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The City of Bee Cave

Bee Cave, Texas was incorporated as the Village of Bee Cave in 1987 and later changed in 2006 to the City of Bee Cave. This quaint little town has grown significantly over the past 27 years, but the residents and government officials have continued to guard the true heart of the area.

As of 2013, the number of the City of Bee Cave residents had grown to 5,125. Additionally, the City of Bee Cave has developed from a two-square mile area with 8,800 acres of extraterritorial jurisdiction to having annexed 236.9 acres of the extraterritorial jurisdiction into the city incrementally by February 2014.

With all of this in mind, progress continues in this once small town, but the values stay very much the same. In fact, according to a recent survey, residents declared the following:

  • Desire for small town, Hill Country atmosphere
  • Averse to additional dense residential development
  • Averse to big box retail and car dealerships
  • Traffic congestion of paramount concern
  • Desire for better pedestrian/bike connectivity
  • Desire for enhancement of parks facilities
  • No item for which majority willing to pay more taxes

The City of Bee Cave has so much to provide residents and visitors. Between the hill country backdrop, gorgeous Texas landscape and the plethora of restaurants and shopping, the City of Bee Cave offers everyone a piece of the comfortable and laid-back atmosphere.

So, what can we do to help make sure the community matures into something we can all enjoy?

  1. Keep up with what is happening in the community.
  2. Go to city planning meetings.
  3. Vote when the opportunity arises.

Progress always has its pro’s and con’s, along with a few growing pains along the way. However, the City of Bee Cave and residents seem to be committed to preserving the quaint, little town character from long ago.

If you are interested in discovering more about Bee Cave, Texas or are interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Homebuilder Questions

New communities pop up throughout the Austin area on a regular basis with homebuilders ranging from national brands to exclusive luxury builders. I would love to say that all homebuilders are created equal and that they are all honest and ethical, but we all know we might find a few scoundrels in the mix.

It is critical to understand the process and know the right questions to ask when signing on the dotted line for a new home. This protects you in one of the largest purchases you will ever make.

First of all, having a Realtor® is a huge benefit. Why do you ask? Well, it’s because Realtors® can represent you and all of your interests where a homebuilder represents themselves and is looking out for themselves first and you second.

Additionally, Realtors® already know the transaction and building process and can pass this expertise along to you.

I would like to share with you a list of questions buyers should ask their homebuilders before signing and executing the contract. They include:

  1. What business entity or individual will appear on the purchase contract as the homebuilder? Who is this business entity?
  2. Who owns the lot upon which the residence will be built?
  3. Who owns the title company that the Seller (who presumably is the builder) is insisting upon using? How much business does that Seller/Builder give the title company?
  4. What is the relationship of the business entities the homebuilder owns or manages to specialty independent contractors he urges the buyer to use; i.e. custom pools, tennis courts, home entertainment centers, etc.?
  5. Where relevant, who owns the third party financing agent the Seller (who presumably is the builder) is insisting the buyer use?
  6. If the buyer wants any upgrades or allowances tied to an earnest money or other payment in advance of closing, what happens if closing does not occur?
  7. Under what terms and conditions can the Seller/ Builder refuse to close?
  8. If a warranty or assurance is promised, who is issuing it and what does it actually cover?

These are just a few of the many questions that I would ask during the negotiation process if you chose me to represent you in a new home purchase. Once the purchase contract was signed, I then would be on top of the transaction from start to finish.

Don’t be overwhelmed with the questions and process. Let me help with the details! It’s hard enough just to pick out the right paint, cabinets or flooring!!!

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2304 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com! It would be an honor to earn your business!

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Wes Peoples

Bisset Photo.frontMy listing at 111 Bisset Court in the Bluffs at Rough Hollow, built by Wes Peoples Homes, is one of my favorites because of its intricate design and architecture.

So, you can imagine my delight when I saw that Wes Peoples, the founder and president of Wes Peoples Homes, had been profiled by the Austin Business Journal this past week.

The article covered his over 35-year career, his favorite things like music and books, along with his extensive community involvement. Overall, it was a fabulous read and a great way to get to know one of the best custom builders in the Austin area.

Founded in 2011, Wes Peoples Homes builds luxurious homes in carefully selected sites in the Austin area from lakeside estates around Lake Travis to condominiums in downtown Austin.   The homes he builds are technologically savvy, exquisitely designed, environmentally conscious and energy efficient.

Currently Wes Peoples Homes is building in the Bluffs at Rough Hollow off of Highway 71, Boulevard at Lakeway, Edgewick in downtown Austin, Teravista between Round Rock and Georgetown and Shady Hollow in South Austin. Additionally, Wes Peoples Homes is planning to build in River Place, Crystal Falls, Rancho Sienna and 404 West Alpine in downtown.

