Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake, Texas July 2009 Market Report - 07/31/09 02:07 PM
  MYSTIC SHORES AT CANYON LAKE, TEXAS JULY 2009 MARKET REPORT, Hot off the press and ready to read!  With summer in full swing, interest rates still historically low and inventory a plenty in the Texas Hill Country, one would think that the sales picture in Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake, Texas would be higher than they are.  There are some awesome deals to be had in this upscale master planned community on the north shore of Canyon Lake and this is a great time to take advantage of the selection and pricing!
The following is the MYSTIC SHORES AT CANYON … (0 comments)

My invitation came today...Google Voice is mine! - 07/29/09 07:37 PM

My invitation came today...Google Voice is mine!  I feel so special...I got an invitation!  I am sure I am not the only one and it wasn't engraved and it wasn't delivered by a man in a tuxedo riding in the limo, but I got one none-the-less!  I have been reading blogs about Google Voice and the sensation it is creating and couldn't wait to get mine.  So I waited, I waited like a nervous teenage wall flower at the school dance in the gynasium, hoping for a first dance.
Actually, the truth is that I had almost forgotten about the … (10 comments)

Leadership Bulverde/Spring Branch Application Deadline Approaching! - 07/29/09 04:06 PM

LEADERSHIP BULVERDE/SPRING BRANCH APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING!
The 2009-2010 Leadership Bulverde/Spring Branch Class is open for applications.  The Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program will begin classes on September 1, 2009.
JOIN THE LEADERSHIP CLASS FOR 2010 AND BE A PART OF A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS AND STRENGTHS OF THE COMMUNITY.
  Leadership Bulverde/Spring Branch Application Deadline Approaching...Applications are available from the Chamber website and the deadline for registration is August 1, 2009. A minimal cost of $350.00 is required which includes meals, materials and transportation. Classes will be held the first Wednesday of each month, September … (0 comments)

Serve and Protect Mixer to Benefit Comal County Sheriff's Department. - 07/28/09 04:39 PM
  Serve and Protect Mixer to Benefit Comal County Sheriff's Department
Every summer the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce has a special After Hours Business Mixer that doubles as a fundraiser for the Emergency Service Branches that serve our community.  This year the event will benefit the Comal County Sheriff's Department.  At Canyon Lake, we are fortunate to have excellent law enforcement services provided by the CCSO and emergency services provided by the Canyon Lake Fire and EMS.  The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce alternates between these two branches each year for the benefit. 

The Serve and Protect Mixer to … (0 comments)

Canyon Lake, Texas Waterfront Market Report - 07/26/09 08:24 PM
  Canyon Lake, Texas Waterfront Market Report
The following is a market snapshot year-to-date for waterfront homes on Canyon Lake in the Texas Hill Country.  The Canyon Lake market has not suffered as many other markets across the nation over the past couple of years but it has been impacted by the market shifts in other parts of the nation due to it's high rate of second home and investment sales.  Many of the buyers in the Canyon Lake, Texas watefront market come from some of the hardest hit markets which has caused a slow down in waterfront home sales in … (2 comments)

TDHCA helps Texans use Tax Credit for Down Payment! - 07/25/09 09:51 AM
TDHCA helps Texans use Tax Credit for Down Payment!
With all the back and forth on the use of the Federal First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit as a down payment, Texans now have options for making this program a reality.  The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has offered the following avenues for monetizing the Tax Credit.

TDHCA helps Texans use Tax Credit for Down Payment...learn more about this program:
For more information about taking advantage of this limited time offer for the first time homebuyer tax credit contact Jeani Thomas Richie, Broker of EXIT Hill Country Realty. 

