A friend of mine passed along a great tip that just might help you save your cell phone if you happen to submerge it in water:

“Hey All,

Last week my husband, Dennis, was taking pictures of a house for our new listing. He kept moving backwards to get the best shot when he made one step too many and fell into our client's pool with his  new 4g iphone in his pocket.  He immediately called us but he could not really hear us and we could not hear him.

He called us from a land line when we told him to turn off the phone, go buy a bag of "rice" and put it in.  He did and left it the bag covered completely with rice and 2 days later "presto"

it now works.

Hope this helps someone.”

Jean

P.S.  Hopefully you won’t have the opportunity to try this, but if you happen to have success with this tip let me know!

FORT WORTH (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) – Residential foreclosures last month were down 2.9 percent in Texas and 10 percent nationwide compared with a year ago, according to the latest data from RealtyTrac.

Some 11,727 postings were filed last month in Texas, which means one in every 819 housing units received a notice, RealtyTrac said.

Nationwide, 325,229 postings were filed, or one in every 397 housing units. Although it's a drop from a year ago, the number was up 3.6 percent from June, the firm said.

July was the 17th straight month that U.S. foreclosure postings topped 300,000, RealtyTrac CEO James Saccacio said.

TEXAS (The Atlantic) – Even in the middle of the Great Recession, Texas is faring well compared with the rest of the nation, racking up an ever-growing list of accomplishments.

In addition to ranking fourth in the country with the least amount of state debt, Texas has four cities in the Milken Institute’s Top Five Best Performing Cities Index, four among Forbes' list of top ten “Cities Where the Recession is Easing,” and four in last year’s Top Ten in Homebuilding.

Texas is home to three of the top five most resilient major metro areas for employment, with McAllen first, Austin third, San Antonio fifth and El Paso and Houston not far behind in the top 15.

The Lone Star State also claims 64 Fortune 500 companies — more than any other state — in addition to being dubbed Top State for Business for the second time in three years by CNBC.

The Atlantic says these accomplishments are because Texas’ major cities have chosen comparatively stable industries — Houston is the nation’s energy hub, Austin leads in education and technology, and San Antonio dominates the health care and education sector in addition to military spending.

“Our research shows that the more tax incentives and less regulation you have, and the less likely businesses are to get sued, the more likely it is they’ll want to come and prosper in your state,” said Brooke Rollins, president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

These factors support Texas’ position as a global economic leader, having the 15th largest economy in the world.

AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, four major Texas metros had the strongest employment gains in the nation during the past five years.

Houston led the way with 129,800 new private-sector jobs created between June 2005 and June 2010.

Dallas came in second with 71,300 jobs, followed by Austin and San Antonio with 56,100 and 32,600, respectively.

With 84 of the nation's 100 biggest labor markets suffering losses in private-sector employment during that time, Texas represented one-fourth of those that finished on the upside.

In a shorter time span, Texas fared well with Austin having the largest one-year gain at 8,400 jobs and Dallas ranking third with 4,800 private-sector jobs created between June 2009 and June 2010.

COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Texas is leading the United States in the current U-shaped economic recovery. The state’s economy experienced its second month of positive annual employment growth after 16 months of job losses.

Texas’ annual employment growth rate was 0.9 percent from June 2009 to June 2010 compared with a negative rate of 0.1 percent for the nation. After 17 months of job losses, the state’s private sector posted a positive annual employment growth rate of 0.4 percent.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 7.8 percent in June 2009 to 8.2 percent in June 2010, while the U.S. rate in June was 9.5 percent, the same as in June 2009.

Six Texas industries — education and health services; mining and logging; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; manufacturing; and transportation, warehousing, utilities — and the government sector had more jobs in June 2010 than in June 2009. Five other industries experienced net job losses over the same period.

Sixteen Texas metro areas experienced positive employment growth rates from June 2009 to June 2010, up from 13 for the period from May 2009 to May 2010. College Station-Bryan ranked first in job creation followed by San Angelo, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood and Waco.

The state’s actual unemployment rate in June 2010 was 8.5 percent. Midland had the lowest unemployment rate followed by Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Abilene and College Station-Bryan.

The Real Estate Center's complete economic review is available on the Center's website.

TEXAS (CNBC) – Texas has reclaimed the top spot from Virginia as CNBC’s number one state for business.

The news source's study measures states on 40 different metrics in ten key categories including cost of doing business, workforce, quality of life, economy, transportation and infrastructure, and technology and innovation. 

According to government figures, the Texas economy is the 15th largest in the world in addition to being home to 64 Fortune 500 companies — more than any other state.

Although the state ranked high overall, it did fall short in the "cost of doing business" category, where it came in at number 30.

4th of July Freedom Fest- Ft Hood, TX

Fort Hood will host its annual salute to the nation and observance of Independence Day 1-10 p.m. July 4 at Hood Stadium.

