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Author: bdowdy

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Area Attractions Education Family Fun

Spring Break in Kyle, Texas

Corpus Christi Spring Break


Hays ISD spring break is right around the corner — the week of March 14 to 18! As a resident of Kyle, Texas, your family has several options of fun things to do for spring break without going too far. Here are some ideas for relaxation and renewal for everyone to enjoy during spring break this year.

Kyle Spring Break Camp

If you have a child who is interested in Kyle Spring Break Camp, be sure to register now as registration closes on March 9 or when all spots are filled. The camp is an outdoor camp at the Mary-Kyle Hartson Square Park (101 S. Burleson St., Kyle, TX 78640). 

The camp will be a week full of fun games, recreational activities, and more! Campers will need to bring a water bottle and lunch every day. The youth camp is for kids in 2nd through 5th grades while teen camp is for those in 6th through 9th grades.

Spring Break Camp with San Marcos Parks and Recreation

Need something to keep kids ages 5 to 11 busy? They might like to go to San Marcos Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp at Dunbar Recreation Center (801 MLK Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666) where they play games, make crafts, and take field trips. View the daily schedule to see what a typical day is like at camp.

All-Star Sports Spring Break Camp

Do you know children who love sports? Then, they might like All-Star Sports Spring Break Camp. Held at SoccerZone in South Austin (9501 Menchaca Road, Austin TX 78748), it’s about a 20-minute trip from Kyle. They offer half- and full-day options for kids ages 5 to 13. Campers who attend the full-day camp will be served lunch. Camp activities include many sports, arts and crafts, bounce house, splash day, and more.

Corpus Christi

For those wanting something more than a staycation, you might want to go to the coastal city of Corpus Christi that’s just three hours south of Kyle. It’s the perfect place for families who enjoy beaches, boating, or birdwatching.

Even if you’re not into these nature activities, Corpus Christi has unique museums like the Texas State Aquarium, U.S.S. Lexington, and South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. For more information, check out the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau website for more ideas.

Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Here’s a great vacation option as it’s a place that everyone who lives in Texas should visit at least once. A little over a three-hour drive from Kyle, Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose makes a memorable spring break vacation or weekend getaway. The park has dinosaur tracks where you can learn about the history of our world, and you are sure to be able to capture unforgettable photos. Visitors can hike, bike, swim, fish, camp, and picnic. Guided tours are also available.

Another option to explore while you’re in Glen Rose is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. This is 15 minutes from the dinosaur park. This endangered species research and conservation center has more than 1,000 mammals representing 50 species. They offer guided and self-guided tours. The public guided tour is a 2-hour, 7.2-mile scenic tour where you can drive in your own car or ride in their tour vehicles.

Enjoy your spring break!

More Things to Do in Kyle

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Homeowner Tips

What to look for when buying a new house

What to Look for When Buying a New House

When you’re shopping for a new house, it can be easy to fall down the rabbit hole as you search house after house and study floor plan after floor plan. There are so many things to consider, such as location, school zones, community amenities, and home builders.

Before you even look at houses and floor plans, a good place to start is with how much home you can afford. This can help you narrow down your search and determine your priorities. 

You can work with a real estate agent to help you determine how much you can afford to pay for a home, or try a home affordability calculator that can help you estimate your monthly payments. Be sure you leave plenty of breathing room for property taxes, homeowner association (HOA) fees, and unexpected expenses. It’s also a good move to get pre-approved for a loan up to a specific amount. The lender will look at your income, debts, and credit history.

Once you have a number in mind, then you can work through these tips.

1. Determine the Top Features You Want in a Neighborhood

To help you figure out the general location, start with what you’d like in a neighborhood. Do you want to live in a walkable neighborhood? What about safety? Do you want to be in a preferred school district or near specific schools?

Does anyone regularly commute to work or extracurriculars? That could be a factor in location. What about proximity to grocery stores, services, other retailers, and leisure activities?

2. Prioritize Your Top Home Features

Every homebuyer has their own priorities for what they want in a home. Some want a giant backyard while others would rather have a front porch. You can change a lot of things about a home, but one thing you can’t change is the amount of land. 

Another thing to think about is how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need—especially if you have children or expect frequent guests. Does someone work from home? They may want a floor plan with a home office. Do you often entertain big groups? Some floor plans are more conducive to large gatherings than others. What about smart home capabilities? This could play a factor in your decision. 

