Austin has done it again...made the Top 10 List for another magazine.  Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine ranks the top 10 places to live and work, and Austin came in at number 8, even in this current economic downturn!!!  Enjoy the article below:

Kiplinger's: 10 Best Places to Live and Work
Where’s the best place to hide during this economic downturn?

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine evaluated U.S. cities for their growth potential, analyzing their ability to hold onto jobs even if the economy softens further.

With assistance from Kevin Stolarick of Martin Prosperity Institute, the magazine concluded that cities where there are a lot of white-collar jobs are surviving the downturn better than areas where much of the workforce is employed in manufacturing or service jobs.

Stolarick says these creative-class jobs tend to help generate new businesses and that increases the vibrancy of the areas where they hold sway.

This employment analysis combined with data about income growth and cost of living led Kiplinger’s to choose these 10 cities as the best places to live and work in today’s challenging economy:

1. Huntsville, Ala.
2. Albuquerque, N.M.
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Charlottesville, Va.
5. Athens, Ga.
6. Olympia, Wash.
7. Madison, Wis.
8. Austin, Texas
9. Flagstaff, Ariz.
10. Raleigh, N.C.

Source: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (07/2009)

FHA just announced that it will allow the new $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit to be applied towards the home purchase costs!  This is great news for buyers who qualify to buy, but have limited funds to close on a property.  Read the entire story below, and if you or any one you know can benefit from this FREE MONEY, please contact us!!!

 

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Reuters) - The Federal Housing Administration will allow the new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit to be applied directly toward home purchase costs when using an FHA-insured mortgage, the Department of Housing and Urban Development said on Friday.

The plan to "monetize" the tax credit up-front is aimed at more quickly stabilizing the housing market, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a statement.

But in detailed rules, the FHA will still require home buyers to provide a minimum 3.5 percent downpayment from other sources.

The $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers was created as a part of the Obama administration's $787 billion stimulus plan. Some private lenders already were allowing buyers to apply the credits directly toward purchase costs through special financing schemes.

With the FHA following in a similar vein, a significant portion of the first-time homebuyer market will have up-front access to the credits instead of waiting until tax returns are filed.

"What we're doing today 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," Donovan said in a statement.

FHA-insured loans, which largely have replaced the subprime mortgage market, now accounts for about 25 percent of new mortgages, senior HUD officials said, versus about 2 percent of the market two years ago. At this pace, the agency will insure some 2.2 million mortgages this year.

The National Association of Home Builders estimates that the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit will stimulate 160,000 home sales across the United States -- 101,000 purchases from first-time buyers and another 59,000 purchases by existing homeowners who sold dwellings to first-time buyers. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)

Believe it or not, Liberty Hill is turning 10!!!  That is as a formal incorporated city.  Of course Liberty Hill has been around for ages, but just 10 years ago, decided to incorporate as a city to help further its development and growth. In celebration, the city is putting on a festival tomorrow June 30 starting at 1pm with a parade through town.  The Fellowship Baptist Church Praise Band will be headlining the parade while they play on a float through town.  Then there are all sorts of events going on from a cake celebration, to many "shopping booths", to fun things for the kids to do, a fish fry, and even 4 live bands followed by a fireworks display that evening!  If you are around on Saturday, this is something you should come out to be a part of, especially if you call this wonderful town of Liberty Hill your home.  You can get more information by visiting the city's website or CLICKING HERE. 

Great home with land to roam!  This manicured 5 acres is the perfect country setting.  The home features an open floor plan with high ceilings, wood and tile flooring, corian countertops, jetted tub and seperate shower in the large master suit e, loft could be office/gameroom, and an extra detached garage/workshop!  You won't want to miss the beautiful covered deck leading to the hot tub and additional deck under the trees!  CLICK HERE for more pictures and virtual tour!

Call us today to schedule your private showing of this or any of our fabulouse homes for sale...512-515-5263.

