Luxe Austin Homes - April, 2025

"Discover Austin’s best homes with The Grossman & Jones Group’s expert touch"

In the competitive Austin real estate market, The Grossman & Jones Group, Compass Real Estate stands out by delivering a client experience defined by expertise, integrity and results.

Led by Todd Grossman and Michelle Jones, the group’s commitment to excellence has earned them a strong reputation, a referral-driven business and recognition among the top real estate teams in the city.

“Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial and emotional decisions, and being able to guide people through that journey is truly fulfilling,” Jones said.

The company has built its success on three fundamental principles: listening and prioritizing, continuous learning, and building lasting relationships. Every client’s needs are carefully assessed to ensure a…

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"Air conditioning now mandatory in Austin homes"

Austin City Hall has six changes to housing rules to know about.

Effective July 10:

• Air conditioning in homes is required

• Single stairway developments, recently chronicled in the ABJ, are allowed

• Homes in some areas face higher regulations due to fire and wildlife concerns

• Hempcrete, a plant-based construction material, is now allowed

• Electric vehicle charging stations will be required of some builders

• And pest control in apartment complexes must now include services to beat back bed bugs and scorpions

The city of Austin has a summary of the code changes here.

Source: Austin Business Journal 

Written by: ABJ Staff

Published: April 11, 2025

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"Construction underway at luxury Lake Travis master-planned community Thomas Ranch"

Austin Business Journal shares, "Construction is underway at the expansive Thomas Ranch luxury housing development on Lake Travis, but there’s still room for custom homebuilders to get involved with the project.

Thomas Ranch developers Areté Collective and the Wasatch Group secured a $106 million loan to finance infrastructure and initial home construction in the master-planned community late last year and have been making headway on the development’s first phase, called Loraloma, said Joe Rentfro, the project's managing director.

Homes should start rising soon in that section, Rentfro said, and its golf course, designed by David McLay-Kidd, should be playable later this year.

At full build-out, the 2,200-acre Thomas Ranch, which is situated…

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"Austin, TX: Cost of Living and Why to Move There"

Racine County Eye writes, "Austin, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Its booming economy, vibrant culture, and outdoor lifestyle make it an attractive destination. But what does it cost to live in Austin, and is it worth relocating? This guide breaks down the average cost of living in Austin, TX, covering housing, transportation, utilities, and more.

Housing Costs in Austin

Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Austin. The median home price is around $450,000, higher than the national average. Depending on the neighborhood, renters can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Austin’s cost of living has risen due to the influx of tech companies and job opportunities.

If you plan…

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"Share of first-time homebuyers hits record low as affordability challenges persist"

Austin Business Journal shares, "First-time buyers hit a record low share of the homebuying market last year, another sign that affordability continues to make homeownership out of reach for many.

Only 24% of homebuyers surveyed by the National Association of Realtors said they were purchasing a home for the first time — a substantial drop from the 32% who said the same the year prior. Meanwhile, baby boomers were the largest cohort of homebuyers last year, making up 42% of all homebuyers.

The survey took place in July and included buyers who purchased a primary residence between July 2023 and June 2024. Results were released earlier this week.

Rising home prices, high mortgage rates, limited supply and competition with all-cash buyers…

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"Competition among Austin-area homebuyers set to heat up in mid-April"

CultureMap Austin writes, "If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the Austin metro area, beware of mid-April.

A new study from Austin-based Realtor.com shows that in 2025, the best time to list a home for sale in the Austin area is the week of April 13. This translates into stepped-up competition among homebuyers during that time frame.

Why is the week of April 13 such a popular time to put a home on the market in the Austin area? Brandy Wuensch, president of the Austin Board of Realtors and Unlock MLS, offers three reasons:

• Springtime offers a pleasant climate for open houses, leading to more potential buyers touring homes.
• Buyers often prefer to move in the spring so they can settle into a new home before the start of the school year in…

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"Pearlstone secures big construction loan for downtown Austin condo project"

Austin Business Journal reports, "Pearlstone Partners has secured a $154.5 million construction loan for its latest downtown condo project, which broke ground March 26.

The Belvedere, a 158-unit condo in west downtown, is Austin-based Pearlstone’s first to break ground in the city since co-founder and CEO Robert Lee retired earlier this year.

Pearlstone, which is known for its luxury condo projects, secured the construction loan through New York-based Benefit Street Partners, according to an announcement.

Located on around 3 acres at 300 Pressler St., The Belvedere will be almost 300,000 square feet in total. Its 158 condos will range in size from 766 square feet to 2,488 square feet, with one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. They'll be…

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