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February 2009

Feb. 26, 2009 - How the Stimulus Plan May Help You

$787 billion is a nearly unfathomable number. What does it really mean and where it all that money going? According to the official American Recovery and Reinvestment Act website the money is broken down in the following manner:

$288 billion - Tax relief
$144 billion - State and local fiscal relief
$111 billion - Infrastructure and science
$81 billion - Protecting the vulnerable
$59 billion - Health care
$53 billion - Education and training
$43 billion - Energy
$8 billion - Other

The biggest chunk of the money goes to something called "tax relief." The website defines it as including "$15 B for Infrastructure and Science, $61 B for Protecting the Vulnerable, $25 B for Education and Training and $22 B for Energy, so total funds are $126 B for Infrastructure and Science, $142 B for Protecting the Vulnerable, $78 B for Education and Training, and $65 B for Energy." That does not really make anything clearer.

The Washington Post recently broke it down in even greater detail, summarizing the payments that would go directly to individuals. The biggest portion of that money goes to Medicaid at $90 billion. This money will go directly to the states, providing a 6.2 percent increase in medical benefits for the poor over the next 27 months. It also helps bolster the COBRA program that provides health insurance for laid-off workers.

The next category of money going to individuals is $73. 8 billion in tax provisions, which includes $69 billion in tax credit payments. This is where most Americans will see some money going directly into their pockets. The Making Work Pay credit "will return up to $400 a year to individuals and $800 year to families in each of the next two years. The cash will flow into the paychecks of individual workers making less than $95,000 a year and couples who earn less than $190,000." What this really means is Americans can expect around $20 extra in their paychecks each week.

The tax provisions also include tuition tax credits and expands the child tax credit to $1000 per child.

There is $57.2 billion allocated for assistance to unemployed families and $25.1 billion going toward health insurance. There is $20.8 billion being funneled into health information technology, an Obama campaign priority of creating a nationwide network of electronic medical records. This is primarily a job creation initiative.

The rest of the money gets divided into six major categories: Transportation, Education, Science, Environment, Energy and Military. The biggest chunk goes into education related programs from helping children in poverty go to preschool to renovating schools to providing aid to needy college students. As the website states, the economic stimulus package "targets investments towards key areas that will save or create good jobs immediately, while also laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth."

The President also promises transparency and accountability. Vice President Biden has the task of overseeing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, along with former Inspector General at the Interior Department, Earl Devaney. Devaney was named head of the ARRA Accountability Board last week.


In Austin, Texas, Ki set up his office three years ago. His site provides a search of the Austin MLS. He also has a information on Austin real estate and Cedar Park real estate.
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Feb. 26, 2009 - Spring Break Destinations near Austin

With spring break just a few weeks away, families are planning their vacations. Since the economy is not very stable, many families are planning their spring break close to home.

San Antonio is the number one vacation spot in Texas. The city has many things to do and see. The Alamo, river walk and Hemisfair Park are a few that are on the "must do" list.

The Alamo, it is Texas' most important historical land mark and brings around 2.5 million visitors each year. It was built in 1718 near the headwaters of San Pedro Creek and was moved twice, reaching its current location in 1724. Today, the Alamo is owned by the State of Texas and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. It is open every day of the year, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and admission is free.

Hemisfair Park was built to accommodate the 1968 World's Fair. The 15 acre park has many amenities, including cascading waterfalls, children's play grounds and one of San Antonio's most popular skyline, the 750 foot Tower of the Americas. Visitors can dine at the revolving restaurant or take a breath taking view of San Antonio from the observation deck on top of the tower.

The river walk is also a great destination for spring breakers. The river walk is located on the San Antonio River, which runs through downtown San Antonio. Visitors can ride on the river on boats or walk along the river on the walk ways on either side. The river walk is lined with restaurants, shops and historical buildings. Hotels also line the river walk and over look the San Antonio River.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a 200- acre theme and water park full of rides, shows and many attractions. Fiesta Texas is host to eight roller coasters and its very own water park, which is included with the parks admission price. There are also several hotels within the area of the park, all range in prices and there is something for everyone's budget!

Another popular destination in San Antonio is Sea World. Visitors can get up close and personal with sea creatures of all kind, and the park has coasters and water rides as well. The park is one of three of its kind in the United States, making it a popular destination for visitors in Texas.

Another popular destination for visitors in San Antonio is the Ripley's Believe it or Not and Plaza Wax Museum. It is located down town at Alamo Plaza and Crockett Street and has many unique displays of wax figures. The museum is open year round and a great place to visit when in the down town area.

The Buckhorn Museum & Saloon; the saloon is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited rough riders and Poncho Villa planned the Mexican revolution. The saloon has been around a long time, and still has much of the original furniture, including the back bar which is make from marble and cherry wood. A great destination for any history buff!


Ki is helping streamline the search for homes in the Austin MLS on his website. He provides a free search of available Austin real estate. His website is a resource for information and statistics on Austin real estate and Dripping Springs real estate.
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Feb. 26, 2009 - Greening Your Yard: Make Your Yard Look Great Without The Carbon Footprint

The best place to start in making your yard more eco-friendly is to rethink the landscaping. The good news is that spring is just around the corner and rethinking your landscaping at this time means you don't have to sacrifice the attractiveness of your lawn. The first step of rethinking your lawn is to evaluate how much grass you really need. Most people can replace a significant amount of grassy area with border gardens, which can use mulch and compost. Increasing garden areas also reduces the amount of time and gas spent mowing the lawn, which in turn reduces greenhouse emissions. By reducing the amount of grassy areas around your home, you can also decrease the amount of water you use on your lawn. Most homeowners already use too much potable drinking water on their lawns and also over-water planting beds, both of which are unnecessary. Today, irrigation system technology exists that can detect when the yard actually needs water in order to avoid misusing resources.

The next step to greening your yard is doing away with exotic plants that require a great deal of watering. Replace these plants with ones that do not require a lot of water such as trees, shrubs, ground cover or flowers. Once these plants make it through the initial transplant shock and growing season, they won't require frequent watering. Wildflowers are also a great choice for large areas that you don't want to mow or maintain. Wildflowers come in many different mixes that pertain to various soil types or moisture collection. If you must include exotic plants in your landscaping, attempt to group them together in a single area in order to maximize water usage. Also, consider installing a drip irrigation system, which releases slow and small amounts of water directly onto the soil's surface and decreases the amount of water lost to evaporation.

Beyond the simple water requirements, using native plant species in your landscaping has a variety of other benefits. Plants that are native to the area tend to be hardier in the natural climate. These plants also provide a natural habitat and food supply to insects and birds, which not only saves money on bird feed but also gives your garden a Zen feeling. For example, shade trees can provide a wonderful home for birds, the native flowers will product nectar for pollination and the animals will not get sick from pesticide laden plants.

