Spring 2019 Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO SPRING 2019

INSIDE

• What you need to know when buying or selling a house • Housing market information for Hays County • Home improvements and the permitting process • Fashion in the workplace A product of Barton Publications

HAYS COUNTY

EDITOR’S NOTE

ECHO From real estate trends is published monthly by

Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Contributing Writers Moses Leos III Exsar Arguello Katie Burrell Contributing Photographers Moses Leos III

to workplace fashion A mong the list of things many Americans wish to do before they die, home ownership might just be close to the top.

Heck, the whole idea of the “American Dream” was essentially predicated on owning a home, something that many feel signifies freedom and independence. It’s almost as American as apple pie and baseball.

While attitudes have somewhat changed over the years, the thrill of homeownership hasn’t gone away.

It’s especially apparent in high-growth corridors such as Hays County.

It’s with that in mind, and the fact that the home buying season begins during the

spring months, we at the Hays County Echo focus our gaze on real estate.

We begin with a look at the real estate market in our area. Reporter Exsar Arguello dives into current real estate trends in the Austin metro area and how the housing bubble looks at this time.

Meanwhile, reporter Katie Burrell examines some tips and tricks for buyers and sellers in the current market and what they can do to get the best bang for their buck.

Already own a home and looking to fix something up?

Make sure you don’t need a permit for that. We at the Echo take a glimpse into home renovations and provide insight into what projects might need a possible city permit to complete.

With spring on the horizon comes the prospect of warmer temperatures. We at the Echo look at how to stay fashionable, but comfortable, at the work place this season.

Whether it’s staying up-todate on real estate trends, or maybe just staying cool in the office this summer, we hope our latest edition keeps our readership informed.

Thanks for reading, Moses Leos III

Distribution David White Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby Teresa Starr Office Manager Verna Womack For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512–268–7862.

See the Hays County Echo online for free at www.HaysFreePress.com

INSIDE

Realtor offers advice in a seller’s market............... 4 Fluctuating factors lead to housing market anxiety for realtors............................................................. 6 What you need to know when remodeling or just making simple repairs around the house.............. 8 Housing statistics................................................ 10 Fashion for the workplace................................... 12 Service Directory................................................. 15

2 | Hays County Echo | SPRING 2019

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Realtor offers advice in a seller’s market

BY KATIE BURRELL

Sanford said. “Those working in the city look at Populations in Buda and all surrounding suburbs, Kyle are at all-time highs but Buda and Kyle tend to and only continue to grow, favor small-town charm, creating a competitive making this a great place housing market that for sellers.” benefits sellers over buyers.

Hays County can be a Real Estate Broker J.D. great location for buyers Sanford, with John B. at any price-point.

Sanford Real Estate in Buda, Sanford says with the right offers advice to both home assistance and proper buyers and sellers given the research, buyers in Buda competitive market the area and Kyle can find the right is in. home and the right price if “The proximity to Austin they plan properly. is very appealing to homeSo what are some tips and tricks? buyers working in Austin,”

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE HOME BUYERS Do be resilient When buying a home in Buda or Kyle, many sellers will receive multiple offers on the same property, which can drive up the price. Sanford recommends buyers be prepared to lose out on a few homes before finding the right one.

“By not getting too attached to a property, homebuyers won’t get into bidding wars and end up paying thousands more than what a property is worth,” Sanford said.

Do the research Hundreds of new homes have been built in the area and hundreds more are on the way. With these new homes, many buyers assume they are getting a perfect, movein ready house that comes baggage free. This is not always the case, Sanford said.

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In addition to hiring an inspector, Sanford recommends at least consulting with a realtor before making a purchase.

“Realtors know the taxes in each area, what businesses are coming and where road construction will be,” Sanford said. “We do this research for you and help you make the best decision, which usually ends up paying for itself.”

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE HOME SELLERS While many Austin residents are looking to move into the area, many local residents are taking advantage of the opportunity to sell high and move on. There are plenty of ways to get the most out of a Hays County home, according to local experts.

once they move in, they’re more worried about getting on to their work commute.

