It's that time of year, folks.  Time to get your income tax documents in order.  Don't wait until the last minute.  Free tax prep is now available in Austin.  For the 7th year in a row, Foundation Communities is working with the City of Austin as well as the United Way to set up tax centers around the city.  Lower income families (those with a household income below $50,000 per year) can go to any one of nine tax centers that have been set up around Austin to have their tax returns prepared.

Foundation Communities is a local Austin/North Texas nonprofit organization that helps lower income families and individuals in the Austin area with services, education and housing to help enrich their lives.  While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are recommended at some locations.  Read the Foundation Communities' list of documents you will need to bring with you to ensure that your tax returns can be prepared correctly in a timely manner.  The location of free tax preparation sites throughout Austin and the surrounding area are:

• Allan Elementary School (4900 Gonzales St, Rm 153, Austin, TX)
• Community Financial Center (2600 W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX)
• Goodwill Community Center (1015 Norwood Park Blvd, Austin, TX)
• Montopolis Recreation Center (1200 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX)
• Round Rock Public Library (216 E Main St, Round Rock, TX)
• South Rural Community Center (3518 FM 973 S, Del Valle, TX)
• St John's Community Center (7500 Blessing Ave, Austin, TX)
• Workforce Solutions of Bastrop County (53 Loop 150 W, Bastrop, TX)
• Workforce Solutions Capital Area (6505 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX)

You qualify for free tax preparation in Austin if you have a household income of up to $50,000 per year for a family of four, up to $55,000 for a family of five, up to $60,000 for a family of six and up to $65,000 for a family of seven.  If your household has more than seven members, increase the annual household income by $5000 per member to determine if you qualify.  The Round Rock tax preparation site follows slightly different guidelines.  For a family of two, your annual household income must be less than $50,000 to qualify.  For a family of three, your annual household income can be up to $53,950, up to $59,900 for a family of four, up to $64,700 for a family of five, up to $69,700 for a family of six, up to $74,300 for a family of seven and up to $79,100 for a family of eight.  Single filers with annual incomes of up to $50,000 may also get their taxes prepared for free at any of the locations above.

This year, all of the tax centers listed above will be offering any citizens who have their taxes prepared at the center the opportunity to purchase a savings bond using some of their tax refund.  Those citizens who purchase a savings bond will become eligible for a $25 HEB gift card.  Just ask your tax preparation specialist for information.

Lower income households in the Austin area can have their taxes prepared for free at any of the nine tax centers set up throughout the city and surrounding areas.  IRS-certified staff will be preparing your taxes at each center.  You don't want to wait until the last minute, especially if you are expecting a refund.  Head to one of the centers above to get your tax return taken care of now.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Hey kids!  Grab your crayons and put on your thinking caps.  The City of Austin is holding a flood safety poster contest for kids ages 6-13.  A gift card for $100 goes to the first place winner in each age group.  Subsequent gift cards in varying amounts will be awarded to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners as well.  Additionally, have the chance to win a ride aboard a swift water rescue boat and will see your winning poster printed in a special Flood Safety insert of the Austin-American Statesman as well as part of safety calendars for next year.

The theme for this year's contest is "Turn Around-Don't Drown".  The point of the contest is to involve local Austin kids to help educate other children about the safety issues surrounding flooded areas.  I know it may seem weird to consider flood safety when we are currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in our state's history.  But floods remain the #1 cause of all weather-related deaths in the state and the top weather-related emergency in the City of Austin itself.

To be considered for a prize in the Austin Flood Safety Poster Contest, kids must be between the ages of 6 and 13.  All drawings must be submitted on 8 1/2" x 11" paper but drawn in the landscape format (longest sides of paper are at the top and bottom).  Each entry should include the headline "Save Yourself! Turn Around - Don't Drown" or "¡Sálvese! Es Mejor Regresarse - Que Ahogarse".  The poster itself should depict the dangers of driving in flooded waters.  How that depiction is represented is up to the artist.  The back of each entry should include the child's name, age and grade, the name, phone number and email address of their parent/guardian and the school they attend as well as their teacher's name and phone number.  If you have their teacher's email address, that would be appreciated as well, but it is not required.  For all the details about the contest, please read the City of Austin's Flood Safety Poster guidelines here.

