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.

The Austin Housing Market Continues to Rise

Austin Skyline in 2020AUSTIN, Texas—According to the latest Central Texas Housing Market Report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continues to exhibit resiliency in the face of COVID-19. The MSA posted its second consecutive month of strong home sales numbers with a 21.5% increase in July sales year over year. The robust increase demonstrates the vital role real estate will play as the region begins its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Austin Home Sales Rise in Median Prices, Units and Dollars across MSA

In addition to the 21.5% jump to 4,537 home sales across the five-county MSA, the median price increased 10.7% to $353,000 and sales dollar volume also soared 36.7% to $2,037,152,035. Pending sales climbed 32.2% to 4,607 as new listings increased 13% to 4,767, while active listings dropped 32.4% to 5,309 due to demand. Continue reading

Swimming Pool Tips when Buying or Selling a Home

Austin Homes for sale with pools l swimming pool tips l Buying homes with poolsSwimming pools are an instant source of entertainment, relaxation, and exercise. They provide a backyard retreat, a tranquil view, and a luxury marker some buyers dream about having. For those real estate buyers who want a pool, houses with them are much easier to sell. Forget the condition of the house– that oasis in the backyard, especially on a hot day kind of sells itself, doesn’t it?

Pools can often be a hindrance more than a help when selling. Not everyone wants a pool. I would say 70% of people do not. Pools cost money and time to maintain. In addition, there are safety concerns for people with small children and pets. They can also take up a lot of yard space. Continue reading

Keeping Cool During the Home Buying Process

Austin Texas is hot and I’m not just talking about the temperature. According to the May Central Texas Housing Report, we’ve got less than 2 months of residential real estate inventory overall, which is certainly keeping everyone on their toes. Temperature-wise, if buyers have flexibility in their schedule, it is often best to go early in the day. Cooler temps keep spirits high and make the process more enjoyable for all. Continue reading

Sold 7806 Kincheon Court Austin TX 78749

Sold in Southwest Austin. Modern touches, sun-filled rooms and cul-de-sac location highlight this Village at Western Oaks home.  Fenced backyard backs to the Latta Branch Greenbelt.  Features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a wood-burning fireplace. 

Modern touches include granite counters, subway backsplash, sink, stainless dishwasher and microwave in the kitchen, and quartz counter with updated double vanity in master bath.  Two living areas.  The backyard patio provides added space for entertaining.  All sides masonry, 2-zoned HV/AC, hand-scraped engineered wood flooring on the main level, no HOA. 

  • 1,844 square feet (TCAD)
  • 2-car garage
  • Live Oak trees on the property with mature landscaping
  • full gutters

7806 Kincheon Court Virtual Tour

A Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing a Home While Sheltering in Place

People who want to stay safe and shelter in place, but also want to buy a home, may be a bit confused about what their next steps should be. That’s great news because there is so much you should be doing and can be doing – from home. I tell buyers all of the time that looking at homes in person, is really the only fun part of the home buying process. Some people might disagree, but really if you consider the steps – you will probably agree. Some people stress about spending money. Not everyone enjoys a new time-consuming task to fit into an already filled day. I have also yet to meet someone who enjoys filling out paperwork.

There is paperwork aplenty. Back in the day, we printed everything and I used to include myself as one of those tree killers. Nowadays, so much of what I do is online, there is no guilt anymore. My buyers can buy a home completely paperless if they choose, but the paperwork still exists, now as online forms, and there is plenty of it. There are many forms that are required to be filled out in order to buy a home. All of that can take place on-line. All of it takes time. All of it can be done from the comfort of your own couch. Continue reading

Buying a Home amid COVID-19

I hope you and your families are in good health and good spirits as we collectively fight COVID-19. I have already connected with some of you and will continue to do so. Please reach out to me as well if you want to talk about real estate, are on the lookout for a supply you can’t find, looking for a new show to stream or are just bored and want someone different to talk to. Working from home can be very isolating, trust me I get it. I can certainly provide some tricks and tips to help you schedule your day a bit.

Austin Homes Sales are Strong

The Austin real estate market is strong, and that includes all of Central Texas. Yes, we have changed some business practices, but new homes are still coming on the market daily, houses are still being shown (with some precautions) and sold. Closings still happening virtually, with limited attendance and even taking place outside. Continue reading

January Home Sales Rise as Inventory Continues to Decline

The law of supply and demand continues to ring true in central Texas, as the greater Austin area prices are still on the rise.  The first Central Texas Housing Market Report of the year shows steady gains in both home sales and prices across the five-county Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), according to the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR).

Austin – Round Rock Real Estate Market Statistics for January 2020

In the Austin-Round Rock MSA, residential home sales in January rose 8.5% to 1,947 home sales, with a 9.6% sales dollar volume increase to $726,157,216. During the same period, new listings decreased 14.3% to 2,723 listings, and active listings decreased 24.1% to 4,889 listings. However, pending sales jumped 13.1% to 2,956 pending sales. Monthly housing inventory declined 0.6 months year over year to 1.6 months of inventory. Continue reading