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Ki Gray - EzineArticles.com Expert Author   RSS

Ki Gray is a real estate agent working in Austin Texas. He has enjoyed helping clients look for right home for their needs. If you are thinking of relocating to Austin or investing in the Austin Real Estate market feel free to give Ki a call.

[View Ki Gray's Extended Author Bio]

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  • Preparing to Buy a Home
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Buying a home. Sounds easy, doesn't it? You buy other stuff and it's not a big deal, right? Ah contraire, when you buy a home you need to prepare!


  • The Ripple Effect of Foreclosure
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Having the bank seize your home is nobody's idea of a good time. A word that was hardly part of the American vernacular two years ago, foreclosure is all too common these days. While the number of homes in some state of foreclosure is decreasing each month, the fact is that foreclosures across the country are up 19 percent from a year ago (RealtyTrac).


  • Crazy Weather From Coast to Coast
    [News-and-Society:Weather] After an exceptionally hot, dry summer, the rain has finally come to Central Texas. Just how much rain will it take to alleviate the current drought conditions? Considering this is the worst drought Central Texas has experienced since the 1950s, the answer to that is difficult to quantify.


  • Storm Clouds on the Solar Horizon
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] How do you embrace green energy without the old technology providers becoming broke and obsolete in the process? That is the dilemma faced by the City of Austin and Austin Energy as they try to promote solar energy.


  • Looking at Executive Compensation and the Great Recession
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The fact is that the financial meltdown, now widely known as the Great Recession, started on Wall Street. It is also a fact that the meltdown quickly reverberated off the pavement of Main Street in the form of foreclosures and job losses. These things are clear.


  • Famous Historic American Homes
    [Real-Estate:Homes] Curious about the details of some of the famous, historic homes in the U.S.? We'll expose some of their secrets and even point out which ones are up for sale.


  • The Income Gap Widens
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The Great Recession is not the great American equalizer after all. It's been widely reported recently that this recession hit middle and low income families the hardest, while the wealthy have continued to prosper.


  • Traditional Home Loan Or ARM?
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] With all the loan options available today, it's not always easy to decide which one will work best for you. This article looks at the benefit of traditional home loans vs arms.


  • Austin is Festival Central
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Movies-TV] Austin is well known for the South By Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival each spring and the Austin City Limits Music Festival each fall. But music isn't the only thing putting Austin on the map. Austin also hosts the Texas Book Festival and the Austin Film Festival and Conference every year.


  • Options For Avoiding Foreclosure
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] If you are having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments, you're not alone. If you are three months or more behind in your mortgage payments, then you are one in an estimated 3 million or more who are currently in one state or another of default.


  • Austin Fall Festivities
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] The air isn't exactly crisp in Austin these days, but fall has found its way to central Texas all the same. Whether it's the University of Texas football fever or the Halloween decorations on every corner, autumn has a hold on Austin and fun festivities abound:


  • Why Recession Recovery Will Be Slow
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Austin is one of 79 metro areas across the country to be officially out of the recession, according to Moody's. Although the state of Texas is still considered to be suffering the constraints of the recession, Austin and seven other Texas cities have been given the all clear. This determination was based on an index that included employment, housing starts and home prices.


  • The Great Recession Has Been a Bumpy Ride
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Stocks have rallied recently on signs that retail sales are improving. The last two years have been a bumpy ride.


  • Making a Dent in Mountains of Debt
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] With no easy means to pay off their personal debt, many people are turning to credit relief companies for help. While there are many reputable companies out there offering a wide range of debt elimination services, there are even more debt relief scams.


  • Control Home Building Costs - Here Are Some Tips & Tricks
    [Real-Estate:Building-a-Home] Contrary to what some people may think, you can control overages on home buildings projects. You just have to be armed with the right information in order to avert or prepare for them.


  • Energy Efficiency Can Start at Home
    [Home-Improvement:Energy-Efficiency] Cooler weather means resetting the thermostat, which saves both energy and money. This article looks at this and other ways to make your house energy efficient.


  • World's Richest Real Estate Moguls
    [Real-Estate:Investing] The world's most famous real estate tycoons are also some of the world's richest people. Though they now are famous and wealthy, much time and effort went into the arrival of such great success.


  • Madoff's Mansions on the Market
    [News-and-Society:Crime] Madoff made off with millions in other people's money and got by with it for over a decade. Now that all his property is seized, what's it going for and what will his victims get out of it?


  • Preventative Medicine Can Save Lives and Money
    [Health-and-Fitness:Medicine] While Congress debates healthcare reform, there is no debating the results of recent studies on Americans' health. In the last few weeks studies have shown that Americans are not living as long as they should be, our health continues to be undermined by our bad habits and new cases of Alzheimer's are being reported in record numbers.


  • Investing in Rental Property
    [Real-Estate:Investing] With all the foreclosures in the real estate market right now, the assessed values of homes overall have been impacted. If you're interested in buying real estate for rental property, now is the time.


  • Foreclosures of Rich and Famous People
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Since the bottom fell out of the subprime market, most everyone has been hit by its effect. Real estate values have plummeted in some areas and even the rich and famous have been impacted. Some very notable icons have gone into foreclosure.


  • How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] News articles throughout the U.S. headline stories about indictments for mortgage fraud. Although you may think you could never be scammed, you should think again.


  • The Benefits of Composting
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings and food waste accounts for 23 percent of the U.S. waste stream. Composting is an easy solution.


  • The Recession is Over, in Case You Hadn't Noticed
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The Associated Press reported recently that a new government survey indicates that the recession is over. However, what no one can predict is how deeply the so called Great Recession has permanently changed Americans' spending habits.


  • Stress-Free Moving Day
    [Real-Estate:Moving-Relocating] Hiring a moving company to pack, load and unpack on the other end certainly makes things easier, but still requires a certain amount of preparation and vigilance. An organized relocation will relieve a lot of the stress of moving day.


  • The Pleasures of the South First Street Area in Austin Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] South First Street is a hip area in south Austin. This article looks at different establishments on south first.


  • Austin's Famous Hidden Pond - Cambell's Hole
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] There are many greenbelts in and around the creeks in Austin, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of the most well-known. The greenbelt begins at the south shore of Lady Bird Lake and continues all the way to Loop 360, with starts and stops along the way. Most of the greenbelt is adjacent to the creek itself and Barton Springs while it meanders through the Zilker Park area, and one of the best places to swim under the trees and among the rocks and trails is called Campbell's Hole.


  • Changing the Light Bulb, Changing the World
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] Last year the European Union reached an agreement that included 27 countries across Europe to ban the manufacturing and importation of the good ol' incandescent light bulbs first invented by Thomas Edison. Over the next three years the old bulbs will be phased out completely.


  • The Austin Convention Center in Historic Downtown Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] The Austin Convention Center is a huge, sprawling convention complex in the heart of downtown Austin, and the facility can host just about any gathering, from sports events to conventions, garden shows, car shows, sales of every imaginable kind, and political gatherings, among others. The Center is located between Cesar Chavez to the South, 4th Street to the north, and Red River on one side and Trinity on the other. It covers numerous city blocks, and is practically a city inside a city.


  • Fannie and Freddie Mac Programs Help Struggling Homeowners
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you are struggling to pay your mortgage payments and your loan is owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may have just fallen into some very good luck. This article looks at the new programs offered by Fannie and Freddie Mac.


  • The Truth Behind the Housing Numbers
    [Real-Estate:Investing] The recent headlines have trumpeted a rebound in the American housing market. But before breathing a sigh of relief and checking Zillow for increased home values, it might be a good idea to look at the story behind the new and improved numbers.


  • The Small Town of Del Valle
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] Del Valle is a small town southeast of Austin Texas. This article looks at some of the history and features of the town of Del Valle.


  • Is 2009 the Year of Real Estate Bargains?
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The real estate market has gone through a rough few years. This article looks at the current real estate market and prices.


  • Federal Stimulus Funds to Buy and Fix Up Foreclosed Properties
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Earlier this year, the federal government approved a $4 billion stimulus plan to reinvigorate distressed neighborhoods in areas hit hardest by the distressed housing market. This article looks at this stimulus program.


  • What US Cities Are Doing to Promote New Construction
    [News-and-Society:Politics] New construction has all but come to a screeching halt in most major cities throughout the U.S. Some cities, however, are taking the bull by the horns, and giving new construction a shot in the arm through new incentives.


  • US Bankruptcy Judge's Ruling Could Change Foreclosure Laws Nationwide
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) has been used by lenders nationwide to track mortgages via the system's database. Lenders who are members of the program are represented in the enforcement of a promissory note secured by a mortgage. A U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in Nevada ruled earlier this year that MERS could no longer represent lenders foreclosing on homeowners in bankruptcy unless the actual loan document could be produced.


  • Strolling Down South Lamar
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] South Lamar has become more and more popular for pedestrians, bicyclists, shoppers, and other visitors, and a stroll down the boulevard can include every imaginable activity and meal or drink. New additions to the "SoLa" scene include the Black Sheep Pub and a couple of other new eateries and pubs, as well as old favorites like the Saxon Pub and the Broken Spoke, both of which are landmarks on the Austin music and dancing circuit and regularly offer well known local musical acts.


  • Commercial Vacancies - The Next Real Estate Bubble to Burst
    [Real-Estate:Commercial-Property] Commercial vacancies are on the rise as anticipated by several real estate statisticians in early 2009. In addition, insurance companies are standing up and taking notice.


  • The Clarksville Dog Park in Austin Texas
    [Pets:Dogs] The Clarksville dog park is located in central-west Austin. This article looks at the Clarksville dog park.


  • Mortgage Fraud Still a Costly Problem
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Although mortgage fraud spiked from 2007 to 2008, other opportunities for mortgage fraud have appeared on the scene. This article looks at the issue of mortgage fraud.


  • The Small Community of Hutto, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] Hutto, Texas is a small community located seven miles east of Round Rock and northeast of Austin, Texas. The current population of Hutto is estimated at around 17k residents, and Hutto has been a very fast-growing city since the construction of State Highway 130, also called the Trans-Texas Corridor.


  • Is it a Good Time to Buy a Home?
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Austin area home sales are down from a year ago, but prices are holding steady. There are many factors making now a good time to buy: low interest rates, tax incentives for first time buyers and cooperative sellers. As consumers change their spending habits, houses are once again being seen as a long-term purchase of a home and not a quick investment.


  • Cash For Clunkers Program Comes With Some Caveats
    [News-and-Society:Politics] "Cash for Clunkers" is the latest inception from the Obama administration to help the struggling economy, the ailing auto industry and the future of the environment. This article looks at some of the details.


  • Most Common Lawsuits Filed Against US Companies
    [Legal] You might be surprised by the type of lawsuits that occur most often against companies in the local, state and federal courts. Many people are of the thought that class action and medical malpractice lawsuits would be at the top of the list. They would be wrong.


  • The Economic Recession and Texas
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The Federal Reserve has determined that household net worth - all the things of value a person has like houses and checking accounts - dropped nine percent in the last three months. This is the biggest quarterly decline in over fifty years. Things seem bad for the average American these days, but nine percent is nothing compared to the 25% drop in wealth of Dell Inc. CEO Michael Dell.


  • Texas State Parks
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] It's not the Bahamas, but Texas State Parks can offer surprisingly enjoyable getaways for a fantastic price. The Hill Country offers a bevy of beautiful state parks within a two hour drive. Whether it's a day of picnicking and fishing or a full-fledged camping trip, there are over a dozen state parks in the Hill Country region alone.


  • Star of Texas Rodeo in Austin
    [Recreation-and-Sports:Rodeo] This is the time of year when Austin's residents head down to Auditorium Shores for a full, Texan Cowboy Breakfast with all the fixings, the prelude to the Star of Texas Rodeo. Every spring, during the first weekend of March, many Austinites head to the shores of Lady Bird Lake to get a belly full of biscuits and gravy, bacon and sausage, eggs, and various other kinds of grub, including grits and hash browns, and with a full stomach, make plans to attend the rodeo.


  • Details on the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
    [Real-Estate:Buying] There is a provision in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 that allows first time home buyers the ability to receive a credit on their taxes of up to $7,500 for purchasing a home. There is also a provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that expands this tax credit for qualified first time home owners. The provision is called the first-time homebuyer credit.


  • Top Things to Do When Visiting Austin Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Excellent live music isn't the only thing Austin has to offer. Here are just five of the many reasons to visit the coolest city in Texas.


  • Blanco, Texas - Gateway to the Hill Country
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] The small city of Blanco, Texas is frequently referred to as both the Gateway to the Hill Country and the Lavender Capital of Texas, and with such colorful descriptions, the town is sure to be a pleasant place to visit or settle down. Blanco is 45 miles west of Austin and about 45 miles northwest of San Antonio, so its rural charm is complimented by close proximity to a couple of the most populous and historic cities in Texas.


  • The City of Austin Works on Providing More Trails
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] This fall ground will be broken for phase 1 of a new hike and bike trail to be called the Walk for a Day trail. This approximately 35-mile trail will wind its way through parks and neighborhoods from Zilker Park to Kyle.


  • Effects of the Recession on the National and Austin Economy
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has been predicting that the recession will end this year. But some economists predict that it will take years for the job market to recover.


  • The Small City of Burnet, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] The city of Burnet is a small town in central Texas. This article looks at some of the history and features of Burnet Texas.


  • The Hancock Neighborhood of North-Central Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] This article looks at the Hancock neighborhood in central Austin. The Hancock Neighborhood of North Central Austin is a historic area just north of the University of Texas Campus and downtown Austin.


  • Trees Offer More Than Just Shade
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] Austin takes its trees pretty seriously. This spring the Austin City Council considered rules for how developers can both treat existing trees on a property and quotas for planting future trees. This effort comes through the city's Watershed Protection Department and would represent the first major change to Austin's tree rules in 25 years.


  • Mount Bonnell - Austin History, Legends and Views in One Spot
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] It may seem a little crazy to go hiking in the hot Texas summer, but if you can stand the heat the summer months can be a perfect time to visit an iconic Austin spot without any crowds. Even though it is 780 feet above sea level, the climb up to the top of Mount Bonnell is not a serious hike, especially with the stone steps along the way.


  • Mortgage Math - Financial Advice in an Uncertain Economy
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] One way to pay down debt that appeals to many people is making an extra mortgage payment. The math seems almost irresistible when looking at the amount of money that can be saved over the life of a mortgage loan by making extra payments.


  • Austin Summer Fun on a Budget
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Budget-Travel] There seems to be an inherent need to have some fun during the summer months. Here are some ideas for having an entertaining Austin summer without blowing the budget.


  • The Brentwood Neighborhood of Austin
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The article looks at the neighborhood of Brentwood in Austin Texas. The neighborhood of Brentwood is located in north central Austin and was originally a cotton farm until about 75 years ago, when the City of Austin annexed the land and land was purchased to build a school, Brentwood Elementary, which opened in the early 1950s.


  • Small Towns Around Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin is a big, beautiful city; there is no doubt about that. But, there are several small towns within 50 miles of Austin that are filled with charm and beauty.


  • Restful Refuge - Tips to Create a Cozy Bedroom
    [Home-Improvement:Interior-Design-and-Decorating] Of all the rooms in a home, the bedroom is virtually the only room that is uniquely and solely yours. It only makes sense that your bedroom serves as your restful antidote to the stress of each day. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when working towards a cozy and comfortable bedroom.


  • Take a Drive Through Texas Wine Country
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] If a trip to visit the famous vineyards of Napa Valley, California isn't in the budget this summer, try a scenic drive through some local wine country. Central Texas offers a number of locally produced wines, from the nationally recognized to smaller family owned operations.


  • The Roots of an Austin Icon
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] It was the arrival of the railroad to Austin in 1871 that brought the heart of this booming town right to Sixth Street. Soon Victorian limestone buildings proliferated down the tree-lined street.


  • Not So Fast - Is the American Economy Really on It's Way to a Recovery?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Is the American economy on it's way to recovery? The answer is probably yes. That's good news, right? Not so fast, say some economic analysts. And they mean, literally, that the stock market may be rebounding a little too quickly.


