Celebrating Thanksgiving

November 5, 2017 By

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Despite the fact that we’re experiencing near record-breaking heat in Central Texas, all you have to do is walk into a store to be reminded that the holiday season is in full swing. The ghosts and goblins have been replaced by Santa Claus and Christmas trees. But what about Thanksgiving?! More and more it seems as if Thanksgiving is getting lost between Halloween and Christmas. This Thanksgiving, consider signing up for a Turkey Trot! It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family, get some exercise, and give back to your community.

5th Annual Georgetown Turkey Trot – November 23, 8 AM. Registration is $30. The 5 mile and 1 mile courses both start and finish in beautiful downtown Georgetown on the square and are great for walkers, beginners, elite runners, and kids! Proceeds will be shared between Williamson County Meals on Wheels and Friends of Georgetown Parks and Recreation (Park Pals). They will also be collecting non-perishable food for The Caring Place.

Inaugural Round Rock Turkey Trot – November 23, 8 AM. Registration is $10. Run on the roads and trails through the scenic and historic Old Settlers Park on either a 2 mile or 5 mile course. This is a family-friendly race- strollers and leashed pets are welcome. Proceeds will be shared between The Round Rock Serving Center, Operation Blue Santa, and the Backpack Coalition. They will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Round Rock Serving Center and new toys for Operation Blue Santa.

Cedar Park Turkey Day 5K – November 23, 9 AM. Registration is $30. They will be collecting unwrapped toy donations for the Cedar Park Blue Santa program.

2017 ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot in Austin – November 23, Times and registration fees vary. Participate in a long line of history and tradition dating back to 1991! Raffle tickets available for purchase and all proceeds go to Caritas.

And let’s not forget that Thanksgiving presents many great opportunities to help others. One way you can help is to donate items to your local food pantry just follow house numbers 329,. The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas and they offer many opportunities to donate and serve.

When you’re ready to eat, enjoy this amazing recipe for White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles by Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Filed Under: Family Life

Best Cities to Start a Family

May 15, 2017 By

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Congratulations Round Rock- you’ve made another list! LendEDU recently released a list of the 300 best cities to start a family and Round Rock came in third! Cities were ranked based on education, cost of first home purchase, crime and safety, and percentage of young families. Here’s the top 10 list:

  1. Frisco, Texas
  2. McKinney, Texas
  3. Round Rock, Texas
  4. Olathe, Kansas
  5. Plano, Texas
  6. Gilbert, Arizona
  7. Cary, North Carolina
  8. Naperville, Illinois
  9. Centennial, Colorado
  10. Carrollton, Texas

When purchasing your family’s first home it’s important to find a location where you’ll be happy settling down. There are so many benefits to raising a young family in one city, including giving your children a consistent education, and developing life-long friendships. Let us know if you’re interested in purchasing a home in the 3rd best city to start a family!

 

Filed Under: Family Life

Best High Schools in the Austin Area

March 28, 2017 By

One question we get asked a lot when someone is considering buying a new home is, “Where are the best high schools?” This is a great question! A quality school district can have a profound effect on property value. Even if you don’t have school-aged children it’s important to know where the best schools are. There is great demand for homes in these favorable districts and that will drive up your property value.

So how do you decide which school districts are best? There are several lists out there that rank schools based on different criteria so it can be a bit confusing. To complicate things even more, in January, the results of the Texas Education Agency’s new A-F accountability rating system were published, sparking criticism from school districts across the state.

Despite the controversy and the different rating systems, the following 10 schools consistently rank highest in Williamson and Travis County based on test scores, student academic growth, and college readiness.

  1. Westwood, Round Rock ISD
  2. Westlake, Eanes ISD
  3. Vandegrift, Leander ISD
  4. Lake Travis, Lake Travis ISD
  5. Cedar Park, Leander ISD
  6. Vista Ridge, Leander ISD
  7. Round Rock, Round Rock ISD
  8. Anderson, Austin ISD
  9. McCallum, Austin ISD
  10. McNeil, Round Rock ISD

If you are interested in purchasing a home in one of these prestigious districts and would like to speak to a Realtor with tons of experience buying and selling property in these areas, give us a call! We would love to help you.

 

Filed Under: How I help buyers

How to Survive Cedar Season in Central Texas

January 9, 2017 By

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Sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sinus congestion, fatigue…it’s cedar season in Central Texas! Cedar trees pollinate between Dec. 10 and March 1, with the highest levels in the first three weeks of January

This year is proving to be particularly bad. Last year Central Texas was still recovering from a severe drought. But steady rain and warmer weather encouraged more pollen production this winter. On windy days this pollen can travel for miles where it attaches itself to whatever it can find- including you!

