203B Mortgage Program - Buy a Fixer Upper & Roll in the Improvement Costs

Did you know that you can now buyer a fixer-upper and wrap the costs of updating/repairs into your loan? Lowe's is a partner to this program and you can use Lowe's as our remodeling partner. Here in the Texas Hill Country including the Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Lake LBJ and great Austin/Lake Travis areas, we have many homes that will meet this criteria - it could be a great way to go and get instant equity in your new home plus get just the home you have been looking for....

FHA 203k Benefits

RE-buildUSA allows you to more easily enjoy the following FHA 203k benefits:

• Only 31/2% down payment required, which can be gifted by family members
• More flexible qualification requirements allow those with less than perfect credit to purchase a home at competitive rates
• A single loan for both purchase and improvement of your home means you make only one loan application and pay one set of closing costs – saving you time and money
• FHA loans are assumable and there are no prepayment penalties
• An FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) can allow you to qualify for a larger mortgage to add additional improvements that will lower your utility expenses.
• By including cost of renovation in your home mortgage, you pay for these improvements over time at a much lower interest expense than conventional alternatives
• Rather than paying a premium for a home in “perfect” condition, take advantage of the great prices available on foreclosures or other homes on the market that are in need of repair or remodeling
• Instead of paying for a previous owners improvements you may not desire, invest instead in exactly the features, colors, styles, etc. that suit your tastes and needs
• Enjoy the opportunity to live in an up-to-date home in a great location closer to work, shopping, cultural activities and more

Your RE-buildUSA 203k Specialist™ is trained and ready to help you find a great home at a great price that can be improved through the use of the FHA 203k program.

Click here to learn more about FHA 203k loans (FAQ’s)
Click here to learn how easy it is to get started
Click here to learn more about RE-buildUSA 203k Specialists™
Click here to locate your RE-buildUSA 203k Specialist™

Contact the professionals at Paragon Property Group for more information on how you can use this program to buy and remodel your next home.

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
suemellett@yahoo.com
512-422-7182

Events & Things to Do in the Marble Falls/Highland Lakes area

Ongoing Events in the Marble Falls Area

Church Information

Anchor of Hope Church - 830/693-7937
www.anchor@anchor-of-hope.org
10:30 AM Sunday Worship Service with childcare provided

Central Texas Cowboy Church - 830/693-0479 - 6850 FM 1431 East - Pastor Hank Wilson / 9:30 AM Breakfast and Bible Study
10:15 AM worship every Sunday / Communion 1st Sunday of the month
* 6:30 PM Pizza & Prayer Bible Study every Tuesday

Fellowship Baptist Church - 830/693-0710
9:30 Sunday School / * 10:45 AM Worship Service
Kendall Respite Center for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers each Thursday from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

First United Methodist Church - 830/693-4341
Sunday Service 9AM Contemporary /11AM Traditional Service
Sunday School at 10AM /
Wednesday Evenings /5:00 pm -7:00 pm Body and Soul Cafe / 5:50 pm WOW service /6:00 PM /7:15 PM Youth

Genesis Lutheran Church, Buchanan Dam - 512/793-6800
or www.genesislutheranchurch.org - 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday 2:00 PM - Fellowship, fun & games - 512-793-2746
Free art days are held 1st and 3rd Tuesday / call Peggy at 325-388-2415

Mustard Seed Ministries -830-693-5979
10:30 AM Worship/Children's Church Monday Nights


The Church at Horseshoe Bay - 830/598-8390
Worship Service 8:30 AM / 11:00 AM
Bible Studies 9:45 AM / Nursery is available


History/Art

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Come visit President and Mrs. Johnson's home on the LBJ Ranch
4 roooms of the 28 room house are open to the public by guided tour
Tours are daily from 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM / 830/868-7128 ext 231

The Falls on the Colorado Museum
905 Third St. / Marble Falls, Tx 78654
830/798-2157 / focmuseum@281.com / www.fallsmuseum.org
OPEN Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 PM
Group tours available by appointment

Riverbend Fine Art Gallery
710 First Street / Marble Falls TX
830 693 6632 / rvrbnd@tstar.net
OPEN 10AM - 5PM Tuesdays - Saturdays

Marble Falls Quilt Club - 512 913 2756
* Third Wednesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church at 9:30 AM

Burnet ArtHaus Gallery & School - 830/6130692
* Brown bag Lunch & Learn bringing the arts & crafts to short term immobile community members, helping with kids art shows and supporting local emerging artists

Highland Lakes Porcelain Art Guild
* Meets every first Monday of the month starting October 5th at 10 AM- location at Chamber of Commerce - newcomers and visitors are welcome.


