Voting in the upcoming election? Do you need to know where to go? I have the answers right here! - 10/31/08 04:26 PM
As many of you know the presidential election is coming up on November 4th. In the city of Austin we also have several issues to vote on this year. Due to overwhelming interest in this election there has been great early voter turn out. On the first day of early voting almost 20K people voted. Today, October 31st, AKA Halloween is the last day for early voting. This year is already a record breaker for early voting. So get out there Austinites and early vote. 
Two of the best reasons for voting today are: Wear your Halloween costume and scare the beejeasus … (4 comments)

National study shows Austin is number two in Texas for job growth!! - 10/31/08 03:30 PM
Recently the Austin Business Journal announced an independent study that was done to track job growth around the nation. We all know the US economy has taken one on the chin this year. To make matters worse almost 400,000 jobs in the private sector have vanished. Our nations unemployment has risen from 4.7% to 5.7% just in the last year.
However the news is not all so bleak. Texas has been the exception to the rule, and we have the top three of the nation's hottest labor markets. The winning cities are: Houston, Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth. They have long been the biggest … (3 comments)

A fortune made and shared by the "I'm gonna SAVE you money!" guy - 10/30/08 11:08 AM
Growing up in Houston, I vividly remember the commercials by "Mattress Mack" owner of Gallery Furniture. His closing line was "I'm gonna SAVE YOU money!" and he was waving a wad of cash at you the viewer. This Sunday I got to see first hand what all that money bought. After twenty-five years of saving Texans money on furniture, he had saved a nice nest-egg himself.
So in order to share the wealth and make the world a better place, Mattress Mack opened up his personal vacation home for a Seton Hospital Fundraiser. There were three busloads of people that had … (3 comments)

Angels on the ground, a story to restore your faith in the human race. - 10/30/08 10:34 AM
In this economy more hard working families are faced with the reality of losing their homes by foreclosure. I want to share a heartwarming story that will renew your faith in your fellow man, or woman.
In 2004 Ms. Orr from Dallas Texas bought a home for $80K, recently she was laid off and fell behind in her payments. So the bank foreclosed on the home. After this happened this distraught woman went to the auction where her home was on the auction block.
While at the auction she met Marilyn Mock of Rockwall Texas. Those of you from Texas know … (7 comments)

Blogs for dogs.... whoda thunk it?! - 10/29/08 05:57 PM
I had to write about a cool website for your dogs. Its called www.Dogster.com and was created for people that love of dogs. Now once your pooch joins the site he or she can write blogs about their favorite hangouts like restaurants that allow dogs. Some dogs write about their favorite vet or groomer or post their diary to share with other dogs. My dogs are partial to the Town Lake jogging trail and Freddie's Place in south Austin. You can meet with other dog parents for play-dates. There are Groups just like many of the dating or networking sites. So if … (11 comments)

Fossil Fest 2008 is coming soon! - 10/28/08 08:56 PM
Fossil Fest will take place November 8th and 9th and this will be the 18th year for it to occur. The creator of this festival is the Paleontological Society of Austin. They are a scientific, non-profit, community-based organization devoted to the study of fossils. Their goals are to advance the state of this science by educating the public, and collecting and identifying fossil specimens. This festival is popular with both fossil experts and amateurs alike. There will be various demonstrations, games and fossil exhibits. Do you think you have a fossil treasure collecting dust at home? Bring it to have the experts on hand … (2 comments)

16 Things to know before you buy a property with a septic system. - 10/28/08 10:11 AM
Things to know before you buy a property with a Septic System
Some people find it odd in this day and age to have homes that rely on septic systems for waste-water removal. Septic systems are the "green" choice for waste water removal. However a septic system is really the only way to be fully responsible for your own waste-water and water usage. Instead of paying someone else (the water utility) to remove the waste-water and process and store it, you are doing it all yourself. It sounds like a big job, but its really not. If you can remember … (10 comments)

Falling gas prices in one Austin gas station - 10/25/08 12:21 PM
There was some turmoil caused by a Shell gas station in south Austin temporarily dropping gas prices to $2.09 per gallon. Yes TWO dollars and nine cents a gallon! I just paid 3. 59 last week, so this is very unusual to see such a big price drop. Well you know that no good deed goes unpunished. Of course the Shell station had a bunch of people rushing to buy the cheap gas and some tempers got hot. There were several people that got into altercations about who was next in line and some of the arguments were even caught on tape and ran … (7 comments)

