The warmer weather of spring has arrived in the Austin-area. A new season brings the opportunity to refresh your home. How can you bring the season inside? These tips will have your home bright and inviting in no time:

1.     First, declutter!

2.     Store away winter accessories: heavy blankets, dark pillows, etc.

3.     Clean interior windows, mirrors and light fixtures

4.     Dust baseboards, ceiling fans, furniture, etc.

5.     Steam clean carpets, polish hardwoods and sweep/mop tile floors

6.     Deep clean the grout: flooring, bathroom, etc.

7.     Add some fresh flowers

8.     Bring the scent of the season inside by incorporating spring-scented candles or wall plug-ins

9.     Update your bedding to a lighter comforter

10.  Update your throw pillows to bright colors of the season: yellow, pink, green, etc.

11.  Brighten the home by opening the curtains - consider switching your heavier curtains for sheer panels

12.  Rearrange the living room for a fresh look

13.  Add floral accents: throw pillows, a wallpaper accent wall, garden wall art, etc.

14.  Add a basket/bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter – lemons, apples, bananas, etc.

15.  Install a new showerhead

16.  Swap in a new bath mat

17.  Repaint your baseboards

18.  Decorate with living plants – it is said indoor plans can improve people’s moods

19.  Upgrade to a smart thermostat – the upgrade can save you some money over the warm summer months

20.  Hang a wreath on the front door

21.  Set out a new welcome mat

22.  Repaint your front door

23.  Add some window boxes and plant spring flowers

24.  Refresh your patio furniture with a fresh coat of outdoor paint

25.  Brighten up your outdoor living space with some new lighting: lanterns, string lights, etc.

Are you refreshing your home for a spring sale? We can help with that, too. Contact us for details on how to stage your home to sell.

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.”

Is there someone in your life that embodies just that? Take the time this Mother’s Day to show your appreciation to that special person in your life. These Austin-area events will make Mother’s Day memorable for everyone:

Mother’s Day at The Capitol

Sunday, May 12 | 7 to 8 p.m.

Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet

Sunday, May 12 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Russian House, 307 E 5^th Street

Giselle

May 10-12

The Long Center

Mother’s Day Tea Cup Planting Party

Sunday, May 12 | 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Succulent Native, 5501 N Lamar

Mother’s Day Austin Flea at the ABGB

Sunday, May 12 | 12 to 6 p.m.

The ABGB, 1305 W Oltorf Street

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 12 | 7 to 10 p.m.

Craft Pride, 61 Rainey Street

Mother’s Day Special – DIY Perfume with Tea & Biscuits

Sunday, May 12 | 3 to 5 p.m.

CRAFT, 4620 East Cesar Chavez

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Sunday, May 12 | Seatings at 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The Driskill Lobby

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 12

The Hills Seatings at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Flintrock Falls Seatings at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Hills of Lakeway Country Club, 26 Club Estates Parkway, Austin

Keep in mind; this list is not comprehensive.

Or, instead of heading out-and-about, consider spoiling your mom with a home-cooked meal. Here is a great resource full of recipes perfect for the occasion.

Do you have any questions about the Austin-area? Are you or someone you know thinking about selling this spring? We are here to help! Give us a call today.     

Many people fall in love with a new home, only to find out they will not be able to afford it. Here are a few quick tips to make sure this doesn’t happen to you!

PREPARE!

1. Order your complete credit file from annualcreditreport.com. Once per 12 months, you can obtain a FREE report from all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Trans Union). If there are any errors, correct them.

2. Check your FICO credit score using a service such as Credit Karma. Sometimes your credit card company or bank may provide this free service as well.

3. Gather documents your lender will need: documentation of income/employment, two years of IRS tax returns if self-employed, bank statements, 401(k) funds, and other assets.

4. Make a list of current household expenses that are recurring such as car payments, health insurance, cell phone bills, etc.

HOW MUCH HOME CAN I AFFORD?
There is no simple, magic formula to determine how much home you can afford.

The old standard was 2.5x your annual income. If true and you made $100,000, you could afford a $250,000 home.

Today, some experts suggest that you can afford a mortgage payment as high as 28% of your gross income. If true and you made $100,000, you could afford a $450,000 home.

Most lenders will take your information and use automated underwriting models that factor in credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and many other factors.