… (2 comments)

Backpack Drive to Benefit the Children of St. Jude's Ranch for Children - 07/24/09 03:57 PM
I love being a part of a community that cares!  The only thing better than being able to practice real estate in the Texas Hill Country is the blessing of living and working side by side with compassionate individuals who also call the Hill Country home.  At EXIT Hill Country Realty, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve and we invite you to join the Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce in participating in the annual Backpack Drive to Benefit the Children of St. Jude's Ranch for Children!
  Backpack Drive to Benefit the Children of St. Jude's Ranch … (2 comments)

Property Owner's Association Legislation in Texas - 07/23/09 02:36 PM
  Property Owner's Association Legislation in Texas...
In the recent Texas Legislative Session there were several bills that pertained to the management, maintenance, and mishandling of POA/HOA's (Property Owner's Associations/Home Owner's Associations.)  In Texas, POA's have long been a bone of contention, a necessary evil, if you will.
On one hand, residents want the enforcement of restrictions, maintenance of community amenities and accounting for funds.  But on the other hand, many POA's are terribly mismanaged, irresponsible and in some cases discriminatory.  Many a POA contact has held up real estate closings because they don't have time, don't feel like or don't … (0 comments)

Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce - Business Mixer - 07/22/09 10:00 PM
  COME ON OUT FOR THE JULY 2009 CHAMBER MIXER!
HOSTED BY:  ALLEGRA PRINTING AND IMAGING 5:30 to 7:30 pm Thursday, July 23, 2009 17080 Highway 46 West Suite 108 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (Faithville)
Come network in Allegra's 3,000 cool, air conditioned square feet of office/production space.
* Meet and network with new and current members.
* See amazing digital print & imaging technology.
* Meet the Allegra team.
* Enjoy food and drinks from Allegra's event sponsors.
* Win great door prizes, and
* Hear a special announcement from Allegra Print & Imaging.
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY AND THE … (0 comments)

Close to 50,000...I just had to post about Vacant Land for Sale at Canyon Lake, TX! - 07/21/09 09:57 AM
  PRICE REDUCED!  GORGEOUS MYSTIC SHORES LOT!
Vacant land for sale at Canyon Lake, TX!!!  This 1.54 acre cul-de-sac home site is now REDUCED to $89,937!!!  Enjoy gorgeous Texas Hill Country views from the back of this wonderful lot located on the north shore of Canyon Lake in the popular Mystic Shores development.
  LEVEL BUILDING SITE, LEVEL STREET FRONTAGE...
This vacant land for sale at Canyon Lake, TX has it all!  Gorgeous stands of native oaks, a treed meadow at the back of the property and wonderful views for your enjoyment.  Take advantage of the numerous neighborhood amenities as a … (1 comments)

Bulverde Texas area Camp Bullis Update Meeting - 07/21/09 09:40 AM
  INFORMATIONAL UPDATE REGARDING CAMP BULLIS AND DEVELOPMENT:
Information about Camp Bullis Joint Land Use Study will be presented to the public on Tuesday, July 21, at 6:00PM at the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library across from Home Depot at the corner of Highway 46 and 281.
The meeting will start promptly at 6:00PM.
The following people will be there to present and answer all questions:
Jim Cannizzio, Administrative and Civil Law, US Army Phil Reidinger, Spokesman, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, US Army Jay Millikin, Comal County Commissioner Tom Hornseth, Comal County Engineer and possible Frank Sherman, Project Manager, Office of … (1 comments)

Scam Alert in Texas - 07/20/09 08:25 PM
Scam Alert:
The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texas residents to make sure that any alarm salesperson, company or alarm installer that they hire is licensed by the Private Security Bureau.
The Private Security Bureau has initiated investigations in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin following reports that numerous unlicensed salespersons, installers and companies have been aggressively marketing their services to residents in those cities—primarily going door to door in neighborhoods.
DPS is working with the alarm industry trade associations to investigate these claims, which generally increase in the summertime. “If someone offering alarm-related services shows up at your … (1 comments)

Vacant Land for Sale in Cypress Cove - Spring Branch, Texas - 07/19/09 10:22 PM
  VACANT LAND FOR SALE IN CYPRESS COVE - SPRING BRANCH, TEXAS
The Texas real estate market has weathered the economic storm of the past couple of years very well with stable appreciation, historically low interest rates and a strong job market and growth.  Land is and continues to be a good investment in the Texas Hill Country.  Here is a nice, level corner lot with nice stands of trees near Canyon Lake, Texas.
  THIS CORNER LOT OFFERS A LOT OF STREET FRONTAGE
This vacant land for sale in Cypress Cove - Spring Branch, Texas is located north of Canyon … (0 comments)

USDA Critical UPDATE and MEMO breakdown on the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loan program. REDUX!!! Please review & save! - 07/17/09 10:05 AM
Interesting news from a fellow Active Rain member about the current status of the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loan program.
Via One Source Mortgage, LLC:
  This is a very CRITICAL UPDATE and anyone using the USDA loan, or if you KNOW of someone using USDA loans, please pass this blog link along, or RE-BLOG it to your sphere!!
I have included at the bottom of the BLOG, the entire list of loan coordinators within the United States of America!  Email first if you can! 
 

