Because there is only so much land in Austin proper, a lot of new communities are sprouting up in Georgetown, Round Rock, Hutto, Manor, Leander, Cedar Park, and Dripping Springs, not far from Austin at all. If you want acre lots with views, we have them. If you want a golf neighborhood with pools, tennis and fitness, come on down. If you love the water, bring your boat. We can accommodate almost any lifestyle, at any price point, with the builder of your choice.

Yes, you can experience the adrenaline rush of owning a new home! Let me show you how. I know, it’s crazy stuff!

When you see all the bumper stickers that say “Keep Austin Weird” you won’t have to wonder why. The longer you’re here in Austin, the more you will understand why it is awesome and why we love it and, I promise you, everything will begin to make sense. Scary isn’t it!

# 8 Top Places to live in the US
# 2 Best Cities to Buy a Home
# 6 Top 10 Greenest US Cities
# 4 Best Cities for Families
# 2 Best Cities for Technology Jobs at Startups
# 6 Top Vegetarian-Friendly Cities
# 2 Top Performing Real Estate Markets
# 2 Top Destinations on the Rise
# 1 Best Cities for Jobs
# 4 Top Pet-Friendly Cities
#10 Healthiest Cities
# 5 Best Places to Retire
# 1 Best Cities for Small Businesses
# 9 Best Cities for Business and Careers
#10 Best Cities for College Grads
# 2 Best US Cities for Real Estate Investors
# 2 Most Optimistic Cities
# 1 Top Cities for Newlyweds
# 2 Most Moved-to-Cities
# 1 Best Cities for Dating
# 8 Best Cities for Staying Young
# 2 Best Cities to be a Moviemaker
# 1 Best Performing Cities in the US
# 8 Cities where a paycheck stretches furthest

If you would like a lot more information about Austin or the surrounding cities, please contact me. I’m happy to share my information, especially if it helps with your decision to move to Austin!

I would love to hear your comments. Thanks for visiting.

1.  On my back swing I am told to “hold it right there” while my swing is corrected.
2. Cell phone vibrates and we are told to “go ahead and hit, I need to take this”.
3. Never picks up and then says, “just put me down for an 8″.
4. Hearing about EVERY shot and what made it so bad or so great.
5. Stops at every body of water to retrieve as many balls as possible.
6. Has to hit “one more” off the tee, just in case. The “Mulligan” golfer.
7. 15 practice swings before EVERY shot.
8. Looks at a putt from every angle and everyone has to wait, including the foursome behind.
9. After hitting his tee shot, keeps his “pose” for another 5 minutes.
10. “Wow, look at that shot, and I only used a 9 iron”.

I would love to hear your stories in the comment section below and will post them later.  In the meantime, “hit em straight” and may water and sand not come into play.

This 3382 sq.ft., 3 + 4, custom-built home sits high on 2.49 gorgeous Texas Hill Country acres.  Expansive views from every window, 20-foot ceilings, two stunning stone fireplaces, one in the living room and the other outside on the covered balcony which also boasts a built-in Jen-Air grill.  Large gourmet kitchen with lots of granite is perfect for large family gatherings and the media room with HD projector and 90 inch screen will keep the kids very happy and entertained.  This home is energy efficient with low-e double-pane windows and biotex foam insulation which keeps the utility bills lower than any other home of its size.  The master suite is downstairs with access to the outside fireplace/patio.  Perfect for lazy weekends at home.  The two bedrooms upstairs are separated by a curved catwalk, putting a bedroom and full bath on each side of the house for complete privacy and includes a private exterior balcony.  The sunsets are breathtaking, you can reach up and touch the stars, and gaze forever at the amazing views. Add the very desirable Leander ISD, the gorgeous Crystal Falls Golf Club, club house and two pools…why would you want to live anywhere else, especially for this price!

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If you’ve read my other blogs about Crystal Falls, or been to my webpage for Crystal Falls, you will know just how much I love this area of the Texas Hill Country. One visit and you’ll fall in love with the sweeping views, magnificent sunsets, creeks and, of course, Crystal Falls Golf Course which is absolutely one of the most stunning courses you will find in Texas. Throw in parks, playgrounds, swimming, disc golf, hiking and biking and you’ll find your own little slice of heaven.

