• Baptisia
• Barrenwort (Epimedium)
• Blue anise sage (Salvia gauranitica)
• Bluestar (Amsonia)
• Coreopsis
• Crocosmia
  
• Daylily (Hemerocallis)
• Dianthus
• Hellebore (Helleborus)
• Lantana
• Russian sage (Perovskia)
• Sedum
• Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum)
• Sundrops (Oenothera)
• Veronica 'Georgia Blue'

We had a good week for rates as they trended downward slightly this past week.  Rates dropped around 1/8^th mostly fueled by a close election in Italy which once again brings Europe into the spotlight of the world economy.  The U.S. also did its part by letting the sequestration begin on the 1^st but this didn’t have a large impact since the cuts are to be spread over time.  Most investors (those that buy and sell mortgage backed securities) are looking to March 27^th as a more important date as this is when the government will shut down if Congress doesn’t act.  It’s going to be an interesting month for rates as we draw closer to the March 27^th deadline and Italy continues to make headlines. 

My topic this week away from the normal rate conversation touches upon tax season.  Clients and borrowers are filing taxes as we speak in anticipation of the April 15^th deadline.  The sooner they file the better, but also keep in mind that most lenders (UFCU included) will require tax transcripts for whichever years of returns are being used.  The IRS typically tells a lender it will be 4-6 weeks before a transcript is available from the date of processing of the tax return, not the date it was sent in.  For most borrowers this isn’t an issue unless they are self-employed but can come up once we get closer to the April 15^th deadline

• Whether you have a wood burning or gas fireplace, it's a good idea to get your chimney inspected on a regular basis by a certified chimney specialist.
• Make sure the mantel and area around the hearth is clear of debris, decorations and combustible materials.
• Keep an eye on small children when a fire is burning, and keep them away from fireplace tools. Consider installing a childproof fireplace gate.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Remember to put it out before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor of your house as well as inside and outside of bedrooms.
• If your wood-burning fireplace has glass doors, leave them open when burning a fire. This helps ensure that the fire receives enough air and prevents creosote — a gummy substance created during the burning process — from building up in the chimney.
• When the glass doors are open, make sure the metal mesh screen is closed. This will help contain the embers.
• Never start a fire with flammable liquids. Never burn trash, debris or cardboard boxes.
• Avoid using soft, moist wood, which accelerates the buildup of creosote. Use seasoned hardwood instead.
• If you have an unvented gas fireplace, make sure you open at least one window for air circulation.

Finally some festive weather!  Along with the cold though, comes some preventative maintenance needs….

Central Texas is expecting a freeze over most of the area tonight.  More rural areas and the Hill Country typically see lower temperatures than Austin.  Don't neglect to protect your pipes!  The easiest thing to do is to turn on your outdoor faucets so that the stream is the size of the width of your pinkie finger.  Much more effective than wrapping them!  Don't forget to bring in or cover cold sensitive plants.  And remember, if it is too cold for you, it is likely too cold for your pet(s)!  Bring fido and kitty inside or provide shelter with plenty of warm covers.

Happy Holidays!

• Median sales prices for properties was $161,500, which is 6.46% more than third quarter 2011.
• Average sales price had a similar increase, up 5.74% from the same quarter last year, to $208,515.
• The latest statewide inventory figure indicates Texas overall has shifted to a seller's market, and data show this is also true in many local real estate markets.
• Many areas of Austin are in an EXTREME seller's market, especially Southwest and Central Austin.
• I predict as high as a 10% price increase in early 2013 for these areas and others
• If you have been on the fence about selling your home, NOW is the time to call!  Just because it is a seller's market does not mean you can over price your home and not have it in the right showing condition.  Our proven system typically generates multiple offers within the first few days of going on the market.  We many times get your home sold BEFORE hitting the multiple listing service.  This generates a higher sales price, saves you time, money and the stress of having your home shown several times a day.  AND, we save our clients THOUSANDS of dollars with our unique commission and rebate programs! 
• Don't make the mistake of waiting until Spring to call, call NOW!