austin: I woke up today to shocking bad news from the Texas Employment Commission - 03/07/09 12:40 AM
This post may not be popular with some people, however people need to know Austin is not immune from the current economic downturn. Normally I wake up and read the Austin American Statesman newspaper with my coffee and then get my Active Rain fix. Today's headline gave me a shock. The front page headline read Austins job-less rate is now at a five year high. The Texas Workforce Commission just released the dreaded news this Thursday. Historically our unemployment rate has been somewhere around three percent. Right now it has shot up to about six and a half percent. We have not seen … (5 comments)

austin: NewFlower Farmers Market, Seriously good for you food at silly prices - 02/27/09 05:15 AM
For several months I have been hearing about the newest grocery store to open in south Austin. My husband is in the natural food business, so I hear about new organic products light years before they hit the shelves. The new kid in town is the New Flower Farmers Market. The founder of New Flower Farmers Market is Mike Gilliland, he was an owner of Wild Oats Natural Food Stores before they were purchased by their biggest competitor last year.
 I am excited about the grand opening of the New Flower Farmers Market. It is on the corner of William Cannon and Manchaca. This … (5 comments)

austin: Pulte Homes is running a special in Feburary! - 02/07/09 09:14 AM
I just wanted to let you know about a special promotion that Pulte Homes is running this month. Two of the Pulte new home communities are having a special from Feb.20-22. The special allows the public to save up to 10% on select new homes in Summerlyn and Highpointe. They are calling it the "America's on the move" program. The Summerlyn community is in Leander and prices start in the $150's. Highpointe is located in Dripping Springs and the home prices start in the $210's.
If you are not presently working with a Realtor, I would be happy to assist you with … (6 comments)

austin: Unusual homes looking for unique buyers... - 01/08/09 05:46 AM
As a Realtor specializing as a Buyers Agent in Austin Texas I see more homes than your average human. Looking for homes fills a need for me. Because I love good architecture and unique homes help fill the void left by production builders. Now I am not saying production builders are bad, but they are like pizza. You can get the national chain to deliver a regular peperoni pizza to your home, OR you can go to a local pizzeria like Mangerie's and have a divine one of a kind pizza pie. I am sure you can guess which category of pizza … (14 comments)

austin: Listing photos can make or break a sale. - 01/04/09 03:17 AM
Let me tell you a little story about a Realtor how she saved her client (Buyer) from a multiple offer situation. A house in the perfect neighborhood (Zilker) in the right price range gets listed on MLS with zero photos. So do we look at it or skip it? If you were searching on a www.findmytruelove.com type of website would you read the profiles with no picture? Usually not, it is much the same when house hunting. In the back of your mind you think it must be pretty ugly if they won't even show you a single picture of the house. I feel the same … (15 comments)

austin: Local Austin Events in January 2009 - 01/02/09 09:26 AM
Are you ready for a little "shopping therapy" to get over your holiday hangover? Here are a few great ideas for shopping and local events to while away the days until spring.
Westlake Farmers Market
Each and every Saturday, rain or shine, the Westlake Farmers Market happens at the Westlake High School offers tons of organic and locally grown produce, organic coffee, stained glass, hand crafted gifts and clothes, baked treats, handmade jewelry, soap, flowers, living plants and more. Call (512) 280-1976 for more information.
College Baseball
Yes it is still America's favorite pass-time, NCAA baseball causes a home run frenzy at game-time. The real action starts … (0 comments)

austin: Austin is eating local..... - 12/11/08 04:37 AM
"Eat Local Week" is basically a challenge to see if you can only eat locally grown food for one week. in Austin we are lucky to have several local "urban farms" to supply produce. "Rain Lily" and "Boggy Creek Farms" sell produce at the local Farmers Markets each weekend. "Eat Local" starts Sunday as a fundraiser for Urban Roots, which is a development program for youths. These teens learn about gardening to educate the children about sustainable agriculture. To find out more you may go to Edible Austin's website: www.EdibleAustin.com/eatlocalweek.
Personally I try to do my part everyday to eat local. … (2 comments)

austin: Home Buyers 101- Things every Buyer should know about the process of buying a home. - 11/07/08 09:42 AM

What to expect when you start looking for a new home
In order to make this easy for "first time home buyers" I have broken the process down. You have already accomplished the first step, selecting a "Buyers Agent"; the key is finding someone that you can communicate with that is knowledgeable about the area. As your agent I will help you through the process of finding the "right home" and buying that home.
The first round of Forms you need to sign
The Texas Real Estate Commission requires that Realtors give potential Buyers several forms. These forms help define … (4 comments)

austin: Now is the time to buy in Austin because your housing dollar goes further in Texas!! - 11/03/08 03:15 AM
Get the most bang for your buck in Austin Texas!
 According to Forbe's magazine the challenging economic times are far worse in other parts of the country. Texas has remained somewhat immune to the housing crisis. There is still a lot of value to be had for your housing dollar in Texas.
According to Forbe's magazine "Austin and  San Antonio lead our list of places where your money goes farthest. Residents of both enjoy  affordable housing and promising prospects for job growth in coming years.  Houston and  Dallas also land in the top 10, at Nos. 4 and 7, respectively." "Texas, in general is an area that has … (0 comments)

austin: Preserving Austin's unique charm and history one house at a time - 11/03/08 02:08 AM
Preserving Austin's Historic neighborhoods
 
