One of the most popular attractions in Austin is the off-leash dog park peninsula at Red Bud Isle. Let your pup roam the park, make new friends and swim until the sun goes down. Bring a towel and change of clothes so you can head right to one of Austin’s eateries that welcome furry friends.

Snack Bar is a dog-friendly and environmentally conscious restaurant just south of downtown. Bring your pooch on a stroll through the funky South Congress area, and stop by the Snack Bar patio to enjoy organic, local foods and gluten-free beer. If North Central is more your area, plan a visit Galaxy Café. You will likely meet other dog-loving neighbors as you sit at a sidewalk café table and treat yourself to a mimosa brunch.

If Saturday morning’s the best time for you to log some quality hours with your four-legged friend, grab the leash and score some fresh produce from the Sunset Valley Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Don’t forget to check out the dog-specific booths and get your favorite four-legged a special treat.

Bring Fido.com is a great resource not only for local spots to bring your pup, but has nation-wide recommendations as well. If you’re a dog parent making the move to Central Texas, speak to your REALTOR® about what details to consider when selecting a home that’s right for all members of your family.

Caring for trees during the extreme Texas drought can be a difficult endeavor. In general, the experts recommend watering a wide area round your tree (commonly referred to as the drip-line) and not to worry too much about the depth since most tree roots run less than six inches deep. TreeFolks, a local group that helps grow urban forests through tree planting, education and community partnerships, has compiled several resources to reference in learning how to care for trees as well as the area water supply.

In addition TreeFolks hosts events throughout the year to empower Austin-area homeowners and organizations to plant and maintain trees of their own. They offer two-hour workshops that teach Central Texans about tree care and maintenance, fruit tree pruning and tree identification. For the more dedicated urban tree lover, TreeFolks has an eight-hour tree care and installation class called Citizen Forester. This course employs both classroom and hands-on work on a range of topics including utilizing trees in landscape design, identifying trees, soil health, as well as pruning and maintenance. Citizen Forester and other TreeFolks workshops are taught by local arborists, foresters and landscape designers.

Learn more about what TreeFolks has in the works and keep the drought tips handy as we head into another Central Texas summer!

Right now the evenings are still getting cool in Central Texas, yards are green and newly-planted flowers are blooming. If you are looking to sell a home in Austin, curb appeal is happening pretty naturally. Come June, however, lawns won’t be looking quite so fresh without some careful pruning and planning. The most important thing to remember when looking to spruce up that first-impression is to make whatever you do intentional. Whether that means intentionally paying a professional to landscape your front yard, or intentionally filling those empty flower beds with fresh mulch, being purposeful looks a lot more polished than attempting something grand and leaving it half-finished.

One of the easiest ways to maintain a clean look for your home throughout the drought is by implementing some xeriscape elements. Texas A&M explains xeriscape as a landscaping style that saves water and protects the environment. As a bonus: It also requires minimal maintenance. Xeriscaping incorporates seven basic principles:

• Planning and design

• Soil analysis

• Practical turf areas

• Appropriate plant selection

• Efficient irrigation

• Use of mulches

• Appropriate maintenance

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are other ways to add curb appeal to your property. Pay attention to these hot spots as you are staging your home’s façade.

• The front porch: Ensure the area outside your front door is well-lit and swept clean. Replace burned-out bulbs and outdated fixtures with pieces that match your home’s era and aesthetic.

• The front door: Sand and paint your front door in an afternoon and see how it immediately adds to your home’s appeal.

• House numbers: Replace house numbers with fresh ones that are easily seen from the street.

• The garage door: Clean the outside of the garage door. This is an often overlooked element that can make a house look old and dirty.

• The driveway: Pull those stubborn weeds in and around the driveway.

Choose the projects that suit your time, skill-set and the style of your home and you’ll be amazed at what a difference some attention given to your home’s exterior can make. Talk with your Central Texas REALTOR® about ways to increase the curb appeal of your home for sale.

As part of their ConsumerVue segments, KVUE News showcases REALTOR® expertise each month to update viewers on the latest happenings in the Austin real estate market. John Horton, past chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, appeared last week on ConsumerVue to discuss the effects of the ongoing drought and encourage attendance of Water for Central Texas – Solving the Problem , a free public forum coming up next month. This event will be full of useful information supplied by experts about the water infrastructure changes needed to support our growing population.

John Horton explains that the extreme drought conditions we suffered in 2011 have made Central Texans aware of the issues we are facing; now it’s time to learn how to be part of the solution. Senator Kirk Watson will moderate the forum on April 24. Watch John’s interview and visit the Austin Board of REALTORS®´ water forum page for event details.

It’s in the news and on the minds of most everyone involved in the business of buying and selling homes: mortgage rates. It’s true, as the economy shows encouraging signs of growth, mortgage rates remain at an all-time low. Freddie Mac lists a few facts that contribute to why buying a home looks as attractive as it does right now. The following numbers are for the week ending March 1, 2012:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.90 percent. Last year at this time the 30-year FRM averaged 4.87 percent.

• 15-year FRM averaged 3.17 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.15 percent.

• Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.83 percent. A year ago, the five-year ARM averaged 3.72 percent.

• One-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.72 percent. At this time last year, the one-year ARM averaged 3.23 percent.

According to Freddie Mac, these numbers show that mortgage rates are staying near their 60-year lows, which positively impacts home affordability. While it’s true that you should be prepared to answer more questions now than you would have if you were seeking a loan in 2008 and have your credit score analyzed more carefully, “it’s not as hard as it sounds,” Kenton Brown, president of the Austin Mortgage Bankers Association explained in a recent interview with Impact News. “It is more difficult than it was four years ago. Then, you had a fog and mirror, and you got a loan. But 10 years ago, this wasn’t unusual.” Brown went on to say that mortgage lenders and insurers alike are beginning to provide support more readily for potential home buyers.

