If you’re looking to sell, buy, or build a home in 2012, you’re likely wondering what the future holds for the housing market. Here are three trends experts are predicting will shape the real estate market in the coming year.

Eventual stability: While home prices nationwide may still drop another 3 to 5% in 2012, a gradual leveling off should be seen by year’s end before prices begin to rise in early 2013. Typically, home prices do not stabilize simultaneously across the board, which creates confusion about whether or not the market is truly recovering. More desirable neighborhoods will stabilize first, so even within a single city, recovery may be apparent in some areas, while others remain unaffected.

Affordability to remain high: Like the previous year, 2012 will be a great year to buy or build and finance a new home. The ratio of home prices to family income is predicted to remain at record levels in the coming year. Many homes are priced well under their appraised value, and buyers are able to finance a mortgage at record low levels. Low mortgage rates are predicted to continue defining the housing industry, at least through the first half of 2012. Rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage, the most popular, continue to hover around 4%, and are expected to remain between 4 and 5 % in 2012.

Increase in sales: According to the National Association of Realtors, the summer and early fall of 2011 showed an increase in the number of existing homes purchased. This is expected to continue into 2012, so this is good news for those trying to sell their home.

Despite national turmoil, great things are happening in the Texas real estate market. If you’re considering buying land in Texas, let Texas Homesites show you your options. Home sites are available in master planned communities that are nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. For more information, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

If you’ve never done any landscaping, you may be unprepared for what awaits you once you’ve moved into your new custom-built home. Perhaps you want to redo your existing backyard but don’t know where to start. Here are some basic guidelines on planning a backyard where you and your family will love to spend time.

Assess your space: Consider not only how much space you have, but how you want to use it. Do you have children and, if so, do they spend much time outside? Would they enjoy a pool, or would they rather have a large area to play ball and throw a Frisbee? Also consider the pets you have and whether they require a fence, or whether you want a privacy fence. If you decide to put in a pool, your homeowner insurance may require that you install a fence. Think about whether or not you want to give up yard space for a patio or deck for grilling and outdoor dining. These are all important considerations to think about before you shovel any dirt.

Visualize it: You wouldn’t begin building a house without a detailed plan of the finished product, and this rule applies to the backyard as well. Make notes on which areas are shaded most of the day and which areas receive direct sunlight, as this will affect where you put certain plants. You may want to work with a landscape architect, who can offer practical suggestions and draw you a detailed, artistic rendering of the anticipated product.

Go green: Carefully consider which trees and plants you want to include in your plan. Even if the majority of the backyard is a large concrete patio or a pool, planting some trees to provide shade is advisable. If there is little room to plant plants in the ground, buy large, attractive ceramic pots. Green will liven up the space.

Nothing completes a backyard like a beautiful view, and Texas Homesites can help. Now is a great time to buy land in Texas, and lots of land is available in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Select your home site and begin custom building a home in a master-planned community or a golfing community in Texas. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Home ownership is exciting, especially when you purchase or build a new home. You can do anything you want, which leaves some homeowners scratching their heads and wondering what to do with their space. Here are a few suggestions on how to enhance both your property’s exterior and interior in two key areas everyone wants to improve.

Curb appeal: Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see. One simple way to add eye-pleasing charm is to create symmetry. The human eye appreciates symmetry, and it’s one of the easiest changes you can make. If you have a large plant on one side of the front door, add an identical one on the other side. Flank the sides of the front door with matching sidelights. Add shutters to your front windows if you don’t currently have any. A balanced look will do wonders for the front of your home. Another simple fix is to give the front door a fresh coat of paint and hang a wreath. A front door that pops completely alters a home’s curb appeal, and if you’re installing lighting to flank the door, you want the door to be worth highlighting.

Kitchen upgrades: When homeowners decide to remodel, the first room on the to-do list is the kitchen. Modern kitchens are all about functionality. If you’re building, you can easily include kitchen upgrades in your plan, one of the many benefits of *custom building a home. If you’ve moved into an existing home, you may be surprised how easily a few simple changes will add style and function to your space. For example, extending an existing countertop and adding some bar stools is a great way to add a casual dining space to your kitchen. Replace some cabinet doors with glass-front doors for a built-in china display area.

If you’re considering custom building a home, now is a great time to buy land in Texas. Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in master-planned communities, including golfing communities in Texas. New land buyers are discovering the perks of living in the Texas Hill Country. Let Texas Homesites show you what’s available. For more information, 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!

