Archive for the ‘ Georgetown Real Estate ’ Category

Not your cookie cutter home… This one’s special!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

This home is a dream, presented by my friend and favorite Georgetown REALTOR, Sheila Evans. I know the house well because it belongs to my brother-in-law and his wife. When you open the front door, you don’t step into the house; you step into the fabulous courtyard you see in this video. Part of the courtyard is completely shaded, part is partially shaded, and part has full sun so you can grow fabulous flowers to look at from the comfort of the shade. From the courtyard, you can get into the house throughh the living room, the dining room, or the master, as all of these rooms open up to the courtyard, providing a true indoor/outdoor lifestyle.
The interior is just as special as the exterior, with thick Old World style walls and warm colors. It feels like a fabulous villa in Mexico, which means when you come home every day, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.
The kitchen is gorgeous, with warm colors. It’s very thoughtfully designed. And with the breakfast bar right there, the cook won’t have to be separated from the action when you have guests.
When you enter the master bath, you might not want to leave. A double-sided fireplace separates the master bedroom and bath. Imagine kicking back in the tub with a nice glass of wine, with only the light of the fire and maybe a few candles to light the room. There is also a spacious walk-in shower.
This two-bedroom, two-bath home would be perfect for a young couple, a single parent (or single non-parent, for that matter), or for people who came to town to consider Sun City but didn’t like the restrictions. This neighborhood is certainly not cookie cutter. Every home on the block is unique and, in my opinion, this one is the most special. Someone will fall in love with this house. It’s that kind of house.
If you want to see it for yourself, call Sheila at 512-876-5216. Be sure to email this to anyone you know who’s looking for a home in Georgetown. This one is special!

I found it in Georgetown - a Shop Local initiative

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

The City of Georgetown Economic Development Department has launched an exciting new website to showcase products from local businesses, and to encourage shoppers to stay in Georgetown rather than spending their money in Austin and Round Rock. When Georgetown residents leave town to buy things they could have gotten here, it’s called “leakage,” and it’s bad because the city loses out on our sales tax dollars. And that’s bad because if our sales tax can’t cover the cost of services, then they’ll have to get that money through other means. When you need something, think of Georgetown first.

IFoundItinGeorgetown.com invites customers to submit pictures and comments about interesting and unusual things that you bought here in Georgetown, even if you bought it a while ago. Click on “Submit Your Favorite” for instructions on how to submit something.

This is a wonderful site that the city is providing for no cost at all to the merchants who are featured on it. And any merchant within the Georgetown ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction) can be featured.

Williamson County Humane Society Celebration

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

The Humane Society of Williamson County invites you to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a free family friendly celebration and adoption reunion on our 22 acre, recently remodeled site at 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway in Leander this Sunday, October 25th from noon to 5:00pm.

This is our biggest party yet! Not only is it a free event, but to make this celebration special, we have delicious free food and vendors selling great wares to spoil you or your furry companion–it’s never too early to find that special holiday gift!

You can’t have a party without music and to keep us moving are the sounds of Cary Banks, The Unknown, Amber Lucile Band and Jimmy Johnson.

You won’t want to miss our special giveaways or the silent auction with prizes including;
o Mack Brown autographed UT football
o Free portrait session with Kathleen McElwaine
o Free 8×10 by Pet Pawtography
o Gift certificates to; Petscapades, Dog Duty, Just Four Paws, Simply Irresistible, Smokey Mo’s BBQ, Cedar Park Jewelry, Grooms by Leah, O’Leander Café and Water to Win
o A fashion add-ons bracelet from PJ Shop
o A desktop printer

Just for the kiddos, we have face painting and special appearances by the Leander Fire Department and Shaggy, Scooby, Daphne and the Mystery Machine. But that’s not all! There will be a coloring contest and a craft table to make toys to entertain our feline residents and other fun events.

A family friendly party isn’t complete without your furry family members! We have pet demonstrations from Travis Agility Group, Paws-4-Freestyle and the Williamson County Sherriff’s K-9 Unit. Animal professionals will also be available to answer your pet questions and your dog can show off their skills in the TAG obstacle course. (Please restrict your furry friend to your well behaved, leased dog that is current on vaccinations).

We couldn’t have made it 30 Years without you! For our past adopters, we will have special recognition for these heroes and their pets during the celebration. We also have a special something to say “Thank you!”

Since our inception in 1979 by volunteers, the Humane Society of Williamson County (”HSWC”) has saved countless lives and still believes in a vision of a community where every pet has a lifetime home. With the help of our adopters, volunteers, donors and staff this vision can become a reality. The HSWC is a non-profit, no-kill shelter that does not receive government funding and is supported by adoption fees, grants and donations. Your support and all monies received from the event will help us save 1,500+ pets each year from euthanasia.

For more information, visit our website www.hswc.net.

