Real Estate Blog

Every day it hits us. One depressing news story about the world economic climate after another. In Austin? We don't have a reason to be depressed. Trust me!

I've said it before -- and I'm sure you will hear me say it again -- Texas is among the few places that has fared well above the pack in this ongoing economic recession. And Austin itself has done even better.

Developers know that timing is just as important as location.  Right now Austin's city officials are frantically working to guide local growth over the next 30 years. Their plan is to push for development near key transportation hubs and, at the same time, to find real, viable solutions to Austin's existing traffic problems.

This city is growing exponentially with no foreseeable end. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that about half a million people have been relocating to Texas annually from other states, with the population of Austin proper doubling every 10 years.

This month Austin has been all over the national and local news.  These are but a few:

●      Yesterday, The Austin Business Journal issued apressrelease from PwC US and the Urban Land Institute, ranking Austin second in the nation for its "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2012 Forecast."  Specifically, the report recommended "investor[s] focus on markets generating jobs, where technology and energy companies concentrate."

●      On October 21, 2011 The University of Texas announced that they are building a $64 million16-storystudenthousing and retail building. 

●      On October 13, 2011IKEA, a worldwide home furnishing retailer announced that they plan to expand their 252,000 square foot store by 54,000 additional square feet.

●      On October 4, 2011,CatellusDevelopment, the master developer of Mueller, will begin developing the roads, utilities, and lots for a new residential section consisting of 221 single-family homes just east of Mueller's future town center.

Over the next few blog posts, I want share a ton of recent data for your review and consideration -- both for your own use and when talking with investment partners. I think this will give anyone wavering on the idea of investing in Austin a realistic outlook for just where this city is going.

Texas is truly unique.  Austin is showing all of the signs of exceptional opportunity.  Timing is critical, and there is still a window of opportunity to acquire properties at a reasonable price.

People. You don't stand in line at the ice-cream truck, you get there early while the sweet stuff is still frozen and fresh. I'm hungry. How about you?