Inside's Blog

The Long Story on Short Sales

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:52:47 -0500

Everyone likes a story with a happy ending: Boy meets girl, they fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. The story is a little longer if boy and girl try to buy a short sale house and then live happily ever after. That story is not as simple. Patience is the main ingredient in any story involving a short sale.

First of all, a short sale is when the seller owes more than house can be sold for and the lender agrees to accept a loss on the house. President Obama recently announced further measures to help beleaguered homeowners, including encouraging lenders to accept short sales. The benefit of a short sale is that homeowners avoid foreclosure and the completely ruined credit that goes with it.

However, the "short" in short sale refers to the loss to the bank, not the quickness of the sale. Because buyers are dealing with the seller's lender as well as the seller, paperwork does not move quickly. "The problem is it's never clear who in a bank has the authority to approve a short sale," said Howard Glaser, a mortgage industry consultant in Washington and a former HUD official in a recent Associated Press article. Federal standards "would speed the process for buyers and sellers by making it more efficient."

The number of foreclosures continues to accelerate across the country. The AP reported that number of foreclosures was up 32 percent in April compared with the same month last year. Of course, the Austin foreclosure rate is not that high, but Central Texas is facing its fair share of the housing crisis.

The number of short sales, pre-foreclosure homes, on the market is likely to increase in the months ahead as the economy continues to be shaky. A short sale may be a good deal for a buyer, as in most cases the owner has stopped making payments and the home is vacant. It is in the lender's best interest to get the defaulted loan off the books and accept an offer, but that doesn't mean they will jump at any offer.

It can't be stressed enough the importance of having a qualified real estate agent, and that is certainly the case when dealing with short sales. If a buyer decides to make an offer on a short sale home, the real estate agent needs to do a little research. First, a title search will indicate how much is owed to the lender, who the lender is and whether there is more than one mortgage on the house. A buyer should know that complications can arise if more than one lender is involved.

Another thing the real estate agent needs to determine for the buyer is comparable recent sales in the same neighborhood. These, more than anything else, will help determine the best offer price for the house. For example, if a home is listed for $200,000, but the last sale in the neighborhood was for a home with the same square footage for $175,000, then the buyer can be confident in making a lower offer. The agent should include comparable sales in the offer package sent to the lender.

Although a short sale home is still in the seller/owner's name, everything from the offer to any repair addendum to the final close has to be approved by the lender. It is crucial that the seller's agent has good lines of communication with a lender representative, usually someone in the loss mitigation department, to move the process along.

There can be a happy ending with short sales for both the buyer, who can get a good deal, and the seller, who can be saved from foreclosure. The story on short sales, however, can be a long one.

Inside San Antonio is a small brokerage in central Texas. Their website provides information on San Antonio real estate along with information on San Antonio schools and a real estate blog.

Five Tips for Finding a New Job in a Tough Economy

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:42:09 -0500

In tough economic times, jobs become harder and harder to come by. As unemployment rates continue to rise, so does the number of stories of former CEOs just happy to get a barista job at Starbucks. While the job market is highly competitive right now, with thousands of jobs disappearing and very few being created, finding employment isn't impossible it may take a little longer, though, so it's important to get started as quickly as possible.

1.Focus on you.
Every person has their own individual set of skills, talents, and abilities they bring to the table. What are yours? Take some time to really evaluate your professional skills and experience, and make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, both professional and personal (because, let's be honest, very few people can effectively separate the two). Enlist the help of an objective friend or co-worker, as people often have a harder time evaluating themselves objectively.

2.Be open to new opportunities.
The past does not necessarily dictate the future this is especially true in a tight job market. When beginning the search for a new job, start at a very general level and identify (using that list of strengths and weaknesses you made) some job types or specific industries you would fit well in. If you're an excellent communicator with experience as a copy-writer, you may be able to transition into a PR or marketing job. Don't confine yourself to the industry you've always worked in, either most professional skills can parlay effectively across many industries, so remember to focus on your skills and abilities, as opposed to specific experience or industry knowledge.

3.Update your resume.
This is another task you'll want some help with. Your resume is basically you on paper it's the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it had better be good. Style and design should be considered they don't have to be over-the-top, but just like your personal appearance, the appearance of your resume says a lot about you, whether you like it or not. Also, remember to focus on skill sets and specific results you've achieved, and don't be afraid to brag a little bit. An effective resume tells a prospective employer why they should hire you and what you can bring to their company, so it's value and importance cannot be overstated.

4.Get out there.
Finding a new job particularly in a down economy is not easy. You have to be proactive, creative, and persistent if you want to get ahead of the competition. Once you've found a list of jobs or companies you;d like to apply for, consider going in person to submit your resume and application you'll have a better chance of sticking out from the crowd, and possibly even speaking with someone right then and there.

5.Keep at it.
Job hunting is a time-consuming process that can get difficult and even tedious at times. But it's imperative that you stay positive don't let rejection get you down, instead, tell yourself that any job you don't get wasn't the right job for you. In time, if you're persistent, you'll find the right fit.

Inside San Antonio helps buyers in the central San Antonio real estate market. Their site provides visitors statistics on their San Antonio real estate blog along with information on San Antonio Texas real estate.

Obama's "Making Home Affordable" Initiative

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:47:40 -0500

In a plan that promises to keep seven to nine million borrowers from losing their homes, the Obama administration announced its "Making Home Affordable" initiative. The Treasury Department released detailed guidelines about how it plans to help Americans refinance mortgages that would offer lower monthly payments.

