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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Looking to buy or sell Austin real estate? Check out Monte Davis' Austin real estate blog for everything you need to know about the Austin real estate market.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/your-next-austin-property-tax-appraisal-may-surprise-you.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/your-next-austin-property-tax-appraisal-may-surprise-you.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>Your Next Property Tax Appraisal May Surprise You</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



AUSTIN-TX  When homeowners in Travis County receive their next property tax bill this fall, they will likely noticing something different.The market value of their property will be the same as in 2019. That's because Travis Central Appraisal District does not plan to reappraise residential properties this year.Contrast that with the significant climb in values in recent years, driven by one of the hottest housing markets in the United States. The median appraised value in Travis County in 2019 for someone with a homestead exemption was $359,154, up 6.2 from 2018.TCAD is shelving appraisals for 2020 because of a dispute with the Austin Board of Realtors. The two sides have been feuding since the Realtor organization discovered last year that the appraisal district was using local multiple listing service data from CoreLogic to help appraise homes.ABOR sent a cease and desist letter to TCAD last May. Now Marya Crigler, TCAD's chief appraiser, said that letter prevents the appraisal district from using sales MLS data, removing one of the primary tools it uses to calculate appraisals.&quot;We are doing everything we can to get data,&quot; Crigler said. &quot;We're pleading with the public: if anybody has data that they will share with us, we'd love to have it. We're not trying to induce people to violate their agreements, but we're making a plea for market data to do the job we're required to do.&quot;


Texas is a non-disclosure state, meaning sales prices for homes and other buildings...


Read the full article here: Your Next Property Tax Appraisal May Surprise You, Austin Business Journal
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    <pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2020 13:49:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/2020-vision-on-austin.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/2020-vision-on-austin.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>2020 Vision for Austin</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



It's no secret that Austin is growing with each passing day, and 2020 is set to be another thriving year. According to the Austin Business Journal, &quot;Austin is predicted to be one of the hottest housing markets in the nation in 2020&quot;. In an annual report by PWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) on trending markets, Austin was ranked the number one market to watch. Within the past year, Austin moved from the ranking of the sixth to the first overall. Austin's population grows three times faster than the national average and is the eleventh most populated in the nation.  


Many factors contribute to Austin’s attractiveness, including its fantastic culture and friendly locals, the urban suburban feel, and great schools. Austin's official motto is the &quot;Live Music Capital of the World,&quot; boasting the highest number of music venues per capita and hosts several major music festivals. The slogan “Keep Austin Weird&quot; was adopted by the Austin Independent Business Alliance to promote small businesses in Austin. And while some local companies continue to grow and expand, many start-ups are other companies are moving their corporate headquarters to the Austin area.


Yes, Austin’s uniqueness draws a diverse and educated population from young professionals to families.  The Austin metropolitan area added 37,800 net new jobs, or 3.5 in 2019 according to Friday’s releases of preliminary Current Employment Statistics (CES) payroll job numbers by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Austin’s 3.5 growth rate makes it the 2nd best performing among the 50 largest metro areas. So it only makes sense to invest in Austin real estate.  


We at Monte Davis Realty Group love to educate new investors as well as assist with their first purchase – or their fifth. We just love what we do and the exciting energy of Austin’s growth. Coming from California, Monte Davis is honored to have been in the real estate industry in Austin for the past two decades. We anticipate yet another exciting and successful year for both our economy in real estate and for our city in general.” We anticipate yet another exciting and successful year for everyone.  Give us a call if you would like more information on investing.
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    <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2020 10:07:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/buda-a-city-on-the-rise.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/buda-a-city-on-the-rise.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>Buda- A City On the Rise </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



While the city of Austin is thriving, let's keep in mind that its surrounding communities are growing as well


Buda is one city in particular that is on the rise. Just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, this once quiet railroad town is now one of the fastest growing cities in the Austin area. Buda has seen a 77 growth rate over the past 5 years with a population reaching nearly 20,000. As the population grows, so does its economy as the diversity of job opportunities arise.


One of the 2 recent projects in Buda that are contributing to the attractiveness of the city, while providing new revenue is the City Park. Set in the heart of town, the park will gain an amphitheater, two playgrounds, a splash pad, a volleyball court and new restrooms, among other amenities. The amphitheater will provide a great venue for festivals and regionals events, attracting more interest in the area. 


