Sage Meadows

Taylor Dasch here. If you are buying your first home in 2026, you are probably stuck in a dilemma.
You look at brand new construction, and the price tag scares you.
You look at older “fixer-uppers,” and the renovation costs scare you.

The Solution: The “Sweet Spot” era of homes in Village of Sage Meadows.

This is, hands down, the smartest play for a first-time buyer who wants a move-in ready home without being “house poor.”

The “Smart Money” Math

Why is this neighborhood my #1 draft pick for first-timers?

• The Vintage (2005–2015): These homes are in the “Goldilocks Zone.” They are modern enough to have PVC plumbing and copper wiring (no expensive old-house surprises), but they are priced significantly lower than the brand-new builds down the street.

• The “Resale Insurance”: Even if you don’t have kids yet, buying here is genius because of the Schools.

  • You are zoned for Belton ISD (Lake Belton High School).

  • Coach’s Lesson: When you are ready to sell this house in 5–7 years to move up, future buyers will pay a premium for those schools. You are buying an asset that protects itself.

The Stats: What You Get for $225k

In West Temple, $225K gets you a townhome or a very small lot.
In Sage Meadows, $300k typically gets you:

• 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths

• ~1,400 – 1,600 sq ft

• A fully fenced backyard (big enough for the dog)

• 4-sided brick masonry (lower maintenance than siding)

The “Trap” for Rookies

Don’t go in blind. Here is what I look for when I tour these homes:

1. The “flipper” updates: Some investors buy here, slap cheap grey paint on the walls, and call it “renovated.” I will help you spot the difference between a quality update and a “lipstick on a pig” job.

2. HVAC Age: Since many homes were built around 2010, the original AC units are reaching the end of their life (15 years). We must check the age of the unit so you don’t get hit with a $10k bill your first summer.

Taylor’s Verdict

Stop renting. If you can afford $2,200/month in rent, you can own a brick home in a premier school district. Sage Meadows is where you start building your net worth, not your landlord’s.

I have a list of lenders offering “First-Time Buyer” incentives specifically for this zip code. Text me at 254-718-4249 and let’s run the numbers.