A statement released by the Treasury Department said, "The present crisis is real, but temporary. As home prices fall, demand for housing will increase, and conditions will ultimately find a new balance. Yet in the absence of decisive action, we risk an intensifying spiral in which lenders foreclose, pushing area home prices still lower, reducing the value of household savings, and making it harder for all families to refinance."

To avoid intensifying the current downward spiral of the housing market, the Obama administration has a two-part plan. The first part addresses the need to modify the loans of up to four million struggling homeowners, while the second part helps five million borrowers refinance loans through government controlled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The $75 billion plan includes the following five features (as stated in the Treasury Department document):

* A Home Affordable Modification Program to Reach Up to 3 to 4 Million At-Risk Homeowners

* Clear and Consistent Guidelines for Loan Modifications

* Requiring That Financial Stability Plan Recipients Use Treasury Guidelines for Loan Modifications

* Allowing Judicial Modifications of Home Mortgages During Bankruptcy When A Borrower Has No Other Options

* Requiring Strong Oversight, Reporting and Quarterly Meetings with Treasury, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve and HUD to Monitor Performance

* Strengthening FHA Programs and Providing Support for Local Communities

The clear and consistent guidelines state that borrowers will have to provide their most recent tax return and two pay stubs, as well as an "affidavit of financial hardship" to qualify for the loan modification program. The Making Home Affordable plan "will not provide money to speculators, and it will target support to the working homeowners who have made every possible effort to stay current on their mortgage payments."

This plan is particularly aimed at homeowner with upside down mortgages, where the value of the home has declined and a borrower owes more than the home is worth. In order to refinance banks usually require at least 20% home equity, but under the Treasury plan the government backed loans will help homeowners take advantage of the current low interest rates.

Other highlights of the plan include helping borrowers with high total debt (including car loans and credit cards) by requiring them to enter HUD-certified consumer debt counseling. However, mortgages over 729,750 will not be eligible. The target affordability rate is to make loans no more than 31% of a borrower's income. The plan, which will run through 2010, only includes loans which originated before January 1, 2009.

This plan brings together lenders, investors, servicers, borrowers, and the government in the hopes of making significant strides in stabilizing the housing market and thus bringing the economy out of the worst recession in decades. Perhaps as homeowners feel less vulnerable, spending will increase in other sectors of the economy.

Inside San Antonio real estate is a site that cover the San Antonio market. They have information on San Antonio school ratings and a blog on the San Antonio real estate market.

What's Involved in the Home Buying Process?

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:49:47 -0500

Not a first time home buyer? That's okay. Even veteran home buyers forget the particulars when pursuing the purchase of a new home. You may need a refresher, or you may be a first-time home buyer who wants to know the ropes. Either way, there are several items you'll want to be aware of even before you start looking for another home.

Follow the steps below so that you don't skip a beat in the process. This will ensure you are getting the very best deal possible on the purchase of your new home.

* Free credit report. Before you get started, order your free credit report from all three major credit reporting bureaus. They are Equifax, Trans Union and Experian. You can get a free one from each at www.annualcreditreport.com. By law, the credit bureaus are required to provide you with a free credit report every twelve months. Your goal will be to make sure you have the highest possible credit score. A high credit score will enable you to be approved for the lowest possible interest rate.

* Inaccuracies, negative info or inquiries. Comb through your credit reports for any information you perceive as being inaccurate, negative information that is incorrect and inquiries that you did not approve. If you find items that need repair, circle them and note them as being inaccurate, wrong negative information or unapproved inquiries. Send a letter to each of the credit reporting bureaus with a copy of the credit reporting pages that apply, along with any support documentation. Send a copy only, and keep the originals for your own files. The credit reporting bureaus have 30 days to respond. If you don't find anything that needs repair, then proceed to the 4th bullet.

* Ready, set, go! Once the credit reporting agencies make the updates and corrections, you are ready to move forward.

* Home wish list. You'll want to identify everything that you want in a home. Include the geographic location, school district or school, square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms/garages, style of home (ranch vs. multi-level or others), hardwood floors, type of kitchen (eat-in vs. formal) and anything else you can think of. Include amenities like a central vac, built-in microwave or heat pump. All this will allow you a basis to begin your house hunting venture.

* Get pre-approved. Licensed real estate agents will typically not help you look for a home without being pre-approved for a home loan. Do yourself a favor in order to get the best rate possible by shopping around. If you request interest rates from several lenders within a ten-day or less window, it usually does not negatively impact your credit score. Check out the company's reputation. You can do a search on the FCC website at www.fcc.gov, check with the Better Business Bureau and contact the Federal Banking Commission to see if you find any negative information about the company. Make sure you get the interest rate in writing, along with ALL fees prior to agreeing to proceed with the loan. Once you find a lender you think you can trust, get pre-approved for your home loan.

* How much are you pre-approved for? Getting pre-approved for a home loan will tell you how much you are pre-approved for and will give you a gauge as to how much you will want to invest in a new home. Decide how much you will want to invest overall and how much your down payment will be.

* Find a licensed real estate agent. Some people prefer to interview real estate agents to see what each might do for them. Others just want to sign up with the top seller of the real estate agency. It's your call. If you decide to interview agents, just be sure you have a list of questions and expectations you present to each. Decide on an agent you want to use and sign the buyer's agreement.

* So many homes, so little time. Your licensed real estate agent should provide you with a list of homes that meet your criteria and be willing to take you to shop around. Your agent should also provide you with a comparative market analysis for each home you are interested in, so that you may make a competitive offer.

