Heated to a constant 68 degrees, Austin's Barton Springs Pool is a popular swimming hole that can be enjoyed year round. Located in Zilker Park, the pool is fed by water from the Main Barton Spring. Swimming during any season is allowed at the Barton Springs Pool, but costs a small fee in the summer months. With grassy picnic areas nearby and plenty of places to play and relax, Barton Springs is a must-see for every Austin visitor.

Once considered holy by the local Native American tribe, the Tonkawa, the springs were used for bathing and purification ceremonies. When the Spaniards discovered the large springs in the early 1700s, they built a mission near the site. Once settlers moved into the area, the springs became popular tourist attractions, and eventually it evolved into the swimming hot spot it is today. In its current management by the city of Austin, the Barton Springs Pool provides an invigorating and refreshing way to cool off, exercise, hang out and relax. It has quickly evolved into a hangout place for young adults, but bathers of all ages will enjoy themselves at the Barton Springs Pool.

At more than 900 feet long, Barton Springs Pool has a natural gravel bottom and is full of fresh, naturally warmed spring water. With diving boards, stairs and ladders, swimmers can easily enter and exit at several different points around the pool. Summer weekends might find the pool quite crowded, but the spaciousness of the place allows everyone a good refreshing swim no matter what.

Occasionally the pool is closed for safety concerns, such as when there have been heavy rains or the creek that feeds the pool is running high. In these instances, swimmers can call ahead to the Barton Springs Pool to determine if the pool will be opening. The hotline is operating 24 hours per day for the convenience of its guests.

The cost to get into the pool is minimal-just $3 for adults and $2 for young adults 12 to 17 and $1 for children under 12 and senior citizens. The doors open at 5 a.m. and usually close at around 10 p.m. Although the pool is billed as a family-friendly area, topless sunbathing is allowed at the pool and many patrons take advantage of that.

Barton Springs Pool is a wonderful way to combine history and recreation when checking out all the things to see and do in the Austin area. It's especially easy to see this Austin landmark when it's a hot Texas afternoon.

Author Bio: Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin condominiums company's website, & his Austin Texas website.

Explore nature at its best at the Austin Nature and Science Center, where visitors can experience exhibits, nature trails and educational events all year long. The nature center has dedicated its resources to educating and instructing Austin citizens on how to appreciate the natural world and experience its wonders.

The Austin Nature and Science Center is home to almost a hundred native animals that are unable to live in the wild. From birds of prey to porcupines, bull snakes and deer, the animals are displayed in all-natural enclosures and receive top quality care and medical attention. The Birds of Prey Exhibit, Small Wonders Exhibit and the Mammals Exhibit are all designed for maximum viewing as well as the ultimate comfort to the animals.

Living animals aren’t the only things worth visiting at the Austin Nature and Science Center. Dinosaur enthusiasts can participate in several activities associated with the center’s paleontology efforts. With a Dino Pit on site, visitors can dig up dinosaur replicas just like the paleontologists do, learning about fossils that are native to Texas. Dinosaur tracks can also be found, and guests can learn all about fossils that once belonged to dinosaurs that roamed the Texas countryside. Visitors of all ages will feel the joy of discovery as ancient creatures are unearthed before their eyes.

The other features of the Austin Nature and Science Center are equally as entertaining. The Discovery Lab is a place where hands-on science labs are set up to explore nature, including botany and geology. The Eco-Detective Trail is a walking trail that winds through natural Texas landscape and treats the visitor to a true outdoor experience. The Sheffield Education Center is the home of the Splash! exhibit, an active aquifer with flora and fauna on display.

Programs, summer mini camps and more await the visitors who are interested in checking out the Austin Nature and Science Center. Several events are hosted annually, and there is always room for special group guests, such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Schoolchildren look forward to a visit to the center during field trips, and the center even hosts home school programs. This living museum is an Austin highlight, and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has highlighted the center as a model for conservation and education.

