Date Archives: December 2021

As one of the fastest-growing areas in Texas, Williamson County offers many perks for residents. With a variety of new businesses, retail stores, and housing developments springing up, our real estate agents are seeing homebuyers rushing to Williamson County for a place to call home.

If you're looking for abundant job opportunities, great schools, and an affordable cost of living, take a closer look at Georgetown homes for sale in Williamson County. You'll find a comfortable lifestyle in a small-town community surrounded by natural beauty and resources. If you're considering a move, you'll be impressed with everything Williamson County has to offer.

1. A Growing Economy
   In 2019, Georgetown was named the 7th fastest growing city in the United States. Since then, the city's economy has flourished with the growth of new businesses and homes, malls and shopping centers, restaurants, and movie theaters. Georgetown residents have great job opportunities with Williamson County Government offices, the City of Georgetown, the Georgetown Independent School District, Southwestern University, and St. David's Georgetown Hospital.
   
   
2. Convenient Transportation
   Williamson County is home to major cities like Austin, Georgetown, Lexington, and Round Rock. Interstate 35, as well as 3 State Highways, provide convenient transportation by car to numerous nearby destinations. Public transit operates an inter-urban bus route between Georgetown and Austin that runs Monday through Friday two times each day. There is also a Metro Rail and Super Shuttle Service that services a variety of destinations.
   
   
3. Low Crime Rates
   Williamson County is in the 89th percentile for safety, meaning only 11% of Texas counties are safer. Most area crimes include vandalism and property crimes that occur in business and industrial areas. Violent crimes are rare in Georgetown and nearby cities, with crime rates lower than 1%, far below the national average.
   
   
4. Historic Neighborhoods
   If you're looking for a home in Georgetown, you'll find beautiful historic neighborhoods with Victorian architecture and old-world charm. Typical downtown Georgetown buildings on "The Square" are part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation dedicated to protecting the city's architectural heritage that dates back to the early 1900s. Recently named one of the best places to purchase a historic home, Georgetown currently has three National Register Historic Districts.
   
   
5. Prestigious Schools
   Georgetown is home to a variety of prestigious schools. Founded in 1875, Southwestern University is the oldest liberal arts college in Texas. With a private, four-year undergraduate program, Southwestern offers 40 bachelor's degrees in the arts and fine arts, music, sciences, and professional programs. Georgetown elementary and high schools are part of the Georgetown Independent School District. Georgetown High School is a National Blue Ribbon Award school where the majority of graduates enroll in college.
   
   
6. Community Activities
   Williamson County is home to wonderful community activities for people of all ages. Favorite outdoor destinations for camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming include:

• • Blue Hole Regional Park

  • Buescher State Park

  • Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park

  • Horseshoe Bay

  • Lake Georgetown

  • Lake Victor

  • Plumb Creek RV Campground

7. Scenic Natural Beauty
   ​​​​​​​Georgetown and surrounding areas in Central Texas are characterized by long, hot summers and cool, mild winters. Williamson County residents enjoy year-round natural beauty with abundant wildlife, green landscapes, and seasonal blooms. Georgetown's annual Red Poppy Festival celebrates the red poppy season in April, when red poppies flourish naturally. In Round Rock, the official daffodil capital of Texas, fields of daffodils can be seen in rural landscapes and along highways for miles.

For more information on homes for sale in Williamson County, contact us to view available properties and prices in desired areas.

Have you left some of your holiday shopping until the last minute? You're not alone! Life gets busy this time of year, and sometimes the holidays arrive sooner than you think. Thankfully, Round Rock is home to plenty of local businesses where you can find unique and useful gifts for everyone on your list. Here are a few local shops our real estate agents recommend for your last-minute shopping.

• The Mercantile on Main: 109 E. Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
  The Mercantile on Main is a boutique gift shop that carries many different products, from candles to coffee mugs. Most items are made by local artisans and businesses. This is a great shop to visit for stocking stuffers and small items, as they have a great collection of dip mixes, sauces, natural cosmetics, and jewelry.
  
  If you're shipping gifts to someone out of town, The Mercantile on Main offers lots of unique, Texas-themed items. A coffee mug that says "Round Rock, Texas" will make most anyone smile. 
  
  
• Mays Street Boutique: 2001 N. Mays Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
  Mays Street Boutique is a great shop to visit for clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home decor. They have a great selection of loungewear, maxi dresses, and flannels. If your recipient is trying to decorate a home, this is the place to go for unique wall art and decor.
  
  This boutique carries Bridgewater items in the best-selling scent, Sweet Grace. With notes of passion fruit and sparkling tea, it's a scent anyone on your list is sure to love. They carry car air fresheners, sachets, room sprays, bath bombs, and more.
  
  
• 3 Star Candy Shop: 113 E. Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
  Who doesn't love candy? As a locally-owned candy store, 3 Star Candy Shop is the perfect place to stop for last-minute holiday gifts. They carry more than 500 types of sweets including chocolates, hard candies, retro candies, and sour treats.
  
  In addition to candy, this shop sells 49 different types of root beer and 17 different cream sodas. An assortment of small-brand sodas would make a lovely gift for someone with a sweet tooth. Make sure you pick up something sweet for yourself while you're there, too.
  
  
• The Bell Collection: 214 N. Lampasas Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
  Take a break from looking at Round Rock homes for sale, and stop by The Bell Collection to do some holiday shopping. This local store sells unique jewelry for everyone on your list. They offer bell pendants, bracelets, earrings, and more.
  
  The Bell Collection is also known for its jewelry gift sets. The sets come with a sterling silver necklace chain, a polishing cloth, and a uniquely crafted bell pendant made in Italy.
  
