Matt Layman

cell: 512.771.0754

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The Changing Face of Austin Demographics

November 10th, 2011 by Matt Layman
Categories: Austin Data, Austin Real Estate, Austin TX in the News
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Total growth and population increase during the decade:

Austin’s total growth increased incrementally over the past 50 years. During the 1960s, the total growth in Austin totaled 90,000. The numbers rose to 190,000 during the 70s and 250,000 in the 80s. By the 90s, the total growth number was almost 400,000 and in 2010, hit 466,000. The total population for the Austin-Metropolitan Area was 1,720,000 in 2010. The metropolitan area is often referred to as the Austin MSA, or the Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Austin MSA ranked third in a list of top 30 metropolitan areas ranked by percentage growth. In 2010, the City of Austin ranked 14th, just under San Francisco, for Top 30 largest cities in the country.

A decidedly suburban tilt to the decade’s population growth:

From 2000-2010, almost 72 percent of all population growth came from the suburbs. This is a significant shift from the 1990s when the growth coming from the suburbs was only 52 percent.

A lumpy landscape of population growth and decline within the central city:

There are various attributions to these changes, including many middle-class families fleeing from the central city to the suburbs; a big overall drop in household size; a steep increase in the cost of central-city housing, large-scale changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of many central neighborhoods; and unequal tear-downs and rebuilds in terms of total units.

Deep urban pooling and suburban sprawling of working-class households:

The total population growth of whites was 176,000 compared to almost 200,000 Hispanics from 2000-2010.

Significant suburbanization of African-American households:

From 2000-2010, Austin was one of the top cities where African-Americans moved to its suburbs. Other cities that made the list include Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Denver, San Jose, and Los Angeles.

Substantial increase in international immigration:

Immigrants played a part in population growth, with 65 percent domestic migration, 28 percent natural immigration and eight percent international immigration. The domestic percentage slowed to 41 percent domestic migration, growing to 36 percent for natural immigration and 23 percent for international immigration.

New growth numbers for the very young, baby boomers and seniors:

In 2010, the under-five age group was 122,000; there were 60,000 boomers and 19,000 seniors. Austin was one of the metro areas with the fastest growing pre-senior (age 55-64) and senior (65 and older) population from 2000-2010. Other cities on the list are Raleigh, Madison, Salt Lake City and Portland.

The Asian boom:

From 1970 to 2010, the total Asian population grew to 82,000. Asians make up over six percent of the total Austin population, with Houston’s Asian population at 5.8 percent. The total Asian population includes 29.9 percent Indian; 23.1 percent Chinese, 15.2 percent Vietnamese, 13.0 percent other, 11.0 percent Korean, 5.4 percent Filipino; and 2.4 percent Japanese.

Hispanics now dominating the younger cohorts:

Compared to other races under age 18, Hispanics make up 50 percent; Anglos are 31.8 percent; African-Americans are 8.3 percent; Asians 5.7 percent; and 3.3 percent are other.

Austin and its suburban cities continue to boom, with an increase in African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, as well as the baby-boomers and seniors. It will be interesting to see how Central Texas and its populations evolve over the next decade.

This data came from City of Austin Demographer Ryan Robinson, who studies data mapping and interpretation, population change, and the rise of socioeconomic inequality.

If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to one of the many different reasons people fall in LOVE with AUSTIN - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- I would love to be your Tour Guide & Ambassador to this special place on earth we call Austin!

The only way to get a closer look is to come visit and explore this Rock ‘in town we call Austin. The term that I’m sure you have heard: “Keep Austin Weird” is a marketing slogan but it’s also who we are – were weird because we are special and different. Unlike any other city in the world. Trust me but don’t take my word for it.. come explore and find out for yourself. That’s what I did back in 1999 I came down for a long three day weekend and three months later my bags were packed and I was officially moved in just in time to celebrate New Years in my new city! Now that I’ve lived in Austin for over 10 years I get to claim the title Austinite – it’s a title I wear proudly and so can you …. so let me help.

