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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Beat the Heat: Indoor Activities for Hot Summer Days

Between sunset concerts, movies in the park, family vacations, and Fourth of July fireworks, there’s plenty to love about summer. As much fun as it can be, however, it can also be brutally hot, and that heat can quickly drain enthusiasm. 

 

On those days when it’s just too hot to venture outside, here are some fun activities to keep the kiddos entertained indoors. 

 

Get Crafty

 

Crafts and art projects are hands down one of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a hot summer day. Supplies are often not too expensive, and kids get to engage their creative side while having fun. 

 

The list of indoor crafts for children is nearly endless, but a few classics your kiddos may want to try include: 

 

  • Dreamcatchers
  • Sponge water bombs
  • Seashell, button, or macaroni picture frames
  • Paper mache balloons
  • Water gun painting
  • Watermelon lip scrub
  • Oil and glitter sensory bottles

 

Cook Up Some Fun

 

Cooking is another great activity that engages kids, and creating new recipes can be especially fun for children who like to help out in the kitchen. Summer recipes like making homemade pizza yogurt parfaits, or rainbow fruit skewers (with the occasional mini marshmallow) are great for smaller children, as it allows them to get hands-on without too much mess. 

 

If cooking isn’t really your child’s passion, they may still love indoor activities like setting up a blanket picnic or creating a sundae ice cream bar. 

 

Board Games

 

Board games will always be a classic indoor activity that families can enjoy. Boardgames not only offer a much-needed way for kids to have unplugged fun but also provide an avenue for families to bond and spend time together. 

 

Not only are classic board games like Sorry, Life, Candy Land, Settlers of Catan, and Monopoly fun to play, but can help to lengthen a children’s attention span and even soothe anxiety. 

 

Learn Something

 

A hot (or rainy) summer day can be a great opportunity for kids to get some mental stimulation while on summer break. The Kyle Public Library has a summer reading program with a great selection of books for all age levels. Why not swing by to pick up a few and then set up a reading nook in your home for your child to dive into their book selection?

 

Simple science experiments like making elephant toothpaste or color-changing invisible ink can also be a fun activity for kids. Some of these can get messy though, and best suited to the garage or a space that’s easy to clean up. 

 

Get Active

 

One of the biggest challenges on a hot summer day is finding ways for kids to burn up energy and stay active while indoors. Not to worry, there are several fun ways you can engage your kiddos inside without leaving your home like it was hit by a tornado. 

 

Dance parties are a simple yet fun way to get kids moving. Turn the lights down low, put on a strobe or disco light, and crank up the jams. Indoor obstacle courses can also be a fun way for gets to stay active. An army crawl through a pillow fort, funky feet tape trail, or headstand station against a wall are all fun obstacles for any aspiring ninja warriors. 

Crosswinds residents can beat the heat at our community-exclusive Swimming Pool and Splash Park! Each home within the Crosswinds community is constructed to suit today’s family living needs. If you’d like to learn more, contact our team today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Pet Pals: Teaching Kids Pet Responsibility

The old saying that a dog is man’s best friend rings true for children as well. In fact, you could probably apply it to cats, parakeets, hamsters, and maybe even a frog. A pet can bring joy to a child that rivals even the most sought-after toy, and pet ownership can be a wonderful way to teach children responsibility and empathy. 

 

Before you head out to find your child’s new best friend, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

 

Start in Summer

 

There’s really no wrong time of year to get a pet, but summer does have an advantage when it comes to helping children learn to care for their pets. Because children are out of school for the summer, they’ll have more free time to develop good habits of pet responsibility habits, such as cleaning up and feeding pets. 

 

Pet tip* Entering into a new home only to have its owners leave can create separation anxiety for pets. If your family has a vacation on the calendar, consider waiting until after you’ve returned before getting a new furry friend. 

 

Pick the Right Pet

 

Allowing your child to choose their own pet gives them a sense of power, but it’s important that 

parents use good judgment based on the type of pet and the child’s age. A 4-year-old child may love the idea of getting a golden retriever, but they won’t be able to handle that level of responsibility. Something along the lines of a gerbil or goldfish may be a better fit. 

 

Whichever pet wins out, your child must understand the new pet is not a toy. A daily pet responsibility schedule should be addressed before the pet is brought home. Your child needs to understand that just because they’re tired or not in the mood, their pet can’t be ignored but needs to be loved and cared for. 

