Living the Good Life In Georgetown Texas

San Gabriel Heights Neighborhood in Georgetown Texas

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:34:15 -0700

San Gabriel Heights is one of Georgetown's best established neighborhoods. In the late 1970's and early 1980's when San Gabriel Heights was developed Georgetown Texas was experiencing rapid growth mainly from Austin's high tech growth industries. IBM was undergoing a major expansion in North Austin. Round Rock and Georgetown were the beneficiaries. Families desiring great schools, small town living and an easy commute to Austin were discovering that Georgetown neighborhoods such as San Gabriel Heights were offering larger lots with trees, well built spacious homes and much more value than they could find in Austin.

Local Georgetown builderssuch as Jim Caskey Homes, Tommy Faust Builders, Randy Morine, and Carl Luscius were known for exceptional quality, fine woodwork and custom cabinetry.

Most of the homes were of brick or limestone rock exteriors, and were Texas ranch style traditional and contemporary designs. Homes in San Gabriel Heights ranged in size from 1400 sq ft to 3000 sq ft with most being around 2100 sq ft, 3 or 4 bedroom, 2 baths and 2 car garage.

Prices of homes in San Gabriel Heights range from a low of $135K to the low $200's. Currently there are 10 homes for sale in San Gabriel Heights, starting with a 3-2 for $139,900 up to a 2750 sq ft home for $239,000.

Located close to I-35, just off Leander Rd, San Gabriel Heights is only 2-3 miles from the downtown Georgetown Square, 1 mile from the new Wolf Ranch shopping center, the HEB grocery store, and has several small strip centers just out side the entrance to San Gabriel Heights.

Across the stree from San Gabriel Heightsis Tippitt Middle School and residents can enjoy the jogging track, tennis courts, and open spaces. The River Ridge city park pool is also within easy biking distance for kids to cool off in the summer.

If you are looking for a well established, well maintained, quality subdivision with friendly neighbors and reasonable prices you would do well to search for homes in San Gabriel Heights. I'd be happy to give you the tour!

Thanks for visiting. For information or if you would like to search for homes in the Georgetown/Round Rock/Cedar Park areas with no hassle or obligation be sure and check out Austin/Williamson County Texas Home Search

Georgetown Texas Neighborhoods, Homes in Woodland Park Georgetown

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:18:56 -0700

Woodland Park Georgetown Texas is a custom home development of homes on 1+ Acre estate size lots. Located West of Georgetown Texas on Williams Drive, Woodland Park is just past the large Sun City Georgetown development and it's 3 championship golf courses.

Woodland Park was developed by Jimmie Jacobs Homes, and features 100% masonry homes, in an enclave of 1 acre or larger wooded lots. Deed restrictions are in place to protect property values. The community has very reasonable maintenance fees since there is no expensive community pool or public buildings to maintain, instead there are greenbelts and low water usage landscaping. There is an unmanned gatehouse at the entrance to give the development an enclave feel.

Homes in Woodland Park Georgetown range insize from 2300 to 4500 sq ft. All the homes are of high quality custom home finish out and most feature tile or wood floors, 100% masonry exterior, granite counter tops, decorator finishes, sprinkler systems and fully sodded and landscaped yards.

The architectural styles typically are Tuscan, Texas Ranch, or Country French, and are usually one story homes with 3 car garages. Many homes have pools and outdoor cabana's and living spaces to enjoy the mild Texas Weather.

The large lots ensure that there is plenty of room to spread out and not be crowded by your neighbors.

There is a model home by the developer Jimmie Jacobs Homes, and you can purchase lots and build to suit.

Woodland Park Georgetown Tx is in the Georgetown ISDand the acclaimed Ford Elementary School, Benold Middle School, Georgetown 9th Grade Center and Georgetown High School are the schools that children in Woodland Park attend.

Homes in Woodland Park were started in 2000 and in 2004 the subdivision was awarded a MAX award for Custom Home Subdivision by the Austin Area Builders.