Just call me Cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Come plant your roots in Austin …we would love to have you!

If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to move-up or become a first time home buyer please give me a call. I enjoy working with locals as much as I do new folks relocating to our beloved city. I would love to assist in helping you find your next dream home or condo.

Keep Austin Rock ‘in,

Matthew C. Layman

Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®

cell: 512.771.0754

Tags: 360 condos, ACL Music Festival, Alamo Draft House, Austin Data, Austin Demographics, Austin downtown Condos, Austin Metro, Austin population, Austin Real Estate, Austin real estate news, Austin suburban sprawl, Barton place, demographics, Hyde Park, Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Matt Layman, matthew layman, moving to Austin, Realtor Matthew C Layman, spring condos, Steiner Ranch, SXSW, Tarrytown, The W Austin, trends, University of Texas

New List Price for 12612 Tierra Grande TRL in Steiner Ranch

November 1st, 2011 by Matt Layman
Categories: Austin Real Estate, Listings, New Listings, Steiner Ranch
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Austin’s Rock’in Realtor Matthew Layman presents another new listing at 12612 Tierra Grande TRL Austin TX 78732. This lovely home sits in the prestigious subdivision of River Dance which is a small neighborhood within master plan community of Steiner Ranch.

This unique home has lots of defining touches through some very nice upgrades and you will want add this charming home to your list to see if you are looking in the Steiner Ranch area.

12612 Tierra Grande TRL Austin, TX 78732 MLS # 5296150
2,045 sq ft / $144 per sq ft a “bargain” price in this area / listed at: $294,500
List Price: $294,500 – priced below sold comps on the same street, same floor plan, but this home has more upgrades
3 bed
2 bath
1 Story ranch style home
Built in 2009 by Taylor Morrison Homes
South West facing
Greenbelt lot for added privacy
Exquisite hand scraped dark rich wood floors throughout, including study
Carpet in all 3 bedrooms
Gorgeous granite counter tops in kitchen
Dark rich wood cabinets, along with glass cabinetry to show off your lovely china
Extended bar top – great for serving and entertaining guests
Recessed lights throughout
Stainless steal appliance package
Fireplace
Window Seat
Extended master bedroom with sitting area – great area to read or space for a new born crib
Walk your children to an exemplary elementary school
Located in the lovely master plan community of Steiner Ranch
A short 3 minute drive to Lake Austin where you can enjoy boating, fishing, wake boarding, water skiing, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, and many other lovely out door activities
Close to one of America’s top 10 Resort Luxury Spas: Lake Austin Spa – pamper yourself with massages and facials
Enjoy fine dining and a great brunch at the Steiner Ranch steak house
Leander ISD

12612 Tierra Grande

View from entry way

Beautiful hand scraped dark wood floors & fireplace

Glass cabinetry

Gorgeous Granite Counter Tops in the Kitchen

Family Room

View of Family Room looking back towards the Kitchen

Master bedroom features extended sitting area

Master Bath

view from the backyard - 4 sides stone

If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment to view this lovely home that is listed at 12612 Tierra Grande TRL Austin Tx 78732 MLS # 5296150 or any others in the Steiner Ranch area, please give me a call anytime at 512.771.0754 or email me at: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Matthew is your local Neighborhood Expert for the Steiner Ranch subdivision.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Keep Austin Rock’in,

Matthew C. Layman

Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®

cell: 512.771.0754

Tags: 12612 Tierra Grande TRL, Austin Master Plan Community, Greenbelt home for sale, homes for sale in River Dance, Homes for sale Steiner Ranch, Lake Austin, Matt Layman, matthew layman, MLS # 5296150, moving to Austin, Realtor Matthew C Layman, Steiner Ranch, Steiner Ranch Golf, steiner ranch hoa, Steiner Ranch homes for sale, Steiner Ranch homes for sale under $300k, Steiner Ranch Real Estate, Steiner ranch steak house, Taylor Morrison Homes, University of Texas Golf Course

Attention Sellers! Buyers Bypass ‘Fixer-Upper,’ Want Move-in Ready

May 4th, 2011 by Matt Layman
Categories: Austin, Making your House Market Ready, Sellers
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Attention Sellers!!

