Pre-Existing vs New Construction Homes: Which Is Right for You?

Yes, you read that right. Do not move to Bandera, Texas, just yet. This charming little town known as the Cowboy Capital of the world might seem like the perfect place to call home, drawing people in for its charm, stunning views, and a rich Western heritage. But there is a lot more you need to know from the rising real estate prices to the unpredictable weather to some unexpected surprises. Today we are covering two things you need to know before packing up and moving to Bandera, Texas and make sure you stay tuned, because at the end of this video, I will be giving you a tip that could make or break your plans to buy in Bandera. Okay, so let's start with one of the biggest things I think most people realize or notice as soon as they move to Bandera. And that is the small town lifestyle. So there is small. There is just over 900 residents in the town. The city limits itself. Life here is peaceful. I think you will enjoy the connected community, but with that small town country feel comes with limited amenities. While banned, there does feature local establishment such as the band Air General Store, the Ohio Silver and Cowboy Store. It lacks larger retailers and specialized services. And forget about all those big box stores or specialized services for comprehensive shopping needs or specialized health care services. Residents here there often travel to towns such as Kerrville, Bernie or even San Antonio. So if small town living does appeal to you, make sure you plan ahead. It really is a good idea to stock up on your. During trips to nearby towns like Kerrville, Bernie, and consider setting up telehealth options for non-emergency medical care. Yeah, you know, small town living does come with some trade offs, but it also does have its perks. If you are someone who loves peace and quiet, loves a little elbow room and just that small town community feel, and there may be the perfect fit for you, it's great for retirees who want to relax and enjoy close knit community, or for anyone who's ready to leave the hustle and bustle behind. Sure, you will have to plan trips to nearby towns. Like I said, Kerrville Bernie for bigger shopping runs. But that does mean less crowds also, and the ability to enjoy the more simple things in life. You also need to know that it's not just the locals you'll be sharing the town with. Let's talk about the tourist vendors. Western culture attracts thousands of visitors every single year, from rodeos and festivals to biker rallies and dude ranch vacation. Tourism fuels for the local economy. However, the constant influx of people can be just a little overwhelming. Crowded main Street on weekends, packed restaurants and noise, especially during events like Cowboy Mardi Gras, bring big crowds. While this helps local businesses thrive, it does mean that there's less parking and traffic, which is an absolute headache for local residents. If you are thinking about moving to Bandera, consider settling down somewhere outside of the main tourist hubs like Bandera Falls. But this serene location along the Medina River or Medina Lake, known for its peaceful lakeside setting, provide tranquility and natural beauty. Other great options include Pipe Creek, just nine miles to the east of Bandera, offering a rural lifestyle with convenient access, or Lake hills, a family friendly area near Medina Lake about 12 miles southeast of town. These areas do offer a quieter living experience while also being fairly close to Bandera. Still, yes, the influx of tourists can be a bit much sometimes, but that's also what keeps Bandera exciting and vibrant. If you enjoy meeting new people and hearing stories from visitors all over the country and even the world, Bandera offers endless opportunities for connection. The events and attractions here mean you're never short of fresh faces or chances to network. Plus, for anyone that's thinking about opening up a business or investing here, the steady influx of tourists means that the opportunities are consistent by opening up that business or renting out property. With the steady flow of tourists, you can truly take advantage of the opportunities Bandera has to offer. If you're not a business owner or an investor, let's talk about work. If planning on working locally, here's what you need to know. Bandera is not a hub for job seekers. Most of the local economy revolves around tourism, small businesses and agriculture. High paying jobs in Bandera are very rare, so a lot of the local residents will travel to Kerrville. Bernie and San Antonio. If you're considering remote work, well, this may not actually be a problem for you. But if you're a traditional job seeker, well, you're going to be pretty limited. And yes, remote work is growing, but you need reliable internet, which can be spotty in rural areas. For remote work, I suggest to research internet service providers like BTC fiber or T-Mobile Home Internet to ensure reliable connectivity in your chosen area. And if you're working remotely already, you probably know about Elon Musk. And of course, he provides the Starlink internet service, which is a great option as well. For those of you exploring entrepreneurship, take advantage of Banda's thriving tourism industry by starting a business catering to visitors such as guided tours, maybe crafts or food services, networking with local business owners through vents or the band. Their Chamber of Commerce can also help you establish yourself in the community. So while job opportunities may be limited, Banda's peaceful environment makes it an ideal for remote working or self-employment, so infrastructure in band isn't as developed as it is in larger towns. Internet and cell service can be spotty depending on where you