Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

Winter Home Organization Tips

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:36:07 -0600

Most of us have heard of spring cleaning, but what about winter organizing? Extensive home cleaning or reorganization doesn’t have to take place only once per year. If you tackle the project twice yearly, it will make it all that much easier when you do tackle it. The more often you take stock of what you have and what would be best for you to do with it, the less time it will take to get your house in order when it’s needed.

Add to Your Storage Collection

You can truly never have too many storage solutions. We often have more than has to be stored away during winter because of all the time we spend indoors. Books, magazines, movies, video games and piles of warm clothing tend to accumulate during the colder months. Storage doesn’t have to mean unsightly plastic containers in every corner of your house. There are many solutions for storage that can be used as furniture or room accents, so that your items can actually be stored in plain sight. For items that you keep under the bed, in the closets or in the garage rafters -- plastic bins with lids that secure tightly are your best options.

Put Rainy Days to Good Use

When fall and winter roll around, there is usually more to clean and organize because of all the time spent outdoors over the summer. Between camping trips, visits to the pool and out of town vacations, it’s hard to find time for major home reorganization. If you live in a warm climate, the heat and humidity also makes a good case against any hard work. Therefore, when the cool weather comes in, it’s suddenly a great time to get the house in order. On those rainy days when you can’t find anything to do, spend a couple hours going from room to room, putting things back in their place and setting things aside to get rid of. This brings us to the next item.

Donate Instead of Saving for a Garage Sale

You could set aside all the items you no longer need, making a storage space for them and keeping them until late spring or early summer when you have time for a garage sale. However, you are only going to take up more room in your home and garage. You may also increase the chances that you end up hanging onto the item in the end, since it will be sticking around where family members can bring them back out into “existence”. Consider gathering all these items and taking them to a local thrift shop where the proceeds are donated to a charity group such as the poor or elderly. They will be out of your home (for good) and better yet, will go to a good cause.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Homes and Austin Texas real estate can be found on the net.

Ways to Cut Energy Usage and Utility Costs

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:35:24 -0600

During times of economic struggle, it can be tough to manage a tight budget. Utilities are one area of the budget that most of us have very little wiggle room…. or so you think. While you can’t completely discontinue your water, electric or garbage service, there are a few ways you can trim the budget. We all know that installing energy efficient light bulbs and investing in newer energy efficient appliances are great ways to save money and the planet at the same time. But what if you’ve taken those steps and still need to save a few bucks?

Set a Timer and/or Limits

When it comes to watering your lawn, this may sound like a no-brainer. However, consider the energy and money you will save if you limit your microwave use, the length of time in the shower, or the amount of television you watch each day. Avoid unnecessary use of appliances by wearing clothes more than once before washing if possible, or doing full loads of laundry instead of several smaller loads. Keep computers turned off at night and unplug unused appliances and electrical equipment. If you use a lot of electrical equipment, the cost just to keep them plugged in can add up quite quickly. Turn off your printer and the radio that you leave running while you sleep, and you would be surprised how the pennies saved will add up.

Do Things the Old Fashioned Way

One family recently cut out use of the microwave and dishwasher for a full month and noticed a dramatic drop in their utility bill. If you can, try cooking the traditional way, washing dishes the old fashioned way, and drying clothes as they did before dryers were invented. Obviously this isn’t ideal for everyone, but if you are on an extremely tight utility budget, you may need to make these tough choices. This might include making cuts that you would have never previously considered. When money is tight however, we learn what is truly necessary in this world.

Evaluate Your Usage and Make Cuts

The best way to lower your utility bills is to diligently study your statements for a few months. You can usually identify areas where you can greatly cut back. For instance, perhaps you go over a recommended electric usage each month, and that “extra” is charged at triple the normal rate. Striving to stay inside the recommended usage can save a considerable amount each month. You may decide to turn down the hot water heater or adjust the thermostat. Though cable and internet are considered necessities by some people, they are extras that you can live without if you needed to. Consider what you really can live without and make the necessary cuts.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Rollingwood real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Lakeway Texas Realtor and Austin Homes can be found on the net.

Safely Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:34:49 -0600

With the cold weather season upon us, home across the nation are beginning to turn off the air conditioner and swamp coolers and turn on the furnaces and stoking the fires. Many homeowners don’t stop to think about the safety of heating their home during these cold months, but there is much to consider. Young children are especially at risk if adults carelessly bring unsafe heating equipment into the home, or fail to properly teach their children the safety of being around heat and flame.

Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because its fumes often go undetected until they build up to deadly levels. Entire families have become victims while sleeping at night. The fumes cause tiredness, and then unconsciousness. About the only way to escape its deadly effect is to install a carbon monoxide detector. It will pick up levels that are far below toxic so that you are aware of any leaks long before you start to feel the effects, at which point you are probably going to be unaware anything is happening. You may not think that carbon monoxide poisoning can happen to you, but it is as highly recommended as a smoke alarm. Why risk your life?

Use Space and Floor Heaters Carefully

Electric central air, propane and other gas heating can be so expensive. Many homeowners tackle this problem by turning off the thermostat and plugging in a space heater. Some people are still using heaters that have long been banned or deemed unsafe by various safety agencies. Each year, too many babies and young children are seriously burned or even killed by space and floor heaters. Some irresponsible parents even bring outdoor barbecues or other heating elements indoors in order to facilitate cheap winter heating. Do not risk your children’s lives by trying to save a buck or two. If you use indoor space heating, be sure to check that the unit is rated for indoor use, and keep it in a location away from the reach of young kids.

Fireplace Safety Precautions

Traditional wood fireplaces can be an inexpensive source of heat, especially for small to mid-size homes. One cord of wood at under a couple hundred dollars can last an entire winter, and considering that many people get their wood for free by cutting it down themselves, this type of heating can be very affordable. However, fireplaces can be dangerous to keep going, even if a woodstove is installed. Be sure to teach your children fire safety and caution them against the heat of a woodstove. For open flames, be sure to keep a safety gate or guard up to prevent small children from reaching or falling into the fire. Children do not need to learn what hot vs. cold is by getting literally burned.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Homes and Round Rock Realtor can be found on the net.

Living Room Interior Decorating Tips

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:34:11 -0600

When it comes to decorating your home, whether for the first time or the tenth, you may come short when it comes to ideas. Before you go spend money on an interior designer for tips and hints, do your own research and make note of the ideas that will work for your living areas. It is both possible and practical to get ideas for decorating from people you know, websites you trust and television shows you enjoy. Making a living room look like a million bucks doesn’t need to cost a million bucks.

The following are a few tips to get you started when decorating your living room.

Choosing Your Colors

The common homeowner may have trouble figuring out how to choose colors for their new decorating project. However, there is a very simple trick that even professional interior designers use when it comes to choosing a color palate. Simply take an existing piece of furniture, or perhaps a new piece that you will be buying, and choose colors from it. For instance, your multi-colored sofa, that beautiful new framed wall print or that glass blown bowl sitting on your coffee table might hold the answer. Choose neutral colors for walls and carpet, and bright, bold colors for accents as not to be too overpowering.

