July 2021

Jul 1, 2021
4 min read

Happy Summer!

We made it…. Back to a time where life is starting to feel more normal. We survived Snow-vid in February and said we’d never complain about heat again. Bring on the outdoor concerts, swimming, barbecue parties, fireworks, and triple digits! Whatever you do this summer, have some fun, see some family, stay healthy, and hug people!

The Austin housing market has had an incredible run since January. I am not sure I took a single day off between January and mid-June. However, I recently had an opportunity to get away with my family and the downtime gave me a chance to reflect on the current market. First of all- Congrats to all of those who either own in Austin or were able to purchase in the last 6 months. Also, to the sellers who were able to cash out and move on to their next chapters- I’m thrilled for you. We’ve been seeing 40+% price increases YOY in the Austin area multiple months in a row. That can’t go on indefinitely and we are seeing the market start to settle a bit. That’s not to say that it’s not competitive- it is. In fact, I’m still experiencing multiple offer situations with my buyers but there seem to be fewer offers and the offers are a little less competitive. Buyers are fatigued by the house hunting process and quite honestly, some first time homebuyers and buyers that are relocating from certain areas have just been out-priced (bring on rising rents for sure!). I believe that we’ll see a slower market as people now have the opportunity to go adventure and are focused on fun for a few weeks. There is still so much growth in Austin and incredible buyer demand, so this slow down likely won’t last long.

If I can ever answer questions about your particular situation or you want to ask my opinion, reach out. I’d love to tell you what I’m seeing week to week in Austin.

All my best and happy 4th.

Real Estate in the News

Austin housing market hits new high as median home price surpasses $550,000

ABoR reports that last month, the median home price in the city of Austin reached $565,500, a year-over-year increase of 34 percent and an all-time high for any month on record. The figure is a significant increase from April 2021’s record of $550,000, but an even bigger jump from just a few months ago, when, in February, the median price was $491,000.

Austin Market Stats | May 2021

The Team

I am excited to partner with Lisa Harrell, another top producing agent at Compass. We have joined forces to better serve our clients and the Austin market. Our team is growing and more exciting things are on the horizon.

Our Team (left to right):

Tessa Lauritzen: Agent/Assistant to Lisa and Meredith Lisa Harrell: Lead agent/Principal Baker Harrell, PhD: Principal Meredith Alderson: Lead agent/Principal Erin Hentschel: Agent

We are thrilled that our team has contracted and closed over $55M in real estate so far in 2021!

Thank you to our valued clients and partners who have helped us have such an amazing first half of the year.

We've been recognized on the The WSJ Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals List as a top producing small team in Texas!

Community

Don't miss these activities, virtual events, and ideas to stay busy in the ATX.

4th of July in Austin!

Whether you're a local looking to opt outside during the long weekend or visiting Austin during July 4th, there are some great ways to spend the holiday weekend in Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

Find events here.

Zilker Summer Musical

Hill Country Galleria Pack a picnic and enjoy the free, annual musical at the Hill Country Galleria pavilion. The outdoor theatre troupe will host performances Thursdays through Sundays beginning around 8:15 p.m. Learn more here.

Austin Taco & Margarita Festival

July 24

The Austin Taco & Margarita Festival is taking place at ACL Live at the Moody Theater + 3TEN ACL Live + The Terrace at W Austin. Experience a taste of the town via tacos and margaritas!

Learn more here.

Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

9 Summer Color Trends to Inspire you this Season

From lush greens to red wine colors, these rich shades will amp up any space. With warmer weather finally here, we’re focusing on the summer color trends that are defining the design industry this season. Elle Decor has compiled the full list.

23 of the Most Beautiful U.S.

National Parks

You don’t have to travel out of the United States for sights that will take your breath away. In the United States, we are surrounded by so many majestic and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Read Elle Decor's list of top national parks you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

15 Impossible-to-Kill Outdoor Plants

As things heat up this summer, it’s hard not to admire the yards and gardens around town that are filled with greenery and colorful blooms. If you’ve always assumed that your yard was too dry, too shady, or that the soil was too sandy to support such beautiful plants—guess again. Real Simple has compiled a list of show stopping plants to add to your curb appeal.

ATX: Don't Miss This

Austin bars and restaurants can now sell pre-mixed cocktails to-go

Coming just a day after Gov. Abbott reduced restaurants to 50-percent capacity and closed the state's bars, the ability to sell pre-mixed cocktails to-go could be an important source of revenue for businesses that have already been struggling.

Click here to read more.

Waterloo Park In Austin Will Officially Open In August

The Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that maintains the parks around Waller Creek, said the park will open on August 14. The park will open with a community day that will offer free family-friendly activities.

The park's first concert will be Aug. 20, with hometown hero Gary Clark Jr. breaking in the park's 5,000-seat Moody Amphitheater.

Events planned later in the fall include a 200-seat-capacity outdoor concert series from September through November, Asleep at the Wheel playing a 50th-anniversary show in October, the Creek Show in November and screenings of holiday-themed family-friendly films in December.