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        <title>Central Texas Real Estate Blog</title>
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        <description></description>
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    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/texas-property-tax-appeals.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/texas-property-tax-appeals.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Texas Property Tax Appeals</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



What to Do If You Think Your Texas Property Tax Appraisal is Unfair


Many homeowners in Central Texas have suffered from “sticker shock” when receiving their 2022 tax appraisals.  In Travis County, many properties in certain areas have appraised for up to 42-50 more than in previous years. If you as a property owner disagree with the amount that your property appraised for, it makes sense to file a dispute and have the appraisal evaluated by the Appraisal Review Board in your county. This year, the filing deadline was May 16th.


Reasons to Protest Your Texas Property Tax Appraisal


Some of the reasons a property owner in Central Texas may choose to dispute their property tax bill are if they believe that the property was unequally compared, the value proposed is too high, or exemptions were denied by the County Appraiser.


If your property was valued at more than 1 billion dollars, you may file an appeal.


How do I file an appeal?


Within 30 days of receiving your notice of the appraisal review board order, you must file a Notice of Appeal by Property Owner form with the chief appraiser of the county that you live in. The chief appraiser will then forward your appeal to The State Office of Administrative Hearings.


The costs involved for filing


A $1,500 deposit payable to the State Office of Administrative Hearings has to be paid within 90 days of receiving your appraisal review board order. This deposit includes the $300 filing fee for your appeal. If the deposit is not paid within 90 days, your appeal will be dismissed. You will not get your hearing with the SOAH. If the contested issues are resolved outside of a hearing, the deposit less the $300 filing fee will be refunded to the property owner.


The hearing will be presided over by an administrative law judge who will make the determination as to the market or appraised value of your property.


If the judge determines that the property is valued closer to the dollar amount that has been stated by the property owner in the Notice of Appeal by Property Owner, rather than the value determined by the appraisal review board, the full deposit of $1,500 will be refunded to the property owner and all expenses associated with the hearing will be paid by the appraisal district.


 In the event the judge determines that the property value is closer to the value determined by the ARB, the deposit will be kept by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. All costs of the hearing that are not covered by the $1,500 deposit will be paid by the property owner who filed the appeal. The cost will include the administrative law judge expenses including travel, $128 hourly rate and other related expenses.


If the property owner and the appraisal review board arrive at a settlement before the administrative judge makes a determination, the cost will be assessed based on the property value agreed upon and other considerations.


What to expect after a protest is submitted?




       You will get written notice of your hearing at least 15 days prior to the date it is set. This hearing will be with the chief appraiser, you and the ARB to discuss exemptions, special appraisals and objections.


       Prior to the date of the formal hearing, the property owner can request an informal hearing to try to resolve the objection.


       If you wish to appear by phone or video conference, you may do so for arguments and evidence via affidavit. You must make this request 10 days prior to the hearing. You may also appear in person or provide evidence via affidavit without appearance.


       Rulings made by the board will be sent to you through the mail or by email.


       If you disagree with the ruling, you may file an appeal with the district court or appeal the determination to a binding agreement or to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.




How to file an appeal for property tax in Central Texas


For Travis County homeowners: 




         Online protest forms can be filed at www.traviscad.org/efile.


         Forms can be mailed to PO Box 149012, Austin, Texas 78714.


         Forms can be dropped off at 850 E. Anderson Ln., Austin, Texas 78752




For Williamson County homeowners: 




         Online protest forms can be filed at wcad.org.


         Forms can be mailed or dropped off at 625 FM 1460, Georgetown, Texas 78726




For Hays County homeowners: 




         Protest forms can be submitted in the online appeals portal on hayscad.com.


         Protest forms can be emailed to protest@hayscad.com.


         Forms can be faxed to (512) 713-0563


         Forms can be mailed or delivered to 21001 N. I-35, Kyle, Texas 78640.




Before you file an appeal, be aware that there are several determining factors for achieving a successful appeal.