Restaurants/Music

Russo's invites you to drop by
and see for yourself the huge variety of items and prices that are available - It's Texas fare with an Italian Flair !
602 Steve Hawkins Parkway in Marble Falls
russos@zeecon.com or 830-693-7091 www.texitally.com

Flat Creek Estate
Jammin' & Grillin' every Sunday, with live music from 1:00 - 4:00 PM and lunch from 12 Noon to 4:00 PM. See menu and venue changes at www.FlatCreekEstate.com


Main Street Ice House & Cafe - 830/693-4111
Larry Salinas every other Friday

River City Grille - 830/798-9909
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM - TexAmericana Tuesday hosted by Mike Blakely & John Greenberg with a special guest weekly - No charge

The Highland Lakes Men's Chorus 830/596-2126 (Dave Kemp) 830/596-8600 (Dick Draper)


Business


Community Coffee with the Chamber, 3rd Wednesday of every month 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM at Main Street Ice House and Cafe' - Free coffee and discussion with community leaders and special guests.

Women's Council of Realtors Luncheon
830/693-3579 or peggy@century21keiser.com
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Meeting every third Wednesday of the month at Hidden Falls Golf Club.

Highland Lakes Toastmasters
830/613-0435 or
http://highlandlakes.freetoasthost.cc
First & third Tuesday of each month at the River City Grille -
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM


Recreation/Health


Rockhopper's Family Fun Center
830-693-4386 / rockhoppersUSA@aol.com

Four Elements Martial Arts Group provides
low cost martial arts training in a family friendly environment.
Bring the whole family in to try a class today
830-613-0851 for more info
FourElementsMAG@yahoo.com

Patty Hundley (512-755-4664) is a certified "step-on" guide for buses and vans coming to the area. Let her plan your outing.

Hidden Falls Golf Club is having Wednesday and Thursday scrambles - now shotgun @ 3:30 PM - SEE YOU THERE

Denney Ranch 2 - 512/756-9636 or www.birdBurnet.com
Open Saturdays (and by appointment) for those interested in birding, nature walking, organic vegetables gardening, rainwater harvesting, or simply petting some sweet chickens.

Inks Lake Golf Course - inksgolf@gmail.com or 512/793-2859
Play and enjoy the most scenic and affordable golf course

Sana Vida Wellness Spa & Tea Bar - 830/693-6000

MF Senior Activity Center - 830/693-5611
Activities Monday thru- Saturday call for more info

Announcements

Marble Falls Athletic Club
is inviting all the community to experience fitness at is finest
and are currently waiving the standard registration fee
Call regarding new ownership/management
extended hours, additional aerobic classes, yoga, etc.
contact Fermin Ortiz 830/693-9393 mfac@nctv.com

A Taste of Thyme
is taking NEW YEARS EVE Reservations
RSVP by Wed / December 30th
830-598-4963

Riverbend Fine Art Gallery
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesdays - Saturdays
830-693-6632
rvrbnd@tstar.net
Come see our festive bracelets for your holiday parties
Also, 3 new works from Richard Prather, a wonderful
Christmas gift !

Get Fit
Personal Training / Fitness Camps
Natural Health and Wellness Products
Cottonwood Shores /
512 / 297-3494

Celebrate NEW YEARS at Lost Creek Winery
5PM Dinner Party / 8 PM - 12 PM Live music
New winter hours for Tasting Room Friday - Sunday 12 -5 PM
325-388-3753

(from the Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce)

Lake LBJ Waterfront Condo for Rent - Short or Long-Term

Looking for a wonderful Furnished Waterfront Condo for Rent? This owner will allow rentals from 3 - 12 months. Direct Waterfront on Lake LBJ, comes with a jet ski ramp and loads of decks overlooking the lake. Move-in Ready. Close to all Horseshoe Bay Amenities and easy drive to both Austin and San Antonio. Visit nearby Marble Falls and it's historic Main Street shopping district and the Bluebonnet Cafe!

Contact Sue Ellett at 512-422-7182 for more information.

Austin Holiday Events - December, 2009

Looking for something fun to do? Check out these events in the Austin area

Trail of Lights - Zilker Park December 14-23 ci.austin.tx.us/tol

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar December 12-24 armadillobazaar.om 11am-11pm

Austin Symphony's Christmas Sing-Along Dec 15th 8pm Free Event, but reserve tickets ahead of time. austinsymphony.org

Tonight - Meet On Main Street - Marble Falls - Even

Meet on Main" takes place on the 1st Thursday of every month between 5:00-8:00pm throughout Historic Main Street in Marble Falls, TX.

