08.16.2024

Today’s Forecast

Getting real about the (e)state of home buying

How difficult is it to buy a home in Austin?

A white house with dark accents behind a lawn and stone pathway.

The index’s data is updated monthly. | Photo courtesy of Compass

Whether you’re planning your next move or just love scrolling Zillow, NBC’s home buyer index — which debuted in May — might help you keep better tabs on the Austin real estate market as it shifts from month to month.

How it works

The study uses a 0-100 scale to measure the level of difficulty when purchasing a home; the higher the score, the more difficult. It’s measured using four factors: cost, competition, scarcity, and economic instability (think market volatility, unemployment, and interest rates).

Is it legit? A real estate industry analyst, bank economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and other experts helped develop the tool, according to NBC News.

A few caveats: The index does not capture additional homebuying difficulties for certain groups, such as those with lower credit scores, and it can’t always capture data for more rural communities.

Travis County’s rating

The data listed below comes from June 2024, but it’s updated monthly — in other words, you can check back whenever you’re curious.

Check out Travis County’s numbers, on a scale of 0 (easy) to 100 (difficult):

Overall difficulty index | 52.4
Cost index | 76.3
Competition index | 15.9
Scarcity index | 7.6
Economic instability index | 91.6

The index also shares that a median income buyer here in Travis County can afford a $490,000 home — compare that to the median list price for a home, which is $550,000.

Feel good about buying, but want to stay updated on what it’s like to live in Austin? Check out our City Guides for the 411.

Asked

As of June 2024, what is the overall home buyer difficulty index for the entire nation (100 being the most difficult)?

A. 75.6
B. 82.1
C. 83.8
D. 84.6

Bring it home

Events

Thursday, Aug. 15

Third Thursday: Textile Makers Night | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 5-7 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum | Free with admission | Explore the museum after hours while learning about textiles through hands-on activities.
Media Mixer: Beadwork & Jewelry | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 6-9 p.m. | Mexic-Arte Museum | $15 | Enjoy drinks, small bites, and a gallery tour while learning the art of beading + jewelry making.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | Now-Sunday, Sept. 22 | 7:30-10 p.m. | The Topfer at ZACH | $25-$91 | From writing pop classics for renowned artists to her chart-topping success with the album “Tapestry,” relive Carole King’s incredible journey during this performance.*

Friday, Aug. 16

“Dial M for Murder” + “Rope” | Friday, Aug. 16 | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $12 | This Hitchcock double feature will have you on the edge of your seat.

Saturday, Aug. 17

Intro to Tarot Workshop | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 1-3 p.m. | Wild Heart Yoga | $40 | Immerse yourself in the mystique of tarot cards at this introductory course.
Ben Schwartz & Friends | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live | $48-$75 | Catch this major actor — known for his roles in “Parks and Recreation” and “Space Force” — live.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Outdoors

As The Confluence construction continues, a new detour route on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Waller Creek will be in place beginning Monday, Aug. 26. It will take users on a new lattice bridge, and bicyclists will need to dismount and walk their bike. See a map.

Civic

The average Travis County homeowner could see a $10.50 tax increase each month if the recently approved tax rate election passes on November’s ballot. The rate hike would garner $75 million for affordable early childhood care + after-school programs in the US. (Community Impact)

Biz

Peter Pan Mini Golf’s lease was extended through March 2025 and the owners are hoping to secure a multi-year lease. The land is controlled by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the business’ lease was initially set to expire at the end of September. (KVUE)

Eat

Downtown restaurant Fixe Southern House has something up its sleeve: a casual cafe coming to northwest Austin called Hissy Fit. Dubbed Fixe’s “sassy little sister,” the new concept will open in the Arboretum at 9761 Great Hills Trail sometime this fall and serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. (Eater Austin)

Coming Soon

Austin pastry chef and baker Amanda Rockman will open Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop this fall in the Holly neighborhood at 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. #200. The counter-service bakery’s tagline gives you a taste of what to expect, “Caffeine, Gluten, Sugar, Butter, Booze.” (Eater Austin)

Read

Head to BookPeople today at 6 p.m. to meet Julianne Hough and get a personalized copy of her book, “Everything We Never Knew.” Kendra Scott, Ellen Goodlett, and Hannah Gabel will also be in attendance for a Q&A session. Tickets are on sale now for $24.

Show

An Austin rancher named David will be one of the 24 men competing to win Joan Vassos’ love on the first season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelorette.” Tune in on Wednesday, Sept. 18 to watch the 68-year-old Austinite step out of the limo.

Tech

Ahhh, Roku City. A purple metropolis inside your television that accommodates King Kong, Spider-Man, and... Willie Nelson. That’s right, a “Willie Nelson For President” mural is now visible (through the end of the month) in Roku City for viewers based in Texas. We love to see it.

Sports

As preseason continues, it’s starting to become clear which Cowboys will start in Week One when the season arrives. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Festival

Mark your calendars: The 35th annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival is returning this fall. Attendees can expect live performances from various artists across three stages, food vendors, a carnival, and more from Oct. 11 to Oct. 13 in historic downtown Conroe. Let’s get this party started.*

Pets

Don’t let big bills at the vet give you paws. Lemonade’s affordable, customizable, oh-so-easy-to-use Pet Insurance means you can head to the vet worry-free next time Fido’s feeling ruff.*

Shop

🛍️ Not your grandma’s garage sale

Calling all fashionistas: Le Garage Sale returns to Austin soon

Boots and bags and bikinis — oh my! | Photo provided by Le Garage Sale

Austin, it’s time to shop ‘til you drop.

Le Garage Sale will return to the Palmer Events Center Saturday, Aug.24-Sunday, Aug. 25. It’s your chance to relive the glory days of the mall — but with more bargains, drinks, and music.

Over 140 brands, boutiques, and designers will gather under one roof to sell their wares at discounted prices — think everything from apparel and accessories to home decor and art.

Plus, you can make room in your wardrobe for your new threads by donating your gently-used clothes at Goodwill Austin’s on-site collection truck.

Here’s your guidebook to new garments:

Buy your $12 ticket in advance, or attend the VIP pre-shop on Saturday, Aug. 24 for $30 per person.
Check out the list of vendors before your shopping spree.
Read insider tips to make the most of your experience.

The Buy

The Buy 8.15.24 (Affiliate)

This best-selling stainless steel 7-in-1 Instant Pot. It’s a classic for a reason — and you can use this versatile, customizable kitchen appliance to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam and warm up your meals with easy dishwasher-safe clean up.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Morgan

From the editor

Okay Bachelor Nation — does anyone else prefer the “Golden” iterations of the show? I sure do... and if anyone knows David, let me know. I’d love to interview him.

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