Austin Market Conditions going into September

August 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Regardless of what the national market looks like and however loudly news anchors screech negativity over the air, Austin’s foreclosure rate is DOWN 6%.

Our local market conditions are steady and don’t reflect the national market.

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Market Conditions 

Weekly Hottie - Cedar Park is Right for You

August 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin Real Estate Blog, Weekly Hottie 

Town Lake Doesn’t Exist Any More!

August 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Town Lake in Austin renamed to Lady Bird LakeYou heard it here first folks, Town Lake (aka Lake Austin) does not exist any more!  Well, the water is still there but it has officially been renamed to “Lady Bird Lake.”  With the passing of Lady Bird Johnson, the City of Austin has officially renamed the part of the Colorado River that flows through downtown Austin, Texas after the former First Lady. 

Lady Bird Johnson pioneered Green Living waaay before it was cool by founding the Texas Wildflower Center and pushing legislation for Texas beautification- you can thank her for the bluebonnets and indian paintbrushes on the sides of the highways in our beautiful state!  She was a class act and it is well deserved that one of our city’s most popular features is named “Lady Bird Lake” in her honor.  Get used to saying it, the maps are soon to change!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Other Stuff 

Four Hands Home Warehouse Sales Rock

August 24, 2007 | 1 Comment

four hands home warehouse sale promoted by single pointe realty in austinAustin is chock full of great places to pimp out your pad, but there is one event that tops them all- the Four Hands Warehouse Sale.  They always keep it hush hush and you will be lucky to know about it, but on the corner of Airport and 290 and if you don’t catch the Statesman excerpt on page 50, you’ll miss what is possibly the hottest furniture event in the city. 

Four Hands specializes in imported furniture that focuses on their trademarked “Ethnic Chic” design standards.  The have an amazingly beautiful showroom where you can dream about selling your organs to buy that new sleek white leather sofa, but if you’re willing to chance that it won’t be available until the Warehouse Sale, we might just think it’s worth the risk. If you miss out on your dream piece, you’ll surely find something that will make up for it like a zebra rug, a giant exotic solid mahogany hutch or a  round ottoman made of hide.

For those who have budgeted properly, the showroom is the best way to shop, but for the penny pinchers in our midst, when you’re ready to shop, call Four Hands at 512.225.0333 to find out when their next Super Secret Sale is!  Oh, and don’t forget to come back and tell the other readers about your shopping experience!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin Events, Austin Real Estate Blog 

360 Condominiums in Downtown Austin

August 22, 2007 | 2 Comments

360 Condominium Rendering presented by Single Pointe Realty in AustinIn learning about the 360 condominums, we have been thoroughly impressed with the level of thought put into this development- I’m convinced there isn’t a detail they didn’t think of!  Before we get started, I must tell you that they are getting closer and closer to being sold out and have only three condos available on the top floor (Floor 43)!  If you’re interested, give us a call- we’d love to show you around and get you started.

This 43 story condo tower with 432 units is conveniently placed in Downtown Austin (Rio Grande between 5th and 5th street).  This is the heart of the city and within blocks, you have access to countless music venues, restaurants, grocers (Whole Foods or Royal Blue Grocery), shopping, bars, gyms, spas and museums.  360 Condominiums has been writing contracts since Spring 2007 and will have their first closing dates in April 2008.  Five stories at a time will be delivered in two week increments starting with the 9th floor. 

Single bedroom condos range from 796 sq. ft. to 925 sq. ft. (plus a balcony or terrace) and range in price from the mid $200s to the low $300s.  Two bedroom condos range from 1,062 sq. ft. to 1,308 sq. ft. (plus a terrace or balcony) and are priced from the low $400s to the mid $500s. 

