SHADY OAKS ESTATES

HAVE A WISH LIST?

2011-06-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Looking to move? Why build a new Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home? It is hard to find resale homes that have been well maintained and updated. You can spend the money now or spend more money later. A resale home could mean unknown expenses cropping up any time. Most home buyers do like spending a lot of cash once they are in their home to redecorate and fix it up. When you build a custom home you can be very selective and you do not have to settle. Plus, you will have a warranty, if something goes wrong you won’t be paying for it.

The major concern people have about building a custom home is wasted space. We discuss how to "build a smart home and only what you need". Why have rooms you do not use? Who wants to insure, pay taxes on and care for more house than you can use? Put your money into energy saving features, low maintenance landscaping, and a larger garage for all your “toys”.

The formal dining and living rooms have faded away. They are being replaced with a media or game room; the once necessary study is being replaced with a hobby or exercise room. The open floor plan with the kitchen and living space is the center of the home. The patio has become a large covered outdoor living area. Complete with grill, refrigerator, sink, wall mounted flat screen TV and surround sound. Many of the new home owners in Shady Oaks Estates are adding a full in-ground pool with spa to the outdoor living. It seems being able to entertain family and friends at home is a major requirement for many new home buyers.

Do you want less square footage and lots of extras? Do you have requirements on room sizes? How about that beautiful master retreat? Are you a gourmet cook that has always wanted to design your own kitchen? How about a four car garage with extra tall doors? Bring you “wish list” to Shady Oaks Estates and let’s make you dreams come true.

Why Everyone is Moving to Georgetown, Texas

2011-04-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

People are moving to Central Texas from California, Michigan, Rhode Island and the Mid-West
I am originally from Northern California and I have met people in Georgetown from all across the country. Every week some one visits my Jimmy Jacobs model home from California escaping the financial crisis, or from Michigan escaping the snow. Shady Oaks Estates is like a little “melting pot”. I am sure that half of the residents here moved from out of state. Plus, with Fort Hood just down the street, many are retired military officers from all across the country. They move here for many reasons and I believe the number one reason: the people in Central Texas are so friendly, no one is a stranger. I am proud to say Shady Oaks Estates is a shining example of how easy it is to make friends in Georgetown. Many times Georgetown, Texas is on the top of the list of places to retire. If you have children in school, Texas schools are rated some of the highest in the nation. The children in Shady Oaks Estates attend JISD where there are only 10-15 children in a class room and boosts one of the highest percentage of graduates go on to college.

About Georgetown:

Our home is the county seat for Williamson County, and was the first Texas City to receive the Great American Main Street Award in 1997. Situated beside the tree-lined San Gabriel River, the city of Georgetown boasts over 185 homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our 100-acre city-wide San Gabriel Park is graced with 200-year old oak trees, and is perfect for every form of fun, including family picnics, canoeing, swimming, fishing, or exploring our hike and bike trails.

Cost of Homes:

Texas is truly one of the great economic stories of the last ten years. Home prices never climbed out of sight. Sell your home in California and pay cash for more “house” here. In Shady Oaks Estates, for example, there have been no foreclosures or short sales. Some one tells me all the time how the model home would sell for double or triple where they come from, and that would be just on a small lot, not an acre.

Taxes:

Texas has "no state income tax". New Yorkers and Californians can take home between 9 percent and 11 percent more of their income just by moving here.

Jobs:

Many of the new residents are coming here for career opportunities. Businesses are relocating here and new jobs are being created every day. Since 2002, Georgetown has added more than 6,000 jobs, with an average wage of more than $19.00 an hour.

In addition, Georgetown residents have the advantage of access to a metropolitan workforce just a few minutes north on I-35. Austin has long had the reputation for being one of the most technologically proficient environments in the country.

Crime:

Georgetown, lowest crime rates for a city this size across the United States. The saying is “Don’t do crime in Williamson County unless you are prepared to do the time.”

Weather:

January average daily 47F-37F, July average daily 84F-74F, average annual precipitation 37 inches. We proudly boast an average of 228 sunny days a year.

Activities:

• Recreation Center – Our brand-new, state-of-the-art Recreation Center on Austin Avenue features: a fitness and exercise center; two racquetball courts; a 25-yard indoor pool; an outdoor spray pool; aerobics rooms; two gymnasiums; an indoor walking track; a teen and senior center; sitter service; and free WiFi. Contact http://parks.georgetown.org for more information.

• Palace Theatre – Built in 1925, this historic theatre on the Square, presents first-rate, locally- produced live theatre.

• First Friday in Downtown Georgetown – Many local artists stay open late so that shoppers can peruse the shops, eat and listen to music on the square.

