Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

Safe Trick or Treating for Families

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:04:30 -0600

Halloween in the second largest retail holiday as far as candy sales is concerned. It’s no wonder, as millions of kids hit the streets to trick or treat each year. Buckets of candy make their way home and at times the loot can last well into December. With so many families wandering the dark streets and neighborhoods, it’s easy for a fun holiday to turn dangerous or deadly. There are some precautions that parents and children should take to ensure a safe evening of trick or treating fun.

A few of these safety measures are outlined below.

Costume Safety

It is important to remember your child’s safety when choosing a costume for him or her. Consider that it will be dark outside and choose something light-colored, or accessorize with glow sticks. Reflective tennis shoes or treat buckets will also help your kids stand out in the dark. The flammability of costumes is also important. Though there are laws regarding the fire resistance of clothing, costumes and other dress up clothes do not fall under these laws. Though you may not expect to be anywhere near a flame, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Choosing a Place to Trick or Treat

Just as important as what your children will be wearing is where they will be wearing it. Many small communities are strapped for money, and therefore streetlights go unfixed and remain dark. Choose a location that is highly frequented, well lit and has adequate room to walk from home to home. Large subdivisions are a great place to trick or treat. Park the car and take an hour to walk around the block and your kids’ buckets may already be filled. Staying in a highly populated part of town is your best bet. Ask around and you are sure to easily find out the hot spots for trick or treating in your city.

Inspecting Your Child’s Candy

Though we like to think the best of our society, the truth is that people still do stupid things that they know will hurt others. Please be sure to inspect your children’s candy before letting them eat any of it. Most hospitals will offer a free x-ray of your child’s loot, to check for any unsafe “additions” to treats such as razorblades or needles. To avoid getting sick, toss out any homemade treats if not received from a well known and trusted source. Candy that appears to be opened should also be tossed in the garbage.

The above precautions are not an all inclusive list of safety measures that you can take, but they will go a long way in keeping your Halloween safe and enjoyable -- for you and your kids. Happy Trick or Treating!

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

Searching for Schools Online: How to evaluate a school district before you move

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:02:38 -0600

Any concerned parent knows that the quality of the school their child attends will have a big impact on their future. If you’re in the process of moving and have children, you may be concerned about the quality of education that your child will receive in their new home town. Before you settle down new roots, you can figure out the lay of the educational landscape in a few different ways.

One of the best resources if you’d like to get a bird’s eye view of the schools in an area is School Performance Maps (schoolperformancemaps.com/). This resource lists information on school districts in California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Maryland. Other states are to follow as the system becomes more developed. By clicking on the interactive map and zooming into the area you’ll see different schools and their ratings (based on 1 through 10 scale). They appear as color coded dots on the map. You can click on each dot to get a reading from the last three years for each school. The school listings can be categorized by elementary school, middle school and high school.

If you want to get an in depth view of a potential school, you can try out Great Schools (greatschools.com). This free, interactive community allows parents, educators and students leave comments about the schools in a city. Great Schools has its own independent rating system of 1 through 10, based on community feedback. A school gets an overall rating of one through ten, but there are also individual ratings based on grade levels and other special consideration. On the main profile page of each school, you can view parent reviews, see recent test scores and learn about the school environment. Take the overall scores with a grain of salt since they are based on parent’s reviews. One parent with a bad experience for their child can pull down the whole score. Be sure to read the parent reviews in detail rather than just looking at the number score.

Connecting with other parents may be hard when you live hundreds of miles away from your new home, but there are a few online outlets where you can ask specific questions to residents. Yahoo Answers (answers.yahoo.com) allows you to ask questions on any topic imaginable, including the school district your children will be entering. You can ask about recommended schools, get feedback from parents and even hear from some older students in the district, depending on who is answering the question.

City Data Forums (city-data.com/forum) are full of local residents and people who are looking to move. You can navigate to the part of the forum related to your new home town and ask about schools. In most cases, you’ll get a detailed answer to your question from residents of the area.

These resources will help you understand the lay of the educational landscape before you pack up and move to town. Since school district lines can make a big difference on your choice of residence, it makes sense to do this kind of investigation before you move.

Joe Cline writes articles for Westlake Hills real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Realtor and Austin new homes can be found on the net.

