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Blog Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle Tips

Optimize Your Closet to Switch to Your Fall Wardrobe

As great as summer is with the long days spent on the water, just about everyone in Texas needs some relief from the heat by the time fall rolls around. Cooler weather brings its own host of outdoor activities, and with the occasional chilly night, a wardrobe swap is needed. 

 

Even if you have a massive closet that is big enough to hold every piece of clothing you own, it’s still a good idea to do a little bit of autumn closet organization. 

 

Here are a few tips to help you pack away those tank tops and cutoff shorts and swap in the scarves and flannels. 

 

Gradually Transition

 

As every Texan knows, there are still plenty of warm days in the fall. Because winters here tend to be on the milder side, it makes the most sense to gradually swap your clothing over from summer to fall. 

 

Start by pulling out any summer clothes you know you won’t be wearing until next year, and bring in those fall clothes that are on the lighter side. Any summer or fall clothes you’re ready to part with should go in a donation or trash pile. Those summer pieces you do want to keep should be washed and put away in storage. 

 

Make the Most of Storage Space

 

If you have a hefty wardrobe to put away, then you’ll want to be smart about how you maximize storage space. 

 

 Keep these tips in mind for making sure everything stays organized. 

 

  • Vacuum seal clothes in storage bags to take up less space.
  • Roll up jeans or t-shirts rather than folding them to maximize space.
  • Opt for flat storage bins that can slide under your bed (be sure to label them).
  • Keep dresses or fancier clothing items on slim hangers or in a storage bag.

 

Implement Some Organization Strategy

 

Fall and winter clothes tend to be a bit bulkier and take up more space than a summer wardrobe, so putting certain pieces in the right spot can make all the difference. You don’t want to hang sweaters or more delicate knits on a hanger, as this might stretch them out, so be sure to reserve the appropriate amount of drawer or shelf space. 

 

You may also want to consider organizing your fall pieces into categories, either by color or by the kind of weather they’re best suited for—lighter shirts in the front of your closet and thicker flannels or jackets in the back. Heavy blankets or pieces that you wear only on the chilliest of nights should be kept at the top of your closet. 

 

If space is an issue and you have to keep your summer and fall wardrobe in the same closet, make it easier on yourself and move the summer stuff to the front for easier access. 

Many of the homes located within the Crosswinds community have walk-in closets and two-car garages for plenty of storage space. To learn more about the available inventory of homes, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Blog Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas Tips

Summer Patio Decor Ideas

Maximizing the enjoyment of your time on the patio during the summer doesn’t have to be a huge endeavor; all it takes is a little bit of planning. Here are some patio tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your patio this summer and into the fall season. 

Set Up Your Seating

Good seating is a must whether your patio is huge or on the small side. If you have a grill and want to serve meals on your patio, then you’ll want to go with a dining set that provides seating for everyone in your household and at least a few guests. 

As far as patio furniture material, there are a lot of choices to choose from. Even if you plan on storing your patio furniture indoors during the winter months, you’re going to want furniture made of durable, weather-resistant material. Treated wood, aluminum, stainless steel, rattan, wrought iron, and resin wicker can all be great and affordable options; it all just depends on personal style.

Add Some Lighting

Good conversation and strong libations have a way of keeping people on the patio, and you’re going to need some lighting after the sun goes down. 

String lights are always a popular choice as they’re incredibly cheap and add an element of whimsical charm. They’re also pretty versatile too. You can string them on a trestle to create a lighted wall or outline them around your patio space to create the concept of an open room. 

Solar-powered lanterns, floor lamps, or step lights can also be a great choice and provide a practical and stylish lighting option. 

Fire Features 

While you may not want to gather around a fire pit in the middle of an August afternoon, these patio features are fantastic for those summer nights that stretch into cool fall evenings. 

Fire pits come in a variety of styles, from rustic to sleek and modern, and even portable. The traditional fire pit is wood-burning, but propane fire pits have become increasingly popular in recent years and offer a smoke-free controllable flame. 

Keep it Organized 

If you have young kiddos, there’s a good chance there’s any number of random toys out on the patio and spilling into the backyard at any given time. Help keep them organized with a patio storage box. 

These helpful space savers come in a variety of sizes, and some of them even double as extra seating with a bench on top (it’s a win-win). 

Keep Cool 

Just because you’re outside in the summer doesn’t mean you have to sweat. If your patio doesn’t have any natural shade in the form of a mature tree, then a large umbrella is a must. For some added comfort when a cool breeze is nowhere to be found, consider setting up an outdoor mobile fan. 

