Living the Good Life In Georgetown Texas

Read All About It! Georgetown Tx Public Library

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:55:29 -0600

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.

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

Celebrate Texas Independence Day, Get out and Vote!

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:01:30 -0600

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 Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:05:00 -0600

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 Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:47:41 -0600

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 Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:14:36 -0600

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 Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:09:27 -0600

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 Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:12:30 -0600

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 Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:01:38 -0600

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!

Georgetown's New Transit Station is GREEN

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:38:15 -0600

Georgetown's new transit station is a model of green building designed to leave a minimum carbon footprint and operate off the grid. The new station scheduled to open in the spring of 2010 features solar panels, a rainwater collection system and an electric car charging station.

A 60 ft wind turbine that generates electric power is visible from Interstate 35 .

The rainwater collection tank is artfully screened. The station is part of the Capital Area Rural Transportation System or CARTS for short.

When the station opens this spring it will offer public transportation options that include bus, carpool, and van service to surrounding communities in the Austin Metro area. For more information visit the CARTS web site

A Reason to Remember: International Holocaust Rememberance Day Jan 27

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:45:33 -0600

This Wednesday January 27 marks the 5th International Holocaust Rememberance Day as designated by the United Nations in 2005 to honor all the victims of the Nazi era.

Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum Archives

On January 27th 1945 the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated by the Allies ending one of the darkest periods in the world's history. Now 65 years later the Georgetown Library is presenting an exhbit titled ' A Reason to Remember' from Jan 17th thru Feb 13 2010 sponsored by the Congregation Havurah Shalom of Sun City. This traveling exhibit of photos, artifacts, and documents from five Jewish familes in the 1930's and 40's in Germany portrays the stories of life in the rural German village of Roth and is a microcosm of life across Nazi occupied Europe and how it affected the Jewish residents. On January 27th at 2pm the library will have a free lecture by C.S. Ragsdale, auther of 'Living Longer Than Hate', the story of Holocaust survivor William Morgan who escaped the camp at age 16. His entire family perished and he was the only inhabitant of his village to survive. For more information visit the United Nations Holocaust site, or the Georgetown Public Library.

Brrrr. it's cold, Longhorns and Bama on TV, Time To Make Miguelito's Texas Chili!

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:48:25 -0600

With the fridgid cold weather that has visited Central Texas and the National Title Game between my beloved UT Longhorns and Alabama, this seems like the perfect night to enjoy a hot steaming bowl of my TEXAS CHILI. Yes folks, I"m gonna share my recipe handed down from my forefathers who developed this recipe while chasing cows and Indians and drinking cervasa with locals. There is one caveat though, to those that might like to embellish their chili with beans.. this is a NO BEAN recipe! If you like beans I have another recipe for that. So enjoy the chili tonight and a few cold beers, and HOOKEM HORNS!

Texas Chili

as handed down by Miguelito after plying him with many Shiner Bock beers.

Six Pack of Shiner Bock (if you're not from Texas.. substitute a nice dark beer)

1lb of Chili Meat(any cheap meat will do, even road kill, just chop it into chunks)

1 lb of sausage(hot or medium, if you've got a heart condition you can even use turkey sausage)

1 Med Onion, chopped

1 Stalk of Celery (chopped of course, you idiot)

1 Bell Pepper (also chopped, see above)

3 Tablespoons chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp oregeno

1/4 tsp red pepper

4 cups chicken stock (you can cheat and use bouillion cubes in 4 cups water if you dont keep old chicken fat around)

1 med jalepeno pepper seeded and finely chopped

1 large can tomato sauce

3 Tablespoons worchester sauce

Open a Shiner Bock Beer

In a large pot, brown the meat and sausage, you can use a little oil, and drain well. Add all the chopped stuff and pour in half a beer.

Let it simmer for a bit while you mix up the powder seasonings. Add all the seasonings to the 4 cups Chicken stock mixture and stir.

Open another beer and the can of tomato sauce.

Pour the chicken stock/spice mixture in and add the tomato sauce.

Add the Worchester Sauce

Finish off the 2nd beer, pour a bit in the pot for good measure.

Cover and let simmer for a couple of hours, the longer the better, or just finish off the 6 pack and it's ready!

Serve with hot tortilla's, or crackers. you can embellish with schredded cheddar cheese.

Helping Soldiers Call Home, Reconnecting Military Families

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:15:41 -0600

Showing the true spirit of giving this holiday season Sport Clips International headquartered in Georgetown Texas has made a donation of $250,000 to the Operation Uplink Free Call Day program. This generous donation has helped make it possible to expand the program to include one Free Call day a month to provide phone cards to active duty service men deployed overseas and hospitalized veterans so that they may call home and remain in contact with their loved ones. This is a great way for anyone to make a big difference in lifting the moral of our deployed service men and women who have sacrificed so much . So check out the link and make a donation and help a soldier.

