Austin makes Movie Maker magazines top 25 cities list for movie makers. Austin came in at a very respectable number 10. Movie Maker based their list on cost of living, median home price, unemployment, job growth, average salary and crime rate. They also took into account a number of industry specific criteria. Yet another strong finish for Austin. To see the whole list visit http://www.builderonline.com/local-markets/the-healthiest-housing-markets-for-2009.aspx 10/29/2009

Austin makes Builder Onlines top 15 healthiest housing markets list for 2009. Austin didn't come in at number 1 but number 2 isn't bad. The top cities had a common thread. They were all near either an ocean,mountains or a major university. They also didn't have a huge run up in the boom years. Builder online researched 75 cities and based their results on population trends, jop growth and building permits. To see the entire article visit http://www.builderonline.com/local-markets/the-healthiest-housing-markets-for-2009.aspx 10/29/2009

Austin makes Forbes top 30 wired cities list. Okay we came in at number 30 but we made the list. This is Austin's first year on the list and we're sure to continue to move up. The scoring is based on braodband connections, broadband access and wi fi hot spots.  Just another reason to live in Austin. To see how your city stacks up visit http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/22/wired-cities-2009-tech-wire-cx_ew_0122wiredcities.html 10/29/2009

Austin makes top 15 coolest North American cities list for MSN travel. MSN travel cites Austin's eclectic music scene and Tex Mex food among other reasons for this designation. To see if your city made the list vist http://guides.travel.msn.com//Guides/MSNTravelSlideShow.aspx?cp-documentid=843006&imageindex=14 10/29/2009

Austin makes Forbes 25 strongest housing market list. Austin along with several other Texas cities has been named as one of the 25 strongest housing markets in the U.S. According to economist Mark Zandi this is due to Texas having the best large scale economy in the nation. Employment in Texas has slowed but continues to grow. To read the full article go to http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/07/housing-cities-realestate-forbeslife-cx_do_0107realestatestrong_slide_16.html?thisSpeed=15000 10/29/2009

  The city of Dripping Springs Tx. will be holding a town hall meeting to hear input on the city's comprehensive growth plan.This is your opportunity to say your piece on how our town will handle the impending growth. Come and make your opinion heard. The meetings will be held Tuesday Novenber 3rd and Wednesday November 18th at 6:30 pm in the Dripping Springs city hall at 500 W.Mercer st                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Dripping Springs Comprehensive Plan Town Hall Meetings set for November 3rd and 18th     Date: October 27, 2009   Editors Note: If you have any questions regarding this press release, please call City Administrator Michelle Fischer or Deputy City Administrator Ginger Faught at 512-858-4725.    DRIPPING SPRINGS, TEXAS - The City's Comprehensive Plan Update is enter... 10/28/2009

Let them eat cake!! Maybe I should say let them buy houses! In the latest twist of the tax credit Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chriss Dodd has proposed that the tax credit be offered to step up buyers as well as first time buyers. The tax credit would be reduced to a maximum of $7,290 with the existing income limitations for first time home buyers and $125,000 and $250,000 income limitations for single and  couple move up buyers respectively. The tax credit would be extended through April 30 2010 to be under contract, with an additional 60 days to close. The tax credit is likely to be piggy backed with another bill extending unemployment benefits by 14 weeks. A vote in the Senate is likely as soon as Friday. 10/28/2009

Howdy Readers, Here is the weekly update on area events brought to you by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce... SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31STBOY SCOUT TROOP 101 HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT FOOD DRIVEBoy Scout Troop 101 is planning our "First Annual" Halloween Trick or Eat Food Drive on Saturday, October 31, 2009, concentrating our efforts in the Belterra and Highpointe neighborhood communities. The Dripping Springs troop will be collecting non- perishable food item donations for the local Helping Hands Food Pantry on Halloween Day. We need your help to make this "Trick or Eat" drive a success. Please plan to participate in this Community Service Event and help those in need in the Dripping Springs Area! We will be picking up your donations on Saturday between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Look for the ... 10/27/2009