Short Sales: What you need to know as a seller

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:59:45 -0600

A short sale is an option that is available to sellers that will prevent foreclosure. This specific type of real estate sale is becoming more popular as many people are becoming unable to meet their mortgage payments because of the tough economic times. If you’re trying to sell a home in this crowded real estate market, a short sale will allow you to competitively price your home and it may save you from foreclosure.

As a seller, you need to know that completing a short sale will leave you without a profit on your home. The home will be sold for less than the balance of your mortgage and you’ll need to qualify for this type of sale before being able to use it. For this reason, its best to work with a licensed real estate agent who has experience with short sales in order to get the best results with process. Look for a Certified Default Resolution Specialist (CDTS) to handle your short sale. These are special real estate agents who have been trained to handle short sales and other similar real estate transactions. Since they’ve received special training and certification you can be sure that they’ll be able to guide you through this somewhat complicated process.

In order to qualify for a short sale, you’ll have to show the bank that you are under financial hardship. You will also need to show that the value of your home won’t cover the balance of the loans against it. Typically, you’ll need to show income verification and bank statements to a lender to prove that you required a short sale. In addition, you’ll need to turn in a statement that explains your financial hardship. These documents in and of themselves can be hundreds of pages long, which is why having an expert real estate agent is a good idea. The bank or lender will be responsible for the closing costs and the real estate agents’ fees.

Under a short sale, your home will be sold as-is, so you won’t have to make any improvements to the home in order to make it more saleable. You may have to put down some out of pocket money depending on the offer you receive, the deficit of the loan and the lender’s preferences. Your bank or lender will not allow a family member to purchase your home in a short sale.

Contrary to its name, a short sale does not happen extremely quickly. It can take up to four months or as little as two in order to get the short sale complete. This timeframe starts after an offer for the home has been received. Knowing the length of time that these sales normally take is helpful in order to prepare yourself for the process. If you are on the brink of foreclosure, your certified real estate agent may be able to delay the foreclosure sale if there has been a reasonable offer for your home.

Even with these drawbacks, a short sale may still be the best way for you to get out of your current mortgage. Speak with a reputable real estate agent to get started with the process.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate blog and Lost Creek Austin can be found on the net.

Top Five Reasons to Buy a Home in Austin

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:58:24 -0600

Austin is the capital of Texas but it’s only the fourth largest city in Texas, giving it a metropolitan yet somewhat small town feel. If you’re already in Texas and are looking for someplace to move or if you’re moving here from out of state, you should know that Austin is a great place to be! Here are the top five reasons to purchase a home in Austin.

1. High Tech Jobs

Even in this tight economy, Austin has a large number of jobs in the high tech industry. With the largest employers being the state of Texas, the University of Texas, Dell and Advanced Micro Devices, there is plenty for those in the tech field to choose from. Other tech areas have very high real estate prices, which makes Austin a perfect choice in comparison.

2. No state income tax.

If you’re from out of the state, you might be surprised that Texas has no state income tax. By moving to Austin from out of state, you can actually keep more of your money. For example, the highest federal income tax bracket is 35% but people living in states where an income tax is charged can actually be up to 44% with the state tax involved. By living in Austin, you’ll never pay more than 35% maximum.

3. Affordable large houses on decent sized lots.

Although the Austin housing market did see a rise and fall over the last five years, much like everywhere else in the country, the dips and jumps were not that great compared to other locations. The median price of a home is still a lot lower than you’d find in any other metropolitan area. Finding a three bedroom, two bath home with a decent lot in California or Florida would cost several thousand more than it does in Austin.

4. Small town feel with big city amenities.

Although Austin is the capital, most new residents are surprised by the small town feel of the city. Since there are several close knit neighborhoods that make up Austin you’ll often see people that you know and get a real sense of community within the large city. It’s like living in a small town but still having the access to higher education and nightlife that a big city has. Speaking of nightlife…

5. Live music capital.

Not only is Austin the capital of Texas, it’s the “live music capital of the world.” Musicians from all genres from around the world come to Austin to perform. The weekly series “Austin City Limits” just scratches the surface of the variety of music you can hear in Austin on any given night. There are large musical venues, small clubs and even bars that feature live music.

These are just a few of the reasons why so many people make Austin, Texas their home. Some other reasons include the quality of education, access to universities and the reasonable weather. Come check Austin out for yourself!

Joe Cline writes articles for Rollingwood real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Austin information can be found on the net.

