Albert Einstein once said – “Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value.” Is it possible that there is someone out there who has never heard of the American Dream? Unlikely! In fact, I feel strongly that home ownership is still at the core of our aspirations. Not only do we continue to dream of it, most of us are even still willing to work to own a house. Recently however, many Americans have seen their dream fade away, and many are left wondering – What happened to the American Dream?

Let’s address that question, because the answer, of course, is absolutely not. It doesn’t need to be said that America is going through a pretty tough time right now. Many Americans are losing their homes right now for many different reasons. Does that mean however, that we should just give up on our dream? That is absolutely NOT the American way. In fact, we Americans are at our best during times of trial and difficulty.

As an Investor in Real Estate, I actually see struggling people everyday who are in need of help. I wish I could solve everyone’s problems, but I can’t. I cannot prevent each foreclosure. However, I am able to assist families in other ways with their housing needs. Sometimes I can negotiate a Short Sale between the owner and the mortgage company. I can also help with loan modifications if the owners qualify, and sometimes I can assist in finding more affordable housing.

My point? That where there is adversity, there is also opportunity. Many people today are seeing an opportunity to become “Successful” at House Flipping in order to make a lot of quick money. Does that opportunity exist today? Yes it does, but I want to urge everyone to think about the above quote by Albert Einstein before they think of the money.

We become a person of value when we add value to the lives of other people. When we live to serve others, we actually elevate our own value. By choosing to be valuable to others, the seeking out and chasing after “Success” becomes unnecessary. Success will simply just find us on its own.

Learn more about American Dream. Stop by Tim Cook’s site where you can find out all about Real Estate and what it can do for you.

On the northern side of Austin in Cedar Park, The Ranch at Brushy Creek is a master-planned community that offers luxury living while surrounded by the area’s natural beauty. It’s just off of Parmer Lane and Brushy Creek Road, and is 20 miles from downtown. Residents can expect a 45-minute commute to the downtown area.

Prospective home buyers will find both brand-new and resale single-family homes from well known builders in the area. Prices range from the mid-$200s to $600,000, with a few more elite homes outside of that range. In 2009, the median home sale price was $329,000. Two-story homes with 3-5 bedrooms are common the neighborhood, making it a great spot for families.

As a homeowner at the Ranch at Brushy Creek, you must become a member of the Homeowners Association that monitors the neighborhood, organizes area events, and will keep individuals up-to-date on what’s going on in the neighborhood.

Located along a creek in Williamson County, the neighborhood offers a peaceful setting. Residents will be nearby a 60-acre lake and a park that surrounds it, called Brushy Creek Lake Park. The park is the perfect place to relax with family and friends. It’s home to a fishing pier, canoe and kayak launch, a wildlife observation area, ample parking, and three pavilions that can be rented out for special occasions like parties and family gatherings. There’s also an 8-mile trail that connects the surrounding towns.

That’s just the beginning of the many outdoor amenities available in the neighborhood. Williamson County Regional Trail winds through the area and provides the perfect spot for hiking and biking. Ranch Trails Park is one of the newest additions to Brushy Creek. It spans 14 acres and is located on the corner of North Frontier Road and Ranch Trails. It’s currently home to sand volleyball and basketball courts, several picnic and BBQ areas, and an open-air pavilion.

The Ranch at Brushy Creek children will likely attend Round Rock Independent School District or Leander Independent School District, depending on which part of the neighborhood they live in. Leander schools include Vista Ridge High School, Henry Middle School, and Reagan Elementary School. Round Rock schools include Round Rock High School, Walsh Middle School, and Sommer Elementary. There are also several daycares and pre-schools within five miles such as Rainbow Station, Kids R Kids, and Brushy Creek Montessori School among others.

Although away from downtown Austin, residents of the Ranch at Brushy Creek will have all the conveniences they need within minutes of their home. The Whitestone Market Shopping Center is just a five-minute drive away and features an H.E.B. grocery store, several banks, a variety of dining venues, and much more. The Avery Ranch Shopping Center is also nearby, with several sit-down restaurants like Z’Tejas, Waterloo Icehouse, and Brooklyn Heights Pizzeria.

Residents can venture outside the neighborhood and be to a movie theater, additional restaurants, and the Round Rock Premium Outlets within 10-15 minutes. Major employers nearby include State Farm, Dell, Apple Computer, and several daycare facilities.

This article was provided by Brian Talley of Regent Property Group LLC, an expert Austin Realtor who provides information about the Ranch at Brushy Creek neighborhood and about Ranch at Brushy Creek homes for sale.