Furniture Arrangement

Many rooms in a home necessitate the furniture arrangement to be a certain way. If you’re lucky, you have several options when it comes to arranging the seating in your living room. If you have a fireplace, you can place a sofa and recliner on a wall beside it, or even several feet directly in front of it. If your room is large enough, it’s a bold look to place two sofas facing each other, with a focal point on the wall (such as the fireplace) between the length of them. Arrange seating evenly throughout the room and be sure to use furniture that is neither too large nor too small in proportion to the room itself. In addition, using too many and too few pieces of furniture can throw a room’s look off.

Inexpensive Wall Decor

Many homeowners spent countless choosing floor coverings, decorative accents and furniture arrangements -- only to forget the most noticeable part of the room -- the walls! The good news is that after spending money on your decorating project, you can still afford to cover those walls with beautiful hangings. Look for prints at a local poster or art shop and frame them yourself for less money. Consider using eye catching designs from used calendars and framing them. Some walls may only need one or two framed items, especially if you’ve already accented that wall with a color other than the other walls in the room. Framed family portraits are also a good wall covering choice.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Realtor and Cedar Park Realtor can be found on the net.

About Interior Room Paint Finishes

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:33:32 -0600

Painting the walls of a room are a great way to bring a new look into a drab living environment. For very little money, an entire look can be created with a few gallons of paint. However, if you have ever stepped foot into a paint store, you know the color choices are endless. Without even considering the color options, there are many paint finishes to choose from, from flat to glossy.

Depending on what room of the house you’re painting, how often the room will be used, and whether you have lots of tiny little hands around your house, you might prefer a satin paint over a matte finish. Though one finish may look better than another on sample, take into consideration how often you will need to wash the paint surfaces.

Matte - Paint with a flat, dull appearance is referred to as having a matte finish. Paint of this type won’t reflect light, so it is perfect for touching up blemished wall areas. However, it can also scratch easily. Therefore it is not recommended for walls that will need thorough or frequent scrubbing.

Eggshell - With a very small hint of gloss, eggshell paint finish is similar to the texture on an egg, hence its name. Perfect for rooms that will need cleaning, but with less vigor or frequency. This finish tends to give walls an upscale feeling, making it perfect for guest powder rooms or adult library retreats.

Satin - This interior wall paint finish has slightly more gloss than eggshell, and is most often used for doors, trim, window sills and kitchen cabinets. It can be used for walls as well, but doesn’t stand up to scrubbing as much as semi-gloss paint. It’s the prefect choice for an elegant looking baby’s room or the formal dining room.

Semi-Gloss - Perhaps the most popular interior paint choice, semi-gloss paint stands up well to washing. It is a good choice for bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. The gloss of this finish allows for easy wiping of the spills or crayons markings that kids leave behind. However, it tends to show blemishes more easily when walls are not properly prepped.

Glossy - Interior walls pained in gloss or high gloss are very rare, though more homeowners are choosing it to paint a special room, or accent small areas of a room -- such as kitchen cabinets. Gloss finishes are easy to wipe off, though the paint itself will make all imperfections stand out. Surface prep is therefore very important.

Choosing paint for your next remodeling or decorating project can be a daunting task, but knowing a bit about what is available before you go by is the best way to prepare yourself. If you do your homework and know what you need, your only worry will be picking the perfect color to go with the room’s furnishings.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Round Rock real estate can be found on the net.

Putting Together a Home Emergency Plan

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:32:51 -0600

Many families do not think about what they would do during a home emergency until a devastating event happens to someone we know and love. Unfortunately this is not the best way to learn what not to do. While it is easy to learn from others’ mistakes, why take the chance that it is your mistake others will learn from? Be prepared for a fire, flood or other natural disaster which may turn a regular day into a nightmare. Walk away alive and you will see just how important taking the time to plan really is.

Valuables and Important Documents

It’s most important to have a plan for irreplaceable valuables and important documents. Items such as family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, birth and death certificates and family memorabilia should have a special place in the home. If you keep these items near each other in a specific location, it will be easier to locate and evacuate them in case of an emergency that leaves you time to gather belongings. Remember that no life is worth any material thing, and your life should never be risked to re-enter a dangerous home in search of such belongings. Though some things can never be replaced, nothing is worth the loss of life, even if it means having to leave animal friends behind.

Escape Route and Exits

Emergency planning is so important that police and fire personnel begin visiting schools to teach children as young as kindergarten how to practice safety. Older children are often asked to speak with their parents and draw out a detailed emergency evacuation plan in case of fire of other incident. It is so important to sit down as a family and come up with an evacuation plan, with escape routes and alternate exits. If children’s bedrooms are located on the second story, the children should be taught how to open the windows and remove the screens. A safety rope ladder is important to keep in each upstairs bedroom, in the case the window is the only available exit route.

Who to Call and Where to Meet

A part of every emergency plan should include notes on who to call once the emergency situation has been identified. For instance, should children take the time to call 911 if there is a fire? These are things that should be discussed ahead of time so that children do not get confused in the event of an evacuation. It is often safer to leave the home and make phone calls from a neighbor’s home, though children may not think of that. It is also important to choose a place off the property for each family member to meet. This way each family member can leave the home on their own, feeling secure and sure of where to find the others.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas Homes. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood Texas homes and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

Avoiding the Holiday Stress Meltdown

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:32:01 -0600

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in t

he holiday season without thought to our daily needs. This easily and quickly leads to stress that can completely ruin the holiday spirit. Thankfully there are ways to avoid the holiday stress meltdown that accompanies too much money spent, not enough time to shop and rude customers flooding the malls. If you are looking to get through this Christmas without the huge headache of what to buy, where to go and when to be there, use the following simple tips for staying calm and collected.

This New Year’s, you are going to be refreshed, instead of simply ready for it to all be over.

Make a List, and Yes -- Check it Twice

What’s the first thing you instinctively do when you need to get organized? That’s right - make a list! Taking the time to sit and make a thorough list will help you get through the holiday. Use a spiral notebook and make note of all you will need to keep track of, and cross it off as it gets done. Writing things down as you think of them will keep you from forgetting until the very last minute, which is typically what leads to stress.

A few ideas include:

•   The people you need to buy gifts for
•   The parties you get invited to
•   The stores you need to visit for gift buying
•   When you will get and decorate your tree

Calendar and Budget Your Time

Be sure to keep good track of your time. It’s easy to say you will do your gift shopping on a certain date without looking at the calendar. During the holiday season, days fill up with activities quickly and they can easily be forgotten. Think of the parties at work and get-together with friends and family. Don’t forget time to address and write out holiday cards, as well as some time to take the yearly family portrait. Try not to schedule yourself to thin. You may think it all sounds like fun at the time, but when you become stressed and overloaded, you will begin to regret some of the commitments you made.

Hire a “Mother’s Helper”

If you have children at home who are old enough to help around the house with chores, they would probably love to help you get ready for the holidays. Allow them to put labels on Christmas cards, punch out the sugar cookies, or put tape on the packages as you wrap them. If you don’t have anyone around who can help you, consider spending a few dollars on a mother’s helper. Junior high or high school students who are home on holiday break would likely be happy to help you run errands or help with chores around the house so you can get your holiday planning in order.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Homes. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas real estate and Lakeway Texas real estate can be found on the net.