* Other offers? Once you decide to make an offer on a home, ask your agent about whether they know the seller's motivation - bankruptcy, estate sale, etc. Also, ask if there are any other offers, liens, easements, zoning changes and neighborhood crime.

* Scrutinize the Seller's Disclosure. Make note of how old the following are: roof, central heat/air, electrical and plumbing. Depending on the age and condition of each, these may be bargaining points in negotiations.

* Make an offer. At this point, you should have as much information as possible about the home prior to inspections. You should be informed enough to make the first offer.
* Select a title company. Once the seller accepts your offer, you'll need to select a title company. The real estate agent may tell you that their user uses specific companies for the inspections, but theirs is not always the cheapest or best. By law, you can shop around for your own. Just make sure they have a good reputation.

* Inspections, warranty, insurance, lead paint. Depending upon the inspections your lender will require, you'll probably want to schedule a home inspection and termite inspection. A home warranty may be another purchase you'll want to consider. Homeowner's insurance will be required. If the home was build prior to 1957, get it tested for lead paint. Again, shop around for the best rates and reputable companies.

* Be there. Be in attendance at all inspections. Make note of everything you see that needs repair or presents a health risk - e.g., moisture, mold, pests.

* Negotiate. If you find anything that legitimately should be used in negotiations, then negotiate. Present a new offer. Exchange the repairs for money off the purchase price, or require that the repairs be done and keep the purchase price. The lender may require that the repairs or improvements be done prior to closing, anyway, so consider your lender's expectations in the negotiations.

* Plan the move. Once your final offer is approved, you'll know the closing date. Prepare your family for the move - e.g., boxes, take time off, hire a moving company.
* Final walkthrough. When you do your final walkthrough, make sure to note anything that was not taken care of. If there are repairs that were not completed as agreed upon, don't sign on the dotted until they are done.

* Closing. When you go to the closing, scrutinize your Declarations sheet to ensure that you are only paying for what you agreed to pay for. If it looks good, give your John Hancock and close on your house.

* Happy home owning. This is a no-brainer. Time to move into that house and make it a home!

Inside San Antonio is a small real estate company in San Antonio. Their site has general information about San Antonio real estate along with information on San Antonio schools. They also provide market statistics on their San Antonio real estate blog.

Texas Dude Ranch Vacation

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:46:31 -0500

It is almost that time of year again, the time when school lets out and families start planning summer vacations. If your family is like others, you try to get creative and try new things. You want to go different places, see new things and have new memories.

For a new twist on your vacation, why not try vacationing at a dude ranch? It can be adventurous, fun and exciting. The Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas is just right outside San Antonio, in the hill country. The ranch is an old time stock ranch that offers vacations. The dude ranch is still in operation and has been for five generations.

Visitors at the dude ranch can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, dancing, hayrides and much more. The ranch offers 20 different units within duplex cabins, cottages and a two story bunkhouse. All of the cabins have air conditioning, private baths and a few even have fireplaces for those who love sitting in front of a fire. All the accommodations are rustic, but very comfortable!

The dude ranch has a fishing pond for its guests to fish in, only rule is it is a catch and release pond, the ranch will even provide the gear you need to fish!

Each day when the dinner bell rings, visitors are treated to a real dude ranch feast! All meals are cooked from scratch, just like they did it in the old days.

Visitors can also hike the trails and hunt for fossils, arrowheads and even check out an old Range War cemetery.

There are many attractions around the dude ranch for your family to see. The Frontier Times Museum is located in Bandera. There is the Cowboy Artists of America Museum just down the road in Kerrville. If caves are your thing, you may want to visit the "Cave without a name" in Boerne. Take the family for a day in the park at Sea World or Fiesta Texas, just down the road in San Antonio.

There are plenty of fun things to do at the dude ranch. It is a unique vacation idea, and something that gets you and your family away from the big city and fast pace.

Spending time with your family outside, without bright lights, loud music and cars could be just what your family is looking for.

Roast marshmallows over a campfire and telling stories, whether it is ghost stories or just old family memories. Take a family ride on horseback and enjoy the great outdoors and all of the beauty that the hill country has to offer.

If you're tired and sore after your long horseback ride, take advantage of one of the two massage therapists the ranch has on hand. They can be very therapeutic and relaxing.

If you love animals, Dixie Dude Ranch is the place to be. They have cattle, horses, goats and everything a working dude ranch needs. There is also lots of wildlife to see. Everything from deer to coyote and maybe a bob cat or two!

Jill works with Inside San Antonio. Their site helps buyers and sellers interested in San Antonio Tx real estate. Their site has information on San Antonio schools and a blog covering the San Antonio real estate market.

Least Risky Markets to Invest in Real Estate

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:35:21 -0500

Savvy investors across the U.S. have been watching the real estate market to see which ones look like they will soon hit bottom and begin bouncing back from all the foreclosures. There are several that are experiencing either a slowdown in falling prices or are bouncing back already. These are the markets that are the least risky to invest in real estate.

Charlotte, NC - Real estate prices in Charlotte are down $50,000 from where they were a year ago, but up $26,000 from January of this year. The average list price started at $270,680 last year, but is now down to $224.465. The yield from the list price is down only 2.33% from a year ago. The median home price in this city is around $185,600. That's up 6.4% from last year.

Oklahoma City, OK - Real estate prices are remaining fairly steady in Oklahoma City. What's interesting about this market is that it never really experienced the spike in home values and the subsequent nose dive like many of the other major U.S. cities. Foreclosures are up, but, contrary to other U.S. cities, home values have only declined somewhat. The average sale price is $139.632, down by 6.35% from the same time last year. The median home price is $134,400, up 12.1% from last year.