Another project is the recently re-done Municipal buildings. In 2018, the new municipal complex was built in Buda to replace 3 city-owned buildings: the old City Hall, the old library, and the annex which &quot;formerly housed some city staff and the police department&quot;. This new development has already made a significant statement for Buda, representing their desire for modernization while preserving some of the historic charm. The new municipal complex makes a statement in the center of town with its sleek new design.


So what does this mean for real estate in this up and coming town? Over the past 10 years, the average home value has increased by 51, making it one of the highest in Austin city suburbs. Monte Davis Realty Group predicts even more growth due to the town's close proximity to Austin, it's potential and appeal. If you're looking to buy investment property, Buda or even its sister city, Kyle would be worth looking into. Contact us today to discuss. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/austin-texas-new-downtown-north.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/austin-texas-new-downtown-north.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>Austin Texas' New Downtown North </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Last December, news hit the media that North Austin was selected as one of the cities where Apple will build a new campus. The real estate industry has been booming with talk of how Apple and other companies moving to Austin could affect the surrounding areas. As 2019 wraps up, Monte Davis Realty Group looks to the coming year and recaps what you, as a property investor, should know. 


Apple's CEO, Tim Cook is quoted as saying, &quot;Apple is proud to bring new investment, jobs and opportunity to cities across the United States, and to significantly deepen our quarter-century partnership with the city and people of Austin.&quot; Apple plans to eventually employ 15,000 at the new 100,000 square foot campus in North Austin which is very close to it's now over-flowing offices at Riatta Corporate Park. Also close by in North Austin is the popular retail hub, The Domain. 


The Domain is a five-star shopping center set on 300 acres in North Austin. The third and final phase was completed in 2016. The Domain quickly became a major focal point and destination for Austinites as well as visitors with its restaurants, outdoor venues, hotels, movie theater, apartments and high-end retailers, as well as locally-owned businesses. This pleasant shopping atmosphere is catered by the tranquil landscaping along its streets that you can enjoy while taking a break with tea and crumpets, wine and cheese, or a slice of pizza.


Austin's affordability, continued growth, and quality of life are driving factors in many companies moving to Austin. Its strong talent pool has attracted startups such as Paradromics, Zdaly and REX. This, in turn, has attracted many real estate investors to look at Austin as prime real estate. Monte Davis Realty Group (MDRG) drew a circle around this bullseye of North and Northwest Austin more than a decade ago, and has helped many of its investors achieve great success with properties in this area and nearby neighborhoods of Cedar Park and Round Rock. North Austin is quickly becoming the new popular hotspot and could easily be coined, The new Downtown North. It is absolutely exploding with potential and it is worth talking to MDRG about what type of investment you could be making. 


The takeaway is to keep your eye on the North and Northwest area of Austin. This is only the beginning of a strong future. To the East of the Domain and around Riatta Corporate Park, there are acres of vacant land. Property owners are rapidly benefitting in appreciation from their home being close to this business park. If you're looking to own property in the near future, we strongly encourage you to look into the North and Northwest area. Visit our communities page to learn more about the types of properties that you could invest in. 


 


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:19:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/why-tech-workers-should-consider-moving-to-austin-texas.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/why-tech-workers-should-consider-moving-to-austin-texas.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>Why Tech Workers Should Consider Moving to Austin, Texas</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Austin, Texas has seen a dramatic changes in its skyline as major tech companies, like Apple, Google, and Facebook have been relocating their offices here.


In fact, Apple announced that it will be investing $1 billion to build a new campus in North Austin.


Austin is quickly becoming known for its thriving tech industry as major companies and small start-ups are flooding the city’s job market. In the past few years, Austin has seen many industry-leading companies, like Juul Labs and Paradromics, move to the city from their original headquarters in San Francisco.


For many years, San Francisco has been known as Silicon Valley, but as more and more companies choose to relocate to Austin, the lone star state capital is gaining a reputation in the tech industry.


Tech companies, both large and small, have been populating Austin for reasons, including the low cost of living and the thriving economy.


Since there are so many companies arising in the area, relocating to Austin for a tech job is becoming the norm. Here are five reasons why tech workers should consider moving to Austin, Texas:


Plenty of Career Opportunities


Austin’s tech industry has never seen so much growth as it has in recent years. Tons of massive companies are relocating their headquarters here while small startups are arising left, right, and center.