   Also, check out the music video at the end as well!
 
The reason for this update is … (1 comments)

Domain Name Extravaganza...But I Still Remember My First... - 07/16/09 05:57 PM
  I am now officially the proud owner of 20 domain names...but I still remember my first...so many years ago when I took the plunge and bought that first website...when the internet was new.
It went something like this:
A "Doogie Houser" type techno-geek kid trying desparately to sell a rural country REALTOR her first website.  What he didn't know what that I was already committed to buying his product and he didn't really have to work so hard.  As fate would have it, I hadn't even thought about what my domain name would be and what I didn't know was … (33 comments)

I want to be an unreasonable agent! - 07/16/09 10:25 AM
    YESTERDAY I WAS ASKED THIS QUESTION...
"Do you consider yourself to be a reasonable agent?"  I proudly raised my hand high and smiled, thinking that I was going to win the grand prize!  That is when I was told "STOP THAT!!!"  I was puzzled..."Since when is being reasonable a bad thing?" I thought to myself...but the person asking the question was so compelling that I decided to find out why he thought that being reasonable was a bad thing and perhaps to learn why I need to consider being unreasonable.
I WAS ATTENDING A WELLS FARGO CENTER STATE AGENT EVENT … (6 comments)

Lots 25, 26, 27 Puter Creek Road - Spring Branch Texas - Comal Hills - 07/14/09 09:09 AM
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY HOMESITE MADE UP OF THREE LOTS THAT ADD UP TO APPROXIMATELY A HALF ACRE!

Located just off US 281 which offers an easy commute to San Antonio or Austin, is this three lot tract of land that has nice stands of oaks and welcomes doublewide manufactured homes.  The front lot (26) has about 60 feet of street frontage on Puter Creek Road and the other two lots are side by side behind it.  You can place your home at the back of the property and really get some privacy!

This tract of Texas Hill Country land … (0 comments)

FREE Webinar for First Time Home Buyers! - 07/13/09 03:38 PM
  ATTENTION FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS!!!
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!    National Real Estate President Connects with the General Public
FREE webinars to continue...Tomorrow's session will be focused on first-time homebuyers.  EXIT Realty Corp. International announced Friday that it is launching a live, free, public webinar series beginning July 14th,  starring the President of the US Organization, Tami Bonnell.

Tomorrow's session will focus on first-time homebuyers.
Ms. Bonnell says, "With the increase to the FHA limits and the flexibility they now have, there has been a big impact on the real estate market. Coupled with the stimulus package … (0 comments)

Where do I begin? VIRAL REQUEST - 07/12/09 09:46 AM
This is a re-blog for an Active Rain friend...her daughter-in-law, mommy to two sweet boys, needs a kidney transplant.  Kathleen has requested our help to get the word out using social networking to help her family.  Prayers for this family are greatly appreciated!  I know personally what miracles can occur through the power of prayer!
Via Kathleen Ann Pacheco-Corbett Realtor® RI-Ma CEBA Master e-Pro ABR ABRM GRI CRS ((FIRST Exclusive Buyer's Office Providence-RI) ):
Where do I begin?
Since it has been 23 weeks since my first post on January 30, 2009 I am getting very close to another milestone in the AR … (1 comments)

Techie Tuesdays with Jeani - 07/11/09 08:33 AM
  TECHIE TUESDAYS!
Every Tuesday in July I will be hosting Techie Tuesdays.  What is Techie Tuesdays you ask???  It is a one hour session at noon, lunch provided, where you can learn about using technology in your real estate business.  This month we are featuring Facebook.  Last week was our inaugural session with a wonderful lunch provided by Pam Kight of Kight Home Inspections and our topic was Facebook Basics.