Lakeway is getting a new hospital!! - 10/23/08 10:10 PM
They just announced that the "Lakeway Regional Medical Center" will be built by a private development company called... what else  the "Lakeway Regional Medical Center Development, LLC". This will be a 54 acre project that is estimated to cost $250 million, and it will be 70-80% physician owned. This Saturday will be the official ground-breaking. The estimated completion of the project is 2011.
The development will also have retail sores, restaurants, day care facility, hotel, rehabilitation hospital and various medical offices. They plan to have 25 emergency beds, and 70-80 licensed beds. Their goal is to be a full service hospital, … (4 comments)

Austin Parks need your help for the Barton Creek Greenbelt clean up and concert! - 10/21/08 04:43 PM
There are LOTS of volunteer events on the Austin Parks calendar, just click on this link www.austinparks.org/volunteer.php. There are a couple of high priority and ultra fun park cleanup and restoration opportunities coming up very soon.
They need crew leaders and more volunteers for the November 1, 2008 ClifBar Green Notes Barton Creek Greenbelt Clean-up and Concert. The specifically need crew leaders only for the November 8 Project Build a Park at Country Club Creek Trail. If you are interested please contact Austin Parks Foundation. 
Nov 1 - Barton Creek Greenbelt Clean-up and ConcertLocation: Zilker Park Polo FieldsSponsored by: ClifBar Green Notes and Austin Parks … (6 comments)

Get the most bang for your buck in Austin Texas!! - 10/17/08 11:20 AM
Get the most bang for your buck in Austin Texas!
 According to Forbe's magazine the challenging economic times are far worse in other parts of the country. Texas has remained somewhat immune to the housing crisis. There is still a lot of value to be had for your housing dollar in Texas.
According to Forbe's magazine "Austin and  San Antonio lead our list of places where your money goes farthest. Residents of both enjoy  affordable housing and promising prospects for job growth in coming years.  Houston and  Dallas also land in the top 10, at Nos. 4 and 7, respectively." "Texas, in general is an area that has … (0 comments)

Austin's new Recycling Program is launched! - 10/16/08 02:33 PM
Single Stream Recycling debuts in Austin Texas
The new Single Stream recycling program will allow customers to combine: glass, recyclable paper, plastic all into one container. This new program also allows you to recycle more types of items.
The program has debuted earlier this month, October 2008, in some parts of Austin. It will continue to expand across the city until all areas are served by the Single Stream Program. The City of Austin expects the program to be city-wide by the end on the year. The familiar small blue recycling bins will no longer be used and the City of … (7 comments)

One more way to save the planet... - 10/16/08 01:51 PM
Many of you probably have a phone book that was dropped on your doorstep last year. Maybe you even have a stack of old ones in the garage. Normally the recyclers won't take them because of the glue in the binding. So they sit there collecting dust, unless you throw them in the trash, then they live in the landfill for the next thirty years more or less. I just wanted to share a wonderful link with all of you. http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/ 
Here is a way to reduce paper in the landfill and save a few million trees. Stop the delivery of … (4 comments)

Travis Country Open House Sunday 1-4 - 10/14/08 12:31 PM
Location, Location, Location! This great house in Travis Country is for sale and its just minutes from everything! The home has a grand two story entry which has art niches facing the formal living and dining. The floor plan is open and flows well for entertaining. Huge gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops. Oversized master suite with high coffered ceiling and a morning kitchen. The garage is finished out with epoxy floors and full of cabinets. Pleas join me this Sunday from 1-4pm. If you need directions please call my cell 512-771-6318 or scroll below photos.
Sincerely,
Betina
  
 
  
 
… (0 comments)

Have You Created Your SearchMe Stack? - 10/13/08 03:09 PM
Another great post by Donna Harris that deserves to be reblogged. I am working on customizing my stack right now. The first time I checked my "stack" it came up with 8 out of twelve pages actually being mine right out of the gate. I love finding new tools to help potential clients get to know me and feel comfortable enough to make the leap from lead to loyal client. This tool may help you as well. Good luck!
Betina Foreman, Realtor Austin Texas
Via Donna Harris, ASP:
Have you created your SearchMe.com stack yet?  It was pretty easy with just typing in my … (3 comments)

Know how to spell FHA...You better - 10/13/08 02:59 PM
This is such a great blog that I just had to reblog. It is great information and very timely considering today's ever changing lending market. I have always tried to get clients that can to apply for for VA loans to take advantage of them. These loans are just one of the ways that patriotic Americans can get into a home. Good luck getting clients qualified and please stay in touch with your lenders, they are your best asset.
Betina Foreman, Realtor Austin Texas
Via Tim Moncrief:
Do you know how to spell FHA?  Since I have not used FHA in 22, years, I did … (0 comments)

