In a small market, a few sales can make a real difference.  In the residential market, the average price per item sold increased 42% from $247,833 to $352,887.  What that means is that not only were there 2 more sales in 2009 (20 vs. 18) but the properties that sold were considerably more expensive.  That is not due to price increases but instead, the properties that sold were higher end.  That continues the trend in this area during the economic downturn.   It is the higher priced properties that have continued to sell.   7 of the 20 residential properties that sold were $500,000 and up.   In the Farm/Ranch category, one ranch sale (at $1,530,329) accounted for the lion’s share of the increase.

What does this mean about the market?  An improving market is at work.  Our observations are:

• Sellers have realized that they need to be more realistic in their pricing.
• People’s perception about the economy is improving.
• Expectations of inflation makes real estate a “safe” investment.

We do our best to provide you with the best information available so that you can make an informed decision whether you are a buyer or seller.

We strive to help our sellers price their properties competitively so that they get SOLD.  In the current market, that is especially important so we can really HELP you!

If you are a buyer, we are currently aware of several “real buys.”  Call for more information.

Each person’s scenario is unique.  We’d love to help you with yours.

There are some nice properties in the Comfort area that have been on the market for a while.  We feel like there are some good deals to be had in the Hill Country.  We’d like to visit with you about them.  Give us a call at 830-995-2511.

The number of total sales for June & July was up by 7; however, days on market increased  from 138 to 200 from July, 2008 to July, 2009 reflecting increased inventories.  Pending sales as of August 3, 2009, total just over $11.2 million.

We watch the Boerne market daily.  If you have something specific that you are interested, we’d love to help you find what you are looking for.

Recently, we were contacted by a gentlemen.  He had previously been in contact with a listing agent on a property, tried to make an offer, but did not get the property as there were competing bids.   The moral of the story (as he found out) is that Buyers need their own representation.  It eliminates conflicts of interest and it provides you, the buyer, with the best market information possible.

Our goal is to EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS BY GIVING YOU ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE.

We’d love to visit with you.  Call us at 830-995-2511.

However, during the last several weeks we’ve seen a number of new properties come on the market.  Be sure and check our MLS Search engine to find out about those properties.

One recent buyer client told us that we provided them with the BEST experience that they EVER had with a real estate agent!  Our goal is to EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS WITH ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE!

Our offices are located in Comfort but we sell from San Antonio to Kerrville, from Bandera to Fredericksburg.    Give us a call. We’d love to help!  830-995-2511.

The show opens on Thursday and the artist’s reception will be held on April 4th from 2-5p.m.

Singing Waters Vineyards Business Hours:  Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 11a.m.-6p.m., Sunday Noon-5p.m.

For more information on Singing Waters Vineyards, click HERE for their website.

The Texas Hill Country real estate market, while still doing better than the national market, is experiencing a similar decline as that of Wall Street.  Kerrville, Texas Real Estate Sales in January & February 2009 totaled just $7.67 million, equivalent to just 46.7% of  last year’s sales.

It is commonly understood that in an unstable environment, “Big Ticket Items” get hit the worste.  People delay purchases … especially big ones until they feel more certain about the future. Real Estate certainly is one of the “Big Ticket Items” that is suffering in the current economic environment.

What will it take to create a more certain future?  I imagine just time.  In our opinion, the real estate market, like the stock  market, was due a “correction.”  People get caught up in the frenzy and make unwise decisions … not based on fundamentals.  The good side to a correction is people start making sensible decisions about how they spend their money. And, the ones that don’t OVERREACT can seize opportunities.  When the market is down, deals can be found more easily!

The good news is that, historically, real estate has been one of the best places to invest money in uncertain times.  Real estate is a “real” asset … meaning it is a tangible, real asset … It can’t be taken away … It’s not just on paper!

We believe that it is time for many who have lost money in the stock market to consider investing in real estate.

The Texas Hill Country is still one of the best places in the country to invest.  Tourism and retail sales are still strong.

Our encouragement to you is:  Live fully and yet wisely!  And keep the long term perspective!

We’d love to help you find your Hill Country dream home! Give us a call at 830-995-2511.

The same may be true when looking at real estate sales in Fredericksburg, Texas which were WAY down in January and February … just 33% of the previous year’s figures*.  Sounds horrible?  Should you run from this market?

It would seem to be a paradox … but Fredericksburg actually is thriving this year!

Pass through the town any day of the week, especially on weekends and you’ll see a city that is booming.  Tourists galore!

Doesn’t quite fit with the real estate numbers?  Well, go figure!

What we are hearing from the retailers in Fredericksburg is that sales are up!  More people! And they’re still spending!

What’s happening is that, instead of taking trips to Europe, the Carribean, and other exotic places, people in Texas are taking small trips within the state … and Fredericksburg, still characterized by its German heritage,  is a huge draw to the local tourists.  Close to Austin, within driving distance of Dallas and Houston, and “smack dab in the middle of the Texas Hill Country,” people are taking weekend and extended visits to the Fredericksburg area.

Our feeling is that many of those tourists will take note of this quaint Texas town and, once optimism returns, will resume real estate purchases there.

Given that outlook, right now would be a prime opportunity to get into this market.  Buyers are getting better deals than they have been in a long time!  Give us a call if this interests you.  We’d love to help you find your Hill Country dream home or ranch.

Our encouragement to you:  Live life fully and yet wisely!  And keep a long term perspective!

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*Also, keep in mind that a large portion of Fredericksburg real estate sales are large acreages and ranches.  Just a few ranch sales can make up a large portion of the overall sales figures and a decrease in the number of ranch sales can make the picture look worse than it actually is.

Comfort Food!

This year’s “A Taste of Comfort” is Saturday, September 27th. Here’s the details:

Taste of Comfort is sponsored each year by the Comfort Public Library. Local eateries and wineries are spotlighted.

This year’s participating restaurants are: :

• Cypress Creek Inn
• Double D Restaurant
• The Hen House
• High’s
• High Street Chocolates
• La Cave du Comfort
• Los Jarros
• Popo’s
• Sweet Comfort
• 814 Bistro

Participating Wineries include:

• Becker
• Singing Waters
• Comfort Cellars
• Sister Creek
• Grape Creek
• Torre Di Pietra
• Bell Mountain

Over 30 artists have contributed artwork for this fundraiser. Some will be sold through the Silent Auction; others will be auctioned off live. Samplings from the individual restaurants and wineries will be served between 5-6p.m. During this time, guests will be able to preview and bid on the Silent Auction items. The Silent Auction closes at 7:00 p.m. The Live Auction begins at 7:10 p.m.

A $5,000 prepaid gift card will also be raffled off at the end of the evening.

Location: Comfort Park on Hwy 27, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 for individual tickets sold at the Library or at the door.

Come and enjoy “Comfort’s Finest.” It’s a lot of fun and a great time to get to know your Comfort neigbors while raising money for the local Library. For more informantion, call 830-995-2398.