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.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Central Texas is Hill Country, a scenic region with amazing natural attractions, quaint country towns and lovely hills and valleys. Austin is the gateway to this fantastic recreational area steeped in history and Southern charm. The Texas Hill Country welcomes more than 5 million tourists each year, and the clear rivers, towering forests and abundant wildflowers are just a few of the reasons they return again and again. From water sports and outdoor activities to shopping and golfing, Texas Hill Country provides a wealth of activities for all ages and interests.

The Texas Hill Country, just minutes from Austin, is full of natural attractions that provide the outdoor enthusiast with many chances to admire the scenery and recreate in Mother Nature’s playground. One of the top attractions is Enchanted Rock, a large natural rock formation more than 400 feet tall. Also top of the list is the Longhorn Caverns, where tours recall the days when outlaws, Native Americans and soldiers used them as shelter. Cool off at Barton Spring Swimming Hole and check out the wildlife at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

Quaint Southern Texas towns provide a glimpse into the rural heritage of the Texas Hill Country. Villages such as Wimberley, San Marcos, Buda, Burnet and Johnson City are all nestled in the rolling hills and provide tourists with shops brimming with handicrafts and antiques and fine dining in restaurants overlooking the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy Texas history at several museums that instruct and educate visitors on everything from early Native American life to cowboys and ranchers. Visit the towns of Bandera, Dripping Springs and Taylor for true historical attractions.

When folks are looking to get out of Austin for a few hours, they head to Hill Country and participate in just a few of the many things to do in the area. There are lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, boating or tubing. Staying in a bed and breakfast is a wonderful way to get away for a day or a weekend. Check out historically important architecture in any of the Main Streets in the smaller cities in Hill Country, or hike, bike and camp in any of the national and state parks in the area. Visitors to the area can even take wine tours, guided ranch tours and art gallery tours if that is the kind of recreation they enjoy.

While Hill Country is located in the center of Texas, it’s easy to see why the area is considered the heart of this great state. The lush abundance of natural resources and Southern hospitality creates a unique combination of relaxation and rejuvenation. Using Austin as a base to explore this amazing region is a wonderful idea for those seeking to maximize their time in Texas Hill Country.

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

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.

A mainstay of Austin culture and art since 1916, and in its present location since 1996, the Austin Museum of Art has provided the community with accessible artwork to enlighten and educate its citizens. Echoing the words of museum patron Clara Driscoll, the museum is a place that "brings pleasure in the appreciation of art to the people of Texas."

Today, the Austin Museum of Art-Downtown continues to educate a broad audience on 20th century and contemporary art, with a world-class gallery, continually changing exhibits and even an Art School. For you and your family, it's a place to appreciate loveliness and creativity in many forms, as well as release your inner artist. You will find that the museum is centrally located downtown and housed in a contemporary-style building, perfectly reflecting the modern art inside. Each exhibition at this Austin, Texas museum is generally paired up with listening or reading stations, interpretive programming and museum guides who can reveal the unique and important impact that the visual arts create. Past exhibits have included everything from photography, sculpture, paintings, charcoal drawings and pottery collections.

The downtown location is a permanent expansion from the original museum, and provides a broad range of community-oriented features. The Community Room can be rented or reserved for activities or private functions as needed. The Art School holds classes in many different mediums for all ages. Try a beginner's class in watercolors, or enroll your child in the 3-D Art class designed for kids. The museum store is also located on-site and provides art-related gifts, books, toys and jewelry. It's perfect when you need a gift for the person who has everything or simply for browsing after an afternoon of viewing the latest exhibits in town.

The Austin Museum of Art is also dedicated to education enhancement, in the form of teacher seminars, adult education, group tours and family programs. It's a way for Austin, Texas residents to connect with the arts on a personal level and walk away with an increased understanding of their world. With an active volunteer program that enables Austin, TX citizens to act as museum docents, it's easy for just about anyone to get involved.

The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours are from noon to 5:00 p.m, and closed Mondays and holidays. Located at 823 Congress Avenue at 9th Street, the museum is adjacent to a convenient parking garage at 9th and Brazos. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students and free for children 12 and under. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his downtown Austin condos Guide, his downtown Austin company's website, & his Austin TX Welder website.

If you are a water-lover, but afraid that a move to Austin, Texas means the end of lake sports, you obviously haven't heard about the three most popular lakes in the Austin, TX area. Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis are full of recreational opportunities to suit every level of play, from swimming and boating to jet skiing and lake cruises.

Lady Bird Lake is a calm and peaceful lake in the city of Austin, Texas, and it's just right for canoeing or kayaking. You can rent canoes or paddle boats at the Rowing Dock for a moderate fee. At six miles long, this lake runs between Riverside Drive and 1st street, making it a restful oasis in the urban downtown area. Take advantage of the walking trails that circle the lake and enjoy a stroll or a jog among the beautiful scenery. You can enjoy a boat tour of Lady Bird Lake, including dinner cruises for special events or group outings and get a glimpse of Austin, TX as you've never seen it before-from the water. Swimming, motor boating and jet skiing are prohibited at Lady Bird Lake.

Lake Austin is one of the most popular lakes in the area, and was created by Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam on the Colorado River. Boating enthusiasts will really enjoy Lake Austin, with its high cliffs and lush shorelines. There are several launch sites where you can put your own boat in, or contact any of the rental boat services to get out on the water as soon as possible. There are several charter boat services that can take individual passengers or even large groups for scenic tours of the lovely Lake Austin. Imagine riding an old-fashioned riverboat around and learning more about the sites and stories that occurred on or near the lake.

