Veteran’s Home Loans for Gruene Texas!!If you are reading this, you or a family member have likely served in our military.  First off, we would like to say a sincere “Thank You” for your service!  We recognize that not only do our Veterans sacrifice by serving, but their families do as well-, and we owe you all a debt of gratitude!One of the best benefits Veterans and their families receive due to their service to our great country is the VA home loan benefits.  We are going to outline just a few of these significant benefits in this article for you.Here are some of the major benefits you may receive by using your VA home loan benefits:*100% financing available- one of the very few loans available with no down payment!*Lower rates available than most loan programs- which saves you money... 04/21/2021

The benefits of a preapproval (not prequalification) for Gruene Texas Mortgages. Many consumers are not informed on the proper way for buying a home. No question, this is a big decision, and one that can be either immensely stressful- or immensely enjoyable- depending on how you go about the home buying process of Gruene Texas Mortgages and the surrounding areas. The key is to take the proper steps to educate yourself on your buying power, initial investment, and taking some time to think about your lifestyle choices. This article will cover all of these.   Education    The steps necessary to purchasing a home in Gruene, Texas starts with getting pre-approved for your home loan. Notice we did not say get prequalified- in today’s world a prequalification is not meaningful. You should cho... 01/28/2021

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using FHA 203k Rehab Loans in Gruene Texas.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA (a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.This loan... 10/05/2020

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using Gruene Texas FHA 203k Rehab Loans.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA (a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.This loan pr... 07/01/2020

The benefits of a preapproval (not prequalification) for Gruene Texas Home Loans. Many consumers are not informed on the proper way for buying a home. No question, this is a big decision, and one that can be either immensely stressful- or immensely enjoyable- depending on how you go about the home buying process of Gruene Texas Mortgage Loans and the surrounding areas. The key is to take the proper steps to educate yourself on your buying power, initial investment, and taking some time to think about your lifestyle choices. This article will cover all of these.  Education   The steps necessary to purchasing a home in Gruene, Texas starts with getting pre-approved for your home loan. Notice we did not say get prequalified- in today’s world a prequalification is not meaningful. You should... 06/23/2020

The benefits of a preapproval (not prequalification) for Gruene Texas Mortgage Loans. Many consumers are not informed on the proper way for buying a home. No question, this is a big decision, and one that can be either immensely stressful- or immensely enjoyable- depending on how you go about the home buying process of Gruene Texas Mortgage Loans and the surrounding areas. The key is to take the proper steps to educate yourself on your buying power, initial investment, and taking some time to think about your lifestyle choices. This article will cover all of these.   Education    The steps necessary to purchasing a home in Gruene, Texas starts with getting pre-approved for your home loan. Notice we did not say get prequalified- in today’s world a prequalification is not meaningful. You ... 06/03/2020

Gruene TX VA Loans - the best loan program in Texas!  VA Mortgage Loans are one of the best mortgage loan programs available today for both honorably discharged Vets and active duty military personnel.  Here are some of the great features of this fantastic program:  - Zero Down Payment, 100% financing.  - Monthly mortgage insurance is not tacked on to your payment.  - Easier credit qualifying compared to other types of mortgage loans.- VA Mortgage Rates are low compared to other types of home loans.   How do you know if you qualify for Gruene TX VA Loans.  You must first verify your eligibility. Eligibility is verified by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. A Texas VA loan lender can order your COE quickly for you, or you can go directly to the VA to obtain a copy. If disch... 06/13/2019

Veterans now have access to a new VA renovation loan to refurbish or remodel their homes.  This loan program is available for new home purchases as well as for remodeling homes currently owned by the veteran.  It is estimated that over 50% of homes nationally are 40 years or older, and in the current housing market many homes are in need of updating, addressing deferred maintenance, or improving the energy efficiency of homes to lower utility costs.VA loan benefits include the following unique advantages:  a.  up to 100% financing, b.  no mortgage insurance, c.  up to $ 35,000 in renovation funds escrowed, d.  all renovations must be completed within 60 days of closing, e.  you can close on a purchase or refinance in the “as is” condition, f. you can borrow against the future value of t... 05/02/2019

