MONEY MAGAZINE Recommends Marble Falls

Marble Falls & Horseshoe Bay continue to receive kudos for being one of the best places in the country to retire.


In August of 2008, Sarah Max of MONEY MAGAZINE contacted me because she was doing research for an article on great places to retire. MONEY had found that 49% of baby boomers wanted to retire somewhere by the water. That desire was second only to moving nearer to their grandchildren. After screening for good medical care, low taxes, & affordable housing, Marble Falls made the list!

I put Sarah in touch with our dear friends, Pat & Larry Snider who recently finished building a home in The Trails of LBJ. Ginny Rhodes, my ex-partner sold them their lot. Terry Dauphine of Dauphine Homes built the house, did a spectacular job & Larry & Pat love it! Both are avid water skiers and own cutting horses back home in Colorado, so the Trails was the perfect location for them. Currently dividing their time between Horseshoe Bay & their ranch, they plan to move here full time next year when Larry retires. Pat, Larry, & Horseshoe Bay are mentioned in the hard copy version of the magazine, currently at the newsstands.


When talking to clients, especially retirees, I'm hearing more frequent concerns about living on the coast. Whether the problem is global warming or a re-occurring cycle, the result is the same: increased incidence of hurricanes. No one wants to loose everything, but certainly not at a time of life when your health may not prepare you for the challenge. We had a number of friends who have had family here (some still are here) from Houston because of IKE.


Horseshoe Bay & Marble Falls provides the right distance away from Gulf storms. We have wonderful, affordable housing with great waterfront access. And if you still want to visit the coast, you're only a couple of hours away!

Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction

Accoring to Orbitz, the Texas Hill Country is second only to Napa for fastest growing wine & food destinations: "Distinctive wines combined with southern hospitality have vaulted the Texas Hill County to the #2 spot on the Orbitz Insider Index fastest-growing list."

But did you also know that Texas viticulture had a tremendous, historic impact on the European wine industry? At the end of the nineteenth century, Thomas Volney Munson & Texas rootstocks literally saved devastated French vineyards from phylloxera. Munson grafted French vines onto resistant native Texas rootstocks & this procedure is still used today. For more information check out Lone Star Vine Roots.

Help us celebrate! Horseshoe Bay Resort will be hosting its Fourth Annual Texas Fall Fest & Wine Auction presented by the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, beginning Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2.

Guests can enjoy three days of Texas wine and regional cuisine activities. There will be a wine and food pairing seminar, wine tasting at Spicewood Vineyard, a book signing by Celebrity Chef Grady Shears at Fall Creek Vineyards, and a dinner by Grady Spears and Wine Auction Gala, to name a few.

Take advantage of a great package offered by the Resort. Starting at $403 per person (double occupancy) for a two-night stay, October 31 and November 1, 2008, the package includes entry to all six of the festival events plus a VIP-only event with a special take-home good bag.

If you would like to stay at the Resort but not purchase the all-inclusive package, then you may call the Resort’s reservation department at (866) 799-5384. You may also purchase individual event tickets by phone (877) 424-0570 or by visiting the TEXAS FALL FEST & WINE AUCTION website, where may also get more information and a detailed schedule.

New 1031 Exchange Guidelines for Vacation Homeowners

Realtytimes.com recently reported that the IRS has provided new guidelines regarding whether vacation homes qualify for a 1031 exchange. One of the big trends with Texas baby boomers is vacation homes. With over 70% of Horseshoe Bay property owners being second home owners, and our primary demographic catering to the 50+ crowd, this information is very timely.

According to a new IRS ruling, the property must first be held by the taxpayer for 24 months to qualify for a 1031 exchange. In addition, during each 12-month block of this holding period, the owner must have rented the vacation home for at least 14 days at a fair market rent. Also during each 12-month block, the owner is only allowed to use the property for the greater of 14 days or 10 percent of the days rented. Owners are also allowed a reasonable number of "maintenance days" to care for the unit.

Check with your accountant & the IRS if you have questions. Another local source is Hill Country 1031 Exchange, located here in Horseshoe Bay. If you're looking for someone to help manage your rental property, check with Sandy Terkelson at Horseshoe Bay Resort Rentals.

For more information about real estate in Horseshoe Bay, check my web site: http://www.JanBusse.com/

Property Owners Association Annual Meeting

The Horseshoe Bay Property Owner’s Association Annual Meeting is tomorrow, Saturday, March 15th @ 10:00 AM, at Quail Point on Red Sails in Horseshoe Bay. The agenda is on their website.

