Tag: Kyle Texas

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Education

What You Need to Know About Texas Tax-Free Weekend

It may still be July, but it’s almost time to start thinking about shopping for school supplies, clothes, and shoes. That’s because the Texas Tax-Free Weekend is coming up Aug. 9 – 11, 2019. Planning for the Texas sales tax holiday will ensure you pick up what you need without overspending.

Back to school shopping during the tax-free weekend can also help older kids involved in extracurricular activities. These often have added expenses. The nice thing about not paying sales tax is that you pay the exact price for qualifying items and save on taxes.

Say you want to buy a $19.99 shirt and only have a $20 bill, you’re golden. You don’t have to worry about looking for change to cover the taxes. Hey, some people still pay cash for items.

The best part? The sales tax holiday applies to everyone, not just families with school-aged kids. Keep these things in mind as you prepare for the tax-free weekend:

  • Stores do not give out rainchecks.
  • Items costing $100 or more do not qualify for the tax break.
  • Hang on to those receipts.

Here are four tips to help you make the most of tax-free weekend and back-to-school shopping.

  1. Review the official list

Use the Comptroller of Texas’ official Sales Tax Holiday list as your tax-free shopping bible. Beware that some resources refer to this list, but they don’t always describe the rules correctly.

Not all school supplies and clothing qualify for the tax break. Again, any item priced $100 or higher does not qualify regardless of what it is. Some shoes aren’t exempt from taxes.

Stores charge taxes for the following types of shoes:

  • Cleats
  • Ski boots
  • Overshoes
  • Golf shoes

While soccer shoes and cleats aren’t tax-free, soccer socks are exempt. While golf shoes are taxable, golf caps, jackets, shirts, and skirts are not if they’re under $100 each. Tennis shoes, cowboy boots, and general-purpose boots are exempt.

Did you know that lunch boxes are tax-exempt? Many are surprised by this because people don’t see it as a school supply item. Here are other surprising tax-free items:

  • Pajamas
  • Robes
  • Swimsuits
  • Slippers
  • Adult diapers

So be sure to study that list from the Comptroller of Texas.

  1. Check store hours

Don’t work hard to get to the store as soon as it’s open to avoid the crowd only to find out that it opened an hour earlier than usual. That’s because many Texas shopping centers, malls, and stores extend their hours for the Sales Tax Holiday.

While the hours aren’t as wild as Black Friday’s, it still gives you more time to shop. So, confirm the store hours before you shop.

  1. Skip the lines

You can count on one thing with Sales Tax Holiday to have in common with Black Friday: long lines. Your best bet is to go as soon as the store opens. Some people still work on Friday, so that morning may have the least amount of traffic.

And some people like to sleep in on the weekend. First thing on Saturday and Sunday are the next best options after Friday morning. If anyone needs to try on clothing, start shopping for clothes first. It’s your best chance of shorter dressing room lines.

Another way to avoid the crowd is to shop online with stores that do business in Texas. They typically don’t charge taxes for the weekend. This gives you the chance to shop around and compare prices.

  1. Create a shopping list

Between the crowd and sales, it doesn’t take much to overspend. And when you’re away from home, you have no way of checking someone’s shoe size or whether anyone needs more pants. That’s why it helps to make a list of what you need and the sizes. Confirm sizes especially children who grow like weeds.

Check your supplies. Murphy’s Law has a way of striking. People buy a box of supplies only to find they have unopened boxes in the closet.

Considering you save $1.65 in buying a $20 item, it doesn’t feel like you save much in sales tax. The real bargain comes in stores lowering their prices for the sales tax holiday. A $20 item on sale for $18 saves a total of $3.65. The savings add up if you buy enough.

Follow these four tips to save yourself a lot of headaches. Residents who live in Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas have many shopping options. You can shop in Kyle and Buda. Or you can drive 20 minutes to South Austin or San Marcos’s fantastic outlet shopping centers.

 

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Lifestyle

5 Quick and Easy Tips to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills in the Summer

While swimming feels refreshing during the hot Texas Summer, it causes the air conditioners to work in overdrive. And when they toil harder, it sends the home energy bills soaring. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals the average monthly home energy bill in Texas for 2017 was $122.47.

Moreover, electricity prices reach the max in the summer. The good news is that you can ease the pain while staying cool. Here are five ways to quickly lower home energy bills to save money and boost energy efficiency.

  1. Request an energy assessment

An energy auditor comes to your home to analyze your energy use. To get the best results, have a copy of your annual energy bills ready for the auditor. The auditor conducts tests and finds ways to increase energy efficiency. It’s possible to get a free audit. For more information about energy audits and finding an auditor, visit the Department of Energy website.

  1. Turn off the air conditioner when you don’t need it

When the last person leaves the house, the person can adjust the air conditioner to at least 78 degrees F to save energy. People who can sleep in a warm environment can yield huge savings by keeping the AC at least 78 degrees. Or you can do it all automatically with the next tip.

  1. Use a programmable thermostat

You don’t have to keep the thermostat on 85 degrees to lower your bill. Fortunately, you can invest in a smart thermostat to automatically regulate the temperature based on whether someone is home or in a room. The advantage of a programmable is that you don’t have to remember to turn the AC down or up. And it can start cooling your house just before the first person comes home.