 

Daily Duties

 

Unless you’ve opted for a pet rock, your pet is going to have some daily needs that will need to be addressed. Whether your family chooses a dog, a cat, or another type of pet, be sure to assign your child responsibilities suitable for their age. 

 

Young children will love scooping dog food into their pet’s bowl or sprinkling fish food in the water, but they shouldn’t be allowed to clean the cat’s litter box. Small children are constantly putting their fingers inside their mouths and rubbing their eyes, so save that job for older kids. 

 

Older children will be able to handle more pet responsibilities, such as taking the dog for a walk, but even then, parents should use their best judgment. Some dogs can pull on a limb with incredible force, so it’s crucial that parents make sure the type of dog they get is a good match with their child. 

One of the things that makes the master-planned Crosswinds community so appealing to pet owners is the amenities available. In addition to the dog park, the community has an expansive trail system that weaves through the community and is perfect for walks with a four-legged friend. To learn more, contact us today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Packing Tips and Must-Have Items for Your Summer Trip

Is there really any vacation that embodies the summer experience more than a trip to the beach? Families have been loading up their cars, spreading out on the sand, and soaking up the sunshine amid dashes into the water for generations. 

While there’s not a lot of complexity to enjoying a few days at the beach, a little bit of planning can go a long way. 

Sun Protection Essentials

No matter what beach you visit, packing the right sun protection is key – especially if you have young children in tow. Don’t head to the beach without these essentials. 

  • Waterproof sunscreen (dermatologists recommend SPF 40 or higher for kids)\
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • UV shirts or UV suits
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Sunburn relief cream

When it comes to applying sunscreen, it’s good to apply it at least 10 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, especially if your child is doing a lot of swimming. Pay special attention when applying sunblock to areas more prone to sunburn, like the shoulders, back, nose, neck, and ears. 

Keep Cool

Small children can’t stay out in the sun as long as adults, and providing some relief from the sun’s rays will help to keep everyone more comfortable. Consider bringing a beach canopy that you can set up or renting an umbrella if you’re at a beach that provides them. 

Be sure to also bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Soda or sugary drinks may be popular, but water is your best bet when it comes to preventing dehydration. 

Fun in the Sun

It’s easy to have a good time simply splashing in the surf, but beach toys will take the fun to a whole other level. Just don’t make the mistake of taking more toys than you can carry. A good rule of thumb for the kiddos is to remind them that if they want to play with it, then they can help carry it. 

A few classic toys to consider bringing:

  • Sandcastle buckets and shovels
  • Frisbee
  • Kite
  • Skimboard
  • Water guns
  • Floats
  • A mask, snorkel, and flippers

If your beach crew is all about some friendly competition, beach games like volleyball, tidal-ball, spike ball, or a portable cornhole set can provide plenty of fun. 

Keep Things Easy

A relaxing day at the beach should be a simple affair, but that doesn’t mean that items of convenience should be ignored. One of the great things about stopping at those giant beach stores every touristy beach town has is that they’re full of items you don’t think you need until you need them. 

These items may not be essentials, but they’re nice to have:

  • Cooler bags
  • Mesh or waterproof bags
  • Sunglass straps
  • Aloe vera gel
  • Sand remover wipes
  • Insulated water bottles
  • Bug repellant
  • Trash bags
  • Rash guards
  • Beach chairs

The awesome thing about Kyle is that it’s only about 3 and a half hours to Gavelston, and if you’re simply looking for a beach day at the lake, well, that’s only a 10-minute car ride away. Kyle’s easy access to so much that Texas has to offer is one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place to live. 

Until you can get to the beach, you could enjoy a stay at home Sunday at Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a large pool with beach access, shade structures, and a spray park! If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Healthy Living in Kyle

With the days getting longer and the temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the many opportunities for adopting a healthy lifestyle in Kyle. 

From outdoor exercise routines to healthy eating habits and even some mental fitness, here are a few ways to do just that. 

Eat Smart

Everyone knows that healthy eating is good for you, but developing a meal plan that allows for smart eating day in and day out can be tricky. 

The best approach is to tackle this week by week. Start by looking at what ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and then write down the meals you’d like to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the following week:

Write down any new recipes you’d like to try in advance of a grocery trip, as well as the meals you need to cover where you won’t be doing much cooking. Plan to incorporate leftovers on those days that are especially busy, and you may not have time to cook. 

When it comes time to grocery shop, aim for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable (or non-perishable) foods for your meals. Eat the fresh stuff first and fill up your pantry or freezer with foods that you can eat at a later time. 

