Everyone Can Use a Little Extra Cash

Here is a great site for all Texans. The Texas Comptrollers Office receives all unclaimed money from government and private business accounts. For example, if you or someone you know had an insurance claim which was paid but not collected (or the check was not cashed), it would show up at the Comptrollers office. In turn, this web site allows anyone to check per name for unclaimed financial assets – check it out, hope you have some hidden money to claim; http://www.window.state.tx.us/up/

Kids Eat Free!

Here's a list of restaurants where kids can eat for free.

Monday
Margaritas - kids eat free all day
Hangtown Grill - kids eat free all day
Gattiland - moms eat free
TGI Friday's - kids eat free and get free animal balloons
Texadelphia South - kids eat free
Zuzu - kids free after 6:00 p.m.
La Salsa - kids eat free after 4:00 p.m.
Double Daves Pizza - kids under 5 eat free
Serranos - kids eat free
Joes Crab Shack - Kids meal $0.99 up to two meals per paying adult

Tuesday
Spaghetti Warehouse - kids eat free at night
Fazzoli's - kids eat for $0.99 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Kerbey Lane - kids eat free all day
Denny's - kids eat free from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Chick-fil-A - kids eat free after 5:00 p.m.
Bennigan's - kids eat free after 5:00 p.m.
Zuzu - kids eat free after 6:00 p.m.
La Salsa - kids eat free after 4:00 pm
McAllisters - kids eat free
Double Daves Pizza - kids under 5 eat free
Central Market - N. Lamar kids eat free
Joes Crab Shack - $0.99 kids meals up to two per paying adult

Wednesday
Luby's - kids eat free after 4:30 p.m.
EZ's - kids eat free all day
Moe's Southwest Grill - kids eat free after 5:00 p.m.
Central Market - kids eat free after 5:00 p.m.
Zen - kids eat free after 5:00 p.m.
La Salsa - kids eat free
Double Daves Pizza - kids under 5 eat free
Joes Crab Shack - $0.99 kids meals up to two per paying adult

Thursday
La Salsa - kids eat free
Double Daves Pizza- kids under 5 eat free
Joe's Crab Shack - $0.99 kids meals to two per paying adult

Saturday
Luby's - kids eat free all day
Texas Land & Cattle - kids eat free from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday
Souper Salad - kids aged 3-5 eat for $0.50; kids aged 6-12 eat for $0.99
Zen - kids eat free all day
Texadelphia - kids eat free at certain locations

All Week
Cici's Pizza - kids under 3 eat free
Fresh Choice - kids aged 2 and under eat free; kids aged 3-5 eat for $.99; kids aged 6-8 eat for $2.99
Denny's - kids eat free on their birthday
Pizza Hut's lunch buffet - kids eat free

Austin History Center

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/ahc/

I found the above site while looking for some information on Austin. It's a link to the Austin History Center website. I found it very interesting and thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy it!

Inspections

Inspections begin with a primary General Inspection which should be done by a State Licensed Inspector. This license originates from The Texas Real Estate Commission (T.R.E.C., just like a Realtors license). An additional choice is having the inspector also be a Structural Engineer. I prefer having your inspector be both licensed for the General Home Inspection and have a Structural Engineering background.

Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $600 the day of the inspection, depending on who does the work and how big the house. Structural Engineers tend to have a ''rule of thumb'' hourly of $150 in Austin, Texas. Keep in mind, if a General Inspector is not a licensed Structural Engineer, your report might be deferred to a Structural Engineer for further information about issues on the property, especially if the property is in an older part of town. This could lead to another trip, more time, and more money.

During all inspections, I also believe only the Inspector and the Buyer should be on the property, so attention can be paid to the work being done (questions, knowledge gained about the house). Emptying a property can often present problems, so be courteous to the current owners and their needs (especially if kids are involved - nap times, etc).

If your inspections require any foundation issues, refer to an earlier posting regarding this issue.

General Inspections can result in further studies on specific areas of the house by more detailed professionals. For example, you might have a licensed Cooling & Heating business do an investigation on the equipment ($75 for one unit & $95 for two units), the Stucco on the exterior further reviewed, have a roofing company inspect the specific type of roof you have (free of charge but better to pay trip charge of $30-$50), specialized mason review issues around a chimney ($120), or a sprinkler system inspection (around $30).

Additional inspections NOT covered by your "General" could be; Wood Destroying Insect Inspections ($75 for report), Pool "Opinions" on equipment (hourly of around $85), Septic Inspections ($200).

At the very least, Buyers should arrive for the last 30 minutes of the inspection. The last 30 minutes allows the Buyer and Inspector a chance to cover the findings, and even allow the inspector to point out his ''big ticket items'' or items of concern. If a Buyer simply reads the type written report, it tends to be too much, especially if the property is in an older part of town. These inspections are key times to learn more about the home you’re buying. Be sure you are available to review the information and ask questions. At the very least, set up a phone conversation to review with your inspector.

It is imperative to complete the necessary inspections for the type of property being purchased before the end of the option period. If you find a surprise regarding the integrity of the house from one of your inspections, you can negotiate or terminate the contract with the intention of getting all earnest money returned and proceed to find another home.