The Historic Main Street Association sponsored event focuses on providing the local community and tourists with the chance to stroll through Main Street's unique shops and galleries, while enjoying free live entertainment and in-store special sales and events.
Local growers, artists and crafters are present at the events' Homegrown & Handmade Farmers Market.

Meet on Main is an opportunity for residents to indulge in local culture, visit with neighbors and shop local.

Enjoy Live Entertainment and Special In -Store Sales & Events.

Start your Holiday Shopping, Enjoy the lights, the music, food and SALES!

Lake Austin Home with Boat Dock - Move-In Ready

Ready to make your move to Lake Austin? This recently updated and remodeled home could be the "one" you are looking for....... Excellent location near the 360 Bridge. At $1,195,000, it's priced to sell!



Call us to view this or any other property in the Austin area.

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate - Coldwell Banker United Realtors - 512-422-7182

New Listings in the Central Texas Hill Country - Lake Views

Check out these 2 New Listings overlooking Lake Travis:

17932 Edgewood Way - $425,000

Located on the North Shore of Lake Travis,
this home is in the resort-style community
of the Hollows featuring a Community
Pool, Exercise Facility, Smokehouse/Picnic
Area, Community Marina and Walking
Paths - it's a wonderful lifestyle!

20421 Haystack - $425,000

Only 10 minutes from the Hill Country Galleria
(feels like living in the country, but so close to it all!)
Plus, coveted Lake Travis School District.

For more information, visit our website at www.ParagonPropertyGroup.com

Call us with any questions or to schedule a showing for these or any other lake-oriented properties in the Highland Lakes and greater Austin areas.

Sue Ellett, Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
512-422-7182

An Opinion on Interest Rates & Interest Rate Protection Plan

I'm re-posting this information from our Coldwell Banker Mortgage Broker - I tend to agree with her that interest rates are at their lows and will start to go up once the FED stops purchasing mortgage backed securities, possibly as early as this Spring.

Now is the time to buy or refinance in order to lock in the lowest rates.

I can recommend Adrienne as a mortgage broker - she is very conscientious and can get you a pre-approval quickly and over the phone. Always get a pre-approval letter before you look to buy. My Team and I would love to help you with all of your Real Estate Needs throughout the Highland Lakes, Central Texas Hill Country and Greater Austin Areas.

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate, Paragon Property Group - Coldwell Banker United, Realtors

I normally stick to the facts in the weekly newsletter but this week I’m going to give you my opinion at no extra charge.
Here’s what I know and believe…

• The 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates dropped this week to match a record low set in April.
• The 15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates fell to a new all-time low.
• While FHA is still a solid 1/2% higher then it’s conventional counterpart it’s still a very low rate.
• The Fed has almost finished purchasing all the mortgage backed securities that they agreed to buy earlier in the year in order to subsidize mortgage rates
• Typically mortgage interest rates go against the stock market. A bad day on Wall Street is typically a good day for mortgage rates and visa versa.
• On March 2nd the DOW dropped to 6626 and Rates are around 5.125 and a point
• 4 months later on July 6th the DOW went up to 8146, a jump of 23% in 4 months, yet rates only moved up a π%
• 5 months later here we are with a DOW over 10,300, another jump of 27%, and rates moved DOWN to the lowest in recorded history?
  

I believe that the FED has been successful in artificially driving rates down but that’s about to come to an end.

My personal belief is that without federal intervention interest rates will begin their rise upward imminently. We have a tool that no one else in the market place has…Pre-Purchase Rate Protection.
If rates move even a 1/4 to 3/8 in the next 60 days customers, who are in rate protection will win big.

We’re the only game in town protecting customers while they look for a house!

Adrienne Austin
Senior Mortgage Advisor
Coldwell Banker Mortgage
Cell: 512/539-7721
http://adrienne.austin.coldwellbankermortgage.com <http://adrienne.austin.coldwellbankermortgage.com/>

Fall Creek Vineyards Holiday Event

November 28
* 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM It's a Fall Creek Christmas at Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow Texas - Make your lunch reservations now @ $22/person, 325/379-5361 - Expect the Holiday Buffet from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM to tantalize your taste buds with delicious food from DREAM DINNERS at MESA WOODS, Austin - Shop the one of a kind wares of artisans showcasing Fine Art, Wine Baskets, Gifts, Paintings, Natural Soaps and Fragrances, along with other holiday gift items. Escape the winter weather for an Artisan Fair, and Post - Thanksgiving Lunchtime Feast -

Burnet County Courthouse lighting set for No 23rd

November 23
* 6:00 PM Historic Burnet County Courthouse lights up through January 1, 2010

Austin area rates highly in New Index

The Austin-Round Rock area was named the best performing city on the 2009 Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities Index.

