Boating with Baby in the BVI
In May, Chris and I finally took a trip we’ve been planning for years. This trip has been in conversation and planning since probably 2018, and it was one of those major events that was rescheduled various times due to COVID. I’m sure all of you have a trip or wedding or something that experienced similar delays.
Years ago, we started talking to my aunt, uncle and cousins in Austin about taking a 10 day trip to the British Virgin Islands. The plan was to spend 5 nights on a boat and 5 nights at Anegada Beach Club. The trip was planned for May of 2020. Chris and I decided this would be our last big trip before starting to “not not try” to have a baby. A trip filled with tropical cocktails and sleeping in, one last hurrah of independence before becoming parents.
Then, 2020 happened. In April of 2020, those early, confusing days of COVID, Chris and I looked at each other and said “we’re not going to BVI next month, are we?”
Finally, in May of 2022, we took the trip. I worried about it for months. How would Tony do on those long days of travel getting there and back? How would he sleep on the boat? Would that little berth bed work as a crib, since we couldn’t fit one on the boat, or would he roll out, climb out etc? Would I worry the whole time about him falling off the boat? Would I be able to buy diapers there? The list of anxieties was a mile long.
As it turned out, it went great. Granted, the travel days getting there and back were hellish. But the time in between was magic. I didn’t get to sleep in, but I did get my fill of tropical cocktails, specifically Painkillers, which is my new favorite drink.
What I’m Reading: “Debt: The First 5000 Years”
While we were in BVI, I couldn’t put down this book. I know reading about history, anthropology and economics while trying to relax isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but what can I say? I’m weird.
I’ve been really interested recently in understanding economics. What are the incentives built into our current system? The inequalities between the richest and poorest within our city, our country and around the world, is this something we can fix within our current system or is it part of the design of the system? What about environmental issues, the amount of trash we produce, the resource intensive materials… what is it about our system now that incentivizes this and makes it “cheap?” What alternatives to modern capitalism have existed in the past, what outcomes did they create, and can we find any inspiration for improving our current problems?
This book had some really interesting insights about what money is, what debt is, how they have functioned from the ancient world to today, and different ways societies can and have treated these powerful forces.
Like I said, it’s not for everyone. But if these questions interest you, too, pick it up! Also, send me a note because I need more nerds in my life.
Market Update
There are lots of opinions about what is going on with the real estate market in Austin right now. Our inventory has increased significantly since March 2022. To give you an idea, we had around 400-500 homes for sale in March. As of today, June 10th, there are 1,466 homes for sale. While we are seeing an increase in inventory we are still considered a Seller’s Market. When a market is considered “balanced” it means there is around 6 months of inventory. We are nowhere close to that.
In recent weeks we have seen a decrease in activity. Meaning, some homes on the market aren’t selling the first weekend and luxury listings are sitting for longer than typical. That is likely due to increased interest rates. The increased interest rates have affected the buying power of many potential purchasers and knocked them out of the market. With the stock market being so volatile at the moment a lot of people are pressing pause to decide what the best move for their family is.
We don’t have a crystal ball to predict what will happen in the future, but we are anticipating the market to continue to appreciate in Austin, just not to the degree we have seen previously. We are still seeing multiple offer situations and properties going under contract for over the asking price. They may not be as frequent or competitive, but Austin is still a very desirable place to live and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, reach out to our team and we can strategize if now is the best time for you.
Contracts and Closings
806 E 47th Street Austin, TX 78751
Saira had the pleasure of working with Brett and Mia to purchase their gorgeous home. Saira used her negotiating skills to help them secure the property for $50,000 under the asking price! In addition to that, the property appraised well over what they offered. Overall, a fantastic deal. Congratulations, Brett and Mia!
9704 Dawn Pearl Drive Austin, TX 78748
Gabrielle worked with Sofia and Tim to lock down this gorgeous new construction home. Not only will Sofia and Tim be the first to live in the property but it comes with a great warranty if there are any issues that arise. Congrats, Sofia and Tim!
9620 Dawn Pearl Dr Austin, TX 78748
Our team was so excited to sell two homes on Dawn Pearl Drive in the same month! Saira helped Jesse and Jessica buy their first home in the same community! Complete coincidence but we are so excited for our clients. Congratulations, Jesse and Jessica!
See y’all next month!
