Neighborhood Profile: The Polo Club at Rooster Springs

The Polo Club is a private residential community located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Close to downtown however once you enter thru the community gates, a distinctly pastoral charm takes over. It is home to fewer than 100 families who enjoy the outdoors and an equestrian-oriented lifestyle. Residents enjoy the beautiful Texas Hill Country setting with century-old Oak trees and a clustering of spring-fed ponds. Horses, tennis, biking, swimming, fishing and hiking unspoiled canyon trails are pastimes enjoyed by residents. Highly rated Dripping Springs ISD.

Click below to view one of my great listings in the Polo Club:
http://www.tourfactory.com/735821

Why buy in Austin? Here are just a few reasons...

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-112711-9608-3-cities-unaffected-by-a-bad-economy?ywaad=ad0035&nc

http://www.walletpop.com/2010/12/31/10-best-places-to-buy-a-home-in-2011/

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2011/05/10/austin-home-prices-expected-to-rise.html?ed=2011-05-10&s=article_du&ana=e_du_pub

http://www.statesman.com/business/real-estate/forecaster-sees-new-home-rebound-hitting-stride-in-1184568.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d361bf850d20847,0

http://www.kvue.com/news/Austins-housing-market-looks-good-going-into-2011-113133759.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2010/11/30/austin-highest-rated-recovery-in-us.html?ed=2010-11-30&s=article_du&ana=e_du_pub

http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/14/housing-buyers-list-forbeslife-cx_md_0714bestbuy.html

http://www.alamotitle-austin.com/library/19/AustinAccolades.pdf

Who tops the list for cities unaffected by a bad economy? Austin of course!

Austin ranks #1 on list of cities unaffected by the economy!

Austin, Texas
Reported GDP in 2009: $73 billion
Reported GDP today: $78.4 billion
Unemployment: 6.8%
Population change 2000-10: 20.4%

The locals want to keep Austin weird, and having a glut of jobs and a growing city definitely qualifies as weird during a period of financial turmoil. Heavy hitters such as Dell, the University of Texas, Whole Foods and Forestar Group have helped by doling out jobs, and newcomers such as Samsung have added to the city's work force. But a town that's staked its reputation on art-and-music-fueled funkiness seems to expand every time the South By Southwest music, technology and movie festival rolls through.

Read full article at:
http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-112711-9608-3-cities-unaffected-by-a-bad-economy?ywaad=ad0035&nc

Rodeo Austin… March 11-26th

The complete 2011 Schedule of Events including all your favorite Rodeo Austin hotspots: Rockin’ A Ranch, Ol’ McDonald’s Barn, Crazy Canyon, Luedecke Arena, Town Square, Kidstown and Chow Town! Plus all the ProRodeo & Live Music you can handle, check out this year’s Main Stage Line-Up:

Eli Young Band
Big Time Rush
Dierks Bentley
Jason Derulo
Blake Shelton
Easton Corbin
Josh Turner
The Band Perry
Ronnie Milsap
Joe Nichols
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Clay Walker
Loretta Lynn
Kevin Fowler

For more information visit: http://www.rodeoaustin.com/

10 Best Places to Buy a Home in 2011

Austin is voted one of the best places to buy a home in 2011! Why Austin? Texas' capital and a great college town, Austin is beautiful and the 12th-most-affordable American metro area. Job growth from 2000 to 2010 was 14.1%, according to Trulia; unemployment currently is 7.1%, compared with 9.8% nationwide. The city's population is growing too. These positive indicators are expected to continue in the coming decade. Read more: http://www.walletpop.com/2010/12/31/10-best-places-to-buy-a-home-in-2011/

Austin highest-rated recovery in U.S.

According to the Brookings Institution, Austin was ranked as having the 26th best economic recovery worldwide, the highest rank of all U.S. cities!

To read more visit:

Austin Business Journal_ Austin highest-rated recovery in U.S.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN AUSTIN!

