An article by staff writer Lauri Zachry in the Round Rock Leader, the local newspaper serving Williamson County, caught my attention recently. Since I live in Round Rock, my kids attend school there, and about 40% of my home sales are in the area, I am very much attuned to what's going on in the community. But that being said, I was still amazed at the growth that this area continues to see, and hence ANOTHER bond proposal for MORE new schools! The most recent bond election voters approved for the district was in November 2006. Voters approved four propositions totaling more than $267 million. Projects funded by the 2006 bond include the opening of three new elementary schools and one new middle school this fall. The district's fifth high school, Cedar Ridge High School, will open for t... 10/14/2008

This past weekend I had the pleasure of showing Round Rock area homes to clients relocating here from out-of-state. While looking at one home and as we entered the master bathroom, the Mrs. eyed over the master bath shower and commented to me, "My, you'd think the sellers would have taken the time to clean the shower." The truth is, as I explained to her, the shower glass and inside walls had a hazy film of mineral build-up caused from hard water, and it's lot easier to prevent this problem than it is to remove it. If you've lived in an area where water is ‘soft,' you might never have of heard of ‘hard water' but the fact is, 80% of US homes have some level of water hardness. Central Texas is no exception and is known for large limestone formations that contribute to hardness of water i... 10/13/2008

Last weekend, my mom was in town, and we decided to head out for lunch.  Since my wife is pregnant, it is sometimes hard to find places that sound appealing to her, but I suggested Mimi's, since she was in a salad and/or sandwich mood.  We had been to the one in Austin a couple of times, and the kids seemed to enjoy the food. We arrived after "real" lunch time on a Saturday afternoon, probably around 2pm.  My mom went in with our two older kids while I stayed with my wife and helped her unload our sleeping two year old into the stroller.  I told my mom to just go ahead and get a table, since it would take us a couple of minutes. It was not particularly crowded inside, but they didn't have a table available for us.  They said it would take a couple of minutes to clean one off.  It took a... 10/11/2008

In the midst of bustling and growing Round Rock in all directions, you can still discover life in the slow lane. Historic Downtown Round Rock, fondly known as 'old town' to locals, is a journey back to bygone days. Remnants of the past are visible in restored 100+ year old buildings that are now home to specialty shops, restaurants and a down-south restful atmosphere. Enjoy the tour...........   A trip to downtown Round Rock wouldn't be the same without a homemade pastry from 'Round Rock Donuts' They are sooo good! 10/10/2008

Behrens Ranch is a master-planned community nestled on 500 beautiful acres in the Texas hill country of Round Rock. Living here is the best of all worlds with affordable priced homes, beautiful surroundings, highly-regarded schools and the convenience to shopping, entertainment and major roadways. Established in 2001 and still growing, Behrens Ranch is the result of several outstanding builders for the development of a diverse selection of upscale homes, floor-plans and price options. Within Behrens Ranch, homes are built in six neighborhood sections: Mira Vista, The Arbors, The Creek, The Reserve, The Pointe, The Park, and The Crossing. Your welcome home begins at the entry with a large wood based windmill towering over water ponds and rustic field-stone walls and columns. The beauty ... 10/10/2008

Mayfield Ranch is a beautiful and vibrant Master-Planned Community where natural beauty, recreational amenities and convenience are combined in a hometown atmosphere for a lifestyle that sure to please most anyone. Beginning with development in 2003, Mayfield Ranch now comprises approximately 700 homes as the result of the joining together of several highly esteemed builders. In doing so, buyers have a variety of home-styles, floorplans and price options. This thoughtfully designed neighborhood, located in a country-like setting of Round Rock, is surrounded by mature trees and acres of natural open space. Just beyond the boundaries of Mayfield Ranch, the 800 acre Williamson County Regional Park surrounds the community on two sides; a dedicated greenbelt along the third. The beauty of t... 10/03/2008

