This 775-acre master-planned community by MileStone Community Builders is now welcoming buyers to its first phase, with move-ins expected by the end of 2025. Recently featured in both the Austin Business Journal and Community Impact, Persimmon is being recognized not only for its scale and vision, but for how it came together: through meaningful collaboration between city leadership and private development.

“Persimmon represents what’s possible when private development and city leadership work together with a long-term vision for the community.” – Garrett Martin, President & CEO, MileStone Community Builders (in Austin Business Journal)

Big Plans. Bigger Potential.

• 775-acre master-planned community in Buda
• 2,100 homes planned at full build-out
• Floor plans ranging from 1,754 to over 3,500 square feet
• Options for 2 to 5 bedrooms and up to 4.5 baths
• Pricing beginning in the high $400s
• Ideal for buyers putting down roots or seeking room to grow
• Modern clubhouse with coworking space
• Resort-style pools with shaded lounge areas
• Pavilion, playground, and pickleball courts
• Direct access to Garlic Creek Park and Buda’s trail network
• Conveniently located near SH 45, FM 967, and I-35

Built With Purpose

The path to Persimmon’s groundbreaking required years of thoughtful planning, negotiation, and infrastructure coordination. As covered in Community Impact, the project involved careful collaboration with city leadership to align on vision, infrastructure, and long-term growth. Now, with Phase 1 underway, that vision is becoming reality.

“The Persimmon community is a response to the strong demand for additional residential homeownership opportunities south of Austin, and we look forward to seeing the neighborhood grow and come to life.”
– Trisha Thacker, New Home Sales Counselor (Community Impact)

With Buda’s population more than doubling since 2010, the demand for high-quality, well-connected neighborhoods is only growing. Persimmon is here to meet it—with homes, amenities, and natural surroundings that balance livability and longevity.

Now Selling — and a Smart Financial Move

Phase 1 homes are available now, with model tours and sales appointments underway. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, Persimmon offers a new standard for community living in Buda.

And for current homeowners, there’s even more potential: through MileStone’s new Road to Wealth program, buyers can keep their current home as a rental, build long-term equity, and use that cash flow to help finance a new home at Persimmon. It’s a smart path forward—whether you’re investing in your future or expanding your footprint.

The post Persimmon Is Here: Buda’s Newest Master-Planned Community Now Selling appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

FHA Fixed Rate Loan at 4.85%

Choosing an FHA Fixed Rate Loan at 4.85% assures stable and predictable monthly payments throughout your mortgage. This type of loan is particularly suitable for first-time home buyers, as it offers easier qualification criteria regarding credit scores and down payments. By securing a fixed rate, you are protected against future interest rate increases, which can make budgeting easier and give you peace of mind.

FHA 2/1 Buy Down at 3.375%

The FHA 2/1 Buy Down begins with a reduced interest rate of 3.375% for the first two years, significantly easing your initial mortgage payments. This thoughtful design is perfect for anyone seeking financial flexibility in the early years of homeownership. The lower payments at the start provide a comfortable adjustment period as you settle into your new home. As the rate adjusts after two years to a regular FHA loan rate, you’ll find yourself well-prepared to manage the transition, allowing you to plan your financial future with confidence and stability.

Browse FHA-Eligible Communities

• Crosswinds
• Porter Country
• Sage Hollow
• Vistas of Austin
• Messinger Village

Conventional Fixed Rate Loan at 5.25%

A Conventional Fixed Rate Loan at 5.25% offers the benefit of a constant interest rate for the life of the loan. This predictability is invaluable for long-term financial planning, as it ensures that your mortgage payments will not change over time. Additionally, by choosing a conventional loan, you typically benefit from higher borrowing limits and the potential to build equity in your property faster. This is a strong option for buyers who expect to stay in their homes for many years and prefer stability in their payment schedule.

Conventional 2/1 Buy Down at 4.375%

The Conventional 2/1 Buy Down offers an appealing starting interest rate of 4.375% for the initial two years, providing a gentler entry into home ownership by lowering your initial mortgage payments. After this period, the interest rate transitions to a standard conventional loan rate. This gradual adjustment offers a comfortable pathway to accommodate your evolving financial landscape, ensuring that you can plan your finances with confidence and ease.

