Austin Luxury Home Sales Increase in 2010

austin luxury homes The Austin TX luxury home market was active in 2010.  In Travis County, sales of homes priced over $1 million increased 5% vs. 2009.  Just under 200 Austin luxury homes were sold in 2010 while the average size of homes sold decreased slightly, as did the time it took to sell a luxury home.  On average, high end properties spent 130 days on the market.  

Price per square foot paid was up 2% vs 2009 but is down 5% when compared to 2008 and down 10% when compared to 2007.  Although sales were up 5% in 2010 vs. 2009, the number of $1 million + properties sold in Austin/ Travis County were 35% lower than in 2007.  I think that 35% number tells the bigger story.  Compared to 3 years ago, sales have dropped and so have prices for luxury homes.  By no means has the bottom fallen out as is the story in some US cities, but clearly there are fewer sales, with lower prices.  

Looking back over the past 5 years, 2007 was the peak in prices and sales numbers for Austin luxury homes. The number of 2010 sales looks like 2005, while the prices look more like 2006.  Every neighborhood has its own story to tell and these figures are a broad look at single family home sales in Central and West Austin, Westlake Hills and Western Travis County.

If you are thinking of buying or selling an Austin luxury home, contact me or visit www.trueaustinluxury.com for a more detailed market report or to search Austin luxury homes for sale.

Jeff Harris

Broker

jeff@trueaustinhomes.com

 

 

 

Jeff Harris   

Realtor/ Mortgage Broker

True Austin Properties

www.centralaustinliving.com

Jeff Harris Austin Real Estate Page

6 commentsJeff Harris Realtor|Broker|Lender • January 13 2011 04:14PM

Riding While Intoxicated--Keeping Austin Weird

downtown austinThe slogan Keep Austin Weird must have been on the drunken minds of two men who rode horseback down E. 6th street in Downtown Austin last weekend.  In the heart of Austin's famous entertainment district, Austin police observed 2 men on horseback casually trotting down the street in traffic on a busy Friday night.  Apparently APD smelled alcohol on the riders after stopping them (I guess vodka is more aromatic than horse manure) and promptly arrested them for driving under the influence.  It is not against the law to ride a horse down the street in Texas but apparently if you get drunk and do it on 6th street on Friday night, Austin police might ask a few questions.  

The charges against one of the men have been dropped but the other is still charged with horsing around on a public street.  The judge has suggested the prosecutor do some research to see if DUI really applies to men on horseback.  At the least, they will be charged with public intoxication.  I have certainly seen my share of craziness on 6th street over the years, but it's usually confined to two legged individuals without the assistance of farm animals. The county attorney says he is surprised there is not more case law on drunken cowboys in Texas.  No comment from the horses.  Cheers!

 

Jeff Harris

Broker

jeff@trueaustinhomes.com

 

Jeff Harris   

Realtor/ Mortgage Broker

True Austin Properties

www.centralaustinliving.com

Jeff Harris Austin Real Estate Page

7 commentsJeff Harris Realtor|Broker|Lender • January 12 2011 02:29PM

AISD School Closings Possible

AISD school closingsAustin Independent School District (AISD) is considering closing several neighborhood schools in an effort to save money.  AISD is considered "property rich" and sends locally collected dollars to the state for redistribution. This redistribution plus  lower funding from the state and rising expenses have forced AISD to consider moves that would save dollars. 

Neighborhood schools are a vital part of any community and the quality and location of schools impacts property values in surrounding areas. The AISD task force said they did not consider school performance or academic achievement, but looked at maintenance costs, capacity utilization and how many students overall are affected.

Parents and students of some of the impacted AISD schools have organized quickly in opposition.  As Realtors, we all know that schools can heavily influence home buying decisions.  I have had my share of parents who only consider one school or district and will not look elsewhere.  Closing AISD schools will make a difference in Austin neighborhoods which means it will make a difference to Austin families and where they choose to live.  

One of the schools that may be closed is Downtown Austin's only elementary, Pease.    Opened in 1876, it is one of the oldest operating schools in Texas. AISD also wants to close Zilker, Barton Hills, Sanchez, Brooke, Joslin, Oak Springs and Ortega Elementary along with Pearce Middle School.  

The next public meeting on the AISD proposal is Thursday January 13 at 6 p.m. at Burger Center off 290. AISD Board of Trustees can be contacted by email at  trustees@austinisd.org.  Now is a good time to to let AISD know your thoughts on this issue.  UPDATE:  As of March 2, the 2011-2012 AISD budget does not call for any school closures in Austin.  That could still change as the state tweeks budget estimates.

 

Jeff Harris

Broker

www.trueaustinhomes.com

jeff@trueaustinhomes.com

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Jeff Harris   

Realtor/ Mortgage Broker

True Austin Properties

www.centralaustinliving.com

Jeff Harris Austin Real Estate Page

5 commentsJeff Harris Realtor|Broker|Lender • January 12 2011 01:47PM

Austin Top 10 City for Young Entrepreneurs

Austin relocationAustin ranks as a top US spot for young entrepreneurs according to Under30CEO.  Austin ranked third, behind New York City and San Francisco.  The CEOs were asked to think about resources, schools, events, climate, and the social scene that a young entrepreneur looks for.  Austin compared favorably.  No other Texas city made the list.

Take a look around Austin and it's easy to notice the youthful influence on our city.  Many of the younger clients and prospects I encounter who are relocating to Austin are excited at seeing young businesses flourish in and around Austin neighborhoods and Downtown.  Housing choices are abundant and relatively affordable, and the business climatewelcoming so that thousands are able to relocate to Austin annually in persuit of entrepreneurial dreams

Relocate to Austin and join the thousands before you who sawAustin relocation Austin as integral to their success.  Contact me about an Austin relocation or search Austin homes for sale.

Jeff Harris

Realtor & Mortgage Broker

jeff@trueaustinhomes.com

 

Jeff Harris   

Realtor/ Mortgage Broker

True Austin Properties

www.centralaustinliving.com

Jeff Harris Austin Real Estate Page

1 commentJeff Harris Realtor|Broker|Lender • January 05 2011 12:30PM