• Farmer’s Market – Every Thursday, vendors bring fresh, locally-grown produce to San Gabriel Park.

• Red Poppy Festival – Celebrate the coming of Spring in April on the Square in Georgetown.

• 4th of July Fireworks – This popular annual event takes place on the banks of the San Gabriel River.

• Taste of Georgetown – Held in early October, this event features Texas wines and local cuisine.

• Christmas Stroll on Georgetown Square – Enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights as you ride around the Square in horse drawn carriage, sipping cider.

• Blue Hole – This scenic lagoon, bordered by limestone bluffs, is a favorite cooling-off spot for young and old.

Southwestern University:

Georgetown is home to Southwestern University, the oldest chartered institute of higher learning in the state. Southwestern is a four-year, undergraduate institution, which offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum. The student to faculty ratio at Southwestern is 10 to 1, with an enrollment of 1,300 students.

Healthcare:

• Scott & White – Georgetown has two Scott and White clinics and a new hospital. Scott and White is among the top 15 major teaching hospitals in the nation. For more information, visit: www.sw.org

• Seton Medical Center Williamson – Located near the border of Georgetown and Round Rock, this cutting edge facility opened in February, 2008. For more information, visit: www.seton.net/locations/seton_medical_center_williamson

• St. David’s Georgetown Hospital – This comprehensive health care provider has served its community well for the past 60 years. For more information, visit: www.StDavids.com/sdgh.aspx

• Georgetown Medical Clinic – Physicians from this practice have been serving their community for over 60 years.

• Austin Avenue Medical Plaza – Offering a well-diversified mix of healthcare specialties

• Texas Oncology – Round Rock – This is the largest independent oncology practice nationwide. For more information, visit: www.texascancercenterroundrock.com

• Georgetown Cancer Center – This facility has earned a reputation for commitment and excellence over the last 30 years.

• Sun Star Geriatric Healthcare – State-of-the-art geriatric facility which opened in 2008. For more information, visit: www.sunstargeriatrics.com

• The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine – This is a community based medical school.

JIMMY JACOBS CUSTOM HOMES AND THE YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM

2011-04-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Shady Oaks Estates and Your New Custom Home

Shady Oaks Estates is located just 30 minutes from the Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas. With the community so close to Fort Hood military personnel and their families often visit the Jimmy Jacobs model home at 501 Oak Branch Drive, nestled just off 195 in North Georgetown. While talking about the home they would love to have I found out that many of these young men and women have been deployed 3 to 6 times so far. They do their job with great pride and do not ask much in return. All it seems they want is a nice home, in a great community, with good schools and the opportunity to relax and retire here in Georgetown, Texas.

For many years now the government has helped military personnel, active or retired, with the Veterans Administration (VA) Loan. Most of them qualify for 100% financing up to $417,000 and a very low interest rate. This is a great benefit for many of our veterans and active duty military. It allows them to purchase a completed home or a resale home with little to no down payment. However, when building a new custom home you must qualify for a “construction loan”. The standard construction loan down payment most lenders, mortgage companies, and banks require is 10% down. Time and time again I have seen the disappointment when for various reasons these families did not have 10% to put down on a $300,000-$400,000 custom home in Shady Oaks Estates.

I just knew there had to be a way to “give back” to our military friends and family that have given so much for us. Together with one of our preferred lenders, Tammy Bray, Vice President of Schwertner State Bank in nearby Jarrell, we devised a plan. Now in Shady Oaks Estates, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes will build a home for 5% down when you qualify for a 100% VA loan.

Please visit the model home at 501 Oak Branch Drive and take advantage of this incredible program.

WHAT WILL MY NEW DREAM HOME COST?

2011-02-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Be Informed, Be Ready
• Now that you have selected a 1 acre lot in Shady Oaks Estates; live oaks, perfect orientation, good neighbors and priced within your budget: the house plan begins:

What will the home cost?
1. Size--rooms--garage--guest house--pool

Can’t decide, not sure?

2. Features--what comes with the home

What designer features do you want?

3. Insulation

What do you want other than standard insulation?

What does not cost anything but a little of your time?

1. Write down a wish list and a need list.
2. Fill out a form on line with Schwertner State Bank for pre-approval.
3. Select a plan or select ideas from various plans.
4. Make an appointment to discuss exactly what you do and do not want in your new home.

Now would be a perfect time to for us to discuss your Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home building options. No obligation---my goal is to help you make an informed decision. Building costs are down and interest rates are low. But, interest rates are starting to creep up. And, who knows where building costs will be in 6 to 12 months.