Because there are so many details to include, we’ll start listing them now:

360 Condominium Lobby Rendering brought to you by Single Pointe Realty in Austin*10 foot ceilings
*Floor-to-ceiling windows
*Hot Austin views
*Stainless Steel Appliances
*3″ x 6″ subway tile backsplashes
*Granite countertops
*Cherry or Maple cabinetry
*Shaw hardwood floors
*Shaw carpeting
*12″ x 12″ tile flooring in bathrooms
*Kohler brand fixtures
*Balcony or terrace
*Pre-wired for cable and DIRECTV
*Pre-wired for high speed Internet
*Pre-wired for in-home audio package
*Reserved parking

360 Condominiums are ripe with amenities:

360 Condominium Pool Deck and Fitness Center Rendering brought to you by Single Pointe Realty in Austin*Expansive lobby w/ regional artwork
*Full service 24-hour concierge
*Plasma TVs in lobbies and all common areas
*Fitness center w/ aerobic & weight equipment
*9th floor outdoor terrace w/ pool & sundeck
*Pool w/ sunning shelf w/ in-water tanning chaises
*Sundeck w/ lush landscaping, chaises, tables & lounge seating
*Outdoor living room with fire pit & surrounding lounge
*Outdoor grilling station
*Poolside Club Room with amazing views- perfect for entertaining
*Club Room contains Wifi Internet bar
*Club Room features a catering kitchen & wet bar
*Theater Room w/ theater seating and 61″ plasmaTV
*Wireless Internet in all common areas
*14,500 sq. ft. of street-front retail
*Controlled access to the building & parking deck
*Common areas monitored 24/7

We commend the 360 Condos for meeting the requirements of the City of Austin’s Green Building Program to be called a “Green Building.”  The development has met construction material recycling standards, they’ve built with certain environmentally friendly building materials, met several requirements for energy efficiency and have met national resources conservation standards.  Many people scoff at new development, but I personally believe that this project is a great use of land and has a minimal impact in comparison to thousands of square feet of horizontal development!

360 Condominium Green Building Features brought to you by Single Pointe Realty in AustinGreen Features:
*Energy Star roof reduces heat trapped by the roof
*High-efficiency, filtered fresh-air supply to all areas
*High-efficiency, chilled water system for air conditioning
*Programmable thermostats in all condos
*Low-flush toilets reduce water use
*Energy-efficient lighting and daylight harvesting
*Use of regional construction materials
*High “R” value insulation to reduce energy use
*”Low VOC” paints and coatings promote better health
*zReflective surfaces around pool deck/patios preventing heat buildup
*Above-ground construction and open-air garage
*Recycleable materials collection areas
*Efficient storm water runoff and water quality control
*Water-efficient landscaping

One of the coolest features of the 360 Condominiums is the “HALO” project.  HALO (Home Automation, Lifestyle Organization) streamlines your life by allowing you to interact with your community and your home.  How do you interact with a home?  Well, HALO allows home automation whether you are at home or away.  Still not clear?  HALO lets you program your AC and heating schedule and lets you review your historical settings and readings to check on energy usage.  Further, you are able compare energy and water consumption with other homes in the building to make sure you’re not over consuming.  HALO also allows you to link to the parking system to trigger programmable “home” and “away” settings. 

HALO allows keeps you informed by giving you energy and water conservation tips, HOA (Homeowner’s Association) announcements, meeting minutes, financial reports and budget comparisons.  You can access your HOA account balance online as well as charge home repairs to your HOA account.  HALO shows a calendar of upcoming events and club room scheduling and not only allows you to submit maintenance requests but provides access to manufacturer’s warranty information and operating manuals for any appliance or entertainment system. 

360 Condominiums brought to you by Single Pointe Realty in AustinHALO is a community building tool that allows you to request service from the concierge, chat with your neighbors in the building chat room, post items for sale/rent on the internet bulletin board, contact the management office or HOA board and with a single click, you can see who’s visiting you with the Guest ID camera at the call box.  Sounds like “Back to the Future” to me!  Lastly, HALO provides the ability to link to restaurants, grocery and convenience stores for door-to-door delivery, request a car wash, valet or ride share, or even request a dry cleaning pick up.

Space is running out in one of Austin’s best thought out condominium high rises- call us today for your personal tour!

Source: 360 Condominiums Website

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, New Construction 

Getting Involved: LISD Academic Advocates

August 22, 2007 | Leave a Comment

academic advocates promoted by single pointe realty in austin texasWe often present opportunities for you to get involved in your local community and encourage everyone to join us in making Austin a better place!  Today, we invite everyone in the Leander ISD area to check out AAA- the Academic Advocates Association which is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers such as parents, students, faculty and staff of the LISD.  Other volunteers include “interested community members” (this is where you come in) and businesses that depend on LISD to educate their youth. 