CONNECT WITH A TRUSTED LENDER
The best way to truly know before you go? Get PRE-APPROVED by one of your Realtor’s preferred lenders.

Realtors work with lenders all the time as they are an integral part of the home buying process. Your Realtor has a unique, professional insight into what makes a lender a professional they would entrust with their clients.

---

Ready to take that next step? Connect with us today and we will connect you to our preferred lenders. Together, we will help you prepare for home shopping and finding your new home!

Meet Resident Realty

Since we opened our doors in 2002, the goal has been to provide the best value to each and every one of Resident Realty's clients and customers. Value can be measured in many different ways but ultimately, it comes down to five pillars: Expertise, Work Ethic, Service, Cost, and Results. By always striving to offer the best value in the Austin market, Resident Realty and its Brokers and Realtors have been awarded multiple Austin Business Journal and Texas Monthly Five Star Professional Awards in the past decade.

Contact Resident Realty today for your Austin area real estate needs.
(512) 899-8309 | austininfo@residentrealty.com

Check out our top four picks for Spring Break or Summer Staycations in the Austin area! The first three are hotel/resort options and the fourth is a rustic, outdoor adventure.

1. Lakeway Resort and Spa: Kid-friendly amenities include sailing, boating, fishing and water activities, a Kids Zone recreation center, and a pool playground featuring with a water slide. If parents want a day off the resort offers day camps for the kids, an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar and a boutique spa. Get more information here!.
2. Horseshoe Bay Resort: Kid-friendly amenities overlooking Lake LBJ include: golf courses, water sports, a dining yacht, pools, mini-arcade, tropical birds, giant lawn games, and a sandy beach area perfect for all ages. Adults can also enjoy golfing, a spa, and a dining yacht experience. Get more information here!.
3. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa: On 405 acres in Bastrop, kid-friendly amenities include a youth spa, horseback riding, archery, trap shooting, river recreation from kayaking to rafting, an onsite water park with a two-story water slide, beach area, lazy river, pools, hot tubs, waterfalls, and fountains. There are also day camps for kids and special events for the whole family like outdoor movies, crafts, scavenger hunts. Adults can enjoy championship golf, tennis, a fitness center, a world-class spa, For more information visit Get more information here!.
4. Creekside Camp & Cabins: Five family-friendly cabins for rent on Hamilton Creek. Each cabin is themed and includes a fully stocked kitchenette. Kid-friendly amenities include canoes, paddle boats, creek swimming, fishing, a tree house, board games, books, and lots of nature to explore. All cabins have fire pits, BBQ grills, outdoor patio furniture, and porches. Get more information here!.

---

Meet Resident Realty

Since we opened our doors in 2002, the goal has been to provide the best value to each and every one of Resident Realty's clients and customers. Value can be measured in many different ways but ultimately, it comes down to five pillars: Expertise, Work Ethic, Service, Cost, and Results. By always striving to offer the best value in the Austin market, Resident Realty and its Brokers and Realtors have been awarded multiple Austin Business Journal and Texas Monthly Five Star Professional Awards in the past decade.

Contact Resident Realty today for your Austin area real estate needs.
(512) 899-8309 | austininfo@residentrealty.com

Spring fun around the Austin-area is never far away. Do you have any plans for fun with your kids while they’re out of school for spring break?

Here’s a look at how you can enjoy spring break to the fullest with your family:

• Enjoy an afternoon in Zilker Park
• Spend the day canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake
• Cool off in the Barton Springs Pool, a natural 68-degree spring-fed pool
• Take a food tour of Austin's many food-court trailer parks
• Head out on a day trip to a nearby state park: McKinney Falls, Pedernales Falls State Park, etc. The entire family will experience tons of fun in the great outdoors: camping, picnicking, hiking, river swimming, fishing and more. 

Spring break isn’t just for young kids. If you’re a college student visiting the Austin-area this spring break, consider enjoying some of these activities ideal for twenty-somethings: 

• Dance the night away at one of Austin's favorite honky-tonks
• Explore the city's nightlight at one of the hottest bar scenes in the city: Rainey Street, West Sixth, East Sixth, etc. 
• Sip on a pint of craft beer at one of Austin's best craft beer spots. This Austin Beer Trail guide is here to help.

