Texas Land Buying Guide Provided by
Texas Homesites
Table of Contents
Introduction Advantages of Buying Land in Texas Tips on Buying Land in Texas Reasons to Live in Texas Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake King Oaks The Reserve at Sugar Tree Conclusion
3 4-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13 14-15 16-17 18
Introduction
Introduction Southstar Communities is the premier master-planned community developer in the United States. Southstar Communities has been developing land since 1966, selling dream homesites to more than 55,000 families. Currently, Southstar Communities has many exclusive leisure lifestyle communities located in Texas. Texas has been a great development area for Southstar Communities, and we want to share this unique opportunity with you. While Southstar Communities has six family-friendly communities in Texas at the moment, these communities will sell out fast! So don’t miss this chance to learn more about life in Texas, and about becoming a resident of a Southstar Community.
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Advantages of Buying Land in Texas
Texas is a great place to live. Texas enjoys a stable housing market, a consistent job market, and perhaps most importantly, affordable housing. Education. Texas is blanketed with fine universities, advanced learning institutions where your children will attend and where you can further your own education. Today’s business environment demands an educated work force. With more educational opportunities readily available than in other states, Texas’ universities are constantly feeding the job market in Texas. These two systems have been working together, with highly educated employees helping to keep Texas employment opportunities steady. In fact, most of the larger cities in Texas have continued to offer constant advancement, even during the recent recession. Business. Job opportunities in Texas are abundant. For example, Texas is home to NASA, Dell, Texas Instruments and Lockheed Martin. Texas offers industries as varied as petrochemicals, aerospace, agriculture, advanced technology and manufacturing. Some companies currently hiring in New Braunfels are Petco, Allstate, and AT&T, to name just a few. Nearby Austin, Texas was recently included in the “Top 10 Metro Areas -4eBook@texaslandguide.com Phone: 800.657.6493 www.TexasHomesites.com
for Job Growth.” Perhaps best of all, Texas has no state income tax. This means that more of your money stays where it belongs: in your pocket! People. With a heritage rich in history and lore, you’ll find the people of Texas love their Lone Star State. Residents share genuine pride in Texas’ accomplishments and a bright hope for the future. For the most part, you’ll find Texans to be courteous, friendly, and hospitable. When you live in Texas, every Texan is your neighbor. There’s a unique, special quality about buying land in the South. Accessibility. While Texas may not be on either the East or West Coast, by no means does that mean it’s hard to get to—quite the contrary, in fact. Texas is home to one of the busiest airports in the country: the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Amenities. You can always find something to do in Texas, and Southstar Communities provides great resort-style amenities at all of its communities. Whether you’re visiting the twenty-two local vineyards in the Texas Hill Country surrounding Vintage Oaks, or you’re enjoying the nature trails at one of our other communities, you’ll always be able to find ways to entertain and enlighten yourself. Hospitals. Texas is home to some of the finest hospitals in the country. With several major cities and large metropolitan areas, Texas is an attractive draw for in- demand physicians. Texas is widely regarded for its scientific research contributing to advancement of the field of medicine, as well as for highly qualified surgeons and superior hospital facilities. Outdoor Activities. Texas offers a vast array of local parks, affording you outdoor opportunities of every kind, no matter your passion. Residents of our family- friendly communities can easily take advantage of Lake Texoma, Schlitterbahn, The Wonder World Park in San Marcos, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Natural Bridge Caverns, and many more activities too numerous to list. Weather. Of course, Texas is a Southern state, so it enjoys the full benefits of that distinction. While Texas summers can be hot, Texas winters are generally very mild. Moderate, pleasant winters translate into less wear and tear on homes than what you’d experience in harsher climates. Snow—and particularly ice—can wreak havoc on a home, especially on the roof and drainage systems. These are issues Texans rarely have to deal with. -5eBook@texaslandguide.com Phone: 800.657.6493 www.TexasHomesites.com
Sports. It should go without saying that Texas is the place for sports lovers. Texas is football country. We have several nationally-known universities fielding college football teams, not to mention professional football teams including the Houston Texans and the world-famous Dallas Cowboys. Texas is baseball country too, home to both the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros. But we don’t stop there. We also have professional basketball: the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks. We even have the Dallas Stars hockey team! Texas is a great place to live and to work. Whatever you do, whatever you enjoy, and whatever you’re looking for, Texas has something special to offer you. Texans are passionate about their state. Southstar Communities has several property options to help you come and discover Texas for yourself, with locations and communities in Iola, New Braunfels, Dennis, and Cedar Hill. At Southstar Communities, we design our lifestyle offerings in only the best locations. Texas’ stable housing market is just the icing on the cake. In the past few years, several stories in the media have even gone so far as to call Texas “recession proof.” There are so many reasons to love Texas, and Southstar Communities is happy to share them with you!