  • Energy Audits and Tax Credits
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] In a buyers market, sellers wanting an edge may go ahead and make some of the improvements indicated by an energy audit, which focuses on things like insulation and the condition of the heating and cooling systems. This year's tax credits may help offset some of those costs.


  • New Legislation to Regulate Credit Card Companies
    [News-and-Society:Politics] A bill will soon become law that curtails certain practices of the credit card companies. The irony is that banks were told this month to raise more capital, then Congress decides to impede one of the banking industries more lucrative businesses. That is not to say that banks should be allowed to run amuck with interest rates and fees. However, it will most likely be the 42 percent of Americans who pay their complete balances on time every month who will end up paying for this new law.


  • Home Remodeling - Lavish Bathrooms
    [Home-Improvement:Bath-and-Shower] The lavish and luxurious master bathrooms of today are a far cry from the plain-Jane powder rooms of the previous decades. The current trend is to make your master bath feel like a resort spa. In up-scale luxurious homes, the master bathrooms are often the size of a bedroom and contain spacious walk in showers and whirlpools. But what if you're not ready or lack the space to convert your bathroom into a masterpiece? Not to worry- there are many ways to upgrade your bathroom that combines beauty and functionality without extravagance.


  • The Price of Clean Air
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] What exactly is cap-and-trade? Well, it's the government giving companies an allowance (the cap) on pollution by setting CO2 emission standards. Companies that stay under the cap can sell (the trade) their leftover allowances to companies that go over the pollution standards. It sounds like a win-win, but cap-and-trade has its opponents.


  • A Look at Credit Cards - The Psychology of Plastic
    [Finance:Credit] "We said that big banks can no longer take advantage of hardworking Americans," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said of the recent legislation that will restrict rate hikes and late fees charged by credit card companies. But some out there argue that credit card holders are just as culpable.


  • The Retirement Community of Sun City Texas
    [Home-and-Family:Retirement] Sun City is a retirement community located in Georgetown. It is not the normal retirement home or community. This community offers its residents small town charm, but just minutes from Austin.


  • Even Lincoln is Going Green
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] If Abraham Lincoln's house can go green, anyone's can. President Lincoln's Cottage, his family's summer retreat during the Civil War, has been completely renovated during preparation for the compound just a few miles from the White House to be opened as a national monument. But it wasn't done as just any restoration of an old house, it was kept as green as possible.


  • Getting Back to "Boring Banking"
    [News-and-Society:Economics] All the hullaballoo about the banks passing the government "stress test" makes the average American want to say, "Who cares?" Well, unfortunately we all have a stake these days in how the banking industry is faring.


  • Hope is Great, Real Proof is Better
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke predicted that the economy will improve before the end of 2009, but the country just might not notice it. Bernanke recently told Congress that he believes the economy is nearing the bottom and will start a gradual rise by the end of this year. According to the Associated Press, the Federal Reserve Chairman tempered this hopeful news with a prediction that there would also be "further sizable job losses" in the coming months.


  • The Austin Science and Nature Center
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Hidden in the midst of the hike and bike trails that lead through Zilker Park is an Austin jewel: the Austin Science and Nature Center. The nature center offers many educational and interesting features, including interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, science trails with recorded information at each stop, and a live wildlife collection.


  • Easy Home Improvement Ideas to Add Value to Your Home
    [Home-Improvement:Interior-Design-and-Decorating] With spring and summer just around the corner, home owners may want to spruce up their home. Whether you want to add value to your home to sell it or just to update your home for your own pleasure, here are a few low cost ideas that anyone can do. Custom details can add dollars and character to your home.


  • What the Pro's Know - Top 3 Remodeling Tips
    [Home-Improvement:Remodeling] Real estate agents view it as the "trifecta" of real estate success; the three areas to focus on that will guarantee a successful sell. Those three items are curb appeal, kitchens and bathrooms. Focusing on these three areas, regardless of whether or not you are preparing to sell your home, will help you bring your home up to par and appraise for the best value possible.


  • What Exactly is the Mayor's Job?
    [News-and-Society:Politics] So, just how important is the mayor in a city that also has a city manager? The easiest way to explain the difference between the two is that the mayor is a political office and the city manager is a municipal employee, albeit an important one.


  • Finding a Neighborhood That Fits
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Starting the search for a new home can be both exciting and a little daunting. Whether Austin has been home-base for years or a brand new place, deciding which neighborhood to buy a house in can be a big decision.


  • Family Law - What is the Probate Process?
    [Legal] The probate process can be long and confusing for beneficiaries of the estate. There are several milestones to the process required by law that sometimes don't make sense to the average citizen. They are necessary, though, to conduct the estate in a lawful and deliberate manner.


  • Pecan Street Festival
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] The "Pecan Street Festival" has been a part of Austin for 31 years. The festival hosts over 250 arts and crafts venders, musical and performing artists. There are also art classes, dance classes, a scholarship competition, a petting zoo and a carnival.


  • Banks Still Going Bust?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Some creative accounting, a Congress reluctant to offer any more help and the "stress test results" may squash a big comeback by the banking industry. The stock market is bouncing up and down as investors seem jittery about the banking industry, despite several major banks reporting first-quarter profits. Wells Fargo, Inc., Citigroup and Bank of America all reported better than expected earnings for the first part of the year.


  • Austin Jobs and Housing Outlook
    [Real-Estate] What Austin is doing is weathering this recession better than most places. That 6.2 percent unemployment rate is well below the 8.5 percent national rate. While other major cities across the country, and even across Texas, are continuing the downward spiral of job losses, Austin may be slowing down. Just to give a little perspective on how bad it is in other places, the unemployment rate in Michigan is 12.6 percent and California is 11.2 percent.


  • Summer Vacation on a Budget
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Budget-Travel] Summer is just around the corner and school will soon be out for summer vacation. Many Americans will be planning vacations and things to do with their families. If you are one of the millions facing a tight budget, don't despair, there are affordable things to do with your family this summer.


  • Family Law - Estate Planning 101
    [Finance:Estate-Plan-Trusts] Estate planning empowers you and your family to carry out your wishes during and after your death. There are a lot of steps in the process to complete an estate plan. Before you do anything, though, you need to determine who you want to get what from your estate, and who will handle all those matters if you ever become incapacitated or die. Sometimes it can create discord to appoint an immediate family member as your power of attorney (POA) unless it is your spouse. It can also have the opposite effect if you decide on someone who is not a family member.


  • When to Consider a Short Sale
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] A short sale is not something to consider lightly. It could negatively impact your credit report and create more taxes for you to pay to the IRS. You have to know when to consider a short sale and how to negotiate it to your advantage.


  • Chapter 7 Or Chapter 11, Which Should I Use?
    [Finance:Bankruptcy-Tips-Advice] Bankruptcy may be inevitable if you've done all you can to work out settlements with your debts. The defining moment is if or when a collection agency(ies) or your home lender begins legal collection or foreclosure proceedings against you in court.


  • Tough Times For Shoppers and Shopping Centers
    [Business:Retail] With the economic outlook still murky and daily news mixed, people are thinking twice before heading out to the mall or their favorite local shops. Combine this with the freeze in the financial credit markets, and some businesses can no longer be in business.


  • Signs of a Better Economy?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Is the glass half full or half empty? Or maybe that analogy doesn't work in this economy because people really just want to know if we've reached the bottom of this bitter drink of bad banks, busted housing markets and layoffs. The answer seems as hard to come by as a good analogy.


  • The JJ Pickle Research Campus in Austin
    [Reference-and-Education:Science] There is a large research facility in northwest Austin that is part of the University of Texas System called the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, and the site is nine miles north of the main U.T. campus just north of the Domain. This facility is on the cutting edge of new technology but not very well-known to most residents of Austin. The site of the PRC was originally a magnesium plant during World War II and was owned by the U.S. government until two U.T. professors sought to lease and eventually buy the site for the University. An agreement was reached in 1946 and research projects began at that time.


  • Tips on How to Save on Entertainment
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] Just because the economy has tanked and has put Americans on tight budgets, does not mean that you can't entertain your family. You just need to know how to do it on a tighter budget. Here are a few tips on how to keep your family happy and still have fun, even if you are trying to save a few bucks.


  • The Latest Pool Trends Make a Splash
    [Home-Improvement:Swimming-Pools-Spas] For several years, homeowners have been emphasizing creating backyard oases and outdoor amusements in an effort to curtail travel budgets and unnecessary expenses. Pools have become a top priority for those who want the convenience of a backyard entertainment area along with the comfort of an outdoor living space.


  • Failure is Not a Good Option
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Now that America is deeply into the business of bailing out banks and big companies, it may be pointless to ponder the feasibility of it. But as Associated Press reporters put it in a recent article, "What if the government got out of the bailout business?" All those outraged Americans who picket Wall Street and vilify AIG executives might be surprised by the answer.


  • Don't Overlook Downspouts and Gutters
    [Home-Improvement:Roofing] They may not be the most glamorous part of a house, but downspouts and gutters need attention too. While they tend to blend in to the overall look of a home, there is a great deal of all to often un-noticed value in the service they provide. If you have been neglecting yours, now is the time to act.


  • The Future of Energy Could Be Blowing in the Wind
    [News-and-Society:Energy] Texas has ample wind resources, as well as lawmakers willing to craft new energy policies in regard to harvesting the potential of wind energy. Combine all this with the Obama administration's stimulus package with money designated for green technologies, and the road seems paved for the future of wind energy.


  • Go Green in Your Lawn This Summer
    [Home-Improvement:Landscaping-Outdoor-Decorating] Summer is the perfect time to combine your green thumb with a green lifestyle. We've all heard about going green at work and at home, but did you know that you can go green in your yard too? Home owners can save time, money and improve the appearance and the health of their lawn and garden.


  • Ways to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] It is getting harder and harder to makes ends meet these days, especially with our economy in the state that it is in. Families are cutting their spending in as many places as they can whether it is planning a less expensive vacation, not going on vacation or just simply cutting back on everything. One of the things that seem to be hitting family's pocket book is their grocery bill.


  • Buying a House During a Recession
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Yes, it is a buyers market these days, but a recession can make finding a home and getting a loan a little trickier. Home inventories are down, but so are prices and mortgage rates. Navigating the perks and pitfalls of buying a home in these financially uncertain times can take a little finesse.


  • What Are Toxic Assets?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The term "toxic assets" is tossed around quite a bit these days, especially now that the Treasury Department has announced plans to buy up U.S. banks' bad assets to the tune of $1 trillion dollars (more on that in a minute). Terms like toxic assets have become common place, like the terms mortgage meltdown, financial crisis and economic stimulus. But does the American public understand what these toxic assets really are?


  • Five Ways to Slash Energy Bills
    [Home-Improvement:Energy-Efficiency] A quick tour through a home can reveal a number of energy sucking habits that such the green out of your wallet every month. However, there are some small changes that can be made to slash your energy bills without too much investment. Here are 5 simple fixes to help drive down the cost of those monthly payments.


  • Will the Last Ones to the Recession Be the Last to Leave?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] It seems Texas has arrived to the recession fashionably late, the question now is how long will we stay? The current economic woes began to be felt in some parts of the nation at the end of 2007, the official beginning of this recession. Texas began to feel the squeeze at the end of 2008, a full year later.


  • Preparing to Sell Your Home
    [Real-Estate:Selling] It may sound simple to prepare your home for sale; however, there are several little secrets that many people don't think to consider. You need to be fully prepared to ensure your success in selling your home.


  • Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] One of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit in the Austin area is called Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which is located near Zilker Park on Robert E. Lee in southwest-central Austin, across from the softball fields and Barton Springs. Umlauf Garden and Museum was named for contemporary sculptor Charles Umlauf, and the museum features his sculptures as well as the works of other local artists, some of whom studied under Umlauf at the University of Texas, where Umlauf taught.


  • Tips on Planning a Vacation During Hard Economic Times
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] Summer is quickly approaching and school will soon be out. Many families are trying to find an affordable vacation or decide if they can afford a vacation. Just because our economy is slipping does not mean your family will have to go without a family vacation this year.


  • National Economy - Is it All About Perception?
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Does the consumer's perception match the reality of the U.S. economic situation? While the big numbers don't look good, Americans might want to look closely at the reality of their income versus the perception of lost wealth.


  • Gardening Care and Tips
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] With spring just around the corner, many Texans will be getting spring fever and will begin to til the land preparing for a garden. Having a garden is not only fun, it can be handy during hard economic times. Growing your own vegetables and fruits not only cost less, but they taste much better than what you can buy in the grocery store.


  • How to Buy a House Without a Down Payment
    [Real-Estate:Buying] With all the talk on Main Street and Wall Street about the climbing foreclosure numbers, you'd think you couldn't buy a home without a major down payment, eh? Hmm ... think again.


  • Add Curb Appeal to Your Home
    [Real-Estate:Home-Staging] Ways to increase the value of your home. How to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.


  • What Does Bank Nationalization Mean?
    [News-and-Society:Politics] There has been talk in recent weeks about the possibility of the U.S. government nationalizing some struggling banks, like Bank of America or Citigroup. While Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has said that is not the government's plan, political pundits and economic analysts aren't so sure.


  • How to Stay Positive in Tough Times
    [Self-Improvement:Positive-Attitude] Economic problems and job loss can lead to a lot of other problems: depression, fatigue, you name it. But these kinds of problems can be avoided the key is, it's all about attitude.


  • Should You Refinance Or Remodel in Today's Economic Market?
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Most Americans today are feeling very uncertain about the real estate market and are hesitant to make any financial moves that don't save them money in the short-term future. So is refinancing or remodeling your home a smart move? The answer depends on your circumstances but either can build equity into your home or assist you in reaching some of your financial goals.


  • Walkable Neighborhoods in Austin
    [News-and-Society] What makes a neighborhood walkable? Streets and roads that are accessible for everyone; and have wheelchair ramps, lots of benches with shade and sidewalks on all streets. Walkable neighborhoods have well designed streets that everyone can use, including bicyclists, pedestrians of all ages and abilities, people getting on and off transit vehicles.


  • How to Sell Your Home in a Down Economy
    [Real-Estate:Selling] Think your home can't be sold in a down economy? Think again. Not only can it sell, but you can get a pretty penny for it, too.


  • How the Stimulus Plan May Help You
    [News-and-Society:Economics] $787 billion is a nearly unfathomable number. What does it really mean and where is all that money going?


  • Greening Your Yard - Make Your Yard Look Great Without the Carbon Footprint
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] If yards could talk, there no doubt that many would simply say, "Hi, I'm Bill and Mary's yard and I have a substance abuse problem." Thanks to our desire for the exotic and unusual plants coupled with the desire to protect our lush landscaping, it's no wonder we've developed habits that leave behind one heck of a carbon footprint. But not to worry: there are a number of options available for making your lawn more "green" without losing its green.


  • Spring Break Destinations Near Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] With spring break just a few weeks away, families are planning their vacations. Since the economy is not very stable, many families are planning their spring break close to home. San Antonio is the number one vacation spot in Texas.


  • Foreclosure Freeze Will Not Warm Up the Housing Market
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Maybe it was the stern talking to they took from Congress this past week that put the big banks into a charitable mood. J.P. Morgan Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America have all agreed to freeze foreclosures while the Obama administration works out plans to help bolster the floundering housing market.


  • A Texas-Sized Dinosaur
    [Reference-and-Education:Science] For the last eleven years the official Texas state dinosaur was the pleurocoelus, a 20 ton plant-eater. But last month, State Rep. Charles Geren of Fort Worth filed a resolution to change the name from pleurocoelus to paluxysaurus jonesi.


  • 10 Tips to Avoid Foreclosure
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] In the midst of the current recession, sparked largely by the housing market, a record number of homeowners are facing foreclosure. If you are one of them, it may not be too late to avoid foreclosure on your property.


  • When Will the Economy Turnaround?
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Is the worst still to come? Despite Congress getting ready to vote on the stimulus bill compromise, the Treasury Department getting back to work on the banking system and President Obama's declarations that swift action will avert disaster, Americans seem short on hope and long on financial worries.


  • Secure Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
    [Home-Improvement:Security] Securing your home doesn't mean you have to break the bank with the purchase of a fancy alarm system. A number of inexpensive security options are available for budget-savvy homeowners looking to add or increase the security of their home.