Allergists agree that prevention is the best treatment- that means staying indoors at peak hours which are typically from early morning through mid-morning and keeping windows closed, especially on windy days.  They also suggest a nasal rinse and a shower at the end of the day to clear out any pollen you’ve come in contact with. Wash your bedding at least once per week with hot water, vacuum regularly, and change air filters often. If you have indoor/outdoor pets be sure to bathe them frequently so they’re not bringing cedar pollen into your home. You can boost your immune system by eating local honey and taking a good multi-vitamin. To combat symptoms, use a nasal spray, an oral antihistamine and eye drops.

Is it cedar fever or a cold?

If you are still having symptoms after taking allergy medicine you probably have a cold. Also, despite being called “cedar fever” cedar allergies do not cause a fever. If you have a fever and are experiencing body aches, it might be time to head to the doctor.

Do you have any more tips on how to combat cedar pollen? If so, comment below! We would love to hear from you.

Filed Under: Georgetown Lifestyle

Round Rock ranked 4th safest city in U.S.

November 21, 2016 By

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Round Rock continues to dominate the charts! Niche.com has ranked Round Rock as the 4th safest city in the U.S. based on rigorous analysis of data and reviews.

Here are Round Rock’s rates:

  • Assault Rate: 68 per 100,000
  • Robbery Rate: 35 per 100,000
  • Murder Rate: 0 per 100,000
  • Burglary Rate: 233 per 100,000
  • Vehicle Theft Rate: 44 per 100,000
  • Larceny Rate: 1,744 per 100,000

Not only is Round Rock considered the 4th safest city in the U.S., but we are also considered one of the best cities to raise a family (#5 of 223), we have some of the best job opportunities in America (#5 out of 220), and we are one of the best cities to buy a house (#6 out of 223)! No wonder they consider us to be one of the best cities to live in America!

For more information, or if you are interested in buying or selling a home, give me a call!

 

Filed Under: Round Rock Communities

2015 Year-End Statistics

February 2, 2016 By

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Austin-area home sales and prices set an all-time record in 2015, as well as records for the month of December 2015, according to a Multiple Listing Service report released by the Austin Board of REALTORS®.

Demand for Austin-area real estate was stronger than ever in 2015, mostly due to our thriving economy and population growth. The median price for single-family homes in the Austin area increased nearly $30,000 in the last year alone.

In December, the median price for condominiums was $250,000, eight percent more than the same month of the prior year and they spent an average of 46 days on the market, 10 days fewer than in December 2014.

If you know someone who wants to buy or sell in today’s market, call me!

December 2015 Statistics

  • 2,390 – Single-family homes sold, five percent more than December 2014.
  • $270,000 – Median price for single-family homes, 10 percent more than December 2014.
  • $348,904 – Average price for single-family homes, 13 percent more than December 2014.
  • 57 – Average number of days single-family homes spent on the market, one day more than December 2014.
  • 1,646 – New single-family home listings on the market, six percent more than December 2014.
  • 5,214 – Active single-family home listings on the market, three percent more than December 2014.
  • 1,601 – Pending sales for single-family homes, one percent less than December 2014.
  • 2.2 – Months of inventory* of single-family homes, unchanged compared to December 2014.
  • $833,880,560 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 19 percent more than December 2014.

2015 Year-End Totals

  • 29,068 – Single-family homes sold, five percent more than 2014.
  • $263,900 – Median price for single-family homes, nine percent more than 2014.
  • $333,558 – Average price for single-family homes, eight percent more than 2014.
  • 49 – Average number of days that single-family homes spent on the market, two days more than 2014.
  • 36,810 – New single-family home listings on the market, four percent more than 2014.
  • 6,044 – Active single-family home listings on the market, five percent more than 2014.
  • 29,839 – Pending sales for single-family homes, five percent more than 2014.
  • $9,695,852,178 – Total dollar volume of single-family properties sold, 13 percent more than 2014.

Source: http://www.abor.com/statsdec15/

Filed Under: Market Updates

Benefits of Using a Real Estate Agent

December 17, 2015 By

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AVOID CLOSING PROBLEMS. Pitfalls can occur towards the end of a transaction. An agent can see that the completion of the transaction is smooth right through to signing the papers as well as advise as to any contractual changes which might be necessary prior to the closing. Your real estate agent will assist to ensure that all of the professionals involved in the transaction are staying on task and on timeline.