To discuss building in Shady Oaks Estates, call 512-639-3653 or visit the model home at 501 Oak Branch Drive to speak with me.

HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT LOT

2011-01-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

FIRST STEP IN BUILDING YOUR NEW
JIMMY JACOBS CUSTOM HOME
IN SHADY OAKS ESTATES

Building a Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home versus buying a house already completed is a decision only you can make. The ability to make decisions about your property, the details of your home and watch it under construction is very appealing to most people. First decision you must make is “The Lot”. You will select your very own one acre lot. There are many factors to take into consideration in selecting your piece of land.

Lot Selection:
• Price: Work within your budget. There are many one acre lots available at various prices.
• Orientation: Meaning which direction do you want your home to face. Do you want the sun on the front or back of your home in a particular time of the day?
• Trees: Are trees important to you? How do you plan to landscape? Are you planning for a pool?
• Topography: Very important to consider if you want a level lot so you will not have steps in or around your home. It is much easier to build a pool on a level lot. Most important be prepared for added costs on a lot with slopping topography.

Why Build:
• It is your home: You will have control over all the features and options that will affect you and your family.
• Ownership: You gain a sense of ownership from the very beginning of the process. You are able to watch over every step of your home construction.
• Experts: The team members at Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes are experts; you will have your own team of professionals to guide you.

DreamScapes

2010-02-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes

DreamScapes

DreamScapes’ most popular packages contain the finest home upgrades available, valued at around $20,000. DreamScapes by Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes, a concept introduced in January 2010, is making custom homes in Georgetown more affordable than ever. DreamScapes bundles the most desirable home upgrades available and offers them at a substantial savings. Customers can choose from KitchenScapes for the kitchen, SpaScapes for the master bath, OutdoorScapes for an outdoor living and entertaining space, GreenScapes for energy efficient “green” products and DesignScapes for design finishes all around the home.

Known for innovative design and attention to detail, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes has offered an array of home building services to home buyers and residential communities in Central Texas for over twenty years. We have experienced overwhelming success during the years, including being named the number one custom home builder in Central Texas by the 2009 and 2010 Austin Business Journal.

For more information about Shady Oaks and DreamScapes by Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes visit 501 Oak Branch Drive.

Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes, Building One Dream at a Time.

MOVED IN

2010-02-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

THE HOUSE IS COMPLETE AND WE HAVE MOVED IN !!!!

Ah-Yes-the final walk through before closing---All went well. Spencer had taken care of the little details and our Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home was ready for occupancy. Most important—Dave’s garage is perfect and ready for boxes. The house is beautiful and is everything we expected it to be.

Packing and moving; that is the hardest part. Dave packed all the boxes while I escaped to work. When the time came to move we hired “All My Sons” Moving and Storage to load and transport all the boxes and furniture. Three fast movers were assigned to the “big project” and they hustled all day. They were very careful, fast, and polite and nothing was damaged. About 6:00 that evening I bought us buckets of chicken and fries, these big guys can eat. Now it is my job to unload all the boxes and put everything in its new place. Trust me when I say “Get rid of stuff before moving.”

When you move into a new home---don’t expect everything to be perfect. You will see little items that need to be touched up. So---now we are making a list, and it is all very minor. The most important thing to keep in mind is; everything can be corrected. Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes does not like to close on a home that is not complete and we strive to take care of all the details, no matter how small. Just remember to start a list and give yourself 30 days of living in the home to find all the small items that may have been missed. If, for some reason, there is a plumbing or electrical concern some one will be right out to your home.

I have a difficult time with “unopened” boxes and I am doing a great job of unpacking. But, where did all this stuff come from? We had only lived in our previous home four years. I am seeing things I didn’t even know we owned---too bad we moved some of these items. The decorating is taking shape and I need to buy a few things. The window coverings have been ordered through Gayla Talley and some have been delivered. Gayla has decorated the model homes for Jimmy Jacobs for many years. What ever your decorating needs are----give her a call.

We have deadline in having the house put together and landscaping completed. My daughter and her family are coming for a visit the first of March. Plus, I have committed to throwing a party while they are here. Wish me luck…….

BEST TIME TO BUILD

2010-01-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes set a company sales record in 2009 and once again is the number one custom home builder in Central Texas! Unfortunately, some in the building industry have not been as fortunate. Manufactures that held or lowered pricing to survive have started to increase prices. We have already seen an increase in lumber and roofing materials, and others are following. Current base sales prices will be held and honored UNTIL February 15th, 2010. At that time, we will be taking significant price increases to off-set the cost increases that we are not able to absorb.

