Author Archives: Sam Carroll

Housing Market Bubble forming as result of cheap money?

Housing Market Bubble At a breakfast in New York on May 15 former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker said that there was a danger of an asset bubble forming as result of cheap money. He said pretty much the same thing … Continue reading

Uncategorized

Will Congress axe the mortgage interest deduction?

Mortgage Interest Deduction… Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation published a 560-page report on tax reforms, including suggested changes, on May 6 https://www.jct.gov/publications.html?func=startdown&id=4517 The report refocuses the spotlight on the mortgage deduction. The Joint Committee on Taxation summarized the findings of … Continue reading

Interest Rates, Mortgage Loans, Mortgage Rates

Who’s responsible for the hot Austin home prices?

Home Prices Hot in Austin Home prices across the country jumped 9.3% in February from a year earlier, according to the Case-Shiller Index that tracks 20 major cities. This was the fastest pace in seven years, the Wall Street Journal … Continue reading

Austin, Home Sales, Real Estate

Will Austin Seller’s Market Mellow?

Austin Seller’s Market – Bust or Churn? If the Austin Seller’s Market continues churning along as it has, it could be a sign of a bubble.  Home prices in some markets will level off or even fall when mortgage rates rise, … Continue reading

Downtown Austin, Downtown Housing, Home Sales , , ,

Real Estate Tax Tips For Austinites

It’s tax time again in Austin, Texas – and the rest of the US. Real estate can affect your tax bill, so here are some great Real Estate Tax Tips. Deduction for moving expenses: 3 requirements: Related to job Distance … Continue reading

Austin, Real Estate, Taxes , ,

America’s fastest growing city – Austin sees both pluses and minuses

Fastest Growing City – Austin Experiences Growing Pains Be careful what you wish for! Austin ranked as the Fastest Growing City in America for the 3rd year in a row, according to Forbes’ list in January. We have mild weather, … Continue reading

Downtown Austin , ,

Baby Boomers fuel housing market by downsizing

Some 10,000 Baby Boomers are reaching age 65 every day and baby boomers account for about 20% of the US population. Most of the baby boomer generation owns a home that is all or mostly paid for. A lot of … Continue reading

Downtown Housing, home buying , ,

Downtown Austin – An Ambitious List Of Improvements

The Austin Business Journal has a slideshow of about 10 new Downtown Austin projects that are currently scheduled for construction. It’s an ambitious Downtown Austin list, but I’d like to see more than just growth for the sake of growth. … Continue reading

Austin, Downtown Austin ,

Update on Austin’s upper Congress Avenue!

Upper Congress Avenue – New Business Thrive About a year ago I wrote about the urban ghetto that upper Congress Avenue was becoming. Vacant buildings and shuttered storefronts blighted the boulevard while 2nd Street and other areas along Cesar Chavez … Continue reading

Austin, Downtown Austin ,

Will Austin’s Low Housing Inventory Continue?

Low Housing Inventory – Driving Up Prices In Austin Low Housing Inventory is creating a sellers’ market throughout most metropolitan areas in the US. Certainly Texas and Austin are no exception. The Austin Board of Realtors reports declines of 10-20% … Continue reading

Austin, Buying Opportunity , ,