12902 Pencil Cactus Drive, Pflugerville TX 78660

Don’t miss out on this one story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home built in 2010 with a side entry garage, fenced backyard, mother-in-law plan and large kitchen with plenty of cabinet and counter space.

20928 Bellerive Drive, Pflugerville TX 78660

Meadows of Blackhawk

20928 Bellerive Drive was built in 2007 by Ryland Homes. This two story home boasts 5 bedrooms (master on the main), 2.5 baths, formal dining, butler’s pantry, media room, craft closet, an upstairs office area and fireplace. If you are looking for space – this home has it all!

Gabriels Grove – just listed!

116 Vista Lane floor plan

Fabulous one story home in Gabriels Grove – 4 bedrooms – 3 full baths  ( 1 jack-n-jill) – 3 car garage – open kitchen and living concept – common area shared by secondary bedrooms – study – formal dining – breakfast area - large pantry – 3114 square feet (per builder plan) – fireplace – covered front porch – covered patio with gas grill -  double ovens – gas cooktop – built in microwave – refrigerator – granite counters and large kitchen island… The master has separate closets, double vanities, a walk-in shower and a jetted tub.

Don’t wait until this home is complete – buy it now and pick your colors!

San Gabriel Heights

303 Innwood Drive offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a bonus room, 2 car garage, outside living area with wood burning fire pit, stainless appliances and much more. What will you do with an extra bonus room? I can think of several good ideas… Use it as a formal dining, playroom, set up a home office or craftroom.

Woods of Fountainwood

JUST LISTED!

Gorgeous custom home on a fenced 1 acre lot in Woods of Fountainwood. Built in 2012, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath stone home has all the bells and whistles: amazing views, formal dining, study with glass doors, open concept, outdoor living area with Kitchen Aid grill, stone fireplace, 3 car garage and much, much more. The kitchen is made for a chef:  a grand island with wine bar and bookshelf, Kitchen Aid appliances with double ovens and a propane cooktop, beautiful notty adler cabinets with pull outs and other custom features. A must see.

109 Gunn Ranch Virtual Tour

You must see all the amazing photos of 109 Gunn Ranch, including the 109 Gunn Ranch virtual tour.

109 Gunn Ranch Photos

109 Gunn Ranch Features

Built in 2012
3165 sq feet per appraisal
4 bedrooms
3 full baths
3 car garage
one story
formal dining
study with glass doors
stone fireplace
wood ceiling beams
grand kitchen island
double ovens (Kitchen Aid)
gas cooktop (Kitchen Aid)
outdoor living area with grill
sprinkler system
fenced yard
surround sound
Complete feature list coming!

Georgetown Walking Trails Map

Georgetown-Trail-Map-Color

Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or want to get some exercise and walk a few miles - the trails in Georgetown are great.  Get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the San Gabriel River.  Today a friend and I chose to walk the long route from Overlook Park out by the dam to Rivery Park by I35 and Home Depot; total walk was 4.5 miles.  Georgetown is not flat; the walking trails run along the San Gabriel River and the terrain can get a bit tricky at times.   

Must see Georgetown Trail Areas 

I highly recommend exploring the area between Bootys Road Park and North Cross Road (you need to park at Bootys Park Road).  There is a bird watching area and a star gazing area.  The bird watching area has several springs that feed into the river as well as large rocks and mossy areas – just beautiful.  The star gazing area has benches with N-S-E-W locators on the ground and marbles in the concrete showing the star constellations.

Helpful Georgetown Walking Trail Hints

Be prepared and know what route to take before heading out.  Out by the lake there are several areas that are very steep - I would not want to ride a bike in this area. If you want to have a walk with more down hills than up, start out by the lake and work your way in to town – we were glad we did today!  Also note:  the water fountains were not working so you might want to take along a water bottle incase you get thirsty. 

Along the way you will see Georgetown homes up on the ridges backing to the San Gabriel River; if you are interested in living in Georgetown give me a call.

Round Rock Location

Located just 15 miles north of Austin, Round Rock is located mainly in Williamson County; however, part of the city is in Travis County. Round Rock is a mix of older established communities as well as sprawling newer communities loaded with all the latest amenities.

Round Rock Activities

Housing isn’t the only great thing Round Rock has to offer; there are great golf courses, shopping centers, Round Rock Outlets, the only local IKEA, Sprouts, as well as minor league baseball games at The Dell Diamond. If outdoors is your thing, Round Rock has miles and miles of walking/bike trails and parks galore.

Round Rock Real Estate

It’s no wander why Round Rock is so popular. Watch for our Round Rock Real Estate site… coming soon. It will be a web site devoted to this great city and all it has to offer.

Gorgeous two story home in Teravista backing to the golf course and green area. Built in 2006 by Meritage, this home has upgrades galore… A must see.

