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Is Your Credit Ready for a Home Mortgage Loan?

home mortgage loan

When you’re a first-time homebuyer, there are a lot of things that you just don’t know. It isn’t your fault. You’ve just never needed to know all the ins and outs of homebuying and what goes into getting a home mortgage loan, such as your credit score. It’s best if both the credit scores of you and your partner are in tip top shape. Here are a few tips to make sure your credit is ready for a home mortgage loan.

Check Your Credit Reports

First and foremost, you need to check your credit reports to make sure there’s nothing damaging on there. There are three credit reports your lender could check – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Since you don’t know which credit score your lender will check, it’s best to take a thorough look through each of them. You can get a free copy of each of your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com. You can also keep a constant eye on your credit through mobile apps like Credit Karma.

Dispute Any Inaccuracies

Inaccurate information on your report can really hurt your credit and your chances of getting approved for a home mortgage loan. Regardless of whether you have physical proof of the mistake, you should dispute it with the credit bureau.

Pay Off Delinquent Accounts and Bury Them with Timely Payments

If you have any delinquent accounts including any late accounts, charge-offs, bills in collection and judgments, you need to get those sorted out. You then will need to re-establish a pattern of timely payments that will show to your lender that you will be a responsible borrower.

Reduce Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

You need to be able to show your lender that you will be able to pay your mortgage every month, and it’s hard to do that if you have a high level of debt relative to your income. Ideally, you want your monthly debt payments to be no more than 12% of your income.

Check Your FICO Score

Since your FICO  score is what’s used by 90% of lenders whether it’s for a car or home mortgage loan, you’ll want to know what it is before you start applying. You ideally want your FICO score to be at least 720 to get a good interest rate.

If you’re ready for a home mortgage loan and to buy one of our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today! We can’t wait to tell you all about our master-planned community.

Image from Thinkstock by Getty Images. Item number: 627196720

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Family Fun

DIY Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and there’s no need to spend a fortune on a gift for dad when you can make his gift yourself! Today, Crosswinds is sharing some excellent DIY gift ideas that will make for a very thoughtful Father’s Day gift!

Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream

Father’s Day
(Image via foodformyfamily.com)

For a gift he can appreciate on the daily, make him some shaving cream with a custom scent! Those razors can be really tough on his face, but with this rosemary mint shaving cream, he can get a smooth shave that refreshes and revitalizes him.

Comic Book Coasters

Father’s Day
(Image via modpodgerocksblog.com)

Is your dad a bit of a comic book nerd? Well give him the gift that he is sure to love – comic book coasters! For the best comic book scenes, look online and print out a few pages from dad’s favorite comic books.

Whiskey, Caramel, Marshmallow and Bacon Bark

Father’s Day
(Image via endlesssimmer.com)

For the father that has an insatiable sweet tooth, don’t go the traditional gift route. Instead, make them a sweet treat like this whiskey, caramel, marshmallow and bacon bark. Did you even think these amazing ingredients could go so well together!?

Black and Tan Beer Soap

Father's Day
(Image via soapqueen.com)

While this Father’s Day gift may sound almost edible, it’s the perfect gift for the dad that’s an ultimate beer lover. This black and tan beer soap is a spin-off of a black and tan drink, which is traditionally a Guinness and a pale ale layered in a glass.

Tripod Camping Stool

Father's Day
(Image via designsponge.com)

For the dad that loves the great outdoors, not only is one of our new homes in Kyle, TX an excellent gift, but so is this tripod camping stool! While it takes a little more time and work to build this gift, it’s sure to last through many camping trips!

Make this Father’s Day one they won’t forget and give them a gift from the heart that you made just for them! We hope everyone has a wonderful Father’s Day. Contact Crosswinds today to learn about our new homes in Kyle, TX.

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Area Attractions

Shaggy Dog Market Opens in Buda Near Crosswinds

No family is truly complete without a four-legged member or two. Our new homes in Kyle, TX have spacious yards that are ideal for letting Fido run around and play the day away. When it comes to caring for your pet near our master-planned community, you could visit the nearby chain store, but if you want to support a local business, check out the new Shaggy Dog Market in Buda! Here are some things to know about this new great business.

Shaggy Dog Market

About Shaggy Dog Market

Set to open this month, Shaggy Dog Market is a locally owned, home-grown business. They recognized the struggle many local pet owners faced when they either had to leave the city or go to some big-box retail store for their pet’s needs. While “dog” may be in their name, don’t let that fool you. They have supplies for your furry felines as well. Being located in Buda means Shaggy Dog Market is less than 10 miles from our master-planned community!