For areas of your lawn that are covered with grass, there are a number of options for maintaining a healthy lawn without applying chemicals. One of the most viable options is to dethatch (remove the woody parts of the grass) or aerate (remove plugs of soild) your lawn. Both options keep your lawn healthy without broadcasting chemicals across the lawn. In order to fertilize your lawn, rely on natural fertilizers such as compost, bone meal and blood meal, all of which are available at garden centers.

Being earth friendly in your garden is one trend that is catching on in all stages of agriculture and horticulture. Whether working around a large farm or a small home, more people are turning their backs to harsh chemicals and resource-depleting treatment methods. As a result of this trend, retailers are stocking their shelves with organic fertilizers, weed control product and other tools that provide environmentally friendly ways to work in your garden.


Ki lives in Austin, Texas. His website has information on Austin Texas real estate. He maintains a free Austin home search on his site as well as a blog covering Austin real estate with recent news and market updates.
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Feb. 21, 2009 - Mortgage Rates Fall Back to Previous Lows

Mortgage rates fell for the second week in a row. 30 year rates fell to a 40 year low to start the year dropping down to 4.96 on January 15th. After that rates rose up to 5.25. Now rates have fallen back to almost reach their previous lows. In fact this is the lowest rates have been in 40 year with the exception of the first two weeks of 2009. Below are rates for the last few weeks.

Feb 19, 2009
30-yr 5.04 15-yr 4.68 5-yr ARM 5.04 1-yr ARM 4.80

Feb 12, 2009
30-yr 5.16 15-yr 4.81 5-yr ARM 5.23 1-yr ARM 4.94

Feb 05, 2009
30-yr 5.25 15-yr 4.92 5-yr ARM 5.26 1-yr ARM 4.92

Jan 29, 2009
30-yr 5.10 15-yr 4.80 5-yr ARM 5.27 1-yr ARM 4.90

Jan 22, 2009
30-yr 5.12 15-yr 4.80 5-yr ARM 5.24 1-yr ARM 4.92

The 5 year Arm fell quite a bit this week and is now equal to the 30 year rate (This is the first time since November 20, 2008 that the 5 year arm is not above the 30 year arm). But it's still a pointless rate because why get a 5 year arm when you could get the same rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage. The same can be said of the 1 year arm since it does not offer that much savings over the 30 year rate.

The 15 year rate fell this week and is now also sitting at the lowest point in 40 years with the exception of the first two weeks of 2009. I always like to translate mortgage rates into actual mortgage payments. Below are mortgage payments for a 200k loan based on today's rates and rates from a week and a month ago.

Feb 19
30-yr 1078.53
15-yr 1548.44
5-yr ARM 1078.53
1-yr ARM 1049.33

Feb 12
30-yr 1093.28
15-yr 1561.86
5-yr ARM 1101.93
1-yr ARM 1066.32

Jan 22
30-yr 1088.35
15-yr 1560.82
5-yr ARM 1103.16
1-yr ARM 1063.88

Messing around with our mortgage calculator I found something kind of interesting that illustrates the importance of mortgage rates on payments. If you got a 200k loan with a 30 year mortgage in 1995 the rate would have been around 9 percent and the mortgage payment would have been around $1625. Assuming you never refinanced you would pay off the loan in 2025.

Now if you got a 200k mortgage today you could get a 15 year mortgage with a 4.68 percent rate and pay only $1548.44. In addition, you would actually pay off the mortgage a year earlier in 2024.

So what is my advice in the current market? First I would avoid the 5 and 1 year arm. The rates are relatively high and it makes more sense to lock in with a long term rate when rates are at historic lows. Second I would look into getting a mortgage before spending too much time looking for a house. Basically although rates are low lenders are still pretty picky these days about finances. In addition, if there is anything weird with your credit score finding out early will allow you to have time to fix any outstanding issues.

So as far as the mortgage market what do we expect to happen over the next few weeks? Basically with the stock market hitting 6 year lows recently and hovering near 12 year lows and the bailout getting passed it seems that the market is going to be pretty volatile over the next few weeks. So I could see rates going up or down by possibly as much as half a point. If you have found a house you like it might make sense to lock in now but watch rates and try to relock if they fall significantly over the next week or two.

Ki maintains a website with information about Austin Tx real estate. It also has a free mortgage calculator along with updated graphs on mortgage interest rates.
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Feb. 21, 2009 - Tips to Avoid Foreclosure

While foreclosure is the last thing a homeowner wants to face, it is an unfortunate reality of our current economic environment. However, by understanding what leads to foreclosure and the process that ensues, you may be in a better situation to act and avoid problems. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggests the following ten tips to homeowners facing foreclosure.

1.) Don't ignore the problem- Avoiding the problem doesn't make it go away. The sooner you act, the easier it is to get help based upon the delinquent fees on your account.

2.) Contact your lender at the earliest indication of a problem- Your lender may be able to provide you with a few options to help manage your house payment Contrary to what you may believe, your lender does not want your home- you lender wants you to be in your home with a reasonable payment plan. However, lenders are required to file a Notice of Default if necessary in order to protect their own interests.

3.) Open all mail sent from your lender- Again, ignoring the problem will not make it go away. In addition, lenders often provide helpful information that may provide a few options during the early phases of delinquent payments. Later in the process, important information regarding legal action and responsibilities may be sent by your lender.

4.) Know your mortgage rights- Read through your loan contract and contact your State Government Housing Office. Be well versed on what your lender may do if you can't make payments and the time frames and laws in your state.

5.) Understand Foreclosure Prevention Options- A number of loss mitigation options are available including, but not limited to: payment forgiveness, extended time to make-up payments, spreading missed payments out over a longer period of time, changing terms of your loan, adding back payments to your loan balance through refinancing, or adding a separate loan through a partial claim.

6.) Contact a non-profit housing counselor- Counselors can help you with the laws and your options as well as organize your finances and represent you in negotiations. These counselors are available nationwide and are funded by HUD.

7.) Prioritize your spending- Next to your health, keeping your house should be your number one priority. Review your spending to see what you can remove to make more room in your budget for your house payment. Focus on optional spending, such as gym memberships, cable television, cellular phones and entertainment. Also, if necessary, delay payment on unsecured loans and debts, such as credit cards, until your mortgage payment is made. It is a good idea to contact the lender for your unsecured debt as well, as they may offer some options to help you manage your payments.

8.) Utilize your assets- Review your assets for anything that you may be able to sell for cash to make your payment or reinstate your loan. This can include a second car, jewelry, electronics or a whole life insurance policy. Also, if possible, attempt to take on a second job. What is important in these situations is that you have demonstrated to your lender that you are attempting to reconcile your financial obligations. Even though the financial gain may not be enough to completely reconcile the account, the display of effort is just as important.