Sanford advises that homeowners in Buda and Kyle keep it simple and avoid making dramatic or drastic décor decisions in a home they plan to resell. Oddball lighting fixtures and other semi-permanent parts can make or break a sale. Sanford says it is more likely that these fixtures will break the sale.

“I once sold a house with a professional putting-green in the backyard,” Sanford said.

“It took months longer than it should have. I had to find another golfer to buy.”

Don’t cut corners Buyers are looking for landscaping, finished repairs and upgrades. Sanford recommends investing in kitchen and bathroom areas when looking to upgrade a home before sale.

Don’t be too unique “Everyone loves their New residents are looking for move-in ready homes that kitchens and bathrooms,” will save them from exorbitant Sanford said. “So, if repairs housing costs in Austin. These and upgrades can be done, it’s most profitable to do them in home buyers are not looking to redecorate and renovate these areas.”

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On the bubble?

Fluctuating factors lead to housing market anxiety for realtors

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Spring is right around the corner and that signals the beginning of the busiest real estate season of the year where millions start the process of possibly purchasing a new home.

But before residents pull the trigger, recent data in the market indicates the future of home buying might not be so bright.

High interest rates and a lack of supply in the market have some local realtors anxious about the future of Hays County’s housing bubble.

Rebecca Minnick, a realtor in Wimberley, Dripping Springs and Austin, said the supply of middle class housing is beginning to dwindle.

In areas like San Marcos, Kyle and Buda, starter homes are prevalent. In Wimberley and

Dripping Springs, homes well above the $500,000 mark are also available, but the $300,000 to $400,000 sweet spot is virtually nonexistent.

“We have the inventory at the entry level, but when you’re ready to move up, there just isn’t anything there,” Minnick said. “And what is there is discouraging. It’s hard for families to justify buying a bigger home with property taxes through the roof, especially in places like Austin and now in Dripping

Springs.”

Some of those factors might be out of buyers’ hands.

Construction costs are rising one percent annually and the cost to build a home is rising while wages are stagnant.

Additionally, interest rates reached a staggering high in 2018, Minnick said. This discourages new buyers as the logistics of paying off a home are overshadowed with high interest rates.

Age is also playing a role as

well. Younger Millenials, or those who are in their midto-late 20s, are waiting later in their lives to buy homes, Older Millennials who are now entering their mid-30s are the largest group of home buyers at 36 percent of the market, according to the National Association of Realtors.

But Millennial homeowners are struggling to move higher in the market. A 2018 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that inventory constraints and higher housing costs are keeping Millennials in their current dwelling.

“It isn’t so much the younger generation we are worried about, but rising interest rates that are simply discouraging younger people from buying, and why should they with those concerns,” Minnick said.

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get into the market. And in to buy,” Yun said. “Prices keep places like San Marcos and rising for the limited number of Austin, it’s just easier to rent.” listings on the market they can Lawrence Yun, NAR chief afford, which is creating stark economist, said although competition, speedy price housing sales growth and the from Millenneed to save nials are at an more in order to NAR research all-time high, buy.” shows that a low inventory There is some and high prices lower percentage light at the end are pushing of the tunnel. of consumers home prices out Yun said the of reach for this think that now is market is seeing new generation. historically low a good time to Additionally, foreclosure the study found rates. Yun said buy, while more that Millennial people are are indicating buyers prioriliving within tize living close their means and that it is a good to friends and not purchasing time to sell family rathhomes they er than near cannot afford. schools or work. Communities While Yun said problems with green spaces, walkability could arise if the market is and density are also hot trends flooded with too many sellers with this generation of home and not enough buyers, such buyers. an issue isn’t taking place right “Realtors throughout the now. country have noticed both the “NAR research shows that a notable upturn in buyer interlower percentage of consumers est from young adults over the think that now is a good time past year, as well as mounting to buy, while more are indifrustration once they begin cating that it is a good time to actively searching for a home sell,” Yun said.

Real Estate issues that may arise in the future • Land supply is shrinking in Hays County and affordable housing will be increasingly difficult to come by. Additionally, the rise in construction costs will inevitably raise the prices of homes.

• Political wars could also affect the housing market. Tariffs on steel, building materials and increased price in labor will all have an effect on the price of a home. Those are factors, unfortunately, that cannot be easily predicted.

