In this episode, Kelea Youngblood, Chief Marketing Officer of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the implications of the Fed's March meeting on mortgage rates and review the findings of an NAR report on minority homeownership. While the rate of minority homeownership increased from 2013 to 2023, disparities in affordability continue to drive lower rates of minority homeownership. 

In this episode, Deputy Director of Communications of UnlockMLS and ABoR, Danielle Hammett, and Housing Economist, Clare Knapp, discuss last week’s market volatility and its implications for the Austin housing market. A rise in economic uncertainty from the enactment of tariffs and reciprocal tariffs led to a correction in the stock market and a significant drop in consumer confidence. Meanwhile, although mortgage rates held steady, it remains to be seen how buyers and sellers respond. 

In this episode, Emily Chenevert, CEO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss February housing stats for the MSA. Higher mortgage rates in December and January slowed sales activity and prices amid historically high levels of supply. The recent decline in mortgage rates will provide buyers with slightly more purchasing power heading into spring homebuying season. 

In this week's episode, CEO Emily Chenevert and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the current state of affordable housing in Austin, drawing distinction between owner- and renter-occupied housing. The two also discuss the trajectory of affordable housing in Austin over the past decade for moderate-income families. 

In this episode, Emily Chenevert, CEO, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist, discuss the current state of the national economy, projections for the course of the national economy over the rest of 2025, and implications for the Austin housing market amid the spring homebuying and selling season. The two also discuss the potential impacts of the proposed tariffs on aluminum and steel on housing affordability in Austin. While the national economy continues to post a relatively strong performance, higher mortgage rates are expected to impose a drag on spring homebuying and selling in Austin.

In this episode, Kelea Youngblood, CMO of UnlockMLS and ABoR, discusses opportunities and challenges in the Austin housing market alongside Emily Chenevert, CEO, Taylor Smith, Deputy Director of Government Affairs, Danielle Hammett, Deputy Director of Communications, and Clare Knapp, Housing Economist. The five home in on these issues from an organization-wide focus and provide actionable ways listeners can harness the variety of UnlockMLS and ABoR resources available to members. CEO Emily Chenevert also offers insight into the future of UnlockMLS and ABoR from an organization-wide perspective.

Kelea Youngblood, Emily Chenevert, Danielle Hammett, Taylor Smith, and Clare Knapp discuss opportunities and obstacles facing both ABoR and the broader real estate industry. The five detail ways for members to harness ABoR communications, advocacy, and research initiatives to enhance business practices and interactions with clients. A run-down of new member benefits reveals that monthly leasing data will be published alongside sales data for Austin, Houston, and San Antonio starting in February 2025.

In this episode of Driving It Home, Housing Economist Dr. Clare Knapp and Taylor Smith, Deputy Director of Government Affairs, discuss Texas property taxes and their impact on homeowners. Taylor explains the state’s unique tax system, where local governments collect property taxes for schools, roads, and public services. Despite recent $18 billion tax relief measures, including increased homestead exemptions and school tax rate reductions, rising property appraisals—driven by pandemic-era housing market surges—continue to strain homeowners, highlighting affordability as a key issue.

Taylor addresses why property taxes remain high despite declining Austin home prices, citing appraisal lags, steady tax rates due to local budget needs, and voter-approved bonds for community improvements. These factors create a complex challenge, balancing relief for homeowners with funding essential services like schools and public safety.

The episode offers practical advice for managing property taxes, including protesting appraisals, planning for annual increases, and staying engaged in local budget and tax discussions. Listeners are encouraged to join ABoR advocacy efforts, such as workshops and REALTOR® Day at the Capitol, to advocate for meaningful tax reforms and better support Texas homeowners.

Links Mentioned

REALTOR® Day at the Capitol | Mar. 26 https://www.unlockmls.com/event/realtor-day-at-the-texas-capitol
ABoR Advocacy https://www.unlockmls.com/advocacy
Email ABoR Advocacy | [email protected]

Download an episode transcript: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/1j60KUfPo8gjrypjKS6yCJ/a51f28d42aed696e8be518508ae084a0/DIH-1-28-25.pdf

Listen On:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC 

Connect with us on socials: https://www.unlockmls.com/socials

Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey 

Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Emily Chenevert review the December 2024 Central Texas Housing Report and reflect on overall market trends from the past year. They discuss a slight positive shift in the market in December, with closed sales up 2.5% and median prices showing a small increase of 1.5%. They also highlight a slowdown in the growth rate of active listings, with year-over-year inventory gains dropping from 40% mid-year to 10% in December. Dr. Knapp stresses the importance of sellers adjusting their pricing strategies, as the close-to-original-list price ratio averaged just over 92%, indicating room for improvement in setting realistic expectations.

The conversation also addresses broader market dynamics, with Dr. Knapp reflecting on 2024 as a year of stability rather than significant growth, marked by an increase in supply that benefited buyers. Despite higher mortgage rates, which recently surpassed 7%, there is optimism about the opportunities this market provides. Both hosts emphasize the importance of leveraging tools like Unlock Stats and other resources to guide sellers toward better pricing decisions, which could lead to more successful transactions.

Looking forward to 2025, both remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging external factors like policy changes and economic fluctuations that could influence market conditions. They encourage real estate professionals to find opportunities in every market and to approach the new year with a mindset of adaptability and growth. The episode concludes with a call for listener feedback and a commitment to providing valuable insights to help navigate the evolving real estate landscape.

Links Mentioned

December 2024 Central Texas Housing Report & Year-End Stats | https://www.unlockmls.com/stats
Market Data Labs & Unlock Stats Labs | Jan. 21 | https://www.unlockmls.com/classes-and-events?location&categories&participants.name&format×&searchText=labs&page=1
Kick-Off 2025 | Jan. 30 | https://www.unlockmls.com/KickOff2025

Download an episode transcript: https://assets.ctfassets.net/pu0snv8rn9fa/3UiNd7opSwqW2d5Isgr8n7/0d379be57b1eac84a840093a0f1c4559/DIH-1-22-25.pdf

Listen On:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC 

Connect with us on socials: https://www.unlockmls.com/socials

Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey 

Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].