My clients who are building in The Highlands, chose Crystal Falls because of the Leander ISD, location to shopping, restaurants, highways and church, but one of the biggest draws was simply the beauty of the area. So, if you are curious about Crystal Falls, please let me know and I’ll gladly help you become more familiar with everything this community has to offer.

This Galaxy moviehouse is 45,000 sq.ft. and has 11 theatres (6 standard theatres with 950 seats and 5 dine-in theaters with 450 seats).  You can sit in interactive 4-D seats which move and shake with the movie and the dine-in theaters feature fully electric recliners where you have your own dining space.   You will order from a full menu and the dishes are made from scratch by an executive chef.

So, get comfortable in your recliner, sip on a glass of merlot, enjoy a gourmet meal, and watch your favorite movie on a screen that is 3 stories high and 50 feet wide. Life is good!

The Galaxy moviehouse is located on FM 620 and Concordia University Dr., 5 minutes from Steiner Ranch and Four Points, 10 minutes from Canyon Creek, and approximately 15 from Cedar Park.  See you there!

Driving to the golf course is an experience in itself because you will see some of the most beautiful houses ever.  There are a number of custom builders that bring their talents and creativity to the neighborhood and Austin Business Journal has voted Crystal Falls the Best Master-Planned Community in 2011.  If you are considering living in a golf course community, come on out to Crystal Falls and see what the fuss is all about. Located in Leander, just west of Austin about 40 minutes, the commute is easy and highway/toll road access is close, as well as medical facilities, schools and shopping.

Check out the Crystal Falls Golf Community on my website.  You will be so impressed that you will call me to go see for yourself!

Did you know that Texas has the most women veterans?  Who knew! And, Texas has the 3rd largest veteran population.  More and more vets are moving to Central Texas and I’m excited about helping to find housing for them.  What a privilege and an honor to help those who have sacrificed to keep us free. It makes me proud to be an American.

The Texas Veterans Land Board offers many benefits to our proud Texas Veterans including a home purchase program known as the Veterans Housing Assistance Program or VHAP, which provides financing up to $417,000 toward the purchase of a home to eligible and qualified Texas veterans, and only on a property you intend to owner-occupy.

If you are even considering a VA loan or simply want more information to help with your decision, please let me know.  I’ll gladly steer you in the right direction and introduce you to only qualified and knowledgeable professionals who have your best interest at heart.

Read more about this program and please let me know how I can help with your next purchase.

About 5 mornings a week I would walk in the Great Hills neighborhood, ending up at the club for a cool glass of ice tea and watch some of the golfers as they begin their morning round.  As of June 2012 the new tennis courts were completed which made all the players very happy and certainly added a much more professional appearance and overall tennis experience.

Great Hills Country Club is a wonderful family club, offering not only the golf and tennis, but swimming, dining, and event rooms for weddings and private parties. Overall, the experience is one of the best and the location is prime.

Take a tour and see for yourself why this country club is so popular.  I promise you’ll leave having met some of the nicest people ever and a tee time set for next day!  Check out houses in the Great Hills neighborhood and let me know if you would like more information.

I’m not a great golfer but I do appreciate a challenging hole every now and then…so when I’m teeing up on  #11, 192-yard par 3, with a 200-yard drop to the green, surrounded by the beach, well you can only imagine!  Just close your eyes and select a club.  But, the view is so spectacular it won’t matter.  If for no other reason than just the views, you must play this course.  You won’t be disappointed.

I just want to mention too that this master-planned community of Crystal Falls is fast one of the most desired places to live.  The existing homes are absolutely spectacular, most on large lots with views, and there are still vacant lots available for you to build the custom home of your dreams.  Let me know if you want more information about Crystal Falls.  I’m happy to help.

Hitting balls at the driving range on an early Saturday morning can be almost spiritual; quiet and beautiful.  So much so that a few bad hits doesn’t even phase you….not even a bad word comes out of your mouth!  Now that’s spiritual.

