Stephanie Zellous * (512) 971-4875

As the capital city of Texas, Austin offers a lot of permanent jobs. Below is a profile of the jobs Austin has to offer and the specific employers that are the heavy hitters in our job market. Seton is the 6th largest employer in the area, and they are opening a new hospital is the city of Kyle, TX which is 15 minutes south of Austin.

This list is courtesy of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

The Austin Chamber of Commerce release updated employment projections recently. Here is an excerpt from by Beverly Kerr's, Chamber Vice President of Research, article on this subject.

Click Here for the full article.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Texas Workforce Commission, and other state labor market agencies around the country, produce new projections of occupational and industry employment every two years. TWC's newest projections were recently released. They provide employment estimates for 2006 and projections for 2016.

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I came across this list today and thought that I would share it with you. These are all valid points, especially numbers 4&5.

1. Be picky, but don't be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.
2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your downpayment and your closing costs.
4. Don't wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage before you start looking.
5. Don't ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.
6. Decide when you could move. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area?
7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what type of home you'll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that suit you best.
8. Don't let yourself be "house poor". If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you'll have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save money for other financial goals.
9. Don't be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and, if possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.
10. . Get help. Consider hiring a REALTOR^Ò as a buyer's representative. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer's representative is working only for you. And often, buyer's reps are paid out of the seller's commission payment.

Courtesy of Realtor.org

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7505 Doswell Ln, Austin, TX 78739

Offered at $500,000

4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths 4387 Square Feet

Your own private oasis. This truly phenomenal property will provide a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take outdoor living to the next level with dual covered patios, wood deck, outdoor kitchen, deluxe playscape, and colossal backyard on 0.38 acres. Everyone in the family can have their own space in any of six living areas, including game, media, and bonus rooms. You have to see for yourself to fully appreciate this extraordinary house.

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A lot of buyers have been holding out for the 4.5% interest rate, well guess what, it's here now. According to loan officer extraodinaire John Schutze of Bank of America this is the case as of right now. FHA is at 4.75%.

By the way, you can buy an investment property with an FHA Loan, I am seeing a lot price reductions on multifamily properties lately, so get on it!

Your interest rate could be higher, it all depends on your credit, debt to income ratio and available cash on hand for a down payment. Contact a lender to find out what you would pay.