You may have seen it in a movie, but do people really swap houses? Indeed, they do. House swapping can be a fascinating way to vacation, and here is a basic guide on the ins and outs of how to make it happen.

Join the club: There are many organizations that set up home exchanges, and most charge a small fee. They can provide you with valuable information about where homes are available. Some organizations will explain to you how to contact an owner and set up an exchange, while others will make the arrangements for you.

Be flexible: Plan the time you want to exchange homes as far in advance as possible, and try and be flexible about the dates. You should write a standard letter of invitation, which invites other exchangers to stay in your home while you occupy theirs. In the letter, describe your home, any amenities available, your neighborhood, and what, if any, transportation will be available (many home exchanges include the use of a car as well). Also include any information about your community that you think is useful, such as amenities and attractions potential swappers might want to check out. Your home will not be the only option for those looking to exchange, so make it as attractive as possible.

Common concerns: Obviously many homeowners are reticent to allow strangers to occupy their home. Problems with home exchanges are quite rare, especially when it’s a direct exchange, as you are expected to care for the property of your trading partner while they care for yours. Both parties should be adequately insured before agreeing on an exchange, and it’s a good idea to sign an informal, written agreement so that everyone’s expectations are clear. When the exchange is complete, make sure to leave your trading partner’s home in the condition you found it.

A home exchange is the perfect way to experience an area you’re considering moving to permanently. If a move is in your future, consider the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Texas Homesites will show you land for sale in master planned communities with luxurious amenities. Begin custom building on a home site nestled in the rolling Texas hills. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Canyon Lake, Texas is conveniently located 40 miles north of San Antonio and 25 miles west of New Braunfels and San Marcos. A Texas Hill Country treasure, this small town is known for the lake that shares its name. The lake boasts a surface area of 8,230 acres and 80 miles of shoreline. Here are some of the many activities available at Canyon Lake.

Stay at The Lodge at Turkey Cove: This waterfront lodge has amazing views of Canyon Lake and 2.5 acres of water frontage with direct access to the lake. From May through September, the Lodge offers excursion packages that include wine tasting, river tubing, canoeing and kayaking on the lake, fishing, sight-seeing, and a cowboy bonfire! It’s perfect for group events or a relaxing weekend getaway.

See the Gorge: Take a tour of the Canyon Lake Gorge and witness the power of water. See dramatic vistas, lagoons, waterfalls, dinosaur tracks estimated to be 110 million years old, and the hydraulic dynamics of Glen Rose Limestone. For safety purposes, the Gorge is only open to guided tours.

Go boating: Launch your own or rent a boat and explore Canyon Lake’s 80 miles of shoreline and thousands of acres of crystal-clear water. If you’re hungry, dock near Lucky Sailor Oyster Bar. This lakeside restaurant sits near a 400-slip marina and will deliver food dockside.

Hike or bike: If you want to see the beauty of Canyon Lake up close, grab a stick (or a bike) and discover the trails around Canyon Lake. Some trails cross Canyon Dam, some wind along the path of Guadalupe River, and some line the lake’s shoreline.

If you’re considering the Texas Hill Country for more than a vacation, let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. Land prices might surprise you, and the scenic home sites available in master-planned communities throughout the Hill Country will exceed your expectations. Begin reaping the rewards of owning land today. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

A small town with an intriguing name, here’s what you need to know about Boerne, Texas.

By the numbers: Boerne sits 30 miles northwest of San Antonio and has a population of around 10,000. The city covers a total of 6.1 square miles. Statistically, Boerne is grouped with the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area.

Namesake: The town’s name honors Ludwig Boerne, a German author and publicist. He inspired many young men to leave Germany for America during the 1840s. Ludwig Boerne was part of the German Freethinker movement, which had no religion, and thus churches were not permitted in the city for many years. In 1860, a man named George Kendall wanted to build a Catholic church to honor his wife. He was forced to build south of town, outside the city limits. St. Peter’s Church now stands on Main Street, within Boerne’s present-day city limits.

Attractions: For a small town, Boerne packs a big punch when it comes to things to do and see. A short list includes the Agricultural Heritage Museum, Cascade Caverns, Cave without a Name, Cibolo Nature Center, Enchanted Springs Ranch, and Joshua Creek Ranch.

