This comes at no surprise to me since it was also stated that more than 88,000 people are forecasted to move into Austin and it’s surrounding cities over the next 2 years.

Current rental home inventory continues to tighten and rental rates follow as the real estate market in Austin, Texas and surround areas shows signs of a landlord and seller market.

As the tenants begin to buy instead of renting, New Home Builders flood established Apartment Communities with print material on a weekly basis.

Most print materials are being mailed as a postcard and state something like this, “Why Rent?, Buy Now! – No Monry Down, Monthly Payments Less than Rent.  Up to $15,000 in Upgrades and FREE Appliance Package or Gift Cerficate.”

If you are thinking about moving to another apartment, rental home or buying a new or resale home, Call Mike Cusimano with Premiere Team Real Estate today at 512-795-9918.  Don’t forget to Ask about our Lease Buy Out Program and FREE Moving Program.

1. Low interest rates – In fact, we are still seeing rates as low as 3% mortgage rates with certain loan programs
2. Recent increase in population - New employers are setting up shop in Austin and surrounding areas.  Thus, new job opportunities.
3. Rental rate increases of over 20% in the past 6 months.
4. New loan programs being offered to qualified buyers not offered before.  
5. Low rental inventory – In fact, I visited an onsite leasing agent yesterday and she stated that her apartment complex is at an all time high of 99% occupancy rate.

Now for the questions you need to ask yourself when deciding if you should buy a home or continue to rent.

1. Do I plan on living in the Austin and surrounding area for at least the next 3 to 5 years?
2. Can I qualify to buy a homes in the Austin and surrounding area? 
3. Do I know where I want to live in the Austin and sorrounding area?

If you answered “Yes” to all of the questions above, buying a home should become a high priority. 

Many experts have stated the forecast for the Austin real estate market shows strong signs of continued increase in rental rates, job growth, population, new employers and less housing inventory over the next 4 to 5 years.

If you are thinking about buying or renting, call Premiere Team Real Estate today at 512-345-1919.  Don’t forget to ask about our “Lease Buy Out Program and Exclusive Home Buyer Rebate Plan of up to $5,000.

It has been predicted that 88,000+ people will call Austin, Cedar Park, Pflugerville and Round Rock, Texas home over the next 2 years.

With that in mind, new home builders and investors are looking for land to build homes, apartments and duplexes on. 

The average rental rate for a 3-2 home has increased over 17% over the past 6 months and apartments up 22% in some locations.  This is due to the lack of rental home and apartment units available for rent.

Also, as we come to the end of the first quarter, home sales are up over 12% compared to last year this same time.  Many people think it is due to the low interest rates, home prices and lack of available rental homes.

In fact, one out of four homes are being purchased by investors looking to cash in on the future anticipation of another super real estate market like in the early 2000′s. 

In summary, if you are thinking about buying now is the time.  Not sure if you qualify?  There are a few options that most buyers may not be aware of. 

If you are thinking about buying in Austin, Cedar Park, Pflugerville or Round Rock, Texas give me a call to discuss all of your options.  After all, there are many ways to skin a cat.  Call Premiere Team Real Estate at 512-345-1919.

The Austin Board of Realtors stated in Febraury’s edition of Austin Realtor that rental rates should continue to rise far into 2014.  Many reasons given is the increase of recent and future population due to many new and expanding businesses to include the Formula One race track set to open this November.

Currently I see renters racing to beat out others with their applications in hand as rental homes and apartments come available.  In fact, even the most unattractive homes and apartments for lease are leasing within 2 weeks. 

This is likely to continue even with more tenants taking the big jump into home ownership while interest rates are very low and the housing market is still affordable.

As 2012 moves forward, I see more new and resale home sales, new apartment communities being built and an increase in home values. 

In summary, now is a great time to buy before home prices get out of hand and interest rates go back up to average rates of  6 to 7%.  Also, if you think or know you do not qualify, call Premiere Team Real Estate and ask about creative financing and about our lease buy out program. Call 512-345-1919 anytime

Among the hardest areas to find available rental homes and apartments are in the Northwest Austin and Cedar Park, Texas areas. 

Northwest Austin and Cedar Park have been strong rental and sales markets for the past 12 months.   As of February 19, 2012 there are less than 150 homes available for rent.  Based on smartlocating.com statistics, the average occupancy rate is 98% and rental homes are leasing in less than 2 weeks.

For more information, Call Premiere Team Real Estate @ 512-794-9914

Normally in the Austin, Texas and surround areas this time of year, we see the rental home inventory increase as renters head for home purchases.  Currently, statistics show that rental home inventory is actually decreasing which is why rental rates are increasing.  It’s simply about supply and demand.

What’s interesting though is that home loan interest rates are still around 4% and the home buying market in the Austin, Texas and surrounding areas is showing a stronger than expected increase in home sales compared to this time last year.

I could explain more about what is happening but I want to know what you think. Your comments could win you a $25 gift card.

By the way, if you buy a house through me, I’ll take over your lease for FREE.  Click here for more details or call Premiere Team Real Estate at 512-345-1919 anytime.