• The farther neighborhoods are pushed beyond the city limits, the more expensive it will be to construct utility lines and infrastructure, which could raise prices.

Real Estate tips from the pros • When buying a home, experts advise people to know what they are looking for before

READY FOR IT

house hunting. Look at what local school districts can provide for families, and how communities shape the culture of a city.

• As the NAR research indicates, people are comfortable living in homes they can afford, which can have positive effects on a community of families and professionals eager to invest their time in one place.

• Minnick said families who are moving to Hays County have a plethora of locations to choose from, including the less dense areas of the county to the west, or the booming bustle of the corridor cities.

• Families in Hays County also have diversity in the number of school districts in the area, which is good for people moving to the region.

• “Your best bet is to determine where you want to be and have reasonable expectations,” Minnick. “What’s important to you in a community? Before you buy, prioritize what’s important for you and your family.”

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Do you have a permit for that?

What you need to know when remodeling or just doing some simple repairs around the house

BY MOSES LEOS III

plumbing or heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) work.

Having worked in the home Permits are also usually required remodeling business for nearly for full-scale remodels, such as a decade, Buda area native adding a room or adding or reBrad Janke understands how moving a wall, or adding a water much work can go into fixing softener or water heater. up a home.

Projects such as repainting, While the process can be reroofing, changing cabinets or costly and frustrating at times, light fixtures often don’t require knowing when to call an expert, a permit. and when to acquire permits, Dykes said giving a call to the are key points for city and describthose who seek to ing the nature of do a little home the project can “We don’t improvement. help identify if a want people One factor for permit is needhomeowners ed. Often, Dykes to feel like is taking into said residents are we’re the account the persurprised to find mitting process, scary city and out projects such which might be as adding a deck we’re going required dependor an outbuilding ing on the type of might call for to take their remodeling work to obtain a money away. them they are doing. permit to do so.

Janke, who has To build a deck, We want to done remodels in Dykes said Buda help them and officials calculate and around the Austin area, said the amount of to do their each city differs impervious cover project right on their permiton the property ting requirements. and to be to ensure the new Smaller cities, structure doesn’t safe.” such as Buda and surpass their Kyle, might be allowed amount. easier to call and –Nikki Dykes, Buda Outbuildings discuss a project permit coordinator and sheds that to find out if a are more than permit is needed.

251 square feet in size require “Understanding the perproper permits. mitting process and when and Kyle also requires residents what days to get things in is to obtain a permit before they critical,” Janke said. build a deck or an exterior roofed structure.

PERMITTING IN BUDA “We don’t want people to feel like we’re the scary city Nikki Dykes, Buda permit coordinator, said Buda requires and we’re going to take their homeowners to obtain a permit money away,” Dykes said. “We if they’re dealing with electrical, want to help them do their 8 | Hays County Echo | SPRING 2019

project right and to be safe.”

For some projects, Dykes said permits and inspections might be required to ensure they’re following the city’s regulations, as well as state and national fire codes. Full-scale remodels require homeowners to submit building plans and the scope of the proposed projects, which can be hand-drawn.

For homes in historic areas, cities might require homeowners to meet with a specific commission to go over proposed plans. Dykes said exterior or interior changes to homes in the Historic areas near downtown require that plans go before the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.

“They might update and do certain things, but there is still an aesthetic look to adhere to,” Dykes said.

PERMITTING IN KYLE Kyle, which also requires permits for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work, tries to alleviate the mystery surrounding the permitting process by conducting as much outreach as possible.

Mario Perez, Kyle building official, said the city’s planning and building staff works to meet with homeowners and contractors planning to do any work.

During the meeting, city staff goes over the process step-bystep, along with making sure residents have the proper permits and certifications in place

before they begin work.

Doing so helps prevent issues or violations, which could result in fines or having to redo the entire project all over again.

Knowing when to call in a professional is an important factor to consider as well, Janke said.

The decision on whether or not to consult a professional depends on each individual person and what they’re comfortable with doing. Specific projects that require intensive electrical or plumbing work might be better left to the professionals, who have proper certification and licensing, Janke said.

Contractors that are hired must also pull the proper permits as they’ll be doing the work.