Portland, OR - Real estate prices in Portland have fallen around 19% since they hit an all-time high in July 2008. The median sale price of a home in this city in July 2008 was $174,000. Today, the same home will sell for $141,000. The number of homes on the market is down from its peak in 2008 where 4,495 homes were available for sale. Today, the number is 3,523. That's a 22% decline in homes for sale. Only 8% of homes on the market are sold today compared to 14% of homes sold in 2008.

San Antonio, TX - Real estate prices are gaining in this city. The median price for San Antonio homes were at their highest in 2007 at $141,500. The current median sale price for homes is $136,000, only $5,000 less two years later. Home listing prices have increased by $1,000 from March 11 to April 1 of this year.

Seattle, WA - Real estate prices are rising in Seattle. They are at the same place they were in September of 2008 and in April of 2006. Sales surged by 35% in March of this year, up 26% from March of last year. The median price of a home in Seattle is $387,450, up almost 13% from a year ago. This market is definitely on the upswing.

Raleigh, NC - Real estate prices have fallen in Raleigh to $210,000, down from $217,000 a year ago. The median home price is $201,800, which is up 6.3% from last year. Number of homes on the market is only up 200 from last year's figures - from 7909 to 8103. One interesting item to note about this city is the 5% growth it has experienced every year for the past five years. The number of jobs increased in Raleigh by 3500, which probably contributed to the city's growth.

insidesanantoniorealestate.com provides information about the San Antonio real estate market. Their site has information on San Antonio area schools along with a San Antonio real estate blog.

How to Add Value to Your Home on a Limited Budget

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:34:25 -0500

One of the most used rooms in a home is the kitchen. Family and friends gather in this room on a daily basis. It is important to the home owner or the potential buyer that the kitchen is up to date and inviting.

By updating your kitchen, you can add value to your home. You can do it yourself without spending thousands of dollars remodeling. It just takes some imagination and creativity.

Give walls new focus. Instead of building a cabinet into every blank wall, try hanging some inexpensive floating shelves. Floating shelves show no brackets or hardware, and appear to be "floating" on the wall. They can create a feeling of airiness while providing easy access to dinnerware or glasses.

If you want to update your backsplash, and don't want to spend a fortune, try using inexpensive ceramic tiles. Start with a basic field tile and randomly insert a few accent tiles. You can also make shaped patterns to highlight certain areas, such as behind your sink or your stove.

Flooring can also be a great place to make a dramatic change. You can install vinyl or linoleum tiles fairly easily without much experience, and they can dramatically change the appearance of the kitchen.

Another way to change the appearance of your kitchen is to remove the doors from wall hung cabinets. This can give the kitchen a casual country look. Homeowners can display their favorite glassware.

Homeowners can also freshen the kitchen by painting the walls, ceiling or by just adding fresh paint to trimwork or doors. Maybe there is a small splash of color in the floor you want to accent, by painting trimwork with the same color, this brings out the floor.

Replace worn laminate countertops. If the laminate is still in good shape, it can be tiled over. New oversize tiles (24 x 24 inches, 12 x 24 inches) are easy to work with and can make for a more continuous countertop with fewer grout joints.

Replacing old cabinet hardware with new is a great idea. It is like adding jewelry to your kitchen! All you need is a screwdriver and a few hours. Knobs and pulls come in many different styles and colors. Be sure to measure the distance between the holes on the old hardware. It is easiest if the screws for the new hardware are the same. Otherwise you will have to patch the old holes and drill new ones.

If you want to maximize your kitchen space, try to customize an unfinished island with attachments. You can purchase a small kitchen island from a home center and customize it to fit your needs. Add baskets, drawers and hangers. An island will keep your supplies all together and organized, making baking and cooking easier.

With a little imagination and time, you can transform the look of your kitchen while adding value to your home, and do it all on a limited budget.

Inside Realty works with buyers in Texas. Their site covers the San Antonio real estate market. They also provide visitors with a San Antonio real estate blog that has updated market statistics for the San Antonio market and information on schools in San Antonio

The Market is Looking Up in San Antonio

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:29:13 -0500

Sales jumped in San Antonio this month going from 828 to 1124. While the market is still down for the year this is a decent improvement. While sales are down 27.25 percent the average price is up 3.11 percent from last year going from 170,600 to 175,900. Below are stats for the last 3 years.

San Antonio currently seems to be one of the stronger markets around the country. But it still is much weaker than it was the last 2 years.
To read more market updates you can see our San Antonio real estate blog

Top 10 Must Haves For Your Kitchen Remodel

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:00:27 -0500

1.) Appropriate Storage: Ample storage space provides the opportunity for a neat and tidy kitchen. The options available in today's cabinetry give homeowners a variety of ways to stay organized. These options include recycle bins, spike racks, pull-out trays, full extension drawers and cutlery dividers. These options help you follow the ever-important mantra of "a place for everything and everything in its place."

2.) Hiding Places: A common trend in today's kitchen design is being able to hide appliances and unsightly items such as trash cans. Today, homeowners are hiding trashcans behind decorative cabinet doors with roll out capabilities. Special counter top storage cabinets are also available to store appliances, such as mixers, toaster and blenders, behind closed doors. Being able to tuck these items away reduces the cluttered look of the countertop and appears clean and tidy.

