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Hey there, Texas dreamers! 🌟

This week, we’re diving into some truly captivating stories. First, we take a closer look at Torchy’s Tacos founder Mike Rypka's stunning $25.5M Lake Austin estate—luxury and lakeside living at its finest. Then, we explore the latest shifts in the Texas real estate market, offering insights into what buyers and sellers can expect this spring.

Lastly, we’ll step into Rihanna’s Texas retreat, where the superstar has found peace and privacy in the Lone Star State's serene countryside.

Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's explore the exciting developments unfolding in Texas!

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• From Tacos to Texas Luxury: Torchy’s Founder Lists $25.5M Lake Austin Estate 🌮

• Texas Housing Heats Up: Spring Market Offers Buyers More Choices 🏡 

• Amazon’s $9,350 Tiny House Is Turning Heads 🏠

• Why North Texas Real Estate Won’t Slow Down 🏠

• Rihanna’s Texas Retreat: A Family Sanctuary for Peace, Privacy, & Joy

📈 Trending news

• A Stunning 2250 Sqft Monitor-Style Barndominium

• Texas Growth Surge: Rockwall Approves 1,000 New Homes in Major Developments

• Texas Parks Kick-Off Season of Outdoor Adventures

• Barndo Boom in Conway: The Barndo Co. Opens Must-See Showroom

• Amazon’s Tiny Home Boom: Fully Furnished, Portable Living Hits Texas Market

From Tacos to Texas Luxury: Torchy’s Founder Lists $25.5M Lake Austin Estate 🌮 read the full 484-word article here

Article published: March 22, 2025

In "Torchy's Tacos founder lists Lake Austin compound for $25.5 million", CHRON gives us an inside look at Mike Rypka’s jaw-dropping, taco-fueled real estate empire.

The founder of the beloved Austin-born taco chain is parting with his opulent three-lot Lake Austin estate nestled in an exclusive island community fittingly named The Island.

Spanning nearly five acres and boasting 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, multiple docks, a rotunda-style living room, and even a safe room—this isn’t your average Tex-Mex retreat.

Buyers can snag the entire spread for $25.5M, or scale down to two of the lots for a modest $19M. Either way, this is lakeside luxury with a side of queso.

Key Takeaways:

• 💰 $25.5M for Three Lots: Rypka’s estate includes a main home, guest house, casita, two docks, and one undeveloped lot.

• 🛋️ Amenities Galore: Main house includes a game room, humidor, safe room, catering kitchen, and lake views from a rotunda-style living space.

• 🛠️ Design Overhaul: Britt Design Group transformed the '80s interior into a sleek, modern showpiece post-Rypka’s purchase.

• 🏝️ Private Island Living: Located on The Island in Lake Austin, this enclave ranks among the area’s most exclusive—and most expensive—addresses.

Texas Housing Heats Up: Spring Market Offers Buyers More Choices 🏡 read the full 672-word article here

Article published: March 23, 2025

In MYSA’s “February Home Sales Gaining Momentum, Boosting Spring Market for Buyers,” the Texas real estate scene is shifting — and fast.

According to the latest RE/MAX National Housing Report, home inventory is rising across the U.S., but the Lone Star State is seeing a mixed bag. Dallas, for instance, saw one of the steepest drops in new listings, with about 2,000 fewer homes hitting the market compared to last year.

Meanwhile, San Antonio is pacing slower than other metros, with homes still lingering longer on the market — yet they’re selling six days faster than they did in 2024. Despite sluggishness, the Alamo City is gaining popularity with single parents and retirees, hinting at its long-term appeal.

With inventory up 34% nationally and buyers paying 99% of asking price, Texas markets are still very much in play — just more nuanced than ever.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏘️ Dallas New Listings Fell Sharply: The city posted a year-over-year drop of 2,000 listings, one of the nation’s largest declines.

• 🕰️ San Antonio Homes Selling Faster: Homes sold six days quicker than last year, despite being among the slowest-moving markets.

• 👪 San Antonio Ranked Top 10 for Single Parents: The city was recognized nationally as a great place for single-parent homeownership.

• 📊 Texas Home Prices Didn’t Skyrocket: Unlike Milwaukee, no Texas market made the list for the biggest year-over-year price hikes.

Amazon’s $9,350 Tiny House Is Turning Heads 🏠 read the full 406-word article here

Article published: March 20, 2025

In The U.S. Sun’s “HOUSE THAT Amazon is selling a prefab tiny home for just $9,350,” the dream of homeownership just got a lot more budget-friendly.

Amazon is now offering a prefab, mobile tiny home — fully equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, and two bedrooms — for under $10K. Measuring 19x20 feet, this expandable house comes with noise-reduction walls, fireproof and waterproof construction, and optional upgrades like solar panels and water tanks for off-grid living.

Whether you’re dreaming of countryside peace or minimalist city living, the home can be customized with different layouts, finishes, and materials. There’s even a larger 20x40-foot version for more space.

As housing prices soar nationwide, Amazon’s latest listing could be the ultimate disruptor — or the beginning of a very tiny revolution.

Key Takeaways:

• 💰 $9,350 Price Tag — Fully equipped prefab tiny home with bathroom, kitchen, and two bedrooms, all under $10K on Amazon.