One of the benefits of living in Woodland Park is the proximity to the new Parmer Extension which is a major new route into NorthWest Austin and the Highway 183 Corridor. Major shopping centers such as the Domain, Lakeline Mall, and Wolf Ranch in Georgetown are all an easy drive away.

Currently there are 11 pre owned homes for sale in Woodland Park Georgetown Tx, ranging from $267K to $539K. The price per sq foot averages around $130-$140.

For more information or a tour of Woodland Park or any other area in Georgetown Texas just visit my website or call . Thanks for stopping by.

Georgetown Texas Neighborhoods. Homes for Sale in Emerald Springs Georgetown

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:47:39 -0700

One of the newer Georgetown Texas Neighborhoods, Emerald Springs was developed from 1999 to 2007. This close in west neighborhood is located in the Williams Drive corridor off Northwest Blvd.

The lots are wooded with good tree cover and most have both Oaks and Juniper(or as we call em here in Central Texas, Cedars) The land is fairly flat and the lots are large enough for backyard playscapes and pools. Like many newer Georgetown Neighborhoods, Emerald Springs is deed restricted to keep property values rising. Sidewalks, sprinkler systems, fully sodded and landscaped yards are all requirements. RV, Boats, and nuisance out buildings are prohibited.

Emerald Springs is fortunate to have it's own park located in the middle of the neighborhood. The Emerald Springs Park has a baseball diamond, swings, play scape, picnic tables and hiking trails that connect to other streets in the Emerald Springs Neighborhood

The Homes in Emerald Springs are between 1700 and 3200 sq ft, and are usually priced in the 100 to 125 dollar per square foot range. Currently there are 3 homes for sale in Emerald Springs Georgetown. Emerald Springs Neighborhood is served by Frost Elementary and Benold Middle School. In fact, Benold Middle School is located a block away, and Frost Elemantary is 3 blocks away.

Emerald Springs, with it's sidewalks, and close proximity to schools, and it's own park is a perfect family neighborhood in Georgetown Texas.

We are fortunate to live in Georgetown Texas, and have such a selection of nice neighborhoods such as Emerald Springs Georgetown to choose from. For more information about Emerald Springs or any other neighborhood in Georgetown Texas, be sure to bookmark my blog, Living the Good Life in Georgetown Texas or visit my website.

Have You Been Counted Yet? NO? You're Not Alone

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:26:14 -0700

Haven't been counted yet? No, You're not alone. Apperently, you are among the 93% of the residents of Central Texas that has not filled out and turned in their 2010 Census Forms.

What are you waiting for? The Census Worker's to come knock on your door? Well, that's what they will have to do if you don't return the form in the next week. What a waste of time and money when you could just take 10 minutes and complete the form and drop it in the mail.

Don't want Federal Dollars to benefit your communitity? Good, cause by not participating in the Census you're going to insure that your state, county, city and school district is going to loose out.

Sadly, Census Workers are reporting that only 7% of the estimated Central Texans have returned their forms. That is going to result in an even worse than the pitiful 68% participation in 2000 Census.

Just fill out the form ok? Don't obsess over it, just fill it out with your best information and send it on. You and your local government entities will thank you with improved services.

Kiss and Ride Comes to Austin.. Capitol Metro Finally Leaves the Station

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:49:52 -0700

It's about time, Capital Metro Rail is finally going to leave the station, Leander Station that is, after a long two year delay.

Tomorrow at 5:25 AM the first train leaves the Leander Station headed for downtown Austin.

Along the way it will stop at Cedar Park, Lakeline, Howard Lane, Kramer Rd, Crestview, Highland Mall, MLK JR, Plaza Saltillo, and finally Downtown Austin. The entire trip should take about an hour.

The first week is free so get out there and take a ride on the Rail. You can even Kiss and Ride!

Health Care Bill Whether Good or Bad the Debate is Getting Ugly

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:30:21 -0700

Whether you agree or disagree about the benefits or dangers of the Universal Health Care Bill being debated today I think everyone should take a step back and recognize that the debate is becoming uglier and uglier.