3.) Space Makers: Homeowners today are keen on using every square inch of their cabinet space for slide-ins and pull-outs. Also popular with homeowners are large pull-out drawers for pots and pan. With these unique additions, maximizing the organization of your cabinets is easier than ever before.

4.) Natural Countertops: Natural materials such as granite and quartz are strong choices for countertops because of their lifetime durability and low maintenance appeal. In spite of their cost, they have become increasingly popular choices for perimeter counter tops, islands, and peninsulas and bar tops. The biggest challenge for granite and stone products is their porous nature, which requires a sealant.

5.) Decorative Counters: Right in line with the choice of natural countertops is decorative counters. While in the same category, these choices are distinctly different. The selection of decorative countertops applies to the type and style of stone you choose. With the countertop being the focal point of the kitchen, you can amplify the look and feel of your kitchen with the right countertop selection. A manifest of its natural formation in the earth, no two slabs of granite are the same. With hundreds of colors and an endless range of possibilities, selecting the countertop with the right decorative edge is a must for your kitchen remodel.

6.) Dual-Fuel Range: Dual fuel ranges provide the perfect combination for cooking aficionados. With a cooking range fueled by natural gas and an electric oven, you have the best of both worlds at your hands. With the capacity to surface cook with gas and bake and broil with electric, you have the optimum temperature controlling abilities suitable for each type of cooking.

7.) French Door Refrigerator: Among the trendy and sleek trends of today is the French door refrigerator. These refrigerators feature two side-by-side doors as the fridge area and a large bottom drawer for the freezer. Appealing features include extra-large deli storage areas, beverage chillers and various other organizational amenities depending on the model chosen. While the latest trend in color is the stainless steel models, these refrigerators are also available in classic colors of white, black and bisque.

8.) Induction Cooktop: Although expensive, induction cooktops are the latest trend in the cooking industry. With induction technology, it is possible to boil a pot of water in 30 seconds. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat the food inside the pan rather than heating the pan itself. If you have a busy on the go lifestyle with little time to cook, an induction cooktop is a must have for your kitchen!

9.) Classy Décor: Small decorative touches can make a big difference in your kitchen. Years ago, kitchens were very sanitary and free from decorative appeal. Today, homeowners are using kitchen décor to highlight the quality and appeal of their home. Options for adding décor include ornate tile backsplashes, textured finishes and overlays. Lighted cabinetry or spotlights to showcase specialty dishes or décor have become increasingly popular as well.

10.) Your Own Island: Nothing beats having your own island in the center of your kitchen. Islands are a common theme in many kitchen remodels and the trend continues to be strong, primarily due to their functionality and usefulness. Kitchen islands can serve as additional working space or cooking space by adding a cook top. They also provide a decorative edge by providing space to display decorative pieces that give your kitchen that extra touch. A recent trend in kitchen islands is to accent the cabinetry in a different finish from the other cabinets, providing a touch of versatility and class.

Inside San Antonio helps buyers and sellers looking for homes in San Antonio. Their website covers San Antonio real estate. They also publish a blog with detailed San Antonio real estate statistics.

January Sales for the San Antonio Real Estate Market

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:22:21 -0600

The stats are published for the San Antonio real estate market. There were 828 sales. This was 41 percent lower than the number of sales San Antonio saw 2 years ago (1421) and 33 percent lower than than the number of sales seen last year (1235). One interesting side note is that the average sales price is up 7.87 percent compared to last year. The months of inventory is 7.8 which indicates a buyers market but is not as bad as some other markets around the country.
It looks like the market came down for a lot of different markets this January. And although the market has been down for awhile January seemed to be an outlier. Hopefully the market will improve next month with low interest rates and the government new $8000 tax credit. More statistics at San Antonio Real Estate Blog stats provided by San Antonio Real Estate

The City of New Braunfels Texas

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:50:27 -0600

Located on Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio is New Braunfels. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, and the word "Braunfels" actually means "Brown rock" in German and this community is actually named after the city Braunfels in Germany. The current population of New Braunfels is about 52,000. This little town is full of old world heritage and charm.

The historic district is a great place to start. There are museums, performing arts and many places to shop, eat and relax. There are many attractions nearby, including The Natural Bridge Caverns Wildlife Ranch, lots of shopping and much more.

Each November the city celebrates the German heritage by having "Wurstfest," also known as a sausage festival. Wurstfest began back in 1961 and drew a crowd of nearly 2,000 people. 48 years later, the festival has grown popular and has expanded. They now have an arts and craft show and have earned a spot on national television; in 2006, the festival was spotlighted on "Good Morning America!"

Perhaps the most popular thing about New Braunfels is Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. It is a 65 acre water resort that people from all over the country come to visit. The park has miles of tube chutes, endless rivers, water coasters and much, much more. It is designed to accommodate every family member, from young to old. Schlitterbahn also provides free parking; free life jackets and visitors are allowed to bring their own picnic lunch into the park.

Schlitterbahn is not the only attraction in New Braunfels. There are a number of things to do and see in this German town. Gruene Hall is Texas' oldest dance halls; built in 1878 and has been the birth place of many famous people such as George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl King and many more. They provide live entertainment daily.

New Braunfels is also famous for scenic white water rafting down the Guadalupe River. There are several places to rent tubes, floats and canoes.

Although New Braunfels is a fairly large city, residents feel safe in this close knit community. It is large, but has a small town feel to it. Friday night football games bring out entire families to cheer for their home team, birthdays are still listed in the community papers and new residents and visitors are always welcomed with a smile.

