that home prices will keep rising. “They absolutely won’t,” says Carter, who has already spotted several listings across Austin where sellers have had to significantly cut their asking price. “The rules of Austin real estate are changing right before our eyes.”
Carter predicts further price declines and more foreclosures to occur well into 2009. “The real estate stock market will keep falling over the next several months and you’ll also start to notice average real estate prices falling in Austin either this winter or early next year.” The current median price of a home in Austin is $182,600 according to the Austin Board of Realtors.
“In economic cycles like this, everyone – from homeowners to hedge fund managers – will want to get out of debt and accumulate cash. This will lead to big discounts on cars, boats, furniture and even real estate,” Carter says. “You’re about to see this happen more and more.”
“The good news here is for future Austin real estate buyers. This will be an unbelievably good time to buy a home, but only if you do it right,” says Carter. “You must be well-qualified and know what you’re doing.”
On Saturday, November 1st, Carter will teach a brand new course for Austin real estate buyers entitled, The New Rules of Buying a Home in Austin. The class, which is based on today’s current economic downturn, will cover not only what is happening now but what’s likely to happen in the Austin real estate market over the next 1 to 2 years and how home buyers can reap the benefits.
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Austin Realtor Jay Carter’s
Predictions for Austin Real Estate
- Average real estate prices in Austin will drop even further for at least the next six months as the public continues to react to stock market declines.
- Austin area foreclosures will increase this winter and spring.
- Homeowners who think they’ll need to sell anytime soon should sell right now. The prospects for Austin real estate sellers will only get worse in 2009 and possibly even 2010.
- Not since Austin’s oil & gas crash of the 1980s has there been such a good time for Austin real estate buyers to find a fantastic bargain, due to the likelihood of further price cuts and still-low home loan interest rates.
Jay is available this week either as a morning show guest or for taped interviews to speak about:
- Current examples of real estate on the market in Austin today where sellers have already dramatically dropped their asking prices
- How Austin will experience a further decline in real estate prices within the next year, and most importantly, why it will happen
- This Saturday’s (11/1/08) seminar for home buyers, The New Rules of Austin Real Estate, which will be held at Austin Community College
For details: Contact Michele Kim Carter, public relations manager for LivingInAustin.com Real Estate, at 512-413-2253 or visit www.livinginaustin.com
Buyer’s Market: Know its Latest Condition
Real estate industry is one of the most volatile businesses. It is greatly affected with the latest issues that are going on in the global market. This can be seen in the buyer’s market current condition. In the early portion of this year, the demands for real estate properties have gone down. Thus, sellers are forced to offer big discounts and cheaper prices to be able to go with other competitors. As for home buyers, this is the best time to push through their plans of investing.
Lenders have been very conservative in granting loans. This is due to the volatility of the economy. They want to secure that their applicants are financially able. Hopeful home buyers are striving hard to be approved to be able to fulfill their dreams. Majority of them find for more ways to finance their endeavor.
The actual scenario has a domino effect to other parts of real estate sector. Prices have gone down that prompted the sellers to be innovative in marketing their house. They give huge discounts and adjust their prices. In fact some of them have low ball offers just to eliminate their property as soon as possible. If you really evaluate what is going on right now, everything is beneficial to the buyers.
Moreover, sellers made major home improvements and other upgrading. By doing this, they can emphasize the best features of the houses which can possibly attract more buyers. Some even went out to perform further research on how to manage their finances in times of crisis. Income has been too slow for almost all investors during these times.
But in the case of buyer’s market, everything has been favorable to them despite the recession. Instead of experiencing the negative effects, buyers are indeed grabbing every opportunity they can get. The real estate industry is starting to lose their dreams for their business. However, there are other institutions who continue to remain composed despite the issues going on around them. One of these organizations is the lending companies. They continue to offer various marketing strategies just to entice more clients to avail their loans.
With everything that is happening right now, it is the buyers who have been enjoying the situation. Thus, do not hesitate if you have plans of buying a house. This is the ideal time for acquiring your dream house. If you have not yet decided, then do not be too hasty. Consider every option that you have. As soon as you have set your mind about your endeavor, everything will follow.
How Is Feng Shui Used In Real Estate?
Feng Shui is an ancient science of Chinese art of placement for creating harmonious environments at homes, offices and other premises. Feng Shui is said to balance the relationship between nature and the dwelling spaces.
The fundamental part of Feng Shui is energy called Qi (pronounced as “Chee or Chi”). Feng Shui involves placement of objects, use of color, etc. based on techniques that create a natural balance and a positive flow of this energy into surroundings.
The knowledge of Feng Shui is useful in real estate. This is because Feng Shui is a part of life for many people and an increasing number of home and other property buyers look for Feng Shui compliant homes and offices. A real estate agent can largely benefit by knowing the application of Feng Shui techniques in homes, office and other buildings.
Here are a few Feng Shui tips that a real estate agent can use.
1. A building should have adequate windows for energy to flow freely.
2. Always keep the entrance tidy and clutter free for unhindered flow of Chi.
3. There shouldn’t be anything in line with the front door such as a tree or telegraph pole, if so; one can fix this by placing a Bagua mirror over the door on the outside.
4. Since we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping, it is vital to create more harmony in the bedroom. The bed should be positioned in such a way that the occupants can see the door. This gives one an inner feeling of security. As much as possible, position the bed away from the door.
5. Always keep the bathroom doors closed and toilet lids down to avoid negative energy (Sha).
6. Avoid sleeping under ceiling beams as this could cut the energy.
As more and more home buyers and sellers discover Feng Shui, it is advantageous for real estate agents to learn what it is and how it’s used. Feng Shui techniques can help a real estate agent to provide Feng Shui solutions, enjoy quicker closings, receive more referrals, increase income, and get an edge over competitors.