9.) Avoid foreclosure prevention companies- With a number of non-profit agencies provided by the government, it is a good idea to avoid using for-profit agencies. You do not need to pay an user to provide you with information or negotiate with your lender when the capacity to do so is available for free. The payments you make to them (typically two to three months worth of your mortgage payment) is more adequately used to pay your loan itself.

10.) Be conscience of foreclosure recovery scams- If a recovery firm claims they can stop foreclosure by acting on your behalf, be careful of what you sign- you may be signing over your home to become a renter. Have the document reviewed by a trusted real estate professional, lawyer or HUD counselor prior to signing the document to ensure you understand all of the terms and conditions in the document.

Most of all don't be embarrassed or ignorant of your foreclosure situation. With a number of options available, it is important to exercise all of them and work with your lender to get through your difficult financial situation.


Ki works, and lives, in Austin, Texas. He maintains a searchable database on his website focusing on Austin real estate. The site provides free search of the Austin MLS and statistics on Cedar Park Texas real estate.
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Feb. 21, 2009 - A Texas-sized Dinosaur

Colorado has stegosaurus and Wyoming has triceratops. And for the last eleven years the official Texas state dinosaur was the pleurocoelus, a 20 ton plant-eater. But last month, State Rep. Charles Geren of Fort Worth filed a resolution to change the name from pleurocoelus to paluxysaurus jonesi.

It may seem like a silly thing for lawmakers to worry about when the Legislature is embroiled in battles over the recession and hurricane damage. "It's important to get things right," said Aaron Pan, curator of science for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Just exactly what was wrong with the name was discovered by SMU graduate student Peter Rose in 2007. He was doing research around the Paluxy River near Glen Rose, Texas when he began to doubt the fossils attributed to pleurocoelus had been correctly designated. He determined that the Texas fossils were a previously unrecognized species, not belonging to the large dinosaur that was first discovered in Maryland in the late 1800s. Rose named this new creature paluxysaurus jonesi after W.W. Jones, the owner of the land where the fossils were found.

As an Associated Press article pointed out this month, this is largely just a case of mistaken identity. "Pleurocoelus and paluxysaurus were both giraffe-necked and enormous four-footed herbivores." It was an honest mistake. Several states have official dinosaurs that are believed to have once roamed that land. Even Washington, D.C. has a dinosaur, the capitalsaurus, as its official state fossil.

Rose made his challenge to the name after comparing juvenile pleurocoelus specimens in Maryland to the adult bones found in Texas and discovered they didn't match. Rose told the Associated Press that he's unaware of any challenges to his paper. And so far the paluxysaurus hasn't been found anywhere else but Texas. In fact, many dinosaur fossils have been found in Texas, including the Tyrannosaurus rex. The terrifying king of the dinosaurs is thought to have roamed the Big Bend area.

Science Daily said in an article last month that SMU geological sciences professor Louis Jacobs, who was Rose's mentor, has described Texas as a kind of "free trade zone for the age of reptiles" since dinosaurs from three different geologic time periods have been found in the state. The paluxysaurus jonesi is believed to have lived 112 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period.

Mastodon fossils were found in a construction site on Congress Avenue several years ago and were the inspiration for the Dino Pit at the Austin Nature and Science Center. There have also been other findings in Central Texas from the Pleistocene period, or Ice Age, including fossils from mammoths and giant sloths.

So those other Texas icons like the mockingbird and the monarch butterfly better take note. Texas does not want any imposters, particularly ones from the east coast like the pleurocoelus. Our symbols need to be as original to the state as chili, the official state food; the bluebonnet, the official state flower; and the square dance, the official state dance. The official flying mammal, the Mexican free-tail bat, might want to watch out.



Ki has worked in the Austin real estate market for the last several years. He is the designer of a website with information and statistics on Austin real estate. The site encourages free searches on homes in the Austin MLS and provides a blog with statistics and analysis on Austin Texas real estate.
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Feb. 21, 2009 - Foreclosure Freeze Will Not Warm Up the Housing Market

Maybe it was the stern talking to they took from Congress this past week that put the big banks into a charitable mood. J.P. Morgan Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America have all agreed to freeze foreclosures while the Obama administration works out plans to help bolster the floundering housing market.

As noted in a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, "We will not add to the foreclosure process any new owner-occupied residential loans that are owned and serviced by J.P. Morgan Chase," the company's chief executive, Jamie Dimon, said in a letter Thursday to Rep. Barney Frank (D., Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

The moratorium on new foreclosure proceedings will last until early March, with the hope that this will give adequate time for Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to put his 50 billion foreclosure prevention plan in place. Geithner hinted at plans last week to stem the flow of home losses that has washed over the whole country. President Obama has also said he will outline the actions his administration plans to take on the foreclosure mess next week.

All three banks' plans apply to primary residences and they seemed willing only to do this in the short term. According to The Wall Street Journal, some lawmakers have suggested Treasury Secretary Geithner "strongly encourage" banks receiving government bailout funds to temporarily stop foreclosures. "TARP-assisted financial institutions should allow struggling homeowners more time to qualify for any systematic loan modification plan," Frank and Rep. Doris Matsui (D., Calif.), wrote in a letter to Mr. Geithner Wednesday. J.P. Morgan Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America have each received billions in TARP funds.

Government controlled mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also agreed to immediately suspend foreclosure sales on owner-occupied homes. While these freezes in the foreclosure action may give some homeowners a little breathing room, it probably does not offer any long term help.

The real problem is the "underwater mortgages," or the mortgages on homes that are worth less than an owner owes. Even with banks offering lower interest rates or assistance with payment plans, there seems little incentive for some homeowners to keep paying on a home that is not accruing any equity. The stigma of a foreclosed home does not hold the same sting it once did and families are finding it easier to hand in the keys and walk away.

The root of the problem isn't the foreclosures; that's just the unpleasant side effect. The real problem was the over-valuation of homes that swept the country for the first part of this decade. This was particularly true in places like California and Florida where building booms have led to an unprecedented housing bust. The ripple effect is that all houses have lower value as sellers compete in a housing market along side foreclosed properties.

Foreclosure freezes are helpful, as are lower interest rates and bank assistance with payment plans. However, until home values stop plummeting, the housing market and the economy are not going to recover anytime soon.


Ki created a way to search Austin real estate based on user-defined preferences. They have a free graphical Austin MLS search. His site has detailed statistics on Austin real estate and Allandale real estate
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Feb. 16, 2009 - When Will the Economy Turnaround?

Is the worst still to come? That is the $789 billion dollar question. Or in the case of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the 2.5 trillion dollar question. Despite Congress getting ready to vote on the stimulus bill compromise, the Treasury Department getting back to work on the banking system and President Obama's declarations that swift action will avert disaster, Americans seem short on hope and long on financial worries. Are bad economies like bad marriages--throwing money at them doesn't necessarily solve the problem?

