House hunting is an exciting experience for potential homebuyers.  There are so many things to consider when making a decision about your next home, and you don’t want to end up with buyer’s remorse.  Don’t let the sparkling granite countertops blind you to some important issues you should consider, including the following.

Location: It’s the first rule of real estate: location, location, location.  You can paint the walls, change the flooring, and redo the kitchen, but you won’t ever be able to change the location of your home.  Don’t make the mistake of buying a home you love in a location that just doesn’t work for you.

Size: You probably have an idea of the square footage you’re looking for in a home.  Don’t forget that number when you walk through an adorable dollhouse that, while appealing, is too small for your growing family.  Likewise, if you’re retired and it’s just the two of you, you don’t really need a home with four bathrooms. Regardless of what you may love about a home, if the size is wrong, you should keep looking.

Floor plan: Assess how well the square footage is utilized.  Three thousand square feet sounds great, but if the kitchen and family room are large and the four bedrooms are tiny, this is an issue you should not overlook.  Think about who will need regular access to what areas of the home, especially young children you may not want climbing stairs.  Also consider your preferences for open versus closed living spaces.

Storage: When you tour a home, open the closet doors and assess available storage space.  Ask to see the attic, basement, and any other storage areas.  If you know you need a lot of storage space, buy a home that has enough space for you to store everything comfortably.  Older homes tend to have small closets and little storage space, so if you love the charm of older homes, you may have to consider a construction project to add the needed space.

If you’re in the market for a new home, consider all available options.  Custom building a home has many benefits, and Texas Homesites can show you affordable Texas land in some of the most desirable Texas communities.  For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Moving is often a touchy subject. You’re going to a new place and leaving behind friends, memories, and the familiar. You’re worried about your family’s reaction. Moving is a big change that will affect the whole family. However, as long as you understand and address your family’s concerns, you can make the transition smoother.

Leaving friends: It’s hard to leave the friends you’ve had for a long time, but if you plan ahead you can avoid arguments and tears. One suggestion for helping your family cope with leaving friends is to set up regular visits so your kids are guaranteed to see their friends again. You can also encourage them to video chat, talk on the phone, and send text messages with friends. This might help assuage their sadness about moving.

Give them a say: Your family most likely didn’t have a say about where you were moving. But giving kids some control over the situation could make the move a lot easier. Let them pick out their rooms and decor. Seek their opinion about furnishings and let them take an active role in decorating the house. The more involved they are in organizing their new house, the more they will feel at home there.

Move over the summer: If you have a choice, move over the summer. This will give the kids ample time to adjust before school starts, and it will give you time to scope out the neighborhood and start meeting people. You could also enroll your kids in a summer day camp so that they can get to know kids in their new neighborhood. You can attend block parties, find local hang outs, and work on making friends. Summer is the easiest time to transition because there is more time for socializing.

Stoop to bribery: Your family may still be unhappy after all these steps, so you may have to resort to a little bribery. Give kids some incentive for moving and nurture a good attitude. Although it’s not the ideal way to handle an unhappy family, moving is a big change and it might help you avoid whiny kids.

Moving is a tough transition, but Texas Homesites wants to make it as smooth as possible. We offer the best land in Texas in family-friendly communities near San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, and New Braunsfels. One of our master-planned communities is sure to help you and your family find your dream home. Contact us today!

You’ve already decided you don’t want to live in a big city. But living on the outskirts of a big city like Dallas can give you all the benefits of the city without the hassles of traffic, crime, or the overall hectic feel. Here are a few reasons why living outside Dallas is ideal.

Close to the largest metropolitan area in Texas: The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is Texas’ largest metropolitan area and the fourth largest in the United States. The Metroplex has tons of economic opportunities, two major airports, ideal shopping, and entertainment galore. The benefits of having two major cities close to you are endless.

Reap the rewards of a thriving economy: Dallas’s economy is flourishing despite the nation’s economic climate. Many corporations have headquarters in Dallas or surrounding areas, so there are many job opportunities nearby. Dallas is a major hub for business. You can benefit by commuting on any of the efficient forms of public transportation or by taking quick trips in for meetings.

Home to many universities: Dallas and the surrounding areas have many colleges and universities. If your children are planning to attend college soon, you most likely want them to choose a campus relatively close to home. The Dallas area offers many colleges from which they can choose. From Southern Methodist University, a private university located right off 75, to the University of North Texas, the fourth-largest public university in Texas, and all the campuses in between, your child is sure to find a college that suits his or her educational needs without venturing too far from home.

Less crime: Living on the outskirts of Dallas gives you all the benefits of the city without the high crime rate. Your neighborhood will be community-oriented and family-friendly but you can still visit Dallas to enjoy its educational and cultural opportunities.