Lake Travis, the longest lake in the region at more than 60 miles long, lies northwest of Austin, TX. Perfect for all kinds of boating, such as motor boating or sail boating, the lake features several boat docks, boat rental companies and even personal watercraft rentals. Several small communities encircle Lake Travis, and there are dozens of boat rental or boat storage facilities in each one.

Lake Travis is also the hub for a variety of other recreational activities. Fishing and swimming are always popular, as well as canoeing, kayaking and jet skiing. Check out the Volente Beach and Waterpark, a fun place for exciting water rides. The rolling hills of Texas Hill Country are wonderful for golf, and there are several resorts and clubs lakeside. It's a true resort atmosphere at Lake Travis, just 40 minutes from Austin, Texas.

These are just a few of the lakes and waterways that surround Austin, Texas. Take some time to get familiar with area lakes and the unique outdoor adventures that each one has to offer. Whether you own a boat or just like to play on one, Austin-area lake cruises and boat rentals can make it happen for Austin, TX residents. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Lake Austin Guide, his Lake Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Lake real estate website.

Now in its 97th year, the Austin Symphony is the pinnacle of cultural events in the Austin, TX area and the beginning of the live music scene that dominates the modern entertainment culture of this vibrant Texas city. Showcasing classical music that spans continents, genres and generations, the Austin Symphony brings together almost 100 musicians who work together to create memorable music.

Even if you've never attended a symphony before, you can appreciate the Austin Symphony. With a quick introduction to the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion and a little insight into the pieces that will be played, you can enjoy just about any presentation. Simply let your mind follow the highs and lows of the piece and feel the music as it wraps around your emotions and feelings.

The Austin Symphony presents a wide variety of music from many different composers. In one season, you might have the choice between Beethoven, Strauss and Handel as well as a "Simply Sinatra" concert, a string quartet or a guitar quartet. The diversity means that everyone will be able to find some kind of music that appeals to them. Tickets are easy to purchase online or at the ticket office for the Austin Symphony.

It's easy to find out what's in store as far as concerts from the Austin Symphony-their easy to use website shows the season calendars and the events and featured artists that are coming up. Generally, the Austin Symphony performs eight classical concerts, four pops concerts and two family concerts. Elsewhere in the community, the Austin Symphony performs at such exiting venues such as during the city's Fourth of July events and the free concerts in the park during the summers. The symphony also performs holiday concerts for the residents of Austin, Texas to enhance the holiday atmosphere.

The Austin Symphony even holds concerts that are appropriate for children, presenting some of the more classic works in a friendly and shortened concert. There is also a chance for children to learn more about the different instruments, meet the conductor and learn more about the composers of whose work is being played. The Children's Day Art Park is a fine place to see the musicians up close and listen to new music from the Austin Symphony.

Several award-winning education programs are organized through the Austin Symphony. These programs allow for musicians to visit classrooms in the Austin, TX area, provide study guides for music teachers, bring students for field trips to the concert hall and allow young musicians the chance to play with a real orchestra. Designed to enhance art appreciation in youngsters, the Austin Symphony has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Symphony Orchestra League. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin TX Real Estate Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Welder website.

Touted as the "Live Music Capital of the World," the city of Austin, Texas, has a rhythm of its own. With more live music venues per capita than any other music center in the world, Austin, TX dominates over other places known for music such as Nashville, Los Angeles or Las Vegas. The city of Austin, Texas offers several programs to assist musicians and to promote their music in a variety of genres, from country to blues.

Whether you are just arriving in Austin, Texas for the first time or you are a local coming home, you will be greeted at the airport with live music at three different airport venues. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just the first reminder that you've entered the "Live Music Capital" of Austin, TX.

The Plaza at the Austin City Hall puts on a music showcase with different scopes that highlight different musicians and their music. Free concerts are given between April and October at The Plaza, making the music series "Live From The Plaza" one of the more popular music venues around. The Parks and Recreation Department also highlights musical performances, with summer concerts in various locations, such as the Zilker Hillside Theater.

Many private organizations have emerged as a result of the hot music scene in Austin, TX. The city's famous Sixth Street is the heart of the live music scene, with more than 50 nightclubs, restaurants, bistros and dance clubs showcasing the latest musicians in a variety of music styles. West of the business district lies what is known as Austin's Warehouse District, fast emerging as another neighborhood devoted to live music. With edgier restaurants and clubs renovated from old warehouses, the Warehouse District features trendy bars, restaurants and amazing concert halls.

There are several theaters in Austin, Texas that spotlight more live music, such as Esther's Follies. Located on Sixth Street, Esther's Follies has featured live acts of magic, comedy, music and sketch comedy for more than two decades. The Frank Erwin Center hosts many concerts and other musical events from its Red River Street location. The Zachary Scott Theater is another place to enjoy a wide variety of live entertainment, from seasonal plays to old-fashioned music concerts. Austin, Texas has many other theaters located throughout the city that are just waiting to be discovered by eager residents.

Of course, the "Live Music Capital of the World" wouldn't be complete with out music festivals, and Austin, TX hosts several noteworthy ones. Try out the Austin City Limits Music Festival, a 3-day celebration of Austin's music. The Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival highlights worldwide talents in each category. The Urban Music Festival and the Old Settler's Music Festival are two more popular events just right for the whole family. Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin TX Real Estate Guide, his Austin real estate company's website, & his Austin Welder 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.