Time:   12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Date: 10/4/2008   Location: Cat Hollow Park 8600 O'Connor Drive, Round Rock, Texas Cost: $2 or 2 canned food items for local food banks   The Hairy Man Festival will be from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Cat Hollow Park in Round Rock. Admission is $2 or 2 canned food items to go to the local food banks. The Brushy Creek Women's Association presents this family fun-centered event to raise money for local charities. The festival offers a full day of food, arts & crafts, children's activities, and special performances and live music all day.  This year the proceeds will benefit R.O.C.K., Ride On Center for Kids, a non-profit provider of equine assisted therapeutic activities.  R.O.C.K.s students have a variety of physical and learning challenges, including ... 10/02/2008

Currently, Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is the largest public park in Williamson County, totaling about 800 acres. Located in Leander and just north of Round Rock, the first phase of the park encompasses 100 acres with eleven soccer fields, two softball fields, eight tennis courts, football field circled by a 400-meter track, six basketball courts, a plays cape and a disc golf course. Kids of all ages will enjoy the miniature train ride that takes you on a 1.3 mile fun scenic ride in the park. Biking and hiking trails are abundant here with over 4 miles of two trail systems, one on crushed granite and the other a wooded nature trail. The 18 hole disc golf course covers approximately 2 miles and is mostly tree shaded. 200 acres in the park has been preserved to protect enda... 10/01/2008

To All: I received this from a friend initially via email and have since been told that the original was from the Dave Ramsey website.  Actually, it originally came from Jesse at YouNeedABudget.com.  Jesse has suggested copying the content and blasting your congress persons with it.  Excellent Ideas all: Years of bad decisions and stupid mistakes have created an economic nightmare in this country, but $700 billion in new debt is not the answer. As a tax-paying American citizen, I will not support any congressperson who votes to implement such a policy. Instead, I submit the following three-step Common Sense Plan. INSURANCE Insure the subprime bonds/mortgages with an underlying FHA-type insurance.  Government-insured and backed loans would have an instant market all over the world, creat... 10/01/2008

Sonoma is another beautiful subdivision where I always welcome the opportunity to show and sell homes. This bustling master-planned community is located in a growing and popular area of Round Rock, Texas. Beginning with first-phase development in 2001 and still growing, Sonoma is the result of the coming together of several nationally known and award winning builders who developed ‘localized' sections within the community. In doing so, buyers have a variety of housing options - building styles, house floor plans, lots sizes, and, of course pricing options throughout the community. Homes here range in size from 1426 to 4510 square feet with most being 2300 to 2800 square feet. Designed with livability in mind, Sonoma offers residents some of the finest amenities around. 2 Community Pool... 09/28/2008

Real Estate is about to get a ton more exciting! How so, you and I just bought a bunch of loans on houses across America. Lets get them listed and sold! If you have been looking in Austin/ Round Rock it is time to get things in order there are some great deals out there! Round Rock Texas (just 15 minutes N. downtown Austin) $105,0003 Bed, 2.5 Bath1,744 Sq. Ft.0.22 Acres Looking to Rent or buy just email me at: roundrockhomes@gmail.com   09/28/2008

09/27/2008

I have loved the Stone Canyon neighborhood for years, having assisted many buyers and sellers in the area.  We have some very good friends in this subdivision, and I always enjoy getting a chance to visit the area parks and trails with our kids.  One of the agents who works for our company has lived there for eight years, and she knows the area inside and out.  Located just off of Highway 620 next to the Round Rock Medical Center, it offers strong amenities, natural beauty, and high-quality homes. Currently, there are 27 homes available on the MLS in Stone Canyon, with an average asking price of $237,758.  The average square footage for these homes is 2,668, for an average price per square foot of $89.78.  There are 7 homes under contract right now in Stone Canyon, with an average pric... 09/27/2008

