October 2019

October is National Fire Prevention Month, which makes it the perfect time to think about your home and your family and spend a little time to ensure you are doing everything you can to be prepared in case of a fire at your home. Housefires caused an average of 2,560 deaths per year from 2012-2016 and almost 12,000 injuries per year according to the National Fire Prevention Association. While preventing fires is a great goal, it’s unlikely all fires can be prevented.  Having a plan in place that all members of your family are familiar with is the greatest thing you can do to protect your family. Homes can be rebuilt but the loss of lives can’t be undone so these steps will help keep you safe in case the unthinkable happens.

The very first thing you

This home is just what you have been waiting for in a great location. Three bedrooms, two full baths and one half bath make up this 3,514 square foot home that sits on a 1.25 acre lot adjacent a greenbelt. The main level of the home features an open floor plan, office and master suite. French doors accent the office and an arched doorway enters the formal dining room. A spacious kitchen with a large island overlooks the family room with a gas fireplace. The kitchen is nicely equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a tile backsplash. The master suite includes a private bath with dual vanities, soaking tub and standup shower.

Upstairs you will find two bedrooms, one full bath and a bonus room. The backyard has been fenced for

Downtown Bastrop will be alive with activities this weekend. Whether you are looking for a night out, a fun new art project or a day of shopping in Downtown Bastrop, there is something for you.

Start with Downtown Bastrop Market Day on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. There will be shopping, food and wine and featured artists. Downtown businesses will offer sales and samples to so there will be a lot for you to enjoy. This will be a great chance to kick start your holiday shopping.

After you are finished shopping for the day, the Lost Pines Art Center is offering private glass blowing workshops that include making your own glass pumpkin in your choice of colors. Glass blowing sessions run from 2-5 p.m. and are approximately 20

If you are planning an upcoming remodeling project for your Bastrop home, whether it is big or small, you will have many decisions to make as you begin your project. It may feel overwhelming to make all the decisions you will need to make. One thing you are likely to encounter as you begin the process is deciding if you want to incorporate smart features in your home. There are many different things to consider but before you dive in, make sure you ask about the long term maintenance that is involved with having these items in your home.

Probably the most popular smart feature to include in your home is programmable thermostats. Program your thermostats to keep the home at your desired temperature based on your schedule. No more paying for air while

If you are looking for both convenience and privacy, these lots are just what you need. With multiple adjacent lots available, you have the opportunity to own 12.5 acres in the heart of Pine Forest. The property sits between Bastrop and Smithville so you are conveniently located without the pressure of neighbors too close. Two golf courses and two state parks are located just minutes away providing nearby options for recreation as well.  Tuck your home in the middle or the property or create a compound for your family from the three separate lots.

Once you are settled, bring your horses. The property was involved in the 2011 fire but the Texas Forest Service planted Loblolly pine seedlings that are maturing nicely. A partial driveway is in place but it

With so much to do around Bastrop this weekend, you will be busy and entertained no matter what your interests. There are options for morning, afternoon and evening so pick one or all and have a fun weekend.

Start Saturday, October 12 in the morning with The Autumn Big Sit. Join the Bastrop County Audubon Society from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Fisherman’s Park for birdwatching. This event is free and open to all ages. Bring binoculars if you have them and something to sit on. Learn to spot birds with vision and hearing at this international event.    

In the afternoon, relax at Bands for Lands from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Community Gardens and celebrates land conservation and Texas music. The performers will be Will and the

When you are ready to sell your Bastrop home, you definitely want to sell it for as much money as possible and also keep as much of that money as possible. Paying commission to a real estate agent is a common expense when you sell your home but many sellers don’t see the benefit of commission and want to do everything they can to avoid the expense completely or get a reduced rate to save money on this expense.

In recent years as the number of real estate agents increased and the market evolved, many sellers turned to flat rate brokers to sell their home so they could reduce this expense in an effort to put more money in their pocket. Flat fee agents, also known as limited services brokers in some markets frequently only list the property for sale in

This is the home you have been waiting for and is the perfect place to settle down, unwind and soak up the beauty of your surroundings. The home offers three bedrooms, three full bathrooms and almost 3,000 square feet of living space for you to enjoy and sits on a 0.76 acre lot in The Village at ColoVista. Beautiful stained glass windows beckon you inside and low maintenance tile flooring is found throughout the home.

Enjoy your spacious kitchen that includes a large butler’s pantry, large island with cooktop and prep sink, double ovens and plenty of cabinets for storage. The kitchen opens to a large family room with a fireplace and built-ins. Two places are available for dining with a breakfast area and a formal dining room. With so much space to

The Maker’s & Merchant’s Faire will take place on Saturday, October 5th at EH Mercantile. This event will feature handcrafted gifts made by local artisans and crafters available for purchase. At this event, expect to find handmade jewelry, pottery, candles, home décor, art and many other items. This is a great time to start your holiday shopping if you haven’t already and there will be plenty of unique items available to select.

EH Mercantile is located next to Subway in Smithville. The event will include live music by Jessica Shepherd from 11-1 and a Sno Cone stand. Save the date for the last Maker’s & Merchant’s Faire of the year on December 14th.

When: Saturday, October 5th 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Where: 1509 Dorothy Nichols Lane, Smithville (next