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Tim Moncrief

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WHY Google for real estate information instead of ACTIVE RAIN? Really, WHY?

10-20-11
Tim Moncrief
Why Google, Bing, or search through NAR or REALTOR.org for information on real estate when it is all right here on ACTIVE RAIN?

I bring this up as I am teaching a class on "Increasing showings on homes" today to a few hundred agents, and I was digging for specific stats for varous items for the class. I went to KW.com (Keller Williams), NAR, REALTOR.com, Google and Bing and had to dive through all the garbage to find what I want...on all the sites. The problem was there was too much garbage. Well, I was doing a post on ActiveRain and said, "hey, what the heck, let's give AR a shot". Actually, I didn't really say it....as people would think I was bit "off".

There is a tab called "SEARCH" on AR. Hmmmm. Wonder what that is for? (lol) So I used the search platform powered by Google, but it's focussed on Active Rain website solely. Tim Moncrief The results were mind blowing. I know.....I know...your concren is the validity of the stats by an agent. Thus, I would not use any stats by an agent that did not have a source link. Surprisingly, most AR blogger do a great job in sourcing their links. So I get them to do all the diggin around and I take advantage of their hard work. (Yes, I use them)

What to my surpirise should I read, but multiple replies on the same stats I am looking for in different time periods. Hmmmm. Now I have stats over several years to show the variation of stats over the last few years. Pretty darn valuable information. So within a few minutes I had stats from various years in which I could show a trend. Surely this is on NAR or REALTOR.org, but AR is 1000 times easier and faster to use.

So now I have this great presentation to teach a class today to a few hundred agent with some stats they are likely not familiar with. Did you know that 39% of FSBO seller's sell their homes through their sphere. Ya need to think about that one and relate that to your business.....as that is a pretty powerful stat as 99% of agents do not work their or their client's database to market the home to. Didn't think of your client's database.....did ya? On NAR the overall sphere sales are 6% and we skip right passed that and focuss on internet, signs, blah, blah, blah. If you did not know, 1 out of 3 referral buyers will buy a home. That woke ya up.

Soooooo, in conlcusion. Ya need info for your client, yourself, or teaching a class on anything to do with real estate. THINK OF THE SEARCH ENGINE ON ACTIVE RAIN FIRST!!!! Now after reading this, stop, and go up to the search engine and search for something you were curious about but did not know. It is highly likely multiple agents wrote the question very similar to what you will write.

As the old saying says, "the answers tend to be right in front of our eyes". Well, here you are and your eyes are here. Work it. Special thanks to ACTIVE RAIN and to all the agents who I got information from who covered the rear end on their blogs by posting links to their sources. I friggin' love this site! USE IT!
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4104 Michael Neill, River Place Austin, TX

10-16-11
Tim Moncrief
Sensational birds eye views from a quiet cul-de-sac location
$449,900
4104 Michael Neill
Austin, TX 78730
4 Bed, 3.5 Baths

The lovely home has spectacular bird’s eye-views overlooking the golf course and country club below, with miles of hill country and greenbelt views to the horizon, providing adjacent sunsets that are quite breathtaking. This exceptionally open design is ideal for entertaining large gatherings to intimate get-togethers. Sprawling decks span across the back of the home to maximize the enjoyment of the views.


This stone home is tucked back in an ideal and highly desirable cul-de-sac location which provides extreme privacy from neighboring homes. This four bedroom provides a gameroom, dramatic two story ceilings in family room, kitchen with an 8-foot partition wall open to the dining room. The clean and simplistic decorating allows one a blank canvas awaiting ones personal and creative touches. The innovative architecture will allow for multiple interior design opportunities for the creative buyer (or their interior designer). This is truly an incredible value amidst neighboring homes with substantially higher values.


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Four Points Market Update Austin

10-03-11
Tim Moncrief

Bullet Points

Four Points

September’s RN Real Estate Market Report

RN = River North: FM2222 to Volente to Lake Austin to Hwy 360, back to FM2222

· September was the 13th straight decline in inventory(year over year) and the 35th of 37th months! That is 3 years of an obvious change in our market.

· On the flip side, we had a decrease in sales in September of 29% from last year. This is not surprising as this year has either been up or down depending on what the stock market is doing….as our area real estate market follows the stock market quite closely; and, confidence is either up or down consequently. (e.g. August was up 33%, July down 33%, June up 49%....)

· Click HERE for September's complete River North Area market report.

· No sales above $1 million last month. This market follows the stock market hand in hand.

· Only 2 sales in Greenshores this year to date; 13 last year (though many of those were discounted heavily)

· Historically, the next three months we see a combination of decreased inventory and increased closings from the previous two months. The peak is usually in December, with a drop in sales in January.

· With the uncertainty in the government atmosphere and corresponding market atmosphere, I do not see this up and down sales fluctuations to stop in the near future.

· Until the market see an increase in confidence in our national government, national or local confidence in the stock and real estate markets will likely not rise. Austin should tend to be continually be substantially more stable than the rest of the country.

· Lease market in the area will likely remain strong for, at least, another year, as many who have had short sales in the past will then be allowed, by law, by the government to attain financing after the 2-4 year probation period. (2 years for 20% down payment; 4 years for 10% down payment). The same will be for foreclosures with bankruptcies at the 4 year mark. Pretty good odds the purchase market will be positively affected after next year….because of this.

· Portfolio lenders are on the increase in the jumbo market. Anticipate this trend to continue to offset the government regulation put on those with short sales, foreclosures, and those needing lower down payments.

· LISTING SHOWINGS WERE UP THIS PAST WEEKEND FROM THE PREVIOUS 6 WEEKENDS.

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Austin Market Report RN area

07-19-11
Tim Moncrief

Tim’s JULY Real Estate Bullet Point Update

  • Closings up a staggering 49% (year to year)
  • Inventory down 22% (year to year)
  • Inventory down for 17 months straight (year to year); I would read that line again.
  • Homes up to the $500’s are considered in the “normal market” range by economists
  • Homes from $500’s to $800k are approaching the “normal market” range
  • Homes are moving above that price point, but we are not likely to be within a “normal range” this year.
  • The lease market is extremely strong due to finance restrictions.  As banks ease requirements, I anticipate this will change in the coming year.
  • River Place and Steiner Ranch continue to carry the area with abnormally low inventory, even for a great market.
  • The market is ignoring outside forces which indicates a recovery trend is strongly in place.
  • In mid June, our office sales exceeded all of last year.  That should tell you something…….
  • Click on the link below for the full report.

River North Real Estate Market Report CLICK HERE

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4016 Michael Neill; River Place, Austin, TX

07-19-11
Tim Moncrief

Click on Pic for Virtual Tour
Prestigious River Place - Views-Cul de Sac
$583,900
4016 Michael Neill
Austin, TX 78730
4 Bed, 3.5 Baths

Sitting on a cul de sac lot offering a truly sought after combination of privacy and stunning hill country and golf course views this home captures the very essence of an Austin lifestyle and is perfect for family and entertaining.  The open design and attention to detail offer an inviting retreat is the River Place community just minutes from exemplary schools and Lake Travis and Lake Austin.

Gourmet kitchen, Plantation shutters, custom lighting and designer touches throughout add to the distinction of this fine property.  Multiple living areas create a truly versatile floor plan.

Enjoy outdoor living on the covered deck or flagstone patio both offering greenbelt views and plenty of room for a pool or from the upstairs balcony featuring panoramic golf course/hill country views.  From your first impression to your parting thoughts this home will be remembered for its detail in design and features.  Hill country living at its finest! Go to www.TopKWgroup.com for further information on this home and River Place

 


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