Veterans now have access to a new VA renovation loan to refurbish or remodel their homes.  This loan program is available for new home purchases as well as for remodeling homes currently owned by the veteran.  It is estimated that over 50% of homes nationally are 40 years or older, and in the current housing market many homes are in need of updating, addressing deferred maintenance, or improving the energy efficiency of homes to lower utility costs.VA loan benefits include the following unique advantages:  a.  up to 100% financing, b.  no mortgage insurance, c.  up to $ 35,000 in renovation funds escrowed, d.  all renovations must be completed within 60 days of closing, e.  you can close on a purchase or refinance in the “as is” condition, f. you can borrow against the future value of t... 03/25/2019

Surrounding Gruene area is a prime area for 100% financing on a home loan. Gruene Texas buyers can get 100% financing on new home purchases in close by areas.This 100% program is truly not just for rural housing but for most of the geographic areas surrounding Wylie, Texas qualifies for: - 100% Financing Available- Small Monthly Mortgage Insurance (.30% of loan amount per year)- Interest Rates are still very competitive compared to Conventional and FHA. The biggest benefit is no down payment to a USDA loan- true 100% financing- with long term, 30 year fixed rate loans. Low MI (mortgage insurance) compare it to FHA and Conventional and see the savings! Let's take a look at qualifying requirements for a USDA home loan: There are some geographic areas that do not allow for USDA loans- but ... 06/29/2018

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, lets talk about Homes for Sale in Gruene, Texas!     Gruene, Texas...yep don't worry I spelled it right, but it is pronounced like the color.  It has to be one of my favorite places to visit in Texas!  It has long time roots that go back German namesake farmers Ernst and Antoinette Gruene who became the first known settlers of this area that sits along the Guadalupe River in the 1840's!  Today Gruene, TX has been added to the National Registry of Historic Places and is consistently a featured place for tourists to visit in the Texas travel industry for its quaint, old fashioned Texas character. The little town is centered around Gruene Hall, the oldest continuously operating  dance hall in Texas.  It was built in 1878!  Through the years, Gruene Hall has b... 03/17/2015

Summertime ~ Two Ton Tuesday's are back at Gruene Hall ~ Gruene, TX   If there is just something special about the heat, sun, cold beer and the Guadalupe river it's got to be Two Ton's playing on a Tuesday evening in Gruene, Texas. We have been lucky.  Lucky cause for the past 18 years Two Tons has been belting out some great Rockabilly music right in our backyard.  I can't tell you how many evenings my family (yes, bring the kids) have enjoyed listening to them, watching the infamous "rockabilly" dancers and enjoying the evening. On July 2, 2013, Two Tons will be putting out their 11th CD.  Yes, there will be a party for that.  You guessed it....Gruene Hall.  I for one, can't wait to hear it! So, bring your friends, family and heck even the neighbors cause every Tuesday until August 20... 06/25/2013

What's you favorite thing about the Christmas Season? Our Favorite Things: We love the Christmas Spirit. We love Church's Celebrating the Season and Nativity. We love the Excitement of Decorating the House. We love all The Twinkle Lights that Help Make the Season Special. We love seeing People's Kind Hearts in Giving. We love to see the Excitement of Children waiting for Santa Claus. We love the Merriment of Christmas Parties and Parades. We love Shopping Malls full of Happy Shopper's and Wonderful Decorations. We love Christmas Movies (new and old) and TV Christmas Specials. We love Christmas Music. We love that we can Share with Those less Fortunate. We love that we can Celebrate the Season in our Beloved America. We love our Family and Friends and Friends of Active Rain. We love tha... 12/05/2011

I wrote a previous blog post about Gruene's Music and Wine Festival this past weekend.  Many of you emailed me, asking how we liked it, so I thought I would give you a quick overview.  The event was scheduled from noon to 6pm, but we didn't get there until 4:30pm, thanks to hubby dropping me off at Neiman's Last Call!  Although we felt like we were running late, this was perfect timing! Around 5pm it started to drizzle.  The light rain cooled the tents off and cleared some of the crowd out.  We were able to move around the large tent rather freely, even with the jogging stroller.  There were probalby 40 wineries showcasing their wines and everyone was more liberal with their pours by the end of the day.   Chris and I ran into many other parents with strollers, even some with double str... 10/10/2011

