The housing market is in a unique situation this year as mortgage rates have hit record lows at a time when many Americans are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But for those who have the extra cash on hand, buying a home right now could be the ideal situation--and Austin is one of the best real estate markets in the nation for buyers.

WalletHub looked at 300 cities across the U.S. to determine their rankings, including factors like median home-price appreciation to home sales turnover rate to job growth.

Austin came in at number 7 overall, and 3rd among large cities.

The survey graded Austin's real estate market health:

  • 42nd – Avg. Days Until Sale
  • 54th – Job Growth Rate
  • 102nd – Foreclosure Rate
  • 54th – % of…

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Elegant home on a large lot with resort style pool on the iconic street of Balcones Dr! Renovated upscale transitional style Kitchen opens to the expansive living room with soaring ceilings. Fabulous architectural features and ample light throughout - Great room with two story ceilings, custom glassed in 1,100 bottle wine room, grand circular staircase, enormous master suite, french doors open to spacious covered al fresco dining area overlooking the refreshing pool and wood burning fireplace.

 

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Unique Jester residence perched on a half acre hillside lot, nestled among native trees with spectacular NE views of the Hill Country. This spacious home features a contemporary interior design with an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, ample natural light, fireplace, beautiful kitchen with granite counter tops & stainless appliances, amazing master bedroom with 180 degree views and access to oversize deck. Multiple living areas and covered porches, an ideal home for living and entertaining!

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The fast-growing community of Dripping Springs is about to grow even more. Meritage Homes recently kicked off the sale of more than 700 homes in the 200-acre, master-planned Big Sky Ranch development, about 25 miles west of downtown Austin.

Big Sky Ranch Prices for the single-family, one- and two-story homes start in the $260s. Square footage ranges from roughly 1,600 to more than 3,500. In all, the project — at U.S. Highway 290 and RR 12 near downtown Dripping Springs — features 21 home designs.

“The proximity of this project to the core city limits of Dripping Springs will encourage future residents to walk to destinations like our downtown historic districts, Founders Memorial Park, and other retail establishments within walking distance,” Ginger Faught,…

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A rare combination of privacy and convenience on the south shore of Lake Travis.  The Lakehouse is a privately gated, 13 acre waterfront estate with an entrance from RR 620. Through the gates, a private hill country drive leads you to the iconic Lakehouse, a waterfront home of splendid detail.  Every detail Architecturally planned and elegantly executed by the finest Builders and Designers in Austin.  The residence boasts over 12,000 square feet inclusive of the detached guest house.  

 

  • Main house:

The main level is designed with entertaining in mind with three living areas, two dining areas, a Chef’s Kitchen and two powder baths, multiple patios and a grilling area.

The entire second level is a Master suite featuring a…

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Coveted views of the Capitol and iconic Frost tower crown from this Luxury Northeast Corner Residence on the 40th Floor. Open floor plan with Gourmet Kitchen opening to spacious dining & living room with floor to ceiling windows & luxury finishes throughout. The Austonian amenities include a 75’ saltwater pool & spa, Outdoor Kitchen, Fitness center with 360 degree views, Billiard Room, Spa room, Dog park & grooming room, Theatre, Conference room & Austonian Club. Also available to lease for $10,000/month.

 

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An overhead photo of the site Tesla has chosen for Gigafactory Texas

Tesla has begun soliciting local contractors for its Gigafactory Texas, the 4 million- to 5 million-square-foot manufacturing plant slated to start construction in Travis County east of Austin later this year.

The electric carmaker initiated the contracting process one day after CEO Elon Musk's announcement that southeastern Travis County would be the site for Tesla's next gigafactory.

In an email obtained by Community Impact Newpaper, Jessica Munoz, a procurement manager for Tesla, began soliciting contractors and subcontractors for the project via email following a July 23 outreach event for interested local contracting professionals.

"I am very excited to build a contractor base with local talent," Munoz said in the email.

Contractors have to apply…

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The Miraval Austin Resort & Spa welcomed guests back to its resort and spa following a temporary closure caused by the coronavirus. (Courtesy Miraval Austin Resort and Spa)

The Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, located at 13500 FM 2769, Austin, closed March 27 due to restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened June 25, and the resort’s spa reopened July 15. Miraval General Manager Anthony Duggan said the resort, located just east of the Volente community on Lake Travis, has taken a number of precautions to help ensure guests are as safe as possible during their stay. Miraval is still open at a limited capacity, and Duggan said reservations are taken depending on the number of guests and the business climate of a particular day.

“We do have a limited spa menu, and there are some services we are still not comfortable offering,” Duggan said. “But with services such as massages, both therapists and guests are…

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Kido opened its first Austin location July 15. (Courtesy Kido)

 

International preschool Kido opened its first Austin location July 15 at 10625 Bonaventure Drive, Austin, in the River Place neighborhood. The 15,000-square-foot facility has become the company’s largest to date, according to the Kido website.

Kido offers primary education through a curriculum focused on human behavior, according to a press release from Kido. The Kido website states that its curriculum promotes hands-on, interactive learning for children ages six weeks to five years old.

“We knew right away that we wanted to open a location in Austin because we recognize the unique growth that is happening to the city right now,” Kido U.S. CEO Deep Pandita said. 512-557-1152. www.kido.school/en/our-centers/austin/river-place/

 

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The Lake Travis ISD board of trustees will meet virtually July 15 to discuss the 2020-21 budget. (Amy Rae Dadamo/Community Impact Newspaper)

As budget talks continue for the 2020-21 school year, homeowners in Lake Travis ISD can anticipate a tax rate decrease heading into the next school year.

LTISD officials are set to discuss the proposed operating budget during a virtual board meeting July 15.

The tentative budget will include a proposed rate of $1.31363 per $100 of valuation, which, when accounting for property value inflation, is the lowest the district has presented since 1989, according to Johnny Hill, the assistant superintendent for business, financial and auxiliary services.

The rate is about $0.02 lower than LTISD’s approved 2019-20 tax rate of $1.3375 per $100 of valuation, which was $0.07 lower than the year prior.

Officials held a preliminary budget workshop June 15, during which…

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