real estate: Buyer Agency Do's and Dont's - 03/18/13 10:47 AM
BUYER AGENCY is a concept that rolled out back in the 80's when many buyers felt that they were not getting a fair deal in real estate transactions.  Many states, such as Texas, adopted the policy of INTERMEDIARY (assignment of duty to avoid conflict if Buyer and Seller roles are by the same real estate agency) while some states decided on DUAL AGENCY. But for some unknown reason, there are still many real estate agents that just don't get that BUYERS NEED A CONSULTATION TO UNDERSTAND BUYER REPRESENTATION.
GREEN HOME REALTY policy mirrors the TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION rule that all … (4 comments)

real estate: 2013 Housing Market Report - San Antonio, Texas - 01/09/13 07:17 AM
SAN ANTONIO'S HOUSING MARKET LOOKS BRIGHT!
The nation looks to San Antonio because we are one of the strongest markets in the country.  We seem to be buffered because we don't have bubbles, we don't inflate quickly or deflate quickly, rather we have a strong military and government presence that keeps us stable.
In recent years, however, our city and county government are actively recruiting corporations from other states so we are now seeing job growth in areas that we've not been associated. In fact, it's a myth that San Antonio's largest employment sector is travel; it's bio-medical.  Let's look at … (11 comments)

real estate: What Not to Do When Selling Your Home - 11/07/12 07:50 AM
I came across an article, "Top 10 Worst Home-Showing Offenses: by the National Association of REALTORS®.  I thought I'd share the article with a few "Solutions."
Share Your Favorite Home-Showings Story Below!  
1. Leftover home owners By far, one of the top offenses cited by buyer’s agents was home owners still lingering around when agents arrived with clients to preview the home. Awkward encounters ranged from buyers finding sellers taking a shower, asleep in the bed, to even the “stalker sellers” who liked to follow buyers and the agent all over the home to see what they thought.
Solution 1:  … (11 comments)

real estate: Be HAPpy! Homeowner Assistance Program - City of San Antonio, Texas - 04/17/12 08:12 AM
The City of San Antonio (COSA) has two wonderful programs to help first time home buyers. Because I like to be in the know to better serve my clients, I sat through the class that you would have to sit through to qualify. I blogged the HIP program earlier, & now its' time for the HAP blog.
Don't Worry, Be HAPpy!
Terms = 0% Interest / Perpetual Lien Assistance: Half of required down payment Plus eligible closing cost Qualifying Ratios are 30/41 The Homeowners Assistance Program is a down payment assistance (DAP) program that provides up to $12,000 of approved … (5 comments)

real estate: Why Do I Need a HOA Resale Certificate & Who Pays for it? - 03/29/12 10:18 AM
I attended my quarterly Town Hall Board Meeting to obtain Texas Legal Updates to be the best Realtor I can be.  In that I learned from our San Antonio Board of Realtors Legal Counsel that The Texas Real Estate Commission has issued new rules regarding acquiring HOA Resale Certificates.

As a SELLER it is important to you since in the past, the real estate law only provided an option for the SELLER to pay for the Resale Certificate, whereas now, the HOA managers are required to release information to the buyer with proper proof* they are under contract (proper proof … (2 comments)

real estate: Do We Hate GREEN or Do We Hate Obama's GREEN Policy? - 03/22/12 10:40 AM
I am passionate about saving resources and money, and incorporating that into SELLING THE DREAM. Renewing the American Dream is my tagline as Broker/Owner for Green Home Realty for a reason. I'm not just a triple certified eco friendly Realtor, I am involved in the community and actively seek out information that helps people make smart choices, based on their needs.
What do I mean by "Renewing" - Its a play on words for renewable energies, actually.  But it seems that this is a rather controversial subject.

