Williamson County Real Estate

September 2015

Real Estate

FREE

Williamson County

m a g a z i n e

Cover Property: Santa Rita Ranch

Santa Rita Ranch Austin’s Newest Master Planned Community (512) 253-7310 www.SantaRitaRanchAustin.com

SERVING WILLIAMSON COUNTY LEANDER, GEORGETOWN, LIBERTY HILLL, ROUND ROCK, CEDAR PARK, PFLUGERVILLE, HUTTO, AND EVERYTHNG IN BETWEEN

From the Publisher I’ve read numerous articles about the growth of Williamson County from the national to local throughout the last few years. Most boast about our public schools, affordable homes, natural beauty, and economic growth.

But with all of that, there are issues like an effort to control growth and over development. When planning for economic development, the goal is to create and maintain a strong, vibrant local economy.

parks, mass transit, new housing, and job creation are incremental and have already been approved throughout the county. The Williamson County Economic Development Partnership is right now in the throes of developing an economic strategy working complete with quantitative goals for the next five plus years - which of course must spring from a well-constructed and thoughtful analytical basis.

I am curious to see the transformations our county will experience over the years as we continue our growth.

Until next month, happy house hunting!

Our city councils have learned we must be preemptive in ensuring projects to promote growth while maintaining order. New road projects, schools, Williamson County Real Estate Magazine is a publication by Kimberly Ruka. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Williamson County Real Estate Magazine is published monthly and delivered to sites throughout Williamson County. For advertising information call 512-568-2000.

NORTH AUSTIN

New Communities

Northwoods at Avery Ranch Pearson Place at Avery Ranch CEDAR PARK The Arbors at Lakeline Cold Springs Misty Valley The Reserve at Brushy Creek The Reserve at Caballo Ranch Scottsdale Crossing GEORGETOWN The Brownstone at The Summit Cimarron Hills Heritage Oaks Parkside at Mayfield Ranch Rancho Sienna Santa Rita Ranch Shady Oaks Estates Summerlyn Sun City Teravista Water Oak

Woodland Park

LIBERTY HILL

HUTTO

Clearwater Ranch Rancho Santa Fe Rio Ancho

Emory Farms Hutto Square Star Ranch LEANDER Bryson Caballo Ranch Cap Rock at Crystal Falls Cold Springs Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls Hawkes Landing Hazlewood Northside Meadow Oak Creek Reagan’s Overlook Sarita Valley Savanna Ranch Summerlyn Trails of Shady Oaks Travisso

ROUND ROCK Eagle Ridge Forest Grove Highlands at Mayfield Ranch Mayfield Ranch Paloma Lake Siena Teravista PFLUGERVILLE Avalon Copperleaf at Falcon Pointe Falcon Pointe The Park at Blackhawk Spring Trails This list may not include all new communities in an area.

Amenities that Matter to You! We are excited to announce Century Communities in Lakeside at Blackhawk!

• LEED Certified Homes • 9 Distinctive Models from 2,200- 3,500 sq ft • Spacious 70-Ft. Wide Greenbelt & Golf Course Sites • Award Winning Pflugerville ISD Schools • Multi-Million Dollar Club House • Nearby Shopping, Restaurants, and Entertainment From the low $300,000s

512-271-3790

www.CenturyCommunities.com/Austin Model Home Coming Soon!

Williamson County Map Salado 2843

195

Florence

138

2115

Jarrell

487

Schwertner

487

970

95

1105

Andice Bertram

29

35

1869

Leander

971

2243

1460 3406

734

Brushy Creek 620

130

ROUND ROCK

1331

Hare Circleville Waterloo Sandoval 619

29

397

Frame Switch

1660

Hutto

Cedar Park Population Growth Population Median Household Income Homeownership Rate Median Value of Housing Units

2

55.5% 489,250 $71,803 68.6% $178,900 85.7% 61,238 $77,430 70.8% 195,400

Thrall Noack

973

486

Beyersville

973 1466

Coupland

Structure

112

619

1325

Manor

Williamson County Population Growth Population Median Household Income Homeownership Rate Median Value of Housing Units