Photos of 1735 Woodvista Place

Virtual Tour of 1735 Woodvista Pl.

1735 Woodvista Place Features

4 bedrooms ~ 2 1/2 baths
Built in 2006
2780 square feet (tax records)
Cul-de-sac~ Over-sized lot
Formal dining~ Formal living
Gameroom~ Study area
Backs to golf course & green area
Kitchen granite counters~ stainless steel appliances
Extended covered patio~ Pergola

This great condo is located in a gated community in Lago Vista just a stones throw from the lake. There is plenty of room in this 1540 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bath with an attached 1 car garage, front porch and patio area.  The community offers a pool, park and lake access; a public boat ramp is just minutes away. Don’t let this deal pass you by.
 

Photos of 20982 Waterside Dr #41.

Virtual Tour of 20982 Waterside Dr. #41

20982 Waterside Dr. #41 Features

3 bedrooms
2 1/2 baths
1540 square feet (tax records)
Built 2002
Gated community
Community pool
Lake access

I spent time this week having the rooms measured, picking out carpet and trying to decide if now was a good time to invest in new carpet.  There are always unexpected expenses with owning a home and I tend to try and not spend between Christmas and tax time. The quote was $1500 for 3 rooms – not bad but a bit more than I expected.

I called The Carpet Specialist and scheduled him to come out and take a look at the carpet.  I just knew Jason was going to tell me I had to replace the carpet; boy was I wrong.  Jason cleans the carpet using hot water (260 degrees) extraction and no soap residue is left behind; it also removes all the previous residue from home cleaners.  As the carpets were cleaned, it was like night and day. 

I saved $1400, have CLEAN carpets and a happy wallet.  If you are debating on whether your carpets need to be replaced - call Jason West, The Carpet Specialist.  512.820.8207  You just might be surprised at what he can do for you.

When a plant is planted in the ground, the roots are a good 6-12 inches below the surface and chill.  When potted, the roots are exposed to the pot, the pot exposed to the elements and therefore the roots freeze at a quicker rate.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your plants. Cover the small ones with 2 liter bottles – cut the bottom of the bottle off and remove the cap. Wrap the pots in blankets, burlap, flannel, or any type of heavy fabric; the point is to insulate the pot from the cold. If you have the funds and enough plants to make it worth wild, build a greenhouse. Bring the plants inside when chilly weather is predicted.

I bring my plants indoors.  I lay a tarp in the sitting room and all the potted plants have indoor living quarters for a few weeks.  It’s best to find a spot where your plants still get natural light and don’t forget to keep them watered.

The cool thing about giving is you don’t have to be the #1 donor to a charity. Just give what you can, everything helps. Some people can donate their time and time is a valuable resource; while some people can give money and that helps strapped budgets.

Many charities accept used clothing, toys and household goods – when was the last time you gave your closet a good cleaning and got rid of all the clothes you don’t wear?  I hear people say things like “No one would want to wear that,” or “That is so out of date.” When it’s cold outside side clothes are clothes and you aren’t looking to make a fashion statement – just stay warm.  Find a charity that has a cause dear to your heart and donate your used clothing, it might make you feel good.

At this time of year many places are accepting toys for children: Blue Santa, Brown Santa and the barrells to leave toys in.  You don’t have to fill the barrell but maybe a toy or two.  Wal-Mart had board games on sale this past weekend for $5 and a 5 pack of Hot Wheels for $3.50.  It might be all a child gets for Christmas.  It might make you feel good.

Helping a charity doesn’t mean being the #1 donor - a couple of toys, used clothing, household items or toys your children have outgrown.

Rates vary according to whether you are a resident of Georgetown, (or non-resident), and by individual, youth, senior, couple, family and senior couple.  There are also combo rates for the Recreation Center and Tennis Center and daily rates.  To give a quick idea of rate changes a resident couple will increase annually from $248 to $273 and a resident family will increase annually from $319 to $351.

Many group classes are offered at different times and are included in the membership price.  Classes like strength zone, cross training, indoor cycling, mat toning, power pilates, cardio kickboxing, pilates, bench blast, yoga fit and many more.  I recently took a look at the schedule and was very impressed with the lineup.

Some services are offered on an as needed fee basis, services such as: Baby Sitter services available Monday through Friday (times vary, check the online calendar); Personal Trainers who work with clients one-on-one; Massage Therapy to relax those tired and toned muscles; Jazzercise; Fee Based group classes focused on groups individual needs and wants. 

Don’t procrastinate if exercise is part of your 2011 plan, sign up now and save yourself some money.

Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes builds a custom home that is functional, yet gracious and beautiful.  From the moment you pull up to a Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home you know you are going to enjoy the experience .  Details are not forgotten – they are accentuated; From grand entrances, sweeping staircases, exquisite granite countertops, beamed ceilings and fireplaces that frame the room.  Jimmy Jacob Custom Homes are grand in size but the workmanship creates a warmth that make you want to call them home.