Healthy Food and Treats

Whether you see your pet as your best friend or your child, you want to give them the best and make sure that they’re eating the right food. Shaggy Dog Market has a wide variety of healthy dog food whether it’s dry, freeze-dried or raw frozen food. They also offer a variety of treats that can be used for training, teeth cleaning or simply showing your love.

Toys, Toys and More Toys

From playing fetch with a ball to pouncing on a mouse attached to a string, every pet needs something to keep them active. Not only do toys keep your pet entertained, but it also gives them something to tear besides your furniture. Shaggy Dog Market has a wide array of toys, so bring in your four-legged family member to pick out their new favorite toy.

Self-Serve Dog Wash

Did your pooch have a hard day of play and is in need of a bath? Shaggy Dog Market has you covered! Sure, you could just wash them off in the bathtub or backyard, but once you use their wash stations, you’ll never want to go back.

Crosswinds is an extremely pet-friendly master-planned community, and there are plenty of trails for you and your four-legged friends to walk and enjoy being in the great outdoors. If you’d like to learn more about our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.

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Education

Education Highlight: Crosswinds Schools

Hays CISD
(Image via hayscisd.net)

Crosswinds understands that when it comes to your children, their education is top of mind. Lucky for you and your kiddos, our new homes in Kyle, TX feed into some excellent schools in Hays CISD. Here are some things to know about the educational opportunities near our master-planned community.

About Hays CISD

Located in North Central Hays County, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District has 23 campuses that serve roughly 20,000 students. They have two high schools, six middle schools and 13 elementary schools, as well as an alternative high school for students seeking a non-traditional educational setting. Hays CISD offers exceptional extracurricular opportunities with award-winning programs, including band, choir, visual and theatrical arts and athletic programs. The district also features a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.

The Crosswinds Schools

Two Hays CISD elementary schools serve Crosswinds: Pfluger Elementary School and Science Hall Elementary School. Both of the elementary schools serve students kindergarten through fifth grade. For grades sixth through eighth, students will be able to attend Chapa Middle School, and for high school, students will be able to attend Lehman High School.

Secondary Education Opportunities

For any older children getting ready to leave the nest and pursue secondary education, our new homes in Kyle, TX are also near some excellent 2-year and 4-year colleges. Austin Community College Hays Campus, Texas State University, University of Texas at Austin and St. Edwards University are all located a short drive away from our community. Even if your child isn’t quite ready for college, it’s never too early to start planning for the future!

When it comes to your children, Crosswinds knows that their education is of the utmost importance. That’s why we’re building our master-planned community in Hays CISD. If you’d like to learn more about our community and our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.

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Uncategorized

A Quick Guide to Austin Spring Events You Shouldn’t Miss

things to do in Austin

Spring is almost here! Crosswinds has many new homes in Kyle, TX which are just around the corner from of one of the most exciting cities – Austin. Crosswinds is sharing a list of some fun happenings and things to do in Austin this summer!

Derby in the City

Nothing says summer like a music festival! On May 6, Austin American Statesman will be hosting the 3rd annual Derby in the City Music Festival. Grab your favorite derby hat and dress to the nines while enjoying the most “exciting two minutes in sports” on the jumbotron and listening to fantastic live music. Artists performing include Citizen Cope, Sweet Spirit, Black Pistol Fire, The Watters and Los Coast.

Bubblepalooza

Grab the kids and prepare for a lot of bubbles! On Saturday, June 3, Long Center will be hosting the 6th Annual Bubblepalooza, a spectacular summer event for the whole family. Families can enjoy live music from artists such as Hey Lolly Band, Biscuit Brothers and Saddle Sores. Visitors can also chow down at the many food trucks or cool off with snow cones from Kona Ice. In addition to the good eats and beautiful music there will be various activities to take part in such as chalk art, face painting, ambulance tours with St. David’s Healthcare and of course, bubble-making foam pits!

Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus

Another must-see this summer is Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus. Visit Dell Hall June 6th-8th for an unforgettable experience. This event is the brainchild of the same production team that created the world’s largest magic show, The Illusionist and the award-winning puppeteers of the show War Horse. See Elephants take the ring in a way you have never seen before, as well as unique, dangerous circus acts never before seen!