 

We just listed a beautiful piece of property for sale in Liberty Hill, TX.  This property is about 20 acres in size and has magnificent tree coverage and a creek.  The "Ranch" home features 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, library/office, gameroom, craftroom could be 4th bedroom, huge mud-room, updates including wood laminate/tile/carpet flooring and paint,  and a $5000 kitchen allowance for buyer!  The property has ancient oaks and many other mature trees all over along with a creek crossing the back corner.  Large properties around make this a great private getaway.  You can see pictures and virtual tour of the home by CLICKING HERE!

To schedule your own private viewing of this estate, please call our team at 512-515-5262 or email me at shanetwhite@remax.net

More great news about Austin has come out on national news...it is slated as one of the Top 5 cities in the U.S. that is likely to have a real estate rebound sooner than the rest.  Barbara Corcoran was featured on NBC and was using some of the information that was released at the National Association of REALTORS mid year meeting in her interview on TV.  Here is a link to the show, so be sure to watch, and if you are in the market to buy a home or real estate in the Liberty Hill, Bertram, Leander, or Georgetown areas, now is probably the time to get on board before this rebound really takes shape:

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30825142#30825142

If you have been following our blog any lately, you will notice a trend...lots of new listings coming on the market.  We are seeing some positive signs in the market...not just on the listing side but with the buyer activity as well.  Of course we are entering the high selling season, so some of this is to be expected, but we will take any positive activity that we can right now.

We just listed a perfect starter home in the heart of Liberty Hill!  This home sits on a huge lot with great trees.  This home was remodeled in '05 including complete HVAC, water heater, tile flooring, and paint.  The carpet was replaced in May '09.  This home has been pr e-inspected and most items completed so it is ready to go.  It could also be a good rental home for an investor as well.  All in the highly acclaimed Liberty Hill schools.  Great family neighborhood...don't miss this one!  You can see the pictures and virtual tour by CLICKING HERE!  Or view the video below.

You can contact us at 512-515-5263 or shanetwhite@remax.net to set up a time to see this wonderful home for sale!

We just listed a great home right in town!  This home sits on a .65 acre corner lot and features an open floor plan with high ceilings, extensive tile flooring throughout, fresh paint inside and out, large garden tub in the master bath, and ceiling fans just to name a few.  This was the original model home with an office where the garage would be...could be a gameroom/extra bedroom/etc.  The back yard is fenced in and ready for kids and/or pets!  You can see pics and virtual tour if you CLICK HERE!

Please let us know if you or anyone you know would like to see this lovely home!

Here is a great article on our area from Forbes magazine!!  This is great news for our area in a time where doom and gloom seem to be everywhere...but not in TEXAS!!  And look at the unemployment numbers for Austin...Hope you enjoy:

 

Forbes: Austin remains a bargain

Austin Business Journal

Austin's relative affordability and number of job opportunities has helped it rank first on Forbes.com's list of the nation's best bargain cities.

To determine which U.S. cities are the best bargains, Forbes.com looked at the country's 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Researchers assigned cities points across four data sets: average salary for workers with a bachelor's degree or higher; annual unemployment statistics; cost of living; and the Housing Opportunity Index that measures the amount of homes sold in a given area that would be affordable to a family earning the local median income.

The other major Texas cities--Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Ft. Worth--were also among the top 10 best bargains. But none come close to Austin where the 5.5 percent unemployment rate is the best in the country and about half the national average.

Our team just listed one of our local custom builders newest spec homes for sale in Carriage Oaks in Liberty Hill.  This is a great little neighborhood, and a perfect home that is priced well!  You can see more about this by clicking HERE!

If you would like to see this property or any other real estate for sale in Liberty Hill, please call our team at 512-515-5263 or email me at shanetwhite@remax.net

 

We just hosted the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon at Bill Burden Elementary this morning...it was awesome!!  We sponsored along with RE/MAX of Texas to have the hot air balloon come out to teach the kids about how hot air rises.  They were taught a little about the history of hot air balloons, but mainly about how they operate and the science behind it.  THEN, there was of course a demonstration which they LOVED!!!  The school was great, the pilot was too, and the kids had a really good time.