Whether for an individual, family or group, a visit to the Austin Nature and Science Center is a fine way to spend a day getting to know the natural wonders of Central Texas and experiencing them in a memorable way.

Author Bio: Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin condominiums website, & his Austin Texas website.

Austin’s mild winter temperatures ensure that golf enthusiasts will be able to play on the greens all year long. The city has plenty of quality courses to inspire even the most beginning golfer, and the diverse natural beauty of the area provides a perfect backdrop to head outdoors. Austin has more than 20 golf courses in and around the area. From resort courses to public courses and driving ranges, the Austin golfer will be able to find something that is perfectly suited to his needs.

There are several public golf courses that are within minutes of downtown Austin. For scenic and challenging 18-hole courses, try the Falconhead Golf Club, open all week long and is considered one of the top courses in the area. The Teravista Golf Course is a 7,200 yard championship golf course. Just 5 minutes from Austin’s downtown area, the Riverside Golf Course caters to locals and visitors alike, and has hosted golf champions like Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw. The Avery Ranch Golf Course, the Lakeway Live Oak Golf Course Austin, the Roy Kizer Golf Course Austin are also considered premier municipal courses that give golfers the opportunity to play on courses that can be appreciated at any level. All are located in Austin, so accessing these public courses is convenient.

Austin is also the home to several semi-private and resort courses, and the experience of playing at one of these courses is unparalleled as far as amenities go. The Wolfdancer Golf Club is located amid the rolling hills of Lost Pines, just east of Austin. Its world class golf in a spectacular setting, and should not be missed. The ColoVista Golf course is the top semi-private course in the Austin area. With recognition for its challenging 18-hole course, the ColoVista has been ranked as one of the best new courses in Texas. Beautifully manicured greens beckon the golf enthusiast, and a membership is all that is needed to relax and go for par. The River Place Country Club is an exclusive location west of downtown Austin, and the immaculate landscaping and attention to detail is worth the membership. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Tom Kite, and takes advantage of the hills, valleys and waterways to give the golfer an amazing game experience in a luxurious resort atmosphere.

For those interested in working on driving, Austin has several driving ranges that are suited to golfers looking to squeeze in a few minutes hitting a bucket of balls. The Oak Hills Driving Range is the perfect place to accommodate beginners seeking to improve or advanced pros looking to perfect their swing. Either way, the Oak Hills Driving Range can help out with the driving range, pro shop or even provide lessons. 

Austin golf courses, whether public or private, are interested in catering to the needs of guests. Whether it’s a weekend game with friends or a business deal that can be made on the green, spending time on Austin’s golf courses is a fine way to experience Texas Hill Country at its finest.

Author Bio:
Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin real estate blog, & his Austin condos website.

The economic outlook for Texas during 2008 points towards slower growth, yet that’s still better than most parts of the country, which will see no growth at all. Texas, with the 2nd largest state economy in the U.S. and the 15th largest economy in the world, will record growth of about 2.2% annually, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Warm weather, undervalued real estate, lack of a state income tax, and good jobs
continues to attracted people to the Lone Star State.  These new residents all need a place to live, so the real estate market statewide should continue to be busy, though less busy than recent high-water marks, like 2006.

Recent national uncertainty about a slump in the housing market and a “credit crunch” has lowered consumer confidence, and the United States may now be in a recession for the first time since 2001.  Higher energy costs, mainly the near $100 per barrel price of oil, are now reflected in the price of many goods and services. The Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) cut a key interest rate, the federal funds rate, twice over a two week period, by 125 basis points (1.25%), to increase lending and public consumption. The Federal Reserve Board Open Market Committee, which sets the federal funds rate (the overnight interest rate that banks charge each other), meets again March 18th, and MarketWatch.com reports that the Fed could lower the rate again, this time by 50 basis points (.5%). Controlling this interest rate is how the Fed regulates the money supply in the U.S. economy, and this in turn helps manage inflation and interest rates. Such actions by the Fed make it appear that either the economy is in a recession now or quickly sliding into negative growth.