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Tips on Buying Land in Texas
There are many things that need to be considered when buying land in Texas. We want to provide you with some tips of what to look for when purchasing land in Texas. Visit at different times of the day. You need to see clearly how your land and the community looks both during the day and the night. What seems like a quiet neighborhood during the day may transform into a hive of noisy activity in the evening when everyone returns home. Drive around. Particularly if you’ll need to commute, it’s a great idea to drive through the neighborhood and its surrounding streets—even your entire route to work—during the same times of day that you’ll normally be doing it. Try to get a realistic picture of what kind of traffic you’ll be facing each day. Learn what’s happening. Check local Texas newspapers (and recent archives) for any proposed construction projects. It’s terrible to move into a wonderful new place you love, only to have the entire landscape marred as commercial properties you don’t want start popping up around you, or as convenient streets are rerouted. -7eBook@texaslandguide.com Phone: 800.657.6493 www.TexasHomesites.com
Get to know the Property Owners Association. Ask how active neighbors are in the association, and learn what the expectations and requirements are. The more you get to know your neighbors, the more likely they’ll be to look out for you and your family. Property Owners Associations are a great way to get to know influential neighbors, and even to get involved yourself in helping plan holiday events, block parties, and activities that will be fun for every family in the neighborhood. Each Texas Homesites Community has a their own Property Owners Association that are a vital part in the success of each community. Find out about taxes. Ask about past home reappraisal patterns and property taxes, and ask about the breakdown of Texas taxes and city taxes in the area. Many counties have websites showing tax assessments and levies. See if you can find specific information on the house and property you’re considering. Do your homework. Read reviews, use online tools, and talk to neighbors and realtors. Make sure you’re getting what you think you are. Check online for reviews about the neighborhoods, the people, the schools; check everything that matters to you. Check the surrounding area. Some homes are in what the industry refers to as “transitional” neighborhoods. Every home is sold for a reason. Make sure you know that reason. Look into zoning and building codes. Check with City Hall and your neighborhood covenants about property and neighborhood zoning issues. You need to know what restrictions your property may place on your lifestyle. For example, if you have an RV or boat you’re planning to keep somewhere on your property, you need to make sure that’s even allowed. Each Texas Homesites Community will help you with all of these concerns, and will help you find the perfect homesite. Texas Homesites encourages our prospective residents to visit several times. We want you to be absolutely certain that you’ll be pleased and comfortable in your new surroundings. We can provide you with testimonials and references from residents already living in our planned communities, but don’t just take our word for it. We encourage you to read reviews online to see what other people are saying. With Texas Homesites you’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into a lifestyle! -8eBook@texaslandguide.com Phone: 800.657.6493 www.TexasHomesites.com
Reasons to Live in Texas
Because of all the beautiful land and unique features Texas has to offer, Southstar Communities offers several planned community options here. Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard is an exclusive community in the Heart of the Texas Wine Trail. Located in New Braunfels, Texas, the community is surrounded by 22 wineries and features country club style amenities like deluxe pools, a lazy river, fitness center and miles of walking trails. Lots range from one-to-three acres starting at just $59,900. Lake Ridge is a master-planned community offering beautiful waterfront views on the shores of Joe Pool Lake. Located just 20 miles from downtown Dallas and 28 miles from Fort Worth, residents can enjoy city convenience and lakeside living at an affordable price. The community is rich with amenities including over 200 acres of parks, walking trails, fishing ponds, bike trails, a four-star golf course and nearby marina. King Oaks is an exceptionally planned community in Bryan-College Station, Texas. In Bryan-College Station, King Oaks features one-to-three-acre homesites to accommodate a range of outdoor lifestyles. Because of the region, you’ll find King Oaks to be very affordable and situated a pristine, beautiful location. -9eBook@texaslandguide.com Phone: 800.657.6493 www.TexasHomesites.com
The Reserve at SugarTree is a gorgeous wooded acreage community in Dennis, Texas. Located in central Texas for your convenience, The Reserve at SugarTree is perfect for daily commutes, family visits and weekend getaways. Right on the Brazos River, your family will find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here!
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Vintage Oaks Where: New Braunfels, Texas Price Range: Starts at $59,900 Website: www.vintageoakstexas.com
Uniqueness: Vineyard Living in the Heart of the Texas Wine Country If you’re looking to move into the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Southstar Communities’ Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard might be just the place for you. We have homesites available right now for you and your family! Vintage Oaks is an exclusive community offering its residents the finest in elegant vineyard living. Surrounded by twenty-two local Texas Wineries, Vintage Oaks is in the heart of the Texas Wine Country. There are plans in the works to begin construction on our very own Vintage Oaks Vineyard! Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard is perfect for empty nesters, families with little ones and teenagers, and even people simply looking to enjoy the peaceful life of retirement. Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard is a community featuring country club style living, deluxe pools, nature preserves, fitness centers, and many more exclusive amenities. Homesites are available beginning at just $59,000 and vary in price from there. Although we have ready-for-construction lots varying in size from one-to-three acres, we’ll never pressure you to build. The average price for a home at Vintage Oaks is around $500,000. -11eBook@texaslandguide.com Phone: 800.657.6493 www.TexasHomesites.com
Students who live at Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard attend school in the Comal Independent School District, comprised of Bill Brown Elementary and Smithson Valley High School. Vintage Oaks is located in New Braunfels, Texas, situated between San Antonio and Austin. Because we’re close to both quiet rural communities and bustling cities, you’ll always be able to find plenty to do, whether it’s outdoor activities or urban nightlife that suits your style. Vintage Oaks is also a proud participant in Operation FINALLY HOME, a program aimed to provide housing for injured Veterans. Southstar Communities partners with many other national organizations and companies to ensure Operation FINALLY HOME’s success. Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard has already provided homesites for several injured veterans and their families, and we’re looking forward to helping many more families in the future!