         Be sure to file your documents on time and that they are filled out correctly


         Be on time for your hearing


         Be familiar with the ARB hearing procedures


         Organize your information for presentation


         Stay calm and offer fact based, supported information


         Do not offer emotional arguments




If you are buying or selling a home in the Central Texas area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2022 16:34:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/who-what-and-when-of-texas-property-taxes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/who-what-and-when-of-texas-property-taxes.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Who, What, and When of Texas Property Taxes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Texas has over 4,100 local governments that assess and collect tax dollars from home and property owners that live in their jurisdictions. You pay taxes to school districts, city and county governments and probably some special districts such as water, hospital and sometimes to a junior college.


Each of these taxing units has a governing body that determines the amount of taxes they want to make their budgets and they set their own tax rates. Most of these local government entities contract with the county tax-assessor collector to collect their taxes for them.


With this information in mind, it behooves the Texas home and property owner to know where their money is going and what the budgets are for the taxing units in their local community. This will allow you to understand where the money is going and create awareness as to whether or not the money collected from you is being spent properly. It is well worth the effort to find out where to access local government budget information.


Texas Property Tax Collection Timeline


To begin to understand the journey of a tax dollar, it is useful to know the timeline for the assessment and collection process.


January 1—The appraisal district assesses property values and attach a lien to the property to compel the property tax payment.




         January 1-April 30—Appraisals are completed for the appraisal district and exemption applications are processed.


         April and May—Notices of appraised value are sent by the appraisal district.


         May-July—Appraisal Review Boards hear contested appraisals from property owners and approve appraisal records.


         August and September—Local taxing units adopt new taxing rates.


         October 1—Local taxing units or the county assessor-collector send bills to the property owners.


         January 31—Taxes are due for the previous year.


         February 1—Penalties and interest begin for unpaid taxes from the year prior to local taxing units.


         July 1— Local taxing units may be to impose additional penalties for the expenses incurred collecting unpaid taxes.




Where do property tax dollars go?


Once you pay your property tax bill, the tax collector distributes the funds to the local taxing units. These local governments apply your tax dollars to programs such as schools, public safety and health, parks and roads and other services and amenities. It is up to the taxpayers to let their local governments know what they want their money spent on and whether or not it is being spent appropriately.


Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a property owner and taxpayer is the first step in being able to advocate for yourself and your community. The following rules for Texas property taxes are set out by the Texas Constitution.




       Taxation must be equal and uniform. No single property or type of property should pay more than its fair share. The property taxes you pay are based on the value of property you own. If, for instance, your property is worth half as much as the property owned by your neighbor (after any exemptions that apply), your tax bill should be one-half of your neighbor's. This means that uniform appraisal is very important.


       Generally, all property must be taxed based on its current market value. That's the price it would sell for when both buyer and seller seek the best price and neither is under pressure to buy or sell. The Texas Constitution provides certain exceptions to this rule, such as the use of &quot;productivity values&quot; for agricultural and timberland. This means that the land is taxed based on the value of what it produces, such as crops and livestock, rather than its sale value. This lowers the tax bill for such land.


       Each property in a county must have a single appraised value. This means that the various local governments to which you pay property taxes cannot assign different values to your property; all must use the same value. This is guaranteed by the use of county appraisal districts.


       All property is taxable unless federal or state law exempts it from the tax. These exemptions may exclude all or part of your property's value from taxation.


       Property owners have a right to reasonable notice of increases in their appraised property value.




Now that we have tackled the basic nuts and bolts of Texas property taxes, we will offer information about what to do if you feel you are being taxed unfairly and how to navigate the tax system to protest being unfairly taxed. See you next week


If you are buying or selling a home in the Central Texas area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2022 18:28:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/texas-property-taxes-help.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/texas-property-taxes-help.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Texas Property Taxes Help</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



One of the hottest topics being discussed right now in the Austin area is Texas property taxes. It can be confusing and frustrating for homeowners who are trying to navigate their finances in this economy. To try to help our friends and neighbors make sense of the Texas property tax system, the Crawford Realty Group will be offering a series of informational blog posts to help us all gain a better understanding of what it is, how it works and solutions for those who need help with their property taxes. Whether you already own a home or are planning to buy a home in the Austin area, this series in for you


One thing to be aware of is that the State of Texas does not have a property tax. All taxes are determined and collected by local governments within the state. Counties, cities, school districts and special districts set budgets for providing public service and tax rates are set based on those budgets.