All of these new companies have been creating thousands of jobs for tech workers. In fact, in 2018, the 46 companies that relocated to the city created over 9,400 jobs.


You can be a part of industry-changing start-ups, like GenXComm, or fortune five-hundred companies, like Dell. Regardless of your line of work, it’s likely you’ll find plenty of career opportunities in Austin.


Opportunity for Education


One of the best ways to grow in your career and industry is to continuously learn.


Education is made easy in Austin with the University of Texas Austin campus. This university has one of the top-ranked computer science programs in the nation, making it a prestigious place to advance your learning.


The city is also teeming with training programs and bootcamps that teach coding, design, project management, and more. With all these educational opportunities, living in Austin lets you grow in your career unlike any other city.


Annual Tech Conferences with Industry Leaders


When you live in Austin, you’re in the center of action for the tech industry. In fact, the city’s industry is growing so much that people are calling it Silicon Hills.


Because of the city’s terrific growth, Austin is the host of major tech conferences, like South by Southwest.


SXSW is an annual conference that attracts thousands of tech workers from across the nation to learn about the industry and to network with one another.


Visiting these types of conferences provides tech workers with unbeatable opportunity to innovate with global industry leaders.


The Best Place to Start a Business


Austin, Texas has been named one of the best places to start a business in the United States for its growing industry, local talent, and relaxed business licensing rules.


There are countless entrepreneurs in the city starting businesses and companies every day, growing the job market and the economy.


The city also has plenty of venture fund opportunities that are available by Austin’s own Capital Factory and Austin Ventures.


Incredible Quality of Life


One of the reasons why so many tech workers have been moving to Austin is because of its high quality of life and low cost of living.


Austin is continuously rated to have the best quality of life in the country because of its inclusive community, vibrant lifestyle, and unbeatable scenery. Because of this, plenty of young people are attracted to the city.


Austin has a much cheaper cost of living compared to other American tech hubs, like San Francisco. Housing, transportation, and entertainment is less expensive across the board, making this a desirable place to live for many.


In relation to the cost of living, tech workers in Austin actually make a higher percentage of money every year than those working in San Francisco. This is because it’s far more expensive to live in Silicon Valley.


Austin’s real estate market has plenty of reasonably priced homes that cater to homebuyers of all types, making it easy to invest in a property.


There are so many reasons why tech workers relocate to Austin, Texas. The growing industry offers so many career opportunities that other tech hubs in America simply can’t provide.


To learn more about relocating to Austin, Texas for a tech job, talk to one of our expert real estate agents.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2019 19:47:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/learn-home-sellers-lingo-fast.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/learn-home-sellers-lingo-fast.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>Home Seller's Terminology Explained</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Learning how to speak real estate is like learning how to speak a new language.


There are seemingly countless never-before heard terms that you encounter on a regular basis that always leave you puzzled. But when you’re wanting to sell your home, knowing real estate terminology will keep you in the loop when you’re selling your home.


To make it simple, here’s a guide to some of the most common terms we are asked to explain:


Real Estate Terminology 101








APS (Agreement of Purchase and Sales)






After you’ve found a buyer for your home, you will be required to fill out an agreement of purchase and sales. This is a legally binding contract that spells out all the conditions of the sale of your home. In going through this document, you get to go through the inclusions and exemptions of the sale to make sure everything is detailed correctly.


Also included in this document is the final purchasing price, the closing date and other important details.











Chattels






Chattels are unattached goods in your home that you will be taking with you when you move out. Chattels can be big ticket items like TVs, motor vehicles, and other appliances.


Although some chattels seem obvious to both sellers and buyers, there are sometimes disputes over certain goods, like expensive curtain rails or cabinetry. To avoid confusion on your closing day, be sure that all your chattels are clearly outlined in your APS.











Closing






After you make a purchasing agreement with your buyer, you need to close the sale. The closing is a meeting that takes place to finalize the deal.


This is the time when both sellers and buyers sign the final documents. The buyer also makes the down payment and pays for the closing fees.











CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)






When you put your home up for sale, your real estate agent will run a comparative market analysis--a report of similar homes that have been sold in your area. When considering the real estate market in your area, an agent is able to determine an accurate list price for your home.











