Archive for the 'Austin Area News' Category
Austin Texas Economy Best In USA
March 9th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
Forbes: Austin Texas best economic recovery in U.S.
The Austin-Round Rock area tied for first on a list of large metros where the recession is easing.
Central Texas tied Washington D.C. in the Forbes.com ranking that compiles job growth and real estate industry improvement, among other indicators. Washington has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, 6.2 percent, and the city produced more goods and services than another other in 2008.
Austin has also maintained relatively lower jobless rates, though the number increased to 7.6 percent last month from 7 percent, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Statewide, the rate was unchanged at 8.2 percent from December to January, compared to 9.7 percent nationally.
Austin and Washington D.C. also benefit from their high government job generation, according to Forbes. The number of Central Texas jobs increased just shy of 1 percent between 2007 and 2009, more than any other city included in the research.
Dallas came in second on the ranking behind Austin . The number of jobs there are expected to increase more than 7 percent in the next three years. San Antonio and Houston also made the top 10 list.
Job growth projections were based on information from Moody’s. The listing also considered median home sale price changes and Metropolitan Gross Domestic Product.
This blog was brought to you by Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
For ALL your real estate needs!
Jeremy@FrostFinds.com 512.636.2746
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Central Texas Supports Haiti Relief
February 8th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
People in Central Texas will have an opportunity to reach out to Haitian people devastated by last month’s earthquake. Jubilee World Missions, in conjunction with the Round Rock Express, will host Connecting the Dots, a Haiti relief benefit dinner and live auction Thursday, Feb. 11, at the United Heritage Center at The Dell Diamond.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Haiti relief effort. Tickets are $50 per person; corporate tables are available for $500 (seating for eight). Donations also are needed for a live auction that will take place at the event. Ticket purchases and all donations are tax deductable.
Pastor Charité Noel, a Haitian national, will be the featured guest for the event. Noel serves as pastor of the Free Methodist Church in Dessalines, Haiti, where he has served for the past 35 years. He also oversees 20 churches in the Lower Artibonite Valley as a denominational superintendent. Noel will give a first-hand account of what currently is happening in Haiti.
Doors open at 6 p.m. CST with an introduction at 6:30 p.m. Missionary Chris Johnson and Noel will be the featured speakers, beginning at 7:15 p.m. The live auction will take place at 8 p.m.
For tickets, contact Patti Smith at 512.826.1508. To make a donation to the live auction, contact Tiffany Young at 512.924.9680.
This blog was brought to you by Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
For ALL your real estate needs!
512.636.2746 or Jeremy@FrostFinds.com
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FREE CMA TODAY!!!
January 11th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
For most people their home is their single greatest investment.
Do you know your homes current value? Get a FREE CMA today!
A Comparative Market Analysis is a free service that I provide to homeowners in order to give them a good idea of the estimated value on their home.
A CMA is a detailed report that compares properties of the same attributes and parameters. To give you a more accurate analysis, viewing the home is imperative but this quick CMA should give you a good idea of what is going on in the current real estate market.Check out www.AnalysisOnTheHouse.com Or feel free to contact me, Jeremy K. Frost directly at (512) 636-2746 with any questions, comments or concerns and I look forward to assisting you with all of your real estate needs.
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Money Saving Tips from Mr. Move Up!!!
December 2nd, 2009 Categories: Austin Area News
Selecting the right shower head for economy and ease of use can be a challenge. Here is some helpful information to assist you.
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Why is low-flow the way to go?
Older shower heads use between 3 and 6 gallons (15 and 30 L) of water per minute, whereas newer, low-flow models use less than 2 gallons (10 L) per minute - and you won’t even notice the difference in water pressure. What you will notice though is that your hot-water use will be reduced by up to 50%, which will cut both your electricity and water bills in the process. A family of three could save between $175 and $190 per year (depending on whether they use electricity or natural gas to heat the water) just by switching to a low-flow shower head.
