When someone is considering putting their Austin home on the market, they may be at a loss as to what it is worth. This might be something that they can discuss with an Austin real estate agent, but most people want to know what they are getting into before they decide whether or not to sell their home. One way to test the waters is to do a market snapshot. The Austin housing market is unique due to the diverse types of neighborhoods and incomes of the people who live there. Whether someone lives in the rural Hill Country with the coveted basement, or conveniently near the University of Texas campus has a definite impact on how much the home is worth.

Market Snapshot

One way to get an overview is to visit the local Austin real estate agent’s websites and request one. The potential seller can usually input the basic information as to the size of the house, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and a few other details. Using relevant data from the recent sales in that area, a market snapshot is created by the Austin real estate agency. If there are no nearby homes that are similar in size and amenities, an experienced agent can do extra legwork and get a realistic picture of what is available and for what prices in that vicinity.

Comparable Properties

While comparing similar properties is helpful in determining how much to consider listing a home for in the Austin area, it is never a definite. There will always be differences between the homes, which is what makes them unique. One may have a carport instead of a garage. Another may have more bedrooms, but fewer baths. Generalizations are accepted and expected in the real estate market.

Property Value

The value of a home on the real estate market is never the same as the property value placed on it by the tax assessor’s office. For example, the property tax assessment from Travis, Hays or Williamson county is probably very different. What someone is willing to pay for a home and what they pay in taxes is more based on what other homes in the neighborhood have, rather than what certain properties have sold for in recent months.

Home Value

Discussing the property’s pros and cons with an Austin real estate agent will often give the current homeowner an idea of what ballpark the home with fetch. The professional

will often recommend what can be done to increase the value and worth of the property. It may be something as simple as power washing it and moving the law. In other cases, the roof may need to be replaced or rooms painted. Local agents will know what sells and what doesn’t, so seeking their opinion will probably give the potential seller a better idea of what to expect.