SAGE Premium Texas Real Estate Blog

Visit Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country homes during the lively Oktoberfest.  No event harkens back to the German beginnings of Fredericksburg Texas real estate, homes, and land like Oktoberfest.  Genuine Bavarian hospitality and merriment fills the Marktplaz and hundreds of bed and breakfast establishments tucked into the Hill Country real estate around Fredericksburg.

Now a community tradition, Oktoberfest began in 1981. The 31st Oktoberfest celebration will be Friday, September 30, 2011 through Sunday October 2, 2011 when Texas Gemutlichkeit will fill the streets with song and dance, toasts and feasts, games and contests.

The heartbeat of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg (pop. 10,000) features a vibrant community, excellent schools, great restaurants and shops, world-class museums, plentiful recreation and beautiful homes and Texas ranches.   Fredericksburg is located 70-75 miles northwest of primary homes in San Antonio and southwest of Austin homes.

This year’s highlights include Czech Folk Dancers of West and Cadence Cloggers.  New events being rolled out this year include the Oktubafest, Chicken Dance Around the Square, and Dominoes tournament.  All weekend, there will be entertainment, exhibitions, great food, contests, tents full of juried artisans, and lots of fun for children.  And everyone so looks forward to the hearty menu of German and Mexican-American foods plus American, Texas, and imported beers.

Look at the list of bands and music groups that will sound out the oompah, polkas, and waltzes this year:  The sound Connection, Havlak Batla Polka Time Band, San Antonio Combo, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Seven Dutchmen, Tuba Meisters, The Polkamatics, Village Bank, Ed Kadlecek and The Fun bunch, The Bandaids, and Swingin’ Dutchmen.

Admission is $6, $1 for children 6-12 and free for children under 6 years old.  With the help of community volunteers, Creative Arts Alliancesponsors the festival.  Proceeds go to support the local arts and student scholarships.

In 1846, Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach of German renounced his title, taking the name of John O. Meusebach.  Meusebach led the “Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas” as well as the “Noblemen’s Society” as they fled the failed Revolution of 1848.  The educated group of Germans refused to learn English and stuck together in Fredericksburg and other independent Texas communities.  Excellent museums follow their footprints.Charming Fredericksburg retains the robust work and play ethic of its forefathers.

For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.

Fredericksburg Addition homes for sale

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High net worth investors and private equity fund managers continue to confidently invest in Texas real estate and businesses.  They know a good Gillespie county or Fredericksburg TX real estate deal when they see it.

During the first half of 2011, there were 142 sales of Fredericksburg Gillespie County real estate in the Hill Country.  That is 23 per month.  Compared to the same time frame in 2010, sales of Fredericksburg TX homes and Gillespie County properties remained steady.  Both are up from 2009.  The total dollar amount for Fredericksburg and Gillespie County home sales for Q1 and Q2 combined exceeded $45.5 million.

As many folks who own principal homes in Austin and San Antonio invest in second homes and Texas Hill Country ranches or Gillespie County horse properties, let’s look at the numbers for July 2011 home sales in those metropolitan areas.

In Austin, total sales reaches 2,178, up 33 percent from 2010.  In San Antonio, sales reached 1,731, up 11 percent.  Sales of existing single-family homes in the State of Texas totaled 19,628, up 18 percent from a year earlier, according to MLS data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

In a blog entitled, “Why Investors Like Texas” posted on August 29, 2011, Mark Dotzour sums up just why Texas continues to attract investors.  Dotzour is the Chief Economist and Director of Research at the TAMU Center.  Summarized here:

• Texas leads the U.S. in current economic recovery
• Its large, international economy is growing and profitable
• Population is increasing throughout the state
• People are flexible and entrepreneurial
• Taxes are lower in Texas

Resilience runs strong in the Lone Star State. It experienced only 16 months of job losses during the recession.  From May 2010 to May 2011, the state generated 198,400 jobs or more than 20 percent of the growth in the U.S. employment picture.  Private employment drew by 229,400, a 2.7 percent increase.  There is no place like Texas to bury your gold or plant your feet.