Price reductions in Kensington Trails, it's no trick In fact its a real Treat! - 10/13/08 01:24 PM
Hey everybody Halloween is coming and here is a spooky deal for Austin Realtors and home buyers. I am not affiliated with the builder I am simply passing on information that you may find useful. There is a builder that  has just knocked off several thousand dollars off their list prices for a number of new homes. There are several sought after one story brand new homes under $160K in Kyle. These homes have SEER 14 energy efficient Carrier AC units and nine foot ceilings. There is a neighborhood park and its only 1/2 mile from the new Seton Hospital. They are … (0 comments)

Austin's Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail & Goblins In The Garden - 10/09/08 12:14 PM
Are you ready to celebrate the witching hour??? Austin has some fall events to celebrate All Hallows Eve, also known as Halloween. my two favorites are listed below.
There are also some haunted houses for the truly brave at heart. The House of Torment has been voted to be one of Americas best haunted attractions. You may check them out online at www.HouseOfTorment.com. The tickets may be purchased online and are $14.99. they are located at 523 Highland Mall, please call 512-407-9449 for more information.
Boooooooo!
Betina
Betina Foreman-Realtor Austin Texas
 
Via Stephanie Zellous:
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department will … (4 comments)

iPhone and Realtor.com - 10/08/08 03:39 PM
The new advances in technology and tools make conducting real estate business easier, however there is always a learning curve. No tool comes with instant knowledge, so it takes time to get comfortable using new tools. Iphones are like a magic wand for the real estate industry because they do so much for Realtors. Take a peek and see if the new Iphone is for you.
Betina Foreman
Via Steve Crossland - Austin TX Real Estate:
Realtor.com has a nice iPhone specific url that allows you to view real estate listings from your iPhone. I'm not sure what percentage of U.S. listings are fed into Realtor.com, … (1 comments)

Think Pink: A Call To Action - 10/08/08 03:09 PM
Danny wrote a fantastic post to make more people aware of Breast Cancer and I had to make it my first Re-blog. Please do what you can to fight cancer!
Thanks for your support.
Betina
Via Danny Thornton:
I have thought about this for some time since i first saw Midori Miller's post about cancer. If you have not read it, you need to. Now, if you do not know anyone that has ever been effected by cancer, then you might want to make more friends. The reason I say that is not to be mean, but cancer touches way to many people.
… (0 comments)

Think Pink: A Call To Action - 10/08/08 03:09 PM
Danny wrote a fantastic post to make more people aware of Breast Cancer and I had to make it my first Re-blog. Please do what you can to fight cancer!
Thanks for your support.
Betina
Via Danny Thornton:
I have thought about this for some time since i first saw Midori Miller's post about cancer. If you have not read it, you need to. Now, if you do not know anyone that has ever been effected by cancer, then you might want to make more friends. The reason I say that is not to be mean, but cancer touches way to many people.
… (0 comments)

Fall Gardening Events in Austin - 10/05/08 09:17 AM
Now that its a little cooler than the surface of the sun in Texas, its time to garden! So grab your notebook and your spade and get busy. Here is a list of several local events that will help you to prepare for fall gardening. Some events are free and some have a fee, all are fun and informative. There are a few that are not specifically gardening related, like the rainwater collection lecture. However most Texas gardeners can appreciate how important rainwater harvesting can be in our dry climate.
October 4th
The Garden Conservancy is holding "Open Days" from 9-5pm. … (3 comments)

The best deal on a home in coveted Shady Hollow!! - 10/05/08 09:00 AM
 
This is an unbeleivable deal in Shady Hollow. This home is not my listing, I am simply sharing the information on a great deal in Shady Hollow. This home is priced at only $94.24 per square foot, which equals $275K for a five bedroom three bath home just under 3000SF. This is the lowest price per square foot in all of Shady Hollow!  Most Shady Hollow homes are priced between $100PSF and $140PSF. This home sits on a spacious lot of .27 of an acre. The home technically has two master suites! There is an oversize detached 2 car garage.  The fifth bedroom … (2 comments)

American Institute of Architecture in Austin is having a home tour today - 10/05/08 08:52 AM
Many of you know that I love a well designed home, and the opportunity to see several in one day is amazing. Great design is both functional and can lift the human spirit. The Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture is holding a tour of design award winners today. AIA Austin is showcasing ten acclaimed architects and two newly discovered talented architects on this tour.
You must go to the website to purchase tickets which are $30. At that point you will be given a book with details about the homes on the AIA tour and a wristband. Sadly they do … (0 comments)

Fall gardening events in Austin Texas - 10/04/08 09:40 AM
 
Now that its a little cooler than the surface of the sun in Texas, its time to garden! So grab your notebook and your spade and get busy. Here is a list of several local events that will help you to prepare for fall gardening. Some events are free and some have a fee, all are fun and informative. There are a few that are not specifically gardening related, like the rainwater collectionlecture. However most Texas gardeners can appreciate how important rainwater harvesting can be in our dry climate.
October 4th
The Garden Conservancy is holding "Open Days" from 9-5pm. … (3 comments)