Taylor 112

Rice’s Crossing 1660

Pflugerville

1331

1063

619 3349

685 45N

734

Jollyville

Laneport

Weir Jonah

GEORGETOWN

Cedar Park

620

971

1105

1431 1431

Granger

Walburg

972 2338

29

972

195

3405

Bartlett

New Corn Hill

INTERSTATE

2338

Liberty Hill 1869

487

Georgetown Population Growth AUSTIN Population Median Household Income Homeownership Rate Median Value of Housing Units Leander Population Growth Population Median Household Income Homeownership Rate Median Value of Housing Units

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

58.8% 54,898 $63,381 71.2% $186,900 125.6% 31,717 $76,141 77.5% $154,500

Elgin

Round Rock Population Growth Population Median Household Income Homeownership Rate Median Value of Housing Units Taylor Population Growth Population Median Household Income Homeownership Rate Median Value of Housing Units

50.4% 109,821 $69,533 59.5% $168,800 15.5% 16,233 $44,158 62.2% $106,100

FEATURES 4

Come Linger in Leander

10

Contemporary Blues

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Home Staging

15

Tour Texas Brownstones in Georgetown

Real Estate Williamson County

m a g a z i n e

512-568-2000 info@WilcoRealEstate.com

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SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS: Williamson County Real Estate Magazine considers all submissions of photos, editorial, opinionated editorial and reader comments for publication.

Editor@WilcoRealEstate.com facebook.com/WilcoRealEstateMag

@WilcoRealEstate

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

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Come LINGER in LEANDER

One of Central Texas’ Fastest Growing Communities

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

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ike so many other communities surrounding Austin, Leander was fueled by the booming economic growth of the city. While between 1990 and 2000 the population increased by an appreciable 4,200 people, it absolutely exploded between 2000 and 2010, more than tripling to total 26,500. This growth shows no signs of slowing, either. Gorgeous new communities are being built, and businesses opening up Austin area branches like Dropbox and Nasdaq Exchange are drawing even more people to seek out wellpaying jobs. Job prospects are excellent in the region, with scores of tech companies relocating or expanding to the area. This job growth has prompted many journalists to describe metro Austin as the “next silicon valley.” Many huge companies already have a presence, such as Dell Inc. whose headquarters are located just a few minutes east in Round Rock.

Luckily, Leander seeks to avoid the mistakes of some other rapidly growing communities. They have kept pace with growth by adding facilities as needed, such as operating six high schools with a seventh set to open this coming school year.

Careful planning like this ensures that Leander will continue to develop into a wonderful, desirable community and not just a jumble of homes and packed streets. This combination of a proactive school system, forward-thinking development, sound economic growth and a glowing real estate market all make Leander a place worth considering to be your new home in the Texas hills.

Growing Smart One of the first steps Leander took to avoid the common problems associated with urban sprawl was to participate in the building of Capital MetroRail’s new commuter rail network. Leander Station was modified to include a Park and Ride service in 2007, and regular commuter service began in 2010. Riders can hop on during one of several service times that begin well before 8 a.m. and be in downtown Austin in about an hour. This service helps remove congestion and improve quality of life by reducing the stress of the daily commute.

BY KIM GULEY

Another preemptive step Leander took was to ensure that the school system was never overwhelmed even as thousands of people moved Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

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here every year. With 24 elementary schools, every neighborhood can be assured that they have a school close by with favorably small class sizes that enhance learning and student/teacher connections.

emphasis on small businesses. No plans have been finalized as of yet, but beautiful concepts have been created to jumpstart imaginations and get the ball rolling.

Leander actively builds new facilities and rezones school districts year after year, with ambitious student-focused learning concepts coming to life within the architecture of the facilities. The new Tom Glenn High School, for example, will have flexible, multi-purpose classrooms clustered around a shared common area to facilitate a “neighborhood” approach for learning that actively engages students with teachers and one another.

Living in Leander

Looking into the future, Leander intends to become a model for other rapid-growth communities by creating a walkable downtown district with an

Nearby shopping and entertainment opportunities are abundant and include Lakeline Mall, 1890 Ranch Shopping Center and a 12-screen Cinemark theater complex. The 6,800-seat Cedar Park Event Center is a short drive for convenience to top performances like George Strait, Texas Stars, Austin Spurs, Disney on Ice and so much more.