The first step in becoming an informed taxpayer is understanding the Texas property tax structure. This article will give you an overview of the basics of who participates and what their role is in the collection and disbursement of the money collected in tax dollars from Austin area taxpayers.


The first and most key player is you The Texas home and property owner You are the taxpayer and provide the largest financial contribution to community infrastructure and services. Without you, the roads, schools, police, fire departments and many other public services cannot exist. Texas property owners are vital to the community.


Each county has an appraisal district. It is overseen by a chief appraiser who is hired by the district’s board of directors. This board of directors is elected by local taxing units, which also fund the district with tax dollars levied in each unit. Your local appraisal district can offer information about how your property is appraised and exemptions.


Disagreements between Texas property owners and the appraisals districts about property values and tax are heard by the appraisal review board. If the population is under 120,00 the ARB is appointed by the board of directors. In larger counties, members are appointed by the local administrative district judge. Your appraisal district can tell you how to contact your ARB if you wish to dispute the appraised value of your property.


So what are taxing units? These are the community resources and services that depend on the funding that comes from property taxes. Schools, cities, counties, special districts and special interests that determine the tax rates based on the budgets they set in order to serve the public. Though local property taxes are vital to funding these budgets, some receive funds through other state and federal sources.


The county tax assessor-collector is contracted to collect property taxes in most counties in Texas. The money is then transferred to each taxing unit. The appraisal district does not levy a property tax, they may be contracted by taxing units to collect the taxes. To get information about local tax rates and local taxing unit budgets, contact the school district, special district, city or county individually and ask for the information.


The Comptroller’s office conducts a property value study every other year for individual school districts. This study is done to ensure that each school district is getting fair state funding by ensuring that the properties in the district are at or near market value. The Comptroller’s office Property Tax Assistance  Division is mainly for monitoring purposes and the PVS values set do not impact local property taxes, as those amounts are determined locally.


The Maps and Program reviews are also performed by the PTAD every two years. The four areas that are the subjects for these reviews are operating and appraisal standards, governance, procedures and methodologies and taxpayer assistance. Nearly half of all districts are reviewed annually. In the years that a district does not get a MAP review, a PVS reviewed is done.


Now that we know the entities involved with Texas Property taxes, we will explore how they figure into the journey of our tax dollars in our next installment when we discuss the timeframe and processes of property tax collection.


If you are buying or selling a home in the Central Texas area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 15 May 2022 21:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/getting-your-texas-hill-country-home-ready-for-winter.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/getting-your-texas-hill-country-home-ready-for-winter.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Getting Your Texas Hill Country Home Ready for Winter</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



As the summer months fade Into autumn, residents of the Texas Hill Country begin to prepare their homes for winter. The residents of homes in Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood, Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls and their neighbors usually enjoy a moderate climate year-round. Only half of the winter nights are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less, with an average of 12 nights between December and March having freezing temperatures. But the weather in Texas does occasionally have some pretty impressive extremes. In January of 2018 an arctic front moved through the Texas Hill Country with plenty of freezing rain, sleet, and general wintry mix that did accumulate. Fortunately, all it amounted to was a really cold week. If homeowners do not prepare their home for winter, such surprising conditions can at best cause a really high utility bill, and at worst result in cracked pipes and flooding. It is always best to winterize your home and not need it than to be on the phone with your insurance adjuster wishing you had taken a little time to prevent damage.


Lawn and Garden




Winterize your sprinkler system


Turn off faucets in-store hoses


Place Styrofoam insulators over faucets


Bring in delicate plants


Inspect trees for damage and trim


Trim back shrubs and bushes


Plant bulbs and fertilize lawn


Store outdoor furniture




Home Exterior




Inspect roof for damage


Clean gutters


Inspect chimney


Inspect bricks and siding for cracks and holes




Home Interior




Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows replaced if needed


Inspect fireplace


Insulate pipes


Replace furnace filters and have furnace inspected


Install or update programmable thermostat


Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors




Many of these things are easy to do yourself, but some may require the help of a professional. Caring for and maintaining your home for cold weather extremes is the best way to protect your investment from unforeseen and unpredictable damages.


