https://464-ranch.netlify.app/_nuxt/static/1790985678/blog/payload.js

1__NUXT_JSONP__("/blog", (function(a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n){return {data:[{posts:[{slug:"what-makes-texas-hill-country-land-values-go-up",title:"What Makes Texas Hill Country Land Values Go Up?",author:f,publishedAt:"2026-09-23T17:46:29.785Z",image:"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.squarespace-cdn.com\u002Fcontent\u002Fv1\u002F5f4711d2ec0b09691dc765f2\u002F1790185415312-DELQO2CRK83P717ZU6SD\u002FScreenshot+2025-10-27+at+1.27.53%E2%80%AFPM.png",excerpt:g,seoDescription:g,tags:[a,b,h,"purchasing real estate",c,d,"land value",i,"purchasing ranch land",j,"464ranch","sitesranch"],html:"\u003Cp\u003ENot all Hill Country land is created equal. Two properties can have the same acreage and completely different values. So what makes one piece of land more desirable than the other? A few things tend to matter most: \u003Cstrong\u003Elocation, nearby growth, infrastructure, usability and the land itself.\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocation & Accessibility\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuyers want the privacy and beauty of the Hill Country, but they don't necessarily want to feel completely disconnected. Land with convenient access to growing towns, major roads, shopping and larger cities can appeal to a wider range of buyers.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThat’s one of the advantages of \u003Cstrong\u003E464 Ranch in Johnson City\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E. You get the space and privacy of acreage while still being conveniently within reach of major cities, Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country communities.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat's Happening Nearby\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe land itself matters, but so does what's happening around it. New retail, restaurants, housing and infrastructure can make an area more convenient and attract additional investment.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne example is \u003Cstrong\u003EShops at Flatrock Crossing\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E, a planned $130 million retail development along Highway 281 in Marble Falls. Plans call for roughly 350,000 square feet of shopping and dining, with national brands expected to join the development. The development is set to open in the fall of 2027. Article: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailytrib.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F27\u002Ftimeline-set-for-south-marble-falls-retail-center-the-shops-at-flatrock-crossing\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003Ehttps:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailytrib.com\u002F2026\u002F04\u002F27\u002Ftimeline-set-for-south-marble-falls-retail-center-the-shops-at-flatrock-crossing\u002F\u003C\u002Fa\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor landowners in the surrounding Hill Country, developments like this mean greater access to everyday conveniences while still being able to come home to acreage and privacy. This in turn creates more value for nearby land developments such as 464 Ranch which further reinforces why buying land now will continue to be a good investment later. \u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInfrastructure Matters\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ERaw land can get expensive quickly once you start adding roads, electricity, internet, wells and other necessities.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt 464 Ranch, much of that groundwork has already been considered, with \u003Cstrong\u003Epaved roads, underground utilities and high-speed fiber internet\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E throughout the community. The only remaining things needed are installation of septic and a well as your water source. \u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENatural Beauty & Usability\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThen there are the things you can't manufacture: \u003Cstrong\u003Emature trees, views, privacy, usable homesites and natural Hill Country beauty.\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA property that is beautiful \u003Cem\u003Eand\u003C\u002Fem\u003E practical to build on can stand apart from acreage that requires extensive site work before an owner can really use it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFlexibility\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELand is also more attractive when buyers have options. Unrestricted or lightly restricted land offers more flexibility in how the property is used, developed or held over time. Fewer limitations give an owner more freedom to adapt the property as their plans change. At 464 Ranch, owners also have flexibility regarding timing. In fact, there is no timeline to build allowing them to buy n