With over 60 percent of the adult population being married, the median age being 35 and around a third of the population being under 18, Leander can easily be said to be a city of young families and entrepreneurs. 90 percent of residents over 25 have graduated high school, and 30 percent have attained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Home values are quite affordable in Leander, with a median value of $212,799. Given that property values in the last year have increased 12.1 percent, buying a home in Leander is an amazing prospect that is likely to create heaps of equity as the town grows and property values gain momentum in pace with demand from metro Austin workers.

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

Bryson by Crescent Communities With a “Live at Your Perfect Pace” motto, Bryson is the newest up and coming 500-Acre Master-Planned Community in the Texas Hill Country of Leander.

Rolling hills, wildflowers, and native ravines will inspire you to live with Mother Nature in this tranquil open space setting. Approximately 1,200 homes ranging from $200k - $500k are being offered by reputable builders, including David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Grand Haven Homes, and Scott Felder Homes with a variety of homes being of the farmhouse and craftsman styles. The community will include an extensive hike/bike trail, a state of the art amenity center to include a pool pavilion and several gathering areas. Utility providers include the City of Leander for water and wastewater, PEC electric and Atmos Energy natural gas.

Oak Creek On the other side of an impressive grand entrance with an entry tower and 25’ waterfall, is a 151-acre master planned community. New homes start in the $190k range with several layouts to choose from.

Homes site selections meander around 14.9 acres of parklands with resident access to trails, outdoor grills, picnic table areas, and ponds. Plans for the community include an amenity center to include a resort-style pool with swimming lanes, covered

pavilion, restrooms, playgrounds, and of course dog parks for your furry family member. In addition to the amenities, Oak Creek is also conveniently located near HEB Plus, dining, shopping, and the Capital Metro bus and MetroRail station.

Reagan’s Overlook Looking for a scenic environment to build a new home? That is what you will find at Reagan’s Overlook.

Reagan’s Overlook in Leander offers acreage home sites with spectacular views of the Texas Hill Country. These heavily treed home sites offer all of the privacy you are seeking. While living in this prestigious community you can enjoy many amenities including hiking and river access. The area also provides excellent schools: Parkside Elementary PK, Stiles Middle School 6-8, Rouse High School 9-12, Harbor Leadership Academy K-12 and Summit Christian Academy K-12.

www.builderboost.com 512-650-7657

photo courtesy of Century Communities at Reagan’s Overlook

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

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The 2015 Home

Builders Association of Greater Austin Benefit Home is

NOW AVAILABLE 5 1 20

Co n 512

tac t Erin Jordan

- 2 8 9 - 3 1 15

Proceeds from the sale of this home will benefit

Call 512-454-5588 or www.hbaaustin.com for more information.

BENEFIT HOME

BY CHESMAR HOMES

at

RANCHO SIENNA Project possible thanks to

***New 3 And 4 Bedroom Ranch Style Homes Available Quick Move-In*** ***3 And 4 Bedroom Ranch Style Homes Available ForFor Quick Move-In*** Paceseer Pacesetter Homes is now offering offering new homes on one acre homesites with an unbeatably low tax rate of 1.79% in Rio Ancho Ranch in Liberty Hill priced from the mid $300’s. Magnificent Magnificent views of the Texas Hill Country with access to the San Gabriel River set the new standard of quality living.

A private center and pool with acres of Parkland provide an oasis in this elegant gated community.

New Homes Ready For Purchase Today!

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Contemporary Blues . . .