Do We Hate GREEN or Do We Hate Obama's GREEN Policy?
Let's look … (7 comments)

real estate: Citizen's Environmental Advisory Committee - City of San Antonio, Texas - 03/01/12 03:07 PM
Citizen's Environmental Advisory Committee
 
First Friday of each month
1400 South Flores Street
The Citizen's Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) was created on April 2, 2009 by City of San Antonio Ordinance number 2009-04-02-0247.  The CEAC are comprised of volunteer District appointees. 
PURPOSE
The purpose of the CEAC is to involve the community in advancing the City of San Antonio “Mission Verde” into the future.  The committee will provide recommendations on effective environmental programs and policies to City staff and City Council and will serve as a forum for the community to offer input concerning environmental sustainability. 
MISSION
… (5 comments)

real estate: Celebrate the Life and Music of Tito Puente - San Antonio, Texas - 03/01/12 06:34 AM
Celebrate the Life and Music of Tito Puente

Honor the KING OF LATIN MUSIC with exciting salsa music and dance.
April 21, 2012
7:30 p.m
El Tropicano Hotel
  Whether you already appreciate the rich and vast cultural expression that is Latin music, plan to participate in salsa dancing or want to enjoy watching some expert salsa dancing, this evening is for you!
As a prominent artist in the mambo, salsa, and Latin jazz scenes, the late Tito Puente inspired many.  He was known as "El Rey de los Timbales" - the King of the Timbales - and received … (2 comments)

real estate: Texas Bike Routes & Events - San Antonio, Texas - 02/28/12 06:02 AM
Looking for something to do outdoors this spring?
Then take a bike ride through San Antonio.
The city of San Antonio's hike and bike initiative is part of the goal to get San Antonio healthy.

 
San Antonio Bike Initiative
Bicycle Links:
SA Bikes Home About SA Bikes Bicycle Master Plan Events & Meetings In the News Maps and Trails Resources Safety & Education Get Cyched San Antonio B-Cycle Interactive Bike Map Greenway Trails MPO /BMAC Parks & Recreation SA River Improvements VIA Metropolitan Transit Bike Texas   
… (4 comments)

real estate: EarthWise Living Fair - Leon Valley, Texas - 02/13/12 08:52 PM
GREEN Home Realty is sponsoring the EarthWise Living Fair in Leon Valley, Texas - Saturday, February 25.
 
There will be a booth for me Cathy Bureau, and two of my lenders working split shifts, Stephanie Stringer and Erika Naegelin. Each comes with experience and great personalities that you can trust.
I'll be counter way to my buddy Joseph who founded EarthWise Organic Pest Control (name is a coincidence). 
I'm giving away a few earth friendly gifts for your home and garden. There will be door prizes (I donated one), entertainment, and speakers to share their knowledge and ideas with you. … (1 comments)

real estate: Spring Break Classes at the Garden - San Antonio, Texas - 02/10/12 08:08 AM
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens Presents: Spring Break Classes at the Garden March 12-16, 2012 To register, please contact programregistrar@sabot.org or Sasha Kodet at sasha.kodet@sanantonio.gov or 210.207.3270. YOGA IN THE GARDEN Refresh, relax and renew. Each class consists of different physical postures and movement, breathwork, meditations and relaxation/ stress relieving techniques. You will be taught by a certified, experienced teacher according to your individual needs and goals. If you have any questions, please call Madeline at 844-8806. Of course, as with any physical exercise training, consult your doctor before beginning class. Fee: $50/person/session.
Checks may be made payable to the … (11 comments)

real estate: Modern Home Tour - Austin, Texas 2012 - 02/07/12 06:27 PM
If you are looking for what's new, hot, and innovative then take a look at my video series:
  Modern Home Tours - Austin, Texas 2012
What is the Modern Home Tour?  According to the producers, "We love Modern.  Modern design, modern architecture, modern living.  More than just an aesthetic, “Modern” embodies new construction techniques and materials, and new ways of addressing old problems.  “Modern” is not just what you live in, but how you live.  From attainability to sustainability, the singular thread that connects “Modern” is an outlook that embraces new possibilities in living and new possibilities in lifestyle. … (9 comments)

real estate: 65% OFF SOLAR Photovoltaic Ends February 15, 2012 - San Antonio, Texas - 02/06/12 11:18 AM
If you or anyone you know is just wondering about solar for your home then get a quote now!  City Public Service $2.50 per watt rebate program expires February 15, 2012.  After that, the CPS rate goes down to $2.00 watt. Given a $25,000 system, your price would go down to $12,500 and then take a federal tax credit of $3,750 for a net out of pocket cost of $8,750. 
You DO NOT need to install before the end of the month; you need to GET A QUOTE for a rate lock and apply with the city.  I'm providing you … (4 comments)

real estate: Love Your Pet Day - LOVE is a VERB - 02/06/12 08:52 AM
 

February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day.
LOVE IS A VERB, and the BEST WAY to SHOW that you LOVE your PET is to
1.  Spay, neuter, walk, feed, and give your pet attention and
2.  Register your pet with the city of San Antonio.