Explore Your Financing Options with Our Easy-to-Use Calculator

Navigating your mortgage options doesn’t have to be complicated. Simplify your decision-making process by using a Mortgage Calculator provided by Mission Mortgage. This tool will help you estimate your monthly payments, experiment with different interest rates, and plan your budget efficiently.

Try The Mortgage Calculator Now!

Browse available homes in your area.

• North Austin
• South Austin
• Buda & Kyle
• Dripping Springs
• Round Rock
• Leander & Liberty Hill
• West Austin

Disclaimer Info:

3.375% rate (6.968% APR) is based on a FHA 2/1 temporary buydown. Year 1 payment is based on a rate of 3.375%, year 2 payment based upon a rate of 4.875% and adjusts to the full payment at the note rate of 5.875% in years 3-30. FHA rate scenarios are for a primary residence, 3.5% down payment, 720 FICO score. 5.25 % rate (5.812% APR) is for a fixed 30 year Conventional loan. Conventional rate scenarios are for a primary residence, 20% down payment, 780 FICO score. Rates are based upon seller contributing 3% of sales price towards buyer’s rate buy down. Seller rate incentive valid only with Mission Mortgage of Texas NMLS 207583. Special rate incentive offered in select communities on quick close homes, must contract on or after June 1, 2024 and close on or before July 31, 2024. Actual cost for rate may vary depending on market conditions or borrower profile. See sales agent for more details. Rate subject to change, valid as of June 1, 2024.

The post MileStone Has Special Rates as Low as 3.375% appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

School is back and MileStone Community Builders is celebrating with a “Back To School Sale” with big discounts on move-in ready homes! Qualified buyers can receive incredible 5.625% interest rates! We are proud to have communities zoned to many award-winning schools in Austin, Leander, Dripping Springs, Round Rock, and Hays ISD’s and for each registered visit to a Milestone community during our promotion, we will make a donation to those school districts. The sale starts Friday, August 18^th and runs through Labor Day, September 4^th.

Explore Quick-Delivery-In-Homes all over Central Texas:

• Available Homes in South Austin
• Available Homes in Leander and Liberty Hill
• Available Homes in Buda and Kyle
• Available Homes in Dripping Springs

MileStone communities that send their children to Austin ISD schools include Messinger Village, The Vistas of Austin, The Hills of Bear Creek, The Grove at Shoal Creek, Koenig Townhomes, Foxfield, and Milky Way at River Place. Click on the links below to review Available Homes that will be ready for move-in between now and the end of 2023!

Messinger Village

• Casey Elementary School
• Paredes Middle School
• Akins High School

Hills of Bear Creek

• Menchaca Elementary School
• Paredes Middle School
• Akins High School

Vistas of Austin

• Blazier Elementary School
• Paredes Middle School
• Akins High School

Koenig Townhomes

• Reilly Elementary School
• Lamar Middle School
• McCallum High School

Click here to learn more about any one of these schools or learn about their incredible Creative Initiative Program here.

Since 2019, residents of Bonnet and Larkspur enjoy having Larkspur Elementary School in the neighborhood! Learn more about what’s going on at Larkspur Elementary and other great Leander ISD schools here. See below to see what’s available for move-in right now in those communities. Only a few homes remain in Larkspur so take advantage while you can!

Larkspur and Bonnet

• Larkspur Elementary School
• Danielson Middle School
• Glenn High School

Some of MileStone’s most exciting new communities are zoned to award-winning Hays ISD! Check out the district’s award-winning Fine Arts Program here.

Sage Hollow, Crosswinds, and Porter County all have homes available for move-in right now with incredible discounts.

Sage Hollow

• Negley Elementary School
• Barton Middle School
• Hays High School

Crosswinds

• Pfluger Elementary School
• Chapa Middle School
• Lehman High School

Porter Country

• Pfluger Elementary School
• McCormick Middle School
• Johnson High School

Only a few opportunities remain to buy new at Skyridge, zoned to Dripping Springs ISD. Take a look below to see what’s available there for move-in today!

Skyridge

• Cypress Springs Elementary School
• Sycamore Springs Middle School
• Dripping Springs High School

The post Back to School Sale with Big Savings! appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Austin has become the premier destination for homeowners seeking a valuable investment, as highlighted in a recent MSN article*. There are numerous reasons why Austin is the perfect place for new homebuyers, from its booming economy to its vibrant culture. At MileStone, we are dedicated to making your dream home a reality in this thriving city. Let’s take a look at why Austin is the top choice for buying a new home and how MileStone can help you take advantage of the opportunity better than anyone else.