If you want to shop local as part of your healthy eating plan, consider checking out Kyle Market Days. The event runs from April through November and includes vendors selling a variety of fresh foods. 

Soak in the Sunshine

One of the best things about living in the Texas Hill Country is the number of outdoor activities available. 

The Plum Creek Trail, Lake Kyle, or the Spring Lake Preserve are all great spots to get outside, stretch your legs, and soak in some sun. The parks are easily accessible and offer well-maintained paths for walking, running, or biking. 

Now, if you’re looking for something that promises a bit more of an adrenaline rush, then consider heading out to Reimers Ranch. Located in nearby Dripping Springs, the park spans over 2,400 acres and includes plenty of rocky limestone cliffs for rock climbing and winding trails for mountain biking. 

One of the benefits of the Crosswinds Community is that residents have access to a trail system of both crushed granite and paved walking/biking trails that weaves through the community. This allows easy access to other outdoor amenities such as the basketball and tennis courts, open play fields, and pool. 

Stay Mentally Sharp

Physical exercise isn’t the only important thing in healthy living. Exercising your brain through meditation, prayer, or even something as simple as doing a jigsaw puzzle can have enormous benefits. 

Things like mindfulness breathing, journaling, or reading a daily devotional can help to calm the body and reduce stress, while activities like crossword puzzles, learning a new skill like a musical instrument, or drawing can help with memory and concentration. 

Whatever mental fitness or relaxation routine you choose, the important thing is finding what works for you and doing it consistently. 

There are plenty of ways to practice healthy living in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Blog Design Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

May Flowers: Gardening Tips for a Colorful Spring

It’s the dream of many homeowners to have a lush garden that’s bursting with bouquets of colorful flowers. While planting a flower garden can be intimidating for many beginners, it’s surprisingly easy to create a decorative display –  and keep it looking fresh all summer long. 

Here are some simple tips to bring out the bloom in a May flower garden. 

Pick a Sunny Spot

Most flowering plants like either full or at least partial sun, so you’ll want to pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Wherever you choose, be sure to look for a pattern of where and when the sunlight hits. This will help you in choosing which plants will best thrive in the area you’ve chosen. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to how well the soil in the spot drains. If the area is soggy for days after rain, that’s a sign it drains poorly and could drown the roots of any flowers you plant.

Good Soil is Everything

Perfect soil isn’t usually found but rather created. If you have poor soil, you may want to take a test sample to a garden center so they can give you advice on any precise fertilizers you may need. Organic matter and compost though are always a safe bet though, and will greatly improve poor soil. 

If you’re going to be using pots or planter boxes for your flower garden, then be sure to buy high-quality potting soil. 

Choose Your Flowers Wisely

You may love Japanese orchids, but the climate of Central Texas does not. Thankfully, there’s an incredible array of flowers that thrive in this area. The Austin area is in Zone 8b, so you’ll need to choose flowers that have Zone 8 in their ranges.

Texas annuals (these flowers complete their life cycle in a year):

  • Sunflowers 
  • Zinnias
  • Impatiens
  • Pentas

Texas perennials (these flowers come back year after year):

  • Tulips
  • Blackfoot daisy
  • Lantana
  •  Larkspur
  •  Marigolds

Be sure to read the directions on the recommended spacing and soil depth for each flower variety.

Start Small

While you may envision a huge garden that is just waiting for a glossy magazine cover shoot, it’s best to start small. 

Aim for 5 to 8 different types of flowing plants of various heights. This will not only keep things manageable but will help you get a good idea of what you like and what you don’t like. 

Water Right

Flower gardens in this area need a lot of water, so thorough and regular watering is essential. A drip irrigation hose is ideal for flower gardens because it offers slow and steady watering that plant roots can soak up. 

If you don’t have an irrigation hose, then water your flowers towards the base in either the morning or dusk. Avoid watering them directly on the blooms or leaves, as this can create fungus or lead to the petals burning once the sun comes out. 

Planting a flower garden either in planter pots or in the yard can be one of the best ways to add natural beauty to your home. If you’re looking for the perfect home and would like to learn more about the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Blog Events Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: Hosting the Ultimate Grill-out

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: Hosting the Ultimate Grill-out

 

The unofficial kickoff of summer is just around the corner. We’re talking, of course, about Memorial Day. If you’re planning to invite friends over the holiday, here are a few pointers to make sure your backyard party is a total smash. 