Getting Through Christmas on a Tight Budget

Affinity Properties, Inc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:30:40 -0600

With the economy in the slumps and consumers leery to spend their hard earned money, it’s hard to imagine a very merry Christmas. However, it’s still possible to spread the joy that comes with gift giving when you use a few tips to get your through the holidays while on a tight budget. Even the most frugal college student can afford something small for his or her parents if certain guidelines are made - and kept.

Here are a few ideas for staying in budget this holiday season.

Whittle Down the Shopping List

Often out of guilt or a feeling of necessity, we buy endlessly each year for the people we know. Brothers, sisters, cousin, aunts and uncles and even distant relatives end up with a gift because you’re afraid they’ll feel left out. This year, try limiting who you purchase for. Together with your entire family, decide to have a “Secret Santa” gift exchange, where each person draws another name and buys only for that person. Or decide to only buy for each others’ children and leave the adults out of it. Chances are, everyone else is on just as tight of a budget and will be happy to try something new.

Stick to a Monetary Guideline

Although you may have cut the list of people you are shopping for, you should still limit what you buy for those people. Having only two people to buy for will not save you money if you spend a $100 on each. Give yourself a budget for each person and be sure to stick to it. For adults, you will find that $40 will go far, while you can find good buys for children in the $25 range. Some inexpensive ideas for adults and children include books, board games, movies, magazine subscriptions or music. Resist the urge to go over budget. The gift recipient will be please to receive anything, and will not be thinking about how much your gift cost you.

Bake Instead of Buying

One popular alternative to gift giving is backing homemade gifts instead. Nobody complains about receiving a tin full of Christmas cookies and fudge. Buy a few empty decorative tins, some wax or parchment paper, and some colored cellophane wrapping with ribbon. You can find these items everywhere during the holidays. Though the cost of all the treat ingredients may seem high, consider how many tins of goodies you can make for less than half the price of buying gifts. Making cookies and bars and fudge is also something the entire family can get involved with. Children will love helping out, and you can truly say your gift is given from the heart, from all of you.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Homes and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

Open Til Midnight: Late Night Eats in Austin

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:30:29 -0600

After Midnight: Late Night Bites in Austin

Austin’s exciting and colorful night life is one of its major attractions for tourists and residents alike. But after the clubs, concerts, or bar-hopping, the age-old question always arises of where to eat after midnight when most traditional restaurants have called it quits for the night. While Austin is not “the city that never sleeps,” it’s still possible to find great food when you’re dining late, no matter where the evening’s entertainment winds up.

For breakfast anytime, day or night, the Kerbey Lane Café offers a variety of Mexican-influenced choices. Eggs, bacon, and omelets top the menu, joining more traditional diner fare like burgers and sandwiches. Health-conscious night owls will enjoy the wide range of salads, while the popular fajita platters are available in beef, chicken, or Portobello mushroom varieties and are the perfect choice after an evening of live music and cold brews. An extensive dessert menu adds the finishing touch to the meal.

The Dog & Duck Pub offers classic English and Irish pub fare, including shepherd’s pie and Scotch eggs; fish and chips and onion rings are especially recommended at this Austin establishment. Open until 2 a.m. with a limited menu, be prepared to share your space with a variety of dogs and their owners. As its name suggests, the Dog & Duck is dog-friendly, so it’s best to watch out for the water dishes on the pub floor, especially after a long night of drinking.

Katz’s Deli is open 24 hours and serves up traditional New York delicatessen fare, from bagels and lox to a wide array of sandwiches and salads. Dinner selections include the half-pound beef bacon-wrapped sirloin filet, freshly grilled salmon, and a variety of knockwurst and sausages with sauerkraut. Corned beef and cabbage with boiled potato will appeal to the Irish in the crowd, while potato pancakes are always a favorite among the deli’s diverse offerings.

For late-night barbecue, Sam’s Bar-B-Que offers the full range of smoky goodness. From brisket and ribs to sausage and mutton, Sam’s serves it up hot and spicy until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 a.m. on Sunday night and weeknights. Sam’s signature Salsa Chicken is a revelation, while his Carolina Pulled Pork is smoked for 16 hours over an oak wood fire and then spiced for that authentic flavor. Baby back ribs are slow-marinated for a rich burst of flavor, and then slow cooked over a low oak flame. Garlic bread accompanies all orders, and sides include potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw and chili beans.

Serving Asian food until 2 a.m. every day except Sunday, 888 Vietnamese Restaurant serves up authentic Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai food in a skillful blend of classic and contemporary flavor profiles. Along with the traditional spring rolls and pho, 888 offers a number of vegan-friendly menu items and chef specials. American-influenced Chinese dishes like General Tso’s chicken are excellent but predictable, but the wide variety of Thai curries steals the show.

After a night out enjoying the multitude of cultural and entertainment options Austin has to offer, visitors will be glad to know that a number of local restaurants are available to serve the late-night crowd. Austin is certain to have something to satisfy every taste, be it for entertainment or for dining options, even after midnight.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate blog. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Austin Texas real estate can be found on the net.

Make a Home Improvement Scrapbook

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:28:24 -0600

Going through a home improvement project is often an exciting time for homeowners. Many people want to have their dream homes but cannot afford them at the time they are ready to buy a house. They instead purchase a fixer upper, and decide later to renovate and improve the structure. Deciding to undertake a home improvement means moving closer to that dream home, and you may decide to commemorate the experience by recording the event in a scrapbook.

If you are interested in creating a scrapbook to record your home improvement project, consider following the steps outlined below.

Take Pictures Before, After and During the Project

The decision to scrapbook an event needs to be made well before the event even takes place. Though it is possible to put together after the fact, making a memory book of your home improvement would not be the same without before and after pictures of your home. Throughout the project, be sure to take photographs of the rooms in which you are working. If you are doing a kitchen remodel, remember to take shots at each stage of the improvement. Keep in mind what your final product will look like when taking pictures. If you want to create a scrapbook page about your new maple cabinets and granite countertop, you will want ample photos of the demolition and replacement.

Purchase Appropriate Scrapbook Supplies

Once the home improvement project is complete and all your pictures are taken, go through them to get an idea of how you want your scrapbook to look. Grouping photos together by page idea (e.g. bathroom, kitchen, counters, etc.) will help you know which scrapbook supplies you should shop for. You will need a 12x12 quality album that will allow you to add extra pages, should the included amount be insufficient. Papers of the same size should be chosen by coordinating colors in the paper to colors in the photos. There are a variety of stickers and other paper adornments that you can choose from that will greatly enhance your scrapbook pages. Colored fine tip pens made especially for scrapbooking will help you record memories alongside the photographs.

Assemble the Scrapbook

There is no right or wrong way to put a scrapbook together; it all comes down to personal preference and your individual creativity. Many people use scrapbooking tape to secure the paper directly onto the pages, then arranging their cropped photographs on top. Adorning the page with “extras” such as stickers and cutouts comes next. Most people leave lettering and writing on their pages as a last step. Be sure to write a rough draft on a piece of paper first, since you will want to use permanent pen directly on your pages.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Rollingwood real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate blog and Austin Real Estate can be found on the net.

An Overview of Mortgage Choices

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:25:42 -0600

Prospective home buyers have more choices than ever before for home financing. Traditional FHA and VA loans are still available, but lenders offer a wide variety of other options for first-time and returning borrowers.

