RELATABLE NEWS
ISSUE 1
WHO THE HECK IS EMAILING ME?
Howdy, the name is Cindy Garcia!
I'm a realtor in the Austin area. We crossed paths, exchanged emails, and somehow we talked a little about real estate at one point or another. Perhaps I may have helped you and your loved ones on a transaction, and you are now a great pal!
This is the Relatable News Issue 1, where we will talk community, real estate, things happening in Austin, and essential life topics, relatable stuff indeed.
Buckle Up! 2022 will be a fantastic year for all of us!
HOMESTEAD 2022
“Yes the Texas Legislature passed a bill that changes when homeowners can file for their homestead exemption. The new law effective January 1, 2022 will provide property tax relief by allowing homebuyers to file for homestead exemptions in the year when they purchase the property. Currently, new homeowners must wait until the following year to file for the exemption. Texas REALTORS® supported this legislation, which unanimously passed both chambers of the 87th Texas Legislature.”
What is a homestead exemption you ask?
“The homestead exemption is a legal regime to protect the value of the homes of residents from property taxes, creditors, and circumstances that arise from the death of the homeowner's spouse.”
INTEREST RATES IN 2022 BY DAN REAGAN OF MOVEMENT MORTGAGE
Dan Reagan from Movement Mortage shares his thoughts on 2022 and how it can affect our rates in our current area.
Most analysts expect rates to increase in 2022. Current 30 year fixed mortgage rates are about .5 higher from all time lows from early 2021 and many predict that rates could increase from 3% to just under 4% by the end of 2022. There are two primary reasons why most analysts believer rates will increase in 2022, inflation and the reduction/elimination of government “investment” into mortgage backed securities.
The US is experiencing an increasing inflationary environment for the first time in over 30 years. Inflation has not been a reality during the lifetime of most Americans in the current workforce but that is the current reality. Increasing energy costs, unprecedented government spending and relatively slow economic growth are all causes or results of inflation. History has shown us that inflation leads to higher mortgage rates.
The Federal Reserve has invested heavily into mortgage backed securities in response to the pandemic since mid 2020. This Fed backing of mortgage backed securities has played a huge role in mortgage rates reaching their lowest level in history and maintaining near record lows over the past 20 months. The Fed has historically invested into mortgage backed securities but the level they have invested since the onset of the pandemic is unprecedented. The Fed recently announced that they will reduce the amount of investment in this area. Since that announcement, rates have seen increases and the belief is that this reduction of money into this area will inevitably result in higher mortgage rates.
For more information on rates and lending, feel free to reach out to Dan here.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON BUYING OR SELLING IN AUSTIN
WHAT DOES 2022 LOOK LIKE
Every new year is a new beginning, "new year new me" that gets annoying, right! But, this fresh start may look different for us all. Some may start the year with blossoming relationships to new home ventures, new career paths, and big, bold goals.
There is s certain magic in new beginnings, hope, and excitement in the unknown, nerves for sure, but let's stay positive here. With that said, I am excited for all you will do and the person you will become. Enjoy the journey that 2022 will bring and positive vibes, friends.
I believe in the importance of community and friendship, stay connected, share your new excitement, share your failures, and allow us to celebrate your every win. I'd love to feature you and share and help in your new path this 2022 in any way I can! Would you be interested in an Austin community meet-up? If so, please email me here!
What's new for me this year?
I've transitioned to Spyglass Realty full time, which is exciting and nerve-wracking! I'll be helping each client with their goals of purchasing personally. It is exciting as I will be involved in all aspects of every transaction. Sadly I’ll be saying goodbye to my WIRE gals this year. However, so excited to cheer them on as they mean so much to me.
I will also be traveling to Costa Rica, Italy, and other parts of Europe this year. In addition, my husband and I will attempt purchasing property internationally; I am both excited and overwhelmed but, above all, in love with the idea of this journey and can't wait to explore the international real estate world.
THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN THIS JANUARY
JAN 1st
Aziz Ansari at the Paramount Stateside Theater
First Day hikes all across state and national parks in Texas
Jan 6th
Riding Wild & Free Into the New Year: Yoga+Music @ Indian Motorcycle Austin
JAN13-15th STRANGE, BUT PERFECT By Carlo Lorenzo Garcia
Where should I have Dinner in Austin?
Juniper - East Austin Italian Resturant
EXPLORER OF THE MONTH
In this corner you’ll meet a local Austin community member. Maybe someone you can be friends with or connect with on a professional level. This January I am featuring Amanda Nelson an all around bad ass! I’ll let her explain more below. Let’s network and collaborate, would you like to be featured click here.
Hello, I’m Amanda Nelson of Exploring Amanda. A speaker, author, local Austin travel content creator and contributor. Through my work, I teach people how to become their highest selves, igniting the fire to allow a sense of independence and newfound ownership of their lives. I have cultivated a community of positive motivated individuals that are becoming exactly who they dreamed of becoming. I plan on taking on 2022 with that same rigor and zest for life as I motivate others to do, whether that is through my TikTok content, 60 days away journal, or speaking engagements, speaking on stages, and inspiring the hell out of audiences across the country. I plan on not holding back and I hope you are on the same train I am on this 2022. Cheers, find my work and snag a book on ExploringAmanda.com .