You may have noticed in central Austin there are a number of neighborhoods that now have a "Historic" Designation".  Most Native Texans are very proud of our heritage and we try to preserve our local history. To that end the City of Austin is now working with the Heritage Society of Austin and various neighbors to preserve the historically significant homes.  This is a recent effort as the city just passed an ordinance in 2007 to designate "Local Historic Districts" to help preserve these areas. This designation may have come too late for some central Austin neighborhoods, … (0 comments)

austin: Save Town Lake is the winner! - 10/01/08 04:22 AM
"Save Town Lake" a non-profit group that has been working to save  and protect Town Lake (AKA Lake Ladybird) just prevailed in their lawsuit against the City of Austin. They were fighting to protect the green open space around Town Lake. Save Town Lake wanted to reinstate the original height limitations for new construction along the shoreline.  The original ordinance was created back in 1986, when we were experiencing another building boom
Save Town Lake claimed that the city violated the Texas Open Meetings Act, when they removed the height restrictions out of the Land Development Code in 1999.The City of … (1 comments)

austin: Surprisingly "Green" Luxury Builder in Austin - 09/21/08 06:14 AM
After touring several Toll Brothers communities, I made a surprising discovery. Toll Brothers is going GREEN! I must admit I was shocked, as they never struck me as being a very green company, high end yes, but not green. That is the way it used to be, but now they are riding the 'green' wave of the future. They are well known for being America's Luxury home builder, so this turn of events left me reeling!  My preconceived notions were dashed as I learned what Toll Brothers is now doing to be a better builder. Here are a few examples of what they are … (1 comments)

austin: Austin City Limits founder receives lifetime acheivement award from Nashville - 09/21/08 05:04 AM
The Americana Music Association has recognized Terry Lickona the longtime producer of Austin City Limits which is produced by KLRU. The Award is called the Lifetime Acheivement Award and was presented by the AMA. Terry received a standing ovation when he accepted the award last Thursday. Terry has successfully promoted this show and cemented its status as Nashville's maverick cousin. For the last thirty years Terry has produced this amazing venue to showcase worthy musicians. Some of the past performers are: Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Patti Griffen, The Mavericks and Los Lonely Boys.

According to … (0 comments)

austin: Austin is an urban heat island. - 09/15/08 06:14 AM

City of Austin passes a resolution regarding the Austin Urban Heat Island
For several years, I have thought each summer just keeps getting hotter and hotter. I was right! On warm summer days in Texas the urban area temperature can be from 3 -10°F warmer than the surrounding area. Many cities that are experiencing higher than normal temperatures are now referred to as Urban Heat Islands (UHI).  You may have noticed the weatherman refers to the daily "Heat Index" to explain why it feels much hotter than it normally would. The excess heat is caused by the increased amount of concrete … (0 comments)

austin: Ladies do you need a spa day?? - 09/07/08 11:13 AM
Sometimes when the summer heat or long Realtor hours get me down I will head for the spa for a little pampering. There are several great day spas in Austin and the surrounding area. I thought some of you newcomers might like to know where to get pampered. Here are a few of my favorites in no particular order. ( I try not to play favorites) My first favorite is Bath England. Ok they don't really offer any spa treatments any longer, but it is a neat tour and you can learn a lot. Its construction and Roman architecture is amazing!
 
… (2 comments)

austin: More "Green" news in Austin - 08/05/08 02:43 PM
Austin Energy is now offering new rebates for going 'green'.
If you install a Solar Residential PV you can get a $4500 or $4.50 per watt rebate!
The rebates pay up to 80% of the cost or $13,500 (which ever amount is less).
Feel like going solar for your water heating needs? Austin Energy offers a zero percent loan (with approved credit) OR a $2000 rebate.
There is also a 30% federal tax cut on both programs! This kind of savings will make your neighbors green with envy!!
To get all the details please call them at 512-482-5346
… (1 comments)

austin: Austin has art and entertainment! - 08/04/08 07:35 AM
It is the dog days of summer in Austin and we are all looking for ways to beat the heat. We are lucky to have a healthy local arts community. My personal favorite is the Zach Scott Theater. They have several productions running now.
My favorite is 'The Clean House' starring Lauren Lane. It is a comedy about the power of a good joke, love and keeping a REALLY clean house. Throw down your mop and go see the early show at 2:30 of Clean House instead. You will be glad you did! It runs through August 17th.
The Zach Scott Performing … (0 comments)

austin: Living "Green" in Austin Texas - 07/12/08 07:32 AM
As a twenty year Austinite and 5th generation native Texan, I am proud to live in one of the nation's top ten 'Green cities'.  I love this city and I do my part every day to live 'green'. We are lucky to live in a city that makes living 'green' possible. Here are some of the cool things that the City of Austin does to help us all live 'green'.
1. Austin's Green Energy Building calendar keeps track of upcoming 'Green' educational events and 'Green Building' events. Go to www.austinenergy.com and click on Austin Energy Green Building Spotlight. Four times a year … (9 comments)