Top Restaurants in Austin, Texas

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:54:37 -0600

You don’t have to look hard to find incredible restaurants in Austin, Texas. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or want something authentic Tex Mex, Austin has it for you. If you think Austin dining is all about staying local, think again. Some of the top restaurants boast world class cuisine and nationally recognized chefs. If you want an incredible restaurant experience, give one of these top 10 restaurants a try.

1. Uchi

This contemporary Japanese cuisine restaurant topped the Austin Chronicle’s Reader’s choice poll in 2009 and has been part of the top 10 for several years. By combining local ingredients and imported seafood, the kitchen prepares unique and exciting flavor combinations based on traditional Japanese food menu items.

2. FINO

FINO offers a unique blend of Mediterranean food that brings in influences from Italy, Morocco and Athens. Their appetizers can’t be missed (they were voted into the top 10 twice in the last two years by Austin Chronicle readers). The gorgeous décor in the restaurant is backdrop to their great tapas and paella.

3. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Moonshine is the most affordable option on this list yet, with prices around $25 to $30 per person. It has been a Reader’s favorite since its debut in 2005 and won the Critic’s Best Porcine Lollipop in 2009. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill features a general American menu with a Texas kick. The bar offers unique cocktails and great beer, so be sure to arrive early if you’re eating in the evening. Try to macaroni and cheese which will make you regret every pre-packaged blue box you ever made.

4. Eddie V's Prime Seafood

This popular seafood restaurant has two locations, one of Fifth Street and one on 44th near the Arboretum. The Florida stone-crab claws, oysters on the half-shell and crab-cakes are the main attractions, but the seafood menu is vast. It’s been a Reader’s favorite since it one Favorite New Restaurant in 2001.

5. parkside

In the Reader’s favorite list for the last two years, parkside is a bistro and bar that you need a big appetite for. The appetizers are great for carnivores and veggie lovers alike. There are savory selections as well as incredible raw appetizer treats. The raw oysters and cocktails both got a Best of Austin award in 2008.

6. ASTI

Debuting in 2001, ASTI is one of the most awarded restaurants on this list. In 2004 it swept the Critic’s awards in the Austin Chronicle’s Restaurant Poll. The theme at ASTI is Italian but expect higher quality and more variety than you’d find at your run of the mill chain Italian place. Mixing Italian food with California cuisine has worked out great for ASTI and their fans.

7. Manuel's

Manuel’s has two locations to bring its excellent Mexican food to Austin residents and visitors. It’s friendly and casual restaurant, with a patio and live-music for Sunday brunch. Be sure to try to chile relleno and the seviche.

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

Travis Heights Neighborhood in Austin, Texas

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:52:08 -0600

If you’re looking for unique and charming homes in Austin, look to the Travis Heights neighborhood. It’s in an urban part of town, but is very desirable because of the influx of young couples and local culture. It’s nearby to downtown and the South Congress area which makes it a perfect location if you want to take in all that Austin nightlife has to offer. In fact, many residents are within walking distance of hip clothing stores, cutting edge restaurants and other exciting amenities.

Travis Heights is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, Texas, with the first ground being broke in 1913. It is located in south Austin and juts up next to Lady Bird Lake on the north, I-35 on the east, Congress Avenue on the west and Oltorf Street on the south. Since it’s so close to the interstate, Travis Heights is a prime location for commuting or a good starting point for exploring other parts of the city. However, there are no Capital Metro bus stops in the area.

It was founded in 1913 but buildings didn’t really start coming up until the 1920s. General Stacy donated the land for the park along Blunn Creek which today bears the name “Stacy Park.” Stacy is also the name sake for “Big Stacy” a spring-fed pool and the “Little Stacy” park and swimming pool all within Travis Heights. Both were built as part of a WPA project during the 1930s.

Today, Travis Heights has a mixture of mansions, small homes and interesting apartment buildings, many of which date back nearly 100 years. It’s considered to the most liberal, hip part of Austin and it attracts a diverse group of people, both young and old. It’s definitely not typical suburbia in this neighborhood and perfect if you’re looking for a home and neighbors that are outside of the box. In fact, Travis Heights’ residents are among the biggest supporters of the “Keep Austin Weird” movement.

Travis Heights is services by a high school, middle school and elementary school. Students start at Travis Heights Elementary School and then attend Fulmore Middle School. Teens in the area go on to Travis High School.