One item on the agenda is information about hazardous waste disposal. The LCRA is sponsoring hazardous waste disposal for Llano, Burnet, & San Saba counties on April 26, 2008. Residents of these three counties can bring their products to the LCRA Western District Complex, Texas Highway 29 and R.R. 1431, Llano County. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check their on line schedule.

Lawn and garden products, automotive lubricants, cleaners, paints, and solvents are found in most homes & their improper disposal can pose a threat to health & contaminate land, air, and water. LCRA's Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Education Program teaches the safe and proper management of these materials and collaborates with local governments to properly dispose of them, & to prevent contamination, especially of local water resources.

In helping local groups sponsor one-day waste collections, LCRA provides assistance with sponsorship and community fundraising, media and public awareness, school-based education, product exchanges, and collection and disposal.

For more information about real estate in Horseshoe Bay, please check my web site: http://www.janbusse.com/ .

Spicewood Vineyards Announces 2007 Cabernet Claret

Spicewood Vineyards is celebrating the release of their 2007 Cabernet Claret on Saturday, April 5 with a good old-fashioned pig roast! They will be selling tickets providing the holder with dinner, two glasses of wine of their choice, and a sampling of their brand new Cabernet Claret. Guests will enjoy live music, great atmosphere, & beautiful Springtime, hill country views.

Cabernet Claret tastings will begin at 5:30 and dinner will be available starting at 6:30. The tasting room will have extended hours providing guests with an opportunity to taste and purchase the entire selection of wines. Tickets are 20.00 each or $35.00per couple in advance. Tickets will be $25.00 at the door if available. Be amoung the first to experience Spicewood Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Claret! You can contact Spicewood Vineyards by phone: (830) 693-5328

Horseshoe Bay Marriott Now Managed by Jaffe Group

In an article by the Austin Business Journal, Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott, previously managed by Marriott Corporation will now be run by Resort owner, The Jaffe Group. The 349-room hotel will now operate as a Marriott franchise hotel and all the former Marriott hotel employees will become part of Horseshoe Bay Resort's staff.

One benefit for customers is that they will now have one point of contact for the resort and hotel, ownership says. "This transition enables the employees of Horseshoe Bay Resort to provide seamless service for members and guests," says G. Michael Thomas, president and chief operating officer.

Plans are under way to introduce a number of new or upgraded amenities, including a 90-foot-long yacht for private events and group functions, a new restaurant at the Yacht Club, new marina facilities, a new, state of the art spa and fitness center and a completely renovated Cap Rock Clubhouse. (See posting for Jan. 21, 2008).

For more information about Horseshoe Bay Resort & real estate in the Highland Lakes, see my web site www.JanBusse.com

Services for Jerry Owens

Marta Stafford, Riverbend Gallery manager, sent word today about memorial services for Jerry. There will be services this coming Monday, Feb. 25, at 2.00 pm at The First Baptist Church of Richardson, 1001 North Central Expressway, Richardson, Texas. A memorial service has also been organized in Horseshoe Bay for Wednesday, February 27th, at 10am at the Church at Horseshoe Bay, 600 Hi Ridge Road (phone 830.596.7071).

Letters of condolence may be sent to his wife, Suzanne at PO Box 4123, Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the church (address above) or to The Highland Lakes Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, PO Box 1275 Marble Falls, TX 78654

Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzanne & the family.

In Memoriam

As some of you know, I show my artwork at Riverbend Fine Art Gallery in Marble Falls. It's a wonderful, nuturing enviornment and I'm very honored to be included in their family of artists.

We received very sad news today that the gallery's owner Jerry Owens passed away yesterday afternoon. His wife Suzanne, his family, & friends feel the loss deeply and I know would appreciate your prayers and good wishes.

Below is a copy of the note gallery manager, Marta Stafford send to friends of the gallery. She called each artist today to personally tell us the news. It was a terrible task & I know she & Lori, her assistant would also appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

2.21.08 On Wednesday, February 21 Jerry Owens, owner of the gallery, died at home with Suzanne at his side. We feel as though we have lost a best beloved family member. He was gentleman and an art lover who could combine his intelligence with humor and sensitivity. Jerry's contribution to the community is quiet, yet deeply felt by many. He lives on in our thoughts as we wish him and his family a healing peace... This is his message for you:

Valentine's Day 2008"Home from the hospital today. What a glorious, if exhausting trip! Nine days in there seemed like at least nine years. There was going to be blood on the floor, and not mine, if they did not let me out of there. They say that time helps you to forget and I certainly hope it is true. The bottom line is, I am alive and hopefully soon back to near normal activity, and the cancer is not likely ever to come back. There is a lot of strength to recover, and some adjustments, but life should be near normal for an old dog at 74.

