Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: austin activities, Austin events, christmas events in austin, christmas in austin, Things to do in Austin
Come enjoy Christmas in Austin throughout the month of December. Some of the Christmas events happening in Austin this month include:
December 8: Austin Symphony Presents Handel’s Messiah
8pm, Riverbend Centre (4214 Capital of Texas Hwy). For more info, please call 512-476-6064.
December 10: CPC Thursday Noon Concert – Singers of CPC Choir
12-12:45pm, 200 East Eighth Street. The concert is free. For more info, please call Kathi Thomas at 512-472-2445.
December 10: Caroling at Noon Concert Series – The St. David’s Men’s Ensemble
12pm, with lunch following at Cafe Divine at 12:30pm, St. David’s Episcopal Church (301 East 18th St.). The concert is free to the public. For more info, please call 610-3500.
December 11-13, 18-23: The 47th Annual Production of the Nutcracker
December 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22 shows start at 7:30pm, December 13, 19, 20 and 23 shows start at 2pm at the Long Center (701 W Riverside Dr.). For more info, please call 512-476-2163.
December 17: CPC Thursday Noon Concert – Pinnacle of Brass
12-12:45pm, 200 East Eighth Street. For more info, please call Kathi Thomas at 512-472-2445.
December 17: Caroling at Noon Concert Series – Music for Harp and Organ
12pm, with lunch following at Cafe Divine at 12:30pm, St. David’s Episcopal Church (301 East 18th St.). For more info, please call 610-3500.
This is just the beginning of the Christmas fun in Austin throughout December. To find out more about what’s going on, please visit the Downtown Austin website. Remember to contact me for help with all your Austin real estate needs.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Sustainable Living, Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Austin Texas Real Estate, Real Estate News, Real Estate Tips and Advice, Texas, Visit Austin | Tags: Austin Homeowners
All good things good to an end it seems. And the low-low 4% interest rates have ended. According to the experts, there is little hope that they will return.
For the past three months interest rates have remained under the 5% mark. Just a few short weeks ago, homeowners seeking a refinance, and buyers could get a mortgage loan with an interest rate around the 4.75% mark. Last week the national average was 4.91%. This week interest rates have shot up to 5.39% (as reported by Freddie Mac)! This is the highest interest increase in six months.
According to Yahoo Real Estate today’s rate is 5.396%. However, according to ReatyTimes.com the average rate is 4.91%. Either way, today’s rates indicate interest rates for home mortgages are on the rise.
Austin homeowners, it is important that you understand how higher interest rates effect you. There are some negatives and a very great positive reaction when interest rates go up.
Negative Reactions:
When interest rates rise, even slightly, less buyers qualify
When interest rates rise, buyers do not buy because of higher mortgage payments, which make renting more affordable
When interest rates rise, a home refinance is less likely to be beneficial
Positive Reaction:
When interest rates rise, home purchase activity goes up because buyers want to buy before the rates increase further
Austin home buyers, it is important that you understand how higher interest rates effect you
A higher interest rate results in a higher mortgage payment
A higher interest rate results in less buying power
A higher interest rate can keep you from qualifying for a mortgage loan
A higher interest rate costs you ten of thousands of dollars (in interest paid) over a long period of time (30-year mortgage)
Austin home buyers if you are considering purchasing a home in 2009, get off the fence. There are great reasons to buy now, including the one time (and for this year only), tax credit. By the way, there have been changes to the tax credit which will allow you to use it as a down payment or to pay closing costs when using FHA financing. I will be posting a blog on the benefits of how buying now can save you a lot of money.
Austin homeowner if you are considering refinancing your home loan, get off the fence. The higher the interest rate the less sense it makes to refinance. I will be posting a blog on the benefits of refinancing in a future blog.
Attention Austin homeowners. I will be posting a blog on the benefits of refinancing. It may not be too late!