  October 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the annual Gruene Music & Wine Fesival!  Located in Gruene, Texas, this four-day celebration is a fantastic opportunity for you and your family to come and enjoy the sights and sounds of small town Texas culture, up close and personal. Chris and I will be there with Carter in tow! Last year, proceeds from the fundraiser managed over $100,000 dollars to directly benefit the United Way of Comal County.  Very cool! From a specialty beer-tasting event (that’s Sunday) to live performances from the likes of Los Lonely Boys and blues guitar legend B.B. King, in addition to all of the locally-sourced wine and grub you can handle throughout, this is definitely the place to be come October 6th-9th. See the entire schedule of events below. Tanji says ea... 10/04/2011

  One of the many things to love about visiting and living in the Texas Hill Country is the access to so many historic, unique bed and breakfasts in the area. The Gruene and New Braunfels areas in particular are packed with hundreds of the quaint homes that allow guests to relax and enjoy area scenery from shaded porches, german-inspired food and even the occasional farm animal sighting! Here is a list of places in the Gruene area that will give you a taste of what Texas living is all about: The Gruene Mansion Inn Bed & Breakfast is located near New Braunfels, Texas in the historic community of Gruene, Texas. It offers quaint, historic rooms and mouthwatering home-cooked meals against the scenic backdrop of the Guadalupe River. The Mansion Inn shares the town with a number of other rust... 07/20/2011

Just north of New Braunfels lies a small town that is anything but ordinary. Gruene, Texas dishes out a healthy dose of  Hill Country charm and a sense of community that can be matched by few.  Antique shops, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and Texas’ oldest dance hall entice visitors, with many of these businesses occupying original buildings from the town’s beginning in the mid-1840s. The Historic District is a thriving collection of “mom and pop” stores and restaurants that flourish and remain true to their small-town foundations. When visiting a place like Gruene, one of the best ways to experience it is to indulge in the local flavor. The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, which is the original cotton gin, offers flavorful dishes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water. Unde... 07/07/2011

  It would take all day to rattle off all the reasons why living in the heart of Texas is an experience like no other. However, is there actually anything to back it up? Publications like U.S. News & World Report, in addition to CNN and Yelp.com have become trusted online ratings indicators from those who know best – consumers. If you ever wondered where the Texas Hill Country ranks in terms of categories like job growth, places to retire, or even the best restaurants, see our list below. Hill Country named among small towns to “Retire in Paradise,” CNN/Money Magazine Austin #1 on Kiplinger’s Best Cities for the Next Decade Austin in Top 10 Best Places to Live, U.S. News & World Report Austin ranked as one of Best Places to Live, CNN/Money Magazine Austin ranked as one of Best Places t... 06/14/2011

  One of the most well-known restaurants in the Texas Hill Country is the Gristmill.  If ever asked for suggestions on a great place to enjoy a chicken fried steak and a breathtaking view, locals will point you in the direction of this historic restaurant and bar. Situated on a hill overlooking the babbling Guadalupe River, the Gristmill is reminiscent of a treehouse situated around majestic oak trees. In 1922, the Gruene cotton gin processed crops raised by area farmers until the wooden structure tragically burned to the ground. All that remains of the water-powered mill today is the three story brick boiler room, which now serves as the main part of the restaurant and bar. The Gristmill’s most popular dishes include their steaks and homestyle hamburgers, as well as catfish, grilled ch... 06/08/2011

  On the third full weekend of every month, starting in February and going through September, you will find downtown Gruene, Texas, a bustle with handmade arts and crafts, rare finds and antique treasures. The Old Gruene Market Days have supported local vendors for who proudly sell their own wares for several years now, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Texas Hill Country residents and visitors alike enjoy the wide range of items including jewelry, candles, crafts, ceramics, metal art, furniture and clothing made 100 percent by the vendors themselves. Downtown Gruene businesses and restaurants also participate in the fun by welcoming market day participants in to see what all the buzz is about. Even the scenery is a draw – beautiful oak trees line the quaint streets, and german-sty... 06/01/2011