live, and heavy rains can also make the roads and passable. The roads here are generally well-maintained, but they're very heavy rains that could cause flooding in those low areas. If you are planning to live outside the town center, make sure you consider these factors when choosing a property, and be prepared for dirt roads that can become muddy and difficult to navigate. And if you're planning to commute to either Bernie Santoni or Kerrville, make sure you have easy access to highway 16 or highway 173, such as neighborhoods near Banda's northside for quick access to highway 16 or properties along Southern Corridor for easy entry to highway 173. These areas will provide a smoother connection to both Kerrville and San Antonio, cutting down that drive time. Your pro tip I want to give for those of you who have not lived out in the country before, maybe you lived your whole life out in the city, is to assess the road conditions very carefully, especially if you're considering road properties that may have dirt roads or flood prone areas. I would say a good 4x4 vehicle can be a valuable investment to help you navigate muddy or rough terrain during heavy rains. Additionally, areas that are a little bit closer to Bandera, the town itself, are going to have better road conditions and better internet options, making it more ideal for those of you who are going to be working remotely or commuting to other towns or cities, one of the best things you can do if you are going to be working from home is just confirming that that area does have high speed internet, or at least fast enough internet for what you need for before committing to that property. So while the infrastructure is manageable, the weather in Bandera can be very unpredictable. So the Texas Hill country is absolutely beautiful. I've talked about that in all of my videos, but summers here are sweltering with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. The winters are usually mild, but ice storms can still cause occasional disruptions. Droughts in recent history have been frequent, and a big concern for those relying on private wells, leading to water restrictions that can impact gardening, ranching and your daily life. One of the tips I like to give to prepare for Bandera weather extremes is to focus on climate specific upgrades, install ceiling fans and good insulation to stay cool during this crazy hot summers, and keep a backup heating source for rare but disruptive winter ice storms. Stock up on essential supplies ahead of severe weather events, and stay prepared for any inconveniences. On the bright side, though, vendors mild winters means you can basically enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Unlike a lot of the northern states and those sunny days, they are perfect for exploring the beautiful scenery around the band air area. But even outside of Bandera, you have a Kerrville Fredricksburg burning just in general. Texas Hill country. Such a beautiful place to explore, hike and just get out there. And here's a very big one. Water is a crucial issue here in Bandera. So many properties rely on private water wells, and water rights can be a complicated topic. Droughts often lead to restrictions on water usage, and those relying on wells might face challenges with water availability. One of the things I recommend is investing in a rainwater collection system, which could offset the water restrictions, but also high energy bills. If you are considering rainwater collection system, one of the companies I suggest using is Hill Country Rainwater LLC, which specializes in designing and installing systems suited for residential needs. One of the things I always do with my clients, if there is a well present at the property, is get a well, inspect done. What this will do is actually show us how deep the well is, how much water it's actually producing, but also see if it's performing the way it's supposed to. Is there any components of the well at the pump that are out? Is water contaminated? These are very important things that you need to know. If you are investing in a property that has a well, installing a small storage tank or rainwater harvesting system can also supplement your water supply during dry months. These upgrades not only prepare your home for Banda's weather extremes, but also help lower energy costs and ensure sustainable and dependable water supply. One good thing though Banda's reliance on private wells and rainwater collection systems is it does encourage self-sufficiency and sustainability. For those of you who value independence in more eco conscious lifestyle, managing your own water resource can be a rewarding and cost effective experience in the long run. Plus, these systems often do add value to your property. And speaking of property considerations, let's look at the real estate market bander used to be a hidden gem in the hill country, but the growing interest has driven up the real estate prices. In 2020, average home price was right around 250,000. By 2024, it's a lot closer to 350,000. Affordable homes under 300,000 are still available, but they're often a lot older and need a lot of work. Ranch properties in the area, on the other hand, often come with the very hefty price, but also have a lot of investment potential. A tip I would give is if you are thinking about investing in band areas, maybe consider a fixer upper that has a lot of potential renovations and remodels can not only make the property your own, but also had a lot of value offering a more affordable way to enter the market. Working with a real estate agent like myself can help you identify underpriced gems that fit your goals. Oh, and by the way, I'm Ryan Brendon with Brendon Realty Group, your favorite realtor right here in this Texas Hill