Enjoy Delicious Drinks and Dishes at Palmeras Tex-Mex con Sabor

I recently took a trip to one of my favorite local restaurants, Palmeras Tex-Mex con Sabor, and I’d like to introduce you to it in a quick behind-the-scenes video, today.

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In addition to serving as your Central Texas real estate resource, something else I’m passionate about is supporting other local business owners, like my good friends Mike and Maha Palabi—the owners of Palmeras Tex-Mex con Sabor. If you haven’t already been to this incredible local restaurant, you definitely need to stop by soon. From the great ambiance to the delicious signature drinks and dishes they serve, the experience of dining at Palmeras Tex-Mex con Sabor is second to none. We at the Shine Team love coming here, ourselves—which is great because our new office is going to be right down the street. When we make this move, we hope you’ll all come out to say hello to us and to see what Palmeras Tex-Mex has to offer. You won’t regret it. For information about their hours, address, and menu, visit their website:https://palmerastexmex.com/.

As always, if you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Latest and Greatest School in Our Area

Maude Wood Elementary will open its brand-new doors to just over 1,000 students in a few weeks. Here’s a first-hand look at this gorgeous school.

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There’s a brand-new elementary school in the area that we're excited to talk to you about today.
Maude Moore Wood Elementary is opening up in two weeks in the White Rock Estates area. We recently went out to the school to take a look at it for ourselves, and we’re excited to share some of what we saw with you today.

We have some beautiful homes for sale in this area.

Taxpayers committed $24.8 million to this school and it was well worth every penny. It will open up with a little over 1,000 students with the motto “Lead like a warrior,” which references the school’s mascot. In another few years, there will be a new high school in that area of town that will house about 2,500 students. We have some beautiful homes for sale right now out in the area of White Rock Estates. If you’re curious about them or if you have any questions about real estate or the new schools, don’t hesitate to reach out and give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

What to Avoid When Applying for a Mortgage

These mistakes will mess up your mortgage application. Here’s what to look out for.

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Before applying for a mortgage, there are a few things you need to be aware of and avoid. First, you shouldn’t make any big life changes during the application process, such as getting married, quitting your job, or starting a new business. In addition, you don’t want to open any new lines of credit. Don’t rack up credit card debt, buy a new car, new furniture, and so on—even if you can afford it!

Make sure you don’t miss any payments.

Finally, don’t lose control of your finances; moving can be hectic, but make sure you don’t miss any payments. If you have any questions or would like further information about mortgages, feel free to reach out to First Community Mortgage at 254-690-3765. If you’re ready to start the home buying process, call The Shine Team at 254-690-4321 or email shine@shineteam.com.

How to Close on a Home With Fewer Headaches

Here are some of my tips that will help ensure you have a smooth closing process.

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Here’s what you need to do in order to have a smooth close: 1. Use professionals to make the repairs. I’ve had many sellers try to do their own repairs, only to find out that it wasn’t up to a professional standard. In the long run, it delayed closing and cost them more money.

There may well be things that could possibly delay your closing—just try to focus on the fact that you will get to the finish line eventually, and keep your cool.

2. Make sure all utilities are on for the home inspection. Also, be sure that your property has been dewinterized so the inspector can turn everything on to inspect it. 3. Be patient during the closing process. There may well be things that could possibly delay your closing—just try to focus on the fact that you will get to the finish line eventually, and keep your cool. If you have any questions about this or about buying or selling a home, you’re more than welcome to reach out to us. The Shine Team Realtors are here to help with any of your real estate needs.

Come See All That This Armed Services YMCA Has to Offer

I’m happy to be joined today by the branch marketing director, Amanda Carlson, as she gives us a glimpse into a few of the wonderful programs Armed Services YMCA have to offer.

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Our exploration through Central Texas has taken us to our next stop: Harker Heights’ Armed Services YMCA. Not only is it a newer branch, but it’s one of the few that is open to service members and the civilian population alike. I’m happy to be joined today by the branch marketing director, Amanda Carlson, as she gives us a glimpse into a few of the wonderful programs they have to offer. When you think of classes you might take at the Armed Services YMCA, a cooking class isn’t the first that comes to mind, but the center holds weekly “little chefs” and “junior chefs” classes that teach kids how to cut vegetables, keep their areas clean, and prepare food.

Not only is it a newer branch, but it’s one of the few that is open to service members and the civilian population alike.

When it comes to their swimming programs, they offer the traditional classes and then some—partnered with Seaton, they provide therapeutic classes such as “Twinges in the Hinges” and others for those that are unable to exercise in the typical fashion. Beyond that, they have a good selection of exercise resources; they have a sizable gym along with a gorgeous track that encircles their basketball court below. Only rivaled by the yoga classes they hold, their spin classes are some of the most popular options available. If you have any questions about the Harker Heights’ Armed Services YMCA or for help with any and all of your real estate needs, please contact me. I’d love to speak with you!

Shining the Business Spotlight on the Cup of Joe Coffee Shop

I have discovered a little taste of Austin right here in Central Texas, courtesy of Cup of Joe. Today I want to introduce you to the owner to discuss his business and the delights he offers.

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Joseph Taylor is a local entrepreneur who graduated from Killeen High School in 2014. Not only is he the founder of Cup of Joe, but he also owns the beauty shop right next door! To him, Cup of Joe is an idea inspired by the fact that Texas has several chain coffee shops, but not as many small businesses. He’s from northern Minnesota, where they have mom-and-pop everything, so his goal was to bring that business model down here to Central Texas. Though his design incorporates urban street vibes and city elements, it’s still tailored for our community. It’s a place where people can come to “chill” and enjoy life in Texas—not to mention the coffee! The “2-5-4,” named for our local area code, is one of the most popular drinks served at the Cup of Joe. Mine was served with a little drizzle of caramel on top—delicious.

It’s a place where people can come to “chill” and enjoy life in Texas.

Cup of Joe is centrally located: You can get to Belton from here in about seven minutes, Copper’s Cove in about 15 minutes, and Fort Hood in about eight minutes. Depending on where you’re going, you can usually stop at Cup of Joe on your way there for a little cup of heaven. And, from Friday to Sunday, you can complement your coffee with donuts, cinnamon rolls, kolaches, and other tasty Round Rock brand treats. You can find the Cup of Joe coffee shop at 600 Indian Trail, Suite 101, Harker Heights, Texas 76548, and if you’d like to learn more about the shop and what they serve, visit www.CupofJoeCoffeeShop.com. I highly encourage you to stop in! Until then, if you have any questions about real estate, buying or selling homes, or our local businesses, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Hope to hear from you soon!