I just received this article and wanted to pass it along. I know there are a lot of varied opinions on this topic. It's your decision to make but here's your chance to say your piece. Senate Vote on Tax Credit This Week! The first vote on the homebuyer tax credit will be in the Senate this week, maybe as early as tomorrow. We need you to do two things right away. 1.     Click here and send a message to your two U.S. Senators 2.     Forward this message to your co-workers, neighbors, customers, employees, Facebook friends -everyone you know Additionally, for updates on the progress of the legislation, follow us on Twitter @FixHousingFirst or check out www.fixhousingfirst.com . Thank you!   10/26/2009

Hello Neighbors, It's that time of year again...time to give! Then again it's always a good time to give. Jeremy K. Frost and Keller Williams Realty has been one of the top contributors to the Austin Area Food Bank for many years, and we are out to do it again this year! This great event takes place October 24th 2009! The food drive pick up is at 9 am. Just place the bag at the end of your drive way and volunteers will be out to pick them up. Be on the look-out for the donation bags on your door. The bags are handed out just a few day prior to October 24th and will be picked up that Saturday morning in front of your home...giving is just that EASY!For additional information on donating or volunteering please contact: Jeremy. K Frost ~ REALTOR www.LiveInHighpointe.com www.FrostFinds.com ... 10/22/2009

What makes up a credit score? This is a mystery to most people. A credit score is a numeric weighting of various financial factors such as credit history, job history and debts. The most common model used to measure credit worthiness is the Fair Isaac & Co model orFICO. A FICO score can range from 300 on the low end, meaning a high credit risk, to 850 on the high end or a low credit risk.  Your FICO score is weighted on multiple factors at different ratios. 35% for timeliness of payments 30% for the amount and type of outstanding debt 15% for length of credit history 10% for types of credit IE credit cards, store cards, auto loans 10% for recently opened accounts and number of accounts There are 3 primary credit reporting agencies, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax. It is common for eac... 10/21/2009

  Hello Readers,  Here is the weekly calendar for the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce... CHAMBER NEEDS lots of Cowboy Boots ASAP!! Bring your donated boots to the Visitors Center , 600 E. Hwy 290 (across form DQ) or call 512.858.4740 to make arrangments for pickup. THANK YOU! CHAMBER is now on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=170892560168You can find it by searching for Dripping Springs Area Chamber of Commerce while on facebook. -------------OCTOBER ACTIVITIES/EVENTS WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 21Memory Lane Event Center is having an Open House on Oct 21st, from 6-9pm that would be great! Thank you so much and have a great week! Just let them know everyone is invited, and there will be free food and drinks for everyone that comes! ---------------THURSDAY-OCTOBER 22 DS ARE... 10/19/2009

October 16th, 2009 Categories: Austin Real Estate News   Move in Ready!!! Below builder prices!!! Granite on kitchen counter tops & master bath vanity, beautiful alder wood cabinetry in kitchen and bathrooms, tumbled travertine kitchen backsplash, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors in several rooms, upgraded carpet and tile, wrought iron balusters, spectacular plantation shutters,stone & brick fireplace, stunning stone & brick exterior, extended outdoor living area with fireplace and grill make this place an entertainers dream. Shows like a model!   Neighborhood: Belterra       Please Check Out www.LiveInBelterra.com Lot Size: .22 Acres Type: Single Family Residential for Sale Floors: Two or More Stories Parking/Garage: 3 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4 Half Baths: 0 Square Feet: 3410 Yea... 10/16/2009

Like it or not, Dripping Springs, Texas is growing, from the much anticipated HEB, to Home Depot, Walgreen's and yes even Mc Donald's.  Soon the Polo Club at Rooster Springs will be experiencing its own changes and this is irony at its finest.  When we were looking to move into the Polo Club at Rooster Springs it appealed to us on many levels.  We enjoyed the small town feel of Dripping Springs and the close proximity to Austin.  The natural beauty of the landscape and paddocks, the magnificent homes and the impending development bode well for future home appreciation.  What we didn't know was just how close the development would be.  On our 4thday in our new home we attended an HOA meeting and were informed that the paddocks, directly across from our home, were to be developed into a s... 10/15/2009

