About Doreen Zelma, REALTOR

Doreen Zelma, Broker Associate, GRI, CLRA with Sky Realty, serving the Austin Round Rock MSA and Central Texas for 17 years.

Beyond the Crystal Ball: The 2024 Real Estate Reality Check

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It’s that time of year when I’m asked to look into the crystal ball and predict what the future in real estate will look like. It seems despite all of the full moons we’ve had; the crystal balls weren’t fully charged in 2024. Remember mortgage interest rates were supposed to come down to 5%. Continue reading

Austin Texas Real Estate News November 2024

Austin Real Estate Market News November

Austin Texas real estate active homes for sale across the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA increased 9.3% to 11,599 listings.  That brought the months of available inventory to 5.1 months of inventory, up 0.5 months more compared to October 2023, according to the latest Central Texas Housing Report.  The data coupled with the average close-to-list price ratio hovering at 92.7% indicates that buyers have more options to purchase a home they can afford in a high interest-rate environment while sellers still have some room to negotiate.  Continue reading

The Haunting of the Housing Market: A Seller’s Guide

The Haunting of the Housing Market: A Seller's Guide l Austin Realtor l home selling tips l home selling advice

We have entered spooky season, and the housing market is no exception. I’m not going to candy coat this. As a whole, the Austin real estate market may seem like it’s moving at the speed of winter, but change may be in the air. Remember, markets are local, subject to change without notice and often do.

The Austin housing market may be moving faster or slower than other markets nationwide on any given day.  Even within Austin, or any other city, on a micro level certain locations may be hotter than others.

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Austin Texas Real Estate News October 2024

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Austin Texas real estate sold homes across the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA decreased 2.6% year-over-year with 2,286 sales.  That left 5.9 months of available inventory, according to the latest Central Texas Housing Report.  Active listings increased 11.6% year-over-year. The median home price dropped by 6.6% to $425,000 indicating the region’s housing market is becoming more balanced, while still facing affordability challenges.  Continue reading

When is the Best Time to Buy a House?

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When is the best time to buy a house? Many buyers think of springtime. The weather is nice to take a good look at a potential home on the outside, take a walk around the yard, and tour the neighborhood amenities.

Closing on a home in June or July also gives people a chance to transition schools over the summer. There are typically more choices too. April and May often give buyers the most inventory, because many sellers list their homes during that time. When considering the best real estate season, spring certainly makes sense. Continue reading

Austin Real Estate: September Market Update

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Austin real estate closed listings across the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA decreased 10.4% year-over-year with 2,591 sales.  That left 4.9 months of available inventory, according to the latest Central Texas Housing Report.  Active listings increased 15.4% year-over-year. The median home price dropped by 4.4% to $439,990 indicating more opportunity for buyers, though home prices need to decrease further to significantly impact sales growth across the region.
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Buyer’s Remorse: A Tale from the Wild West

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Buyer’s remorse is real. We experience it all of the time in little ways. You cheat on your preferred brand of shampoo because of a sale and regret it the first time you use it. Bought a new shade of lipstick and your life didn’t change the way you thought it would? Participated in the latest diet fad, and only lost money? You live, you learn, you reboot – most of the time.

In real estate, buyer’s remorse isn’t that easy to wipe from your memory. Continue reading