CODE EXPERTISE. Maybe you want to buy a home near a business district and turn the front into a store or perhaps you want to add an addition or build a backyard fence. Experienced real estate agents are familiar enough with local zoning ordinances to make sure you’re buying a property where the city allows it. If a house isn’t connected to the public sewer system, the real estate agent will make sure that is disclosed by the Seller to the Buyer within the inspection period.

PRICING EXPERTISE. Agents can provide all the data on local home sales and deliver in-depth knowledge regarding your purchase that comes from years of watching transactions close in the neighborhood.

UNEMOTIONAL NEGOTIATION. An agent can write requests objectively and submit them to the seller which saves you from getting overly emotional about the transaction. An agent can take the heat in difficult negotiations in a businesslike manner, negotiating all facets of the transaction in your best interest.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIFIC? Aside from the technical aspects of a sale and the mistakes people can make in the paperwork, real estate agents know neighborhoods and houses inside and out. A real estate agent might just know exactly where to find the home you are looking for.

TACKLING THE PAPERWORK. A real estate transaction involves an extensive amount of paperwork. An Agent can properly prepare the necessary real estate purchase contract, disclosures and associated forms that are required to be fully executed by the buyer and seller. The odds of missing something, not initialing a page or failing to check a box, can substantially decrease when you’re working with a professional who knows the paperwork.

FINDING AVAILABLE HOMES. Homes for sale can be viewed on the Web. Often times, great properties are not widely publicized because Sellers have health or financial problems, divorce factors or choose not to advertise their sale during the holidays. Working with a Realtor® gives you access to homes you might otherwise miss seeing.

REQUESTING REPAIRS. Request for repairs can make or break a deal. The touchiest part of a real estate purchase often involves requesting repairs. An agent may be able to identify trouble that you may not see and recommend a good independent home inspector who can provide a detailed report on problems with the house. The agent will have a good sense of what’s reasonable to request and what’s excessive.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION. Real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agree to abide by a code of ethics that requires Realtors® deal with all parties of a transaction honestly.

 

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Holly Schuler
VP, Business Development
Holly.Schuler@Title365.com
512.913.9098  :  Mobile

Filed Under: How I help buyers

2015 Christmas Roundup!

December 5, 2015 By

Back by popular demand, here is a roundup of all the 2015 Christmas happenings in Central Texas! Most of the big events are taking place this weekend so take a look at the schedules below; I’m sure you’ll find something fun happening in your area. If you know of any displays that we missed, please comment below! 

North

Fort Hood

Nature in Lights, a Holiday Tradition

Enjoy the drive through over five and a half miles of holiday-inspired scenes. Like magic, BLORA is once again transformed into a winter wonderland for all to enjoy: kids and kids at heart.

  • When: Until January 3, nightly from 5:30-11 p.m.
  • Where: Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area
  • Cost: $8 per car, mini-van, or pick-up truck, $20 per 15-passenger van, limo, or RV, $35 per 24-passenger van, and $60 per 47-passenger van or large bus

Georgetown

Christmas Stroll

Bring the family and walk through the many wonders of Whoo-Village, enjoy live entertainment, a special kids activity area, treats in the food court and browse more than 250 arts and crafts booths. Children will love the various FREE activities and rides and visiting with Santa. There’s even a parade on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. If you can’t visit during the stroll, stop by any evening to see the Downtown Square lit up for the season.

  • When: Friday, December 4, from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Where: Georgetown Square
  • Cost: Free

Harlien Family Christmas

Tune in to 94.1 while viewing 40,000 lights synchronized to 48 channels of animation. Multiple lit trees, arches, Christmas features, and Santa!!! The Harlien family is hopeful to raise $10,000 through donations to adopt 2 family wishes through Make-A-Wish foundation. To learn more about their fundraiser or to donate money, click here.

  • When: 6-10 p.m. on weekdays and 6-11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Cookies and cocoa with Santa will be on the 2nd, 11th, and 18th at 6:00 pm.
  • Where: 400 Liscio Cove. (For safety reasons, all guests are asked to enter Liscio Loop from Lancaster Drive & exit Liscio Loop at Champions.)
  • Cost: Free, but a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation is encouraged.

Shady Oak Christmas Display

The show lasts about an hour if you watch the whole thing, but each song averages around 6 minutes.