Interest rates are down lower than they have been in many years. We are seeing loans for 4.75%; which, at one time, we thought just could not happen. Now is the time to build your new custom home before the rates start climbing to a projected 7.5% and home prices go up.

Please call to set up an appointment to plan your dream home. 512-639-3653

COUNT DOWN TIME

2010-01-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

We are down to the final “hours” of building our Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home. All in all, it has been fun; working with Spencer has made it so easy. I know it is best just to let the builder do his job; Spencer promised me a beautiful home and he is delivering on his promise. But, count down time is already here. We closed on our present home and are renting it back for one month and it is time to start packing.

All of the stone that was piled high inside the house is now it its rightful place in the interior. It looks magnificent; all I can say is “wow”. I highly recommend making use of Texas limestone on the interior of your home. We are so fortunate, in this area, to have the limestone quarries and such an array of colored stone at affordable prices. The limestone gives the home such a unique look and feeling of warmth. Plus, it complements the granite counter tops and exterior stone and that are standard features in a Jimmy Home. I caught Dave is trying to figure out how to build a limestone work bench in his garage.

I some times hear a prospective home buyer say “Building a new home is so difficult and stressful; we just can’t go through that.” Well, number one, they have never built with Jimmy Jacobs. Remember, we have had a whole team working on our home. Would we do this again; “Yes”. We have done it before and it is a great experience. Only thing I would do different, follow my own advice; I always recommend adding $$ to the contract for “design allowance” for the additions and changes you will make along the way. I think it would be extremely difficult to build a home and not make changes as you go. The best thing to do is to budget for a few extras and those “must haves”.

NEW PHASE TO OPEN SOON

2009-12-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Start your New Year with plans to build your dream custom home in 2010. Due to the interest of the new lots, I have many prospects selecting their own private one acre now. Have you seen all the SOLD signs and homes under construction? If you are interested in purchasing a lot and taking advantage of the new tax credit; Visit Shady Oaks Estates and reserve your lot now. Come out and hike the new section that will soon to be released; the street should be completed any day. The lots are all at least one acre and covered with Live Oaks.

The current slowdown in home building could mean that we will face a housing shortage in 2011 if our local population continues to grow. In these economic times many builders can not afford to keep up with that growth. The ideal number of housing starts is 11,000 per year. For a while builders were building at a pace of 18,000 per year, which is why we had a surplus. But that surplus is being absorbed by the influx of new residents, and the current pace of 6,000 housing starts per year is beginning to cause a shortage. One result of a housing shortage… increased property values.

Now is the ideal time to purchase a new home and take advantage of the low interest rates and one of the new tax credits. It is a good idea to visit with a loan officer and obtain pre-approval for you new home loan. I would be happy to furnish names and phone numbers of loan officers familiar with Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes.

GOING GREAT

2009-12-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

Wow, it is all going so fast!!! Our Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home is going to be “stunning”. We have had such fun watching our home take shape and checking on the details. It is so comforting to know we have a whole team working for us.

We finally put our present JJCH in Heritage Oaks on the market. We were trying to time it just right so we would not need to make two moves. I can not believe our good fortune. We listed our home through Brittany Murphy with the JJCH Move up Program. Alex Stross, Brittany’s talented husband, came to our home and took fantastic photos and made a video. Once the home was listed in MLS we had prospective buyers looking at our home everyday. Our home was on the market 12 days when we received an offer!!! To our delight, the offer was full price, cash; only request was to close in 30 days. That is not the kind of offer you turn down. Timing is everything; we wanted to accept the offer but did not want to move in to a rental. Again, Alex worked his magic and the buyers agreed to let us rent our home back until our new home is completed. That is just one more example of how hard the “team” has worked for us. We can not thank Brittany and Alex enough for all they are doing for us.

The cabinets, trim and beams are in and stained; the cedar ceiling in the study really gives it warmth; the paint turned out just as I envisioned; it is amazing how the Designer helps it all come together. Yesterday I observed the granite being installed and sealed; hiding the seams is a true art. I must admit, this was the first time Dave really saw the colors and he liked my choices, but the garage is still his favorite part of the house. We had concerns over the choice of stone and all the work of coordinating the stucco colors. But, it is perfect and I love the outside of our new home. The stone for inside was “dumped” in the great room and study this morning, what a shock. I am excited about looking in on it later today.

