Congratulations! You have found a seemingly perfect neighborhood and just moved into your dream home. All seems well…until you begin to notice that the dog across the street barks all night long and the teenager next door likes to practice playing the drums at 5 a.m.

No matter where you live, you may occasionally be faced with a not-so-courteous neighbor. Below are some tips to help you deal with any issue in a good neighborly fashion.

Speak Up
The best solution for dealing with disruptive neighbors is to talk to them. If they are playing music too loudly, for example, let them know about it. A simple polite request to turn the volume down will usually solve the problem that very moment. The worst thing you can do when faced with a disturbance is to do nothing at all. If you don't voice your concerns, your neighbors may never realize they are bothering anyone.

When approaching others about an issue, it is important to be open to compromise. If they can't bear to discontinue their behavior, perhaps they'll be open to changing the day or time they engage in the activity so that it becomes less disruptive. By suggesting compromise to resolve an issue, you act as a friend trying to reach an agreement—not a stranger trying to mandate change.

Don't Fight Fire with Fire
Being polite is critical. Greeting your neighbors with an angry attitude could escalate the issue and turn you into the annoying neighbor. If your neighbor reacts angrily to your request and proves impossible to talk to after various attempts on your part, it may be wise to seek the help of an outside authority, such as a landlord or even the police, depending on the severity of the disturbance. If you ever feel threatened by your neighbors after making a complaint, you should contact the police.

Do Your Homework Beforehand
Visiting a neighborhood during different times and days of the week before moving into it can help you avoid unpleasant surprises, as it will give you a deeper sense of the neighborhood's noise and activity level. Walking around the block—instead of driving—will allow you to better assess sights, sounds and smells, as well as talk to potential neighbors.

Remember that everyone has a different lifestyle, and what you consider inappropriate may seem completely normal to someone else. By doing your homework and working to peacefully co-exist with your neighbors, you all can enjoy your properties with little to no trouble at all!

When searching for a new home, it's important not only to look at your finances and the outward appearance of a home, but to think about the underlying factors that would make a home ideal for you. When looking at perspective homes in the Austin area, consider the following factors and ask yourself these questions:

Stay time. How long do I plan on residing in this house? Will this be a long-term investment? Do I see myself being able to live here for the amount of time I expect to stay?

Size. How many people will be living here? Is there enough space to store all belongings? Will I be able to maintain a house of this size now and in the future?

Floor plan. Is the overall layout of this house convenient for me? Are the features of this home, such as stairs, accommodating to any small children or elderly who may live here with me?

Structure. Have I had the home inspected and talked to the seller about past repairs and remodeling? Will any structural or mechanical maintenance be required? How long will necessary maintenance take to complete? Will this house remain sturdy during times of bad weather and everyday wear-and-tear?

Neighborhood. How safe is this neighborhood? Is this a high-traffic or high-noise area? How does neighborhood activity compare at different times of day? Is this home part of a Homeowners Association and, if so, what fees are required?

Community. Does this community offer easy access to grocery stores, places of worship, shopping centers and entertainment? How does this location affect my commute to work? Would I prefer to live in a quieter, more rural community?

Schools. Which school district does this home belong to? Are there any good private or parochial schools in the area?

Of course, there are many other issues to consider throughout the homebuying process. For a list of questions to ask yourself along each step of the way, consult this homebuying list prepared by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or talk to your Central Texas REALTOR®.

As a home buyer or seller, you may have heard of the "MLS" but have questions about what that term actually means. If that's the case, we're here to help! The following Q&A can help shed a little light on the subject.

1. What is the MLS?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is database of property listings. Properties for sale are listed in the MLS by REALTORS®. REALTORS® are a valuable tool in your Austin home search because they have exclusive, direct access to the MLS, which provides them with full property descriptions, as well as additional details about each home, including security codes, tax data and historical information. Though online property searches available to the general public provide basic information about a home—such as the square footage and number of beds and baths—this is only a fraction of the details shown to REALTORS® via the MLS.

2. How does MLS listing content get online?
There are two ways MLS content is distributed online. First, real estate associations can feed property details from the MLS directly to their consumer websites. For example the property search data on AustinHomeSearch.com comes directly from the Austin Board of REALTORS®' (ABoR) MLS.

