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By Deb Dahlberg - Rowland, Bastrop and Fayette County Realtor
(ASK FOR DEB! Stanberry Realtors)
If you have ever driven through Fayetteville during the holidays, you may recognize the two life sized metal pigs at our historic home. Over the years they have become a bit of a local landmark, and I have been affectionately nicknamed the Pig Lady of Fayetteville.One of the things I enjoy most is repainting the pigs for seasons, holidays, and special events. They have made local and national political statements, reminded drivers to slow down, celebrated Easter with bunny ears, and appeared in every color imaginable. One of my favorite years was when graduating classes, kindergarteners and seniors, each painted a pig to celebrate their graduation.This year the pigs are dressed up as Christmas peppermints. My husband also added lights to the house and trees, creating a bright and festiv...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
El Arroyo stands as an iconic Austin gem, renowned for crafting the finest hand-squeezed margaritas and serving up delectable Black Angus beef tacos, among a plethora of other Tex-Mex delights, since 1975!Situated at the corner of West 5th and Campbell, this local favorite boasts a quirky marquee that captures attention. Daily, the billboard transforms with a fresh pun, spanning the spectrum of wit and humor, making it a delightful fixture at the heart of Austin's culinary scene. The laughter doesn't stop there, they share these puns on Instagram, drawing in admirers like our very own Kathy Streib, and Debe Maxwell, CRS, is also in on the fun. In a world where a daily chuckle is a necessity, following El Arroyo's Instagram for the latest pun is a shared joy.Wishing you endless smiles! H...
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By Alan Kirkpatrick, Alan in Austin
(Austin Texas Homes)
As a Realtor there is one word the buyer and sellers both love to hear me say... "Sold".  It takes a lot of work on both sides to get to that word. The buyers work hard to save for down payment and closing, they look at many properties online and in person. They research communities, and fill out lending paperwork. On the sellers side, after deciding to sell they must determine if they are selling a house or a home. Selling a house puts them in the same company with many who are listing to sell. A house is a shelter where people can live, put their belongings and park their cars. A home on the other hand is a refuge, a place where families can grow up, where memories are built, where celebrations are welcomed and accommodated.If the seller decides they are selling a Home, they will want...
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By RPDFW @ Salas Home Team, #1 Team in Real Estate Specialty Services
(Realty Preferred DFW)
Casa en venta en el Distrito Histórico de Wylie Esta encantadora casa en el Distrito Histórico del Centro de Wylie fue construida en 1940 y cuenta con dos dormitorios y dos baños completos.Los propietarios la remodelaron recientemente, añadiendo nuevo aislamiento, un techo nuevo y un sistema de climatización actualizado. La mayoría de los pisos de madera originales aún se conservan.El dormitorio principal tiene espacio suficiente para un juego completo de muebles, y el segundo dormitorio es ideal para un niño o como oficina en casa.La cocina cuenta con gabinetes altos, una isla, electrodomésticos nuevos, incluyendo una estufa de gas, y encimeras de granito. Ambos baños tienen accesorios modernos.Puede caminar hasta el centro de Wylie desde aquí. El patio trasero incluye un cobertizo de ...
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By RPDFW @ Salas Home Team, #1 Team in Real Estate Specialty Services
(Realty Preferred DFW)
Wylie Historical District, Home for Sale. This charming home in Wylie's Downtown Historical District was built in 1940 and has two bedrooms and two full baths. The owners recently remodeled it, adding new insulation, a new roof, and an updated HVAC system. Most of the original hardwood floors are still in place. The main bedroom is large enough for a full set of furniture, and the second bedroom works well for a child or as a home office. The kitchen has tall cabinets, an island, new appliances, including a gas stove, and granite countertops. Both bathrooms have modern fixtures. You can walk to downtown Wylie from here. The backyard includes a storage shed and plenty of parking space.   Take this opportunity to live in Wylie's historic district.     Click here for more pictures and deta...
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By Jerry Newman, Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation
(Brown Realty, 210-789-4216,)
Discover the exclusive real estate opportunities in San Antonio's most coveted northwestern communities. The Emergence of Northwestern ExcellenceSan Antonio's northwestern corridor has transformed into a beacon of luxury living, establishing itself as the city's premier real estate destination. This golden triangle, stretching from Stone Oak Parkway through Shavano Park to Helotes, represents the perfect marriage of sophisticated urban development and Hill Country charm.The area's evolution from quiet suburbs to thriving luxury communities showcases San Antonio's growing prominence in the luxury real estate market. With its strategic location and thoughtful development, this corridor has become a magnet for professionals, executives, and families seeking an elevated lifestyle.The Perfec...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Buckle up, Active Rain fam, because eight years after my very first “Who am I?” blog post, life decided to send another freight train screaming down the tracks straight at me. This one had “DIVORCE” written in giant neon letters on the front.Picture this:♦ My son is a fish with goggles, swimming twice a day for Longhorn Aquatics at UT Austin, gunning for a swim scholarship for college♦ My daughter is slaying senior year, crushing college apps, and getting accepted from… you guessed it… the University of Texas. Hook ’em!♦ We’re doing the full teenage chaos package: away swim meets in random states, prom dress drama, sorority rush prep, the works. And then, out of nowhere, my husband drops the D-bomb.Suddenly I’m staring at my reflection going, “Okay, girl… you’ve got, zero income, and ap...