I encourage you to read the Austin Business Journal article to find out more about Wes Peoples and who the man is behind the builder. You can find it at Austin Business Journal/Wes Peoples Article.

111 Bisset Court is also a great way to see the quality workmanship, elaborate details and high-function design of Wes Peoples Homes. 111 Bisset Court is a 3437 square foot, one-story, four bedroom and three bathroom home situated on the 1800-acre community of Bluffs at Rough Hollow with oversized lots, stone exteriors, tile roofs and glass & wrought iron front doors.

Other home amenities include:

  • Bosch microwave & dishwasher
  • Wolf gas cooktop/oven
  • Rinnai tankless water heaters
  • Blown-in cellulose wall and attic insulation (100% post-consumer material)
  • Energy efficient Low E3 vinyl windows with bronze exterior frames to match façade and clay interior frames to accent interior finishes
  • Upgraded granite & Silestone countertops throughout
  • Upgraded all-wood custom cabinetry
  • Hand-trowel drywall finish on all interior walls (excluding garages) and orange peel finish on all interior ceilings (excluding garages)
  • 3Ž4” (nominal) 3-coat stucco system with sand-finish texture
  • 50 year tile roof systems (barrel & flat tile)

If you or someone you know is interested in 111 Bisset Court or in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or at austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Marble Falls Lakefest

The 23rd Annual Marble Falls LakeFest Drag Boat Race is this weekend, August 8-10, on Lake Marble Falls. This three-day boat race festival takes place in Lakeside and Johnson Parks at 307 Buena Vista Drive with the main gate located at the corner of Main Street and Buena Vista Street in Marble Falls.

The boat drag race, which is similar to those of land drag racing, is an acceleration race over a quarter-mile between two high performance race boats. This particular Marble Falls Lakefest includes over 100 boats, three days of racing, and will pay out over $100,000 in prize money to winners. Additionally, boats can reach astonishing speeds of over 260 miles per hour during the races.

Each day, gates open at 7 a.m. with testing and tuning on Friday, qualifying races on Saturday and final races with an award ceremony on Sunday. Friday night will end with a concert by the Luke Williams Band and Saturday will end with a concert by Deacon Willie.

During the Lakefest weekend, attendees will also find a large selection of food, drinks, merchandise, crafts, vendors and much more at Johnson Park between the main gate and spectator area.

Seating is on a first come-first serve basis and tickets can be purchased at www.marblefallslakefest.com or by phone at 800-759-8178. Prices include:

  • Friday: $5
  • Saturday: $20
  • Sunday: $20
  • 3-Day: $40
  • Kids (Ages 6-12): $5 per day
  • Kids under 6: FREE

Event parking is along side streets and in the lot at the corner of Main Street and Yett Street.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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13411 White Tail Trail (MLS#7599174)

930A8364_5_6_fusedEscape the city life and unwind amid the abundant trees and Texas Hill Country landscape at 13411 White Tail Trail in Austin, Texas between Oak Hill and Dripping Springs.

Listed for $390,000, this ranch-style, one-story home sits on over 3.5 acres to explore and enjoy the native countryside. Wildlife abounds in this natural setting with deer, birds and a wet weather creek that runs along the back of the property.

13411 White Tail Trail is not located in a homeowner’s association; therefore, restrictions are at a minimum for this secluded country home. On the property you will find a lovely gate at the entrance with a partial fence, a side-entry garage, a workshop and storage shed.

930A8396_7_8_fusedThe home and acreage are perfect for an outdoor lover and someone who wants to be at one with nature, but close to the amenities of a metropolitan area!

Moreover, the possibilities are endless with the open floor plan of the three bedroom and two bathroom home that was built in 1985. 13411 White Tail Trail is complete with many windows for natural lighting, high ceilings with wood beams and flooring that includes wood, marble and carpet.

The house boasts a large great room in the center of the home has a fireplace with built-in cabinetry flanking one side. Additionally, the master bedroom includes a fireplace to add to the relaxing ambiance in a country setting.

Along with the master bedroom, the master suite includes a large bathroom with a sizeable walk-in closet, garden tub, separate shower, and two vanities. One vanity includes two sinks and the other has a large countertop that allows for many purposes.

13411 White Tail Trail is 2263 square feet per an appraiser and includes a formal dining room at the front of the home, a breakfast area that sits along a bay window overlooking the backyard, and a fantastic kitchen, which is outfitted with a large island with an electric cooktop, built-in oven and microwave, many cabinets and loads of counter space.

Residents of 13411 White Tail Trail are within the Austin Independent School District and attend Oak Hill Elementary, Small Middle School and Bowie High School. Utilities include septic, well and electric.

If you are interested in this home or any other real estate opportunities in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.