Second, real estate associations offer tools that allow REALTORS® to feature property listings from the MLS on their personal websites, as well as send their listings to third party websites such as www.zillow.com. Tools provided by real estate associations are directly connected with the MLS; therefore, when they are used as the primary tool in sending listings to other sites, the property data distributed is correct and remains current. That said, third party sites receive data from a variety of other sources, some of which may not distribute information straight from the MLS.

3. Can I trust the information on any real estate agent's website?
Typically only REALTORS®, who can be distinguished by their membership in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), can access the MLS. Therefore, property listings should be accurate if you are visiting a REALTOR®'s website.

4. Are all home search sites the same?
No! Home search sites hosted by real estate associations or by REALTORS® offer the most current and comprehensive property information because they receive data feeds directly from the MLS. Third party home search sites can feature some inaccurate or outdated information because they receive property data from many different sources, some of which do not pull their listings straight from the MLS. Finally, it nearly goes without saying that property listings found on websites such as www.craigslist.com should be viewed with the utmost caution, as there is no guarantee of accurate information or ethical conduct by those posting the listings.

Now that you know a little about the MLS and what makes AustinHomeSearch.com one of the most trusted home search sites, contact a REALTOR® and start browsing for properties today!

HGTV is coming to Austin to cast for reality television show My First Place. If you're looking to buy your first home in the Austin area, you could be featured in an episode of the show!

"Fun, high-energy" homebuyers in Austin are encouraged to apply, as long as they are comfortable sharing the personal and financial aspects of their home buying experience.

Selected applicants will be filmed for a minimum of ten days within a three-month period as they go through the ups and downs of finding and securing their first place. They will also receive a special housewarming gift and DVD copy of their episode from HGTV, in addition to a taste of television stardom.

Buying your first home is an experience you won't forget. Applying to be cast for My First Place could be just the way to make your experience even more memorable.

The first quarter of 2010 put forth a solid performance from the Austin real estate market. While home sales increased modestly during January and February, year-over-year Austin home sales increased a remarkable 27 percent in March, bringing the total amount of homes sold in the first quarter to 3,749 - a 12 percent increase over the first quarter of 2009. The median price of Austin homes remained relatively unchanged from one year ago, ending the quarter at $180,000.

Pending sales, which indicate the number of homes expected to sell in the next couple of months, remained elevated during the first quarter, increasing 7 percent in January, 24 percent in February and 31 percent in March 2010. These increases bode well for the Austin real estate market.

In the face of increasing sales volume, the Austin real estate market maintains a healthy inventory of homes. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University cites 6.5 months of inventory as a balanced market, meaning demand for homes is evenly balanced with inventory of homes for sale. At the end of the first quarter, Austin held a 6.4 month supply of homes.

For more information on the Austin real estate market and how it may affect your buying or selling situation, contact your Central Texas REALTOR®.

When it comes to buying a home in Austin, there is a world of financing options to choose from. Descriptions of some of the most popular loans are listed below.

Conventional Mortgages -- Mortgages not insured by the federal government are called conventional loans. Conventional loans are either kept in the lender's investment portfolio or sold to a secondary market. Because there is no standard regulation from state to state or from lender to lender for conventional mortgage documents, these types of loans are specific to the lender. This means that the lender may determine unique guidelines that pertain to the lender's conventional loans and may add certain clauses to the loan document. Because the lender can underwrite conventional loans at the its discretion, loan rates may exceed those of loans backed by the government.

Fixed Rate Mortgage (FRM) -- With a FRM, the interest rate of the mortgage remains fixed throughout the life of the loan. While the rates on FRMs are sometimes higher than rates on other types of mortgages, an increase in market rates will not impact the rates on the loan. Monthly payments on FRMs change only when there are changes in tax and insurance rates.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) -- With an ARM, the rate on the loan is adjusted according to various market fluctuations. The interest rate and monthly payment can change each month, quarter, year or a term determined by the type of ARM; however, there are caps limiting the amount the interest rate can be adjusted per period. Buyers interested in adjustable rate mortgages should be sure to obtain the indexes that the lender uses to adjust the loan.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan -- FHA loans are insured by the federal government. This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the federal government will pay the lender and the lender will not have to write off the loan. A borrower's down payment may be as low as 3.5 percent, and closing costs can sometimes by included in the loan. Rules regarding credit qualification and gifting for down payments are relaxed, and financial hardship rules may be less stringent.