All entries must be received in the City of Austin offices no later than February 24, 2012.  Entries postmarked before but not received until after will not be considered for prizes.  All poster entries can be mailed to the attention of Joan Esquivel at the City of Austin WPD, PO Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767.  The city offices will accept entries dropped off to them on the 12th floor at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road up until the deadline.  Please keep in mind that all entries received by the City of Austin for the flood safety poster contest will be considered city property and will not be returned.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Now that the holidays are over, many people find that the new year is a great time to get organized.  This may include getting rid of the clutter by donating old clothing you don't wear anymore or getting rid of items you have no more use for.  That may include hazardous materials that you can't just throw away in the regular trash bin.  But, where do you dispose of household hazardous waste in Austin?

Austin's Household Hazardous Waste Facility (2514 Business Center Dr) is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 6pm and Saturdays from 7am to 12pm to accept household hazardous waste from Austin citizens.  Did you know that even regular household batteries can cause damage to the environment if not disposed of properly?  So can fluorescent lights.  Any Austin resident can bring up to 30 gallons of household hazardous waste per visit for free.  If you bring more than that, there will be a fee.  For more info, please call (512) 974-4343.

The City of Austin has also set up a Reuse Store for brand new and slightly used household hazardous waste that is dropped off at the Austin HHW facility.  These items, which include auto fluids, cleaning products and pesticides among other products, are then given to Austin residents for free.

Some household hazardous waste includes:

• Automobile Fluids (oil, brake fluid, power steering, etc)
• Batteries
• Compressed Gas Tanks (used for barbecues and outdoor camping stoves)
• Electrical Switches
• Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes
• Paints/Solvents
• Pesticides
• Pool Cleaners/Chemicals
• Thermometers
• Thermostats

Electronics and computer equipment are not accepted at the Austin HHW Facility.  These will need to be brought in to an electronics recycler instead.  Any items brought in cannot be in any container larger than 5 gallons.

If you are wondering where to dispose of household hazardous waste in Austin, bring them in to the City of Austin HHW Facility at 2514 Business Center Dr.  As long as you have 30 gallons or less to dispose of, you can drop it off for free.  Keep hazardous materials out of our landfills to help keep Austin beautiful.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Many people around the country, including Austinites, are embracing a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.  Caring for and protecting our natural resources is what will preserve our world for generations to come.  You don't have to make major lifestyle changes in order to become more eco-friendly.  Going green in Austin can range from something as simple as turning off the water when you're not using it to upgrading your household appliances.