The “Live Music Capital of the World” comes alive during spring break. Experience the best of the city at these “Only in Austin” events and activities: 

• Head to SXSW for the ultimate collaboration of creative innovators!
• Spend the night at the Continental Club, revered for showcasing everything from rock and Latino singers to up-and-coming acts and famed locals.

Nothing is more Texas than the rodeo. Happening during spring break, March 16-30, this year’s rodeo features a great lineup:

• March 16 - Prorodeo & Aaron Watson
• March 17 - Prorodeo & La Adictiva
• March 18 - Prorodeo & Flo Rida
• March 19 - Prorodeo & Midland
• March 20 - Prorodeo & Chris Janson
• March 21 - Prorodeo & The Struts
• March 22 - Prorodeo & Randy Rogers Band
• March 23 - Prorodeo & Josh Turner
• March 24 - Prorodeo & Ronnie Milsap
• March 25 - Prorodeo & Walker Hayes
• March 26 - Prorodeo & Martina McBride
• March 27 - Prorodeo & The Jacksons
• March 28 - Prorodeo Playoff & Dustin Lynch
• March 29 - Prorodeo Playoff & Parker McCollum
• March 30 - Prorodeo Finals & Kevin Fowler

Come for the bull riding, barrel racing and carnival rides and stay late for some live music. Rodeo Austin never disappoints.

Searching for additional fun around the Austin-area? We can help! Contact us today to learn more about this great city.

Spring is just a few weeks away and with it, real estate’s hottest season! Are you thinking about selling? If so, get ahead of the competition by taking some time to prepare. These tips are a great way to get your home ready for a spring sale: 

Let natural light flood the rooms 
Open the curtains and raise the blinds to brighten your home. 

Renovate what's outdated and think small 
Take a look around. Do your kitchen and bathrooms look outdated? If so, they should be updated before you sell. To keep the renovations inexpensive, simply update fixtures like bath faucets, towel racks and cabinet pulls in the bathroom and add new hardware and repaint the cabinets in the kitchen. It is important to keep in mind that the bathroom and kitchen are two of the most important rooms within the home. 

Paint with whites and neutrals 
Adding a fresh coat of paint is relatively inexpensive and can instantly transform the appearance of your home. To ensure the new paint job is appealing to all potential buyers, stick to neutral colors: white, beige, greige, gray, etc. 

Fix anything broken
While the buyers will request a home inspection, it is actually in your best interest to do it before you list your home. Why? You know what's wrong and you have the ability to fix broken items ahead of time. While you're fixing things, also make sure all the lightbulbs are working. 

Pay attention to odors
Smell can be a major factor in your home sale. Before listing, take the time to remove the smell of pets, tobacco, etc. from your home and have your carpet professionally cleaned. 

Deep clean 
Tackle some traditional spring cleaning: dust the blinds, wipe down the baseboards and doors, polish the floors, etc. 

Increase curb appeal
Add some potted flowers to the front porch, repaint the front door, add a wreath and door mat and more to increase your home’s curb appeal. After all, first impressions do matter! 

Are you thinking about selling this spring? Put our expertise and knowledge of the greater Austin-area to work for you! You’ll find we can deliver a quick, top-dollar sale. 

Home improvement projects don't happen overnight. To ensure you aren't overwhelmed, try tackling just one project every month. With that in mind, here is a month-by-month look at some home improvement projects: 

January: Add Insulation - To keep warm, consider evaluating your attic insulation. If it isn't up to snuff, simply add more! 

February: Clean the Dryer Vent - While you likely clean out the lint trap between each load, many overlook the dryer vent. With that in mind, NOW is the time to do so. Not only does clearing out the dryer vent increase your dryer's efficiency, but it also reduces fire risk. 

March: Gut the Gutters - Now that it's warming up, head outside to clear out those gutters! Gutter build up can cause all sorts of issues to your house. 

April: Pest Prevention - With summer right around the corner, April is the perfect time to work on pest prevention. Check for cracks in the siding, examine the roof for loose or missing shingles and seal leaks around windows and doors. 

May: Power Wash the Siding - Winter can be rough on your home. To ensure the appearance remains top-notch, power wash the siding. You'll be happy you kept up with the curb appeal when it comes time to sell.