Contingencies






Oftentimes, when building an offer, buyers will have place conditions in the purchasing agreement that ultimately have to be removed before the sale can go through. These conditions are called contingencies.


Some contingencies are as easy as getting a home inspector to go through your home, but some are as difficult as waiting for the buyer to sell their own home before the closing of the deal.











Escrow Period






After you accept an offer on a home, your house is put in escrow.


During this time, the buyer’s money is put into a third party holding along with necessary documents and instructions. All of this stays in the escrow account until both the buyer and seller fulfill their obligations written out in the purchase agreement.


Homes are put in escrow to make sure everything with the sale is fair and impartial. So, funds are not distributed until both the buyer and seller meet the terms and conditions of the purchase agreement.











Equity






When you sell your home, you may still have a remaining mortgage amount that you haven’t yet paid. The equity of your home is the difference between the appraised market value of your home and that remaining mortgage amount.


So, if your home is worth $300,000 and you still owe the bank $50,000, then the equity on your home is $250,000. The equity is the amount of money you get to keep after you pay off your mortgage.


 


 











Inspection






On most occasions, when a buyer is interested in purchasing your home, they will hire a professional to go through it for an inspection. The inspector looks at the plumbing, foundation, appliances, and other features in the home to ensure that they are up to code and are functioning properly.


If any substantial repairs are indicated to the buyer, they may use this information to reduce their offer price








Mortgage Prepayment Penalties






When you pay off your mortgage early, the bank may subject you to penalties. These penalties are designed to protect lenders from potential interest losses.


For some cases, banks may ask for three months worth of interest payments, but this may change depending on your individual situation.










Staging






One of the most important aspects of selling your home is its marketability. To make your home as desirable to a buyer as possible, you may want to hire a professional stager who will re-design your interiors with furniture and accessories in an appealing way.










Need something explained?


Do you have a term that you are unsure of and would like to get answered? Fill out the form below and we will get back to you with an answer. You might even see your question end up on this page



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    <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2019 15:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/4-signs-the-investment-property-youre-buying-has-good-resale-value.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/4-signs-the-investment-property-youre-buying-has-good-resale-value.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>4 Signs the Investment Property You’re Buying Has Good Resale Value</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
While you intend to keep an investment for years to come, that isn't always the case. There will come a time when you will sell the property you are just now buying. With that in mind, it is important to think resale value now. How can you tell if the investment you're thinking about buying has good resale value? Here are some signs:





The NeighborhoodLocation is always the number one seller. Make sure the property you are buying is located in a prime, but quiet neighborhood. What else should you look for? Signs of a great neighborhood include the following: top schools, nearby entertainment and dining options and more. 


The SystemsEnsure the home’s systems are either new or in good standing at the time of purchase. While it is expected to have to fork out some money for repairs while owning the property, it is said that the sooner you have to make them the more expensive it is for you. That being said, ask an inspector to take a close look at the major home systems and give you a rundown of the future health of the home. Note that costly items to fix include the roof, water heater, HVAC system, windows, foundation, etc.  


Great SchoolsWhether you have kids or not, the school district matters – especially when it comes to the resale value. Do your research and ensure the property is located in one of the area's top school districts. Great school districts in the Austin area include Leander ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Round Rock ISD, Eanes ISD, Liberty Hill ISD and more.


A Well-Designed Floor PlanA floor plan that is well-designed doesn’t just mean open. While open is highly desirable, you should also look for a family-friendly plan that has at least three bedrooms (maybe even four) and multiple bathrooms.


Even with these signs, good resale value is never a sure thing. Keep that in mind, both now, when you are buying the property, and when it comes time to sell.


Do you have any questions about buying in Austin’s fast-moving real estate market? Give our team a call. We are always available to help 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2018 10:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/proposed-cedar-park-mixed-use-development-indigo-ridge-south-could-bring-businesses-and-housing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/proposed-cedar-park-mixed-use-development-indigo-ridge-south-could-bring-businesses-and-housing.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>Proposed Cedar Park Mixed-Use Development Indigo Ridge South Could Bring Businesses and Housing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The 97-acre proposed development site dubbed “Indigo Ridge South” in eastern Cedar Park calls for offices, light manufacturing, and high-density residential, including up to 1,500 new housing units.





