http://www.joecline.com/blog About the Austin Real Estate Market Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:39:56 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Spring cleaning is an annual ritual for most homeowners: throwing out the old, dusting and shining up the new, and generally giving the whole house a thorough scrubbing and polishing. Environmental responsibility has added a new twist to this old tradition, however; many Austin residents now choose to go ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/03/09/think-green-when-you-spring-clean/ The State of Texas is prepared to spend big money to lure social networking site Facebook to the Austin area. The $1.4 million incentive package is intended to make Austin even more attractive to Facebook, which has its main corporate headquarters in Palo Alto, California and has recently announced ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/03/01/austin-sets-its-sights-on-facebook-expansion/ Well, it's been a long time and I have to admit, that I am surprised super happy that REALTORS Property Resource,LLC has shared the Content License Agreement with NAR's members. I just read about the revamped RPR agreement on Inman News. Seems to be a pretty long document, but as ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/02/23/realtors-property-resource-licensing-agreement-made-public/ [caption id="attachment_542" align="alignleft" width="417" caption="NAR makes it rain to the tune of $20MM for the boys at RPR!"][/caption] I'll be the first to say that technology can be sexy. Especially, when it's technology that you wished you had. That kind of thinking makes me wonder if NAR didn't fall in love ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/02/18/did-nar-just-fall-in-love/ St. David’s HealthCare recently announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the Heart Hospital of Austin, Texas from MedCath Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. St. David’s, one of the largest employers in Austin, has long been considered a leader in the healthcare field throughout the region. ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/02/17/st-davids-healthcare-to-acquire-heart-hospital-of-austin/ Yesterday, I was browsing around the net and came across another post on RPR. That's REALTOR Property Resource for those of you not familiar. It would be awesome to get some good answers back from someone intimately involved in the RPR project, but, I have yet to get public responses ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/02/16/rpr-proponents-its-good-its-free-trust-us/ One of the great advantages of living in Texas is the outstanding quality of the chili produced here in the Lone Star State. While most historians believe chili con carne was first widely served in San Antonio starting in the 1860s, the exact origins of this uniquely Texan dish ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/02/04/austin-chili-warm-up-with-something-spicy/ [caption id="attachment_477" align="alignleft" width="488" caption="The Austin Marathon has grown every year since it's inception. Expect the trend to continue as central Texans stay healthy."][/caption] Long-distance runners in training for the Boston Marathon are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010, when the AT&T Austin Marathon will be held. Runners will ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/01/26/austin-marathon-expected-to-draw-a-crowd-on-valentines-day/ [caption id="attachment_481" align="alignright" width="541" caption="Very modern look, very modern technology! "][/caption] Austin residents may soon get their first look at the ZeroHouse, a high-tech solution to the energy crisis that offers off-grid self-sufficiency for homeowners. Plans for the prototype include water conservation technology, a sizable composting unit, and two large ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/01/18/zerohouse-prototype-for-a-greener-future/ [caption id="attachment_480" align="alignright" width="310" caption="Employers finding the lure of the Central Texas hill country are moving to Austin in droves!"][/caption] Austin officials recently announced a proposed $500,000 package of incentives for the Hanger Orthopedic Group to facilitate its planned relocation to Austin. The proposal is expected to provide $50,000 per ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/01/13/austin-proactive-in-attracting-new-employers/ [caption id="attachment_482" align="alignleft" width="283" caption="Austin's drawing new solar technolgy jobs and expertise to the area. "][/caption] Austin is slated to receive $4.8 million in funding for job education and training in the high-demand field of solar technology through the U.S. Department of Labor. The program, administered by the Electrical ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2010/01/07/austin-group-to-receive-4-8-million-for-solar-technology-training/ Austin commercial real estate foreclosures in 2009 increased to more than double their 2008 levels, reflecting the effects of the recent nationwide real estate market difficulties. Austin suffered the highest rate of commercial foreclosures in the state of Texas, but other large metropolitan areas were significantly affected as well. ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/12/30/austin-commercial-real-estate-market-sees-major-increase-in-foreclosures-in-2008/ [caption id="attachment_455" align="alignleft" width="425" caption="Some analysts are worried about the increase in short sales. "][/caption] A recent deluge of short sales is creating difficulties for home sellers and buyers alike according to most real estate analysts. Lenders are overwhelmed by the number of short sales requests and are taking far ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/12/20/short-sales-worry-some-real-estate-analysts/ [caption id="attachment_445" align="alignright" width="284" caption="Austin uses single stream recycling. "][/caption] Austin has earned a reputation as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the nation, but this reputation has not come without cost. Austin’s current single-stream recycling program, which was instituted in October 2008, has cost the city over ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/12/17/austin-considers-construction-of-a-new-single-stream-recycling-facility/ [caption id="attachment_439" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Inventory down, foreclosures down"][/caption] Austin’s inventory of unsold homes decreased by about 20% over the last year, according to real estate analysts ZipRealty Inc. This is in contrast to several other housing markets, which are still seeing increases due to foreclosure and voluntary surrender of homes ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/12/13/home-inventories-shrink-while-foreclosures-decrease/ Developer Magazine has announced its 2009 Sustainable Community of the Year. Mueller is located in the vibrant city center of Austin, Texas, and reflects Austin’s commitment to green technology and environmental responsibility. The development makes use of the land formerly devoted to the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/12/08/mueller-named-developers-sustainable-community-of-the-year/ flowplayer("player", "http://www.joecline.com/images/video/flowplayer-3.1.5.swf", { clip: { autoPlay: false, autoBuffering: true } }); If you're a fan of being close to shopping, ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/12/06/wells-branch-real-estate-3210-mocha-trail-austin-texas/ The US Real Estate Market: Treasury tightens screws on mortgage firms. Loan servicers must detail plans to assist borrowers long term. Laggards could face penalties and sanctions. To read to full article visit the following link: Money.CNN.com The Austin Market: The number of active listings are down 10.05% from last year.  The number of new listings are down this ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/12/03/real-estate-statistics-for-nov-30-2009/ According to the Urban Land Institute, Austin is one of the real estate hot spots for 2010 development. Along with Washington, D.C., Boston, San Francisco and New York City, Austin is expected to see a surge in commercial development in coming years; the study indicates that 2010 will be ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/11/23/austin-highly-rated-for-commercial-investment-by-urban-land-institute/ Since mortgage interest rates have constantly kept themselves at approximately 5% for fixed rate mortgages, the idea of home refinance is attracting numerous homeowners. Refinancing to a lower rate would reduce your monthly mortgage payments. The present day economy and troubled real estate market pose a number of risks to ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/11/21/importance-of-mortgage-refinance-in-today%e2%80%99s-real-estate-market/ Maybe you've been hearing about the new tax credit designed to give money back to buyers who help create jobs and turn the economy around by buying a new (to them) home.  Well, you'd have to be living under a rock not to have heard about it, but we digress. ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/11/19/the-new-2009-2010-tax-credit/ What Did Interest Rates Do This Week? ** based on Freddie Mac weekly average survey ** 30-yr Fixed – Slightly Lower This Week:  4.91% Last Week:  4.98% 1yr Ago:  6.14% 15-yr Fixed – Slightly Lower This Week:  4.36% Last Week:  4.40% 1yr Ago:  5.81% Jumbo Fixed (Average 30-yr Fixed) Last Week:  5.75% Previous Week:  5.895% Highlight of This Week’s Major Economic Reports Trading activity ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/11/15/111309-mortgage-market-week-in-review/ [caption id="attachment_352" align="alignnone" width="371" caption="Choose Austin for college and your piggy banks will be happy"][/caption] A recent survey has good news for those living in college towns like Austin. The annual Coldwell Banker College Home Price Comparison Index listed Austin as the 59th most affordable college market in the United ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/11/14/austin-ranks-high-among-college-towns-for-affordability/ What Did Interest Rates Do This Week? ** based on Freddie Mac weekly average survey ** 30-yr Fixed – Slightly Higher This Week:  4.92% Last Week:  4.87% 1yr Ago:  6.46% 15-yr Fixed – Slightly Higher This Week:  4.37% Last Week:  4.33% 1yr Ago:  6.14% Jumbo Fixed Average 30-yr Fixed:  5.895% [caption id="attachment_360" align="alignnone" width="425" caption="Mortgage Market Update"][/caption] Highlight of This Week’s Major Economic ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/10/19/323/ Year after year you sign a new lease and move into or extend your time in an apartment. In time this can become tiring, particularly if you don’t have to or want to move anywhere else. Finding a permanent home is often more appealing. For some living situations, a house ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/10/14/smaller-family-ownership-options/ Asset protection is a term many home owners are well aware of, however first time home owners often know little about. Asset protection is the insurance designed to help protect your real estate and the assets within your home, in the event of unexpected emergency. Often this focuses on financial ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/10/05/asset-protection-basics/ Real estate is a business that many don't realize can be made very simple for a buyer or seller by selecting the right person to represent you. Sounds like over simplification? It isn't in the least. Real estate is a very involved process that includes knowledge of local and state ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/22/real-estate-support/ Several years back real estate fraud was a major issue. This is often resulting in some form of mortgage fraud equaling potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. This can be anything from falsified paystubs to elaborate schemes that include titles being altered to reflect a person other than the mortgage ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/17/mortagage-fraud-identification/ With the down-turn of the economy and the highest unemployment figures in decades, many people are becoming more aggressive in finding new employment. Others people are retraining for a new way of life. Some discerning people are taking a new approach, investing in their futures. We highlighted some facts to ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/16/real-estate-do-we-pause-or-invest/ Downtown Austin thrives in the midst of unbelievable development and opportunity. In the midst of this growth and development comes continuous controversy. The business district's historical locations are being lost through the development. At present, not one structure in downtown Austin has been submitted to receive historical protection or landmark ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/15/historic-downtown-austin/ We watched the market plummet, and for the first time in so many decades, witnessed the fall of enormous banking systems and mortgage lenders. We have also seen an unprecedented taxpayer bail-out for the financial industry. As an example to their counterparts, the Federal Housing Administration has demonstrated the fundamental ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/14/the-federal-housing-administration-solid-through-it-all/ If you are selling your home you have no doubt heard the term ‘curb appeal’; your landscaping is the cornerstone of that curb appeal. With the right look your home can be both appealing and cost effective. Although you have several options for your landscaping, the best choices come from ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/14/texas-friendly-plants-for-your-landscape/ At the midyear housing forecast meeting of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, Mark Sprague, the Austin partner for housing market tracker Residential Strategies, Inc., said that the lack of new lots being developed in central Texas, along with the continued slowdown in homebuilding through 2009 is going to ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/05/central-texas-housing-overview/ The National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set requirements and standards that all states are legally bound to adhere to, in the Clean Air Act. These are designed to reduce green house emissions from cars, and other modes of transportation. Texas, like every other state, is permitted to set ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/09/01/a-great-green-improvement-to-come/ The last three years have seen sharp decline in the housing prices. Many of the declines have bottomed out markets and some local areas simply fell to the bottom and found they could go lower. Finally prices seem to be stabilizing across the board. What is good for the ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/08/15/housing-market-stabilization-good-for-all/ When you are shopping for your home, you need to do everything you can to assure the best results for your investment. One crucial area in your new home search that should never be overlooked is your home inspector. The home inspector should be a valued and treasured member of ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/08/10/working-with-an-inspector/ So you're selling a home in Austin. If it becomes possible to review a new home area, or several open houses do so. In this case the size does not matter, neither does type of home. What you are going to be looking at is the design. You will see ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/08/04/your-home-anonymous/ Invest in Commercial or Residential properties. There are a lot of decisions that must be made when investing in Real Estate properties. Each property Investment will have its own unique requirements and conditions. Therefore, strategic planning is of the utmost importance. Some of the issues you will have to consider before planning ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/07/17/options-for-new-real-estate-investors/ Austin has experienced some significant heat concerns as of late. In some cases people have found they need to adjust and readjust how they do things, to avoid the heat. As stifling as it has been, there are some guidelines to follow that are crucial for everyone. These common sense ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/06/30/avoiding-the-heat-complications/ Austin Water Utility Inspector has cleared the way for environmental housing builders to offer a new option to home owners. It is an environmentally friend toilet, one that both saves on drinking water and helps farmers and gardeners develop some of the best fertilizer available. This amazing option is the ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/06/19/composting-toliet-a-new-greener-option/ Austin tops the lists again! Brookings Institute in Washington, DC conducts their ‘MetroMonitor' survey every quarter. They released their comparison research for