203B Mortgage Program - Buy a Fixer Upper & Roll in the Improvement Costs

Did you know that you can now buyer a fixer-upper and wrap the costs of updating/repairs into your loan? Lowe's is a partner to this program and you can use Lowe's as our remodeling partner. Here in the Texas Hill Country including the Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Lake LBJ and great Austin/Lake Travis areas, we have many homes that will meet this criteria - it could be a great way to go and get instant equity in your new home plus get just the home you have been looking for....

FHA 203k Benefits

RE-buildUSA allows you to more easily enjoy the following FHA 203k benefits:

• Only 31/2% down payment required, which can be gifted by family members
• More flexible qualification requirements allow those with less than perfect credit to purchase a home at competitive rates
• A single loan for both purchase and improvement of your home means you make only one loan application and pay one set of closing costs – saving you time and money
• FHA loans are assumable and there are no prepayment penalties
• An FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) can allow you to qualify for a larger mortgage to add additional improvements that will lower your utility expenses.
• By including cost of renovation in your home mortgage, you pay for these improvements over time at a much lower interest expense than conventional alternatives
• Rather than paying a premium for a home in “perfect” condition, take advantage of the great prices available on foreclosures or other homes on the market that are in need of repair or remodeling
• Instead of paying for a previous owners improvements you may not desire, invest instead in exactly the features, colors, styles, etc. that suit your tastes and needs
• Enjoy the opportunity to live in an up-to-date home in a great location closer to work, shopping, cultural activities and more

Your RE-buildUSA 203k Specialist™ is trained and ready to help you find a great home at a great price that can be improved through the use of the FHA 203k program.

Click here to learn more about FHA 203k loans (FAQ’s)
Click here to learn how easy it is to get started
Click here to learn more about RE-buildUSA 203k Specialists™
Click here to locate your RE-buildUSA 203k Specialist™

Contact the professionals at Paragon Property Group for more information on how you can use this program to buy and remodel your next home.

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
suemellett@yahoo.com
512-422-7182

Events & Things to Do in the Marble Falls/Highland Lakes area

Ongoing Events in the Marble Falls Area

Church Information

Anchor of Hope Church - 830/693-7937
www.anchor@anchor-of-hope.org
10:30 AM Sunday Worship Service with childcare provided

Central Texas Cowboy Church - 830/693-0479 - 6850 FM 1431 East - Pastor Hank Wilson / 9:30 AM Breakfast and Bible Study
10:15 AM worship every Sunday / Communion 1st Sunday of the month
* 6:30 PM Pizza & Prayer Bible Study every Tuesday

Fellowship Baptist Church - 830/693-0710
9:30 Sunday School / * 10:45 AM Worship Service
Kendall Respite Center for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers each Thursday from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

First United Methodist Church - 830/693-4341
Sunday Service 9AM Contemporary /11AM Traditional Service
Sunday School at 10AM /
Wednesday Evenings /5:00 pm -7:00 pm Body and Soul Cafe / 5:50 pm WOW service /6:00 PM /7:15 PM Youth

Genesis Lutheran Church, Buchanan Dam - 512/793-6800
or www.genesislutheranchurch.org - 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday 2:00 PM - Fellowship, fun & games - 512-793-2746
Free art days are held 1st and 3rd Tuesday / call Peggy at 325-388-2415

Mustard Seed Ministries -830-693-5979
10:30 AM Worship/Children's Church Monday Nights


The Church at Horseshoe Bay - 830/598-8390
Worship Service 8:30 AM / 11:00 AM
Bible Studies 9:45 AM / Nursery is available


History/Art

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Come visit President and Mrs. Johnson's home on the LBJ Ranch
4 roooms of the 28 room house are open to the public by guided tour
Tours are daily from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM / 830/868-7128 ext 231

The Falls on the Colorado Museum
905 Third St. / Marble Falls, Tx 78654
830/798-2157 / focmuseum@281.com / www.fallsmuseum.org
OPEN Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 PM
Group tours available by appointment

Riverbend Fine Art Gallery
710 First Street / Marble Falls TX
830 693 6632 / rvrbnd@tstar.net
OPEN 10AM - 5PM Tuesdays - Saturdays

Marble Falls Quilt Club - 512 913 2756
* Third Wednesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church at 9:30 AM

Burnet ArtHaus Gallery & School - 830/6130692
* Brown bag Lunch & Learn bringing the arts & crafts to short term immobile community members, helping with kids art shows and supporting local emerging artists

Highland Lakes Porcelain Art Guild
* Meets every first Monday of the month starting October 5th at 10 AM- location at Chamber of Commerce - newcomers and visitors are welcome.


