Don’t Miss the Farm Street Opry!

Posted on May 20, 2014

Bastrop, Texas is known as an ideal place to work and raise a family. Their scheduled activities include many options for shopping, learning and entertainment. The majority of those activities are affordable and some occur regularly, so there is always the opportunity to plan for the next event.

One event to mark on a calendar will be found at the Bastrop Convention Center on June 5, 2014 at 7:00 PM. The Farm Street Opry occurs the first Thursday of every month and is a family friendly presentation. Fortunately, it is also very affordable to access, with an adult entry fee of only $5.00 and any accompanying children ten and under get in for free.

What to Expect at the Event

As the name implies, it is a small-town version of the well-known stage. Here, local musicians and visiting talent share their love and talent for country music with the audience. In addition, although concessions are available, no alcohol is sold or permitted at the event.

There is always the possibility that this popular event will be prone to lines or could sell out of available seats. Therefore, it is a good idea to arrive soon after the doors open at 5:30 to get the best seats for you and your family.

As expected for this type of event, dress will be casual and there will be people of all ages in the audience. There is also likely to be the opportunity for some audience participation, although the focus will obviously be primarily on stage.

Finally, it is also worth noting that this important event is one of Bastrop’s newer attractions. Its grand opening occurred in April of 2014 and therefore there are still many people who have not experienced it yet. That means it is a good opportunity to take your friends and family, then plan to make it a regular event.

Why is Bastrop Growing so Much?

Posted on May 17, 2014

Main Street

The city of Bastrop has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Long-term residents may remember what it was like without the Best Buy, while bargain hunters may cringe at the memory of living without the Goodwill thrift store.

In the 2010 census, the city of Bastrop was credited with 7, 218 full time residents. However, it should be pointed out that those numbers do not reflect people living outside the city, so the rural population adds significantly to both the economy and use of the city.

In 2012, the city of Bastrop was estimated by the United States Census Bureau to have experienced a 2.4% growth in the preceding two years. Its new estimated population was 7, 394.

Why Does Bastrop Attract New Residents?

Bastrop is an area that values education and employment, both of which are reflected when considering the primary sources of income for the community. Wal-mart, the school district and government offices are the primary employers. . Some of the new residents or recent high school graduates have accessed the night and continuing education classes given by Austin Community College within the city of Bastrop.

One less fun, but equally important aspect of Bastrop is their domestic violence shelter. Many victims of domestic violence have found a new life as the result of the services offered by the Crisis Center and the shelter itself.

There are other, more practical reasons for people to move to Bastrop. Only about 30 minutes from Austin and all that it offers, Bastrop provides the small-town appeal that so many families need. Without huge campuses and multiple high schools, it is easier to keep track of teenagers and their activities.

In fact, the opening of a theater, bowling alley and arcade in Bastrop not that long ago has provided entertainment options for residents of all ages. With safe children, affordable housing and steady employment, Bastrop will surely continue to grow in years to come.

Tips for holding a successful garage sale or yard sale

Posted on May 10, 2014

Bastrop Garage Sales

Ok Bastrop it’s that time of the year and if you’re looking to do some Spring-cleaning and declutter your home, Yard sales might be the best way to eliminate junk, and make a little extra money.

As you drive around Bastrop on a Saturday and Sunday morning you will see garage sales popping up in every neighborhood. You can find the most concentration of garage sales in Riverside Grove, Hunters Crossing and even The Colony. So, what makes one-yard sale good and another a failure?

Being a good haggler doesn’t hurt because, at the end of the day, the point is to have visitors leave with as many items as possible. Sometimes that means bartering or selling some of those unwanted items in bulk or bundles. It might also mean creating “clearance” bins and offering buyers a cookie with lemonade. Shoot, you might even throw in some of my real estate business cards while you’re at it.

Here are a few basic tips to holding a good yard sale, based on the best practices observed at area yard and garage sales over the past month. By mastering these, the only hard part will be picking and choosing which items you are ready to say “goodbye.”

Don’t be afraid to invite friends.

Crowds attract more crowds. By inviting your friends and neighbors, it will make it easier to attract people who are driving by. Larger crowds mean more merchandise will be sold.

While you’re at it, advertise your yard or garage sale on area bulletin boards, Craig’s List, in newspapers, at work, online and at grocery stores.

Signage

Make sure you have plenty signs and the bright colored ones are the best. On the signs you want to have your address, dates and times of the sale and maybe even some arrows directing them to your home. Place them throughout the neighborhood and have somebody check on them during the day to make sure somebody hasn’t removed them.