1ow and build when the time is right for them.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the end of the day, good land isn't just about how many acres you're buying. \u003Cstrong\u003EIt's about location, usability, what's happening around it and how difficult that same combination may be to find in the future.\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",source:e},{slug:"municipal-water-vs-a-well-whats-the-difference",title:"Municipal Water vs. A Well: What’s the Difference?",author:f,publishedAt:"2026-09-09T16:52:19.929Z",image:"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.squarespace-cdn.com\u002Fcontent\u002Fv1\u002F5f4711d2ec0b09691dc765f2\u002F1788972522051-5PQPYZ5MAZ06L0MVBEKX\u002FScreenshot+2026-09-09+at+11.09.49%E2%80%AFAM.png",excerpt:k,seoDescription:k,tags:["Texas Land",l,m,c,a,"Texas Water Access","Well Drilling on your land","land owning guide","private wells",n,d,b],html:"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMunicipal Water vs. A Well: What’s the Difference?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EIf you’re looking at buying land in Texas, one question that tends to come up pretty quickly is: Where does the water come from?\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EDepending on the property, you may have access to municipal water, or you may rely on a private well. Neither is necessarily better than the other. They each have their perks and trade-offs, and a lot of it comes down to the property and how you plan to use it.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMunicipal Water\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EMunicipal water is all about convenience and predictability. Your water is supplied and treated by a public or community water system, and you typically pay a regular water bill.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EThere’s no well equipment for you to maintain, and the utility provider is responsible for treating the water and maintaining the larger system. For buyers who want something simple and relatively hands-off, that can be really appealing.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EThe trade-off is that you’re relying on that system. The utility determines how the water is treated, rather than you making those decisions yourself.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EAnd when you’re buying land, remember that just because a water line is nearby doesn’t necessarily mean you can connect to it. It’s always important to confirm availability, capacity, tap fees, and the cost of extending service to the property.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Private Well\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EA private well gives you your own water source right on the property. Instead of receiving treated water from a municipal provider, groundwater is pumped from beneath the land.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EOne reason some landowners prefer this setup is the independence it provides. You have more control over how your water is tested, filtered, and treated once it reaches your property. There also generally isn’t a monthly water bill from a utility, although you are responsible for the electricity, equipment, testing, repairs, and maintenance associated with the well.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EThe trade-off is that the responsibility falls on you. Before buying a property with a well, you’ll want to understand things like its depth, production rate, water quality, age, and overall condition.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBut Are Wells a Lot of Work?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EThis is something buyers ask us about a lot, especially if the property will be a second home or they travel frequently.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EThe good news is that a properly functioning well generally isn’t something you have to tend to every week. Having the system professionally inspected about once a year and regularly testing the water are good practices, with additional maintenance or repairs handled as needed.\u003Cbr \u

1002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003ESo, yes, owning a property with a well can still be very manageable if you travel or aren’t there full-time. Depending on the property, storage tanks and monitoring systems can also provide a little extra peace of mind.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA Real-Life Example: 464 Ranch\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EAt our 464 Ranch development, all 71 homesites are designed to be served by private wells. We’ve done extensive groundwater and water-quality studies on the property, and we’re always happy to share those reports with buyers who want to nerd out on the water details with us!\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EFor most of our remaining homesites, the buyer will be responsible for drilling their own well. We do still have a few available lots where a well has already been drilled.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EThat brings up an important part of budgeting for land: if your property will need a well, don’t forget to factor the cost of drilling and completing that well into your overall purchase and development budget.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EAs a very general ballpark in Central Texas, a relatively straightforward residential well in the 100 – 300 foot range might cost around $10,000–$25,000+, depending on depth, geology, drilling conditions, casing, pump and equipment, water storage, electrical work, and the specific site. A deeper or more complicated well can cost considerably more.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EAnd depth alone doesn’t tell the whole story, a 150-foot well through difficult rock can be a different project than a 300-foot well under easier drilling conditions. That’s why getting a site-specific estimate from a local well driller is always the best move before budgeting.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESo, Which Is Better?