Archives
November 2008
Nov. 30, 2008 - How to Redecorate on a Budget
When operating on a tight budget, it's hard to justify technically unnecessary purchases and pursuits, like redecorating a perfectly good living room, or buying a new pair of stilettos. But you don't have to overhaul your entire living space in order to spruce it up and create the desired effect of change. There are plenty of simple, cost-effective ways to spruce up any space, without over-spending. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Move things around
You don't have to go out and buy an entirely new living room set in order to update the feel of a room. Instead, try rearranging a couple of different rooms in the house by trading out bits and pieces from each. Moving a lamp here and a set of curtains there can really change things up, and will have more effect on the feel of the rooms than you'd expect.
2. Add color
A great way to change the tone of any room is to add a burst of bright, new color. Buying small pieces, like a throw blanket, an accent pillow, or a new print to hang on the wall, can be reasonably inexpensive (especially if you hit shops on sale), and will really add some punch to the room. Pick bright colors that will coordinate with what you already have, but that will also stand out from your pallet. A bright orange or green accent pillow on a beige couch adds an exciting splash of color, and will help brighten everything around it.
3. Don't use everything at once
As you collect new bits and pieces to spruce up your space, don't get rid of the old stuff. Put it away, and when, one day, the new items start to feel old, you can pull out the original stuff and throw it back into the mix. The more options you have, the more different arrangements you can make. Eventually, you'll have everything you need to keep everything feeling bright and fresh, and to change it up whenever you want. You might like a seasonal pallet, for example, and collect pieces that reflect that. There's nothing wrong with having a semi-standard rotation or schedule for sprucing.
4. Do it yourself
A great way to add to your home decor is to get hands-on with it. If you enjoy painting or drawing, create your own masterpiece to hang on the wall. If you're not feeling quite so creative, a simple, cheap craft idea is to take a couple of yards of bright, colorful fabric you really like, and frame it. It will create a simple, yet vibrant focal point that can add pizazz to any room. And it's so simple and cost effective, you can change it up as often as you like.
Regardless of your design scheme or color pallet, sprucing up your living space doesn't have to require a big investment. A little hands-on work, some creativity, and a bit of smart shopping can work wonders on almost any space, and allow you to make-over your home without the hefty price tag.
Escapeso Realty provides home buyers a graphical search of the Austin MLS on their website. They also provide recent statistics on Austin real estate and Round Rock real estate.
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Nov. 30, 2008 - The Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
What a magical time of the year, Christmas! Young and old enjoy this wonderful celebration. What can make it all more magical? How about the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, everyone can find something magical at the display.
This year the Trail of Lights will begin on December 14th and run until December 23rd 7:00 pm. until 10:00 pm nightly. The trail is over a mile long, about 1.25 miles to be exact, and all along the way you can see everything from Santa's house to reindeer. The display also has many displays on canvas. You can see many wonderful paintings. Austin is full of talented people, and what a way to showcase their work, but at the Trail of Lights.
If you get hungry along the way, not to worry, there are plenty of venders available so you can fulfill your hunger. Hot chocolate is served on those chilly nights and there are lots of arts and crafts booths to browse, just incase you need that last moment gift!
The festival kicks off with a parade that includes Santa's sleigh and Santa himself, along with giant puppets and lots of music! It's very entertaining and gets even Mr. Scrooge into the Christmas spirit!
The annual Austin festival begins with the lighting of the tree. The tree is a 155 foot tower that consists of more than 3,000 bulbs and is 180 feet in diameter. The tradition is to stand under the tree and twirl around in circles, watching the lights begin to blur and sparkle! It's an awesome experience everyone who lives or visits Austin should have.
The Trail of Lights was recognized by USA Today as one of the top ten Holiday lightings.
The history of the Trail of Lights goes all the way back to 1965. Back then the festival was known around Austin as simply "The Twelve Days of Christmas." To this day there is still a display of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In 1992 the festival was renamed "The Trail of Lights."
So if you or someone you know just can't seem to get into that Christmas spirit, then get out to Zilker Park on December 14th. Don't worry about parking, Zilker makes it easy by providing a shuttle to and from the park. The shuttle will pick up and drop off at Waterloo Park. Visitors can also park at the park itself, but parking is very limited, and there is a $15.00 parking fee.
Since the Trail of Lights is held outside, you never know what Mother Nature has in store, especially in Texas! If the weather is hazardous to park goers, the park officials will make an announcement letting visitors know if the park has been closed for visits that day.
For more information, and parking fees and such, it's best to check out the Parks and Recreation Department website. They have a link to Zilker Park and there you can find a list of all the entertainment, and where to park.
Escapeso Realty operates in the Austin Texas real estate market. Their site has a free search of the Austin MLS along with a blog covering Austin real estate.
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Nov. 30, 2008 - Mortgage Rates Down For Fourth Straight Week
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. For the most part the other three major mortgage products have moved down as well the last four week. With the 30 year moving down to 5.97 this marks the first time the 30 year rate has moved below 6 since October 9th. As far as the other mortgage products the 15 year fixed and the 5 year arm remained relatively stable while we saw a decent drop in the 1 year arm with it moving from 5.29 to 5.18. Here are mortgage rates for the major mortgage products for the last few weeks.
November 26, 2008
30-yr 5.97 15-yr 5.74 5-yr ARM 5.86 1-yr ARM 5.18
November 20, 2008
30-yr 6.04 15-yr 5.73 5-yr ARM 5.87 1-yr ARM 5.29
November 13, 2008
30-yr 6.14 15-yr 5.81 5-yr ARM 5.98 1-yr ARM 5.33
November 6, 2008
30-yr 6.20 15-yr 5.88 5-yr ARM 6.19 1-yr ARM 5.25
October 30, 2008
30-yr 6.46 15-yr 6.19 5-yr ARM 6.36 1-yr ARM 5.38
So let's see what this week's rates translate into for a mortgage. We used our free mortgage calculator to translate today's rates into a payment on a 200k mortgage loan. For good measure we ran the calculator on last week's rates and rates from a month ago (October 30th).