Restaurants/Music

Russo's invites you to drop by
and see for yourself the huge variety of items and prices that are available - It's Texas fare with an Italian Flair !
602 Steve Hawkins Parkway in Marble Falls
russos@zeecon.com or 830-693-7091 www.texitally.com

Flat Creek Estate
Jammin' & Grillin' every Sunday, with live music from 1:00 - 4:00 PM and lunch from 12 Noon to 4:00 PM. See menu and venue changes at www.FlatCreekEstate.com


Main Street Ice House & Cafe - 830/693-4111
Larry Salinas every other Friday

River City Grille - 830/798-9909
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM - TexAmericana Tuesday hosted by Mike Blakely & John Greenberg with a special guest weekly - No charge

The Highland Lakes Men's Chorus 830/596-2126 (Dave Kemp) 830/596-8600 (Dick Draper)


Business


Community Coffee with the Chamber, 3rd Wednesday of every month 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM at Main Street Ice House and Cafe' - Free coffee and discussion with community leaders and special guests.

Women's Council of Realtors Luncheon
830/693-3579 or peggy@century21keiser.com
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Meeting every third Wednesday of the month at Hidden Falls Golf Club.

Highland Lakes Toastmasters
830/613-0435 or
http://highlandlakes.freetoasthost.cc
First & third Tuesday of each month at the River City Grille -
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM


Recreation/Health


Rockhopper's Family Fun Center
830-693-4386 / rockhoppersUSA@aol.com

Four Elements Martial Arts Group provides
low cost martial arts training in a family friendly environment.
Bring the whole family in to try a class today
830-613-0851 for more info
FourElementsMAG@yahoo.com

Patty Hundley (512-755-4664) is a certified "step-on" guide for buses and vans coming to the area. Let her plan your outing.

Hidden Falls Golf Club is having Wednesday and Thursday scrambles - now shotgun @ 3:30 PM - SEE YOU THERE

Denney Ranch 2 - 512/756-9636 or www.birdBurnet.com
Open Saturdays (and by appointment) for those interested in birding, nature walking, organic vegetables gardening, rainwater harvesting, or simply petting some sweet chickens.

Inks Lake Golf Course - inksgolf@gmail.com or 512/793-2859
Play and enjoy the most scenic and affordable golf course

Sana Vida Wellness Spa & Tea Bar - 830/693-6000

MF Senior Activity Center - 830/693-5611
Activities Monday thru- Saturday call for more info

Announcements

Marble Falls Athletic Club
is inviting all the community to experience fitness at is finest
and are currently waiving the standard registration fee
Call regarding new ownership/management
extended hours, additional aerobic classes, yoga, etc.
contact Fermin Ortiz 830/693-9393 mfac@nctv.com

A Taste of Thyme
is taking NEW YEARS EVE Reservations
RSVP by Wed / December 30th
830-598-4963

Riverbend Fine Art Gallery
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesdays - Saturdays
830-693-6632
rvrbnd@tstar.net
Come see our festive bracelets for your holiday parties
Also, 3 new works from Richard Prather, a wonderful
Christmas gift !

Get Fit
Personal Training / Fitness Camps
Natural Health and Wellness Products
Cottonwood Shores /
512 / 297-3494

Celebrate NEW YEARS at Lost Creek Winery
5PM Dinner Party / 8 PM - 12 PM Live music
New winter hours for Tasting Room Friday - Sunday 12 -5 PM
325-388-3753

(from the Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce)

Lake LBJ Waterfront Condo for Rent - Short or Long-Term

Looking for a wonderful Furnished Waterfront Condo for Rent? This owner will allow rentals from 3 - 12 months. Direct Waterfront on Lake LBJ, comes with a jet ski ramp and loads of decks overlooking the lake. Move-in Ready. Close to all Horseshoe Bay Amenities and easy drive to both Austin and San Antonio. Visit nearby Marble Falls and it's historic Main Street shopping district and the Bluebonnet Cafe!

Contact Sue Ellett at 512-422-7182 for more information.

