I am sure that this news is not a great revelation to most people who read the Internet real estate sites regularly, but I thought I might add a new twist to the discussion by simply showing a few statistics.  It has been no secret that here in Texas in recent years many of our real estate customers have been migrating from the more southwest areas of the U.S.  Most REALTORS have had an influx of clients here from those areas; those that are moving here or simply are investing here.  I decided to see if I could find out why so I began to look for hard numbers to help me define why this is happening.  I found some great ones from the Keller Williams organization.  Earlier this year at our national convention (known as Family Reunion), our chairman, Gary Keller presented his annual Vision... 04/01/2008

In a recent issue of Entrepreneur Magazine, the Round Rock and Killeen areas were noted as being one of the best places to purchase a home in the entire US.  Killeen was noted as having some of the lowest home prices in the nation while both Round Rock and Austin were praised for having a growing job market while maintaining stable housing prices.  There are other reasons why I think the market here in this area is so good and continues to be very popular place.  I'll address a few here:Killeen - Being an obvious military market, Killeen is very interesting to investors with a steady supply of lease tenants due to the presence of Fort Hood, one of the largest Army bases in the United States.  Again with the reduced costs of the housing market there, investors have an easier time acquiri... 03/31/2008

 WELCOME TO ROUND ROCK TEXAS...   So why is called Round Rock? Glad you asked. You can find a part of the historic Chism Trail running through Round Rock. Cattlemen moving their cattle to market would cross Brushy Creek (picture left) with their cattle. The reason they chose to cross in this area rathar than other places along brushy creek was because of the picture below.  Here it is the famed ROUND ROCK of Round Rock Texas. Cattlemen would pass the word that this location was a good place to move your cattle across the creek. If you were to look closely you can still see the cattle and horse prints marking the rock. Located on a street called Chism Trail its only a short drive to the heart of Round Rock Texas.            A number of historic buildings form a kind of downtown square. M... 03/28/2008

The HBH Group wanted to pass information on to you about a program that we have been made aware of that is COMPLETELY FREE and will save you money on your heating and cooling bills. If you are living in a home (or know someone that is) in Round Rock, Hutto, or Pflugerville that was built before 1/1/03, is over 1800 sq. ft. and live in TXU’s distribution area (but you don’t have to be a TXU retail customer), you are eligible to have your duct system caulked by a company called Energy Efficiency Experts, Inc. FOR FREE. This is a funded program which is mandated and regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the program compensates the contractor, not you!! There are 2 benefits of having your duct system caulked: It will save you money on your heating and cooling bill... 03/20/2008

At the HBH Group, we are frequently asked why we work with investors. The answer to that question is that we "create" investors from our clients. When we teach you how you can save significantly on your tax load AND gain great returns on your investment funds through appreciation, rarely do we have a client that doesn't want to get involved in real estate investing. In this installment of the BLOG, I thought it would be a good idea to teach you, my readers some of the major tax benefits to investing in real estate. Here are some of the major reasons why this is such a great way to invest your funds and save taxes too:Individuals who purchase real estate rental properties, who actively participate in the decision making process, such as determining who the tenants will be and what repair... 03/19/2008

  REI Kathyrn Eakens of the Round Rock Leader writes..."National outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment Inc. announced plans Wednesday to open a new two-story, 32,700-square-foot store in Round Rock this fall.The store will be the second location for the company's prototype store initiative that aims to test retail design and green building concepts. REI opened the first prototype store in Boulder, Colo. in October 2007. "Our increased focus on green buildings and the community began with our Seattle flagship store in 1996. Since then, we've continued to develop stores that represent our dedication to the outdoors by reducing the environmental impacts of such buildings and helping to inspire outdoor recreation," Brian Unmacht - REI's senior vice president of sales, store development an... 03/19/2008

The Nolan Ryan Family (Former Texas Ranger Pitcher) is to create entertainment hub near ballpark located off highway 79 next to the Dell Diamond.The Dell Diamond has drawn in over 4.7 million visitors since it opened in 2000. Reid Ryan the son of Nolan Ryan recently gave a presentation to the Round Rock City Council on the expansion of this upcoming multi-use facility. In the next two years, they envision the land surrounding the Dell Diamond to transform into an entertainment hub! The possible event center and hotel would help bring in restraunts, retail shops, music, and more!. The project is called the Diamond Oaks Master Plan.I've lived in Round Rock now for over six years and it has been amazing to watch the area grow. My parents came to the area back in 93' and it was all farm lan... 03/17/2008