November 26th
30-yr $1195.24
15-yr $1659.74
5-yr ARM $1181.15
1-yr ARM $1095.75
November 20th
30-yr $1204.24
15-yr $1658.67
5-yr ARM $1182.43
1-yr ARM $1109.36
October 30th
30-yr 1258.87
15-yr 1708.31
5-yr ARM 1245.77
1-yr ARM 1120.56
Looking at a 30 year loan we can see the changes from a week don't amount to much ($9 a month) but one would see pretty substantial savings compared to a month ago ($63.63 a month). With rates near a two month low now might be a decent time to looking at refinancing especially if you have a 30 year rate of 6.5 or higher. 1 year rates are pretty low but I would probably avoid them unless you are quite sure you are going to sale the home in one year. And with the market moving pretty slowly I would not want to bet on selling the house very quickly. The 5 year rate is a pretty pointless option at these rates. With the 30 year rate at 5.97 and the 5 year arm at 5.86 the same rate difference is hardly worth the much shorter rate lock (and remember with a 30 year if rates go down you can always refinance).
So what are rates going to do for the rest of the year? It's hard to tell. Unless something dramatic happens I don't see 30 year mortgage rates going under 5.5. There is the potential for more upward movement at this point simply because rates are low and banks don't seem terribly interested in lending.
Ki lives in Austin Texas. His site has a search of the Austin MLS. It also has updated information on mortgage rates along with a free mortgage calculator.
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Nov. 30, 2008 - The Perfect Place to Find a Chistmas Tree around Austin
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.
For many, finding that perfect Christmas tree is almost as important as the holiday itself. There are so many different trees to choose from. Luckily these days it's much easier choosing the perfect tree without hiking up a mountain or walking through a field of snow or in our case in Texas, heat and fire ants!
Christmas tree farms are popping up in almost every city in and around Austin. Families can plan a whole day around visiting a tree farm. The farmers have made it an all day adventure full of family festivities.
Many of the tree farms give the visitors an option of cutting their own tree or having one of the tree farm employees do it for you, probably a good choice for those of us who are not chain saw savvy!
There are several Christmas tree farms just a sleigh ride from Austin.
Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees, located in Elgin, at this farm, you choose a beautiful Virginia Pine tree and cut it yourself, they'll even provide you with a saw! Or, if you prefer, you can purchase a pre cut Frasier Fir.
They have all a gift shop on site where you can also purchase decorations for your new tree. They also have snacks available. The farm also has home grown vegetables available along with a train ride for the kiddos! For information on the Evergreen farms Christmas Trees, you can give them a call! 512-281-4833
Elgin (Natures Way) Christmas tree farm is another farm located in Elgin where you can choose and cut your choice of Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, potted Leyland Cypress or you can get a precut Frasier Fir. The farm has hayrides, a barn full of all things Christmas for you to buy. You can even enjoy some Elgin sausage on the weekends. On cold days they have cider and hot chocolate available. If Natures Way sounds like the perfect place to find a tree, give them a call at 512-281-5016
If you and your family are heading towards Smithville, then you might want to check out Loma Alta Christmas Tree Farm. You can choose and cut your own Virginia Pine or Loblolly Pine. Or, pick an already cut Virginia Pine or Leyland Cypress. The farm offers hayrides, gift shop, picnic area and refreshments. You can also watch the ducks and geese that share the farm. They also have full nursery to browse through at the farm. If you need more information, give them a call at 512-360-2005
If you're heading towards Salado, then you can check out Salado Christmas Tree Farm. You can choose and cut or buy a precut tree. The farm offers hayrides, gifts, arts and crafts. They have refreshments available and have a nature trail you can take a hike on. Give them a call at 254-947-4477
With lots of tree farms in the Austin area, you're sure to find the perfect place to cut your tree!
Ki is a real estate agent in Austin. His site provides a free map search for Austin homes. They also provide information for buyers interested in Austin real estate and Cedar Park real estate.
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Nov. 25, 2008 - Recession? Depression? Deflation? The ABC's of the Economic Downturn
News of the economy is inescapable these days and most of it is bad news. 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. Here is a quick rundown of some of those ubiquitous economic terms:
Recession - The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines a recession as "a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP growth, real personal income, employment (non-farm payrolls), industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales." In other words, a recession is when the economy slows down significantly in many areas for at least half a year. It seems there are few economists who agree on the exact definition and exactly which areas of the economy give the truest indications. This explains why there is endless speculation in the media as to whether we are "officially" in a recession. While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when a recession begins, the collective wisdom of hindsight shows they generally last about a year. It is now widely believed that we are in a global recession.
Lagging indicators - This refers to all those terms that are bandied about in economic discussions. While many of them--like the unemployment rate or labor costs--are easily understood, others are a little less clear. For example, what is the prime rate? This refers to the Prime Lending Rate, or the interest rate used by banks.
What is the consumer price index? While the Department of Labor keeps numerous indexes on a variety of price factors, the CPI specifically refers to the change in prices for good and services.
Depression - There have been many comparisons of this economic downturn being similar to the Great Depression of the 1930's. A depression is defined as sustained recession. Or as the old joke goes: A recession is when the guy next door loses his job. A depression is when you lose your job.
Inflation - This all has to do with how much things cost relative to the value of the dollar. As prices of goods and services go up, the spending power of the dollar doesn't go as far. In the spring when gas and grocery prices were so high, there was a lot of talk about inflation.
Deflation - Now all the talk is about deflation, or the decline in prices caused by a decline in the demand for products or services. This comes about as people hold onto their money and spend less, a side effect of high unemployment, low consumer confidence and general unease about the economy.
FDIC - This refers to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which means the government insures up to $100,000 of your money at banks and savings associations. As banks fail around the country due to bad debt exceeding assets, the FDIC is one of the factors that keeps this economic crisis from turning into another Great Depression.
Economic stimulus - Earlier this year, President Bush gave Americans extra money with their tax returns in the hope that this would stimulate spending in the economy. The idea is that if people are out there spending money then people are keeping their jobs making, transporting and selling goods. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way.
President-elect Barack Obama began outlining his own ideas for economic stimulus this weekend with a two-year plan of creating 2.5 million jobs.
The New Deal - Obama's plan, even during the campaign, is often compared to the Franklin D. Roosevelt's economic programs in the 1930's. This series of initiatives, including banking reform laws, public works and agricultural programs and the creation of the federal welfare state were created to get the country past the Great Depression.
Escapeso Realty helps people looking for Austin real estate. Their site has a map based search of the Austin MLS. They also provide a tool that allows webmasters to post mortgage rates for your site.
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Nov. 25, 2008 - Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill: An Austin Original
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. The lively outdoor bar and patios are a great option for a fun night out socializing with friends, whereas the interior dining room and adjacent stone house the second oldest building in Austin, in fact, and said to be haunted offer a quieter, more intimate option.