The large chandelier’s abstract shape plays upon the theme & is the perfect focal point Kelly Wearstler Cubist $3150 gracioushome.com

Bold & oversized contemporary artwork for color & visual exclamation

A chic take on the collectible shell in silver & glass for some shimmer & shine

The Deep Blue $300 zgallerie.com

Whelk Shell On Glass $80 zgallerie.com

This elegant sofa in a linen pearl fabric adds in the comfort element and grandeur to the space

The printed & textured pillows in bright shades of blue carry the accent color over

Lakewood Tufted Sofa $999 homedecorators.com

Blue Cushions $47 dwell.co.uk

Hand-painted glass tea-light cups set on base with a soft silver finish adds panache to the coffee table styling Clement Tealight $65 zgallerie.com

The geometric design in the coffee table along with the finishes complements the style of the space Pacific Coast Coffee Table $500 lampsplus.com

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

You just got the keys to your brand new home. It looks nothing like the Model Home you fell in love with. So sharing some ideas to bring that ‘model home look’ into your space …

4. Bling it Up

Five Tips to bring in the ‘Model Home Look’…

1. Style Fix

Choose a style & theme ( like a Casual Nautical or Formal Contemporary ) and run with it for the entire house. Think in terms of color & accents too.

2. Accent Power

Pick fewer accessories but high impact ones.

Grouping them in 3s works best. Think ‘big’ for accents.

3. Visual Exclamation Points

Create focal points in a room. Add bright pops of color with oversized artwork or bring in classic chandeliers that add instant opulence.

Use metal finishes & reflective surfaces like silver & glass to bring in that high-end feeling to the space. Mirrored cabinet fronts & shiny candle stands work well.

5. Add Drama

Go bold. A feature wall, a statement furniture piece or a large mirror with over-the-top framework are the perfect picks.

Remember that personalizing your new home is all about realizing your individual style. Choose things that tell your story. Combine that with the tips & tricks I have shared to make your home feel like a model home!

Studio M Designs Minol Shamreen is a HSR Certified Professional Home Stager with an impressive background in architecture & interior design. For more information visit www.studiom-designs.com

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

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5 Things to Look for When Buying a Home With the extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit, many homebuyers are back in the market.

The low interest rates, tax credit, and low property values make this the ideal time to buy a home. But with the added number of foreclosures, the homes currently for sale also have a greater range of physical conditions. For the first time home buyer, this process can easily be overwhelming, but these 5 tips should help.

1. Don’t be fooled by pretty wall colors Instead, try to envision the house painted white, and focus on the age of appliances, condition of floors, and any signs of mold or structural damage.

2. Check out the age of the furnace An old heating or cooling system can run you thousands if you have to replace it immediately, and should impact the price you’re willing to bid on the house.

4. Before you even walk into the house, check out the roof Is it caving in? Or is it relatively new?

This is a major item that you don’t want to pay for once you move in, plus a caving roof could mean water damage.

5. Check for water damage If water is leaking in from outside, then you’ll usually see mold alongside the basement walls. Be sure to walk around outside to see what’s causing this. It’s important to be aware of these issues so you can find out how much repairs are going to cost upfront. Regardless of which type of house you end up buying, a good rule of thumb is to focus on structural integrity rather than great décor and paint colors. A house that has ugly carpet and walls is much easier to fix than a pretty house that has a cracked foundation.

Another important asset in buying a home is having the right Realtor.

3. Are the windows newer or older? This is a major plus if they are newer, as it will help you on the heating and cooling bills.

By QuickenLoans

Matt Guley

Senior Loan Officer

(512) 592-5468 NMLS #873175

3429 Executive Center Drive, Bldg 2, Hubbard Suite 200 Austin, TX 78731

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

Tour Texas Brownstones in Georgetown

T

exas Brownstones™ located in Georgetown, TX offers award winning homes from the 400s and is proud to boast contemporary urban village living community, the only of its kind in Williamson County. Inspired by classic nineteenth century row houses and designed with native Texas materials and styling, the community combines the charm of small-town living with the convenience of a modern mixed-use development. The Brownstones offer convenient access to shopping and dining, downtown Georgetown and a range of family-friendly amenities.

The Texas Brownstones’ decorative turn-of-thecentury streetlights, wide sidewalks, and central lawn with pocket parks and dog park, offer a unique community within The Summit at Rivery Park, Georgetown’s only high-end, mixed-use development. Set on 32 acres overlooking the San Gabriel River, The Summit at Rivery Park will not only offer the Texas Brownstones, but also a wide

variety of shopping, dining and other services just outside your door, including: • Specialty restaurants • Boutiques and shops • Grocery and specialty retail • Medical and Wellness Services • Full-service Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center The Texas Brownstones has a floor plan for everyone. Total build-out calls for 114 single-family homes that range in size from 2100 square feet to 3300 square feet. Dedicated to open space and convenient livability, the interiors combine the best aspects of large custom homes and attached urban living. Personal elevators are standard in most homes and make multi-story living convenient for everyone and most home plans feature a private rooftop terrace with incredible views of the Hill Country, San Gabriel River and Downtown Georgetown.