• Recycle - It doesn't take any longer to separate your trash than it does to actually throw it away in a regular trash bin.  Set up extra bins to hold your cans, paper and plastic items separate from regular trash.  Many trash companies offer curbside pickup of recyclable materials.  They even provide a bin specifically for collection of recyclables.  Check with your local trash company to see what they have to offer.
• Water/Lights - When you are not in a room, turn the lights off.  We waste a lot of water with brushing and washing dishes.  When brushing your teeth, only run the water when you are rinsing your mouth out.  Turn it off while you are actually brushing.  Only run the water when you are rinsing dishes off.  Better yet, if you have a large group of dishes that you are hand washing, fill one side of your sink with soapy water to wash and one side with clean water to rinse.  Showers should be limited to five minutes or less.
• Light Bulbs - By now, you've probably heard about CFLs.  They are the funny-looking, more energy efficient light bulbs that have been popping up just about everywhere.  Beginning in just over two weeks, the 100 watt traditional incandescent light bulbs will be phased out completely thanks to a law going into effect on January 1, 2012.  Switch out your old light bulbs for CFL light bulbs.  They cost only slightly more but will last much longer and use less energy, saving you money over their lifetime.
• Unplug Appliances - Even when an electrical device isn't in use, it is still using energy by pulling a current from the electrical outlet.  This can amount to 5-10% of your monthly electrical bill.  Make sure to unplug your coffee pot, toaster, cell phone charger, lamps, etc. when you are not using them.
• Laundry - Most of the items you wash will get clean in cold water.  It takes energy to heat the water for warm and hot water washes.  Everyday items such as jeans, socks, T-shirts, etc. can be washed in cold water.  Reserve the warm or hot washes for whites (when you use bleach).  The hot temperature of the dryer will help kill any germs that may be found on things like your sheets, towels and comforters so washing in hot water isn't necessary.
• Computers - Desktops use much more energy than laptops do.  Consider trading in your desktop home computer for a laptop model.  They take up less space, too.
• Appliances - Older appliances use up a lot of energy.  Upgrade to Energy Star rated appliances.  Many local governments even offer a rebate when you buy a new energy-efficient appliance to replace an outdated one.  Ask your salesman about rebate offers available.  Buying a new refrigerator and relegating the old one to the garage as an "extra" defeats the purpose of upgrading, though.  The old appliances need to be completely removed.

These are just a few of the easy ways you can go green in Austin.  Some don't cost a dime.  But, they will all save you plenty in cash and energy.  Let me know how you and your family have found ways to "go green" in Austin.  I'm always interested in new ideas.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Austin area shelters and rescues are teeming with homeless and abandoned dogs, cats, kittens and puppies.  These loving creatures need a good home and the holidays are a perfect time to bring them to your house.  In an effort to place these animals with caring families, the Austin Humane Society has teamed up with the Austin Animal Center to create Home for the Holidays.  From now until January 8, 2012, all all fees have been reduced when you adopt a pet in Austin.

Usually, the fee to adopt an animal from the Austin Human Society or Austin Animal Center is $75.  With this fee, the animal is spayed/neutered, receives all necessary vaccinations (including a 1 year rabies shot), a microchip (to help track them if they wander off) and a new adjustable nylon collar.  However, during the Home for the Holidays event, all fees are drastically reduced.  Dogs, cats and kittens can be adopted for $20 each (two kittens can be adopted for $20 if you're interested), puppies vary and any cat or dog over five years old is free.

If you're interested in taking a furry friend home and making them a permanent family member, please visit the Austin Humane Society (124 W Anderson Ln) or the Austin Animal Center (7201 Levander Loop) before January 8, 2012 to take advantage of the reduced adoption fees.  All potential adoptive families will still need to go through the typical adoption process so that these animals are placed in the right family atmosphere that is advantageous to both the families and the pets they are bringing into their home.  Please bring a pet home for the holidays.  You'll make a lifelong, loyal friend.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Austin is nothing if not unique.  We love music, we love celebrations and we love having a good time.  This extends to the way we celebrate the holidays.  The annual Zilker Tree Lighting ceremony in Austin is our way of kicking off the holiday season.  What's unique about this "tree", however, is that its branches are comprised of streamers and utility poles.  We do like 'em big in Texas as well.  The Zilker tree stands 155 feet tall, is 380 feet in circumference and 120 feet in diameter.

This year, the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6pm on December 4, 2011.  Guest conductor Micheele Valles will lead the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble this year in their performance of traditional holiday music.  Austin winter nights get pretty chilly, so make sure to wear layered clothing and proper footwear to stay warm.  Concession stands will be on hand providing food and various novelty items for sale.  So, make sure to bring some cash with you as well.  If you can't make it to the initial tree lighting, don't worry.  The lights will be on full display in all their sparkling glory from 6pm to midnight every evening until December 31st.

