Mary Lynne Gibbs

July 30, 2015 By Mary Lynne Gibbs

The Luckiest Homeowners In Austin

When it comes to purchasing a home, when to buy is just as important as where to buy. A new analysis from Zillow reveals which Austin homebuyers got the luckiest and made their move at just the right time.

To determine the luckiest homeowners, the real estate website compared current median home prices to the prices fr real_estate_investing_350 om the neighborhoods’ lowest purchasing point. The analysis focuses on home purchases since January 2006.

So where are Austin’s luckiest homebuyers living? Jollyville is the luckiest neighborhood in the Austin area. Homeowners have experienced a 39.2 percent increase in value since January 2006. Median home prices grew from $165,900 to $230,900.

In Cedar Creek, No. 2, home prices have increased 36.2 percent since April 2007, from $125,900 to $171,500. Bastrop, No. 3, witnessed an increase of 35.5 percent since April 2007. Home values there jumped from $116,100 to $157,300.

Liberty Hill comes in at No. 4 with a 32.2 percent increase in home values — $190,600 to $251,900 — since September 2010. Georgetown ranks No. 5, where home values have increased 26.9 percent since January 2006 — $187,300 to $237,700. The last lucky ‘hood on the list is Round Rock. Since November 2011, prices in the Austin suburb have increased 25.3 percent, from $159,500 to $199,900.

The growth in these areas is impressive, but it pales in comparison to other parts of the country. Homeowners in Palo Alto and Richmond, California — the No. 1 and No. 2 neighborhoods on Zillow’s nationwide list — have experienced a value growth of more than 100 percent.

Source: NICOLE RANEY at Culturemap Austin

July 22, 2015 By Mary Lynne Gibbs

June 2015 Austin Real Estate Review

Austin-area home sales top 3,000, $1 billion in volume in June 2015, prices remain high;
Mid-year results show 2015 on pace to exceed historical sales volume in 2014

June 2015 Statistics

• 3,051 – Single-family homes sold, 5% more than June 2014
• $272,250 – Median price for single-family homes, 8% more than June 2014
• $333,866 – Average price for single-family homes, 2% more than June 2014
• 42 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, 3 days more than June 2014
• 3,812 – New single-family home listings on the market, 3% more than June 2014
• 6,701 – Active single-family home listings on the market, four percent more than June 2014
• 3,023 – Pending sales for single-family homes, eight percent more than June 2014
• 2.8 – Months of inventory of single-family homes, unchanged compared to June 2014
• $1,018,625,166 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, eight percent more than June 2014

2015 Mid-Year Statistics

• 13,917 – Single-family homes sold, four percent more than the first half of 2014
• $263,000 – Median price for single-family homes, 10 percent more than the first half of 2014
• $331,765 – Average price for single-family homes, eight percent more than the first half of 2014
• 50 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, three days more than the first half of 2014
• 19,865 – New single-family home listings on the market, three percent more than the first half of 2014
• 5,727 – Active single-family home listings on the market, eight percent more than the first half of 2014
• 15,984 – Pending sales for single-family homes, five percent more than the first half of 2014
• $4,617,178,959 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 12 percent more than the first half of 2014

According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), Austin-area home sales topped 3,000 sales for the first time since July 2013, increasing five percent year-over-year to 3,051 sales for the month of June. Mid-year statistics show that Austin-area home sales increased an average of four percent year-over-year to 13,917, putting 2015 on pace to potentially exceed 2014’s historical high in sales volume.

In June 2015, total dollar volume reached $1,018,625,166 and increased by eight percent compared to June 2014. Additionally, the total dollar volume of single-family properties sold in the first half of 2015 was $4,617,178,959, a year-over-year increase of 12 percent.

Barb Cooper, 2015 President of the Austin Board of REALTORS¬®, explained, “June’s increased home sales, combined with total dollar volume exceeding $1 billion for the first time ever, shows the amazing equity Austin homeowners have in the market and the powerful impact of real estate in Central Texas. However, this increase heightens the need to replenish and expand housing stock to help achieve sustainable growth.”