The day will be chock full of entertainment featuring a free concert by multi-platinum country artist Dierks Bentley and a 30-minute fireworks display set to patriotic music beginning at 9:30 pm. The day will be filled with free carnival rides, laser tag, miniature stock car racing, concessions and arts and crafts vendors. Military displays and music will provide a salute to the nation.  This event is free and open to the public.  Transportation is offered from Killeen and Ellison High Schools and Central Texas College.  Visit www.forthoodsentinel.com/ for more information.

Rodeo Belton – Expo Center, Belton TX

Rodeo action is back in Belton. Grab your hat, pull on your boots and head to the Bell County Expo Center, Thursday, July 1st through Saturday, July 3rd for the 86th Annual 4th of July PRCA Rodeo.

Rodeo Belton kicks off Thursday, July 1st through Saturday July 3rd with performances starting nightly at 7:00 p.m. This year's PRCA rodeo will feature Lancaster and Pickett Pro Rodeo Company out of Fairfield, Texas.  Visit www.rodeobelton.com for more information.

4^th of July Parade- Belton, TX

The 4th of July Parade is held each year for the benefit of more than 30,000 spectators.  2008 USA Today named the Belton 4th of July Parade as one the Nations "Top Ten Places to Fly Your Flag on the 4th".

There will be floats, bands, marching units, decorated vehicles, antique cars, decorated bicycles, etc. The first parade was held in the mid 1800's and has been an annual event in Belton since 1919. This long time Belton tradition starts at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street at 10th Avenue. Visit www.rodeobelton.com/parade.htm for more information.

HEB 4^th of July Family Fun Fest- Temple, TX

Miller Park- 1919 N 1^st St.

Join Uncle Sam on July 4^th from 4-10:30 pm for an evening of good ol' American fun, including: great music, food, inflatables, games, face painting, a mechanical bull, dunking booth and more! Oldies and Motown greats, The GTO's, take the stage at 7:30 followed by a spectacular fireworks show!

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets and make plans to spend your Fourth of July in Miller Park.  Visit www.ci.temple.tx.us for ticket pricing and schedules.

COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Texas is coming out of the Great Recession and leading the United States in the current U-shaped economic recovery, according to the Real Estate Center's latest monthly review of the Texas economy.

After 16 months of job losses, the state’s annual employment growth rate turned positive in May 2010 and posted an annual employment growth rate of 0.2 percent for the period from May 2009 to May 2010. The nation’s rate of job losses has decreased from 5 percent in August 2009 to 0.4 percent in May 2010.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 7.5 percent in May 2009 to 8.3 percent in May 2010, while the U.S. rate rose from 9.4 percent to 9.7 percent during that period.

Five Texas industries — education and health services, mining and logging, other services, leisure and hospitality, professional and business services — and the government sector had more jobs in May 2010 than in May 2009. Six other industries had net job losses over the same period.

Thirteen Texas metro areas posted positive employment growth rates from May 2009 to May 2010, up from seven for the period from March 2009 to March 2010. College Station-Bryan ranked first in job creation followed by San Angelo, Waco, Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission.

The state’s actual unemployment rate in May 2010 was 8 percent. Amarillo had the lowest unemployment rate followed by Midland, Lubbock, College Station-Bryan and San Angelo.

COPPERAS COVE (Copperas Cove EDC) – The Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) announced that the city's land exchange with Fort Hood is complete.

In exchange for nearly 110 acres at Clear Creek and Ammo Rd., the city received 125 acres on the south side of SH 190.

“Having control of this property allows us to control our own destiny,” said Polo Enriquez, CCEDC executive director. “We can determine our future — bring in desired retail and attract primary jobs to create an economy that will enhance the quality of life we enjoy here.”

“Viable, commercial property is what has been needed in Copperas Cove in order for it to rise to the potential we all know it can achieve,” said Dan Yancey, chairman of the CCEDC Board of Directors. “New development will also increase sales and property tax receipts, offsetting the residential property owner’s tax burden in Copperas Cove.”

IRVING (Dallas Business Journal, Dallas Morning News) – After almost 40 years as home of the Dallas Cowboys, high school playoff games and countless other events, Texas Stadium is no more.

Thousands of people witnessed the 60-second implosion Sunday morning as Dykon Explosive Demolition leveled the football stadium, the home field of Cowboys legends such as Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and coach Tom Landry.

The Dallas Cowboys moved from Texas Stadium, built in 1971, to their new $1.3 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington last August.

Plans for the 78-acre site are up in the air, but some college students had suggestions. Graduate-level teams from six Texas colleges shared redevelopment ideas at the fifth annual Texas Shoot-Out Real Estate Challenge last week.

COPPERAS COVE (Killeen Daily Herald) – The Copperas Cove Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC) has approved a partnership with Endeavor Real Estate Group of Austin to build the Shops at Five Hills.