Our new home is to be completed the first of February, then the hard part; packing. Maybe we will be settled in before next Christmas……………

Happy Holidays to every one!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2009-12-10T08:41:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

TAX CREDIT

2009-11-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

$8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
• The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone
who has not owned a principal residence during the 3 year period prior to the purchase.
• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
• The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
• The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30,2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30,
2010 will qualify.
• For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers
and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

$6,500 Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit
• To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
• The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
• The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2008 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales
contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

WATCHING OUR HOUSE GROW

2009-11-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

Watching our house “grow” every day, all day long, has been an amazing experience. I believe home buyers should visit their new home, while under construction, as often as possible. The house changes everyday and you should always feel as if you are part of building your new custom home. It is a good idea to learn about the construction of your home; how Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes builds a superior custom home and why we are the number one custom home builder in Central Texas.

Believe me; Dave and I are no different than anyone else when it comes to building a new home. It is a huge investment, one that consumes much of your time and thoughts. We want to know that everything we have contracted for is in our home. Dave is concentrating on every aspect of the garage. I have been anxious about our plans, design colors and selections and how it will all come together. So far, no problem, our house looks stunning. It is very evident we have had an award winning professional “building team” working for us the whole time. Building your new custom home just the way you want it; that is the goal for everyone on the Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes team.

When the house was first staked out it looked like it was the wrong size. Then the concrete was poured and again it was hard to see the square footage. Well, now the walls are up and I wonder “who is going to clean this house”. The outside stone work is almost complete---and “wow” it looks like a real house. Dave’s garage is a site to behold---I know; a large garage, it’s a “man thing”. So far he has not spent the night on the property, but, I am sure once the garage doors are on, the cot will be set up inside. You can find him here through out the day---I am sure he would enjoy showing you around the house and his “garage”.

Please come out for a visit and take a look at all the construction going on in Shady Oaks Estates.

TAKING SHAPE

2009-10-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

IT LOOKS LIKE A HOUSE
Construction Part III

Our new Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home is closed in and now protected from the rain. Yes, we need the rain and it really rained after we started building. In fact, we have sloshed through the mud to get to the house. Around here, our house is known as the “mud pit” and I am sure happy it is not my job to clean it up. Dave has been ready to hose it down. The good thing is---everything is finally selected and being delivered. Spencer Alexander, Building Superintendent, stays right on task making sure everything is ordered and in place in a very timely manner.

It is really amazing to see your ideas taking shape. I can actually walk through and imagine living there. We have outside walls, windows, the beginning of electrical and even a little trim paint around the roof. I am so fortunate to have a front row seat to watch our home take shape. I have even watched the crews working in the rain, nothing stops them. Meanwhile, Dave checks on his garage a couple of times a day and is making a decision on where to set up the cot he purchased.

It is now time to put a For Sale sign in the front of our present Jimmy home in Heritage Oaks. If you know anyone looking for a 2000 sq ft house with an over sized three car garage, priced under $300,000---call me. It is well appointed with many upgrades, Hunter Douglas window coverings, fenced and nicely landscaped. Gee----I sound like I sell homes.

Come out with your boots on and I will take you on a tour of our new home and available lots. There are only seven lots remaining and they are priced to sell !!! We have started development on the next phase and will have more lots available after the first of the year.

BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF TRUST

2009-09-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE A FOUNDATION
Construction Part II

Our Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home is on the ground and we are going to watch it grow. First, the forms were set and it rained (12”) that helped in packing down the fill material. Next, the cement was poured and finished; I walked over to write my name in it (?). The rain came the next day and on and off since—this is very good for the foundation. The framing material has been dropped off and it is covered. I know in a day or two we will have “sticks in the air”.

Now, I know you on wondering about all those decisions we have been making. It is a good idea to have an idea of what you want before you begin the new Custom Home process. You would be surprised to know how soon many of the building materials need to be ordered far in advance. My least favorite items to select were appliances; I can’t understand why we need all those appliances. The granite and tile backsplash makes sense—it is really pretty. I even have a special box in my car with samples of my granite, tile and wood, if you would like to see it. We have selected the exterior stone, stucco and trim color, but I have no idea what color I am painting the inside. I am so thankful we have a state of the art Design Center and very talented Decorators at JJCH to help us make selections and keep track of everything. Now, I am just obsessed with ceiling fans, 13 of them to be exact-----I wonder if Dave would like some for the garage.

When I arrived home a couple of weeks ago I spotted a new army cot and supplies in the garage. It seems Dave found a great sale at Cabela’s, does he really think he is going to furnish one of the new bedrooms or is he moving on to the lot…………………..