  • When: Visit the Facebook page for updates.
  • Where: 107 Shady Oak Drive
  • Cost: Free

Leander

Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

Pictures with Santa, Holiday Hayrides, Yule Fire, Choral Performances, Christmas Parade, and Tree Lighting.

  • When: Saturday, December 5th at 5 p.m.
  • Where: City Hall, 200 West Willis St.
  • Cost: Free

Cedar Park

Anna Court Light Display

This Cedar Park cul-de-sac is decked out with thousands and thousands of festive lights. Tune your radio to 89.1 to listen to the music.

  • When: Nightly until December 31st from 5:00-10:00pm
  • Where: 1323-1331 Anna Court
  • Cost: Free, but they are accepting donations for Blue Santa until mid-December and after that they are accepting donations for SafePlace.

Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop

Over 60,000 lights will illuminate the largest Live Oak Tree in Cedar Park. Santa’s Workshop will kick off immediately following the tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live music, free carriage rides, games and prizes, inflatables, photos with Santa, and arts & crafts projects. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening.

  • When: Friday, December 4th, from 6:30-9 p.m.
  • Where: Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway
  • Cost: Free

Chinati Court

  • When: See the Facebook page for updates.
  • Where: Just off Sun Chase Blvd in the Ranch at Cypress Creek. Park on Sun Chase and walk, if you can. (Map)
  • Cost: Free but the neighborhood is a collection point for Brown Santa.

Round Rock

Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne

The Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour at Old Settler’s Park is a drive-through light show that features over 2 million lights! Enjoy the sights from the comfort of your car.

  • When: November 30th – December 26th, starting at 6 p.m. (closing times vary)
  • Where: 4111 E. Old Settlers Blvd
  • Cost: $15 per family vehicle. You can find a $5 off coupon here!

Christmas Family Night

Due to the construction on Main Street, Christmas Family Night has been moved to the Old Settlers Association and the Dell Diamond Parking lot at Christmas Towne.

This free event will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music, dancers, game booths, and free hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate and other refreshments. Frosty the Snowman and Santa will be there, too, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to take pictures with Santa.

  • When: Friday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Christmas Towne
  • Cost: Free

Pflugerville

Christmas Parade and Pfestival of Lights

The city’s Parks & Recreation Department joins forces with the Knights of Columbus this year and adds activities to the annual Christmas Parade. Blending the two events makes a larger, more fun holiday celebration for the community. The city will bring a stage with live performances from local elementary schools and dancers on the stage at 200 W. Main Street. There will be FREE arts and crafts activities for children, a bonfire, the traditional tree lighting, and photos with Santa Claus at the end of the parade. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras for free pictures with Santa.

  • When: Saturday, December 5th
    • Holiday Stroll and Sidewalk Sale – Pecan Street – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
    • Christmas Parade – Railroad Avenue to Main Street – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    • Pfestival of Lights – Main Street – 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
    • Including live music concert at 7:00 pm
  • Cost: Free

North Austin

Holidays at The Domain

There is a lot going on at the Domain this year!

Santa Photo Experience: Make an appointment online at www.Simon.NoerrSanta.com.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Fridays & Saturday, 5:30PM-9:30PM

Holiday Light Shows
Hourly 6PM, 7PM & 8PM
Watch the holidays come to life with hourly lights show in Domain II. More than 82,000 lights and 2,200 strobes will dance to holiday music for the first 15 minutes of each hour.

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, 12/5/15, 9AM-Noon
Enjoy breakfast, live music, character appearances, games, crafts and a visit from Santa.

Central Austin

Trail of lights

Preview the Trail of Lights and enjoy cocktails, food, live music and more this Friday during the 2nd annual Night Lights. Purchase tickets here. Then on Saturday you can get your fitness on at the 2015 Fun Run! The 2.1 mile run starts at the Zilker tree and ends within the Trail of Lights. Crazy costumes are encouraged. Sign up here. The Grand Opening Ceremony is at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 8th.

  • When: Preview Party on Friday, December 4th from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, Fun Run on Saturday, December 5th at 7:30, Official Dates: December 8-22, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m..
  • Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.
  • Cost: Prices vary. Please visit the website for details.

Holiday Stroll

The fun starts at 6 p.m. when crowds gather on the south steps of the Capitol to sing the songs of the season with John Aielli, host of the long-running show “Eklektikos” on KUTX 98.9. As the clock strikes 7 p.m., the crowd begins the countdown to the lighting of the Capitol tree, featuring a programmed light show at the top and bottom of every hour, set to holiday songs of local Austin musicians. From 7 to 9 p.m. Congress Ave. will be abuzz with holiday cheer during the Downtown Stroll. Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late and will feature special activities and offers.