  • Mortgage Rates Move Down
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage rates came down a little this week. We are still not back down to the levels we saw two weeks ago. 30 year rates fell from 5.25 to 5.16. This is a little higher than the 5.10 we saw two weeks ago and .2 points higher than the 4.96 we saw 4 weeks ago. But to put this all in perspective if we neglect the last month 5.16 is still one of the lowest rates we have seen in over 40 years.


  • Farmers Markets Can Be a Fun Shopping Experience
    [Shopping-and-Product-Reviews] Every Saturday morning Austinites gather in two different places for one purpose: to buy fresh, locally grown produce and specially made treats. Shopping at the grocery store these days can be a joyless experience. Prices seem to change on a weekly basis.


  • Office Space Cast Reunites For 10th Anniversary Celebration at the Paramount
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Movies-TV] Director Mike Judge, along with many of the cast members, descended on Austin this weekend for the 10th Anniversary showing of their cult-classic late nineties workplace comedy, "Office Space" Austin's own historic Paramount Theater played host to the movie mogul and his cast members including just about everyone except Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston. Fans lined up well in advance of the 8:00 p.m.


  • Color Psychology For Your Home Remodel
    [Home-Improvement:Painting] When painting your home, choosing the right colors can make a huge difference in the overall ambiance of your house and even your resale value. With a few simple tips, you'll be well on your way to putting out the right vibe.


  • The Economic Bailout Debate
    [News-and-Society:Politics] Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was expected in his speech this week to give the nitty gitty particulars about how the Obama administration will spend the rest of the money from the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, commonly called the "bailout." But it seems lawmakers and investors walked away scratching their heads, unsure of how exactly Geithner plans to stabilize the shaky banking industry.


  • South by Southwest - Austin, Texas
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] South by Southwest; it is an Austin thing! It all started back in 1987 as "Austin Battle of the Bands, SXSW." Austin has been the home of this festival that showcases musicians, film makers and media from all over the country. SXSW is one of the largest music festivals in the United States. This festival is the highest revenue producing special event in Austin, pumping an estimated $110 million last year.


  • After Hitting Historic Lows Mortgage Rates Jump Up
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] After falling for the last 2 months 30 year mortgage rates jumped up this week. The 30 year mortgage went from 5.10 to 5.25. This is the highest we have seen December 11, 2008. The 15 year mortgage moved up as well from 4.80 to 4.92. Below are rates for the last few weeks.


  • Where Did the Bailout Money Go?
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) is the $700 billion bill passed by Congress, which was touted last fall as much needed medicine for the ailing economy. According to a recent investigation by the PBS program NOW, $295 billion in TARP money has been invested in 355 American corporations. What is less clear is exactly what effect the nearly $350 billion in bailout funds rushed into the banking system last October has had on the economy.


  • Austin Real Estate Outlook
    [Real-Estate] Recent headlines suggest that home sales could be on the rise in some parts of the country, particularly in the South and Midwest. While analyst are being cautious not to sound too optimistic, the number of pending sales in December was up 6.3 percent according to the National Association of Realtors. This increase was largely credited to falling prices along with lower mortgage rates.


  • Valentines Day, Austin Style
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] Each year on February 14th candy and cards, gifts and flowers are exchanged between loved ones. Who was Saint Valentine, and why do we celebrate this day? It has always been a mystery, but February has always been a month for love and romance.


  • This Hidden Neighborhood of Travis Country
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Travis Country is more than just a pleasant neighborhood conveniently located to both downtown and the Hill Country, restaurants and shopping. It is a great place to start a family, raise kids or even retire.


  • Pricing is the Key to a Quicker Home Sale
    [Real-Estate:Selling] What makes one home sale go quickly while other homes linger on the market for months? The answer is usually price. Deciding on the right price from the beginning is one of the most crucial ingredients for an expedient home sale.


  • Horseshoe Bay Resort
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Hotels-Accommodations] Horseshoe Bay is a small community to the west of Austin in the Hill Country. This article describe the area of Horseshoe Bay.


  • Mortgage Rates Hold Steady
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage rates for the most part held steady this week. The 30 year rate dropped from 5.12 to 5.


  • Finding Your Chocolate Bliss in Austin
    [Food-and-Drink:Chocolate] As Valentine's Day fast approaches, anxious paramours turn their attention to how best to express their affection. And of course, the preferred language for this expression is chocolate. Locating the perfect chocolate in Austin, Texas isn't actually as arduous as you might imagine.


  • Economic Outlook Better For Austin Than the Country
    [News-and-Society:Economics] As noted in a recent article in the Austin-American Statesman, Austin is weathering this recession better than the country as a whole. The Austin-metro area added jobs in 2008, while the national unemployment rate dropped 2 percent, a total of 2.6 million jobs.


  • Central Texas Profiles - Marble Falls, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Located just 47 miles northwest of Austin, Marble Falls is in the middle of the Highland Lakes area, the largest chain of lakes in Texas which are Lake Marble Falls, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis. With a population of 7,200 it is a beautiful little town. Surrounded by rolling hills and lakes, Marble Falls is the perfect place to work, live and play.


  • Central Texas Profiles - Fredericksburg, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Fredericksburg is a small town west of Austin in the Hill Country. This article is about things to do and see in Fredericksburg.


  • Mortgage Rates Move Up For First Time in 3 Months
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] All good things must come to an end. After 12 weeks of falling rates interest rates went up this week. The 30 year rate went back above 5 jumping from 4.96 to 5.12. Below are rates from the last few weeks and October 30 which was when rates first started to fall.


  • A Historic Inauguration Day
    [News-and-Society:Politics] Over 2 million people are expected to be in Washington D.C. to watch in person as the 44th President of the United States is sworn in on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Barack Obama will be sworn in as the first African-American President of the United States on the Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his swearing in on March 4, 1861.


  • The Highland Park West Balcones Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Two lovely neighborhoods can be found in Austin just north of 35th Street and west of MoPac Blvd., called jointly the Highland Park-West Balcones neighborhood, as they are usually considered to be one residential area now. The other two boundaries are Mount Bonnell Road and R.R. 2222, with Bull Creek Road providing the boundary between 45th St. and Hancock Road. The neighborhood is home to about 1,750 residences, and the MoPac Expressway runs through about two miles of the eastern portion of the neighborhood.


  • Central Texas Profiles - San Marcos, Texas
    [Real-Estate:Buying] San Marcos is known as the "gateway to the hill country." It is a beautiful community that has a lot to offer its visitors as well as its residents. Located on Interstate 35 just about an hour south of Austin, San Marcos is easily accessed.


  • Central Texas Profiles - Wimberley, Texas
    [Real-Estate:Moving-Relocating] Just north of San Marcos, on R.M. 12 sits the beautiful picturesque little village of Wimberley, Texas. With a population just over 5,000 this little village is the perfect spot to retire or visit.


  • Central Texas Profiles - Dripping Springs Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] "The Gateway to the Texas Hill Country," Dripping Springs has rolling hills, rock bottom creeks, and beautiful wild life. Dripping Springs is located about 30 miles west of Austin on Highway 290. It is a quite little town of about 1,500 people.


  • Planning Now Can Plant the Seeds For a Terrific Summer Garden
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] On these cold January mornings the warm pursuits of summer seem very far away. It may not be pool weather yet, but January is the perfect month to start gardening. With a little planning now and a small amount of monthly yard maintenance, this summer can yield an enjoyable array of flowers and vegetables.


  • Mortgage Rates Fall For the 12th Week in a Row
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] This is getting just ridiculous. This is now the 12th week in a row where mortgage rates have fallen. OK one small caveat to that this is the 12th week where the 30 year mortgage rate has fallen.


  • Could the Skyrocketing Gas Prices of 2008 Happen Again?
    [News-and-Society:Energy] Last July, when the national average for a gallon of gas was $4, all that Wall Street speculation was being felt in bank accounts across America. As with the housing market, complicated investments were causing problems for many Americans who had never even heard of the commodities future market. Could this happen again?


  • The Small Town of Bastrop, Texas
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The economy in Bastrop is thriving. See why people love this city with a small town feel!


  • 10 Tips on Keeping New Year's Resolutions
    [Self-Improvement:Goal-Setting] Chances are you've made some new resolutions to start the New Year with. If you are like most Americans, you will probably break those resolutions before the end of the month! Here are a few tips on how to keep those resolutions and make the New Year a success!


  • Obama's Economic Recovery Plan
    [News-and-Society:Politics] The outlook is grim and the solution is costly. President-elect Barack Obama didn't have much in the way of positive news to give on the American economy in his recent speech at George Mason University. "In short, a bad situation could become dramatically worse," he said as he outlined the numbers on unemployment, falling revenues and the mind-boggling national deficit.


  • Wells Branch Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Located in the northern extremes of Austin, the Wells Branch neighborhood is a vibrant community established in 1982. The residential area is quiet and serene, while being in close proximity to the crown jewel of North Austin - the new Domain shopping center. Wells Branch Parkway is one of the main arteries connecting IH 35 and Mopac, making this neighborhood accessible to the employers and schools of Round Rock and the northern areas, as well as to downtown Austin.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Fall Again
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] This is now the 11th week in a row where 30 mortgage rates have fallen. It also marks the 4th week where mortgage rates have hit new 40 year record lows. In this market the 30 year mortgage product has become by far the most used mortgage product.


  • Twelve Things to Do in Austin This Year
    [Travel-and-Leisure:City-Guides-and-Information] The holiday cheer has been packed away for another year and now it's back to the daily grind. Everyone is resolute to watch the waistline and the wallet, none of which sounds like much fun. Here's a quick guide to entertaining, inexpensive monthly outings in Austin to spread a little cheer throughout the year: January Stroll the 2nd Street District and see the variety of shops and restaurants that have transformed this section of downtown.


  • Moderation Makes For a Good Resolution
    [Self-Improvement:Goal-Setting] Making a bold, life-changing resolution always sounds good on January 1, but is often hard to keep as the year goes on. Goals made just a few days ago, on New Year's Eve, may already feel a little daunting. Sprinkling those promises made to oneself with a little moderation may help bring them down to a manageable size.


  • Mortgage Rates Hit Fresh 30 Year Lows (Again)
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] So rates fell slightly this week. This marks the 10th week in a row rates have fallen. This is also the 3rd week where the the 30 year mortgage rate (the most popular mortgage product) has hit new 30 year lows. The 30 year rate fell from 5.14 to 5.10. The 5 year arm rose from 5.49 to 5.57.


  • Family Day Trips in Central Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] There is always somewhere interesting to visit in and around the Austin area. If you are looking for a day trip somewhere nearby to entertain your family, then Austin and the surrounding area is the place to be!


  • Sunset Valley in Southwest Austin
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Sunset Valley is the name of a small city southwest of Austin which was incorporated in 1954. The city and its residents value quiet, peaceful, safe living, and are proud of the quality of life offered by the small community, along with its unique attractions and amenities. The population is small, with just over 360 residents, and the population has a slightly higher percentage of women than men, with roughly 47% of the residents being male while 53% is female.


  • Central Texas Profiles - Texas Caverns
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Cascade Caverns is the only cavern in Texas that has a 100 foot underground waterfall, and it is in our own back yard! Located in the hill country, in a little town named Boerne, take exit #543 off of Interstate Highway 10 to Cascade Caverns Road, just minutes from San Antonio.


  • Austin Neighborhood Profiles - Tarrytown
    [Real-Estate:Buying] One of Austin's most elite neighborhoods lies just west of Mopac, in the heart of Austin. Bordered by Lake Austin to the west, Mopac to the east, Lake Austin Boulevard to the south and 35th street to the north, the Tarrytown neighborhood holds some of the most desirable homes in the Austin real estate.


  • Is it Better to Rent Or Buy in the Current Economy?
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Historically speaking, the answer to the rent or buy question is that usually it's smarter to buy a house. These are not usual times. The true answer to that question, of course, depends on the individual situation. There are some factors to consider when making this important decision.


  • Mortgage Rates Drop to New Lows
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage Rates fell again this week. This is the ninth week in a row were rates have fallen. Last week mortgage rates were already at 50 year lows.


  • Profiles in Urban Redevelopment - Mueller Austin
    [Real-Estate:Commercial-Property] Find out what Mueller Austin is all about. What kind of housing they have, to retail shops and more.


  • Simple Ideas For Holiday Decorating and Gifts
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] As the clock ticks by on the days remaining until Christmas, it can be those last things on your to-do list that make it feel like a race to the finish. Here are some simple ideas for decorating and gifts that should help you glide into an enjoyable holiday.


  • Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] It's an original Austin tradition that started 33 years ago. What was once an only two day affair has grown into a two week shopping bazaar! And bazaar it is!


  • Five Charities to Give to This Christmas
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] In our economy it is a fact that many children and families will do without this year. It is a sad fact, but there is something that can be done. Donating to a local charity is a way to help a family in need this Christmas season.


  • Obama's Public Works Project
    [News-and-Society:Politics] The economic news continues to herald even more horrible times up ahead. If only January were here, already! If President-elect Barack Obama manages to pull off the public works improvements he is proposing, maybe blue skies are on the horizon.


  • The Town of Lakeway on Lake Travis
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Lakeway is a small town west of Austin. This article looks at this history and features of lakeway.


  • Mortgage Rates Drop to 50 Year Lows
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage rates are down to rates we have not seen in 50 years. Since the early 1970s when we have good data for mortgage rates these are the lowest rates we have seen. 1) December 2008 5...


  • Festive Holiday Outings
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] The holidays are a time for celebration, but it can be a stressful time, too. Take a little break this season from the gift buying and tree decorating to enjoy some local holiday merriment.


  • The City of Leander, Texas
    [Reference-and-Education] Leander is a small city north of Austin Texas. This article provides a synopsis of the city of Leander, Texas.


  • The Mortgage Meltdown Could Get Messier
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Many financial analysts believe we are near the bottom and the recession should be over by the end of 2009. However, as reported on 60 Minutes, the outlook may not be that rosy.


  • The Lake Travis Community of Jonestown
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Jonestown is a small community on the north shore of Lake Travis where inhabitants can enjoy all of the advantages of small town living but still be a short drive from a large metropolitan area such as Austin. Jonestown also offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Hill Country as well as access to Lake Travis and its many natural wonders.


  • Outlook is Hopeful For Home Buyers
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The Treasury Department is working on a plan to lower mortgage rates to 4.5. This article looks at the benefits and problems of this plan.


  • State Parks at Christmas Time
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Nothing can be more beautiful than Christmas at a state park, and there are plenty in and around the Austin area. Visiting a state park at Christmas time is a spectacular site. It's wide open space with lots of holiday lights and the fresh air of the great outdoors!


  • Mortgage Rates Drop Again to Near Record Lows
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] So most of the other low rates were during 2003 and 2004, which were historic lows. One difference between now and then is that the current rates are only available to owner occupy single family borrowers. Banks are not interested in loaning money to investors. I talked to a loan officer this morning.


  • Christmas Time in Austin
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] There are several places families can go to hear and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs and see beautiful lights and celebrate Christmas in Austin. The Austin Symphony has a wonder free concert every year.


  • The Community of Rollingwood
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Rollingwood is a small city three miles west of downtown Austin, with a population of around 1400 residents at the time of the 2000 census. There were about 489 households reported in Rollingwood at the time of the recent census, and 413 families called Rollingwood home during the census of 2000 as well.


  • Mortgage Rates Experience Historic Drops
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage rates experienced a historic drop this month. 30 Year rates fell from 5.97 to 5.53. This is the lowest rates have been since January 2008. But I think this understates how low mortgage rates are this week so I did a little research. Since 1974 rates have been lower than today's rates only four times. Below are the dates and mortgage rates.


  • The Unprecedented Presidential Transition
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] If it seems a little unusual that President-elect Barack Obama is holding daily press conferences and lining up legislation to be signed his first days in office that's because this is a presidential transition like no other. Perhaps it is indicative of the economic crisis, but the handing off of the baton to the 44th president stands out in many ways.


  • How to Set (and Keep) New Year's Resolutions
    [Self-Improvement:Goal-Setting] Every year, people around the world promise themselves, next year will be different. They make commitments to improve their lives, end bad habits, and generally be better people. From losing weight to quitting smoking to spending more time with their families, people resolve to make big changes at the end of each year, but more often than not find themselves slipping back into their old patterns come mid January.


