Austin, Lake Travis Style: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Gettin Jiggy wid it!!

http://bit.ly/gJIDlR

Hot specials every day of the week!!

So much to do so little time....Follow me on twitter, Facebook (business or personal pages) or my blog. Happy Friday!

Home buying more than an investment question

But the real question is: Why were you thinking of buying a home? If you ask your grandparents, if they’re still around, they would probably never mention “price appreciation” as one of the significant reasons they bought a home 50 or 60 years ago.

They probably would have said something about wanting something that was all their own, that they could “fix up” the way they wanted it (unlike rental housing in those days). They planted trees and expected to be around to see them mature, along with their children.

And if this seems interesting, you will love this http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Next to http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/ this is the best place to find just about anything around the lake www.laketravis.com

Home Staging: 5 Tips for Sellers

http://bit.ly/hTveax

It seems that the money and effort I put into updating and staging my apartment was well worth the expense.

If this helps and you would like more tips, find me here http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Impressive!!

http://on.fb.me/fqsdXg

We rock...

Friday, March 25, 2011

Day 5, make your picks Ohio State or Kentucky

Day 5, make your picks
Ohio State or Kentucky

Day 5, make your picks VCU or Florida State

Day 5, make your picks
VCU or Florida State

Day 5, make your picks Kansas or Richmond

Day 5, make your picks
Kansas or Richmond

Day 5, make your picks UNC or Marquette

Day 5, make your picks
UNC or Marquette

This week at Fins

That's right, it is supposed to be 91 this Saturday. Can you believe it. We need some rain to make this a fantastic summer, but can you all pray to make it happen on Mondays and Tuesdays only!! Check out the new menu, new "Do" inside, they are working on the outside too, and yes, Johnnie and Felipe are back. Go see 'em soon. Here is what's going on down at Fins www.johnnyfins.com

Like this? Like me here and I will keep you up to date!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

LCRA Historic Moments

Ever wondered about the history of the LCRA. Here is an article with some pretty cool facts:

http://www.lcra.org/featurestory/2011/highlandlakesnamesake.html

Did you like this? Like me here for more great news around Lake Travis https://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Lake-Travis-Style/174422042600072?ref=ts

Pick time again Butler or Wisconsin

Pick time again
Butler or Wisconsin

Pick time again Duke or Arizona

Pick time again
Duke or Arizona

Pick time again BYU or Florida

Pick time again
BYU or Florida

Pick time again UConn or SDSU

Pick time again
UConn or SDSU

News Hub: Kitchen Becomes The New Living Room

http://bit.ly/hYz7gS

A growing number of homeowners and kitchen designers are transforming...

I have the perfect Granite and Tile guy to help you make your kitchen stand out. Give me a call or email.

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A Short List for Long-Term Real Estate Decisions

http://bit.ly/gASFWi

Here are key long-term factors to consider every time you buy and before you sell, just in case this is the one. The list also offers useful discussion points for constructive conversations with parents or children as they contemplate real estate purchases or sales. Mulling these ideas around makes everyone smarter buyers, sellers, and owners:

For this and other tips, like me here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Lake-Travis-Style/174422042600072?ref=ts

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Prepare Your House For Sale - Selling Vacant House

http://bit.ly/i66Mzb

It is common knowledge in real estate that vacant houses take longer to sell and fetch less money for the sellers. We will examine the reasons while at the same time offering some relevant tips.

If you are looking for a great stager, give me a call...I know one! Like this, like me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Lake-Travis-Style/174422042600072?ref=ts

How to make your home stand out

http://on-msn.com/foYaJn

It takes a lot more than sparkling windows, scented candles and chocolate-chip cookies to sell a home in today's market.

Tis the season and here are some helpful tips. If you liked this article, please feel free to contact me and like my FB Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Lake-Travis-Style/174422042600072?ref=ts

The top money mistakes we pass on to our kids

http://on.today.com/gVJH6P

Self-made millionaire and personal finance expert David Bach created a career based on what he learned around the dinner table: money. His grandmother helped him buy his first stock in McDonald’s at age 7. His dad was a financial advisor. Now, the author of bestsellers like "Smart Women Finish Rich" and "Debt Free for Life" hopes to instill the same money curiosity in his 7-year-old son.

If you found this useful, like my fb page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Lake-Travis-Style/174422042600072?ref=ts

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Texas housing market springs toward recovery

http://bit.ly/eBKSki

Home sales over the last six months increased in every Texas major metropolitan area for the first time since the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit.

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New rules for mortgage brokers help lower costs for homebuyers

http://bit.ly/epKb6K

Under new rules that go into effect April 1, mortgage brokers, and even small banks and credit unions, must offer borrowers the lowest possible interest rate and fees for which the borrowers qualify.

For this and other great info, like my page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-Lake-Travis-Style/174422042600072?ref=ts

Monday, March 21, 2011

Money-Saving Tips: 4 Ways to Save More Money in 2011

http://aol.it/ikocFs

If you could stand to bolster your bank account, here are four ways to save more money and help you keep more of your hard-earned dollars in 2011.

