Williamson County Real Estate Magazine

June 2015

Real Estate Williamson County

m a g a z i n e

Cover Property by: Pacesetter Homes

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From the Publisher Welcome to the second issue of the Williamson County Real Estate Magazine. The feedback from our Benefits of Master Planned Communities article was refreshing and proved that we are on the right track. We will continue to delve into communities throughout Williamson County to bring you news that will impact your lifestyle. We’d love to continue hearing your thoughts on the publication, and how we may better serve you. And don’t forget to let us know about your home projects, we’d love to share your news.

available to you with very different amenities and styles. We will also embrace smart home gadgets and even give you the opportunity to win one of these items! Simply like our Page on Facebook and we will announce the winner on Father’s Day! On a personal note, I would like to thank my husband for supporting me in the pursuit of my dream on launching my own publication. He is not only an amazing husband, but everything I could ever have hoped for in raising a family. Happy Father’s Day Warren!

Happy Father’s Day to all of you Dads out there!

This time around we are focusing in on Georgetown and just a few of the dozens of fabulous communities 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.

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

FEATURES 4

Are You Looking For a Home in Georgetown?

A look at several communities

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Finance Tips for Buying a Home

Things to consider when financing

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The Benefits of Home Ownership

A look at what a purchase brings to the owner, community, and economy.

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Father’s Day Smart Home Wish List Kevin Harwood lists some of the popular smart home technologies

Real Estate Williamson County

m a g a z i n e

512-568-2000 info@WilcoRealEstate.com

READ OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE WilcoRealEstate.com ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS 512-568-2000 sales@WilcoRealEstate.com

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 — June 2015

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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

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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 — June 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

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A HOME IN GEORGETOWN?

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

BY KIMBERLY GULEY

I

f you are looking for a home in Georgetown, Texas… chances are you are not alone.

Williamson County was recently names as #4 on Texas’ 10 fastest growing counties by 2050. Williamson County is projected to grow by 367.7 percent with the addition of 1.5 million new residents by 2050.* Those are some staggering statistics, right?!

There is good reason why so many people are relocating to Georgetown, Texas. The quality of life, the beauty of the surrounding hill country, the friendly people, low crime rate, and the affordability of homes are just a few reasons.

Although Georgetown is growing like crazy, there is still a “slower pace” vibe about the community.

It is located just a short 30-40 minute drive from downtown Austin, so you have the vibrant city life close-by. Although most people who live in Georgetown find that they never want to travel far! The historic Georgetown Square has attracted hip boutiques, eclectic art studios, a winery, amazing restaurants, and there is always great live entertainment. Plus, there are fun events to look forward to, like market days which brings the community together.

>How do you pick the best home community in Georgetown, Texas?

First, choose a Realtor that knows the area! If you are relocating to Austin and have never been here before, chances are you might rent a car and “get a feel” for the area. This is surprisingly hard to doand without a great “tour guide” or someone who can tell you where to look or actually take you therechances are you will miss so much!

Second, do your research on communities and builders. There are some truly remarkable choices right now as the best developers and builders have planned ahead for the growth and thought of the details for you.

Here are just a few of the options to consider:

Cimarron Hills Cimarron Hills offers homeowners a resort-style escape through easy accessibility to the 45,000 square foot community center, spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and award-winning Jack Niclaus Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

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Signature Golf Course. Many of Georgetown’s finest shopping, dining, and entertainment venues are also located near Cimarron Hills. Served by Liberty Hills ISD, Cimarron Hills provides residents with a recognized school district for their children to attend.

Sitterle Homes is offering their Luxury Collection at Cimarron Hills Homes on the Fairway with homes starting at 2,200 square feet. All of the designs exemplify the high quality and state-of-the-art energy efficiency that separates their homes from the rest. Along with industry leading customer service standards, buying a luxury residence from Sitterle Homes is an exceptional experience.

Design features include outdoor living spaces with fireplaces and full outdoor kitchens, gourmet kitchens with Viking appliances, high ceilings, wired for security and surround sound, huge granitetopped island kitchen, skylights, on 60’-72’ wide golf course or nature lots.

Rancho Sienna Situated on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country, with convenient access to commuting routes throughout Austin, the Rancho Sienna™ community is a natural place to live within the indigenous environment of the land. Mature tree stands, rock outcroppings, and hillside views have been intentionally preserved for generations to enjoy. An extensive open space and trail system connects the community. At Rancho Sienna you can balance a relaxed, uncomplicated homelife focused on nature, with daily active recreation and meaningful social engagement in a genuine community. Striking the perfect balance between a secluded Hill Country setting and life’s modern conveniences, the Rancho Sienna™ community provides miles of wandering trails through open space, parks, rock outcroppings, and rolling hills.

The Brownstone at The Summit A Novak Brothers Development This thoughtfully designed community is a modern urban village, blending the charm of small-town living with the convenience and style of life in the big city.

Embracing the principles of mixed-use neighborhoods and Georgetown’s new urban development code, the Brownstones offers a dynamic neighborhood setting for families, retirees and young professionals alike.

The Texas Brownstones , are part of The Summit at Rivery Park, Georgetown’s first high-end, mixed-use development.

Set on 32 acres overlooking the San Gabriel River, The Summit will offer a wide variety of shopping, dining and services just outside your door, including: • Specialty restaurants • Boutiques and shops • Grocery and specialty retail • Medical and Wellness Services • Full-service hotel and conference center There are many options when choosing a new home and community in Georgetown. These are just a few! Contact your local Georgetown Realtor to learn more about all your options…and happy house hunting!

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

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Finance Tips for Buying a Home 1. Don’t buy if you can’t stay put. If you can’t commit to remaining in one place for at least a few years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. With the transaction costs of buying and selling a home, you may end up losing money if you sell any sooner even in a rising market. When prices are falling, it’s an even worse proposition.