More people than ever are moving to Central Texas for the wonderful weather...quality of living, and strong economy.  One of the great neighborhoods that stands out is located in the heart of what myself and many have been calling the medical corridor.  Conveniently located off of FM1431 with convenient access to both Round Round and Cedar Park as well as the new Seton Medical Center and Cedar Park Hospital Scott & White.Have questions or are in need of additional information -don't hesitate to call!  I am the local neighborhood expert on this and the surrounding area!  I live and work in this area so I am happy to provide you with information from someone who knows first hand!Lots of value to be found in this neighborhood and a new Leander ISD elementary school on the horizon for 2008!... 03/17/2008

  "More than 80,000 years in the making, Texas' newest and most-accessible cavern features spectacular rock formations and an unmistakable air of mystery. What kind of organisms began life in these caves? How did Mother Earth keep her underground secrets for so long?" Discovered as during construction of an overpass. The Innerspace Caverensare a special treat for all those who would like to travel back in time back to the age of the dinosaurs. Open seven days a week from 10 to 4pm weekdays and 10 to 5pm weekends, you can take a look for yourself. I recently took my son and my nephew. We had a great time. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day. 03/15/2008

 A recent Article posted on the Round Rock Texas Chamber of Commerce Website reports an outstanding achievement by Stoney Point High School: Stony Point Awarded International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Status Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 02:16 PMIn 2005,Stony Point High School began to explore the IB Programme.  As part of the two-year authorization process, SPHS submitted an application on June 1, 2007, and had its culminating IB Site Visit in November.  Stony Point now joins an elite group of international schools with a common purpose: internationally recognized student excellence. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum for high school juniors and seniors. It leads to a qualification that is internationally recognized by the wor... 03/15/2008

Round Rock Texas Home Builders need your businessBuilders in Round Rock Tx and surrounding cities are offering closing costs paid, appliance packages and even up to $40,000.00 off list inventory prices. National doom and gloom in the housing market has plagued many builders locally even when our market has remained relatively strong. What does this mean for you as a consumer? Their pain is your gain! Realtors representing buyers are making offers on new construction homes that would normally be snubbed by sales managers. Today the buyer is able to walk into padded equity and loads of upgrades in award winning Master Planned communities. When choosing to by a new construction home you are entitled to representation by law with a licensed Realtor. Using a buyers agent not only protects yo... 03/06/2008

 Round Rock North has been growing at a rapid pace for the past few years. University and I-35 are the home to two brand new Medical Centers. Seton Medical and Scott and White have both opened their doors in the past 9 months. Just 4 miles apart and already there are medical offices, residential and commercial buildings popping up to support the growth that is moving in daily. Inside Seton MedicalScott and White Medical CenterTerravista is the master planned community that anchors the I-35 University Community.                                                                                                                         Featuring an 18 hole golf course, community pools, clubhouse and a brand new elementary school.                 The Ranch House at Teravista Round Rock   So muc... 03/02/2008

Leander ISD announced the Elementary Principals for their three new elementary schools.  Superintendent Dr. Bret Champion announced Sharon Hejl, current Faubion Elementary principal, as the principal selection for new Leander ISD Elementary #20, being built in the Parkside at Mayfield Ranch, just north of the Williamson County Park off of CR175.  Hejl, an 18-year teacher, has been Faubion principal for the past four years.   Sarah Grissom - assistant principal at Faubion since 2004 and interim principal at Winkley Elementary from March - June 2007 -  has been named Faubion Elementary principal.   Suzanne Villalpando, current Lake Travis Elementary principal, was named LISD Elementary #21 Principal.  Villalpando has been an assistant principal and principal in Lake Travis ISD since 2002.... 02/29/2008