I owe so much to so many, I don't know where to start. I won't try to go down the list. You know who you are and it for sure includes every soul who has said a prayer in my behalf. Suzanne, of course, is my rock, and has been there every step. She is my beacon. I love you each and every one. God bless." Jerry

Mastering the ART of Real Estate

When we first came to Horseshoe Bay, I was completely enchanted with the natural beauty of the development and how well the Hurds & later, the Jaffes, had preserved it. The low water crossings that are so emblematic of the Hill Country are used frequently and I feel like a kid when I drive or walk across them. When a new client cheers as we go through the first time, I grin just as much as they do!

Horseshoe Bay neighborhoods are charming & each has it's own personality, but trying to learn your way around here is NO SMALL TASK. Roads follow the golf course or the lake's shoreline and both meander every which way. My "navigation" system was completely turned around our first few visits here. In order to help my clients decipher the spaghetti we call a road system, I'm working on printing a new map. Kelly Cauble, of Homeview.net is doing it for me & I've decided to use some my original paintings instead of photographs for the artwork. It goes along with my theme of the "Art of Real Estate." It’s also a wonderful way to get to paint & not feel guilty.

I know from teaching art and from working on location, people are intrigued by the process of painting, so I thought I'd post a few pieces as I work on them. These paintings are a combination of media: both watercolor (because it's fast) and colored pencil (for detail). I do a lot of multi-media when I'm on vacation. I usually work small, so they're very portable & I can take a bag with me that's a traveling studio.

The last photo, above, is the starting point. It's a simple pencil drawing & the blue color you see is the masking medium used to "save" the white paper underneath. It's rubbed off when the watercolor is completed. In traditional watercolors, no white paint is used. When you want a lighter color, you add more water to the pigment which makes it more transparent. Pale paint on white paper is how you get highlights in watercolor. To get the color "white" you simply don't paint on that area & let the white of the paper show through. Darker values are achieved by adding more pigment & less water.

The second photo is the "under" painting of watercolor only. By doing all the big blocks of color & establishing the lights and darks I can do a painting of this size (about 6" x 9") in about 3-4 hours. It takes about an hour (and twenty years) to do the watercolor portion.

Photo number one is the finished piece. I've added the colored pencil, which is semi-transparent. Pencil is great for detail and is applied in layers over the watercolor. They're wax based, so you can't add watercolor on top of traditional colored pencils.

The finished piece is called "Sandy Creek Spring.” I used two photos (artistic license) for references that I took last spring in the Trails of LBJ. The vantage point is at the corner of Trails Parkway & Rock 'N Robin, overlooking the Sandy Creek arm of Lake LBJ.

The maps should be completed and ready for mailing in about four to six weeks. Please e-mail or phone if I can send you one. The easiest way to contact me is on my web site. If you'd like to see more of my paintings, go to my art site & to find out more about investing in Horseshoe Bay, check out my REAL ESTATE web site www.JanBusse.com.

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.

Private motor clubs are all the rage with well heeled auto buffs, and there are several in Texas: MotorSport Ranch, southwest of Fort Worth, and Eagles Canyon Raceway near Decatur. In an article last week, the Austin American Statesman reported a new, $13 million private motor sports club with two high-performance racecourses is in the works for an unspecified location in the northern part of Blanco County. (See posting for 02/05/08 titled "Wish You Were Here!")

The Blanco project, called Bergrennenring, which is German for “Hill Race Circuit,” is negotiating to purchase 250 acres near the city of Round Mountain, about 17 miles southeast of Horseshoe Bay, on Hwy 281. See a Map of the area. With a $25,000 initial membership fee and the high-end automobiles required, the club will cater to the same clientele as those of Horseshoe Bay Resort, Skywater, & Escondido.

Boerne-based Motorsport Resorts International confirmed they were negotiating to buy a site, but it would not disclose the exact location. They will say that the proposed property now lies somewhere in the city of Round Mountain's future growth area or extraterritorial jurisdiction. The high-end homes and resort facilities which were originally part of the plan, have been dropped for now. They hope they may be able to enter into agreements with nearby resorts, such as Horseshoe Bay. The developers hope to break ground in the latter part of this year on the first phase of the project. It could open as early as 2009.