Conventional loans

The traditional method of financing a home, these are usually 15-year or 30-year fixed interest loans.

FHA and VA insured mortgages

These low-cost fixed-rate mortgages are available to certain home buyers on properties that meet stringent federal standards; however, FHA loans can sometimes be designed to include rehab costs for properties in need of repair. The seller generally pays points on FHA-insured mortgages, and always does for VA loans. VA loans require little or no down payment.

Adjustable rate mortgages

Adjustable rate mortgages offer fluctuating interest rates based on a financial index; typical indexes used include the Cost of Funds Index and the interest rate on one-year constant-maturity U.S. Treasury securities. While these mortgages usually offer a discounted rate at the start, they often can result in higher interest rates and consequent higher monthly payments, creating difficulties for some borrowers.

Graduated payment mortgages

These newer fixed-rate mortgage arrangements allow buyers to purchase a more expensive home than they might otherwise be able to afford, with payments increasing gradually over the life of the loan. One drawback to these loans is a side effect known as negative amortization; put simply, payments in the early stages of graduated payment loans may not cover the interest due, increasing the overall amount of debt on the home. This can result in negative equity, a major difficulty if the borrower wishes to sell the home during the first ten years of the mortgage’s life.

A variation on the graduated payment mortgage is the adjustable graduated payment plan; this works on the same principle, but the interest rate varies according to a financial index. Because payments are gradually increasing, interest rate hikes can produce unpleasant “sticker shock” for unprepared borrowers.

Balloon payment mortgages

Available as fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans, these mortgages are short-term loans, usually lasting five to ten years. At the end of this term, borrowers are required to either pay off the entire remaining balance, or to refinance at the prevailing rates at that time. These mortgages are primarily useful for borrowers who expect the interest rate to decline within the next five years and intend to refinance when that occurs.

Assumable mortgages

By assuming an existing mortgage, sometimes with an additional up-front payment, borrowers can often obtain a lower interest rate than the prevailing market will allow. The lender must approve of the arrangement, and the borrower must be creditworthy in order to qualify. Most FHA and VA mortgages are assumable for qualified buyers.

Austin homebuyers can learn more about these mortgage options and many others from the loan experts at Capital City Funding. Conveniently located within the offices of Capital City RE/MAX, this FHA and VA approved in-house lender provides a wide range of financing options and services for home buyers. Affinity Properties, in conjunction with Capital City RE/MAX, is proud to offer these lending services to their clients; together with RE/MAX, Affinity Properties is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service and convenience to home buyers and sellers throughout the Austin area.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas real estate and Austin Texas real estate blog can be found on the net.

Taking Care of Ceramic Tile Floors

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:20:53 -0600

If you are one of the millions of homeowners who has made the switch from carpet to tile flooring, you will need to know how to care for your investment. Surprisingly easy to care for, ceramic tile floors add beauty and an upscale feel to any home. Though not as difficult to care for as hardwood floors, they do require some extra care to keep the tiles free from abrasions, cracks or discoloring for years to come. It is fairly simple to take care of tile floors.

Daily Care

The most important step to keeping your tile floors looking as new as they did the day they were installed is to properly maintain them. Frequent sweeping up of dust and dirt particles is important to keeping grit and grime from being ground into the porous surface. Glossy finishes can be scratched by grit. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining of the grout. You should also take care to move furniture and other items by lifting them instead of dragging them on over the tiles. Using felt pads will help prevent scratching and possible tile breakage.

Cleaning and Sealing

Through daily or otherwise frequent dry mopping of your floors, you should be able to keep your tile floor relatively clean for a couple weeks. When it comes time to thoroughly clean your floor however, be careful which product you use. Pay attention to your floor manufacturer’s recommendations. There are cleansers made specifically for ceramic tiles. You may also be able to find a spray cleanser that works with your dry mop head, much like is used on laminate floors. Ceramic tiles should not need regular sealing unless they are highly porous. Also avoid any product that is waxy or will otherwise leave a dangerous slippery film on the tile surface.

Precautions to Take

Ceramic tile is becoming a more popular choice for flooring in new homes. They can be installed in wet areas where laminate or hardwood floor is not recommended, such as laundry rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Though suitable for wet areas, it is also important to remember that when wet, tiles can be slippery and dangerous regardless of the finish. One way to avoid accidents is by using floor rugs and runners in high traffic areas. Doing so will also prevent dirt from building up one the tile and in the grout. Simply washing your rugs is much easier and convenient than getting on your hands and knees to scrub the floor.

A versatile and esthetically pleasing alternative to carpet and laminate flooring, ceramic tile has quickly become the choice of flooring for many homeowners. Using the above guidelines will help you maintain a beautiful looking floor that you and your family will be able to enjoy through all of the memories you make in your home.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Realtor and Austin Realtor Blog can be found on the net.

Top Ten Restaurants in Austin

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:16:28 -0600

Austin's Top Ten Fine Dining Establishments

Austin is known for barbecue, Tex-Mex spiciness, and cowboy food in general. But the Austin area also offers exquisite fine dining on a par with the most exclusive restaurants in the country. Contemporary flavors and world-class chefs offer exceptional selections, all with a uniquely Austin flair. Here are ten of the best:

Trio at the Four Seasons Hotel

Trio’s executive chef Elmar Prambs is known throughout the culinary world for his one-of-a-kind flavor profiles and beautiful presentations. At Trio, he combines his talents with those of Mark Sayre, an award-winning sommelier, to produce taste-tempting food and wine combinations. Specialties of the house include thick, juicy steaks and deliciously fresh seafood; the Sunday brunch buffet includes eggs Benedict, omelet stations, and an extensive dessert bar, earning it the title of Austin’s best brunch.

Driskill Grill

Recipient of numerous awards and consistently rated Austin’s best fine dining establishment, the Driskill Grill offers a fixed-price menu that includes innovative dishes like honey-glazed grilled Bandera quail with a cannellini bean cassoulet and herbed crusted Hodges Ranch lamb with dauphinoise potatoes. Chef Jonathan Gelman is widely renowned in the culinary world for his French- and Mediterranean-influenced American cuisine, and at the Driskill Grill, he showcases those innovative combinations on every plate.

Travis Restaurant

Located off the beaten path in the Lakeway Resort and Spa, Travis Restaurant offers lakeside dining and upscale elegance. Veteran chef David Reinbold brings his creative flair to the Austin area, using fresh local ingredients to showcase bold Southwestern flavors for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Jeffrey’s

An Austin landmark since 1975, Jeffrey’s serves new American cuisine under the capable leadership of executive chef Deegan McClung. McClung brings a New Orleans sensibility to his creative and original dishes, incorporating elements of French, Creole, and Asian influences to produce uniquely delicious results.

Judges’ Hill Restaurant & Bar

Located in the historic Goodall Wooten House, now converted into a luxury hotel, the Judges’ Hill Restaurant & Bar combines an extensive wine bar with upscale American cuisine. Helmed by chef Rob Snow, the restaurant offers an eclectic selection of internationally-influenced favorites; braised short rib schnitzel is especially popular.