Regardless of where you choose to sit at Moonshine, keep in mind that reservations aren't available on weekends, and the wait time can get long earlier than you'd think. But the wait is definitely worth it from the custom cocktails to the delicious appetizers the corn dog shrimp is a house favorite to the incredible entrees and sinful desserts, dining at Moonshine is always a memorable experience.
The jalape hanger steak and broiled rainbow trout with cornbread stuffing are two of the most poplar entrees. And while they may sound simple, the chef truly adds a gourmet flare to everything he prepares, making souther staples like macaroni and cheese, or fried sweet potatoes a truly extraordinary meal. In addition to an extensive menu of down-home favorites with a cosmopolitan twist try the horseradish crusted salmon or the cornflake fried chicken salad for an exciting and unexpected flavor experience Moonshine also offers an exceptional brunch buffet, including mouth-watering treats like the Green Egg Scramble, with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese; the king ranch casserole; and other breakfast favorites like sticky buns, omelets, and an incredible cappuccino bundt cake.
But Moonshine has a much greater history in Austin than its last few years as a restaurant. One of the buildings that comprises the restaurant, called the Sunday House, was built in the 1850s by a German settler, and many of its features are still original. The building has served as home to several different commercial enterprises over the years, and is the only remaining Sunday House in Austin a Sunday House being a place where visitors from surrounding farmlands and rural areas could stay the night when traveling into the city over the weekend to shop at the markets and attend church. While Sunday Houses used to be quite common there are still dozens to be found in surrounding towns like Fredericksburg the Sunday Houses of Austin have gradually been torn down over the years, making the one at Moonshine a very special piece of Austin's history and culture.
Today, the Sunday House is most often used as a small private dining area for parties and events, and some patrons and locals claim that the more-than 150-year-old building is haunted. Regardless of whether or not this piece of Austin's history is home to spirits of lives long since lost, Moonshine is creating its own place in Austin's history as one of the city's most renowned and beloved restaurants, and the experience of dining there is certain to linger in the mind of any patron.
Escapeso real estate is a small company in central Austin. Their site has a search of the Austin MLS along with general info about Austin real estate. They also provide statistics on Cedar Park real estate market.
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Nov. 25, 2008 - KUT Radio Stations: Keep Austin Wired
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. Three-letter call numbers started falling out of use in the 20's, when four-letter call numbers were introduced to help accommodate the growing number of radio stations. Originally, radio call signs were used by telegraph stations so that the telegraph operators could identify themselves without having to spell out their full name or location. Regulations passed by the federal government in the early teens ensured that these three-letter call signs were assigned formally, to prevent overlap. International agreements were made to allot initial letters to various nations. The United States was given the letters N, W, and KDA to KZZ (KAA-KCZ were initially given to Germany and were not assigned to the US until 1929).
KUT was given its call letters in 1925, under the control of the Physics Department at the University of Texas. Under the management and direction of Professor Simpson L. Brown, programs went on the air between 8 to 10 pm three nights a week, with programming ranging from University Symphony concerts, to discussions and lectures by faculty. But by 1927, the station expenses exceeded the available funding, and it was dismantled not to reappear for another 30 years.
In 1958, the station was given an air license through the University of Texas, this time through the School of Journalism. And it has been operating ever since, celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2003. In 2002, KUT News was established and has since become a recognized leader in new reporting for Central Texas, winning 12 Edward R. Murrow awards for journalistic excellence.
Each week, nearly 500,000 people tune in to KUT broadcasts or visit their online productions. And like other public radio stations, it is taking the lead on HD radio, with the inclusion of two HD radio channels. HD radio is considered by some to be them most significant advance in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo. This technology enables broadcasters to deliver additional channels within a single frequency. KUT 90.5-2 provides public radio programming from NPR, Public Radio International, American Public Media, and the BBC news. HD channel 80.5-3 is KUT's all-jazz frequency. In addition to providing additional content not available on traditional frequencies, HD Radio provides CD-quality sound.
Some of the popular local music shows include Larry Monroe (with Blue Monday, Phil Music, and other programs), Eklektikos with John Aielli, Music with Jay Trachtenberg, Folkways, Left of the Dial with Jeff McCord, and Texas Music Matters, with David Brown, covering the developments within the Texas music industry. KUT features several locally-produced news shows, including Latino USA with Maria Hinojosa and In Black America with John Hanson.
KUT depends upon listener funding, and so like other radio stations of its ilk, holds on-air pledge drive to fill the coffers with listener contributions. These contributions account for 80% of the station's overall budget. So if you tune in and like what you hear, do think about contributing to keep this Austin tradition on the airwaves for another 50 years.
Ki lives in central Texas. He site provides information about Austin real estate. It also has a free search of the Austin MLS along with a page that has mortgage calculator code for webmasters.
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Nov. 21, 2008 - Tips for Staging Your Home For Sale
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. In this current market it is important to "stage" your home, showing it in the best way possible.
The local real estate market fortunately has not been impacted by the current economic downturn to the devastating extent of other cities. But that doesn't mean buyers aren't being picky. With more long-term intentions and less money available for home improvement loans, buyers are taking a closer look at potential homes. It has been said that a home shopper forms an opinion in the first two minutes, which means a seller has to have their house ready from the second someone pulls up to the curb.
Do you need an expert to stage your home? Not necessarily. In fact, you already have an expert on hand. Your real estate agent has been in and out of many homes and he or she knows what buyers like and what they react to negatively. It is a good idea, however, to ask a friend or relative whose opinion you value to walk through and give you an objective point of view. What may look like the perfect room to one family is a deal breaker to another.
Inside the Home
Walk room-to-room and look carefully with a checklist in hand:
* Paint/Wallpaper condition
* Personal items (like photos, books, knick-knacks, etc)
* Condition of furniture and fixtures
* Placement of furniture
* Lighting
* Best feature of the room
* Worst feature of the room
* Repairs needed
After noting the specific condition of each room, first make a list of simple changes that can be made. A fresh coat of paint in a soft neutral color can make a huge difference in a room, particularly a focal room like the living room or kitchen. Removing old wallpaper and repainting is always worth the effort.
Simplify and depersonalize by removing family pictures and sentimental objects. Store the old shabby chair and extra television set. Keep personal items like cosmetics, bathroom supplies, or toys in containers that are easy to take in out of a cabinet. Keep a few cleaning supplies in a tub under the sink, so a quick clean up is easy to accomplish when someone calls to come see the house.