If you are looking for a great building site that is level that has panaramic hill country views...this is it.  This lot is only 20 min. to Lake Travis & Marble Falls, and 10 min to Bertram.  It is located in a gated community with pool, bath house, central water, commons creek preserve & ponds,  and beautiful custom homes throughout.  There are scenic panaramic long Hill Country/Valley views (magnificent) and the restrictions include 2000 sf minimum home size.  To see more information or pictures, click HERE!

We just listed a new lot in Rio Gabriel subdivision located at 440 Rio Gabriel Dr in Liberty Hill, TX.  This 9.1 acre lot has a great building site among some nice trees. It is fenced on 3 sides and backs to the new 1000 acre Williamson County Park! Nice pasture section on this lot makes it great for horses or other animals. Restrictions include a 2500 sq.ft. minimum for the house with 75% masonry required. Beautiful custom estate homes in the area. All in the highly acclaimed Liberty Hill ISD!  You can see more information and pictures HERE!

Our team just picked up a new listing that is a GREAT BUY!!  The house located at 140 Creedmore has new carpet and kitchen flooring, an open floorplan, 2 living areas, seperate tub/shower in master bath, family room is open to kitchen and breakfast area, mother-n-law plan, owner will consider putting FHA foundation with acceptable offer.  Quiet country living yet just minutes from major roadways into Austin for employment and shopping.  You can see the pictures of this property HERE!

We have just listed a great home for sale at 212 Rock Hound in Liberty Hill, TX.  This one is a great home in Stonewall Ranch!  Open floorplan with 4 bedrooms/2baths, upgraded light fixtures, decorator colors, custom center island in kitchen, built in '07 so has low maintenance, close to elementary school, community playground and swimming pool, just minutes from 183A and Parmer Lane for easy access into Austin for work and shopping!  Highly acclaimed Liberty Hill school district!  Priced to sell for this neighborhood!!  You can see it HERE!

You don't want to miss this one!!

Our team's newest listing is in "like new" condition!!  Immaculate Custom Home on magnificent oak covered lot in Sundance Ranch!  This home is vacant, has just been painted and looks like new.  This open floor plan has many custom features like tile and wood flooring, lots of crown molding, granite countertops, corner jacuzzi tub, box windows, 4 sides white limestone, covered porch and sprinkler system just to name a few.  The lot is fenced and cross fenced and has a 20X20 metal building on slab with electricity.  Great property for horses.  A MUST SEE HOME!!!  Y ou can see pics HERE!

If you would like more information about this beautiful Liberty Hill home for sale, or would like to schedule a time to see it, please contact us at 512-515-5263 or shanetwhite@remax.net

 

Check out this beautiful "Estate Home" on over 15 acres...this one has it all.  This beautiful limestone home is in an acreage subdivision!  It sits on over 15 acres and features a huge great room, home theatre room, office/gym could be 5th bedroom, gameroom upstairs, each of the other 4 bedrooms has its own bath, master suite with true sitting room, jacuzzi tub and seperate shower, his/hers vanities and closets, screened in swimming pool, 50X60 RV workshop with full bath, white vinyl fencing, backs to a 1000 acre county park!!  Check out the pictures HERE!

For a private viewing of the lovely estate, please call our office at 512-515-5263 or email me at shanetwhite@remax.net .  Of course you can visit www.ShaneTWhiteTeam.com any time for our latest listings and properties for sale in the area.

 

 

 

Our team just listed a magnificent house in Sundance Ranch on a beautiful lot!   A FEW of the custom features include a gourmet kitchen with Viking double oven and 6 burner grill, 3 fireplaces (one see through in master to bath), nursery/office off master, central vac, home theatre room, Texas Tech storm shelter/wine cellar ready, walnut floors, 12 ft celings, granite countertops, jack & jill bath, music/playroom up, custom 10' metal entry doors, custom rock work, all on a gorgeous lot with wet weather creek and bridge (both sides)!  You can see the property HERE!