Why stop at just one night of celebrating, though?  HolidayFest is back (sort of).  Last year, HolidayFest (formerly known as the Trail of Lights) was canceled due to budgetary concerns.  The tough economy hasn't made it much easier this year.  HolidayFest is heavily dependent upon sponsorships from local Austin businesses to help fund the event.  Many businesses have found it difficult to donate.  Fortunately, H-E-B has been able to help with their sponsorship so a toned down version of HolidayFest will be available to Austin citizens.  In addition to the concession stands and twinkling lights of the Zilker tree itself, a Santa House will be on-site during the HolidayFest celebration (6pm to 10pm December 5th through December 11th).

Enjoy one of Austin's holiday traditions (since 1965) by attending the Zilker Tree Lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 6pm.  It's a great experience for the entire family.  And what a fun, unique, totally Austin way to kick off the holiday season!  Happy holidays, everybody.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

As of today, Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest 2011 is on!  Since 2006, the festival has celebrated underground and progressive musicians as well as comedians.  The jam-packed schedule includes some of the best underground musicians in the country.  Here's just a taste of what you can expect on the four stages:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2011
TV Torso (12:30pm)
Car Stereo Wars (1:25pm)
Mind Spiders (1:30pm)
Black Milk (2:45pm)
Anarchy Championship Wrestling (2:20pm)
D Generation (4:10pm)
Dating Game (4:10pm)
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears (5:35pm)
Reggie Watts (7:15pm)
Murder City Devils (7:20pm)
Public Enemy (8:30pm)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011
Manejo Beto (12:10pm)
Shapes Have Fangs (12:55pm)
Louis Katz (1:25pm)
T Bird and the Beaks (2:05pm)
Death Grips (2:30pm)
The Joy Formidable (3:15pm)
Dead Horse (3:50pm)
Turquoise Jeep (4:45pm)
Cold Cave (5:20pm)
Wham City Comedy Tour (6:15pm)
The Damned (8:45pm)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2011
Soul Khan (12:30pm)
What the Hell Magic Stunt Show (12:45pm)
Le Butcherettes (1:20pm)
New Movement Comedy (2:15pm)
Page & Stephen's Fun Wedding (3:35pm)
Zero Boys (3:40pm)
The Budos Band (4:10pm)
Veggie Hot Dog Eating Contest (5:25pm)
Henry Rollins (7pm)
Trash Talk (8pm)
Blonde Redhead (8:45pm)

And those are just a few of the daytime acts.  Fun Fun Fun Fest Nites brings in even more entertainment every single evening around the downtown Austin area.  For a complete rundown of the schedule of events so you don't miss out, please visit the Austin Fun Fun Fun Fest website.  Tickets are still available for single days ($55 each) or 3-day passes ($135 each).  All ages are welcome to the festival.  Kids ages five and under are free.

A few basic rules apply.  Do not bring any instruments, weapons (including knives of any size), blankets, chains (including chains on wallets), outside food or beverages, camelpacks, chairs, video or audio recording devices, stuffed animals, real animals, tents, Bota bags, professional cameras, flags or drugs/drug paraphernalia.  There will be absolutely no refunds or exchanges allowed.  On the positive side, you can bring a medium backpack, hat, sunblock, sunglasses, cigarettes, lighters, cell phones, strollers, non-professional digital or film cameras, disposable cameras, fanny packs, strollers and small beach towels.  We want to make this fun for everyone, so please follow these guidelines of dos and don'ts.

Get ready to enjoy some of the best underground musicians and comedians around because Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest is officially on!  It's easy to see why Austin is celebrated across the country for its music scene.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Austin TX Homes blog here: http://austintxhomes.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/austins-fun-fun-fun-fest-is-on/.

Halloween will be here in just 10 days.  But, Austin residents can begin celebrating as early as this weekend.  If you're looking for something fun to do at this time of year, here is a list of Halloween events in Austin:

OCTOBER 22, 2011
Halloween Howl - Austin Nature and Science Center (301 Nature Center Dr), 5:30pm.  Tickets are $4 per person.

OCTOBER 23, 2011
Halloween Children's Concert - Michael & Susan Dell Hall (701 W Riverside Dr), 2pm.  Dress up your entire family and head to the Michael & Susan Dell Hall to listen to fun Halloween symphony music.  It's visually stiimulating as well!  Tickets are just $12 per person.