  • How to Prepare a Holiday Feast on a Budget
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] The holidays are a time of togetherness, a time for friends and family to catch up and enjoy each others' company. It's no wonder meals are a central focus of the holiday schedule what better way to get people together than over a delicious meal? But preparing the perfect holiday feast doesn't require a major investment.


  • The Community of Buda, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Buda is a thriving small community southwest of Austin in the Texas Hill country. Buda was settled in 1881, and originally named Du Pre, but in 1887, the town changed its name when the residents realized there was another Du Pre, Texas. The town was founded on the route of the International-Great Northern Railroad, which traversed a route from Austin to San Antonio in the 1800s, and the town's early residents named the streets either for well known types of trees or local cities, such as San Marcos and Austin.


  • How to Redecorate on a Budget
    [Home-Improvement:Interior-Design-and-Decorating] Sprucing up your home doesn't have to cost a bundle. A little creativity goes a long way in inexpensive updates to your home.


  • The Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] What a magical time of the year, Christmas! Young and old enjoy this wonderful celebration. What can make it all more magical?


  • The Perfect Place to Find a Christmas Tree Around Austin
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] It's that time of year again, time for family, fun and celebration. Many families kick of the season by picking out and cutting down their own Christmas tree. It's a tradition that began long ago.


  • Mortgage Rates Down For Fourth Straight Week
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] For the month of October we saw rates bouncing up and down pretty wildly. For the month of November we have not seen any large one week changes but a steady trend downward. The 30 year mortgage rate has moved down for the last 4 weeks.


  • Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill - An Austin Original
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Nestled on the edge of Austin's bustling downtown district, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, or simply Moonshine, as it's often called, is truly one of the starts of Austin's culinary scene. With its gourmet take on comfort food favorites, Moonshine offers a unique dining experience. Spread out over several different dining areas in multiple buildings, Moonshine offers its patrons options when it comes to ambiance.


  • KUT Radio Stations - Keep Austin Wired
    [Communications:Radio] Austin's KUT radio station is a public radio station that lives up to its mission "to be the most trusted radio source for news and music in Central Texas." Owned and operated by the University of Texas at Austin, KUT focuses on broadcasting mostly locally-produced music programming and news, as well as some NPR, PRI, and BBC broadcasts. From the call-letters alone, you can tell the station has a long history.


  • Recession? Depression? Deflation? The ABC's of the Economic Downturn
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The economy dominates the headlines, the evening news and our daily conversations. Sorting out what all the terms mean and what they have to do with your individual bottom line can be difficult.


  • Hill Country Holiday Wine Trail - Celebrating the Holidays, Texas Style
    [Food-and-Drink:Wine-Spirits] The holiday season is a wonderful time in central Texas, as leaves turn and the burning heat of summer gives way to cool, brisk mornings and cold, sunny afternoons. Cold weather clothing replaces shorts and flip flops and fire places come to life for a few special months it's a beautiful time to be in Texas.


  • Tips For Staging Your Home For Sale
    [Real-Estate:Home-Staging] The For Sale sign is in the front yard. The house is clean and the lawn is mowed. Everything seems ready for prospective buyers to walk in and fall in love with your home. An offer for your asking price is imminent. That is the way it is supposed to work, but many sellers will attest to the fact that it's not always that easy.


  • How to Live on a Limited Income
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] As the cost of living rises each year and the economy seems to be heading south, there are more and more people and families who have very little money. It seems that families who seemed to be making ends meet are now living from paycheck to paycheck.


  • Mortgage Rates News This Week
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The financial markets hit some choppy waters this week. With successive drops of 427 and 445 points the Dow ended down substantially for the week. For some positive news this marks the third week in a row where mortgage rates went down. The wild swings we saw earlier in mortgage rates have for the time being ended. The last 3 weeks saw less movement in all four of the major mortgage products.


  • Mortgage Rates Drop For Second Week
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage rates for most of the major mortgage products fell again this week. Although the drop was not as substantial as last week it is still nice to see rates come down this week. The 30 year mortgage rate fell from 6.


  • Zilker Park is an Austin Gem
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Zilker Metropolitan Park is perhaps the brightest jewel in Austin's golden crown of parks and other outdoor venues. It is 351 acres of endless amusements for all ages and interests.


  • The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen - Austin's New Wine Bar on the Block
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Austin's booming economy has always been a draw for restaurateurs and bar owners, offering tantalizing new opportunities and a constant desire for something new and different. The latest craze to hit the hip Texas capitol is wine bars "both older, established places that have been around for years, and newer, funkier alternatives are drawing in crowds like never before. This trend is particularly noticeable in Austin's popular downtown warehouse district, where several new wine bars and restaurants have cropped up in the past year, and have found success and popularity among Austin's young professionals and older patrons alike.


  • Budgeting 101 - A Beginner's Guide
    [Finance:Budgeting] Budgeting and financial planning are the cornerstones of responsible money management. Not only that, but they are vital in developing a workable plan for the future, and can even reduce stress. While many people shy away from the accountability and responsibility required to create and maintain an accurate budget, buckling down and building a budget can ultimately help reduce stress and worry, and lead to a more pleasant and fulfilling life.


  • The Little City of San Marcos
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] San Marcos, Texas, which is 29 miles south of Austin and 47 miles northwest of San Antonio, is a beautiful, small city with a rich history. The San Marcos area is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited site in the Northern Hemisphere, although the descendants of today's residents settled the area in the 1800s.


  • Tips For a Vacation in Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] With gas prices and a failing economy, families are not able to travel across the country to vacation as much as they used to. Instead of driving to Walt Disney World, why not try vacationing in our own backyard, Austin style? Austin and the surrounding area has many wonderful, family oriented vacations spots.


  • Johnson City, Texas
    [Reference-and-Education] Johnson City lies 15 miles north of Austin. This article looks at Johnson City.


  • Mortgage Rates Drop After Fed Cut
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage rates dropped this week following the Fed Cut. This article looks at changes in the mortgage market.


  • Birthday Parties in Austin, Texas
    [Home-and-Family:Parties] Unlike childhood birthday parties of yesteryear, which revolved around a birthday cake and a small gathering of mostly family and a friend or two, today's parties require a bit more. Generally, all of your child's acquaintances from school are invited to the party, which should at the very least have a theme if not an exotic locale. What is a parent to do when faced with the monolithic task of planning the party of the century for their toddler, without the time or even energy to begin thinking about doing so?


  • Dinosaurs Take Over the Zilker Botanical Gardens
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] These days a stroll through the Zilker Botanical Gardens could lead to an encounter with a small herd of Bambiraptors, dinosaurs with feathered wings similar to a turkey. The word "raptor" means thief and these little creatures, named after the Disney character, were known to steal the babies of other dinosaurs. The usually sedate gardens are full of all kinds of life-size dinosaurs, like the ferocious cousin to T- Rex, a Daspletosaur, standing at 33 feet tall.


  • Round Rock, Texas
    [Reference-and-Education] Round Rock, Texas was founded around the year 1851 on the banks of a local creek called Brushy Creek, and the city was named for a large, circular rock which was situated in the middle of the creek. Wagon Wheel tracks can still be seen on the rock today, and the rock was in the middle of a low water crossing on Brushy Creek, which at the time was part of the famous Chisholm Trail which was used to herd cattle from Texas to Kansas. The town was originally called Brushy Creek, but changed its name in 1854 to Round ...


  • Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pflugerville, Texas
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Pflugerville is a small town just north of Austin. This article looks at the history of the town of Pflugerville Texas.


  • The Community of Dripping Springs, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Dripping Springs is a small city in Hays County which is located 21 miles west of Austin. In the census of 2000, Dripping Springs reported a population of 1,548 inhabitants and 554 households, and among them 418 families. The population density of it was 468.07 people per square mile at the time of the census, and the city currently has an area of 3.3 square miles, all of it land.


  • Mortgage Rates Have Gone Haywire
    [News-and-Society:Economics] This marks the third week in a row that mortgage rates have moved in one direction or another by more than .4 points. This is highly unusual.


  • Mortgage is Not a Bad Word - Steps to Getting a Home Loan in the Credit Crunch
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The bad news about the economy is inescapable these days. Consumer confidence is at an all time low and it's easier to follow a tennis match than keep up with the daily rise and fall of the stock market. Even though everyone is carefully watching the bottom line, life does go on.


  • The Central Texas City of Georgetown
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Georgetown is small city lying just north of Austin Texas. This article looks at some of the history and features of Georgetown.


  • Swimming Holes Around Austin
    [Recreation-and-Sports:Swimming] Austin is a city that loves its natural swimming holes. This article details the various swimming holes around Austin.


  • The Recent Introduction of Raspberry Ants to Texas
    [Home-Improvement:Pest-Control] The Raspberry Ant has recently been found in Central Texas. This article looks at the Raspberry Ant and its introduction to Texas.


  • Increasing Advertising During a Recession - A Timely Move Or an Easy Way to Go Bankrupt
    [Business:Advertising] Over the last year the US, once flying high, has fallen and face planted into a somewhat ugly recession. For people with steady jobs the fear is of course the dreaded pink slip. But as long as they can keep their jobs their paychecks in most cases will remain the same. For small business owners a recession is often felt in the pocketbook.


  • The Town of Taylor, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Taylor, Texas, is a small city about a half hour's drive north of Austin near Interstate 35 and Highway 79, and the city was originally named Taylorville, in honor of Edward Moses Taylor, who was a well known railroad official. Taylor was founded in 1876 when the Texas Land Company auctioned lots in anticipation of the arrival of the railroad.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Tumble After Fast Rise
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] So I imagine many people are breathing a sigh of relief this week. Last week mortgage rates made one of the largest one week jumps in the last 20 years. 30 year rates rose from 5.94 to 6.46 for over a half point increase. I thought that rates would drop this week since typically after a large move rates readjust in the opposite direction.


  • The Village of Salado
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The village of Salado, between Austin and Waco on Interstate 35, is a very historic community that emphasizes an interest in the arts, education, natural beauty and scenic attractions. The longest continually operating hotel in Texas, the Stagecoach Inn, is in Salado, and the hotel is known for its excellent restaurant and historic setting.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Make Dramatic Rise After Bailout Passes
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] This week 30 year mortgage rates rose over half a point. This is the largest one week increase this year. It's interesting that the rate increases happened after the bailout was passed by the government.


  • National Bank - How to Fix the Housing Crisis For Less Than 700 Billion
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Recently the news has been dominated by developments with the 700 billion dollar bailout package, and rightfully so. 700 billion is an astronomical sum of money. The first problem is that the 700 billion dollar bailout adds a huge amount of money to the national debt.


  • The Historic Moonlight Towers in Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin is a city with unique traditions. The article looks at the history of the moonlight towers that have been around Austin for the last 100 years.


  • The Rosedale Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Rosedale is a small neighborhood in the central Austin real estate market. This article describes the Rosedale neighborhood.


  • The Town of Marble Falls
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Marble Falls is a small town west of Austin located on the Colorado River. This article describes the town of Marble Falls.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Move Down
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage interest rates moved down this week. 30 Year rates feel back below 6 dropping from 6.10 last week to 5.


  • The City of Manor, Texas
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Manor is the name of a small city east of Austin, and this small community has many noteworthy attractions. The city was settled in 1872 when it was named after its first postmaster, James Manor. Manor currently has an approximate population of 5,500, a figure which was derived from the number of utility service connections, and the city is twelve miles northeast of downtown Austin.


  • Central Austin Profiles - The Travis Heights Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Travis Heights is a centrally located neighborhood in the Austin real estate market. This articles looks at the Travis Heights neighborhood.


  • Mustang Ridge Near Austin
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Mustang Ridge is a small city near Austin which is in three different counties, Travis, Bastrop, and Caldwell. This article describes the town of Mustang Ridge.


  • Lowering Necessary Expenses to Improve Your Lifestyle
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] As living costs (along with seemingly every other cost these days) continue to climb, many people are finding their budgets getting tighter and tighter, and are looking for ways to cut their necessary costs each month. Things like electricity, rent and grocery bills can't go unpaid, but there are ways to cut costs (without sacrificing too much) to help you stretch your budget and make the most of your financial situation. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.


  • Five Simple Ways to Spend Less
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] Cutting your spending isn't as complicated as it seems. Making smart choices day-to-day can help you save big bucks over time.


  • In a Week of Historic Changes Mortgage Interest Rates Hold Even
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] In a week of historic changes in the US financial markets mortgage interest rates held pretty much even across the board. With the market making the largest one day drop in decades and also one of the largest one day gains in a long time to mention nothing of the historic 700 billion dollar bailout package we would have expected something to happen with mortgage rates. Instead we saw some of the smallest changes in rates we have seen all year.


  • Tips For Dating on a Budget
    [Relationships:Dating] Working with a limited budget doesn't have to limit your dating life. With a little creativity, you can have plan romantic, memorable, and affordable dates year-round.


  • Austin Originals - Primizie Osteria
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Austin, Texas, is well known for its exceptional restaurants, catering to all tastes, budgets and timeframes. If you're looking for some specific culinary treat at any given time, odds are, you'll find it here. The reputation is well earned, and new establishments tend to thrive in this colorful, varied city well, new establishments worth their salt, that is.


  • Could the 700 Billion Bailout Mean No Change in the Housing Market?
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] In the last week the news has been dominated by the possibility of a 700 billion dollar bailout of US banks. This article looks at the reasons why the bailout might fail.


  • Halloween Events in Austin
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] Austin is filled with different events around Halloween. This article looks at a few of the annual Halloween hotspots in Austin.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Move Up After Historic Fall
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] For the two weeks after the government takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae we saw a historic drop in mortgage interest rates. In fact it was the largest two week drop since 1995. This was after rates had been gradually falling for the previous two months on rumors of the takeover.


  • The Historic Community of Gruene, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] The historic community of Gruene, Texas was founded by German immigrants Ernst and Antoinette Gruene in 1849. The Gruene family, including their two sons had immigrated to New Braunfels in 1845, but land was scarce, so Ernst Gruene moved his family down the river and built them a home in the German style of fach werk, and the city of Gruene got its start. The Gruene family planted cotton on their land, and a few years later, twenty to thirty more families arrived in Gruene, to help farm the fields and build homes for their families. ...


  • Budget-Friendly Wedding Planning Tips
    [Relationships:Wedding] Weddings are extremely expensive, but they don't have to be. These simple money-saving tips will help you plan the perfect wedding without blowing your budget.


  • Cycling in Austin, Texas
    [Recreation-and-Sports:Cycling] Austin, Texas, has always boasted a highly active populace, and is often listed among the nation's healthiest and most active cities. Cycling plays a huge role in this fitness-focused city, with an abundance of resources available to cyclists of every age and experience level. Austin's unique landscape and close proximity to the rolling Texas hill country make it uniquely suited to both mountain biking and road biking alike, and enthusiasts of both sports flock to the city as a result.


  • The Small City of Lockhart, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas as it's known around Austin and the surrounding area, is a short thirty minute drive from Austin on U.S. 183 South. This article looks at the features and history of Lockhart Texas.


  • Five Tips For Shopping on a Budget
    [Finance:Budgeting] Sticking to a budget is hard enough, but malls, outlets and grocery stores don't make it any easier; with countless promotions, sales, and strategically-placed impulse-buy items, it's easy to get sidetracked and overspend. Willpower and discipline are great tools to combat overspending, but many people find it hard to maintain them when faced with a great sale. Never fear, there are a few simple tricks and tips you can use to help keep you on track and overcome the temptation to overspend.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Drop Over Half a Point in Just Two Weeks
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you have been hoping interest rates would drop your prayers have been answered. Interest rates plummeted over half a point last week falling from 6.35 to 5.


  • Austin Area Restaurants With Patio Dining
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Austin has a number of restaurants with patio dining. This article looks through some of those restaurants.


  • Excellent Resource For DIY Landscaping in Austin
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] If you are looking for direction on what to plant in that achingly empty plot outside your front door and the thought of watering every day has you retreating to your living room sofa before you can say soil-prep you will not have to look any further. The City of Austin has excellent recommendations for you. You will be the smartest person on the block with minimal maintenance and delightful results.