Prep Your Backyard Right

Sure, people will head indoors if the weather is bad or to use the restroom, but most of the action will take place outside, so making sure your yard looks sharp is key. 

At least a day or two before the party, make sure you check off these backyard chores:

Mow the grass

Sweep the patio

Clean your grill area

If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean, and any chemicals have had time to dilute.

Diversify Your Menu

We’ll get to the hot dogs in a minute, but any good Memorial Day party needs to have an array of food. You’ll want to have finger foods that are easy to eat without a fork, as well as classic picnic foods that people expect. And don’t forget about having something for the kiddos and picky eaters.

Appetizer ideas:

Chive and cucumber dip and chips

Pimento cheese mini sandwiches

Cherry tomato caprese salad

Bacon-wrapped cream cheese jalapenos

Deviled eggs

Side dishes:

Red, white, and blue salad (watermelon, blueberries, mini marshmallows)

Baked beans

Strawberry spinach salad

Broccoli cornbread casserole

Coleslaw

Desserts:

Fruit and chocolate dip

S’mores

Apple pie cupcakes

Red, white, and blue cheesecake bars

Get Your Grill On

While everybody loves tasty appetizers and side dishes, the party people are really looking forward to the main event – the grill. 

As mentioned, make sure your grill is cleaned before your guests arrive, and whether you’re a charcoal or propane kinda person, be sure to have plenty of fuel. 

Now, when it comes to what to grill, there’s nothing wrong with a few plain Jane burgers and hot dogs, but if you want to host the ultimate grill-out, then you’ll need to mix things up. Throw some of these mouth-watering items on the grill, and you’ll have guests lining up for seconds in no time!

The meats:

Jerk chicken kabobs

Beer brats

Teriyaki shrimp skewers

Mojito lime skirt steak

Bourbon-glazed ribs

Lobster tails

The fruits and veggies

Chili-lime corn

Chimichurri eggplant

Balsalmic portobello mushrooms

Buffalo Cauliflower kabobs

Peaches with honey-glaze

Teriyaki pineapple 

A Fun Atmosphere is Everything

Because Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday, you can never go wrong with a red, white, and blue theme. Streamers, table runners, balloons, and tiki torches – all of it will help create a fun and festive atmosphere that welcomes guests the moment they arrive. 

From cornhole and giant Jenga to croquet and a slip-on slide, no backyard party is complete without yard games. Not only will these games help keep the kiddos entertained, but they’ll also provide the perfect icebreaker for guests who may not know each other. 

It’s only natural to want to invite friends and family over to your home when you love where you live. To learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Blog Design Homeowner Tips Tips

Refresh and Renew: Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

The flowers are blooming, leaves are covering tree branches once again, and your home… well, it could probably use a little spring cleaning. After months of winter hibernation, putting a springtime sheen on your home can feel a bit overwhelming. 

 

Thankfully, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore that devours your entire weekend. Here are some tips to make spring cleaning your Crosswinds home easy and painless.

 

Declutter First

 

Before you pull out the mop and furniture polish, work on getting rid of all that “stuff” that’s been piling up since last December. This will help you to see better those neglected areas that really need a thorough cleaning, and it will also help to free up storage space. 

 

Separate stuff into three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself. If it’s something that you haven’t used in years, then pass it on to somebody else in the donate pile or chuck it in the garbage if it’s not worth salvaging. 

 

Get the Kids Involved

 

If you have kids in the house, then you know they’re responsible for their share of the dirt and grime that finds its way into your home. Bring the kids in on the cleaning action – just be sure that you assign them tasks that they’re capable of handling. 

 

Small kids often enjoy helping and are great with sorting old clothes and toys or wiping down tables and chairs. If you have older children, you may want to assign them a certain room to clean and incentivize them with a trip to the ice cream parlor after the chores are finished. 

 

Work Room to Room

 

There are two ways of looking at how to organize the spring cleaning – prioritize the rooms that get the most use, or prioritize those rooms that are the messiest. Whichever way you choose, tackling one room at a time will help with efficiency. 

 

If you aim for those rooms that get a lot of use (the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room), then start with things like washing the linens and blankets or scrubbing the toilet before moving on to areas like cleaning the baseboards or tub. 

 

If your goal is to finally tackle those messy areas like a cluttered garage or attic in chaos, then reread the declutter section above and good luck!

