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Hey Everyone, below are 5 brief real estate articles, a video and several virtual open house tours I thought would be of interest to you.

Most areas have definitely shifted to a seller’s market with limited inventory available. Now is a great time for selling your home and with interest rates still at an historic low, it’s a great time to buy as well. If you would like to receive market data for your neighborhood or area of interest, please let me know. No charge for this of course, we just always want to be your real estate resource!

·    Austin-Area Home Sales Volume & Median Price Up in March 2012 (Austin)

·    Texas’ Recovery ‘More Solid’ Than Before (Texas)    

·    Home Buyers Find the Bidding Wars Are Back (National)

·    Fed Renews Vow to Keep Interest Rates Low (National)

·    Planned Office Towers Bolster Austin Growth (Austin)

·    Virtual Open House Tours

For the latest on real estate trends, tips on staging and the effects of doing repairs on your home prior to selling, visit the Robert J Fischer Team’s YouTube channel.

More real estate news, market data and information can also be found on our website, blog, Twitter, and Facebook page. To connect with our blog, click here. Twitter users are invited to follow us at @RJFischerTeam. Facebook users are invited to connect to our Facebook page titled Robert J Fischer Team, Realtor Serving Austin/Round Rock Areas. YouTube users are invited to subscribe to our YouTube channel Robert J Fischer Team

 

AUSTIN-AREA HOME SALES VOLUME AND MEDIAN PRICE UP IN MARCH 2012

AUSTIN (Austin Board of Realtors) – According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released on April 19 by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, 1,852 single-family homes were sold in the Austin area in March 2012, which is 15 percent more than March 2011. During the same time period, the median price for Austin-area homes was $200,000, or eight percent more than the same month of the prior year.

Leonard Guerrero, Chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, commented, “This marks the tenth month in a row Austin has seen year-over-year increases in sales volume. In addition, another healthy increase in the median price indicates competition is increasing among buyers as the inventory of homes continues to shrink.”

In March 2012, the Austin market had 4.4 months of inventory, 1.8 months less than March 2011. In addition, the market featured four percent fewer new listings, 21 percent fewer active listings and 16 percent more pending sales in March 2012 compared to the prior year. On average, homes spent 84 days on the market in March 2012, or 12 days less than March 2011.

March 2012 Statistics

· 1,852– Single-family homes sold, 15 percent more than March 2011.

· $200,000– Median price for single-family homes, eight percent more than March 2011.

· 84 – Average number of days that single-family homes spent on the market, 12 days less than March 2011.

· 3,350– New single-family home listings on the market, four percent less than March 2011.

· 7,274– Active single-family home listings on the market, 21 percent less than March 2011.

· 2,331– Pending sales for single-family homes, 16 percent more than March 2011.

· 4.4 – Months of inventory* of single-family homes, 1.8 months less than March 2011.

· $480,471,768– Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 22 percent more than March 2011.

To learn more about market data in your neighborhood or area of interest, please contact Robert at 512.791.0229.

 

TEXAS’ RECOVERY ‘MORE SOLID’ THAN BEFORE

AUSTIN (RECON) – Revised employment data for Texas released in March 2012 shows that the state’s economy is currently experiencing a "more solid economic recovery than before," according to the Real Estate Center's latest Monthly Review of the Texas Economy.

The economy gained 266,200 nonagricultural jobs from February 2011 to February 2012, an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent compared with 1.6 percent for the United States. The state’s nongovernment sector added 319,000 jobs, an annual growth rate of 3.7 percent compared with 2.1 percent for the nation’s private sector.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 7.1 percent in February 2012 from eight percent a year ago. The nation’s rate decreased from nine to 8.3 percent.

All Texas industries except the information industry and the state’s government sector had more jobs this February than last. The state’s mining and logging industry ranked first in job creation, followed by the leisure and hospitality, other services and the professional and business services industry.

All Texas metro areas except Abilene, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Waco and Wichita Falls had more jobs than a year ago. Odessa ranked first in job creation followed by Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Angelo and Midland.

The state’s actual unemployment rate in February was 7.2 percent. Midland had the lowest unemployment rate followed by Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo and Abilene.

To learn more about the improving economic climate, as well as employment history and the impact it has on purchasing real estate, please contact Robert at 512.791.0229.

 

HOME BUYERS FIND THE BIDDING WARS ARE BACK

(The Wall Street Journal) – A new development is catching home buyers off guard as the spring sales season gets under way: Bidding wars are back.