It is now largely believed that the recession began in the fall of 2007, although Central Texans didn't begin to feel the financial squeeze until much later in 2008. In fact, Texas has even experienced job growth in the last year. But this doesn't mean Austin is immune to the difficulties of a bad economy. The ripple effect felt across the country is making waves here with job cuts and budget tightening.

RealtyTrac announced this week that nationwide the number of foreclosures were down in January, falling 10 percent from December. However, the good news is often tempered with a dose of reality, as in this case the January foreclosure rate was actually 18 percent higher than a year ago. California, Florida, Arizona and Nevada are still leading the nation in foreclosure numbers, but states with previously stable housing markets like Oregon are racking up foreclosures, as well.

Will a stimulus package and a better bank bailout change things soon? The drop in foreclosures is an indication that government and big bank intervention can have a positive effect. According to the Associated Press, "Contributing to the monthly drop was a decision by government-controlled mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosure sales during the winter holidays. Plus, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist brokered a deal in which lenders in that state agreed to a 45-day halt to new foreclosure petitions."

The issue at hand is how much government intervention will help and how long will it take to turn the economy around. The current economic climate is often compared to the Great Depression, which started in America in 1929, but was felt worldwide into the 1940s. It wasn't until after World War II that the economy began to change drastically. Obviously, no one wants another World War to turn the economy around.

Is the worst over? Most analysts seem to think things may not get better until sometime in 2010. As Sheila Bair, the chairwoman of the FDIC, wrote in Fortune, "We need to return to the culture of thrift that my mother and her generation learned the hard way through years of hardship and deprivation." Hopefully it won't be too many more years of hardship. That is certainly what the Obama administration is hoping with the implementation of the stimulus package. For now, Americans must wait for the stimulus bill and other measure to work some magic.


Ki has lived in Austin, Texas for over a decade. He is the architect of a website with a search of the Austin MLS. He also has information and stats on Austin Texas real estate and Jonestown Texas real estate.
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Feb. 16, 2009 - Secure Your Home Without Breaking The Bank

According to burglary experts Matt Johnston and Jon Douglas Rainey, hosts of It Takes a Thief, most homes are cased from the outside. Seasoned thieves know what to look for and focus on being able to get in and out of a home quickly, quietly and without being seen. There are a variety of affordable options, all of which help deter thieves and add security and safety to your home.

According to Johnston and Rainey, the most common way for a burglar to enter a home is through an unlocked or unsecured door. Because of this, always lock all doors and windows, including the second floor, even if leaving for only a few minutes. When leaving the house, an inexpensive way to deter a thief is to install a brace bar on the door. These are heavy, adjustable steel bars that wedge against the door at an angle, preventing it from being opened. The Mace Big Jammer, for example, retails at $17.95. However, if your door is wooden, the bar will do little to deter a thief since the door can be kicked in relatively easily.

A good way to prevent a door from being kicked in is to ensure exterior doors are solid-core doors installed in a strong frame with long screws. Adding heavy-duty dead bolts also provides another layer of protection against kick-ins. The best choice is a double-keyed deadbolt that requires a key to get both in and out of the house. If a thief does get into your home (such as through a window) and you have double-keyed locks, only items that will fit through the windows can be taken. A good double-keyed deadbolt can be purchased at your local hardware store for approximately $45.00 and installation is relatively quick and easy.
Another way to deter criminals is to make noise upon entry, which prevents the burglar from entering your home quietly and unnoticed. For approximately $15, you can buy a door stop alarm which is a wedge shaped device that when placed against a door makes a very loud noise once the door is opened. Similar devices can be purchased for windows and sliding doors that will alarm with vibration or movement, such as breakage of glass.

When it comes to securing your windows, a good place to start is with self-tapping screws. When placed into the frame of the window, the screws prevent the window from being opened from the outside by burglars. Another viable option is to apply tinted window film which not only makes your windows shatterproof, but also prevents thieves from window shopping when you're not home. Window tint can be purchased for approximately $2.50 per cubic foot.

Man's best friend is also among the highly recommended home security options according to Wayne Schultz, a security expert with the Harris County, Texas Constable's office. Dogs make noise and are among the best deterrents against a burglar according to Schultz. Not ready to add a furry friend to the household? Then get creative! Having chewed up dog toys laying on the porch or in the yard can deter a thief by suggestion alone. A good idea is to speak to a neighbor or friend that happens to be a dog owner and offer to replace the chewed up toys with a few brand new ones. After making your small investment at the pet store, take the old toys and place them at your home and the implication of a dog is there. Keep in mind that bigger toys imply a bigger dog. Even more creative is the Electronic Watch Dog, which uses microwave technology to sense presence within 20 feet of the device. When someone enters the detection radius, the device starts barking like a man-hungry German Sheppard. The device retails at approximately $85, but offers a creative and effective warning to burglars. To top off the act, add a water bowl inscribed with the name "Killer." The burglar may never know that your only pet is a goldfish!

Finally, if you're going out of town, make sure you stop your mail and newspaper (or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick it up). Also, arrange to have your lawn mowed or sidewalks shoveled if you will be gone for an extended period- nothing says "I'm not home" quite like tall grass or sidewalks free of footprints in the snow. In addition, leave a car in your driveway or ask a trusted neighbor to park there throughout the week. It is also a good time to pull the timer from your Christmas lights out the Tupperware and connect some of your electronic devices or lighting to it. Set the timer to turn on a television or light for a period of time each evening to appear as if you are home.


Ki's website provides a search for Austin homes. He has worked in Austin, Texas for over three years. He created a website to make Austin real estate and Westlake Hills real estate information easily accessible to future buyers.
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Feb. 16, 2009 - Mortgage Rates Move Down

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

One point of confusion is that when looking at average rates people relate it to a rate a friend or colleague got a few weeks ago. For instance if you had a friend that got a rate of 4.3 last week and see rates are at 5.16 you might think you really missed the boat. But 4.3 is lower than anything that has been officially published. Often these rates are down to paying more points to drive down the interest rate or they might be due to a special deal for instance a University offering professors a special rate. All this is to say if you have a friend that got a rate below 4.5 a few weeks ago don't fret you should be able to a similar rate today that is only slightly higher. Below are rates for the last few weeks. The rates on January 15th mark the lowest rates we have seen in 40 years and easily the lowest rates of the year.