Emphasize the assets of a room, such as big windows or beautiful hardwood floors. Arrange the furniture to give the house and open feel and make it easy for people to walk through a room. Flowers belong in the garden not on the drapes or bed coverings, so choose neutral curtains and bedspreads to draw attention to the room not the decorating.
Stow away and de-clutter, but don't cram it in. You don't want to make it look like storage is an issue. It may be worth the money to rent a small storage unit. While your home may not feel as cozy to you, be assured that you will soon by settling into a new house with all your favorite possessions.
Outside the Home
A few flowers or healthy plants in attractive containers at the entrance are always a good idea. Curb appeal really does matter, so take the time to keep the lawn mowed, hedges trimmed and front walk clear of debris. A little effort on your part to stage your home inside and out, can bring big returns in a quicker sale.
Ki is a realtor in the austin real estate market. His site provides a interactive search of the Austin MLS along with general information about Austin real estate. His site also has a page where webmasters can download a mortgage rates widget.
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Nov. 21, 2008 - How to Live on a Limited Income
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.
The first thing you should do is plan a budget. Get a ledger, or notebook; anything you can write on. List each bill you have and what the amount due is and when it is due. This way you are able to see what has to be paid first and what can be paid at a later date. You can see what is due month to month and what you will have left over to spend on necessities and entertainment.
When you live on a budget, you cut every corner, including when you buy groceries. This doesn't mean you can't have good food, it just means you'll be smarter when buying it. Purchase generic brands instead of name brands. They can be as much as half the price and they are usually made by the same name brand companies. Try buying your groceries at a budget store such as Dollar General. They have great deals and you can usually buy twice as much as you could at a major brand grocery store.
If you enjoy going out to eat, don't think that just because you are on a limited budget you have to stop. Several restaurants have specials or certain nights that kids eat free. You can also search for restaurants who have a "brown bag" special; two meals for one price.
If you get a Sunday paper, thumb through it and clip all the coupons you are able to use. This can save you a bundle, and they have coupons for just about everything these days!
Want to see a new movie, but just don't have the extra cash to spend? Try joining a movie club, like Netflix. If you've never joined they have a free trial period available. Then you can spend as little as $4.99 a month and never be charged a late fee. Blockbuster has a program similar to this. You are still able to entertain your family, but are being frugal about it.
Another way to save that precious dough each month is to turn off lights, televisions, computers and such when you are not using them. Try setting your refrigerator to a higher temperature, but make sure it stays in the safe range to keep your food safe to consume.
When the temperature outside allows, try opening windows instead of running your heater or air conditioner. Your cooling/heating system is responsible for more than half of your electric bill. By not using it as much, you can save a bundle. Using ceiling fans can also help cool and warm rooms up also.
There are a ton of things you can do if you have limited income. Just be creative and use your imagination. You may have very little money, but that shouldn't mean you have to have a very limited life style!
Escapeso real estate helps home buyers and investors in Austin Texas. Their site has stats on the Austin Texas real estate market. They also have a map search of the Austin MLS and a blog about Austin real estate.
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Nov. 21, 2008 - Hill Country Holiday Wine Trail: Celebrating the Holidays, Texas Style
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.
One of the annual highlights of this special season is the widely popular Hill Country Holiday Wine Trail for three weekends in December, leading up to Christmas, no less than two dozen of the Texas Hill Country's top wineries open their doors to 400 couples, offering wine tastings, specially-crafter ornaments and general holiday cheer.
Growing every year, the Hill Country Holiday Wine Trail offers a unique opportunity for couples and groups to experience the best of Texas Hill Country wineries. The self-guided wine trail offers participants the opportunity to explore and experience as many of the two dozen participating wineries as they choose over the three-weekend event. Tickets are $60 per couple, and include entrance and tastings at each of the 24 participating wineries, as well as a grape-vine wreath and custom ornaments along the way. Couples can go to as many of the wineries as they choose, and may do so during any or all of the three weekends during which the event takes place the first three weekends of December.
As Texas's Hill Country becomes more and more renowned throughout the United States as a respected wine producer, more and more people are making the short trip from Austin or San Antonio, and the slightly longer trip from Texas' other major cities, to enjoy the beauty of the hill country and the delicious wines that are produced there. In fact, in recent years, the Texas Hill Country has begun to grow in popularity as a vacation destination, visited by tourists and wine aficionados from around the United States. Considered Texas' own Napa Valley, the hill country offers picturesque views, gorgeous weather, and top quality wines.
Beautiful bed and breakfasts and unique hide-aways have sprung up throughout the hill country, offering visitors a wealth of options when it comes to accommodations and designing their own unique Hill Country experience. From ranches and old German settlement houses to cozy nature preserves and modern spas, the Texas Hill Country truly offers something for everyone.
While the beauty of the Texas Hill Country can be enjoyed year-round, the cool, crisp weather of the holiday season make it a particularly magical experience. Whether participating in the annual Texas Hill Country Wine Trail (keep in mind that tickets are extremely limited, and always sell out several weeks in advance), or simply organizing your own wine trail outing, a trip to the hill country and its many wineries and other unique offerings is sure to be a memorable one. Regardless of whether you're based in central Texas or traveling from the other side of the country, the Texas Hill Country makes for a majestic, relaxing vacation spot one that is sure to steal your heart.
Escapeso real estate operates in the central Austin real estate market. Their site has a search for Austin Homes and updated commentary on Austin real estate and the Westlake Hills area.
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Nov. 21, 2008 - Mortgage Rates News This Week
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.
30 Year mortgage rates are down to 6.04 dropping from 6.14 last week. All the other main mortgage products saw drops as well. Compared to the 30 year fixed rate the 5 year arm dropped a little more (.11 points from 5.98 to 5.87) and the 15 year dropped a little less (.08 points dropping from 5.81 to 5.73). Below are mortgage rates for the four major products for the last few weeks.
November 20, 2008
30-yr 6.04 15-yr 5.73 5-yr ARM 5.87 1-yr ARM 5.29
November 13, 2008
30-yr 6.14 15-yr 5.81 5-yr ARM 5.98 1-yr ARM 5.33
November 6, 2008
30-yr 6.20 15-yr 5.88 5-yr ARM 6.19 1-yr ARM 5.25
October 30, 2008
30-yr 6.46 15-yr 6.19 5-yr ARM 6.36 1-yr ARM 5.38
October 23, 2008
30-yr 6.04 15-yr 5.72 5-yr ARM 6.06 1-yr ARM 5.23
Moving on lets translate mortgage rates into a the mortgage payments one would pay on a 200k loan. We translated today's rates as well as the rates from 3 weeks ago.