Everyone can benefit from this and it's pretty simple. For more, follow me here http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Sunday, March 20, 2011

How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors

http://bit.ly/f8ef4v

Is it time to update the look of your home's exterior with a new paint job? Get the scoop on all the details you should consider when painting your house.

I did this 15 years ago and the color was so perfect, it has remained that color all these years. For more insight, follow me here http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Texas or Arizona?

VCU or Purdue...Predictions?

Kansas or Illinois....Predictions?

Florida State or Notre Dame...Come on Seminoles...wow, can't believe I just said that. Predictions?

Preparing Your Child for a Move

http://bit.ly/hAmvbz

Sooner or later, many families face the prospect of moving. Disruptive as moving can be for parents, the experience can be even more traumatic for kids, who may not be a part of the decision to move and may not understand it.

Kids may need some time and special attention during the transition. You can take steps to make the entire process less stressful for everyone.

This is tough, but sometimes necesarry. I let my 5 year old come help pick our tile, carpet and more. Get them involved. For more interesting tidbits, follow me at http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Mortgage rates down as investors react to Japan crisis

http://wapo.st/gKdM4i

Mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in almost two months, tracking a drop in Treasury yields as Japan's deepening nuclear crisis spurred demand for relatively safe investments.

Get this and so much more when you follow me at http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Duke or Michigan? Cincy or UConn? Vote

K-State or Wisconsin...Your Prediction...Ian's vote doesn't count!

Pitt or Butler...Predictions?

BYU or Gonzaga? Your prediction now!

Richmond or Morehead State...Battle of the Upsetters...Predictions?

Washington or UNC? Vote

Marquette or Syracuse? Go!

Temple or SDSU? Vote....UCLA or Florida...Vote!

Early Spring Gardening Chores

http://bit.ly/grigBR

Do you ever get that urge to go out and do something in the garden, even though it may be too early in the year to do much? "I get a little too eager every now and then, thinking that it's okay to plant something when it isn't, or wanting to mow the lawn even though it doesn't need it," says master gardener Paul James.

We all hate to do it, but it's usually necessary. More tips here http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

NCAA Mens Tournament

I will be posting all my predictions after the games are over. Just in case you were wondering, I was 100% in rounds one and two. If you think you can top that...predict on my posts and I will tell you if you were right or wrong when the games are over. Good luck. Who knows, someone could win a Johnny Fins Black Card. What is that? Well, you will have to make predictions to find out. Or, if you need some advice on how to list your house, how to buy a home or any real estate needs, give me a call at 512-589-0007 and see how I can help you. If I can interview you about your real estate needs, I will most definitely make sure you leave the meeting happy. Now come on...get to predicting!

Ohio State or George Mason? Vote

West Virginia or Kentucky? Vote Now!

Austin Weather

OK, here ya go. Today is the beginning of the last weekend of Spring Break. Austin forcast is 84 for a high and the surface water temp on Lake Travis is 61 (info provided by http://hydromet.lcra.org/full.aspx ). So, if you could do anything in Austin today, what would it be? Sit home and chillax? Mow the Yard? Look for a new home? Backyard BBQ? SXSW? What about a day at the lake? Anything...really, just tell me what your favorite thing you do today is and you will be entered into this months drawing for a Johnny Fins Black Card. What is that....oh...just wait...you will be one of the select few to get one if you are the winner!

Follow me here.... http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 18, 2011

spring Break

Ok, so it's the last few days of Spring Break 2011. What have you done? No, the weather hasn't been as great as predicted, but it has been nice. Now is the time to het out on Lake Travis. Visit www.johnnyfins.com to see the new menu. Then go in to see all the new changes. Johnnie is back....so is Felipe, our great managers since 1997 that took 2010 off. Great food, music all weekend and the ducks and fish are just waiting for you.

Not enough and looming for something else? Well, there are some great new listings in the area. Just give me a call and I would be happy to show you something. Remember, 512-589-0007 for all your real estate needs and insight from an insider on what's going on in, on and around Lake Travis.

Phone back up and working yeah. Good start. Now the impossible closing is on at 11..yeah!!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Thorny foreclosure questions

http://wapo.st/hSEWTA

I never bought a foreclosure. I pay my mortgage faithfully. Now, is someone going to tell me a back-office clerk mishandled my title and their actions threaten my legitimate ownership? Will this mess hurt me when I try to sell my home?

Just in case you were wondering, you can follow me here too: http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

8 Areas to Pay Attention to When Updating Your Kitchen

http://bit.ly/eYLim1

What’s cooking in kitchens? Simpler styling, hidden appliances and a bit of color to make life interesting, to name just a few things. If you’re getting ready to update your kitchen, you may want to pay attention to the following trends that are popular in kitchen showrooms right now.