The index is largely based on an areas ability to create and keep jobs plus technology output and salary growth.

Once again, the Central Texas Hill Country rates highly - it's a great place to Live, Work, Play and Invest!

$30.1 bridge project funded in Burnet Co. - Austin Business Journal:

$30.1 bridge project funded in Burnet Co. - Austin Business Journal:

Finally Funded!

What's Happening in Marble Falls This Weekend (Oct 16, 2009)

October 16
* 11:30 AM - Marble Falls Public Library welcomes the return of Rebecca Rather, the Pastry Queen - owner of Fredericksburg's Rather Sweet Bakery and Cafe' - Enjoy lunch with Rebecca, followed by a presentation and book signing - Registration is required and space is limited - 830/693-3023
* 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Sunset Cruise at Inks Lake State Park
* 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Cornelison Comedy Night- A Dinner and a Show! - Benefit for Diane Cornelison who is facing an expensive surgery with no medical insurance - will be held at Anchor of Hope Church - RSVP Rayna 830/798-1060 - Tabitha 830/265-0222
* 7:00 PM - Esther Jones will present a senior voice recital at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marble Falls 830/693-1791

October 17
* 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Zoo La La presents their Annual Fall Jon Hart Trunk Show - 10% off all John Hart Trunk Show
* 1:00 - 5:00 PM - also at Zoo La La Carolyn Adair from "Amici" will sample her Italian Olive Oil and sign select bottles
* 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Texas Time Travel at Inks Lake State Park
* Pet PALS Clinic - 3411 Hwy 281 N in Marble Falls - call 830/598-7729 to make an appointment
* 9:30 - 10:30 AM - Stumpy Hollow Hike at Inks Lake State Park
* 11:00 AM / 1:00 PM - Canoeing Skills/Tours at Inks Lake State Park
* 6:00 PM - Lone Star Loop 1000 Car Club will parade with 80 old cars starting from Hill Country Inn on 281 through downtown Marble Falls and will end at The Boys and Girls Club on Broadway for a Bar-B-Que

October 18
* 1:00 - 4:00 PM - Venson and Friends at Flat Creek Estate

Texas State Small Business Development Center

Thinking of starting a business here in the Central Texas Hill Country? Already have a business here and need some help? Check out the information below...

And, if you need to buy, sell or rent real estate for your business, give us a call!
Paragon Property Group, Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
866-693-7741

Texas State Small Business Development Center!

Are you an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or someone planning to start your own business? The Texas State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) works with existing and new or emerging small businesses to help them advance and compete in the current economy. We invite you to attend one of our professional training seminars this month! Visit our website at http://www.business.txstate.edu/sbdc/ for the current training calendar and other resources.

To reserve a seat in a seminar or for more information, please contact: F.C. Caranikas, PhD, training coordinator at the Texas State SBDC (phone - 512/716-4820; email - fc16@txstate.edu). Thank you!

Cherryville project to consume 3,400 acres off SH 130 - Austin Business Journal:

Cherryville project to consume 3,400 acres off SH 130 - Austin Business Journal:

Shared via AddThis

Austin leads as Texas metros set jobs pace in dismal year - Austin Business Journal:

Austin leads as Texas metros set jobs pace in dismal year - Austin Business Journal:

Shared via AddThis

Central Texas/Austin area Likely to See the Biggest Rebound - according to the Wall Street Journal

Which Cities Will See Biggest Rebound?
Which cities are likely to be the hottest post-economic downturn destinations for young, brilliant, and highly mobile workers?

The Wall Street Journal surveyed six trend-spotting experts and they chose cities based on economic diversity, lifestyle and their own personal prejudices.

Here’s the top-10 list:

1. Washington, D.C. (tie)
1. Seattle
2. New York
3. Portland, Ore.
4. Austin, Texas
5. San Jose, Calif.
6. Denver
7. Durham, N.C.
8. Dallas
9. Chicago
10. Boston

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger (09/30/2009)

The Austin and Central Texas Hill Country are great places to live, work and play. Contact us for a free relocation package - we cover a wide area including both the Austin and Highland Lakes areas. Paragon Property Group, Coldwell Banker United Realtors 866-693-7741 suemellett@yahoo.com

Texas has most affordable housing in the Country

According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, for the first quarter 2009 Texas Housing Affordability Index , Texas is the state with the most affordable housing in the nation.