November 20th
30-yr $1204.24
15-yr $1658.67
5-yr ARM $1182.43
1-yr ARM $1109.36
October 30th
30-yr 1258.87
15-yr 1708.31
5-yr ARM 1245.77
1-yr ARM 1120.56
As we can see since October 30th the potential payment on a 30 year, 15 year and 5 year has come down quite a bit. The 1 year arm has remained relatively stable for the last few weeks. The 5 year rate is still probably the most unattractive mortgage product right now. Payments on the 5 year arm are pretty similar to the payments on a 30 year loan. Considering it's hard to know where rates will be in 5 year it's probably not worth to get a 5 year arm considering the small savings it currently offers.
The other thing we are seeing in the mortgage markets is that banks are still very reticent to give out loans. Zero down and no doc loans are pretty much dead. Because of the disappearance of no doc loans it has become harder for people that are self employed to get loans. Since so many potential borrowers have been pushed out of the market potential borrowers with 1031 jobs and money for down payments have very little competition for properties.
So what is going to happen moving forward. It's hard to know what is going to happen with the economy in general. Although mortgage rates have been relatively stable recently if Obama makes any huge initiates in the housing market it could push mortgage rates pretty far in one direction or another. I expect that 30 year mortgage rates will stay above 5.8 until the end of the year simply because I don't expect to see many major policy changes until Obama takes office.
Ki writes about trends with mortgage rates. His website provides a mortgage calculator widget and a tool that graphs mortgage interest rates
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Nov. 16, 2008 - The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen: Austin's New Wine Bar on the Block
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.
But downtown isn't the only place you'll find excellent wine and gourmet food. Neighborhoods like Hyde Park and North Austin's Domain are home to their own wine-enthusiast hot spots, and south Austin is now home to a bright new star on the scene: The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen.
Situated on Bee Caves Road (also known as Highway 2244), The Grove sits, unassumingly, in a small shopping center along the winding highway heading West of downtown. The interior of the bar/restaurant has a lovely ambiance, but the outside seating area and raised deck offer their own appeal. Overtaken by a massive tree, winding and bending its many large branches over, under, and throughout the outside deck and patio, The Grove's outdoor seating area is its own unique attraction. Water features subtly block the sound from the roadway, and a massive industrial fan bolted to one of the high, thick branches offers relief from the blazing sun which can be a problem for outdoor dining so many months of the year.
Tucked away under the branches of the massive tree, diners enjoy a delicious menu and wonderful wines at relatively inexpensive prices. With ten flights to choose from, and dozens more wines by the glass or bottle, The Grove offers a wide range of palette-pleasing options. But don't stop there pair your favorite wine with one of the many gourmet menu items, like an order of the chef's incredible bruschetta, which includes three different samplings from their nine delicious options like fresh mozzarella with tomato, garlic and basil; or grilled asparagus with crescenza cheese and prosciutto. And each portion is cut in half for easy sharing (although they're so tasty, you may not want to).
Another favorite appetizer is the traditional cheese plate dubbed "Wine's B.F.F." on the menu or the delectable Sampler Platter, featuring several cheeses, cured meats, roasted peppers and fruit.
The tempting food options aren't confined to the appetizer menu; The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen also offers a variety of entrees that are sure to please. Their pizzas are exquisite, with fresh, exotic ingredients and wonderfully unique combinations. They also offer large, lush salads with fresh greens and homemade dressings, as well as mouthwatering pastas and paninis.
The Grove's charm lies in its lack of pretension with so many delicious menu options and excellent wines at such reasonable prices, it's no wonder this little wine bar and kitchen has quickly become Austin's newest wine bar hot spot, drawing patrons from across the city and throughout the surrounding areas. All it takes is one visit to understand the appeal of this cozy, unique little wine bar and why people keep coming back.
Escapeso Realty operates in central Austin. They provide visitors a search of the Austin MLS along with statistics on Austin real estate and Cedar Park Texas real estate.
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Nov. 16, 2008 - Mortgage Rates Drop For Second Week
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 6.20 to 6.14. The small movement this week marked a departure from the wild swings we have been experiencing recently. In fact the drop of .06 points in the 30 year mortgage rate was the first time 30 year rates didn't move over .20 percent since October 9th. That said I would not preclude the possibility of us experiencing some more wild fluctuations over the next month. Nothing has happened that would seem to stabilize the markets. Looking at the other mortgage products 15 year rates dropped .07 points (from 5.88 to 5.81) and 5 year arms dropped .21 points (from 6.19 to 5.98). The 1 year arm was the only rate to increase moving up .08 points (from 5.25 to 5.33). Below are rates for the major mortgage products for the last few weeks.
November 13, 2008
30-yr 6.14 15-yr 5.81 5-yr ARM 5.98 1-yr ARM 5.33
November 6, 2008
30-yr 6.20 15-yr 5.88 5-yr ARM 6.19 1-yr ARM 5.25
October 30, 2008
30-yr 6.46 15-yr 6.19 5-yr ARM 6.36 1-yr ARM 5.38
October 23, 2008
30-yr 6.04 15-yr 5.72 5-yr ARM 6.06 1-yr ARM 5.23
October 16, 2008
30-yr 6.46 15-yr 6.14 5-yr ARM 6.14 1-yr ARM 5.16
Looking at changes in mortgage rates is interesting but it's always nice to see what they translate into as far as a mortgage payment. Using our free mortgage calculator we translated the rates for the last two weeks into what they would mean for a 200k mortgage.
November 13th
30-yr $1217.16
15-yr $1667.25
5-yr ARM $1196.53
1-yr ARM $1114.33
November 6th
30-yr $1224.92
15-yr $1674.77
5-yr ARM $1223.64
1-yr ARM $1104.40
October 30th
30-yr 1258.87
15-yr 1708.31
5-yr ARM 1245.77
1-yr ARM 1120.56
So in the last two weeks the monthly payment on a 200k loan would have dropped $41.10 from $1258.87 to $1217.16. So what would be my advice for people looking for mortgage rates right now? First off I would avoid the 5 year arm. The small difference between the 5 year arm and the 30 year mortgage makes the 5 year arm pretty unappealing. In addition, the unstable nature of the market makes locking in to a longer loan term more appealing. If one gets a 30 year loan and rates move down they can always refinance to take advantage of the lower rate.
