There was an increase in the number of homes purchased in Austin this July than a year ago, although they tended towards less expensive ones. There was a 32% increase over July 2010 numbers meaning more than 1,970 single-family homes were sold in Austin in July 2011. The median sales price, however, declined to $196,750, an 11% drop. Those homes also were on the marked 5% longer than July 2010.
The drop in median price reflects a demand for lower-priced homes in the city. Austinites are searching for bargains right now. With interest rates at historic lows, the number of investors looking to take advantage of the savings could be driving the increase in number of homes sold. With the Federal Reserve announcing rates staying low until 2013 coupled with the busy summer sales season, August numbers could reflect a similar increase.
Even with a decrease in the median sales price, the total value of Austin-area homes sold in July was nearly $525 million, up 23% from last July. All of these homes getting snatched up has created a 20% drop in inventory to 9,393 single-family homes currently on the market.
If you are a condo or townhome owner, it's good news all around! 205 townhouses and condominiums were sold in July, a 45% increase over July 2010. In addition, the median price for condos and townhomes grew 5% to $164,250.