Sponsored by

Hey there, Texas dreamers! 🌟

This week, we're diving deep into Texas' ever-evolving charm, where history meets luxury and small towns steal the spotlight. Ever wondered what it'd be like to live in a historic (possibly haunted!) mansion overlooking Austin, or how a humble suburb transformed into an elite hub attracting NFL stars? Maybe you're considering Texas real estate and need clarity on whether now is the right time to jump in?

Whatever your curiosity, this edition promises intriguing insights and practical takeaways to inspire your next move. Let's explore!

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Austin’s 'Howling House': Historic Haunts with Modern Charms 🏚️

• Texas Rising: Eight Intriguing Spots You Might Call Home 🌵

• Frisco’s Flashy Transformation: From Fields to NFL Fame 🌟

• Austin Real Estate: Why Buying Now Beats the Pandemic Frenzy 🏡

• Texas Gem: Why Flower Mound is Quietly Becoming America's Favorite Small Town 🌼

• From Open Land to Dream Property: What You Can Really Do With a Few Acres in Texas

📈 Trending news

• The Texas Hill Country Gets $40M Luxury Riverfront Hotel

• 5 Reasons Texans Are Choosing Barndominiums for Their Dream Homes

• This Luxe Tiny House Has a Rooftop Deck—and Costs Under 10K

• Tour This Grand Texan Barndominium's Custom Details

• Why Texans Love Summer: BBQ, Outdoor Adventures & Western Charm

Austin’s 'Howling House': Historic Haunts with Modern Charms 🏚️ read the full 696-word article here

Article published: June 14, 2025

I couldn't resist delving into Chron’s fascinating feature, "Austin landmark home with city views and historic charm now for sale," which introduced me to the legendary—and perhaps ghostly—"Howling House" at 400 Academy Drive.

Built in 1889 from leftover pink granite from the Texas Capitol, this mansion has lived multiple lives: private residence, military academy, doctor's office, and local ghost-story favorite (though the eerie howls are blamed on wind).

Lovingly restored over four decades by its recent owners, the house combines meticulous historic preservation with modern updates.

The rooftop belvedere, reconstructed using old photos, offers breathtaking panoramic views, connecting Austin’s storied past with its dynamic present.

Intriguing yet livable, this mansion, priced at $8.9 million, proves that some histories are meant to be experienced, not just admired from afar.

Key Takeaways:

• 👻 Legendary lore: Long rumored haunted due to ghostly sounds, though attributed simply to wind howling through historic door seals.

• 🛠️ Historic reconstruction: The rooftop belvedere rebuilt from old photographs offers unique 360-degree views of evolving Austin skyline and landscape.

• 📚 Literary legacy: Once home to novelist Elithe Kirkland, adding layers of literary prestige alongside its architectural and historic significance.

• 🏡 Carefully modernized: Original Victorian fixtures preserved, complemented by discreet modern plumbing and electrical systems, ensuring timeless comfort and elegance.

Texas Rising: Eight Intriguing Spots You Might Call Home 🌵 read the full 2,347-word article here

Article published: June 10, 2025

I recently stumbled upon Kiplinger’s "Eight Great Places to Live in Texas," and, trust me, this state is trending big-time.

With a population jump of over half a million people last year alone, Texas is booming—thanks to zero personal income tax, affordable lifestyles, and thriving job markets in tech, energy, and manufacturing.

But let's talk cities:

San Antonio brims with culture, Waco charms with family-friendly vibes, and Austin buzzes with youthful exuberance and music festivals galore.

Surprisingly, McAllen and Amarillo offer some of the nation’s most affordable living spaces, while Houston's diversity is unmatched.

Corpus Christi promises endless beach-town fun (and Selena nostalgia!), and El Paso beautifully blends Texan and Mexican traditions.

For anyone eyeing the Lone Star State, these cities present compelling—and affordable—cases.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎸 Austin's musical magnetism: Home to South by Southwest, it's the dynamic music capital and culinary hotspot making Austin irresistibly vibrant.

• 🌊 Corpus Christi’s beach bliss: Affordable rents plus surfing, Selena tributes, and delicious seafood make this city feel like a permanent vacation.

• 🌮 McAllen’s unbeatable value: Offering expansive rental spaces averaging 1,471 sq. ft. at just around $1,800 monthly—top nationwide affordability.

• 🏜️ Amarillo’s authentic allure: Home to cowboy culture, the stunning Palo Duro Canyon, and quirky Cadillac Ranch, it epitomizes classic Texas charm.

Frisco’s Flashy Transformation: From Fields to NFL Fame 🌟 read the full 1,219-word article here

Article published: June 14, 2025

I just finished reading the article "From Farmland to Fancy Suburb: This Texas Town Is Now Drawing CEOs and NFL Players" from Mansion Global, and wow—Frisco, Texas is having quite the glow-up.

Once little more than rolling farmland, this Dallas suburb now counts Dallas Cowboys and PGA headquarters among its recent additions.

Mega-companies like Oracle and McAfee have relocated here, drawn by Texas' famously business-friendly environment and lack of state income tax.

As for luxury, gated communities and sprawling mansions now command upwards of $8.5 million.

Even pro-athletes like Scottie Scheffler and Trevon Diggs have settled here, boosting Frisco’s appeal as an elite residential destination.

What truly caught my eye?

Frisco’s population has quintupled in two decades, and residents now have big-city amenities right at their doorstep—without sacrificing suburban comfort.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏈 NFL and PGA magnet: Cowboys star Trevon Diggs and PGA pro Scottie Scheffler chose Frisco, highlighting its rising celebrity draw.

• 💼 Corporate influx booming: Giants Oracle and McAfee relocated here, signaling Frisco’s newfound prestige and economic appeal among top companies.