“A lot of people are handy and they can sometimes figure it out themselves,” Janke said.

Ensuring contractors are reputable and have proper accreditation is an important first step. Both Kyle and Buda provide a list of contractors who have applied with the city and are certified to conduct their specialized work.

Kim Hilsenbeck, Kyle communications specialist, said reaching out to city staff is an essential tool toward knowing what to expect when going through a home remodel, especially if questions arise.

“We’re here to help people,” Hilsenbeck said.

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HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

HOW MUCH DO PERMITS COST?

Values based on five-year average for 2012-2016 census.

The following are the total number of Residential new homes permitted per year in Buda: 2018 169 2017 162 2016 354 2015 398 PERMITTING FEES

Buda’s fee schedule varies year to year, as fees are set by the City’s Budget.

Residential Accessory/ Remodel/ Addition $75 Plan Review Fee $10 Permit Processing $10 Technology Fee $75 per inspection (number of inspections determined at review)

HOUSING STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MARKETS

TOP 10 FASTEST GROWING COUNTIES, 2016-2017

Residential Pool $75 Review Fee $10 Permit Processing $10 Technology Fee $75 per inspection (typically 2 -number of inspections determined at review)

Plumbing / Electrical / Mechanical Work Only $75 Residential Inspection $10 Permit Processing $10 Technology Fee

Statistics gathered from the Buda EDC Strategic Plan, the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey for 2012-2016, and the Clarus Market Metrics via Texas A&M Real Estate Center

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BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

The suit and tie have been a staple of the corporate world for generations. But in a world full of business professional attire, this look can become stale, prompting fashion enthusiasts to challenge professional attire.

At the forefront of this movement is a group of young professionals who are pushing the boundaries of fashion in the business world.

Jessica Salazar, a former Texas State University fashion merchandising professor and small business owner, is looking to shake traditional attire in the workplace, finding unique, yet professional ways to stay stylish at work.

Her company is focused on ethical fashion practices and vegan living that spans beyond the plate. Salazar advocates for consumers to engage in ethical buying practices with clothes, which include good sourcing practices and vegan products.

“I really think that the business world and how people perceive you based on your outfit is shifting, and more creativity is allowed to be practiced in the workplace,” Salazar said. “When I was a professor, I constantly battled with how I can look professional to my students but be true to myself at the same time.”

Salazar said she accomplished her fashion goals by incorporating pieces of street fashion with professional looks.

“You should have your staple pieces for work, but don’t be afraid to add pops of color to make a look unique,” Salazar said. “I just saw a model recently wearing a blue blazer, blue trousers, a white shirt and some white sneakers. It looked professional but can see hints of personality in there too.”

But fashion trends in the workplace may be changing, per a new generation’s fashion priorities at work. According to a poll by Stormline, a company that sells clothing for the blue-collar workforce, new job applicants in 2017 said dress code will have an influence on where they work.

More specifically, 61 percent of respondents said the presence of a dress code will have a negative influence on their perception of a business.

FASHION, 14

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Uniforms for labor jobs and safety equipment are essential for a specific job sector, but the color of an employees shoes do not have an impact on the ability to perform a job.

Respondents equally supported individuality in the workplace.

Salazar said the younger generation of graduates entering the workforce is combining modern fashion with professional looks.

Those seeking employment in creative industries typically have more leniency with dress, which can, in her mind, help the creative process at work.

“Look at the field and the background of the business you are applying to so you can get a taste of the expectations of the dress code,” Salazar said. “Once you have a feel for how a business operates, don’t be afraid to put your own flair into it. Don’t lose sight of who you are.”

During hot Texas summers, outfits may seem limited. The conventional business professional attire typically doesn’t mix well with the heat, but layering is a great way to solve this dilemma.

Salazar said layering allows people to shed those extra clothes as the temperature rises, while still staying fashionable.

“I express myself in different ways depending on the occasion,” she said. “My business attire is different than my going-out attire, and that’s okay. Dress to the occasion, but remember, you can stay stylish and professional at the same time.”

14 | Hays County Echo | SPRING 2019

See solution, page 2

Key points to raise your fashion game: • You can still be professional and individualistic. Find pieces that work with professional attire but give the norms a little bit of a twist.