Living near Dallas provides you and your family with so many benefits! For more information on communities surrounding Dallas, contact Texas Homesites. We want to help you find the best location for your Dallas-area dream home. With four master-planned communities located near the DFW area, you are sure to find the right spot. We would love to help you find the perfect Texas location!

There is always something new and exciting for people to experience in the Texas Hill Country.

For the outdoors types: The Texas Hill Country is the perfect place for hiking, white water rafting, fishing, hunting, tubing, boating, bicycling, rock climbing, paddling, and camping. There are tons of scenic routes and outdoor attractions to keep you busy.

For wine lovers: The Texas Hill Country is one of the most successful places for producing wine in Texas. There are hundreds of wineries throughout Texas Hill Country. People can participate in wine tours, vineyard tours, wine tastings, and even grape stompings.

For those who just love fun: The Texas Hill Country offers tons of activities that are sure to thrill. There are natural caverns, aquariums, rivers to tube down, water parks, roller coaster parks, athletic events, and golf courses—just to name a few.

Whether you want to go shopping in a large mall or a small boutique, the Texas Hill Country has it all. Some of Texas’ best shopping is located in San Antonio and Austin.

Whether you are coming for a weekend getaway or relocating to Texas Hill Country, there is always something entertaining and exciting for you to do. The Texas Hill Country has something for everyone.

Vineyard living provides an oasis unrivaled by almost any other. Texas Homesites would love to help you find your perfect home in our Vintage Oaks community in New Braunfels, located right on the Texas Wine Trail with all the amenities of a world-class resort. Contact us today so we can assist your search for the perfect dream home location.

Located in the heart of the state, the Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places in all of Texas. The Texas Hill Country is home to some of the best living communities, attractions, and wildlife in Texas. The area is known throughout the USA as one of the most popular destinations to visit, retire, and own a home.

The Texas Hill Country is the number one retirement spot in the world. This is because of the quality of life that the Texas Hill Country provides to its residents. Whether you have an interest in living in a golfing community or an equestrian community, or want vineyard living, the Texas Hill Country has it all. The Texas Hill Country is also home to some of the best fitness centers, spas, malls, and art galleries around.

The Texas Hill Country is one of Texas’ best-kept secrets. Residents enjoy rolling hills, spectacular views, peaceful rivers, and gorgeous sunsets. The Texas Hill Country provides small-town living with big-city conveniences.

Texas Homesites has two master-planned communities in the Texas Hill Country: Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard and Havenwood at Hunters Crossing. Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard offers a distinctive lifestyle with 24 local wineries just a short distance from Vintage Oaks. Havenwood at Hunters Crossing provides hill country living with resort-style amenities.

With two communities in New Braunfels, our Hill Country locations combine the convenience of community with the luxury of serenity, creating the perfect oases in one of the most beautiful parts of Texas. Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard offers vineyard living at an affordable cost; Havenwood at Hunters Crossing offers outdoor excitement and a gated community. Contact Texas Homesites so we can help you find your home in the perfect Hill Country location.

Buying land is a big decision but can be the perfect solution to your home needs if you know the right questions to ask. Here are the top five questions to ask when buying land.

How many acres are available?

The amount of acres is an obvious question when buying land, but it is also good to consider how many acres you want. Looking at different plot sizes before you buy is a good way to gauge how much land you want and should be looking for. If there is a piece of land you love, but find out the acreage is significantly smaller than you are looking for, it’s best to know up front before you fall in love with the area.

Are there any building restrictions?
Knowing local building restrictions is important because it can help shape what you are looking for. If you want to build a home with a pool and spa, but there is a land restriction against it, you may not want to buy that particular piece of land. Getting what you want is important when it comes to buying land, so knowing any limitations you may face is a great way to start off the land buying process.

What’s the area like?
Community is important when buying land. You want to know that you are buying into a place that is in an area you love, around people you will get along with. Finding out about the area, including the schools, the attractions and the job market can help you decide what piece of land is right for you.

What are the amenities?

Land in communities often comes with certain amenities. Your community could specialize in golf, vineyards, recreation or waterfront amenities, and it is best to know about all the benefits of the land before you buy.

What is the cost per acre?

When you are looking to purchase land, you want to know that you are getting a quality piece at a good price; the best way to find that out is to look at the cost per acre and compare it with other locations. This can ensure that you are paying a reasonable price for your land for the amount you are getting.

At Texas Homesites, we know buying land is a big decision, which is why we offer the best land in Texas in the best locations. With communities near Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and New Braunfels, you are sure to find land that meets your needs at a price that doesn’t drain your wallet. For more land buying resources, contact us and we will help you on your journey to finding your dream land. Learn more about how much land you can afford with Texas Homesites.