VA Loan -- A VA Loan is insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs and protects a lender from loss should an eligible veteran default on the loan. VA loans have established credit and income guidelines and the buyer usually does not need a down payment; however, down payment may be necessary if the lender requires one or if the purchase price of the home is greater than the reasonable value of the home. Mortgage insurance premiums are not required and the VA provides temporary assistance should the buyer encounter financial hardships.

Be aware that there many more types of loans to choose from. Some, such as Graduated Payment and Growing Equity loans, cater to those who currently have a low income but expect their income to increase substantially within the next five to ten years. Others, such as Reverse Mortgages, cater to homebuyers over the age of 62. Be sure to continue your research and talk to your REALTOR® about which option may be best for you.

Moving into a new Austin home is an exciting time for you and your family, but it can be very stressful for your pets. It's important to clearly think through how you will handle your pet's adjustment to its new home.

Before your pet moves into the new house, do a safety perimeter check. Are there any plants in the yard that may be poisonous? Is the fence secure? Also check the inside of your home for potential safety hazards and decide where your pet's food and bedding will be kept that you won't confuse your pet by moving those items later. Try to imagine every situation from your pet's point of view and deal with it before it becomes an issue.

When moving to Austin from out of town, you may want to consider a pet relocation service, which will arrange for door-to-door transportation including pet-friendly flights, climate-controlled vehicles, boarding services, veterinary services and more. If you are relocating due to a job transfer, check to see if this is can be covered by your employer.

Even if you're moving to an Austin home from within Central Texas, you may consider boarding your pet for a day or two while executing the actual move. The commotion, the changing environment and the new people (movers) in your house can put undue stress on your pet. Boarding your pet will allow you to concentrate entirely on the move and relax knowing that your pet won't be underfoot or running out the front door.

Once you've moved into the new home, try to keep your pet's surroundings as familiar as possible. Let your dog or cat have its old blanket, its favorite toy and its same food. Take time to walk your pet around your new Austin neighborhood or release some pent-up energy at the nearest dog park. Sitting down and petting your dog or cat is the easiest way to assure them that everything is fine and if you put your feet up, you'll feel better too.

Finally, it's important to update your pet's microchip information right away so that you'll be contacted if your pet has been lost and found. And always remember: Pets are resilient, so it shouldn't be too long before your cat or dog is ruling the roost once again!

Did you know the U.S. population is becoming increasingly older and diverse? What's more, our nation's population is expected to increase by 100 million people in the next 30 years!

A report released by the National Association of Home Builders in January 2010 indicates that homebuilding trends are shifting to meet the new demands of present and future homebuyers. Specifically, homes built in 2010 will likely be smaller and lower-priced models that offer more energy-efficient features.

The following items are reported as most likely to be found in new homes in 2010:

• Walk-in closet in master bedroom
• Laundry room
• Insulated front door
• Great room
• Low-emittance (Low-E) windows
• Linen closet
• Programmable thermostat
• Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
• Separate shower and tub in master bathroom
• Nine-foot ceilings on first floor

These features will likely replace those that are less essential or more costly, such as outdoor kitchens, two-story foyers and multiple shower heads in master bathrooms. Homes that are easier to maintain are in, and energy inefficiency is becoming a trend of the past. For more information regarding homebuilding trends and homebuyer preferences visit www.nahb.org.

With the first-time homebuyer tax credit extended to April 31, many Central Texans are jumping at the chance to take advantage of this opportunity before time runs out. If you're ready to buy an Austin home, now may be a great time to do so. But how do you know if you're ready?

The most important factor to consider when it comes to buying a home is the state of your personal finances. Do you have sufficient savings to cover downpayment and closing costs?

Downpayment requirements can range from zero to 20 percent, depending on which type of downpayment assistance and mortgage loan you receive (FHA loans are often popular with many first-time home buyers). In addition, it is possible to negotiate an offer for a home that requires the owner to pay some or all of your closing costs. But don't count on having all of these costs covered, and be aware that less money down usually means higher mortgage payments.

Having a good credit report increases your chances for getting the best loans. Make sure your credit report is up-to-date and correct by getting a report from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Also be aware that having made a big purchase (i.e., new vehicle) in the recent past could hurt your chances for getting the best loan.

Don't forget to consider your career goals and job security. Homeownership comes with monthly mortgage payments, so it's important to have steady and consistent income.

Once your financial house is in order, it's time to talk with mortgage lenders to determine what you can afford and begin taking the appropriate steps with your REALTOR®. For more information, visit the Consumer Tools section of AustinHomeSearch.com. Happy house hunting!

