February existing home sales rise by 5.1 percent

March 23, 2009
By ALAN ZIBEL, AP Real Estate Writer

WASHINGTON – Sales of previously occupied homes jumped unexpectedly in February by the largest amount in nearly six years as first-time buyers took advantage of deep discounts on foreclosures and other distressed properties.

Economists said sales, while still at levels not seen since 1997, may finally be coming back to life after declining sharply following the stock market plunge last autumn.

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Stocks jump on bank plan, rise in home sales

By TIM PARADIS, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK – Wall Street is getting the good news it wants on the economy's biggest problems: banks and housing.

Investors reignited a two-week rally Monday after hearing the government's plan to help banks remove as much as $1 trillion in bad assets from their books and home sales showed a surprise increase. Major stock indexes jumped as much as 4 percent, including the Dow Jones industrial average, which rose nearly 300 points.

The Treasury Department said its plan would rely on the government's $700 billion financial rescue fund, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., as well as private investors.

Full Story March 23, 2009

Lake Travis Homes Austin, TX

Lake Travis is one of the cleanest, most beautiful lakes in all of Texas as evident by its crystal clear water. Located in the City of Lakeway and Austin, Texas, Lake Travis spans nearly 20,000 acres and is 20 miles long. This Texas lake has 270 miles of shoreline around its diameter where you will find numerous homes, restaurants, beaches and marinas. Lake Travis offers a world of recreation in swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating, water skiing, and parasailing. Lake Travis is surrounded by pristine luxury neighborhoods for the utmost in vacation, retirement or everyday living.

We are your guides for finding the best properties in Austin Texas. We specialize in the Austin area and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Westlake, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, and Lago Vista. If you're interested in calling Austin Texas your home, allow us to be your guide to the area.

• Homes for Sale in Austin
• About Austin, TX
• Austin Neighborhoods
• Austin Area Schools

Brentwood, Austin Texas

"What is now known as the Brentwood neighborhood in Austin, Texas, was once just a pretty cotton farm. Then, in the late 1940s, the City of Austin annexed the farm, which was north of then city limits. The farm was next to Brentwood Elementary and the city used the land to establish the Brentwood neighborhood park and to open the school by 1951. Today, few would know Brentwood's rural past without reading up about it, because today the neighborhood is thoroughly modern. In fact, Brentwood has become one of the most bustling and hip neighborhoods in Austin." - Articlebase

Neighborhood Features

• quiet, tree-lined streets and charming homes
• native, old-fashioned hamburger diners and bars
• Arroyo Seco and the Brentwood Park and Pool for hikers and bicyclists
• The Violet Crown Festival held every May to celebrate local music
• Great schools such as the McCallum High School, Brentwood Elementary and the Petite Ecole Internationale
• Near to Texas' high-tech companies

South by Southwest Festival Helps Fuel Austin Economy

The South by Southwest festival that starts at the Austin Convention Center generates $110 million, but no single group reaps all of the rewards.

Vanessa Vaughn of Hostel International Austin said she sees enough of it to get her youth hostel over the hump each March which is a great news for the Austin Texas real estate market.

The 10-day festival rakes in $18 million in food and drink, $12 million in hotels and $7 million in transportation.

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Circle C Ranch - Austin Texas Neighborhood

Circle C Ranch is a pristine area convenient to downtown Austin, located next to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and situated on Circle C Ranch Golf Course in southwest Austin.

This Austin Neighborhood has much to offer:

• Scenic views of the Austin hills


• Near The Veloway (Hiking & Biking Trails)


• Olympic Size Swimming Pool (snorkeling, scuba & swimming lessons)


• Lush landscaping with towering trees


• Circle C Golf Course


• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center


• Circle C Child Care Center


• Convenient to nearby shopping & restaurants


• Affordable Homes & New Homes

Circle C Ranch - Austin Realtor Blog

Senna Hills - Austin TX Neighorhoods

Senna Hills is an exclusive Austin Texas neighborhood located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. This Austin Neighborhood showcases two exclusive Austin home builders - Drees Custom Homes and Taylor Woodrow. Homes are priced from the $500,000s and come with outstanding Hill Country views.

Neighborhood Features:

Senna Hills is 20 minutes from downtown Austin

Senna Hills is 10 minutes away from Barton Creek Mall

Senna Hills is in Eanes ISD

Senna Hills offers a Community center - playgrounds, pools, picnic areas.

Sponsored by Austin Real Estate Round Rock