The Gibbs Team

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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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X Games in Austin

Since 1995 the X Games has been bringing together the greatest athletes in extreme sports. This year Austin, Texas was chosen to host the ever-growing competition and put its own unique flare and enhanced experience to the event at the Circuit of the Americas.

The X Games, which will take place June 5-8, consists of skateboarding, BMX, Moto X and 4 Wheels and will this year include nine festival areas to complement the sports’ activities.

  • Galleria – Features the main retail area and comprises of a zip line, the X Games museum, barber shop, vendor shops, social media wall, food court and more.
  • Gaming Shack – Introduces a new element of the X Games by adding the debut of the Major League Gaming (MLG) X Games Invitational tournament. The pro-gaming competition will take place in the MLG tent, where the world’s best Call of Duty: Ghosts teams will compete for X Games medals. Other activities in the Gaming Shack include a laser tag obstacle course and a retro arcade.
  • ESPN Clubhouse – Invites X Games fans to participate in more traditional sports including volleyball, dodgeball and basketball. This area also houses a Sports Bar where attendees can watch their favorite teams on one of the many big screen TVs, a mechanical bull and several classic games.
  • The Playground – Provides a play area for kids and youth that offers swings, bungee jumping, King of the Hill and a hip-hop horsey race track. Older fans will not be disappointed as they can compete in the Last Man Standing, hydro tag, an obstacle course and giant gyroscopes and experience a bit of the X Games adrenaline.
  • Sound Factory – Showcases live music throughout the event and interactive music activities including Silent Disco, Karaoke, Disney Fantasia and Guitar Hero competitions. For the list of events and entertainers go to http://xgamesaustin.com/schedule/.
  • Next X Parks – Gives X Games enthusiasts the opportunity to learn new tricks from the pros on courses including a park, street and mini ramp. People also can have the option to ride around the last turn of the racetrack on a skateboard or bike.
  • Texas Ranch – Presents the best of Austin’s eclectic culture and introduces visitors to our amazing food, entertainment and live music.
  • The Garage – Delivers X Games’ fans a racing experience and features Go-Kart Racing, Racing Bugs, racing simulators and more.
  • Green Planet – Imparts the importance of being environmentally conscious and teaches ways to recycle and compost. This interactive area also includes artwork, interactive booths and an X Quest Scavenger hunt to win prizes.

Astonishingly, these nine festival areas above do not include the action-packed competition of the X Games themselves!! Events will take place for the entire four days and tickets can be purchased at http://xgamesaustin.com/tickets/. Tickets prices vary.

In addition, for the safety of all – participants’ bags, backpacks, purses and persons are subject to search. To find out what is not allowed at the Circuits of Americas please go to http://xgamesaustin.com/visit/#bring.

Attendees are encouraged to bring the following items for a pleasurable experience.

  1. Sunscreen
  2. Earplugs
  3. Sunglasses
  4. Comfortable shoes
  5. Cameras
  6. Binoculars
  7. Strollers for children

This inaugural Austin X Games is expected to be fun, exciting and an experience you won’t want to miss! It is just one more reason why Austin is such a great place to live!

If you or someone you know is interested in real estate, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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136 Dandelion Loop

136 DandelionDid you know that Kyle, Texas sits among the fastest growing corridor in the nation?

Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio continues to experience rapid development as more people move to Texas due to the burgeoning economy, affordability and lifestyle.

136 Dandelion Loop (MLS#7697703) offers these newcomers the opportunity to move into this growing area that is 20 miles south of Austin and approximately 60 miles north of San Antonio at a great price of $165,900.

With four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and 2111 square feet; 136 Dandelion allows residents to spread out, entertain and relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Built in 2003, 136 Dandelion Loop has an open downstairs area with a formal dining room, living area and kitchen. The kitchen has an abundance of cabinetry along with considerable counter space for all of your cooking preparation.

The home is flanked with many windows to allow sunlight into each spacious room and the bedrooms are large with plentiful closet space. It is perfect for the growing family or city commuter.

136 Dandelion is located in the Indian Paintbrush Subdivision which provides its homeowners with a playground and close proximity to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Moreover, residents are zoned for Hays Independent School District.

Kyle, Texas is currently revamping their roadway system and infrastructure to accommodate the budding community. Additionally, Kyle has added a 680,000 square foot medical facility and the Austin Community College Hays Campus is set to open this spring.

If you have any questions about this property or Austin real estate, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.