What began as a year with double-digit decreases in year-over-year home sales concluded with 2009 year-end totals falling only six percent short of the year prior. This comeback was made possible by the surge in home sales seen in the fourth quarter of 2009—a 38 percent increase in October and a 58 percent increase in November—possibly attributed to the original deadline for the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Local economic conditions, housing trends and extended homeowner incentives lead most experts believe that the Austin housing market reached its bottom in 2009 and is now on the path of stabilization and recovery, though significant gains are not expected until the later part of 2010.

For a review of the Austin real estate market’s performance in the fourth quarter of 2009 and indicators as to what activity we might expect in the coming months, don’t miss the latest edition of AustinHomeSearch Live. For further information on market conditions, contact your Central Texas REALTOR®.

If you've recently purchased or are about to purchase a new home, congratulations! Becoming a property owner is the first step to building wealth through Austin real estate. As you prepare for the process of moving your belongings into your new home, don’t forget several other important "to-do's" that come with a change of address.

The U.S. Postal Service recommends submitting a Change of Address (COA) request at least two weeks before you move. Request forms can be filled out at the post office or filled out online and then printed and delivered to the post office.

Though you'll begin receiving your usual mail at your new address after your COA has been processed, it's still important to notify the following entities and persons of your address change to help prevent any miscommunication, interruption of service or missed payments:

• Banks
• Schools
• Employers
• Internet providers
• Family and friends
• Insurance companies
• Telephone companies
• Credit card companies
• Loan collection agencies
• Gas, electric and water utility providers
• Medical offices (doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc.)

In addition, don't forget to update your vehicle registration and driver's license, as well as your voter registration information. If you’re moving within the same county, you can update your voter registration online; however, if you're moving to another county, you must completely re-register to vote by mailing or hand-delivering an application to the Voter Registrar of your new county.

Remember: Even though your "to-do" list might appear overwhelming, it doesn't have to be completed overnight. Tackle a few items on your list each day in order of importance and this phase of the moving process will be over before you know it.

Looking for a sound financial investment?

Consider Austin real estate. The average Central Texas home purchased 6 years ago has appreciated 20 percent—that’s an amazing return!

To capitalize on your real estate investment, keep in mind that your home is not just your living environment—it’s your largest asset. From the moment you begin looking for a home to the moment you sell it, make conscious decisions to help maximize its worth.

During your home search, look past aesthetics and notice the neighborhood. Homes within good school districts and in close proximity to businesses, major roadways, and developing areas will be worth more to potential buyers when it’s your turn to sell.

Once you’ve purchased a home, be an active investor. Work to improve the appearance of your property and the neighborhood at large. Participate in local business, support local schools, and encourage home maintenance among your neighbors.

Taking care of your home and neighborhood does take some effort but can reap thousands of dollars in reward. Why not begin building wealth through Austin real estate today?

For more information about home investing, see the Consumer Tools section of AustinHomeSearch.com or consult with your REALTOR® today.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Austin, Texas, we have good news for you: The state of Texas’ disclosure laws help safeguard your best interests in the real estate transaction.

It wasn’t always this way.

In the early 1960s real estate agents were required by law to represent the seller's interests, leaving no need to disclose a property’s defects to potential buyers. Today, however, real estate disclosure is codified into national and state laws as an extension of consumer rights. Home sellers now have specific duties to buyers in real estate transactions.

A good example of a nationally codified disclosure law is the 1992 Estate Disclosure and Notification Rule, which requires sellers of homes built before 1978 to disclose potential or known lead-based paint hazards and provide available written reports to buyers or renters.

Texas law now requires that sellers provide buyers with a completed Seller's Disclosure of Property Condition Notice on or before the effective date of a contract. The notice must disclose all potential or known structural defects, as well as information concerning issues with any of the following:

• Heating
• Plumbing
• Mechanical and electrical systems
• Easements
• Environmental hazards
• Landfills
• Flooding
• Zoning violations or noise problems
• Termite and pest infestations; or
• Treatments or damage

Though all real estate agents are required to adhere to disclosure laws, REALTORS® go a step further to ensure that clients are treated fairly not only by legal standards but by strict ethical standards as well. In following a strict Code of Ethics, REALTORS® disclose any and all relevant information to their clients to avoid misrepresentation of themselves or the property at any time during the transaction.

