Mortgage rates remain low after the Thanksgiving holiday according to Bankrate.com’s national survey of large lenders. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.52 percent from 3.53 percent. One year ago, the mortgage index stood at 4.25 percent; four weeks ago, it was 3.57 percent.
The benchmark 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 2.86 percent, the same as last week. The benchmark 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage rose to 2.74 percent from 2.7 percent.
Freddie Mac’s results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® also found mortgage rates virtually unchanged and remaining near record lows. Their survey found the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has averaged below 4.00 percent all but one week in 2012, while the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage has averaged below 3.00 percent since the last week in May.
Weekly National Mortgage Survey
Results of Bankrate.com’s Nov. 28, 2012, weekly national survey of large lenders and the effect on monthly payments for a $165,000 loan:
It’s finally here – Formula 1 racing begins this weekend in Austin, Texas! We will join the ranks of 19 other cities around the world that host this phenomenal international auto racing sport. So much is going on around town to celebrate this momentous event. What would else would the “Live Music Capital of the World” do except kick things off with The Austin Fan Fest.
The 3-day festival will celebrate the inaugural 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. Numerous activities will take place in the heart of beautiful downtown Austin, from the shores of Lady Bird Lake to the Capitol. Friday features headliners Aerosmith with Cheap Trick at the Frank Irwin Center. Flo Rida will take the stage at the Austin Convention Center on Saturday and Enrique Iglesias on Sunday. The festival will also include performances from various musical acts on multiple stages, F1 simulators, F1 show cars, bars, parties, a family fun zone, and plus much more!
Formula One coming back to America really is a big deal. The Circuit of the Americas track is expected to generate an annual economic impact of $400 million to $500 million for the area and attract as many as 300,000 people. For the ultra upscale European experience, My Yacht™ Group will host a three-day VIP nightclub event during F1 weekend. The celebrity-studded My Yacht™ F1 Club party will be at the Ballet Austin complex in the heart of downtown Austin.
Of course, race events will also take place all weekend at the Circuit of Americas track. Practice sessions will begin Friday, November 16 at 9am. Sunday will feature the Grand Prix race at 1pm. You can visit the official Circuit of the Americas website for a complete schedule of races and events.
With excitement also comes headaches for some. Although we are used to major events around town like the widely popular South by Southwest® festival every spring, the world renowned Austin City Limits Musical festival, and of course, record breaking attendance at The University of Texas Longhorn football home games, no one knows what this inaugural weekend will bring in terms of traffic. Be prepared, especially if you live or plan to travel downtown this weekend. Here are the downtown road closures that may cause delays getting around.
Closed from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 11:59 p.m. Monday:
West 3rd Street and West 4th Street between Congress and Colorado
Closed from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Monday:
West 3rd Street and West 4th Street between Colorado and Lavaca
East 3rd Street and East 4th Street between Congress and Brazos
Colorado Street between West 2nd Street and West 5th Street
Closed from 7 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Monday:
Southbound lanes of Congress Avenue between 5th Street and 2nd Street
Closed from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday:
Northbound lanes of Congress Avenue between 5th Street and 2nd Street
Southbound lanes of Congress Avenue between 2nd Street and Cesar Chavez (2nd Street will be open)
Closed from 6 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday:
One lane of Trinity Street between East 12th Street and East 15th Street
One westbound lane of East 12th Street between Red River and Trinity Streets
The good news is that Capital Metro is expanding their service during Formula 1 weekend. They are offering a free downtown bus route that will run every 15 minutes from 7am to 2:30am. Capital Metro will also offer a $1 bus ride to and from downtown Austin and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
FORMULA 1 TEAMS ARE EXCITED ABOUT ALL THINGS TEXAS AND AUSTIN VIDEO
It will be interesting to see who wins the most expensive presidential race in history. No matter who you vote for in tomorrow's Presidential Election 2012, the most important thing you can do is VOTE!
Travis County Voters
Find out if you are registered to vote in Travis County. Polling locations are open from 7am to 7pm. You will need to vote on Election Day at your precinct. Visit the Travis County website for your precinct number and polling location.
Williamson County Voters
You must vote in your assigned precinct on Election Day. Polling locations are open from 7am to 7pm. Visit the Williamson County website for your precinct number and polling location.