So what is AAA? The Academic Advocates Association pursues funds for grants and scholarships that create educational enhancement within the Leander School District.  The AAA promotes academic excellence for all students and recognizes academic accomplishment and provides support to the LISD to reach the highest level of achievement possible.

Think of AAA as the LISD Academic cheerleaders- pick up your pom poms and get started!

Next Academic Advocates Meeting:
Monday, September 24 @ 7 p.m.
Cedar Park High School Library

Future meetings: October 29, November 26

For more information, visit http://www.academicadvocates.org.

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin Real Estate Blog, Human Interest, Other Stuff 

Lago Vista set to be the Next Big Thing

August 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment

lake travis lakeway lago vista new development by hines international brought to you by single pointe realtyAccording to the Austin Business Journal, there’s a chance that it’s about to be Lago Vista’s time to shine!  Hines Interests is a major developer headquartered in Houston with development all over the globe.  Recently, they completed a purchase of 875 acres around Lake Travis and intend to transform this area into an upscale residential development, bringing about 2,000 homes to this prime area.

Current cities on Lake Travis are Lakeway and Lago Vista which look very close together on a map but upon closer inspection you will see that you must drive all the way around the lake to get from one to the other.  That being said, these small cities are quite different from each other.  Lakeway was long ago established as a resort style retirement escape but has blossomed into a cool area for lake living where jet skis and upgraded stainless steel appliances are a part of the new residents’ daily lives. 

Lago Vista has long been a more remote area with a laid back country feel.  You can still find small local shops and older lake cabins.  Will a developer destroy the feel of this small town?  We don’t think so.  Balancing the country feel with an upscale modernity will inject the kind of financial support to this area that it would surely welcome.  Lago Vista has long been a diamond in the rough and will quickly become the hip alternative to Lakeway.  So, within the year when your new friend says they live on Lake Travis, you’ll be in the know- it doesn’t just mean Lakeway anymore!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, New Construction 

Fed Cuts Rate

August 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Today, the Federal Reserve Board cut the rate 1/2 point today, cutting the fear factor out of the rates that had made some buyers nervous, bringing some good news back to buyers.  This is your weekend to buy! 

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, Market Conditions 

TEXAS Scholars Program and How YOU Can Help

August 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment

texas scholars program brought to you by Single Pointe Realty in Austin TexasThe Texas Scholars Program is the name for each community’s initiatives that promote the advancement of Texas students to complete the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Programs.  Their website notes that too many students leave High School with no idea of what comes next.  Many bright students are faced by the real world and haven’t a clue of how to cope much less succeed.

This program is comprised of volunteers from the business community that present the Great Expectations… Great Rewards presentation to all 9th grade students to motiate students to take a purposeful approach in high school and prepare for (as well as work toward) a creer of their choosing after high school.  Initiatives and support are given to 9th-11th grade students on track to graduate as TEXAS Scholars and recognition is given in their senior year.

These volunteers motivate students by speaking about the “skills and ethics to obtain and keep a good job.”  You know you have something to offer your local high school- we encourage our readers to contact the local coordinator on the Texas Scholars website today!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin Real Estate Blog, Human Interest, Other Stuff 

New Laws- HB3101 Creates a Tenant Bill of Rights

August 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment

ATTENTION RENTERS:

Tenant laws are being amended.  Often, tenants do not know their rights or even what the consequences are to landlords acting outside of the law.  HB3101’s writers are calling the new Bill a “Tenant Bill of Rights,” and their intent may have been so, so read on to form your own opinion.  Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section!

Depending on which side of the fence you sit on, Texas is a tenant friendly state… but landlords are quite protected as well.  House Bill 3101 was originally supposed to go into effect on September 1, 2007 but has been amended to be effective January 1, 2008.  While we don’t know the reasons for the extension, we suspect that it is fair to allow landlords to adjust their leases to fit the new laws.  When landlords are large corporations (like Equity, Mansions, etc), leases and amendments typically go through their legal department which we all know can add time to a finished product.  These changes will not apply to your current lease but a renewal or a lease dated on or after January 1, 2008.

CHANGE # 1- the landlord’s tenant selection criteria was previously optional but now must be provided to applicants and signed by the applicant acknowledging the terms they must meet for approval.