If you don't have money to care for one, then visit your local animal shelter to find out about low cost vaccinations.
If you don't have time for a pet then consider finding it a new home. Pets need love and attention, they need pets.
(Bella Girl, left)
Just in case … (11 comments)

real estate: Realtor Funnies - First Time Home Buyer - 02/03/12 11:56 AM
Realtor to First Time Homebuyer: First let's have a frank discussion about what you can afford ... then we'll all laugh hysterically and go on from there.


 
Just having a little fun today as I prepare to meet with a first time home buyer, de de deee!

 
… (12 comments)

real estate: Best Romantic Restaurants - San Antonio, Texas - 02/03/12 11:39 AM
I found a great list of restaurants that you might appreciate for you and your special person for Valentine's Day or any other special date night. Of these, the ones I've visited and can attest to are: Chama Gaucha (I even blogged it: BEST Brazilian Steakhouse - San Antonio, Texas it), La Fogata, Silo's, Aldaco's & Paesano's. All great choices. Chama Gaucha offers Gluten Free & natural menu items.

 
A few tips:
 
There are 3 Paesano's locations, the Alamo Heights is the best one. Bring your lady a single rose, that's always a nice touch. Plan ahead to … (7 comments)

real estate: The Blogger's Best Friend - NetworkedBlogger App - 02/02/12 03:09 PM
Posting blogs, listings, and other business on Facebook is like reciting your blog at a barbecue. It's offensive. It's against  community rules and can result in them locking you out, but there is a Facebook and Twitter friendly option, my new favorite Facebook & Twitter tool.
NetworkedBlogger imports your blogs to Facebook and Twitter in the side bar. (right, under Apps).
It requires a set up that takes about 10-20 minutes that links to ALL of your blog sites, and any others you want to promote.
It supports multiple blogs, RSS and ATOM feeds, and fan/business pages. The best to import … (14 comments)

real estate: The Business Model Generation Canvas - UTSA Sustainability Green Bag Luncheon: - 02/02/12 02:25 PM
Attend February 8 Green Bag:  
The Business Model Generation Canvas
Presented by Bruce Hughes, the newest member of the SBP team, February's Green Bag will cover creating a sustainable business with the Business Model Generation Canvas.  It will provide you with the tools to generate a business plan and keep it relevant as circumstances change. 
 
WHERE:
UTSA Sustainable Business Program
215 S. San Saba
Room 1.103A
San Antonio, Texas 78207
Driving Directions
 
WHEN: Wednesday, February 8, 2012
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM The SBP would like to also announce an exciting new QuickBooks Accounting Intern Program for the … (1 comments)

real estate: Build San Antonio Green - Residential Retrofit Program - 02/01/12 07:38 PM
Hand in hand, if you read my blog on this month's featured certified green home then you may have wondered what the certification program is about. Albeit San Antonio is a low cost home community with traditional ideas, it is considered one of the country's leaders in green home living because of our initiatives by the city. I originally learned about this when I obtained my NAR GREEN designation; we were featured in one of the training segments, which I found inspirational and encouraging A collaborative effort between the city and the Greater San Antonio Builder Association,  we have Build San … (5 comments)

real estate: Build San Antonio Green - Featured Green Certified Home - 02/01/12 08:49 AM
After talking green I decided to do a post about a featured project in San Antonio, Texas. I spoke at length with one of the program directors and will also be presenting some data soon about pricing and certifications with respect to ROI. Today's buyer wants a comfortable, affordable, energy efficient home - which is what a green home is. But there seems to be a stigma about price due to media and uninformed consumers about the full scope of environmental building science. Tierra del Sol is a city run program for affordable housing in San Antonio. Our median price is … (11 comments)