  • When: Saturday, December 5th at 6 p.m.
  • Where: Texas State Capitol, Congress Avenue & 11th Street.
  • Cost: Free

Luminations at Wildflower Center

Enjoy Luminations, a Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center holiday tradition. Make plans to visit the lighted gardens, filled with thousands of luminarias and twinkle lights. In addition to the beautiful holiday lighting, there will be hot chocolate and food for sale, plus children’s activities and musical acts throughout both evenings. Kids can get a hug from Frosty the Snowman and make crafts in the Visitors Gallery.

  • When: Saturday and Sunday, December 12th and 13th, from 6-9 p.m.
  • Where: 4801 La Crosse Avenue
  • Cost:
    • Adults – $5
    • Seniors 65 and older – $5
    • Students with college ID – $5
    • Youth ages 5-17: $3
    • Free for members and children 4 years and under
  • They will offer a food collection for the Capital Area Food Bank. Find their most requested items here: http://www.austinfoodbank.org/how-to-help/donate-food.html 

 

South

Buda

Trail of Lights

Get in the holiday mood by strolling through the park and enjoying the lights! FREE shuttle parking is available at Cabela’s. No parking is permitted in the park. Walk in visitors are welcome and may bring leashed pets. The trail is approximately 1/2 mile long. No pets are allowed on shuttle buses. Hot beverages and concessions will be available for purchase.

  • When: December 11-12 and 18–21, from 6 – 10 p.m
  • Where: Historic Stagecoach Park, 880 Main Street, Buda.
  • Cost: Free

San Marcos

Sights & Sounds of Christmas

Come out for free Santa photos, holiday performances, ice skating, enjoy festival foods, holiday gift shops, laser light show, free petting zoo, pony rides, carnival, town of Bethlehem, 5K Run, Kids 1K Run. Want to volunteer and get free entry? You can do that too!

  • When: December 2nd – 5th, from 5 – 11 p.m.
  • Where: 401 E. Hopkins Street
  • Cost: 13 and up is $5; kids 12 and under are FREE.

 

East

Bastrop

River of Lights

The River of Lights features 120 lighted displays and music. The trail continues all the way down the Lower Colorado River to Ferry Park, about a half mile.

  • When: Until January 1st
  • Where: Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St.
  • Cost: Free

 

West

Dripping Springs

Christmas on Mercer Street

The public is invited to attend the day-long festival on Mercer Street, hosted by the City of Dripping Springs and the Dripping Springs Lions Club. The charming downtown setting of Mercer Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with lights, holiday decorations, festive music, fire pits for warmth and plenty of holiday cheer. Photos with Santa, train rides, pony rides and a variety of arts, crafts and specialty food and drink booths will be in full swing. The highlight of the evening will be the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Triangle, located at Hwy. 290 and RR 12. At sunset, attendees are invited to gather for the illumination of the tree, showing off its twinkling lights, and joining in festive songs. This year features a special High Steppers performance, in addition to multiple choirs from local Dripping Springs churches and schools. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available for all to enjoy.

  • When: Saturday, December 5th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., tree lighting is at dusk.
  • Where: Mercer Street, Downtown Dripping Springs
  • Cost: Free

Wimberley

The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Trail of Lights

Stroll a walking path with more than 100 lighted exhibits created by local businesses, churches, organizations and families. Roast a marshmallow or a hot dog at the yule log and listen to live entertainment on most nights. Santa will be there on the 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th-23rd. There will also be some Disney princesses visiting this year! Belle on the 3rd, Ariel on the 10th, and Snow White on the 17th.

  • When: Until December 29th, from 6–9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and from 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  • Where: EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, 1101 FM 2325
  • Cost: Free but donations are greatly appreciated.

Johnson City

Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style

This holiday season, bring your family to enjoy the magic and beauty of over two million LED lights spread over a mile-long drive through light display. To book a hayride through the lights for your family or group this Christmas season, or if you have any questions, call 512-955-1706.

  • When: Until January 1, from 6-11 p.m
  • Where: 1 mile outside of Johnson City, on Hwy 281.
  • Cost: Free but donations are accepted to help keep the display burning bright!

