The Difference between Austin Real Estate Market Value and Appraised Value:

The appraised value of real estate in Austin, Texas is a certified appraiser's opinion of the worth of a particular piece of property at a given point in time. Lenders require appraisals as part of the loan application process; typically appraisal fees range from $200 to $300. A comparative market analysis is an informal estimate of market value, based on sales of comparable homes for sale, performed by a real estate agent or broker. Either an appraisal or a comparative real estate market analysis is the most accurate way to determine what homes for sale are worth.

Return on Remodeling Jobs:

Remodeling magazine produces an annual "Cost vs. Value Report'' that answers just that question. The most important point to remember is that remodeling a home not only improves its livability for you but its curb appeal with a potential buyer down the road. Most recently, the highest remodeling paybacks have come from updating kitchens and baths, home-office additions and extra amenities in older homes for sale. While home offices are a relatively new remodeling trend, for example, you could expect to recoup 58 percent of the cost of adding a home office, according to the survey.

Information on Austin Real Estate Housing Market & Stats:

Austin real estate agents are a good source for finding out the status of the housing market. So is your statewide association of Texas Realtors, most of which are continuously compiling such statistics from local boards including the Austin Texas real estate board. For overall housing statistics, U.S. Housing Markets regularly publishes quarterly reports on home building and home buying. Your local builders association probably gets this report. If not, the housing research firm is located in Canton, Mich.; call (800) 755-6269 for information; the firm also maintains an Internet site. Finally, check with the U.S. Bureau of the Census in Washington, D.C.; (301) 495-4700. The census bureau also maintains a site on the Internet. The Chicago Title company also has published a pamphlet, "Who's Buying Homes in America." Write Chicago Title and Trust Family of Title Insurers, 171 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60601-3294.