To avoid spending more than you want, create a list of “must-haves” and “nice to haves” to help you with your decisions. 

3. Plan for the Future

If you may want to have children in the future, consider a home with room to grow. While a two-bedroom may be all you need now, you may not want to move when you have children. Or perhaps, a parent or other relative will be living with you. If you’re thinking about adding a furry family member, a front and backyard may be a top priority. 

  1. Think about Maintenance and Upkeep

The newer the home, the less maintenance you will have. When you’re the first owner of a new home, you don’t have to consider the home’s maintenance history, as everything is in tip-top shape. But an older home will most likely need regular repairs and updates. Yards and flower beds also need regular upkeep. Consider if you want a smaller yard that just needs to be mowed every once in a while, or if you’d rather get to enjoy seasonal flower gardens and greenery, with a bit more upkeep?

Remember, you can update and change a lot of things both on the exterior and in the interior of a home, but the costs of changes can add up quickly. It’s easy to change the paint color, but not so easy to change the floor plan. 

Looking for a new home in Kyle? Crosswinds is a new master-planned community offering family-friendly amenities with beautiful homes from the area’s top builders. Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team to start the journey to finding your dream home.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Area Attractions

Kyle Local: Buff City Soaps

New Buff City Soaps in Kyle

A popular soap makery has arrived in Kyle! Buff City Soaps (5401 Farm to Market 1626, Suite 310 Kyle, TX 78640) has officially opened, offering their famous line of handmade soaps and products crafted with the highest quality ingredients.

What Can You Find at Buff City Soaps in Kyle?

We’re excited to welcome Buff City Soap to Kyle. They call their store a “Makery” because all their products are created in their shops by hand.

Kyle residents and visitors will be happy to have a place in the community where you can buy soaps free of harsh chemicals and detergents. Every day, local artisans craft the brand’s delightfully-scented, plant-based soaps. Guests can also customize the scent and ingredients used in the process to create their own soap.

You’ll find many other things besides soap. They have everything from bath bombs and shower fizzies to face products and body butter, all of which make great gifts for a friend or for yourself. You can explore their products by category—they also have products for men, kids, and laundry.

Scents Worth Checking out

Go to the scents page of Buff City’s website to check out their scents with creative names and descriptions! 99 Pomlems, described as “99 problems and soap ain’t one,” features notes of lemon, pomegranate, and cream. For those days when you want to conquer your day, you might like Ferocious Beast with its cedarwood and campfire beer scents, with notes of citrus, lavender, white musk, cedarwood, and amber.

You’ll even find “Love Potion,” which blends roses and young love with notes of damask rose, peach, apple blossom, and Italian bergamot. And how could you not want to try the Unicorn with scents of fruit and magic containing notes of apple mango, passionfruit, and exotic florals?

We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to relax and smell great, too! For their latest news and specials, visit the Buff City Soap — Kyle Facebook page.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions

Kyle Local: Plum Creek Golf Course

Kyle Local: Golf

Golfers love the Kyle and the Austin, Texas, area because the weather is great for golfing almost year-round. Kyle is fortunate to have a golf course with spectacular views at Plum Creek Golf Course (4301 Benner, Kyle, TX 78640). Here’s what you’ll want to know about the Kyle golf course.

About Plum Creek Golf Course

The designers created a championship golf course in which no two fairways touch. It gives you the experience of playing your own private golf course. All 18 holes take you through a setting that reflects what makes the Hill Country memorable with its rolling hills, live oaks, and sparkling lakes. Check out the images showing the golf course to see what each hole looks like.

The course underwent a major renovation in 2012 to add a practice facility that includes 3 acres of short-game scoring areas, an acre of practice tee surface, multiple chipping greens, bunkers, uneven lie practice areas, and target greens. You have a wealth of opportunities for improving your golf game. And plenty of golf instruction is available if you’d like a helping hand from a pro. 

If you need any golf supplies, accessories, or attire, the pro shop is stocked to the gills with everything you want to enjoy golfing. This facility is also the home of the Texas State Bobcat men’s and women’s golf teams.

Other Things to Do at Plum Creek Golf Course

There’s nothing like a delicious meal after playing 18 holes or practicing your swings. Just head right over to Glenn’s Bar and Grill restaurant on the course for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. It’s named for Glenn Evans who helped open Plum Creek Golf Course.