If you are buying or selling a home in the Greater Austin area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 31 Aug 2019 10:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/take-it-out-at-the-ballgame-with-round-rock-express.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/take-it-out-at-the-ballgame-with-round-rock-express.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Take it Out at the Ballgame with Round Rock Express</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



History


The Express, a highly-valued, Triple-A minor league baseball team, has been a major part of Round Rock in recent history. The team started out in Ogden, Utah in 1979, before moving to Edmonton, Alberta two seasons later. They then played in Canada for 24 years before moving to Round Rock in 2005. In the time since their formation, they have won 11 division titles, two conference titles, and four league titles; their most recent postseason title being won in 2015. Some notable baseball figures have come out of the Round Rock Express as well, such as Roger “Rocket” Clemens, a pitcher in the MLB between 1984 and 2007 and holds the record for third-highest number of strikeouts of all time.


Hometown Proud


The Round Rock Express enjoys support from companies such as Dell, Whataburger, and US Foods, and from local entities such as St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, WGU Texas, and Lexus of Austin and Lakeway. Average attendance at a Round Rock game in 2018 is 8,738 proud baseball fans. The Round Rock Express gives back the love to the community by sponsoring a summer reading program and supports local charitable organizations at each one of their 70 home games throughout the season. For more information, contact the Round Rock Express about the Chasco Community Partnership.


Venue


The Round Rock Express play their home games at Dell Diamond, which opened in 2000, and was originally home to a Double-A minor league team of the same name. It is just a 30-minute drive north of downtown Austin, which is perfect if a Houston Astros game is just too far away. It has ample seating, with the seats in the front rows behind home plate being closer to the plate than the pitcher’s mound is. Plus, this venue is used for lots of other sporting events and concerts, and is ranked as one of the top stadiums in Minor League Baseball. The venue has also seen its fair share of screen time, being featured in Disney’s 2002 film The Rookie, an episode of Fox’s reality TV show The Simple Life, and was most recently used as a filming location for Fear the Walking Dead in late 2017 and early 2018.


Opening day this year is against Nashville Sounds on April 9th.  Check to see their schedule of upcoming game for 2019.


Game Day


If you plan on attending a game, it’s really easy to get to. From Austin, get on northbound Interstate 35 until you hit exit 253. From that exit, get on Route 79/Palm Valley Boulevard, and the stadium will be on the left in four miles. The regular season runs from April to September, and tickets are usually really cheap. You can find information about the team and their upcoming games at https://www.milb.com/round-rock. Tickets can also be purchased from that website.


If you are buying or selling a home in the Round Rock area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/waterside-dining-around-lake-travis.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/waterside-dining-around-lake-travis.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Waterside Dining Around Lake Travis</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Finding a good place to enjoy a meal on the shores of Lake Travis is not a difficult task. There are many unique eateries offering delicious food served lakeside in the Texas Hill Country. In addition to a memorable outdoor dining experience and good food, many offer live music and boat access.


The Oasis located at 6550 Comanche Trail in Austin is not only considered the sunset capital of Texas it is also the largest outdoor restaurant in the state. Viewing Texas sunsets from a cliffside vantage point  450 feet above Lake Travis, people dining at The Oasis can guarantee getting beautiful pictures. This location is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a larger party of 2500. From a quiet dinner to a corporate conference, the Oasis provides a relaxing location for many events.


Beachside Billy's at 16107 FM 2769 In Leander is a casual restaurant that specializes in steaks and fresh seafood and is known for having the best burgers on Lake Travis. Billy’s has a family-friendly atmosphere that includes ice cream for the kids. It is not only a great place to eat, but you can work up an appetite at the waterpark. There's a pirate ship themed play area with a slide included on the ship, children also enjoy the challenge of Gator's Crossing where they can leap from one float to the next to get to the other side. The Lazy Lagoon has a beautiful waterfall fountain for those who wish to cool off after basking in the sun. The thrilling Sidewinder ride is fast-paced and exciting for those with a sense of adventure./p&gt;


Ernie's Dockside 5973 Highline Road, Austin is a floating restaurant and bar on Lake Travis located at the Emerald Point Marina. It features both road and boat access and plenty of parking for both cars and watercraft. There is plenty of room to dine indoors or outdoors. The restaurant also offers live music and an outdoor bar and dance floor. Great food, drinks and music make Ernie's Dockside a very popular place to spend happy hour on the shores of Lake Travis.