For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.  As the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg (pop. 10,000) offers a vibrant community, excellent schools, great restaurants and shops, world-class museums, plentiful recreation and beautiful homes and ranches.

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Title insurance protects buyers and owners of Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country real estate in many important ways.  Although it is paid as a one-time premium at closing, an extra cost usually resented, the title insurance pays off when Hill Country homeowners most need its benefits.

Title insurance protects owners of Fredericksburg TX homes, Texas ranches, and other Hill Country properties—usually the single largest investment in a resident’s portfolio.  The insurance assures that the property is free and clear of title defects that may have been hidden over time.  For example, ownership may have changed several times by sales, foreclosures, inheritances, and other means.  Each transfer of ownership opens the door for mistakes, sometimes clerical mistakes that can put a property’s true ownership at risk.

Nowadays, the increasing number of foreclosure or REO sales compounds title problems.  The reason is that banks as REO owners are a step removed from and unfamiliar with the properties in their portfolios.

Most bank sellers have never seen the properties they are selling.Normally, sellers are required to disclose know defects, including details about easements, mineral rights, encroachments, property boundaries versus current usage, etc.  However, the bank owner doesn’t know that the neighbor was given permission to plant a vegetable garden on the far corner or to walk through the property.

Title insurance allows property owners to relax knowing that their property is fully theirs to use or to sell.  Title companies offer several types of coverage that vary in cost.  They range from standard coverage to enhanced or extended coverage to comprehensive or “eagle” policies.  Standard coverage may run about $1000 for a $275,000 purchase.  Upgraded coverage costs just a little more.

Standard title policies generally cover any defect in the title that exists at the time of purchase, prior recorded mortgages, judgments, and other liens, easements or use restrictions, and right of legal access.  It also covers forgery, fraud, and duress or a title vested in someone other than the seller as well as unmarketable titles.

The enhanced or extended coverage additionally covers an incorrect survey, claims for adverse possession or prescriptive easement, pre-existing violations of subdivision laws or zoning ordinances, silent liens like estate tax liens, and coverage for encroachments and conflicts in boundary lines.

The comprehensive eagle policy further covers post-policy forgery, forced removal of non-permitted improvements, post-policy encroachment, and post-policy increase in value up to 150 percent, plus location and dimensions.

For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE- Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.

Gillespie Co TX homes with 1000+ acres for sale

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“It’s Something to Crow About” when folks gather from Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country homes and ranches every month for shopping expeditions to Fredericksburg Trade Days at Sunday Farms.  Hill Country real estate is well represented at the events.

Vendors and 85,000 shoppers from San Antonio and Austin homes, Gillespie, Kerr, Humble, Mason, Llano, Blanco counties as well as Gillespie County homes and farms make the Fredericksburg Trade Days an ongoing success.  It is the place to bring family and friends to shop for unusual treasures and to relax to live music in the biergarten.  In the German tradition of Fredericksburg, over 100 varieties of bier are on tap.

Sunday Farms is located seven miles east of Downtown Fredericksburg TX real estate.  Held monthly on the weekend of the third Saturday of the month, Fredericksburg Trade Days are ongoing.  Upcoming Trade Days in 2011 include August 19-21, September 16-18, October 14-16, November 18-20, November 25-27, and December 16-18.  Hours are Fridays and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Fredericksburg Trade Days harken back to another era.  Six barns and over 350 vendors offer special antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, ranch furniture, hunting accessories, candles, unique clothing, jewelry, food, and much more.  It’s the place to pick up homemade preserves or an accent decoration for the home.  Even more important, Fredericksburg Trade Days are times to gather and enjoy the camaraderie.

History comes alive at hundreds of bed and breakfast establishments in the area.  The Pedernales River flows near Fredericksburg Trade Days.  There’s the Texas Wine Trail, lavender trail and peach farms to sample, and attractions such as Luckenbach and Enchanted Rock to explore.

