|
|||||||
|
It’s My Park Day is a yearly event which takes place in area parks and trails throughout Austin, during which Austinites are asked to volunteer a few hours to help with park cleanup and hike/bike trail maintenance, this is a very important day in Austin as one of the many great things about living here is the large number of parks and hike/bike trails that it has to offer. I haven’t picked a location for myself yet, but if you see me be sure to say hi. Sign up here.
1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.
2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet’s phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.
3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can’t find the food right away in your new area.
4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.
5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet’s life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian’s phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.
6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.
8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client’s expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn’t meet your criteria, keep looking until you’re assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.
9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.
10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you’re traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.
Source: The Pet Realty Network (www.petrealtynetwork.com) Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Search Austin Homes Contact Me According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis the Austin has the fastes growing econoy of 50 other large metro areas. Click on the link below for a great article on the Central Texas economy. 
Gabardine in one of South Austin’s newest communities. It is located just off Frate Barker Rd near Brodie LN, just south of Shady Hollow. This gated community is perfect for the empty nester or the busy professional who doesn’t have time for yard maintenance as the Home Owners Association (HOA) will takes care of that for you, plus this cozy community boasts some greenbelt lots, look for a community center with a pool in the future. Five floorplans are available for move in as of 9/26/2009, and with the expiration of the $8000 tax looming now is the time to buy. Price range: From $160,000s to low mid $200,000s
Amenities: Gate Yard Maintenance Community Center(Future) Pool (Future)
Location:  Looks like in spite of all of the economic issues around the USA, Austin is still growing!
AUSTIN LEADS IN BIG-CITY JOB GROWTH AUSTIN (Austin American-Statesman) – The Austin area stood out for the third month in a row as the nation’s strongest job market among big cities, according to data released Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among the 38 metro areas with a workforce of at least 750,000, only Austin gained jobs from April 2008 to April 2009. The area posted a 0.4 percent gain, adding a total of 3,400 jobs and bringing the regional job count to 781,400. Midland and Odessa also posted gains of 2.2 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.
AUSTIN: 2025 AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) – The population of the Austin metro area is projected to grow by more than 2.7 million by 2025, according to an analysis by bizjournals. Austin’s projected growth rate ranks fifth among 250 U.S. metros studied. Bizjournals forecasts an 87 percent growth rate from the area’s 2005 estimated population of 1.5 million to a 2025 projected population of 2.7 million, giving it the highest growth rate of any Texas city. The McAllen-Edinburg area is projected to be the second-fastest growing area in Texas with an estimated 56 percent growth in population. Among other Texas cities:
DR Horton is one of Austin’s most successful home builders. They offer good quality homes in the areas that Austinites love. With great architectural DR Horton currently is offering some great homes in various locations throughout Austin. In Circle C Ranch’s Alta Mira section, DR Horton is building some great homes, some even back to a park area. These homes start in the high $300,000 range and are well worth a tour. Just south of Slaughter LN off of Manchaca Rd in South Austin is Sweetwater Glen. This detached condo community features the Bungalow Style architecture, back yards, great upgrades, and the option of forgoing a tub in the master bath and having a large shower installed instead. Home prices start in the high $180,000s and go up to the high $210,000s.
The Village at Kyle shopping center, which is under construction, is within 5 minutes, the new Kohls and Target are very close by as well. Prices start in the low $140,000s and go up to the low $160,000s. DR Horton has numerous communities throughout the Austin Area, contact me soon and I will help you find the community to fit your needs. Why use an Agent to purchase a new home? The advantages of having an agent help you purchase a new home are the same as those for purchasing a resale home…
The builder has a professional representative watching out for his/her needs, and you need the same expert representation. It is very important that your interests be professionally represented when you are entering into a contract for a semi-custom or build-to-suit home. These transactions are complex and the contract details must be exact in order to protect you and to ensure you get exactly the home you want! DR Horton is one of Austin’s most successful home builders. They offer good quality homes in the areas that Austinites love. With great architectural DR Horton currently is offering some great homes in various locations throughout Austin. In Circle C Ranch’s Alta Mira section, DR Horton is building some great homes, some even back to a park area. These homes start in the high $300,000 range and are well worth a tour. Just south of Slaughter LN in South Austin is Sweetwater Glen. This detached condo community features the Bungalow Style architecture, back yards, great upgrades, and the option of forgoing a tub in the master bath and having a large shower installed instead. Home prices start in the high $180,000s and go up to the high $210,000s.
The Village at Kyle shopping center, which is under construction, is within 5 minutes, the new Kohls and Target are very close by as well. Prices start in the low $140,000s and go up to the low $160,000s. DR Horton has numerous communities throughout the Austin Area, contact me soon and I will help you find the community to fit your needs. Why use an Agent to purchase a new home? The advantages of having an agent help you purchase a new home are the same as those for purchasing a resale home…
The builder has a professional representative watching out for his/her needs, and you need the same expert representation. It is very important that your interests be professionally represented when you are entering into a contract for a semi-custom or build-to-suit home. These transactions are complex and the contract details must be exact in order to protect you and to ensure you get exactly the home you want! 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
Interest rates are continuing the yoyo trend with 30 year fixed conventional rates at 4.875%, FHA is down to 4.875%, 30 year jumbo still stuck at 5.675%, VA is at 5%, 15 year fixed conventional is at 4.375%, and 30 year home equity is at 5%. Remember, your interest rate could be higher, it all depends on your credit, debt to income ratio and available cash on hand for a down payment, plus other factors. Contact a lender to find out what you would pay. |
||||||
|
Copyright © 2010 Austin Real Estate News And Opinion Blog - All Rights Reserved 177 queries. 3.213 seconds. Compression Plugin created by Jake Ruston - Sponsored by Leaf Shredder. |
|||||||
Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network (
7. Get ready for takeoff. 
styles