From California to Florida, many buyers are increasingly competing for the same house. Unlike the bidding wars that typified the go-go years and largely reflected surging sales, today's are a result of supply shortages.

"It's a little surprising because we thought bidding wars were done with," said Andy Aley, who is looking to buy his first home in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood. The 31-year-old attorney was outbid this year when he offered up to $23,000 above the $357,000 listing price and agreed to waive inspections and other closing conditions.

Competitive bidding in the current environment isn't producing huge price increases or leaving sellers with hefty profits, as occurred during the housing boom. Still, the bidding wars caused by tight inventory provide the latest evidence that housing demand is starting to pick up after a six-year-long slump.

An index that measures the number of contracts signed to purchase previously owned homes rose in March to its highest level in nearly two years, up 12.8% from a year ago and 4.1% from February, the National Association of Realtors reported on last week.

"We very much believe we've hit bottom," said Ivy Zelman, chief executive of a research firm, who was among the first to warn of a downturn seven years ago. Earlier this week, she raised her home-price forecast for the year, calling for a 1% annual gain, up from a 1% decline.

To learn about market data in your neighborhood or area of interest, please contact Robert at 512.791.0229.

 

FED RENEWS VOW TO KEEP INTEREST RATES LOW

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Daily Real Estate News) – The Fed voted this week to continue its near-zero interest rate policy for the next quarter and likely much longer. The move will keep mortgage rates low in the coming months, if not years.

In recent weeks, mortgage rates have hovered around record lows, which has helped increase home buyer purchasing power as well as helped refinancers trim their monthly mortgage payments.

Last summer, the Fed made a rare move in vowing to keep the key rate near zero through late 2014. The move has been criticized by some who say it will cause inflation and awards spenders, not savers. Critics have pushed the Fed to reverse its policy.

However, the Fed says the subdued outlook for inflation has not warranted a change in its policies.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, following the Fed’s policy-making committee meeting this week, affirmed the Fed’s intention to continue keeping short-term interest rates down until late 2014—and possibly even longer.

The Fed has kept short-term interest rates near zero since late 2008. The Fed has also acted to reduce long-term rates by purchasing Treasury securities and mortgage bonds.

The Fed’s policy-making committee also released its economic forecast, projecting moderate economic growth in the coming months before a steady pick up, as well as a gradual drop in unemployment. The committee also projects for inflation to remain under control, despite the recent rise in oil prices.

“If there’s a substantial change in the economic outlook in either direction, then there would be a change in the outlook,” Bernanke said. “But for now, I think the committee is comfortable.”

To learn more about homebuyer programs and financing options, please contact Robert at 512.791.0229.

 

PLANNED OFFICE TOWERS BOLSTER AUSTIN GROWTH

AUSTIN (Austin American-Statesman) – Downtown Austin will soon add its first high-rise office tower since Frost Bank Tower opened in 2003.

Cousins Properties Inc. is planning a 30-story Class-A office tower at Colorado & Third, which will also serve as the project's name. The building will include 900 spaces of covered parking on the first 12 levels, 390,000 sf of office space above, and 6,000 sf of retail at street level.

The Atlanta-based developers plan to break ground later this year.

But wait — there's more.

Schlosser Development is also planning two new office buildings downtown, primarily to house the corporate expansion of Whole Foods Market Inc., whose flagship store is located there.

To learn more about investing in commercial property or to receive help with a commercial lease, please contact Robert at 512.791.0229.

 

 

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE TOURS

COMING SOON – NOT YET ON THE MARKET

-3104 Scarlet Oak-COMING SOON-Round Rock-Forest Ridge Estates-If you're interested in seeing this property before it hits the market, give Robert a call at 512.791.0229.

-109 Castle Drive-COMING SOON-Hutto-Legends of Hutto-Pre-foreclosure-If you're interested in seeing this property before it hits the market, give Robert a call at 512.791.0229.

-15201 Lantern-COMING SOON-Pflugerville-Settlers Meadow-If you're interested in seeing this property before it hits the market, give Robert a call at 512.791.0229.

-1851 Thompson Trail-COMING SOON-Round Rock-Turtle Creek Village- If you're interested in seeing this property before it hits the market, give Robert a call at 512.791.0229.

-119 Campos Drive-COMING SOON-Hutto-Legends of Hutto-Pre-foreclosure-If you’re interested in seeing this property before it hits the market, give Robert a call at 512.791.0229.