Attention Austin buyers, I will be posting a blog on the benefits of how buying now can save you a lot of money.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: Austin, Austin TX, SXSW, Austin events, Austin music, South By Southwest, Austin Film and Music Festival
The South By Southwest 2009 Festival, more commonly known as SXSW, begins today in Austin, TX. This is one of Austin’s biggest events of the year. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the world and there will be more music than usual until March 22nd, when the festival ends. Austin’s Film and Music Festival Art will be presenting nearly 2,000 musical acts of all genres. A great opportunity to hear new “up and coming bands and musicians”. SXSW also explores the art of independent filmmaking and interactive media.
SXSW began as a small musical festival 23 years ago. It is now one of the largest media events in the nation. The Austin Art and Music Festival (SXSW) offers discussions on the newest trends and showcases all of the best of independent films and music talent. It is not too late to register for this awesome event. Registration is being offered online until Monday (March 16th). Wear your comfy shoes because the events take place in various locations in downtown Austin.
SXSW will also be celebrated throughout the city with great music at local bars and restaurants. SXSW is an exciting and fun-filled time in Austin. The energy created by the event is indescribable, so be sure to get out there and ENJOY!
Shay Hargus, Austin Real Estate
For all the SXSW details: http://www.sxsw.com/home.
Filed under: Austin Green Living, Austin News and Events, Austin Sustainable Living, Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, Austin is a city with a green living vision. I am proud to announce that both the Dell Children’s’ Medical Center and The Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Lone Star Austin campus have been awarded high honors by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED) rating system.
Dell Chrildren’s Medical Center was awarded the highly coveted platinum rating. The platinum rating is the highest award to be granted by the LEED rating system. The AMD – Lone Star campus located in Austin was awarded a gold rating, the second highest.
The platinum ratings make the Dell Children’s Medical Center the greenest hospital in the world and the first hospital to be recognized for its design and implementation of green living standards. The gold award received by AMD – Lone Star Austin campus is makes it one of the greenest corporate centers in the world.
The LEED Green Building Rating System is the national and worldwide benchmark for environmentally friendly building standards which include design, construction and operation. LEED rates buildings on the materials which improve energy efficiency.
The Dell Children’s Medical Center and the AMD – Lone Star Austin campus display not only their own commitment to sustainable living but to Austin ’s vision of becoming a sustainable city.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas
The City of Austin has established a program in which homes in the city can be habitats for Austin ’s wildlife.
There are no tax benefits or discounts to be had. As a matter of fact, there is a $15 application fee to be certified as a wildlife habitat but the benefits to your quality of life are priceless.
The City of Austin would like to be named by the National Wildlife Federation as a community wildlife habitat. There are already 900 homes that are participating in the program and have already been certified by the City of Austin as wildlife habitats. Schools and businesses are also eligible to become certified wildlife habitats.
A certifiable habitat must provide water and food supply as well as shelter for the little critters. In addition, you must follow sustainable garden principles. Sustainable gardening includes such things as water-wise plants, mulching and composting.
You do not have to own acreage or have a large yard to become a habitat
Eastern Screech Owl - Photo: Austin Parks and Recreation
for wildlife; almost any yard space will do. Most backyards already have the features required to become a certified wildlife habitat. Water saving plants, flowers, plants with berries, trees, bushes and even bird baths found in many yards can be the start of your own wildlife habitat.
A watering source can be a bird bath, a fountain, a pond or a small hole with rocks which fill-up with rainwater. Living spaces for wildlife can be shrubs, bird houses or a small brush pile (a great home for little foxes). Berry and pollen producing plants can be food sources.
Not only do you make a home for Austin ’s little critters, you will also reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to Austin ’s green living lifestyle. Maintaining a habitat is probably easier than a formal yard. They require less watering, mowing, pesticides and upkeep while bringing nature into your everyday life.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and your habitat doesn’t need to be either. By adding water-wise plants, a diversity of shrubs, bushes, flowers or trees, just one plant-at-a-time, will improve the quality of your yard.