Now-12/23: 48th Annual “The Nutcracker” @ The Long Center:
http://www.balletaustin.org/

Now-12/26: Rockin Christmas Party @ Zach Theater:
http://www.zachtheatre.org/

Now-12/24: 35th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar @ Palmer Event Center:
http://www.armadillobazaar.com/

Now-12/24: Blue Genie Art Bazaar @ Marchesa Hall & Theatre:
http://bluegenieartbazaar.com/

12/17-12/31: Radio City Christmas Spectacular @ Bass Concert Hall:
http://www.texasperformingarts.org/

12/31: First Night Austin @ Downtown:
http://www.firstnightaustin.org/

Austin Real Estate Continues to Hold Value Despite Slower Sales Volume in October

According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report released today by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Austin real estate market continues to hold its value despite a slowdown in sales.

The volume of Austin area home sales in October 2010 was 1,221, down 31 percent from the same month in 2009. Sales volume year-to-date was down five percent from the same period in 2009 with 15,228 homes sold. Homes spent an average of 92 days on the market in October 2010, up 26 percent from the same month in 2009.

The median price of single-family homes in October 2010 was $198,500, up 10 percent from October 2009. Year-to-date, the median home price was $194,990, up three percent from the same period in 2009. Sales activity in the higher prices ranges continued to increase on a year-to-date basis in October with homes priced at $500,000 and above experiencing double-digit sales increases.

According to John Horton, Chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, “Higher priced homes have continued to sell well over the last few months. This trend has been a driver in the steady increases in the median and average prices the market has experienced during the same period.”

Chairman Horton explained, “It has been a unique year in evaluating trends in the real estate market due to the impact of the expired homebuyer tax credits. Monthly comparisons are still being skewed by the artificial stimulus the tax credits provided.”

Horton added, “The market is still providing exceptional opportunities for buyers as we approach the end of the year. Increased active listings throughout the month provide buyers with a good selection of homes to choose from. This, combined with stable home prices and historically low interest rates, makes it a great time for those looking to purchase.”

Austin ranks high on safest cities list!

Click here to see the article...

http://www.kvue.com/news/Austin-Round-Rock-rank-high-on-safest-cities-list-110235794.html

Useful Financial Websites

Many of my clients have asked about good financial websites. Here are a few that I think you may find useful:

1. www.mortgagecalculator.org: easy to use mortgage calculator.

2. www.bankrate.com: has a variety of useful resources including information on more lucrative savings account rates, mortgage rates, and credit card information.

3. www.dinkytown.com: provides access to a over 350 financial calculators for things like mortgage, auto, tax, budgeting, credit cards, retirement, and investment and savings.

New Lows for Long-Term Mortgages

Long-term mortgage rates hit new lows this week, on signs inflation remains in check.
The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the week ending Oct. 7 was 4.27 percent, down from 4.32 percent last week. A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to an average of 3.72 percent, down from 3.75 percent last week.

Both are the lowest long-term rates have been since Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE) began keeping track.Read more: New lows for long-term mortgages - Austin Business Journal

Read more...

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/10/04/daily60.html

Get Ready for ACL this weekend!

http://www.aclfestival.com/

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Tx

October 1-3, 2010

OKTOBERFEST is a colorful, festive celebration of Fredericksburg, Texas' German heritage. Oktoberfest has become an annual tradition around the world. Oktoberfest is a community event of family entertainment featuring two stages and two tents with continuous oompah music, art & crafts, Children's fun area ~ Kinder Park, a German Bier Tent, and Oktoberfest Vineyard area, plus delicious food and drink ... all weekend long!

http://www.oktoberfestinfbg.com/

Texas Wine Month-Fall Events

October 1-31: Texas Wine Month Wine Trail, Hill Country

About 20 area wineries offer a variety of events.

www.texaswinetrail.com

October 8-10: 6th Annual Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction

Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction is pleased to continue its tradition as a major

fundraiser for Texas wine research. The festival is hosted over a fall weekend at the

Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. The weekend offers

seminars, lunches, winery tours and a gala dinner and wine auction with celebrity

guest chefs and Texas wine and food experts.

www.texasfallfest.com

October 7: Tour de Vin - Whole Foods Market • 525 N. Lamar Blvd.