Further, HB 3101 mandates that if the landlord does not properly provide this criteria and the applicant is rejected, the application fee and deposit must be returned.  If the landlord fails to do so, they are subject to a $100 penalty plus three times the amount wrongfully retained as well as the applicant’s reasonable attorney’s fees.

In an apartment community, newer employees may forget forms for you to fill out, so be informed and make sure to ask for the tenant selection criteria form.  This way, you know immediately what they are asking of you regarding income, credit, etc.

CHANGE # 2- most landlords already conform to this portion of the bill, but for those who don’t, all leases are required to contain language in underlined or bold print notifying tenants of the landlord’s obligation to repair or provide a remedy for certain conditions in a tenant’s dwelling.

This is important because some landlords fail to live up to this portion of the lease despite their actions invalidating the lease.  Tenants aren’t the only ones who can violate lease agreements!

CHANGE # 3- prohibits landlords from charging a late fee for failing to pay rent unless the signed lease includes notice of the fee and it’s a reasonable fee.  The cap of 7% of the unpaid rent has been changed to a “reasonable estimation of the uncertain damages of collecting delinquent rent.”  The landlord still has the right to lawfully terminate a lease but the bill provides a specific remedy and penalty for violating the late fee provision.

The new law also mandates at least a two day grace period after rent is due.  As with Change #1, the penalty imposed on landlords for improperly charging late fees is $100, as well as three times the amount of the improper late fee and reasonable attorney’s fees.

CHANGE # 4- as a precondition for allowing a tenant to park in a specific parking space (as in designated spot, carport/ covered parking or a garage), tenants must provide the make, model, year, color, state of registration and license number of the vehicle in order to obtain a parking space.

We believe that this change is allowed because when a tenant pay for a parking spot and calls the landlord saying someone is in their covered parking spot and it’s raining and they want to park there, the vehicle in the spot will clearly not match the information the landlord has on file and will be subject to being towed.  It feels funny to give up so much information but I do think this on is in the tenant’s best interest and empowers the landlord to tow on their behalf.

CHANGE # 5- prohibits landlords from changing a tenant’s door locks due to rent delinquency in the payment of rent when the occupant is in the dwelling.  It also prohibits landlords from changing the locks more than once during rental payment.

CHANGE # 6- the bill amends the Property Code to prohibit a landlord from intentionally preventing entry into the lease premises due to rent delinquency unless the landlord’s right to change locks is in the lease.  The bill also requires the lease to include in underlined or bold print the tenant’s right to receive a key to the new lock at any hour, regardless of whether the tenant pays the delinquent rent.  The civil penalty for intentionally preventing a tenants entry into the leased premises due to rent delinquency has increased from $500 to $1,000.

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This tenant reform bill is available by clicking HERE.  We are not attorneys, and are not intending to provide this information as legal advice.  Our interpretation of this bill is simply that, our opinion.  If you believe you need concrete legal advice, we ask that you contact your attorney.

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Other Stuff, RE Practice 

Top 55 College Football Recruits

August 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Released early this year is American-Statesman’s Fabulous 55!  The top 55 college football recruits in Texas.  Schools are listed by interest.(schools are listed alphabetically)— KICKOFF IS SEPTEMBER 1ST!!!

The top 55 college football recruits in Texas. Schools are listed alphabetically.

Top 55 College Football Recruits brought to you by Single Pointe Realty in Austin

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Human Interest, Other Stuff 

Reality TV in Austin

August 11, 2007 | 1 Comment

America’s guilty pleasure is officially Reality TV.  We know better than to get invested in something so useless as “The Flavor of Love” or “Big Brother,” but we continue tuning in, don’t we?

What’s even more exciting than actually watching these shows is when you tune into a new one and you recognize all of the landmarks!  Austin is quickly becoming a popular site for Reality TV as it provides an amazing backdrop with mansions on Lake Austin, a beautiful downtown bar and club district, and one of the largest colleges in the world (THE University of Texas, duh)!

Season 16 of the Real World was based in Austin where we met kids mostly transplanted in our club scene from California.

Of course, American Idol stops by Austin on most national tours in finding talent, and why wouldn’t they?  We ARE the Live Music Capital of the world, after all!