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By Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417, Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate
(HomeSmart Stars)
For many, many years, residents and visitors to Addison have been paying a portion of sales taxes for the Dallas Area Rapid Transport (DART). While bus service has been around for a while, Addison has only recently (last month) seen the benefit of rail through the town.  Running from Shiloh Road in Plano, through Richardson, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, to DFW International Airport, the DART Silver Line was long overdue.       Last week I took my first trip on the Silver Line. I rode east to Plano to have lunch with a friend, then we both got on a westbound train and took it all the way to Terminal D at the airport.  The ride was smooth, quiet, and pleasant. A DART employee came through asking to see our tickets (on our mobile devices). When we arrived at Terminal D (for International ...
Comments 3
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Do I have the BEST job or what? Yes, I do! Today was one of those days that remind me how cool it is to sell and show properties in rural Texas! Come along with me on this Longhorn adventure!I arrived on this 75-acre property located between Granbury, TX, and Stephenville, TX, early this morning. It was a crisp, cool morning, and the sunshine was abundant. The seller met me with her four-wheeler, fired up and ready to show me her fabulous ranch.We toured the horse barns and yes, barns as in plural! Two fabulous structures for the horse enthusiast. The first one is a solid, cinder-block constructed barn, fully equipped with an indoor equine washing area, storage rooms, and very roomy stalls. The second barn includes 5 turn-out paddocks and an equipment room.Near the barns stands an enorm...
Comments 9
By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journaling for fun - 12/5/2025 In this old log cabin's photograph in the FEATURE photo above taken last year, it looked lonely to me. So, I asked Nano Banana - Gemini ai if they could throw in a few ghosts. And they did! I love my new picture! I can use it for Halloween in 2026!  Then I thought I would try another log cabin photograph taken on the same day of the Pioneer Homestead and throw in a few ghostly looking cowboys. Here's the before and after photo!   Before After For the next photograph, I thought, I would like to see a group of little children playing around having fun, goofing around, laughing, and enjoying themselves in the year 2025.  And finally, I asked for a picture of these kids parents sitting around talking on their cell phones. Each mother was talking on a phone not...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
El Arroyo stands as an iconic Austin gem, renowned for crafting the finest hand-squeezed margaritas and serving up delectable Black Angus beef tacos, among a plethora of other Tex-Mex delights, since 1975!Situated at the corner of West 5th and Campbell, this local favorite boasts a quirky marquee that captures attention. Daily, the billboard transforms with a fresh pun, spanning the spectrum of wit and humor, making it a delightful fixture at the heart of Austin's culinary scene. The laughter doesn't stop there—they share these puns on Instagram, drawing in admirers like our very own Kathy Streib, and Debe Maxwell, CRS, is also in on the fun. In a world where a daily chuckle is a necessity, following El Arroyo's Instagram for the latest pun is a shared joy.Wishing you endless smiles! Ha...
Comments 18
By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journaling for December 5, 2025 Coffee beans aren’t all the same; their species and growing regions shape flavor, aroma, and caffeine levels. The four most recognized varieties are Arabica, Robusta, Liberia, and Excelsa, each tied to distinct parts of the world.Have you noticed the uptick in the number of coffee shops, coffee brands, coffee beans, and coffee machines? Around where I live, some places that sell coffee are short lived; others remain very popular. So then, I started thinking about words I've heard of over the years and what used to be simple, has become more like a science project or algebra, trying to figure out what it means.Coffee ShopsInstant CoffeeDrip CoffeeCoffee PercolatorsGround CoffeeCoffee BeansCoffee PotsChorreadorFrench PressCoffee GrinderAeroPressMoka PotCold...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Key Highlights You Need to Know........ November wrapped up with 3 closed sales (proudly including one of my own listings!), a 200% increase over November 2024. Even better news: 6 homes went under contract by month-end, pointing to a robust December for closings. The holiday slowdown? Not in Canyon Creek. Serious buyers are still hunting, and motivated sellers who stay in the game are seeing results. Q4 continues to be the underrated sweet spot of the year.What the Numbers Tell Us♦ Sold homes averaged 57 days on market ♦ Achieved 93.8% of list price      ♦ Properties that adjusted pricing strategically and showed beautifully were the ones earning offers   Well-priced, move-in-ready homes remain the clear winners.Current Market Pulse♦Active Listings: 7 homes (average 84 days on market) ...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
My beautiful granddaughter, “Beautiful Beckett,” has always had a spark in her step and a love for baking in her heart. For years she dreamed of owning her own bakery, back then she planned to call it Queen B’s (because we all lovingly call her “B”). But now that she’s 11, she’s made it official with a brand-new name: Beckett’s Bake House… and business is booming!This holiday season, my little entrepreneur has launched her own treat boxes for the neighborhood, complete with a rotating weekly menu! She already has 22 orders (well… make that 23, because Nana couldn’t resist ordering one too!).Each box is just $12 and this week’s goodies include:♦ 3 Rice Krispy Treats♦ 3 Hot Cocoa BrowniesA delicious deal if you ask me! She’s even borrowing my big KitchenAid mixer, dropping it off today, s...