country. I make videos just like this one every single week, band air being one of them. But if you're thinking about buying or selling within the Texas Hill Country, I would love to be your realtor of choice. Helping you find the perfect property band there or anywhere throughout the Texas Hill Country is what I do best. Let's make your real estate journey as seamless and rewarding as possible. Now, if you're considering moving to Bandera, how's the education here? The Better Independent School District offers a small, close knit educational environment. While this can be absolutely great for individualized attention, the district may not offer as many extracurricular programs or advanced classes as larger school districts. I think it's very important for families to weigh the pros and cons carefully, whether the district aligns with their children's academic needs. One of the things you could consider is supplementing school offerings with extracurricular activities in nearby towns, or online programs to ensure a well-rounded education. Nearby towns like Kerrville or Burney do offer additional sports, arts, and academic enrichment, and then online programs could also be a very valuable resource, offering advanced classes, clubs, and activities that cater to your child's interests and future goals. Combining these opportunities with Banda's close-knit educational environment can help create a comprehensive and fulfilling learning experience. Yeah, you know, local schools are small, but that small school environment allows them more one on one attention, with your child and the teacher allowing to thrive in that intimate setting. This close knit atmosphere truly can foster strong relationships with teachers and classmates, creating a supportive foundation for academic and personal growth. So this 1st May seem kind of obvious, but living in Bandera means that you're sharing that space with wildlife. Access to whitetail deer, wild hogs, and even snakes are very common here. And while this does add to the natural beauty of the area, it can also mean extra work like maintaining fences, road safety, and protecting gardens from hungry visitors. So one of the tips I like to give if you want to keep the deer out of your property or out of your yard, is putting up a deer proof fence. Maybe this is around the direct yard of your house or the entire property. If you have multiple acres, is definitely keeps the deer out, but also keeping a tidy yard. This will help keep out the raccoons, skunks, and any other type of critter. And if you're gardening, maybe focus on native plants are more resistant to the local wildlife. Examples of such plants include the Texas sage, DuPont Holly. Not sure if I'm saying that right. The Mexican feathered grass and the purple cone flower. These plants not only thrive in Banda's climate, but are also less likely to be eaten by deer or damaged by other wildlife. Incorporating this native flora into your landscaping can reduce maintenance and preserving the natural beauty of the hill country, while sharing the space with the wildlife can be extra, work on your part, it also offers a unique opportunity to live closely connected to nature. Banda's wildlife does add to the area's charm, creating a peaceful, scenic environment that's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of rural living. And on top of that, I have a lot of folks who are actually moving to the Hill country for hunting purposes. So if you are surrounded by whitetail access or wild hogs, you have the ability to harvest your own animals and feed yourself, especially if you're creating and building your own gardens. Now you have all the vegetables that you need and you're harvesting your own deer, your own animals. What a perfect way to sell, sustain, and live off the land. So pay their taxes. Cowboy capital title seriously, Vince, like rodeos, dance nights at 11 Street cowboy bar and festivals are part of the daily life here. If you're not a fan of boots hats in honky tonk, this may not be into town for you. But for those who love Western heritage, this is a lifestyle like no other. So I would suggest if you're moving here, just embrace the culture. What I would personally do is attend all these local events, meet the community, meet your neighbors, and really just get yourself involved. And even if you are new to the cowboy lifestyle, Bandera offers all kinds of opportunities for newbies like horseback riding and line dancing. And for those who crave authenticity, where the rhythm of the rodeo is the sound of boots on the dance floor and the spirit of open range shape this community. If you're seeking a place where tradition isn't just celebrated, but Live Vendor gives you the chance to be part of something uniquely American and deeply rooted in history. And there you have it, folks. The ten Things you need to know before packing up your bags and moving the band Air Texas I mentioned this earlier, but let me mention again, having a real estate agent that actually knows Bandera and knows the Bandera market is so essential. There is a lot to consider from finding the right property to navigating the ins and outs and challenges of rural living. Having someone like myself who knows the inside and out of an area can save you from headaches, make decisions you won't regret, but also save money in the long run by ensuring you make the right decision, purchasing the right property that fits your lifestyle and your budget. And whether you're thinking about buying or selling in three days or three years, I would love to be a realtor of choice. All my contact information is down in the description and make sure you hit the subscribe button, but also that little bell so you can get notified anytime. I put out videos just like this one.