The Fed reports that banks are raising credit standards at a rate not seen since quarterly surveys of senior bank officers began 17 years ago. Mortgages, consumer loans, commercial real estate loans, and just plain business loans will see higher credit standards, the Fed reports. As most economists know, tighter credit generally slows down economic growth.

To increase growth, Congress just passed a stimulus package worth about $160 billion dollars, and President Bush is expected to sign it into law, though some economists doubt that it will have any effect.

However, with high population growth and low unemployment, like a 4.3% jobless rate at the end of December, Texas continues to outperform the national economy.  Economists predict this growth to continue throughout 2008, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A & M University.

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin Texas real estate company's website, & his Austin Texas welding website.

The economic outlook for Austin generally mirrors the Texas forecast: local job and population growth outperforms the national economy. The Texas Workforce Commission predicts 3.1% job growth, while local economist Angelos Angelou predicts 2.3%. The unemployment rate for December 2007 was estimated at 3.6%, down from 5.1% in the Austin area during October 2006.

Austin population growth is driven by the high quality of life in the region, with the area being ranked as the top destination for relocating singles and families by several publications. Also, MSN recently ranked Austin as “The Greenest City in America” , continuing a string of “best ofs”  for the city.  Located on the Interstate 35 Corridor, the city has grown in population the 3rd fastest in America this decade, with Ft. Worth first and San Antonio fourth, according to data from the U.S Census Bureau. Population growth of 42,000 is projected for 2008, down from a high of about 60,000 experienced in 2006, according to the Austin-American Statesman.

Demand in the local real estate market is down as compared to 2006 but is still positive, with generally more houses on the market. Angelou predicts that if local homebuilders react to negative national trends, housing starts in Austin will fall while the local market is still healthy and homes are still in demand, which would then create a low inventory of new homes for sale. The result, he predicts, would be an increase in demand for rental housing such as apartments and result in a spike in rental prices.

Another indicator of the local real estate market is how much work property inspectors are doing, since their work is usually in demand when real property changes hands. According to my survey of inspectors, most say their number of inspections has dropped more than 50% since September 2007. Many did say, however, that the drop could be seasonal and that demand for their service should increase by May 2008.

Most job growth should appear in Austin’s traditional strong areas, like government, education, and health services. As the state capital and seat of Travis County, local, state, and federal government employs more than 150,000 workers, and that’s expected to increase, according to Texas A & M’s Real Estate Center. As an education hub, with the University of Texas and more than 20 other colleges within 30 miles, and several large public school districts, Austin will need more education workers. The “Live Music Capital of the World” continues to employ many in the leisure and hospitality industry, and large healthcare employers like Seton and St. David’s are expected to add workers.
 
With the quality of life high and the population continuing to increase, Austin should see positive job growth through 2009.Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas.
 
Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin Texas real estate company's website, & his Austin Texas welding website.

When you meet with the real estate agent for the first time, there are several questions you should ask in order to determine if you are good match. These questions include:

• How long have you been in this business?
• What is your list-price-to-sales-price ratio?
• What is your marketing plan?
• What are your references?
• What separates you from the competition?
• What do you charge?
• What type of guarantees do you offer?

Although it is possible to get good service from a real estate agent that hasn't been in the business for a long time, you are better off dealing with a real estate agent with experience in the business. If you are considering working with a newer real estate agent, find out more about that agent's mentor or supervising broker in order to see if he or she has someone with experience to help with the process.

The average list-price-to-sales-price ratio is also an important consideration because you want to choose a real estate agent that will be realistic about the asking price and that will work hard to get you the amount you are asking for. Similarly, you want to learn more about the real estate agent's marketing plan, such as where and how he or she advertises.

The real estate agent should also be able to provide you with references, and you should be sure to follow up with those references and to ask them questions as well. In addition, the real estate agent should be able to clearly explain to you what he or she can offer that the competition cannot. Finally, the real estate agent should charge a reasonable fee while also providing guarantees, such as allowing you to cancel your contract if you are unhappy with the agent's services.