Treat your yard like a store

There’s nothing more unattractive than an unorganized yard sale. Buyers want to get in and get out without having to sift through piles of junk. So set up display areas and separate items by theme or use.

For example, if you’re selling a dining set, consider reconstructing a dining table setting that places sale items among your own things. Set the scene and buyers will be attracted to the area.

This also means making sure that the “hot items” are closest to the road. Feature them in an attractive way to draw attention.

Be flexible

The whole point is to make money, so be willing to barter. Visitors likely will only carry between $30 and $50, so be willing to negotiate package deals or two-for-one sales.

It also wouldn’t hurt, as a selling strategy, to price items and then immediately slash them. Dump them in a clearance bin and everyone will take a peak.

Equip yourself

Make sure you have all the tools you need to run the sale properly. This means keeping plenty of small bills on hand, as well as a few rolls of quarters. If you need, make sure a calculator is handy.

It also doesn’t hurt to wear an apron or a loose shirt with pockets. This gives you mobility so you can make change and interact with customers away from the buying table.

Offer refreshments

Food attracts people. Free refreshments will attract even more people. But if you think your yard sale will have a steady flow without a lemonade stand, you can always sell food items for a cheap price.

Good items to have on hand include water, juice, coffee and tea, as well as small munchies like chips, cookies or nuts. I knew a guy in Bastrop that sold breakfast tacos and sausage wraps and let me tell you, he made a killing.

Price accordingly

This isn’t the place to be a stickler for what something is “worth.” The key to a good yard sale is getting items to move quickly. Unless an item is large like a bed or desk, or expensive like stainless steel kitchenware, keep everything below $2 or $3.

To make your job as cashier easier, avoid strange pricing. It’s easier to deal with dozens of $1 and $2 items than it is when they’re priced at $1.25 and $2.60.

Top 5 Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid in Bastrop

Posted on

If you are ready to list your Bastrop or central Texas home for sale, set yourself up for success by avoiding these 5 common selling mistakes:

1. Putting your home on the market prematurely.

Presentation is everything when it comes to selling your home. So, before you place your home on the market, address any and all needed repairs, de-clutter, depersonalize and consider staging.

2. Improper pricing.

In many cases, homeowners choose to price their home above current market value. The sales price of your home will be determined by the current market value; in other words, what buyers in Bastrop and Central Texas are willing to pay for your property. To determine the fair market value of your home, check recent comparable properties and recent sales in the surrounding area. Working with an experienced real estate agent is key to setting the right price.

3. Lack of marketing.

Once your home is listed for sale, it is important to market the property to prospective buyers. This is where using a professional real estate agent really pays off as they are experts in marketing your home through special events, open houses, and professional photographs with descriptions listed on a variety of sites help to place your property in the best possible light, in front of the widest possible audience of buyers.

4. Hiring an inexperienced agent.

Don’t place one of your largest financial assets in the hands of an inexperienced real estate agent. Choose a professional with not only general experience, but someone familiar with your type of property and neighborhood.

5. Don’t go it alone.

While it is tempting to list your property yourself to avoid the costs and fees associated with hiring an experienced real estate agent, this decision could be costly. A local agent stays abreast of the current home market conditions, trends and laws that could affect the pricing and ultimately, the sale of your property. A mistake in the sales process can be very costly and time consuming.

Armed with this information, work to proactively avoid these common mistakes when you list your property for sale. If you’re thinking of selling and would like to discuss what you could get for your home, call me today.

Home Loan Assumability is Making a Comeback in Bastrop

Posted on May 8, 2014

Sell or Buy David Board is your Guy!

As interest rates slowly increase, we’re starting to see more and more buyers in Bastrop, TX taking advantage of assumable home loans to make the purchase. Mortgage assumability is a feature that enables homebuyers to take on the loan previously obtained by the seller. The catch here is that the buyer has to pay interest at the same rate as the seller did. This feature is limited to mortgages that are covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). If you have a loan insured by either of these government bodies and are looking to sell your home, now is the time to market the mortgage along with the home. With interest rates increasing, this is a convenient option for potential home buyers in Bastrop since the seller may have obtained the mortgage at a rate lower than the prevailing one in the market today. Aside from the cheaper mortgage payment, there are a few other benefits of home loan assumability for the buyers.

The buyer doesn’t have to pay the additional processing fees charged by lenders when originating a new home loan. There are many charges and expenses associated with getting a new mortgage that are completely avoided.

