The Lake LBJ Real Estate blog
Cost of Construction and Renovation Rising
Many people do not realize just how much it costs to build from scratch and/or remodel in today’s environment. Mass deportations, New Tariffs on Imports and overall rising costs mean replacement and upgrade costs have increased exponentially. If you are considering the purchase of a waterfront property on Lake LBJ or Lake Marble Falls I highly encourage you to pursue properties that are move-in ready, and well taken care to avoid exposure to rising costs. In fact our wealthiest buyers are electing to buy turn-key properties as opposed to vacant lots or homes that need updating. In fact, right now I believe you can buy many great homes at or below current replacement costs and based on the economic indicators these costs aren’t coming down any time soon, or ever.
My advice in the current market is simple. Buy the best waterfront you can buy with a turn-key/Move-in ready home that needs little to now work to start using. Sure you can make small personalizations and upgrades over time but you don’t want to get yourself into a situation where you have to do this work in order for the property to work for your family needs. If you are considering investing in a piece of Lake LBJ Real Estate give me a call. We don’t just sell here but we live here and we have the expertise to buy and sell right.
5 Tips to Buying Waterfront Property in 2026
Things feel different in 2026 and that is not a reason to be scared but rather wise and more intentional with your real estate purchase decisions. Below are 5 Tips to buying Waterfront Real Estate in Central Texas in 2026:
1) Invest in the BEST waterfront you can afford. As with anything the BEST property has the most demand. Look for properties that are special, unique, with excellent waterfront. This will equate to property that the most buyers will want to buy from you but also a property that you will enjoy owning
2) Consider investing in a property that offers improvements that you could see yourself living in long term. Buying a lake cabin is nice but if things ever get to the point where you want or need to live at the lake, owning something that allows for that, and comfortably, will prove to be a wise investment. You never know but full time Lake Life could be calling your name!
3) Pay close attention to necessary amenities (grocery, hospital, dining, etc) and their proximity to the property you are buying. Convenience is a very important piece of lifestyle and some areas of the lake are more remote. Driving long distances to buy food or access healthcare could be more of an inconvenience than you think.
4) Many buyers underestimate the true cost of remodeling and upgrading. I am seeing a trend of wealthy buyers choosing to buy properties that are move-in ready and recently updated because they realize the cost and associated hassle associated with buying the alternative. Tariffs, inflation and a tightened labor market means the price of renovations and construction will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
5) Pay close attention to replacement cost. Everyone is usually so focused on the “deal” measured by how much below asking price they can buy a given property. Instead I believe its important to consider replacement cost. How much would it cost to buy a similar lot and create a similar home with dock, landscape etc. In my opinion this is a great indicator of value because prices have gone up significantly and many buyers are out of touch with this change.
If you are considering buying a waterfront home in central Texas on Lake LBJ or Lake Marble Falls give me a call. I don’t just sell here but I actually live here, on the water, and can help you buy right. Leverage my years of experience to make sound investment decisions in the Texas Hill Country.
Gold Prices Surge: Real Estate is Discounted
Gold surpassed $5300 per troy ounce today. In plain terms this means that gold nearly doubled in value in the last 12 months. In my mind this signals that the dollar is losing its value and holders are losing confidence. Gold is typically purchased as a hedge or “insurance” to protect buying power/wealth during times of rapid inflation and/or eroding currency.
You know what else is a good hedge during inflationary times like these? GOOD REAL ESTATE.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand the real estate is both tangible and useful. In my opinion it is much less risky than other speculative assets like Crypto or stocks because you can’t use these “intangible” assets and their value lies in ones ability to convert back to relevant currency to buy things. Another reason I like good real estate is because as people make money they typically buy Real Estate (ie- Primary Homes, Vacation Homes and/or investments)
I am personally actively investing in real estate myself. I am also taking my weak dollars and using them to improve the condition and value of my real estate holdings because I believe labor and materials prices will continue to rise as the dollar continues to weaken. I’d rather have a property in good usable shape than a property that needs work with an amount of cash in the bank, that as each day passes, covers less and less of the needed repairs/upgrades.
Right now, the real estate market is soft and sellers are negotiating. But based on the above statements (like quick rising of Gold and rising replacement costs) real estate prices should technically be increasing. I don’t think this lull will last much longer because I feel, as more people catch on they will flee to safer assets, to get out of cash. To many Real Estate is about as safe as it gets. This could be a great opportunity to invest while also hedging your bets against a weak dollar.
If you are considering a purchase in the Texas Hill Country or if you are wanting to invest in your current property I’d love to chat. An old Coach used to say “As each day passes you either get better or worse but you never stay the same”. I think this quote rings very true to what we are experiencing right now. If you sit around and do nothing you will be worse off as each day passes. If you make smart, strategic moves today while everyone else “waits and sees” you will be better off because of it. There is opportunity in every environment you just have to find it.