Feb 12, 2009
30-yr 5.16 15-yr 4.81 5-yr ARM 5.23 1-yr ARM 4.94

Feb 05, 2009
30-yr 5.25 15-yr 4.92 5-yr ARM 5.26 1-yr ARM 4.92

Jan 29, 2009
30-yr 5.10 15-yr 4.80 5-yr ARM 5.27 1-yr ARM 4.90

Jan 22, 2009
30-yr 5.12 15-yr 4.80 5-yr ARM 5.24 1-yr ARM 4.92

Jan 15, 2009
30-yr 4.96 15-yr 4.65 5-yr ARM 5.25 1-yr ARM 4.89

Besides the drop in the 30 year rate we also saw a similar drop with the 15 year fixed rate. Both the 5 year arm and the 1 arm stayed mostly steady. Looking at rates is interesting but we like to translate it into mortgage payments. We took today's rates and translated them into a mortgage payment on a 200k loan. We did the same thing with rates from a week ago. We also looked at what the mortgage payment would be based on rates from January 15th (the lowest rates so far).

Feb 12
30-yr 1093.28
15-yr 1561.86
5-yr ARM 1101.93
1-yr ARM 1066.32

Feb 05
30-yr 1104.4
15-yr 1573.26
5-yr ARM 1105.64
1-yr ARM 1063.88

Jan 15
30-yr 1068.75
15-yr 1545.36
5-yr ARM 1104.4
1-yr ARM 1060.23

Looking at the 30 year rate we notice that while today's payment would be higher than what one would have paid based on January 15th rates its not that much higher. If we look back a few months ago to October 30th when rates were at 6.46 the potential payment on a 200k mortgage would be $1258.87. All this is to say that rates have come up recently but all in all they are still low to what we have seen over the last several years.


Ki writes regularly about mortgage rates and the mortgage industry. His site has a search for homes in the Austin MLS along with mortgage calculator widget.
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Feb. 16, 2009 - Farmers Markets Can Be A Fun Shopping Experience

Every Saturday morning Austinites gather in two different places for one purpose: to buy fresh, locally grown produce and specially made treats. Shopping at the grocery store these days can be a joyless experience. Prices seem to change on a weekly basis. Customers seem humorless and determined as they shuffle around with their carts, sticking to the list in hand. Spending a Saturday morning at a farmers market can bring some pleasure back to the food shopping experience.

A farmers market certainly won't have everything on a regular grocery shopping list, but it can be a fun way to pick up a few healthy things to eat. Typical things found at a Texas farmers market year around are onions, herbs, pecans, baked goods and various seasonal fruits and vegetables. Of course, with this being Austin there is music to be found at the local farmers markets.

The Sunset Valley Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The parking lot of the Tony Burger Center, located on the eastbound side of Highway 290, is bustling with booths and shoppers. The market features local growers of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, plants, flowers, herbs and even artisan cheese makers. Local ranchers also bring chicken, beef, lamb, goat, and pork. There is even bison and gulf harvested shrimp available sometimes.

With Spring around the corner, look for fresh asparagus, strawberries and blackberries. The Sunset Valley Farmers Market advertises itself as a weekly celebration. "It is fun for the whole family, too! Rain or shine, we're always celebrating our weekly, open-air market with fresh foods, live music, kids entertainment, specialty events, festivals, a cafe for breakfast or lunch, and a great community vibe," says their website.

Another popular local farmers market is the Austin Farmers Market, located on the corner of Fourth and Guadalupe in downtown. This is also an open-air Saturday market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market started in 2002 as a project of Sustainable Food Center. It was a collaboration of many members of the community with help from a City of Austin feasibility study grant.

As it was described in a recent Austin-American Statesman column, the Austin Farmers Market "provides so much more than Fredericksburg peaches from the Davis Orchard and Mark and Matt Seiler's Maine Root Fresh Brewed Tap Root Beer from their organic brewery in East Austin, though these are obviously righteously good and good for you even without a fulfilling communal experience."

It is the community of farmers intersecting with the Austin community at large that may be the biggest attraction of this market. Young and old are attracted to the opportunity to purchase a few fresh item, taste some local goodies or try something new. Even just strolling through and taking in the goings-on is perfectly acceptable. A band plays while children romp and shoppers roam, creating a fun mixture of sights and sounds. It is a completely different atmosphere than the local grocery store, that's for sure.


Ki works in Austin, Texas. Austin real estate is easily searchable on Ki's website. He provides a search of the Austin MLS along with a blog covering Austin Texas real estate stats and market updates.
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Feb. 12, 2009 - The Economic Bailout Debate

The much anticipated speech was given; it was the details that were missing. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was expected in his speech this week to give the nitty gitty particulars about how the Obama administration will spend the rest of the money from the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, commonly called the "bailout." But it seems lawmakers and investors walked away scratching their heads, unsure of how exactly Geithner plans to stabilize the shaky banking industry.

The original bill passed last October under then Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, called for $700 billion to be used to purchase distressed assets in a Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). The idea was the government would relieve banks of their mortgage-backed securities in particular, and then banks would be able to start lending again. $350 billion was quickly pumped into the banking system, but that did little to get the economy moving again.

The basic principles outlined Tuesday by Geithner include:

-The continued government purchase of bank stocks, but with greater government oversight. The Treasury Department says they plan to make sure the money is being used by the banks to increase lending and help the economy, making banks undergo a stress test of sorts to see if they deserve government funds.

-A large component of Geithner's plan is a partnership between the government and private sector to encourage private investors to buy bad bank assets. This is an area of the plan where the details were sorely lacking. It is possible this will be accomplished with government guarantees or reduced costs for investors willing to take on the bad bank debt.

-There is also a part of the plan that is intended to help struggling homeowners with at least $50 billion of the original TARP funds. Again, exactly how the Treasure plans to use the money to stem the rising rates of foreclosures across the country was unclear.

The promises of aggressive efforts earlier from President Obama seemed hollow as Geithner gave a Paulson-like "you've just got to trust us" speech. Simon Johnson, an economics professor at MIT and former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, told the Associated Press that the lack of details could be counter productive. Geithner "didn't tell us exactly" what he's going to do, Johnson said, adding, "When they tell you their basic principles, you're really in trouble."

Perhaps Geithner was reluctant to give more details because the cost of his plan goes far beyond the remaining $350 bailout funds. The total could come to trillions of dollars, which is a point he may have wanted to keep quiet while congress is still wrangling with the details of an $800 billion stimulus package. A version of the stimulus bill has been passed by both houses of Congress, unfortunately it is not the same version.

Stock markets from Asia to England reacted to the U.S. Treasury's sketchy plan with sell offs, including a steep fall on Wall Street Tuesday. The world is watching and Americans are waiting, hoping that real help is on the way.


Ki's website encourages searches of Austin homes in the Austin MLS by user selected criteria. He created it to distribute information on Austin real estate to future buyers. He also provides a free mortgage widget.
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Feb. 12, 2009 - Color Psychology For Your Home Remodel

Ever wonder why so many restaurants paint their walls red? Or why hospitals stereotypically have drab shades of tan or green? Whether we realize it or not, everyone reacts to color in a psychological and physiological way. And while not everyone reacts exactly the same, some generalized understandings of what each color conveys can help you out the next time you're wading through paint swatches at the hardware store.
While only a few basic colors are covered, keep in mind that humans see much more than six simple colors. The hue, saturation and intensity of a color also have an impact on the person's reaction.