Shack 512 is in Volente at 8714 Lime Creek Road. It is located adjacent to Sandy Creek Marina and offers southern cuisine in a casual outdoor venue with unbeatable views of the rolling hills and Lake Travis. Accessible by land or lake, boats will find ample parking next to the Sandy Creek Marina.


Lucy's on the Lake at 2900 Ranch Road 620 N, Austin serves Lucy's Fried Chicken lakeside. This homegrown Austin eatery offers fresh Gulf oysters, scratch made pies and delicious sides and salads to round out the food menu. The bar has many unique craft cocktails and the beer is always cold. Lucy's is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and features live music.


Canyon Grille at Rough Hollow is located at 103 Yacht Club Cove in Lakeway. This restaurant features spectacular Lake Travis sunsets, live music and fantastic food with plenty of live music. find food served in a casual atmosphere and either the dining room or the patio, they offer an extensive wine list a wide selection of dishes and decadent desserts. this restaurant is a favorite we're both visitors and residents of Lakeway.


The Lighthouse on the Lake 513 Sleat Drive, Spicewood. This beautiful waterfront location is family friendly, a good place to have coffee along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Travis and is accessible by car and boat via the Briarcliff Marina. Serving classic American fare, this restaurant is sophisticated and also warm and cozy.


Sundancer Grill located at 16410 Stewart Road in Austin is a Lake Travis restaurant that offers boat access with boat parking at a courtesy dock and a ride up the hill to the restaurant. Patrons will find a bistro dining experience offering chef crafted sandwiches, salads, steak and fresh seafood. The Sundancer Grill is open year-round at the Sail &amp; Ski Yacht Club for lunch and dinner and they have a Sunday brunch. Happy hour begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. 


If you like the idea of being able to take your boat over the water for dinner and drinks, you may wish to check out the Best on the Water Lake Travis Pub Crawl that tours eight restaurants and pubs that are accessible by boat. Visiting all 8 locations in one day maybe a challenge, but boaters can visit two or three venues easily and enjoy the locations in smaller groups over the course of a few weekends.


Lake Travis offers many great eateries to enjoy delicious cuisine along the beautiful shoreline. Whether you want a Sunday brunch or a beautiful sunset dinner, you can find just the perfect spot. Sitting waterside on Lake Travis surrounded by the beautiful Texas Hill Country is a memorable experience whether you are a visitor or buying real estate in the Lake Travis area.


If you are buying or selling a home in the Lake Travis Real Estate area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2019 17:39:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-easy-tips-to-create-curb-appeal.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/5-easy-tips-to-create-curb-appeal.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>5 Easy Tips to Create Curb Appeal</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



One of the best ways to get a home buyer interested in the inside of your home is to create an irresistible outside. Your house is its own best marketing tool when you dress it up to look its best, because first impressions matter. How the home buyer feels when they stand on the front porch for the first time will affect the offer and final price of the home sale.


You need not do a radical makeover when creating curb appeal before putting your house on the market. For a small investment of time and money, you can add to the value of your home and shorten the time it is on the market.


Tip 1 Update the Entry Way


Start by cleaning up smudges and cobwebs, sweeping the porch and washing the glass on windows and light fixtures. Add a new welcome mat, and if the door is worn or drab, paint it. You may even wish to go with a bright eye-catching color. Replacing old hardware can make a large difference in the overall appearance of the entry. New doorknobs, update light fixtures and a new mailbox can make an older doorway look new again.


Tip 2 Add some lights


Strategically placed lighting adds warmth and gives a home an inviting feeling in the evening. It is also an additional safety and security feature that will be appreciated by a potential home buyer. Using lights to enhance landscaping or line the walkway to the home can be done very easily and with little expense using solar lighting.