Amante’s on the Georgetown Square is excellent

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

I went to lunch today with two friends at Amante’s on the Georgetown Square here in Georgetown Texas, and it was excellent! We were greeted at the door by a friendly hostess and taken to our table. (With a white tablecloth…I’m easily impressed.)
Despite the white tablecloths, I felt comfortable going in jeans and tennis shoes. Like Wildfire, Amantes is upscale casual. The lunch menu offered a variety of appetizers, pastas, and sandwiches. At our table, we each ordered something different and then shared. I had a vegetable panini (with zucchini, yellow squash, red onions, tomatoes, and melted mozzerella on what tasted like homemade bread). One friend ordered a chicken and herb panini, and the other ordered the pizza of the day. Everything was delicious. The homemade crinkle-cut potato chips were out of this world. But even so, if I had it to do all over again, I think I would’ve ordered the pizza. Melted provolone and goat cheese, fresh basil, and a bit of a tang that I suspect was balsamic vinegar. So tasty! Not your run-of-the-mill pizza. Vegetable panini at Amantes restaurant in Georgetown Texas
(Forgive the picture quality, please. I snapped some pics with my cell phone.)
The lunch prices were very reasonable. You can have a very nice meal for $10, more or less. There were some delicious salad choices, with or without meat, and some pasta choices that looked scrumptious. I’m already nagging my husband to take me back for dinner. Our very friendly waiter told me that the shrimp scampi is out of this world.
Decorative duct work at Amantes restaurant in Georgetown Texas You can tell from this picture that the folks at Amante’s pay attention to details. They’ve put a decorative covering over the ductwork! This is a view from my table, looking up at the ceiling.
The bar area is very attractive, too. And they have a couple of bookshelves stuffed full of reading material. I can imagine going there by myself at lunchtime, sitting at the bar, and reading a book while I ate. If I could tear myself away from the computer, of course. Georgetown provides free wifi on the square, so you can check your email while you eat. Bar at Amantes restaurant in Georgetown Texas

Georgetown energy efficient homes

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

On August 29, Brad Marshall Homes is holding a mid-construction open house at 100 Folsom Court in the fabulous Escalera Ranch. They just sent me this flier, and I had to share because I think the Life Home concept is just too cool. Brad Marshall Homes has made a commitment to the Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge to build highly energy efficient homes, and they’re one of just a few builders who have made this commitment in all of Central Texas. After my recent $600+ utility bill, I don’t think the long-term value of an energy efficient home can be overestimated.
View Larger Map
(They don’t just build in Georgetown. They build all around the Austin area.) Here’s information directly from the folks at Brad Marshall Homes:
Open House - Tour a home in mid-construction to see the clear scientific differences of a Brad Marshall Home.

100 Folsom Court, Georgetown TX 78628

As one of the longest standing preferred builders in Escalera Ranch, in Georgetown, Brad Marshall Homes has worked tirelessly to be the best company possible. We are now recognized leaders in sustainable building practices and building highly energy efficient homes. This means guaranteed utility savings for our customers.

You are cordially invited to a construction open house to see our newly unveiled Brad Marshall Life Home™ currently being built in Escalera Ranch at 100 Folsom Court. First and foremost, this is an Energy Star certified home. It will also be certified by Environments for Living and the HBA’s Green Built Texas program.

Brad Marshall Homes is one of just a couple of Austin builders to participate in the US Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge Program. And this home exceeds the DOE’s requirements for a high-performance home under that Program.

Meet our Team and our Trade Partners:

Learn about:
• Superior energy efficiency and comfort.
• Design features aimed specifically for the way you live.
• Construction techniques that can make your next home the most well built home you’ll ever own.
• Unrivaled service to our clients.
• Witness periodic 3rd party demonstrations of a whole house door blower test that shows the air-tightness of the home.

Offerings and Activities:
• Vendor discounts on products for new and existing homes.
• Food and Refreshments
• Bounce House for the kids
• Free giveaways

Whether you own a home or are thinking of building, this is a chance to learn what to expect out of your next home. Many of our vendors will be offering discounts to those who stop by. Bring the family out for a tour and enjoy the activities.