This consent comes while the CCEDC awaits the closing of a land swap between the cities of Copperas Cove and Fort Hood for the retail development.

The 1.15 million-sf Shops at Five Hills will be built across from Cinergy Cinemas on Constitution Dr. and have more than 6,000 parking spaces when completed.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Associated Press) – Homeowners have received another year to refinance their loans under the Home Affordable Refinance Program, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced yesterday.

The program, which was originally scheduled to end June 10 but now expires June 30, 2011, allows borrowers who owe up to 25 percent more than their homes are worth to refinance at lower interest rates.

The Treasury Department reports that, so far, the program has helped about 220,000 homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, far less than the projected four to five million.

AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) – Texas expects to receive $2.25 billion for about 450 highway projects statewide from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act road construction funding.

About 320 of the projects are currently under construction.

These dollars are leveraged with state funds, including about $12 million awarded last month to Central Texas projects, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Nationwide, the bill signed last year is expected to pump $26.1 billion into the nation’s road infrastructure.

Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the funding yesterday.

AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) – RealtyTrac’s annual foreclosure report, released yesterday, revealed Texas metro rates to be under the national average of 2.21 percent.

Austin and Round Rock area foreclosure rates increased 39.5 percent between 2008 and 2009. About 1.25 percent of all housing units, or one in every 80 homes, foreclosed last year, and 8,002 homeowners filed. This was an increase of 54.6 percent from 2007. Of the 203 metros ranked nationwide for foreclosures, the area was ranked 117th.

Dallas–Fort Worth ranked 94th with a 1.5 percent foreclosure rate, and Houston was 111th with 1.3 percent of its area homes foreclosed upon. San Antonio ranked 109th in RealtyTrac’s report, with a 1.31 percent foreclosure rate.

Here is some more great news about how well the Texas real estate market has held up despite the massive problems elsewhere in the country.  As you’ll see, the Killeen-Temple-Ft. Hood market put in an especially strong showing! – Jean Shine

LOS ANGELES (Milken Institute) – Texas metros, led by number one Austin–Round Rock, claimed four of the top five spots and nine of the top 16 in the 2009 Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best-Performing Cities Index.

Also making the list were Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood (2), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (4), Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown (5), San Antonio (11), Fort Worth–Arlington (12), Dallas-Plano-Irving (13), El Paso (14) and Corpus Christi (16).

Austin–Round Rock was the first metro to ever be ranked number one twice on the index, the last time being in 2000.

But it doesn't stop there. Nine other Texas metros made the top 25 out of the 124 smallest metros that were studied.

Those were Midland (1), Longview (2), Tyler (4), Odessa (5), College Station–Bryan (14), Texarkana (17), Waco (18), Laredo (20) and Abilene (21).

Leaders in this year’s index, which ranks U.S. metros based on their ability to create and sustain jobs, are all metros that succeeded in avoiding the worst of economic declines driven by falling housing markets and job losses in manufacturing and global trade.

Regional economic factors also strongly influenced the rankings this year, with the oil and gas sector, technology and alternative energy providing stability among metros in Texas, North Carolina, Washington and Louisiana.

Another factor helping Texas metros move up in the rankings is the state’s favorable business climate and its ability to attract jobs and corporations away from higher-cost states.

• GPS-based search to locate nearby homes for sale, open houses and recent homes sold
• Ability  to sort recently sold properties by location, price and sale date
• Option to view search results in list form or on a variety of maps including street, hybrid and satellite that are marked with “clickable” Coldwell Banker Real Estate icons 
• Detailed property listings that include images and a slideshow view
• Direct dial and e-mail functions from the user’s mobile handset to the local Coldwell Banker Real Estate listing agent associated with each property
• Real-time notifications of new properties and open houses identified through the user’s customized saved searches

H-E-B DISTRIBUTION CENTER GROUNDBREAKING IN TEMPLE

TEMPLE (San Antonio Business Journal) – San Antonio-based H.E. Butt Grocery Co. has broken ground on its new 450,000-sf distribution center.

The facility, which is being built on 160 acres next to Temple’s Rail Park at Central Pointe, will employ about 112 and house stock for more than 50 H-E-B grocery stores between Austin and Dallas.

TEXAS (U.S. Census Bureau) – Round Rock has been named the second fastest-growing city in the nation from 2007 to 2008 with an 8.16 percent rise in population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 population estimates.

In all, four of the ten fastest-growing large cities were in Texas, including McKinney (fifth), Killeen (ninth) and Fort Worth (tenth).

Four Texas cities were also among the ten largest numerical gainers - Houston (third), San Antonio (fifth), Fort Worth (sixth) and Austin (ninth).

McKinney was the nation's fastest-growing city between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2008, as its population more than doubled to 121,211.

SOURCE: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/013960.html