This is one of the reasons why our Central Texas Hill Country area is appealing to so many people. Not only do we offer many lakes and rivers, beautiful hilly vistas, great restaurants, many music events, fun fairs, great schools and loads of outdoor recreation, we are a great place to buy a home as well!

Contact us for more information about buying a home in the Austin/Lake Travis or Highland Lakes areas of Central Texas....come see what all the "buzz" is about.

Austin Upcoming Events - September 2009

Thanks to Gracy Title for providing this information. Lots to do in Austin this month!

Sports

9/4, 6:30 pm
Zilker Relays
Zilker Park - Soccer Fields, Austin
www.runtex.com/web/2-2573.asp

9/5, 6 pm CT
UT Football
Austin vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Austin
www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com

9/6, 9 am
World Championship of Texas
3-on-3 Swimming Tournament
JCAA, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin
www.runtex.com/web/2-2622.asp

9/7, 7 am
The Austin Triathlon
Auditorium Shores, Austin
www.theaustintriathlon.com/

9/12, 8 am
Keep Austin Weird 5K
Downtown, Austin
www.runtex.com/web/2-2606.asp

9/27, 7 am
Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay
Auditorium Shores, Austin
www.runtex.com/web/2-2638.asp

Music

STUBB’S
9/4 Robert Earl Keen
9/5 The Cult
9/18 Pat Green
801 Red River
www.stubbsaustin.com

9/15, 7:30 pm
Jason Mraz with special guest G. Love
& Special Sauce and hosted by Bushwalla
Frank Erwin Center
www.uterwincenter.com

9/25, 8 pm
George Strait
Cedar Park Center
Cedar Park
www.cedarparkcenter.com

9/29, 7:30 pm
Journey with special guest Night Ranger
Frank Erwin Center
www.uterwincenter.com


Theatre/Culture

9/6, 1 pm
Austin Troubadours
One World Theatre
www.oneworldtheatre.org

9/11
Ballroom with a Twist
The Long Center
www.thelongcenter.org

9/13, Doors/Bar @ 5pm / Show @ 6pm
Noche de Mariachi
The Paramount Theatre
www.austintheatre.org

9/18, Doors/Bar @ 7pm / Show @ 8pm
Carl Thomas - Live in Concert
The Paramount Theatre
www.austintheatre.org

6/21 - 9/27
Francisco Matto: The Modern and the Mythic
The Blanton Museum of Art
http://blantonmuseum.org

2/21 - 10/11
Forgotten Gateway
Coming to America Through Galveston Island
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
www.thestoryoftexas.com/

9/22
Tribeza Style Week - Fashion Show
The Long Center
www.thelongcenter.org

9/25, 7 pm & 9:30 pm
Ray Price with opening by Dale Watson
One World Theatre
www.oneworldtheatre.org

5/5/09 - 1/3/10
Frida Kahlo’s Self-portrait with
Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird
Harry Ransom Center
www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions

Other

9/12
Diez y Seis Celebration
Fiesta Gardens Park
www.diezyseis.org

9/8-13
Austin Gay and Lesbian
International Film Festival
Alamo Drafthouse - South Lamar
www.agliff.org

9/26-27
Old Pecan Street Arts Festival
E. 6th St.
www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com


Provided by: Lisa Altamirano, Sales Executive - Gracy Title
Direct 826.6666
lisa.altamirano@gracytitle.com

For an exceptional Real Estate Experience, you can count on the Paragon Property Group Team and Gracy Title to be your winning combination. Contact Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate, for more information about moving to the Austin and Highland Lakes areas, buying or selling a home, first time home buyers in Austin. 512-422-7182 suemellett@yahoo.com Visit our website at www.ParagonPropertyGroup.com for more general area and Real Estate information.

Market Days in Marble Falls - September 12th

Come join the fun in Marble Falls on September 12th at Market Days on Main Street - plenty of food, artwork, crafts, jewelry and more.

Come see us at 903 Second Street (just off Main) for area real estate information and free gift bags.

Paragon Property Group - 903 Second Street, Marble Falls 830-693-5400

New VA Clinic in Austin slated to Open in 2012

Austin will be getting a new VA Clinic on the east side, scheduled to open in 2012. The new clinic will triple in size and employ over 300 people. Construction will begin next year near Hwy 71 and Montopolis.

LakeFest in Marble Falls - August 7-9th

Do you feel the need for speed??