According to the report, the median price for Austin-area single-family homes increased eight percent year-over-year to $272,250 in June 2015, while average price increased two percent to $333,866 during the same time frame. Keeping with the upward trend over the last several months, less than three in 10 single-family homes sold in the Austin area were priced below $200,000.

Price increases are similar for the first half of 2015, with median price increasing 10 percent to $263,000 and average price increasing eight percent to $331,765. At the same time, homes spent an average of 50 days on the market, three more days than the same time last year.

“If this growth continues, 2015 could become another historical year for Austin-area home sales. Both homebuyers and sellers can expect a strong, competitive market for the rest of the summer selling season,” said Cooper.

Active listings increased by four percent year-over-year to 6,701 listings in June 2015 and pending sales increased by eight percent to 3,023 compared to June 2014.

While new listings increased by three percent to 3,812 for June 2015, inventory held steady at 2.8 months, remaining well below the 6.5 month level the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University estimates as a balanced housing market.

Cooper concluded, “While growth shows positive momentum for our city, ABoR supports solutions that serve the entire community, accommodate new populations and help residents find the homes they want. To help achieve these goals, ABoR and Austin REALTORS® recently met with members of the Austin City Council and Mayor Adler to discuss big picture issues affecting Central Texas residents and with a strong focus on sustainable and managed growth. We’re pleased to see the steps city leaders are taking toward a more affordable Austin.”

Source: Austin Board of Realtors

July 15, 2015 By Mary Lynne Gibbs

Solar Panels: What You Should Know!

Now that summer heat has finally hit, you might be starting to dread those monthly utility bills— Air conditioning is expensive! That’s why a growing number of Austin homeowners are turning to solar panels.

Consumers are starting to reap the benefits of City of Austin and federal rebates that made installing solar panels relatively inexpensive. Although tax incentives have decreased, solar prices have also fallen which has helped offset any decrease in the rebates currently being offered.

The initial investment can seem costly at first, but if you do the math you will find it does not take long to break even with the money you save. First, you need to shop around for a company that is willing to take the time to assess your property and design the optimal setup for your home.

However, according to Chris Blevins with EnergyWorld.com, before even speaking with a solar company there are a few things you need to know in order to ask the right questions. Understanding the price is at the top of this list!

Price Per Watt (PPW) is how installers price out a solar system, allowing you an easy way to compare prices from different installers. Price Per Watt is exactly as it sounds – the price for each watt of solar you are purchasing. PPW only applies for purchased systems and is not a factor you can look at for a standard Lease or PPA option.

The Price in PPW should be based off the whole system price, including all tax credits and incentives. The Watts is based off of installed DC watts, which can be found by adding up the wattage of all the panels being installed. For simplicity, solar systems are generally measured in terms of kilowatts (kW), rather than watts. To find the number of watts, simply multiply the kWs by 1,000.

Here’s a quick example: If you buy a 6kW (6,000 watt) system and the cost is $20,000 before any credits, the system PPW is $3.33 per watt ($20,000/6,000 watts). On that $20,000 you may receive a 30% tax credit and even additional rebates depending on your utility (see below links for more info on tax credits). Assuming you qualify for the full tax credit, the system’s net cost to you is $14,000.

If you are given an advertised PPW by the installer, make sure it meets all of these criteria:

The price is the gross price of the system. In the example above, if the installer uses the net price ($14,000) and divides by the 6,000 watts, the PPW comes out to $2.33/watt. This is NOT the appropriate number to compare against other price quotes.
The watts that you are looking at should be DC watts. On some quotes you may see AC watts along with kWh (kilowatt hours). When computing PPW, make sure you are using DC watts.
The price should include EVERYTHING. Some installers may break down different aspects of the system. They may give you a gross cost and then have some additional costs for permits or other variables. This is not the appropriate way to quote prices in the solar industry. The labor, material, financing, overhead, warranties, permits, and engineering are all typically wrapped into one base cost. In solar, this is just how it is done. It’s a full package deal and most installers do not break down the costs.

