The Gibbs Team

512-431-2403

Real estate market

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Goals and Objectives

930A5923_4_5_fused (1)The first week of 2015 has flown by and that means if we haven’t already mapped out our goals and objectives for this New Year, we’d better get to it.

However, as I’ve been thinking of my own aspirations for 2015, it occurred to me that many people have dreams and goals, but have no idea of how to achieve them.

I’d like to help!

As a Realtor® I can help in four obvious ways: buying, selling, investing and leasing.

Some not-so-obvious ways that I can help include: service provider referrals, area information, up-to-date local news and happenings in my weekly blog, local and national information provided daily on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+, real estate market information, home market analysis, relocation information, and much, much more!

I grew up in the Oak Hill area and have called Lakeway home for more than 30 years, so I have a vast knowledge of the neighborhoods, culture and continued change our unique city of Austin is going through.

Additionally, I diligently stay current on our economy, market and industry – all of which are ever-changing and none have a crystal ball to tell us what to expect.

It’s no surprise that Austin is a bit different than most places in the country. The biggest difference I see is that Austin was not hit as hard economically as most areas back in 2008 and it is likely because after the fall of the Dotcoms in 2001 – Austin worked hard to bring in diverse industries. Therefore, our city has continued to bring new people, jobs and growth over the past several years.

Having said all this, economic indicators do show that mortgage rates may potentially go UP in 2015, which means it will be more expensive to buy a home. AND housing prices MAY be the highest they will be in our area for the short term.

Both of these indicators bode well for selling and buying real estate, of which I can definitely help with!

Please call me at 512.431.2403 or email me at austinluxurybroker@gmail.com if you have any questions. I would love to discuss your goals and help you in any way that I can. There is absolutely no obligation if you call me! I’m here to help!

Let me assist you with your 2015 real estate goals and objectives! It would be an honor to earn your business!

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Great Economic Trends Going into 2015

ID-1009183Recently, I read an article in the New York Times (online edition) about five economic trends that we should be grateful for as we enter into 2015.

I know, I know…it’s crazy that 2014 is already over and we are headed into a new year, but it sure has been a good one!!

Here are the five positive economic trends the article discussed.

1. Cheaper Gas Prices – This holiday season has been a great time to take a road trip due to the cheaper gas prices. No one knows for sure how long this will last, but I’m pretty sure everyone is taking advantage while they can!

2. Job Growth – Since 2010, job growth has been improving, but in 2014 it has taken a giant leap.

The best news is that according to the Forbes Best City for Job Growth List, Austin ranks No. 1!! We have certainly had a better economic recovery than most cities since the recession, but to be No. 1 is above and beyond what we ever expected!!

3. More Americans Are Leaving Jobs Voluntarily – This economic trend bodes well with the confidence Americans have that they can find a better job and that there are actually jobs on the market to be had. In past years, people have been much more concerned with layoffs than they are today and that is a great trend to experience.

4. Home Prices Are Rising More Slowly – According to the article, “The Case-Shiller index of home prices in 20 major metropolitan areas was up 4.9 percent in the 12 months ended in September (2014), compared with more than 13 percent in 2013.” A sharp increase of home prices can cause real estate bubbles, which in effect then cause many problems in the housing market because of inflated prices.

Austin, specifically, will be interesting to watch in 2015 as it continues to deal with all areas of development, rising housing prices, population growth, its aging infrastructure and the traffic issues it is currently facing.

5. American Households Appear to Be Done Reducing Their Debt – The article said, “Across the major categories of debt, including mortgages, credit cards and the like, debt levels are now rising again. Not at the kind of rapid rates that would signal a buildup of major new risks, but decisively upward.”

Debt may not sound like a good thing to many, but for the economy it means that people are spending and have confidence that they will be able to pay off any debt they incur. Of course, I would always advise to spend wisely…no matter what kind of economy we are facing.

I hope this information will help you set your goals for 2015 and beyond! Happy New Year!!!

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business!

Photo courtesy of “Pumping Fuel” by Michelle Meiklejohn/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

930A5923_4_5_fused (1)Most people think that the real estate market drops off the face of the earth once summer ends and school starts. Fortunately, for a REALTOR® like me, this is just not the case.  Selling your home during the holiday season is still a viable option.

The holiday season can be an exceptionally great time to buy or sell real estate and as I have seen in the past, some agents have their best production in November and December. Surprising, isn’t it?

With over 100 people moving to Austin each day, it’s not surprising that even in the holiday months, we continue to experience a high volume of real estate transactions, but major factors do not disappear just because we are enjoying a great market.

930A6774_5_6_fusedAs with most real estate markets around the country the key ingredient to selling your home during the holiday season remains motivation. Everyone who is looking to buy or to list their home during this time of year is serious. They have a need to buy or sell and it’s likely they need to do so quickly.

Two other reasons to go forward with listing your home during the holiday months is that (1) there is less competition with fewer homes on the market and (2) people may need or benefit from the tax deductions that come with buying and selling real estate.

Of course, pricing your home at market value is critical to selling your home at ANY time of year. If you price your home too high, buyers will be turned off and you will have missed your best opportunity to sell for the best price, which is within the first six weeks of the home being on the market.

930A0860_1_2_fusedAdditionally, curb appeal and making your home look like a model home are also still very important in again, ANY type of market or ANY time of year. Buyers do not overlook mess, clutter, garbage, dirt or untidiness. The consensus is that if you don’t keep a clean home, you probably haven’t kept your home in tip-top shape and there might be something wrong with it.

So, if you are thinking about buying or selling real estate during this holiday season, please contact me, Mary Lynne Gibbs, at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be a pleasure to earn your business.