The restaurant underwent renovations in 2018 to add multiple beers on tap, more high-definition TVs, and brand-new furniture. Do you love to watch the big game on a big screen? Glenn’s has a 100″ projector that delivers an unbeatable game-viewing experience.

Have a celebration coming up? You can host an event, banquet, or wedding, at the facilities. The Plum Creek staff will take care of all the details including dining options. The facility is also accessible and they have rooms that can support 100 or 220 people, depending on the room you choose.

Visit the Plum Creek Golf Course Facebook page for upcoming events and updates.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

Should Seniors Buy a Newly Constructed Home or an Older Home?

Should seniors buy a new home?

The average retirement age is 62 according to an article from Experian quoting a Gallup 2021 survey. It’s a great age as seniors are vibrant and can still enjoy many activities. It’s also an exciting time because many decide to downsize their home as they may not need as much space.

But the question they’re asking themselves is whether to buy a newly constructed home or an older home? The benefits of a new home outweigh an older home. This is the time to enjoy life. While the benefits are many, here are the top four benefits of buying a new home.

  1. Customize Your Home Your Way

If the home hasn’t been built, you can work with the home builder to make changes to fit your preferences. If the home is being built, you can have a say in the materials, colors, and flooring. The more involved you are in making decisions to personalize your home, the fewer changes you’ll want to make. 

A used home may have a great floor plan, but some of the rooms have kitchen counters, colors, and flooring that may not be to your liking. This will add to the cost of the home.

  1. Ensure the Home Is Accessible

Many homes come with stairs including single-story homes. They may have steps on the porch or in the back of the house. It’s possible there may be steps from the garage to the house. You use your home every day and one or two steps can become a problem. 

If you have family members who use a wheelchair, you can make sure the home is built with wide doorways and low countertops. Very few older homes considered this in the design. Some may have a low ceiling and shower entry, which is a problem for taller people. 

  1. Enjoy Minimal Maintenance

An older home will have wear and tear that leads to problems. Appliances only last for so long. The water heater may be nearing the end of its life. If something happens, it will cost time and money to replace it. The same goes for the air conditioning and heating system. When you buy new, you won’t have to worry about problems for years.

  1. Benefit from Energy Efficient Features

Older homes have outdated features that may cause the heating and air conditioning system to be inefficient. This drives up energy costs. Newer thermostats allow you to program the heater or air conditioner to kick on or off at set times. 

The house can contain energy-efficient appliances to use less electricity. LED lighting lasts longer and uses less energy than older lights. All these steps will help keep your energy bill down. 

Seniors have worked hard and should relish every minute of their retirement. Buying a new home will make that possible.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team. 

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Area Attractions Family Fun

Life in Kyle: EVO Entertainment

EVO Entertainment

EVO Entertainment Kyle is much more than a movie theater and it’s right here in Kyle. You’ll find everything you want in a movie theater and then some. The Kyle location of EVO Entertainment offers the movie theater experience with enhanced viewing, restaurant and bar, bowling, video and redemption games, and more than 50 HDTVs.

Not Your Typical Movie Experience

The enhanced viewing experience, or EVX, contains a massive wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen. It’s complemented by an immersive Dolby ATMOS moving audio and state-of-the-art projection technology.

EVX takes surround sound to the next level, as it produces sound you can feel. Attendees will find themselves feeling as they are in the action as the film comes to life. Not all EVO venues offer this feature and Kyle is fortunate to be one of them. 

The location also has Flashback Cinema where you can catch old favorites on the big screen. You can even host your own private screening party and choose from any film currently showing at the Kyle EVO Entertainment or bring your own movie on Blu-Ray.

More Fun Things to Do at EVO Entertainment

The bowling center is also not your typical bowling alley as it offers an extraordinary bowling experience. The bowling lanes use the latest bowling technology with sleek audio and visuals, lane-side food and drink service from the kitchen, and a modern aesthetic. 

If you go bowling there, be sure to watch for hidden orange pins! If the orange pin shows up in the kingpin position (the front), contact a team member to watch you bowl. If you bowl a strike with the orange pin in front, you’ll score a $100 game card!

You can experience virtual reality in a new way in the OMNI VR Arena. It’s a four-person virtual reality gaming and e-sports experience. Players can safely walk and run in the virtual landscape. The arena has a vast library of multiplayer games including non-violent ones. EVO has weekly and monthly e-sports tournaments where players can try to win prizes.