Here are some key factors that affect PPW:

Equipment quality: Brand name solar panels such as SolarWorld or LG are going to be more expensive than Tier 2 Chinese panels. The type of string or micro inverter used can lead to a price difference of as much as 35 cents per watt.
Roof Type: If you have a composite shingle (asphalt) roof you are in the lower end of costs for installation. Installing on tile roof can increase system costs by as much as 10%. Steep roofs and ground mounts add more costs as well.
Multiple Arrays: If your roof is a simple A-frame, the costs will be much less than a roof with panels being mounted on multiple surfaces.
Extras: If you need a panel box upgrade or trenching, you will be looking at some higher costs. A panel box upgrade typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, while trenching will depend on the distance the conduits are required to be buried.

There are many more factors that will affect PPW, with the largest difference maker being system size. As a system gets larger in size, many of the costs do not increase proportionately, leaving you with a lower PPW.

Your all-in PPW for a solar system should be between $3.00 and $4.00 per watt depending on the variables. The only time you may see a price above $4/watt is if you choose high-end SunPower panels or if your system is smaller than 4kW. Other than that, if you see a price above $4/watt, it’s time to find some more bids. If you want help, check out pickmysolar.com.

Interested in finding out more about the cost and benefits of solar energy? The Gibbs Team has put together some good resources to help:

Is solar right for me? Read what Solar Austin, a small coalition of non-profit groups and businesses who have the goal of promoting renewable energy and educating the public on a clean energy strategy in Austin, has to say. Then check out Austin Energy’s take.
What solar energy incentives, solar rebates and tax credits are available in Texas? Use the handy online estimator provided by Solar Reviews, a free public service serving the solar and wind energy communities since 2000, to find out. And get more info about the Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Rebate, available through Austin Energy’s Powersaver Program.
Why have solar rebates declined over the past few years? Austin Energy weighs in.
Are there any low-interest loans available to help me get started? Learn about Austin Energy’s partnership with Velocity Credit Union to provide loans to customers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in their homes.
What about federal tax credits for installing solar systems?

Hope you’re having a great summer!

July 3, 2015 By Mary Lynne Gibbs

Fireworks In Austin, July 4 2015

Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks

Where: Vic Mathias Shores
When: Saturday, July 4th, 2015 at 8:30 p.m.
Music: The Austin Symphony Orchestra
Price: Free
Fireworks Time: 9:30 p.m.

From the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Website:
Spend this Independence Day with 100,000 of your closest friends! Central Texans will hurry to claim their grassy spot with the Austin Symphony Orchestra this July 4th for one of the largest Independence Day Celebration in the state. This year’s celebration will, once again, be back on the banks of Lady Bird Lake at Vic Mathias Shores (use to be Auditorium Shores) in front of the Long Center for the Performing Arts. The orchestra is excited to move back to its home after a one year stint at COTA while the park was under construction. The spectacular H-E-B Austin Symphony 39th Annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks presented by U-verse with AT&T Gigapower is planned, produced, and performed entirely by the Austin Symphony, with the help of our generous sponsors. Tens of thousands of families will be decked out in red, white, and blue and heading down to Vic Mathias Shores this July 4th for an amazing event complete with a fireworks display over the city skyline backed by symphonic patriotic classics. The orchestra will perform at 8:30 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Tell your family and friends to mark their calendars now. This is the one outdoor event this year you do not want to miss! So grab a picnic and a blanket, and join us at Vic Mathias Shores to declare your Independence!.

Click here to visit the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Website

Round Rock July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration 2015

WHERE: Old Settler’s Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
WHEN: Saturday, July 4th, 2015, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
MUSIC: Austin Symphonic Band
PRICE: Admission is Free
FIREWORKS TIME: Dusk

From the Liberty by the City of Round Rock Website:
A parade, fireworks, carnival rides, jalapeno pepper eating contest, children’s games, Sam Bass Shootout, Movies in the Park and skydivers are all part of the City of Round Rock’s July 4th Frontier Days Celebration.