This session outlined the basics of Facebook usage such as, how to join, how to build your profile, how to post, how to link and how to add friends.  … (3 comments)

1206 Stagecoach Drive - Canyon Lake, Texas - Canyon Lake Hills - Comal County - 07/10/09 09:16 PM
  Enjoy swimming on this community beach!
Canyon Lake Hills - 1206 Stagecoach Drive - technical waterfront home on Canyon Lake in the Texas Hill Country.  This home is set on a nice lot with great trees, a fenced back yard and an easy walk to the community lake front beach.  Gather with family, friends and neighbors on this great lake side oasis and enjoy the cool waters of Canyon Lake.
  Custom built stone and stucco lake house!
This home has 3 bedrooms and two full baths upstairs with a living room, dining area, galley kitchen, and laundry area in … (1 comments)

You can get the 411 on 281! - 07/10/09 07:51 PM
  If you live anywhere close to San Antonio, Texas then you have no doubt heard about the ongoing feuds over how to handle the problem that IS US Highway 281.  This highway heads north out of San Antonio into the Texas Hill Country and has morphed from a beautiful country by-way into a nightmare traffic hell.  There have been many suggestions made and studies conducted regarding how to fix do damage control in this high growth area of Central Texas.  The words "Toll Road" started a near riot between pro-toll and anti-toll factions that created firework shows that rivalled anything … (2 comments)

Texas Land Chick Semi-Annual Land Sales Report. - 07/09/09 06:20 PM

Twice a year I publish a Land Sales Report for my market area and I wanted to share the local statistics here!
This is based on Central Texas MLS data for the Bulverde, Spring Branch and Canyon Lake market areas from January 1 to June 30, 2009.
Total Lots Sold:  93
Low List Price:  $4,000.               High List Price:  $495,000.
Low Sales Price:  $3,000.             High Sales Price:  $470,000.
Average List Price:  $48,270.       Average Sales Price:  $41,663.
Average Days On Market:  268     Average List Price to Sales Price:  82%
 
BELOW ARE THE PRICE RANGES AND NUMBER OF LOTS SOLD IN EACH … (1 comments)

Lessons learned from Noah's Ark... - 07/06/09 05:24 PM
  I got a cute e mail from a friend today about Noah's Ark...
and what we can learn from Noah's seafaring experience.  It made me stop and think about what I am doing in my life and my real estate career and after some thought it occurred to me that many of the points in the e mail applied to my situation.  I just had to share them with you...
Lessons Learned From Noah's Ark:
ONE: Don't miss the boat.
A year ago I though I had found Utopia with my dream job as a manager and trainer for a … (8 comments)

On Independence Day and breaking into the top 100!!! - 07/04/09 09:36 PM
  Here I sit at my laptop...the grill is off...the guests are gone...
It's Independence Day...July 4th...my nation's birthday.  I have had a great day.  I got the opportunity to play host to some new friends.  My son transferred to a new school for middle school this year and met a friend in band, they both play trombone and have so much in common.  They are virtually inseparable.  His friend has the neatest family and we have all become friends.  Since they are new to our community and state since retiring from the military and moving from Germany, I wanted to … (13 comments)

Three Title Questions To Ask. - 07/03/09 11:01 AM
   I am not sure how many times in my real estate career I have been asked about title insurance, title policies, title issues, clouds on title and title commitments...
But I know that I would have to take off my shoes to continue with the count and that would not be enough!  I was reading one of my favorite emails the other day and came across a concise article by Todd Foust and decided to share his top three questions about Real Estate Title in a blog.  I thought it was a great summation of the basics without a lot … (0 comments)

Expedite Your Home Sale!!! - 07/02/09 05:46 PM
  So...you want to sell your home faster???
In an article from Money Magazine I read today, I found five interesting tid-bits of benefit to homeowners who are trying to get to the closing table by selling their property.  I love lists of suggestions and the word "Expedite" always grabs my interest, so I stopped for a few moments to ponder this quick read.  Yep...it is good enough to share!  So here we go...
5 Ways to Expedite a Sale
Selling a home quickly remains a challenge in many markets across the country. Heidi Cole, an associate with the Corcoran Group … (0 comments)