Lost Creek hosts a lot of fun tournaments for its members where the entire family can get involved. Everyone eventually ends up at the grill where you can enjoy one of the best hamburgers in Austin, along with that tall, frosty beer.

If you’re thinking of living in a golf community I would definitely check out Lost Creek and tour the Lost Creek Country Club.  You won’t be disappointed!  Please call me if you want more information about this awesome community and you can search for homes in Lost Creek on my website.

We looked at the Twin Creeks calendar of events for the month and she was so impressed.  The community center offers junior golf clinics, yoga and Pilate’s, aqua fitness, summer camp, running club, neighborhood walks, happy hour (one of my favorites!) and live entertainment with $5.00 burgers.  Her comment was “why would anyone want to leave”.

Another comment she made was how the entire community was so well manicured and beautifully maintained.  As we drove around neighbors would wave and say Hi which, apparently, is not a common thing in New Jersey.  All she could say was she hoped her job interview went well so she and her family could move to Austin ASAP.

I’m pretty sure the Twin Creeks Country Club will have a new member in the very near future.  Please let me know if you would like to see this master-planned community as well.

If you ARE a golfer, these golf courses are some of the best in Texas, and the nation.  You will experience the designs of Jack Nicklaus, Fazio, Crenshaw and Palmer to name a few and all levels of play are available. Barton Creek is voted the #1 golf resort in Texas, Austin Country Club is one of the oldest existing in Texas, founded in 1899 and home to the great Harvey Penick, and River Place is one of my favorites.  It is challenging but so beautiful with the canyons, creeks and hills that you don’t mind at all if your round is less than perfect.  Well, hopefully not anyway!

For more information about living in some of these spectacular golf communities, please visit my website.  You won’t be disappointed.

Here are some of the structures to be included in this first-class development:  A hotel, medical office buildings, retail space on 53 acres of the land, apartment complex, senior living facilities, two restaurants, a dependency and recovery center, assisted living facility, day care facility and, of course, the Medical Center itself.  It will take about 10 years to complete but what a celebration it will be when finished!  Lakeway is growing like crazy and this will definitely bring a lot of jobs to the business community.

Please let me know if I can provide additional information about the Lakeway growth, or Lakeway real estate.

Starting November 18th, the annual Christmas tree lighting will take place, along with the arrival of Santa and an amazing array of fireworks.  The kids look forward to this all year so make it a point to be there.  You won’t be disappointed.

On November 19th photos with Santa will begin at noon and will continue til 8:00 PM most days.  On the 25th, Black Friday, the mall will extend their shopping hours to 9:00 PM.  On December 3rd the Bluebonnet Montessori Choir will perform at 11:00 AM and on the 4th is the Reynold’s Run 5K benefitting the Bee Cave Elementary School.  Be ready to rumble at 9:30 AM!  My favorite day is the 8th of December, a wine walk from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Twin Liquors.  Something for everyone!

Get into the Christmas spirit at Hill Country Galleria.  How can you be a scrooge when there is music in the crisp air (hopefully it will be a little crisp), snow all around (even though it doesn’t melt) but the kids love playing in it, shopping in all the stores that stay open just to accommodate your schedule

The golf course community of Berry Creek is a master-planned community featuring custom homes that range in price from the high 100,000′s to $600,000 (as of October 2011).  You’ll find the residents out and about visiting, riding their bikes, pushing strollers, hiking and just generally spending time with each other.  What a great sight to see!

I want to say a little about the Berry Creek Pet Resort, just outside of Georgetown on 23 beautiful acres along Berry Creek.  One of the great things about this resort is that you won’t find ANY chainlink fences!  A typical “suite” is a heated and air-conditioned cottage (8 x 8) with an attached 8 x 10 covered patio.  Now that’s what I call “living a dog’s life”.  Throw in some TV, music, exercise on the scenic walking path and “group” playdates with the other residents, and I’d say your special doggie has landed on their own little slice of doggie heaven.

Today the Oasis has become a little city in itself. There is still construction going on even though the Oasis restaurant is complete. Six new shops are now opening, (space for 35 total), as well as a Christmas Village with an ice skating rink, ready for you November 17th.