 

 

LISTED

-3821 Sky Lane-AVAILABLE-Round Rock-Mayfield Ranch-$224,500 Just Reduced!-Most popular floorplan-3 beds + office + gameroom, 10' ceilings, w/3-sides brick! Huge kitchen open to family room w/granite countertops, granite sink, large center island, tons of cabinet & counter space, tile floors & backsplash. Master suite w/double vanity, separate shower & tub. Large family room w/fireplace. Upgraded light fixtures throughout. Huge covered patio-great for entertaining. Finished garage w/shelves. Sprinkler system, gutters, storage shed. New roof-2009. Click to view tour:http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-971637.html.

-13 Lake Dr-AVAILABLE-Round Rock-Round Rock Glenn-$375,000-Rare, private 1-story,2+ acres, quiet street, w/ little-no restrictions-no city taxes-in amazing part of Round Rock! Attached living quarters for guests/parents; can be separate apartment-with its own separate entrance, w/2nd kitchen/bedroom/living. Incl. 30x90 pull barn, 16x20 metal barn; horses allowed. Potential for use as commercial/business, & living. 3400 sq. ft. open flr plan, w/lots of built-ins, ceiling fans throughout, recessed lighting-many patios. Kitchen open to family room; 2 islands, w/patio off breakfast area; large windows out to gigantic covered porch! Click to view tour:http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-933523.html.

-3111 Dawn Mesa Ct-AVAILABLE-Round Rock-Forest Ridge-$227,000. Just Reduced! By far the least expensive price per sq ft in neighborhood!!-Amazing 3400 sq ft home w/ rare 3 car garage on quiet cul-de-sac street & shaded yard-3 beds + office or 4th bedroom conversion + game room-Huge kitchen w/ island, tons a counter & cabinet space, open to family room & gigantic breakfast area-Family room has crown molding & fireplace-Large formal dining & separate game room-Never ending master retreat w/ sitting area, double vanity, sep shower & tub-Great secondary bed rooms. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-867191.html.

-20800 Prestwick Dr-AVAILABLE-Hutto-Star Ranch-$220,000-Amazing 4 bed + office + media room + game room + 2.5 car garage that still feels brand new at foreclosure prices; best price in neighborhood! Gorgeous granite counters, recess lighting, 42" cabinets, tile backsplash, center island, breakfast bar & open to family room-2 master suites-Main master bed on first floor, soaring ceiling, double vanity, separate shower & tub-Great location at end of cul-de-sac street, open field for amazing front yard living-Golf course community, rounded corners, covered porch. Short Sale-Pending Bank Approval. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-896406.html.

-5605 Malcom Trail-AVAILABLE-Austin-Stirling Bridge-$150,000. Rare 1 story, 4 bed, on cul-de-sac, w/one of the biggest lots in the subdivision. Kitchen open to family room w/center island. Beautiful wood-type floors throughout family room, formal dining, & all bedrooms. Large family room.Spacious master suite w/coffered ceiling, double vanity, separate shower & tub. Formal dining w/elegant brushed nickle fixtures. Rounded corners;shelving in laundry. Enormous backyard w/covered patio-great for outdoor living. Gutters; security system; blinds throughout; finished garage. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-966064.html.

-14514 Pocohontas Trl-AVAILABLE-Leander-Indian Point-$300,000. Pre-foreclosure SS-$127K below tax appraisal-Lowest price per sqft in area!-Rare 4100 sqft home w/ 1200 sqft of decks w/ amazing views of the lake on .35+ acres-Open kitchen has stainless steel appl-Private master retreat w/ excellent lake views, oversized jetted tub, 5-head walkin shower, double vanity, tile floors, w/sep living room-Slate floors-1st level has separate entrance, huge living, bed, bath + large laundry-Plus ~800 sq ft cabin needing work + storage buildings (not included in sq footage). Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-793448.html

-3818 Tailfeather Dr-AVAILABLE FOR LEASE-Round Rock-Stone Oak-$1,425-Rare 1 story 3 bedroom + 2 living + 2 dining, w/4-sides brick in sought after neighborhood.  Kitchen open to family room w/center island, gas range, dishwasher, tile floors. Master w/double vanity, separate shower & tub. Spacious family room w/beautiful corner fireplace, wood-type floors.  Ceiling fans and wood-type floors in all bedrooms. Huge patio, great for outdoor living. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005979.html

-IH-35 Frontage–AVAILABLE–Round Rock-$3.50-$7.50 a ft, ~32 acres. Owner WILL subdivide land as small as needed-Fronts to Chisholm Trail, and backs to railroad-Last growth areas in the hottest area of Round Rock-Down the street from future Round Rock Event Center-Some development beginning soon.