Imperia

Offering stylish and innovative Asian cuisine, Imperia offers exquisite dim sum and sushi for a discerning clientele. Using top-quality local ingredients, executive chef George Thomas serves up Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and pan-Asian dishes with a unique Austin flair.

Paggi House

Noted for its fresh seafood and innovative flavor profiles, Paggi House provides a scenic dining experience in sophisticated, upscale surroundings. The Paggi House is a historic Austin landmark dating back to the city’s earliest beginnings, and offers stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown area.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

A classic steakhouse in the heart of the city, Perry’s is a popular destination for local executives and entrepreneurs. Serving up USDA prime steaks and chops, Perry’s also includes an extensive seafood selection on its menu. Perry’s now offers its unique cuisine for lunch as well, expanding from its previous Friday-only luncheon offerings.

Zoot

This upscale bistro offers a quiet, luxurious atmosphere; Zoot serves an eclectic menu showcasing French flavors and techniques, with its tasting menu a perennial favorite. Standouts include the sautéed shrimp with cheddar grits and the grilled prime sirloin, served with a side of potato puree and marinated peppers.

Wink

Another project from the owners of Zoot, Wink focuses on seafood and poultry, and does them well. The five-course tasting menu features dayboat scallops and a crisp duck breast with red fingerlings as well as a signature seared lamb dish.

Whatever you’re in the mood for tonight, Austin is serving up something to suit your personal tastes. A wide array of exclusive and delicious options are available to provide the perfect meal for any occasion.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Round Rock real estate can be found on the net.

Vacuum Buying Guide: Which One is Right for Your Floor?

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:13:26 -0600

It’s natural for carpets to get dirty, considering all the dirt our feet bring into the house. If you have pets, your carpets get filthier much sooner. Fortunately, vacuum cleaners make the job of keeping carpets clean enough for babies to crawl on as easy as ever. However, before you even set foot into a retail store, it is important to research your needs and the vacuums that can meet them. Just like buying any household appliance, large or small, there are many options available on the market. Not doing your research ahead of time can lead to confusion when you arrive on the vacuum aisle of your local department store.

Here are some tips to help you next time you’re in the market for a new vacuum.

Assessing Your Needs

When deciding which vacuum to purchase, you first need to consider what you need. The type of carpet you have makes a difference. Think about the thickness and texture of your carpet. You may need a model with more power if you have thick carpet that allows dirt to settle, or if your household is extraordinarily dirty. If you have pets or allergies, you might consider a vacuum with special filter options. In addition, vacuums aren’t just for carpet anymore. Do you have hardwood, tile or laminate flooring? There are vacuums that allow you to turn off the brush rotation as to eliminate floor scratching and damage.

Overview of the Types of Vacuums

Once you have an idea of your needs, there are the many types of vacuums to consider. Canister models can suck up larger bits of material, but may not offer the filtering or other attachments you need. Handheld models are used mostly for small spills and in between cleanups. Most households use a standard upright vacuum for their routine carpet cleaning. Even so, there are many different models to choose from. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. There are bagless vacuums that allow you to see the dirt as it accumulates inside the canister. This helps you know when to empty it. Traditional bagged vacuums seem to be going out of style, as most consumers prefer the newer models with HEPA filters that eliminate pet dander and other allergens.

Accessories and Attachments

Finding an upright vacuum that has the suction power you need plus the filters you want is a good start. You should also consider if you need any additional special features or attachments. Most models will come with a few standard attachments that allow you to use the vacuum in smaller places and on furniture. If you have a high ceiling and need to vacuum cobwebs or the tops of curtains, make sure the hose and attachment reach is tall enough for your needs.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood real estate and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

What is it Like to Live in Austin, Texas?

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:10:23 -0600

Located on the banks of the Colorado River, Austin is the state capitol of Texas. As the fourth largest city in the state, it is also home to the largest public university in the nation - the University of Texas. Featuring three man made lakes within city limits, rolling hills and picturesque trees, Austin is the perfect place for those who desire the suburban feel with all the amenities a city an offer.

Demographics

As one of the top five fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States, the Austin area is home to nearly 1.7 million people. About 750,000 of those reside within city limits. The majority of Austinites, or about 60% of residents consider themselves Caucasian, with the minorities being African Americans and Asian Americans. The majority of residents fall within the 25-44 age range, closely followed by those under age 18. The median age is 30, and only 7% of the population is 65 years of age or older.

Climate

Austin is situated in a warm and humid climate. With hot summers and mild winters, it is the perfect location for those who enjoy outdoor activities year round, without the bitter cold and piles of snow. With an annual precipitation of nearly 35” per year, spring is often wet while summers are hot and humid, reaching up to 90* on a typical day. Temperatures above the century mark are common, though there are only on average 24 days a year of below freezing weather. As such, snowfall is rare; a severe ice storm about twice a year can be expected.

Attractions

City attractions include the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, the Texas Memorial Museum, Zilker Botanical Gardens, Austin Nature and Science Center and the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. There are also tours available of the state capitol building and governor’s mansion. Austin is also home to many minor league sporting teams in baseball, soccer, ice hockey and basketball.

Outdoor attractions include Volente Beach, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. The cities three man made lakes are Lake Austin, Lake Travis and Town Lake, all of which offer plenty of water fun during the hot summers. Golf is also a treasured activity in Austin, with at least six golf courses located within city limits.

For residents who love to shop, there is everything from large malls to small boutique stores available for browsing. Popular shopping locations include Central Market, Highland Mall, Boggy Creek Farm and the West End.

Annual Events

Austin is home to many exciting events that locals look forward to each year. Some of these events include the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Swamp Romp and Crawfish Festival, the Bat Fest and Spring Pecan Street Festival.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas real estate and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

What you need to know about the first time home buyer stimulus

Affinity Properties, Inc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:02:50 -0600

Passed in the Spring of 2009, President Barack Obama’s stimulus package contains some good news for people who want to buy a home but think they aren’t able to. First time homebuyers can receive tax credits to help them get into a home. In addition to providing a tax credit, this bill also allows for grants for first time homebuyers that qualify. The hope is that this stimulus will help boost the economy by encouraging renters to begin buying. In addition to being a helpful bill for first time homebuyers, it will also help support real estate industries.

There is no pre-existing paperwork that you need to file in order to be part of this stimulus program. The tax credit is filed at the end of the fiscal year and if you qualify you’ll receive money back on top of your tax refund. If you end up owing taxes during that year, your owed amount will be deducted from your tax credit.

The first qualification for the program is that you can’t have owned a home within the last 3 years. If you are purchasing a home as part of a couple, neither one of you can have owned a home within the last 3 years. The purchase of your home must fall between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. The closing date of your home purchase must be within these dates. When you purchase during this year you’re eligible for up to $8,000 in the form of a tax credit.

If you purchased a home in between April and December in 2008, you may be able to qualify for another type of tax credit. There was a similar first time homebuyer stimulus bill that was passed in 2008 with slightly different qualifications. The 2008 tax credit had to be repaid, but the 2009 tax credit is yours to keep free and clear.

You’ll also need to meet income requirements in order to qualify for the tax credit. A single homebuyer can make up to $75,000 per year and still qualify. If you are buying a home as a couple, you can make up to $150,000 combined income. Individuals or couples who make more than this may be able to qualify for another type of credit based on another formula.