Working with a REALTOR® can help you avoid legal issues common in real estate transaction. For more information about your real estate rights, visit the Consumer Tools section of AustinHomeSearch.com.

Finding time to meet your neighbors can be difficult, especially after a recent move. If you’re not sure how to make the first move, try these ideas:

1. Introduce yourself with cookies. Bring a small plate of cookies to your neighbors’ door with a personalized note attached; this will help them remember your name once you’ve left. If your neighbors aren’t home, come back later — simply leaving the cookies on their front porch could make them feel as if they have to leave a gift on yours...and you still will never have met.

2. Spend time outside. Working in the yard or sipping cocoa on the front porch makes you visible to neighbors walking their dogs or checking their mail. Smiling and waving to passersby will let neighbors know you’re genial and may spur some friendly conversation.

3. Get involved in community activities. Everyone is busy, but be sure to take time out of your schedule to attend whatever holiday carnivals, school shows or community gatherings you feel comfortable with. People are often in a jolly mood at these events and discussing the special occasion can be a conversational icebreaker.

4. Host a holiday get-together. Just moved in? Throw a housewarming party and invite the neighbors! Just be sure to have enough food and drink (including non-alcoholic beverages), schedule the party for a reasonable day and time, and remember to write "No Presents" on the invitation. Neighbors may not come if they think you expect gifts.

Fact or fiction? Find out which statements are complete myths when it comes to Austin’s real estate market.

1. Home prices have decreased dramatically. Wrong! Data from the Austin Board of Realtors® shows that median price levels have remained stable while gradually increasing—for example, a median price of $175,500 seen at the start of this year (January 2009) had become $185,250 by the end of the third quarter (September 2009). In addition, median prices seen throughout 2009 have fluctuated only slightly compared to 2008 while remaining above those seen in 2007.

2. It’s the wrong time to buy real estate. False! Thanks to its job market, stable home prices and affordability, Austin has the second healthiest housing market in the nation. There are plenty of homes available, and those ready to buy can take advantage of homebuyer tax credits, housing grants, low interest rates and renewable energy incentives.

3. It’s the right time for everybody to buy real estate. Nope! Whether it’s a good time to buy depends not only on the local housing market, but on the goals and unique situation of each person. Someone who is neither emotionally nor financially ready to handle homeownership should not enter into a real estate transaction—even when the market presents good opportunities. Talk to your REALTOR® to make the decision that’s right for you.

4. It’s a terrible time to sell. Wrong again! Austin real estate is sold every day to first-time and seasoned homebuyers looking to take advantage of amazing homeownership opportunities and incentives. In addition, sellers who work with a REALTOR® can usually sell their homes more quickly…in any market.

5. More homes are being sold by owners, making REALTORS® obsolete. No way! In the Austin area area, the percentage of people who planned to use a REALTOR® rose to 82 percent in 2008. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) the majority of For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) sellers are located in rural areas and small towns where the seller knows the buyer. It’s important to recognize that the value of REALTORS® goes beyond their access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—it lies in the many other resources and services they bring to the table.

Central Texas real estate is different. Get the facts from your REALTOR® today or Find a REALTOR® on AustinHomeSearch.com.

So it’s time to move. Instead of reaching for the panic button, form a plan of attack. The following tips can help:

1. Call the mover. If planning to use a moving company, call for estimates about six weeks in advance. This will give you time to review transportation costs and insurance plans and help ensure movers will be available.

2. Get rid of the junk. Why spend time, energy and money moving items that you’ll only throw away once you move in to your new home? Hold a garage sale to get rid of unwanted items or donate them to charity before you start packing.

3. Contact service providers. Alert gas, electric and water utility providers of your upcoming move so that you’ll have service upon arriving in your new home. Also make sure bills and any publications you receive will be forwarded to your new address.

4. Pack deliberately. Pack items of similar nature or from the same room in the same box—this will make unpacking much easier. Clearly label the contents of each box and indicate the room to which the box should be delivered.

5. Protect your goods. Keep dirt, dust and scratches off your furniture by covering it with old fitted sheets. Individually wrap breakables in paper before placing them in a box. Newspaper will work fine, although it can leave a film on your dishes that you’ll need to wash off, so you may want to consider purchasing white packing paper. Be sure to line your box and stuff open pockets with plenty of crumpled paper, towels or other linens. If you can hear a “clinking” noise as you pack or move items, you’ll need to add more padding.