The buyer doesn’t have to get the house appraised (and pay for this expense). Many buyers may still bear this expense voluntarily but its not a requirement when taking advantage of an assumable loan.

A recording tax may not have to be paid. A recording tax is normally paid each time a mortgage is obtained on a property. In this case, since a new mortgage is not being originated, a new tax will likely be avoided altogether.

Since some part of the loan would have already been paid off by the seller, it is likely that a larger chunk of the mortgage payment goes towards paying off the principal amount.

These are some of the benefits for homebuyers to assume home loans when buying a new home in Bastrop Now this may not turn out to be the best option for all buyers. For instance, if you are looking to buy a home for the first time, you might not be able to get 100% financing. Let’s say the value of the house is $150,000 while the seller owes $100,000. You will have to make up the difference of $50,000 by paying cash or by negotiating with the seller for seller financing.

Buyers also still have to undergo the standard screening process for creditworthiness by the VA or FHA. Finally, the buyer has to waive the seller off all future responsibilities and obligations pertaining to the loan.

In a market where interest rates are on the rise, home loan assumability is a great option for buyers. Interested in learning more about how you can take advantage of this? Give me a call and I’d be happy to discuss.

Easter Bluebonnets in Bastrop

Posted on April 20, 2014

I mentioned in one of my recent blogs that its not illegal to pick bluebonnets. However, I strongly recommend against it and since we are talking about Bluebonnets let me share with you where you can find this official treasured Texas flower. One of the largest patches of Texas Bluebonnets and Indian Paint Brushes that I have seen in a number of years are located just a short drive from Austin or Bastrop. If you live in Austin take the enjoyable drive out Highway 71 towards Bastrop and about nine miles from the airport you will find one of the largest most beautiful fields of colorful Bluebonnets mixed with the native Indian Paint Brushes you have ever seen. If you live in Bastrop or somewhere between Bastrop and Houston take Highway 71 towards Austin and just look for the cars lined up on the shoulder of the roadway and be careful when pulling off the roadway because there are lots of small children eager to make their way to the Bluebonnet fields.

Its really great to see the excitement of many families on this Easter Sunday taking some memorable photographs of their children and grandchildren and I’m no exception. And don’t be surprised if you’re asked to take a few pictures for the single parents with their children because it happened to me several times and I was glad to help. I can see these family pictures hitting Facebook before they even drive away. These Bluebonnets and Indian Paint Brushes make awesome backdrops and can only be found in Texas. So if you’re traveling for the Easter Holiday’s take my advice and visit this little bluebonnet treasure between Austin and Bastrop and drop me a line, post your favorite family picture and share your thoughts.

1713 Roosevelt St. Bastrop, TX

Posted on April 10, 2014

Take the Virtual Tour

This completely remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath 1984 sf +/- home at 1713 Roosevelt St. in Historic Bastrop, TX just hit the market at remarkable price of $245,000. Believe me when I say you surely don’t want to pass up the opportunity too see this home. If you’ve been thinking about making a move than I would suggest this home that’s located in what has been historically referred to as the “New Addition” of Bastrop. This home was originally built in 1967 and remodeled in March and April of 2014. Here are just a few of the upgrades you will see: Quartz soft stone counter tops, parquet and tile floors throughout, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, walk-in tile shower in the master, custom paint and trim, large walk in panty and laundry room located just off the kitchen. A 480 sf detached studio/guest house in backyard was also remolded and is great bonus. Just out the backdoor you’ll find the oversized lot with an open circular patio with a covered arbor and plenty of room for family barbecues and entertaining friends. The front and back yards are fenced on three sides and the flowerbeds and private garden areas are professionally landscaped complete with walking stones and sidewalk.

Although this home is located in the “New Addition” of Bastrop it was actually developed in the late 1940’s and was home to many of the 90,000 US soldiers stationed at Camp Swift. Camp Swift was the largest army training and transshipment camp in Texas. It also housed 3,865 German prisoners of war. The history of this neighborhood runs deep and many of the homes were past down to family members who still occupy these homes today.