Tip 3 Dress up using plants


Plants add color and bring life to the front of a home. Potted plants and arrangements make a walkway or porch instantly more attractive and cheerful. Adding some flowering plants around the mailbox make it more noticeable, and since most mailboxes are located near the curb, it creates a good first impression even before the home buyer reaches the front door. Window boxes are another good use of plants to create a unique and colorful feature to enhance your home’s appeal.


If you are buying or selling a home, and want a competent realtor, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.


Tip 4 Create symmetry and shade


If your front yard is sort of plain, you may consider adding an arbor and planting a vining plant to climb it. If you do not have a gate, you can create an entrance by using corner fencing on either side of the walkway. Add some flowering plants for color and you will have made an inviting entrance. Adding matching potted plants on either side of the porch or doorway creates balance and enhances and entry way.


Tip 5 Invite people to stay awhile


Placing a bench, a pair of chairs or a porch swing near the front door is an easy way to make the approach to your home inviting. Seating suggests that people are welcome to be comfortable, have conversations and enjoy their time in the front yard.


These are a few simple ways to give your home that that little something extra and make it memorable to the home buyer when they come to look at it. Feeling welcome and comfortable can make all the difference when it comes time to make an offer. Having attractive curb appeal is a big step in reaching your real estate goals when selling your home
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2019 10:45:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/texas-hill-country-swimming-holes-a-beautiful-way-to-beat-the-summer-heat.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/texas-hill-country-swimming-holes-a-beautiful-way-to-beat-the-summer-heat.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Texas Hill Country Swimming Holes --a Beautiful Way to Beat the Summer Heat</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



There are many beautiful places to cool off and enjoy a great day in the water with family and friends in the Austin area. Spring fed swimming holes can be found from right in the city of Austin to the outlying rural areas. This part of Texas Hill Country offers majestic scenery, plenty of shade and a variety of cool and natural swimming holes.


Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park at 2201 Barton Springs Road in Austin. from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during the months from May to September. It is closed on Thursdays for maintenance. Admission cost varies depending on age and residency visitors.


Often referred to as the soul of Austin, Barton Springs was believed to have spiritual healing powers by the Native Americans. This 3-acre pool was formed by underground springs and stays about 70 degrees. In the surrounding park, there are exhibits about the history and biology of Barton Springs and it also features bathhouses. For more information visit the Barton Springs Pool webpage.


Krause Springs was established in 1955 and is approximately 30 miles west of Austin in Spicewood Texas. It is listed on the National Registry of historical sites and has been privately owned by the Krause Family for over 50 years. There are 32 springs on the property and several of these feed the man-made pool and the natural pool that flow into Lake Travis. Not only is it  a wonderful place to go swimming, people often come to relax and take a beautiful walk through the butterfly gardens listening to the background music of fountains and wind chimes. Krause Springs also offers tent sites and RV sites with water and electricity. This location can also hold weddings and other events for more information about this beautiful Texas swimming hole and surrounding Park area contact them at their website.


Hamilton Pool is a natural pool created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to erosion. This swimming hole is located 23 miles west of Austin off of Highway 71. It has been popular since the 1960s as a summer swimming spot in the Austin area because of its stunning beauty and cool refreshing water. Hamilton Pool Preserve is a 232 acre protected natural habitat that has a 50 foot waterfall that flow into a pool surrounded by large slabs of limestone. The preserve is home to the endangered bird the golden-cheeked warbler. In its early days the ecology of Hamilton Pool fell victim to overuse and lack of restriction. Too many people and too much grazing nearly destroyed the area. In 1985 Travis County purchased Hamilton Pool and implemented aggressive management to restore this natural gem. this preserve has a visitor capacity limit and requires a reservation for entrance between May 30th and September 30th. Reservations can be made online and are not refundable.  Go to the Hamilton Pool Website to make reservations and get more information.


If you are buying or selling a home in the Greater Austin area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.