One thing I like about Woodland Park is the layout, it isn’t just cookie cutter parrallel streets.  There are cul-de-sacs and loops that make the best use of the natural landscape.  In a Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes community it is obvious that blending the environment with the beauty of the homes is a high priority.  

Woodland Park is located on the west side of Georgetown out Williams Drive.  Access to Ronald Reagan Boulevard is made easy with FM3405 being a quarter of a mile from the main entrance; FM3405 is a cross over from Williams to Ronald Reagan Boulevard and thus easy access to Cedar Park and the Austin area.

If you would like to see what Woodland Park has to offer – call, text or email me.  The model home is a delight to visit.

Scrooge, The Musical is being performed at The Palace Theater through December 30th.  Tickets vary in price from $10-$24 and can be purchased in advance.

Breakfast with Santa is December 11th, 8am – 11am, at Fire Station #1, 301 Industrial Avenue. For only $6 a person you can enjoy pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee PLUS check out a fire truck, talk to a fire fighter and get a picture with Santa!  Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Fire Administration Office. 

Texas Rose Strings will perform classical and holiday music at Georgetown Public Library December 19th from 2 to 4pm.  This is a come and go event.

Of course, there is always The Square in downtown Georgetown.  This time of year it is lighted, festive and decorated for the Christmas holidays.  There are plenty of shops to enjoy – be sure to stay warm.

Round of golf? Cimarron Hills Golf and Country Club offers a 7302 yard Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Stressed? There is a state-of-the-art fitness center or take advantage of the  in-house luxury spa to chase those worries away. Want to relax? Take a walk on the nature trail and enjoy the wildlife or unwind by the Olympic size pool. Hungry? Dine in the clubhouse and enjoy the delights of the Chef’s menu.  Tennis? There are multiple courts to suit your enjoyment or sharpen your competive edge. (Access to amenities varies by membership level).   

If you have younger members in your household, be sure to check the school district for Cimarron Hills; the majority of the homes are in the Liberty Hill ISD.

Thursday, November 11th: First Baptist Church has it’s Christmas Spectacular.  The draw to this event is the large amount of handmade items for sale.  Hours are Thursday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9am – 3pm. 1333 West University Ave.  Admission is free.
Friday, November 19th to Thursday, December 30th: The Georgetown Palace Theater presents Scrooge, The Musical.  The Palace was built in 1925 by A.C. Moore and is located at 810 South Austin Avenue on the Square. A silent film played the opening night in February 1926 – films have come a long way.  Tickets range from $10 to $24.
Sunday, November 26th: The Annual Lighting of the Square will occur in downtown Georgetown.  This is always an event to see.  There will be singing of holiday carols, people taking photos with Santa, vendors with cookies and hot chocolate and lots of fun for all.  Admission is free.
Hope to see you around town…

Ranch at Brushy Creek Amenities

Amenities in Ranch at Brushy Creek include an Amenity Center complete with a junior size Olympic swimming pool, kiddie splash pool with a water mushroom feature and pavilion. Volleyball and basketball courts, picnic areas and BBQ pits are also accessible via Ranch Trails Park – located across from the Amenity Center.  There are many public parks to enjoy in this area, as well as hike and bike trails.  Avery Ranch Golf Course is located just a few miles down the road and is open to the public.

Ranch at Brushy Creek Homes

Homes in Ranch at Brushy Creek can vary in size and price depending on what you like and are willing to pay for.  A few builders in the community are Scott Felder Homes, Sitterle, Meritage, Buffington, Drees Custom, Highland and Grand Haven Homes.  Home sites range from 50′ to 60′ to 70′; if you are looking for a community but want a little elbow room the 70′ home site might be worth a try. (Builders change so call for up-to-date info).

Shopping by Ranch at Brushy Creek

Shopping in this area seems to be endless! FM1431 shopping areas are just a few miles down the road, as well as the Round Rock Premium Outlets if you go east towards Round Rock and Lakeline Mall is a short drive down 620.  A large HEB grocery store, Home Depot, pizza parlor, movie rentals and a couple of fast food places are at Parmer Lane and FM1431.  Ranch at Brushy Creek has many needed conveniences located within minutes.

Since Shady Oaks is out of the city limits, the younger household members can attend the Jarrell Independent School District, located just a few miles north on I35.  Jarrell ISD is rated by the TEA as overall academically acceptable.  Some people are drawn to Jarrell ISD because there are only 3 schools in the public ISD: Jarrell Elementary rated academically acceptable, Jarrell Middle rated recognized and Jarrell High rated exemplary. (info pulled from greatschools.org and based on 2008-09 scores)

Located north of Georgetown out off 195, Shady Oaks is convenient to Austin and the Killeen/Waco area as well.  The 130 Toll intersects with I35 just shy of 195… so if you work down south you can just jump on the 130 Toll Road and boogie into Austin.  For commuters going to Killeen, 195 is straight shot down a crooked country road, if you know what I mean.

