The HEB Center in Cedar Park is home of the Texas Stars and Austin Spurs. Along with those two permanent residents, the area hosts many other events throughout the year including many family friendly shows. You can find a list of upcoming events on the HEB Center website. Greetings! I’m Craig Smyser. I’m in Cedar Park at the HEB Center for this episode of Discover Austin. The HEB Center at Cedar Park is a fabulous multi-use entertainment facility that hosts more than 150 events a year. It has two … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2019
January 2019 Home Sale Data – Texas & U.S.
The number of resale homes that sold in January, both in Texas and the U.S., dropped in 2019 compared to 2018. Down 5.3% and 9.3% respectively. Often with a slowdown like that, we'd expect to see low inventory levels. Inventory across Texas, however, is up 14.7% while the U.S. inventory is up 3.7%. So why are sales slowing? According to economist Lawrence Yun, while we've had several months with inventory increases, the lower end of the market is having the greatest shortage. Mortgage rates are also … [Read more...]
Discover Austin: Holy Roller – Episode 35
In our latest adventure for Discover Austin Eats, Michael Zook and I met for brunch at Holy Roller in downtown Austin. The food was spectacular, the atmosphere eye-catching, and I can't wait to go back for more! Other Discover Austin topics mentioned in this episode: Via 313 … [Read more...]
January 2019 Home Sale Data – Austin
Not a lot to report this month since we only have the home sales from January to compare. While the pace of sales slowed, it was very minimal, dropping less than one percent when comparing resale homes. Even when we include new constructions homes, the decrease is 3.4%, or 57 homes. The decrease could be the result of lower inventory during the winter months but it causes prices to continue to rise. The median price of a resale home increased 3.3%, while all homes (includes new construction) increased … [Read more...]
How’s the Market in Steiner Ranch – February 2019
This month's How's the Market in Steiner Ranch covers the January sales statistics for Steiner Ranch and I address worries regarding the housing market in the coming months and year. Below the video, you can find the same information in chart and text formats. To view summary and detailed sales information for all Steiner Ranch neighborhoods, check out the Neighborhood Home Sale Data section of my website. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Steiner Ranch, contact me via email or at … [Read more...]
What is a Condo?
I find that one of the most misunderstood terms in real estate (even by real estate agents) in condominium. Many people believe it is a style of construction, but that is incorrect – condo is a type of ownership. The most common types of condos are high-rise and townhome, but detached homes, offices, and warehouses (among others) can be condos. When you own a condo, you do not own the land beneath the structure. Instead, you own a share of all the common elements. Common elements are defined for each condo … [Read more...]
Discover Austin: The Drag – Episode 34
This episode of Discover Austin pays homage to The Drag near the University of Texas. This beloved stretch of Guadalupe Street, across from campus, has served the students of UT for decades. Other Discover Austin topics that appear in this episode: Iconic Murals - Jeremiah the Innocent Greetings, I’m Craig Smyser. I’m on The Drag for this episode of Discover Austin. The stretch of roadway known as The Drag is the portion of Guadalupe Street, that strictly speaking, runs between 21st and 25th Streets. On the … [Read more...]
Austin Neighborhood Home Sale Data – January 2019
My website has been updated to include January 2019 home sale data . Everyone can view summery data or if you register (it’s free!) you can access the address, sales price, and other information for home sales in Steiner Ranch, Avery Ranch, River Place, and other Austin neighborhoods. If you’d like to know how the market is performing in your neighborhood, contact me today to discuss. And if you have any thoughts of buying or selling in the coming year, I’d love the opportunity to earn your business. Contact … [Read more...]
Discover Austin: Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch – Episode 33
We're going on another road trip to visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch in Stonewall, Texas for this episode of Discover Austin. Stonewall is nestled in the Texas Hill Country, between Austin and Fredericksburg. The ranch offers a fascinating look at Johnson's time spent in Central Texas. History buffs should know, when visiting the national park you should consider a visit to the State Park as well as the Johnson City District in nearby Johnson City, Texas. Greetings, I’m Craig Smyser. It’s time for another … [Read more...]
Vintage Austin: The Zilker Zephyr
This Vintage Austin photo features the Zilker Zephyr with the Capitol and a modest downtown skyline as its backdrop. The Zephyr has been hauling kids and adults around Zilker Park for decades. The 20-25 minute journey takes riders on a tour of the park to see Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek. You can still take a ride on the Zephyr seven days a week, weather permitting, between 10am and 5pm. … [Read more...]