My favorite house of the week! - 10/03/08 12:17 PM
There are so many homes for sale in Austin, I want to showcase my favorites. This week there is a stunning home in Lake Pointe, one of my favorite neighborhoods. Lake Pointe feeds into the sought after Lake Travis Independant School District. You are very close to the lake and still only about fifteen minutes from downtown. The neighborhood has a huge park and a well maintained community pool. It is a neighborhood where people walk their dogs pushing a stroller full of children.
The home I love is on a lovely landscaped lot with a pool and spa. The home … (0 comments)

FIRE FEST is this weekend!! - 10/03/08 10:49 AM
Do you appreciate the difficult job performed by your local fire fighters? Come out this Friday and Saturday to the 51st Annual Fire Fest at the City Park in Buda. This year there are some big name bands: Cross Canadian Ragweed and Stoney LaRue! There will be a variety of things to see and do. There will be Fire Fighter Challenges, a Kids Fire Fighter Challenge, Free Leadership Conference, a BBQ Cook-off and the Buda Fine Arts Festival. The BBQ Cook Off is IBCA Sanctioned cook-off on Friday night and all day Saturday. Tickets are $15 dollars if purchased online and they will be $20 … (0 comments)

Shady Hollow fights proposed cell tower - 10/03/08 10:26 AM
The Shady Hollow Home Owners Association has rejected the T-Mobile Cell Tower. T-Mobile has been attempting to sway the HOA to allow them to construct a 120 foot cell tower within the Shady Hollow Homeowners Park.
The park is located at the end of Doe Run Street.  They claimed they wanted to build on the defunct site of the old water treatment plant. The issue is this site is located within the home owners park. Now the park is one of the big perks of living in Shady Hollow. The residents don't want a 120 foot tall eye sore in one … (5 comments)

100% finanacing available from a solid and reputable lender!! - 10/03/08 09:21 AM
Here is an excerpt from my favorite mortgage lender. This is a local mortgage company that is a bank and controls the whole loan process. Their staff has many years of experience in the mortgage industry. Joan is an expert on a variety of home, investment and commercial loan programs.
Cheers,
Betina
 
100% financing Loans available
I'm sure you are aware of the elimination of seller-funded down payment assistance with FHA-guaranteed loans beginning Oct. 1.  As a result of this policy change, very few options exist in our market place for buyers needing 100% financing.  VA offers the best 100% financing program on … (0 comments)

Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores - 10/02/08 05:11 PM


When I moved to Austin from Houston in 1988, I was awestruck by the natural beauty of Zilker Park. This park is truly Austin's jewel in the violet crown. It has everything; expansive views of downtown, large open green areas to play Frisbee or fly a kite, numerous trails to run with your dog or walk with your lover.
 

Thanks to Ladybird Johnson, wife of former President Lyndon Baines Johnson there are huge towering Cypress trees and Pecan trees along the banks of the lake. She was the driving force behind the beautification of Town Lake and the Texas … (2 comments)

Crucial information about voting in the following counties: Travis, Hays and Williamson - 10/02/08 05:00 PM
 
 
I don't agree with people preaching politics on Active Rain, so that is not what I am doing. I am simply providing some valid information on registration deadlines. Historically Austin has record voter turn outs. Don't get too excited, this number is normally somewhere between 9%-22% of registered voters. Now I am a big believer in early voting. Avoid the crowds and the long lines on election day. Find your local polling location by following the appropriate link below for your county. This Friday, October 6th, is the last day to register to vote in the presidential election.
If you care about our … (0 comments)

Save Town Lake is the winner! - 10/01/08 11:22 AM
"Save Town Lake" a non-profit group that has been working to save  and protect Town Lake (AKA Lake Ladybird) just prevailed in their lawsuit against the City of Austin. They were fighting to protect the green open space around Town Lake. Save Town Lake wanted to reinstate the original height limitations for new construction along the shoreline.  The original ordinance was created back in 1986, when we were experiencing another building boom
Save Town Lake claimed that the city violated the Texas Open Meetings Act, when they removed the height restrictions out of the Land Development Code in 1999.The City of … (1 comments)

What has your Broker done for you lately?? - 10/01/08 10:55 AM
What has your Broker done for you lately??
Is your Broker taking good care of you? Are you satisfied with the number of leads you get? Do they provide continuing education?  Do they support you? Are they their for you when you have tricky questions about a sale? Every Broker is different, different split,, different levels of support, different types of culture.
My Broker is great on many levels. Now I don't mean to sound like some brainwashed cult member. But my Broker is truly great to the agents. Our office is more of a family than an office. The agents … (3 comments)

 

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