  1. Choose ENERGY STAR appliances

The ENERGY STAR certified label isn’t a marketing tool. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designates a product as ENERGY STAR certified when it meets rigorous U.S. government energy efficiency guidelines. ENERGY STAR certified air conditioners use about 15 percent less energy than non-certified products.

  1. Replace filters regularly

Replace the filters on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit every month especially in the summertime. Dirty filters make the cooling system exert more to push air throughout the home. Change the filters monthly or at least every other month. This can deliver energy savings anywhere from 5 to 15 percent.

If you’re looking at new homes in Kyle, Texas, check out the Crosswinds master-planned community. Its builders use energy-efficient equipment to help save money. When browsing new homes, ask the builder about its energy-saving features.

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Area Attractions

Keep it Kyle and Keep it Cool with La Ola Pop Shop

This Texas summer heat is truly no joke! Thankfully, La Ola Pop Shop, one of our favorite local businesses in Kyle, has all the summertime sweets that make it easy to beat the Texas heat.

Keep it Kyle and Keep it Cool with La Ola Pop Shop
(Image via facebook.com)

The Scoop on La Ola Pop Shop

With experience going back for generations, this local Kyle business stems from a long line of Mexican Paleteros and Heladeros. That great depth of experience and family knowledge helped La Ola Pop Shop master the craft of making delightfully refreshing ice pops (paletas) and ice cream that help the people in Kyle, Texas beat this dastardly summer heat. Like some of our favorite local businesses in Kyle, La Ola Pop Shop is located in downtown Kyle and is the perfect stop to make before exploring all of downtown Kyle.

Paletas

Paletas/Ice Pops/Popsicles – it doesn’t matter what you call them. What matters is how delicious and refreshing it is when you first get that freezing treat that seems to send a chilly wave straight through your body. When it comes to the flavors, La Ola Pop Shop has more than you could ever ask for! They have refreshing fruit-based paletas like mango, pineapple and watermelon, but they also have cream-based paletas like pecan, Oreo and strawberry cheesecake. That isn’t even all! They also have seasonal flavors that they rotate, so make sure to ask about them when you visit. You won’t be disappointed.

Ice Cream

Now if you’re craving a treat that comes in a scoop and not a stick, then you’ll really want some of the amazing ice cream scooped up at La Ola Pop Shop! For a scoop that is refreshingly fruity, you’ll love their fruit-based ice creams like mango and strawberry. For your more classic, cream-based ice creams, they’re scooping up flavors like key lime pie, pistachio and, of course, chocolate. As with the paletas, they have seasonal flavors of ice cream that you can only discover by going to the store!

They don’t just stop at paletas and ice cream though! You’ll have to go visit them to see just all their cool concoctions. La Ola Pop Shop and many other local businesses in Kyle are trying to help everyone beat this dreadful summer heat. Stay cool and close to home by supporting these great local establishments near Crosswinds that give us all such fun things to do in Kyle. Want to get the scoop on all things Kyle? Connect with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter today!

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Amenities Education Homebuilder Lifestyle

Crosswinds at a Glance – Crosswinds FAQ

Crosswinds, new homes at Crosswinds, homes near Austin, master-planned community in Kyle

You’ve probably heard a lot about Crosswinds, our new master-planned community in Kyle, or maybe you haven’t, but either way you want to know more. Get to know more about our community and the new homes at Crosswinds with the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Why is Crosswinds the perfect place to call home?

As a picturesque master-planned community in Kyle, Crosswinds is the ideal location for families who want to be close to Austin but not actually live in the city. Essentially, Crosswinds is the perfect place for you to stretch out your arms and take in a deep breath of fresh air.

What is there to do at Crosswinds?

The community amenities at Crosswinds are excellent for families that want to spend time together outside. More than 130 acres of parks, trails and greenbelts provide plenty of space for biking, jogging, picnics and so much more! Let’s not forget about the newly opened Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a resort-style pool to help you beat the summer heat.

What school district is Crosswinds in, and what schools will children attend?

Our community of homes near Austin is part of the renowned Hays CISD. As for the specific schools, kindergarten through fifth grade attend Pfluger Elementary, sixth through eighth grade attend Chapa Middle School and ninth through twelfth grade attend Lehman High School.

Who are the homebuilders, and what are their lot sizes?

We have three exceptional builders that create the beautiful new homes at Crosswinds: Highland Homes, Meritage Homes and Pacesetter Homes. As for the lot sizes, Highland Homes builds on 50’ lots and 60’ lots, Meritage Homes builds on 50’ lots and Pacesetter Homes builds on 40’ lots and 50’ lots. We know that it can be hard to pick a builder, and that’s why we wrote a little guide to help you figure out which builder is the one for you!

What are the yearly HOA dues?

For our master-planned community, the yearly Home Owner Association dues are $575 and include maintenance of the community amenities and common areas. Our HOA is also managed by Guardian Associate Management.

Who handles utilities and cable?