Not everyone is pleased with the project. Round Mountain residents who think they may be potential neighbors are concerned about environmental issues such as noise & water pollution both during construction and thereafter. Developers promise to address the concerns through noise abatement measures and claim fuel will not be sold on the premises, eliminating the need for oil & gas storage tanks, which could cause a problem for ground water.

Blanco County resident Dave Collins, who is also president of the local environmental organization Preserve Our Water, remains concerned. The Statesmen article quotes him: "I've seen too many instances where noise abatement was promised and not delivered," he said. "I'm still concerned about the potential damage to surface and groundwater, both from the construction activities and from runoff during the use of the facility."

For more information about REAL ESTATE in Horseshoe Bay & the surrounding area, visit my web site: www.JanBusse.com

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has sprung in Horseshoe Bay! Our temperatures have been consistently in the 60’s & 70’s over the last several weeks and we’ve even hit over 80 several times. Once we can start watering our lawn again, things should be turning green pretty quickly. Since my husband & I live on the lake, our sprinkler system feeds from LBJ & we’ve turned it off until lake levels are back up to normal.

The LCRA will begin refilling Lake LBJ will on Feb. 25 and should be completed by Feb. 27 unless an emergency requires LCRA to refill the lake earlier. Refilling Lake LBJ is expected to draw Lake Buchanan down about one foot. I’m planning on taking photos during that time for posting to the blog & my web site.

With Spring, in Horseshoe Bay especially, comes golf. The Southern Texas PGA Senior Series is leading off their ten tournament schedule on March 17-18 at Horseshoe Bay Resort. The STPGA Senior Series is open to golfers aged 50 and above as of Nov. 1, 2008. Annual membership dues are $125 and include eligibility for Senior Series tournaments plus special branded merchandise. It’s open to both professionals & amateurs. Professionals playing in Senior Series events compete for cash; amateurs for merchandise certificates. Golfers who finish in the Top 6 on the season-ending points list earn spots in the field at the 2008 Texas Senior Open Championship. Check out the entire schedule.

Wish You Were Here!

Horseshoe Bay is perfectly placed. With a lifestyle of outstanding resort amenities, unspoiled waterfront, & breathtaking Hill Country vistas, our economic climate remains strong while much of the remaining U.S. struggles. Our two closest, Austin & San Antonio, continue to receive strong economic forecasts. The fastest growth corridors for both cities are taking place TOWARD Horseshoe Bay. We can’t help but reap the benefits.

Forbes Magazine has ranked Austin as the NUMBER ONE fastest growing large metropolitan area in the United States. Forbes cited Austin's high-tech industry (with key employers such as Dell, IBM and Apple) and the University of Texas, which provides the area with a steady stream of talent. Austin is the self proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” & has a thriving film industry & art’s community.

Austin's projected gross domestic product growth by 2012 is second only to Mobile, Ala., and first among the largest 100 metro areas in the country. Metro area Austin's population is expected to grow nearly 15% by 2012. In projections run for Forbes by Moody's Economy.com, Austin’s GMP by is expected to grow 32% during the same time frame.

Horseshoe Bay’s next closest metropolitan market, San Antonio, barely missed the list because, according to Forbes, they're expected population growth is lower. However they still ranked #6 in Fortune’s “Top 10 Places to Own Real Estate” showing solid appreciation while much of the rest of the U.S. endures hard economic times.

As an example of this growth, Galo Properties http://www.globest.com/ will soon begin construction on a $200 million, 77-acre town center just northeast of San Antonio. Cibolo Town Center’s first phase will include a 129-room Cambria Suites Hotel and 174,000 s.f. of retail space. The project is expected to have 600,000 to 800,000 s.f. of retail at build out.

Construction will be underway by the end of this year at I-35 North and Weiderstein Rd., which will be renamed Cibolo Pkwy. The first phase is slated for a late 2009 or early 2010 completion.

Horseshoe Bay is what I call the third point in the Hill Country's "golden triangle." Giving us all the convenience of two thriving metropolitan areas and the affordability of small town prices, our equity appreciation rivals almost any other market in the U.S. If predictions by some of the nation's most prestigious publications prove true, we are perfectly placed for a long time to come.