A parade, fireworks, carnival rides, jalapeno pepper eating contest, Swifty Swine Pig Races, children’s games, Sam Bass Shootout, Movies in the Park and skydivers are all part of the City of Round Rock’s July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration.

This event is free for the entire family.

Independence Day festivities will begin with free watermelon at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park and include music from the Austin Symphonic Band.

The event also features a pepper eating contest, vendor booths, Sertoma Rubber Duck Races and full-scale carnival rides! Your family will also enjoy the Swifty Swine Pig Races.

Click here to visit the City of Round Rock’s website

Round Rock Express Independence Day celebration – Red, White and Blue Weekend 2014

WHERE: Dell Diamond – 3400 Palm Valley Blvd Round Rock, TX 78664
WHEN: First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 4 – 6)
PRICE: Ticket prices based on seating.
FIREWORKS TIME: The Express will host the Nashville Sounds for those three games with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Central Texas sky following each contest

From the Liberty by the City of Round Rock Website:
The Round Rock Express returns from an eight-game road trip just in time to kickoff Fourth of July festivities at Dell Diamond as Red, White & Blue Weekend begins Friday, July 4.

Bud Light Friday Fireworks will fill the Round Rock sky on Friday, July 4 as the Express celebrates America’s birthday with a post-game pyrotechnic extravaganza. Fans are encouraged to stick around following the fireworks to run the bases on the field and enjoy live music, free of charge in the Intel Club.

The celebration will continue on into Saturday as Super Series presents another illuminative firework spectacular following Round Rock’s contest with the Nashville Sounds.

And on Sunday, July 6, the weekend’s festivities will conclude with a holiday picnic special at the ballpark. For $25, fans get a reserved ticket to the game, as well as access to the picnic area where they can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and other refreshments.

For more information on the Express, visit www.RoundRockExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255.

Click here to visit the Round Rock Express website

Volente Beach – Fireworks at Dusk

WHERE: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 WHARF COVE VOLENTE, TX 78641
WHEN: July 4th
MUSIC: “Prometheus Tree” music will start at 7:30pm
PRICE: General Admissions for Firework Show only will be $8 and will start at 6pm, the fireworks show will be included in your daily admission price on July fourth, so that you may stay and watch the show. We will also be offering a reservation only buffet in The Shore Club Restaurant attached to the waterpark, $29 for Adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
FIREWORKS TIME: just after dusk

From the Volente Beach Waterpark Administrators:
Our Fireworks Show will be presented on July 4th, just after dusk. We will also have live music in the waterpark presented by “Prometheus Tree” music will start at 7:30pm. General Admissions for FIrework Show only will be $8 and will start at 6pm, the fireworks show will be included in your daily admission price on july fourth, so that you may stay and watch the show. We will also be offering a reservation only buffet in The Shore Club Restaurant attached to the waterpark, $29 for Adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
Here is a link to our store to buy general admission tickets:https://www.shoreclubtx.com/store/
Here is the contact info for reservations: jackie@shoreclubtx.com or 512-258-5110
View Event Flyer

Click here to visit the Shore Club Volente Beach website

Cedar Park 4th of July Celebration 2015

Where: Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd.
When: Saturday, July 4th, 2015, 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Fireworks Display: 9:15 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

From the City of Cedar Park’s Website:
The pool will be open from 1 to 8 p.m., and daily pool rates will apply. The free celebration in the park will begin at 4 p.m. and will feature bingo, a washer tournament, air castles, and free watermelon.