 

Filed Under: Family Life

Things to do in Georgetown, Texas

October 2, 2015 By

Georgetown, Texas has long been known as one of the best places in the country to retire but its reputation as a sleepy town is diminishing with the addition of several cool new restaurants and shops. Downtown Georgetown’s urban environment and walkability has attracted younger business owners to the area, creating fun things to do for every generation. Here are my suggestions for where to go while visiting the most beautiful town square in Texas:

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Shops

Whether you’re looking for home décor, clothing, jewelry, or a one-of-a-kind gift, you’re sure to find something in Georgetown. There are numerous antique stores, all within walking distance from each other. Check out Sunshine West Vintiques for great deals on antiques as well as re-purposed vintage items. Another unique store on the square is Tribal Impressions. They carry cowboy and Indian museum quality replica wear as well as turquoise and silver jewelry, headdresses, books, music, and art. Therapie Boutique now has a permanent location inside of The Co-op 78626, a salon & boutique that stands out in Georgetown due its cool Austin vibe. Stop by for a makeover from head to toe!

For the kids: If you’re shopping for children or if you’re looking for a place to entertain them, you should check out All Things Kids. Not only do they sell exceptional toys but their store features a large Play Zone where children can play with all the toys and parents can work using the store’s WiFi.

Restaurants

Georgetown has no shortage of fantastic locally owned restaurants. Here are some new local favorites: Burger University, located in the century-old Lockett Building prides itself on its fresh, never frozen hamburger patties and its fries that are cut fresh every day. If you like live music, check out Roots Bistro. They have live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night as well as a great craft beer selection and delicious food. Eats on 8th uses only the freshest ingredients from local growers to provide their customers with a unique farm-to-table experience. Whether it’s date night or you are having lunch with friends, definitely try out Eats on 8th. If you prefer giant pizza slices and a wide assortment of beer in a casual and fun environment, you’ll love 600 Degrees Pizzeria. 600 Degrees has become extremely popular since opening a year and half ago due to its delicious pizza and lively atmosphere.

For the kids: Hat Creek Burger Company is a favorite among local Georgetown families. Fellowship, family, and fresh cheeseburgers are the three pillars of this fun restaurant. Come enjoy great food in a casual atmosphere while your kids place in the large outdoor play area.

Outdoor Activities

The San Gabriel River runs through the city, providing a beautiful view for the 30 miles of hike and bike trails. There’s also an 18-hole disc golf course beginning in Rivery Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Inner Space Cavern, one of the most well preserved caves in Texas.

For the kids: Last year Georgetown’s Creative Playscape was completely redone in an effort to bring the equipment up to Title II of the American with Disabilities Act, as well as current Texas Health and Safety Code standards. What once was a maze of wooden towers and tunnels is now a beautiful open park with plenty of exciting things for children to engage with.

With its unique combination of urban style and southern charm, Georgetown, Texas is a great place to visit and an even better place to call home. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information on buying property here in Georgetown!

Filed Under: Downtown Georgetown

Thinking of Investing in Real Estate?

September 14, 2015 By

Thought about investing lately? No, not your 401(k) or mutual fund.

Investing in real estate.

There’s a tremendous opportunity right now to become a real estate investor here in the Austin area for multiple reasons. And it’s much easier than you might think. In fact, it’s a very simple process. Rental properties are evaluated just like any other single family home and all you need is at least a 15% down payment.

Why should you invest in real estate?

Home values in the Austin area continue to rise. According to the most recent information from the Austin Board of Realtors, the median price for single family homes is 10% higher compared to the same period last year.  Can you name any other type of investment that provided such a return? Plus, your equity is secured by a first lien. Unlike other types of investments, your rental property value will never drop to zero!

Another motivating factor is the current state of interest rates. Interest rates for rental properties have been so low for so long that rental payments cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs in most cases.  Rental rates in Austin are also on the rise meaning the rents take care of your loan, maintenance costs, and you’re actually making money, or cash flowing, each month.

Here in Austin, there has been considerable interest in investment properties and rightly so. The combination of low rates and higher rents make investment real estate a very attractive option. In addition, if the property you buy currently has tenants, the lender can use the rental income to help qualify for the new loan.  And speaking of financing, these low rates are fixed, not adjustable, so your cash flow and equity will continue to grow well into the future.

This article is sponsored by Tera Gilbert of New Penn Financial.  If you’ve been thinking about investing in real estate here in the Austin area or want more information, contact Edwin Lui or Tera Gilbert for a free consultation. There may never be a better time to buy a rental property in Austin than right now.

Filed Under: Investors
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