Well, come join the crowds in Marble Falls for the 18th annual Lakefest which takes place from August 7th-9th on Lake Marble Falls in the Central Texas Hill Country.

Lake Marble Falls is transformed into a quarter mile liquid drag racetrack for about 120 speed boats and Johnson Park is the place to be to meet and greet the contestants and other visitors

Visit the website for more information at http://www.marblefallslakefest.com/

Come join the fun, meet the racers and check out the boats, or just spend some time visiting our Historic Main Street with all of it's quaint shops and restaurants. See you there!

Don't forget, the Highland lakes are a perfect place to visit or maybe even buy a second home so you can visit regularly. Don't forget Lake Marble Falls and Lake LBJ are controlled level lakes and we have WATER!

The Builder's Association has finalized their list of participating builders and locations for this year's Home Tour. Don't miss this event - it's a big one!!

2009 Spring Parade of Homes
Highland Lakes Builders Association

Horseshoe Bay - Marble Falls - Burnet - Kingland

May 22nd - 24th & May 29th - May 31st!

Participating Builders

1. Burdett Hill Country Homes – Marble Falls
2. C&S Signature Homes – Burnet County
3. Ratliff Homes (Entry One) – Kingsland
4. Ratliff Homes (Entry Two) - Kingsland
5. Homes by Donahoo - Kingsland
6. Zbranek Custom Homes (Entry One)– Horseshoe Bay
7. Zbranek Custom Homes (Entry Two) - Horseshoe Bay
8. Castle Builders - Kingsland
9. Capstone Ranch (Developer) – Marble Falls
10. Jenkins Custom Homes – Horseshoe Bay
11. Doug Holley Construction – Burnet County
12. Joe Schultz Custom Homes – Horseshoe Bay
13. KBART Custom Homes - Burnet
14. Duvall Custom Homes – Horseshoe Bay
15. Silverton Custom Homes – Marble Falls
16. Cherry Builders (Entry One) – Horseshoe Bay
17. Cherry Builders (Entry Two) – Horseshoe Bay
18. The Waters (Developer) Horseshoe Bay
19. David Young Custom Homes-Horseshoe Bay
20. CW Designer Homes-Kingsland
21. Double T Home Builders-Kingsland


Locations in Marble Falls

Burdett Hill Country Homes - Mormon Mill

Capstone Ranch

Doug Holley Construction - Stone Mountain

Silverton Custom Homes - La Ventana

__________________________________________________

Locations in Horseshoe Bay

Cherry Builders - Mountain Dew

David Young Custom Homes - Stillwater

Cherry Builders - Hi Ridge

David Young Custom Homes - Big Sky

Duvall Custom Homes - Fire Dance

Jenkins Custom Homes - Skywater

Zbranek Custom Homes - Skywater

Zbranek Custom Homes - Westgate

TerraMesa Development - The Waters

__________________________________________________

Locations In Kingsland

Castle Builders - Mill Creek

CW Designer Homes - Colina Cove

Ratliff Homes - Colina Cove

Ratliff Homes - Harbors on Lake LBJ

__________________________________________________

Locations In Burnet

C&S Signature Homes - Headwaters of San Gabriel

K BAR T Custom Homes - Eagles Nest

Homes By Donahoo - Ranch At Delaware Creek

Schultz Construction - Main Street Burnet



_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Call 866-693-7741 Paragon Property Group for more information.

Burnet County - Sales are Slower but values are fairly steady according to County Appraiser

While the housing market in the area has slowed, prices generally have remained steady according to Stan Hemphill, chief appraiser for the Burnet County Central Appraisal District, who said approximately 13,000 appraisal notices went out to property owners last week. About a quarter of all property owners in the county had valuation changes to their properties.

Area sales, however, seem to be off by about 30 percent from last year’s appraisals.

New construction levels have remained about the same as last year.

City of Marble Falls breaks ground on Utility Project to make Scott & White Hospital a Reality

The Lake of the Hills Hospital Project is now one step closer to reality with the inauguration of the utility project geared toward the development of the Scott & White Medical Center near the intersection of Hwy 281 & 71 in the Marble Falls/Horseshoe Bay area.

The utility project is expected to be completed early in 2010 and hospital construction can start soon thereafter on a medical office project and the 80-120 bed hospital.

The Lake of the Hills facility is expected to take 18-24 months to complete and will offer a comprehensive care center, comprehensive cardiac care facilities, and advanced surgical, laboratory, and imaging centers.

Why We Love the Central Texas Hill Country

The Central Texas Hill Country is an amazing place to Live, Work, Play and Invest!

