Have you noticed a few more cars on the roads around town this weekend? A few more people milling about?

With the recession forcing many to plan staycations as opposed to flying overseas for a getaway new hotspots are popping up across the U.S. and Austin is one of them. This year the city was ranked among the top 20 Memorial Day vacation spots, according to a survey taken by Priceline.com.

The Texas capital took... Full Story

I read various news sources online every morning. It’s become part of my routine.

One topic that seems to come up on a daily basis is the recession. There’s no denying that we’re still in one, but the good news is we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, especially in Austin. I recently read and posted an article on my facebook page that ranked Austin number one in cities best... Full Story

It is incredible to think how far we’ve come in 40 years. While we are far cry from a clean & healthy earth, many programs have been established to reduce the human carbon footprint that seem to be working.

It’s easy to “go green”. Simple things like recycling at home & in your office and taking cloth or canvas bags when shopping, to buying a hybrid car or installing solar panels on your house can... Full Story

It’s been almost ten years since a major multitenant office tower has been developed in downtown Austin. Capital City Partners LLC has big plans for their newest project located on the corner northeast corner of West Cesar Chavez Street and Lamar Boulevard. Park Plaza, the planned 15-story tower will feature 189,000 square feet of predominately Class A office space and will be located next to the Gables apartment community.

The newest development has brought... Full Story

I’m a strong believer that the first time homebuyer tax credit and move up tax credit has impacted our market in a positive manner. Personally I have seen an increase in business and a good amount is due in part to the added incentives.

The article below is one I read that talks about employment and growth and how it has positively impacted the housing market.

Positive signs on employment and national economic growth should... Full Story

Saw this from my friend Sam Chapman and had to share the good news. Check out the following stats below:

Stats from Alamo Title Co:

The Austin Market:
The number of active listings is down 1.81% from last year during the same week.
New listings are up 19.20%.
Pendings are up this week by 34.86%.
Sold residential units are up 60.49% compared to the same week last year.

The Week... Full Story

Let’s face it, for those of us who are first time homebuyers or our upgrading to another home, the tax credit has been very helpful. But how exactly do you get that money?

I just received an email today that states exactly what is needed…

If you’re a first time homebuyer, go to the IRS website and download Form 5405. You’ll include it with the rest of your documents when you go to file... Full Story

If you’re a first time homebuyer, things can be pretty confusing right now. With the tax credit deadlines, who qualifies, new F.H.A. standards, etc. there’s a lot to keep up with.

Just recently the Federal Housing Administration announced they are going to be increasing the mortgage insurance premium on F.H.A. insured loans. The new premium will be 2.25%, a .5% increase from what it was before.

In addition to the insurance premium, beginning this summer... Full Story

I was really excited and a bit nervous when I saw the bulldozers and dumptrucks begin to make themselves at home so close to where I live. Excited because I thought, yippee we’re going to be getting some new potential retail/restaurant establishments just around the corner, but nervous because you never know who’s going to be moving in. My husband and I shared our dreams of a local coffee shop, dry cleaning business, a place... Full Story

Every week I receive an e-newsletter from realtor.org with the latest updates in market trends, lending info. and tips to pass onto my clients. The issue I received today had the following article regarding changes being made to FHA loan applications:
The Federal Housing Administration will raise the minimum down payment for its least credit-worthy borrowers, the agency announced Tuesday.

The change is among a number of major changes the FHA is... Full Story