New Braunfels is proud of their heritage and has earned the "Preserve America Communities" award. The communities who receive this award have celebrated and protected their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development and encourage people to experience local historic resources through education. This award comes with White House recognition, a certificate and a "Preserve America" road sign. All of which this community should be proud of!

New Braunfels has also received the "National Trust for Historic Preservation" award.

The next time you are traveling through New Braunfels, take time to stop in and see the sites. Whether you live nearby or are just traveling, make this city one of your destinations.

Jill works with Inside Realty. They have a site that covers the San Antonio Texas real estate. They also post regular updates on their San Antonio real estate blog

Five US Cities with the Best Real Estate Deals

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:19 -0600

The upside to this down market is that investors now have a plethora of investments to choose from. From sea to shining sea, you see For Sale signs popping up on front lawns everywhere. It is, most definitely, a buyer's market and will be for some time to come.

The very best deals are typically in the markets that are hardest hit. If you want to know where to investigate for investments, you should check out the following five U.S. cities for the best real estate deals:

#1 - Detroit, MI - The city hardest hit by the economy, Detroit, experienced 4.8 times the national average for foreclosures last year. Homes in this city start from as low as $1,400.00. No, that's not a typo. They literally start from as low as one-thousand four-hundred dollars. That's about $1.22 per square foot. It would cost you more to build one of these houses. So, how could you not invest in rental property in this city with prices this low? Detroit, however, is not known for its safety. No, on the contrary, it's actually the second most dangerous city in which to live in the whole U.S. of A. Regardless, you have to admit, that is some pretty tempting pricing on that Detroit real estate. Keep in mind, you don't have to live there to invest, and there are property management companies that you can hire to manage the property for you.

#2 - Stockton, CA - This city has 4.8% of its households in some form of foreclosure action. Homes in Stockton start from as low as $20,000, and rent for as low as $390 per month. That's a record low for even the Stockton area. Speaking of records, there a record number of homes being auctioned off in this area, too. It's unfathomable. Who would not want to invest in this area? Unfortunately, this city is not known for being safe, either. Stockton ranked number eight on the list of the most dangerous metropolitan areas in which to live. There are some very good deals here, though, so you may want to pencil one of these auctions into your busy investing schedule.

#3 - Las Vegas - No, it's not true. Au contraire, everything that happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas where a 4.2% foreclosure rate has been noted. This once very booming city that sprawled with new growth is now somewhat stigmatized. Due to exceptionally rapid growth, home values became over-inflated over such a short period of time that when the real estate crash abruptly occurred there, it left many home owners holding the bag on homes that won't be worth their purchase price for years to come. In spite of this, there are still lots of good deals in this market. Home prices start from as low as $126,000. Las Vegas is also ranked fourth on the list of most dangerous metropolitan cities.

#4 - Riverside-San Bernardino - California has been one of the states hit hardest by the down economy in regards to real estate. Average home prices still beat out the national average, but individual home prices have plummeted. Homes start as low as $25,000 in these markets, record lows for both. San Bernardino is the twenty-fourth most dangerous city and eighth most dangerous metropolitan city, although, Riverside did not fall within the top cities for crime.

#5 - Sacramento - Ranked fifth in the list of best cities to buy real estate is Sacramento. Midtown Sacramento, a.k.a. The Grid, has hip bistros and shops that cover the twenty-four square blocks at its center. Even this area of Sacramento holds exceptional real estate investment opportunities, including commercial properties. Home prices start at an incredible low of $15,000 in this market. This city did not fall within the top cities for crime.

Inside real estate operates sites that cover Dallas real estate and San Antonio real estate. They also have a site covering the El Paso real estate market.

San Antonio Market Stats for Dec 2008

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:49:59 -0600

December 2008 was San Antonio’s tenth straight month of double-digit percentage loss in number of home sales in 2008. There were 20.08 percent fewer homes sold in December 2008 than in December 2007, which is a difference of 339 homes. The 1349 homes sold was also the fewest number of homes sold in the market, excluding November, since January 2008, and the third fewest in the entire two year snapshot illustrated below.

The two year picture is worse. December 2008 was 32.95 percent behind December 2006, which is the difference of 663 homes. This drop also continues a trend of double digit fall off from each month’s 2006 counterpart since February, which posted a 9.38 percent drop, so it was not a healthy month either.

More statistics at San Antonio Real Estate Blog stats provided by San Antonio Real Estate

Natural Bridge Caverns

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:52:40 -0600

Located just down the road in San Antonio is a little hidden wonder called Natural Bridge Caverns. If caverns and caves are your thing, then this is the one you want. Natural Bridge Caverns is located just 30 miles north of San Antonio, just a few miles west of IH-35. Take exit #175 to Natural Bridge Caverns Road/ FM 3009.

The cavern was discovered back in 1960 when a few college students were exploring the surrounding area. The cavern was actually formed by an underground river that moves slowly cutting through the limestone. Over time the limestone broke down and the cavern was formed. There are many passages through the cavern and it is a very beautiful and interesting place to visit.

The most popular tour is the "Discovery Tour." Visitors go about 180 feet below the ground in this awesome tour, which is about a half mile long. On the tour you will see many beautiful and wondrous things that formed millions of years ago and are still forming. You can take pictures, so be sure to take a camera.

Another popular tour at Natural Bridge Caverns is the "Illuminations Tour." On this tour, the staff uses lights to light up certain parts of the cavern. At one part of the tour, all lights are turned completely off and you are in total darkness, 180 feet under the earth.