Outdoor activity enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of different amenities. There is a free wading pool, a playground, tennis court, a volleyball court and a basket pall court at Little Stacy Park. Big Stacy Park, which is actually the smaller of the two, has a free swimming pool. There are also picnic tables and barbecue pits for outdoor meals.

Although there is plenty of shopping and restaurants in nearby South Congress, but Travis Heights also has many coffee shops of its own. For fine dining and more extensive restaurant experiences, you’ll need to hop over to South Congress but it’s only a few minutes away.

Travis Heights is perfect for the person who wants to live on the liberal and different side of town. With the average house price at $300,000, there’s something for everyone here.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Realtors. Other articles written by the author related to Austin realtor and Lakeway Neighborhoods can be found on the net.

What to Do and See in the Texas Capitol

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:49:32 -0600

Although Houston and Dallas often get the lion’s share of outsider attention, Austin is the capital of Texas. Whether you are a new Austin resident or are just visiting, make it a point to visit the Capitol building. This Austin landmark is not to be missed.

The Texas Capitol Building is seated on 22 acres of landscaped lawns, 17 different monuments and several historical buildings. The visitor center is located at 112 East 11th Street and is open from Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. The Capitol building itself is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm.

With your visit to the Texas Capitol Building grounds, you’ll get an interesting peak at historical Texas and the current landscape of Texas politics. You can bring along a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the grounds or just walk around and see all there is to see.

The Capitol building itself has a unique history. The original building was erected on the site in 1853 but burnt down in 1881. There was a nation-wide contest to design the next building and Elijah J. Myers, an architect who had completed buildings for Michigan and Colorado state capitals, won the prize. He created a Renaissance Revival style. After his win, the construction was not swift. There was a two year delay as the debate for the exterior material waged on. Finally, the decision was made that the Capitol building would be made of “sunset red” granite, and not limestone as some would have liked. After the opening in 1888, the building was relatively safe until the Capitol caught fire again in 1983. The structure was almost destroyed but historical conservationist got together to enact a public works project to save the building.

For more background on the history of the building, and Texas itself, the Capitol visitor’s center is a perfect stop. The visitor’s center includes a gift shop and several different exhibits. The exhibits focus on the history of the Capitol as well as the state of Texas by using photos, videos and artifacts. There is even a room honoring short story author O. Henry, a Texas native. If you’re visiting Texas from out of state, the Visitor’s center can provide you with maps, information and advice on several attractions around Texas.

There are self-guided tours of the grounds available to be picked up in the Visitor’s center. There are also free daily tours of the Capitol building which focus on the building’s history, the Texas legislature and the history of the state. The tours begin in the South Foyer and end in the Capitol Extension. They last approximately 45 minutes. Free tours run on Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, on Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and on Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

Joe Cline writes articles for Round Rock Neighborhoods. Other articles written by the author related to Davenport Ranch real estate and Austin Homes can be found on the net.

What to look for in an energy efficient home

Affinity Properties, Inc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:44:59 -0600

Energy efficiency is a hot topic these days. With an energy efficient home you’ll not only save money on your monthly energy costs, but you’ll reduce your impact on the environment and help your whole city become more energy efficient. Whether you are a buyer who wants to invest their money into an energy efficient home or you are an existing home owner who wants to lower their energy costs, here are a few major ways that you can increase energy efficiency.

1. Heating system

The heating system is one of the most important parts of energy efficiency. There are many different heating systems that have a high rating for energy efficiency, the top being solar heating systems. Geothermal heating systems, wood heating and natural gas are also good choices for energy efficiency. The least energy efficient models are oil heating and electrical heating.

2. Cooling system

Similar to the heating system, this is one of the most important parts of making your home more energy efficient. The most important aspect to look for when buying a new air conditioner, or evaluating one that comes with a new home is the age of the unit. If the unit is more than 10 years old, it definitely won’t meet current levels of energy efficiency. High efficiency models are now available that can save you money in the long run.

3. Insulation and windows

Heating and cooling costs can be greatly increased when a home is not properly insulation. Insulation leaks in the attic and basement are a major source of energy loss and can be identified during a home inspection if you are buying. You can have an energy efficiency expert come into your home and let you know if you need to add insulation throughout your home. Windows should be at least double pane to increase your energy efficiency. As a buyer, you can include the cost of upgrading the windows in the purchase price of the home and require the seller to have them re-installed before the sale is final.