CONSTRUCTION

2009-08-30T10:23:00.001-07:00

PERMIT TO BUILD
Construction Begins Part I

Our lot has been cleared and we can watch it grow from the ground up. Only a few small trees were removed, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes insists on saving all the trees possible. I really have not decided if watching the construction from my model home office window is a good idea or not. I always tell new home buyers to check their home often while under construction, but there is no need to pitch a tent and camp out on the lot. I feel more like I am going to be an “over protective parent”. I trust JJCH and Spencer Alexander, Building Supervisor, to build a beautiful custom home with out any guidance from my husband or my self. By the way, Dave has been out looking at the lot everyday---planning. I am sure if you stop by and find him there he can tell you where every room begins and ends. He would really like to show you his garage.

All the major decisions have been made, only the small details remain, like; what color to paint the outside and the inside. I am going to listen to our Designers and rely on them to come up with the right color of stucco to go with the stone I have selected. Why should I, or any one else, worry about these details when JJCH has well trained staff to work their magic.

I wonder where we stored all that old camping gear and the tent? I can picture it now on one little area of the lot, not far from the porta potty. Come by and sit around the camp fire with us and watch our house grow …… ………………….

THE COMPLETED PLAN

2009-08-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

THE HOUSE PLAN IS COMPLETE
Building a New Home Part VI

(Some of you have been following along since the beginning when I was making “decisions” about building a new home. For of those of you that have not read the previous letters, you may read below)

Finally, our Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes house plan is complete. I can not even find minor tweaking to do. Dave may find some additions he would like to add to the garage (I am sure). Scott, the Building Designer, can really think “outside the box” and came up with some very special touches. Plus, Scott is so easy going; I know it can be difficult when you are dealing with a couple that have different ideas about the importance of the garage versus the master closets.

One morning the focus of the office staff, lead by Sylvia Taylor, Vice President of JJCH, went to finalizing our house plan. It is amazing the wide range of ideas discussed when you get a room full of home builders and designers together. They all seemed to be talking as if it was their house they were planning. You would think after about 10 sets of “professional” eyes have checked out every detail of our plan it should be perfect. Finally, it was Jimmy’s turn to look over the plans and make his changes. He has a great “eye” for detail and only made a couple of additions; it seems he can always find small changes to make. Jimmy is very particular about the homes he builds; he prides himself in the fact people know a JJCH by elevation, and remark that the quality and look of the interior is distinctive. At long last----APPROVAL.

Please come by our new model home and take a look at our plans. What ever you do --- do not give me any more ideas, idea time is over. I have no time left for changes; we are going for the permit…….let the fun begin…….

WE HAVE MOVED IN TO OUR NEW MODEL

2009-08-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

THE NEW MODEL IS OPEN

We have moved to our new location at 501 Oak Branch in Shady Oaks Estates. Come out for a tour and see all the new construction taking place.

The “San Gabriel” is a new Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes floor plan. It has 2352 square feet of living space with two bedrooms, study, flex room, two baths, featuring a large kitchen and living area, three car garage and showcasing an outdoor fireplace and grill.

Austin came in 2nd of the cities where Americans are relocating, according to Forbes Magazine; Austin has increased by 4.29%. U.S. migration may be down overall, but this vibrant metro area is still attracting newcomers. Still growing because instead of building an economy that relies heavily on one industry it serves as headquarters for a diverse range of companies. For example, Austin's biggest employers include University of Texas, Advanced Micro Devices and Dell. That wide range might have something to do with the area's relatively low unemployment rate of 6.4%. What does this mean to you?

• Buyers moving in to Austin looking for resale homes
• Home values are increasing
• Now is the time to build a new home

Would you like to be a new home early next year? If we plan you home now you could be in your new Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home in six months. I am planning my new “Jimmy” home, in Shady Oaks Estates, while building costs are down and interest rates are low. Call and let me tell you all the reasons to build your new home now!!

BUILDING PART V

2009-07-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG?
Decisions Part V

As soon as we have forms on our lot I will send photos. Believe me, for our new home buyers it does not take this long. You must remember; I am a Jimmy Jacobs employee and my plans seem to “slip” to the back of the line. At Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes our clients truly do come first. The company is very busy and we are having a tremendously great year as Central Texas’ number one custom home builder. “Good things are worth waiting for” and you never want to rush when building a home.

I was recently invited by Carroll & Carolyn Fuchs’ to tour their Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home in Shady Oaks Estates which was built before I came to the neighborhood. Many of the details in their house we are planning on incorporating in our home. This JJCH is absolutely gorgeous and so well planned out to the last detail. The Fuchs’s designed the house and took great care with every decision and every one of their requests was honored. It is one of kind and they are extremely proud of their home. I was “oohing and ahhing” in such a way you would have thought I had never seen a custom home. (Maybe that is why they offered me a glass of wine.) I kept thinking “I want that, I need this”. I even contemplated making them an offer on the house and contracting them on a new one. They told me if they were to build again it would definitely be with JJCH. This is why a Jimmy Home is such a good investment, everyone wants one and buyers look for a Jimmy resale. Now do I recommend that you look at other homes while making your “decisions”? Yes, but let me warn you; it gives you many more ideas and at the same time you will understand why JJCH is the number one custom builder.