the last quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009. The top 5 cities are all in the South West Region. Naturally, Austin has ranked among the top ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/06/18/austin-on-top-again/ Forbes once again has to recognize the brilliance that is Austin, Texas. After performing a survey of the most affordable place to live, and the most pleasant on your wallet, Austin took first place. This survey evaluated 4 questions across 50 major metropolitan cities and local vicinities. This makes official ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/06/17/forbes-ranks-austin-number-1-once-again/ Of the major metropolitan areas across the United States of America with a potential labor force above 750 thousand, only 1 has gained jobs since 2008. That incredible achievement was reached in Austin, Texas. The National Bureau of Labor released the results comparing Apr. 2008 and Apr. 2009, and for ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/06/07/austin-jobs-incresed-3rd-month-over-2008/ As the baby boomer generation, the whole 78 million individuals are reaching retirement age; their lives are lasting much longer than those alive during the time they were born. This means that when they are at retirement age, the homes they have worked so hard to pay for and own, ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/06/01/home-adaptation-help-baby-boomers/ When 2009 opened, Barack Obama was inaugurated, and he very quickly passed the Economic stimulus bill. This stimulus package included an 8000 dollar tax credit for new home buyers. This is a fantastic incentive, however it is a down the road repayment, and the department of Housing and Urban Development ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/05/23/hud-working-for-new-home-buyers/ When someone is looking for a second home, either as a vacation home or an investment property, the motivation and influencing factors are very different than that from a first home buyer. This is more valid in today's buyers market. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a report that showed ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/05/20/vaction-home-purchases-dropped/ Austin Energy has a program developed to help residents, business owners and property investors reach for a greener environment. They offer green education programs, assistance and consulting on all levels of real estate. To further show their commitment to the community as a whole they also offer free home energy ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/05/12/free-energy-improvements-with-austin-energy/ Does your home need a remodel? Most homes don't need a full remodel before going on the market, but there are some things that you can do before you market your home that will increase the overall value. Some of these suggestions are simple and easy to do, and will ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/05/09/increase-home-value-with-these-tips/ Home Buyers find opportunity during the summer. As sellers realize that the warm weather is more accommodating to the moving process they put their homes on the market. This wonderful process enables a buyer to shop for the home they want, and will be happy in for years to come. ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/05/05/summer-time-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-home/ The weather is getting warmer, so is the itch to move. If you are wanting to sell, now is the time to watch the area and see the market move. This means that now is the time to start planning for the move and the sale. As with everything, advanced ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/05/01/summer-home-sales-tips/ The city of Austin has been a true diamond in the rough throughout this recession. While many comparable cities have struggled with enormous foreclosure and unemployment rates, Austin has steadily maintained home values and prices. The city actually managed to create jobs while nationwide hundreds of thousands of employees were ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/04/15/austin-is-1-again/ The recession has been official for several months, though many believe it began long before the government announced it. The first signs of a dwindling economy began in 2007, with a sharp increase in foreclosure rates nationwide. More recently, the shaky job market has added to the stress in the ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/04/08/economy-worsens-foreclosures/ The recession has made a lot of people look more into their surroundings when looking for a new place to work or live. The jobs are out there, you just have to know where to look. In the last few months alone, more than 100,000 people have lost their jobs. ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/04/07/another-top-ten-for-austin/ With an economy that is still creating jobs, it is no wonder why Austin has been doing so well throughout this recession. The city has had tremendous focus on business friendly developments over the last several years. Home prices continue to be reasonable, and the natural beauty only enhances the ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/04/04/austin-still-looking-good/ It is no secret that the housing market has suffered a great many blows over the last several years. Austin has seen its share of woes, as well, though overall it has done much better than many other areas in the country. Last year brought somewhat less demand than supply, ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/04/01/real-estate-market-for-austin/ The first real sign of our impending recession began in the national real estate