17th Annual Soul to Sole Tap Festival

All you dancers, shuffle-step your way to the 17th Annual Soul to Sole Tap Festival at Rollins Studio Theatre on June 16th and 17th. This rhythmic festival will be hosted by Tapestry Dance Company, North America’s only full-time, professional, repertory tap dance company. Dancers and teachers from around the world will come together for master classes taught by a faculty of critically acclaimed artists.

Crosswinds is a community perfectly located for members to enjoy all the perks of suburban life but also to take advantage of nearby things to do in Austin. For more information on how to find a home in Kyle, TX, explore the Crosswinds website.

 

Image from Thinkstock by Getty Images. Item number: 537466648

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Area Attractions

The “Quest” For Family Fun is Over

Austin Texas attractions
(Image via questatx.com)

With so many Austin, Texas attractions, it can be really hard finding one that everyone in your family will enjoy. If your family is super active and loves the great outdoors or simply wants to try something new, check out Quest ATX! Just a short drive from our new homes in Kyle, TX, here are a few things to know about all the family fun you can have at Quest.

Wakeboarding

Austin’s first and only cable wake park, Quest ATX sits on 130 acres of uniquely manicured land. It’s a prime destination for all those who love trying something new. This isn’t your average wakeboarding experience. Instead of being pulled by a boat, you’re pulled by a cable down a preset path.

Mountain Biking

If you’re seeking an adventure that doesn’t involve getting in the water, Quest ATX also offers several miles of mountain biking trails that are fun for riders of any level. While they have wakeboards for the cable park, they don’t offer mountain bike rentals. So, if you want to explore the biking trails, make sure you bring your own bike.

Kids Camps

Are you looking for something fun that your kids can do during the summer? Quest ATX offers summer camps for kids ages 6-17. They have the Quest on Wheels camps which are for your land lovers and the Wakeboard camps for your water bugs who want to learn how to wakeboard.

Parties

Any Austin, Texas attraction would not be complete without the ability to throw one great party, and at Quest ATX you can do just that! From private parties for summer birthdays or fun business teambuilding events, Quest ATX sets the stage for summertime fun.

It’s time to get outside and have a blast with your whole family! If you’d like to learn more about all the fun things to do near Austin or about our new homes in Kyle, TX, contact Crosswinds today.

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Events

Hop to the Top! 3 Easter Events Happening Near Crosswinds

new homes kyle TX
(Image via eventbrite.com)

Easter is just over a week away, and if you haven’t figured out what you and your family are going to do to celebrate the holiday, we’ve got you covered! Here are Crosswinds’ top three Easter events happening near our new homes in Kyle, TX.

We listed them in the order in which they’re happening, not in order of fun. We’ll leave that decision up to you!

Easter Egg Drop Extravaganza

When: Saturday, April 8
Where: San Marcos High School – San Marcos, TX
What Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Taking your traditional Easter egg hunt to a whole new level, the city of San Marcos will be dropping 75,000 Easter eggs from a helicopter for their Easter Egg Drop Extravaganza! There will be multiple drops for the different age groups, and there will also be plenty of other fun things to do like large inflatables and face painting.

Easter Eggstravaganza

When: Wednesday, April 12
Where: Gregg-Clarke Park – Kyle, TX
What Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Of all the Easter events this year, the Easter Eggstravaganza in Kyle has to be one of our favorites! Aside from egg hunts for kids ages 0 – 14 years old, there will also be free carnival games and plenty of photo ops with the Easter bunny.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

When: Saturday, April 15
Where: Chick-fil-A of Kyle – Kyle, TX
What Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

What better way to kick off Easter than with a yummy breakfast and a chance to meet the Easter bunny? Hop on over and enjoy all the family fun activities at Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.

While there are tons of Easter events happening near our master-planned community, these three are the ones we think you and your family will enjoy the most! While you’re out and about, come check out our new homes in Kyle, TX. Contact us today to set up your community tour!

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Amenities

The Master Plan for Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas

Crosswinds Kyle Texas

For the latest and greatest new homes in Kyle, TX, turn to our master-planned community – Crosswinds! As a master-planned community, everything has been thoughtfully planned out to perfectly accommodate your lifestyle. Here are some of the things in store for Crosswinds.