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EThere really isn’t one right answer.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EMunicipal water offers convenience and less responsibility on the homeowner, while a private well offers more independence and control over how your water is tested and treated. Both can be great options, it’s really about understanding the trade-offs and what makes sense for you and your property.\u003Cbr \u002F\u003E\u003Cbr \u002F\u003EAt Balcones Land Co., these are exactly the kinds of details we pay attention to when evaluating land. Because when you’re buying acreage, what’s under the ground can be just as important as what’s above it.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",source:e},{slug:"hill-country-land-buying-guide-for-first-time-buyers",title:"Hill Country Land Buying Guide for First Time Buyers",author:"Chris Horne",publishedAt:"2026-09-01T16:30:01.601Z",image:"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.squarespace-cdn.com\u002Fcontent\u002Fv1\u002F5f4711d2ec0b09691dc765f2\u002F1788279454251-76JYCRJAI7KC2L8ASQVC\u002FDJI_20240515133916_0013_D+%281%29.jpg",excerpt:"If owning a piece of the Texas Hill Country has ever been a dream of yours, you're not alone.",seoDescription:"If owning a piece of the Texas Hill Country has ever been a dream of yours, you're not alone. Every year thousands of people move from city life to wide open spaces (queue The Chicks) for good reason. The Texas Hill Country is a place like no other. Buying land for the first time is different from buying a house. There's no one staging a living room for you, no open house with fresh cookies on the counter. It's raw, it's real, and if you don't know what you're looking for it can feel overwhelming. That's why we put this guide together, to help you walk into your first land purchase with confidence.",tags:[b,m,"First Time buyers",l,h,n,c,a,d,i,j],html:"\u003Cp\u003EIf owning a piece of the Texas Hill Country has ever been a dream of yours, you're not alone. Every year thousands of people move from city life to wide open spaces (queue The Chicks) for good reason. The Texas Hill Country is a place like no other. The soft rolling hills and endless oak trees, beautiful rivers and creeks, wild roaming animals, the sounds of chirping cicadas under a big bright full moon, creamsicle orange sunsets and baby pink sunrises. Texas offers something that's becoming increasingly rare. Views that never get old and a pace of life that reminds you what really matters.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBuying land for the first time is different from buying a house. There's no one staging a living room for you, no open house with fresh cookies on the counter. It's raw, it's real, and if you don't know 

1what you're looking for it can feel overwhelming. That's why we put this guide together, to help you walk into your first land purchase with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Understand What You're Actually Buying\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELand comes in many forms and not all land is created equal. Before you fall in love with an aerial photo, make sure you understand exactly what the property includes. Does it have road access or is it landlocked? What are the neighboring properties? Is there a water source, a well, access to municipal water, or a stock tank? Has a water quality report been done? What about electricity? Is it already on the property or will you need to bring it in? Does anyone else have access to your land via an easement? What is the current zoning approved for? These are the questions that determine whether a beautiful piece of land is actually buildable and livable or just a pretty picture. \u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt 464 Ranch we've taken care of most of these questions for you. Every lot has road access and utilities are available. A few lots have a well already on them but most don't so two remaining pieces to plan for are getting a well drilled and installing a septic system. Everything else is already in place so you can focus on building your vision instead of solving basic problems.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Know Your Exemptions: This One Can Save You Thousands\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the most powerful financial tools available to Texas landowners is the property tax exemption, specifically the agricultural exemption. If your land qualifies your property taxes can drop dramatically, sometimes by 90% or more compared to what you'd pay without one.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAn agricultural exemption means your land is managed to support agricultural practices. You don't have to be a farmer or a rancher. \u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt 464 Ranch an agriculture management plan is already in place. We take care of the Fallow and Black Buck, which the county defines as livestock because they are exotic. You are permitted to fence up to an acre of your property which allows the animals to roam freely and graze. This structure maintains the exemption on the unfenced land, and means lower property taxes from day one and that's not a small detail. On a piece of Hill Country land it can mean the difference between thousands of dollars a year in taxes versus a fraction of that.