AUSTIN, Texas — With homes flying off the Austin housing market at record speed, some are trying a different route in the hopes of making things easier: building a home of their own.
But it turns out, local construction companies are facing delays due to supply shortages. First, it was lumber and now it's paint, window and worker shortages.
Mary Clare Robinson and her fiancé first purchased a lot for their first home in a neighborhood in southwest Austin in December 2020. They were told their completion date would be April 2021.
Since moving out of their apartment, the couple has had to separate to find temporary housing with friends and family. Now Robinson says if they aren't able to move into the house by August, she's going to be scrambling for housing.
"I call it a domino effect. Every time our house gets delayed, we have to call our fridge people, we have to reschedule our movers. So, every time it gets delayed, it creates this uncertainty and a list of task we've done five times," Robinson said.
She recommends creating a backup plan if you are renting right now and talking with your apartment complex about the potential of going on a month-to-month lease if your house isn't ready in time.
"Be patient and flexible," Robinson said. "We're trying to stay positive with things."
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