Legal notes: Interestingly, Boerne was named in a legal case that was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court: City of Boerne v. Flores. The then-Catholic Archbishop of San Antonio, Patrick Flores, applied for a building permit to enlarge his church in Boerne. The 1923 mission-style church was located in a historic district, and his permit was denied. In his suit, Flores argued that under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, he had the right to enlarge his church building. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately sided with the city of Boerne, striking down the 1993 act Flores had cited as cause to expand the church building as unconstitutional.

Boerne is one of many Texas Hill Country towns to consider if you’re looking to buy land in Texas. Texas Homesites can show you land for sale in Texas in pristine, master-planned communities. Custom build a home in the serenity of the Hill Country, and enjoy big city amenities just a short drive away. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

A city that grew and developed alongside the university for which it is named, College Station, Texas is a wonderful place to call home. Here is a brief history of the unique Texas town.

College Station’s beginning is inextricably tied to the founding of Texas’ first institution of higher education, Texas A&M, in 1876. The campus quickly became the community’s focal point, and the U.S. Postal Service named the area “College Station” in 1877.

In 1930, the community just north of College Station (known then as North Oakwood) was incorporated as part of the city of Bryan. College Station continued to grow, and in 1938 the citizens voted to incorporate the city. John H. Binney served as College Station’s first mayor. The first city council meeting was held on February 25, 1939 in the Administration Building on the Texas A&M campus.

In 1942, Ernest Langford, known to many as the “father of College Station,” began a 26-year stint as mayor of College Station. Following World War II, the College Station population continued to grow, with the non-student population reaching almost 8,000 by 1950.

The city owes its name, and its existence, to Texas A&M’s location along a railroad. Today, the College Station-Bryan area is the sixteenth-largest metropolitan area in Texas, with a population of about 203,000 people. Estimates predict the Bryan-College Station population will reach approximately 260,000 by the year 2030.

The secret is out, and new land buyers are increasingly considering the Bryan-College Station area as the perfect spot to build their dream home in Texas. Texas Homesites can show you land for sale in the master-planned communities like King Oaks. Only four miles from Bryan-College Station’s many amenities, King Oaks offers serene one- to three-acre home sites. For more information on the Texas real estate market, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

With so much to see and do in Texas, it’s easy to overlook some of the Lone Star State’s natural wonders. Located in the Hill Country town of New Braunfels, Natural Bridge Caverns should top your list of must-see places in Texas.

Discovery and excavation: Discovered in March of 1960 by students from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, the caverns were excavated shortly thereafter. During development, arrowheads and spearheads dating from 5,000 B.C. were found. Workers discovered a jawbone and femur belonging to a black bear species that went extinct over 8,000 years ago near the front entrance. On July 3, 1964, the caverns opened to the public. In 1971, Natural Bridge Caverns became a registered United States National Natural Landmark.

Tour the Caverns: There are numerous tours offered at the Caverns. The Discovery Tour, the original and most popular tour, takes visitors through a half-mile of the largest and most spectacular cavern in Texas. You’ll walk 180 feet below ground while a tour guide educates you on the details of your surroundings. Other great tours include the Hidden Passages Tour and the Lantern Tour. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Mining Company and Rock Shop where you can pan for treasure!

For years, the natural wonders of Texas have lured explorers and people interested in staking a claim to a piece of Texas land. New land buyers continue to flock to Texas, and ample land is available in Texas Hill Country. Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. You can begin custom building a home in a tranquil setting that’s a convenient drive to numerous big city amenities. For information on available land in Texas, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

If you’re unfamiliar with Enchanted Rock, keep reading for information about this natural wonder located in the heart of beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Technically speaking: A geologist would tell you that Enchanted Rock is a large, pink granite pluton rock formation located in the Llano Uplift, which is about 15 miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas. The granite dome is visible for miles since it stands well above the surrounding plain. It’s 1,825 feet above sea level and covers 640 acres. It’s one of the largest batholiths (an underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the U.S.

Enchanted history: Local Indian tribes’ folklore ascribes magical powers to the rock and that’s how it came to be called ‘Enchanted’ Rock. Indians attempted to hide from Anglo settlers by climbing to the top two tiers of the rock, where they were invisible to anyone on the ground below. The Tonkawa Indians, who lived in the area in the sixteenth century, believed that ghost fires raged at the top of the dome, and claimed they heard groaning noises from the dome’s uppermost regions. Geologists believe the ‘groaning’ sounds were caused by the rock contracting after being exposed to the hot Texas sun all day.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: In 1970, Enchanted Rock was designated a National Natural Landmark, and in 1984 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park covers 1,642 acres and facilities include restrooms with showers, picnic tables with fire-rings or grills, and walk-in sites with tent pads. There are no facilities to accommodate any type of vehicular camping. Visitors to the park enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, rock climbing, bird watching, and star gazing.