For a private tour of this great property, please call us at 512-515-5263 or email at shanetwhite@remax.net

Our team has been very busy listing properties over the last week...I think we are up to 10 new listings from lots to beautiful estates!!  Our newest listing is a beautiful CUSTOM home on a manicured 1 acre lot in Cierra Springs in Liberty Hill!  This home has an open floor plan with all kinds of upgrades including lots of tile flooring, granite countertops, stainless appliances, custom cabinets and builtins, jetted tub and large seperate walkin shower, jack and jill bathroom setup, big utility room with sink, low maintenance pool and manicured landscaping, sprinkler system, covered porch, wrought iron fence, in the highly acclaimed Liberty Hill ISD!  You can see pictures  HERE.

Call or email us if you would like to see this property!  We would love to show it to you...

I wanted to pass along some information about our current real estate market as discovered by Austin Metro Study.  We are seeing just a hint of pick up in the market, and really just need the buyers to realize what an incredible time it is to BUY right now with the tax incentives and the historically low interested rates.  I hope you enjoy the information.

 

Austin Metro Study

1^st Quarter Update

April 28^th, 2009

Eldon Rude, Director

 

-          INTRO: In broad terms, there are some positive developments nationally, with some improvement in the credit markets and some semblance of a spring housing market.  In the long term, most experts include Austin a list of cities with particularly bright futures in terms of corporate and job growth, driven by factors such as low taxes, high quality of life and a strong and diverse workforce.

-          The national stats remain sobering: consumer confidence is at its lowest point in years, GDP is down 6% as of 4Q08, and 4.9 million jobs have been lost in the past 12 months. However, all these downward trends are predicted to flatten out in 2009.

-          JOBS: In the 4Q08, Texas ranked was the #1 state in the country in terms of job growth.  In 1Q09, Texas did not make the list.  However, looking at the Top 15 metro market areas tracked by Metro Study as ranked by job growth, 6 of the top 15 market areas were in Texas, with Austin at #10. 

-          PRICES: Housing prices are holding steady in Central Texas, and are expected to stay flat or decline slightly this year.  Compare this to other markets in the US which continue to see 30% - 50% declines in home values.

-          MORTGAGE RATES remain historically low, with home buyers experiencing the greatest levels of purchasing power in more than 20 years. Experts agree that rates will not stay this low, and current rates combined with tax credits create historic opportunities for buyers.

-          APARTMENT MARKET: Occupancy is at 87% overall, and at less than 80% on the “A” locations.  Expect “A” space to fill up this year, at the expense of “B” space. Supply of new units is slowing, and apartment managers report losing some “A” tenants to the homebuyer market.

-          MLS DATA: In March of ’09, closings were down 23% over the previous year. So far, pendings are down 11% for April (not as low as recent months), and we have a manageable inventory of 6.5 months of supply of resale homes.

-          FORECLOSURE listings are up overall, due in part to an increase in “repostings” of some properties, and a spike in foreclosures in particular markets, most notably Manor/Elgin, where 27% of sales are foreclosures.

-          NEW HOMES: There are indications that 1Q09 may be the bottom of the market, as closings continue to outpace starts.  Currently we have 2.6 months of supply of finished vacant inventory – need to see that number drop to 2 months supply this year.  Austin and San Antonio have the lowest months of supply of all metro areas in Texas.

-          SUMMARY: Threats in 2009 include unknowns in the banking world, the effects of the swine flu problem on the markets, local job losses, availability of financing, accelerating foreclosures, and low consumer confidence. Boosters this year include spring housing market activity, low interest rates, tax credits, lack of a price bubble in Central Texas, manageable inventories, the possibility that 1Q09 might be the bottom of the market, and continued migration to Texas.

Our team just listed a great home on a beautiful oak covered 1/2 acre lot in Boulderwood in Liberty Hill, TX.  This home has lots of upgrades and has a private setting...all close to major roadways for easy access into Austin!  You can see more HERE.

Please let me know if you would like to personally see this great home for sale...you can call at 512-515-5263 or email me at shanetwhite@remax.net