From December 2008 to January 2009 Austin's unemployment rate increased from 5.2% to 6.4% This most likely is due to the elimination of Christmas jobs.
Courtesy of The Austin Chamber of Commerce
And courtesy in part of http://www.dallasfed.org/data/topic.html
The Texas State Legislature has introduced a new bill that would force home buyers to pay a sales tax, or the real estate transfer tax as it currently is known, as a way to make up for loss of revenue due to the current economy. The tax monies would go towards funding programs that have absolutely nothing to do with real estate, and since it would be collected at closing as a closing cost, it would add an additional hardship on homebuyers and home sellers, as if the real estate market doesn't already have enough problems the State of Texas wants to add to them.
TREPAC is monitoring this situation closely and is going to do it's best to fight this as it not only affects home buyers and sellers it affects the real estate community as well, so together we can fight this.
If you think that this tax is bad idea contact your representative and tell them what you think.
Follow these links to review the bills:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB942
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB950
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB934
Click the following link to find out who your representative is.
http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
Click here for perspective on how this could affect you. http://texasrealtors.com/web/4/33/whyinvest/1/NARstudy_transferTaxes.pdf
In a previous article I mentioned that Austin's annual It's My Park Day was to take place on Saturday March 7th in various parks and open spaces throughout Austin, TX. I volunteered at the Zilker Botanical Gardens for several hours, and left with larger muscles.
My group was responsible for removing tree branches that had been cut earlier in the morning, weeding and removing old leaves from the Japanese Garden area. After the aggressive budget cuts that the Austin 
Parks Foundation has had to contend with, they needed our help more than I realized, a lot of the day to day maintenance is performed by volunteers and they do need more.
They even fed us fresh fruit, cookies and snack bars. Yummy!
See you next year, but if you would like to volunteer here or at other locations click here for the calendar.
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
Offered at $289,900
2403 Laramie TRL, Austin, TX 78745
This charming one story is completely remodeled with a new roof,wood floors, carpet, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Located in the Western Trails neighborhood, this home is within walking distance to Central Market and Regal Cinemas Westgate 11.
There is a very nice article about Austin's Mueller Development posted on the Austin American Statesman's website today. It appears that the project is on course to realize the dream that brought us this beautiful community. If you haven't checked this community out you should. The affordable housing program is still available as well as several homes with lots of bells and whistles.
 |
|
|
As a full time professional buyer’s agent, I specialize in helping home buyers find the right property in the right area.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