OCTOBER 28, 2011
The Dinner Detective Austin Halloween - Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center (300 E 4th St), 7pm.  A Halloween twist on the classic murder mystery dinner theater.  You must be 18 or older to participate.  Tickets begin at $59.95.  For more info and to purchase tickets, please call 800-421-7305.

Halloweekend Pub Crawl Austin - Coyote Ugly (501 E 6th St), 5pm-11pm.  Dress up in your favorite costume, bring your photo ID and enjoy special drink prices at some of Austin's best bars.  For tonight, enjoy $1 domestic drafts, $2 domestic bottles and $3 well drinks.  Register at Coyote Ugly beginning at 5pm.

Shot in the Dark - Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces St), 9pm.  Join in on Texas' biggest annual Halloween Party.  You can purchase your tickets at AustinMusicHall.com.

OCTOBER 29, 2011
Evil Destiny Halloween Party - The Madison (307 W 5th St), 10pm-2am.  Doors open at 9:30pm.  Enjoy drink specials, dance music from DJ OG Sprocket and participate in the costume contest.  Winners of the Sexiest Costume and Best Costume will receive $100 each.  There is no cover.  Must be 21 or older to enter.  For more info, please call 512-293-9669.

Halloweekend Pub Crawl Austin - Coyote Ugly (501 E 6th St), 4pm-11pm.  Dress up in your favorite costume, bring your photo ID and enjoy special drink prices at some of Austin's best bars.  For tonight, enjoy $1 domestic drafts, $2 domestic bottles and $3 well drinks.  Register at Coyote Ugly beginning at 4pm.

OCTOBER 30, 2011
Halloween Pirate Grog Party - Polo Area of Zilker Park (900 Guadalupe St), 12pm-5pm.  Dress like a pirate or any other character you wish.  If you don't have a costume, you can borrow one at the party.  Make crafts, play games, enjoy a sing-along and take your picture with a real pirate.  Tickets are just $10 each.  For more info, please call 512-323-5004.  Space is limited so call today.

OCTOBER 31, 2011
3rd Annual Austin Facial Hair Club Halloween Boat Party - LCRA Jack Miller Building (3700 Lake Austin Blvd), 7pm-11pm.  Halloween fun on Lake Austin.  Tickets are just $25 in advance and $30 at the door.  Boats will leave the LCRA Jack Miller Building promptly at 8pm.  So, don't be late.  To purchase tickets, please visit their website.

If you enjoy dressing up and having fun, there are plenty of Halloween events in Austin to choose from.  Whatever you decide to do, please make sure you enjoy yourself in a safe and sane manner.  Happy Halloween!

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Austin Texas Homes blog here: http://austintxhomes.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/halloween-events-in-austin/.

While October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are many other forms of cancer that millions of Americans are afflicted with.  In all likelihood, you or someone you know has been affected by cancer at some point in their lives.  Livestrong is an organization founded by seven-time Tour de France winner and local Austin boy Lance Armstrong in an effort to raise money for cancer research after his own famous battle with testicular cancer.  One of the fundraising events Livestrong puts on every year is the Team Livestrong Challenge Austin, which takes place October 14-16, 2011.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior or a beginner looking to support the cause however you can, there's a course that will fit your skills.  The 5K run/walk through downtown Austin will be held bright and early on the morning of Saturday, October 15th, taking you along South Congress Avenue.  On Sunday, participants can gear up for the 20, 45, 65 or 90 mile bike rides.  You choose which level you're most comfortable with.  After the ride on Sunday, everyone gets to celebrate at the Ride Post Event Party.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday - Mellow Johnny's will host a Street Festival (400-600 block of Nueces) to kick things off from 12pm to 7pm.  All walkers, runners and riders will be able to pick up their bibs and packets at that time.  From 7pm to 10pm, Gibson Bar (1109 Lamar Blvd) will play host to Happy Hour with Austin Cycle Camp and Livestrong.  There will be a silent auction benefitting the Livestrong Foundation as well as food and drink specials.