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas & Whole Foods Market invite you to get your

passport stamped at Tour de Vin, a world tour of the finest international wine and

cuisine to be found in Central Texas. Join us on the rooftop plaza of Whole Foods

Market on October 8th for a truly world-class tasting, silent auction and live music

under the stars.

www.winefoodfoundation.org

October 7-10: Gruene Music & Wine Festival, Gruene, Texas

For the 24th year, the Gruene Music & Wine Fest is an event featuring the best in live Texas

music, Texas food and of course, Texas wine. What's more, proceeds from each event benefit

The United Way of Comal County.

www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org

October 10: Kiepersol Estates Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp

Plan to be at the 10th annual Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp in the vineyard. Great family fun

and music in the vineyard. Old World Grape Stomping, Fabulous Wine, Sangria and Wine-a-Ritas,

Festive Music, Children's Activities, Great Food and Unique Vendors.

http://www.kiepersol.com/winery/harvest_fest.shtml

October 14: 21st Annual La Dolce Vita, Austin, Texas

Experience this annual food & wine festival on the grounds of Austin's beloved lakeside oasis: Laguna

Gloria. Sample fare provided by over 50 of Austin's most prestigious chefs, and linger over fine wines. This

highly anticipated event supports the exhibition and education programs at the Austin Museum of Art.

Support AMOA and experience for yourself why Austin voted it the "Best Food Event".

www.amoa.org/ladolcevita

October 23: 20th Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival, Fredericksburg

Held in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas, on Marktplatz (the 100 block of West Main Street). It is a

full-course celebration of Texas food, wine, music, specialty booths, food court, and fun for all.

www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com

Austin City Limits Festival

Date:October 8-10, 2010

Location: Zilker Park

http://www.aclfestival.com/

Austin City Limits Music Festival fans can support recycling projects and other environmental initiatives across the state through the purchase of the commemorative ACL Festival green bag.

H-E-B was among the first major retailers to introduce reusable shopping bags, and established the Green Bag Grants program on Earth Day 2008. The idea behind the program was to reward Texans for buying and using the bags. Since then, H-E-B has given back $0.05 from the purchase of each reusable H-E-B bag to support the statewide grant program with up to $50,000 per year.

To date, non-profit organizations have received over $150,000 to improve and protect the natural beauty of Texas through this program. Look for these commemorative ACLMF bags at select H-E-B stores.

Austin Jazz Festival

Day: October 2, 2010

Location: Zilker Hillside Theater

The lineup and schedule for the 2010 Jazz Festival in Austin is as follows:

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – John Mills Times Ten

6:15pm -7:15pm – Afrofreque

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Leah and the Moonlighters

8:45 pm – 10:00 pm – The Austin Jazz All-Stars – Butch Miles Ephraim Owens, Jon Blondell, Elias Haslanger, Dr. James Polk, Mitch Watkins, Chris Maresh

10 Markets Most Likely to Appreciate

Forbes magazine turned to real estate research firm Local Market Monitor to figure out which markets have the greatest likelihood of price appreciation because they offer a mix of jobs weighted toward growth industries.

These are the top markets, the research company concludes:

1. Raleigh-Cary, N.C.
2. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
3. Austin-Round Rock, Texas
4. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tenn.
5. San Antonio, Texas
6. Colorado Springs, Colo.
7. Albuquerque, N.M.
8. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colo.
9. Springfield, Mo.
10. Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.

Source: Forbes, Francesca Levy (09/13/2010)

Top 10 Live Music Venues in Austin

From Emily Starbuck Gerson, former About.com Guide

1. Stubb's Bar-B-Q

801 Red River St.

(512) 480-8341

Stubb's Bar-B-Q is one of the best-loved music venues in Austin. It is a delicious barbecue restaurant that features a small indoor music stage and a large outdoor stage. The outdoor stage is standing only, but the ground slopes downward toward the stage, giving those in the back a bit of a lift. They predominantly present indie and alternative rock, with past performances from Imogen Heap, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cake, and Ratatat. They showcase artists in other genres, such as The Indigo Girls and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. The crowds are great, though it can get really packed up front for some shows. Best of all, if you get hungry, you can just go inside and order some barbecue!

2. Antone's

213 W. 5th St.

(512) 320-8424

Antone's is another top-notch live music venue in Austin. It opened in 1975 as the first club on 6th Street, though it later moved to 5th Street. It began as a blues club and featured performances from B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, and other blues greats. It now also features country and rock music. It is open to all ages and claims to have helped launch the career of many local musicians. Many major acts have graced the stage since the blues era, such as Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, and Bono and The Edge (of U2). The venue is open and gives you enough room to breathe, and the crowds tend to be laid-back.