Live music begins at 5:30 p.m. with Common Thread, followed by Ullrich Ellison and Connection at 7:15 pm. The Posting of Colors and the National Anthem will take place at 8 pm. The band Crossline will perform from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. The professional fireworks display begins promptly at 9:15 p.m. and will be followed by the “After Glow” Dance with live music from Crossline. Come celebrate with us and enjoy a dance with live music, bingo, a washer tournament, air castles, free watermelon and a fireworks display. Fees apply for food concessions, face painting, carnival games, hamster balls, super slide, quad jump, spinner ride and rock wall. Recommended parking areas: CPHS, CPMS and ACC.

Click here to visit the City of Cedar Park’s website

91st 4th of July Celebration

Where: Belton Area Chamber of Commerce – 412 E. Central Ave., Belton, Texas 76513
When: Saturday, July 4th, 2015, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Price: Reserved Adult $17, Reserved Child $14, General Adult $14, General Child $11, Military Spouse $7, Military Child $4 *Does not reflect the $2 facility fee*

From the City of Belton’s Website:
Since the 1850s folks from all over Texas have come to celebrate the 4th of July in Belton. This week-long celebration draws over 50,000 and features one of USA Today’s Top Ten Parades in the country, the Festival on Nolan Creek, a carnival, Texas Ole Time Fiddlers’ Contest, Patriotic Program, and Kick-off BBQ, with the rodeo being the highlight of the celebration.

Click here to visit the City of Belton’s website

Lakeway July 4th, 2015 Celebration

Where: Activity Center – 105 Cross Creek
Lakeway, TX 78734
When: Saturday, July 4th, 2015, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Fireworks Time: (TBD by the drought level)

From the City of Lakeway’s Website:
The City of Lakeway will kick off a day-long July 4th Celebration on Saturday, July 4th! 8:30 AM – A festive parade on Lakeway Drive will wind its way from the Live Oak Golf Course to the Lakeway Activity Center at Cross Creek Road. This year’s theme – “Preserving Our Freedom”. 10:30 AM – Immediately following the parade, please join us at the Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek Road, for the Pageantry of Flags program featuring a keynote address by our Grand Marshal Brig. Gen. Richard T. (Dick) Drury, (Ret.) USAF, patriotic music and parade awards. Donuts, orange juice and coffee will be provided in Room F. No dogs, please. 12 Noon – 6:00 PM – The Lakeway Swim Center will open for fun at noon today with special pricing – $3.00 per person, all day, with in-and-out privileges. It is located at 3103 Lakeway Blvd @ The Hills Drive. There will be no fireworks this year due to extended drought conditions.

Click here to visit the City of Lakeway’s website

Hill Country Galleria – Hill Country Fest

Where: Hill Country Galleria – 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Festival 4PM-10PM
Price: Free
Fireworks Time: 9:45PM

From the Hill Country Fest’s Website:
Saturday, July 4th
4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Hill Country Galleria
www.HillCountryFest.com

* SHOP OVER 75 ART VENDORS * LIVE MUSIC * FIREWORKS SHOW * FAMILY FUN * BARBECUE *

Join us at the Hill Country Galleria for a FREE Independence Day celebration with over 75 local art vendors, live music, barbecue, festival food, fair rides & games, and of course fireworks!
Brought to you by Special Events Live, producers of Austin’s beloved Pecan Street Festival.
We have a full event packed with live music at our outdoor amphitheater
and fireworks!
Live music includes:
VALLEJO
4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
DAWN & HAWKES
5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
T BIRD & THE BREAKS
7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
UNCLE LUCIUS
8:30 – 9:45 p.m.
For more information on the festival please visit: www.HillCountryFest.com
FREE ADMISSION — FREE PARKING — DOG FRIENDLY
The best fireworks show in Central Texas at 9:45 p.m.!
Enjoy all of your favorite Hill Country Galleria restaurants and eateries, as well as festival food & drink vendors like:
SCHMIDT FAMILY BARBECUE
SNOW BALLS FROM THE CANDY JAR
BEER & WINE FROM CHISOS GRILL
ICED COFFEE FROM BEE CAVE COFFEE CO.
…AND MORE!
www.HillCountryFest.com
The Red, White & Zoo petting zoo will return for the kids to enjoy!
Water rides & Carnival rides include:
Amazon Zipline
Slip n’ Slide
Water Tag
Screamin’ Demon
Super Slide
Bungee Trampoline
…bring your swimsuit for the water rides!
Hill Country Fair Games include:

Bazooka Shooting Gallery
Archery Tag Hoverball
Anti-Gravity Game
Dip Bowling
Ring the Bottle
Spill the Milk
…win cool prizes when you play!
Art vendors will be set up along the streets of the Galleria for you to browse and shop. Jewelry, clothing, artwork, and other handmade items will be available for purchase. Additionally, the Hill Country Galleria is home to over 100 shops and restaurants for you to explore and enjoy while you are here.
A special thanks to our sponsors including SONESTA Bee Cave!

Click here to visit the Hill Country Festival’s website

2013 Pfirecracker Pfestival – 4th of July Pflugerville, Texas

Where: Lake Pflugerville – 18216 Weiss Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78691
When: Saturday, July 4th, 2015, 3:00 p.m. to 11:10 p.m.
Music: Live entertainment
Price: Free
Fireworks Time: 9:00 p.m.

From the City of Pflugerville’s Website:
Save the Date! Come out July 4 and plan to spend an old-fashioned Independence Day on the shores of Lake Pflugerville. The event begins at 3 p.m. with live music and vendors on the north & south ends of the lake. Pfestival pfood and games for the kids, followed by a pfabulous pfireworks display and a concert to top off the evening will make this a Pfamily Pfourth to remember.

Click here to visit the City of Pflugerville’s website

June 23, 2015 By Mary Lynne Gibbs

20704 E. Lakeshore Drive, MLS #8301492

Located just 15 minutes from the Hill Country Galleria, 30 minutes to downtown Austin outside the busy city traffic, find this hidden gem tucked away in sought after Spicewood, Texas! Enjoy a private wine tour at one of several vineyards nearby, relax/ entertain on one of the huge outdoor covered terraces or take a sunset boat ride on deep Lake Travis.

20704 E. Lakeshore Drive is the perfect getaway home for the active or leisure lifestyle.

Drive through the serene hill country with flowing streams and whitetail deer to this peaceful and private waterfront estate on almost an acre with spectacular lake views!

Built with craftsmanship, this custom multi-level home is a work of art with upgrades galore!

Enter through the main level foyer to a generous open floor plan which flows to an over-sized family living area and chef’s kitchen with attached formal dining, breakfast bar and island. High-end stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, rich wood cabinetry and walk-in Butler pantry are just a few of the fine details that make this kitchen a Chef’s dream!

Also on the main level, you will find a huge utility room across from the half bath which leads to a spacious attached 2-car garage.

Move upstairs to the second level living which boasts an open game room and executive office/ study that favorably overlook the lower level living area. Rich solid wood flooring, custom built-in shelves and wood beams are some of the wealthy touches throughout. The incredible floor to ceiling windows bring in tons of natural lighting and outdoor ambiance. Solid wood work lines the high ceilings allowing for a Rich, organic feel.

The secondary bedrooms are located upstairs, each with their very own full bath! Surprise the kids with the hidden observatory room perfect for stargazing! With over 4,264 square-feet, there is plenty of room for guests and comfortable entertaining.

I saved the best for last – the exquisite Master Suite! Venture downstairs to a designer Suite that takes up the whole lower level. Complete with its very own covered terrace looking out to lake views with gleaming windows, you will never want to leave! The Master Bath Suite boasts lots of cabinetry and drawer space with his/ her double vanities, 2 separate walk-in closets and a massive stone walk-in shower.

Offered at only $955,000, this home is the complete package! With 2 huge outdoor covered terraces, a private boat dock, lush landscaping, large mature trees, sprinkler system and so much more! As if you could want more, it feeds into the exemplary Lake Travis ISD. It doesn’t get any better than this, folks!

Call me or David Haynes TODAY to schedule a private showing! 512.844.0940/ 512.431.2403