 

Don’t Forget the Little Stuff

 

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to focus on those areas of the home that may not get cleaned as often as other spots. A few tasks that you may want to prioritize include: 

 

  • Dusting ceiling fans
  • Shampoo rugs
  • Reseal grout lines in tubs or countertops
  • Spot clean upholstered furnishings
  • Polish wooden furniture like bookshelves and dining tables
  • Wash window screens
  • Dust light fixtures
  • Defrost the freezer

 

Keep Everything Organized

 

Once you’ve checked off everything on your spring cleaning list, some simple organization will help keep clutter down and make routine cleaning that much easier. Utilizing hooks, baskets, and containers can tame even the most out-of-control pantry, and flat storage bins that can slide under beds will free up closet space. 

If at the top of your spring to-do list is to find your dream home, then check out the available inventory of homes in the master-planned Crosswinds community and reach out to us today.

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Family Fun Tips

Family-Friendly Feasts: Kid-Approved Meal Ideas for Spring

Stews and hearty casseroles are great for the winter months when you need something that will stick to your ribs. As the weather warms up, though, heavy dishes aren’t always as appealing. Thankfully, there are plenty of lighter meals that are still packed with fresh vegetables and lean cuts of meat that the entire family will love. 

 

Here are a few spring meal ideas that are sure to be met with a kid-approved thumbs up. 

 

Smoothies

 

We’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t enjoy a delicious smoothie. And because they’re simple to make and easy to serve, they’re great for those days when the family might not have time to sit down for a full breakfast before running off to baseball practice. 

 

Smoothies are also a wonderful way to sneak in some green veggies that your kiddos may otherwise turn their nose up at. To mix things up, consider trying a new fruit or veggie each week in your child’s smoothie to expand their palate. 

 

Snack Platters

 

If you’ve been on any Instagram food account over the past four years, then you know that charcuterie boards are all the rage. These oh-so-visually-appealing snack boards aren’t just appetizing to adults, but kids love them, too. 

 

While some littles may not be so keen on olives, prosciutto, or blue cheese, strawberry slices, kiwi, and carrot sticks with ranch dip are almost always a hit. You can even customize the snack boards for things like after-school activities (goldfish crackers, grapes, blueberries, and banana chips) or campouts (marshmallows, graham crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate bars). The snacking possibilities are endless!

 

Get Your Grill On

 

One of the best things about living in Central Texas is that the grilling season lasts roughly nine months out of the year. Whereas burgers and hot dogs will always be a reliable standby, mixing up your grilling options is never a bad idea. Chicken, shrimp, or fish are fantastic on the grill and can be a complement to a wide variety of meals, from fajitas to pasta and rice dishes or salads and shishkabobs. 

 

Don’t limit your grilling to only proteins. Grilled pineapple and peaches are a hit with both kids and adults alike, and there’s nothing quite like fresh grilled corn on the cob. 

 

Favorite Fruity Desserts

 

Not every kid is going to consider a plain bowl of grapes dessert. There are, however, plenty of ways that parents can transform everyday fruits into the kind of desserts kids crave. 

 

Crescent rolls, a little cinnamon, and sliced apples or strawberries are all you need for easy and delicious tarts. Now, if your kid is all about blueberries or blackberries, then they’ll love making mini crisps in cupcake tins with some oatmeal and brown sugar. 

 

Another colorful treat kids love is unicorn yogurt parfaits. Simply layer yogurt and a variety of your child’s favorite fruit in a clear glass. For a bonus, sprinkle some coconut shavings on top!

One of the best places to pick up fresh fruits and veggies for your spring meal planning is at Kyle’s Market Days. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Family-Friendly Hikes in the Texas Hill Country

Spring is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy our state’s natural beauty before the summer heat makes a midday hike unbearable. Lace up your boots, grab the fam, and consider exploring some of these nearby parks and trails. 

 

Reimers Ranch Park: This Travis County park draws in thousands of visitors every year who flock to it for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Rock climbers love it for the limestone cliffs, and mountain bikers can’t get enough of its 18 miles of trails. 

 

Don’t let the more adventurous appeal of this park put you off when it comes to a family-friendly hike, though. The park has several trails that are only open to hikers and include both granite and dirt hiking trails. The park also offers monthly guided bird-watching hikes that are included as part of the park’s daily entrance fee. 

 

Guadalupe River State Park: It’s easy to understand why this park is such a popular spot in the summer. There’s really no better way to beat the Texas heat than tubbing down the Guadalupe River.