Fredericksburg Trade Days are located on Highway 290E across from Wildseed Farms.  Recreational vehicle, car, and motorcycle clubs are welcome!  There’s free Wi-Fi, a front pasture available for special events.  The property features hookups for RV camping.  The physical address is 355 Sunday Farms Lane, Fredericksburg TX 78624; mailing address is P.O. Box 341 Stonewall TX 78671.

For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.Fredericksburg (10,000 pop.) offers a vibrant community, excellent schools, great restaurants and shops, world-class museums, plentiful recreation and beautiful homes and ranches.  It is the heartbeat of Texas Hill Country.

Stonewall TX homes for sale

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The Hill Country climate around Fredericksburg TX homes lends itself beautifully to warm weather recreation.  Take the triathlon.  The three-sport endurance event challenges participants of all ages to a vigorous swim, breathtaking bicycle ride—followed by a nice long run.

Triathlons are great training and lots of fun.  Matter of fact, there’s one for children and youth coming up soon at Singing Wind Park in Kerrville on August 20, 2011.  Kerrville ranches, rivers, camps, and homes are just 25 miles southwest our Fredericksburg SAGE Texas real estate offices on Highway 16.

The scenery is fabulous in this part of Texas Hill Country real estate.  The Guadalupe River Valley with its rolling hills and rugged terrain will undoubtedly separate out promising athletes during the day, while others keep good company.

The Annual Kid’s Triathlon is for boys and girls ages 6-16.  Interested children can register by the 18th.  Just meet at the Olympic Pool at 7:30 a.m. ready to dive in, pedal past some idyllic Texas ranches, and catch the sweat from your brow.  Participants will need a bike, bike helmet, running shoes, socks, swim suit, swim towel, and sunscreen.

Adult triathlons coming up before the younger set gets going are:

• August 7 Tri from the Heart in Brady
• August 13 Gator Bait memorial Triathlon at Boerne City Lake in Boerne
• August 14 Austin F-1 Cubed Triathlon at Pace Bend Park in Spicewood

These events kick it up a notch or two or three, depending on the age group.  The Boerne event begins with a 500 meter open water swim in Boerne Lake.  Then it is off to a 13-mile bike course on lightly traveled roads.  One challenge called Heartbreak Hill gets rewarded by the downhill flight home.  The event is topped off with a four-mile road run.  Male and female age groups for that event are 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and older.  Races get going at 7:30 a.m.

So, you see, Gillespie County children can readily gain skills and endurance for a lifetime of exciting triathlon events in the Lone Star State.
Thinking of relocating to the Hill Country?  For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.

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Fredericksburg Texas homes for sale, Texas land and acreage, and Hill Country farmlands offer rich soils to farmers big and small.  Texas cropland around Fredericksburg produces some of the most luscious peaches in the world.  The vineyards of Fredericksburg real estate are part of a specific viticultural area located entirely in Gillespie County.

When the climate is too fickle for peaches, Texas Hill Country farmlands in Fredericksburg TX real estate also produce abundant crops of okra, tomatoes, blackberries, cabbage, string beans.  The one very consistent harvest is wildflowers.

Top soil is the most productive layer of soil.  Top soil is created by rocks and decaying plants and animals.  It takes over 500 years to form an inch of it.  So, it is precious.

Texas includes 32 million acres of cropland.  Approximately 40 percent is highly erodible by water and/or wind.  The central and eastern parts of the state must deal with water erosion.  The High Plains and far west part of the state deal with wind erosion.  And the Rolling Plains and southern parts have both problems.  Gillespie County in Texas Hill Country mostly avoids all of the above drama.

Many Texas Hill Country farmers are happy, overeducated landowners.  They enjoy farming, producing, selling, and creating marketable products to ship to larger markets.  Many are family operations.  It is not uncommon for small farmers to moonlight out on the fields, planting or harvestings or caring for the farm acreage. Wildseed Farms grows extensive fields of wildflowers and sells wildflower seeds.  Peach farms sell by the bushel to folks who will drive across the state for more.