Is YOUR Retirement program this good?

We knew it was the tip of the iceberg, but frankly, the more I learn about the PEC Board’s flagrant disregard for their responsible stewardship of our Co-op, the angrier I become. My modest sized home had an electric bill last month of over $400 – we’ve had unseasonably cold weather this year. When we retire, neither my husband nor I will have the same benefits of some board members of our local PEC.

Yesterday’s (02/03/08) Austin American Statesman revealed an … "emeritus" program that would provide lifetime pay and benefits after a director's active service on the board ends. The program was used to assist at least one former director, Charles Winters, who stayed on the Pedernales payroll after entering a nursing home in the late 1990s. Winters died in 2005. Family members say he suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a debilitating lung condition." The existance of the program was completely undisclosed to co-op members.

There have also been questions regarding another employee who left her job as Pedernales General Manager Bennie Fuelberg's assistant and moved to Louisiana two years ago. According to Fuelberg's testimony late last year in a lawsuit brought by Pedernales members, she also still collects full salary & benefits without providing any service to the co-op.

Staff members are eligible for a generous retirement package from Pedernales that includes a defined benefit plan and a 401(k) plan with a 5-to-1 COMPANY MATCH. According to the Statesman article: “Charles Elson, professor at the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, said emeritus board members are rare in both the for-profit and nonprofit world, and are almost always honorific — without compensation. ‘To pay and get health insurance is highly unusual,’ he said. Greg Boudreaux, a retired executive of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association who consults on governance issues, said emeritus positions are usually granted in 'recognition for directors that have made a significant contribution to the co-op' but do not come with pay."

Last week, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst authorized a Senate study of Pedernales' lax oversight by its board of directors. The study and hearings will be conducted by the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, which Horseshoe Bay resident, Sen. Troy Fraser (R) heads.

In January, Pedernales Electric Co-op became the subject of a preliminary criminal investigation by the district attorney for the Hill Country area that includes Johnson City. SIC 'EM BOYS.

Investing in Real Estate; Building Net Worth

HousingPredictor.com has forecast Austin as the number one spot in the nation for investors! It’s impossible to obtain forecasts for Horseshoe Bay; we’re just too small a market today, and very much of a niche/resort area. But our closest metro area, Austin, was once again getting raves from another independent study for economic & real estate growth. Rated #1 in their Lucky 7 forecasts for 2008 are intended for investors willing to take a RISK buying real estate for QUICK PROFIT.

Looking at 250 local housing markets in all 50 states, they are betting on quick profits in these seven markets. They advise being able to handle mortgage payments for longer than the 12 month minimum sometimes suggested. Austin earned the #1 spot because of it’s vibrant economy, growing high tech industry, & booming population.

I initially got interested in real estate as a profession because my husband & I love to remodel houses. What started out as a necessity when we were young & poor became a great way to leverage ourselves into nicer homes & build more equity faster. Because we’ve lived all over the country, rarely staying longer than 5 years in one house, we found some tried & true methods that work for us:

· SET A BUDGET & STICK TO IT! Make sure you get a good inspection so you know what you may come across & allow for the unexpected by at least an additional 10-20%

· COSMETIC FIXER UPPERS ARE THE BEST PLACE TO START if you’re a neophyte

· DO THE MAJORITY OF THE WORK YOURSELF, if possible; but know when you need to hire the work done by a professional. I've learned not only to strip wallpaper & paint, but to patch dry wall, install lighting fixtures, & set toilets: much of what needs to be done for cosmetic changes only.

· FIND DEPENDABLE CONTRACTORS, recommended by people in the business -- local real estate agents are the perfect source. CHECK REFERENCES!

Studies indicate the majority of America’s wealthiest people make at least the largest portion of their money through investing in real estate. Most investments, however, are for 10 years or longer. Another way to help add to your bottom line is to “slow flip.” By living in a home for a minimum of two years, you have serious tax advantages. Up to $500,000 of profit is tax exempt under most circumstances. Make sure to talk to your CPA about the restrictions.

Horseshoe Bay has many homes in need of remodeling, but prices aren't always indicative of the amount of work needed. If you plan to buy a home to redo, talk to your agent about how much you plan to spend on the remodel & how long to plan to live there before putting it back on the market. Planning is imperative if you expect to make a profit.