market. Thousands of sub-prime loan holders began to fall behind or default completely as the job market became stressed. Since 2007, home prices have been on a steady decline nationwide. According to a recent report, the ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/25/rate-of-decline-is-slowing-down/ It is the rare individual who today buys a home outside of a development. Almost all houses and units of property are a part of a planned community. As such, almost all houses and units of property are governed by a homeowners association (HOA). In fact, it is estimated by ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/20/facts-about-homeowner-associations/ Today's links § § § § § § § § § § From the National Association of REALTORS Promoting Energy Efficiency in the Nation's Buildings The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 does much to promote energy efficiency in the nation's buildings. And tax incentives are among the engines driving the shift. ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/18/daily-real-estate-links-promoting-efficiency-green-statistics/ § § § § § § § § § § While I don't see the downturn the way the folks who sell papers need to see it, I'm all for presenting both sides of the story. From the Austin American Statesman RECESSION SLAMS INTO TEXAS AUSTIN  – The recession has finally slammed into ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/17/daily-real-estate-stories-03-17-09/ Found in my pile of magazines and folder of e-newsletters: § § § § § § § § § § Apartment REIT Stocks Fall to Five-Year Lows Industry is hurting, but not as badly as other commercial sectors. The stock market is falling to levels not seen since 1997-and apartment REITs are not immune. ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/16/daily-links-3-16-09/ Currently, you are a buyer. You are operating from the point of view of someone who wants to obtain property. As such, you have located a real estate agent, conducted research on quality areas with even more quality prices and toured several homes. You've seen many that you wouldn't mind ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/16/the-art-of-buying-and-then-selling/ You are about to put your house on the market. But before you list, given real estate's current status, you decide you need an edge over your competitors - an extra draw for buyers. You are thinking along the lines of a remodel. You might renovate the kitchen, making everything ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/12/don%e2%80%99t-get-carried-away-remodeling/ Now that you've reached your golden years, you've started thinking differently than you did when you were 40. Your needs and wants are not what they once were. You aren't working; you're retired, and so you need a little more money. What can you do? You can obtain a reverse mortgage. A ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/08/when-going-in-reverse-makes-sense/ Refinancing has its draw. If you have an adjustable rate mortgage, you can refinance and switch to a fixed rate mortgage, guaranteeing you the same level of payment every month. Or if you have an adjustable rate mortgage and simply want to switch to a loan with lower interest rates, ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/02/does-refinancing-add-up/ Everyday you receive notices announcing your pre-approval for a credit card, visa card or membership. If you act immediately, you are told, you will be able to get the card and thus the items you want to purchase. But what happens when what you want to purchase is a ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/03/01/mortgage-you%e2%80%99ve-been-pre-approved/ In 2006, there were 818 cases of mortgage fraud, with 213 indictments, 204 convictions, $388.9 million in restitution and $1.4 million recovered. In 2007, as the real estate industry fell into an ever-growing slump and mortgages became increasingly more difficult to obtain and maintain, the situation worsened. On May 22 2008, ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/27/desperate-times-call-for-profiting-scammers/ It used to be that a house delivered pre-built to a lot wasn't something most people considered. When they bought, there was generally a house already there. If there wasn't, they erected one on-site, trucking in pieces rather than a structure. But times have changed, and modular housing has gone ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/25/another-housing-option-modular-housing/ These days, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are far from the two most popular kids in town. Groups on all sides of the political and ethnic spectrums have been criticizing them for designating entire geographic regions as declining, thus causing higher down payments for home buyers and little to no ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/23/fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-shape-up/ One of the tested answers to the housing crisis was to make jumbo loans more accessible by allowing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more expensive mortgages, ones that were higher than the conforming loans, which capped at $417,000, they had previously been restricted to. Once purchased, Fannie Mae ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/21/jumbo-loans-produce-small-changes/ You have amazing plans. They involve you buying a house that might need a little work but has a lot of potential. You'll take that potential and use it to create a green haven. Your home will be more eco-friendly than even you had ever imagined. Everything in it will ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/19/prepare-being-green-costs-green/ In most