So when thinking about this home just consider this, you’re buying more than a home, your buying a piece of Bastrop’s rich history near the banks of the Colorado River in one of oldest cities in Texas,

Is it Illegal to Pick Bastrop Bluebonnets

Posted on March 30, 2014

Bastrop, Texas Bluebonnet

While all of us Texans admire the majesty of our state flower during their blooming season each year, we all seem to share the belief that picking and removing the bonnet is wrong. I knew this to be true from a very young age. Like an old folk tale, my family would insist that true Texans don’t pick the beautiful flower, and that it was certainly illegal to do so. I respected my Texan culture, so I never questioned this ordinance protecting our flower. After pulling over to take a closer look at the Bluebonnet blankets hugging the country highway, I decided to also take a closer look at this supposed law. Something about this season’s bloom made me realize that, now that I’m an adult, I’ve never actually fact-checked what so many Texans assume. It seemed to me that I had yet to actually see any proof. I (of course) brought my dogs Bailey Boo and Kassie with me to go see the wild bonnets off the freeway [pictured above.] They sure didn’t seem to mind uprooting a few of the precious stalks as they pranced back to my car. Maybe the Shih Tzu’s know something I don’t… What do you think? Is it illegal to pick Bluebonnets in Texas?

I took these questions to Google, and, as it turns out, picking the wildflower isn’t illegal at all. According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s website, there is no law against it. However, there are laws against criminal trespass, so make sure you’re not on private property when you stop to take your annual kids-in-the-bluebonnets photo. Additionally, there are laws against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property, so don’t dig up big clumps or drive your car through them. Be careful when slowing down and pulling off the road to get to the good spots, as there are laws against impeding traffic as well. Pick an area with light traffic conditions. While staying parallel to the direction of traffic, park a little further than the shoulder. Never cross major roads, and always obey signs that prohibit parking on a particular stretch of roadway/property.

(You can find bluebonnets along highway 71 between Austin and Bastrop. Other good spots in Bastrop include: near Tahitian Village, down highway 304 just past Jacob’s Landing, and Cassena Ranch.)

The Bluebonnet is truly a remarkable piece of Texan history and culture. Please be responsible if you choose to pick the flowers. They may be wildflowers, but they were planted along the highways by Texan ancestors who hoped the Lone Star State would shine with blue and white beauty for generations to come!

Buy or Sell a Bastrop Business

Posted on March 18, 2014

Are you looking to open your own business in the Bastrop, Texas area? Well, your search could be over. Bastrop, TX has been home for me for over 25 years so needless to say I know the people and the area very well, an important attribute when selecting a realtor. Bastrop offers a variety of storefront buildings for sale or lease in the Historic Downtown area. If you prefer to be on the Hwy 71 corridor, no worries there are plenty of buildings for sale and/or lease there as well.

You will have the best business neighbors possible from the quaint antique shops, mod boutiques; gift shops, insurance companies, law firms, bakeries, restaurants, banks and Health Care businesses. The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Alliance are priceless assets that help to support any business venture you choose. They strive to make the downtown area the best that it can be and helped make Bastrop a Distinctive Destination, a Bastrop Main Street City and the most Historic Little Town in Texas. The marketing and advertising strategies utilized by these organizations can be a huge benefit your company.

The Bastrop Economic & Development Groups growing Bastrop Business and Industrial Park has commercial land for sale and lease to meet most business needs. Bastrop’s own Deep in the Heart Art Foundry is located in the park and makes for a great artful lunchtime get away. The Bastrop County Sherriff’s Office is also located there and with its presence added security. Both the downtown area and the industrial park are just minutes away from State Highways 95 and 71 and a short jaunt into Austin and the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Let David Board be your real estate agent business partner. Contact me today to discuss what options are available to you. I will find the best locations to show you, give you a tour of the area and a little bit of the history that makes Bastrop so special. I will work with you to make the purchasing process as smooth as possible. Bastrop is a unique community that is constantly growing and will welcome your business. I look forward to earning your business.

Cedar Creek Country Home

Posted on February 24, 2014

Home Virtual Tour

This is awesome custom manufactured home located in High View Ranch subdivision in Cedar Creek, Texas was built onsite with custom home construction, materials and standards. This beautiful home has double pane windows, solar screens, custom wood cabinets, kitchen island, breakfast bar and a wood burning fireplace for those romantic winter evenings. This home sits on approx. 2.596 acres completely fenced and crossed fenced for goats or horses and the home is placed on a concrete slab making FHA/VA a financing option. The property is has several storage buildings and a guest quarters complete with a fully functioning bathroom perfect for overnight guest or a small rental. High View Ranch is a large subdivision located in Bastrop County and is only 10-miles for Circus of Americas Formula Race Track and just a short drive to the Austin Bergstrom Airport. Agents and buyer this owner is motivate to sell this home and all offers will be considered.

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