Which shower head is best for your needs?
- Aerating shower heads mix air into the water stream. This maintains steady pressure so the flow has an even, full shower spray while using less water.
- Non-aerating shower hears deliver a strong spray minus the air. The water flow pulses, giving you a massaging effect.
- Multiple-flow shower heads allow you to set the spray from fine to coarse. Some even feature a pause setting, which allows you to stop the water while soaping up, saving even more. The big tip here? Remember to use it!
These helpful hints were brought to you by MR. MOVE UP
The man to call when it’s time to move…MR. MOVE UP!!!
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The Zilker Tree returns for its 43rd year as an “Austin icon”
November 4th, 2009 Categories: Austin Area News
The Zilker Tree, an 152-foot “Austin icon,” went up this morning for its 43rd straight year.
About two dozen workers put up the tree, which is comprised of 39 streamers of 3,309 multi-colored 25-watt lights strung on a metal moonlight tower. The lights are red, yellow, green and blue. Every tenth bulb is yellow, which creates the tree’s swirl design.
Visiting the tree is something of “a rite of passage for any kid who grows up in Austin,” It is also the centerpiece for the Trail of Lights Festival, which traditionally begins in early December.
This blog was brought to you by Jeremy K. Frost ~ Realtor
For all your real estate needs
512-636-2746 or Jeremy@FrostFinds.com
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Mr. Move Up’s Home Tips - Cleaning Green
November 2nd, 2009 Categories: Austin Area News
Hello Readers,
There are so many chemicals and cleaners out there that clean like a charm. But they are not eco-friendly and many can irritate your lungs, especially if you have asthma. So why clean with these products when there are clean green products that do the same job?
How to Clean Green
- Use cleaning products made from plant oils rather than petroleum. As a disinfecant, choose coconut, eucalyptus, rosemary and sage oils. These smell great and are safer disinfectants.
- Did you know that detergents with fragrance contain cancer-causing agents? So use fragrance-free laundry detergents.
- Make your own stain remover using water mixed with white vinegar. Lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide work well too!
- Use fresh air through open windows to freshen your home instead of air fresheners made with harmful chemicals.
- Baking soda and vinegar are great to clean green. Grandma knew something about How to Clean Green!
- Lemon juice and vinegar are another great alternative to clean green.
- Vinegar is a great overall cleaner for things with tough grime such as coffee pots.
- Did you know hand washing dishes actually wastes more water? So use your dishwasher.
- Keep dishes spotless but don’t use chemical-containing rinse-aids in your dishwasher. Use good old fashioned white vinegar instead.
Now you know How to Clean Green. Stock up on baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice! Also check your local store. Many manufacturers now make green products too.
This blog was brought to you by Jeremy K. Frost for all your real estate needs!
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Keller Williams Realty Food Drive A Huge Success!!!
October 29th, 2009 Categories: Austin Area News
Hello Everyone!
I want to first off thank everyone for their participation with the 2009 Food Drive sponsored by Keller Williams Realty! Thank you! It definitely would not have been a success without you!
Per the numbers, we are sitting at a little over 15,276 pounds and counting to the Austin area Food Bank! As soon as I get a final count, I will get that out to you all!
I look forward to your feedback on this event and for another exciting event next year plus please let me know if there is anything else that I may be of assistance for now.
Thanks and have a great day!
Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
512-636-2746
Jeremy@FrostFinds. com
www.MrMoveUp.com
www.LiveInHighpointe.com
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The Perfect Home Office
October 7th, 2009 Categories: Austin Area News
Hello Readers,
Here is a great article I ran across from our buddies at American Home Shield
It seems more and more, people are working from home. It has become a characteristic of the current economic landscape and since it reduces the amount of commuting, working from home is considered an environmentally friendly practice. Even if it’s used for sorting out the bills once a month, every home should have a designated workspace. Here are a few considerations for creating a tidy and effective office in your abode - without having to build an extension on your home.