Yes, you might say that I'm not impartial....my family & I chose to move here 7 years ago after moving all over the US and Europe. I really believe this is a great place to hang your hat. Not only do we have rolling hills and lakes galore, but great music venues, barbeque - I think you could eat at a different BBQ place every day of the year and still not try them all! Fairs, festivals, art galleries, museums, country stores, antiques - from our many quaint small towns to Austin & San Antonio, there is just so much to do & see. Plus, we still have affordable housing, a milder climate and loads of sunshine!

They don't call it "Central" Texas for nothing! Our proximity to Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston makes this area a very popular destination for second home owners too, not to mention the many people who retire here every year. Many others move here to work in our still stable economy (yes, we are still job positive, overall), go to school in one of our many area colleges & universities or just because it's where they want to be.

Our area includes some of the most beautiful lakes in Texas, all within a two county area - Travis & Burnet Counties - and includes Ladybird Johnson Lake, Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ, Inks Lake and Lake Buchanan. There are recreation opportunities galore including many City, County & State Parks and other recreational facilities.

And, we've got GOLF! Our area boasts some of the best courses around and you can hardly drive more than a few miles before you come across another beautiful green stretch of fairway. Courses range from easy to difficult, public to private and inexpensive to very expensive limited membership clubs. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to improve your game at one of the many training facilities in our area. After all, some of the best golfers ever have come from the Central Texas Hill Country.....

Our weather tends to be mild in winter. We rarely wear coats around here! Once in a while we will get a light dusting of snow or ice, but even if we do, a couple of days later it will be 60 or 70 degrees again. One thing that we have a plethora of here in Central Texas is sunshine - our golden days make life feel bright! Summers are hot and range in temperature from about 85 degrees to over 100 degrees occasionally, but for the most part, we stay in the low 90's during the hotter parts of summer. However, we are very fortunate here in the Texas Hill Country, our evenings tend to be cooler and most evenings it is comfortable enough to sit outside and serve dinner on your patio. Those hill & lake breezes really make a difference here.

Many people in our area first start by purchasing a second home that they plan to retire to at a later date. This is a great option as it allows you to purchase your home at today's prices and use it for vacations in the meantime!

Another option for some is to keep a home here in the Texas Hill Country Lake Area and become a Winter Texan! By that, we mean, that you spend your winters here in Texas and spend your summer at another location - it breaks up your year and you get the very best of weather to enjoy. Many Winter Texas owners also rent or lease out their properties when they are not in residence. Because this is a popular vacation & second home area, it's easy to do.

Austin and the surrounding Hill Country Lakes & Towns offer many possibilities in a diverse group of communities and locales. While there are several communities that cater specifically to the 55 & Over Buyer, such as Sun City, there are many more possibilities that will offer a more mixed group of residents including singles, families, empty nesters and retirees. Visit our Communities Section of our Website for for more information about our many options in this area. With golf course communities, lakefront homes, in-town lofts, quiet subdivisions, townhome or condominium complexes, you will have no trouble finding the perfect solution for your new home.

Our area offers excellent medical care and our proximity to both San Antonio and Houston facilities, you have all of the very best care available. Excellent pubic and private schools brings many families to our area ~ not only is our area a great place to raise kids, it's a great place to educate them too!

Many Veterans move to our area too and the largest VA clinic in the US is being constructed in the Austin area to be opened around 2010. Plus, facilities in San Antonio and Fort Hood/Killeen mean that you are never far from a military base or facility or a VA medical clinic or hospital.

You'll find lots of area information, links, things to do, calendars of events, properties for sale and more on our website, www.ParagonPropertyGroup.com

Come take a look at the Central Texas Hill Country and all it has to offer.....you might just decide to stay awhile!

See you at the Lake!

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
Paragon Property Group
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
512-422-7182

2009 Highland Lakes Builders Association - SPRING HOME TOUR

The Builder's Association has finalized their list of participating builders and locations for this year's Home Tour. Don't miss this event - it's a big one!!

2009 Spring Parade of Homes
Highland Lakes Builders Association

Horseshoe Bay - Marble Falls - Burnet - Kingland

May 22nd - 24th & May 29th - May 31st!