And if you find that your concrete patio gets hot enough to fry an egg in the summer sun, try a light-colored weather-resistant rug to help cool things down. 

Many of the homes in the Crosswinds community have thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that are perfect for spending time with friends and family during the summer months. Contact us to learn more about our inventory of available homes.

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Blog Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas

Tips to Save Money on Moving

Most people wouldn’t describe moving as “fun.” More often, adjectives like “exhausting” and “stressful” come into play. A big reason behind the anxiety that comes with moving is money. 

 

Local moves will always be cheaper than moving from state to state, but from setting up utilities to packing supplies and fuel costs, many hidden expenses go along with moving. 

 

This doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t reduce expenses when moving. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while planning your next move. 

 

Leave Stuff Behind

 

Okay, we don’t mean you should leave your prized possessions behind, but the less stuff you have to move, the cheaper it will be. Financial guru Dave Ramsey advises selling or getting rid of the things you’re not so attached to before loading up the moving truck. 

 

“Another way to save money on relocation costs is to sell some stuff!” Ramsey said. “We’re talking about that armoire you never found the right place for or that kayak that’s been gathering dust in your garage for years. Now’s the perfect time to get rid of that junk.”

 

Less stuff to move means less money spent on packing supplies and more money in your pocket once you move into your new home. 

 

Calculate Estimated Costs 

 

Columbus didn’t cross the Atlantic without calculating the supplies he would need, nor should he. A moving calculator will help you estimate the cost of getting from point A to point B based on the number of bedrooms you’re moving and the amount of furnishings you have. 

 

While it won’t provide an exact cost, it will help give you a rough idea of what kind of vehicle you’ll need and the fuel price. 

 

Pack Smart, Pack Cheap

 

Cardboard isn’t as cheap as you might think. Head to a packing store, and you could pay upwards of $20 per box! Don’t fret; there’s a solution. The earlier you plan your move, the more time you have to save useable boxes (and the bubble wrap) from various mail deliveries or friends or family who have boxes they no longer need. 

 

Another good option is to check sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for cardboard boxes people no longer want and are giving away. 

 

You can also help offset packing costs by wrapping more fragile items in clothes and towels. 

 

Move During Off-Season

 

Moving companies are busiest from May through August. This is when school is out, and students are moving back home and then heading off to school. If you can, try to move between September and April – preferably during the week for an even cheaper rate with a moving company. 

 

Ask the moving company to handle only the big furniture if you’re not moving far. If you can move the smaller boxes yourself, it’ll reduce the time it takes to move your stuff, saving you money. 

 

A lot of planning goes into a move, but once you step foot in your new place, all that hard work will be worth it. If you’re looking to move into your dream home soon, contact us to learn more about the Crosswinds community

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Design Homeowner Tips

Choosing the Right Furniture for your New Home

Picture this: you are ready to pick furniture for your new home. You stroll into HomeGoods, prepared to make purchases, but you find yourself overwhelmed with choices. Though the cutest couch may be comfy and affordable, consider these four tips to help guide you! 

 

  1. Consider your space: Whether the room is spacious or on the small side, consider the overall space. Be sure to use a tape measure and measure the length and width of each room you plan to furnish. Measure each doorway to ensure plenty of space for moving pieces of furniture into the room.

 

By starting with this task, you can craft your dream floor plan with the furniture you have or pieces you hope to get! Plan to accommodate at least one yard between pieces of furniture so that people can move freely about the room. 

 

  1. Look for pieces that complement each other: The polka-dot ottoman with a plaid couch and a leather loveseat might have been perfect for college, but you may be looking to step up your game as a homeowner. Interior designers frown upon only going for pieces with the same colors and designs but encourage finding complementary patterns and shades.

 

Consider both the color of the walls and the floor when considering pieces. If you have dark wooden floors, aim for decor on the lighter side to provide some contrast. Find your personal style among all of these design tips!

 

  1. Start with the basics and build out: Once you decide on the room design, start with the basics each room will need before moving on to smaller pieces of furniture and accessories.

If you consider the bedroom layout, for example, start with where you like the bed to go, then add the dresser and nightstands! With the family room, consider the placement of the sofa initially, as it will probably be the largest piece, before factoring in smaller chairs, a TV, or end tables. 