Numerous builders have built and will build in Shady Oaks; currently (summer 2010) Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes has a model for your touring delight.  These custom homes start in the mid 2500 square footage range and go up from there… it’s best to call for pricing.   I love model homes and can meet you in the neighborhood - give me a call.

Homes in San Gabriel River Estates range from a modest 2000+ square feet to well over 5000 square feet.  As always, appointments can range since these are custom built homes. A quick glance through the community and you will find a flare for the Texas traditional with the big front porch or a stately Tuscan inspired home with a grand entrance.

San Gabriel River Estates are part of the Hutto Independent School District -  Home of the Hutto Hippos!  Individual school ratings and information can be found on the Hutto Independent School website.

San Gabriel River Estates are located east of where SH130 comes through Georgetown, south of Highway 29 and north of Highway 79 in Round Rock; looking at a map will sure help.  With all the highways close by, but far enough for traffic not to be a bother, there are plenty of routes for commuting to work.

If you would like to take a look at this gated Georgetown community, give me a call because we are going to need the gate code to get in.

The area of Round Rock around CR122 is bustling in growth with home and commercial development. At CR122 and Gattis School Road is a grocery store, video rental, a few fast food eateries and a pharmacy. As this area expands, so does the commercial development up and down Gattis School Road. Shopping in the Round Rock area offers Round Rock Premium Outlets and La Frontera; here you can find everything from Sam’s Club, Lowe’s Home Depot, Target, Hobby Lobby, World Market, Kohl’s, Office Max, Best Buy and the list goes on and on.

Getting around in the Round Rock area has become much easier within the last few years.  With the 130 Toll within 10 miles, accessing south parts of Austin is much easier than in the “old days”.  Traveling down the 45 Extension offers a straight connect to Mopac, (aka Loop 1), which will help your commute to the downtown area. I think having options for a commute other than I35 are always a welcome, I would much rather be moving than sitting in traffic.

If you like to golf, Forest Creek Golf Club is just right down the road. Memberships are open to the public and my golf friends really enjoy this course.  Maybe some day I’ll take up golfing…

Located off Williams Drive and Jim Hogg Road in Georgetown, Tuscany Villas is close to the intersection of  FM3405 – which cuts across to Ronald Reagan Boulevard (Palmer Lane once you past FM1431).  This cut through gives an alternative to the hustle and bustle happening on IH35 and quick access to the Cedar Park area. 

One of Lake Georgetown’s parks is located off Jim Hogg Road; here you will find picnic tables, boat ramps, plenty of places to fish and just all around areas for outdoor enjoyment.  There are even camping areas if you are up for the challenge, be sure to bring bug spray.

Georgetown is growing.  There are still ”mom and pop” shops and good antique stores but the city living has come this way and so have the conveniences with big name stores. 

If you want to visit Tuscany Villas, you might want to call and meet me somewhere on Williams Drive – getting to this small community isn’t the easiest but well worth it.

We sure didn’t find what we were looking for but we had fun laughing at all the ads. Here’s one of the real estate ads that caught our eye.

1942 ad: HYDE PARK BARGAIN $2000 will purchase a big 5 room cottage, located near Baker school. Good street, beautiful lot, near transportation. This property needs some repairs but with a little improvement would be worth $3250. Terms are available. Call us to see this bargain.

Now: Hyde Park homes are for sale between mid $250-750,000 with updates that range from refurbished wood floors, updated kitchens, additions –Some of the homes currently for sale are beauties.

I sometimes wondered why my grandpa would get so amazed at the prices of things in general – everything from a haircut to milk to living expenses to the cost of Bush’s Chicken.  After reading these 1942 ads and comparing the prices to today’s market, it puts a lot in perspective.

Houses aren’t selling for 1942 prices but there are some good priced homes to be purchased.  Give me a call or email if you want to find out about what’s for sale.

Along with the small town atmosphere in Georgetown we have big city perks too; there’s a Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, Hobby Lobby, Kohl’s, Kirklands, Best Buy, Office Depot, Michaels, TJ Maxx, Justice for Girls and many more.  You can’t forget about the Downtown Historic District either; there’s antique shops where you can get hand dipped chocolate pretzels, The Escape and Brazos Collection for the artistic beader.

If you want a face paced atmosphere where you can go unnoticed and noone cares, Georgetown probably isn’t the place for you. If you want a place to call home, a place to belong, be a part of a community… give Georgetown a try.  I love living in Georgetown.