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AUSTIN, Texas - Dec. 15, 2016 - Single-family home sales experienced double-digit growth across the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in November, according to the November 2016 Central Texas Housing Market Report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS®.

Aaron Farmer, 2016 President of the Austin Board of REALTORS­® said, "This end-of-year surge in home sales is an unusual and welcome surprise to what's typically the lowest months for Central Texas home sales volume during the year. Home sales throughout 2016 continue to be fueled by our region's steady population growth. At the current pace, 2016 will likely turn out to be another record year for Central Texas home sales."

Single-family home sales in the Austin-Round Rock MSA jumped 15.8 percent year-over-year to 2,055 home sales in November 2016, while home sales in the city of Austin jumped 13.7 percent annually to 656 home sales. This double-digit growth was evident in Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties as well in November 2016, with single-family home sales experiencing annual gains of 24.2 percent, 11.3 percent, and 14.7 percent, respectively.

"Uncertainty regarding the election led to a relatively sluggish economy in August and September. It appeared that many buyers were waiting to see how the election turned out before deciding to buy," said Mark Sprague, state director of information capital for Independence Title. "Rising interest rates are also likely encouraging more people to buy a home. Millennial homebuyers, who comprise 51 percent of the Central Texas market, have never experienced an interest rate greater than four percent and thus could be motivated to buy sooner."

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As is tradition since the end of 2016 is near, Eater asked a trusted group of friends, industry types, and local bloggers for their takes on the past culinary year in Austin. The annual survey spans eight questions, from dining surprises, saddest closures, to disappointing meals. All answers will be revealed as the week rolls on - cut, pasted, (mostly) unedited, and in no particular order. Readers, add your answers in the comments below. First up:

Melody Fury, freelance food writer, blogger at Gourmet Fury, and contributor at Eater Austin
Otoko, Thai Kun at the Rock Rose, L'Oca d'Oro, Forthright. While I was  critical of Kyoten's atmosphere in my review, the food was exceptional. Chef Otto Phan was receptive to feedback and has since put work into creating a warmer, more inviting experience. I look forward to revisiting in the new year. The most promising end-of-year openings to keep an eye on: Old Thousand, Grizzelda's, Eberly, Red Ash.

Jolène M. Bouchon, critic for Austin Monthly
Dee Dee. I adore it. Also, L'Oca d'Oro and Otoko.

Patricia Sharpe, executive editor and food writer for Texas Monthly
I can't reveal all my favorites because Texas Monthly has a story in the works for February, but it's no surprise that Otoko is on the list. The sushi is as intensely flavorful as it is gorgeous, and those chefs know how to have fun.

Jane Ko, blogger at A Taste of Koko
Old Thousand, Thai Kun, Fresa's Chicken al Carbon [on South First], June's, Backbeat, Eberly, True Foods Kitchen, L'Oca d'Oro, and Culinary Dropout.

Brandon Watson, food editor of Austin Chronicle
L'Oca d'Oro, Dee Dee, Paperboy, Chicon, Boiler Nine Bar + Grill (I know  my review wasn't 100% positive, but the main dining room still has much to offer). I'm not sure if Barley Swine 2.0 qualifies it as a "newcomer," but the  bigger space adds some feathers to its cap without sacrificing what has always made it a top Austin restaurant.

Veronica Meewes, editor of Zagat Austin
L'Oca d'Oro - for its inspired take on Italian-American - plus, Barley Swine and Bufalina Due's second bigger and better locations. I also look forward to returning to Eberly and Grizzelda's, which wowed us all with its next-level interior design this season.

Anastacia Uriegas, contributor at Thrillist and Time Out Austin
Fresa's South First, Grizzelda's, Old Thousand, Red Ash.

Tom Thornton, freelance food writer and contributor at Eater Austin
L'Oca d'Oro, Boiler Nine, June's All Day, and Poke Poke. I'd add Backbeat and Small Victory in the bar category.

Frani Chung, contributor of Eater Austin
Otoko is a shining star for me - a delicious, inventive, elegant experience that manages to feel like your best friend's dinner party (if your best friend was an insanely talented Japanese rockstar). The food is sublime, the aesthetic is design, and you leave full and well taken care of. Cow Tipping Creamery is another favorite - its surprises are sweet and always satisfying and fun. June's also tops the list - between the wine list and the fact that it's hard to find any rendition of matzah ball soup in Austin.

Elizabeth Leader Smith, associate editor of Eater Austin
Wu Chow, L'Oca d'Ora, Otoko, Chicon.

Nadia Chaudhury, editor of Eater Austin
L'Oca d'Oro for Italian among Italian and that  amazing dessert, Dee Dee for wonderful Thai food, June's for easy bites and a fun wine list, Backbeat because South Austin needed a proper cocktail bar and it doesn't hurt that the people involved are geniuses, Fleet Coffee for thoughtful coffee concoctions, Otoko for the best sushi of the year, Forthright for simple but really well-done brunch, and Chicon for perfect happy hours.