Austin’s Booming Economy

According to the article, Austin’s economy is growing at a rapid pace, with a strong job market and steady population growth. The city has become a hub for technology and innovation, attracting top companies like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla. As more businesses move into the area, the demand for housing continues to rise, making it an ideal market for homebuyers. Learn about our homes at Vistas of Austin, located only 12 miles from downtown. 

High Potential for Home Appreciation

The article also highlights Austin’s high potential for home appreciation. In fact, Austin ranks first in the nation for expected home value growth, with a projected five-year appreciation rate of 44.2%. This impressive figure makes purchasing a home in Austin an excellent long-term investment. Explore our new Hills of Bear Creek homes in a burgeoning section of South Austin. 

Quality of Life

Austin offers a high quality of life for its residents, with a vibrant arts and music scene, diverse dining options, and an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. The city is known for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere, making it an attractive place to live for people from all walks of life. Our three-story residences at Koenig Townhomes are in a premier location. 

Koenig Townhomes are in an amazing central location.

Access to Top-Rated Schools

Austin is home to top-rated schools, which is another significant factor for families considering a move to the area. High-quality education is a priority for many homebuyers, and Austin delivers on this front. Find a home in a great school district at Larkspur. 

The MileStone Advantage

As a leading homebuilder in Austin, MileStone is committed to helping you find the perfect home in this thriving city. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Unrivaled Quality and Style
• Personalized Floor Plans
• Energy Efficiency
• Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Austin’s booming economy, high potential for home appreciation, excellent quality of life, and access to top-rated schools make it the number one city to buy a new home. Begin your journey with MileStone today and invest in a future filled with growth and opportunity.

*MSN, “This City Is the No. 1 Place to Buy a Home If You Want It to Increase in Value—and It’s Not in California or New York“

The post Why Austin is the Number One City to Buy a New Home appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

The post Buying Vs Renting – The Benefits of Owning Your Home appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

The post Buying a Home Today: FAQs appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Texas BBQ is Best

We want to get ahead of this—while you’re entitled to your opinion, everyone south of the Red River knows that Texas BBQ is the best BBQ, and that’s just a fact. Beef brisket, pork ribs, sausage, and all the fixins from creamed corn to fried okra are much beloved statewide. While we love everything from mesquite smoked to molasses marinades, don’t ever say any state does it better…or that beans belong in chili. Trust us.

Texas Homes are Affordable

With plenty of land and high demand, the majority of Texas homes are appraised at $245,000 or less, with a median home value of $166,000. Styles vary from ranch to craftsman everywhere from the scenic hill country to lively downtown with layouts to suit any buyer. See what homes we have in our collection.

Texas Summers Can’t Be Beat

Come summertime (a.k.a March-October), Austin’s outdoor scenery takes forefront. Waterfalls and walking trails are enjoyed by the locals. Weekend trips to the lake, pool, or nearest state park are some of the favorites. We might be biased, but Barton Springs Pool, Hamilton Pool Preserve, and Jacob’s Well are some of Texas’ best summer spots.

Texas Has No State Tax

Texas is one of only nine states that has no state income tax. Of course, state infrastructure and services still have a price tag, so expect to see sales taxes as high as 8.25% and property taxes of 8.18% to make up for the difference. Still, Texas is one of the most tax-friendly states in the union.

Texas Football is Life

There are two seasons in Texas, summer and football. There’s only one place to be at the end of a workweek and that’s in the glow of Friday night lights cheering your local team to victory. Don’t be surprised if your Texan friends invite you to tailgate instead of brunch, even though kickoff isn’t until 6:00 PM—it’s simply the way. Football is deeply embedded in Texan culture and there’s nothing to do but join in the cheers and wear your face paint with pride.

Texan is a Language

Knowing the lingo will make you more of a local than any amount of brisket orders can. First, y’all is a proper contraction. Embrace it. Also, if there are more than five people in a group, expect to hear “all y’all”. It’s widely accepted as proper in these parts. “Britches” are pants, “worsh” means wash, and “bless your heart” is a polite expression of sympathy that can also be dripping with sarcasm—because we speak that fluently too. Now you’re ready and rarin’ to go (read: you’re prepared)!