The divisions that separate the critics and supporters should be debated in a civilized manner. Isnt' that what a Democracy is? Aren't we fighting in Iraq to provide that country with the same principles of democratic debate instead of tribal and religious killing for position and power?

Is anyone else sickened by watching the spectacle of members of congress called the "N" word, spat on and cursed with homophobic slurs? It is a nightmare flashback to the dark days of segregation and the demonstrations against integration and the voters rights bills.

Shame on all of you politicians, lobbyists, special interests, and PAC's. Stop inflaming and using scare tactics. Be honest and tell us what the benefits and the real cost will be. Get with your colleagues across the aisle and figure out how we can provide coverage for all Americans, contain skyrocketing costs and not bankrupt the country.

We deserve better representation and leadership.

Georgetown Multi Listing Tools, We've Come A Long Way A Look Back at 1994

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:12:40 -0700

The Austin Area Multi Listing Service and the Georgetown Texas MLS search tools have sure come a long way. Look what I found searching my desk for a lost file. A section of the Austin MLS Georgetown Listings dating from November 10, 1994!

I would love to hand this old listing book to an agent today who's used to immediate updates, multiple color pictures and links to tax information, past sales, comparable listings and more.

Think your listing photo's look bad,, check these grainy photo's out! Heck you can hardly read the print it's so bad.

Updated information? This was the newest issue, you would have to wait 2 weeks to get new information. Our market was pretty busy back then, probably a third of the listings had already been under contract.....oh for the good old days!

Comparable sales information? Sure just dig out all the old books and pore over em. Be sure and lift with your legs and not your back, these listing books could get heavy!

Need tax information? Well get in your car and drive over to the Courthouse! Be sure and take doughnuts to district clerk so she doesn't bite your head off for taking up all her time looking for the correct tax books. Don't even ask to see deed and mortgage records unless she's had her coffee!

Oh ya, if you want to show those listings, you better check with the listing agent before you go, a lot of them are not on lockbox, so you're gonna have to drop by the office and pick up keys.

Good luck, have fun showing houses!

Now if you want the latest Austin Area MLS information or to search all the houses in Georgetown Texas, or greater Williamson County including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hutto, and Leander, be sure to visit my web site for a no hassle MLS search.

Read All About It! Georgetown Tx Public Library

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:55:29 -0800

The City of Georgetown's Public Library is an outstanding resource for Central Texas and a centerpiece of Georgetown's commitment to provide a quality lifestyle to it's citizens. The new library building was dedicated in January 2007 and contains over 49,500 sq ft. It is located 2 blocks off Georgetown's historic downtown square at 408 E 8th Street. The multi function building has wide open spaces, a two story atrium and serves as a community center as well as a library.

One of the cool features is the Georgetown Library's serving as a showcase for local art and sculpture. Currently on display in the courtyard is a large piece titled 'The Distortionist'.

In fact, thoughout the courtyard and interior spaces you will find other sculptures and works of art displayed to be enjoyed by all.

The Childrens Area is my favorite, probably because I'm a kid at heart.

With bright colors and areas set aside for kids to perch, corners to hide in, stages to perform, or just neat items like the full size Jeep to play on. There are plenty of computers and lots of space for adults as well as kids to enjoy.

To encourage after school activity and participation, Teenagers have their own spaces set aside. There are diner style booths to study or meet friends as well as comfy couches and chairs to quietly read a good book.

If you get the munchies while researching that homework paper, or just need a place to meet friends and enjoy a cup of coffee, the Library offers a Starbucks style coffee shop with snacks and more.

Of course there are stacks of book, and more books, as well as magazines, dvd's and books on cd to check out.

Need to go online? No problem, there are plenty of computer stations to use and a helpful staff to assist.

So, what's keeping you. there's plenty to check out at the Georgetown Public Library and plan on staying a while there's lots to do!

For information about Georgetown Texas, or the surrounding Williamson County cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto. or if you'd like to search for homes in these areas be sure to visit my web site or blog for other entries.

Celebrate Texas Independence Day, Get out and Vote!