 I read a post yesterday that inspired this post. The post actually talked about how we deal with failure but it got me thinking a great deal about what we view as Success. As I write this post, I am celebrating a week away with my wife in Mexico. Don't worry this is my first and probably only post on vacation. It is in the evening and we are sipping coffee and watching TV. Better yet, I have her permission. The measure of success for many all too often is MONEY!  Society seems to pay homage to dollar signs. A person is considered extremely successful if they have been able to acquire millions of those dollars. Here is a story I shared in brief as a comment to the afore-mentioned blog. It sums up how I feel about measuring success.My wife and I are here in Mexico in a beautiful ground f... 02/28/2008

  While we were out and about enjoying some phenomenal weather yesterday, my wife mentioned that she would like to check out the new IKEA store in Round Rock.  I had been there once, and I cringed inwardly a little bit, because I was familiar with the layout there.  However, they do have a massive number of inexpensive products, so I was game.  When we first arrived, my wife attempted to sit in a chair that looked to be made of nylon on a frame made of plastic or perhaps metal, and it sort of dumped her onto the floor on her behind.  We mocked the chair and its odd design, along with the name, which was probably a Gurkel or a Haafendag or a Klonturv or something similar.  My son (who gets his smart aleck gene from his dad) quickly said, "Are we just here to make fun of the furniture?" T... 02/26/2008

America's Promise Alliance has named the city of Round Rock, Texas, as one of 2007's 100 Best Communities for Young People. This is an annual competition which recognizes outstanding community efforts that improve the well-being of youth. The award also carries recognition for communities that provide young people with caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education, innovative ways to solve problems that will improve the lives of children and young people, and opportunities to help others. Round Rock, a suburb of Austin and home of Dell Computers, is right in the middle of a booming technological and economic corridor that offers numerous opportunities for todays youth. 02/26/2008

 Life is way to short to spend it angry. I get upset just like anyone else from time to time. Often, I look back later and realize it was foolish to be so upset over something so small.It is important for me and for you not to MAJOR on the MINORS. The little things, like being cut off in traffic or having to stand in line or waiting an extra 4 minutes for our drink at Starbucks rather than the usual 30 to 45 seconds. Why bust a vessel over something so small. SAVE THE RAGE! If you must get angry try focusing it on Government Waste of our taxes, Political correct police, people who are trying to steal from you, abuse your children emotionally. LIFE IS SHORT. Best not to harbor your anger too long. I want people at my funeral even though I will not be there. I want them to have nice thing... 02/22/2008

3214 BAY HILL ROUND ROCK, TX 78664 view all photos (8) Unique custom built home designed to fulfill any entertainer's dream! Gourmet Kitchen,Sunroom,Breakfast Area,Formal Dining,Movie Theater,Guest Accomodations,Incredible Pool and Spa with plenty of patio space, balconies with views and much more!!! 9 Bedrooms 7 Full | 1 Partial Bathrooms 9,059 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 1434172 $1,695,900 More Details For more information about the listing, please visit Round Rock Homes.   02/19/2008

  TALK ABOUT POLITICS AND CAMPS WILL DIVIDE. The right move right the Left move left and is there a middle?  It is certainly populated. It is difficult to imagine there could be a middle ground when the subject is not Republican or Democrat but rather Conservative or Liberal. The republican party does not have a monopoly on conservatism nor does the Democrats party have a monopoly on Liberalism. Both parties have broad appeal for a variety of reasons.Conservative and Liberal are for the most part on extreme opposites. In order to find a common middle it would be necessary to be somewhat indifferent to some very dividing issues.  I am not encouraged by those who want to lead from the middle. It would inspire me more if that leader had deep uncompromising convictions and values. This elec... 02/17/2008

      Got cha! Good title isn't it. In our home we use the term "train wreck" to describe the kids rooms or the game room or at times the kitchen. We usually follow up the usage of the term of some hard work to improve the situation or clean the room.                                         My wife and I have been very busy lately and so Our bedroom has been a bit neglected (which is not normal, my wife is a clean freak). My son entered the room the other day as we were getting ready to run out the door. He just shook his head and said: "What a train wreck," I had to laugh at the irony of the boy who never makes his bed or picks up his clothes or is able to find two clean socks because he discards them when he gets home from school all over the house, standing in my room shaking his hea... 02/16/2008