2. If you can’t put down the usual 20 percent, you may still qualify for a loan.There are a variety of public and private lenders who, if you qualify, offer low-interest mortgages that require a small down payment.

3. Get professional help. Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional agent. Look for an exclusive buyer agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

4. Choose carefully between points and rate. When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying

additional points -- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing -- in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time -- say three to five years or more -- it’s usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.

5. Before house hunting, get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved will you save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can’t afford and put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.

6. Do your homework before bidding. Your opening bid should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood. So before making it, consider sales of similar homes in the last three months. If homes have recently sold at 5 percent less than the asking price, you should make a bid that’s about eight to 10 percent lower than what the seller is asking. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/ lesson8/index.htm

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 — June 2015

New Communities NORTH AUSTIN 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 Berry Creek The Brownstone at The Summit Cimarron Hills Georgetown Village Heritage Oaks Rancho Santa Fe Rancho Sienna

Santa Rita Ranch Shady Oaks Estates Summerlyn Sun City Teravista Water Oak Woodland Park

Summerlyn Travisso

LEANDER

Mayfield Ranch Sarita Valley Teravista

LIBERTY HILL Clearwater Ranch Rio Ancho ROUND ROCK

Caballo Ranch Cap Rock at Crystal Falls Cold Springs Crystal Crossing Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls Hawkes Landing Hazlewood Northside Meadow Reagan’s Overlook Sarita Valley Savanna Ranch

PFLUGERVILLE Avalon Copperleaf at Falcon Pointe Falcon Pointe The Park at Black Hawk Spring Trails This list may not include all new communities in an area.

If you're not living in your dream home, we’re here to help.

There is more to real estate than the color of your walls; it is about how you feel when you walk through the door.

It is about your life and dreams.

The Mustang Realty Team listens and that means we find solutions that are tailored to you.

We would love the opportunity to help you "Capture your Dreams"!

MUSTANG REALTY TEAM John & Carolyn Barbian, Realtors (512) 965-5189 Carolyn or (512) 965-6161 John www.MustangRealtyTeam.com Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015

Take a Hike on the Newest Phase of Brushy Creek Regional Trail The newest phase of Brushy Creek Trail brings the trail to an impressive length of 6.75 miles and has extensive landscaping and scenic views. The trail meanders along Brushy Creek east of Great Oaks Dr, west to US 183 in Cedar Park. The parks that lie along the trail provide many different amenities accessible to walkers, runners and bikers. Together, the parks have a collaboration of splash pads, swimming areas, climbing rocks, fishing docks, canoeing and kayaking, restrooms and multiple picnic and pavilion areas.

Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — June 2015 

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Father’s Day Smart Home Wish List!

Smart home technologies are rapidly evolving, and whether your hot button is convenience or cost-savings, there’s plenty on the market to meet your needs. To get the pulse of what’s trending in Austin, I sat down with Kevin Harwood, an iOS Consulting Architect for Mutual Mobile, to see what he depends on in his own home.

Nest Thermostat An early adapter, Harwood now has two Nest Thermostats in his home, one for each story. He credits Nest’s marketing genius for identifying a problem he didn’t even know he had: the inability to turn his AC on or off from bed on a lazy Saturday morning. Convenience aside, Harwood says while the thermostat is an investment at $249, it easily pays for itself in roughly one year since it monitors energy usage and gives owners insights about their habits.

smoke or high heat or carbon monoxide levels.

At $99, it’s a popular investment.

Lockitron Bolt Available on preorder for $99, this sophisticated accessory enables keyless front door entry, meaning you can stop hiding your spare

Nest Protect The husband and father of two appreciates that he can be instantly alerted if sensors detect

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — March 2015

under the flower pot. Guests can be granted temporary access, making enterprising Airbnb hosts everywhere rejoice.

What’s Next

WeMo Light Switch from Belkin These smart switches sync with your phone to turn lights on and off in accordance with the sunrise and sunset. No more groping in the dark for the light switch or realizing that you left the lamps blazing all day.

ALARM.COM This app allows Harwood to turn his alarm system on and off remotely. If his system gets triggered accidentally, he can quickly shut it off with a tap of his fingerprint-encoded thumb.

So what does the future hold? Time will tell, but Harwood’s wish list includes a single app that can manage each of his technologies. “When I go to bed, I want to turn the alarm on, turn the lights off, and lock the front door, and right now, each app must be launched separately.

The next wave of smart homes must find ways for these devices from different manufacturers to interoperate together.”

While Harwood acknowledges that Apple is trying to do just that with HomeKit, he’s looking for a solution that doesn’t require starting from scratch and re-installing products from one manufacturer. In the meantime, he’s happy enough to keep tabs on his home from multiple apps.

By Erin Bracken Henry

WIN a FREE Wemo Light Switch! http://www.facebook.com/WilcoRealEstateMag

How to Enter:

When Awarded:

Like us on Facebook and post a brief note about what you like about the new magazine and/or what you’d like to see featured.

That’s it!

One lucky person will be chosen on June 21, Father’s Day, as the winner. This person will be notified through Facebook, so be sure to watch your home page!

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Williamson County Real Estate Magazine — March 2015

LIVE. the difference.

Your

What makes new Sitterle Home unique? YOU.

CLEARWATER RANCH – LIBERTY HILL, TX ONE ACRE ESTATE HOMES Clearwater Ranch is a rare find, where a peaceful, laidback lifestyle exists just beyond the city. Located just 30 minutes from Austin, this quiet community with acreage homesites gives you privacy and a world of options.

Put in a swimming pool, set up a play area for your children, or landscape and garden to your heart’s content – the choice is yours!

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