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:01:30 -0800

Today, March 2, is Texas Independence Day, celebrating the day 174 years ago when delegates to the Convention of 1836 met in Washinton on the Brazos and approved a Declaration of Independence from Mexico and began writing a Constitution and formed an interim government. All this mind you, as reports were coming in from San Antonio that the Alamo was under siege by the army of General Santa Anna and his large army would soon be advancing toward Washington on the Brazos. The brave men of the Alamo held the fortress inspite of overwhelming odds until March 6th when it fell, giving the Convention time to finish it's task.

Today is also a day to Vote in the primary elections for various statewide offices including Governor. If the brave delegates to the Convention and the Defenders of the Alamo could sacrifice so much so that we could be free and independent couldn't we at least exercise our Right To Vote and honor their sacrifice?

City of Georgetown's Park Trail System, A National Recreation Trail

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:05:00 -0800

The City of Georgetown's Park Trail system has got to be one of the best advantages of living in Georgetown. Designated a National Recreation Trail, it features almost 9 miles of scenic trails to enjoy. From San Gabriel Park it is possible to walk, hike, bike, stroll, jog, or just amble along the beautiful trails that mostly follow the San Gabriel river connecting untimately with the Corps of Engineer Lake Georgetown Overlook Park, and the Good Water Trail that circles Lake Georgetown.

A large portion of the trails are paved and are handicapped accessible. They are lighted and patrolled by volunteers. There is also water, benches and emergency stations along the trail system for your convenience.

The trails cross the San Gabriel River several times and offer good views of the clear water. The trails are not difficult and there are several places to park along the trails at the various parks that are adjacent.

With Spring around the corner and plenty of trails to explore there is no excuse for not getting out and exercising and enjoying the beauty of Central Texas and Georgetown's Park system.

For more information about Georgetown, and the surrounding areas of Williamson County including cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander and Taylor be sure to visit my blog or my web site. I'll be happy to share my knowledge and experience or even better, let's go hike the Trails!

Briarwood Subdivision in Georgetown Texas, New Homes in a Restricted Close in Neighborhood

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:47:41 -0800

Briarwood Subdivision in Georgetown Texas is a great new home subdivison located close in off Williams Drive and an easy commute to Austin. Featuring homes starting from $170,000 to 250,000 this restrictricted neighborhood features 70' wide wooded lots, neighborhood park, walking distance to Frost Elementary and Benold Middle School.

Homes are 100% masonry, include landscaping and are all architecturally unique. No volume builders replicating the same plan over and over. Buyers appreciate the attention to detail and the high quality construction. Currently there are 4 new homes for sale

2 are complete and ready to occupy and 2 are under construction.

For information about these homes and other New Homes in Georgetown, or to search for new homes in Georgetown Tx, visit my website or blog. I'll be glad to show you these and any other homes in the area. Come see why Georgetown should be your new home town!

Country Living in the City, Oakcrest Estates Georgetown Texas

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:14:36 -0800

Want to live in a countryside setting but want to remain close in? Then take a look at Oakcrest Estates in Georgetown Texas.

This close in neighborhood is bordered by the San Gabriel River, DB Wood Rd, and the Georgetown Country Club. As you follow Country Club drive

you notice the split rail fences, and the scenery gets rural, yet you are only a couple of minutes from Wolf Ranch and the Rivery shopping centers. Cross the bridge and enjoy the serenity of this quiet enclave.

Most of the homes were built in the late 1970's through 1990, and are ranch style ranging in size from 1500 to 3500 sq ft.

The lots are large most from 1/2 acre to 1 acre. Some areas are heavily treed with Oaks being predominate. And where you have a country setting, lots of tree cover you are going to have wildlife. Deer abound! Be sure and plant deer resistant landscaping and fence your garden, because these deer love snap beans, peas, lettuce, and most bedding plants.

Oak Crest is a perfect combination of city and country. With paved streets and shady avenues and good neighbors Yet you can walk 2 blocks and see cows grazing and listen to the windmill creak and groan as it pumps water. Oak Crest is the best of both, rural and urban at the same time. The neighborhood has an active voluntary homeowner's association that sponsors an annual pic nic and neighborhood garage sale. If you would like information about this neighborhood or others in the Georgetown and Williamson County area contact me, I'd love to show you around.

