Dreaming of a Mystic Life?

Mystic Shores @ Canyon Lake

Featured by River Valley Real Estate

Mystic Shores is rich not only in its fertile river valley land, but with its heritage and ties to Texas history.  Remnants of earlier settlers can still be found today, from the old German school house, rock formations and Lipan Indian arrowheads discovered throughout Mystic Shores.  Anita Lindsey, daughter of the “711 Ranch” owners, the original name of Mystic Shores said, “that the land was meant to be lived on and loved”, and the current property owners and association are doing just that, making a place to fall in love with!

Historical information about Mystic Shores was found @ www.mysticshorespoa.com. Rieker, Paula (History of Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake) October 2015.

Just a quick drive up 281 North to Highway 306 you’ll find Mystic Shores in Spring Branch, TX. Charming towns like Gruene, Fredericksburg, Boerne and Luckenbach are all within a 45 minute proximity.

River Valley has eight gorgeous lots offering a variety to its buyers. Some have views of Canyon Lake and the 140 acre nature preserve, while others are interior lots closer to the exclusive and incredible amenities.  The larger lots are livestock approved adhering to what Mystic Shores was originally, a cattle ranch.

Living in Mystic Shores is hill country living at its best. The active community has exercise groups, gaming nights, community barbecues and much more. They can do these because of the countless amenities available to the owners:

Open air pavilion

2 swimming pool areas

140 acre nature preserve

Concrete walking paths

2 volleyball courts

Playground

2 tennis courts

RV and boat storage

As San Antonio continues to grow, more families will look for such communities like Mystic Shores. If you’re one of those in search of your piece of Texas history call us at River Valley Real Estate, 210-853-5327. Or visit our website @ www.rivervalleyre.com

Waterfront Retreat To Call Your Own

We couldn't resist the chance to share this tour with you of this amazing piece of property in Rockport, Texas. Sit back, relax and enjoy the charm of the Texas coast.

If you're interested in learning more about this listing please contact Bill Barkley at (210) 853-5327 or Bill@rvreco.com

1% Matters - How Mortgage Rates Impact Your Buying Power

A history on mortgage interest rates and what it means to your purchasing power.

You have decided it is the right time to purchase your first home, or maybe it is time to get a new home.  Thousands of people make this decision every day.  The first step begins with your lender, and the pre-approval process unless you are paying cash.  When getting a mortgage, the price you quality for is directly related to the current mortgage interest rate you can lock.  Obviously, this impacts you when you are selling as well.  Low interest rates increase purchasing power.

Imagine getting a pre-approval letter saying that you have been approved for a home with a 30 year mortgage with fixed interest rate of 13.7 percent? Believe it or not, those were the average mortgage interest rates experienced in the US in the 1980s for 30 year mortgages. Interest Rates in the last four years have been the lowest we have experienced in over a century. The all-time low historical rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage was in 2012 at an average of 3.7 percent. That is an astonishing 10 percent drop from the average rate seen in the 1980s. The second lowest average rate was in 2013 at 4 percent. So far in 2014, the average rate is at 4.4 percent for the months of January, February and beginning of March. The graph below illustrates the fact that the last time we experienced rates close to the ones we have today was in the 1950s, after World War II. Even then according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate, FHA-insured mortgage was 5.15 percent as of December 1956. That was the only point in time when rates even came anywhere near the rates being seen today.

Information courtesy of Dr. Steve Sjuggerud & Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

How would you like your buying power going from $300,000 to $267,000 based on an interest rate change of just 1 percent? According to Dan Green, of The Mortgage Reports, he states that a 1 percent change in mortgage rates means a significant change in what you can afford. With a 1 percent change in interest it will mean a 10.75 percent change in affordability for the home buyer. This change in affordability will be seen across the board at any price range and will affect anyone looking to buy. For instance, if you are seeking to purchase a $200,000 home, the 1 percent change in interest rate would lower your purchasing power to $178.500. These examples of the decline in purchasing power are dramatic, and our examples only reflect a 1 percent change.  Can you imagine the effect of a 3 or 4 percent change in interest rates?  It is important to note, that although the Federal Reserve has held interest rates fairly constant over the past few years, interest rates are unpredictable and change on a daily basis.

The chart below provides examples of 30 year fixed rate mortgages and the effects of increasing rates on purchase prices of $300,000 and $267,000.

What is the take away from this article?  With regard to your personal purchasing power, right now is a very advantageous time to purchase a home.

Authored by: Cynthia Cure & Bill Barkley, Broker

Additional Sources: bankrate.com

Your American Dream

What’s your version of the American Dream? The general consensus is that the American Dream tells us that if we work hard we can achieve great things. It seems like such a simple principle. Work hard and reap the rewards. This fundamental belief drove nearly 14 million people to the United States between 2000 and 2010.1  This dream becomes a checklist of sorts for many. Go to college. Start a successful career. Start a family. Buy a home. Enjoy the life you created. They all require a level of work and dedication. However, these aren’t just goals. They’re milestones.  For most people, they can look back fondly at what they’ve accomplished while getting their piece of the pie. 

There are a handful of professions that allow you to witness someone’s dream come to fruition and even fewer that allow you to guide them through the process. Home ownership can’t simply be boiled down to a business transaction. It’s not only a major financial investment for your future, but it’s a point of pride and for many one of the most emotional experiences of their lifetime. It’s the start of putting your roots down and becoming a member of the community in a much deeper sense. The benefits extend beyond your personal portfolio and have a positive impact on your family, community and country. 

Studies have shown that children living in owned homes score higher on tests and have a higher rate of high school graduation. There’s also a decrease in teenage delinquencies and pregnancy. An increase in charitable activity including membership in voluntary organizations was also documented. Homeowners reported higher life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, happiness, and higher perceived control over their lives.2

Guiding someone through this process establishes a very personal relationship based on four simple principles:

• Trust and Confidence 
• Knowledge and Determination
• Professional Ethics and Moral Values
• Consideration and Understanding

 Jerre Ledbetter, a mentor of River Valley Real Estate’s founder, shared a piece of knowledge that has become part of our foundation. "Once your client always your client because the relationship is not over when the sale closes."