I would like for you to meet the Fuchs’ and hear first hand about the building of their home and why they love their neighborhood. Because of them and other neighbors like them it was one of the reasons we decided to build in Shady Oaks Estates. The Fuchs’ will be with me on August 15th and 16th during the grand opening of our new JJCH model home in Shady Oaks Estates. Come out and tour the new model and they will pour you a glass of wine.

ALL TIME SALES RECORD

2009-07-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes of Georgetown set an all- time sales record for new custom home sales in the month of May. Jimmy Jacobs’ sales consultants sold 21 to-be- built homes and 12 lots, in communities throughout the Central Texas area. We were ranked the number one Custom Home Builder for 2008 and 2009 is going to be even better. While other builders are struggling to stay in business, we have been expanding.

JJCH reduced prices making our custom homes even more affordable. The company has taken advantage of lower construction costs, enabling us to pass the savings on to our customers. Interest rates and building costs have hit an all time low, and prices within the industry are expected to increase in the near future. This is definitely the best time to buy.

Shady Oaks Estates, one acre community developed by Jimmy Jacobs, has recently opened a new section of heavily wooded lots. We are currently building one of the new series of plans, the San Gabriel, with its spacious floor plan the model appears to be much larger than 2400 sq ft. Shady Oaks Estates also offers easy access to major thoroughfares such as I-35 and the soon to be complete Ronald Regan Highway.

BUILDING PART IV

2009-07-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Decisions

Part IV
Planning

Sometimes in the course of the home building process it seems as if everything is at a stand-still. Really, this is not true. One of Jimmy Jacobs Plan Designers has been putting the final touches on our house plan. At the same time the Purchasing Manager has started getting bids on building supplies.

Meanwhile I have been doing a “little” planning of my own. There are many things to think about and I want to have a good idea of exactly what I want when I have my appointment at the Design Center. I have been looking at plumbing fixtures. There are about eight different colors of fixtures and an untold number of styles. Wow, first I have narrowed it down to the color. Now, do I want a “vessel” on top of my bathroom sink, one handle faucets, or faucets coming out of the wall? Dave is “no” help in this department, he thinks a “vessel” is a type of boat. When it comes to the lighting and fans, again it starts with color then style and priced from a few dollars to thousands. Dave likes candles, flashlights, and he believes in open windows, no help there. To assist the Designer and myself, when I get to the final selection process, I have printouts of lights and fans. I have “shopped” on the internet and I am sure that I have seen every light fixture ever made. Thank goodness I know the ladies in the Design Center will help with the final decisions and everything will come together. Dave’s final words will be “are you sure?” Leaving me to doubt my choices and not sleep at night until the house is finished.

All in all, I know we are very fortunate. The toughest decisions in front of us right now concern choices for a new home. I remember going tent camping as a child and thinking how wonderful it would be to live like that forever. Right now that sounds like fun and so much easier. The choices were simple, green tent, green lantern, green stove, green ice chest, personal flashlight, no faucet----wash your face in the lake…………..

BUILDING PART III

2009-07-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Decisions
Part III

Purchasing a home is a major decision and the ability to change Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home plans helped to make our decision an easy one. Besides, we built once before with JJCH and know how easy the process is. We selected one of the standard floor plans that we “almost love”. In fact, Dave was the one that got excited about the “Athens” floor plan and would have taken it just they way it is. But, I want my house to be “our home” just the way “we want it”. So, I have made changes to the plan, Dave has designed his garage, and it feels good to know we do not have to compromise on what we want.

This week’s decision and adventure took us out to the stone quarry and “show yard”. Here you really get a good idea of the stone Georgetown is built on. As you drive up to the quarry you will notice a stone wall and the pattern changes about every eight feet. Once you turn in to the driveway there is another long stone wall displaying more examples of stone. The office resembles at 1800’s style two story home. Each side of the building shows a different combination of stone colors and patterns. It was not necessary to go out to the stone yard to select the color of stone for our home, it was interesting and it did help to make our decision easier. If you go—do not wash your car first and be prepared to get a little dusty.

