“One year ago, shelter-in-place orders effectively ground real estate transactions to a halt, leaving uncertainty in the market,” Susan Horton, 2021 ABoR President, said. “Although striking at face value, last month’s housing market activity demonstrates not only a strong recovery since last spring, but significant growth beyond that recovery.”
Residential home sales in the Austin Round-Rock MSA hit a record for the month of April, increasing 37.2% year over year to 3,604 sales, while median sales price rose 41.6% year over year to an all-time-high of $460,000. As a result, sales dollar volume topped two billion in April, skyrocketing 95.5% year over year to $2,065,570,878. Homes spent an average of 17 days on market, or 28 fewer days than in April 2020.
33% increase
38 fewer days
50% increase
70% decrease
1.5% decrease
96% increase
In 6 of the past 7 months, homes have sold for more than their original asking price in Austin, Round Rock and Leander. The graph above shows the median list price in comparison each month to the median sold price calculated from over 39,000 listings. November, December and May have experienced the largest disparity in numbers. In May the median list price is $400K and the median sold price is $435K.
School ratings in all districts and campuses are labeled “Not Rated” due to the Declared State of Disaster for 2020. Click here to see the previous year’s Accountability School Ratings for public and private schools in Central Texas.
During the month of May the Austin – Round Rock MSA is experiencing an increase in the number of active listings – so more homes are currently on the market for sale. Pending and closed sales remain steady. Lease transactions also remain steady throughout April and May.
The eviction ban has been in place for the last 9 months during the COVID pandemic. Landlords have not been allowed to evict tenants for non-payment of rent. In May a federal judge with the US District court ruled that the CDC does not have the authority to ban evictions.The ban on evictions is set to expire on June 30, 2021.
An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service.
Air Conditioner Filters
The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Air Conditioner Coils
The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.
Coil Fins
The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.
Condensate Drains
Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.
Window Seals for Room Air Conditioners
At the start of each cooling season, inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes contact with the unit’s metal case. Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cool air to escape from your house.
