How real estate and finances mix in ATX’s 2022 market
Opendoor’s first-ever Financial Wellness Study looks at how people are tackling their finances and homeownership, along with the stress it can cause. | Photo provided by Opendoor
Financial wellness and homeownership are two sides of the same coin. A recent study from Opendoor found that 56% of current + prospective homeowners think about their finances for at least 30 minutes every day. (We feel that. 💸)
Homeownership is a major milestone of financial security that many aspire to — but it can be just as stressful financially as other ultimate goals like saving for retirement and saving for a child’s education.
Fast facts:
37% of prospective homebuyers believe that homeownership will improve their quality of life.
More than 78% are considering buying their first home in the next five years.
53% want to buy within the next two years.
If you’re a part of these percentages, join us as we take a look at how Austinites are tackling their finances + homeownership and how it affects their stress levels. (Read: You’re not alone if you’re sweating over down payments. 😅)
Boasting generous counter space, a center island, tile backsplash (and some included appliances), this home is complete with an abundance of well-placed windows for natural light — plus a walk-out deck.
Photo provided by Opendoor
ATX real estate stressors by the numbers
Money is top of mind. Texas residents are among the least confident in their financial security with nearly two in three stating they do not (or sometimes do not) feel secure financially.
Pro tip: Opendoor recently announced a financing app that enables consumers to get a mortgage pre-approval in less than two minutes — and it’s currently available to TX customers.
Financing is the top stressor for Texas homebuyers. When it comes to buying, 51% of Texans wrestle with understanding the mortgage/lending process (compared to 38% nationally).
One thing to note: Texans are paying off their debtbefore making their next milestone purchase. While more Texans are troubled by paying off college loans (35% vs. 28% nationally) than the stress of saving for retirement (69% vs. 77% nationally), the recently-announced Student Debt Relief Plan may relieve some of this stress and help Texans make milestone purchases (like buying their first home).*
Funk n’ Sour 2022 | Tue., Oct. 25 | 6-11 p.m. | Jester King Brewery, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd. | $140 | This annual tasting event — held in Jester King’s beer garden — will offer 30+ beer, wine, and cider pairings with foods from local restaurants.
Wednesday
Giant Candyland | Wed., Oct. 26 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Austin Public Library Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Dr. | Free | Race your friends and family to the Candy Castle in a life-sized game of Candyland, while enjoying other fall festival activities. 🍭
Thursday
Adrian Quesada | Thu., Oct. 27 | 6:30 p.m. | Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St. | $30 | Catch half of Black Pumas at the kickoff of psychedelic music festival LEVITATION, which runs until Sun., Oct. 30. 🎤
Halloween Movies on the Lawn | Thu., Oct. 27 | 7 p.m. | Hotel Ella, 1900 Rio Grande St. | $20 | Put on your Halloween best and settle in for a screening of “Beetlejuice” on the lawn. 🎥
Friday
Boo at the Zoo | Now-Sat., Oct. 29 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trl. | $19.95 | Ring in the season with a haunted house, train ride, and a magical puppet show at this family-friendly event — costumes are encouraged.
MythiCon 2022 | Fri., Oct. 28 | 3-11 p.m. | Star Hill Ranch, 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd. | $299 | Join Rhett & Link from Youtube’s “Good Mythical Morning” at the first ever MythiCon. 🎭
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A new high-rise called 700 River, formerly River Street Residences, has broken ground on Rainey Street. The tower will be 43 stories tall with 377 upscale apartments, 3,400 sqft of retail space, and 30,000 sqft of amenities. (Austin American-Statesman)
Legacy
DK Sushi owner DK Lee died this month, according to the Japanese + Korean restaurant and karaoke bar’s website. He is survived by his wife and three children. 🎤 (Eater Austin)
Civic
The nearby cities of Manor and Lago Vista will vote on whether to leave Capital Metro’spublic transportation system in the upcoming election. The ballot will also ask residents whether or not the cities should redirect the 1% sales tax that pays for CapMetro to other local services. (KVUE)
Community
Downtown Austin is unveiling a new, six-story mural called “Where the Wild Flowers Grow” on 301 Congress Ave. Painted by local artist DAAS, the new mural will also help commemorate Downtown Public Art Day on Thurs., Oct. 27. 🎨
Mind the gap — the Zilker Eagle, a miniature train currently beingrestored to run anew through Zilker Park, is postponing its grand opening for another year due to braking issues. 🚃 (KXAN)
Number
The Powerball jackpot increased to $625 million for last night’s drawing — the eighth-largest Powerball prize to date — according to the Texas Lottery. After taxes, the winner will take home an estimated $299.8 million in cash.(Fox 7 Austin)
Sports
Former Longhorn quarterback Sam Ehlinger is taking over as starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday after Matt Ryan injured his shoulder. The 2021 6th-round pick appeared in 3 games last season, but has not attempted a regular-season pass yet. Horns up, Sam. 🏈 (KXAN)
List
Austin’s Formula 1 weekend was a star-studded affair. A-list celebrities including Chloe Grace Moretz, Wyclef Jean, Shaquille O’Neal, Will Arnett, Tim Cook, and Brad Pitt were spotted in the stands. 🏎 (KVUE)
Listen
Trainual CEO Chris Ronziorecently chatted with Patrick Campbell, founder of ProfitWell. Listen to their conversation on pricing and how to price your product during a recessionary environment. 💰 *
DYK
Did you know you can support ATXtoday through our retail store? We’re celebrating Austin’s unique landmarks and history with our online shop. Show off your Austin pride with stickers, hoodies, mugs, and more. No need to wait. Start shopping.
Real Estate
Opendoor + Zillow are joining forces. The new multi-year partnership will allow Zillow sellers to request an Opendoor offer. Customers will be able to use Zillow’s service as a standalone offering or package it with other Zillow home shopping services (read: financing, closing or agent selection). 🏡 *
Shop
Here’s a friendly reminder that we’re less than a week out from Halloween. Have you bought your costume yet? What about the candy? And if you wanna be the coolest parent or grandparent on the block — while increasing your trick-or-treater’s nighttime visibility — grab this affordable 100-pack of glow sticks.*
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Events
Events
Last minute tips for voting in Travis County
Early voting began yesterday. | Gif via Giphy
Early voting is underway — Austinites have from now until Fri., Nov. 4 to vote early + skip the lines before Election Day on Tues., Nov. 8. 🗳
No matter who you’re voting for, it’s time to get out there and vote like you just turned 18.
Here are a few tips + tricks to keep in mind before you head out to the polls.
Don’t forget your photo ID — you won’t be able to vote without it.
Lyft wants you to vote, so the rideshare company is offering 50% off rides to the polls on Election Day. Use code VOTE22 for a discount up to $10. Pro tip: The discount also works on Lyft bikes and scooters.
From left to right: my brother, me, Angela, and my stepmother had a wonderful conversation.
Photo by ATXtoday
Today’s issue was written by Figi.
Editor’s pick: I just returned from a week-long trip to Wisconsin to visit my dad, so I’m happily full of cheese. Along the way we stopped to visit the George Floyd memorial in Minneapolis, MN. I met George’s auntie, Angela, while I was there and brought the pictures to prove it.
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