Phase II of Oasis Texas will include 36 hill country condos in a community called Canyon Palms. Prices range from $600,000 to under $1 million and 56 percent are already pre-sold! These condos will be available in 2012 and will have outdoor liing rooms, outdoor kitchens, decks and lockout master suites. Canyon Palms will also have Casita Suites for guests to rent.

If you have not been out to the Oasis, you don’t know what you’re missing. It really is an experience like no other. You will spend hours meandering around the courtyards just admiring all of the beautiful sculpture and landscaped gardens. Everywhere you look you will see some piece of art that will take your breath away.

Don’t wait, come on out and toast that sunset, enjoy the views, and take home a momemto of your visit from any one of the gift stores that showcase local Austin artists. You won’t be disappointed!

You can live on or near the golf course, or high above it overlooking the canyons.  This golf community is located West of Austin in the highly acclaimed Eanes Independent School District and being just a short drive to downtown, makes this location even better.  Be prepared to share your home with some friendly creatures.  The deer think they are part of your family and find nothing wrong with dining the same time as you.  It’s fun to watch the new Bambi’s in the spring as the moms introduce them to your yard, I mean their dinner table!

Another draw to Lost Creek is the community spirit.  Families come together  to take swim lessons at the club, or just relax with a cold drink and watch the kids play.  The adults can work out at the state-of-the-art fitness center, hit some golf balls on the driving range, play tennis, or a enjoy a wonderful round of golf on the 72-par championship course that is one of the most challenging courses around.  I like to call some of the holes a “goat course” because they are narrow and hilly.  You’ll definitely get your exercise.

If you want one of the best hamburgers around, just mosey on into Creekside at the club where the friendly staff will gladly accommodate you.  Take it outside on the balcony and watch the other golfers as they come in on their way to the 19th hole.

I think you’ll be impressed with this neighborhood and if you are considering living in a golf course community, you should definitely let me introduce you to Lost Creek.  After you get a peek at these awesome homes and experience this beautiful Texas hill country atmosphere, you won’t want to leave.  I’m waiting for your call.

This medical center will include a 145 bed acute care wing and 8 stories consisting of 230,000 square feet and will include a helipad, emergency room,the full-service hospital, and this is just phase one.

There will be a total of 3 phases to include a trama hospital, medical buildings, retail space, medical supply store, daycare, pharmacies, hotel and restaurants.  Wow!  And, can you even imagine the economic impact this will have to the city of Lakeway?  If you would like more information about what’s happening in Lakeway, please contact me.

The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to these Mexican Free Tail Bats which are unpredictable but usually start flying between 7:30 and 9:30 and fly for about 30 minutes.  They can gobble around 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects a night.  Unbelievable!  We love these little guys.  This bridge is home to about 1,500,000 bats, making this the largest colony in North America, and the “official flying mammal” in the state of Texas.

This year the festival falls on Saturday, August 27 from 1:00 PM til Midnight.  So, if you’re up to a fun day of music, good food, great shopping, and of course, some serious “bat watching”, come on down and experience this Bat Fest.  You won’t be disappointed.

Flag Code Section 8j…”The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing”

In May 1776 three members of a committee from the continental congress called on Betsy Ross at her home, and asked her to sew the first flag. She knew George Ross, as she was married to his nephew and George Washington sat in the pew next to her in church.  General Washington showed Betsy, a widow struggling to run her own upholstery business, a rough design of a flag, which had been designed by Francis Hopkinson and included a 6-pointed star.

The Stars were in a circle so that no one colony would be viewed above another.  In 1782 the Congress of the Confederation chose Red, White and Blue, meaning white for purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Betsy Ross finished the flag in June 1776 and on June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress adopted the national flag.

I feel that as a nation, under God, this time in history has never been more important, or more significant, in which to fly our national flag.  Our troops are fighting for our flag, just as millions of other brave solders have done over the years, to maintain our freedom, our love of country, and our way of life.  Let’s support our country, our troops, and each other and show the world that we are America and proud of it! 