Please read this article below that I found on Realtor.Org. It’s so important to follow these basic guidelines. A lot of times the selling of your home happens to be your largest asset or at least one of the top three if you have built up enough equity. I’m first going to share my “thoughts and feelings” on this subject and share a list of important bullet points to review before the article so enjoy

Warning: Do NOT be penny smart and dollar stupid!

Example: If your selling a $200,000k house and you don’t spend $500 to $2,000 to fix up your home you are doing just that. In this “buyers” market you must make your home stand out. You can’t ignore cosmetic or structural issues or it will cost you buyers and good offers. If you are selling your house for $200,000k and let’s say you owe $140,000. Note: Make sure you get some HUD estimates from a title company before you list your home so you know how much you will “net” on your house when you go to sell it. So you decide to spend some money to get your house “Move-In Ready” you are then dollar smart! Congratulations your putting yourself and your listing in a #winning position. In this current market a house in Austin or surrounding areas that’s in great shape, move-in/show ready, and priced right will most likely receive offers and a contract within 5 to 10% below list price. That’s a conservative number … if your in a rock ‘in neighborhood in central Austin or south central Austin like Tarrytown, Travis Heights, So-Co, Hyde Park, and other hot trendy neighborhoods you might receive full-list offers. The further out you live typically those numbers begin to change and against you. Back to my story so you list your house for $200k, you owe $140k, it’s “Move-In” ready so you receive an offer in the $180’s and you finally reach an agreement at $190,000. So sales price of: $190,000 – (minus) closing costs of 7.5% $14,250 will = (equals) $175,750 — So $175,750 – (minus) $140,000 (remaining debt balance from what you owe the bank) = (equals) $35,750. Id say your #winning Keep in mind “closing costs” will very from listing contract to listing contract… sometimes its 6.5% sometimes it could be high as 8% or more… a number of scenarios and situations come in play.

Example #2: Let’s say you decided to be “Penny Smart and Dollar Stupid” (sorry if this isn’t politically correct – I’m very Open & Direct and you deserve a Realtor ® who will be – the last thing you need is a shy, timid Realtor ® who is afraid to really tell you like it is) and you don’t fix up your house. You don’t take care of the list of items below and your house goes on the market “just as” …. your house will most likely sit for longer than 120-150 days, you will receive little showings, little interest, and most likely LOW Ball offers!! #losing Because you decided against spending $500 to $1,000/$2,000 in fixing up your place. It now cost you $10,000, $20,000, $30,000k or more in losses!!! That could have been money that went in your pocket on the back end but you were to cheap to on the front end. Yes I just said it cheap. I hope I made you smile and laugh during this process…. I’ve injected my personality and humor into this so please loosen up if you were offended.

Note: Lot’s of different scenarios come into play when selling your home like Location, Age, Unique Features, Size, School Districts, Neighborhood, Amenities, and most importantly PRICE! At the end of the day – Price will be your best friend or worst enemy. A market will not lie, if your “priced right” in any market your home will sell. But that will also depend on how much equity you have in your home and the other scenarios involved like are you moving-up, cashing out, etc.

When getting your house ready to put on the market here is your To Do List:

