Tag: austin homes

Homebuyers Want Home Offices…Again

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The home office trend didn’t stop like the homemade bread trend that started at the beginning of the pandemic. Home offices are now considered a necessity for homebuyers as many work remotely or have relocated during the pandemic. 

Why Does a Homebuyer Want a Home Office?

The “Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2022” reports that “almost two-thirds of real estate professionals believe that fewer than 75% of workers will come to the office at least three days a week in 2022.” Additionally, a recent McKinsey survey found that nine out of 10 companies will keep their remote work arrangements even after the pandemic. 

 

A home office has become an essential part of a homebuyer’s needs. It’s as critical as other home-defining criteria like location, square footage, and price. The National Association of Home Builders found in their survey that 64% of today’s homebuyers want a home office. Almost a quarter of them call a home office essential. 

What Do Homebuyers Want in a Home Office?

After talking to several agents, Money.com found that real estate agents agree that homebuyers are very particular about the home offices they want. One agent said buyers want a closed-off space for privacy that still allows for natural light. Another REALTOR® noted the size and style of the home office are essential to most homebuyers since Zoom has become the primary form of communication, and they want a neat and professional space to make calls from. 

They also want answers to technical questions like the strength of the internet connection, download and upload speeds, internet providers, fiber connections, and cell phone carriers. This is novel since many haven’t provided such specific information before. 

KB Home, the fifth-largest builder in America, has caught onto the trend and is capitalizing on it. In August, they launched a home office package for buyers to add to homes. It ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 and will include extra-wide counter spaces, USB charging outlets, data ports, and open shelving. If homebuyers want to get technical, they can pay extra for upgrades like soundproofing, phone jacks, and custom lighting packages. 
As you can see, the home office trend is returning, and it’s staying. Contact us if you need help marketing or selling your home with a home office! We are here to help: (512) 721-1094 or dbrown@talkpropertymanagement.com.

Mortgage Rates June 2020 and Investing in Austin

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Stay informed of Austin’s investment opportunities and real estate market trends with a quick look at the latest mortgage rates. Mortgage rates continue to linger near the bottom of the graph as the gap widens between home inventory and buyer demand. Even after a slight uptick in rates the first week of June 2020, they are still just .13% above the all-time low. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate landed at 3.18% in early June as the economy heads to the recovery ward. 

Freddie Mac’s national average report shows all rates are trending downward from this time last year:

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.18%, a decrease from the 3.82% rate in June of 2019.
  • 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.62%, down from the 3.28% rate from this time last year. 
  • 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3.10%. In 2019, these 5-year adjustable mortgages averaged 3.52%.

While rates are still incredibly low, buyers and renters are starting to take advantage and dive back into the home search. Not without precautions, however. In a recent industry survey, management professionals revealed their top priorities are focused on new technology and paperless leasing to meet the concerns and demands of current home seekers who need to know its safe. Technology is allowing the market to keep moving with virtual tours and remote signing solutions.

Investing in Austin can be fruitful, but it takes diligence and market knowledge to maintain a top return on investment. Relying on an experienced and professional property manager can help you avoid the high costs of new technology but keep you relevant in the 2020 rental market. If you have property management questions or are considering hiring an Austin professional this year, contact Dona Brown. Her experience can help you navigate investing and managing. 512-721-1094. 

Also, check out these recent blogs for more Austin investment resources:

 

New Homes in South Austin

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The 468-acre plot of land known as Turner’s Crossing will soon be a sprawling community with more than 1,300 single-family homes. The community will also offer a variety of amenities, including pools, playscapes, a splash pad, and a three-mile walking trail. The construction project is an ideal location and just 11 miles south of Downtown Austin.

If you’re thinking that it sounds like a massive project, you’d be right. In fact, Meritage Homes Corp is constructing homes in phases and is even working with other partners to get the project rolling. The first phase is likely to start construction soon and will be in the northern section of Turner’s Crossing, between FM 1327 and SH 45.

Trendmaker Homes Austin has also acquired land in the area, 324 single-family lots, to be exact. The company has set a target open date for June 2021. Taylor Morrison Home Corp. will also be helping out and constructing some new homes within Turner’s Crossing.

With a large demand for affordable single-family homes in Austin, there’s no surprise that several companies are putting in their all to develop the south Austin area, but there’s still a chance for more development groups to get in on the action. Close to 40 acres of Turner’s Crossing will be dedicated to commercial and multifamily projects, but Meritage hasn’t begun negotiations to sell this property to developers.

It will be interesting to watch how this project unfolds and what kind of commercial and multifamily residences will join this massive community. The development of land in Austin solely dedicated to homes priced between $200,000 and $400,000 has been needed for some time.

If you have any questions about the area and what kinds of investment properties may be right for you, give our team a call. We’re happy to talk real estate and what the current developments can mean for Round Rock, Austin, and the surrounding areas.