All Blog Entries by Crystal Olenbush

 

The real estate market is hurting bad in some parts of the country.  Southern California has been hit the hardest with skyrocketing foreclosure rates and falling prices.  With the lack of buyers out there the home builders are desperate to move excess inventory.  How desperate?  Try “Buy one get one free!”

 

 

 

Despite all of the talk of a recession and a troubled economy, you would have a difficult time seeing signs of trouble if you were to visit Austin.  In fact, Austin has somehow managed to go against the norm and has been finding ways to prosper while much of the nation struggles with the current state of the economy.

One area that continues to boom in the city of Austin is employment.  In fact, when compared to national averages, Austin and the state of Texas are both outperforming the majority of the country.  According to recent reports, the total number of nonfarm employment rose by 2.6% in Texas when comparing April 2007 to April 2008.  Overall, the United States has only seen a 0.3% raise during that same period of time.  In addition, the seasonally…

As a taxpayer in Texas, you certainly want to save as much money as possible.  After all, you don’t want to have to pay money in taxes if you don’t have to!  At the same time, in order to reduce the amount of money you have to pay on property taxes, it is important to work within the parameters of the law.

There are four different types of home exemptions that you can apply for as a property owner in Texas.  These apply to your primary residence and they include…

    * School taxes
    * County taxes
    * Optional exemptions
    * Age 65 or older

Understanding these exemptions and how they work is important so you can take full advantage of the benefits they offer.

School Taxes

School tax exemptions are available to all homeowners and qualifying for one is quite

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A visit to Austin will provide you with a number of entertainment opportunities.  From theme parks to caverns, from family-friendly activities to fun for adults, there is plenty to do and see in the Austin area.

Austin Duck Adventures

Austin Duck Adventures take guests on a 75 minute narrated tour of the land and the lake with te help of its amphibious vehicles.  These vehicles even take a trip through downtown Austin.

Austin Ghost Tours

Austin Ghost Tours take guests along a walking tour through downtown Austin.  Offered on Saturday and Sunday nightes throughout the year, this guided tour tells of all of the Austin “haunts.”  Reservations are required to join this tour.

Austin Nature and Science Center

The Austin Nature and Science Center is a…

When purchasing or selling property in the state of Texas, there are two key laws that you must be aware of:  Community Property Laws and the Homestead Law in Texas.  Becoming knowledgeable about these laws is important in order to keep yourself protected.

Community Property Laws

According to Community Property Laws, any property that is acquired during a marriage is the property of both partners.  The only exception to this rule is if either spouse has property that is defined as “separate property.”  In order to be considered separate property, the property has to have been claimed by one of the spouses before the marriage.  Or, if it is acquired after marriage, it can be considered separate property if it is acquired as “by gift, devise or descent.”

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Do you love art?  If so, you will be thrilled by all of the art opportunities available in the Austin area.  Here is a look at just some of what Austin has to offer.

23rd Street Artists Market

The 23rd Street Artists Market is an open-air crafts market that is located across from the University of Texas.  This market showcases unique handicrafts and is open every day from 8:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night.

Art on 5th

Art on 5th showcases a variety of originally pieces as well as contemporary fine art prints. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 in the morning to 6:00 at night.

Arthouse

Arthouse strives to promote appreciate of local contemporary artists. In addition to its exhibits, Arthouse

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When you move to close on the home you are considering buying, there are many different inspections that the home will need to undergo before the purchase can be finalized.  While all of these inspections serve to help keep you better protected, they also protect the mortgage lender because it helps to insure that the home is a good investment that is worthy of a loan.  Therefore, you will likely be required to have these inspections completed before the lender will allow you to close on the deal.

Testing for Asbestos

If your home has been recently constructed, asbestos testing won’t be necessary because it was no longer used in homes after its dangers were recognized.  If you are purchasing an older home, however, you will have to have it inspected

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Once you have found the home of your dreams, you certainly want everything to go smoothly at closing time.  After all, you do don’t want anything else to stand between you and receiving those keys to your new home!  Therefore, in order to make sure the closing process goes smoothly, be certain to follow these simple tips.

Bring the Right Paperwork

Although much of the paperwork will be brought to you at the time of the closing, there are certain documents that you will need to bring with you.  One of these documents is the termite certification demonstrating that the home is free of termites. 

Before the actual closing day, you will need to provide additional documents.  For example, you will also need to bring any bills that you have acquired for

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When you pick a home inspector, you want to make sure to select someone that you can trust to give you an honest and thorough assessment of your home.  Whether you are the seller or the buyer, it is important to know precisely the shape the home is in.  That way, you can properly negotiate any repairs that may be needed. 

When you comb through all of the available home inspectors that are available to you in the Austin area, there are several factors you should look into and many questions you should ask.  Some of these questions include:

• How many years of experience do you have with working as a home inspector?
• How many inspections do you perform each year?
• Is inspecting your only business or do you do it as a side

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The Austin area is home to a number of beautiful parks and nature preserves.  At these parks and preserves, you can enjoy biking, walking, running, and hiking.  At some, you may also be able to enjoy boating and swimming as well as other recreational activities.  Here is a look at just a few of the parks and nature preserves you can visit in the Austin area.

Austin Parks

There are many parks in the Austin area for you to choose from.  The 215 acre Commons Ford, for example, offers numerous trails for you to explore.  Or, you can swim, camp, and take your boat out on Lake Austin by visiting Emma Long.  If you are interested in playing disc golf, volleyball, tennis, basketball, or fishing, on the other hand, you might want to visit Mary Moore Searightt.

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