4. Hot water heaters

The water heating system in a home is a major source of energy problems if they are old and need repair. If you’re buying a home, have the water heater inspected thoroughly so that you can be sure that it won’t be an energy waster. Electric tankless water heaters are a good option if you will be replacing the water heater. Thermodrain systems actually capture waste heat from showers and other appliances that use hot water and are worth a look if you want to increase your hot water efficiency.

5. Energy efficient appliances

If you’re considering buying a home with appliances, make sure that the appliances are Energy Star rated. Refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers and even water heaters are available with Energy Star ratings. Energy Star appliances use less energy to do the same amount of work. Energy Star is a rating system and not a brand. These appliances are available from most major manufacturers.

With all of these areas evaluated, you can determine if your new home will be energy efficient or upgrade your home to reduce your energy costs.

Joe Cline writes articles for Avery Ranch Real Estate. Other articles written by the author related to austin homes for sale and Austin real estate can be found on the net.

Tips for Buying a New Car

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:31:19 -0600

Buying a car is a huge investment, perhaps your most valuable if you are not yet a homeowner. If you have already perused the new car lots to get an idea of what’s out there, you have already learned that salesmen will tell you anything you want to hear so that you will buy their brand. The smart way to car shop is to research, research, research. There are many things you will want to take into consideration if you are buying a brand new car; it is not about looks alone.

Many new car buyers make the mistake of buying only what is attractive to them, but there are other more important factors to consider. Among them are:

Safety - Everyone wants to feel safe in their vehicle. Safety is perhaps one of the most important things to consider, especially if you will frequently have children in your vehicle, or will be traveling often. Consult new car buying guides, which will often detail how each vehicle fared on certain safety and collision tests. Choosing a vehicle with appropriate safety features is a must, such as side and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes and sturdy bumpers.

Brand Record - It’s not hard to find out if the vehicle you are interested in is manufactured by a brand with a good history. Certain models or makers may have issues that you just don’t want to deal with. Find out if the vehicle you are interested in has a history of recalls, reported lemons, or frequent need for repairs after a short time off the car lot. You will save yourself a huge headache.

Foreign vs. Domestic - Not always a matter of where you are putting your dollars, it might be an important deciding factor in your car buying experience. The difference is that typically it is less expensive to have a domestic vehicle repaired. Parts are not shipped from overseas and technicians do not need to travel overseas for specific training. Some foreign vehicles may have a record of needing service or repairs less often, but when they do need to go in the shop, it could break the bank.

Cost vs. Value - If you think you are getting a good deal on your new vehicle, take the time to compare it to similar vehicles in its class. You may find that you can get a very similar vehicle for much less because of the pricing of options. You may also discover that it is worth it to give up an option or two in exchange for a less expensive model produced by a different brand.

Dealer Reputation - Least but not last, consider the dealer you will be buying from. You may find a great vehicle, produced by a reputable manufacturer, but from your car buying experience to the times you need to bring it into the shop… you will be interacting with the dealer. Make sure their salesman, technicians and even finance department have a good reputation before entering a contract with them.

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

Things to Consider When Offered a Job Transfer

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:25:36 -0600

If you have recently been offered a job transfer, you probably have a lot weighing on your mind. You may have been wanting or waiting for this transfer for quite some time, or perhaps it’s been offered as the only way for you to keep your job. Whether the job transfer itself would be good or bad for your career, there are other things besides your job to consider. If you are single without children, the decision may be easier, but for many of us there is much more to life than a career. Therefore, making a decision about moving isn’t always so easy.

Here are a few things you might want to think about before making your important decision.

Location - Geographic location of the new job may be a deal breaker for some. Many folks will not even consider living in a place that has high humidity. Maybe it rains all the time, or snows mounds of the white stuff during winter. We all have our preferences when it comes to living by the ocean, in the desert or up in the mountains.

Children - If you have children, you will need to consider their needs. Are they close to graduating high school? If so, you may want to let them go ahead and finish where they are. Or maybe you don’t have children yet, but plan on starting a family soon. You will want to consider where you would be moving to, and how great (or not great) the schools are in your area.

Cost of Living - Your job transfer may be a promotion that comes along with a raise, but if you are moving somewhere with a substantially higher cost of living, you may have less money to spend each month. On the other hand, you may move to a location with a much lower cost of living, which would make a transfer without a raise a profitable proposition.

