Why Protest Property Taxes?

Did you know that 30-60% of taxable property is over-assessed, and less than 30% of all taxpayers challenge their tax assessment? Protesting your Austin property tax is a great way to help keep your property tax low each year, as Texas has the nation's 7th highest property tax rate. You should make it a yearly effort to protest your property value taxes because engaging in property tax protest could save you several hundred to several thousand dollars over time.

Here’s a tip: You won’t be notified unless your appraisal value has gone up by more than $1,000, so it is a good habit to protest every year to help combat any increase.

Why Is Tax-assessed Value Different Than Market Value?

The tax-assessed value is what your…

The kitchen is the most used and important space in a home. It's where families cook, entertain, do homework, play games and more! That's why kitchens should be designed as multifunctional spaces. Because it's the most used space in the home, it's important to create a beautifully designed space that will withstand the test of time. From cabinets, backsplashes, lighting, and counters, it can be challenging to design. That's why we created a list of the top 10 design trends for kitchens to make your kitchen renovation a little less stressful!

List of Top 10 Kitchen Trends:

• Dark Countertops
• Double Islands
• Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cabinets
• Fun Light Fixtures
• Open Shelving
• Retro Appliances
• Slab Backsplash
• Steel Range Hoods
• Unique Hardware
• …

Don't let gym closures and social distancing get in the way of your workout routine! Not sure where to begin? Check out our list of free online classes, live stream videos, and tips to help get you started on your fitness journey at home!

305 Fitness

305 is more than an addictive 55-minute cardio dance party. It’s a safe space where you can release your inhibitions while getting stronger and happier. In an industry obsessed with scales and calories, they are all about working hard while loving and appreciating our bodies exactly the way they are. With their complimentary 305 digital membership, you get access to live-streamed workouts twice a day, fire DJ mixes, and access to expert-led workshops on healing, self-care and career, daily meditations,…

AUSTIN, TX - The challenge of brightening up a dark room is a common design hurdle for most homeowners. The good news is, bringing light into your space can be done without major renovations. Check out these 7 tips to help you turn your home interiors from dark and drabby to light and inviting.

1. Add Bright Artwork to the Walls

Adding vibrant art to the room instantly brightens up your space with pops of color against a dark or neutral wall.

2. Opt for Light Wood Flooring

If you are looking to take more drastic measures to brighten your space, consider installing light wood flooring to brighten a room and mask scratches in high traffic areas. 

3. Add a Colorful Rug

Large, colorful area rugs can help define your space and add a bright…

The Texas summer temperatures can be unbearable, and we understand the importance of beating the heat, so we compiled this list of water parks in Central Texas that will keep you cool. If you are interested in more ways to stay cool this summer, check out the best swimming holes, summer water activities, and where to rent paddleboards in Austin. Plus, we have fun indoor activities to do when you can’t bear the heat outside.

Waterparks Near Austin:

• BSR Cable Park
• Next Level Ride
• NLand Surf Park
• Pease Splash Park
• Quest ATX
• Rock ‘N River Waterpark
• Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts
• SeaWorld’s Aquatica
• Summer Fun Waterpark
• Typhoon Texas
• Volente Beach Waterpark
• Waterloo Adventures

BSR Cable Park

5347 Old Mexia Rd, Waco, TX…

• Fun With Frida - June 29- July 3 (Virtual)
• Austin, TX
• Mexican artist Frida Kahlo lived a colorful and interesting life that had a great impact on her artwork. Study Frida's paintings, especially her self-portraits, as inspiration for your own artwork. Use a variety of materials to create works that express personal and unique life experiences. Draw a self-portrait, paint a scene from a special memory, make a crazy collage, and construct a 3-D project!

• Best Friends & Belly Laughs COMMUNITY IMPROV - July 1 (Virtual)
• Austin, TX
• BFBL Improv is a space curated to help you let loose, have fun, and laugh without limitation in a friendly, engaging, and high-energy environment! This improv meetup is perfect for the beginner, all the way up…

Living in Austin, there are so many restaurant options for vegetarian and vegan eating, so we compiled a list of our favorites! Even restaurants that aren’t vegetarian and vegan focused such as True Food Kitchen, Sway, Vinaigrette, Gueros, and Jinya Ramen Bar offer great menu item options. If you’re looking for the best vegan-friendly sweet treats, check out Lick Honest Ice Creams and Skull & Cakebones. Check out the full list below!

Bananarchy

Multiple Locations

Bananarchy is currently closed for the winter season and will reopen their trailers March 2, 2020. If you still want their delicious desserts, they are still catering. Bananarchy is Austin’s only frozen banana stand! Their banana dessert flavors do not disappoint! Their most popular…

Shop Local for Valentine’s Day Gifts

Clover + Maven

Clover & Maven brings thoughtful and stylish gift ideas to your Valentine’s Day shopping guide, offering a curated selection of jewelry, accessories, home goods, and lifestyle pieces that feel personal without being generic. The shop showcases items that are easy to gift as tokens of affection or meaningful keepsakes that reflect someone’s taste and personality. Whether you’re looking for something playful, elegant, or just a little unexpected, Clover & Maven makes it simple to find a present that adds a touch of charm and care to your celebration.

Marcela Homrich

Marcela Homrich Jewelry offers handcrafted pieces that feel both personal and timeless, making it a natural place to shop for…

Austin, TX - The outdoor space is a critical place where prospective home buyers will make their decisions on where to call home. By providing premium outdoor amenities, on your property, it allows you to enhance their home value. With just the right amenities and care, residents can feel like they are in their own outdoor oasis. Check out these 4 amenities that will have any buyer putting in an offer!

1. A pool of your own

It’s no secret that summers in Texas are HOT! Pools are the top trending outdoor amenity with high demand. Buyers are looking to properties with more land simply to have more outdoor space to include their dream pool and spa. Multiple Styles of pools can be added to a variety of homes with different yard sizes. Above ground styles…