Additionally, you’ll have to keep the home that you buy under this program for at least three years after applying for the grant. If you end up selling before these three years are up, you’ll have to pay back the tax credit. You must live in the home that you buy as your primary residence. It goes without saying that the home must be within the United States in order to qualify.

Obama’s first time home buyer stimulus plan is a definite incentive to purchase a home, especially in this buyer’s market. Although the stimulus plan is designed to help buyers who were previously unable to purchase a home, you need to make sure that you can fiscally afford a home. Contact a real estate agent in your area to get started with finding a home to fit this program.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas real estate blog and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

Home Improvement Projects to Save you Money

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:46:50 -0600

Home improvement projects in this economy are all about getting the most bang for your buck. If you had planned a complete overhaul of your entire house and are not looking at a different financial situation, don’t despair. You can still get great home improvement results without breaking the bank. You just need to think about things in a different way and adjust your projects so they make financial sense. The following five home improvements can make a big difference in the look and functioning of your house without putting you in financial despair.

1.Painting the interior

If you had to choose one home improvement project that would make the biggest impact for the smallest amount of money, it has to be paint. Painting the walls in your home can create dramatic change immediately. Whether you are just painting one wall or redoing an entire section of your home, you can transform your place in the span of just a few days. Look to home improvement magazines for ideas and then use a mid-range priced brand of paint for a combination of money savings and durability.

2.Cabinet resurfacing

If you wanted to get new cabinets but have now adjusted your budget, cabinet resurfacing is a great way to go. Since home improvements made in the kitchen always increase your value, you can be sure that any money spent here will be a good investment, even resurfacing. By having a professional resurface the cabinets, you can change the whole look of the kitchen with just one project. The cabinets can be updated with a color or stripped down to the rich wood underneath. For mere dollars, you can swap out old cabinet fixtures with new ones and your transformation will be complete.

3.Painting the trim of your home

Can’t afford to paint the entire exterior of your home? No problem! By painting the small surface area of the trim you can give your home a fresh look for a minimum cost. Although it doesn’t seem like it, painting the trim can have a big visual impact on your home. Having the trim painted by professional contractors can cost less than $1000. In addition to cost savings, painting the trim can give you more flexibility to change colors later on. If you change your mind later on, it will be easy and relatively inexpensive to get a new color.

4.Composite floors

Next to the kitchen, the flooring of your home can have the biggest impact on your resale value. Besides paint, it’s the biggest way you can change the look of the interior of your home. If traditional flooring is out of your price range composite floors can give you a dramatic new look for pennies on the dollar. Visit a home improvement store to look into your options.

5.Clean out your gutters

Although this may not be at the top of most people’s home improvement project list, it’s very important and can save you money in the long run. When your gutters are working properly, they efficiently rout the water away from your home and prevent weather damage to the roof, walls and foundation.

These inexpensive home improvements will help you update and protect your home without costing too much money.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate blog. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Austin Texas real estate can be found on the net.

Counseling and Down Payment Assistance with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:46:18 -0600

If you’re a first time homebuyer in Austin, Texas, there are quite a few resources available to you. Buying a home for the first time is very exciting but it can also be a time of confusion and stress. Making a large investment like a home purchase requires a lot of paperwork, approval processes and financial commitments. Fortunately, there are many programs and resources available to help you navigate this uncertain time.

Many first time homebuyers make the mistake of underestimating how much it will cost to purchase their new home. They assume that the financing process will take care of everything and they won’t have to pay a penny out of pocket in order to get into their home. There are real estate agent fees, down payments and closing costs that will be associated with buying a home.

With a first time home buyer grant, you can get help with these costs as part of the services sponsored by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, which is a division of the Austin city government. The down payment assistance program (DPA) will help with purchasing a home by granting a specific amount of money to be used as a down payment for a home.

The standard DPA is up to $10,000 in a deferred, forgivable 0% interest loan that has a length of 10 years. The loan is completely forgiven if you stay in the home for 10 years without transferring the title. If you move before the 10 years are up, the loan will be paid back from the sale of your home.

The DPA program is only accessible to people who have completed a series of three classes at the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. The three class series is a part of the nationally recognized NeighborWorks “Keeping the American Dream” homebuyer education course. In order to access the DPA program and other first time home buyer services you have to attend the following:
-Class 1: Assessing Your Readiness to Buy and Money Management
-Class 2: Understanding Credit and Financing a Home
-Class 3: Selecting and Maintaining a Home and Managing Your Finances

These three classes compose a pre-purchase series that is available to people who live in the city limits of Austin, who earn 80% or less of the area’s median family income, who are employed and who have a Texas driver’s license. After completing the three classes, you’ll be awarded a certificate which will gain you access to the DPA as well as many Travis County and State of Texas programs.

In addition to the pre-purchase classes, the Austin Housing Finance Corporations also offer post-purchase classes which are important if you find yourself in a position where you might lose your home. The course is similar to the pre-purchase classes and acts as a refresher on the basics of home ownership, particularly focusing on the financial commitments associated with owning a home. The requirements for the post-purchase classes are the same with regards to family income and location.

The details on these resources and more first time homebuyer programs are available on the Austin Housing Finance Corporation’s official website.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Rollingwood real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate blog and Lakeway real estate can be found on the net.

How to Make Your Child’s Room Safe

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:45:47 -0600

If you are a parent or grandparent, you are no doubt always looking for new ways to keep your children and grandchildren safe. There are many places that our kids go where we have little control over their safety, such as at school.

However, there is one place where you can have full control over your childrens' safety, and that is in their very own bedroom. You may not have considered that their room could ever be unsafe, but think for a second about all the dangers that lurk behind their door. Electrical outlets, heavy furniture, unlocked windows can pose a significant hazard to a child too young to know how to practice safety.

Consider these few suggestions for making your child’s room safer for him or her.

Securing Furniture

A child’s bedroom is most often considered a safe place to play, but did you know that children are killed every year by falling bookcases, dressers, and televisions? Securing these items to the wall behind them prevents children from pulling the furniture down on top of them. Kids don’t know any better when climbing for that book on the top shelf, the box of crayons sitting on top of the television, or the lamp on top of the dresser that they can’t reach. Simply tether the back of the furniture to the wall with a large screw or bolt, preferably into a wall stud so it cannot easily be pulled out.

Evaluate Windows, Doors and Locks

Even if you have made the inside of your child’s room safe for play, have you considered the ways in and out of your child’s room? Many parents forget to check windows and doors for problems, which can be deadly. Windows should be locked, preferably with a child-proof latch. This is especially important if the bedroom is on a second story. Doors should have working knobs that don’t stick or lock. Children can easily lock themselves in their room and become stuck. The same goes for closet doors and locks.

Other Safety Precautions

Lastly, be sure to take the smallest but most obvious steps toward safety in your child’s room. Install protectors over electrical outlets. Make sure there is a smoke detector inside the room, preferably above the door toward the ceiling. If smoke pours in from the other side of the door that is the first place it will go. When your child is old enough, teach him or her how to unlock the bedroom window for escape during an emergency.

Using these safety precautions will help keep your children safe while playing in their room and give you some peace of mind.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas real estate and Lakeway real estate can be found on the net.