The upcoming season of The Bachelor will star one of the partners in ownership of the Chugging Monkey and the soon to be renamed Thirsty Nickel.  Austin’s an obvious choice for filming as we’re consistently named in the Top 5 Dating Cities with a busy singles scene.

Currently, someone named bravofamilychef@yahoo.com is running ads on Craigslist looking for local families who use a private chef and would like to be on reality TV.  We’re thinking since the advertiser has a 310 number (out of the LA area which is where the Bravo channel is headquartered) and their email mentions Bravo that a new show perhaps called “Family Chef” or the likes will debut on Bravo and at least parts will be filmed in Austin… we shall see!

Lastly, we indulged last night in watching this terrible show on VH-1 called “The Pick Up Artist” and started recognizing the neon blue lined skyscraper, our capital and of course the club “The Foundation Room” where the lovable nerds try to pick up ladies and get over their insecurities.  This group of mostly virgins will learn in the Austin clubs how to get a lady.  They will be taught by none other than “Mystery,” a nerd in a black tophat with feathers, who calls himself the “Master Pickup Artist.”

Rachel Ray from Food Network’s “Tasty Travels” and Giada de Laurentis filmed in Austin on one of “Giada’s Weekend Getaways.”  These are not the Reality TV format but we always get giddy when we see our awesome city on TV.  Austin is becoming the 2nd L.A. because it is much less expensive to film here, so get ready to see more of us on the ol’ Tube!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Human Interest 

FREE Fun This Saturday

August 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Tomorrow, August 11th, head out to Lake Travis to witness the Hot Air Balloon Expo at the Mansfield Dam Park at sunrise!

The Central Texas Ballooning Association takes off over LT annually with over a dozen balloons soaring the sky at once!  They take off at Mansfield Dam Road at sunrise and there are so many great places to park to witness this event.  You can head over to the dam, you can park at St. Luke’s Episcopal church up on the hill at 620 or you can park at the campgrounds at Mansfield Dam Rd. 

We suggest taking the kids and a picnic basket while watching the Hot Air Balloon operators sail the Lake Travis skies!  There will be a tailgating party afterwards in the Mansfield Dam Park.

SUNRISE: is projected to be at 6:55am.

WEATHER FORECAST: for Saturday is mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southeast between 5 and 10 mph.

DIRECTIONS: from 2222, go west (left) on RR 620 for 5 miles, pass by the dam and take a right on Mansfield Dam Rd, follow the signs.  From 183 North, head west (left) on RR 620 for about 9 miles, pass the dam and go right on Mansfield Dam Rd.

To learn more, head over to centraltexasballooning.com, or call the information line at 479-9421.

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under Austin Events, Austin Real Estate Blog 

Is The News Freaking You Out? A Couple of Things Our Callers Are Asking…

August 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Hey guys & gals,

We’re watching the industry on many many levels, especially mortgages.  The reality is, we do not deal in loans that are not buyer friendly, period. 

It has always been a Single Pointe policy that our buyers know what options are available and we’re not afraid to say, “don’t take that loan.”  You’ll know upfront what the loan really is and once you have all of the facts, it’s your decision; we never let lenders or sellers pressure our buyers. 

Our first home buyers get great rates and generally we can get them down to even better rates using FHA, VA and various other first home buyer programs. You’ve still got many many of the best options.

Step-up buyer & seller?  We’re helping our clients get pre-qualified for fantastic rates on their next home and have created buy/sell strategies to help move them up OR down to the home they can best afford. 

We know that subprime mortgage talk is all around the water cooler, but the reality is that the vast majority of you are not a subprime credit risk, even if you may feel your credit has been damaged in the past. 

A question was asked today, is it harder or going to be harder to get credit?  If you’ve never paid a bill in your life, probably!  But if you’re like most folks who work hard, pay the bills the best you can, and do a reasonably good job, you’re more than likely going to be just fine.  But always know that we’re here to help you navigate the process, and we’re not afraid to shop lenders to get the right loan and rate.

Worried about rates? Well, rates on normal loans (fha, conventional etc.) are down right now.  Obviously, higher risk loans will have higher rates, but we’ve not seen anything unreasonable just yet.