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By Deb Dahlberg - Rowland, Bastrop and Fayette County Realtor
(ASK FOR DEB! Stanberry Realtors)
I can't believe we are already in December!  My how the year has flown! This year there are some great holiday events happening in Bastrop and in Fayette County.Here is a list of some of them:  Christmas at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Bastrop  Bastrop Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Bastrop River of Lights  La Grange Holiday Extravaganza and Trail of Lights  Fayetteville Country Christmas and Lighted Parade There are also some great homes for sale that are active on the market that have a minimum of three bedrooms and two baths,  and a two car garage, from 0-5 acres currently listed in:Bastrop, TX106 Woodcutter Ct ,  MLS #3073237,  $649,000117 Hornsby Trl ,  MLS #5907567,  $699,900La Grange in Fayette County, TX3275 Forest Hill East Dr ,  MLS #1787142 $795,000504 South Franklin , MLS #372...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Austin didn’t just top Santa’s nice list, we straight-up snatched the #1 spot as America’s Most Festive City… for the FOURTH YEAR RUNNING by Thumbtack! And honestly? It feels right.From the Trail of Lights dazzling at Zilker Park (where a million bulbs some to the party) to the wonderfully over-the-top 37th Street Lights, the Nightmare Before Christmas Trail at the Wildflower Center, and every single neighborhood trying to outdo each other with the brightest displays… this city just shows up for the holidays. Texas doesn’t really do “subtle” when it comes to Christmas. The whole town is glowing right now, and it’s magical. Every neighborhood is in a full-on light’s arms race: “Go big or go brighter” is the official city motto from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Porch? Lit. Cactus? Lit. Ran...
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journaling for December 1 & 2 Your decisions affect the Outcome,Your Training affects those Decisions.---Fireman Up - Courage, Honor, Sacrifice December 1, 1958I was just a kid, playing with my toys when my mother started screaming and ran out the door - telling me stay put! - Don't open the doors! My two older sisters were not home yet from school. The television was playing. I saw FIRE. A school was on fire. Kids were jumping out of windows. FIREFIGHTERS were rushing with FIRE HOSES and LADDERS. There was chaos! People were running. There was SMOKE. Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago, located 1. 73 miles from where my sisters went to school was on fire. Ladders were put up to the windows. But they were too short. The ladders did not reach high enough to the windows in the buildi...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Tis the season to shine, shimmer, and show off your holiday spirit! The Canyon Creek Light Fight is ready to turn the neighborhood into a dazzling wonderland of twinkling lights, joyful décor, and over-the-top creativity.Whether your style is timeless and classic, wildly whimsical, or full-on Griswold glory, this is your moment to light up the block! Register your home and join in the merriment, because nothing spreads holiday cheer like a little friendly competition.Important Dates to Know:🎄 Register by: Monday, December 1st🎅 Viewing & Voting Window: December 8th–19th✨ Winners Announced: December 20thAll decorations must be ready to glow by the time the voting begins on December 8th. Residents will receive a Light Fight map and voting form to pick their favorites, and category winners ...
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journaling for Sweet & Spicy Sunday - 11/30/2025 A good spicy challenge strikes a balancebetween flavor and fear ---Adam Richman  It's like spicy food - sometimes you have totone it down so more people can enjoy it.--- Kenneth Edmonds  Live life with a little spice---anonymous  Sugar & Spice and all things nice: Amerry mix of glitter, glam & Christmas cheer.---anonymous  Christmas cookies pack sugar & spiceand everything nice.---Chula King  Variety is the spice of life, that gives it all its flavors.--- William Cowper  Life without spice is like a taco without salsa ---bland and forgettable.-- Chef Denise BEST Authentic Mexican Recipes (+Mexican Pico de Gallo)Thekitchencommunity.orgThis recipe has a rating of 5.0 stars from 5 reviewers. 5.0 (5)34 min · 55 cals · 4 servingsIngredients •0...
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By Rosie Crow, Exceeding Expectations. Delivering Results
(Serving Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City)
When you’re buying a home—especially new construction—energy efficiency plays a major role in long-term comfort, performance, and cost savings. Many buyers look at the square footage, finishes, or floor plan, but may overlook the systems that impact their monthly utility bills and overall home comfort. As a Texas REALTOR®, I want my clients to feel confident evaluating these features so they can truly understand the energy performance of the homes they're considering. That’s where key energy efficiency ratings like HERS, R-value, SEER/SEER2, and AFUE become incredibly important.Knowing what these ratings mean can help you compare homes, evaluate quality, and determine whether a property truly offers long-term value. Below is a breakdown of each rating and how they work together to make ...
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