Gene & Renee Jantzen

With the long hot days of summer upon us, many people are taking advantage of the extra daylight hours to look at homes. Many families are relocating to the Central Texas area at a great time, taking advantage of the lowest mortgage rates we've seen this year, now in the mid 4% range.

The State of Texas, and Austin in particular have received some great press on our job market, with some 37% of all net new jobs created in Texas. Austin's job growth improved 6.6% alone in the month of May, according to Simply Hired.

These latest numbers pulled from the MLS database are a great snapshot of the current market:

*Average Sold Price- Increased 11% to $262,839

*Average Asking Price- Increased 12% to $273,692

*Number of New Listings-Increased 3.2% to 3476

*Months of Inventory- 7.5 months

If you're thinking of selling soon, send us some details on your home. We will be happy to provide you with an analysis on your home in today's market. If you're thinking of buying, we can set you up with a personalized MLS search that will come directly to your email with details of new listings that may interest you.

Be sure to call Gene & Renee Jantzen for all your Central Texas real estate needs.

Best regards,

Renee

512-818-8181

877-897-8277 Toll Free

Getting out this weekend to Georgetown Square on Saturday, it was great to see so many people out and about enjoying the weather. People are expressing more interest in Central Texas & Georgetown. Being cooler, the city's appearance is very attractive, as I was told walking around the square. It was obvious that there is a rejuvinated buyer stream here as well. Buying & selling activity is on the rise! We wrote three contracts this weekend. How exciting to to see new faces in Sun City knowing many of them would become my neighbor soon.

It's property tax time in Texas! 2011 Property Tax Appraisals have just arrived in the mail and it seems valves have risen! Of course the appraisal district thinks our home values have increased to collect more of our property tax dollars. Since Texas is a non disclosure state, be sure to call your Real Estate Professionals, Team Jantzen to access the sold data to see if your opinion is the same as the Tax Man. We can help you see what the true value of your home was worth in 2010.

Our market snapshot of Central Texas is as follows:

Comparing April 2010 to April 2011

Median Sold Price increased 6% to $203,000

Median Asking Price increased 1% to $229,900

Number of Homes Sold decreased 23% to 1,467

Homes under contract decreased 15% to 2,030

Number of New Listings decreased 27% to 3,007

Number of Available Listings decreased 11% to 11,040

What can we conclude?

Last year we had Government incentives which meant more homes sold. This year our tight inventory is holding prices stable. Competition is low so it's time to get your home on the market. If you are thinking of buying start looking now and get the latest listings through client profile on MLS. You'll get the very latest listings with your criteria the moment the listing goes live.

Call Gene and Renee Jantzen, we'd be happy to be your REALTORS of Choice.

Have you seen the fruits and vegetables at the local farmers markets?

(Above photo from Dallas Farmers Market, March 2011)

Monument Cafe, our local eatery here in Georgetown, just opened a farmers' market adjacent the restaurant. We got a peak at it this past Saturday and was impressed with the local items offered. Give it a try:)

I'm not one to complain about Texas' unpredictable weather mood swings. I rather enjoy the cooler weather. I know that during the summer I'll be wishing for a break from the heat so when we do get one of these cold weather days in the middle of 80-90+ degree weather, I make sure to appreciate it.

I like to get to one of the wonderful amenity centers in Sun City to visit with my neighbors in Sun City, catch up on how lives are moving along & reconnect with my community. It leaves me with a refreshed perspective & a joy knowing that I've helped so many of my friends in Sun City to purchase in a retirement community that is active & full of life.

This is the entrance to Cowan Creek Community center. There is something for everyone here. So get a sweater on, get out the door & come visit!