Plenty of Amenities

As a lifestyle-centric community, Crosswinds sets out to ensure that all of our residents have the opportunity to get out and be active. Our bountiful amenities will be perfect for families that are looking to enjoy the great outdoors together. The bicycle and jogging paths will lead residents to the multiple pools, outdoor gathering facilities and open playfields.

No master-planned community would be complete without an amenity center, and for Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas, that’s Windy Point! This wonderful amenity center will have everything a proper amenity center needs from a beach entry pool with lap lanes to a full-size sports court. There will even be a splash pad where your little ones can safely beat the summer heat.

Beautiful New Homes

Three extraordinary homebuilders – Highland Homes, Meritage Homes and Pacesetter Homes –build our beautiful houses. Crosswinds chose these homebuilders because of their reputation for distinctive home designs, versatile floor plans and a commitment to customer service.

Phase one is currently underway, but there will be more phases to come each with more homes. The base plan for phase 1 of Crosswinds includes 40’, 50’ and 60’ home lots. Pacesetter Homes is building on the 40’ lots and Highland Homes is building on the 60’ lots. All three of our builders are building on the 50’ lots. Our new homes in Kyle, TX start from the $200s.

This is just a small taste of what our master-planned community is like. Come check it out for yourself and see if you’re ready to call Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas home! Contact us today to set up a tour and get more information.

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Events

The Top 4 SXSW Events You Should Attend

Crosswinds Kyle Texas
(Image via schedule.sxsw.com)

SXSW 2017 is only days away and we cannot wait! Every year, Austin hosts this unforgettable festival filled with music, film, interactive and many networking opportunities. With so much to see and do in 10 days, it can be overwhelming! Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas is sharing the top 4 events you should attend while at SXSW.

1. Buzz Aldrin

Put on your space helmets and blast off with NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Have you ever imagined how surreal it must be to take some of the first steps on the moon? It’s your chance to hear him talk about his experiences. This session will inspire you to think more about space and aeronautics!

Aldrin will be co-hosting this session with Jeff Kluger, Editor at large of Time Magazine and Time.com ! They will also be holding a Q&A where you can ask them anything about their areas of expertise.

2. Mike Posner

If you’ve tuned in to a popular radio station you might have heard Mike Posner’s hit “I Took A Pill in Ibiza.” He’ll be talking about his surging career and a book of poems he will soon publish. His session will include a Q&A and autograph signing!

3. Marie Kondo

Is your life too hectic to keep up with sometimes? Then you’ll benefit from a conversation with Marie Kondo, a Japanese entrepreneur and organization genie. Her methods have been hailed as revolutionary. See for yourself how she can inspire you to keep life organized.

4.Bill Nye Documentary

Kids all over the nation know and love him. If you’ve seen some of his educational videos, then you’ll recognize his name, Bill Nye: The Science Guy. Did you know there is a documentary film about him? They’re having multiple screenings, so make sure to check it out!

All these events and more will have Austin filled with people from all over the world. If you want to take a break, come check out our master-planned community of new homes in Kyle, TX! For more information on our upcoming community, contact Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas today.

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Homebuilder

Homebuilder Highlight: Highland Homes

Crosswinds currently has three homebuilders building the first phase of our new homes in Kyle, TX. This week, we want to shine the light on one homebuilder in particular – Highland Homes. Here are a few things to know about Highland Homes and the exciting additions they’re currently building in our master-planned community.

The Highland Homes Difference

For over 35 years, Highland Homes has been building high-quality, beautiful homes throughout Texas. Their number of industry accolades speaks to their attention to detail both in the construction and in their customer service. They constantly strive to do what is best for their employees, customers and partners, which is why they’ve been ranked as one of the best companies to work for in Texas and dubbed as one of the most trusted homebuilders in America.

Highland Homes puts a focus on being strategic in their building practices so that they are building the most energy efficient home possible, while still focusing on what will make the homeowner’s life in their new home even better. They’ve satisfied thousands of homeowners and that number just keeps growing!

Highland Homes in Kyle homes for sale near austin

Highland Homes in Crosswinds

These homes near Austin, TX will be absolutely stunning! Highland Homes is building on 50’ and 60’ home lots in Crosswinds. None of the other homebuilders will be building on 60’ home lots in phase one, so Highland Homes’ will offer the largest amount of space for you and your family!

Crosswinds will have plenty of inventory in Kyle, TX, so take a look at our site plan for phase one and see where all Highland Homes will be building. If you’d like to claim a lot for your future dream home, contact Crosswinds in Kyle, TX today!