June: Refresh Your Front Door – If you’ve lived in the house awhile, chances are a fresh coat of paint could really improve the look of your front door. Try a bold color to make your home stand out from the rest! The paint will dry quickly in June’s sunny weather and warmer temperatures.

July: Check for Water Leaks – Do you suspect there may be a water leak in your plumbing system? First, make sure no water is being used in your house. From here, locate the water meter and check the leak indicator to see if it is moving. Also, check your irrigation system to ensure proper function - if you have one. 

August: Clean and Polish Your Floors – Warmer months call for some indoor projects – especially in Texas! Head inside and give your floors a good deep clean – steam clean the carpets, polish the hardwoods, clean the grout in the tile, etc.

September: Prune Your Perennials and Plant for Fall – Fall is full of color! In the spirit of the new season, head outside and make your yard shine. Prune back your perennials and add some seasonal flowers and vegetables: mums, lettuce, radishes, etc.

October: Inspect Your Heating System – With cooler temperatures right around the corner, October is the perfect time to give your heating system a tune-up. A serviced system will ensure you stay warm throughout the winter months.

November: Update Your Bathroom Fixtures – The holidays are fast-approaching. Before guests arrive, give your bathroom a facelift by upgrading the shower head faucets, etc.

December: Repair Steps and Railings – Did you know stairs are one of the most accident-prone areas of the home? With that being said, it is time for some repair work – both inside and out.

Tackling one project every month is the perfect way to get your home in tip-top condition without feeling overwhelmed.

While some of these projects can be completed without a professionally, there is no shame in admitting some of these are out of your comfort zone. For a list of trusted professionals in the Austin-area, give us a call. We would be happy to connect you! 

While winter around other parts of the United States can be pretty brutal, Texans are fortunate enough to enjoy a relatively temperate season. How can you enjoy winter in Austin?  Simple: head out to experience Austin’s best – both inside and outside:

Local Activities

• Grab a pint at a local brewery
• Head to Alamo Drafthouse or the Moviehouse & Eatery to catch the latest release
• Grab a cup of joe, hot chocolate or tea at a local café: Sour Duck Market, Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, etc. Click here for additional options.
• Shop some of the best local antique, vintage and thrift stores around Austin
• Be adventurous and try a new restaurant! Here’s a look at some of the best new restaurants around Austin!
• Head to a local bar, a friend’s house, or host a get-together to watch the Super Bowl
• Stroll the exhibits at a local museum. The University of Texas is home to some great collections, including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Harry Ransom Center and the LBJ Presidential Library
• Visit a local distillery
• Enjoy a day in the sun sipping on a glass of vino at an award-winning Hill Country winery. Here’s a look at some fantastic wineries and vineyards in North Central Texas.
• Run the Austin Marathon on February 17
• Dine on a patio: Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Contigo, Grizzelda’s, etc.
• Explore some of Austin’s best hiking trails: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, St. Edwards Park, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, Barton Creek Greenbelt 
• See a comedy show at Esther’s Follies
• Relax at a local spa or resort: Milk + Honey Spa, Lacquer, etc.
• Attend a University of Texas sporting event

Looking for something to do that doesn’t involve leaving the house? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a look at some activities to enjoy from the comfort of your own home:

• Revamp your home’s design. Don’t forget to consider the trends of 2019
• Make a fort or set up the tent in the living room and camp inside with the kiddos. Don’t forget the marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate for s’mores
• Declutter the house – a tidy house can reduce anxiety!
• Clean out your drawers, closets, attic, garage and more
• Start planning your family summer vacation
• Cozy up and read a novel
• Help your kids with their homework – if needed, of course!
• Install a smart thermostat – you’ll save money on your electric bill
• Complete some regular home maintenance projects: insulate the attic, refurbish the doors, replace the filter, seal openings and air leaks and more
• Cook a new recipe you’ve been wanting to try

Stay warm and enjoy these activities!

Do you have any questions about the Austin area? We love it here and would be happy to share our knowledge with you! Contact us today.

As one year comes to a close and the doors open to the next, we peek inside the crystal ball to predict what the new year has in store. What can you expect from the 2019 housing market? Here’s a look three real estate predictions every current and future homeowner should know for 2019: 

Affordability will remain a concern

Buyers have had it rough in recent years and it doesn’t look like that will end in 2019. Next year, expect home prices to increase by around 2.2 percent and mortgage rates to average 5.3 percent throughout the year and hit 5.5 percent by year’s end.