The Austin area is surrounded why wonderful places to enjoy swimming and other recreational water activities. These are just a few of the natural parks in the area that have dedicated swimming holes. Be sure to check the websites for these parks for current pricing and hours and also park conditions. Sometimes a natural habitat has to be closed to the public due to natural occurrences that create safety issues. Be prepared to swim responsibly and keep an eye on children and those who are not strong swimmers as there are no lifeguards available for these natural swimming holes. There is no end to the fun ways visitors and residents to the Austin area can enjoy a hot summer afternoon Be Safe and have a great summer
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    <pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2019 08:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-win-the-battle-against-texas-hill-country-fleas-and-ticks.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/how-to-win-the-battle-against-texas-hill-country-fleas-and-ticks.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>How to Win the Battle Against Texas Hill Country Fleas and Ticks</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



One of the only drawbacks to the amazing weather here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country is that there is not a “flea and tick season” for pet owners to deal with, it is a year-round battle Not only do these parasites cause itchy allergic reactions, they spread disease and can act as vectors for internal parasites. Flea and tick control is a part of owning a pet here in Texas, but in just a few minutes each day you can save time, money and keep your pets and household healthy. By using the tips below you can eliminate fleas and ticks from your home in Marble Falls, Burnet, Lakeway and surrounding areas


Chemical Flea and Tick Products


Texas fleas have often been called “super-fleas”. Many pet owners report that the over-the-counter flea control chemicals are not effective in the elimination and long-term prevention of fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian can offer advice and prescribe the best type of preventative for your pets. It can vary from year to year and while most of these chemicals are safe to use for domestic animals, the form and dosage that is best for your furry family members can be best determined by your vet.


There are a variety of spot on treatments that go directly onto your cat or dog’s skin, there are pills that can be given orally and even a new type of flea and tick collar. These types of preventatives are all designed to last for a month under typical conditions. Depending on weather, individual circumstances and parasite population this time-span may be different, and your vet may also recommend a combination of chemical preventative solutions.


Flea and tick shampoos can help with the removal of the parasites from dogs, especially when used with a flea comb to physically remove them from the skin and fur. Dawn dish soap is a less expensive and safer alternative. The detergent in this particular soap dries out fleas and ticks and is safer for use on very young, older or ill animals.


Insecticide sprays may also be used in and around the house to prevent flea and tick infestations. It is often best to get one with an insect growth inhibitor to prevent the development of larvae into adult parasites. Be sure to read the label for safe use instructions. Chemical pesticides can be dangerous when used improperly.


Chemical Alternatives for Texas Flea and Tick Prevention


Sometimes the best option to remove any type of household pest is the use of strong chemicals. If a safer alternative will work, it is the best choice to maintain a healthy home.  In order to minimize chemical use and the risks that go along with it, there are measures that can be taken that will eliminate and prevent a flea and tick infestation in the home.


If you are buying or selling a home in the Greater Austin area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.


Housekeeping


Carpeting, furniture and dog bedding should be vacuumed several times per week. If fleas or ticks have been seen on the dog or in the home, daily vacuuming may be needed until they are gone. Washing dog bedding regularly along with any blankets or scarves on the furniture helps maintain indoor living areas. You may also wish to sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth under and behind furniture. This is a chemical free and safe way to dry out the bodies of fleas and ticks inside the home.


Plants—Nature’s Parasite Prevention


There are a variety of plants that will make your yard unappealing to fleas and ticks. Keeping them out of your yard can go a long way in keeping them off of your pets. Mint, sage, basil, lavender and lemon grass are natural bug repellents. These plants can be planted along the borders of the yard, are safe and non-toxic, useful in cooking and most are easy to maintain. Keeping grass mowed short reduces parasite populations in the yard and adding cedar chips to flower beds and fence lines is another great way to make your yard a bad neighborhood for fleas and ticks.


Biological Warfare—Nematodes


Entomopathogenic nematodes will not harm people or pets, but they feed on flea eggs and larvae. These little warriors can be purchased in dry form and sprinkled on the lawn. Then, add water and you will have a safe and natural flea prevention army living right where you need them.