Sincerely,
The Brad Marshall Homes Team

Jarrell dream house

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

I saw a dream house in Jarrell yesterday. My friend Georgetown Texas Realtor Sheila Evans is marketing this incredible home on over 34 acres and took me to see it because it’s just so darn pretty. What a great way to spend a couple of hours! The drive alone was fantastic. The Spear’s Ranch home is within easy access to I-35, but far enough away that you get that “drive in the country” feeling as you wind your way along tree-lined lanes. Live oaks provide lots of shade and keep the gated neighborhood beautifully green even in this record drought.
Take a look at this kitchen! Straight out of Kitchens & Baths magazine. I love the stain on the knotty alder cabinets, and how the warm tone coordinates so perfectly with the granite countertops. The kitchen is a great example of how no corners were cut when the owners built this house in 2005. The stainless steel appliances are top of the line. Jarrell house on acreage
Two Bosch dishwashers, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf warming drawer, and a Wolf range that made me want to whip out my spatula. Seriously. Six heavy cast iron burners (gas stove), a grill, a griddle, and two full-sized ovens. Oh, and by the way, the entire thing is surrounded by a gorgeous stone hearth that makes the house look so much a part of the landscape that it was carved out of a hillside.
The master suite, too, is a thing of beauty. It’s tucked away in a private corner of the main floor. A retreat even when the house is teeming with family. A gorgeous double-sided fireplace separates the master bath from the bedroom. There are his and hers closets, and let me tell you… the “hers” closet will astonish you. It’s huge and thoughtfully designed, with lots of convenient shelves and a built-in dresser with a granite top. Tucked off this “hers” closet is a second laundry room. You don’t get more convenient than that.
Car lovers will love this property. In addition to the two-car garage, there’s a three-car detached garage. There’s also plenty of room to add more, or to add a stable. Horses are welcome in Spear’s Ranch. Above the detached garage, there’s a lovely two-bedroom, one-bath apartment that would be perfect for guests or for a stable hand if you prefer. The apartment is self-contained, with full-sized appliances and a separate laundry area.
Haven’t even talked about the wide Texas view, but you really ought to see it for yourself. Give Sheila Evans a call at 512-876-5216 or email her at sheilaevansrealtor@gmail.com to set up an appointment to see this world-class property. This is the perfect home for someone looking for country quiet in luxurious surroundings.

Green builder makes big commitment

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

I wrote a press release for a client of mine, Brad Marshall Homes, and I wanted to share it with you all here. I wish Brad had been around when my husband and I were building our home. Brad has a high-tech background, which makes him a very forward-thinking, innovative builder. He sees an opportunity to incorporate the tools of technology into the building process to make the experience better for the homeowner. I love that he provides a client login on his site for each client so that they can go online to check on the budget of their build, look at pictures, etc. Plus, their homes are gorgeous. You really should go look at the Brad Marshall Homes website and check out the gallery.

Brad is also very concerned about the environment, and he’s showing it in a big way. Take a look…

Brad Marshall Homes, a Central Texas custom home builder, has risen to the Builders Challenge issued by the Department of Energy, with an ultimate vision of a net-zero energy home for every American by the year 2030. These grid-connected homes will produce as much energy as they consume. The Builders Challenge is the first step toward achieving this vision.

Brad Marshall Homes has committed to building at least twenty energy efficient homes in Central Texas over the next two years, as determined by an independent, accredited rater. Homes that meet the challenge will achieve a rating of 70 or lower on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale). The typical new home is rated at 100, and a net-zero home would be rated at 0. This means that owners of qualifying homes will save at least 30% in energy usage on their utility bills over the typical new home.

The E-Scale is based on the home energy rating system established years ago by RESNET, to provide clear answers to consumer questions about a home’s energy efficiency. Brad Marshall Homes will place labels on the power panels of their qualifying homes. As more and more homebuyers become concerned about their homes’ energy rating, labels from Brad Marshall Homes will help increase the home’s resale value.

Brad Marshall Homes is one of only four builders in the Austin area who have committed to meeting the Builders Challenge.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being green builders,” says president Brad Marshall. “Right from the start, our homes have incorporated many energy saving features, so stepping up to this challenge was a logical move for us. We also put a lot of emotion behind that logic. We’re passionate about making the world a better place for our kids.”

The Builders Challenge aims to help builders and consumers cut through all the “noise” about green building and sustainable building practices, and pinpoint those products that truly make a home more energy efficient.

Brad Marshall homes as earned a solid reputation for building the high quality custom homes, built with precision and perfection. Visit the Brad Marshall Homes website to learn more about their innovative practices for sustainability and their path to becoming a leader in green building.

Temporary water ban in effect for parts of Georgetown-URGENT

Friday, July 17th, 2009

The City of Georgetown has issued a ban on outdoor water use effective immediately for the portion of Georgetown shaded in the map below. The ban will be in effect through Monday, July 20, or until further notice. My husband and I live in this shaded area. When we got the email from the city, he rushed right out to turn off the sprinklers.
outdoor water ban map in Georgetown
For more information, see the city’s post about the water ban and the reasons behind it. Watch the Georgetown website for updates.

The Geography of Jobs - TIP Strategies

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

The Geography of Jobs - TIP Strategies

Posted using ShareThis

The Georgetown Texas real estate market is picking up

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

The real estate market is picking up, folks, in a big way. Every agent I’ve talked to is seeing the same thing. They’re all busy, busy, busy. One agent told me that a house he’s had listed for a year has suddenly received four offers. Lots of activity at the closing table these days. Most of the activity seems to be in the under $200,000 range so far, but that’s typical. Sort of the trickle-up theory of economic recovery.

Now is a fantastic time to buy a home, if you’re in a position to do so. If you’re looking for real estate in the Georgetown, TX area, and you don’t have an agent already, please contact me at 512-876-6544 or jenel@hometowngeorgetown.com. I can put you in touch with an honest local lender, as well. (Local is important when it comes to home loans, if you want the sale to go smoothly.)

« Older Entries

Top of page