  
• Rhae: 306 W. Main Street, Suite 11, Round Rock, TX 78664
  Rhae is a boutique apparel store specializing in size-inclusive styles. They carry a lovely assortment of apparel for women of all sizes, and they also have a good selection of beauty items, home decor, and accessories.
  
  Rhae is a great place to pick up a few holiday ornaments or some holiday cards. The lip balms and bronzers from Glam & Grace make wonderful stocking stuffers.

Round Rock is lucky to have so many wonderful, locally-owned shops to provide last-minute holiday gifts. This is one reason so many people love living here! If you're thinking about moving, please contact us to learn more about our real estate services.

Giving back is one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays. Join our real estate agents in showing gratitude this holiday season with a donation of time or money to one or more of these worthy causes around Central Texas.

• Meals on Wheels of Williamson & Burnet Counties - Alan R. Baca Senior Center, 301 W. Bagdad, Bldg. 2, Round Rock, TX 78665 
  Help make the holidays festive for seniors and disabled adults near Round Rock homes for sale. Contribute to or volunteer for Meals on Wheels of Williamson & Burnet Counties, which delivers nearly a quarter of a million meals each year. In addition to providing nutritious dining, volunteers with Meals on Wheels offer opportunities for social engagement to people who are restricted to their own homes.
  
  
• Round Rock Area Serving Center - 1099 E. Main St., Round Rock, TX 78664
  Do you want to contribute time or money, but you're not sure what would be your best fit? Round Rock Area Serving Center is a multipurpose resource with a mission to give "a helping hand for neighbors and food for the hungry." Opportunities include working in their on-site thrift shop or food pantry, or you can conduct your own food drive or other charitable function. Drop off donations of money or food between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  
  
• Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter - 1855 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown, TX 78626
  Our four-legged friends also need some holiday love. The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is the only organization dedicated to rescuing lost and abandoned animals around Georgetown homes for sale. This year, the shelter is in need of volunteers more than ever. The minimum age is 12, so families can spend quality time together caring for rescued dogs and cats. You may even find yourself taking home a new member! Shelter hours are noon - 6 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Habitat for Humanity - 2108 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626
  For many disadvantaged families, a home of their own can feel like an unattainable dream. Help these families find stability and security by supporting Habitat for Humanity. This iconic organization works to create affordable housing for everyone. No experience is required to work in the field building homes. You can also work at or shop in ReStore, their home improvement store with deeply discounted building materials, furniture, appliances, and decor. Office hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., while ReStore is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
  
  
• Senior Access - 2498 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78665
  Aging happens to everyone, but it doesn't have to mean a loss of independence. Senior Access allows seniors to maintain their own homes by providing transportation via volunteer drivers. Their Senior Buddy program pairs clients with volunteers who run errands, make weekly check-in calls and add some much-needed social interaction. Consider giving a monetary donation or volunteering. 

Want to be a part of the amazing community around Round Rock and Central Texas? Contact us at RE/MAX Capital City for knowledgeable help buying or selling a home. 

December is here, and cooler winter weather is just around the corner. It's the perfect time to check off some of the home maintenance tasks on your to-do list.

Follow these tips from our real estate agents to get your home ready for the winter season. 

• Give Your Entire Home a Deep Dusting
  Since you'll be spending more time inside, hosting holiday gatherings, and running your furnace more frequently, it's time to rid your home of pesky dust. You don't want your furnace kicking dust around, and a clean, dust-free home is an inviting space to spend your time. Vacuum all your surfaces, including your light switches, baseboards, light fixtures, lamps, heating vents, and lampshades, using your vacuum's hose and a horsehair brush. Then, go over the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust particles. 

• Check Your Lights
  With daylight hours in short supply, it's important to check that all your interior and exterior lights are working properly. A well-lit home is also important if you plan to add your home to the list of Georgetown homes for sale. Replace any lightbulbs that have burnt out or that don't properly brighten the space. See that you have ample lighting outside to illuminate your walkways and driveway in the dark. If you do need more lighting, consider adding motion-activated lights or solar landscaping lights. 

• Clean Your Range Hood
  Now is the time to prepare your range for all your winter and holiday cooking. Your range hood directs odors and fumes out of your home; to do so effectively, it needs to be clean. Remove your range's filter and put it in the sink. Then, spray it with a degreasing cleaner and let it soak for a few minutes. Rinse the filter with warm water. Repeat the process if there's any grease remaining. Clean the rest of your range hood by spraying it with a degreasing cleaner and wiping it down with paper towels. 

• Check the Insulation in Your Attic
  Inadequate attic insulation means that you're spending more on your heating bills than you need to. If your attic is missing insulation, doesn't have it in enough spots, or doesn't have it in the right areas, this will allow your home's warm, toasty air to escape. Fix any deficiencies in your attic's insulation to keep your energy costs under control. 

• Set Up Smart Plugs
  If you're away from home for extended hours or have a holiday trip planned, it's important to give the appearance of an occupied home. Occupied homes serve as a deterrent to potential thieves. You can use smart plugs to program your lamps and task lighting to turn on and off automatically. Or, swap some of your lightbulbs in your overhead light fixtures for smart bulbs that you can program to automatically turn on at a specific time each day. 

• Repair Cracks or Holes in Your Home's Exterior
  Inspect your home's exterior for any cracks, holes, or damaged areas that allow animals to enter your home. It's much easier to keep animals out than it is to get rid of them once they've taken up residency in your home. You can caulk small cracks and holes. Larger areas of damage will need to be repaired with a patching compound. 

Are you interested in putting your home on the market this winter? Contact us today!