Beginning today through Sunday, August 17th, most clothing and footwear priced under $100 will be exempt from sales and use taxes. Below is a condensed list with what is included and not included during tax-free weekend…

 Exempt items:

• Baby clothes


• Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students


• Belts with attached buckles


• Boots – cowboy, hiking


• Caps/hats – baseball, fishing, golf,... Full Story
  Categories : Miscellaneous

2008 has seen a record number of foreclosures nationwide and Austin is not immune to this epidemic. Below are some tips to help those of you who may not be in the most secure position when it comes to your mortgage.

 1. Start by facing the problem head-on. Acknowledge the letters your mortgage company is sending you. If you address the problem early enough, you could help avoid the “f” word all together. Contact a... Full Story

Swedish based home furnishings store IKEA lives up to its motto with its latest announcement to start carrying solar panels in some of its U.S. and European stores. The Swedish manufacturer plans to invest roughly $75 million in a handful of cleantech startups, focusing on the areas of solar energy, lighting, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and water conservation. With 270 stores in 35 countries, the idea of “green living” , which has already become a... Full Story

Austin area home sales courtesy of Jane Anne Hawthorne of Fidelity National Title

Here’s one list we don’t want to be on.

 I recently read an article claiming Austin has some of the worst congestion in the nation. Inrix, a Washington-based company that collects data from GPS installed in one million automobiles said the worst spots in Austin were at the intersection on I35 & MLK and I35 & Riverside.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation stated that the agency doesn’t have any plans to... Full Story

The Chamber of Commerce just released the latest market update for our fabulous city…..

• In the past ten years, Austin’s population has increased by 487,000


• 1,000 persons per week are moving into Austin MSA


• By the year 2030, Austin’s MSA population is predicted to be 3.5 million


• Williamson County has increased by 53% since 2004


• Williamson County population is expected to... Full Story
  Categories : All About Austin

Below are 10 Earth-friendly ways to help save you a little bit of money:

1. Use efficient lighting – compact fluorescent lights use 70% less energy and last 10x longer than standard bulbs

2. Adjust your thermostat – Set it two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter, and watch your energy use and utility bills decrease

3. Reduce phantom load – 40% of all electricity used by home electronics... Full Story

Congratulations are in order for three local area high schools.  Westlake High School, Westwood High School and LBJ High School all ranked among the top 100 high schools in the nation according to Newsweek Magazine. Westlake, located in the Eanes school district ranked 52nd, Westwood, located in the Round Rock school district ranked 77th and LBJ High School, located in the Austin school district ranked 95th.

 Rankings are determined by the number of graduating seniors who take and pass... Full Story

After months of preparation and financing finally in place, construction is set to begin on the upscale mixed-use 37 story project consisting of 165 condo units, a 252-room W Hotel and a 2,480-seat theater that will serve as the new home for Austin City Limits along with a spa and retail space.

The lower level will consist of 47,751... Full Story

Forbes Magazine just ranked Austin the #3 most “recession proof” city in the nation.

The findings were based on the housing market, which continues to stay stable , the unemployment rate, which is estimated to be around 3.6%,  and growth in agriculture, energy and manufacturing. San Antonio, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston also made the list.

 In addition to this honor, Austin was also ranked as one of the top 10 of the nation’s “greenest” retirement destinations... Full Story