6. Separate essentials. Prepare a “carry-on” box or bag containing items you’ll need access to during the trip or upon arrival. This may include toiletries, disposable plates and utensils, important papers, cell phone chargers, and so forth.

Remember: By planning ahead, staying organized and finding a way for the whole family to get involved, you can avoid some of the frustration and anxiety that often comes with such events and focus instead on the excitement of moving into your new home!

If you’re in the market to buy or sell Austin real estate, you may have heard of Austin’s energy efficiency ordinance, officially known as the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance.

Under the ECAD Ordinance, some Austin homeowners are required to have an energy audit performed on their home prior to selling it and share that audit report with potential buyers. In most cases, an audit is required for homes lying within the Austin city limits that are older than 10 years and serviced by Austin Energy. (Exceptions apply, so talk to your REALTOR® about whether the ordinance will affect you.)

Though the ECAD ordinance took effect June 1, 2009, the city’s effort to “go green” and stop manufacturing excess carbon dioxide (CO2) dates back much further.

In 2007, 70% of the city’s electricity was being used by homes and commercial buildings, with the average home generating twice the greenhouse-gas emissions as the average car (roughly 11,450 pounds of CO2 yearly, according to the Environmental Protection Agency).

With this in mind, the Austin City Council established the Austin Climate Protection Plan (ACPP) with the goal of making Austin “the most livable city in the country” and a carbon-neutral city by 2020.

As the ACPP consists of five components, each with their own specific initiatives, the ECAD Ordinance was created to address but a single part of the puzzle: how to pursue energy efficient upgrades for existing buildings. The ECAD Ordinance seeks to educate homeowners on potential for energy savings within their home in hopes that they will voluntarily opt for cost-effective upgrades.

Energy audits are good for 10 years, so consider having an audit performed on your home now to prevent a last-minute scramble and begin benefiting from the audit findings today. For more information on the ECAD Ordinance, talk to your Central Texas REALTOR®.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate in Austin, Texas? That’s fantastic!

As history has proven, Texas survives. That’s why we are ranked as the top state for business and jobs in the current economy, the second largest cyber state and fourth best tax free haven.

And located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin has been recognized among the top 10 best cities to live.

So what does this mean for Austin’s housing market?

Undeniably, effects of the national economic crisis have trickled into nearly every city in the nation. However, because of its location, diverse economy, and business opportunities Austin has been named the city best poised for recession recovery by Forbes, with its economy projected to grow by $5 billion by 2010.

Though Austin has taken its lumps by way of decreased sales volume along with everyone else, “the bloom is back in Austin’s yellow rose” according to Boyce Thompson of Builder, which ranked Austin the second healthiest housing market for 2009 based on its location, pricing and population trends, number of building permits and local job growth.

Austin real estate has proven a strong investment. Those who purchased a home at Austin’s median price six years ago would find that it has increased in value by 20 percent. The city continues to “hold the line” on home value because Central Texas real estate prices have not experienced periods of rapid inflation or deflation.

AustinHomeSearch.com is one of the most trusted and comprehensive online resources available to find a REALTOR®, browse properties and learn more about Austin real estate. Why not begin your Austin home search today?

Whether you’ve just moved to Austin or have lived here your entire life, there’s always something new to learn about the capital of Texas, a city constantly buzzing with music, business, technology, outdoor adventure and family fun.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Austin as the third best place to live, based on its economy, affordability and fun things to do—and that comes as no surprise to native Austinites or the thousands of people who find jobs, buy real estate and first experience the social scene in Austin every year.

Officially recognized as the "Live Music Capital of the World" since 1991, Austin is stage to a wide variety of popular and up-and-coming artists. Well-known music festivals including Austin City Limits and SXSW (South by Southwest) attract music lovers from around the world, and live music can be heard in Austin every day of the week.

Relocating to Austin? Good choice. Austin has been named the best city for a "fresh start" and the region best poised for recession recovery. In addition, Austin maintains its status as a fit city, boasting low levels of chronic health conditions and offering a wide variety of outdoor and indoor fitness activities.

With so many entertainment, business and real estate opportunities in Austin, it can be hard to know where to begin. AustinHomeSearch.com is your source for community and Austin real estate information. Visit the "Find a Property" and "Find a REALTOR®" sections to begin your Austin real estate search today!