cases, your property tax bill will be automatically adjusted if a change is deemed necessary, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pay active attention to the details of your bill. Mistakes happen. Homes can be overvalued, foreclosures can be mistakenly foreseen and clerical errors can (and often do) ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/17/paying-attention-to-your-property-tax-bill/ These days, concern for the environment has us focusing on clean air outside. We attempt to reduce carbon emissions by walking rather than driving, limiting unnecessary pollutants and supporting eco-friendly organizations. However, that's not the only air we should be concerned about. Indoor air quality is important, too, especially in ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/13/clean-air-inside/ The Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) have been both creative and enthusiastic in their efforts to educate, accelerate, and motivate the population at large about the enduring benefits that come when we reduce the impact on the environment that is generated from fossil fuels, ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/11/solar-decathlon-for-energy-efficiency-technologies/ A Living or Planted roof is not a new concept, in fact the concept dates back to the ancient times of Babylon when they displayed hanging gardens and built terraces of stone with lush layers of reed and tar on which plants and trees grew in soil. Today we live in ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/07/green-roof-is-a-green-roof-the-way-for-you/ Going Green is slowly becoming a new way of life. As more and more people become aware of the critical impact of the current demands being placed and our natural resources, individuals are taking steps assist in reducing their carbon foot print. We are adopting a more responsible way preserving ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/04/is-going-green-really-green/ The home building industry has been presented with a new challenge. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a voluntary program that challenges these builders to construct homes that are more energy efficient. The challenge proposes that newly constructed homes will run with at least 30% more efficiency than ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/03/a-new-age-in-home-building-the-challenge/ Solar American Initiatives (SAI) - Their Mission The cost is of solar energy continues to be prohibitive to consumers and end users. The ultimate goal for Solar America Initiatives (SAI) is to strengthen U.S. security by becoming less dependent on fossil fuels, and to assist in providing a cost effective solar ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/02/01/solar-american-initatives-good-for-green/ Round Rock is a city about 15 miles north of Austin. The city is located in the Texas hill country, a beautiful place to live while commuting to the larger city. Round Rock has its own employers, though, with Dell and Farmers Insurance calling it home. The city has been ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/23/round-rock-school-ratings/ Round Rock, a suburb of Austin has been recently recognized by the University of Texas Center for Performance Excellence (UTCPE) for achievements in one of their schools and several departments. These awards are based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards program. The Baldrige criteria are used as a basis ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/19/round-rock-recognized-for-achievements/ Austin has been at the forefront of green living since before it became popular. Many local builders now offer green options from construction site to completion. One builder in particular has gone a step past that. Green Builders in Austin now also offers green remodeling for those who don't want ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/15/green-builders-remodeling-options/ Over the last twenty years or so, the indoor mall seems to have lost favor. The number of new malls has decreased significantly, and there is only one set for construction in 2009. Until recently, malls have been placed away from residential areas only. For all the convenience they may ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/09/living-at-the-mall/ During these hard economic times, many new retail construction projects have been delayed or cancelled in Austin. Though the city remains one of the best new development spots for retailers, these are hard times to expect great return on investments. Northcross Mall, however, has seen the beginnings of a new ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/07/wal-mart-construction-will-go-forward/ Austin is a city of great historical significance. Residents here adore the older homes and many wish to make at least part of Austin a historical site to stymie any further new construction or remodeling that may take away from the city's atmosphere. Austin has only passed a preservation act ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/05/preserving-austin-2/ Austin has been recognized many times for its ability to stay above the real estate crisis, credit crunch, and current economic status. As a matter of fact, Austin is expected to continue a steady influx of new residents throughout the next several years. The city is a great spot for ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/03/austin-growth-potential-gets-attention/ The environment and our impact on it has become a hot topic recently. We are all looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprints, decrease energy usage, and conserve water. To many, it may seem a daunting task to change to