December 2009

According to the Multiple Listing Service report by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the volume of home sales in the Austin-area real estate market surged in October 2009, potentially related to the tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

In October 2009, 1,823 homes were sold, a 38 percent increase from 1,322 in October 2008. The median price of Austin homes in October 2009 was $182,000, a five percent decrease from the same month the prior year.

In the early part of this year, the home sales volume in Austin was down significantly compared to 2008. However, that gap in sales volume began to close in July 2009 when the local market reached a volume similar to the same month in the year prior. View the entire release online.

Start your year off right by attending the 2010 Housing Forecast. The event is approaching quickly, leaving you with limited time to purchase your ticket. Set for January 13, 2010, this is a must-attend event for all real estate professionals. You can look forward to presentations by Eldon Rude, director of the Austin Market for MetroStudy, Pike Powers of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. and Jon Hockenyos, president of Texas Perspectives.

If you are looking to effectively plan your business strategy for the coming year, this is the event for you. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come basis. Purchase yours today online or by phone at 512-454-7636, ext. 1603.

The Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) has requested your feedback on proposed changes to current commercial forms and the addition of new forms. TAR invites you to send your opinions to the Vice President of Legal Affairs, Tom Morgan, by December 31. You can view the proposed changes by clicking here.

Do you have a funny story about a client, property showing or anything else related to your time in the real estate industry? If your answer is yes, we want to hear from you! Send your stories directly to ABoR’s Marketing Department. The stories we receive will be complied for a future article in one of our publications. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this month’s “Legal Topics” column, John F.K. McGill outlines the extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit and the new title insurance rules relating to mineral estates.  View the complete article here.

Next Tuesday, December 15, is the deadline to submit your annual REALTOR® Association dues. To ensure your membership stays current and you continue receiving your association benefits, make sure to submit your payment by the deadline, which can be done online, in person or by mail. To pay online, simply visit Abor.com and login to your account by selecting “My Account” from the upper left-hand corner of the page.  If you wish to mail your payment or deliver it in person, you can find us at 10900 Stonelake Blvd., Suite 100-A, Austin, TX 78759-5826.

This season, several charity groups are seeking some help in spreading holiday cheer among those they serve. If you are interested in visiting a charitable organization to sing songs and distribute gifts, please contact ABoR’s Marketing Department.

If singing isn’t your forté, please consider volunteering or donating to one of our city’s many outstanding organizations to help meet their seasonal needs. ABoR staff members are currently working with local charities to collect non-perishable food items and toys for children. If you are in the area and would like to contribute, please feel free to bring your donations to the ABoR offices at 10900 Stonelake Blvd., Suite A-100, Austin, Texas 78759.

Your help in strengthening our close-knit community doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do throughout the year to make Central Texas a wonderful place to live.

You can help make a difference for the REALTOR® Party by becoming active in local politics. Opportunities are available to participate in the Texas REALTOR® Delegate Program with the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR). This program helps you get involved with political parties and make the most of your contribution. To learn more and sign up, visit TAR on the web.

Opportunities are also available for you to apply to become a precinct chairman. As a precinct chairman, you will become more involved in the election process. To learn more about open positions, how to apply and general information, visit your respective party, Democratic or Republican, and contact the county party chair. The deadline to file an application is January 4.