400k doesn't do anything for you in Austin now! (house, neighborhoods)

[WildChicken]

Isn't this the truth. People overpricing dumps 15 miles outside of downtown.

[Return2Paradise]

Originally Posted by WildChicken

Isn't this the truth. People overpricing dumps 15 miles outside of downtown.

[sojourner77]

Originally Posted by WildChicken

Isn't this the truth. People overpricing dumps 15 miles outside of downtown.

I live 9 miles from downtown in a 2200sf upgraded Standard Pacific home that I bought new for 225K in 2008, and I could sell now for 270K, and it's not a dump. You must be looking at properties right next door to a major employer on the N/NW side (Apple, GM, Samsung, Dell, IBM...) if that is what you are finding at that price.

[TexasHorseLady]

What do you consider a "dump", OP?

[Aquitaine]

People overpricing

Are they selling?

If so, they're not overpricing, are they?

[Novacek]

15 miles outside of downtown isn't in Austin, in basically any direction. Is it possible there's an overpriced dump that far out, sure, but there's also plenty closer in that isn't overpriced.

[riaelise]

Just get used to the fact that you are not going to be able to roll out of bed in your 2,000 sq ft house and ride 15 minutes to work for $400k.

There are many places that aren't particularly close to downtown but still have higher price tags because of strength of schools, topography, and other factors. Proximity to downtown isn't the sole factor when it comes to pricing.

You really need to figure out what is the most important to you. Obviously you're hell bent on getting a roomy, remodeled house within the city limits. Something's gotta give. You can still buy in Austin with $400k with no issue. It's just that you want to have a larger house with little to no work in very hot areas.

[WildChicken]

Terrible schools, interior is out of the 80's-90's, un-kept neighborhoods

[riaelise]

Again, you need to figure out what it is you really want. You can't have it all.

My home, in the suburbs, for $400k+ has a 90s interior. Not exactly what I wanted, but it wasn't such a big deal to me since I plan on remodeling over time.

$400k doesn't get you a palace anywhere anymore.

[Trainwreck20]

Originally Posted by riaelise

Just get used to the fact that you are not going to be able to roll out of bed in your 2,000 sq ft house and ride 15 minutes to work for $400k.

There are many places that aren't particularly close to downtown but still have higher price tags because of strength of schools, topography, and other factors. Proximity to downtown isn't the sole factor when it comes to pricing.

You really need to figure out what is the most important to you. Obviously you're hell bent on getting a roomy, remodeled house within the city limits. Something's gotta give. You can still buy in Austin with $400k with no issue. It's just that you want to have a larger house with little to no work in very hot areas.

Our house in SW Austin would probably sell for a decent bit under $400k. It is 1999 construction (Newmark), 2,400 sf, zoned to some of the best schools in Austin ISD. My drive to work in the summer is 12-15 minutes (engine on to engine off), about 10 minutes longer during the school year. Downtown is probably twice that long, not sure, since I work near Barton Skyway.

This house is similar to ours in a lot of ways:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/91...29496612_zpid/

Our lot is bigger and on an 'L' corner, so that might be a plus, and ours is not nearly so 'monolithic' looking, but otherwise we would likely sell for a similar price. What is notable is that the linked house was under contract, then it fell through (don't know why), and is back on the market for a bit less. Maybe the market is cooling down a tad?