One of the favorite spots on the tour is the mining company and rock shop. Here you get to pan for precious rocks and fossils, even arrowheads. The best part is you get to keep whatever it is you find! If you are not sure what kind of treasure you have found, the have charts available so you can see just what you found.

For the more adventurous spelunkers, you can take the "Adventure Tours," where you climb, rappel, hike and explore the cavern just like the explorers did when they found the cavern. All you have to rely on is the guides, ropes and gear. Plan for the tour to take about 3-4 hours, it is meant for the more serious cave goers.

When you are done plunging 160 feet into a dark cave, why not head to the Watch tower. It is a 50 foot tower that you can climb and use a zip line to get down. Plunging at 25 miles per hour back towards the earth, this is definitely a ride you will not forget.

Natural Bridge Caverns is a nice place for a one day trip. The cavern stays a cool 70 degrees year round, with relative humidity at 99%. Some of the other attractions hours depend upon Mother Nature, so you may want to call or visit their website before you head out.

There is something for the entire family to enjoy at Natural Bridge Caverns. If you really love the caverns, you can take a group there. The Natural Bridge caverns is interesting in that its a good place to have some fun and learn about the environment.

Jill works with inside real estate. They have sites that cover the San Antonio real estate and Dallas real estate markets. They also have a San Antonio real estate blog that covers trends and statistics.

San Antonio Market Slows Way Down In November

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:37:40 -0600

San Antonio has seen declining sales since May 2007. The largest one year decline occurred in November 2008. The number of homes sold dropped to 1064 from 1591 in November 2007, or 33.12 percent. November was also the largest drop looking at two-year differences. November 2008 saw 44.55 percent less sales than November 2006. Every month was at least 9.4 percent lower than its 2006 counterpart, though the average loss was 24.72 percent (more at San Antonio Real Estate Blog)

From Inside San Antonio Real Estate

How to Design your Own Business Card

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:49:13 -0600

Buying business cards can be expensive and a hassle, especially if the printer gets it wrong! Instead of buying them, try making your own, it is easy and much cheaper.
Most office supply stores carry everything you need, except your imagination!
* Always make your name or your business name prominent. When you hand someone your card, you want them to see your name and remember it. Try using raised letters. You want your name to be the focal point on the card.
* Design a logo to place on your card. It can relate to your business, life or just be something you really like. If your business is dog grooming, try adding a picture of one of your dogs.
* Make sure your card looks professional. When selecting card stock material, make sure it is sturdy and durable. You do not want a card that looks and feels cheap or one that the ink will smear on when you design it. Office supply stores will carry a large selection of business cards for your computer. Just take your time and find one that is nice.
* Be different, but practical. You don't want an odd shaped business card that a potential client will toss aside because it won't fit in their wallet. Also try choosing a card that's slightly colored, this way it won't just blend in with other business cards, remember, you want yours to stand out.
* When you design your card, always remember to put the important things on it; like your phone number, email address, physical address and if you have a website, include it also. Make sure it's neat and does not look cluttered.
* You can get real creative and print on both sides of your business card. Maybe a picture of your business or driving directions or a map. The sky is the limit. Be inventive, think outside of the box!
* If you don't have access to a program that lets you create or print business cards, some office supply stores have kiosks where you use their equipment and design your own cards. It usually takes about 15 minutes or so, and the cost is around $30.00 for 100 cards. You are in control of your cards design.
* Use your computers page layout or business card software. Let the wizards or templates help you design a card that is perfect for your business.
Just a few ideas to get your business off and rolling, you don't need to spend lots of money when you can do it yourself! Have fun, be creative! Take your time and look at other business cards. Think of ways you can make yours stand out. Take a few cards out of your wallet and examine them. What do you like and dislike about the card. Is your card serious or light natured. It all depends on your business and what clientele you are trying to reach.

Jill works for Inside Realty. They operate sites in the Corpus Christi real estate and Dallas real estate markets. They also have a site about San Antonio real estate.

Christmas on the River Walk

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:55:49 -0600

If you've ever been to San Antonio, then you have probably been to the famous and beautiful river walk in down town San Antonio. The San Antonio River runs right through down town and it's a great place to visit and relax.

On November 28th, 2008, the Christmas season officially begins on the river walk. At 7:00 pm. all 122,000 lights will go on! There will be a parade on the river with colorful and beautiful boats. When the parade ends, it's the perfect opportunity to hop into a boat, and take a ride down the river, with the sun down and the lights twinkling and reflecting from the water below, it makes the perfect romantic get a way!

Christmas time is also the time for caroling and the river walk has that too! On November 29th- December 21st the river walk will be lined with more than 185 schools, churches and other groups singing their hearts out to the cruising boats. It's the perfect ending to a long day of shopping!

Along with the Christmas carols and beautiful lights twinkling above the river, the banks will be glowing beginning December 5th until December 21st with what's called "Fiesta de las Luminarias." There will be sand bags with glowing candles inside lighting the walk ways. It's a beautiful site and a long tradition of the river walk. For hundreds of years this has been going on and it is truly a site to see. It begins at dusk each night, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, during the fiesta.

If you just can't stand the site of another mall this holiday season, why not try shopping at the Holiday Arts & Crafts Show that goes on along the river walk each holiday season beginning December 12th and running through December 14th. The venders all have different and unique gifts ranging from handmade jewelry to furniture. You are sure to find something special for that hard to buy for person.

Want to make a weekend get away at the river walk? There are many beautiful hotels over looking the river and wonderful dinning experiences.