We talked a lot about rates but the other major factor in today's market is the difficulty of getting approved for financing. Banks have become more reluctant to give out loans and that means credit scores are very important. If you are thinking of getting a mortgage soon I would start looking at your credit sooner rather than later. Also no doc loans are pretty much dead. So if you are self employed and received a no doc loan in the past I would not expect to get one in the current environment. So that basically means its a good idea to start preparing for a loan earlier in the process (talking to a loan officer, getting paperwork ready). Talking to a loan officer at later in the process without prepared documentation is probably a recipe for disaster.
So what is going to happen with rates over the next few months? Mortgage rates have been swinging wildly up and down recently. I expect to see some more large swings moving forward. That said I expect rates to stay roughly between 5.8 and 6.6. I don't expect them to fall below 5.8 as long as banks have an uneasy feeling about the market. I don't expect them to go above 6.6 any time soon because the government has made it clear they are going to do whatever they can to keep rates low.
Ki helps buyers looking for real estate in Austin. His website provides a search of the Austin MLS along with a free mortgage calculator and a tool that graphs mortgage rates.
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Nov. 16, 2008 - Budgeting 101: A Beginner's Guide
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. So, what are you waiting for?
Before getting started, it's important to define what a budget is, and what it is not. It is not just a list of where your money goes each month, and it is not a hard and fast rule that can't be bent or broken. A budget is a comprehensive overall picture of your financial situation where money comes in, where it goes out, and what it's spent on. A budget is a plan, a map of the financial future. It should include salaries, bonuses, bills, insurance, savings, and other expenditures. It should be divided into wants and needs and should be organized as a line-item list, with each item categorized and accounted for.
Most importantly, a budget should be accurate. Creating a budget that is inaccurate is a complete waste of time. People often create budgets that reflect where they want to be financially, or that ignore certain one-time-only expenditure this is not going to be effective. Instead of focusing on where you want to be and fudging the lines of where you are, make your budget an accurate and honest reflection of your current economic situation. Once you have that in place, you will be able to more easily identify where changes can and should be made, and you can begin to transform your financial situation by spending and saving responsibly.
Just as a budget should be honest and accurate, it should also be flexible. While, whenever possible, we try to plan for the unexpected, it is a fact of life that there will be times you need to go beyond your budget a family emergency, for example. This is understandable, and does not indicate some failure on your part to plan. In such situations, simply keep account of your spending and adjust your budget for subsequent months, where possible, to make up for the extra expenditures. Situations like these are not negative, in fact, they are one of the reasons saving is so important, and should be made a habit. One way to begin this habit is to include saving in your budget, as if it were a monthly bill. Determine what you can afford, and pay it out as you would any other necessary expense, like your mortgage or electric bill. When circumstances arise out of your control that require more spending than you had planned for or anticipated, having a healthy savings can save you an immense amount of stress and frustration.
The most important thing to remember about a budget is that it is a living, breathing thing "well, not really, but it should be treated as such. A budget will do you no good if you create it then put it aside and never look at it again. A budget should be updated monthly and kept on hand for quick reference and revision. Keeping your budget up to date will allow you to see not only where you are financially, but will help you see how to get where you'd like to be.
Ki helps investors in Austin Texas. He manages a site which provides a graphical search of the Austin MLS. Their is also statistics on their site about Austin real estate and Round Rock Texas real estate.
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Nov. 16, 2008 - Zilker Park is an Austin Gem
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. There is something for every season of the year, from the Trail of Lights at Christmas to a dip in the cool waters of the spring-fed pool on a steamy summer day.
It can be hard to pick a spot to begin exploring, but Barton Springs Pool is probably the best known attraction in the park. The three-acre pool is an average sixty-eight degrees year around. The grassy hills sloping down to the pool's edge offer shady spots to put down a blanket for a day of swimming and picnicking with family and friends.
The underground spring that feeds the Barton Springs Pool is part of Barton Creek, which winds its way to join Lady Bird Lake. The gazebo at Lou Neff Point, where Barton Creek flows into Lady Bird Lake, is a great place to sit and feed the ducks while getting a view of the interesting architecture in downtown Austin. Enjoying the tranquil waters of the lake that flows across the northeast edge of Zilker Park, it is fun to watch people row by in the kayaks and canoes available for rent.
The Beverly Sheffield Education Center is a popular stop for school field trips. It offers the Splash exhibit, which demonstrates how the Edwards Aquifer, an important water source for the Austin area, was formed. The educators at the center also give students the nitty gritty details about bugs and plants. Any given weekday will find youngsters roaming Barton Creek looking for insects, small fish and minnows among the pools of algae and mud. With long nets in hand, they can furrow out creatures hiding in the hillsides around Zilker Park.
Another popular place in Zilker Park for field trips is the Austin Nature and Science Center. Located on the west side of the park, this attraction is dedicated to offering exhibits, educational programs and recreational fun exploring the natural world. There are a variety of live animals native to Texas on exhibit, like Martha the coyote and Gandolf the owl. Most of these cute creatures have found a home at the Nature Center after being rescued from well-meaning people who tried to make them into pets. Along with viewing the animals, children can dig for bones in the Dino Pit and use scientists' tools in the Naturalist Workshop.
For the plant lovers, there is the quiet beauty of the Zilker Botanical Gardens and the Zilker Nature Preserve. A place can be found for quiet meditation or a quick sketch among the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, the Taniguchi Oriental Gardens and the Mabel Davis Rose Garden. The preserve offers sanctuary for native plants and animals.
Located in the heart of the park are the large wooden playscape and the Zilker Zephyr miniature train. Young and old will get a kick out of the drums and giant xylophone that are part of the playscape. The 25 minute train ride is a great way to see the park and wave at the walkers and runners along the trail as the Zilker Zephyr travels the water's edge. There is also a snack bar and large picnic pavilion.
The list of park attractions goes on and on, including the Zilker Hillside Theater and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Whether it's flying a kite, playing a game of soccer on one of the 12 sport fields, or a friendly game of disc golf, there is an almost endless array of things for Austinites of any age to enjoy at Zilker Park.
Escapeso realty is a small company in Austin Texas. They provide advice and assitance to people looking to invest in Austin real estate. Their website provides a search of the Austin MLS along with information on mortgage interest rates.
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Nov. 12, 2008 - Mortgage Rates Drop After Fed Cut
The Fed cut the fed funds rate at the end of October. The rate was dropped from 1.5% to 1%. This is the lowest the rate has been since 2003. Following the cut we saw drops in all the major mortgage products. The 30 year dropped from 6.46 to 6.2. The largest drop was in the 15 year mortgage which fell from 6.19 to 5.88 a drop of .31 points. 5 year arms and 1 years also fell .17 and .13 respectively. Below are mortgage rates for the last several weeks.