I remember that after 9/11 the American Flag was flown over every house, every building, on every car, on every lawn.  Flags of every size and shape were sold out.  It was a beautiful sight.  It made you proud to be American.  Why can’t we do that again, and always?

Gorgeous Home Just Waiting for You

Currently offered at $749,000

This amazing home is priced below appraised value!  If you’ve been lucky enough to tour Lewis Mountain Ranch, you will quickly appreciate this fabulous neighborhood and all it has to offer.  A home of this magnitude priced below appraised value is truly a once-in-a-lifetime find.

The pool house has a full kitchen with granite counters, travertine floors, full bath with steam shower and closet.  The pool surface is covered with imported blue mosaic tiles, has an underwater bar stool and a cascading waterfall which falls from the pool house roof.  The large deck is tiled with travertine and surrounded with lavish landscape.  This beautiful home backs to a greenbelt for even more privacy and you get to enjoy the abundant wildlife that this area brings.

If you like a beautiful rural setting that is very close to town, this is the perfect home for you.

10101 Silver Mountain Drive Features

4098 Sq.ft.

Built in 1998

One Story

Stream on Lot

Backs to Greenbelt

3.47 Acres

3-Car Garage

4 + 4

2 Living, 2 Dining

Pool

Pool House

Currently offered at $489,900

You have one life to live so start enjoying it now!  Have your morning coffee on the balcony, right off the master suite, gazing at the lake just across the street.  This gorgeous 3573 sq.ft. home boasts mesquite floors, beautiful granite counters, huge rooms and windows everywhere.  Do  you need separate space for your in-laws, your teenagers, guests, or a renter?  This unique home  has 2 main entrances, one for each floor, which is convenient and private when needed.  Situated on a cul-de-sac means the only traffic you get is from your neighbors.  Walk over to Hurst Harbor and Johnny Finns Restaurant on a warm summer evening or shop the Hill Country Galleria just past Lakeway when you need some retail therapy.  Definitely a happy home, at a price that will make you smile.  Come take a look, you won’t be disappointed.

301 Cedar Hurst Photos

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301 Cedar Hurst Features

* 3573  Sq.ft.

* .249 Acres

* Built in 2003

* 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms

* 3-Car Attached Garage

* 2 Living, 2 Dining

* Mesquite Floors

* Gourmet Kitchen with Walk-in Pantry

* Granite Counters and Stainless Steel Appliances

* Balcony with Lake Views

* Courtyard

301 Cedar Hurst Community Features

* Lake Travis ISD

* Close to Hurst Harbor and Johnny Finns on the Lake

* Shop Hill Country Galleria

For more information about this listing or the Round Mountain subdivision, please contact me today.

Here is a list of some of the history centers and please let me know if you want a complete list of all the details.

Austin Children’s Museum-offers hands-on exhibits

Austin History Center-houses archives of Austin and Travis Co. history

Austin Museum of Art-visual arts with 8500 square feet of exhibition space

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum-dedicated to telling stories of Texans

Capitol Visitors Center-oldest state office edifice in Texas

Elisabet Ney Museum-Studio of a classically-trained sculptor who immigrated to Texas in mid 1900

French Legation Museum-Built in 1841, the oldest building in Austin

George Washington Carver Museum-1926 structure is the first museum in the state of Texas dedicated to African-American   history

Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center-has the first photograph ever taken

Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art-serves as the foundation for special exhibitions

Jordan-Bachman Pioneer Farm-experience life in rural Texas in the 1800’s

Mexic-Arte Museum-exhibits dedicated to Mexican/Latino/Latin American art

Republic of Texas Museum-preservation of the memory and spirit of all who maintained and achieved independence

Umlauf Sculpture Garden-renowned sculpture Charles Umlauf exhibits 130 bronze and marble pieces in an enchanting zeriscaped garden

Texas Folklife Resources-diverse and cultural Texas heritage

Texas Memorial Museum-natural science center

Texas Military Forces Museum-focuses on Texas military from 1835 to present day

Texas Music Museum-highlights the wide range of genres that make Texas so unique

Texas State Cemetery-artistic sculptured markers showing a true history of Texas

I expect to see you out there getting your culture!