 

  1. Choose a theme(s): Who doesn’t love a good theme? Traditional, modern, and casual are the top themes in furniture. Modern tends to incorporate sleek designs and materials like glass, steel, and plastic. Traditional is often more formal – think ornately carved wooden dining chairs. Casual is often the coziest of the styles: big cushioned sofas and recliners. 

 

Can’t decide which one is your favorite? Take your time and blend elements of the three if you have an eye for style. Whether you go for any combination of the three or select one and run with it, your new home will be a dream!

 

Style and functionality: It is a safe bet that a couple with three young children will probably consider different pieces of furniture than a bachelor. Style and functionality can live in harmony – so long as consideration is given to both. Look for pieces that are pleasing to your personal style but are also functional to your lifestyle. 

The last thing anybody wants is to bring a new piece of furniture home and discover that it isn’t quite right for your favorite space.

 

Hopefully, these tips will help you formulate a game plan to shop for the right furniture for your home. If you are ready to look for your dream home or have questions about furnishing a home in the Crosswinds master-planned community, contact us for more information. 

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Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas

Is now a good time to buy a new home in Central Texas?

It’s no secret that the Texas Hill Country has been a booming real estate scene for several years now. The growth in Austin has created a ripple effect and the outlying suburbs have also seen monumental growth with Hays County growing 53% in just the last decade. 

 

For a long time, this area was heavily a seller’s market, but industry experts are predicting a shift over the course of the next 12 months, bringing a bit more balance to the selling/buying equation. 

 

According to real estate platform Knock, the seller’s market hit its peak in April of 2022 and has been cooling off ever since. The real estate market is still hot, but buyers now have a better seat at the table, explained Knock CEO Sean Black. That’s why you no longer hear about bidding wars mere hours after a property goes on the market. “Sellers are more willing to take offers from buyers that are not asking or above,” said Black.

 

As of January 2023, the median home price in Hays County is $427,665, up 7% from last year, but still cheaper than the median home price in Austin. 

So to answer the question, is now a good time to buy a new home in Central Texas? 

Yes! And here are a few reasons why.

 

Big City Action, Small City Appeal

 

Kyle’s population is just over 51,000. This makes it a small city in the shadow of the much larger Texas capital. This isn’t a bad thing, however, on the contrary, it’s actually pretty appealing. Kyle residents don’t have to deal with the everyday traffic that comes with living in Austin, yet they’re only a half-hour’s drive if they want to head into the city for a concert or sporting event. With easy access to a major airport and the appeal of living in a smaller city, Kyle offers the best of both worlds. 

 

Jobs, Jobs, and More Jobs

 

While national news may stoke recession worries, Texans are sitting in a good spot. In fact, economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas say that the state’s strong economy puts it in a good position to weather any economic troubles. The Lone Star state led the U.S. in job growth in 2023 and Central Texas was a huge part of that. Kyle sits in an ideal location for employees who commute into Austin, and its own economy is rapidly growing in the areas of manufacturing, logistics, and business services. 

 

Affordability

 

Texas not only enjoys a strong economy but an affordability that provides a comfortable lifestyle few other states can match. Housing expenses in Kyle are lower than the national average and lower than in many other parts of Central Texas. It’s this affordability factor that contributes to the appeal of Kyle and Hays County. 

If you’re currently on the hunt for a new home in Central Texas, then you owe it to yourself to look into the available homes at Crosswinds. This master-planned community currently has a variety of homes available and ready for quick move-in. Now isn’t just a good time to buy in Central Texas, it may be the best time. Contact the Crosswinds team to get started. 

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Design Homeowner Tips

Prepping Your Home for Fall

Pumpkin spice products are on the coffee house menus, Halloween decorations are on store shelves, and the kids are back in school. Summer is officially in the rearview mirror and autumn is in the air. 

 

From getting your home and yard in shipshape to keeping the kids busy and active on those perfect fall weather weekends, here’s a rundown of how to prep for the season. 

 

September:

 

Organize the garage: Okay, so cleaning out the garage isn’t exactly a fun way to start the season. There’s a good chance, though, that with so much happening over the summer months it could use a little sprucing up. 

 

Youth sports: Fall youth sports leagues such as soccer, football, and hockey often have their first practices and games in September. The City of Kyle’s youth sports page has a full list of sports available through the parks and recreation department to help your kiddos stay active and have some fun on those crisp fall evenings. 

 

Scout out fall decorating trends: There’s more to fall decorating than throwing a couple of pumpkins on the porch and calling it a day (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Warm earthy tones, woven baskets, and textured fabrics and textiles are on-trend fall designs to watch for in 2022. Hit your local thrift shop or favorite home goods store now to start sprucing up your space for the season!