Austin is Unique (and the Best)

We know this is a post about Texas, but we call Texas’ capital city home and think it is objectively the best place to live—and we thought you should know. Recently, Austin ranked as the nation’s third Top-Performing City in job and salary growth as well as the gross domestic product (GDP) of our leading high tech industry. We think this, along with a lower cost of living than comparable metro areas, higher education opportunities, no shortage of things to do, and a laidback atmosphere are enough to make our point.

Welcome to Texas, Y’all!

The official Texas state motto is “Friendship,” one word we think perfectly describes our people, our culture, and our way of life in what we Texans consider the greatest state of them all—we hope this will help make you feel a little more at home, friend.

If you have any questions on Texas life, leave us a comment below. If you’re thinking of making the move—check out our list of homes in North Austin, TX and South Austin, TX. We would love to hear from you!

The post Advice For Anyone Moving to Texas appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

Austin housing market forecast

Housing prices in Austin are expected to continue rising in 2018. However, perhaps not at the explosive rate seen over the last couple of years. The Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2018 report ranked Austin as the nation’s No. 2 real estate market to watch. They also pointed to a slowdown in climbing home prices that reflects a nationwide trend.

Home prices are expected to rise by around 3 percent in 2018. This is what you might call a more-or-less normal annual growth rate. And considering that prices rose more than 7 percent over the previous 12 months, next year looks like a good one for buyers. Of course, any increase means that if you’re planning on buying a home, it’s financially better to do so sooner rather than later.

Rent on the rise

Did you know that Austin has some of the highest rent prices in America? Therefore, it should come as no surprise that renting an apartment in this city will cost more next year than it did last year. A recent report suggested that rent in the region may rise by around 11 percent between 2017 and 2020. That’s bad news for renters! Therefore, quite a few Austin residents will be more motivated to become homeowners over the next few years.

Supply and demand

Growth in Austin might be slowing to some degree, but it’s far from stopping. The downside to Austin’s popularity is that new homes are often in high demand as inventory remains tight. Five years ago, Austin had a 5.2-month supply of new available homes compared to just a 2.3-month supply as of mid-2017, according to Qualified Mortgage.

Predictions for 2018 indicate that homes will continue to be scarce, and those on the market will sell quickly. While that doesn’t mean homes aren’t available—MileStone offers numerous quick delivery homes that are already under construction—buyers may have to move quickly once they find a home they like.

Rising mortgage rates 

Mortgage rates reached historic lows in recent years, but they aren’t likely to stay down. Right now, the average rate is hovering around 4 percent, but with the Federal Reserve recently raising its key interest rate, an increase is expected. Realtor.com predicted that mortgage rates will hit 6 percent by 2019 or 2020, so if you’re planning on buying a home in the near future, today’s rates are probably the lowest they’ll be for quite some time.

To learn more about the housing market forecast in Austin, Texas, contact us at MileStone Community Builders today. Our team will help you explore 2018 real estate options and find the home of your dreams.

The post Looking ahead at the 2018 Austin, Texas, real estate market appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

With new year on the horizon, a lot of folks are setting their sights on becoming homeowners in 2018. If you’re ready to take the leap and buy your first (or next) home, then this upcoming year should be a great time to do it. But making such a big purchase is not a move to be taken lightly, and there are many steps to buying a house. Here’s what you should be doing right now to get ready for homeownership in 2018.

1. Know your credit score

A higher credit score will get you a lower mortgage rate, and you’ll typically get the best rate if your score is 740 or above. Knowing your score now—and taking the time to rebuild your credit if necessary—is an essential step to getting your home search off on the right foot.

2. Stay away from new credit cards

It’s tempting to open up new credit cards during the holidays, especially since many credit card offer special holiday savings. But opening a new line of credit now can throw your credit numbers out of whack, so it’s best to avoid the temptation.

3. Save your tax return

Rather than using your tax return to finance your holiday shopping, it’s smarter to put it in a savings account. You will need to make a down payment on your new home, and this will give it a good start.

