I’m a numbers gal, in case you hadn’t noticed.  Numbers help cut the emotion out of the market to help you make intelligent (not emotional) decisions.  One of the biggest questions and points of conversation I’ve had lately is how does this market compare to the tech bust, etc?

My answers to these questions relate to the sales price, months of inventory, and home sales volume.  So see for yourself, Austin’s growth has remained mostly consistent over this decade, prices are mostly holding after the boom of 2006 and downturn of 2007/2007.  We are seeing inventory levels similar to 2001 (think tech-bust & 9/11) but still below those of late 2003 through 2004 (more tech crunches).  Home sales volumes are always seasonal… last year we saw similar numbers to 2004, but had a large drop in January 2009 to levels that we haven’t seen since 2000-2004 when Austin was smaller and less economically developed.  I expect February’s numbers to be much stronger, we are seeing nearly 500 pending sales right now in addition to sales earlier this month and builder’s home sales.  December was also stronger than we had seen, probably due to expiring tax credits and property tax homestead exemption benefits.

It will be a long road to recovery, but Austin is showing its resilience and steady economic nature.  It is a great time to take advantage of low interest rates through buying a home, remodeling loans, and refinancing.  I am happy to help you evaluate the benefits of each to help you decide which option is best for you.