Red: Red typically generates the most reaction of any of the basic colors. It makes a powerful statement and is frequently associated with strength, courage, excitement and aggression. It can also increase heart rates and energy levels. Shades of red can also stimulate the appetite, which is why it is such a popular selection for kitchens and restaurants.
Blue: If the color blue entered the Miss America pageant, it would win the Miss Congeniality award. As the color that transcends gender lines, blue is a popular color for bedrooms. It is also known for its relaxing and soothing abilities as well as increasing productivity.

Yellow: Yellow is the happy, cheery color- it is the cheerleader of the bunch. It is often associated with enthusiasm, energy, and optimism. It is also believed to be mentally and creatively stimulating. On the other hand, it has also been associated with fear and anxiety.
Green: Green is most often associated with expressions and symbolic associations. Natural shades of green make people feel refreshed, balanced and alive. It is also a very color and runs a close second to Miss "Blue" Congeniality.

Orange: As a general rule, orange is a classic love or hate tale that sparks the most serious reactions. Orange is often associated with comfort and warmth but can also convey a sense of flamboyance and energy. It is a popular choice among homeowners for making a room feel comfortable.

Violet: Violet is a tricky color to master, particularly given its emotional indications of lush, regal and passion. It is a color in an identity crisis as it straddles the line between warm reds and cool blues. Reactions also have a tendency to be age dependent. Adults tend to dislike purple shades. Children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet. This, coupled with the fact that purple is known to stimulate the imagination, makes it a favorite for youth bedrooms.

In addition to basic color selection, it is important to remember that all colors also have three basic characteristics: hue, intensity and value. It is these factors working that create the multitude of colors populating our lives. Effective color combinations can amplify your decorating plan and increase the value of your home, particularly if your house in on the market. Today, homeowners are going beyond the basic color schemes to more bold and dramatic color combinations. They are using paint to define the home's style, solidify its mood, make small rooms look larger (and vice versa) and communicate the home's authentic character. When applied thoughtfully, the psychology of color can partner you're a home's existing details to not only build curb appeal, but also create the warm, welcoming environment that looks like its fresh out of the pages of a magazine.


Ki lives, and works, in Austin, Texas. He maintains a website where future owners can search the Austin MLS. It also has general data on Austin real estate and Round Rock real estate
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Feb. 12, 2009 - Office Space Cast Reunites for 10th Anniversary Celebration at the Paramount

Director Mike Judge, along with many of the cast members, descended on Austin this weekend for the 10th Anniversary showing of their cult-classic late nineties workplace comedy, "Office Space" Austin's own historic Paramount Theater played host to the movie mogul and his cast members including just about everyone except Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston. Fans lined up well in advance of the 8:00 p.m. curtain time, and the excitement was palpable.

For many, "Office Space" has become a classic the highly quotable script and oddball characters earned roars of laughter throughout the showing, as whole lines of the film were drowned out by the laughter and enthusiasm of the hundreds of fans in attendance.

John C. McGinley, perhaps best known for his long-running role as Dr. Cox on "Scrubs" was one of the many cast members in attendance. McGinley expressed amazement and appreciation for the warm reception of fans, admitting he hadn't seen the film in its entirety since the original screening he attended back when it debuted in 1999. Director Mike Judge quipped that the screaming masses in the Paramount Theater on Sunday night rivaled the film's entire opening weekend attendance.

For a film that was all but a box office failure, "Office Space" has garnered a devoted cult following in the decade since its release. A champion of the disenfranchised, disinterested world of young professionals, the relevance and occupational indifference at the heart of the film ring truer today than even a decade ago. One moviegoer asked Mike Judge, during the question and answer portion of the event, following the film, "What is your message for the young people just entering the job market?" Muffled laughter followed, as did a shouted response from somewhere in the audience: "Don't do it!"

Judge himself admitted he began his professional career in an environment similar to the one he created so humorously in the film's fictional software company, Initech. With a degree in physics, Judge found himself in a professional role most closely mirrored by that of the film's mumbling hero, Milton Waddams (interestingly enough, this character was also the focus of his first animated short). When asked how he transitioned from physics to the film industry, Judge shrugged and responded that he did some animations and sent them out, and the rest was history.

Coordinated in conjunction with Austin's own Fantastic Fest, the event was a huge success. While tickets were first made available only to Fantastic Fest and SXSW ticket holders, ticket sales were subsequently opened to the public, and sold out faster than you could say Swingline. Special VIP tickets were also available, which included entrance to an after party featuring movie themed appetizers like pizza shooters, shrimp poppers and extreme fajitas, complimentary pieces of flare, and even a red Swingline stapler an extra special addition, as the now-infamous red staplers were manufactured exclusively for the film, and never sold commercially. With SXSW fast approaching, more not-to-be-missed events are in the works at the Paramount and throughout Austin.


Ki developed a website to provide potential buyers with a searchable database of homes in the Austin MLS. The site includes comprehensive information on Austin real estate and commercial real estate in Austin.
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Feb. 7, 2009 - Where Did the Bailout Money Go?

The luxury jet Citigroup wanted to purchase made the news, as did the $35,000 commode and billions in bonuses credited to Merrill Lynch CEO, John Thain. What is less clear is exactly what effect the nearly $350 billion in bailout funds rushed into the banking system last October has had on the economy. So far, it doesn't sound like American taxpayers have gotten their money's worth.

The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) is the $700 billion bill passed by Congress, which was touted last fall as much needed medicine for the ailing economy. According to a recent investigation by the PBS program NOW, $295 billion in TARP money has been invested in 355 American corporations. Along with the excesses of Citigroup and Merrill Lynch, 18.4 billion of those funds went to Wall Street bonuses in 2008, according to the New York State comptroller.

Some of the biggest recipients were Bank of America, who acquired Merrill Lynch and Thain's costly office remodeling, Citigroup, and AIG. Two of the big auto makers, Chrysler and GM, are also among the recipients of bail-out funds. The sums of money given to these companies are staggering--45 billion each to Bank of America and Citigroup.

President Obama's reaction was clear last week. "It is shameful," Obama said from the Oval Office. "And part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint, and show some discipline, and show some sense of responsibility." A recent Associated Press article noted that Obama and new Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner plan to speak directly to Wall Street leaders about the bonuses.

All this news of excesses comes in the midst of President Obama's battle to pass another stimulus package through Congress. A bill with an $819 billion price tag passed the House last week, although without a single Republican voting for it. Obama faces a similar struggle in the Senate this week as he tries to convince lawmakers that his plan will save jobs, create new jobs and stimulate the economy through tax cuts.