Questions Your Real Estate Agent Will Ask You

In order to best serve your needs, your real estate agent should ask you several questions as well. For example, the real estate agent will want to know whether are not the real estate you are trying to sell is currently occupied. If so, the real estate agent will need to make special arrangements when showing the house to prospective buyers.

The real estate agent will also want to know if there is anything special about the property that you think should be highlighted while showing it to potential buyers or if there are any problems with the home that need to be repaired. Similarly, the real estate agent might want to know if you are willing to spend any extra money in order to make improvements on the home in order to improve the chances of making a sale.

In all, you should expect your real estate agent to communicate with you effectively and to make an effort to make the entire process as convenient and as profitable for you as possible. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate Guide, his South Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin real estate Guide.

Making the decision to finally purchase a home is one of the most exciting moments in your life. At the same time, it can be quite confusing and even overwhelming as you try to make the best decisions for your financial future. One way to make the process go much smoother and to alleviate your fears is to hire a real estate agent that is on the same page as you and that knows what you are looking for.

In order to make sure you are on the same page as your real estate agent, communication is key. After all, you cannot expect the real estate agent to simply know what type of home you are looking for or to understand your needs. Therefore, before you enter into any agreements or begin the house hunting process, there are several things you should tell your real estate agent.

Consider Your Long Term Plans

When making your home purchase, you should have some kind of idea of your long term plans. Of course, life doesn't always happen the way we expect and these plans might change, but you still want to make a real estate purchase that is in line with your current goals. For example, if you will only be living in the home for five years and are hoping to sell it for a substantial profit when you are ready to move, you might want to look at different real estate than what you would look at if you are planning to live in the home until after your young children have graduated from high school.

Express Your Needs

When discussing your ideal home with your real estate agent, you need to take care to thoroughly express your needs. For example, if you currently have kids or are planning to have children in the near future, you will likely want to purchase a home that is in a good school district. On the other hand, if you are a retired couple that enjoys taking walks in the park, you should communicate this to your real estate agent so he or she can look for homes that are near to community parks.

The more you communicate about your family, your lifestyle, and your hobbies, the better your real estate agent will be capable of finding a home that is well suited to you. Although your real estate agent is not a mind reader, many are quite good at understanding the needs of their clients based on this type of information. In fact, your real estate agent may be able to make some suggestions that you hadn't even considered while dreaming of your future home.

The more you communicate to your real estate agent, the better he or she will be able to pick out properties that will be suited to your needs. At the same time, if you notice that your agent is selecting homes that are nothing like what you are looking for, be sure to communicate this to your agent as well. Similarly, as you walk through homes with the agent, be certain to point out the features that you like and do not like. These little "hints" will help the agent get better in tune with what you are looking for in your dream home.

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Realtor Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Steiner Ranch real estate Guide.

Many people mistakenly believe that a real estate agent and a real estate broker are the same, but this is actually untrue. While both a real estate agent and a real estate broker must undergo schooling and must pass a state real estate exam, there are some very significant differences between the two.

Considering Licensing

From a technical standpoint, the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker is the fact that they hold different licenses. In order to obtain the different licensing, a real estate broker must actually complete additional coursework beyond what a real estate agent must complete.

Although many people use the terms real estate agent and real estate broker interchangeably, a broker actually has more schooling and bears more responsibilities throughout the transaction.

Since a broker has more education and experience, real estate agents actually work beneath the broker. Therefore, a person that works as an independent realtor must be a broker as well. A real estate agency with multiple employees, however, may have only one licensed broker and several agents. While the agents will perform many of the same functions as the broker, the broker is the one that is ultimately responsible for ensuring the transaction is completed properly. In exchange for taking on this added responsibility, the broker receives a percentage of the commission the agent earns when selling a home.