South By Southwest Music Festival

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:45:13 -0600

Art, Culture and Music in Austin Texas

One of the most sought out events in Austin’s busy social calendar each years is the South by Southwest Festival. What first started as a musical event has branched out to include art, culture and technology. It’s one of the largest musical festivals in the country and the 2008 festival brought in $110 million into the city.

The next SXSW festival will happen between March 12 and 21, 2010. The interactive festival (focused on blogging and other forms of new media) will take place between March 12 and March 16. The film festival is occurring simultaneously March 12 through 20. The music portion of the event will be held between March 17 and 21.

In 2007, SXSW celebrated 20 years as a music festival. The first SXSW event was billed as the “Austin Battle of the Bands, SXSW” in 1987. Since Austin is such an important part of the music scene, it really drew people in and began to grow. It started as a weekend long music festival with just a handful of bands. Since then, the number of musical guests has grown tenfold. By 1994, a film festival and interactive conferences were added into the mix. In the last 15 years, SXSW has become one of the most respected film festivals in the nation.

Although the size and scope of SXSW has changed over time, the creators keep the focus on showcasing local and emerging bands in front of record labels and publishers. It’s technically an industry event that the public gets the chance to take part in. However, the major challenge of the SXSW show has become keeping the fans happy.

Industry professionals can purchase SXSW badges in order to enter the music showcases. Although the badges are open to everyone, they are very expensive. Most fans can’t afford these badges, so they opt for wristbands. The wristbands are often sold out in one day and may not get fans into all of the shows. The shows accept those with badges first and then those with wristbands, meaning that the badges may fill the seats before the wristband holders get a chance to enter.

In response to the needs of the fans, in recent years SXSW has set up free shows with big headliners at a separate location. The local live music community has also stepped into fill the needs of the visitors to SXSW. There are dozens of Day Shows which are held in clubs, coffee houses, shops and other venues around town, around the clock. You can be sure that if you want to see live music during the SXSW festival, you’ll be able to no matter what.

SXSW is also host to many conferences and forums, particularly during the interactive portion of the festival. For complete details on 2010’s SXSW festival visit the official site at sxsw.com. Although SXSW has grown by leaps and bounds since its creation, it remains one of the most unique and crowd drawing festivals of its kind.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Realtor and Lakeway real estate can be found on the net.

DIY Moving Guide

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:44:35 -0600

Many people hire moving companies to take care of the transportation of their things from one home to another. If you’re trying to save money or just don’t want to deal with the hassle of hiring someone, the do it yourself route is a great option. Moving yourself has a lot of steps involved and if you get them all to work according to your plan, you’ll have as stress-free of a move as possible.

The first thing you need to do is develop a plan. You should start the moving process at least six full weeks ahead of your move date. This will give you enough time to get organized to move your things. It will also allow for any problems you may encounter along the way. You need to start by organizing how you’ll begin packing up your rooms. Obviously, start with the rooms you use less frequently and then work your way toward the other rooms.

Before you start packing, however, you’ll need to take an inventory of what you want to take with you and how much you’ll be selling, throwing out or putting in storage. Make an inventory of all of your mid-sized and larger items. Decide whether you’ll be keeping all of your furniture or buying new when you get there. For your smaller items, take note of the different collections of things that you have (books, clothing, jewelry, toys, etc.) Use this inventory to estimate how many boxes you’ll need to move.

You can buy brand new boxes from your rental truck company. You can also purchase them from office supply stores and shipping companies as well. If you want to cut costs on your moving boxes, ask local grocery stores if you can take left over produce boxes. Make sure to air them out overnight and then they’ll be ready to use to pack your belongings.

One of the biggest expenses involved in moving is the rental truck. Rental truck companies come in many different varieties – the good, the bad and the ugly. Read online reviews of various rental truck companies in your area to get a sense of which are the best. Ask for written quotes for the rentals, including any extra mileage that may be added to your trip. Once you’ve selected the right moving truck company, be sure to reserve your truck so it will be there on the day that you need it.

If you are traveling a long distance in your rental truck and car, you may have to make travel arrangements ahead of time. Figure out where you are going to stop on your route and make any necessary reservations so you can spend the night. You can also investigate rest stops and restaurants along your route by using the Internet. This will make your trip go a lot smoother.

As long as you plan carefully and make sure to give yourself enough time to pack, moving yourself can be easy and low on stress. The steps outlined above will give you a good headstart on your moving journey.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Cedar Park real estate can be found on the net.

Obama's Home Rescue Plan

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:44:00 -0600

How You Can Save Yourself from Foreclosure?

If you’re facing foreclosure on your home, there is new hope on the horizon. As part of the stimulus program passed by Congress, the Home Affordable Modification program can help you save your home and preserve your credit. Getting the details on this program will help you decide whether or not it’s for you and give you the information you need to apply for it.

Since this bailout program is paid for with tax dollars, you are entitled to apply for it if you qualify. It has been funded by the $75 billion stimulus funds. When a bank receives a request for the Home Affordable Modification program, the bank will be paid by the Treasury Department to modify the loan.

The Obama Home Affordable Modification Program makes it easier for banks to offer loan modifications to their customers. A loan modification will change the nature of your home loan so that your payments will equal 31% of your gross monthly income. This new figure, which is called your target payment, will be achieved by changing the interest rate on your loan, extending the life of your loan up to 40 years or forgiving a portion of your principle balance. Your lender will have the option of which of these methods they will use to modify your loan.

In order to qualify for this program, you need to have a few pre-existing conditions. You’ll need to make an appointment with a loan officer at your financial institution and bring your proof of income. This can be done in the form of pay stubs, tax returns, award letters, profit and loss statements or any other type of verification that you need. You will also need to bring two months of bank statements from whatever bank you currently bank at. Finally, you need a letter of explanation to account for your financial hardship. You need to explain why your income has decreased or your expenses have increased to cause you to miss payments.

To apply for the loan, you’ll fill out financial statements based on the information that you’ve brought with you. This will give your bank a clear picture of your overall financial situation. It will help them decide how to modify your loan, if you qualify. It’s absolutely necessary that you fill out this paperwork correctly. If you don’t get it exactly right, you’ll risk not being approved for the loan modification.

Once you are approved for the loan, you’ll be able to stay in your home and avoid foreclosure. Foreclosure is a costly process for banks so it’s ore beneficial to them to modify your loan and keep you in your home. You should look for a long term solution to your mortgage troubles. Make sure that the loan modification you are approved for includes flat monthly payments and no balloon payment after a period of time. Read the fine print, just like you would with any other financial document so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

With a completed application and a strong case, you can find relief from foreclosure and stay in your home with Obama’s home rescue plan.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood real estate and Lakeway real estate can be found on the net.

Austin's We Make Stuff Festival

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:43:27 -0600

Bringing Art, Music and Culture to Austin

On September 19th, Austin artists, musicians, vendors, fashion designers and other creative types will band together to bring the We Make Stuff Festival to Austin. From 7 pm to 12 am, the 21 and older crowd can gain access to a unique arts and crafts festival. This definitely isn’t your mother’s crafts fair!