This new policy requires the Landlord to provide specific information to the tenant if the Landlord is doing one of the following based on credit:

* denying the lease/rental application * requiring a co-signer or guarantor
* requiring a higher security deposit * requiring an increased rent amount

If such an action is taken based on the tenant’s credit score, then the following information must be provided to the applicant:

* credit score * entity that created the credit report
* date of the credit report * range of possible scores within the model used
* the key factors, not exceeding four, that affected the credit score

For more informatioin about buying, leasiing, selling or property managment, call Premiere Team Real Estate or Premiere Team Management at 512-795-9918

Provided information was taken from many sources such as FCRA, National Tenant Network and other recent articles.

If you wanted or needed to be in a certain area and price range, you only had 4 to 8 choices. Now there are hundreds of recently built and much newer apartments for rent that offer 3 & 4 bedroom floorplans with garages & resort style amenities like a theater, billard/game room, indoor basketball/raquet ball courts, fitness center, business center, steam room/sauna, conference rooms, restuarants, coffee shop & even a convenient store all on the property.

As you can see with all of the newer apartments with their state of the art amenities including the downtown high rises, even Austinites that have be renting for years are as unfamiliar with the Austin’s apartment and rental property market as those who just relocating to Austin, Texas.

There are many factors that go into choosing a place to rent – unlike before when you took whatever you could afford. There are many things that a person who wants to rent in the Austin area including any other city that should consider before making a final decision because it could drastically effect how much you will enjoy living in your new apartment.

Getting with an expert Apartment Locator such a Premiere Team Real Estate Agent who’s service is completely FREE to you and will not effect your rental rate here in the Austin area will save you countless hours of time and will minimize the chances of you getting overwhelmed.

An expert Premiere Team Apartment Locator will sit down with you and evaluate your situation – your wants & needs, area of town & even current or past financial problems. Then will show you all of your options help you weigh the pros and cons, verify the current rental rate, availability and even their move in specials.

Here are some of the most important factors to consider besides the number or bedrooms, unit availability, pet policies, rent and location:

1. Floorplan/location: The way the unit is laid out can directly effect your comfort of living. Where the utility room is located or balcony including which way the unit faces. What if your bedroom furniture was too big to fit into the master bedroom or the sun shined in your living room in the afternoon where you can’t even see the TV?

2. Noise Level/location: Once you have chosen an apartment community, visit it during the evening or on the weekend. If you only visit it during a normal workday, you will not get a true appreciation for the neighbors. Don’t forget – corner unit apartments have less adjoining walls, so they tend not to have as many noise issues, and apartments on top floor don’t have any overhead noise.

3. Age of building/location: While there are many quality apartments that are not brand new, the age of the building is a factor in several things: maintenance and style to name a few. Plus how will it affect the any potential budget savings on rent, the proximity to the location you want and your utility bills. This will help you make the right decision.

4. Amenities/location: Most people have a general idea of what they want & need and sometimes the apartment will offer some features that they never thought of or are already paying for such as a storage unit, gym/fitness, business center with conference room, etc. What about a closer commute or living outside of town where you can get more for your money and use the Metro Rail system.

While there are many factors to consider when renting an apartment in the Austin and surrounding area, the above will definitely reduce the amount of time wasted looking for the wrong place to call home. In order to get the best bang for the buck, call a local area Apartment Locator or if you are moving within the Austin area, call an expert Premiere Team Apartment Locator to get the FREE resources you deserve. Why waste days, time and gas money looking for the 2nd or 3rd best place to live. Keep in mind an expert Apartment Locator knows the area, has all of the amenities, floorplans, availibility & move-in specials at their finger tips.

For additional information or to speak to one of our associates, call 512-481-7010 now.

The landlord has his own insurance which only covers property damage not your personal contents. Furniture, family photos, and coveted heirlooms can never fully be replaced, but by insuring these items you can protect your assets in the event your possessions are stolen or destroyed. The biggest mistake renters make is assuming that, since the landlord is insuring the building they live in, their personal property is also covered.

Here are some important Tips for Purchasing Renters Insurance:
First, familiarize yourself with all the types of policies.

Second, understand the difference between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Costs. Actual cash value will reimburse you for the price you paid for the item. For example, a computer purchased for $1000 five years ago will cost significantly less today. Your computer credit may only be $300. It always costs more, but having insurance that replaces your possessions at the current market value is very wise.

Third, it is always a good idea to document of all of your personal property in order to validate claims. Compile a list of all possessions, retain important receipts, write down serial numbers, and even take pictures or a video of every thing.

lastly, keep a copy of your list with the data stored off site somewhere.  This way if something happens and everything is destroyed you still have the documents you need to make a claim.

It’s quite simple. Over the past 3 years as the economy was on ice, many of the high school and college grads stayed at home to save money and/or were unemployed.

Now since the local job market has improved, many young adults are flying the coop to claim their independentence.

With this in mind, There are a limited amount of housing available due to the lack of multi-family building. Thus, high demand and low inventory yields higher rent prices.

In summary, if you expect to live in the Austin area for at least 3 years or longer, we strongly advice you to buy a home or condo.

For more information or a detailed rent vs. own analysis based on your situation, call Premiere Team Real Estate at 512-794-9914.