-       Money: You shouldn’t try to stretch your finances. Take a long, hard look at your finances and see what you can afford. Don’t buy a piece of property that you can’t afford.

-       Look: Don’t start looking at land until you know exactly what you are looking for. Looking at land without having made a decision can lead to let down and can be a waste of your time. Make sure to focus only on land once you know your budget, desired location, and the community.

-       Emotions: Don’t let your emotions guide you. If you think you find the perfect piece of property, make sure to stay realistic. Land surveys still need to be completed and you shouldn’t get attached to the piece of property until you actually own it.

-       Land: If the land has been surveyed and is categorized to have issues with possible flooding, draining, or damage, you should probably avoid the piece of property. If land has a history of damage and hazardous weather conditions, then the piece of property is probably not where you want to be.

-       Don’t do it alone: When you are looking to buy land, you should search with a knowledgeable and reputable company that can guide you through the land buying process. Many factors need to be considered when buying land, and an experienced land buying company can help you and make sure that everything is accounted for.

Texas Homesites is here to help you through the land buying process. We have been helping families find their dream homesites since 1966, and we will guide you through buying your next piece of land. For more information on our available communities, check out our free eBook, The Texas Land Buyer’s Guide. We are here to answer all of your questions!

Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard

Located in the beautiful New Braunfels, Vintage Oaks offers the ultimate romantic lifestyle with vineyard living. Nestled near 22 local vineyards along the Texas Wine Trail, you could be living in the #2 wine destination in the country. You can retire to private country living, while still being close to the Austin and San Antonio metropolitan areas.

The Bridges at Preston Crossing

In the North Texas city of Gunter, you can enjoy life on the golf course! One-third to one-acre homesites surround a Fred Couples’ Signature Golf Course, making your golf game accessible in your own backyard. When you aren’t golfing, The Bridges also has a 22-acre private lake for bass fishing. Retiring to this charming community will make you feel like you are on vacation all year round.

Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing

If you are looking to retire to the beauty of Hill Country, then Havenwood is the place for you. You can choose a spacious homesite of up to 13 acres to build your dream home. In New Braunfels, you can enjoy beautiful country living and close proximity to both Austin and San Antonio.

Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake

Located in Cedar Hills, Lake Ridge combines a lakeside retreat with a golf course lifestyle. The rolling hills offer views unlike anything you would experience in the big cities. Lake Ridge offers the opportunity to live in a heavily wooded and private country location, while being only minutes from the DFW metroplex. It’s the perfect place to retire if you want both fun and the beauty of nature!

This eBook helps answer questions for all of you who are looking at buying land. This eBook includes the multiple reasons to live in Texas, the advantages of buying land in Texas, all of our unique Texas Homesites communities, and the benefits of buying land with Texas Homesites. Some of the key points that this eBook makes is that Texas is a great place to live, because Texas enjoys a stable housing market, a consistent job market, and perhaps most importantly, affordable housing.

Texas Homesites has a community for everyone. We have exclusive golfing and equestrian communities located outside of some of the leading metropolitan areas outside of Texas, homesites in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, golfing communities in Texas, and many more communities.

Texas Homesites is a division of Bluegreen Communities. Bluegreen Communities has been developing land since 1966 and has sold dream homes and homesites to more than 55,000 families.

Texas Homesites is dedicated to providing the best land that Texas has to offer, and all of our master-planned communities have country club-style amenities. Contact us today to learn more about finding your perfect homesite in Texas. Download the Texas Land Calculator to find out how much money you can save with Texas Homesites!

We are excited to continue this partnership and provide even more homes for American heroes who are fighting for our country and our freedom.

Here are a few ways you can help Operation Finally Home:

Donate building supplies: Operation Finally Home is in need of building supplies to finish homes under construction and build new ones.

Hold a fundraiser: We are always looking for ways to raise awareness and money for this wonderful cause. If you or someone you know has an idea for a fundraiser, we want to hear about it! We would love to get the community involved in this program and show the veterans and their families that we all care.

Volunteer: We need volunteers for our other fundraising events and to help us get the word out.

Make an online donation: Operation Finally Home is fueled by individual and corporate sponsors, so if you or someone you know would like to donate to the cause, visit our website to make an online donation.

We appreciate everyone’s support. Any little thing you can do to help us help these heroes is greatly appreciated. We are excited to see this program change the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for us! For volunteer or fundraising information, call 800-639-5570. Keep checking in with us to see what Texas Homesites and Operation Finally Home are doing to make a difference in veterans’ lives.

Texas Homesites aims to provide you with the best land available in Texas. We offer master-planned communities in some of Texas’ best locations, so contact us today so we can help you find your dream location and home!