a green lifestyle, but there are many small ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2009/01/01/small-steps-to-living-green/ Many homeowners today are leaning toward an environmentally friendly home. If it is time to remodel your floors, you may be happy to know that there are several eco-friendly options to choose from. Floors designed with the environment in mind not only last as long as traditional floors, but also ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/30/green-floor-options/ Starting in October of this year, residents in Austin began to see the little blue recycling totes change to 90-gallon bins. Pick up for recycling has changed to every other week and now more items can be recycled. This is all part of Austin’s new single stream recycling program. The ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/29/new-recycling-program-for-austin/ Many people have wanted to help the environment but feel it is impossible since most green additions are more expensive than traditional ones. While this can be true, there are a few ways to go green without breaking the bank. This can be done by simply adjusting a few things ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/27/green-tips-for-tight-budgets/ Hey everyone in Austin and afar, I hope that you're having a wonderful holiday! Stay warm and enjoy the time with your family. Joe http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/25/merry-x-mas/ These days the environment is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Homeowners are looking for ways to reduce energy usage and water waste. Saving energy also saves money. Many people think that going green can be expensive and this can cause less people to go eco-friendly. The good news is ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/23/green-tips/ Austin has been less affected thus far by the national recession than many other comparable cities. The most recent tax revenue information, however, does show a decline in tax revenue for the city. These taxes are allocated by the comptroller's office from sales in October of this year. While many ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/20/austin-tax-revenue-declines/ The Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration would love to increase the number of bicycles on the road. Cutting back on personal car usage will significantly reduce greenhouse gases and help the environment. A combined study to determine the possibility of this has shown that most bicyclists ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/19/texas-bicycling-lawy-is-setting-the-green-standard-for-employers/ The city of Austin has done well during the recent real estate crisis. Austin has been included in many “Top 10” lists, including those for home buyers and home sellers. The city has also been recognized for its embracing of green building. The Austin Green Building Program offers many tips ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/17/austin-green-building-program/ Austin has become a city at the forefront of the “Green Movement”. With the help of the Green Building Program, Austin homeowners and builders have access to limitless suggestions for a more environmentally friendly home. Suggestions range from construction materials to how to efficiently heat and cool a home. Besides ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/15/cooling-a-home-with-green-in-mind/ Austin’s climate is generally easy to predict and should be easier to work with when creating landscaping plan, but the soil here is often too hot or too rocky. Those hoping to make a long-lasting and environmentally friendly yard can get help and suggestions from Austin’s Green Building Program. The ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/13/green-gardening/ It is no secret that the economy is having difficulty right now. Unemployment continues to increase. Fewer people are able to take vacations. This set of circumstances has caused the hotel industry to lose revenue throughout this year, and is predicted to have a record loss into 2009. PKF Hospitality ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/11/hotel-investment-revenue-falls/ Green has definitely become a popular color. The city of Austin has embraced an eco-friendly view on home building. Many local builders and real estate agents have placed more focus on this new facet of construction. More home buyers are looking for environmentally healthy alternatives for building materials and ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/09/green-agents-in-a-tired-market/ Throughout the current national mortgage crisis, Austin has been a city to look up to. The real estate market here never boomed out of control, meaning that it hasn’t had far to fall. Though foreclosures have gone up and the housing market has slowed, Austin is still on several top ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/05/austin-receives-many-accolades/ With more demand every day for a green environment, it is no wonder that even cleaning up has taken a turn toward green. Many commercial or residential owners are looking to have the buildings cleaned in a way that preserves the environment and enhances the indoor environment. Seeing this potential ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/03/green-cleaning/ The green movement toward an environmentally friendly way of life has become very popular lately. More people are looking at how they live and the way it affects the environment. Recycling programs are increasing and home builders are using more naturally sustainable materials and practices. New home buyers look at ... http://www.joecline.com/blog/2008/12/01/is-your-home-really-green/