Austin Board of REALTORS® sent an email alert today to propose a change to Mayor Wynn’s Climate Protection Plan.  So far, it looks like REALTORS® agree with most aspects of the plan. Like most solutions, there’s a few areas of contention. Here’s what the email alert outlined:

What’s this about?
In early 2007, Austin Mayor Will Wynn released the Climate Protection Plan with the goal of making Austin the “greenest” city in the country, [including] the “Proposed Point of Sale Ordinance”….The city’s proposal would require that homeowners upgrade their homes and obtain a “Certificate of Compliance” from the city before they’re able to sell it. We oppose this plan for several reasons:

• Affordability – This type of out-of-pocket expense will prevent many homeowners from having the option to sell their home, particularly if they need to sell due to a difficult financial situation. In addition, the cost will inevitably be passed on to homebuyers, making it even more difficult to afford a home in Austin. 

• Extended sales process – Arranging the additional inspections needed to obtain a Certificate of Compliance (not to mention actually making the upgrades to properties) would draw out the time required to sell homes substantially. Further, Austin doesn’t currently have enough home inspectors in our city to fill the anticipated demand, promising even further delays. 

• Mandates- Do we want to require a “license” for homeowners to sell? – As it’s proposed now, this ordinance would essentially require that homeowners apply to the city for a “license” to sell their home (i.e. Certificate of Compliance). Do we want to spend our city’s resources on this activity and add this complication to the real estate process? Austinites buy and sell more than 25,000 homes each year…

What’s the alternative?

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Popularity: 13% [?]

If you own or recently purchased a lot in Austin with the intent to build more than one unit or a duplex, throw your current plans away. A crucial City Planning Commission vote tomorrow could drop some Central Austin land values by at least 50%.

For background, the Austin City Planning Commission reviewed changes to city design standards through a task force. The Residential Development Standards Task Force first met December 2007 and briefed Austin City Council in February.

Most guidelines are well-received, but one in particular may negatively impact Austin duplexes and infill lots, especially in East and Central Austin. (more…)

Popularity: 60% [?]

This hot alert was sent from Becky Hopkins at Austin Title.

A Special Edition of Real Estate Radio!

LIVE with David McMillan Saturday from 1-3 pm on TALK RADIO 1370AM…

You will not want to miss this special edition of Real Estate Radio Saturday from 1 to 3 on 1370AM.  We will get both sides of the controversial Austin City Council proposal calling for every home in Austin to pass an energy compliance inspection before it can be sold.

Attendees: Mayor Will Wynn along with Brewster McCracken and Mike Martinez of the city council, candidate Randi Shade and Socar Chatmon-Thomas from the Austin Board of REALTORS.

Live streaming audio on www.talk1370.com.

Popularity: 55% [?]

 Texas State Senator Kirk Watson and Austin City CouncilMember Brewster McCracken have led the charge to change how we commute to within Central Austin.

After struggling with congestion from our population growth, Mayor Will Wynn charged various groups, community leaders, transit experts and other residents to come up plans for a final vote in November.

Roma Design Group was hired as a consultant to the city to evaluate the dire situation and make a proposal. Roma’s final solution: place 14 miles of light rail line through Central Austin.

Top concerns for Central Austin light rail were:

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Popularity: 100% [?]

By DeeinAustin™

Today’s spotlight is on controversial Park Place Village, a 10-acre gated RV site for 150-175 “chronically homeless” individuals.

The 99-year ground lease for the city-owned land in East Austin was approved by council to help fight homelessness.

Opposing East Austin residents faced an uphill battle at this week’s city council meeting. Reporters said hundreds of homeless Austinites and their supporters packed council chambers to ensure approval for the 3-year project. Park Place Village residents would rent the RVs and cottages for $100 to $375 a month, including electricity, water and TV services.

Three Major Reasons Why East Austin Opposed Park Place Village

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Popularity: 37% [?]

By DeeinAustin™

Austin is consistently one of America’s top places to live, causing demand for housing to remain steady in most areas of the city.

As the Greater Austin metro area grows, we face rising home prices. Austin and other Texas cities are among the few in the nation to continue to appreciate while we face a recession.

We face tough questions every day. Their answer will affect our children and future generations.

Top Housing Issues in Austin

1. How can we create walkable, sustainable communities as the population increases?

2. How far should we take density if we want to remain livable?

3. How can we keep our city affordable, not just for low income wage earners, but for the working class, students, artists, musicians and young professionals.

What is affordable Austin real estate? An "affordable" home in Austin is about $160-180k with payments around $1300 to $1500 per month. This can get you a 3 bed, 2 bath, 1200-1700 square-foot home with a 2-car garage.

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Popularity: 25% [?]