4. Ask for financial holiday gifts

Many people understandably don’t feel comfortable asking for money as a gift. However, this can really help in terms of coming up with your down payment. Let your friends and family know that you’re saving up for a new home! Chances are they’ll be more than happy to give you cash rather than buying you something you don’t really need.

5. Find a lender

Before you start shopping for homes, it’s important to find a mortgage lender so that you know what you can afford. Once you know your credit score and have your finances in order, start shopping around for a lender. You don’t have to make any commitments right away, but it’s wise to know your options. Look at multiple lenders to see who can offer you the best mortgage rates and terms.

6. Get preapproved

Once a lender has gone over your financial documents and preapproved you for a mortgage, you’ll have a much better idea of what you can afford. This will show home sellers that you are serious about buying. Documents you’ll need to get preapproved include your last two years of tax returns and W-2 forms. You’ll also need to provide pay check stubs from the past few months, proof of mortgage or rent payments for the last year, and lists of all your debts and assets.

To learn more about the steps to buying a house in the next year, contact our team at MileStone Community Builders today. You can also scan through our homebuying guide for more information beyond finances. We are committed to helping you through every step of the homebuying process so that you can find your dream home in Austin, Texas.

The post 6 financial steps to buying a house in 2018 appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.

One of the greatest ongoing debates in the housing world is between buying a new construction home and buying an older home. Some like the old-fashioned features and lived-in atmosphere of an older home, while others are more interested in the modern amenities and low-maintenance lifestyle that comes with buying a new build home.

But no matter what you’re looking for in your next house, buying a new construction home has some advantages that are impossible to ignore—and we have the statistics to back it up. Read on to learn what the numbers say about new vs. old homes.

Energy efficiency

New homes are up to 30% more energy efficient then homes built just 10 years ago, according to data from NewHomeSource.com. In fact, newly built homes save 3,449 KWH per year, on average. If you’re wondering what that means in real terms, let’s just say it’s enough to power your TV for 11 years, or your coffee maker for 32 years. That’s a lot of coffee.

Personal preference

According to a recent Trulia survey, 41% of Americans either somewhat or strongly prefer to buy a newly built home over a preexisting home, compared to just 21% who prefer an older home (the remaining 38% had no preference). Among those who prefer a new home, the most common reasons given are:

1. Having modern features
2. The ability to customize before the home is completed
3. Spending less time on maintenance and repairs
4. Living in a home that meets modern construction standards
5. Being the first person to live in the house

Low-cost maintenance

One of the biggest drawbacks of buying an older home is the upkeep. Even if a historic house looks good on the outside, chances are there are some costly repairs lurking beneath the surface. NewHomeSource.com reports that 10-year-old home will cost approximately 580% MORE in annual maintenance and improvement than a newly built home. Some of the most costliest that older homes need include:

• Water heater: $2,000
• Washer & dryer: $2,500
• HVAC system: $5,000
• Roof repairs: $15,000

Marital bliss

While it might seem like a stretch to say that buying an older home will destroy your marriage, it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Ongoing repair and remodeling projects put a real strain on a relationship. According to a Houzz survey, 12% of couples admit to considering divorce or separation mid-remodel.

Modern construction

New homes offer quality construction and the types of features and design elements that today’s homeowners demand. Compared to an older house, new construction homes offer:

• Three times more closet space
• Higher ceilings
• Twice as much bathroom space
• Open concept floor plans

Supply and demand

One of the biggest hurdles to buying a new construction home is finding one. In many American cities, the new home inventory simply isn’t there. But according to a recent report from Trulia, Austin is one of America’s leading home building cities, with more than 29,000 new homes already built in 2017 at the time of publication.

The same report also ranked America’s cities by the increase in new home construction between 2016 and 2017. Austin led the way by a considerable margin. The top five:

1. Austin, TX (107.7%)
2. Charleston, SC (72.8%)
3. Nashville, TN (65.8%)
4. Philadelphia, PA (62.3%)
5. Boston, MA (61.0%)

Buying a new construction home offers a slew of advantages over older houses, from energy efficiency to low maintenance costs. Still feel like you need an older home because of the earlier move-in date? Many of our new build homes are already complete or will be soon, so be sure to check them out!

The post Statistics that will make you want to buy a new construction home appeared first on Austin Homes for Sale | New Homes Austin | Milestone Home Builder Blog.