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Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake Where: Cedar Hill/Grand Prairie, Texas Price Range: Starts at $49,900 Website: www.lakeridge.net
Uniqueness: Superior Lake Living and City Convenience Opened in 1994, Lake Ridge at Joe Pool Lake is a master-planned community unlike any other. Lake Ridge is a community offering beautiful waterfront views. Lake Ridge is located in Cedar Hill, Texas, just 20 miles from downtown Dallas. A variety of options are available for property seekers considering a life at Lake Ridge. You can join us at either The Sanctuary at Lake Ridge or The Summit at Lake Ridge. Homesites in the Lake Ridge Communities are all surrounded by the 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake, a huge body of water offering two marinas, boating, sailing, fishing, and the Oasis Lakeside Restaurant. Also, in the center of the community you’ll find the Tangle Ridge Golf Club, which was rated as a 4-star 18-hole golf course by Golf Digest. Homesites are available up to one acre, and prices start under $50,000, with more desirable lots fetching up to $200,000. -13eBook@texaslandguide.com Phone: 800.657.6493 www.TexasHomesites.com
King Oaks Where: Iola, Texas (Bryan-College Station area) Price Range: Starts at $49,900 Website: www.kingoaks.com
Uniqueness: Resort Style Living in an Active College Town Located in Iola, Texas, just outside of Bryan-College Station, King Oaks is another exclusive Southstar Communities master-planned community in Texas. King Oaks’ proximity to a college town provides families with a relaxing, peaceful community with bountiful natural amenities. King Oaks has a variety of natural amenities which include a 60-acre nature preserve, miles of nature trails, winding creeks & a large fishing pond for residents to enjoy.
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The children who live in King Oaks attend school at the Iola Independent School District, which includes Iola Elementary, Iola Middle School, and Iola High School. With Texas A&M University just ten miles down the road, King Oaks has a pleasant, laid-back college town feel. Especially around big games, Texas A&M brings excitement to this small town. Because of TAMU, you’ll always have new exhibits, sporting events, and other fun activities that everyone in your family can enjoy! Homesites are available from one-to-three acres, and because King Oaks is still relatively undiscovered and untouched, you’ll find that its lots are still extremely affordable. These rural homesites in Texas are available starting at just $49,900.
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The Reserve at Sugar Tree Where: Dennis, Texas Price Range: Starts at $23,000 Website: www.reservetexas.com
Uniqueness: Wooded Acreage Community in Idyllic Country Setting The Reserve at Sugar Tree is a Southstar Community unlike any other. Located in Dennis, Texas, residents at The Reserve at Sugar Tree enjoy the benefits of being in the center of The Lone Star State. The Reserve at Sugar Tree is just twelve miles outside of Weatherford, Texas, and just forty miles outside of downtown Fort Worth. All Southstar Communities are designed from the ground up to cater to your personal needs, and The Reserve at Sugar Tree certainly carries on this tradition. You’ll find The Reserve at Sugar Tree offers resort-style amenities in a setting of some of the finest homesites in Texas. This Community has its very own exclusive amenities center with a swimming pool, a fitness center, and many additional benefits for its residents. To top it off,
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this master-planned community has its own Sugar Tree Golf Club. The Reserve at Sugar Tree Golf Club is a challenging 18-hole golf course, awarded a four-star rating by Golf Digest Students who live in The Reserve at Sugar Tree attend school in the highly acclaimed Brock Independent School District. Students first attend Brock Elementary, then Brock Middle School, and finish at Brock High School. Although The Reserve at Sugar Tree is situated in Dennis, Texas, we’re surrounded by great cities nearby, so you’ll always be able to find something for everybody in your family to do—whether in Fort Worth or in Weatherford. For the outdoorsman in you, we’re just 25 miles from Lake Granbury, offering plenty of outdoor activities. Homesites are available from half an acre up to three acres at prices ranging from $23,900 to $70,000. Come find your ideal rural homesite! Visit us at Southstar Communities.
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Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about all of the wonderful benefits the Lone Star State has to offer, and about our exclusive Texas Southstar Communities. Contact us today to learn more, and to find out if your dream homesite is available!
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