Austin Economy Defies National Trend

Yup, its true folks! Austin is not buying that woebegonesame time last year.
story that everyone else is reading. The latest reportsPerhaps wisely, the newly-built home sector has been
show that the "Live Music Capital of the World" iskept to a minimum and this has avoided an
proving that it still rates as a residential retreat and aover-supply of homes. Consequently new homes are
bustling business center.a smaller percentage of the Austin housing market.
However, Austin is also ranked the #1 for BusinessIn fact, four fifths of the listed properties for sale are
among U.S. cities and the employment statistics canre-sale homes. In spite of a slow down in sales which
attest to that. Austin area job growth is holding steadyis normal for this time of the year, realty prices in the
with unemployment figures remaining at an all time lowCentral Texas area have continued to rise.
of 3%.Interest rates remain low and to some extent, the
Austin has a lot to offer as a residential choice, but itrecent changes in national lending requirements may
also has a lot to offer in the business market, and withhave slowed things down, but Austin is still a sellers
many new businesses moving in, the local economy ismarket. Some homes are still selling within days and still
remaining strong.some homes receive multiple offers.
Austin has been selected out of nearly 400 U.S. citiesAccording to a study published by the First American
by Moody's Economy and is rated #1 for theLoan Performance, Austin prices are up by 8.6%; the
economic vitality index. Both commercial building andaverage sale price is up from 2006 comparisons. The
infrastructure construction continue at a rapid pace.sold average sale price has increased compared to
The local economy is remaining strong and last week2006 and the new listings average price is up by 5%.
analysts in the Austin American Statesman remindedThis is all good news for any businesses that are
residents that the housing market differs dramatically inplanning their move to Austin, and it is also good news
various parts of the country, and that all real estate isfor real estate investors. There may not be many
local. The local real estate in Austin is holding steadysafe markets in the real estate world, but in the face
and active listings are showing an increase over theof adversity Austin is still holding its head up high!