Luxe Austin Homes

"Homebuilding starts to pick back up as buyers adjust to new pricing norms in tight market"

Austin Business Journal reports, "after months of slowdown in the wake of weaker buyer demand, homebuilders are starting to pick back up on construction — and feeling more confident about the housing market since mortgage rates surged last year.

Privately-owned housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.63 million, a 21.7% increase from the April estimate of 1.34 million, the U.S. Census Bureau reported this week. Meanwhile, privately owned housing units authorized by building permits last month were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.49 million, 5.2% higher than in April but 12.7% less than the May 2022 rate.

The jump in home starts observed last month is notable, said Kelly Mangold, a principal at RCLCO Real…

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"The Top Real Estate Companies in Austin"

U.S. News reports, "known for its growing tech presence and booming live music scene, Austin is a great city to call home. With the slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” this laid-back Texas city has a contagious vibrancy and enthusiasm.
The average home value in Austin is about $568,000, according to Zillow. That's about an 8% decrease from a year ago.

But if you're going to buy a home in Austin, it's important to team up with the right real estate agent. Here are some of the top firms in Austin you may want to work with:

• The Heyl Group
• The Speed & Neuren Group
• Austin Real Estate Experts
• DMTX Realty Group
• Deane Residential
• The Holm Team
• The Grossman & Jones Group
• The Veritas Group
• STRÜB Residential Group
• The…

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"Is an All-Cash Offer on a House Always a Good Idea? The True Risks and Rewards"

Realtor.com writes, "ah, the all-cash offer. If you’re a home buyer with this ace up your sleeve, you probably have a swagger in your step as you tour homes, looking for the perfect property. And in light of today’s rising mortgage rates, the thought of saving all that monthly interest on a loan makes paying in cash that much sweeter.

Home sellers swoon over all-cash offers for one simple reason: It means there’s no doubt that you’ve got the coin to close the deal.

All-cash home buyers have a distinct advantage over those who need a mortgage, because there’s no guarantee that lenders will fork over the money. A lot can get in the way of that happening, from a subpar credit score to a poor home appraisal and beyond. All these what-ifs are…

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"Yay! Mortgage Rates Just Dropped—and Now There’s Even More Good News"

Realtor.com writes, "mortgage rates have finally dipped, after three panic-inducing weeks of climbing upward.

For the week ending June 8, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sank to 6.71%, down from the previous week’s 6.79%, according to Freddie Mac.

And that’s not where the good news ends.

Home price growth, which has been spiraling skyward since the COVID-19 pandemic, has also “slowed to a halt,” according to Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com® in her recent analysis of the latest housing data.

Indeed, median listing prices came in a mere 0.2% higher for the week ending June 3 compared with this same week last year. That’s the lowest level in the history of Realtor.com data, which goes back to 2016.

Yet despite this…

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"Austin has the 3rd most active real estate market in the U.S. within the last decade"

CultureMap Austin writes, "a new report has discovered Texas cities hold the top five most active real estate markets in the country, with Austin landing in third place. The study by storage marketplace StorageCafe reflects the city's resiliency over the last decade after a recent reported plummet in Austin's quality of life.

Austin had the third highest number of single-family home permits between 2013 and 2022, totaling 37,000 units. At the same time, the city also permitted over 98,700 new multi-family/apartment units. The massive influx of housing ultimately adds up to an impressive national surge.

On the industrial end, the Texas Capital also took the No. 3 spot in the country for the most square feet of new industrial space construction.…

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"A $50 Million Lake Austin Compound Could Become the Priciest Home in Texas"

Mansion Global writes, "with an asking price of $50 million, a lakefront compound in Austin, Texas, could set a record for the state, according to listing agent Bridget Ramey of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. 

The roughly 6-acre estate on Lake Austin is directly adjacent to a large ranch owned by technology magnate Michael Dell, Ramey said. It comprises a roughly 7,000-square-foot main house and three guesthouses, plus a private boat dock with space for two boats, Ramey said.

Owner Brett Ames, a real-estate developer, and his wife, musician Carolann Ames, acquired the land in 2014 and built the home for their family, he said. He declined to comment on how much he paid for the land; there are no public records since Texas is a…

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"4 Austin-inspired cocktail recipes to whisk you away from the Texas heat this summer"

CultureMap Austin shares, "now that summer weather has arrived in Austin, we can tell you’re thirsting for some new drinks to try. And with World Gin Day coming up on June 10, we’re sharing a few recipes from local Austin restaurants (and Austin’s favorite Topo Chico!) we hope you’ll enjoy.

The following recipes feature some of our favorite ingredients or mixers we’re loving at the moment. Whether your drink of choice is a cocktail or mocktail, we’ve gathered four bright and bubbly beverages to help whisk you away from the Texas heat. And if you prefer to drink them rather than make them, three of these lovely libations can be found on the seasonal summer menus at their respective restaurant."

Aba’s Rhubarb Rose Gin and Tonic
This cocktail was…

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"Massive luxury community set to break ground west of Austin"

Austin Business Journal reports, "the first phase of construction on Thomas Ranch, a 2,200-acre luxury community near Spicewood, is set to begin later this month.

Salt Lake City-based developer Areté Collective LP plans to break ground June 15, according to an announcement from late May. The first-phase neighborhood will be called Loraloma and have more than 400 homes and a golf course — although a builder is still needed.

Loraloma will be home to about 450 cottages, villas, estates and custom homesites, said Joe Rentfro, Thomas Ranch managing director.

"Our intention was to cater to a wide variety of individuals seeking a fresh take on Hill Country living without sacrificing the culture that rests at Austin’s core," Rentfro said.

To that…

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"New Hill Country farmers market debuts in Bee Cave this month"

CultureMap Austin shares that, "over 40 local farmers and makers will bring their goods to the Hill Country Galleria on Sunday, June 4 for the launch of the new Bee Cave Farmers Market. Visitors can shop at the Central Plaza Lawn from 10 am to 2 pm.

Locally-grown, fresh produce will be sold by Farmer Dave's, Citizen Mushroom, Pedernales River Farm, Persnickety Gardens, and Smyrna Farms. Gift and creative vendors include Auntie Gigi's Dog Treats, Austin Fine Jewelry, B&G Artisan Gifts, Herbal Root Collective, Luminosa Vida, Plant Lady ATX, and many more.

The farmers market doesn't just provide opportunities to shop local: Nonprofits that would like to spread the word about their cause can also find a place at the market with their free booth…

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"Luxury residential community coming soon to San Marcos"

Community Impact reports, "Alta Center Point, a luxury residential community located at 625 Gregsons Bend, is being built in San Marcos.

The multifamily residential community is being developed by Wood Partners and Pursuant Ventures Development, led by Tyler Sibley and will offer 330 apartment homes with a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans.

Alta Center Point will have a resort-style pool, outdoor kitchen and a dog park along with a clubroom. Residents will also have access to a high-tech fitness center, conference area with multiple personal workspace offices and a variety of entertaining spaces.

According to Donya Mansoorian, an assistant account executive for the Wood team, the development anticipates opening its first unit in the…

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