The Personal Touch

When it comes to working with a real estate broker versus a real estate agent, you will probably notice little difference if you notice a difference at all. This is because agents are licensed and capable of performing the basic tasks that most buyers and sellers are interested in having completed for them. For example, if you are looking for a home, an agent can easily take you to see a variety of homes and can help you reach a deal with the seller. Similarly, if you are selling a home, a real estate agent will have access to all of the same connections as the broker he or she works for.

If you are working with an agent rather than directly with the broker, you should expect to receive the same level of service you would receive from the broker. If you are unhappy with the agent's service, however, you can contact the broker and request that another agent be assigned to you. Similarly, if you have any questions or concerns that your agent cannot seem to address, you should contact the broker in order to make sure you are on the right track with the selling or purchase of your home.

The fact that every real estate agent is backed up by a broker is somewhat of a safety net for you as a consumer. In fact, if a crisis situation arises, the success of your transaction may come down to the abilities of the broker. Therefore, when hiring an agent, be sure you are comfortable with both the agent and the broker if they are not the same person. That way, you will be guaranteed the best experience possible.

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Northwest Austin Real Estate Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Condominium Guide.

If you hope to have a smooth experience that results in the real estate purchase you are looking for, it is important to take the time to select the best real estate agent for your needs. Although all real estate agents are capable of helping you complete your real estate purchase, there are certain agents that are better suited for certain types of purchases. Similarly, there are a few signs to watch for that will indicate whether or not you have a quality real estate agent at your side.

Consider Your Purpose

When selecting the real estate agent for you, it is important to consider the type of real estate you intend to purchase. For example, if you are interested in purchasing an apartment complex as an investment purchase, it is generally better to work with a real estate agent that specializes in selling these types of properties. Of course, you can use a real estate agent that deals mostly with selling homes, but one that specializes in the type of property you are looking for is more likely to have the types of connections you need to purchase the type of property you are looking for.

Consider Qualifications

While it is fine to work with a real estate agent, you should look for someone that is a real estate broker or a licensed realtor. An agent that is a member of the National Association of Realtors will have a displayed REALTORS® logo that will let you know that he or she has achieved this licensure. It is important to look for someone that is certified by the National Association of Realtors because this means the agent has pledged to follow a Code of Ethics that holds them to a higher standard than what is required by law.

Consider Referrals

Of course, it doesn't matter how many great qualifications the real estate agent has if he or she does not work hard for clients. Therefore, it is always a good idea to listen to referrals from other people. If someone you know had a good experience with a particular real estate agent, the chances are pretty good that you will have a good experience with that agent as well. Remember, good real estate agents stay in business because they have satisfied clients - give your business to someone with a proven track record.

Do Your Research

If you don't know someone that can refer a great real estate agent to you, you are going to have to do a bit of research. A good place to start your research is on the Internet. Visit the web sites of various real estate agents and get an idea of the types of services they provide. Look up the profiles of the real estate agents in order to get a better idea of their qualifications and experience. A site that contains customer testimonials is a good start as well - read the testimonials in order to get an idea of what other people are saying about the agent before making your final decision.

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Texas Real Estate Guide, his Southwest Austin real estate company's website, & his Central Austin real estate Guide.

If you are interested in a career in real estate, the steps you will need to take are relatively straightforward. Nonetheless, it doesn't mean that it is easy to become a real estate agent. If you hope to launch a career in this field, you will need to dedicated a great deal of time and effort to your studies.

Taking Real Estate Classes

The first step to becoming a real estate agent is to take the proper classes. Often, you can take real estate classes at a local community college or other facility that provides continuing education classes. Before signing up for real estate classes, however, make sure the courses are approved by your state.

In order to become a real estate agent, you must first complete schooling through an approved real estate program. If the program is not approved by the state, you will not be allowed to complete the examination that is necessary for obtaining your real estate license.

Taking the Real Estate Exam

By completing your real estate coursework, you should be well prepared for the real estate examination. Nonetheless, it is essential to study for the examination before taking the test, as it can be a bit trickier than you might think. For example, some of the questions on the exam ask you to apply the concepts you have learned in your real estate classes, which means successfully passing the examination requires more than just memorizing information.