The Good Ol’ Boys Need to be GOOD 'N GONE

Along with most PEC members and Horseshoe Bay residents, I’ve been happy to hear of the retirement of PEC board members Bennie Fuelberg & Bud Burnett. The scandal at Pedernales Electric Cooperative has been mind boggling even by Texas standards. No doubt, many are hoping to hear the last of it. But I agree with assessments as diverse as HSB resident, Republican state Senator, Troy Fraser, members who called for the board resignation last summer, and the editorial staff at the Austin American Statesman. The books need to be open, the audits need to be independent, and ALL the good ol’ boys need to be GONE.

The PEC was established by President Lyndon Johnson during the Great Depression to provide electricity to the Texas Hill County. Based in Johnson City, it now has 220,000 customers, covers 8,100 square miles (larger than the state of Massachusetts) & has $500 million in annual revenue. It’s the largest electrical co-op in the country.

In May, PEC member Lee Beck Lawrence filed a class action lawsuit against PEC and 19 of its leaders accusing mismanagement & seeking reform. Since last year’s lawsuit filing a criminal investigation is now under way. District Attorney Sam Oatman, prosecutor, announced last week that he will open a preliminary investigation of the PEC, including questions raised about excessive board member expense charges. According to recent disclosures in the above mentioned lawsuit, Pedernales executives and board members charged $700,000 from 2002 to 2006 on co-op credit cards for expenses such as first-class airline travel & exclusive hotel stays. Court documents also show that board President W.W. "Bud" Burnett, whose staff role as "coordinator" for the utility enabled him to draw $1 million in pay since 2001, testified that he knew little about the co-op's operations. Burnett had no office, staff, files or regular hours at Pedernales Electric.

Members only recently learned that General Manager Bennie Fuelberg obtained a five-year, $2 million deferred compensation package in 2004, on top of his annual $390,000 salary. The compensation was revealed in November, just months after Fuelberg's salary was reported for the first time in a decade.

The lawsuit is in settlement negotiations. I am hopeful it will lead to the much needed audit & not be limited to the four year period currently listed in the suit, which is restricted to that time frame by the fraud law limit. This board is a failure in their managment, oversight, & responsiveness to member's concerns. The only good place for them to be is GONE.

The Village of Horseshoe Bay

New plans are in the works for updating some of Horseshoe Bay Resort’s favorite amenities. Last Thursday, January 17, Ron Mitchell, Resort Vice Chairman, hosted a community wide meeting at the Marriott to explain the changes, additions, & improvements they would like to make & are currently being considered by the city council. Tomorrow’s (January 22, 2008) 3:00 pm council meeting will discuss the proposal.

Called “The Village at Horseshoe Bay,” it is a study relating to the changes of existing developed & undeveloped properties owned by Horseshoe Bay Resort & includes everything from the renovation of some amenities to a complete relocation & redesign of others. It takes into account current land use of areas abutting Resort owned property such as neighborhoods of single & multi-family homes. A connectivity & traffic impact study was also included. The land in question consists of 14 tracts of land in the corridor from the FM2147 & Horseshoe Bay Blvd. entrance to the Yacht Club as well as property surrounding the existing hotel district, putting course, & Oriental Gardens. The traffic connectivity & impact studies also included projects not owned by the Resort, such as the Marina Village & The Waters. Some of the proposed changes are:

Tract 4

New 22,000 square foot spa
New 10,000 square foot tennis & fitness club
Four relocated new hard surface tennis courts

Tracts 6 & 7

New tennis & fitness parking

Tract 9

900 foot long lazy river & family pool facility

Tract 13

Completely renovated marina complex & ship’s store

Tract 12

Yacht Club enhancements including a new 24-slip day dock, 10 jet ski ramps, & a casual, lower level lakeside dining facility with outside seating & separate bar area.

The new spa, tennis, & fitness facilities would be relocated beside the existing Oriental Gardens in the area of Hi Circle North, Free Rein, & Short Circuit. The lazy river & pool amenity would enhance the current Whitewater putting course & be convenient to the Marriott Hotel. To help traffic patterns to the newly proposed spa, fitness, & tennis center, they are also planning a new entrance off of FM2147 at what is now the old construction entrance (used when building the Marriott) at about Free Rein & Stones Throw. Additional Marriott parking & Yacht Club parking (two sights) are also included, as well as new foot paths & tram services.

It was an exciting meeting and I, for one, hope residents & the city council will support the Resort's efforts.

You Can Take the Texan out of Texas, but ...