Here are some tips to think about when trying to conserve energy at home. 1. Stop air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Check on all windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls. 2. Maintain the heating system.  Heating can account for half the average family's energy bill. Make sure heater or heat pump receives maintenance every year. The cost will be re-couped in better performance throughout year. 3. Get a programmable thermostat. A programable thermostat can also help in cutting the heating bills and oooling bills. 4. Seal & insulate heating ducts. If your system is losing its warmed or cooled air before it reaches the registerit will cost you money in wasted energy expenses. 5. Insulate everything.  By insulating the attic, ceilings, exterior walls a... 09/25/2008

Welcome to Lake Forest, one of Round Rock's newer premier communities offering quality living for young professionals, families and active retirees. From its beginning in 2001, Lake Forest was designed to create the feel of a fun and family oriented neighborhood. The amenity package includes a Junior olympic pool, Kiddie pool, Resident community center, Tennis court, State of the art basketball court, Two playscapes and open areas where children can run and play. Cast your fishing line in the catch and release lake and enjoy the ducks that were hand-raised by the residents themselves. Here too are 2.5 miles of hike and bike trails within the neighborhood that feed into Brushy Creek Park offering scenic trails that meander along a flowing creek and through a forest of trees. Homes here ... 09/24/2008

Testify comes to Round Rock once again! On Oct. 13th and 14th, come see this fantastic crossover group both nights at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Round Rock located at 306 Round Rock Ave. This group will bless you with fantastic singing! Don't miss this special event! Click below to hear a selection from their last appearance here in Round Rock. 09/24/2008

Ok, when Carol and I got married, we considered having children, but of course with my wiley background questioned our abiity to be good parents. So, we thought, "hey, lets get a dog and see how we do with that first!" Well, we found out our parenting skills would probably be adequate. After working at Child Protective Services for 10 years, we came to the conclusion that having children was probably not in our future. It's good for some people and not for others. That's cool. So, here is our son Trip!   Now the reason I bring this up is to get back to the parenting skills. I have a Cedar Elm in my back yard which has alot of Mistle Toe growing in it. Trip being the 6 month old pup he is, absolutely cannot do anything without having a taste of everything he passes! Knowing that Mistle T... 09/24/2008

Behren's Ranch located in Round Rock Texas is an exquisite subdivision with an array of amenities.  Only a short drive into Downtown Austin, and minutes away from some of the best shopping around from, The Round Rock Outlet Mall, La Fronterra Shopping District and The Domain. Behren's Ranch is also a short drive away from some of the major companies in town such as: Dell, Samsung, Texas State University, Westinghouse, 3M, Abbott Labs, Cisco Systems, IBM, Motorola, Sun Microsystems, and Apple to name a few.      So if your looking to live in the prestgious neighborhood of Behren's Ranch this is your chance to find a home in a great neighborhood in Round Rock West.  The Romere Team can help you with all your Real Estate needs.  Whether you live in Austin or out of state give us a call so ... 09/22/2008

  For all my readers who are fans of Dallas Cowboys football, here is their schedule for this year.  Sorry this is a little late!  I meant to publish it several weeks ago, but it slipped my mind.  The good news is:  The Cowboys are already 2-0, even after playing the Eagles last week.  This looks like a great season upcoming and I look forward to seeing all of you playing Fantasy Football this year!  Go COWBOYS!     09/21/2008

In classic "The Late Show" format, we offer you, the Top Ten Reasons to Make Round Rock Real Estate Investments Now! Home inventories are up and sellers are willing to deal. The lack of mortgage money has made sellers even more desperate in Round Rock.  Real estate investors here are often retirees that have private funds available to fund rehab projects. Cash is King - (if you have access to it! - If not, see item 2). The reduction in available buyers that qualify has created a GLUT of tenants, ready to rent your property! Creative financing is getting VERY popular again.  Get as creative as you want - Sellers will listen! There are plenty of investors interested in wholesale deals in Round Rock.  Real estate investing is very popular here and there are available funds from many privat... 09/21/2008