Texas Real Estate

Beginning on January 1, 2011, all newly constructed homes will be required to have fire sprinklers. The International Residential Code, which is the minimum standard for building in Texas, has mandated the fire sprinklers as a measure that they believe saves lives. It gives the occupants more time to evacuate the structure and may prevent the room from getting to the point of flashover, a temperature that causes all flammable items to catch on fire.

However, this new change will be costly to install and maintain. The National Fire Protection Association reported average costs of $1.61 per square foot to install. Additionally, some insurance carriers will give discounts on premiums for properties that contain the sprinklers. Of course, it remains to be seen what will happen if the system malfunctions or is accidentally set off. Looks like the fire sprinkler providers will soon have a booming business.

Source: Texas Realtor Magazine, Nov. 2008

We hear so much about the market but what do the Multiple Listing Statistics really tell us?

For homes priced $174,999 and below in the Austin and San Antonio areas it is a seller’s market.  This means that there are more buyers than available homes in this price range.  If there is less than 6 months of inventory, it is considered seller’s market.  For homes priced $175,000 and above it is a Buyer’s market.  This indicates that there is over six months supply indicating that there are more sellers than buyers in the price range. The new homes have a 4.68 month supply which was 7.26 months last August. This indicates that new home builders are clearing out their inventory which is an advantage for new home buyers. Many builders are still offering discounts and other buyer incentives.

The home inventory is up slightly since the same period as last year. The total number of homes sold this year is 17% lower than the same period as last year.  Homes are also staying on the market longer than the previous year.

It is projected that in the San Antonio area, 19,000 homes will be sold through the MLS system this year which will be -14% from last year.

The market here in the Austin and San Antonio area is still viable and much better than places such as Las Vegas, Florida, Arizona,& California whose markets are off over 30%.

For more market statistics or for questions on a particular neighborhood, call
Diana Fidone-Griggs in San Antonio at 210-363-8658
Angela Sparks in Austin at 512-762-0923

The Mueller development is located in the heart of Austin, just east of IH35 between Airport Blvd and 51st Street. This 711 acre site was abandoned when Austin’s airport relocated in 1999. Upon completion, Mueller will house over 10,000 residents in Garden Homes (Yard Houses), Row Houses, Mixed-use Shop Houses, Multi-unit Mueller Houses and Apartments.

Mueller’s Green Building Standards

Sustainable development is one of the six guiding tenets of Mueller. All projects at Mueller follow either the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-NC (New Construction) green building standard or Austin Energy’s Green Building Program (Commercial, Multi-Family Residential, or Single-Family Residential).

Mueller Parks and Community Spaces

The Mueller community offers 4 large parks, plus neighborhood and pocket parks, a 6.5 acre lake, a golf course, play fields, plazas and pedestrian/bicycle paths. There will also be an elementary school on site along with a joint-use recreation center. Other amenities include restaurants, cafes and a Town Center.

Mueller Benefits

-Quick commute to downtown
-Miles of hike and bike trails
-Convenient urban living
-Environmental sustainability
-Dell Children’s Hospital
-Major employers and retailers nearby

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The Mueller Project Builders

David Weekley
David Weekley Homes presents Yard Houses within the urban villages of Mueller.
Five floor plans available, 1437-2221 square feet.
Priced $280s-$340s.

Meritage Homes
Meritage Homes brings together innovative design with environmental sensibility for living environments that are both elegant and easy to maintain.
Three plans still available, 1924, 2014, & 2217 square feet.
Priced $295-$345,990.

Muskin Company
Their honors include three Community Revitalization Awards from the Austin Board of Realtors as well as a Custom Builder of the Year Award.
Five Garden Court homes available (July 08), 1876-1943 square feet.
Priced $339,500-$369,500.
Three custom build lots available facing Lake Park ($875,00+).

Saldaña Homes LLC
Saldaña Homes LLC is a local, family home building business, located in the heart of East Austin. Founders, Manuel and Marie are second generation homebuilders and have more than 37 years of experience in building finely crafted homes in Austin, Texas.
Garden Court Homes, 1830-1890 square feet, 5 homes left (July 08).
Priced $345,500-$369,500.
3 Star Green Homes.

Standard Pacific
Standard Pacific proudly offers 8 plans within the Yard House sections, 2600-3100 square feet.
Prices starting from the $370s.
Ten inventory homes currently available (July 08) priced $435-$500s.
3 Star Green Homes.

Streetman Homes
Streetman Homes’ ‘Artisan Collection’ features all the novelties that define the vision of the diverse Mueller neighborhood.
Yard Homes from $525-$700s.
Town Homes from $250-$350s - available at the end of 2008.
Three custom build lots available facing Lake Park.
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To schedule an appointment to visit the Mueller community, please contact Angela at 512-762-0923.