Luxe Austin Homes - homeowners

"Household Real Estate Value Falls in the First Quarter of the Year"

Realtor.com writes, "In a slight setback for homeowners, $200 billion was shed from the total value of household real estate during the first months of 2025—but it remained the fourth-highest on record.  

The aggregate market value of all U.S. homes owned by those living in them retreated to $47.9 trillion during the year's first quarter, down from $48.1 trillion at the end of 2024, according to the most recent release of the Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts.

This reflects a continued pullback from the highest total of $48.8 trillion, recorded in the second quarter of 2024, according to a recent Flow of Funds analysis by Realtor.com® economists. Yet despite the downturn that has occurred across three consecutive quarters, homes gained $960…

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"Gen Z's regret grows over generational housing divide"

Austin Business Journal writes, "High home prices and elevated interest rates have members of Generation Z worried about missing out on the dream of homeownership — or deeply regretting having taken the plunge.

According to the BMO Real Financial Progress Index, 54% of American renters envy people their age and younger who have purchased a home. It's a dynamic that's even stronger among Gen Zers, with 63% of those respondents saying they are envious of homeowners. The Gen Z share is second only to that of millennials, who are most likely to be envious, at 67%.

"The data show that owning a home remains a key component of the American dream, but with some obstacles still facing first-time homebuyers, younger generations worry they missed their…

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"Half of Texas homeowners don't know they can protest taxes, study says"

CultureMap Austin shares, "some people might be surprised to find out that their taxes are negotiable — at least when it comes to real estate. Specifically, 53 percent of Texas homeowners don't know they can protest their home's property tax evaluation, according to a study by Ownwell, a service that makes homeowners' cases for them.

Put simply, since homeowners are taxed on the assessed market value of their home, an over-appraisal by the local tax office can lead to paying too much in taxes. Homeowners in this situation can lower what they owe by telling tax appraisers what they believe the real value of the home is, and the two entities will negotiate to find an acceptable number. Appraisals reflect the value of the home on January 1 of that tax…

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"A new deal-breaker is derailing some home sales"

Austin Business Journal writes, "Real estate agents are struggling to close on deals because of the surging cost of homeowners insurance.

That’s according to real estate firm Redfin Corp.'s 2025 Industry Survey, which found 47% of surveyed agents said they have encountered more issues with home insurance during a transaction over the past year compared to the year before it.  

Overall, 21% of agents said they had "significantly more" issues recently with homeowners insurance, such as clients having trouble getting affordable insurance or canceling a purchase because of homeowners insurance. About 26% said they had "somewhat more" issues while 35.7% said it was about the same as the year before. 

In California, about 50% said they had…

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"Real estate agents see shift in priorities within housing-market decisions"

Austin Business Journal shares, "A substantial number of real estate agents believe climate change is affecting homebuyer decisions, and the impact is getting stronger in certain parts of the country.

Among real estate agents surveyed in real estate firm Redfin Corp.'s 2025 Industry Survey, 39% of the respondents said they believe climate change is impacting to at least some degree consumer choices about where to live and what homes to buy. That total included 13.2% who “completely agree” that climate change was impacting choices, and 25.8% who “somewhat agree.”

The 39% total is more than the 35.8% who "somewhat disagree" or "completely disagree." The balance of the respondents did not offer an opinion on the topic.

The number of respondents…

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"Post-pandemic effects on housing market still linger across Travis County"

Community Impact writes, "This year’s appraisal valuations from the Travis Central Appraisal District show that single-family residences experienced an average 3.4% decline in market value compared to last year.

However, the median market value for a residential homestead in Travis County is still up 46%, or $163,841, since pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The big picture

Beginning April 9, more than 488,000 Travis County property owners received their appraisal notices by mail. The notices include the market value assigned to a property as of Jan. 1, as well as the taxable value of that property based on its exemptions.

“Property owners can review their 2025 values on our website and should expect to receive their notices of appraised value over the next…

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"The best time for Austinites to list their home"

AXIOS Austin writes, "It's prime time to list homes in Austin, according to a new Zillow report.

Why it matters: Sellers who listed their homes in early spring last year made more money on the sale than at any other time of the year.

The big picture: The "best time to sell," per Zillow researchers, depends on where you live, and the season starts early in Austin.

• Across the U.S., homes listed late last May sold for 1.6% more — typically $5,600 — than any other time of year.
• San Jose, California; Seattle; and San Diego also saw price premiums in March, while late fall was prime time to sell in Tampa Bay and Phoenix.

Zoom in: Listing Austin-area homes in the second half of March boosted the final sale price by 2.3%, or about $10,400, on…

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"Austin-area housing market poised for another stable year, experts say"

Austin American-Statesman writes, "Steady as she goes.

That about sums up the 2025 outlook by real estate experts for the housing market in the Austin metro area, a five-county region stretching from Georgetown to San Marcos.

Peering into their crystal balls, several leading experts who have tracked the ups and downs of the Central Texas real estate market for years, even decades, foresee stable conditions this year. They predict the 2025 housing landscape could mirror last year's, as more normal trends continue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic era buying frenzy, when multiple offers, often well above asking price, were common.

Those expected trends include home prices remaining relatively flat; a steady supply of housing; predictable…

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"Your Recent Mortgage Statement Holds the Secret to a Big Tax Bonus This Year"

Realtor.com writes, "Tax season can be very stressful for many Americans—and for homeowners, having a place to call home can add another layer of complexity.

Sure, several tax breaks are available to owners. However, navigating them, finding the appropriate forms, and ensuring you do not forget any deductions can be challenging.

Recently, a real estate expert posted a TikTok video reminding homeowners that one of these tax forms could actually help them get a tax bonus this year. The video was liked more than 26,000 times, underscoring taxpayers’ interest in understanding deductions as much as possible. 

Real estate agent warns not to throw out your recent mortgage statement

TikTok user and mortgage expert @loanladyliz explained that there…

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"Where’s My Refund? Here’s When Homeowners Can Expect Their Money Back From Property Taxes"

Realtor.com shares, "A few years ago, my husband and I bought a townhome. The place is perfect for us, in a great area with nice neighbors, but it’s modestly sized and, admittedly, a little dated. It’s certainly not a luxury property—though seemingly well within the means of two 30-something professionals.

But with HOA dues, unexpected home repairs, car fixes, as well as the cost of two kids (and another on the way), I’m dedicated to clipping coupons and find myself biting my nails whenever I get an unexpected bill.

It’s no wonder I’m always stressed during tax season.

“How much do we owe this time?” I ask my husband every year, usually rubbing my temples as I try to fight off a money-induced migraine.

But recently, I realized that our…

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