There’s a room full of all kinds of video games. And all day every Wednesday, they have half-price games. If that’s not enough, there’s free WiFi and more than 50 HDTVs!

They plenty of delicious grub to keep you satisfied. Once again, this isn’t your ordinary entertainment food with plain burgers and pizza. No, they have things like honey sriracha tacos, chicken pesto flatbread, pulled pork nachos, and more. They even have bottomless popcorn. You can go with traditional butter or add a flavor like garlic parmesan or spicy ranch. Beer, wine, cocktails, and margaritas are available for those of appropriate age.

It’s definitely a place for all ages. For the latest, check out the EVO Entertainment Kyle Facebook page.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Lifestyle

Kyle, Texas Restaurant Inventive Program

Texas Restaurant Inventive Program

Did you know the Kyle Economic Development Department has a restaurant incentive program? It’s a new program from the city to entice new restaurants to open in Kyle. The program has been in effect for a little over 18 months.

City Council wanted to make the city more attractive to restaurants because the population has exploded to the point that they need more food options to match the growth.

What Is the Kyle Restaurant Incentive Program?

Taking advantage of Kyle’s restaurant incentive program means the restaurant will receive a 100% sales and property tax rebate. The program is capped at three years. They’ll also receive funding provided by a Chapter 380 development agreement with the city.

What the Chapter 380 agreement does is allow cities or counties to provide incentives to commercial or retail projects to spur economic development. The restaurant business is challenging during this time, especially for new ones. With a three-year cap, it should be enough to help the business get up and running long enough to solidify before the cap ends.

Restaurants Coming to Kyle Thanks to the Restaurant Incentive Program

Z’Tejas Southwest Grill is the first restaurant to take advantage of the new program. Z’Tejas serves southwestern food such as tacos, southwestern classics like fajitas and enchiladas, soups, salads, and desserts. They have a kid’s menu available. 

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm daily. Their drinks menu includes agave drinks, cocktails, tequila flights, wine, beer, and zero-proof drinks. They’re open for brunch on the weekends from 9 am to 2 pm.

The incentive also brings P. Terry’s and Torchy’s to Kyle. P. Terry’s has been working to expand throughout central Texas. The burger chain plans to open a stand on I-35 between Kohlers Crossing and Kyle Crossing. Their buildings use a theme that’s called Googie Architecture, which is a futurist architecture influenced by the Space age, atomic age, and car culture.

And Torchy’s Tacos needs no introduction as the taco chain has been a fixture in Austin for a while now. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy Torchy’s without leaving Kyle.

Word on the street is that there are six more businesses that have expansion plans that will involve opting into the incentive! Meanwhile, check out these restaurants and give them a big Kyle welcome.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the new home builders in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Events Family Fun

Should I Upsize or Downsize on a New Home?

New home upsize or downsize

If you’re seeking a home in Kyle, you’re probably trying to decide how much space you want. Do you want to upsize or downsize your new home? How do you figure out what is the right size home for you in Kyle?

The best way to determine the right-sized home is by answering these questions.

  1. How do you use the space in your current home?

Do you or your family members get frustrated because you feel like you’ve outgrown your place? Or do you have too much space and rooms you never use? Do you need an office or a second home office for remote working?

Think about how you move around the living space and what rooms are and aren’t used. You’ll find subtle clues when you pay attention.

  1. What do you want in a back or front yard?

Do you want a big backyard for the kids and pets to play around in? Do you love to garden? Or do you hate taking care of the lawn and would rather have a small yard? Don’t forget some communities have wonderful parks and playgrounds that might be more than enough for you.

  1. What does the future look like?

Are you newly partnered or married? Do you have small kids? Want to have kids in the future? Or maybe the kids are grown up. Will you have a lot of guests staying at your place? Or will you travel a lot? Do you love to host parties? If yes, how big are they? This could also impact how much yard you want as you may want your attendees to enjoy the outdoors.

  1. How much home can you afford?

A real estate agent can provide you with the resources to figure out how much home you can afford. Remember, you’ll need to leave breathing room as there is maintenance, insurance, property taxes, and deductibles. Of course, you have to buy food as well as pay for utilities and the internet. If you have kids, what activities are they involved in? These require different amounts of investments especially those who are about to go off to college.