Follow me here: http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Sleep, what's that

So my day began at 2:30 this morning. Alarm company calls, break-in. Well, it's on video, so the guy and girl we have on video better think twice before they come back. Night vision camera's on the water are great! It makes you think why people think you are dumb enough not to have them. Well, if you are that dumb, then I guess that is why you lead a life of crime. Don't think the police don't have fingerprints, video and a good lead. It will come back to haunt you. So now it's 2:26pm and I am feeling dead to the world. Yet, have a meeting to get more security, a metal door and more cameras. Bring it!

$5 Burgers at Johnny Fins TODAY! www.johnnyfins.com or follow me at: http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

$5 Burgers at Johnny Fins TODAY!
www.johnnyfins.com
or follow me at: http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes

http://bit.ly/i3aLO4

Don’t rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary—know the score on each home tax deduction and credit.

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For all your Lake Travis needs: http://www.laketravis.com/ Follow me here: http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

For all your Lake Travis needs:
http://www.laketravis.com/
Follow me here: http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 7, 2011

LCRA to help waterfront property owners. Read here: http://www.lcra.org/newsstory/2011/freeconservationmarchworkshop.html

Kids eat for a penny is back at Johnny Fins MONDAYS!! www.johnnyfins.com follow me here http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Kids eat for a penny is back at Johnny Fins MONDAYS!!
www.johnnyfins.com

follow me here http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Regulators craft mortgage-lending rules

http://wapo.st/dU3GQP

Federal regulators are considering two options that would require lenders making certain types of mortgages to retain a stake in those loans, an effort designed to avert a repeat of the mortgage market meltdown and encourage prudent lending.

Words for the wise at http://austinlaketravisstyle.blogspot.com/

Question of the day: Who will be the last 2 teams standing in Houston on April 4? Go..

Friday, March 4, 2011

BEFORE THE MOVE Moving Tips : Moving with Kids

http://bit.ly/fnQRPl

Most children have some semblances of a "natural explorer" or an adventurous, curious side to them. You should appeal to that explorer/adventurous side when telling kids that the family is moving. This way, you'll help them view the move as an experience that can lead to exciting discoveries.

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Great website for deals, places to go and things to do around Lake Travis http://www.laketravis.com/

Great website for deals, places to go and things to do around Lake Travis
http://www.laketravis.com/

28 Tips for Hanging Art

http://bit.ly/f1QfMS

Hanging artwork baffles many home decorators. How high should a picture be hung on the wall, what color should the matting be, and how can you decide what goes where?

Read more for some great tips and ideas!

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Thursday, March 3, 2011

Austin Weather Lineup http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Austin+TX+78732

Austin Weather Lineup
http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Austin+TX+78732

When It Pays to Do It Yourself

http://bit.ly/h5ehGP

Doing home-improvement jobs yourself can be a smart way to save money, but choose the right DIY projects or you’ll end up paying dearly.

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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Getting a Mortgage Before the Door Shuts

http://on.wsj.com/i5vpBD

If you have been sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to buy a new house or refinance a mortgage, you should act soon. New loans are starting to get costlier.

The mortgage market is facing pressures from new laws and regulations, still-declining home prices and the ongoing need for government-owned mortgage players to shore up their finances. The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts mortgage originations, which reached $3 trillion in 2005, will be less than $1 trillion this year, the lowest level since 1997.

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Pricing a Home to Sell

http://bit.ly/h8LpIC

The most popular real estate slogan has always been "location, location, location." Well, folks, there's a new slogan in town, and his name is "price, price, price." You can have the most fabulous Malibu beach house, but if you are overpriced, you won't sell in today's market.

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Gardening not just for adults anymore http://www.statesman.com/life/gardening/students-use-their-heads-in-cabbage-contest-1282432.html

Gardening not just for adults anymore
http://www.statesman.com/life/gardening/students-use-their-heads-in-cabbage-contest-1282432.html

Rodeo Line-up is Great This Year! http://www.ticketcity.com/concert-tickets/country-folk-tickets/austin-rodeo-tickets.html

Rodeo Line-up is Great This Year!
http://www.ticketcity.com/concert-tickets/country-folk-tickets/austin-rodeo-tickets.html

Five Signs That Say 'Buy'

http://on.wsj.com/gOmoQ9

Jobs. Some parts of the country were less affected by the recession than others. Prospective buyers should review job-growth data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, at www.bls.gov. Unlike many backward-looking economic statistics, jobs data are only about a month old and can "clearly show the direction of the local economy," says Carolyn Beggs, chief operating officer of real-estate data provider Local Market Monitor Inc. The National Association of Home Builders also posts state and local employment data, at NAHB.com.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Austin School Relief? Courtesy Austin Chronicle http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2011-02-25/city-aisd-look-for-school-fixes/

Austin School Relief?
Courtesy Austin Chronicle
http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2011-02-25/city-aisd-look-for-school-fixes/

Real Estate Outlook: Existing-Home Sales Rise

http://bit.ly/ftPoWL

The housing market continues to keep experts and analysts on their toes.

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