“Hybrid” homes
Posted on November 12, 2008
Filed Under Economy, Green Living, Homes, Real Estate | Leave a Comment
An article in the Austin American-Statesman talks about the increasing demand for “hybrid” homes (the term hybrid relating to an analogy with fuel-efficient automobiles). In a slow housing market, energy features can add value,especially in Austin, where
custom homebuilders like Ray Tonjes are adding energy-saving features like thicker insulation, sealed attics and ductwork, and dual-speed air conditioner compressors to meet customer demand for more energy-efficient houses. Some companies do nothing but green-built homes. And the city has the nation’s pioneering green building certification and education program, as well as an aggressive incentive program for energy-efficient appliances.
The article goes on to say that “a household can reduce energy expenditures by 50 percent just by using equipment such as more efficient heaters, air conditioners, water heaters, appliances and electronics and by using compact fluorescent lighting,” and mentions a BASF Corp. concept home that’s 80 percent more efficient. This is especially compelling given the potential for energy costs to increase in coming years.
How important is energy efficiency to you, as a home buyer? Or if you’re a seller, what energy features might you add to make your home more attractive in today’s market?
Heliovolt factory opens in Austin
Posted on October 31, 2008
Filed Under Austin, Economy | Leave a Comment
Last Friday, we attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Heliovolt’s first full-scale factory on Stassney Lane near Highway 71. The company’s an anchor for Austin’s burgeoning green energy business sector. It will make high-performance cost-effective thin film photovoltaics. My husband Jon Lebkowsky interviewed Heliovolt CEO B.J. Stanbery here. KVUE reports on the factory opening here (with video).
Google and GE push green energy technology
Posted on October 31, 2008
Filed Under Green Living | Leave a Comment
At Google’s annual Zeitgeist conference, Google and GE, two powerhouse companies, said they were going to promote policy changes in DC that would develop more energy capacity and a smart grid for utilizing green energy. This is just what we need – businesses getting into the game and affecting policy in a positive way. [Link]
HomeSafePMI
Posted on October 31, 2008
Filed Under Foreclosure | Leave a Comment
Are you concerned that you might be facing foreclosure? PMI Mortgage Insurance Company, one of the largest private mortgage insurers in the U.S., has created a web site that answers your quesetions about alternatives to foreclosure.
Here’s a video on workout programs:
Mark Dotzour: the Outlook for Home Sales in Austin
Posted on October 26, 2008
Filed Under Marsha Moves Austin | Leave a Comment
This week at Realty Roundup in Austin Mark Dotzour, Chief Economist and Research Director at Texas A & M University’s Real Estate Center, had some positive words about Austin real estate.
He feels that, because of Austin’s strong job growth, the low interest rates, and our modest appreciation, we will emerge from the global downturn in a good position for continued growth.
Dotzour said that, in general, when the inventory of homes on the market is at a 6.5 month level, the market is balanced. We are currently at a 6 month level, meaning our market is active and heading upward. We have gone through all the current hits that have sent markets declining across the country, and we are still strong. If the surprise ending, the credit default swaps, don’t swamp us, we’ll make it just fine and be in good shape for the typical spring buying season. This is what I am seeing in my practice as well. After the election, folks, after the election….
Renewable Energy Roundup
Posted on September 22, 2008
Filed Under Green Living | Leave a Comment
Check out the Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair this weekend, September 26-28 in Fredericksburg. Volunteer for a 3-day pass, or come when you can. Interesting speakers, lots of info about everything “green,” and a great chance to say hello to old friends (or make new ones). Come one, come all… gate entry fee $10 for Friday or Sunday, $12 for Saturday or $20 for a 3-day pass (children under 12 free). Exhibits and talks about solar, wind, geothermal, water use and resuse, energy conservation, rainwater harvesting, green and sustainabile building, organic growing, alternative transportation, and straw bale construction.
Disparity in Housing Declines
Posted on August 28, 2008
Filed Under Prices | Leave a Comment
Bespoke Investment Group notes that housing declines from peaks show a big disparity. The chart above shows the percentage difference between current median home prices and maximum home prices in twenty cities, showing a big difference in areas that have declined vs areas that are holding up pretty well, which includes Dallas, the only Texas city on the list.
Home sizes leveling off
Posted on August 28, 2008
Filed Under Homes, Real Estate | 1 Comment
The American Institute of Architects found that home sizes are leveling off and buyers are choosing to migrate back to the cities. This effect is likely due to the population getting older - 3/4 of homes are forecast to be without children in 2025 - and the sense that high fuel cost for transportation will be a permanent fact of life. [Link]
When Sarene Byrne and her husband, Tom, sent the last of their three kids off, they concluded it was foolhardy to continue paying nearly $20,000 a year in property taxes on their 6 ½-acre property with its 6,100-square-foot house, pool house and barn in Crosswicks, N.J.“We said, this is ridiculous, why do we have this house?” Ms. Byrne says.
“We really moved in order to downsize, to have a house that was really affordable, easy to take care of.”
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shares down
Posted on August 23, 2008
Filed Under Mortgages, News | Leave a Comment
The way I understand it, the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac decline would cripple the housing industry if left to flounder on its own. 40% loss in share value in three days - OMG! If banks and credit unions are the only lenders left standing after the air clears - interest rates will be much higher, and only the best applications for credit will be approved, meaning the vast majority of Americans will be unable to finance a home. (Business Week compares Fannie and Freddie to fast food - which is the better buy?)
Real Estate Search on Google Maps
Posted on May 16, 2008
Filed Under Tools | Leave a Comment
Google Maps has added a “real estate” search option. Enter an address and select that option, and you get a list of properties in the area pulled from various sites (not Multiple Listing Service data). Click on a specific property, and you get an option to see details (such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, and property type), photos and videos, and web page links. After you one or more properties that are appealing, contact me, and I’ll arrange for you to see ‘em!
More information at the Google Operating System blog.
keep looking »
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About Marsha Lebkowsky
Marsha Lebkowsky, with eighteen years of experience in Austin real estate, recently became active again after a break of a few years, part of which was spent living in Boulder, Colorado. Marsha began her real estate career in 1982, and worked as a Broker/Associate for several companies, including Century 21 Bill Ellison, Marsh and Box, Bivens and Associates, and Stanberry and Associates. She's handled both residential and commercial transactions, but is primarily focused on residential real estate in South and Southwest Austin.
Marsha at Twitter: http://twitter.co/marshamoves
Marsha at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/6/a76/b6
Marsha at Austin Board of Realtors -