Relics of the Past.. Millers Tractor Yard Reminds Us of Our Rural Roots

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:09:27 -0800

It is said that one man's junk is another's treasure and no where is that statement more true than Louis Miller's Mechanical Mart in Georgetown Texas.

I've always been fascinated by tractors and farm implements and well anything mechanical and this spot in the middle of a the historic area of Georgetown has always fascinated me. Mr Miller has been pulling these relics of our agricultural past out of fields and barns for years and assembled one of the finest collections in the country.... All in the shadow of Southwestern University and the historic Georgetown Tx historic square.

Everything from huge steam driven tractors and combines to 1950's Farmall tractors are scattered around the yard.

I like the flared fenders on this one.... racy don't you thing? Notice the huge steam driven machine in the background.

This is one of my favorites, if you look someone has combined a Model T front chassis with an early horse drawn mechanical plow. Now that's some early Aggie engineering!

Surely, you rmember the Rumely Tractor? I can just imagine how much this must have cost back in the day. At least you didn't have to worry about the tires going flat.

need traction? just bolt on these iron spikes,, no problem. You could also run a leather belt off the pulley and and run all kinds of equiptment even a portable sawmill. There are scores of these antique tractors on this private yard all owned by antique tractor collector Louis Miller who operates a repair yard at 806 E 8th Street in Georgetown Texas.

If you are in the market for a Home or information about Georgetown Texas give me a call and I'll give you a tour of this and other interesting places in Georgetown and Williamson County Texas.

Plane Crashes Into Austin Office Building

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:12:30 -0800

This morning at approximately 10 am, a small plane reported to be a Piper Cherokee crashed into the side of the Echelon I office building located at the intersection of Highway 183 and Mopac(Loop 1). The 7 story building was engulfled in flames and smoke could be seen for miles. The office complex included several buidlings including the headquarters for Keller Williams, howerver the KW offices are not believed to be located in the building that was hit by the plane. You can follow the live feed from local station kxan. photo from news report

Just Another Day...Taking Care of My Client....Getting it DONE

Mike Sparks Galveston Island Real Estate (The House Company Galveston Texas) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:01:38 -0800

Here we go again, just another day. Had an inspection scheduled today for a house I have listed. Actually it's a re-schedule, the house was a remodel and wasn't quite ready last week, so extended the option period another week to give the seller's contractor plenty of time to get the house ready. You know the drill, always anticipate what can go wrong, so....... I spend an hour on my Sunday checking the house, find that the power isn't on , the HVAC thermostat isn't there, and not one, not ONE DAMN thing has been done all week. Call seller, he calls contractor and excuse after excuse they promise that the house will be ready Monday afternoon. Inspection is 3pm.

Of course, I reschedule my Monday morning so I can check on the progress. Good sign, when I get there, there are 3 pickup trucks, a front end loader and 2 loads of dirt dumped in the driveway. POWER IS ON! I check with contractor, everything will be done in plenty of time. I bite my tongue and dont' comment on the fact that he had all week...

Come back an hour before inspection, trucks gone, dirt spread, so far so good. Inside is a mess, but at least the 15 punchout items seem to be mostly done. There's even a thermostat on the wall. I notice it's off... turn it on... nothing. Find manual.. try again... nothing. Call contractor, he says he couldn't make it work either so he was gonna call manufactuer tomorrow! I won't repeat my conversation at this point.

Call seller, tell him the situation, he's at work can't get away,, just take care of it he tells me. No problemo, it's what we do.

So......I call the service company I normally use,. they rush over a HVAC tech, he fixes short in system caused by improper installation and I give my personal check to cover the bill. I then call a makeready clean up team I've used, luck would have it they were finishing a job and could come over in 30 min.

Inspector shows up just as HVAC is hooked up, cleaning is on going, and buyer is due to arrive in 30 min. Sheesh....what we go through to get THE JOB DONE!