Providing for homes listed in River Place to Westlake Hills, Austin Energy is the nation’s 8th largest community-owned electric utility, serving a population of nearly one million. And, according to 2012 rankings by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Austin Energy leads all public power utilities in the country when it comes to sales of renewable energy - and ranks 2nd with public and private utilities combined.

This is no first for Austin Energy. Since 2002, AE has led all U.S. utilities in renewable energy sales in the voluntary market and has routinely outperformed the other 850 utility-sponsored programs in the nation. In 2012, Austin Energy sold 744,443,000 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy through its

When Nicole Joslin and Christina Mirando put their hearts and minds together in 2009 to create an Austin community for do-it-yourself women and girls, all they had to start was a shared passion for DIY projects and power tools, plus an unquenchable desire to share it. With minimal existing opportunities for ATX women to pursue the trades of building and design in a collaborative and supportive environment, their challenge was clear.

Fast forward four years, and we find Women.Design.Build: a powerful, women-owned non-profit representing a thriving community of ATX women and girls on a mission to build friendships, skills, and confidence through design and construction activities. From West Austin home-improvement classes to workshops for young women

Searching for an Austin home? According to a Multiple Listing Service report released last month by the Austin Board of REALTORS®, April 2013 was the 23rd straight month of home sales volume increases — and also resulted in the most home sales in April since 2004. From Travis Country to Davenport Ranch, Austin home sales increased.

“On average, Austin-area homes are now selling in only six weeks,” said ABOR Chairman Cathy Coneway. “Buyers should think hard about the type of home, features, and amenities they’re looking for, and then be prepared to move quickly once they find a home that fits that description.”

In April 2013, 2,563 single-family homes were sold in the Austin area — 32 percent more than April 2012. On average, homes spent 50 days on

Higher Prices, Lower Inventory

Austin continues to feel pressure on its real estate market, as home inventory and days on the market both have decreased 30% compared to this time last year. This has resulted in competition among home buyers, with homes in popular neighborhoods going under contract as soon as – if not before – they are listed.

This competition is helping along prices, which have been rising steadily. The median sold price for the year is $282,000 ($133.12 per square foot). The average list price stands at $827,205 ($220.83 per square foot,) and the median list price stands at $470,000 ($175 per square foot.)

Year to Year Statistics

Year to Date (January 1 to June 10, 2013) Sold Homes

• Number of sold homes: 4,660

What better way to cool off (and wear out) the kids than to visit one of Austin’s 16 splash pads?

No need to play lifeguard; just keep a lookout for the wet smiles and peals of laughter of your little cherubs, then sit back in your lawn chair, reading a magazine or cleaning the inbox on your beloved handheld device.

Below is a list of Austin’s best splash pads. But, before we set you off, here are five quick tips for a splashing good time!

Splash Pad Tips

• What to Bring: Bring a big bag with healthy snacks, water bottles, towels, extra sunscreen, water shoes, swim diapers, plastic bags for wet swimsuits, wipes/napkins
• Before You Get There: Save yourself from squirming, screaming kiddos hungering to play and apply everyone’s sunscreen

Household pets provide comfort, companionship, and protection. For all they have to offer, though, animals rely on owners for protection from harm. According to the North American Pet Health Association, over 100,000 cases of pet poisoning were reported in the U.S. in 2011.

A creek-front home in Barton Creek may have a completely different array of hazardous plants than a hill country home in Senna Hills. By learning about potentially hazardous toxic plants in and around their homes, owners can better protect pets from the danger of accidental poisoning.

According to Embrace Pet Insurance's claims database, the top five plant-related pet poisons last year were cacao (chocolate), grapes (especially raisins), mushrooms, macadamia nuts, and avocado.

Mention “poisonous plant” to an Austin Texan, and poison ivy is the culprit that generally comes to mind. It spreads like wildfire along shady hike and bike trails, green belts, and homes from Lost Creek to Seven Oaks. Yet dozens of common Austin-area plants, both native and exotic, are poisonous to humans. Not all are fatal, but each has dangerous effects, ranging from mild digestive upset to renal failure, coma, and sudden death.

What defines a poisonous plant? According to the Centers for Disease Control, a poisonous plant is one that can cause illness, injury or death if eaten, swallowed, touched, or inhaled. They number in the thousands, and the rules are tricky. While parts of a particular plant may be edible, others may be poisonous. Many South

7621 Menler Drive - MLS #3401838

Yet another exceptional home listing by Regent Property Group!

This spacious home in The Ridge at Lantana in West Austin, set among rolling hills just eight miles from downtown Austin, boasts 5 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths with over 3,400 square feet. An additional 350 square feet of work area, with ample cabinet storage and a walk-in closet, sits above the garage for even more usable space. A formal living/dining room combo, along with an office/5th bedroom, provides flexibility off the main entry.

Cook in a gourmet kitchen with high quality stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a large breakfast bar and breakfast area, and enjoy the health benefits of a reverse osmosis drinking water system. The

Public golf courses require no membership for use and are an ideal option for casual golfers who do not play often enough to warrant a monthly fee for tee times at a private club. Golf is ubiquitous with a relaxing day outside, and rolling fairways in the hill country sunshine offer a mini-retreat for those looking for a break from the busy days and nights of Austin’s business and arts scenes. Below are a few public course options available to Austinites, including a local landmark in the world of miniature golf.

Hancock Golf Course

The Hancock Golf Course was founded in 1899 by Lewis Hancock Jr., the mayor of Austin from 1895-1897. This early establishment marks the Hancock Golf Course as one of the oldest courses in Texas, and the greens have been

Many of Austin’s private golf options sit astride Austin luxury neighborhoods, where golf courses typically are found lining the backs of beautiful houses or tucked away in green hill country, providing scenic beauty and sweeping vistas to enjoy between swings.  

Austin Country Club

Founded in 1899, Austin Country Club is one of the oldest existing clubs and one of the first private clubs of its kind in the state.  It was founded by Lewis Hancock to provide sport, fitness, relaxation, and fresh air to the working men of the day, and today is open to men and women from across the city. The club is home to the great golf instructor Harvey Penick and consists of an 18-hole Pete Dye design course. The club also features a golf learning center, 10