The Scoot Inn at 1308 E. 4th Street is the place to be for this one of a kind art show, party and festival. The organizers have designed the event to speak to the many facets of creativity in the city. One of the cornerstones of the festival is the music. Local rock bands Hollywood Gossip, Lost Werks and Panjoma will provide entertainment starting at 10:30, 9:30 and 8:30 respectively.

The event will also feature a fashion show centered on designs by Tara Tonini, Jinxedaposed Clothing and Malissa Long, among others. Accessories by Dainty Daisy Creations and handbags by *Annemarie* will also be part of the event. The models themselves are also part of Austin’s creative and alternative scene. Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, Goldie Candela and Pearl Lux of the Jigglewats (a team of burlesque models) and Varuca Assault, Barberika, Mona Littlemore, Miss Amerikill, Horrorshow, Maya Mayhem and Moko Loko of the TXRD Lonestar Roller Girls roller derby team will serve as models.

The true heart of the festival will be the vendors. The vendors are local artists, crafts people and designers who will be offering everything from re-imagined vintage jewelry pieces to handmade clthes made from recycled fabric. Nepenthe’s Bathtime shop will be selling their novelty and artisan bath and body products (like their popular cupcake shaped soap). Ape Gear features original designs for people of all ages with original artwork applied to shirts, pillows, onesies and artwork prints.

Another popular vendor, Chels-E.com offers colorful digital prints, handmade books, journals and artisan glass. Diamonds and Guns is a jewelry maker that will be at the festival who takes old illustrations and adds them to metal pieces. These vendors just scratch the surface of the wide variety of items that will be available for sale at this unique festival.

In addition to buying unique crafts and clothes, you can also make your own at the festival. The Team Etsy Austin booth will have “I make stuff” t-shirts as well as make and take projects. You can silk screen your own design at the Under Pressure booth.

Another of the evening’s main events will be the skateboard art contest. Attendees are invited to judge custom skateboards by artists like Jason Silver, Tom Cox, Anne Genung and many other local artists. The winners will receive gift baskets with local items, art supplies and a place in future gallery showcases. All of the proceeds from We Make Stuff will go toward Art from the Streets, a non-profit, volunteer driven art class program.

If you decide to attend this unique Austin event, get there early. The first 100 attendees will receive a We Make Stuff goody bag with crafts and gift items.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Lakeway Texas and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

Get Organized for Christmas

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:42:51 -0600

The holidays sneak up on us so fast each year. Christmas comes and goes and we swear we are going to make it so much easier next year by getting ready ahead of time, preparing as if our lives depended on it. However, how many of us actually fulfill that promise to ourselves to become more organized well before the holidays approach?

Christmastime is a wonderful season to enjoy with family, and there is nothing worse than feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. The following is a list of some simple steps you can take now to make the holidays more enjoyable and much less stressful. If you follow at least one of these steps you’re guaranteed to have a much better

1.Update your mailing list

Writing and sending Christmas cards is one of the most popular traditions during the holidays. I’m sure you know the nightmare that it can turn into though. People move, get married, have babies, remarry. It’s a wonder you can keep your address list updated. Instead of waiting until you’re ready to sit down and address the envelopes, take some time well before you even buy your cards to update your mailing list. You can even make it a tradition. Use the first weekend in November to gather new addresses, get the spellings of new names and the names of new family members. This will also help you know just how many cards you have to buy for mailing.

2.Make Gift-Giving decisions early

If you have a small family or a long-standing holiday tradition in place, this step may not be necessary for you. However, many large families often struggle each year with how to go about giving gifts. Each year the family grows and there often isn’t enough money to buy for everyone. What to do? Some families draw names and buy for one member of the extended family. Others stick to a rule such as immediate family only. Still others forego shopping for their spouse or siblings, and focus merely on the children. Make a plan ahead of time with all family members so you aren’t caught off guard feeling like you have to buy your aunt a gift because she mentioned she bought one for you.

3.Check Your Stock of Supplies

During the first couple weeks of November is as great time to check your stock of wrapping supplies, such as scissors, tape, rolls of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and gift tags. Shirt boxes and tissue paper are also must haves. As soon as Christmas supplies are put out onto retailer shelves, you can get what your stock is lacking. Buying as soon as possible gives you the best selection available and allows you to take advantage of early shopper sales.

These tips just scratch the surface of different ways that you can get organized for the holiday season. You can also try bulk shopping for holiday meals, making your own cards for sending out and getting your ornaments organized. With these simple tips, you can get through Christmas with less hassle, and enjoy the beauty and wonder that the holidays are all about.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Rollingwood real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas real estate blog and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

James McMurtry: Austin Original

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:54:01 -0500

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and for good reason: its numerous live music venues and colorful local clubs offer seasoned professionals and up-and-coming bands the chance to perform for live audiences seven days a week throughout the year. One of the most popular local performers is James McMurtry, whose roots-rock anthems gained critical acclaim and popularity due to their inclusion of topical subject matter and down-home bluesy style. McMurtry can be heard performing live on stage most Wednesday evenings at the Continental Club in Austin.

The son of famous Western novelist Larry McMurtry, James McMurtry first began playing the guitar at age seven; he did not break into the music business until 1987, eighteen years later, when he won the New Folk songwriting contest. Family connections helped McMurtry make contact with John Mellencamp, who later produced McMurtry’s first album in 1989, “Too Long in the Wasteland.” Additional albums soon followed, including “Candyland” and “Where’d You Hide the Body” in the early nineties. It was not until the release of McMurtry’s first tour album, “Live in Aught Three,” however, that McMurtry began taking a public stand in the political arena.

McMurtry had become concerned about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the attitudes of public officials, including Dick Cheney and George W. Bush. His direct and cutting criticisms of the war and the prevailing political climate struck a chord with equally frustrated listeners, and McMurtry’s first big hit, “We Can’t Make It Here,” gave voice to the repressed political anger of music-lovers all around the world. The song was made available for free download and received significant radio airtime, creating both publicity and controversy for the performer and album. “I wasn't aware of the power of the Internet at all,” McMurtry stated in a 2008 interview. The sudden success of the single helped “Childish Things” to achieve respectable sales and critical praise, and placed McMurtry squarely in the ranks of politically-active musical artists.

Further controversy came with the song “Cheney’s Toy”, which depicted George W. Bush as the puppet of his influential vice president and attracted a number of angry letters to radio stations and to McMurtry himself. The pressure brought to bear proved ineffectual, however, since McMurtry’s albums are produced by independent record labels. “Childish Things” won the prestigious Album of the Year award at the 2006 Americana Music Awards, along with “We Can’t Make It Here” as Song of the Year.

McMurtry’s most recent album, “Just Us Kids,” reached 136th on the Billboard charts, marking his first appearance in the top 200. McMurtry currently divides his time between touring, making albums, and performing live at the Continental Club on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, his adopted home. While McMurtry’s stated liberal views might seem unusual for Texas, McMurtry said of Austin’s political climate, “It’s not tough living in Austin at all. Austin’s a little blue dot in a sea of red.” Certainly Austin residents have embraced the songwriter-performer and his unique roots-rock offerings, making his performances at the Continental some of the most well-attended and popular events at the historic club. For those lucky enough to catch one of his live performances, James McMurtry offers his listeners a musical and political experience that truly is uniquely Austin.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate blog. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate blog and Austin Texas real estate can be found on the net.