Austin Holiday Events - December, 2009

Looking for something fun to do? Check out these events in the Austin area

Trail of Lights - Zilker Park December 14-23 ci.austin.tx.us/tol

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar December 12-24 armadillobazaar.om 11am-11pm

Austin Symphony's Christmas Sing-Along Dec 15th 8pm Free Event, but reserve tickets ahead of time. austinsymphony.org

Tonight - Meet On Main Street - Marble Falls - Even

Meet on Main" takes place on the 1st Thursday of every month between 5:00-8:00pm throughout Historic Main Street in Marble Falls, TX.

The Historic Main Street Association sponsored event focuses on providing the local community and tourists with the chance to stroll through Main Street's unique shops and galleries, while enjoying free live entertainment and in-store special sales and events.
Local growers, artists and crafters are present at the events' Homegrown & Handmade Farmers Market.

Meet on Main is an opportunity for residents to indulge in local culture, visit with neighbors and shop local.

Enjoy Live Entertainment and Special In -Store Sales & Events.

Start your Holiday Shopping, Enjoy the lights, the music, food and SALES!

Lake Austin Home with Boat Dock - Move-In Ready

Ready to make your move to Lake Austin? This recently updated and remodeled home could be the "one" you are looking for....... Excellent location near the 360 Bridge. At $1,195,000, it's priced to sell!



Call us to view this or any other property in the Austin area.

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate - Coldwell Banker United Realtors - 512-422-7182

New Listings in the Central Texas Hill Country - Lake Views

Check out these 2 New Listings overlooking Lake Travis:

17932 Edgewood Way - $425,000

Located on the North Shore of Lake Travis,
this home is in the resort-style community
of the Hollows featuring a Community
Pool, Exercise Facility, Smokehouse/Picnic
Area, Community Marina and Walking
Paths - it's a wonderful lifestyle!

20421 Haystack - $425,000

Only 10 minutes from the Hill Country Galleria
(feels like living in the country, but so close to it all!)
Plus, coveted Lake Travis School District.

For more information, visit our website at www.ParagonPropertyGroup.com

Call us with any questions or to schedule a showing for these or any other lake-oriented properties in the Highland Lakes and greater Austin areas.

Sue Ellett, Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
512-422-7182

An Opinion on Interest Rates & Interest Rate Protection Plan

I'm re-posting this information from our Coldwell Banker Mortgage Broker - I tend to agree with her that interest rates are at their lows and will start to go up once the FED stops purchasing mortgage backed securities, possibly as early as this Spring.

Now is the time to buy or refinance in order to lock in the lowest rates.

I can recommend Adrienne as a mortgage broker - she is very conscientious and can get you a pre-approval quickly and over the phone. Always get a pre-approval letter before you look to buy. My Team and I would love to help you with all of your Real Estate Needs throughout the Highland Lakes, Central Texas Hill Country and Greater Austin Areas.

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate, Paragon Property Group - Coldwell Banker United, Realtors

I normally stick to the facts in the weekly newsletter but this week I’m going to give you my opinion at no extra charge.
Here’s what I know and believe…

• The 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates dropped this week to match a record low set in April.
• The 15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates fell to a new all-time low.
• While FHA is still a solid 1/2% higher then it’s conventional counterpart it’s still a very low rate.
• The Fed has almost finished purchasing all the mortgage backed securities that they agreed to buy earlier in the year in order to subsidize mortgage rates
• Typically mortgage interest rates go against the stock market. A bad day on Wall Street is typically a good day for mortgage rates and visa versa.
• On March 2nd the DOW dropped to 6626 and Rates are around 5.125 and a point
• 4 months later on July 6th the DOW went up to 8146, a jump of 23% in 4 months, yet rates only moved up a π%
• 5 months later here we are with a DOW over 10,300, another jump of 27%, and rates moved DOWN to the lowest in recorded history?
  

I believe that the FED has been successful in artificially driving rates down but that’s about to come to an end.

My personal belief is that without federal intervention interest rates will begin their rise upward imminently. We have a tool that no one else in the market place has…Pre-Purchase Rate Protection.
If rates move even a 1/4 to 3/8 in the next 60 days customers, who are in rate protection will win big.

We’re the only game in town protecting customers while they look for a house!

Adrienne Austin
Senior Mortgage Advisor
Coldwell Banker Mortgage
Cell: 512/539-7721
http://adrienne.austin.coldwellbankermortgage.com <http://adrienne.austin.coldwellbankermortgage.com/>