 

Tubbing season may still be a few months away, but this park still has plenty worth checking out for a daytime visit. The park offers 13 miles of trails that range from the 2.86-mile Painted Bunting Trail to the 0.3-mile River Overlook Trail. Be sure to stop by the Discovery Center before or after your hike to learn more about the park’s natural wildlife and history. The park also offers RV and tent sites, making it a great choice for a relaxing weekend retreat. 

 

Pedernales Falls State Park: Located about 50 minutes northeast of Kyle, this tranquil state park is best known for its huge slabs of limestone. The park offers a range of outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and, of course, lots of hiking opportunities. 

 

The range of trail difficulties makes it a great choice for family-friendly hiking of all skill levels. Families with younger children will enjoy the .5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail. At the same time, those with more experienced and adventurous hikers may want to tackle the 6-mile Wolf Mountain Trail.

 

Enchanted Rock: A Hill Country hiking list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Enchanted Rock State Park. The pink granite dome that rises out of the Texas landscape has been attracting visitors for thousands of years, and that attraction continues today. 

 

The park includes 11 miles of hiking trails. While a climb to the top of the rock may not be in the cards for the littlest members of your family, the Interpretive Loop trail is on the easier side. There’s no wrong time to visit the park, but for a truly awesome experience, opt for sunset and linger a little longer for some stargazing. 

You don’t have to venture far for some great hiking in the Kyle area. It’s one of the many things that make this part of Texas so appealing. To learn more and find your dream home here, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Blog Homebuilder Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas Tips

Navigating the 2024 Real Estate Landscape: Tips for Homebuyers

Buying a house is a major financial decision, regardless of what’s going on in the housing market. Nevertheless, buying a home in 2024 is a different animal than it was even a few years ago. 

 

While there is some not-so-great news for homebuyers in 2024, there are bright spots on the horizon, too. 

 

Market Trends

 

While 2023 was marked by high prices and high interest rates, there could be light at the end of the tunnel in 2024, according to experts. “Mortgage rates should trend lower throughout the year as inflation pressures ease…,” Greg McBride, CFA, chief financial analyst for Bankrate, said. 

 

Unfortunately, the number of available homes is still low, and home prices are not expected to drop in 2024. Lawrence Yun, the chief economist with the National Association of Realtors, said there’s only a 3.2-month supply of homes on the market, whereas a balanced market has enough homes for a five to six-month supply. However, other experts disagree and predict home inventory will increase in 2024, so be patient and keep your ear to the ground!

 

Home Buyer Strategies

 

Even though it’s a tough market for homebuyers in 2024, all hope is not lost. Some good strategies can still help a savvy homebuyer find their dream home in 2024. 

 

  • Keep an eye on interest rates. They’ve been declining since October and are expected to continue a trend downward. 

 

  • Consider virtual tours. If you’re open to a virtual tour, this could buy you some time to make a fast offer rather than waiting to see a home in person.

 

  • Shop in the winter or fall months. Spring and summer tend to have more inventory, but fall and winter months tend to have fewer bidders and potentially lowered sales prices. 

 

Important Considerations

 

There are some things – like buying in a good location – that will always be a smart move, no matter the market trends. Before you go about picking out new furniture and interior paint colors, consider these important factors. 

 

Affordability. How much house you can afford is a paramount question. A safe rule of thumb is a monthly mortgage payment that’s no more than 25% of your take-home income. 

 

Home buyers should also factor in the cost of utilities in the area, as well as any HOA fees, needed home repairs, and general maintenance. 

 

Consider the neighborhood and school district. A safe neighborhood with good schools is a significant factor that not only impacts the price you’ll pay for a home but your home’s value when it comes time to sell as well. 

 

Crosswinds Benefits

 

With low inventory frustrating many potential home buyers, experts are highlighting the benefits of buying a new home. “With the crazy lack of inventory still causing headaches in the market, building a home becomes an attractive option, and with spec homes and semi-custom-building options,” Nick Bailey, president of RE/MAX, said. 

 

Crosswinds offers a range of both completed and soon-to-be-completed new homes by some of the best builders in the country, many with customizable home options. 

 

Not only are the homes in the Crosswinds built with the latest designs in home construction innovation, but residents can enjoy resort-like amenities, and the community feeds into a great school district. 

If you’re ready to find your perfect home in 2024, reach out today to learn more about the amazing master-planned Crosswinds community.

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