In short, the decision to upsize or downsize depends on your lifestyle and how you use your home. If you want a new home but don’t want to have to pay for the upkeep of backyard amenities such as a pool, looking into an amenity-rich master-planned community has its benefits. At Crosswinds, we offer an expansive pool, playgrounds, dog parks, and a Lifestyle Program for resident events, which are all included in your HOA dues. Learn more about life at Crosswinds on our website.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team. 

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Homeowner Tips

What Are the Benefits of Owning a Home?

The thought of owning your own home is exciting. Owning a home is a big investment and it can be challenging to decide whether it’s right for you. Here are the top four reasons to own a home instead of rent.

  1. Pay the Same Amount Every Month

When you rent, the price can go up every year or as you renew your lease agreement. With a home mortgage, you’ll pay the same rate every month. You’ll know exactly how much you need and it’ll make it easier to create a predictable monthly budget.

The only potential change is the property taxes. But they rarely change much from year to year. Some buyers have found they pay less for their monthly mortgage than they do for rent plus utilities.

  1. Build Equity

In real estate, equity is the estimated market value of a home that subtracts the amount of mortgage left to pay and any other liens against the property. The longer you live in your home, the more you’ll be able to pay the principal balance of any liens. Often, the equity grows as the balance of any liens against the property shrinks while the value of the property increases.

  1. Gain Tax Benefits

There are many tax benefits to buying a home. You’ll be able to deduct interest on your mortgage. Any interest you pay as part of the closing costs will be deductible. This information is usually found on the settlement sheet. Just before tax time rolls around, your lender will send you IRS Form 1098. It’ll show the money you’ve paid in interest on your loan for the year.

You’ll also deduct private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you have it. Property taxes are also deducted. This alone saves you thousands of dollars. First-time buyers may have additional deductions, so ask about that. And finally, if anyone works from home, you can deduct the home office space.

  1. Make Changes to Your Home

You get to choose the floor plan that fits what you have in mind. You’ll have the ability to change the colors of any room at any time. When you own your own home, you can make any changes you want. You’re not beholden to the landlord’s requirements. If you buy your home before it’s built, you can ensure that the design is the way you want it.

Owning a home offers so many more benefits besides these four reasons. It can also build your credit score and it’s one of the best investments you can make with a good chance of a huge return on investment. And home is more than just a place to hang your hat and get a good night’s sleep. It’ll be a place where you’ll make many memories.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Explore the new home builders in Kyle or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Homebuilder Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time

It can be stressful to buy and sell a home at the same time. You fear that you’ll sell your home faster than you can find one.

Or worse, you end up with two mortgages as you found your new home faster than expected. If homeowners could do what they want, it’d be to move in their new home and then sell their old home after they’ve gotten settled. But it still presents the problem of being stuck with two mortgages. Here’s what you can do to ease the anxiety of buying and selling a home.

Study the Market

Before moving forward with hunting for a new home and putting yours on the market, understand the housing market in the areas where you’re buying and selling. Better yet, talk to your real estate agent. They can tell you whether the market leans in the favor of buyers or sellers.

A seller’s market means you’re more likely to sell your home quickly while it may be a struggle to find a new place to live. You may have to expand your search for a new home.

A buyer’s market means your current home will have an uphill battle. Often, it requires making updates to your home to stand out from the other homes. Or, you’ll have to set a price that’s reasonable. Buyers won’t look at the home if it’s being listed for too high.

If you sell first, then you’ll have to find a temporary place to live while looking for your next home. You won’t have the stress of a down payment. And if you buy first, you’ll have two mortgages and it can make it harder to qualify for a new mortgage since you still have responsibility for your old home.

Explore Financial Options

It’s easy to know that if you sell first, you’ll be prepared for the additional costs of renting between homes. To help ease the pressure of finding a new home quickly, ask your real estate agent about doing a rent-back agreement.

For those opting to buy first, ask your realtor about contract contingency and a bridge loan. There are advantages and advantages of both options.

If nothing else, be prepared for the worse outcomes. When you accept them, it’ll be easier to manage. For example, if you accept that you may have two mortgages for a few months, then you can plan for that. You may have to put off selling while you put some money away to handle two mortgages. At least, you’ll be prepared for it instead of being surprised by it.

It’s easy to feel pressured into making fast decisions. Don’t. It’s important you take your time and find the right home. It’s good you’re thinking about these things and planning. That will take out some of the pain in buying and selling a new home at the same time.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

 

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