Enchanted Rock is just one of the many unique and beautiful features of the Texas landscape. An abundance of recreational land is one of the many reasons to live in Texas. Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas, and you can begin custom building a home in scenic Texas Hill Country. For more information, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Texas Hill Country is famous for its wineries, and the Messina Hof Winery is one stop on the Texas Wine Trail you don’t want to miss.

Origins: Located in Bryan, Texas, Messina Hof was established in 1977 by a married couple, Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo. Paul’s family traced its roots to Messina, Italy, while Merrill’s family is from Hof, Germany.

Wine: Messina Hof boasts several award-winning wines. You can order them online, but for an authentic experience, you should visit the vineyard. They will bottle your favorite and even create a private label for your special event. It’s the perfect way to personalize a gift or say ‘thank you’ to someone.

The Wine Bar: The newest addition to Messina Hof, this is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day and sample over 50 varieties of wine. The bar offers appetizers to compliment the wine. The intimate atmosphere is perfect for date night.

Dine: Fine dining is available at the Vintage House, located on the premises. Every dish incorporates an award-winning wine, and the menu selections change quarterly. Enjoy delicious cuisine and sip your wine as you gaze across the beautiful vineyards.

Relax: The Villa Bed and Breakfast at Messina Hof boasts 10 well-appointed rooms decorated with antiques. Included with your stay is a tour of the winery, wine tasting, an evening wine and cheese reception in the Wine Bar, and a champagne breakfast. Spa services are available, including massages in the comfort of your room. Book your stay today and spend a weekend in pampered luxury in beautiful Texas Hill Country.

If you’re looking to buy land in Texas Hill Country, Texas Homesites is an excellent resource. Let us help you navigate the Texas real estate market and show you your options. If vineyard living appeals to you, we can show you home sites in beautiful master-planned communities along the Texas Wine Trail, such as Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard. Find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Reasons to live in Texas are innumerable with the weather being a frequent reason mentioned by locals and visitors alike. Texas's climate varies widely from arid in the west to humid in the east. Texas weather can be just as diverse as the state itself. The eastern half of Texas is generally humid subtropical, with the western half considered to be semi-arid.

Temperature

The average temperature in August throughout most of Texas is in the mid-80s with some cities experiencing temperatures in the 90s. Humidity can be a challenge, but you can find Texas real estate in rolling hills and natural lakes to provide a cool breeze on a hot Texas day in August.

Rainfall

The western part of Texas has an average of 8 to 16 inches of rainfall per year, with Eastern Texas receiving from 32 to 48 inches and the Texas heartland getting from 16 to 32 inches of annual rainfall. Rain is usually scarce in August throughout most of Texas, with the heartland receiving the most rainfall during a typical August.

Northern Plains

The Northern Plains' climate is semi-arid. August is characterized by mostly clear days. Temperatures drop off at night along with the humidity. High winds and summer storms are possible in August, but most of the time pleasant, picturesque mid-summer days abound.

Trans Pecos Region

The Trans-Pecos region, also called Big Bend Country, consists of isolated mountain ranges and the Chihuahuan Desert. Canyons and valleys can be windy, but are a welcome relief to a hot August day.

Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country or Central Texas is populated by rivers and hills. The climate is considered to be humid subtropical with hot August days. The rolling hills usually keep humidity in check.

Piney Woods

The Piney Woods consist of the eastern region of Texas and is characterized by a humid, subtropical climate. The area is prone to severe thunderstorms with high humidity during the dog days of summer. August can be hot and humid, but area lakes provide relief.

South

Semi-arid ranch country and the wetter Rio Grande Valley make up the region known as South Texas. The Gulf of Mexico keeps temperatures warm throughout most of the year, including August. Summers are hot and humid, but rain frequently cools things off.

Texas Homesites is your source for Texas land regardless of season. Visit us online for more information on affordable Texas land or see what others are saying about us on Facebook and Twitter.