Obama's plan focuses on infrastructure programs to create jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors. It will also send funds to states in order to save jobs for teachers, police and firefighters. The idea is that as paychecks are bigger due to tax cuts and jobs are created and saved, it will have the snowball effect of saving and creating more jobs as consumer confidence returns. It sounds good on paper, anyway.

However, there is still $350 billion from the original TARP waiting to be spent. President Obama said the remaining funds would be used on lowering mortgage costs and creating jobs through small business loans, among other proposals. It is on the shoulders of Geithner to structure the rest of the bailout program. One thing Obama has promised is transparency and oversight as his administration moves forward with the rest of the bailout package. Taxpayers will have to wait and see.



Ki has lived in Central Austin for over ten years. He maintains a website, which allows visitors to search the Austin MLS using individually important criteria. His site has information on Austin real estate as well as a search specifically for Austin commercial real estate.
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Feb. 7, 2009 - Austin Real Estate Outlook

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

Austin home prices are actually on the rise, according to the most recent housing statistics from Yahoo. The median price for a home in Austin is currently $299,000, a 3.1 percent increase over January. While this may not be good news for bargain hunters, it was a positive sign that the housing market is still doing well in Central Texas.

Zillow shows that overall home values in the Austin area were down 3.6 percent at the end of last year, a sudden change after a steady climb in prices over the last three years. The stock market collapse last fall caused home values across the country to plunge in November and December of 2008. This was also the case in Austin, making the numbers in the local housing market look dire for the first time in years.

In other parts of the country the numbers at the end of last year were much worse. Boston home values were down 9.6 percent, while Santa Barbara, CA values were down 21.5 percent. While the housing crisis has been felt across the nation, the pain has certainly been deeper is some cities.

Lower new home starts and less inventory on the market both contribute to the better numbers in housing markets across the country. A recent Associated Press article noted that pending home sales were up in the South and Midwest, but fell 2-4 percent in other parts of the country. Finding the good news in the economy all depends on where one looks.

The vote this week to give a tax break to home buyers should be good news across the country. The new bill would provide a tax credit of 10 percent of the value of a residence, up to $15,000. This is an increase over the current $7,500 credit, which applied only to first time buyers. This amendment to the economic stimulus package being hammered out in Congress would apply to any home buyer of a primary residence this year. The hope is that this tax incentive will encourage banks to make loans thus stimulating the housing market with new buyers.

According to Senator Isakson, R-GA, who pushed hard for the tax credit, it will help the housing industry and the economy. A statement on Isakson's website says, "In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction. Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. Isakson believes the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered." All of this can only be good news for the Austin housing market.


Ki works, and lives, in Austin, Texas. He converted a hobby investing in real estate into a business. His site covers the Austin real estate market. It has a graphical Austin home search along with a blog that has updated statistics on the Austin Texas real estate market.
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Feb. 7, 2009 - South by Southwest, Austin, Texas

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

Beginning on March 13, 2009, Downtown Austin will be flooded with musicians and film makers from all over the world. There will be over eighty stages for performers to show their talents. It is estimated that there will be over 1,800 musical acts from all genres; most of the conferences will take place at the Austin Convention Center.

In 1994 South by Southwest added film and interactive conferences and since then has become one of the world's premier film festivals, focusing on new directing talent.

Although the convention center will be hosting most of the conference, there will be many venues within walking distance.

South by Southwest helps the Austin economy by bringing in such a large amount of revenue. Much of this revenue is from visitors booking hotel rooms, eating in Austin's restaurants and spending money on souvenirs and the convention itself.

For visitors who would rather not stay in hotels, Austin has several neighborhoods around the downtown area that have rental homes available for the SXSW festival.

Travis Heights is a historical neighborhood is tucked between Interstate 35 and South Congress Avenue and is one of the most sought out neighborhoods for professionals who work downtown. Most of the homes were built in the 1920's and many of these older homes have carriage houses and detached garages that have been turned into apartments. It is also ideal for renters who want easy access to the festival.

Hyde Park is a neighborhood that is located in central Austin. The neighborhood was developed in 1974. There approximately 2,000 homes in the neighborhood, which is within 38th Street, 51st Street, Guadeloupe, Duval, and Red River. This neighborhood has many amenities and is a historic neighborhood. Visitors to SXSW may be able to find families renting rooms or homes for the festival.

Austin has many neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown. Many homes are available for rent by the night or by the week. There are charming arts and crafts homes that were built in the mid 1920's that have been completely updated and are fully furnished with modern day style. Many of these homes are pet friendly too.

There are several restaurants within walking distance from these neighborhoods as well, making everything very accessible for the conference.

These neighborhoods are within walking distance from downtown. Whether you decide to take in the night life during SXSW or just decide to sit on the front porch and listen to all the music, Austin has something for everyone.

Visitors for this years South by Southwest conference can enjoy the downtown life, Austin style.


Ki created a website, which allows anyone looking for Austin real estate to search for free. They can investigate homes in the Austin MLS based on self-selected criteria. His office is located in Central Austin. His site provides updated statistics on Austin Texas real estate and Round Rock Texas real estate.
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Feb. 7, 2009 - After Hitting Historic Lows Mortgage Rates Jump Up

After falling for the last 2 months 30 year mortgage rates jumped up this week. The 30 year mortgage went from 5.10 to 5.25. This is the highest we have seen December 11, 2008. The 15 year mortgage moved up as well from 4.80 to 4.92. Below are rates for the last few weeks.

Feb 05, 2008
30-yr 5.25 15-yr 4.92 5-yr ARM 5.26 1-yr ARM 4.92

Jan 29, 2008
30-yr 5.10 15-yr 4.80 5-yr ARM 5.27 1-yr ARM 4.90

Jan 22, 2008
30-yr 5.12 15-yr 4.80 5-yr ARM 5.24 1-yr ARM 4.92

Jan 15, 2008
30-yr 4.96 15-yr 4.65 5-yr ARM 5.25 1-yr ARM 4.89

Jan 08, 2008
30-yr 5.01 15-yr 4.62 5-yr ARM 5.49 1-yr ARM 4.95

The 5 year arm and the 1 year arm for the most part held steady. The 5 year arm still remains a pointless mortgage option since it is above the 30 year rate. The 1 year rate is moving back to almost being a viable option. While the difference between the 1 year arm and the 30 year fixed is still not great enough to see many people choosing the 1 year arm, if the 30 year rate rises more next week I could see the 1 year arm starting to see more activity. In addition to looking at rates we wanted to also look at actual mortgage payments. We took today's rates and determined what the mortgage payment would be on a 200k mortgage. We also did the same thing with rates from a week ago and rates from January 15th when rates hit their lowest point so far.