An Ounce of Prevention


Planning in advance is one of the best ways to prevent a flea and tick infestation in your home. Environmental management is less expensive, less time consuming and safer for the whole family than using chemical extermination. Check your pet’s fur daily for signs of fleas and ticks, even if you have an indoor cat. Humans can track in fleas and ticks on shoes and pant legs, and parasites can find their way to the cat. Dealing with pests need not become a large ordeal, observation and prevention can keep this problem small in pet-loving Texas homes
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    <pubDate>Sat, 23 Mar 2019 15:41:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/making-your-backyard-the-coolest-spot-in-town.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.crawfordrealtygroup.com/blog/making-your-backyard-the-coolest-spot-in-town.html</link>
        <author>montylcrawford@gmail.com (Monty Crawford)</author>
        <title>Making Your Backyard the Coolest Spot in Town</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Outdoor barbeques are a big part of Texas culture. Whether you are new to the Austin and Lakeway real estate area or just looking for a home to grow in, Crawford Realty Group can help you find the perfect back yard for a BBQ.  Enjoying good food, a cold beverage and the company of friends and neighbors becomes a way of life in the summertime. Beating the Texas heat can be a real challenge when hosting a backyard dinner, but here are a few tips to keep your family, guests and even your dog a little more comfortable.


Shady Business


Creating as much shade as possible is the first line of defense against the Texas heat. Even if you have a covered patio, additional shady places help cool the area and provide more inviting gathering spaces. There are many options for remote shade. One versatile and inexpensive possibility is shade sails. They come in square and triangle shapes and can be mounted to walls, fences or trees to make either a pocket or expanse of shade. Canopies are an option that can either be used occasionally or set up as needed to create a cool seating space for backyard visitors or to create a shaded barbeque spot for the cook. Gazebos and pergolas provide shade and can add to the atmosphere of the backyard as an attractive touch. Large umbrellas are a cool and attractive feature in any backyard.


If you are buying or selling a home in the Greater Austin area, contact the experts at Crawford Realty Group to learn more or arrange a showing. If you'd like to have homes for sale in these areas emailed to you, sign up for our free home finder service and specify which types of homes you'd like to receive updates about.


Feeling Misty


A misting system on the patio is a good way to lower the air temperature. Most people opt for the restaurant style mister that is installed overhead and hidden among beams and plants. A quality misting system can cool the air up to 30 degrees depending on the temperature and relative humidity. The most expensive part of a misting system is usually the pump, this is what creates the microfine water droplets that create evaporative cooling to the area. This sort of cooling system is less effective in areas that do not get very hot and when the humidity level is over 80. There are also large umbrellas and canopies that come with built in misting systems for a more portable option.


Become a Fan of Fans


Creating your own cool breezes when there are none is key to making your own cooling oasis. Many homeowners install ceiling fans on their patios to provide cooling air circulation. This is a good idea, but also consider using portable fans to keep other shady areas cool.  Moving air feels cooler and helps sweat evaporate to keep everyone cool, dry and comfortable when enjoying an outdoor dinner. Fans used in conjunction with a misting system is sometimes the perfect option to keeping your backyard the coolest place in town


It’s the Little Things


Whether you have guests, or it is just the family enjoying an outdoor dinner on a summer evening, keeping an ice chest supplied with lots of ice, a good supply of cold drinks and some cooling gel packs can make a nice time even better. Staying hydrated and the keeping body temperature down allows everyone to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable.


Dogs Love to Be Cool Too


Dogs enjoy being with the family outdoors, and there are things you can do to make your dog’s summer more fun too. Set up an inexpensive wading pool for him and toss in some dog toys that will float around and entice him to get them. When playing “fetch” toss the ball into the pool to keep him cool and add to the fun. Make an ice puzzle by placing water, a couple of toys, some carrots or berries, and a couple of dog cookies into a large bowl and freeze it. Once it is solid take it out to the patio and remove it from the bowl. Hours of cooling fun and treats for the dog and some good entertainment for the family.


Beating the summer heat in Texas sometimes be challenging. By adding a few things to your outdoor living space, you can enjoy the company of your friends and family and take a little vacation every weekend without ever leaving your home
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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2019 13:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
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