LISD sees academic success and middle-of-the-road spending

Recent data released by the Texas Comptroller compares spending of tax dollors in Texas schools verses academic success for schools. The report "Financial Allocation Study for Texas" looks at how well districts are using their resources in relation to acadmic success.

LISD is in the 92nd percentile, receiveing 4 out of 5 stars.

Click to read the entire article

Austin MLS Statistics - December 2010

Similar trend to what we've seen in the last couple of months in Austin. List/Sales prices are increasing, days on market are increasing but # of sales compared month to month are down 2.1%, Austin is still strong in the housing market but with a steady unemployment rate nationwide we are seeing a slow recover.

Kennedy Ridge Estates - Water Fraud

In an American Statesman article, State investigators launched an investigation into the water supply corporation to explain water rates increases in Kennedy Ridge, residents struggle to pay the hefty bills.

A former HOA president, his wife and sister are accused of collecting thousand of dollars in water payments from residents, deposited in accounts under fake names and use the money on food, fuel, clothing and entertainment, among other things.

The residents of Kennedy Ridge are working with an attorney to lower Kennedy Ridge water rates.

To Read The Entire Austin Statesman Article

Texas Real Estate: 3rd Quarter Housing Report

The most recent Texas Quarterly Housing Report states sales volume is up. For the period of Aprial through June 2010, sales of existing single family homes increased 14% to 66,079 compared to the same quartore of the prior year. We are still seeing strength in the Texas real estate market. To read the entire report: www.texasrealestate.com

How Rising Interest Rates Will Impact Affordability

Buyers need to measure their decision choosing to wait until prices come down more. It is improbable that interest rates will remain this historically low, last time this low, President Eisenhower was in office. The following blog post has a chart showing what happens to your purchasing power if interest rates change by 1%.

How Rising Interest Rates Will Impact Affordability

Austin MLS Stats: October 2010

Still experiencing consistent increase year to year comparisons. October, in Austin, listing price increase 7.6% from the same time last year and sold price increased 7%. It is still taking longer to sell the homes, average days on market is 66.

Effort aims to preserve Hyde Park's character

On Thursday, the city council is considering making Hyde Park an historical district. Hyde Park would be Austin's third and biggest local historic district, encompassing 640 properties in the 186 acres bounded roughly by 38th, 45th and Duval streets, and Avenue A. There is an argument on both sides, for those who want to protect Hyde Park and those who feel that the restrictions could hender the stewardship of these homes. For more details, read the entire Austin Statesman Article