• 🔇 Noise-Reducing, Weather-Proof Walls — Built for peace and resilience, featuring fireproof and waterproof panels ideal for any climate.

• ☀️ Off-Grid Ready — Buyers can upgrade with solar panels, water tanks, and other sustainable living features for full independence.

• 🛠️ Customizable Design — Includes options to personalize layout, finishes, and materials to suit any lifestyle or aesthetic.

Why North Texas Real Estate Won’t Slow Down 🏠 watch the full 14-min video here

Video published: March 20, 2025

I watched “Why North Texas Real Estate Is Still Booming” from The Powell Agency, and it’s got all the local insight Texas buyers and sellers need this spring.

Despite the spring break slowdown, markets like Rockwall are heating up thanks to new builds, good schools, and improved highway access — especially the I-30 bridge expansion that’s making commutes into Dallas much more manageable.

Clean homes, especially those with pools, are in high demand heading into the season, and timing is everything: May through July is peak sales season.

But it’s not just about location — preparation matters too. From avoiding insurance pitfalls due to unnecessary hail claims to keeping appraisers happy with a fresh coat of paint, these agents break down everything you didn’t know you needed to know.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏗️ Rockwall Is Booming: New builds, strong schools, and better commute times via I-30 make it a top Dallas-area hotspot (2:39).

• 💦 Pool Season = Selling Season: Homes with pools show better in spring/summer; listing in winter can hurt perceived value (2:06).

• 🧽 Cleanliness Pays: Dirty baseboards or outdated light switches can cost sellers thousands in offers and days on market (5:15).

• 🛠️ Beware of FHA Snags: Chipped paint on sheds or old structures can delay loans or require costly fixes under FHA rules (10:43).

Rihanna’s Texas Retreat: A Family Sanctuary for Peace, Privacy, & Joy

In the ever-glamorous world of Hollywood, where the spotlight rarely dims, Rihanna has found a serene escape in the sprawling landscapes of Texas. Known for her chart-topping hits and iconic fashion statements, the superstar has traded in the bustling city lights for the quiet charm of the Texas countryside, and it’s not hard to see why.

Rihanna's decision in March 2023 to invest in a 90-acre property, just outside of Austin, is a nod to her desire for a more relaxed, easy-going lifestyle with ample privacy. Away from the relentless demands of her career and the constant buzz of Los Angeles, the Lone Star State offers her and her family a much-needed retreat. With sprawling acreage and picturesque views, this area of the Lone Star State provides the perfect backdrop for Rihanna to unwind and reconnect with nature. Imagine rolling fields, starry nights, and a slower pace of life—it's a far cry from the frenzied pace she’d be leaving behind, stepping out of the Hollywood zip code.

For Rihanna, raising her two children in this environment is an intentional choice. With the news of her family set to expand as of August 2023, the need for solitude and privacy in Rihanna's life became even more pronounced. This tranquil Texas countryside offers a serene haven where she can provide her growing family with a nurturing environment, away from the prying eyes of the public. With the demands of motherhood increasing, the peaceful isolation of her Texas property allows Rihanna to focus on creating meaningful family moments and bonding with her two boys in a space that feels like a true home. This retreat not only provides a refuge from her high-profile life but also ensures that her children can experience a serene and intimate upbringing, free from the constant scrutiny that comes with fame.  

The peace and solitude of her Texas property are not just about escaping the pressures of fame. They also reflect Rihanna’s desire to cultivate a nurturing environment where her family can thrive. The quietude of rural Texas offers a sanctuary from the public eye, allowing her family to enjoy moments of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. In addition, the wide-open spaces and beautiful landscapes offer her two boys a chance to experience the great outdoors, fostering a sense of freedom and adventure that’s hard to come by in the city. In a world where kids often find themselves cooped up in urban environments, Texas provides an opportunity for them to explore, play, and grow in a natural setting.  

Rihanna is deeply committed to giving back to her local Austin community through her global philanthropy, Clara Lionel Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and emergency response initiatives. The superstar has been involved in supporting various local charities, using her platform and resources to make a positive impact.  Rihanna exemplifies how even the most high-profile celebrities can seek solace and purpose in giving back to the communities that welcome them. Her involvement in local charities not only highlights her generosity but also strengthens her bond with the state that has become a significant part of her life.  

So, while Rihanna continues to dazzle the world with her music and entrepreneurial ventures, she’s also found a special place in Texas where she can savor life’s simpler pleasures, nurture her growing family, and make a meaningful difference. In the heart of the Texas countryside, away from the glitz and glamour, Rihanna is discovering a new kind of richness in life—one rooted in nature, community, and quiet moments of joy.

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Why It Matters

These stories reflect the evolving landscape of Texas, where luxury, privacy, and meaningful living continue to shape the way we define "home." From celebrity estates like Rypka’s Lake Austin compound to the rising real estate trends in the state, it’s clear that Texas is not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. Rihanna’s retreat is a perfect example of how Texas offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst growing opportunities.

Stay tuned for more exciting insights as we continue to explore the ever-changing Texas real estate scene!

See you next time!

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

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