  • Holiday Shopping on a Budget
    [Shopping-and-Product-Reviews] The holiday season is a time for friends, family, togetherness and fun. It's easy to get carried away when stocking up for the holidays from gifts, to food, to party favors and decorations, there are a seemingly endless array of ways to spend money in the name of the holiday season. In fact, the holiday season is the peak time of year for debt accumulation.


  • Conserving Water is Good For the Environment (And Your Budget)
    [Home-Improvement:Energy-Efficiency] Conserving resources electricity, water, money is an important step toward leading a sustainable lifestyle (both personally and environmentally). People strive daily to save money, and yet many do not make the connection between resources and finances forgetting that electric bills and water bills make up a significant portion of monthly expenses. But just because these resources and expenses are necessary, that doesn't mean they can't be cut back, or utilized more thoughtfully and effectively.


  • The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] The Austin Zoo is a private, non-profit sanctuary located in the hill country. This article looks at the different features of the Austin Zoo.


  • The Texas Governor's Mansion
    [Real-Estate:Homes] The Texas Governor's Mansion is one of the oldest homes in Austin. The article looks at some of the history of the Texas Governor's Mansion.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Plummet After Fannie Mae Freddie Mac Takeover
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] I have been tracking mortgage interest rates for the last few months. Its always more interesting when there are drastic changes. This week we saw some of the largest changes we have seen this year.


  • The Fallout From the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Takeover
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Recently Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were taken over by the US government. This article looks at the fallout we have seen over the last week.


  • Planning a Child's Birthday Party on a Budget
    [Home-and-Family:Parties] To many children, a birthday is the single most important day of the year. And to many parents, it's a day of both celebration and stress, as they strive to make their child's special day a memorable event. Crafting a fun, unique party for your son or daughter isn't always easy especially if you're feeling pressured to measure up to the over-the-top events hosted by the parents of your child's peers.


  • The Bryker Woods Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Homes] Austin has a number of older neighborhoods in downtown Austin. This article looks at the Bryker Woods neighborhood.


  • Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall
    [Real-Estate] This was the sixth week in a row were 30 Year mortgage rates fell or held steady. In the last 6 weeks 30 year notes have fallen from 6.63 to 6.35. This was preceded by a sudden jump in interest rates in July where 30 year mortgage interest rates rose from 6.26 to 6.63 between July 17th and July 24th. So while rates are little higher today than what we saw on July 17th they have almost fallen back to mid July levels.


  • Austin, Texas - Home of North America's Largest Urban Bat Community
    [Reference-and-Education:Wildlife] Austin is home to many things: live music, the University of Texas, the state capital; but many people don't realize Austin is also home to the nation's largest urban bat community-and it's right downtown. More than 750,000 Mexican Free-Tail bats make their home under the beams of the Congress Avenue bridge. Following renovations of the iconic bridge in 1980, the bat population took up shelter under the bridge, and it has been their home each summer since.


  • St Edward's University in Austin, Texas
    [Reference-and-Education:College-University] Although Austin is most well known for the University of Texas another well regarded University called St. Edwards also resides in Austin. This article looks at St. Edwards University.


  • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Takeover - What Does it Mean?
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were recently taken over by the US government. This article looks at the potential fallout of this decision.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Move Down Again But Still Relatively High
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage interest rates moved down again this week. This marks the fifth week in a row where 30 Year mortgage rates have either fallen or held steady. This is of course good news for people looking to buy a house.


  • Austin Neighborhood Profiles - Travis Heights
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Travis Heights is a small neighborhood in central Austin. This article profiles the Travis Heights neighborhood.


  • Austin Park Profiles - Mount Bonnell
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Austin has a number of natural tourist attractions. This article profiles Mount Bonnell a historic park in Austin.


  • South Austin Museum of Popular Culture
    [Arts-and-Entertainment] Austin is a town that has chosen as its mantra "Keep Austin Weird". This article looks at one of the places that contributes to this the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture.


  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Aviation-Airplanes] Austin relatively recently created a new airport called the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This article describes the history and features of the new airport.


  • Austin City Limits - Where the Music World Comes Together
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Every year, during the sweltering late summer months, bands from across the country converge on Austin, Texas for one weekend of music, food and hot, sweaty fun. Thousands upon thousands of people, young and old, flock to Austin each year for the massive music event that is the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Some of the biggest names in music show up every year.


  • Austin, Texas - A Cyclist's Paradise
    [Recreation-and-Sports:Cycling] Austin, Texas, is well known for its high rate of resident activity. In fact, Austin is often rated among the healthiest and most-active cities in America. With a wealth of outdoor activities to choose from (parks, lakes, and hiking trails abound) Austinites have access to an almost indefinite number of options when it comes to exercise.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Move Down Slightly and the Impending Takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage interest rates moved down slightly this week. This was a good sign since it was not preceded by any rate cuts from the FED. The 30 year mortgage rate fell.


  • How to Eat Well Without Overspending
    [Food-and-Drink] With everyday costs on the rise, it's become more important than ever to make sure you're getting the best value for your dollar. Follow these simple tips to maximize your food budget.


  • How to Stay Fit on a Budget
    [Health-and-Fitness:Exercise] Trimming your budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing your health, or that of your family. Follow these tips to keep fit and active, regardless of your financial situation.


  • A Grape Time in Austin, Texas
    [Food-and-Drink:Wine-Spirits] Austin's high-energy entertainment scene has always been the talk of the town. But traditional bars and restaurants are making way for wine bars, the next big thing to entice the young, sophisticated Austin set.


  • Tips and Tricks For Home Staging
    [Real-Estate:Home-Staging] Staging a home can greatly increase in chances of selling. This article looks at how to stage a home.


  • Five Ways to Cut Energy Usage & Save Money Around the House
    [Home-Improvement:Energy-Efficiency] It takes unimaginable amounts of energy to power the United States, and the needs is constantly growing. As global warming and fuel crises gain more and more public attention, people everywhere are now looking for ways to live a greener lifestyle. But this doesn't mean rebuilding your home to run on solar energy, or overhauling your current lifestyle.


  • Roller Derby, Austin Style
    [Recreation-and-Sports:Extreme] Ten women go whizzing past wearing wild fishnet hoses. Their colorful get-ups also include helmets and kneepads and flying scarves and the skates on which they are racing around the oval track. Elbows fly, legs lock, bodies go careening and sliding along the masonite track.


  • Town Lake - Lady Bird Lake
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] One of Austin's most popular attractions is Town Lake and its surrounding parklands. This article looks at Austin's popular Town Lake.


  • Fixed Rate Mortgages Hold Steady Again While ARMs Nudge Down
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] For the second week in a row 30 year mortgage rates held steady at 6.52. 15 year mortgages last week moved from 6.07 to 6.1. The week they returned to 6.07. So basically the fixed rates are holding steady.


  • How to Avoid Over-Spending
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] Many people have trouble sticking to their budgets and staying in the black each month. These simple tips can help even the worst over-spenders curb their bad habits and foster financial responsibility.


  • Austin Originals - The Alamo Drafthouse
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin's unique character is made up of the many original, one-of-a-kind people, places and establishments that give the city its identity. One of the most beloved of these is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Why would you see a movie anywhere else?


  • Austin Ghost Tours
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin Ghost Tours is a tour of some of Austin's old and historic buildings. Its one of Austin less well know but fun attractions.


  • How to Make a Budget (And Stick to It)
    [Finance:Budgeting] Responsible budgeting and money management are skills everyone needs to learn as is the discipline required to put these skills into action. Many people find it difficult to stick to a budget; oftentimes, this is because the budget they created is not realistic. Regardless of the economic climate, it is important to know how to manage your finances and keep track of your spending.


  • Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival
    [Food-and-Drink:Wine-Spirits] The Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival is an annual tradition in Austin. This article looks at some of the events at the festival.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Keep Steady
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage interest rates were virtually unchanged this week. The 30 Year rate stayed even at 6.52.


  • Downtown Austin - Urban Living
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The number of people living in Downtown Austin has steadily been rising over the last few years. This article looks at what is spurring this downtown migration.


  • Austin Traditions - The Trail of Lights
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] Although Austin's weather can make Christmas seem like the 4th of July, a sure-fire way to get into the spirit is to visit the annual Trail of Lights Festival. A holiday tradition for decades, this dazzling display of holiday decorations and lights is mounted in Zilker Park in Austin Texas every December, draws thousands of visitors, and along with the lighting of the tree at the State Capitol, is one of Austin's most beloved holiday customs.


  • Barbecue Joints in Austin
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Austin like most cities in Texas is a place where people love their BBQ. This article is a list of some of Austin's most famous BBQ joints.


  • How to Avoid Pain at the Pump
    [Finance:Personal-Finance] Rising gas prices along with general increases in cost of living across the board are forcing many people to tighten their budgets and cut excess spending. In order to maintain a certain standard of living, people everywhere are looking for new ways to stretch their paychecks and make ends meet. While most people cannot realistically cut the cost of gasoline from their budgets, millions are finding ways to creatively cut back on fuel costs.


  • Austin Originals - Kerby Lane Cafe
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] With literally hundreds of unique dining options throughout Austin, it's tough for some restaurants to establish themselves but not for Kerby Lane Cafe. This Austin staple has been pleasing patrons for almost 30 years.


  • The Barton Hills Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Barton Hills is one of the earliest settlements in Austin. This article looks at some of the history of the Barton Hills neighborhood.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Nudge Down a Little
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Before we talk about what happened with mortgage rates this week lets do a quick recap of what happened last week. Last week mortgage interest rates made a sudden jump over the previous week. For the entire month of June and July 30 year mortgage interest rates only fluctuated from 6.


  • AMOA - Laguna Gloria Art Museum
    [Arts-and-Entertainment] The Laguna Gloria Art Museum is a popular art museum located in Austin. This article looks at some of the features and history of Laguna Gloria.


  • Austin Weather - A Study in Contrast
    [News-and-Society:Weather] Anyone who has been in Texas for very long has heard someone say, "If you don't like Texas weather, just wait a minute." Austin and the surrounding Hill Country enjoy some of the most temperate weather in Texas. Summers are hot, winters are mild and spring and fall months are typically quite pleasant.


  • Austin Steam Train
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] One of the most unique and interesting attractions in and around the capitol city are the different excursions offered by the Austin Steam Train Association. With vintage engines and passenger cars, riders are transported to a different time and place, enjoying three levels of travel style - coach class, excursion class, and first class. A holiday favorite, the Austin Steam Train is a wonderful way to experience the slower, relaxing pace of train travel while enjoying the beauty of the Hill Country.


  • Farmer's Markets in Austin
    [Home-and-Family] Austin is a city that values locally grown food. This article looks at some of the farmer's markets and farm stands in Austin.


  • Blanton Museum of Art
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Humanities] The Blanton Museum of Art is one of the largest collections of art in central Texas. This article looks at some of the offerings of the Blanton Museum of Art.


  • Shady Grove
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Live music, classic movies, good food, and a great vibe. Shady Grove offers it all.


  • Mortgage Rates Jump Up to Highest Level Seen in 2008
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage interest rates jumped this week to reach their highest levels of 2008. This article looks through the changes.


  • Hula Hut
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Want to eat at a great, local favorite? Hula Hut on Lake Travis is one of the best.


  • Things to Do When You're Moving
    [Real-Estate:Moving-Relocating] Movings a hassle, and there's so many things to do. Here's a list of what to do and not do when you're planning that move.


  • Austin's Bat Festival
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin's amazing population of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats is one of the most unique aspects of an already exceptionally unique city. Austin's love affair with those delightful little bug-eaters is epic, and is celebrated every year with a bat-tastic festival held right on the Congress Street Bridge, while the honorees sleep below.


  • How to Plan a Stress-Free Vacation
    [Travel-and-Leisure] Planning a vacation can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Follow these simple tips to plan an unforgettable vacation, and leave the stress at home.


  • Mexic-Arte Museum
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Humanities] The Mexic-Arte Museum is the Official Mexican and Mexican-American Fine Art Museum of Texas, as designated by the state legislature. Although focused primarily on the arts from Mexico, their scope includes Latin America as well as Latino arts, both contemporary and ancient, as well as Chicano art. Its diverse and eclectic collections, exhibits and programs reflect the heritage of the area, which was once Mexico.


  • How to Host a Low-Cost, No-Stress Dinner Party
    [Home-and-Family:Entertaining] Hosting a dinner party can be a massive undertaking, with people often getting carried away, overextending themselves and their budgets. Follow these simple steps to avoid that trap when planning your next event.


  • Elgin Texas
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Austin is surrounded by a number of smaller cities. The article looks at Elgin Texas a small town to the East of Austin.


  • Mortgage Rates Fall Again
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] For the second week in a row mortgage rates have fallen. For those that don't read my updates regularly I wanted to give a short background on what rates have been doing. From the end of April to the beginning of June 30 year mortgage rates hovered around 6 percent.


  • Allandale Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Homes] The central Austin real estate market is filled with cute older neighborhoods. This articles profiles one of them called Allandale.


  • An Inside Look at Five of Austin's Top Museums
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Visual-Graphic-Arts] Austin, Texas, offers a wide range of activities and options for residents and visitors alike, including several top-tier cultural experiences. Here, we take a closer look at five of Austin's top museums and cultural centers.


  • Austin Restaurant Spotlight - Clarksville and West Lynn St
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] One of Austin's most sought-after neighborhoods, Clarksville offers a close-knit neighborhood feel in a European style, pedestrian-friendly setting. With small privately-owned markets and delicious restaurants all a stone's throw away, Clarksville residents happily enjoy the best Austin has to offer. And while Clarksville is home to a number of distinctive shops, including award-winning locally-owned coffee shops and a drug store complete with working soda fountain, the neighborhood's restaurants are perhaps the largest commercial draw.


  • Current Mortgage News
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] This article looks at the recent news with banking and mortgage rates. It talks about the fall of IndyMac and current trends with mortgage interest rates.


  • Coworking in Austin
    [Business:Entrepreneurialism] Coworking has been growing in Austin over the last few years. This article examines current coworking trends.


  • How to Minimize the Stress of Moving
    [Real-Estate:Moving-Relocating] Regardless of whether it's across the country or across town, moving is a stressful, expensive and time-consuming event. It requires extensive planning, organization, and a lot of physical activity. While there is no easy way to move house, there are several things you can do to simplify the process and reduce the amount of stress on yourself.


  • Outdoor Fun in Austin, Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Austin, Texas, is known for a lot of things. It's the Live Music Capital of the World, the home of the UT Longhorns, and the capitol seat of the Lone Star State. To those who live and play here full time, it's also widely regarded as one of the most active cities in the country.


  • Austin Area Festivals - Music and More
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Festivals in Austin and surrounding towns reflect the area's eclecticism and creative spirit. They are also a tremendous boon for the economy.


  • Austin Real Estate Market Steady
    [Real-Estate] While some real estate markets have fallen on hard times the Austin real estate market has held somewhat steady. This article examines the current condition of the Austin real estate market.


  • Southeast Austin Neighborhoods
    [Real-Estate] Austin offers a diverse cross section of areas and neighborhoods. This article looks at southeast Austin.


  • Labor Day Weekend in Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Labor Day weekend in Austin this year promises every imaginable kind of activity, with something for everyone, young and old, in the works. Some choices for end of summer fun locally include Texas Longhorn events, the Austin Bat Fest, and a day of yoga, among other celebrations. If you're a sports fan, the Texas Longhorns are playing a home game the Saturday before Labor Day, and the game will be held in Darrel K.


  • French Legation Museum
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] East Austin is often overlooked when people look for tourist attractions. This article talks about one of the attractions in east Austin called French Legation Museum.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Continue to Move Up
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage interest rates have been rising over the last month. This article examines the current trends with mortgage interest rates.


  • Happy Hours in Austin
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Austin is a city with a number of good local restaurants. This article describes the different happy hours around town.


  • Eeyore's Birthday Party
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin is a city that values its independence and "weirdness". One of the more interesting traditions in Austin is a festival called Eeyore's Birthday Party.


