Uniquely 512

On March 1st, Austin became one of the first places in the US to institute an official plastic bag ban. Fox 7 ran this story: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/21437411/austins-bag-ban-is-now-in-effect?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8537491 So far the reactions from the public seem pretty divided, though it’s the unhappy customers that tend to make the most noise (as usual). Looking at it realistically, I can see why people might be a little irritated that the plastic bags they’re so used to are out. It’s essentially a matter of convenience, which is primarily concerned with saving time. Being a Realtor, I’m all about saving time (it’s a 25/8 job), but the time savings here seems minimal. It’s not that much...

Every year on the first Sunday of March, Austin hosts one of it’s largest events: The Zilker Kite Festival. The festival is held at Zilker park (thus the name) and is possibly one of the hugest events Austin hosts every year. I’ve mentioned before how Austin is a come as you are type of place and the Zilker Kite Festival is a grand example of just that attitude. Imagine a massive art gallery in the sky, full of the independent pieces of imagination from an infinitely diverse population and you can start to picture what’s taking place. The festival was started in 1929 before Zilker Park ever actually became a public park. A group in Austin called “The Exchange Club” started the event as a sort of competition for children. The...

The friends and clients who know me well… know that one of my biggest PASSIONS in life is Traveling!  Experiencing new places and new cultures.  So I was excited to read Derek Thompson article on: 30 Most Dynamic Cities in the World.  One thing I wasn’t surprised to read about was that Austin, TX was ranked #26 most Dynamic City in the World and the only city featured from the United States. If you are one of the lucky few who call Austin, Texas home and are currently not a proud home-owner you might want to take a serious look at making that next step towards the American Dream and Financial Freedom.  Owning Real Estate is the foundation to building long term wealth.  So taking ownership of a home or an investment property in ONE of the most...

Formula1 racing is coming to Austin, TX!!! I can hardly believe it!  But it’s true …  http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/5/10824.html Austin, TX will serve as the the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix from 2012 through 2021. What are your thoughts on the Formula 1 Grand Prix coming to Austin,TX?  Good or Bad? Personally I am in favor of the Formula 1 Grand Prix event coming to our beloved city.  I believe this will have a huge positive impact on the local economy, jobs, growth, construction, real estate values, travel, etc. I do know a local developer who showed the East Austin land back in 2008 for a mega complex said Austin race mastermind Tavo Hellmund planned for a mixed-use development that would most likely...

Austin is in the news again!  Austin ranks high on ‘Quality of Life’ http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/05/24/daily8.html When you click on the article you will be able to click on a really cool interactive chart. Austin has had strong population growth, 32 percent since 2000, also helped in overall ranking, as well as a comparatively high percent walking to work , 7.1 percent. When YOU think of ‘Quality of Life’ … what characteristics come to mind? If you had to name out or list ten things that really stand out to you … that would give you that quality of life that we all seek and desire what would those be? I want to hear from you. It feels good to call Austin home.  I’m proud to be a resident of Austin,...

Austin was just named the 3rd most dog-friendly city in America according to a DogFriendly.com listing of cities with pet-accommodating transportation, parks, attractions, stores and dining. Don’t take my word for it go here http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/05/17/daily7.html?surround=lfn Austinites – What is your favorite Dog friendly spot to take your pup? My top 3 are: Town Lake, Barton Springs the free side that’s dog friendly, and of course Freddie’s Place!!!  I have many more …but didn’t want to take up half the page! haha … If you have a free day or afternoon … where are some of the cool spots that you take your pup to play?  Or your favorite hiking trails? If you are thinking about...