November 6, 2008
30-yr 6.20 15-yr 5.88 5-yr ARM 6.19 1-yr ARM 5.25
October 30, 2008
30-yr 6.46 15-yr 6.19 5-yr ARM 6.36 1-yr ARM 5.38
October 23, 2008
30-yr 6.04 15-yr 5.72 5-yr ARM 6.06 1-yr ARM 5.23
October 16, 2008
30-yr 6.46 15-yr 6.14 5-yr ARM 6.14 1-yr ARM 5.16
As we can see from the numbers rates have been moving back and forth over the last few weeks pushed around by different bits of economic news coming out. And this week of course by the recent cuts by the fed. Let's look at what a mortgage would be this week on a 200k loan based on current rates. We also looked at what the mortgage would be for a 200k loan based on last weeks rates.
November 6th
30-yr $1224.92
15-yr $1674.77
5-yr ARM $1223.64
1-yr ARM $1104.40
October 30th
30-yr 1258.87
15-yr 1708.31
5-yr ARM 1245.77
1-yr ARM 1120.56
So first off my advice would be to avoid the 5 year arm. Since the mortgage is so close to what you would be paying on a 30 year fixed mortgage their is almost no reason to consider a 5 year arm. I would also probably avoid a 1 year arm. With mortgage rates acting so wildly its pretty likely rates could be much higher a year from now. If you get a 30 year fixed and rates drop substantially you can also refinance at the new lower rate. If you get a 1 year arm and rates increase there is not much you can do but simply make higher payments.
So what is going to happen moving forward. I have heard some speculation that rates are going to increase this month. I don't know if rates will be higher a month from now but I think rates will continue to see the atypical large weekly fluctuations we have seen the last few weeks.
There has also been some speculation that the fed will raise rates if the market starts to improve. I don't think this is a foregone conclusion. If the economy starts to improve I don't think the government will move quickly to raise rates. Basically the financial crisis has been so severe that if we start to move beyond it politicians will be worried of raising rates too quickly will botch a potential recovery. Or if the recovery fails for other reasons they will be blamed anyway. Therefore I think priority number 1 over the next year will remain the real estate and mortgage markets and that translates to keeping the fed rate low. Of course keeping the fed rate low does not guarantee that mortgage rates will stay low.
Ki is a realtor in Austin Texas. He writes regularly about mortgage interest rates. His site offers free mortgage calculator html for webmasters and a widget that shows current mortgage rates
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Nov. 12, 2008 - Vacation, Austin Style!
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. Zilker Park is one of them. The park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Road and is in the heart of Austin. The park has many things to enjoy. The Botanical Gardens in Barton Hills is a great place to start. The garden has many varieties of flowers and ponds. They have also recreated a dinosaur habitat. The park also offers plenty of slides, swings and even its very own miniature train, The Zilker Zephyr. It winds through the park taking its riders through the 30 acre park. The park also offers a natural spring to swim in. Barton Springs is a wonderful place to cool off on a hot summer's day.
Another place to visit in the Austin area is Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center. The center is located at 4801 La Crosse Ave. in Austin.
The center has 16 unique gardens to visit. Anyone who loves the outdoors and wild flowers will find something they love at Lady Bird Wild flower Center. Each garden is themed and show case native flowers.
The center also has several trails you can hike on. Take a tour and see all the wonderful and beautiful flowers. The center also has seeds and plants for sale. The center also has events scheduled all year round. You're sure to find something that will entertain the whole family.
If you have smaller children, then The Austin Children's Museum is the place to visit. With over 12,500 square feet of gallery space there is plenty of room to explore. The museum is a hands on learning place, where even the young at heart can still learn.
The Children's Museum is located at 201 Colorado Street in down town Austin. Kids and adults can learn things like where milk comes from, or be a rock star on stage in the music gallery. With so many things to do and see, this will keep the family busy for hours!
Want something a little more luxurious and relaxing? Why not take the short drive out to Bastrop to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa?
This luscious resort is settled in the lost pines of Bastrop. There are so many things for every member of the family to enjoy. If golfing is your game, then the Lost Pines Resort is the place to be. The resort has its own 18 hole golf course.
If you are adventurous, then take part in a white water rafting trip down the Colorado River. The resort will make all the arrangements. It's sure to be exciting.
If you're not into white water rafting, how about visiting the resorts very own water park, which include a two story water slide, a pool, and a lazy river if you just want to float on a inner tube and relax.
After a long day of rafting, why not relax in the resorts world class spa. Lay back and enjoy all the amenities a spa has to offer.
Don't forget to enjoy many of the restaurants the resort has to offer. When the day is done, head back into your Lost Pines Resort rooms. They are luxurious and relaxing.
Vacationing has never been easier or closer. Instead of driving across country, just try your own back yard, Austin, Texas!
Escapeso Real Estate is a company that focuses on the Austin real estate. Their site has a graphical search of the Austin MLS along with a free mortgage calculator.
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Nov. 12, 2008 - Johnson City, Texas
Johnson City is a Texas Hill Country town 48 miles west of Austin and 60 miles north of San Antonio. Johnson City is 25 miles south of the Highland Lakes community of Marble Falls and 30 miles east of Fredericksburg, so Johnson City is very centrally located and easily accessible from two large metropolitan areas, as well as numerous Hill Country resort destinations.
Johnson City was established on the site of the Johnson Ranch on Town Creek, and in 1879, three sites were considered for settling a community on the shores of the Pedernales River, one being the site of the Johnson Ranch. The site submitted by James Polk Johnson, a 320 acre plot of land owned by the Johnson Family, was chosen at the gathering and accepted by a vote of the first settlers during a celebration and meal held alongside the creek. James Polk Johnson was a nephew of Sam Ealy Johnson and Tom Johnson, both of whom had originally been cattlemen who drove herds on the Chisholm Trail until it became unprofitable, and Sam Ealy Johnson was Lyndon Baines Johnson's grandfather as well.
James Polk Johnson was a natural organizer, and after changing from a ranching career to a career in business, his organizational talents served him and the community well. James Polk Johnson died prematurely at the age of forty in 1885, but prior to his death, he built a gristmill on the creek as well as a hotel, named the Pearl Hotel, and another project was under construction at the time of his demise which later became the Johnson City Bank.
There were a substantial number of farmers in the early days of Johnson City, most of which raised corn and cotton, and the mill continued operation until the 1970s, producing cotton after being bought by George Croft after James Polk Johnson's death.