Another question was, is it a good time to buy? It is definitely a great time to get out and buy- low rates, great prices, lots of options, and a friendly staff here to help you through the muck… what more could you ask for? 

We’re ready to help! 

Here’s a tip: contracting by the end of August on a new home will land you some of the best deals of the year; it’s close-out season!  Get in on the action while inventory is hot!

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Have a Real Estate question you’d like to ask? Give us a call; we’ll post them as we get them here for others who need to know.  If you’re shy and in need of asking a question, drop us an email or just comment on this post and we’ll answer in our next call session!

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under Austin News, Austin Real Estate Blog, Buying, Selling 

Welcome To Austin- Now, Turn On Your Radios!

August 9, 2007 | Leave a Comment

When you’re zipping down the Tollway or taking a drive in the Hill Country, you should turn on the ol’ FM radio. If you’re new to town or just don’t stray from the 6 disc changer, try something new!

Listed from the low end of the dial to the top:

KNLE 88.1—–”Candle 88″
Non-profit Christian music station at the bottom of the dial. 

KAZI 88.7—–”The Voice of Austin”
KAZI is an oddball mix of groovy tunes, local sounds and various urban artists.  This is Austin’s community station.

KMFA 89.5—–”Voice of the Arts”
Relax to the sounds of classical music from all eras.

KUT 90.5—–”NPR Radio”
90.5 is the University of Texas radio station and you’ll hear student music and talk shows as well as NPR news.

KOOP 91.7
This is the local coop station playing the role of community radio by day and college radio by night- interesting stuff here… Keep Austin Weird, man!

KQJX 92.1—–”K-Love”
Nationally syndicated Christian music radio station. 

KKLB 92.5
Latin Pop and urban Latin Hip Hop music.  This is a digital channel, so you may or may not get this one in your car.

KDHT 93.3—–”Hot 93.3″
Hot hip hop and rap that will keep you dancing.  If you’re wondering what the clubs are playin on 6th, this is your station!

KLBJ 93.7—–”Austin’s Rock Station”
If you’re into the Austin vibe and love the cynical voice of Dudley and Bob in the morning, you’ll also love the modern rock that they’ve finally mixed in with their traditional Classic Rock.

KAMX 94.7—–”Mix 94.7″
If you miss Ace of Base or Counting Crows but also need to hear your Quiet Riot and Pink, Mix 94.7 has a great offering for you.

KKMJ 95.5—–”Magic 95.5″
Is your stuffy boss calling while you’re driving in late to work?  Impress him with Kenny G in the background as you calmly answer your cell.  We won’t tell anyone that you didn’t flip it back to 93.3…

KHFI 96.7—–”Kiss FM”
This is where the cool kids hang out and listen to Top 40 hits.  Most people will tell you to tune into the morning show for Bobby Bones, but we’re die hard Lunchbox fans!  This is our favorite station for the morning drive!

KWTX 97.5—–”Today’s Hit Music”
This is a Waco station, but we pick it up in Leander, Pflugerville, Georgetown and the like.  Don’t tell, but I always get sad when Timbaland or Avril Lavigne fade out when I get closer to downtown- boo!

KVET 98.1—–”98.1 KVET”
One of Austin’s oldest stations, KVET is a great place to go for today’s country hits.  If you’re lucky, you might catch some classic country from time to time!

KHHL 98.9—–”Exitos”
I don’t understand what’s going on, but they speak Spanish and it sure sounds fun!

KASE 100.7—–”KASE 101″
They’d be mad if I said it, but this is the Boot Scootin’ Boogey-ist station in town!  Faith Hill and Rascal Flatts grace these soundwaves- what more could you ask for?

KROX 101.5—–”101-X”
I used to try to be cool by listening to Austin’s Modern Rock station, but I gave up.  If YOU are a true alternative type, you’ll love that they play White Stripe and Pearl Jam in one sitting- rock on!

KPEZ 102.3—–”The River”
Positive music appropriate for when the young’ns are in the car.  Although this station plays all sorts of contemporary “positive” music, it is primarily modern Christian music.

KBPA 103.5—–”Bob FM”
Bob abuses the “shuffle” function on his million-disc CD changer and we LIKE that!  Bob can’t claim to be a specific type of station because he plays EVERYTHING- really!