Texas has so many great lakes that it’s hard to narrow down the fun activities to only a few things each day. Here are the top five activities you and your family can try on a Texas lake!

Go boating: When you think of a lake, you automatically think of boating. Texas has tons of great rental spots that allow you and your family to enjoy a day of boating. Cruising around through pristine, blue waters will help you relax and ease all your worries. Also, boating is fun for all ages, so you and your family can enjoy the sights and excitement.

Try water sports: Water sports and lakes naturally go together. You can water ski, go tubing, or wakeboard for some adventure and an adrenaline rush. Many lakes even offer water ski school for younger children or those apprehensive about partaking in the fun.

Enjoy the park: Most Texas lakes have parks where you and your family can relax, have a picnic, or go for walks. The parks offer a quiet retreat from the big-city hustle and bustle. They’re also a great place to hang out in the shade during the hottest part of the day or to take a break from the boating fun.

Pack a picnic: No trip to the lake is complete without a picnic lunch. You and your family can have fun making your lunches and eating them on the boat or in the park during your visit. Picnics are ideal for lake days because they satisfy everyone. You don’t even have to leave the park to find food.

Go Fishing: Texas lakes are perfect for fishing. People from all over the country visit Texas lakes to fish and enjoy the relaxing lake views. Many Texas lakes have bait and tackle shops adjacent to their marinas for easy access to fishing supplies.

Texas lakes have so many activities, but these are the five best ones! For more information about activities for your lake trip or to find out how to reside near a lake, please contact Texas Homesites. We offer the best land near the best cities in Texas, with many communities near Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and San Marcus. We look forward to helping you find your dream home in Texas!

Whether you’re coming to the Texas Hill Country to live, to visit or for a vacation, we’re happy to have you! There are tons of great things to do in the Texas Hill Country. It’s a relaxing weekend retreat.

The Texas Hill Country has bed and breakfasts and hotels to accommodate your every need. Some of the best attractions in the Texas Hill Country include: touring historical buildings, enjoying the Texas lakes, dining at the best hill country cafes, relaxing at the best spas around, and shopping at the wonderful facilities in Texas Hill Country.

The food in the Texas Hill Country is hard to beat. The area offers a wide variety of choices, including German, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican food, as well as our famous Texas Barbecue.

When you go shopping in the Texas Hill Country you can find some of the best antiques, gifts, clothing, jewelry, and art in all of Texas. The stores are unique and have one-of-a-kind pieces.

Texas is filled with historic homes and museums, but the Texas Hill Country in particular has a lot of historic museums that are fun to tour. The historic homes and museums in the Texas Hill Country are among the oldest in Texas, so bring your camera and enjoy the sightseeing.

Some of the best recreational, outdoor activities are available in the Texas Hill Country. The Texas Hill Country has eight lakes, all fun to explore by boat. If you don’t own a boat or jet ski, you can rent one. While you are out on the boat, you can enjoy fishing in some of the best lakes in all of Texas. Texas Hill Country lakes have a great supply of striped bass, white bass, catfish, and many other types of fish.

No matter what you are doing in the Texas Hill Country, we are sure you will enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Texas Hill Country is truly one of the best places to visit or live.

Vineyard living provides an oasis unrivaled by almost any other community. 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 your dream location.

Retirement life is good in the Texas Hill Country, which has been touted as the number one place to retire in the world. When you are planning to retire, you should consider a few key factors.

Location: When you retire, you want to ensure that the location you choose is close to family and friends. The Texas Hill Country is perfect. It is near San Antonio, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Bandera and Austin.

Affordability: Living in the Texas Hill Country is more affordable than you may think. Land in the Texas Hill Country is affordable and the cost of living is low. Whether you are downsizing or custom-building that dream home, Texas Hill Country is where you want to be. Texas has no state income tax or city tax, two additional benefits of moving to Texas.

Hospitals: When people retire, hospitals are often the last thing they want to think about. But they are one of the most crucial factors to consider when it comes to retirement living. The Texas Hill Country has some of the most reputable hospitals in all of Texas.

Finding the right place to retire can be a challenge. However, the Texas Hill Country offers great facilities, romantic countryside, and extravagant views. The Texas Hill Country is the ultimate spot for relaxing. The added amenities of natural attractions and excellent weather make it the perfect destination for families to visit and enjoy all nature has to offer.

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.