  • Hamilton Pool Preserve
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Austin has a number of different parks and natural pools. This article talks about Hamilton Pool.


  • Austin Texas Book Festival
    [Book-Reviews] Austin has a plethora of different festivals throughout the year. This article talks about the Austin Texas book festival.


  • Zilker Park in Austin Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Austin has a number of different parks. This article looks at the famed Zilker Park.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates - Up Up and Away
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Mortgage interest rates have been rising over the last month. This article examines the current trends with mortgage interest rates.


  • South by Southwest
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] While Austin has many festivals South by Southwest is the largest and most well known. This article talks about the South by Southwest festival.


  • Restaurants in Austin With Live Music
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Austin is known as the live music capitol of the world. This article talks about some restaurants in Austin with live music.


  • Austin Hipness Moves South
    [Real-Estate:Buying] 78704 has long been know as the hip area of Austin. Recently though some of the cool Austin establishments have been moving south of Ben White to 78745.


  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Austin is a city in love with nature. This article talks about the "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center."


  • Austin Children's Museum
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] The Austin Children's Museum is located in downtown Austin. This article describes some of the events at the Austin Children's Museum.


  • Pemberton Heights in Old West Austin
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Pemberton Heights is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Austin real estate market. This article talks about the history of Pemberton Heights.


  • Texas Friendly Flowers
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Using native flowers has many benefits for your garden. This article talks about some of the plants that are native to Texas along with detailing some of the benefits of choosing native plants.


  • Mortgage Interest Rates Jump Up
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Interest rates have increased recently. This article details what mortgage products have changed and what we might be seeing in the near future.


  • How to Hire a Contractor
    [Home-Improvement:Remodeling] Hiring a good contractor is an important part of a successful remodel. This article describes how to hire a contractor.


  • Neighborhood Profiles - Southwest Austin
    [Real-Estate] Although once considered a far off neighborhood the area referred to as southwest Austin is becoming more downtown adjacent as Austin grows. The article describes the southwest Austin neighborhoods and area.


  • Austin Hot Sauce Festival
    [Travel-and-Leisure] Austin hosts a plethora of festivals throughout the year. This article talks about the annual Hot Sauce festival in Waterloo Park.


  • Restaurants With Playscapes
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] If you go out to eat and bring the some children along it always nice to have a place for the kids to run around. This article details which restaurants in Austin provide playscapes for the kids.


  • Austin Museum of Art
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] The Austin Museum of Art is a public museum located in downtown Austin. This article talks about some the the things Austin Museum of Art has to offer.


  • Bats in Austin Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin enjoys one of the largest urban bat colonies in the US. This article gives some information on these nocturnal Austin residents.


  • Mortgage ARMs Become Attractive Again
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] After the subprime issues of the last year ARMs become a less attractive option compared to fixed rate mortgages. This article talks about how ARMs have started to become a more interesting option over the last month.


  • Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
    [Home-Improvement:Energy-Efficiency] Making your home energy efficient is a great way to make the planet a little better. This article describes a few simple ways to make your home more energy efficient.


  • The Travis Heights Neighborhood of Central Austin
    [Real-Estate] Travis Heights is a small neighborhood in central Austin. This article describes some of the features and history of this neighborhood.


  • The Green & Hidden City
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] Austin is a city that values its trees, green spaces, parks and trails. This article looks at the parts of Austin that exist away from the busy streets and stores and concrete.


  • Changing the Look of a Fireplace
    [Home-Improvement:Interior-Design-and-Decorating] The fireplace is an important aspect of the interior of your home and can be important for resale. This article talks about how to successfully update a fireplace.


  • The Tarrytown and Deep Eddy Areas of West Austin
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Downtown Austin is filled with many older neighborhoods with lots of character. This article describes the tarrytown and deep eddy neighborhoods.


  • Independence Day in Austin
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] Austin has many different holiday traditions. This article describes the annual independence day celebrations in Austin.


  • Removing Countertops
    [Home-Improvement:Kitchen-Improvements] Removing countertops yourself can save money when you are remodeling your kitchen. This article describes how to remove your countertops.


  • Area Pools in Austin Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Austin is a city that values its parks and outdoor activities. The article talks about the several pools and springs in Austin.


  • Keep Austin Weird
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Keep Austin Weird is a slogan the city of Austin has embraced. This article provides a short history of the phrase.


  • Zilker Park In Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin values its green space and boasts a number of parks. This article details one of Austin's most beloved parks Zilker Park in the heart of Austin.


  • Mueller - Austin's Largest Urban Development Project
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Recently the main airport in Austin was closed. The Mueller Development is the new progressive development that is being built on the site of the former airport.


  • Cool Parks In Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] Austin is a city that values the environment and green space. This article looks at the different parks and greenbelts in Austin.


  • How To Properly Hang A Picture
    [Home-Improvement:Interior-Design-and-Decorating] Knowing how to hang a picture correctly so its placed where people can see it and you don't have to put extra nail holes in the wall can be helpful. This article describes how to properly hang a picture.


  • Austin's New Urban Village - The Old Airport Revitalization
    [Real-Estate:Buying] East Austin real estate has been going through a lot of changes over the last several years. The largest of these changes is the redevelopment of the old airport in central east Austin.


  • Investing In A Down Market
    [Real-Estate:Investing] When the market is down people frequently avoid investing. This article looks at some of the benefits of investing in our current down market.


  • Austin Neighborhood Profiles - Central East Austin
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The East Austin real estate market has seen a lot more interest over the last few years. This article looks at some of the different features of central East Austin.


  • How Will The US Economy Recover?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The US is currently dealing with the fallout from the mortgage crisis. The article looks at the current state of the US economy.


  • Why I Hate 40 Year Loans
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] During the subprime crisis we saw the advent of numerous bizarre loan products. In general the new loan products were designed to get people into houses they could not normally afford. As people started to default on their mortgages banks realized many of these loan products were not a good idea.


  • Exterior Renovations
    [Home-Improvement:Remodeling] More and more home owners are remodeling their houses. This article talks about how to do exterior renovations.


  • Liquidity Problems Remain
    [News-and-Society:Economics] On May 2nd, The Federal Reserve issued a statement about the crisis in liquidity which has bottlenecked global growth for several months. Since last August, banks have written down $300 billion in sub-prime related securities, but the IMF has predicted that the eventual cost will exceed $1 trillion. As major banks unloaded debt over the last half of 2007, their balance sheets became spread too thinly. As a result, they have become increasingly less willing to lend, especially to each other, preferring instead to shore up capital.


  • Entertainment Around The University Of Texas
    [Reference-and-Education:College-University] With over 50,000 students there are numerous entertainment venues around the University of Texas. Austin is frequently referred to as the live music capital of Texas.


  • What To Do With Your Unneeded Moving Boxes
    [Real-Estate:Moving-Relocating] When moving there always seems to be a few unused moving boxes at the end. This article describes what to do with all those boxes.


  • Basic Statistics on Austin Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin, Texas is drawing people from both coasts and around the US. It's not just the rolling hills and charming neighborhoods that are attracting the population growth. In this article, we talk numbers and facts that are making Austin an appealing place to call home.


  • Putting In A Flowerbed
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Adding a flowerbed is a great inexpensive way to add some charm to your lawn. This article describes how to put in a flowerbed.


  • Real Estate - Where's The Bottom?
    [Real-Estate] The US real estate market is currently going through a slump. This article discusses some of the factors weighing on the national real estate market.


  • Why Home Buyers Should Understand the Importance of Interest Rate Drops
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Real Estate buyers are usually highly focused on the purchase price of a property. This is a legitimate concern. The purchase price is one of the most important considerations in a real estate transaction.


  • Peak Oil and the '08 Election
    [News-and-Society:Politics] Peak oil is the idea that although the worlds demand for energy is increasing but our ability to get more oil from earth each year will at some point come to an end. The articles describes peak oil and how it is affecting the 08 election.


  • Bungalow House Styles
    [Home-Improvement:House-Plans] Bungalow houses was a style of homes built from 1920-1940. This article discusses some of the history and different styles of bungalow homes.


  • Commodities Stoke Inflation Fears
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The Fed has cut interest rates several times in 2008. This article discusses the problems associated with inflation which has followed the interest rate cuts.


  • Credit Crunch - Light at the End of the Tunnel
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The credit crunch has been gripping the country for the last several months. This article discusses the current situation with the credit crunch.


  • Home Improvement Tips - Bathroom Renovations
    [Home-Improvement:Bath-and-Shower] When remodeling a house one of the most important factors for getting a good price in the end is the bathroom. This article discusses how to remodel a bathroom.


  • Profiles in Green City Programs - Austin Texas
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] Several cities are taking progressive steps to becoming more environmentally friendly green cities. This article details some of the steps Austin is taking.


  • The University of Texas Campus Area
    [Reference-and-Education:College-University] The University of Texas is one of the largest colleges in the United States. The article describes the neighborhoods and business around UT.


  • The Live Music Scene in Austin Texas
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Austin considers itself the live music capitol of the world. This article describe the live music scene in Austin.


  • Health Insurance for Musicians? - An Innovative Austin Program
    [Insurance:Health] Health Insurance is a difficult issue for musicians since they are often working on relatively low wages. This article describes HAAM an innovative program in Austin that provides health insurance for local musicians.


  • Austin Neighborhoods - South Austin
    [Real-Estate] This article describe the south Austin area. It also describes the popular SoCo and SoLa strips of small independent retail stores in South Austin.


  • Interest Rates and the Credit Crunch
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] In Greek mythology, the hydra was a beast that, when one of its many heads were severed, would grow new heads in their place. The sub-prime mortgage crisis has developed in a similar fashion, initially appearing to be constrained to a sector of unworthy credit borrowers who likely didn't have the financial ability to own a home normally. However, this expected loss translated into falls in construction, consumer spending, and widespread mortgage defaults in prime markets.


  • How to Refinish Hardwood Floors
    [Home-Improvement:Flooring] Several homes, especially centrally located homes, have hardwood flooring. A pristine hardwood floor is beautiful, but to restore one back to its original 60 year old elegance, the floor will need to be refinished.


  • Austin Neighborhood - North Loop
    [Real-Estate:Homes] Just north of Hyde Park, with approximately 1400 homes, lies the neighborhood of North Loop. Also referred to as "Northfield", the North Loop neighborhood boundaries are 51st street, Lamar Boulevard, Airport Boulevard, and Koenig Lane.


  • The Twin Menaces of Inflation
    [News-and-Society:Economics] This week, a storm of bad news gave markets cold feet, resulting in Friday's 250-point loss. While this pattern of volatility has been the status quo for stock exchanges worldwide for the better part of the year-to-date, another factor has caused at least as many difficulties for a much larger percentage of the global population: the recent skyrocketing prices in energy and food. Wheat and other cereal prices have more than doubled this year, causing widespread effects ranging from speculative overbuying, which exacerbates the problem, to food riots in many poor countries.


  • Austin Neighborhood Profile - Clarksville
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The West Austin area of Clarksville was originally a freedman's colony for slaves freed after the Civil War. Clarksville now has a very diverse population, and this diversity is reflected in the various nationalities of the residents. There is an excellent public grade school in Clarksville, named Mathews Elementary.


  • Current Issues With the Global Economy
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Though the housing bubble deflated about two years ago, its true effects are only now beginning to emerge. In late 2006, when the economy first began to show signs of weakness in the housing market, most economists predicted that a recession was very unlikely, and that any downturn in real estate prices would be localized and mild. In reality, a global downturn is now a real threat, with the final price of the credit crunch projected to exceed $1 trillion dollars.


  • The Drag in Austin
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Destination-Tips] Austin, Texas is home to many different attractions with great food, shopping, and entertainment venues. Many think of Sixth Street as Austin's premiere hotspot, but there are several other interesting yet relatively overlooked areas in town. One of the most popular and diverse places in Austin for great food and entertainment is a strip along Guadalupe Street affectionately referred to as the Drag.


  • Synthesizer Fundamentals - Bells
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] While many timbres, like those which come from bowed strings and woodwinds, are readily recreated with synthesizers, percussive instruments are some of the most tricky to create convincing emulations of. Piano and harpsichord are most easily dealt with through sampled instruments, but the enharmonic qualities of bells and xylophone instruments are relatively easier to create. In this context, enharmonic refers to the relative balance of harmonics in a given audio source being unrelated to the fundamental frequency of the instrument.


  • The Culture Of South 1st Street In Austin
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Some streets lead to wherever it is you want to go. Some lead to surprises both bad and good. Some streets are destinations in themselves, stretches of thoroughfare where the journey itself is all that matters.


  • Why Modern Housing Is On The Rise
    [Real-Estate:Homes] Many modern homes and condos are going up left and right in Austin, with local design and build companies behind the new residences. It is hard to pinpoint exactly why modern design is becoming so popular, but several factors possibly play a role. One of the reasons Austin draws so many people to town is because at its heart, it is "different".


  • Remodeling A Kitchen - A How To Guide
    [Home-Improvement:Kitchen-Improvements] One of the most timely and costly home improvement projects any homeowner can take on is a kitchen makeover. Whether a homeowner desperately needs a kitchen revamp, or is tired of the dated look of the kitchen, there are several options to freshen up the area. The easiest fix for a sparkling newish kitchen is a good thorough cleaning.


  • Treasury Reorganization - Recession Response or Red Herring?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] On March 31st, the Treasury Department announced a new plan to help the troubled financial sector weather the sub-prime mortgage storm. This new system replaces some agencies while redrawing the jurisdictions of existing authorities like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve. In particular, the Fed's role in averting future crises is greatly expanded, a decision that is in keeping with the recent sea change in America's monetary policy.


  • The 30 Year Loan vs The 15 Year Loan
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] This article compares the 30 Year Loan vs the 15 Year Loan. We compare the monthly savings of the 30 Year Loan, and the investment potential of this saving, vs the overall lower cost of the 15 Year Loan.


  • Why in Today's Market a 30 Year Loan is King
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] In the past I used to tell people to look at different mortgage rates for different loan products and determine what was best for them. If they were planning on moving soon a 5 Year ARM might work. If they planned on staying on the house longer they might consider a 30 Year Loan.


  • Benefits of Buying Real Estate In a Down Market
    [Real-Estate:Buying] This article describes about the benefits of buying real estate in a down market. It describes the benefits of lower prices in addition to being able to see which subsections of the market hold up during bad times.


  • East Austin Studio Tour
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Visual-Graphic-Arts] With East Austin's affordable housing prices and close proximity to downtown, it's long been a hub for Austin's musicians and artists. Over the years the different artists in East Austin started to work and collaborate with each other. Over time this has turned into an event called the East Austin Studio Tour.


  • Why as a Listing Agent I Prefer to Work With Buyers With Buyers Agents
    [Real-Estate:Buying] More times than I can remember I had a buyer interested in a property think that I would be thrilled when I found out they didn't have a buyers agents. I'm not excited. In fact I would prefer that they had a buyers' agent.


  • Bear Stearns and the New Federal Reserve
    [News-and-Society:Economics] On March 14th, Bear Stearns, the fifth-largest investment bank in the United States, entered a period of insolvency. As growing lack of confidence in the firm's subprime exposure grew, other banks eventually refused to lend to the stricken company, which has existed for over 85 years. Were Bear Stearns a commercial bank, (i.e. institutions that loan money to people or businesses) it would be able to, as a last resort, take advantage of the Federal Reserve's so-called "discount window," thus receiving a government loan at the lowest available interest rate.


  • Film Making in Austin
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Movies-TV] For a long time, Austin has been considered the "Third Coast" in the film industry, with more filmmakers on the rise in Austin, and more Hollywood types coming to Austin to shoot their movies. One of the biggest proponents of the up and coming filmmakers is UT's Radio-Television-Film department.


  • Austin Hotels
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Hotels-Accommodations] Many of the historic buildings in Austin are either privately owned, have been turned into modern-day businesses, or are open to the public in the form of museums. Luckily for those looking to actually live in such a building, even if for just one night, both the Driskill hotel and the Stephen F. Austin hotel are waiting downtown.


  • Why the Fed is Having Less Influence Over Mortgage Interest Rates
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] In the past when the Federal Reserve cut the discount rate it translated into lower mortgage interest rates for home buyers. This was a convenient way for the Federal Reserve to stimulate the economy during economic slowdowns. By making it easier for people to get loans more cash was pushed into the economy.