Permanence - If you are single, have no kids and no other attachments to your current location, you may not care about where you are headed. However, you might want to think about where you would like to see yourself in 5 to 10 years. How long will you want to live there? Will you eventually want to come back to your current location, or does it even matter at all? All these questions should be considered because a move takes a lot of effort, money, and stress.

Housing Market - Just as important as the cost of living is taking into consideration the housing market in the area where your job transfer is located. Some employers will provide assistance with buying or selling a house, and even living expenses for a period of time. If your employer does not however, you will want to look into the cost of housing and how readily available it is.

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

Relocation Tips: Finding the Right School for Your Child

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:23:00 -0600

Relocating can be a very trying time for the entire family, but it often hardest on children who still live at home. Because they are often moving away from their friends and a school that they are settled in and used to, it’s important to make the transition as easy as possible for them. While you cannot completely ease their sense of loss, you can help by making sure that you are transferring them into the most supportive and appropriate situation possible. This means finding the school district or school that will suit your family and child’s need most effectively.

Deciding upon a school district is often something that should be looked into prior to finding a home, as the difference of only a few blocks down the road can mean being in a favorable school versus one that will not be suitable for you. There are many websites that allow you to compare districts and schools within a geographical area.

These sites can even give you detailed information regarding demographics and academics statistics, such as the following:

District/School Test Scores - Each state may base their testing on different factors, but visiting Board of Education sites as well as school grading websites will give you a look into the academic performance of any school or district. The scores may not reflect the abilities of the children themselves, but can reflect the teaching ability or atmosphere/environment.

Student Ethnicity - You can check out ahead of time whether the school you are interested in is primarily filled with students in your own ethnicity. While this is not done to promote segregation of any type, it is merely one tool used by parents to determine if their child would be comfortable in a specific environment. If your child will be in a 1% minority group, it may affect his or her academics.

Truancy Percentages - Schools are required to report the number of instances they have each year of extraordinary student behavior. You can find out what percentage of students are held back, expelled, and even the number of violent incidences that take place on campus. You could be lured to a community with cheap housing, only to learn that it is a result of poor schools with a violent student campus. No wonder nobody wants to live there!

With resources such as these now available to the general public, it makes sense for all parents to research the schools their children will be attending. If you find that due to your new home choice, your child will be in an unfavorable environment, consider approaching the school district and asking for a waiver/transfer. As a parent, you know best where your child belongs.

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

Making a Scrapbook for a Gift

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:19:15 -0600

If you are a scrapper, you know the sentimental value that a scrapbook holds. Each book represents a special time in your life, memories you don’t want to forget and events that made you who you are today. Taking photographs of important life moments and arranging them so they are not only beautiful to the eye, but to the soul as well, is something you know all too well. Those who take pride in the scrapbooks they create may find that providing another with such a wonderful keepsake would be a beautiful gift idea. Straight from the heart, the gift of a scrapbook is something to be cherished, just as the photographs in there are treasured.

Below are a few occasions for which you might consider creating a scrapbook for a loved one. You can do a mini scrapbook that measures 7 x 7, or go all out with a 12 x 12 scrapbook, depending on the occasion and how many pictures you have to include.

Weddings and Anniversaries

Among the most popular reason for creating a scrapbook, weddings and anniversaries are definitely occasions to remember. As one of the most important days in most married people’s lives, the day a couple was joined as one is a momentous one. Consider creating a wedding or anniversary scrapbook as a gift only if you are closely acquainted with the couple, since you will be more familiar with their design taste, and you’ll better know which family photographs mean the most to the lovely couple. One great idea: include a decorated page with quotes, good luck wishes, or congratulations from guests of the wedding or anniversary party.

Babies and More Babies

The number one reason moms get into scrapbooking is to make a permanent record of their beautiful child’s upbringing. Babies are so special, which is why many mom’s make “baby books” when their children come along. If you know of a new mom who isn’t into scrapbooking, consider asking her for copies of the best photos of her little one. You can create a small memory book that showcases the baby’s birth and homecoming, or consider a larger scrapbook that chronicles the child’s entire first year. If you’d rather let the mom get into the process herself, you can also wrap a blank book, scrapping papers, pens and other cutting tools together as a baby shower or 1st birthday gift.