More development proposed for Dripping Springs, Texas.   Richard Kunz and Avalon development are partnering to build affordable housing on the undeveloped portion of Howard Ranch.  The development will be comprised of single family residences, townhomes, apartments, and an assisted living facility. Prices are targeted from the mid $100,000's to upper $200,000's. Pending city approvals, construction is expected to start in the second half of 2010, with the first lots ready for sale before 2011. For more specific information follow the links below.      http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2009/10/12/daily39.html   http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/realestate/2009/09/09/0909kunz.html 10/15/2009

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.  When we were looking for a home in the Polo Club at Rooster Springs, our first priority was our children's minds, and their education.  Dripping Springs Independent School District fit the bill.  Currently the Dripping Springs Independent School District has 5 campuses; 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school.  There are 4,301 students enrolled in the district which has continued to increase year over year.  Additionally the district offers many extracurricular activities at all levels including competitive sports at both the high school and middle school (recent accomplishments), advanced academic programs starting in elementary schools, music opportunities including choir at all levels, and an array of community enrichment courses.... 10/14/2009

As we have learned from my last posts about the Polo Club at Rooster Springs living is gracious and easy.  The same can be said of the amenities in the Polo Club.  Because most of the residents moved into the Polo Club with the idea of living an easy country life the community has limited it's amenity facilities and focused on open spaces.  The Polo Club's primary amenity is simply the natural beauty of the hill country landscape.  Fishing in one of the many ponds and walking or biking on the peaceful neighborhood streets are among the favorite pastimes of residents.  Some residents choose the privacy offered by having their personal swimming pool, tennis courts or horse stable on their property with appropriate acreage and architectural committee approval.  Other amenities are offered ... 10/13/2009

We must get this question several times a week, "Is the Polo Club in Austin or Dripping Springs, Texas?"  Great question and we are here to clear the mystery....  The Polo Club at Rooster Springs is conveniently located off of HWY 290 West.   Polo Club residents enjoy both a town and country lifestyle. Proximity to downtown Austin for work and play is a strong draw.  The Polo Club is around 7 miles southwest from the Oak Hill "Y", where HWY 71 and 290W meet, and 7 miles east of downtown Dripping Springs. The Polo Club at Rooster Springs is neither in the City Austin nor the City of Dripping Springs.  It is like the hole in a donut - in an unincorporated area of Hays County.  The Polo Club residents have an Austin address and enjoy the benefits of being zoned into the acclaimed Drippings... 10/12/2009

How can a pumpkin bring you closer to God?  For those of you who follow my blog you know that I live in a small town southwest of Austin named Dripping Springs. It's the kind of place that you watch out for each others kids and you greet each other as you pass on the streets. Dripping Springs is the kind of place that I wanted my kids to grow up in. It's also church going country and I must admit I had strayed from the church for quite some time. I grew up going to church each and every Sunday with my Grandmother. After church it was our routine to come home and have fried chicken. Not just any fried chicken, Grandma's fried chicken. Anyway, lately I have been feeling like something is missing in my life and just as I strayed away from the church I wandered back in. Each year the Drippi... 10/11/2009

The Polo Club in Dripping Springs (also known as Polo Club at Rooster Springs)  is arguably the preeminent  subdivision in Northern Hays County.  Once you drive through the gates you will see why.  From the meticulously groomed landscaping, the estate sized lots nestled among centuries-old live oak trees and the clustering of spring-fed ponds you will feel like you would love to call the Polo Club home.   The Polo Club is centered around an equestrian theme and has a large equestrian center where riders jump, trail ride, play polo and practice dressage.  After you take in the beauty of the grounds, you can't help but notice the beautiful  Polo Club homes.  They are upscale, distinctive and range in price from the upper $400's to excess to 1 million.  The average age of the home in the P... 10/11/2009