  • Subprime Woes Reach New Heights
    [News-and-Society:Economics] As the sub-prime mortgage crisis continues to unfold, new figures emerge from the Mortgage Banker's Association: A record .83. That means that, in three months, almost one out of one hundred homeowners have been foreclosed on.


  • Bear Stearns and the Free Market
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The recent government-sponsored bailout of Bear Stearns, one of the top five lenders in the United States, has shocked traders and left investors cold. Despite the chilly reaction on Wall Street, secretly many are breathing a sigh of relief. While Bear Stearns was mismanaged from its upper echelons, its subprime exposure grew until their recent $30 billion-plus losses had to be reported.


  • Is the Democratic Primary Destroying the Democrats?
    [News-and-Society:Politics] Two months ago the Democrats were looking at numerous positive signals for their chances in the November election. First the polls of a generic Democrat versus a generic Republican showed Democrats leading by a spread of over 10 points. The leader of the Democratic field, Barack Obama, enjoyed a substantial lead over the presumptive Republican nominee John McCain.


  • Bear Stearns From 20 Billion to 236 Million and Beyond
    [News-and-Society:Economics] What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time Bear Stearns had a high flying stock price of $150 a share and a market valuation of 20 Billion. Having been founded in 1923 they were considered one of Wall Streets most venerable investment houses.


  • Austin Neighborhood Profiles - Travis Heights
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Lying just west of IH-35 and south of Riverside Drive is one of Austin's most appealing neighborhoods, Travis Heights. Its rolling hills and winding roads have long been a haven for a diverse culture, with a mixture of housing to match: perfectly kept bungalows, a few large estates and smattering of shabby cottages. Housing in South Austin began later than other centrally located neighborhoods due to difficulty getting supplies across the Colorado river.


  • Crestview Austin Real Estate
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Just north of Austin's urban center lies the Crestview neighborhood, bordered by Anderson Lane to the north, Justin Lane to the south, North Lamar Boulevard to the east and Burnet Road to the west. In 1948, developer A.B.


  • Agave Development In Austin Real Estate
    [Real-Estate:Investing] Modern housing is on the rise in Austin, making it easier for the modernist to move into a brand new home, instead of waiting for a mid century A.D. Stenger to come on the market.


  • South by Southwest in Austin
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] In 1987, South by Southwest started as a weekend long music festival run by a handful of people, and today has grown into a 10 day long music, film and interactive festival with a full time, year round staff, and 1500 volunteers. The number of musical acts has increased ten fold, and attendance has gone from 700 people to over 10,000. Ten years ago, Billboard magazine didn't even recognize SXSW as an actual industry event.


  • Austin Burger Places
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Though many in Austin consider themselves to be health conscious, there are still moments in each of their lives when a good hamburger sounds delicious. Austin is home to many burger joints, and some have been around for over half a century. Hut's Hamburgers has been around since 1939.


  • The Live Theater Scene in Austin
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Performing-Arts] With the different varieties and styles of live theaters in Austin, a night at the theater could be wild and rambunctious, or a beautiful and classy affair. On the east side of town, one can find small, arty theaters such as the Salvage Vanguard, while downtown patrons can take in the ballet, or a family-friendly show at the Zach Scott. In 1932, the Zach Scott Theatre got its start as the Austin Civic Theatre, and is central Texas's oldest resident theater.


  • History of the SXSW Music Festival
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] The South by Southwest Music Festival has been running strong, and getting stronger, since it originated in 1987. Austin considers itself the live music capital of the world, and though cities would like to battle that claim, musicians and music industry types clamor to the capital of Texas every March from around the globe. Austin has had an entertainment district for several decades.


  • Synthesizer Fundamentals - Classic 80's Brass
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Pop music is often described in cycles: retro music becomes cool, then gets reprocessed and digested by listeners, until the next big thing comes along. While the 80's are (some would say thankfully) long behind us, the sounds from classic records from the era have likewise experienced a reincarnation. The second installment in this series aims to show how to most easily recreate a classic sound heard on many famous songs from the 80's through today: the unmistakable sound of analog brass.


  • Hillary and Obama - Where Are The Issues
    [News-and-Society:Politics] Recent elections have rarely been as heated as the '08 race for the Democratic nomination between freshman Illinois Senator Barack Obama and New York Senator Hillary Clinton. From the televised bickering of their national debates to the recent jabs over NAFTA, the fight has hung on tiny margins several times throughout their respective campaigns. March 4 was a significant day for the primary candidates because Hillary Clinton managed to, for at least the second time, defy the odds and win the key states of Ohio and Texas, taking the less important Rhode Island to boot.


  • How to Reduce Your Heating Bill
    [Home-Improvement:Heating-and-Air-Conditioning] While Austin is known for its warm sunny weather, there are those few months where every year, when the temperature drops, it begins to get cold and we watch our heating bills rise. During the winter season, nearly two-thirds or your electricity (or gas) bill is devoted to heating spaces, often during times that they are not being used. Austin is a city that is turning green and though most of the efforts are concentrated on reducing energy consumption and our carbon footprint during the peak summer months, there are several easy and relatively inexpensive things you can ...


  • Austin Profiles - 2nd Street
    [Real-Estate:Buying] The 2nd Street District in downtown Austin has grown rapidly. Besides the nightlife bar scene of 6th Street, and a smattering of shops on Congress Avenue, downtown Austin lacked a hub for shopping, eating, and entertainment that the 2nd Street District is now providing. Cashing in on Austinites' love for being outdoors, and its close proximity to the Zilker hike and bike trail, the 2nd Street District is pedestrian oriented, with wide sidewalks, and open air store fronts and outdoor seating at many of the restaurants.


  • Synthesizer Fundamentals - Snare Drum
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Analog synthesizers have regained some degree of popularity in recent years, as electronic dance music has become more widespread and successful. Although analog technology has become replaced by cheaper digital modeling technology with more features, the goal of VA (virtual analog) synthesis is to be able to recreate the warmth and nuances of the highly variable analog circuits of yesteryear. The ability of digital components to accurately model is the subject of great debate and beyond the scope of this article, but a general consensus is maintained that they are becoming more and more difficult to tell the difference between.


  • Amy's Ice Cream in Austin
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] This article is about Amy's Ice Cream in Austin. Amy's is a unique Ice Cream store that is one of Austin's favorite local businesses.


  • How to Fix a Hole in a Wall
    [Home-Improvement:DIY] Perhaps the most common home repair is fixing a hole in the wall. When I was young, my grandfather would baby sit my brothers and I while mom and dad were of earning a living. What our parents called child care, my grandfather interpreted as napping and most afternoons we had the run of the house.


  • Austin Profiles - Bookpeople
    [Business:Retail] Since 1970, BookPeople has been offering a wide variety of literary works to magazine browsers and rare book collectors and all those in between. With a built-in coffee shop, and lots of comfortable seating nooks scattered throughout the store, BookPeople promotes a relaxed atmosphere that will invariably lead to a purchase or two. Located on the corner of 6th street and Lamar, BookPeople boasts a sprawling 28,000 square foot two-story store with over 150,000 titles from which to choose.


  • Roller Derby in Austin
    [Recreation-and-Sports:Extreme] In 2001, what started as an idea at the smoky 6th street club Casino El Camino, quickly gained steam among like-minded women of Austin, and the roller derby was reborn. Though many of those who started up the comeback hadn't skated for decades, the gung ho spirit spawned one of Austin's favorite new events. The original roller derby league, under the name Bad Girl Good Woman (BGGW), had their first bout at Skate World in 2001 to 400 fans.


  • The '08 Election and Free Trade
    [News-and-Society:Politics] The Presidential candidates for the 2008 election are setting records for primary voter turnout and, especially in the Democratic wing, trying hard to differentiate themselves to discouraged voters with a myriad of sound-byte barrages. Whether the Democratic candidate chosen to run for President is Illinois Senator Barack Obama or New York Senator Hillary Clinton, we have before us a race that has been characterized by clashes over issues ranging from Iraq to the faltering economy, with recent heavy emphasis on the latter. As early as two months ago, Americans were content to let the candidates duke it out on ...


  • Austin Profiles - North Campus
    [Real-Estate] In Austin, Texas, just north of one of the largest universities in the US, lies the neighborhood many refer to solely as North Campus. This should be a small indicator of exactly how much Austin's culture and prosperity is influenced by the University of Texas. This area is home to an incredible amount of diversity for relatively compact size.


  • A Globalized Recession
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The US recession depends as much on her neighbors as on internal checks like Congress and the Fed. If emerging economies stand to gain from the recession, should they bear some responsibility for righting the credit crunch? This article explains some of the problems globalization poses in a financial crisis.


  • Austin Dog Parks
    [Pets:Dogs] Austin is a dog loving town. Along with the dog friendly restaurants, and dog related businesses, Austin is home to several dog parks. While San Antonio and Ft. Worth offer one dog park each, and Houston and Dallas have two, Austin boasts twelve official dog parks in the city limits.


  • A History Austin's Oldest Neighborhood Clarksville
    [Reference-and-Education] Clarksville is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin. This article provides a history of this historic Austin neighborhood.


  • Austin Art Galleries
    [Arts-and-Entertainment] Though Austin is known for being the live music capital of the world, and home to the Texas government, today Austin's art scene is on the rise with different art collectives and galleries popping up around town. Many of these studios are manned by recent graduates of UT's studio arts program, giving them a reason to stay in Austin after graduation. Downtown Austin has recently gained some very classy, upscale galleries.


  • Cool Coffee Shops in Austin Texas
    [Food-and-Drink:Coffee] Austin is a unique city that values small independent stores. This article evaluates some of the different coffee shops in Austin Texas.


  • Austin Neighborhood - Bryker Woods
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Bryker Woods is a neighborhood located in the Austin real estate market. It is mostly composed of older homes and is centrally located 5 minutes from downtown Austin.


  • Recession Risks - The Silver Lining
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The US appears to poised on the very brink of recession. Investors are reacting as news of a contraction within the service sector for the first time in five years, an FBI investigation into predatory lending, and increasing unemployment statistics, has sent shock waves of panic through stock markets worldwide. Who wins out in a crisis of this magnitude?


  • Why the Fun Fun Fun Music Festival is Growing
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Austin's own Fun Fun Fun Fest is now in its second year, and seems poised to compete with ACL Fest. This article talks about the positives and negatives of this year's upcoming FFFFest.


  • Austin Neighborhoods - French Place
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Nestled in central Austin between Airport Boulevard and Manor Road lies the quiet yet vibrant neighborhood of French Place. Austin has always been renowned for its individual personality, and while its expansion continues to dilute that sentiment over the years, these quaint houses with ample yards exemplify the type of house considered a classic "Austin home." While other adjacent areas such as Hyde Park, Maplewood, Tarrytown, and all the property around the University of Texas have skyrocketed in price over the past several years, French Place has resisted this trend and thus retains more spirit and spunk than some of ...


  • Cabinet Installation - It's Easier Than You Think!
    [Home-Improvement:Cabinets] Installing cabinets can help the resale value of your home. This article explains how to install cabinets anywhere in your home.


  • Austin Neighborhoods - Barton Hills
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Tucked away off the bustling restaurant row on Barton Springs road, and just west of Lamar Boulevard, lies a conglomerate of little neighborhoods that make up Austin's Barton Hills community. The area where Barton Hills is currently located holds some of Austin's oldest historical features. In the early 1990s, dinosaur footprints were found dating back to the late Cretaceous period, 97 to 65 million years ago.


  • Synthesizer Fundamentals - Bass Drum
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] One of the most overlooked and powerful tools for creating percussion sounds in this modern age of soft samplers, emulators, and other sophisticated tools is the humble subtractive analog synthesizer. Learning how to generate exciting drum sounds also takes a lot of the mystery out of creating other percussive sounds, such as basses and plucked-string type sounds, as well as providing an exciting way to personalize your music. First, let's make a basic kick drum type sound.


  • Sovereign-Wealth Funds - Savior or Menace?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] This article discusses what is being done to fix the problems related to the current global credit crisis. It also looks at what future effects might be brought about by the subprime and credit crisis.


  • Subprime Woes - Are We Out of the Woods Yet?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The White House, the Fed, and bond insurance companies are all taking unprecedented action to minimize the subprime mortgage crisis. But is it enough? This article discusses the likelyhood that the US is headed towards recession with these factors in mind.


  • US Recession Inevitable?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] As the sub-prime mortgage scandal continues to play out badly for many US companies, more and more questions have been raised as to whether the impact of a slowdown in one area will translate into a nationwide, or even global, recession. Growth prospects within the US are limited for this year by the unprecedented scale of bad securities that have become investments for many companies around the world, exposing them to grave losses and destroying investor confidence. According to polls, more and more Americans are becoming wise to the potential crises and have shored up spending, in turn triggering further ...


  • Fed Credibility Goes Down the Tubes
    [News-and-Society:Economics] On January 22nd, the Federal Reserve cut their most important interest rate for the fourth time in the past six months, in an attempt to stem the widespread sentiment that the US is in, or headed for recession. Their cut comes at a strange time, because they were rumored, nay, expected, to deliver the cut at their monthly rate-setting meeting next week. But after stock and commodity markets suffered their largest losses in one day since the September 11th attacks, it seemed as though no amount of scheduled economic treatment would be able to rally confidence to a more optimistic level, especially given that the so-called "economic stimulus package" introduced by the White House in recent days actually made the problem much worse.


  • Can The Bush Tax Cut Work?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] Can the impending economic stimulus package that the Bush administration is creating have the power to keep the US from recession? This article discusses some of the factors of the economic crisis.


  • A Guide to Austin's Greenbelts
    [Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] On the eastern edge of the Edward's plateau lies one of Austin's greatest treasures: the Barton Creek Greenbelt. After millions of years, the runoff of rainwater carved a canyon into the plateau, and created one of Austin's treasures. The most popular of Austin's greenbelts, the Barton Creek greenbelt is just shy of 8 miles long, and covers 809 acres.


  • The Farmers' Market in Austin
    [Food-and-Drink] The article describe the Farmers Market in Austin Texas. The Farmers market is one of the many healthy lifestyle activities that exist in Austin.


  • Neighborhood Profile - Hyde Park
    [Real-Estate:Buying] One of Austin's oldest and most loved neighborhoods in Austin is Hyde Park. Located in Central Austin just north of The University of Texas, Hyde Park is over 100 years old. Founded in 1891 by the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Land and Town Company, the neighborhood was designed and marketed as a lush and spacious suburb that included its own streetcar line and an artificial lake.


  • How Hillary Clinton Came Back Stole New Hampshire
    [News-and-Society:Politics] As Election Day approaches, one of the most publicized presidential races of the past several decades has captivated the minds of people around the world and set records for participation in the US democratic primary system. As the first woman to run as a mainstream candidate for president, New York Senator Hillary Clinton has quite a race in front of her by anyone's standards.


  • Green Building in Austin
    [News-and-Society:Environmental] Austin has long been a home for friendly folk- friendly to each other, friendly to animals, and friendly to the environment. What used to be considered as only the concerns of hippies and the bohemian sect, environmentalism is now at the forefront of commercial and residential design, and "green" businesses are popping up nationwide. Austin, however, was the first city in the United States to establish a local green-building program, laying out environmentally friendly and sustainable guidelines for home builders and its interested citizens back in 1991.


  • Austin BBQ - A Tour of the Town
    [Food-and-Drink:Restaurant-Reviews] Austin is known for its BBQ. This article provides a tour of some of the best BBQ joints in Austin Texas.


  • The Sluggish Fed - Why Its Bad for the Economy
    [News-and-Society:Economics] In recent months, fallout from the sub-prime mortgage scandal has been estimated in the hundreds of billions, up from figures of $100 billion maximum from the Federal Reserve only three months ago. While the Fed has, in an unprecedented move, cut interest rates three consecutive times in as many months, their cuts have always given investors the impression that a later cut was inevitable, cycling in a self-fulfilling prophesy that has played out poorly for the American economy as investment and stocks have been relatively cool. This behavior reflects a prevalent attitude that the situation will get worse before it gets better, and that uncertainty is the single biggest enemy of economic growth.