Participating Builders

1. Burdett Hill Country Homes – Marble Falls
2. C&S Signature Homes – Burnet County
3. Ratliff Homes (Entry One) – Kingsland
4. Ratliff Homes (Entry Two) - Kingsland
5. Homes by Donahoo - Kingsland
6. Zbranek Custom Homes (Entry One)– Horseshoe Bay
7. Zbranek Custom Homes (Entry Two) - Horseshoe Bay
8. Castle Builders - Kingsland
9. Capstone Ranch (Developer) – Marble Falls
10. Jenkins Custom Homes – Horseshoe Bay
11. Doug Holley Construction – Burnet County
12. Joe Schultz Custom Homes – Horseshoe Bay
13. KBART Custom Homes - Burnet
14. Duvall Custom Homes – Horseshoe Bay
15. Silverton Custom Homes – Marble Falls
16. Cherry Builders (Entry One) – Horseshoe Bay
17. Cherry Builders (Entry Two) – Horseshoe Bay
18. The Waters (Developer) Horseshoe Bay
19. David Young Custom Homes-Horseshoe Bay
20. CW Designer Homes-Kingsland
21. Double T Home Builders-Kingsland


Locations in Marble Falls

Burdett Hill Country Homes - Mormon Mill

Capstone Ranch

Doug Holley Construction - Stone Mountain

Silverton Custom Homes - La Ventana

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Locations in Horseshoe Bay

Cherry Builders - Mountain Dew

David Young Custom Homes - Stillwater

Cherry Builders - Hi Ridge

David Young Custom Homes - Big Sky

Duvall Custom Homes - Fire Dance

Jenkins Custom Homes - Skywater

Zbranek Custom Homes - Skywater

Zbranek Custom Homes - Westgate

TerraMesa Development - The Waters

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Locations In Kingsland

Castle Builders - Mill Creek

CW Designer Homes - Colina Cove

Ratliff Homes - Colina Cove

Ratliff Homes - Harbors on Lake LBJ

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Locations In Burnet

C&S Signature Homes - Headwaters of San Gabriel

K BAR T Custom Homes - Eagles Nest

Homes By Donahoo - Ranch At Delaware Creek

Schultz Construction - Main Street Burnet



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Map coming soon... check back

Can't Sell Your Home? Things to Know before becoming a Landlord....

Due to slower sales & lower prices in many areas, a lot of homeowners are becoming landlords. After all, most people can't afford to keep paying for two homes indefinitely and if it's not selling, you have to find a way to pay those bills.

Leasing out your home can be a great interim option if your home is not selling. Hopefully at or near the end of the lease term, you can put it back on the market and you'll have better luck the next time around. Or, you may decide that you like the income you receive from leasing out your property and decide to keep it that way.

There are a few things to know when leasing a property:

• The leasing market is very competitive right now. You are not the only one in this boat, so price your home appropriately or you won't get it leased in a timely manner.
  
• Hire a Real Estate Agent to lease the property for you - they can take care of the marketing and the details, but be prepared to pay up to one month's rent (on a 12 month lease) in leasing fees. Plus, they can screen the tenants for you.
  
• Hire a Property Management Company to lease the property for you and then manage it. Again, you will pay leasing fees, plus a % of the monthly rent for them to manage it for you, usually anywhere between 7%-15% per month, in our Austin & Highland Lakes areas. Plus, they will charge you when they have to make repairs etc. If you are no longer living locally, this can sometimes be your best option. After all, it's rather difficult to arrange to have repairs done or to check thinks out yourself from 1000 miles away....

If you live in a condo or townhome complex, and even in some single family neighborhoods, you may need to check to be sure that leasing is permitted. Some areas may allow long-term leases (over 6 months), but not short-term leases. If you live in a resort area, short-term leasing may be desirable for you, but generally having a property management company will be essential in that scenario.

If you think that you will want to sell the property, you can add a clause into the lease that the tenants need to allow a lockbox to be put on the property and that the property be shown with reasonable notice during that last, say, 30 or 60 days of their lease term.

If you decide to manage the home yourself while it is leased, there are a few more things to remember:

• Learn the landlord tenant rules for your area. For instance, did you know that you are required to change the locks for each new tenant? There are a lot of things to learn about both your rights and your tenants.
  
• Be sure you know and understand your lease terms.
  
• Don't let issues drag on. Resolve any tenant issues quickly whether repair or $ related. Good communication is key to a good landlord/tenant relationship.

Leasing your home can be a good short-term option if your home is not selling. You may have some repairs/repainting to do when the tenants move out, however, before re-marketing your home for sale. Tenants don't always keep a home as well maintained as you would personally and you will probably have to spend a little money to bring it back into "showing" shape.

Good luck!

Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
Paragon Property Group
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
512-422-7182 suemellett@yahoo.com
Austin/Lake Travis ~ Marble Falls/Horseshoe Bay/Lake LBJ