Painting: Either touch-up or repainting of the walls
De-Clutter: If you don’t use it every single day it’s got to go. Put it in storage or throw it away.
If your house is several years old the outside might be in need of a power washing to remove water stains, mud daubers, bee hives, mold and mildew, the driveway to remove oil and gas stains, decks and patios to give it a fresh new look. I would recommend 512 Power Washing for professional service and affordable pricing: http://www.facebook.com/512powerwashingandhomeservices or 512powerwashing@gmail.com (mention this blog and my name to receive a 15% discount off services, I know the owners and will hook you up!)
fix any holes, scrapes or damaged walls
make sure all your windows and doors work correctly, open and close smoothly
clean your windows
If your front door looks weathered – paint or reseal it
Fix any leaking toilets
Replace all your burnt out light bulbs
Replace any cracked or broken windows
Seal all counter-tops, shower windows, doors, etc.
Remove any mold or mildew in the bathrooms and showers
Fix any uneven surfaces or counter-tops
If your dog, cat, mountain lion, or cougar ate, ripped, or destroyed something – fix it.
Don’t forget curb appeal – clean your landscape beds, pull weeds, remove leaves, trim bushes, edge your beds, trim your trees, put down fresh mulch, plant some flowers, water your grass – make sure it’s green, if your house doesn’t win “Best in Show” on the outside against all the other homes in the neighborhood … make it because your turning away potential buyers
Hire a licensed Inspector and get your home Pre-Inspected! This is a 50/50% option half of my sellers take advantage of. It’s an added expense, because typically this is a buyers expense that they incur during the ‘option-period’ but having your home pre-inspected and having all those small or big items addressed will give you an upper hand and a marketing advantage. I use and recommend to all my clients: Austin Home Inspection Team – ask for Michael 512.773.2773 or Michael@austinhomeinspectionteam.com

In this market you need every “advantage” you can get …… remember even the littlest of things can scare away buyers like bugs… spiders, ants, scorpions, dead or alive this will scare away potential buyers. Also make sure your home stays clean and show ready at all times. Hire a professional maid service once or twice a month to make sure your home shows the best if you and or your partner can’t manage the upkeep.

One sellers tip I like to give is make sure your house “sounds and smells” nice … if you happen to be home and you get a call from a Realtor ® who wants to show your property make sure you turn on the radio or house music system before you….. something soft and relaxing. No heavy metal or rap now…. haha cause then you might scare them away. But music can be a powerful advantage to selling your home along with nice warm inviting smells. Candles and air fresheners work wonders. But nothing over the top – a simple inviting smell like lavender, lemons, or cinnamon should do the trick. Also take down those family photos and religious symbols as you want your client “envisioning” themselves living inside your home … not pushing them away. Family Photos and religious symbols might detour your potential buyer.

Last but not least…. a home staging company might be what the Doctor ordered. Sometimes that’s the missing piece or element – call The Stage Coach 512.670.8295 or online at www.stagecoachtexas.com “Austin’s Home Staging Handyman!”

Here is the article from Realtor.Org

Buyers Bypass ‘Fixer-Upper,’ Want Move-in Ready

“More buyers are shunning “as-is” properties in favor of homes that are in move-in condition, according to real estate professionals and recent surveys.

For example, a Coldwell Banker survey recently found that 87 percent of first-time buyers say they desire a “move-in” ready home.

“This is absolutely the story of this market. It seems buyers will pay a premium, engage in a bidding war, and even overpay just to avoid buying a ‘project’ house,” says Beth Freed of Terrie O’Connor REALTORS® in Ridgewood, N.J.

As such, real estate pros are advising their sellers to fix up their homes for quicker sales. “There is no question homes that have been spruced up for the market sell quicker,” says Kate Conover with RE/MAX in Saddle River, N.J.

That doesn’t mean major, costly renovations that sellers won’t likely get back on the sale price either, she says. Instead of a major kitchen or bath renovation, just repainting the home or removing the clutter can go a long way in freshening up a home. Also, don’t forget about curb appeal: Freshen up the flowerpots, trim the bushes, and paint the front door, if it’s starting to show wear and tear.

Also with buyers wanting “move-in” ready homes, real estate pros say it’s crucial that sellers address any major maintenance and safety issues—such as leaky roofs—before the home even goes on the market.” —- End of Article —-

Right now it’s a “buyers” market even in Austin which has one of the strongest markets in the country. Attention Buyers: Depending on the area, the neighborhood, the size of square feet, and condition of the home will depend on the percentage discount you will receive off the list price. Each neighborhood in Austin is different. Give me a call let me do some searches and run some comps (Competitive Market Analysis) to see what the prices are going for with the homes and neighborhoods that catch your attention. If you are living in Austin and looking to either purchase as a first time home buyer or looking to move-up give me a call at 512.771.0754. I would love to help you find your next dream home. And as a seasoned negotiating expert I have the background, experience, and skill level to deliver you the best sales price possible. In this market you can’t have a timid Realtor or you will get crushed and pay way too much … you need a seasoned expert that can put the hammer down!

