The rains that poured down relentlessly this spring have had a positive effect on Texas Hill Country wineries, with a “banner year for Texas wine grapes expected,” according to Texas Fine Wine. “Despite early season hail and a wet late spring in the Hill Country, Texas Fine Wine members predict promising crops at their Hill Country estate vineyards thanks to the recent heat and dry conditions that have promoted quality ripening.” 

September in New Braunfels is a time to celebrate the start of cooler weather heading into fall, kids’ return to learning now that they’re a couple weeks into the school year, and a number of great family events (and a few that are more geared for adults only) taking place throughout the city. If you’re looking for something fun to do close to home, or a good reason to come visit, you’ve got plenty to choose from this month. 

This 18-hole scramble foursome tournament has $125 entry fee per person (includes lunch, entry gift, tournament with cart, and prizes), with proceeds benefiting the Folds of Honor Foundation, providing scholarships to the spouses and children of deceased and disabled soldiers. 

Count another impressive title for Austin, which was named the No. 1 Best Buy City by Forbes. Using information from North Carolina-based data company Local Market Monitor and factors including population and employment growth, annual home price growth, and home price/rent ratio in more than 300 housing markets, Austin was rated the top choice in which to “invest in housing this year.”

The Hill Country is a favorite area to explore, whether you’re doing a tour of the Southwest, checking out the Texas Wine Trail, or daytripping from Austin, San Antonio, or Houston. If you’re coming through, here are the places and activities you won’t want to miss. 

The House Hunting Tips You Should Believe

After a lot of research and searching, you’ve found a home you’ve fallen in love with. Suddenly everyone you know are experienced home buyers who insist on making sure you don’t fall prey to the evil seller. Meaghan Agnew of real estate website Trulia, offers some measured advice about what house hunting tips you should take note of and those you should dismiss.

Always Try a Lower Offer First

This house hunting tip may or may not be for your specific situation. Before you make an offer and risk it, do your research. If you’ve found a property that’s perfect in a neighborhood where homes are moving off the market quickly, you might want to consider a more competitive offer.

Choose the Best Home Furniture to Fit Your Personality and Your Room

You’ve purchased a new home and now it’s time to find the right home furniture. At this point, you’ve probably decided between a traditional or modern look and set a budget. Have you considered the type of designs you like and what colors you can live with for a while?

Fred Albert, Houzz contributor, explores the next essential stage in the design process, choosing the right furniture.

The first thing he suggests is to take inventory of what you already own. If it was inexpensive and doesn't fit your vision, get rid of it. Your trash might be someone else’s treasure. Many people are now using Craigslist and Facebook garage sale groups to sell furniture for cheap but it’s free of the hassle of having to move it yourself. If you want to keep an old piece and give it a facelift, try giving the piece a new upholstery to add a touch of color or modern flare!

What to Buy

Allison Caccoma, of Caccoma Interiors, offers a great next step in this decorating process. Put your design skills to work before you make any purchases. Sit down and figure out everything you need to complete a room; not necessarily creating a shopping list, but ideas of pieces in the colors and styles that you want.“People often make the mistake of buying an item, and then are locked into decorating the room around that one item,” Caccoma says.

Now it is time to find the perfect home furniture. Quality is key, says Claudia Juestel of Adeeni Design Group. Be prepared to spend a little more on the furniture that is going to be used often. You want to be comfortable and good quality sofas and chairs cost more. When it comes to picking the colors of your larger and more expensive pieces, Caccoma advises to stick to neutral colors and use accessories to add color and personality to a room.

The combination of Vintage Oaks’ famed Texas Hill Country scenery and the musical talents of a renowned musician came together like never before on Wednesday as country music star Jack Ingram christened the community’s new Timber Ridge Park with an inspired outdoor concert.

Known for his hit songs including “Measure of a Man” and “Goodnight Moon,” Ingram played to an invitation-only crowd, bringing his signature style and Texas charm to the Hill Country’s fastest-growing community. More than 300 of the community’s residents spanning all ages packed the new park for this special event.

Learn How to Find the Perfect House With These Real Estate Tips

According to the experts, if you plan to buy a house this year now is the time to do it. In the real estate world, home-buying season has begun. Sellers are planting the “For Sale” signs in their front yards faster than you can make a few circles around the neighborhood looking for the newest properties. How can you be the buyer with an edge over the competition?

Do the Work and Get Started Buying a House

Are you ready to begin looking for your next property but for one reason or another have dreaded the process? Like anything else, buying a house takes work but the reward is worth it. Whether you are running out of space due to an expanding family or you’re ready to change your style of living and move to a different area, now is the time to make a plan and take action. Author Brendon DeSimone frequently guides potential homebuyers through this process and offers these helpful thoughts on making your next purchase.