In a week of historic changes in the US financial markets mortgage interest rates held pretty much even across the board. With the market making the largest one day drop in decades and also one of the largest one day gains in a long time to mention nothing of the historic 700 billion dollar bailout package we would have expected something to happen with mortgage rates. Instead we saw some of...
Relationships and dating are hard enough without any added stress, but in difficult economic times, it's hard to avoid the added pressure of wooing your partner on a minimal budget. New couples are the hardest hit, as it may seem too soon to forego a night out on the town in favor of dinner and a movie at home (well, at least not every night). Even couples who have relationships that are well...
Halloween in Austin, Texas is one of the most popular nights of the year for revelers in the downtown area, especially 6th Street. Every year, throngs of people, old and young alike, dress up in their scariest, wackiest, or most unusual costumes, some home-made, some from expensive costume shops, and parade down 6th Street, enjoying the party atmosphere.
6th Street promises a wild night for...
For the two weeks after the government takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae we saw a historic drop in mortgage interest rates. In fact it was the largest two week drop since 1995. This was after rates had been gradually falling for the previous two months on rumors of the takeover. After the drop, we saw rates increase pretty much across the board this week. Most fixed mortgage products...
Austin, Texas, has always boasted a highly active populace, and is often listed among the nation's healthiest and most active cities. Cycling plays a huge role in this fitness-focused city, with an abundance of resources available to cyclists of every age and experience level. The unique landscape and close proximity to the rolling Texas hill country make it uniquely suited to both mountain...
The Bryker Woods neighborhood in Austin is actually a collection of small housing developments and subdivisions, and the earliest known residents settled in the area around 1886, thus it is one of the most historic neighborhoods in the Austin real estate market, located in west central Austin. The neighborhood is roughly bordered by 35th Street, the MoPac Expressway, Westover, and Lamar, and...
One of the most attractive parts about life in Austin is our ability to be outdoors almost the entire year round. Austin's restaurants reflect this outdoorsy aesthetic, with many of them providing attractive and fun al fresco dining. Here are some of the best patios to be found around Austin.
Old Alligator Grill - This casual South Austin staple has a large, wooden patio. Specializing in...
Sticking to a budget is hard enough, but malls, outlets and grocery stores don't make it any easier; with countless promotions, sales, and strategically-placed impulse-buy items, it's easy to get sidetracked and overspend. Willpower and discipline are great tools to combat overspending, but many people find it hard to maintain them when faced with a great sale. Never fear, there are a few...
Lockhart is one of the most historic communities in Texas, the city was established by Byrd Lockhart in the 1800s. Lockhart, who was an assistant surveyor for Green DeWitt, built roads with his own finances, and requested a land grant on Plum Creek in return, which he farmed even though he lived in nearby Gonzales.
When Lockhart farmed the land, it became accessible to others, who settled...
If you are looking for direction on what to plant in that achingly empty plot outside your front door and the thought of watering every day has you retreating to your living room sofa before you can say soil-prep you will not have to look any further.
The City of Austin has excellent recommendations for you. You will be the smartest person on the block with minimal maintenance and delightful...