• Color is your friend. Keep your professional attire with a neutral pallet, but throw on hints of color to make your outfit pop

• Don’t lose sight of who you are. You can still be fashionable while showing that rebellious look you were known for in school.

• Layering allows you to shed parts of your outfit, especially as the Texas sun begins to bake the landscape.

• Jewelry can make a simple outfit pop, but too much can look tacky.

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NEMEC Heating and Air

Proudly serving Central Texas.

Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512–312–9081 or 512–789–5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center

Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH–35, 262–1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292–1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512–894–3888

Buda Automotive

You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair.

601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512–295–2832

Central Garage, LLC

Complete Auto Repair, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

20 Hwy. 290 West, Dripping Springs 512-894-4114 or 512-858-4252

COMPUTER SERVICE Hays Technical Services

Want help selecting the best value? Office systems not maintained? Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

CONSTRUCTION Deb Ray Homes

Honey-do list, drywall repair, clean dryer vent, leaking toilet, repairs for sale of home. Insured.

Ray Brown, 325-248-5027 Ray@DebRayHomes.com DebRayHomes.com

Monclova Construction, LLC

Foundations, driveways, parking lots, retaining walls, excavation, welding, fabrication. austin@monclovaconstruction.com, 512-366-2554

Reliable Handyman

Painting, remodel & home repair, flooring & tile, carpentry, decks & fences, pressure washing, gutters, cleaning & repair, RV repair. Get your honey-do list done right.

512-618-0482 DHall45@yahoo.com

DIRT Rick-Rob Trucking

Loam, topsoil, sand, gravel, roadbase, asphalt millings, granite, compost mix. Tractor work available. Specializing in country driveways.

512-858-7952. robinnds@aol. com, www.rick-rob.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING Barton Financial Group Zach Barton 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St, Ste A Kyle, Texas

LANDSCAPING Daniel Stone & Landscaping Supplies

We deliver. Grass: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway. Chopped rock, patio rock, flagstone, drystack, gravel, river rock, mulch, sand and loam. 12015 Hwy 290 W, Cedar Valley, Austin. 512-288-8488.

Who Does Your Lawn

Call Jesse Reyna at 512-7882180 or email apa6207@ sbcglobal.net. Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010. Taking care of all lawn needs so you can play. Mowing, trimming, edging, debris removal, flower bed maintenance

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall

SEPTIC SERVICES

Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, landlord–tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation. 130 Hall Professional Center , Kyle, TX. 512–268–6425

PAINTING 699 Painting and More

Interior and exterior painting.

Siding & rotten wood replacement.

Sheet rock repairs. Wallpaper removal & wall texture. Pressure washing. Insured & References available, 512-699-0441.

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company

Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512–312–0710

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service

Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994. 512–326–4695. www.gspoolspa.com

High Tide Pool Service

Over 10 years cleaning and maintaining pools. Drain & clean, pressure washing, full service repairs, replastering.

Free estimates, call Keith Miller at 512 965-3465.

REMODELING Wild West Remodeling

No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512–402–4704

ROOFING

All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC

Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more.

Commercial and residential. www. allsepticcheck.com, 512–282–3889.

Sellman Enterprises, Inc.

Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512–312–0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

SHOE REPAIR Austin Shoe Hospital

Quality boot & shoe repair as well as purse and luggage repair.

Ten locations in Central Texas including: Ben White & Manchaca, 512-440-8788; Hwy 290 & Nutty Brown Rd., 512-827-3398; and Hwy 290 in Oak Hill, 512-2886386.

TREE SERVICES Lees Trees

Firewood, pruning, tree removal, chipping, planting, cedar posts, bulk mulch. Free assessments & estimates. Affordable oak wilt treatment. Schedule ball moss treatment for June. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 858-4018, leestrees@vownet.net

WINDOW TREATMENTS Made in the Shade

Custom window treatments at affordable prices. Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman and more.

Blinds, shades, draperies and shutters. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation. Call 512-847-8970, www.madeintheshadeofwimberley. com

Area Roofing Company

Serving Hays County. Residential & Commercial. Free estimates.

Insurance claims welcome. Ron Johnson, owner. 512–312–5050

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512-295-3170