Have a Rock ‘in Day,

Matthew C. Layman

Austins Rock ‘in Realtor ®

Cell: 512.771.0754

Austin Texas Homes, LLC

Tags: Austin real estate news, Austin's Rockin' Realtor, Avery Ranch, Avery Ranch Realtor, Harris Branch, Harris Branch Realtor, Home Inspection, Home Staging, Matt Layman, matthew layman, Real Estate expert, real estate tips, real estate tips for buyers, real estate tips for sellers, Realtor Matthew C Layman, Sellers, Sellers to do list, Selling your House, Selling your house fast, Steiner Ranch, Steiner Ranch Real Estate, Steiner Ranch Realtor, Tarrytown, Tarrytown Realtor

What makes Austin ….. Austin?!?!

April 19th, 2011 by Matt Layman
Categories: Austin, Austin Be Yourself City, Austin TX in the News
Comments

Have you ever wondered what makes Austin……. Austin?!?! I have! So what is Austin’s unique equation? This is (distilled!) result of over a year’s worth of conversations and research distilled into a simple expression: Experience + Community = Scene.

Cities that have what I call Unique Ambition are:

Boston: be smart
Silicon Valley: be powerful
Berkeley: live well
NYC: be rich
LA: be famous
DC: be an insider

Austin?

We have all heard Austin, TX described as: Keep Austin Weird, Live Music Capital of the World, an Open City …….

What makes Austin, TX uniquely Austin is it’s powerful social exchange!!! The scenes that make Austin are….

Music
Film
Leadership
Spirituality
Entrepreneurship
Fitness
Sustainability
Interactive
Social Innovation
and much more

what does all this add up to? Austin is the BE YOURSELF CITY!!! I can attest to that. When I started to follow my heart & passion a few years ago and “jump” head first into real-estate I told myself I wouldn’t be that average boring square pants Realtor ®. I would be ME!!! I’m Passionate, Unique, Driven, I’m part businessman, part nature boy …. I love music, art, fashion … I like to dress the way I want to dress! Some days I’ll throw on a suit and wear my favorite pair of chucks (converse shoes) or other days I will be wearing a comfortable pair of linen shorts or pants and a golf shirt!

chucks_01a

I would fully commit to the person that I am and step into my Destiny …. just being me and allowing Austin to except me for me… nothing more … nothing less …. I am a faithful friend, Austin’s rock’in realtor, energetic entrepreneur, marketing maverick, passionate person, fitness fanatic, lover of life … and overall cool dude! The beauty of that experience is the city accepted me for who I am …. for what I am. And Austin will accept you for who you are …. if you want to have a tattoo, rock a mo-hawk, dye your hair pink, or wear a business suit …. Austin and it’s citizens will accept you for you … as we are the BE YOURSELF CITY!!! No judgment just acceptance!

People from all over the world are drawn and attracted to Austin because of it’s high quality of life but people also come because on a subconscious level they know they can just BE! How refreshing and empowering is that!!!

Austin is that city where your DREAMS come to LIFE! Where you truly live your dream life and career! You get to help people, make a good living, follow your passions and interests, give back to your community, and you are allowed to be yourself all at the same time without ever having to SELL out!

Watch this awesome video called: The Austin Equation by Bijoy Goswami

If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to this uplifting city motto: BE YOURSELF CITY - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- I would love to be your Tour Guide & Ambassador to this special place on earth so please give me a call to set up an appointment to tour this wonderful place we call heaven cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Come plant your roots in Austin …we would love to have you!

If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to become a first time home buyer or looking to move up give me a call. I would love to assist in helping you find your next dream home.

Keep Austin Rock’in,

Matthew C. Layman

Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor

cell: 512.771.0754