Home inventory will continue to increase – especially in the high-end market

Inventory hit its lowest level on record in the winter of 2017. But, in 2018, those levels began to recover. Expect that growth to continue into next year as experts are predicting inventory increase to remain moderate – less than 7 percent. While this is good news for buyers, it does mean there will be more competition for homeowners looking to sell. But, don’t let that fool you; the 2019 market will still be a good year for sellers. Just not as good as 2017 or 2018. In other words, if you are thinking about selling your home in 2019, you may need to adjust your expectations and know your home will not sell as quickly as it would of the past two years.

Meanwhile, high-priced markets will buck the inventory trend with double-digit gains. These double-digit gains will likely be seen in high-end homes in the metro areas of San Jose, Seattle, Boston, Nashville and more.

Millennials will dominate the home buying market

Millennials are now the biggest generational group of home buyers and are expected to account for 45 percent of mortgages in 2019, as compared to the 17 percent for Baby Boomers. Within this generation, there is some disparity as the dream of homeownership will remain tough for first-time Millennial buyers, whereas the slightly older move-up Millennial buyers will reap the benefits of both their home equity and the increased choices on the market.

No matter the age, Millennials will remain more price-conscious than any generation. In fact, you will see these buyers compromising on distance from an urban center and forgoing certain amenities and space to achieve homeownership.

How will the Austin market fare in 2019? According to Realtor.com, the Austin-Round Rock area will experience a 4 percent decline in home sales and a 3.7 percent increase in home price.

Do you have any questions about the Austin-area real estate market? Do you have any questions about these predictions? Give our team a call. We are happy to talk to you about the Austin-area and national housing market.

The fourth quarter showed an early demand for single-family homes around the Austin-area. This demand led to a record-breaking month for homes sales and sales dollar volume. In fact, according to the October 2018 Central Texas Housing Market report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, both home sales and sales dollar volume were the highest on record for any October. While there continues to be an increased demand for single-family homes across Austin, there also is a lack of inventory - indicating the Austin-area market is still prime for sellers. What should you know as a resident of the area? Here's a look at the details:

Austin-Round Rock MSA

·      2,347 home sales - a 4.3 percent increase from October 2017 AND the highest number of sales for any October

·      $900 million in sales dollar volume – a 8.8 percent increase year-over-year

·      $308,355 median home sales price - a 7.5 percent increase from October 2017

·      2,871 new listings – 3.7 percent increase year-over-year

·      7,434 active listings – an 8.2 percent increase year-over-year

·      2,444 pending sales – 2.8 percent increase from October 2017

·      2.9 months of inventory

 City of Austin

·      735 home sales – a 7.8 percent increase year-over-year

·      $343 million in sales dollar volume – an 11.9 percent increase from October 2017

·      $377,000 median home sales price – a 3.7 percent increase from October 2017

·      878 new listings – a 5 percent increase year-over-year

·      1,643 active listings – a 5.4 percent decrease year-over-year

·      711 pending sales – a 2.2 percent decrease from October 2017

·      2.1 months of inventory

Travis County

·      1,176 home sales – a 6.2 percent increase year-over-year

·      $537 million in sales dollar volume – a 10.9 percent increase from October 2017

·      $358,540 median home sales price – a 5.5 percent increase year-over-year

·      1,417 new listings – a 5.1 percent increase year-over-year

·      3,374 active listings – a 1.2 percent increase from October 2017

·      1,198 pending sales – a 3.3 percent increase year-over-year

·      2.6 months of inventory

Hays County

·      280 home sales – an 8 percent increase year-over-year

·      $93 million in sales dollar volume – a 9 percent increase from October 2017

·      $250,000 median home sales price – a 2 percent decrease year-over-year

·      370 new listings – a 26 percent increase year-over-year

·      1,039 active listings – a 19 percent increase from October 2017

·      291 pending sales – a 4 percent increase year-over-year

·      3.5 months of inventory

Click here for additional information about our local real estate market.

The lack of inventory and rising home prices make NOW the ideal time to sell! Are you thinking about selling? Contact Resident Realty today! We have the team of professional that’ll get your home SOLD – no matter the season!