"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree"

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:14:48 -0600

In my case that song could be retitled "Oh Memory Tree, Oh Memory Tree" because when December rolls around again and we start unpacking the ornament boxes to decorate the Christmas Tree I'm always flooded with memories from our Christmases past. I admit that the actual process of putting up the tree can be a chore ( not so much now that we have a prelit fake tree, see previous post) but once the ornaments come out, all that changes. Some people like to decorate sparingly, or decorate around specific themes each year. Our theme has always been Christmas Chaos. I mean you can't have to many ornaments right?

And speaking of ornaments.....unpacking the ornament box itself is like unwrapping presents on Christmas Morning. Each ornament has it's own place and history on our tree. The tree top star that we've had for 10 years is carefully packed on the top of the ornament box so that it can be placed on top of the tree first

Then as we go deeper into the ornaments we discover the plastic Noel that was bought at a dimestore and has always been front and center on our trees.

And then there is the 'First Christmas' ornament given to us back in 1977 by my dear grandmother to commerate our first year being married. It's getting a little worn now, kinda cheesy looking actually, but then so are we. Nevertheless, it still has it's place of honor on our tree.

Speaking of cheesy...as in photo's, there are the cute needlepoint ornaments that have our kids pictures in them made by my mother in law back when the kids were cute. They have to go on the tree.

And then there are those handmade ornaments that the kids made in school. Nothing brings back the memory of a kid rushing home to proudly place their own ornament on the tree. They are grown now, but every year their ornaments have a special place on our tree.

And to think little Scott now has an MBA from University of Texas...he's come a long way from when that ornament was made back in the 10th grade....just kidding!

So it all seems to come together each year, the fancy ornaments, the handmade ornaments, the flamingo ornament, the ornament from the cruise ship, the ornament from Hawaii, all the snowmen, the santas, the angels, birds, stars and bright sparkling icicles and lo and behold it looks beautiful!

Another Tree is complete, Time to turn down the lights get a brandy and bring back all those wonderful memories of Christmas Past, and Present.

As my son put it on his ornament years ago...'MARRY CHRIST mas' to all. May your season be bright, filled with many happy memories .

The Tree is UP...Bring on Santa

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:37:15 -0600

It's official...the Christmas Tree 2009 is UP. I have to admit the annual event was a lot less painful this year. As much as I love the tradition of having a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree there were some aspects that I had come to dread. Namely putting the lights on the tree. Tangled lights, strands that are shorted out, finding the damn tiny fuse, prickly needles, sticky sap....all the negatives we forget during the 11 months preceding the Christmas tree event.

This year we have a pre lit, pre strung FAKE tree. I know, I know, I said it would never happen. but now that we have the tree up and decorated I am never going back. No sawing the trunk shorter, no finding the 'good side', no dropping needles, no watering the tree and the resulting leaking pan, and best of all, NO STRINGING LIGHTS. I love it!

Here's the preliminary result. We still have to hang all the icicles, my wife reserves that for herself, it seems I don't have the patience and end up 'flinging' them which is not acceptable according to her. Now all we need is PRESENTS!

Have a Merry Christmas

Active Adult Communities in Georgetown/ Village of River Bend I and II

Mike Sparks Georgetown Area Real Estate (Sparks Realty) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:18:31 -0600

One of the unique features of Georgetown Texas is the number of deed restricted neighborhoods intended for what is termed the Active Adult Buyer. Typically these neighborhoods are restricted to residents 55 years and older, with no children living at home. Other deed restrictions govern the appearance of the properties and the uses allowed leading to higher property values and a cohesive and quiet neighborhood. One of the first local Georgetown builders to embrace this trend was Parker Builders who developed Village of River Bend I and II.

The Village I section is completely self contained and has no thru streets so traffic is limited. Both section I and II are located just off Williams Drive and Booty's Rd, and are withiin walking distance to shopping centers and banks.

The homes are constructed of 100 white limestone exterior, 30 yr dimensional shingles, and the homes in section I are on zero lot line lots and feature natural landscaping and low water use lawns. Homes are typically 2 and 3 bedroom with 1200 to 1600 sq ft in section I.

The subdivisions were built between 1993 and 1998 and all the homes feature high ceilings and energy efficiency.

In sectionI, deed restrictions limit fencing to wrought iron so there is a sense of space between the yards.

The homes in section II are on larger lots that are not zero lot line, and the homes are typically a bit larger ranging up to 2400 sq ft. They also feature 100% limestone exteriors for low maintenance. Privacy fencing is allowed.

The subdivision has a mandatory homeowners association but the dues are very low since the amenities are limited to the entrance signs and a small park space. No pools, or golf courses to maintain and no social activites or community clubhouse. The neighborhood is geared to offer high quality homes on smaller easy to maintain lots all within a setting appealing to empty nesters. Prices typically range from a low of 120k upwards to 260k for the larger homes. For more information about this subdivision and the other age restricted subdivisions contact me and I'll be happy to fill you in on Georgetown's Active Adult neighborhoods.