• 🏘️ Luxury prices soaring: Homes surpassing 12,000 sq. ft. reach prices around $8.5 million, exemplifying rapid upscale growth in this previously modest suburb.

• 🎢 Entertainment explosion: A Universal Kids Resort arriving next year, joining NFL and PGA centers, positions Frisco as a vibrant entertainment hub.

Austin Real Estate: Why Buying Now Beats the Pandemic Frenzy 🏡 watch the full 13-min video here

Video published: June 10, 2025

I just watched Jordan Brown's insightful video, "Should You Buy A Home in Austin TX Right Now?", and it's clear: today's Austin real estate market is much saner (and more advantageous!) than during the pandemic craze.

Sure, you missed those 3% mortgage rates, but Jordan vividly describes how buying back then meant intense bidding wars—paying tens of thousands over asking, waiving inspections, and crossing your fingers the home wouldn’t collapse.

Now? Buyers have negotiation power, abundant options, and time to truly evaluate properties and neighborhoods.

With 12 times more inventory available, builders are rolling out red carpets, offering massive incentives.

Jordan makes a compelling case that today’s higher mortgage rates could actually lead to smarter long-term financial moves.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎯 Negotiation power returns: Buyers now regularly secure repairs, closing costs, inspections, and significant seller incentives—unimaginable luxuries during the pandemic. (1:02)

• 🏘️ Massive inventory spike: Over 14,000 homes now listed—12x the pandemic inventory—ensuring buyers find properties they truly love. (4:45)

• 💰 Smart refinancing potential: Buying at reduced prices now could mean substantial equity gains later when interest rates inevitably drop. (6:17)

• 📈 Innovative buyer incentives: Strategies like the 2-1 interest rate buydown and adjustable-rate mortgages have emerged, offering attractive financing flexibility. (7:51)

Texas Gem: Why Flower Mound is Quietly Becoming America's Favorite Small Town 🌼 read the full 1,734-word article here

Article published: June 14, 2025

I just finished reading Business Insider's "One of the best places to live in the US is this small Texas town," and it's clear—Flower Mound, Texas is having its moment in the sun.

Tucked away within the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this small, scenic town is quietly gaining national acclaim for its balanced lifestyle, remarkable amenities, and thoughtful growth.

Named for its actual mound of spring wildflowers, Flower Mound blends country charm with upscale, suburban comfort.

Residents love the strong sense of community, exceptional schools, proximity to parks and Grapevine Lake, and easy commute to major corporate hubs.

The real estate market is steadily growing, but deliberately so—thanks to the town's SMARTGrowth Program, protecting its small-town charm even as new homes and businesses flourish.

Key Takeaways:

• 🌳 Balanced, smart growth: Flower Mound's innovative SMARTGrowth program deliberately manages expansion, preserving community charm and minimizing infrastructure strain.

• 🏡 Affordable luxury: Median home prices around $544,453 appeal to newcomers from high-priced regions like California, offering spacious, upscale living.

• 🛫 Convenience wins: Located just 14 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Flower Mound offers easy access for busy professionals and frequent travelers.

• 🎸 Community-centric lifestyle: Town traditions like Friday night football and lively weekend events foster strong community bonds, creating a hometown atmosphere residents cherish.

From Open Land to Dream Property: What You Can Really Do With a Few Acres in Texas

So, you’re thinking about buying land in Texas—but what exactly can you do with it? The short answer: a lot more than you might think.

With just a few acres, you can build your dream home, set up a peaceful weekend getaway, start a small homestead, or even launch a side hustle. And in many areas of Texas, there’s no HOA and fewer restrictions, which means the land is truly yours to shape.

Here are a few real ideas buyers are bringing to life:

• Barndominiums – These barn-style homes are stylish, practical, and affordable. They’re popular in Texas for a reason—they look great, go up fast, and offer tons of space.

• RV and camping retreats – Not ready to build just yet? Set up an RV pad or create a glamping-style escape you can use on weekends.

• Gardens, chickens, and goats – A few acres is more than enough for a productive garden and even a small menagerie. Many buyers are using their land to get back to basics.

• Workshops or hobby barns – Whether you’re into woodworking, welding, or just want a killer garage setup, Texas land gives you room to play.

Whatever your dream looks like, land is the blank canvas. And with more people making the move from cities to wide-open spaces, now’s a great time to start building yours.

Take This Edition’s Poll 📊

Presented by Paluxy Valley Ranch: Claim Your 10+ Acres in the Texas Hill Country—Save $5K! 🌳

Imagine waking up to rolling pastures, towering oaks, and your own private pond—just under an hour from Fort Worth. At Paluxy Valley Ranch, 10+ acre lots start at $164,900, and during the Summer Sale, you’ll knock $5,000 off your favorite parcel. With paved roads, electric hookups, high-speed internet, no HOA, and flexible financing, you’re free to build now or later, your way.

Ready to explore your slice of the Hill Country? Call us at (866) 952-5399 or click below to schedule your private tour.

Why It Matters

Where you live isn't just about the roof over your head—it's about lifestyle, legacy, and finding your perfect balance of history, community, and opportunity. Whether it's the legendary lore of Austin's "Howling House," Frisco's rise to fame, or the hidden gem of Flower Mound, each story today highlights the vibrant possibilities awaiting in Texas.

Your dream home, wise investment, or next big adventure could be just around the corner—and there's never been a better time to explore.

Until next week, keep dreaming big and making moves!

Hannah Collinsworth
Editor-in-Chief
Houston, Texas
Texas Property Round Up

P.S. Don’t miss your chance to own a slice of the Texas Hill Country. At Paluxy Valley Ranch, these 10+ acre parcels are flying off the market, and the $5,000 Summer Sale savings won’t last. Click here to view available lots, schedule your private tour, and secure your discount today!