The first question is where in your home you should locate your office. According to residential designer and consultant Sarah Kishk , what you need the office for is the initial consideration and will dictate your entire plan. “Ask yourself what function you will need the space to perform,” she says. “Determining this will generate a list of what equipment is essential, what your furniture and storage needs are, the types of supplies that will be required on a regular basis and whether you’ll be able to fit it all in.” The obvious choice for many - the spare bedroom - is also the best one, says Kishk. “The key to a successful home office is being able to leave your work at a moment’s notice. Having one dedicated room allows you the luxury of closing the door on your work without scrambling to tidy up.” (If you’re reluctant to lose that guest bedroom completely, simply replace a framed bed with a fold out sofa bed to make room.) But if you don’t have an entire room to spare, there are plenty of alternative solutions.
If space is at a premium, some imagination is required. The potential locations may surprise you: an office might be in the basement, in a loft, or in an odd little alcove in your home - under the stairs, on a stairwell landing, or a seldom-used hallway. For many space-challenged homeowners, Kishk says, converting a closet into an office has become a particularly popular choice.
“As long as you have good lighting, communications lines and outlets installed and access to a wireless network, you’ve got a viable space,” she says. “But above all, the most important consideration is organization. You don’t want to have to tidy up every time you leave the office even for a few minutes, nor do you want to have to search for things as they spill out into your living room, kitchen or den.” For smaller offices, she suggests adopting space-saving cabinetry that utilizes classic roll-top desk design to effectively close off the area when not in use.
Ergonomics is an important concern. You’ll need to plan out your work space to keep items such as the phone within reach; ensure the filing cabinets have room to open; and make sure the bulletin board, calendars, or “To Do” lists are situated where they can be easily seen and accessed.
Along with access to these essentials, making your home office a space you actually want to spend any amount of time in is essential. Kishk suggests including items, pictures and personal effects that have meaning. “If your office looks like a utilitarian cubicle, you’re not going to want to spend any time there,” she says, “even if it is just for sorting out bills for a few minutes each month.” Kishk says one way to automatically elevate the importance of the office, if you have a young and growing family, is to give it double duty as a learning center. “There’s nothing like original artwork, whether its crayon or finger paint, to create genuine warmth.”
This blog was brought to you by Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR & Real Estate Blogster
For all your Real Estate needs Jeremy@FrostFinds 512-636-2746
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Thinking of moving to Austin Texas?
September 25th, 2009 Categories: Austin Area News
It seems like everyone knows someone who’s moving to Austin.
In the past decade the capital of Texas has grown steadily, attracting everyone from young urban professionals to artists and students. This rapid evolution is noticeable everywhere from the busy downtown area to trendy and pricey neighborhoods. Despite the growth, Austin has managed to maintain its mellow, small-town appeal. A perennial “Best Place to Live” winner, it’s also a great place to visit, offering a range of attractions and activities.
The State Capitol, the largest in the United States, and the Governor’s Mansion, which is open for tours, will appeal to those interested in the political side of Austin. History buffs can head to the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. LBJ was one of the city’s most famous residents. In 1982, his wife “Lady Bird” created a Wildflower Center dedicated to preserving the native plants of North America. Austin also offers recreational activities from golf to walking trails in beautiful parks. The shopping, restaurants and nightlife offer world-class appeal with a down-home Texas feel.
Are you or someone you know thinking of moving to Austin Texas?
Contact Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR & Real Estate Blogster
Jeremy@FrostFinds.co or 512-636-2746
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Austin City Limits Festival
September 24th, 2009 Categories: Austin Area News
That’s right readers it’s that time of year again …time for the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Also known as the ACL Fest!
This festival has brought music lovers from all over the world to the capitol city of Texas since 2002. This 3 day festival takes place at Austin’s own Zilker Park.
The 2009 line up is one of the best yet featuring Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and so many more.
Austin City Limits Music Festival Official Website
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