The City of Kyle handles the water, sewer and trash collection. Natural gas is handled by CentralPoint Energy and electricity is handled by Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Lastly, internet, phone and TV are handled by Time Warner Cable.

We hope these answered some of your questions about our lovely master-planned community in Kyle! Now, if you still have some questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the new homes at Crosswinds. You can also get a feel for our community by connecting with Crosswinds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Area Attractions

What Becoming Certipied Really Means for Kyle, TX

certipied, Texas Pie Company, Pie Capital of Texas

(Image via texaspiecompany.com)

No, it isn’t a typo…Kyle, Texas is officially certipied! So…what does that mean? Well, let us tell you all about it in this week’s blog!

The Pie Capital of Texas

While it is a fun little play on words, “certipied” represents how Kyle, Texas has been trying to make a name for itself by branding the city as the Pie Capital of Texas. Where is this self-given title coming from, you might ask? Well, it all comes from the fact that Kyle, Texas has been the home of The Texas Pie Company for 32 years.

What makes this branding so unique is that rather than Kyle trying to create and then live up to some aspirational identity, they took a look at what was already in the fiber of their existence, which is PIE! This means that it’s absolutely easy for Kyle, Texas to live up to being certipied as the Pie Capital of Texas.

Standing Out from Austin

Okay, so aside from general branding, one of the other big benefits to making a name for ourselves as Kyle – the Pie Capital of Texas, is to be able to stand out from Austin. While we love Austin, it can be hard for the smaller surrounding cities to have a strong identity. All the cities around us struggle with the same thing, and that is why so many have started to branch out to try and make themselves be seen as near Austin, not part of it.

If you’re ready to be certipied and want to stand out from the Austin norm, come take a look at our beautiful new homes in Kyle. Not only can they be the perfect fit for your family, but you’ll also just be that much closer to the amazing Texas Pie Company! To learn more about Kyle becoming certipied, check out this great Community Impact article! Contact Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas today for more information.

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Area Attractions Events Family Fun

3 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Near Kyle, TX

Kyle Texas, master-planned community, Crosswinds Kyle TX

(Image via fadoirishpub.com)

With St. Patrick’s Day just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start making plans for how you’re going to celebrate! If you’re in Kyle, Texas, there are plenty of fun festivities that’ll be happening all around our master-planned community! To help you find the best celebrations, Crosswinds in Kyle, TX is sharing a list of the 3 best St. Patrick’s Day events near Kyle, Texas.

1. St. Patrick’s Day Austin

The biggest blow out of green and gold and Irish spirit in Austin, the city’s St. Patrick’s Day festival is quite the spectacle. Head out to Pioneer Farms in Austin from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm to enjoy all they have to offer. There will be plenty of live music and other fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

2. St. Patrick’s Day at The Dog & Duck Pub

If you’re looking for some Irish fun before and after the city event, head over to The Dog & Duck Pub from 9:00 am to midnight to hear live music, watch traditional Irish dancing and even a comedy show! They’ll also be serving fish & chips and pints all day.

3. St. Patrick’s Day at Fado Irish Pub

Shutting down West 4th Street and pitching tents for bands, beers and other spirits, Fado Irish Pub knows how to throw a St. Patrick’s Day celebration! This festival is sure to make you go green with Irish spirit as you celebrate the Austin way. This Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is serving as fundraising to help children battling cancer. Get your tickets to this event today!

These three events are sure to help your St. Paddy’s Day be a cheery one! If you’d like to know more about our master-planned community near Austin, contact Crosswinds in Kyle, TX today!

Categories
Area Attractions Family Fun

Fun Things to Do in Kyle, Texas

Kyle, Texas

(Image via mother-natures-son.com)

Kyle, Texas is filled with plenty of fun things for you and your family to do! Today, Crosswinds is sharing some of the most entertaining things you can do near our new homes in Kyle, TX.

EVO Entertainment

Serving as the premier hot spot for overall entertainment, EVO Entertainment in Kyle, Texas has it all! Fun for the whole family, you can bowl, play games or watch a movie, and this theater has a slew of films from educational documentaries to the top box office hits. The 14-lane bowling alley has state-of-the-art technology to make your bowling experience as fun as possible!

Kyle Market Days

The Kyle Market Days are the perfect place to find some local wares and goods. On the second Saturday of every month from April to September, you can go down to the Historic City Square Park and find everything from fresh, local produce to antiques and other garage-sale type items.

Lake Kyle

If you and your family want to experience the beautiful nature of Kyle, Texas, then head out to Lake Kyle! This conservation preserve is open from sunrise to sunset and is a great place to go fishing. There are also a few nature trails that you’ll want to explore if you go.

The Jumpy Place

Do your kids ever have so much energy that you would swear they’re bouncing off the walls? Well, they can do just that at The Jumpy Place! Filled with bounce houses and obstacle courses, it’s considered one of the best places near our new homes in Kyle, TX to have a birthday party for young children. Designed for children 1-10 years old, The Jumpy Place is a safe place where your younger children can play. They even have a special toddler area to ensure their safety.

These are just four of the many fun things to do near Crosswinds. If you’d like to learn more about our master-planned community of new homes in Kyle, TX, contact us today!

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