The BEST in Lake LBJ Real Estate
This has to be one of my absolute favorites on all of Lake LBJ and one of the BEST properties you can find on the lake. 421 Hillview in Granite Shoals is unlike any other piece of Lake LBJ Real Estate sitting on approx 1.3 acres with 800+ feet of premium shoreline, offering a mix of cove protected and wide open waterfront at this lakefront escape. While this property has been in the same family for approx 28 years the current home was built new in 2021 offering 4830 sq ft of contemporary lakefront living. This rare 6 bedroom compound also features a detached workout room with 1/2 bath, a private pickleball court, and a 3 bay boat dock with large slips, and multiple wave runner parking spaces. You will love the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor living spaces with fascinating views, lots of green space to run around and play and the granite outcropping with fire pit and natural swimming pool that is one of my favorite features of this property.
If you are in the market for something special and unique that no one else has consider this very special property on Lake LBJ. In my mind this property is like a rare gemstone that a discerning collector would appreciate. Anyone that has walked out and experienced this property first hand is blown away! Qualified buyers reach out to learn more as this property is not currently listed in MLS but is available.
Pocket Listing: Lake Marble Falls Luxury
My team and I are extremely excited to represent and showcase this truly one-of-a-kind waterfront home on the shores of Lake Marble Falls.
One-of-a-kind waterfront home in highly sought Meadowlakes on Lake Marble Falls. 2010-built custom home with very high end finish out, tasteful design and an ideal floorplan all built atop a precious waterfront lot beneath the orchard of towering Pecan trees. This 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths home was designed by Jerome Rugen of Dilineations in Marble Falls, Texas and was well thought out with no expense sparred to create this brilliant home. Open floor plan with tall ceilings, 8 ft doors and lots of glass to bring the beautiful environment right inside the home. Luxurious master suite on the main level with walk out access to the outdoor living area, huge en suite bathroom with tub and walk-in shower plus large master closet with custom shelving and drawers. The second level features an oversized game room plus 4 additional bedrooms and 3 full baths, plus lots of closets and extra storage.
Outside you will enjoy the covered back porch elevated over the lush green lawn that features an outdoor dining and living space plus grill area with piped propane. Down one flight of stairs will set you atop the outdoor flagstone patio and lower level garage, ideal for storing lake toys, yard tools and the likes. The flat yard is covered with shade all year around and the southern exposure provides a wonderful breeze off the lake to keep you cool even in the hottest of months. The backyard is fully fenced to keep little ones and furry friends safe. The 2021 built boat dock is made of steel and trex with a standing seam metal roof, sized for most any boat on the lake and with ample room to raise the boat without lowering the tower or bimini.
Meadowlakes is its own city just outside of Marble Falls with controlled access with 24/7 guard, an 18-hole golf course, community pool and a restuarant. The convenience of this location is unmatched with easy access to downtown Marble Falls, HEB, shops and dining options and just a short trip to Austin or San Antonio. Lake Marble Falls is a pass-through lake on the Highland Lakes chain with deep water and very little boat traffic. The lake is ideal for watersports like skiing and surfing but is also great for boating and fishing.
If you or someone you know is interested in touring this incredible piece of Lake Marble Falls real estate please reach out. You won’t be disappointed.
Lake Marble Falls Hotel in the Works
The Texas Hill Country is blowing up and more specifically Marble Falls! The Ophelia Hotel, on the shores of Lake Marble Falls is under construction and slated for completion in the Fall of 2026. This has been years in the making and will have 127 Guest Rooms, Over 9,000 Square Feet of Ballroom & Meeting Space and a Signature Restaurant, Bar, & Café. This will be part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, adding to the allure of Main Street in downtown Marble Falls. This project is being developed by the Phoenix Hospitality Group out of Boerne, Texas and The Ophelia Hotel Marble Falls is named after Ophelia “Birdie” Harwood, a legendary figure in Marble Falls.
For those that doubt the current real estate market or the future of waterfront real estate in Texas all I can say is “Follow the smart money!”. Projects like this only further solidify the confidence and growth in our area and inflows of capital like this are good indicators of the strength of the local economy and demand for the area. We have opportunities on Lake Marble Falls for those that want to get in before the ship sales! The Access to grocery, downtown Main Street, parks, restaurants and large retailers is unmatched and the water on Lake Marble Falls is as deep and calm as it gets!! Reach out to learn more about Lake Marble Falls Real Estate.