Important Travels and Adventures

Sometimes a vacation deserves its own scrapbook. Perhaps your parents went on a week long trip camping at the Grand Canyon, or maybe your children took your grandkids to their first Disneyland vacation. Travel destinations and other adventures are perfect for scrapbooking, and work equally well for a large or small scrapbook. For that once in a lifetime trip or occasion, consider asking for a copy of your friend or family member’s photos and creating a gift for them.

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 Realtor can be found on the net.

Designing Your Dream Master Bath

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:12:59 -0600

If you’re having a custom home built, or perhaps just remodeling your current home, one of the most exciting designs you could take upon yourself is that of your master bath. Thought of as a private getaway for most couples, or overworked moms at the very least, the master bath is often a place where a higher budget is given when it comes to design and decorating. It’s one of the few places you can shut the door and get away from the kids, and one of the few places you can completely relax in silence.

If you are looking for some tips and ideas for your own master bath redesign, you should consider the following. Planning isn’t always as easy as it seems, especially when you discover what things costs, but following a few guidelines will help you get the most for your money.

Formality - The kind of master bath you want may depend upon how formal or informal your home is. A country bath is quite different from a Victorian or modern style bathroom. The formality of your design will determine whether you use stone flooring, a fancy selection of hardware, even your color scheme.

Cost/Budget - It goes without saying that your budget will highly influence the choices you make in your design. Get the most for your money by compromising on what is least important to you. Decide first what you cannot live without, whether it’s a double sinks, heated floors, granite countertops, a whirlpool tub or a shower big enough for the entire family.

Bathing Preferences - Everyone is unique, and so are our personal habits when it comes to bathing. Some of us prefer showers, while others must have a bath available - and a luxurious one at that. Most master bathrooms have both a shower and a bath, but even then, there are many options to choose from. Double massaging shower heads, a whirlpool bath, old fashioned claw foot tub… the choices are almost endless.

Privacy Needs - Depending on where on the floor plan your master bath is located, you may need to take privacy into consideration. Many people like to leave bathroom windows unveiled to let natural light in, but with houses built so close together these days, that’s almost impossible. However, with the use of glass blocks or other building tricks, you can still get privacy without completely blocking out all the light and beauty of the outdoors.

Space Considerations - Planning your new bath will be tricky if you are short on space, so it’s important to sketch out a little diagram of what you’d like to be included before you start ordering materials. If space is no option, your decisions will be what to fill it with. Consider a large walk-in closet, a seated vanity in between double sinks, or his and her toilets. When space is not an issue, you can truly create the master bath of your dreams.

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 Realtor can be found on the net.

Getting Rid of Fleas on Your PetsGetting Rid of Fleas on Your Pets

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:08:39 -0600

For most of us with pets, we want for them what we would want for our own children. To us, they are our children, an extension of our family. Therefore, when they are bothered by injuries or little critters, it breaks our hearts. Not only are fleas a nuisance to the entire family, imagine your animal living with a colony of biting bugs on them. The thought is certainly not pleasant.

There are many ways to prevent fleas from hopping on your pet and letting them enter your home, but sometimes prevention comes a little too late. So, what are you to do if you discover your pet has fleas?

The following are a few ways to help rid the critters before they get out of hand.

Don’t Wait for an Infestation - Even though the life of a flea is very short, they reproduce in great numbers, and very rapidly. Waiting even days to start attacking the fleas will mean more flea eggs scattered in your home and on your pet. Your best bet at beating them is to begin the attack the moment you discover them.

OTC and Prescription Drops - If you are able, you can get an immediate appointment with your vet for flea medicine. The drops begin to work right away, but they may not be a great choice if you have young kids around, or if your pets are handled frequently. The chemicals in the drops are essentially poisonous, and are not recommended for young pets either.

Treat Carpets and Bedding - Flea baths, drops, and collars are not going to rid the fleas on their own. As your pet walks around, it is dropping flea eggs into the carpet, perhaps in the couch fabric, and around its bedding, food area and litter boxes. You will need to continually treat all these areas for up to a week or more, until the egg cycle is destroyed. When you vacuum, be sure to empty the bag each time to keep the critters from hopping right back out.

Consider the Outdoors - You should also treat your outdoor areas, since the fleas most likely came from your yard. If you have outdoor rugs, you will want to wash and treat those especially. Try to keep your pet indoors until they are protected from fleas and their eggs. Therefore, when they return outside, the fleas will hesitate before hopping back onto your pet.