  • Sub-Prime Fallout - Why Things Are Going to Get Even Worse
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The recent sub-prime crisis is unlike any faced by the financial system before in one dubious distinction: Its effects are exacerbated by globalization to an unprecedented degree. Recent developments help illustrate exactly how this credit crunch can be differentiated from others, such as the savings and loan scandals of the 1980's, by its fundamentally larger scale and complexity.


  • Wanna be a Movie Extra in Austin?
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Movies-TV] Everywhere you look in Austin it seems there is filming going on. From huge blockbuster movies like The Alamo and Miss Congeniality to network television series like Friday Night Lights, Austin has become a favorite location for directors and producers nationwide to create some of our favorite movies and television shows. Studios have fallen in love with Austin because of our abundance of talented actors and crew as well as the price of doing business in our town which is substantially more affordable than much larger places such as New York or Los Angeles.


  • The Music Scene in Austin
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] The vast majority of true rock and roll and blues artists have grown up and lived on the poor side of town. Today, the same rings true, as many of Austin's local musicians can be found just east of IH-35, where the streets are a little tougher and the rent a little easier to pay. It makes sense that several live music venues are found on Red River Street, where downtown Austin and East Austin converge, just one block west of the interstate.


  • Austin Architect AD Stenger
    [Real-Estate:Homes] Arthur Dallas Stenger first began building homes in the 1940s in Austin, mostly on Arthur Lane in the Barton Hills area, which was named after his father (the first Arthur Dallas Stenger), who was also an architect. Though Stenger attended architecture school at the University of Texas after returning home from World War II, he never graduated. He did get his architecture license as an undergraduate, and began building homes for post war Austinites.


  • Feng Shui in Real Estate - The Landscaping
    [Home-Improvement:Feng-Shui] Feng shui is a group of design principles when looking for or building a home. The idea is that these guides will help the energy of the home and create a better living environment. In Part 2, we discuss the various aspects of feng shui and the exterior landscaping of the home.


  • First Thursday's on South Congress in Austin Texas
    [Travel-and-Leisure] First Thursday is a monthly event in Austin Texas. Each first Thursday the businesses on South Congress stay open late and the residents of Austin have some fun.


  • The South Congress Area in Austin Texas
    [Real-Estate:Buying] South Congress is one of Austin most interesting areas. South Congress boasts numerous independent shops and is also home to a quaint neighborhood of older homes.


  • Austin Neighborhood - Pemberton Heights
    [Real-Estate:Homes] High upon the bluffs overlooking Pease park, sits one of Austin's exclusive, and somewhat overlooked, neighborhood, Pemberton Heights. The Austin Development Company created Pemberton Heights in the late 1920s, and lured potential buyers by offering "fancy $3500-$4000 cottages" as well as "$150,000 mansions." Their brochure touted, "over five miles of paved and shaded streets and sidewalks.


  • Why Liquidity is Important in the Current Mortgage Crisis?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] In recent days, the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, and the Swiss National Bank have teamed up to auction $110 billion off to world money markets in order to ease the recent liquidity crisis. But what is liquidity? Why should banks auction off money to deal with it?


  • Fed Restrictions Make Loans Tough
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] As a result of the recent sub-prime mortgage scandal, the Federal Reserve has taken many actions to avoid a global credit crisis, which it now aims to further mitigate through tightening the standards that lenders use to determine whether a potential borrower is eligible to receive a mortgage loan. This article discusses the recently tightened loan guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve in response to the sub-prime mortgage crisis.


  • First Night Austin 2008 - Something Different For New Years
    [Travel-and-Leisure] What will you be doing on New Year's Eve? Austin has its annual First Night Out with various activities, plays and festivals to experience.


  • SXSW - Which Admission Option Is Best For You?
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Every March, thousands of music lovers and industry insiders flock to Austin to party, network, and discover the next great band at the annual South by Southwest Music Festival. The weeklong music blowout has been packing them in since it was founded in 1987. Austin was chosen as the site for the annual festival because of its abundance of unique clubs featuring country, folk, punk, reggae, jazz, and rock artists on a nightly basis. In the late 90s, the festival added two new additions.


  • The Latest Federal Rate Cut - Another Attempt to Bolster the Real Estate Market
    [News-and-Society:Economics] This article discusses the Federal Reserve's recent third interest rate cut. And whether this cut is likely to stem a future recession.


  • Local Austin Texas Artist - Brian David Johnson
    [Home-Improvement:Furniture] Brian David Johnson is a well known name among Austin's artisan community. Having made several contacts with local architects, carpenters and builders, Johnson's custom furniture and woodwork can now be found in several upscale Austin residences and public areas alike.


  • Waterloo Records - An Austin Original
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Since 1982, Waterloo Records has been providing Austin with music for all tastes. Winning "Best Record Store" in the Austin Chronicle Reader's Poll since its inception explains why Waterloo Records still stands when many other record stores have fallen.


  • The Alamo Drafthouse - An Austin Original
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Movies-TV] The Alamo Drafthouse is an Austin original with Austin flare. Serving drinks and food along with movie events, the Drafthouse has become a hotspot. This article gives the history of the Drafthouse.


  • The Impending Subprime Interest Rate Freeze
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The White House is working with lenders to attempt to freeze rates on subprime mortgages in an effort to lower the number of potential foreclosures due to the subprime mortgage crisis. The White House has recently unveiled a plan to help mitigate the wave of foreclosures that have recently swept the US as reports continue to predict that an even greater number (some estimate as much as 2 million) of Americans are likely to default within the next year.


  • Weathering the Storm of the Slipping Dollar
    [News-and-Society:Economics] This article concerns the recent loss of value of the US dollar relative to other currencies and the possible positive effects thereof. The greenback has been slipping against the euro, the Chinese Yuan, and the pound for the past nine months or so, reaching record lows amidst a global credit crunch and plummeting real estate prices. What does this mean for US growth?


  • The University of Texas
    [Reference-and-Education:College-University] The University of Texas at Austin is flapship school of the Texas college campuses. This articles provides some information and history on the University of Texas.


  • Christmas in Austin Texas
    [Home-and-Family:Holidays] Austin is a vibrant town all year around but when Christmas comes Austin has a few uniquely Austin events to celebrate the holidays. This article looks through a few of Austin's Christmas traditions.


  • Hyde Park - An Austin Original
    [Real-Estate:Homes] This article discusses many of the positive attributes of the Hyde Park neighborhood in Austin, Texas. Imagine a neighborhood of adorable medium houses seated comfortably on shady streets lined with trees.


  • A Brief History of Austin
    [Reference-and-Education] Austin used to be gathering spot for native tribes at the bend in the Colorado. The first Eurpoean settlers came to that bend in the 1830s, and the history of the settlement began. This article goes through the begins of the history of Austin.


  • Sprucing Up Your Home to Get It Ready to Sell
    [Real-Estate:Selling] Getting your home ready to sell can get confusing with all the choices of possible upgrades and cleanups. This article talks about a couple of options and ideas to consider. Every market is different so think about these options and what may be best for your home.


  • Ode to the Prickly Pear
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] More often than not, developers of both commercial and residential areas immediately bulldoze over our native Prickly Pear Cactus. Often mistaken as a weed, this gravely misunderstood wonder has much to offer the Austin area homeowner and community.


  • Why in Real Estate Big Lots are Good
    [Real-Estate:Investing] When I am looking for real estate what makes my mouth water. Huge cathedral ceilings? Updated kitchens? Recessed lighting? Nope. I love big lots. The bigger the lot the more I get excited. Why do I love big lots.


  • North Loop - Old Meeting New
    [Real-Estate:Homes] North Loop is one of the many eclectic choices of neighborhoods in Austin, TX. This article gives some background and history on the area and gives you sense of how the neighborhood feels.


  • Is the Superfund Capable of Restoring Confidence?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] The subprime mortage sector of the U.S. economy has taken huge losses over the past several months as many high-risk loans have defaulted. A new fund aimed at stabilizing this sector unfortunately just repackages the same problems under a new name- the "Master Liquidity Enhancement Conduit." Can this fund have a positive impact?


  • Is The Federal Interest Rate Cut Enough to Stabilize Sub Prime Mortgage Woes?
    [News-and-Society:Economics] As the sub prime mortgage debacle continues to play out across the United States, the Federal Reserve has opted to cut interest rates by half a percentage point, from 5.25. This cut makes all loans relatively cheaper, thereby encouraging a pantheon of economic activity to increase, hopefully in the troubled housing market.


  • Should Your First "House" be a Duplex?
    [Real-Estate:Buying] There are a number of benefits to buying a duplex as your first real estate purchase instead of a house. This article looks through some of the benefits of having your first "home" purchase be a duplex.


  • Cashflow is King (Sometimes)
    [Real-Estate:Investing] This article is not meant to diminish the importance of looking at cashflow for a property. It is simply to remind investors that making a wise investment decision should go beyond simply looking at cashflow.


  • Keep Austin Weird
    [News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] One cannot possibly spend time in Austin, Texas without hearing its motto repeated countless times: "Keep Austin Weird." The phrase, which was coined by an Austin Community College librarian who uttered it while calling in to a radio show, spread like wildfire and was picked up and used by the Austin Independent Business Alliance as a means of encouraging the support of local businesses.


  • The Decision to Sell Your Home
    [Real-Estate:Homes] Moving to a new home can be rooted in various reasons. Some people are relocated for a job, which makes the process easier when an employer provides assistance. Some people are moving for life changes like children or just because they prefer another neighborhood. Whatever the reason, you should understand your current market and what to expect with your sale. A Realtor can be your resource on the market and help guide you through the selling process.


  • Why People are Moving to Austin
    [Real-Estate:Moving-Relocating] Over the last several years Austin has been expanding as more and more people move to Austin. In this article we go through some of the reasons people are moving to Austin.


  • Quitting Real Estate - Why Its Not A Bad Idea For Realtors To Think About Another Profession
    [Business:Careers-Employment] As the real estate market slows a lot of realtors have been leaving the real estate profession. This article goes through a few reasons why leaving might be a smart idea.


  • Realtor Tips - Body Language
    [Real-Estate:Marketing] Understanding the basic rules of body language can help you succeed professionally. But at the same time following the rules to strictly can lead to problems.


  • Selecting a Good Price For Your Home Purchase
    [Real-Estate:Homes] When buying a piece of real estate the purchase price is one of the most important factors in the potential transaction. In this article we go through the aspects involved in coming to a good price for your potential home.


  • Finding a Good Lender
    [Finance:Loans] A good lender is hard to find. He will be able to explain and guide you through the loan programs so that you find the right one for you.


  • Finding the Right Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Buying] When searching for a neighborhood that is just right for you, there are various aspects to consider like school, land, shopping, and of course, location. Balancing these aspects to make the right real estate decision takes some prioritization, and with the help of a real estate agent, you can sort through these things.


  • Feng Shui in Real Estate - The Location and Lot
    [Home-Improvement:Feng-Shui] Feng shui is a group of principles to guide home and lot design. The idea is that these guides will help the energy of the home and create a better living environment. In Part 1, we discuss how feng shui can help find the right lot and location for your home.


  • Austin's Identity Crisis for Downtown Austin Real Estate
    [Real-Estate:Condominiums] Austin is facing many changes with numerous high rise condos breaking into the skyline. The changes are hard to swallow for such a local-minded city, and some Austinites are having a hard time giving in to the changes. But with the influx of new residents, we have to prepare for the new adventure and fondly reminisce about the past.


  • Why Use a Realtor?
    [Real-Estate:Buying] When purchasing a home or property, many people shy away from using a Realtor because it seems like a bother. But when making such a large investment, look for a Realtor with experience and who understands your values to help guide you into making a wise decision.


  • Avoiding Sour Negotiations
    [Business:Negotiation] Negotiations can go sour, especially when emotions run high. The agent's responsibility is to understand the overall situation and help prevent it from getting too disruptive to the process. These are some techniques and tips on how to negotiate a win-win outcome.


  • The Two Sides of Gentrification
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Gentrification has become a hot topic in cities like Austin Texas and Boulder Colorado where central neighborhoods have risen quickly in value. This article discusses some of the issues involved with gentrification.


  • What to Look for in a Loan - Part 2
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] When comparing home loans, the various parts of the loan get confusing to compare. In Part 2 of 2, we will discuss: interest rate, points, and closing costs, and how to compare all three of these aspects of a loan with another loan program.


  • The Benefits of a Good Faith Estimate and Pre-Approval
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The GFE or the good faith estimate is an important part of the real estate buying process. In this article we describe the GFE and its benefits.


  • The Benefits of Buying Real Estate in a Bad Neighborhood
    [Real-Estate:Investing] Although people typically look for a good neighborhood, there are many benefits to buying in a bad neighborhood. This article goes through a few of the top reasons to consider buying in a bad neighborhood.


  • Myths About Real Estate Agents
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Humor] There are some myths about real estate agents, many of which are not so flattering. But when it comes down to it, realtors are not too out there, and there is a logical explanation to each misconception. Let's straighten out a couple myths and facts.


  • Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments
    [Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] When purchasing a home, it is helpful determine upfront how much you want to spend per month. To achieve these monthly payments, you can adjust some of the variables of your loan.


  • Seven Steps of the Loan Process
    [Finance] There are various steps of the loan process. From picking a lender to closing, each step is covered in detail.


  • The Benefits of the 15 Year Loan
    [Finance:Loans] With all the recent fancy loan programs, the 15 year fixed-rate loan has become a forgotten option to the typical 30 year. If you can spare the extra per month, you can save on interest paid as well as pay the loan in a shorter amount of time.


  • Now Is Not A Good Or Bad Time To Buy Real Estate
    [Real-Estate:Investing] People frequently spend time analyzing the current state of the market. In this article, we talk about why this is not the ideal strategy, and talk about other more important factors to consider when investing in real estate.


  • A Condo Or A House? A Few Things To Consider
    [Real-Estate:Buying] When you are looking at buying a residence one of your considerations is whether to buy a home or a condo. This article looks through a few of the issues you should consider before making your decision.


  • Some Pros And Cons Of Owning Real Estate
    [Real-Estate:Buying] Like many financial decisions their are pros and cons of moving into the real estate market. This article examines the pros and cons of owning real estate.


  • What Green Building Means
    [Real-Estate:Building-a-Home] Over the last few years their has been a stronger interest in Green building techniques. This articles discusses some of the current terms and techniques involved with green building.


  • What to Look For in a Condo Conversion
    [Real-Estate:Condominiums] Instead of building from the ground up condo developers are frequently converting older apartment complexes into condos. When buyers are looking at these units there are particular things that should be considered before moving forward. This article discusses some of the issues that should be investigated with condo conversions.


  • Top 8 Things To Avoid In The Real Estate Agent You Choose To List Your Home
    [Real-Estate:Selling] Picking a real estate agent to list your home, one of your most valuable assets, is difficult. This article contains a list of 8 things to look for and avoid when picking your real estate agent.


  • 100 Or More Days On The Market - Why Is This House On The Market For So Long?
    [Real-Estate:Buying] A common question that Buyers ask is how long a house is on the market. If it is too long, interest is lost quickly. It is a natural reaction to not be interested in something that no one else is interested in. The natural assumption is that there must be something majorly wrong with the home. But there are many reasons why a house has been on the market for a while.


  • Selling Your Home - Making Your Home Accessible And A Pleasant Showing Experience
    [Real-Estate:Selling] A lot of people ask for advice on how to sell their homes. There is the standard good advice... You can hire a professional stager to make your home be on the level of a model home. You can re-tile you bathroom or install granite in your kitchen to have a little more upgrades than the one down the street for sale. You can do all kinds of things on the level of presentation. One thing I think most people overlook is making your home accessible and making the showing experience a pleasant one.


  • A Guide To Going Bankrupt In Real Estate
    [Real-Estate:Foreclosures] There have been a lot of books and late night infomercials on how to become rich through real estate. Apparently, you can become rich overnight. Neat. But, no one has really written a good guide on how to go bankrupt. Sure everyone is doing it, but how can you get in on the action.


  • Evaluating The Different Options Available For Downtown Austin Condos
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