Texas Hill Country is the largest viticultural area in the state and only second nationally to Napa Valley in California.  Fifty eight different soil associations can be found in the mine million acres of Hill Country.  Soils include clay loam, clay, and sandy clay loam.  Ranging over the peaks and valleys of Gillespie County, Fredericksburg’s viticultural area includes over 70,000 acres of the Hill Country viticultural area.  The soils are approximately 90 percent clay loam with the remaining 10 percent made up of loam, silty clay, and clay.

Texas divides into 11 major land resource areas or eco-regions.  Each area features similar soils, vegetation, climate, and land uses.  Buyers interested in moving into farming will find the good resources at the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service.  They link agricultural producers with agricultural research, offering educational programs and materials to homeowners, producers, and farm workers.

Come relax in the gusto of our small city (10,000 pop.) and visit area peach farms, vineyards, and land for sale.  For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.

Gillespie County land & acreage for sale

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Come experience Texas Hill Country and Fredericksburg Texas homes, hospitality, and wineries during the Chili & Chillin’ Wine Trail event on Saturday, July 23, 2011.  Fredericksburg TX homes are located in Gillespie County 80 miles located west of Austin and 70 miles north of homes in San Antonio.

Chili & Chillin’ is a wonderful time to relax with friends and family to music and camaraderie while visiting the Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 Wineries.  Top local restaurants will be offering palate-pleasing gourmet chili pepper dishes accompanied by perfectly matched Texas wines.

The Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 includes many of the most beautiful vineyards in Fredericksburg TX real estate.  Vineyard property owners discovered the moderate climate in the heart of Texas Hill Country real estate parallels some of the best harvest in the world from Central Italy and France’s Rhone Valley.  In fact, Fredericksburg’s wineries receive the second-most visitors of any wine region in the United States.

Wineries participating in the 2011 Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 (on or hear Highway 290E and 290W)include:  Becker Vineyards, Chisholm Trail Winery, Fredericksburg Winery, Grape Creek Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, Rancho Ponte Vineyard, Texas Hills Vineyard, Torre di Pietra Vineyards, William Chris Vineyards, and Woodrose Winery.

Each winery will open according to its unique schedule.  Most are open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but many open earlier and stay open later.  In addition, regular wine tasting fees apply and vary by winery.  There is no additional cost for the scrumptious chili.

Ten-thousand residents live in Fredericksburg homes, farms, and Texas ranches.  The historic community features a strong German heritage that began in the mid-1800s resulting in hundreds of historic bed & breakfasts and inns with unique qualities.  The historic downtown offers great restaurants, shops, live theater, wineries, galleries, and museums and fabulous festivals and events that capture the attention of international visitors as well as people from all over Texas and the U.S.A.

A strong business sector and outstanding schools draw many to relocate businesses and homes to this Hill Country hamlet.

For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.

Commercial Real Estate in Fredericksburg TX for Sale

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Come to Fredericksburg Texas, home of the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, for pari-mutuel horse races, cook-off, and the live concerts and dances during 2011 Texas Fest Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17.  And, while you are here, check out Fredericksburg TX real estate for full-time high quality lifestyle.  Or find a second home in Texas Hill Country.

At Texas Fest, dance nightly to live music under the stars starting at 8:30 p.m.  Top-notch performers include Sixteen Outlaw, Charlie Montague and Stephanie Urbina Jones.  Tickets are $10.00.  The Texas Fest 1st Annual Casi-sanctioned Chili Cook-off will be ongoing during the weekend.  Call 210-286-4275 for more information.

Enjoy yourself in Fredericksburg where you’ll find German heritage and Texas hospitality at hundreds of unique B&Bs and Inns.  Founded by German settlers in 1846, Fredericksburg is located in the heart of the scenic lands of Texas Hill Country. Browse art galleries and quintessential shops, bakeries, and restaurants.  Plan scenic drives or golf or paddling on the rivers.   Hike around Enchanted Rock State Natural Area or take in the fantabulous Rockbox Theater and other unique sites.