For those who don't mind shopping at the mall, The San Antonio River Mall is the place to shop! Built right on the river, it hosts many shops and restaurants, all with a beautiful view. The river walk also has a good night life for those who don't mind staying up late and enjoying live music and drinks. Take a boat ride right up to your favorite bar or restaurant.

The San Antonio River Walk has something for every member of the family, young or old. Why not celebrate the holiday season on the river.

For more information on the river walk you can find them on the internet. They have maps available as well as prices for all the boat rides and lists of all the events they have planned for the season ahead. You can also check out some of the hotels available as well as restaurants and bars in the area.

Inside Realty operates in the Texas real estate market. They have a site covering San Antonio Texas real estate and Corpus Christi Texas real estate. They also have a site on Dallas Texas real estate.

How to Shop on A Limited Income!

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:50:47 -0600

With the holidays just around the corner, everyone is trying to figure out how to save money. Along with holiday shopping, we still have to do our every day shopping, which can make it really hard to get that holiday list finished.

With just a few changes in the way you shop, you can save hundreds of dollars. Who knows, you might find that perfect gift in the most unexpected place!

Goodwill Stores

People may not realize that goodwill stores are open to the public. They carry a variety of new and used items from clothes to house ware to furniture. This is perfect for the college student or someone who just wants to save a few bucks! What's really great about shopping at Goodwill is that about 85% of the revenue they receive goes back into the community for education and career services as well as other programs.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is similar to Goodwill. They carry a variety of new and used items, ranging from furniture to toys. They take the revenues they collect and help the community by giving back to the unfortunate. So not only are you finding great items at a bargain, you're helping people in need.

Thrift Stores

What an awesome place to find some really nice things, especially clothes! Most the clothes in thrift stores are brand new, with the tags still on the garment! There are many thrift stores throughout the Austin area, many of which have great sales. Some have what is called a "Grab Bag" sale; Customers go into the store, get a bag and what ever they can fit into the bag is only $10.00, that's $10.00 for the entire bag, not each item! What a deal!

Garage Sales

You've heard the saying, "Someone else's garbage is your treasure." Spring cleaning means spring shopping! Check out your local paper and look for listings for garage sales, especially estate or moving sales. You can find some really good bargains this way. Anything from priceless antiques to simple collectables; many people just want to get rid of the items before they move or are just simply making room for newer things. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price on an item you really like! Many people having garage sales will offer an "Everything for one price" deal. You're bound to find some unique treasures by hunting at garage sales.

Church Bazaar's

Everyone loves bazaars! Check your church's bulletin and other church's in your area for their bazaar. You can find some very unique and wonderful items at bazaars. Most of the items are usually hand made with much love and time. You can find blankets, afghans, quilts and much, much more. There are usually homemade baked goods also. So not only are you finding a cool quilt, you might even get a homemade cake or some cookies!

Store Sales

Watch your television or newspapers for store sales. You can find some really good bargains, especially for closeout sales.

Inside Realty helps home buyers through Texas. They operate sites in Corpus Christi real estate market the San Antonio real estate market and one covering Dallas real estate.

Five Ways to Curb Expensive Car Repair

Inside San Antonio Real Estate (Inside San Antonio Real Estate) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:16:54 -0600

Cars are expensive not just to buy, but also to fuel, repair and maintain (and rising gas prices aren't helping). With labor costs typically in the hundreds of dollars, even for simple repairs, preventative measures can go a long way in cutting your automotive costs. There are many simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself, and lots of tips to help you get the best value for your dollar when it comes to automotive needs. Read on for five simple ways you can help prevent trips to the mechanic, and how you can make sure you're getting your money's worth when you do take your car in for repairs.

Check your fluids
Maintaining appropriate levels of various fluids like brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc., is a simple way you can keep your car running better, longer, and can save you not only in simple labor costs, but can help prevent larger, more costly repairs down the road. Also, keep an eye out for stains under your car, as this can be a sign of an important fluid leak. Spotting this early on can save you big on repairs later.

Observe warning signs
Car problems rarely happen overnight there are often several signs of trouble before something breaks down, requiring costly repairs. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for telltale warning signs, like squeaking breaks, leaking fluids, or drifting wheels, which can indicate a bigger problem under the hood. By identifying these warning signs early on, you stand a better chance of avoiding an outrageous repair bill after all, repairing a transmission fluid leak will cost you significantly less than replacing a transmission.

Drive carefully
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Practicing responsible driving techniques is a great way to protect yourself and your automotive investment. Use your turn signals, observe speed limits, don't tailgate, and be careful not to overburden your car with excessive weight.

Get a second opinion
Car repair is expensive, and mechanics all too often take advantage of consumers trust and ignorance. If you take your car into the mechanic and feel that their diagnosis is overpriced, excessive, or isn't sufficiently explained to you, don't just take their word for it. Getting a second opinion is a completely reasonable thing to do just like you would with your health care provider. If costly car repairs are in fact necessary, ask about ways to prolong the process. If you need several things done, for example, they may be able to space the work out over several months to allow you more financial leeway.

Keep your receipts
One of the biggest problems with car repair is when people are conned into having unnecessary work done. One way to help prevent this is to keep track of all past maintenance and repair, and compare any new suggested work against the list. If you're brake pads were replaced last year, odds are you probably don't need new ones just yet. Likewise, if a problem is identified that you paid to have worked on previously, you may be able to get a discount on subsequent work. Regardless, it's important to keep track of your car's history, just like you would your own medical record.

Jill works with Inside San Antonio Real Estate. Their site has general information on San Antonio along with neighborhood information for West San Antonio and South San Antonio.