The population of Johnson City during the census of 2000 was just over 1990, and the city is the county seat of Blanco County. There are many schools, libraries, museums, and other attractions in Johnson City today, including the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Benini Foundation Galleries and Sculpture Ranch. In addition, there is a newly remodeled historical museum called the Captain Perry Texas Ranger Museum which was just reopened after extensive renovations. There is also an exotic animal zoo and refuge a few miles north of Johnson City on Highway 281, and the establishment on 137 wooded acres of land which include educational facilities, replete with lakes, hiking trails, and creeks, offers various school programs, petting zoos, guided tours, and luxury safari-style accommodations for visitors.
Pedernales Falls State Park with its 5,212 acres of woodlands, waterfalls, campsites, shorelines and water sports opportunities is also very accessible, and is just a few miles east of the city, as well as Reimer's Ranch, a pristine nature preserve on the shores of the Pedernales, which offers 2,427 acres of recreational facilities and parklands, and is one of the largest nature preserves in Texas.
Some of the accommodations for visitors to the town include Chantilly Lace Bed and Breakfast and Country Cabins Bed and Breakfast, and a few notable restaurants and bars include the Friendly Bar Bistro and the Armadillo Icehouse, as well as the El Rancho Mexican Restaurant, among others.
Johnson City is centrally located and offers so many scenic recreational as well as historic attractions that it is a must-see for visitors to central Texas and the Hill Country, and considering its proximity to Austin, it is well worth the drive, so be sure to visit this jewel of central Texas when planning a day trip to the Hill Country!
Escapeso Realty is a group of central Texas realtors. Their site has a search for Austin homes along with general statistics on the Austin real estate market. Their site also provides information on current mortgage rates.
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Nov. 12, 2008 - The Little City Of San Marcos
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.
In 1689, the San Marcos River was named for St. Mark after Alonso de Leon's men discovered the river on the celebration of St. Mark's Day, and named the river in his honor. Later, in April of 1808, a group of Mexican families settled in the area, and an agricultural community was established shortly thereafter.
In 1812, after numerous floods and raids by local Indians, the settlement was disbanded, but in November of 1848 a group of Anglo settlers tried to establish a community on the site again, and in 1851, the town center was laid out. The county of Hays was established in 1848 by the Texas Legislature, and the city of San Marcos was named county seat a short time later.
The small city was primarily a gin milling and agricultural community until the early 1880s, when the railroad arrived and the cattle and cotton industries flourished, which caused the city to become a commercial center with easy access to transportation for businessmen and travelers.
In 1899, a college for school teachers opened, and was called the Southwest Texas State Normal School, which is known today as Texas State University. In 1907, another school was established in the area, the San Marcos Baptist Academy, which was a private institution, and which is still open today. In the following years, Texas State University, which was known as Southwest Texas State at the time, became an important regional school, and after other educational facilities opened over the years, including the Gary Job Corps Training Center in the 1960s, education became the largest industry in San Marcos.
Today, San Marcos has a population of just over 50,000 inhabitants, and there are many other exciting establishments and facilities in the city, including Aquarena Springs and Wonder World, both of which were established in the 1960s. The spring-fed San Marcos River meanders through the University campus and the city itself, and San Marcos is proud of the beautiful and historic town square, which was recently renovated. Both Wonder World and Aquarena Springs are popular tourist attractions, and visitors to Aquarena Springs can charter glass bottom boats for rides through the city on the San Marcos River.
The tourist trade has become an important industry in San Marcos as well as education, and downtown visitors can stroll through the Belvin Street Historic District and view 18th century homes, or walk along the San Marcos River Walkway, which unites three city parks along the river, and is graced with scenic and lush landscaping. Wonder World, which is an earthquake-formed cavern and wildlife park with an observation tower and petting zoo, is open daily for visitors, with longer hours in the summer.
Another well known attraction in San Marcos is the San Marcos Outlet Mall, which is on Interstate 35, and includes hotels, restaurants, spas, movie theaters, and clubs along with discount stores and factory outlet stores, such as Tanger Outlet Store and Prime Outlet, along with many well known specialty stores.
San Marcos is a very scenic town, and the San Marcos River is bordered by green belts and hiking trails, as well as parks and stately homes. With so many amenities, including the University, San Marcos is a great place to visit, earn a living, or settle down and raise a family, or even retire, so head south on Interstate 35 and come to San Marcos!
Ki works as a realtor in the Austin Texas real estate market. His site provides info on San Marcos real estate market along with a map search of the Austin MLS.
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Nov. 7, 2008 - Dinosaurs Take over the Zilker Botanical Gardens
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. The 30 creatures from the DinoLand traveling exhibit will continue to have a temporary residence among the flora and fauna of the Botanical Gardens until November 30, 2008.
The scientifically-accurate exhibit, created by Lost World Studio founder Guy Darrough, is a terrific reason to visit one of Austin's great outdoor venues. The Zilker Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization established in 1955, with the gardens making a home in Barton Hills since 1962.
It takes an average of eight months for one of the dinosaurs to be created out of wire, foam and wood frames covered with clay, silicone rubber, plastic and fiberglass. The result is an incredibly life-like creature, further enhanced by the outdoor display of plants, nests with eggs and large bones scattered about the exhibits. Little ones can stand in awe of the 30 feet tall Kritosaurus, a gentle plant-eating giant whose name means "Noble Lizard."
As visitors wander from one period of the Mesozoic Era to the next, they will also come across small wooden dinosaurs decorated by local elementary schools. There is the Hip-Hoposaurus complete with gold chain and sunglasses. These clever colorful creatures are a big hit with small children, as they are just their size and close to the trail.
Another attraction is the Zoo of Ferns, representing some of the more than 12,000 species of ferns that exist today. The origins of the fern can be traced back 450 million years, making it a perfect prehistoric companion to the DinoLand exhibit. Put together by members of the Garden Club of Austin known as the Fern Team, this exhibit gives kids an eye-level introduction into the world of ferns.
After seeing all the dinosaurs, visitors should take the time to explore the rest of the gardens, such as the Mabel Davis Rose Garden, Isamu Taniguchil Japanese Garden or the take a walk along the Butterfly Trail. It's worth a visit to the Chrysalis Gift Shop for all things dinosaur. The admission to the DinoLand exhibit is $5 for adults and $3 for children (3-13).
Escapeso Real Estate is a small company located in central Austin. Their site has information on Austin real estate along with providing a map search of the Austin MLS and stats on current mortgage interest rates.
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