Four years ago I got a phone call from my husband & partner in crime, “Honey! I FOUND IT. The place we’ve been looking for. It’s called Horseshoe Bay & we gotta move here.” My husband travels for work – way more than either of us would like. But this time, was different . Let me explain.

I’m a Texan, born of Texans, several generations back. I met Bus (a.k.a. Roy) in Fort Worth, at a bar (sorry Mom), after an art show. I was still dressed like a cowgirl – hat, boots, jeans, the whole do-dah. The show was at the annual Fat Stock Show at Will Roger’s. Bus is a Yankee so he ain’t from around these parts. I think he fell in love with the hat.

So several years ago, when business took him to Marble Falls, Roy was smitten all over again. Even though we lived in Texas, he’d never been to the Hill Country before and never heard of Horseshoe Bay. When his business was done that first day, Roy’s client, Bob Sewell, of Johnson Sewell Ford invited him to his home in Horseshoe Bay, introduced him to his friends & family, took him for a boat ride, fed him dinner, plied him with liquor – the works. Roy’s originally from Seattle -- hence his love for any & all water. Fortunately, he did get the sunshine & heat gene some Northwesterners are missing.

By the time I got the phone call we were living in Chicago. NOVEMBER. In Chicago. Did I mention I’m originally from Texas? Every year several of us artists would travel to Kerrville, to the YO Ranch to play, photograph, & paint. I’ve been in love with the Hill Country since I first set eyes on it 30 years ago. He didn’t have to “sell” me. Within a few months, we’d made a couple of trips together, found a realtor we loved & bought our first lot. Several years & lots later, Ginny Rhodes, that same wonderful realtor & friend encouraged me get my license & become her partner. Even though Gin & I aren’t working for the same office any longer, we’re still best buds. Thanks, Gin, for everything!

At the time Ginny suggested real estate to me, I was founder, owner, operator, teacher, janitor, bill collector, plumber, supply clerk, bookkeeper, marketing manager, of Renaissance Fine Art School, located in the Chicago suburbs. Roy & I had always dabbled in real estate, so I was intrigued. I’ve come to realize now I've been a Realtor a while, there are many more common skills between the two professions than I would have thought originally. Supervising 20 ART TEACHERS was kinda like herding cats. So is coordinating sellers, buyers, inspectors, title companies, builders, developers, bankers – you get the picture. Try negotiating contracts without being CREATIVE! There are no ugly houses -- only untapped POTENTIAL!

Blending my two professions took a little bit of work, but it was well worth it. I’m very lucky. I get to live, work, & play in Paradise. Come visit us in Horseshoe Bay. You’ll see what I mean!

LET'S BACKTRACK

I thought, for my next several postings, I should share some general information about Horseshoe Bay: the city, resort, subdivisions, surrounding area, & maybe some information about myself. Today’s post will include general information about Horseshoe Bay.

Horseshoe Bay is a newly incorporated city which includes, but is not limited to, Horseshoe Bay Resort. The Resort is a private, member’s only club. It takes in several subdivisions which will be the topics for future postings. Horseshoe Bay Resort, built on the shores of Lake LBJ has 3 championship Robert Trent Jones golf courses, a one-of-a-kind, par 72 putting course, three stunning swimming pools, a beautiful white sand beach, state-of-the-art spa and fitness facility, full-service marina, first-class restaurants, twelve professional tennis courts & a 300 plus room Marriott Hotel.

The Resort also has a Jet Center that can accommodate DC 9 aircraft & has recently purchased three 30 passenger jets they will use as charter aircraft to market golf packages in and outside of Texas. They also have signed a contract with a small passenger jet liner to include jet service into our airport for resort members & guests. We also have a "fly-in" community around the jet center & the new SKYWATER development (see below) will also be adding their own aircraft friendly enclave, as well.

Resort initiation fees and dues are a remarkable value. E-mail me for more specific information: janlbusse@gmail.com Some properties qualifiy for a membership initiation fee waiver.

We started investing in Horseshoe Bay about 4 years ago, and feel even stronger today than we did then. I think there are several big factors that continue to make our property values so strong.

First, our prices are still significantly below most resort communities, in Texas & around the U.S. Across the board, homes are less expensive here than in most major markets. MORE IMPORTANTLY the Texas economy & housing industry remain strong while the rest of the U.S. is undergoing a market correction. Central Texas in particular keeps getting kudos for our affordability & quality of life: Business Week article. Our property values never soared & our buyers rarely used second tier mortage money, which has been so hard hit outside of Texas.