Located near the intersection of East Whitestone Boulevard and West Parmer Lane, the parcel is situated on the eastern fringe of Cedar Park, south of an Austin Wood Recycling location and west of a single-family home neighborhood on the outskirts of Round Rock. Originally slated to become a Schlitterbahn waterpark, development plans for the waterpark stalled several years ago. Currently, plans for Indigo Ridge South are moving forward, including rezoning the land into a “planned development” that would accommodate a general business or mixed-use project.


Of the total acreage, 20 acres in the southwest corner of the parcel would be zoned for mixed-use development, while the remaining 76 acres would permit general business, including light manufacturing. All told, the new planned development portion may allow up to 1,500 apartments.


Cedar Park’s Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended the rezoning request for approval. Public hearings are scheduled for this week and next (Sept. 27th and Oct. 4th).


Additionally, Indigo Ridge North, located just north of East Whitestone Boulevard from Indigo Ridge South, received zoning approval in August. Expected to include retail, hotel, office, and residential components, Indigo Ridge North has been compared to The Domain in Austin and is slated to include office buildings up to 10 stories tall and up to 3,000 residential units.


Mixed-use development can affect the value of single-family homes dramatically, often making neighborhoods close to the planned development more valuable and attractive to residents, investors, and tenants alike.


If you have questions regarding Indigo Ridge South, Indigo Ridge North, or another development and how they may impact your residential investment strategy or your investment property’s current value and marketability, please reach out to us anytime. Our team is always here to help.


Sources: https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/09/20/indigo-ridge-south-may-bring-businesses-housing.htmlhttps://www.cedarparktexas.gov/home/showdocument?id=321
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    <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2018 10:52:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/helpful-austin-area-numbers-for-property-investors.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/helpful-austin-area-numbers-for-property-investors.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>Helpful Austin-Area Numbers for Property Investors</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you manage your own rental properties, it’s essential to have a “Rolodesk” full of numbers to help with common and not-so-common issues. Today, we’re sharing our list of helpful Austin-area phone numbers and web links for pesky problems. At Monte Davis Property Management, we strive to be a resource not only for our clients but also for investors who self-manage. Click here for a printable pdf of our “Helpful Numbers for Pesky Problems.” If you have questions, our team is here to help. Call us anytime: (512) 861-8089.



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    <pubDate>Fri, 31 Aug 2018 16:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/the-projected-impact-of-broadmoor-on-the-north-austin-area-and-residential-investors.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.investinaustin.com/blog/the-projected-impact-of-broadmoor-on-the-north-austin-area-and-residential-investors.html</link>
        <author>monte@investinaustin.com (Monte Davis)</author>
        <title>The Projected Impact of Broadmoor on the North Austin Area and Residential Investors</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
As the Broadmoor campus continues to take shape, this massive 16-city-block development is projected to impact the greater North Austin area, along with residential property investors, significantly. All told, the development will include an urban oasis of parks and 23 trails, along with high-end retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues, sprinkled with modern offices and apartments.





While The Domain could be dubbed a competitor, the overall feel from those spearheading the project, Brandywine Realty Trust, is that the two will feed off of one another, creating an urban core that is predicted to rival Austin’s Downtown.


But that’s not all. If a secondary urban core area comes to pass, such a layout could significantly impact two of Austin’s biggest economic threats: rising traffic and housing costs. While Austin clustered around linear areas like Loop 360, MoPac, and 183, there are only two walkable, dynamic, mixed-use core areas in greater Austin: Downtown and The Domain.


Downtown’s transformation has evolved over the last two decades, through a pattern where more office space supports the need for added residential space, which, in turn, drives demand for more shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The same could be true for The Domain and the Broadmoor development.


All-the-while, the demand for office space demonstrates no sign of slowing. As families continue to move north to take advantage of school districts and more reasonably priced homes, traffic issues are also pushing more employers to adopt North Austin campuses.


Because of these factors, it’s predicted that residential real estate in the greater North Austin area and neighboring suburbs will continue to grow and appreciate, and the demand for single-family homes and rental properties will also rise for the foreseeable future.


Today represents an excellent opportunity to invest in real estate in and around what’s dubbed as Austin’s “Uptown.” If we can help, reach out to us anytime.


Image credit: Photo by Blake Wheeler on Unsplash
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    <pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2018 10:50:00 -0500</pubDate>
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