-101 Oak Haven Dr-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL LEASE-Round Rock-Deer Run-$2,500. 1-story office in prime area on west side of Round Rock! Remodeled 2380 square feet; nestled between Round Rock hospital and Arbor Place neighborhood.  New commercial and medial in surrounding area, plus office & C-1A zonings on adjacent properties. Potential office, medical, day care, law, auto, B&B, eating, etc. Potential subdivide into separate offices if desired. Amazing deal! Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005145.html

-309 W Main-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL LEASE-Round Rock-$638/mo-$1,190/mo. Office suites in amazing 2 story building in the heart of downtown Round Rock. Clients & guests greeted w/shade from 100 year old oak tree & wrap around porch. Surface parking + new parking garage next door. Reception area, carpeted floors throughout. Kitchen area & separate mens & womens restrooms.  Ask about our tenant move in special!! Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-811333.html

-8360 IH-35 N–AVAILABLE–COMMERCIAL LEASE-$1,250/Month-Jarrell-Lease is for 3,000sqft Quonset hut style building surrounded by concrete lot and fully fenced. Building sits on 3.08 acres, with 244 ft of Interstate Highway 35 frontage & 2 way access. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005193.html

-101 Oak Haven Dr-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Round Rock-Deer Run-$425,000. 1-story office in prime area on west side of Round Rock! Remodeled 2380 square feet; nestled between Round Rock hospital and Arbor Place neighborhood.  New commercial and medical in surrounding area, plus office & C-1A zonings on adjacent properties.  Potential office, medical, day care, law, auto, B&B, eating, etc. Potential subdivide into separate offices if desired.  Amazing deal! Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005145.html

-6950 N IH-35–AVAILABLE–COMMERCIAL-$699,999-Jarrell-619 feet of Interstate Highway 35 frontage & 2 way access road, on almost 3 acres, no restrictions commercial property in the Georgetown/Jarrell area, 7500 sq ft building  with majority of parking concrete & remaining is gravel and fully fenced. Addtl 1100 sq ft building with separate drive & gravel parking lot. Built 2001 with recent A/C. $63,000 annual income. Long term stable tenants will probably continue leasing. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005196.html

-8360 IH-35 N–AVAILABLE–COMMERCIAL-$300,000-Jarrell-244 ft of Interstate Highway 35 frontage & 2 way access, on 3.08 acres. Annual gross income of $30,000. 1568 sq ft house + 3000sqft Quonset hut style. Quonset building surrounded by concrete lot and fully fenced. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005193.html

-201 West St-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Railroad-$170,000. Rare 1 story stand-alone office space in great Hutto location. Rental Income / Tenant Lease signed through April 2015. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005205.html

-303 Taylor St-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Megee Addition-$262,000. Rare 1 story office space, in stand-along building in prime area of Hutto with easy access for customers/clients. Great rental income - tenant lease. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005211.html

-111 Taylor St-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Megee Addition-$296,000. Rare 1 story stand-alone office building in prime area of Hutto. Excellent location next to Hwy 79 with high traffic volume. Great rental income - tenant lease. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005214.html

-208 Hwy 79-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Megee Addition-$525,000. Rare 1 story stand-alone office building in prime area of Hutto. Excellent location next to Hwy 79 with high traffic volume. Great rental income - tenant lease. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005217.html

-212 S FM 1660-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Hutto City-$354,000. Rare 1 story stand-alone office building in prime area of Hutto. Excellent location on well-traveled FM 1660 with high traffic volume. Great rental income - tenant lease. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005955.html

-101 Front St.-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Megee Addition-$169,000. Huge corner lot, visible from Hwy 79, great Hutto location, at corner of Jim Cage Lane & Front Street. Click to view tour:http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005202.html

-110 E Austin Ave.-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Megee Addition-$188,000. Huge lot, visible from Hwy 79, in great Hutto location. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005930.html

-208 W Austin Ave.-AVAILABLE-COMMERCIAL-Hutto-Old Town Addition-$212,000. Huge corner lot in prime location of Hutto, visible from Hwy 79. Click to view tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-1005939.html

 

Robert