Second, is the marketing money being pumped into HSB by a number of major, national players:

SKYWATER, a brand new Jack Nicklaus designed golf community, Tom Fazio designed ESCONDIDO golf club, & the Hill Country Marriott . All have national campaigns. ESCONDIDO & SKYWATER are separate, members only clubs, but many of their members are also members at HSB Resort. Both are located in the city of Horseshoe Bay. If you’re counting, we’re now up to FIVE world class golf courses.

Third, our proximity to Austin & San Antonio gives us the best of both worlds: cosmopolitan convenience coupled with small town charm. With today’s technology, Horseshoe Bay is a serious candidate for commuters & business people who office from home. Located in the geographic center of the state, we’re an hour from either Austin’s or San Antonio’s international airports, & half an hour from regional shopping, world class medical facilities, arts, & entertainment.

Fourth, Lake LBJ is a constant level lake, with no more than a foot variation in water level, (See January 14, 2008’s post about lowered lake levels) it is regulated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Droughts and floods don't affect LBJ, unlike most other lakes. Your investment is secure & our mild climate makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors 12 mos a year.

IT’S ALL ABOUT LIFESTYLE: Enjoy the bustle of hotels, shops, sports, & fine dining, the exclusivity of a privately gated community, waterfront property, or the serenity of endless hills & equestrian estates. The choice is yours – the LIFESTYLE IS HORSESHOE BAY.

From Lake Front to Creek Side in Less Than A Week

My first blog entry & it’s quite an event! Horseshoe Bay, built on the shores of beautiful Lake LBJ has a new look! The lake level is down five feet and what were once coves & canals are now dry beds and trickling creeks. My husband & I live on the open cove where Slick Rock Creek flows into the lake. You can see by the photos the change is dramatic! All of what looks like beach -- the areas without vegetation -- is normally under water. It took about three or four days to slowly draw down the water. The last time the lake was lowered was 2005. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) says it will take about the same amount of time to refill. They chose now to avoid with the tropical storm season, the peak system recreational demand, & prime fish spawning, which begins in March.

My husband, Roy, Dutch our chubby chocolate Lab, & Dutch's skinny & beautiful girlfriend, Lady went out this weekend to check our waterfront lots. It was a beautiful weekend, about 67 degrees and bright sunshine. The first photo above is from our lot in Wilderness Cove. It's one of my favorite subdivisions on LBJ, private & gated, with estate sized lots & over 65 acres of green belt. We're in the final planning stages of building a spec house on lot #7. It won't be listed until it's further along, but I do have a virtual tour for it. Look at the difference from just a few months ago when the lake was full: Wilderness Cove #7 virtual tour. We ARE marketing lot #35 in Wilderness Cove. Find it & all my other listings on my real estate web site: http://www.janbusse.com/

Photo #2 is from our lot on Applehead Island, virtual tour which is also in the MLS & on my web site. It's one of the few remaining open water lots on the Island. The final photo is a view from our dock, looking up the cove toward Quail Point. Quite a dramatic change from just over a week ago!

We’re very lucky on Lake LBJ: it’s one of the very few constant level lakes in the country. Because of Ferguson Power Plant, our lake levels don’t fluctuate more than twelve inches unless a planned event like this is scheduled. The plant is natural gas powered & cooled by the waters of the lake. In cool weather, jet skiers love the plant's warmer waters. Whether the rest of the Highland Lakes are dry or flooding, Lake LBJ is still within twelve inches of its normal level! Just another reason property values are so strong on our lake.

Since the 500 year event floods last spring & summer, the LCRA approved extending the already slated lake lowering from four to eight weeks. This will give residents time to repair & maintain docks & boat houses and allow for shoreline maintenance, debris cleanup and controlling nuisance plants. We did our major repair last summer, but plan to do some dredging under the boat house while we have the opportunity. If you’re planning on doing lake work, you’ll need to apply for a permit during the draw down. Be ready, however to remove any equipment quickly. If there’s an unexpected flood or more hydroelectric units need to be operated on the upper Highland Lakes, the lake will have to be refilled on short notice.

IMPORTANT TO FELLOW WATERFRONT OWNERS:

My good friend & fellow Keller Williams agent, Ray Gill reminded Roy & I to turn off our automatic lawn sprinkler system that siphons lake water! Good thing he did -- the intake is laying in the mud right now.