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

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The Texas Brownstones boast upgraded amenities with several styles to choose from to customize to your taste. Interiors are designed to maximize natural light and living spaces, with large bedrooms and open, connected kitchens, dining and family areas. Sixteen and one-half inch party walls between homes provide for maximum sound-proofing and privacy. The Brownstones are eco-friendly homes guided by the Performance 10™, a certified design and building approach to environmentally responsible and efficient construction. From low heat windows and energy efficient appliances to open cell foam insulation, the Performance 10 program design benefits greatly reduce energy costs and environmental impact. Our homes HERS (Home Energy Rating System ), which is the national standard for energy efficiency in new homes, calculates our homes to be on the average 40% more energy efficient than the standard new home built today.

Your Texas Brownstone includes: • Hardwood floors in living, dining, and kitchen areas • 10-foot ceilings with 8-foot doors • Gourmet kitchen with granite and 8-foot kitchen islands • Energy-star certified appliances

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• Top floor entertainment terraces designed for privacy • Private elevator with wood stained interior • 2 car garages Awarded Most Unique Custom Home Product by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin two years in a row, The Texas Brownstones provide further testimony that Novak Brothers—Build on Exceptional!

Texas Brownstones is a Novak Brothers development based in Georgetown, Texas. The Novak Brothers specialize in building communities that capture the closeness of small-town living with the opportunities of a large-scale development.

Combining decades of experience in commercial and residential development, real estate planning and sales, and successful business partnerships, the Novak Brothers create exceptional residential and mixed-use communities.

A part of The Summit at Rivery Park development, Texas Brownstones are located off I-35 at Rivery Boulevard and overlook the San Gabriel River and Georgetown’s Rivery Park.

Tour a Model Home TODAY!

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — September 2015

PHase ii sPecial close-out!

Free Rooftop Patio Equinox System Valued at 15k for Next 2 Buyers on Highknoll! Only 4 Homes Left!

tHetexasBrownstones

™

Located in the Summit at Rivery Park, our Award Winning Texas Brownstones™ are inspired by the row houses of the 19th Century. Each custom Brownstone features a rooftop terrace, 2 car covered garage, spacious customizable living spaces, as well as its own private elevator.

Your Custom Brownstone Features: • Luxury, low-maintenance living • A backyard with access to over 25 miles of hike & bike trails • An Urban Village setting, complete with restaurants, shopping, a 4-star Sheraton hotel and much more!

Visit our Model HoMe today!

Georgetown, Texas

Homes Starting at the 400s

TexasBrownstones.com | (512) 931-7774 | A Novak Brothers Development

HOMES FROM THE $200’S - $400’S FROM 9 AWARD-WINNING BUILDERS.

ELEVATE YOUR LIFESTYLE. DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES 428 INSPIRATION $333,104 | 2,317 SQ. FT | 3 / 2

RYLAND HOMES 313 INSPIRATION $334,990 | 1,935 SQ. FT | 4 / 2

HIGHLAND HOMES 421 MIRACLE ROSE $411,853 | 2,919 SQ FT | 4 / 4

THE EMPTY NESTER Home Collection

Our newest homes are perfectly sized for upsizing or downsizing. With exciting outdoor spaces, gourmet kitchens, storage, and garage workshops – it’s all here. Located in the fastest growing corridor of the Northwest Austin area, these homes enjoy the best of small town charm and the beauty of the Texas Hill Country from every window. There are trails for hiking and biking, a Jr. Olympic-size pool at the Ranch House, two 2-story water slides and more! Discover the Empty Nester Collection at Santa Rita Ranch today and let the fun begin!

NEW HOMES FROM THE $200s - $400s SANTARITARANCHAUSTIN.COM I 512.201.8575