A press release issued by the Austin Board of REALTORS® last month stated that January of 2012 saw 1,051 single-family homes sold, which is 10 percent more than January 2011. In many cases, the price is right for folks to make the move from renting to buying an Austin home.

To learn more about whether now may be the right time for you to buy a home in Austin, talk with your Central Texas REALTOR® or find a REALTOR® on AustinHomeSearch.com.

As part of their ConsumerVue segments, KVUE News showcases REALTOR® expertise each month to update their viewers on the latest happenings in the Austin real estate market. Diane Kennedy, past chairman of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, appeared last week on ConsumerVue to provide some safety tips for Austin home sellers to keep in mind as the busy selling season draws near. With the rising temperatures comes a spike in the number of open houses in Austin. During this exciting time, be sure to keep yourself safe and your belongings secure. Remove valuables and other items that may be attractive to strangers perusing your home. Stay aware, and discuss your specific situation with your Central Texas REALTOR®. Watch Diane’s interview on KVUE.com for additional safety tips.

Now, with the hectic holiday season behind you, take advantage of the fact that Austin is still buzzing with activity. No matter your cup of tea, there is something for just about everyone, almost every weekend. Although our big music festivals have quite the draw, some prefer to keep it more low-key. The list below has just a smattering of what’s happening about town in the next few weeks. These events will get you out of the house, braving Texas’ fluctuating winter weather, kicking up your heels, cheering, or taking a deep breath of relaxation.

• For the thespians among you, check out a show at Zach Scott Theatre. The current show, Next to Normal, is called “The future of American musicals,” by The Washington Post and runs through March 4, 2012.

• What’s more relaxing than spending 50-80 minutes being professionally massaged, all the while knowing you received the service for a happy-hour price?! The Four Seasons Hotel Austin is offering a Spa Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. now through March 30, 2012. This incredible package gives you $50 off any massage, body treatment or facial, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, light hors d’oeuvres and even includes valet parking.

• Although the Super Bowl has come and gone, Austin sports fans need not dismay. The Austin Toros basketball season and Texas Stars hockey season will both continue into April, providing action-packed excitement for sports fanatics and families alike.

• Now’s your chance to be a part of a flash mob, like you’ve seen on TV. Put on your dancing shoes and learn some new steps. Street Salsa and Dance International, Inc. offer classes and rehearsals for dancers of all skill levels. Once you’re confident with your steps, join your cohorts for a flash mob. Each group holds their events and different times and locations around the city.

• A list of Austin events wouldn’t be complete without at least a couple of musical happenings. Check out these two slightly off-the-beaten-path options for tunes:

• The legendary funk band Earth Wind and Fire will be playing a show at the Moody Theatre on March 1. Whether you’ve grown up singing along, or feel like trying on a new vintage, the 1970s-era beats will have you out of your seat the minute the guys take the stage.

• The Austin Symphony is playing with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel on March 9. This incredible mash-up of musicians is a must-see at the Long Center. Austin 360 has more information.

We hope our short list got you thinking outside the box for your next weekend plan. Of course, if you’re looking for even more action, don’t forget that Austin will be vibrating with energy for 10 straight days upon the arrival of SXSW 2012. Join Austinites and out-of-towners alike for interactive, film and music festival fun March 9 – 18.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced recently that new regulations have been put in place to ensure equal housing opportunities for those who may previously have been discriminated against due to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status.

The final rule, effective March 5, 2012, will affect several programs that fall under HUD’s directive, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance programs and community development programs. This rule was proposed in late January after HUD was advised that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) individuals and families who were otherwise qualified for HUD-assisted or –insured housing were not receiving equal access.

Going forward, the owners and operators of such housing will be prohibited from denying housing based on an applicant’s LGBT status. Furthermore, inquiries regarding sexual orientation or gender identity will be prohibited. “The proposed rule clarified that families, who are otherwise eligible for HUD programs, may not be excluded because one or more members of the family may be LGBT or perceived to be LGBT.” Furthering housing equality is a priority to HUD because it is the Nation’s only agency that “is charged with promoting the federal goal of providing decent housing and a suitable living environment for all.”

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) worked closely with HUD throughout the development of this rule and will remain involved to ensure its successful implementation and that LGBT renters and homebuyers are aware of these new protections. 

The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin hosted the annual Housing Forecast on January 12, welcoming a crowd of 750 interested Austin residents and real estate professionals. The overarching message from industry experts was hopeful: “For 2012, Metrostudy expects new home production in the Austin region to increase for the second straight year,” said Director of the Austin Market for Metrostudy, Eldon Rude. New home starts are up from last year, and the job market in Austin is improving. Our growing population paired with a shrinking low-cost rental supply all point to a growing housing market in Central Texas.

Industry experts are not naïve; they shared some logical concerns, and issues to be aware of. Dr. Greg Hallman from The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business could not gloss over the economic crisis in Europe, stating that while European leaders have avoided disaster to date, investors world-wide remain cautious. KXAN’s Chief Weathercaster Jim Spencer brought the continuing Central Texas drought into perspective for the audience. “Even during the drought of record, there were several rainy periods, and it is expected this extended drought will be no different, even if it lasts for years. In short, the adage, ‘if you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes’ really can still apply.”

Overall the 2012 Housing Forecast had encouraging news for Austin homeowners. Compared to national and global markets, the Austin area continues to remain a bright spot on the map, with job and housing markets expected to continue their positive trends in the coming year. Though current drought conditions continue to impact homeowners, home builders and truly all those living in Central Texans, we are reminded that Texas weather conditions can change in an instant and one day of intense rainfall could wipe out the rain deficit, as has happened in the past. Without a doubt, Austin is ‘poised for greatness’ in 2012.