Habitats allow you a simple way to return to simpler times in a busy and complicated world. You can enjoy the chirps of sparrows, view the glory of the cardinal, watch a owl teach her young to fly, hear the croak of a toad or see little creatures scurry all in your own little corner of the world.
Related Sites:
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas, Things to do in Austin | Tags: Austin, Christmas, christmas tree, christmastree farms
Still shopping for a Christmas Tree in Austin? - Visit one of these Christmas Tree Farms just outside the Austin city limits.
There are lots of “tree lots” in Austin where you can purchase beautiful Christmas trees but, for a real treat, you may want to visit one of the Christmas tree farms just outside the city limits.
Even if you have already bought your Christmas tree, a visit to these farms will be sure to add to your holiday memories.
EVERGREEN FARMS CHRISTMAS TREES and Gift Shop: The farm also features a nature trail, farm animals and games such as bean bag toss and horseshoes. A visit to the farm could prove to be a fun and stress-free family day with roasting (free) marshmallows over the campfire while drinking hot cider or coffee. There is a nature trail, farm animals, games and pine cone painting for family fun. Evergreen Farms is located at 242 Monkey Road, Elgin, Texas. The farm will be open through Christmas Eve but will close at 3 pm on that day. Evergreen Farms also offer all the tools necessary for tree cutting.
LOMA ALTA CHRISTMAS TREE FARM is another great place for a family visit and finding that perfect tree. Loma Alta Farms offer fun-filled day rides and you can feed the ducks and geese by the pond. The farm also allows you to walk the trails and cut your own holly or gather pine cones. By the way, it is a great place to take pictures with family and friends. The Loma Alta Christmas Tree Farm is located at 214 Loma Alta Drive, Smithville, Texas, 78957. Loma Alta will only be open for a few more days. So, if you don’t go this weekend, be sure to call them before making a trip to the farm. The phone number is (512) 360-2005. You can also email them at lomaalta@flash.net.
I hope that all of you have a perfectly wonderful and blessed Christmas with your family and friends. After all, that is really what Christmas is about: a time of sharing with your family and friends.
HO HO HO Merry Christmas Austin
Here is a little Christmas gift from me to you.
Hope you enjoy: Christmas Greetings.
(I love this one. I posted it last year and wanted to share it again).
Filed under: Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Austin Texas Real Estate, Real Estate News, Real Estate Tips and Advice, Texas, Uncategorized | Tags: affordable places, austin housing market, Austin Texas, austins residential market, city of austin, housing market study
On November 3, the City of Austin launched an online, comprehensive housing market study so they can better understand the needs and characteristics of Austin ’s residential market. This is a much needed study for the Austin housing market. Through the next two decades, the survey will focus on affordability needs. The study is being conducted by BBC Research and Consulting firm who specializes in housing market evaluations, and is being overseen by the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Office.
BBC Research and Consulting firm is a leading expert in the housing market supply and demand modeling, 
housing needs studies for special needs populations, and affordable housing needs assessments. The online study is just one of many components in the process. Other components will include stakeholder focus groups that will assist in identifying solutions to the housing issues in Austin , telephone surveys that target a specific number of Austin residents to better understand what their housing needs are, and public meetings, which will be held from November 17 through November 20. The public meetings will be held to gather perception of Austin ’s housing needs as well as the city’s housing preferences. The public meetings will also let you share recommendations for better housing needs.
The housing market studies results will assist Austin ’s decision maker’s in the public, private and nonprofit sectors to contribute resources and make investments to help guide redevelopment and development of more affordable housing throughout the City of Austin .
Austin, Texas is not only a great place to live, it will soon be one of the most affordable places to live.