Some people do pass the test the first time they take it, but be prepared to take the test multiple times in order to finally pass it. Once you do pass the test, you will finally be able to work as a real estate agent.

Building a Reputation

Of course, launching a career in real estate requires more than just taking the proper courses and completing an examination. If you hope to build a client base and to be successful in the field, you need to establish a reputation and build up a base of contacts.

In order to get your foot in the door in the real estate world, you will need to lean the tricks of trade from other professional in the field. One great place to start is at your local real estate agents' association, which can be found in most large cities. These groups and clubs meet on a regular basis in order to exchange information, which is very helpful for a real estate agent that is just getting started in the field.

Continuing Your Education

After you have completed the coursework and passed the real estate examination, you will have to take additional classes in order to maintain your licensing. Therefore, you will need to be prepared to continue taking real estate classes even after you have successfully launched your career.

By taking these continuing education classes, you will also stay up to date in the latest changes in the field. This will ensure that you are capable of serving your clients to the best of your abilities, which will further help with building your reputation and solidifying your career in real estate.

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his West Lake Real Estate Guide, his Austin TX Realtor company's website, & his Steiner Ranch real estate Guide.

When you decide to build a home rather than to buy a home or when you make the decision to remodel the home that you already have, you most likely intend to get the job done with the help of contractor. Unfortunately, contractors have earned a somewhat bad reputation as some have failed to live up to their contracts or provide the quality of work homeowners expect when they buy their services. In order to keep yourself from being disappointed by your contractor, it is important that you follow these simple tips.

Tip #1: Ask Your Friends and Family

The single best way to select a contractor is to ask around. If your friends or family members have worked with a contractor that did a good job for them, you should put that contractor high on your list. The more recently the friend or family member hired a contract to work on their real estate the better. After all, if a contractor just did a great job a few months ago, he or she is likely to still be able to provide the same level of service.

Tip #2: Check References

Of course, you may not know anyone that has recently purchased real estate or that did any remodeling to their homes. If this is the case, you won't have much of a starting point when choosing a contractor. Therefore, it is essential that you check the references provided by the contractor. Ideally, you should check into references for jobs that are completed as well as for jobs that are in progress. This way, you can check out the real estate in varying levels of completion in order to determine the quality of the work.

Before you buy the services of a contractor, you should also talk with some of the references. Ask the references important questions, such as:

• How well did the contractor stay on schedule?
• How happy were you with your real estate when the job was completed?
• Did you feel as if the contractor listened to you when you ran into a problem?
• Were your concerns easily resolved?

Talking with past clients is an excellent way to get an idea of the type of work the contractor does as well as his level of commitment to customer satisfaction.

Tip #3: Check the Contractor's License

If you are going to buy the services of a contractor, you certainly want someone that is properly educated in the craft. Before you sign a contract and buy the materials for the job, check with your Contractors State License Board in your state. By checking with the board, you can confirm that the contractor is licensed and you can also find out the areas of specialty in which the contractor is licensed.

When checking on licensing, ask the contractor for his or her pocket license as well as another form of identification. Then, check the license against the other form of identification in order to make sure the names match up. Since it is illegal for a contractor to use another contractor's license, a reputable contractor will have matching identification.

Tip #4: Make Sure the Contractor is Insured

As the buyer, you shouldn't be expected to buy insurance to cover the job. Rather, the contractor should have insurance in place. Check to make sure the contractor is insured against property damage, worker's compensation, and personal liability. Ask for a copy of the certificate of insurance to verify coverage as this will protect you if something goes wrong while on the job.

Deciding to buy real estate in order to build your own home or to remodel your current home is an exciting time in your life. Make sure you do your homework before selecting a contractor in order to prevent your dream from turning into a nightmare.

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate Guide, his Westlake Real Estate company's website, & his Lakeway Real Estate Guide.