The charming historic districts around Main Street, Marktplatz, world-class museums, refreshing wildflower farm, vineyards and wineries, in addition to an herb and lavender farms and peach orchards, and living history farmstead offer a variety of activities for all ages.

Gates open at 11:00 a.m. before the pari-mutuel Quarter horse and Thoroughbred horse races.  Post time is 1:00 p.m. each day with races continuing until approximately 6:00 p.m. each day.  General Admission for ages 13 and up is $5.00, children 6-12 $1.00, and children under 6 are free.  Box seats are available for $9.00 for all ages.  Call 830-997-2359 for advance box-seat ticket information.

Pari-mutuel races are also scheduled at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds the weekends of August 13-14 and 27-28, 2011.  Other simulcast racing events are held year round Thursdays through Sundays at the Race Barnlocated at the entrance to the fairgrounds.

These events are presented by the Gillespie County Fair Grounds on Highway 16 South in Fredericksburg Texas.  Tickets are also available at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Arrowhead Bank, Stroeher’s and Lochte’s.

The non-profit Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association, Inc. facilitates the use of the fairgrounds.    One of their major events is the Gillespie County Fair which was founded in 1881.  A volunteer board of directors governs the activities.  Call 830-997-2359 for information about using fairground facilities for events.

For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.

Larger Fredericksburg Homes for sale (over 3000 ft2)

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Are you thinking of relocating to Texas Hill Country real estate in Fredericksburg?  The high-quality lifestyle in Fredericksburg blossoms during Independence Day celebrations.  Come view desirable Fredericksburg TX homes or Texas Hill Country land and experience our “German Heritage, Texan Hospitality” for yourself.

Set in the heart of Hill Country near the Pedernales River and Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg is home to over 10,500 residents.  The community gusto and hundreds of charming Bed & Breakfast establishments, historic inns, and comfortable Fredericksburg homes draw guests and Texas Hill Country tourists all year round.

But come now to celebrate the deep-seeded independence passed down from hard-working, hard-playing German immigrant forefathers.  Fredericksburg TX real estate is 70-80 miles west of Austin and north of San Antonio, 39 miles south of Llano, 30 miles west of Johnson City, 25 miles northeast of Kerrville, and 23 miles north of Comfort via US 290, US 87, TX 16, and RR 1631.

The annual Heritage Festival on July 4, 2011 includes all day events for great family fun.  Pick activities to fit all ages.  Join the non-motorized parade at 9:30 a.m.   There will be decorated bicycles, children in strollers, and many patriotic folks simply waving flags while marching through the friendly historic downtown streets.  In the Marktplatz on Main Street at 2:15 p.m., folks gather in celebration of freedom.

From noon to 6:00 p.m. Becker vineyard hosts a Chili Cook-off in Stonewall.  That’s also a great place to go to the Sauer-Beckmann Farm’s Fourth of July Celebration in LBJ State Historical Park on Highway 290 East to participate in early 1900s real-life activities on a German farm.  Old-fashioned games like watermelon seed spitting and stick horse races conducted by farm help in period clothing add to the festive activities.

Living history volunteers in authentic World War II uniform will offer enactments at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg on Saturday, July 3 at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 4 at 10:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Do drop by historic Luckenbach on Saturday and Sunday “for a day full of remembrance, music, and fun” and to see one of Texas’ oldest dancehalls.  It’s off Highway 290 East on RR 1376.

Harper’s Fireworks Jamboree is on July 3, 17 miles west of the city.  Also on July 3 the Chisholm Trail Winery hosts an afternoon celebration with music.

Over at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds, on July 3-4, 2011, pari-mutuel horse racing entertains the crowds.

By evening on the Fourth of July, it’s time to head to Lady Bird Municipal Park on Highway 16S for a performance of the Air Force Band of the West and fabulous fireworks.

For expert guidance in your personal search for the ultimate piece of the Hill Country, please call Dale E. Cook, MBA and owner of SAGE – Premium Texas Real Estate at (830) 992-0056.

Homes for sale in Harper TX

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