 

October: 

 

Dig in the dirt: More specifically, now’s an ideal time to plant bulbs for spring flowers such as tulips. October is also an ideal time to fertilize and reseed patchy areas of your lawn or put a new shrub in the ground, plus, as the mornings and evenings start to cool down, spending time outside is a must!

 

Reverse your ceiling fan: Has your ceiling fan been on non-stop since July? Well, turn it off for a minute and reverse it. By setting your ceiling fan to spin clockwise in the cooler months (rather than counter-clockwise in summer) it will move warmer air trapped at the top of the room downward. 

 

Check windows for leaks: Most parts of the United States get more rain in the winter months than they do in the summer – Texas included. Now is the ideal time to check for any leaks in your windows and doors to keep heat in and rain and drafty weather out. 

 

November

 

Check your smoke detector battery: Checking your smoke detector battery is one of those things you know you should do, it’s just remembering to do so that is the tricky part. That’s why it’s recommended that when you set your clock back with the end of daylight savings (November 6th!) you also check your smoke detector’s battery. 

 

Clean the gutters: Cleaning the gutters of leaves and other debris that has built up over summer and fall will help prevent problems like rot along your roofline. 

 

Dig your winter clothes out of storage: Sure, the Texas heat hasn’t sent its goodbyes quite yet, but it’s now probably safe to put away the board shorts and tank tops and break out the scarves and sweaters—if not for cooler temps, at least for the sentiment. 

 

There’s a lot to love about fall in Kyle and it’s one of the best times to move to Crosswinds. Our community is past the earliest stages of development with established neighborhoods, infrastructure, and residents, yet we are still evolving to include new amenities and new homes to welcome you to the neighborhood.

 

If you’d like to learn more about finding a new home here this fall, contact our team to learn more about our available homes, exceptional schools, and  

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Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

How to Get to Know your Neighbors

Becoming friends with your neighbors is one of the best things about living in a master-planned community. Great neighbors can keep an eye on your home and surroundings, they can lend a helping hand, and they can make community events so much more fun!

Whether you’ve never met the family next door, or you spend time with your neighbors daily, here are some tips to help you get connected to the people around your community!

  1. Connect with Your Neighborhood Online

It sounds like meeting neighbors online defeats the purpose, but it can be a powerful way to meet and cultivate your relationships with people in your community. Some neighborhoods meet on NextDoor or establish a private Facebook group where they can report problems, ask questions, notify items delivered to the wrong house, and lost pets. Many people also use it to ask for local vendor recommendations. 

Many master-planned communities also have a homeowner’s association (HOA). Sometimes they have a website, an email newsletter, or both. Depending on your community, a HOA often plans community resident events which is a great way to meet others in your community. Talk to your HOA to find out what resources they offer!

  1. Create a Social Committee

Some HOAs have a lifestyle director or a committee to oversee neighbor parties and gatherings. Neighborhoods may hold a variety of events that target different groups such as families, women only, kids, or adults only. If your neighborhood doesn’t have an organization that coordinates planning events, consider taking charge and creating one, or move to a community that already has lifestyle programming in place. Having resident events often leads to great friends, which would be a wonderful way to improve the quality of life for you and your family. 

  1. Provide a Neighborhood Directory

Before creating and distributing a neighborhood directory, send a survey to your residents. Give them the opportunity to share information for the direction and to give you permission for publishing their information. If you have a private Facebook page, you can upload the directory to the page for neighbors to access. Be sure to email it as not everyone may be active on Facebook or whatever social network you use.

As you collect information for the directory, add an item about babysitters, or similar services. Parents of young kids will appreciate having access to qualified babysitters right in their neighborhood. Add a question about pets’ names and descriptions as well as the names and ages of kids (if permitted to publish). If a pet without an ID tag ever gets lost, the neighbors can refer to the directory to see if they can identify the owner.

A good directory sorts the entries in two ways: alphabetically and by street address. This comes in handy because you may not know their name, but you know where they live. 

You may not be able to choose your neighbors, but you have many choices when it comes to where to live and what type of community you want to raise your family in. And you never know—your new neighbors could be your child’s best friends for life.

To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Looking to move to a community with year-round lifestyle events for residents? Meet the Kyle home builders or contact our Crosswinds team.

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Homeowner Tips

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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Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

Should Seniors Buy a Newly Constructed Home or an Older 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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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.