Now that we have purchased our lot, customized our floor plan, staked out the lot where the house will sit, made some personal selections; we are looking forward to seeing the “sticks” in the air. Sometimes I still can’t believe we are doing this. But, it is such a good time to build and take advantage of the low interest rates.
Don’t forget about the new model home we are building in Shady Oaks Estates. It should be completed in another month. Come out and visit and look at all construction going on. We are not the only buyers taking advantage of the interest rates.

BUILDING PART II

2009-07-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

Decisions
Part II

It is really going to happen. First, we decided to build our second Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home. Next, we purchased a beautiful 1 acre lot in Shady Oaks Estates and now our house plan in almost complete. It is so exciting to have the ability to change a house plan and make it just they way you want it. It truly makes it “our custom home” and that is why there are no two homes alike in the Jimmy Jacobs portfolio. I should add—we will have a custom garage, Dave’s idea of course.

Since you are planning on building a new home I strongly suggest you start cutting pictures out of magazines or taking photos of ideas you would like to incorporate in to your custom home. I have been doing this for some time now and have a binder of great ideas. Having a good idea of what you want helps speed the process along with out making many changes once your plan is completed. This binder will also help when I get to the Design Center and start making my interior selections.

Next step; we will be out on our beautiful lot to see exactly where the house will sit. Spencer, building supervisor for Shady Oaks, will stake out our home saving as many trees as possible. Another reason why we say Shady Oaks Estates is “unspoiled – undiscovered”.

Come by and take a look at our lot and house plan. See you soon in Georgetown’s best kept secret.

BUILDING PART I

2009-07-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

FOLLOW ALONG WHILE I BUIID A NEW HOME
Decisions
Part I

I would like to take you on a journey with me as I go through the home building process in Shady Oaks Estates and Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes; my husband, Dave, and I just purchased a beautiful 1 acre lot in Shady Oaks Estates. We already own a Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home in a nice neighborhood with great neighbors. But, Dave always liked Shady Oaks and after transferring here from another JJCH development I believe there is not another development around that can compare with all that Shady Oaks has to offer.

So----just like you we had to way the pros and cons. The biggest “con” for me is --- I hate to pack, so I will leave that up to Dave. Next hurdle was deciding about financing --- we talked to the lenders I work with at JJCH. Such great rates right now—we can’t pass up a low interest rate. Honestly, it has been difficult to come up with reasons not to move. Pros---1.8 taxes, low HOA fee, privacy, friendly residents, a JJCH home increases in value especially in this neighborhood, low maintenance yard, and we love being able to make changes to the house plan we have chosen. I know we will have more privacy on our one acre than on our little lot where we can talk to our neighbors from porch to porch. Since we built a home with JJCH four years ago we know how organized and painless the process is. We will be able to sell our present home quickly as homes are selling very well in the Austin area, plus we will put our home in the hands of the Trade in Program.

Deciding on the lot was hard---we first narrowed it down to our favorite two. But, to make an informed decision we had to walk the lots and see exactly where our house would sit. And to think “we own a little over an acre of beautiful land in Georgetown’s best kept secret.” Shady Oaks Estates is truly "unspoiled & undiscovered".

WHAT "CUSTOM" MEANS AT JIMMY JACOBS CUSTOM HOMES

2009-07-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Purchasing a home is a major decision and the ability to change Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home plans helps to make your decision an easy one. Just because you select one of our standard floor plans there is no need to settle for a plan you "almost love" or forgo all the extras you can imagine. JJCH believes in building "your home" just the way "you want it".

When a client says to me the really like a certain plan"but" - I tell them - "Then, let's fix it and make it the way you want it." The majority of the time it is really just that simple. From going to tile through out, expanding a patio, changing a bedroom into garage space, deleting a bathroom, designing a one of a kind hobby room, moving the kitchen, or starting from scratch with your own plan, we have done it all. To JJCH "custom" means more than three colors of paint and two elevations to choose from. One thing I know for sure, there are no two homes alike in the Jimmy Jacobs portfolio.

I know from experiencing "customizing" my own JJCH plan just how easy it is to have your home just the way you want it. We chose a basic plan and square footage then made so many changes the original plan in unrecognizable. I must confess we designed our house around an over sized three car garage. No matter what I asked for, I was never told "no".

If you prefer picking out a plan, and do not want to think about changes, we have numerous basic plans to choose from. Our highly qualified Design Experts in our detailed design center will assist you in your coloring coordinating and decor to reflect your own personality and style. Remember, we believe it should be the home of your dreams.

I would appreciate the opportunity to help you plan your "one of a kind" JJCH. I am always looking for new residents the would enjoy living in a JJCH as much as I do. Call me and ask me why I am building my second Jimmy Jacobs Custom Home in Shady Oaks Estates.
512-639-3653