Prime Waterfront Land in Horseshoe Bay
If you are looking for a prime spot to build your dream home look no further than 121 Boot Hill in the heart of the Horseshoe Bay Resort. This has to be one of the last remaining waterfront lots and its not just any old lot. Its one of the best. With approx 220 feet of cove-protected waterfront facing due south you will be hard pressed to find a better spot to build your vacation home. The flat-level lot lends itself to a one or two-story home with all utilities in place on this shovel ready piece of Lake LBJ Real Estate. The location is A++ within a short golf-cart distance to the Horseshoe Bay Resort. The seller does have some preliminary plans for a house here but your vision is the limit here. Qualified buyers reach out to learn more about this very special opportunity. This prime piece of Lake LBJ Real Estate is one worth writing home about.
SOLD in Highland Haven on Lake LBJ
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SOLD! What a true honor and privilege it is to get to represent the BEST properties on Lake LBJ. 301 Chaparral falls into this category and while it is not the most expensive or biggest home we have ever sold it is most definitely a special one.
We originally helped two families acquire this property back in 2014. After many great years of use and lots of wonderful memories it was time to pass it off to the next family. We show all of our listings in person and one day while out showing another group there was a car that kept driving by the home. I flagged them down and asked if they wanted to see it. They had seen our marketing online and were interested. I told them they would need to come back in 30 minutes as I already had a scheduled showing. I got there number and texted them when I was ready. They showed up, brought the family, stayed a while and of course saw the vision! Before long it was under contract for this wonderful family and our wonderful sellers. We have since connected them with a great local builder with whom they will begin a major renovation immediately. They will also have our team manage the property for them with our Lake Home Concierge Service.
We aren’t just a real estate brokerage. We are local experts that specialize exclusively in waterfront real estate. We hustle for our clients, going above and beyond to make deals happen and have the knowledge and presence to help them with waterfront ownership after the deal closes. Most importantly when you see our brand associated with a property you can be sure its a GREAT ONE! Thanks be to God for His continued provision and for allowing us to do what we love in the Texas Hill Country. If we can help you or someone you know acquire waterfront real estate on Lake LBJ please reach out.
Coming Soon on Lake LBJ: Not in MLS
We are so excited about a new listing we are getting ready to bring to the market on the shores of Lake LBJ in Granite Shoals. This prime piece of Lake LBJ Real Estate offers so much at an attractive price point and if I am honest I can’t believe the sellers allowed me to list at this price.
1526 Hilltop is a home we have sold before sitting on a large lot (almost 3/4s of an acre) with approximately 50 feet of cove-protected frontage. The 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is just under 1900 sq ft but offers a great floorplan for maximizing lake life. There is a detached barn which offers a super cool hangout space currently housed with a pool table. It should also be noted that this property received an oversized septic installation recently that allows for a 4 bedroom up to 3500 sq ft so a full bathroom and sleeping quarters could be added to the barn area. You will love the lakeside back deck, made of TREX composite decking that offers incredible panoramic views of Lake LBJ and the Texas Hill Country.
This home sits far back from the water and the current owners use a golf cart to go back and forth two the lake. There is a super cool, artificially-turfed hang out spot close to the water that overlooks the nearly new metal boat dock that has an awesome storage room and a touchless cover to keep your boat clean. The cove-protected water is a great place to swim without having to worry about boat traffic and make parking the boat a breeze. This community also allows short term rentals for those looking for a cash-flowing opportunity.
If you are in the market for an affordable waterfront property on Lake LBJ this is it. The sellers are willing to sell this fully furnished for a turn-key opportunity and at this price you will be hard-pressed to find something better. Qualified buyers reach out and schedule a tour!
Off-Market Deal SOLD in Blue Lake
We are extremely excited to get another home sold in Blue Lake Estates on Lake LBJ. 202 Blue Waters is an older cabin, owned by the same family for many years. They hired us a few years back to get the property sold but after accepting a contingency offer in which the buyers could not get their home sold we let the property rest for a year or so. We shared the property via social media and were able to get the home sold in an all cash deal for our sellers. Being that this was an older home with a less-than-conventional layout sitting on a prime piece of Lake LBJ Real Estate my guess is that this home will either be torn down and rebuilt or undergo a major renovation. These buyers are wise in going after a premium piece of frontage and caring less about the structure which can always be modified or rebuilt.
For those that don’t know, Blue Lake Estates is arguably the best community on the shores of Lake LBJ known by those that “Know” as the place to be. I personally like that it is considered part of Horseshoe Bay, Texas yet located just outside the main resort area which offers privacy from the transient traffic associated with the resort hotel. Blue Lake Estates is home to some of the nicest homes and properties on all of Lake LBJ many of which are architecturally significant. Rolling lawns, big trees a 9-hole community golf course and a neighborhood waterfront park with beach are just a few reasons property owners love this area.
Through the years my team and I have sold most of the homes in the Blue Lake Estates community. We are the only real estate company with an office in the neighborhood and we currently manage multiple homes in the area for second home owners. If you have ever considered buying a waterfront home on Lake LBJ, specifically in Blue Lake Estates please reach out. We are Lake LBJ Real Estate experts and can guide you to your dream home on the lake.
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