Home Remedies to Consider - If you can’t get to the store right away for flea medicine, or you are afraid of chemicals, you can consider some home remedies. Some vets will recommend a bath in Original Dawn dish soap (in the blue bottle). Salt will kill fleas, though it can irritate your pet’s skin. It is best used on carpeted surfaces, and it has been known to begin killing within hours. It will not, however, kill the eggs.

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.

Five Things to Consider When Buying a Home

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:03:32 -0600

Purchasing a home is an exciting time in anyone’s life. As one of the biggest investments you can make, buying a new home can also provide security, a sense of success and a place for your children to grow and create memories. However, since there is such a huge financial risk involved with buying a home, there are several things you should take into consideration before taking the huge leap into homeownership.

Here is a short list of things you may want to think about before you sign on the dotted line:

Location, Location, Location - Any realtor will tell you that the price of your home is tied to its location. How far away are the schools? Is there transportation nearby? Is the home on the “wrong” side of the tracks, or is it in a preserved historic neighborhood? Depending on your family or work situation, some locations will definitely work better than others.

Condition of Housing Market - In a slow economy, it may make sense to buy. When prices are low and home sales are sluggish, many homeowners and homebuilders are offering outstanding incentives for homebuyers. When the market is hot and at the top of its game, it could be a big gamble to purchase. It’s a personal decision, but be sure to ask your realtor what his or her prediction is for the area’s housing market.

Interest Rates and Financing - If you are considering a home purchase, it’s important to keep an eye on the financial markets. Interest rates are tied to prime rates, which can fluctuate greatly. Your realtor should have a fairly good idea on whether the trend is for the rates to go up or down, and it’s a good idea to buy when you can get the most home for your money. Less interest over the life of your loan means your money will go further. Also be aware of any special financing programs you might qualify for, such as low or no down payments options.

Your Personal Relationships - This is a tough subject that your realtor is not likely to bring up with you. However, there are many couples who go into the venture of buying a home together without taking a good look at their relationship. A rocky relationship will not be saved through reaching a dream of being a homeowner. Too many couples (married or not) are buying homes, only to separate or divorce shortly thereafter. If anything, the stress of buying a home or living together can rip apart the most fragile of relationships.

While buying a home is an extremely personal decision, it makes sense to thoroughly think through all the pros and cons involved. Buying a home will perhaps be the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, and deserves as much consideration as who you will marry and where you will spend the rest of your life.

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

How to Install a Pet Door

Affinity Properties, Inc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:57:53 -0600

If you have dogs or cats, you quickly learn how convenient a pet door could be. Especially with cats, there’s the constant open the door, shut the door. When they’re out they want in, and when they’re in they want out. Why wear out your door hinges and sliding door when you can give your pet the freedom to leave and enter your home at their leisure? Installing a pet door is a relatively inexpensive thing to do, and depending on the type you install, can be done in an hour or so.

Here are a few different options you have when it comes to installing a door for your pet.

Sliding Glass Door Attachment

One of the least expensive and easiest way to give your pet the freedom he or she wants is buy installing an addition to your sliding glass door. These are sold as vertical glass slats that vary in width depending upon the width of the pet door you need. You install it into the sliding glass door tract and it sits next to the original door. This addition has a pet door built in. You only need to seal the gap between the addition and the original door, as well as bolt the original door into place to keep it from opening. That is the only downside to this method - it almost renders the exit useless, except for by your pets.

Pets Doors Within a Door

If you don’t want to take the drastic step of cutting a hole in your wall and installing a traditional pet door, consider instead installing one into an interior door. Many homeowners will do this in the door leading to the garage, and then leave the garage door open. This serves a couple functions: it allows you some control of when your pet can leave the home, yet allows the animal access to food, water and bedding which may be located in the garage. It also doesn’t affect the resale value of your home, as a door can be inexpensively replaced.

Cutting a Hole in Your Wall

The most permanent and drastic way to install a pet door is by having one put into a wall that leads to the exterior of your home, preferably a fenced side or back yard. There are easy to follow instructions on most DIY websites, but you will need to cut a rectangular hole in your wall to allow for the installation of the door. Be sure to check wiring and plumbing locations before you begin tearing your wall apart.

If you’re still unsure whether a pet door is right for your animals, remember that there are styles that will allow only authorized pets through, keep wild critters out and your pets safe.

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

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.