A major reason for retiring in Texas is golf. Golfing communities in Texas can be found throughout the state. A big perk to retiring on a golf course is the proximity to restaurants, shops and other local amenities. The biggest perk, of course, is the love of the game, which originated in medieval Europe. Golf resorts often include several full golf courses, making which golf course to play the day's only decision.

Affordable Living

You might be surprised at how affordable Texas land on a golf course really is. A lot of recreational land in Texas is available at reasonable prices. Custom building a home on a golf course can be a wise choice financially, but is also a great way to enjoy a recreational lifestyle in an area rich with amenities and the pleasures of life that come with retirement. Local land tax benefits are another plus.

Love of Golf

Obviously, if you are going to live on a golf course when you retire, you should have a deep appreciation of the sport. Many golfing communities in Texas offer special deals or perks for members and residents. These may include privileges such as special hours for private games with your guests.

Supportive Community

Golfing communities in Texas tend to be close knit since everybody there shares a similar interest. Many such communities include special events throughout the year. Community spirit is not hard to find in Texas and is surely in abundance for those living on a golf course.

Comfortable Surroundings

You will be hard pressed to find a better view than on a golf course. The grass is always well manicured and the view is always spectacular. Those choosing to retire with a home on a golf course will find plenty of time to take in the beauty of the natural Texas surroundings from a picturesque sunrise to a soothing sunset.

Texas Homesites is your choice for Texas land from Texas Hill Country to golfing communities in Texas. Visit us online or see what your friends are saying about us on Facebook and Twitter.

• Land is the investment vehicle of choice for 2008 and 2009.
• According to the USDA, there are 2.2 billion acres in the United States. Of the total amount of land, 1.6 billion acres can be bought and sold.
• 97% of the United States is designated as rural land

What the experts are saying In yet another blog post I read on LandThink.com, “The demand for land will continue to be strong in the next few years especially compared to other forms of real estate. In fact, the major media is reporting a strong, positive message in recent articles about land.”

The article went on to site the several recent media stories about the reasons to buy land now. Below are some of those compelling sources:

LANDFLIP.com conducted a poll asking “When are you likely to purchase land? 73% responded said they plan to purchase land in the next 12 months!”

New York Times article claims, “The real estate market may have cooled, but investor demand may soon be heating up for at least one type of property: land. The time is ripe to start looking; I haven’t seen this market in 20 years.”

Bloomberg.com claims, “Farmland is having its biggest revival in almost 30 years as demand for corn and soybeans from Asia and the ethanol industry drive commodity prices to record highs. From Iowa to South Dakota to Wyoming, gains in rural land prices have ranged from 78 percent to more than 200 percent.”

New York Times again predicts, “‘Farm values probably will rise at an annual rate of 6 percent to 10 percent in the next five years,’ said Murray Wise, of Westchester Group Inc. manager of $550 million of global farm tracts. In comparison, the median U.S. home is forecast to gain 1.2 percent through 2010, the Mortgage Bankers Association in Washington said.”

DailyWealth.com said “Timberland has actually beaten the stock market since 1960 (as far back as data goes). Stocks did extremely well in that time… up nearly 12% a year. But the total return on timberland was even better, at nearly 14%. Another nice thing is timber is completely uncorrelated to the stock market. It makes sense… the trees have never heard of the Nasdaq bubble… and they don’t know what a War on Terror is.”

Smart Money Magazine recently posed the question of “What To Do With $100,000?” And the conclusion was to “put money into real estate — yes, even now. With all the Sturm und Drang over the housing market, it's easy to forget that real estate still presents the opportunity to purchase a valuable asset for what amounts to pennies on the dollar, greatly magnifying the return on investment.”

The article went on to say, “There's another way to sidestep the volatility of the housing market: Forget about a house, and buy land. As the old saying goes, they aren't making any more of it. The house is what deteriorates over time. It's the land that appreciates," says Morris Davis, a real estate professor at the University of Wisconsin who has studied land values.

ABC News recently featured Donald Trump where he spoke about the current market. He claims that “there has never been a better time to buy, and smart buyers can use this to their advantage by pursuing real estate in prime locations at reduced prices.”

The Land Report cites in a recent survey of potential buyers that of their subscribers, “64 percent plan on buying/selling land in the next 5 years. And that 53 percent purchased land in the last 5 years.

All these expert opinions lead to one conclusion. It's simple - now is the time to buy land.

[Source: http://www.whybuylandnow.com/2009/06/land-factsland-facts/]