Related Links:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/housing/
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/housing/publications.htm
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/housing/downloads/08survey_eng_flyer.pdf
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/housing/downloads/08examen_espanol_folleto.pdf
Questions: aggeler@bbcresearch.com
Filed under: Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas | Tags: election, travis county, Travis County Clerk's elections division, vote
Voting in this election may prove to be one of the most vital ballots you will ever cast. No matter where you stand on the issues and the candidates Your Vote is powerful.
Early voting will begin on Monday in Travis County . An early vote may be cast between Monday, October 20 and Friday, October 31, 2008.
Early voting allows you to vote conveniently at a time that works best for your schedule. If any of the times and locations do not match your schedule, then be sure to clear your calendar and vote on November 4th!
Your vote counts not only in this very important presidential election, but also in matters affecting our state, county and local matters.
Most polling locations will be equipped with electronic voting machines. Personally, I think the new machines make voting easy. When casting a vote electronically, you may change your vote. However, this must be done before you select the “CAST BALLOT” button.
If you have any question about electronic voting, call the Travis County Clerk’s Elections Division at 512-854-4996.
Voting Locations:
Early Voting Locations
Early Voting Mobile Locations
Tuesday, November 4 Voting Locations:
Election day polling places.
Quotes to Remember:
Lyndon B. Johnson:
“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.”
John Quincy Adams:
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
Filed under: Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Texas, Uncategorized | Tags: Austin Texas, billoniaire, boone pickens, climate change, energy crisis, environment, foreign oil, fuel, natural gas, philanthropist, presidnetial hopefuls, renewable energy, university of texas, wind energy
The billionaire and philanthropist, Boone Pickens visited the University of Texas
in Austin , Texas on Thursday. During Pickens visit, he discussed our nation’s energy crisis and said he has come up with a solution for it. He sees natural gas as the bridge for our next generation of fuel.
Pickens is traveling from coast to coast spreading his ideas, called the Pickens Plan. Pickens says his main goal is to cut our nation’s dependence on foreign oil by using wind energy and natural gas as a replacement.
We all know this is a really big problem that needs to be fixed, but is it as simple as saying here’s a solution to the problem?
Many skeptics of the plan agree the renewable energy part of the plan is good, but some say Pickens has forgotten about a bigger problem related to the environment. His plan is not a comprehensive plan that addresses climate change. Natural gas is also just as expensive as oil. Some critics say Pickens is only doing this for his own benefit. Since he is an investor in wind power, he stands to make a lot of money from his own plan.
Pickens defends himself by saying he has all the money he needs and he’s not in it for the money. He simply wants to save the country.
Pickens hopes to get the attention of Presidential hopefuls so they will see the benefits of his plan and how important it is. He’s been pushing these candidates to see the issues and deal with them so that our generation can fix it. Pickens has been very vocal about his plan and challenges anyone who can to come up with a better plan.
Any ideas anyone?
Filed under: Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: Austin, central texas, Texas
In Austin you can two-step, step to the beat of a different drummer or step back in time.
A visit to Pioneer Farms will allow you to step back in time and view the pioneer lifestyle of Central Texas . This outdoor museum depicts three diverse lifestyles’ of the 1880’s. Featured are a Homestead Farm, a Tenant Farm and a Commercial Cotton Farm.
Pioneer Farms presents various aspects of pioneer living to be featured each weekend of the month. The month of September will be highlighting cotton clothing from Field to Fabric, Artisans, and Life on the Praire. On October 11th, there will be a special Halloween presentation: A Lewis Carroll Halloween.
Pioneer Farms, a registered landmark, is located near the famous old Chisholm Trail and was once the real 2,000 acre working ranch and home of the Jourdan family.
If you would like to make stepping back in time, up close and personal, you may participate in any one of several classes and workshops held here. You can make the traditions and workmanship of the past yours for a lifetime. Classes include such crafts as spinning, weaving and rope making. You can learn skills such as blacksmithing, wood-turning and Dutch oven cooking to name a few.
Step back in time and appreciate what it took for the pioneering families of Austin to make the Lone Star State one of the greatest states in our nation.