Feb 05
30-yr 1104.4
15-yr 1573.26
5-yr ARM 1105.64
1-yr ARM 1063.88

Jan 29
30-yr 1085.89
15-yr 1560.82
5-yr ARM 1106.88
1-yr ARM 1061.45

Jan 15
30-yr 1068.75
15-yr 1545.36
5-yr ARM 1104.4
1-yr ARM 1060.23

Compared to January 15th ones potential mortgage payment has risen about 3.2 percent. This is a decent rise for this short of a period of time.

So if you were planning on purchasing and didn't lock in 3 weeks ago did you miss the boat? I would say yes and no. The rates 3 weeks ago were at 30 year lows and they have risen quite a bit since then. But looking over the last several decades today's rates are still very very low.

It's hard to know what is going to happen moving forward. Without direct government involvement I don't see rates falling back to what we saw a few weeks ago. So that begs the question, are we ever going to see the proposed 4.5 government sponsored loan become a reality? The difficulty of passing the recent economic stimulus package makes it look like passing additional programs might be tough as well. And if it does pass there are probably going to be some strings attached. Currently I would peg the chance of it passing at around 50%. But if the housing market weakens this month I would think the prospects of a 4.5% government mortgage would rise substantially.


Ki writes regularly about mortgage rates. His site has free mortgage calculator along with general information about Austin Tx real estate.
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Feb. 3, 2009 - This Hidden Neighborhood of Travis Country

It is easy to drive right by the entrance to Travis Country on Southwest Parkway. The well-maintained sign bearing the image of the Alamo hero William Barrett Travis on the edge of Republic of Texas Drive is unobtrusive. Those zooming west on the parkway after exiting Mopac don't know that they are passing right by one of the best kept secrets in Austin.

This neighborhood of tree-lined streets offers a wide array of architectural styles. The shady yards along Travis Country Circle are nicely landscaped. Families ride by on bicycles or joggers give a friendly wave as they pass. Kids of all ages are playing in yards or swinging on ropes from the strong branches of the towering Live Oaks. Squirrels and birds dart from yard to yard, as friends and neighbors chat by their mailboxes.

Calling itself "Austin's first environmentally planned neighborhood," building started in the early 1970s in this woodsy area just west of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. In fact, it can be a fun day of hiking from the neighborhood, through the greenbelt all the way to Zilker Park. Building continued through the early 2000s, creating a unique blend of home styles.

House prices generally range from the upper-200s to the mid-400s. There are modest two bedroom homes all the way to newer five bedroom homes. Although many of the interiors have been remodeled over the years, the homes in the original section of Travis Country still retain their charm with serene courtyards at the entrances and attractive stonework. There are both single and two-story homes, expansive open floor plans to cozy bungalows, making it a perfect neighborhood for those from all walks of life.

The active homeowners association, with a staffed office and grounds crew, maintains the two parks in the neighborhood. There are pools, tennis courts, basketball courts and playgrounds at both parks. The Blue Valley Park, the larger of the two, has a duck pond which is home to an intrepid flock of ducks and a goose. Walking trails criss-cross the neighborhood, offering great places for exploration with children and dogs. Those new to Travis Country won't lack for something to do. It is easy to get involved with a monthly newsletter, swim teams, tennis lessons and regular social events.

There are good public schools, like Oak Hill Elementary just a short drive away. Students from this quiet, family neighborhood also attend O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School. It is convenient to many private schools as well, like the Regents School, which is located along the western edge of the neighborhood, and St. Andrews Upper School.

The next time you are zipping down Southwest Parkway, take a moment to make the turn at Republic of Texas Drive. You will find that Travis Country is more than just a pleasant neighborhood conveniently located to both downtown and the Hill Country, restaurants and shopping. It is a great place to start a family, raise kids or even retire. Residents of Travis Country will easily find a niche, make friends and enjoy one of Austin's best kept secrets.


Ki serves as a realtor in Austin Texas. His business offers a searchable database of the Austin MLS. The site has information for potential buyers on Austin real estate and Travis Country real estate.
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Feb. 3, 2009 - Valentines Day, Austin Style

Each year on February 14th candy and cards, gifts and flowers are exchanged between loved ones. Who was Saint Valentine, and why do we celebrate this day? It has always been a mystery, but February has always been a month for love and romance.

Valentines Day as we know it, contains a visible trace of both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. There are many different stories about how Valentines Day came about. Regardless of how this romantic holiday evolved, we celebrate each year.

Valentines Day will be here before we know it. What is an ideal valentine gift? Roses and candy are nice, but why not go for the gold?

There are many ways to celebrate Valentines Day, why not do something special, right here in central Texas, Austin style.

Austin is in the heart of Texas and is surrounded by beautiful hills and lakes. Lake Travis is nearly 64 miles long and it maximum width is 4.5 miles and has over ten communities around it. Lake Travis abounds with water recreation and attracts water lovers from everywhere. From wind surfing to houseboats, visitors are sure to find something they enjoy doing.

Lago Vista is about 20 miles northwest of Austin. The community is a part of the Texas Hill Country and is surrounded by wildlife, beautiful scenery and a perfect place for relaxation. This community of nearly 6,000 is the perfect place to plan a romantic getaway. Visitors can rent lake homes overlooking Lake Travis or scenic views of the hill country. See white tail deer graze in the front yard while sitting on the front porch of a beautiful hill side home.

Lakeway is a small community of 11,000. In 2007, "Money Magazine" named Lakeway on the best places to live. It also is a great place to visit. With vacation or weekend rentals available, this makes Lakeway one of the best Valentine destinations. Visitors can find rentals for a weekend or an entire week. Have a waterfront view or just a beautiful hill country view.

Lake Travis has many locations for a romantic getaway. Barton Creek Resort & Spa is a relaxing getaway with sweeping views of the Austin countryside, rolling hills.

The Bed Rox & Little Rox Cabin is a vacation home bed and breakfast that is only 1.3 miles from the water. This bed and breakfast is tucked in the hill country and offers visitors a quiet and relaxing romantic weekend, complete with beautiful scenery and wildlife.

The Hills community has plenty to offer; with white tail deer, rolling hills and is the perfect place to relax and play a round or two of golf.

Lake Travis is surrounded by beauty and makes it easy to plan the perfect Valentines Day getaway. Lake Travis has many dining locations too. Whether you want a romantic candle light dinner to a hamburger and fries and live dancing, visitors can find just what they are looking for.

Austin is surrounded with beautiful communities and entertainment. Take the time and plan a romantic Valentines Day date, and do it Austin style!


Ki lives, and works, in Central West Austin, Texas. He developed a website to track Austin real estate and Cedar Park real estate. Clients can search available homes in the Austin MLS.
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