Saturday - Participants in the 5K Run/Walk can pick up their bibs and packet info in the RunTex Riverside parking lot beginning at 7am.  The start of the Run/Walk takes place at 8am at the South 1st St Bridge over Lady Bird Lake.  The Street Festival continues from 9am to 1pm on the 400-600 block of Nueces Street.

Sunday - Participants in the cycling portion of the weekend who haven't yet done so can pick up their bibs and info packets at the Roger Hanks Parkway in Dripping Springs beginning at 7am.  This is where the start of the bike ride is.  Each participant's ride course is dependent on which distance you are planning to attempt: 20 mile, 45 mile, 65 mile or 90 mile.  Of course, all of this culminates with the Ride Post Event Party.  There will be food, a massage tent for riders, a Kids Zone and a beer tent for the grown-ups.

Last year, 5500 participants were able to raise more than $3.1 million for cancer research.  This year, Team Livestrong is hoping to even surpass that.  Registration continues through October 16th.  It is a $35 registration fee for the Run/Walk, $50 for the bike ride or $75 to participate in both.  You can sign up here.  If you can't be in Austin in person, you can always be a virtual participant and donate online as well.

The Team Livestrong Challenge Austin takes place October 14-16, 2011.  Help support a very worthy cause by participating.  Live happy, live healthy, Livestrong.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Austin TX Homes blog here: http://austintxhomes.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/team-livestrong-challenge-austin/.

Yes, curb appeal is important.  You want to get people in the door of your Austin home when you are trying to sell it.  And staging the interior of your home to highlight its assets is equally important.  But, garages sell homes, too.  So, when staging the rest of your home, don't overlook this strategic selling point.

Storage is near the top of just about every Austin buyer's list of wants and needs in a home.  No matter how much storage the inside of the house has, there just never seems to be enough.  The garage is the perfect place for spillover.  Shelving units and storage cabinets in the garage need to be showcased to buyers.  To get boxes off the floors, consider adding loft-type storage that comes down from the ceiling.  It's like adding a small attic to your garage and makes the perfect place to store those seasonal items you only use occasionally.

Garages tend to be very dark places.  If the only thing lighting up your garage is a single lightbulb, go to your local home improvement store and purchase some long fluorescent light strips.  They aren't expensive and can make a world of difference to a buyer.

A garage door should be seen and not heard.  If your garage makes loud groaning sounds or creaks and squeeks when it is opening and closing, it may just need some oil.  If that doesn't work, have it inspected to make sure it isn't in need of repair or replacement.  The questionable workings of a garage door are NOT music to an Austin buyer's ears.

Now is the time to finally finish the walls and ceiling of your Austin home's garage.  It was great that you put up the wall board to make the framing disappear.  But, complete the project by adding a bit of paint over top.  A finished garage makes a much better impression on a buyer than an unfinished one and may even help bring in a higher offer.  Even if your walls are already finished, you may want to consider adding a fresh coat of paint to brighten it up a bit.  Garages can get pretty dingy.  A new coat of paint can make it appear brand new and well kept.

Finally, garages can get dirty.  Inevitably, something gets spilled and leaves a huge, ugly stain.  That's why you should consider coating your garage floor with an epoxy resin, throwing down some rubber mats or adding some sturdy tile.  Any of these will make cleanup easy and looks better to an Austin buyer than the nasty stained floor.

When it comes time to place your Austin home on the market, simply remember that garages sell homes, too.  Buyers look in every nook and cranny of a home they are considering purchasing.  That includes the garage.  Just like the master bedroom and kitchen can make or break a home sale, the garage is quickly becoming a factor in the buying equation.  So, take a little extra time and care when staging your home to sell and include the garage.  You'll be glad you did.

Shay Hargus, your Austin real estate specialist