KXBT 104.3—–”La Que Buena”
This station was formerly a rap station, so I still get confused when I flick over to the Tejano tunes, but sometimes I just feel like rockin’ out to Tejano!

KXXS 104.9—–”The Beat”
You’ll see “The Beat” downtown a lot; they play Hip Hop and Rap and they’ll sometimes spice it up with some sexy R&B.

KFMK 105.9—–”Jammin’ 105.9″
Playing hits from the 80’s and 90’s, aiming to take you back to those high school days (or college, or parenthood, whatever).  They play “rhythmic adult contemporary” which I learned 23 seconds ago means a mix of classic dance flashbacks, pop, etc… wikipedia basically says it’s everything but rap.  Minus the fancy words, we LOVE this channel!  Mix it up with Prince, Rihanna, Madonna, Enrique, and DJ Jazzy Jeff… I could go on…

KITY 106.3—–”The Oldies Station”
This is an expanded version of the soundtrack to Forrest Gump- super hip 1969 style Beatles Oldies, not that 20’s bugles oldies.  Austin is cool and loves thinking back to the good ol’ days!

KGSR 107.1—–”Radio Austin”
KGSR is often a concert sponsor and you’ll hear Austin greats alongside national stars performing adult contemporary tunes.

KINV 107.7—–”Recuerdo”
This is “Regional Mexican” music and talk radio and is run by the Univision Corporation.  We see a lot of 107.7 bumper stickers around town!

So, there you have it.  What’s YOUR favorite station? We couldn’t pick one, so we brought them all to you!  So next time you’re in the car, try something new- you might find your new favorite sound!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Human Interest, Other Stuff 

Austin Number One Nationally For Business

August 6, 2007 | Leave a Comment

It’s no surprise to Austinites that Austin has been named by Moody’s Economy.com the best place for business in the United States.  The Austin Business Journal reports that the Round Rock-Austin MSA (metropolitan statistical area) as the top area in the independent economic research firm’s findings. 

The ABJ also noted that the last index reported in March 2007 named the Austin MSA as the seventh best, so guess what?  Our economy is on the rise and the outlook is a good one!  The index takes into account the “current economic conditions, expected trends, and potential risks, taking into account factors such as employment growth, household income, productivity, net migration, industrial diversity and cost of doing business,” according to the ABJ. 

Austin frequently ranks Number One in various studies, and we are in agreement with the study’s findings.  Over the past few months, we have witnessed an influx of companies expanding and relocating employees to Austin which has given our economy a dramatic boost.  In the housing industry, this has translated to a vibrant market- the average days of an Austin home being on the market has decreased 7% over the last year according the Austin Board of Realtors. 

Another sign of a positive market and a trend indicator is the Median Sales Price which has increased 6.7% when comparing June 2006 and 2007.  An increase in local sales prices may sound like bad news for buyers when in fact it is proof of the value of a market- an increase in home prices is good for everyone, especially if it is a continuing trend.

Based on the current housing market in Austin and our own independent business success, we agree with the Economy.com study naming Austin as the best place for business and your Austin Real Estate Investment!

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin News, Market Conditions 

First Austin Library Named After Laura Bush

August 3, 2007 | Leave a Comment

According to the Austin Business Journal, First Lady Laura Bush will visit Austin on August 14th for a special ceremony  regarding a new library planned in our city bearing her name.  The Laura Bush Community Library is in recognition of Laura Bush’s efforts regarding promoting literacy and library programs, most notably on a local level.

Construction begins in 2008 on this West Austin library which will be the first public library to bear her name.  She has long been a proponent for funding the public libraries and our city owes her many thanks. 

I remember in 1995 when the Texas Library Association (where a family member of mine worked) began the Texas Book Festival which Laura Bush was heavily involved in.  This festival is a wonderful conference style event that is held each year in a different host city and I remember hearing about famous authors that spoke and about different booths that promoted literacy.  Money raised from the annual event goes toward local libraries and Laura Bush still makes appearances at the conference.

We will bring you coverage next spring of the construction project, but in the meantime wish to congratulate the First Lady and thank her for her persistent dedication to education and reading, especially in the Lone Star State.

Posted by Lani, Asset Director | Filed Under About Austin, Austin Events, Austin News