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Understand Deed Restrictions and CC&Rs\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEvery land development has rules and you need to read them before you buy. Deed restrictions and CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) govern what you can and cannot do with your land. They might specify a minimum square footage for any home you build, whether you can have livestock, how many structures are allowed, and whether short-term rentals like Airbnb are permitted.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome buyers see restrictions as limiting. We see them as protective, they ensure that your neighbor can't do something that negatively impacts your investment. But this is also dependent on what you're buying and what your intended use is. If you're buying in a neighborhood you may want some restrictions. If you're buying raw land in a growth corridor with plans to go vertical one day, or you want a recreational ranch with the freedom to do as you please, you may want little to no restrictions. At 464 Ranch our deed restrictions are designed to preserve the character of the community while giving landowners real freedom to build and enjoy their property the way they envision.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Get the Right Financing in Place\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFinancing raw land is different from financing a home and most traditional lenders don't offer standard mortgages for it. Here's what to know.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELand loans typically require a larger down payment often 20-50% depending on the lender and the property. However that can vary. We have a preferred lender offering 15% down at a 7% interest rate. Interest rates on land loans are generally higher than home loans. Local and regional banks and credit unions are almost always better options than national banks for land financing. Farm Credit, Texas Farm Credit, and Central National Bank (CNB is specifically for borrowers who want to borrow against equity in an existing property) are excellent resources specifically for rural Texas land and often offer very competitive rates.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you're paying cash you're in the best possible position. Sellers love cash buyers and you may have more negotiating power on price and terms.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. Think Long Term\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe best land buyers we work with aren't just thinking about today. They're thinking about what this land means for their family five, ten, and twenty years from now. Hill Country land near Austin has consistently appreciated in value as the city grows and more people look to escape to the countryside. Buying land today is not just a lifestyle decision, it's a very smart financial one.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhether you want to build your forever home, create a weekend retreat, invest in something tangible, or leave a legacy behind for your children, land is one of the few assets that can do all of those things at once. Central Texas land is one of the most steady, appreciating long term investments you can make.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6. Work With an Agent Who Knows the Land\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is no substitute for working with a real estate agent who actually knows the area, the roads, the water, the soil, the community, and the market. As a licensed agent deeply rooted in the Texas Hill Country that is exactly what we bring to every buyer.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E464 Ranch is the perfect fit if you want a Hill Country luxury residential community without the upkeep of a full ranch, with neighbors, community events, and a real sense of belonging. If you want a small to medium tract to build your legacy home on, we have that too. If you want raw land to hold as a family legacy for generations, we have that as well.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd if your heart is set on land somewhere we aren't the most proficient, we will always connect you with the right agent for the right piece of land. Whatever your vision, we are here to help you find where it belongs.\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReady to see 464 Ranch for yourself?\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fp\u003E\u003Cp\u003EVisit \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002F464ranch.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E464ranch.com\u003C\u002Fstrong\u003E\u003C\u002Fa\u003E or reach out directly; we'd love to show you around and answer any questions you have. Lots are limited, we'd love to have you walk the land with us!\u003C\u002Fp\u003E",source:e}],_img:{"/_ipx/f_webp/images/logo.png":"\u002F_nuxt\u002Fimage\u002Fda8077.webp","/_ipx/f_webp/images/homepage/gate.jpg":"\u002F_nuxt\u002Fimage\u002Fc07fd6.webp","/_ipx/f_webp/images/homepage/map_mobile.jpg":"\u002F_nuxt\u002Fimage\u002Ffbda87.webp"}}],fetch:{},mutations:void 0}}("Central Texas Real Estate","Texas Hill Country","Balcones Land Co.","Johnson City Texas","rss","Daniel Hawkins","Not all Hill Country land is created equal. Two properties can have the same acreage and completely different values. So what makes one piece of land more desirable than the other?","Land Development","Texas Real Estate","Ranch Living","If you’re looking at buying land in Texas, one question that tends to come up pretty quickly is: Where does the water come from?","Hill Country Real Estate","Land Buying Guide","464 Ranch")));