3. Emo's

603 Red River St.

(512) 477-3667

Emo’s is a small, downtown music venue with an outdoor stage and a smaller indoor stage. There is also an outdoor beer garden for those who don’t like to be in the middle of the crowd. Emo's primarily features alternative music, such as indie rock, hardcore, punk, alt-country and metal. You can find both small local acts and major national acts here. It is generally considered a hangout for the tattooed and pierced crowd, though the crowds depend greatly on which type of act is playing that night. Be warned that for some intense shows on the larger stage, mosh pits tend to form.

4. Continental Club

1315 S. Congress Ave.

(512) 441-0202

This music club has been a staple in Austin's music scene since 1957. It began as a hip, private supper club and grew into Austin's first burlesque club in the '60s. It continued to book great acts over the decades (including Stevie Ray Vaughan), and in the late '80s, the new owner designed the club to look like it did in the '50s. The Continental Club usually features swing, rockabilly, country, and retro roots music, but it attracts and welcomes all types. Many great local acts perform here.

5. The Parish Room

214 E. 6th St.

(512) 479-0474

This hip music venue in downtown Austin features beautiful hardwood floors and a great selection of beer at the bar. It is a very clean and well-kept venue with fantastic acoustics and lighting. The Parish Room chooses to be non-genre specific, though many of the artists who play here can be classified as some form of rock (many indie rock).

6. Momo's

618 W. 6th St. #200

(512) 479-8848

Momo’s is an intimate lounge and music club in the West Sixth Street area and features live music every night. Depending on the night you go, you will hear anything from R&B to Western swing to folk to pop rock. It is on the second floor, above Katz’s Deli. Sit at the bar or in front by the stage, where you can be just feet from the local musicians. Or, sit out on the deck and have a drink while you enjoy the beautiful downtown skyline.

7. Lucky Lounge

209 W. 5th St.

(512) 479-7700

Located in the downtown Warehouse District, this '60s-inspired club has a very chic feel. There is a large variety of seating options; you can sit at the bar stools, or you can sit in the lounge chairs and seats right in front of the stage. You can stand in the general open area near the stage or you can take the stairs and sit in the loft area that overlooks the rest of the club below. The bar features a unique standing area slightly above and behind it, which provides a great view of the stage. There are also pool tables up front. This club features a huge variety of local music, and I have yet to see a band there that I don't like!

8. La Zona Rosa

612 W. 4th St.

(512) 472-2293

This downtown concert spot is one of the few live music venues in town that allows entry for all ages. It feels somewhat like a warehouse and features many local bands in addition to internationally known acts such as Franz Ferdinand, The Crystal Method, and The Black Eyed Peas. Expect to find everything from rock to jazz to Latin music. There is one small stage and then a larger stage for the big acts, in addition to a full bar.

9. Bass Concert Hall

23rd St. & Robert Dedman Dr.

(512) 471-1444

The Bass Concert Hall is on the University of Texas Campus and is its flagship arts performance venue. It is an enormous concert hall and features symphonies and dance performances, but it also presents concerts from major music acts such as James Taylor, Sigur Ros, Seal, and Bonnie Raitt. It operates like a traditional theater, so it is all seated and your ticket is for a specific seat.

10. Cactus Café

2247 Guadalupe St.

(512) 475-6515

This small and charming venue located in the University of Texas student union but is open to the pubic. Around since 1979, it features only acoustic music. There is also a full bar. Local, national, and international acts perform here. Some major names who have played here include Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin, Alison Krauss, The Dixie Chicks, and Townes Van Zandt.

Unplugged at the Grove

Thursday Nights

Shady Grove Restaurant

http://www.theshadygrove.com/unplug.html

"Unplugged At the Grove", presented by 93.3 KGSR,will showcase some of the best of Austin's diverse musical community each Thursday, weather permitting, under the stars on Shady Grove's tree-shaded patio.

Austin Museum Day

September 19, 2010
25+ Local Museums - Visit For Free
you can enjoy exhibitions and activities at 25 participating museums for free. No tickets are required for Austin Museum Day.