Ricki Eichler's Texas Hill Country Blog

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:15:52 -0600

Yes, Everywhere you go, You see the displays coming out with Christmas toys and gifts. Christmas trees, candy canes, food, candy, gifts, everywhere. Our Lighted Christmas Parade was last night in Downtown Kerrville. How did the time pass so quickly? Here we are at the end of the year.

Did you accomplish all your goals for the year? Remember, when you made those goals back in January? Did you follow up on your leads? Did you follow up with your clients after the transaction closed? Most of us probably did not do as good a job with these things as we intended.

Good news! You still have time to make a special impact with your clients. Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times of the year to say "Thank You for your Business".

Whether it be a gift, a card, an email, or whatever. Don't let the time pass without remembering your clients before the close of the year. What you do in the next six weeks will be remembered for a long time with your clients. This is how you build relationships and a good solid foundation for referrals and more business.

Holiday time follow ups are much more fun and don't even feel like work. So have some fun and make others know how much you appreciate them!

Ricki Eichler Real Estate,

your Texas Hill Country connection

www.reretx.com

Splashes of Color

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:59:24 -0600

I wanted to get some really great photos of the beautiful Autumn colors now present in the Hill Country but my schedule has been too busy. As I was driving across the Guadalupe River bridge yesterday I snapped this photo of the Cypress trees in full color. It is not the great planned shot I wanted but I'm sure you will enjoy the color none the less. Cypress trees line the banks of every creek and river in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and pretty scenes like this are to be found all over.

Lost Maples is the place to go for Fall color. It is only an hour drive from Kerrville and has the most spectacular views of the hills and the Big Tooth Maples. If you can't make though, here in Kerrville is a great place to see lots of Autumn leaves of every color. Just look at my backyard oak trees, china berry and juniper. Aren't they gorgeous? Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year.

Thinking of visiting the Hill Country, now is a good time to come. Stop by our office for a map and we will show you some of the prettiest drives to take.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

The Old Place on River Road ( a scary story)

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:50:50 -0500

Have I ever told you about the old place on River Road? Well, take a load off and sit a spell. Let me tell you about one of the scariest places I've ever been.

It was way back in 1989. I didn't live in the beautiful Texas Hill Country then but I used to come visit often. I loved this area and every chance I got, I came here. It was Valentine's Day and my husband wanted to make it wonderful for me so he asked what I wanted. Of course, my answer was always the same. I want to go to the beautiful Texas Hill Country. So with it being a weekend, off we went and arrived in just a few hours. We stayed at a local motel and went sight seeing the next day.

One of the things we did back then, was take a county map and highlight all the roads we had traveled in the Hill Country. There was one road nearby we had never been on. So that was the plan for the day to scout out a new adventure and a new road.

To our surprise, the road seemed untraveled. All the homes were deserted or were gone and only the foundations were left behind. The trees formed a canopy above the road shading it like an umbrella. It was beautiful. Twisting and turning, up and down like so many roads here but this one felt differently as we drove looking at every site we could see. Look, I'd say, there is an old well and my husband would point out an old windmill or an old barn. Any structures still standing were tattered and worn.

I was writing an essay for a class and thought how interesting it would be to stop at an old home place and try to discover its history. My husband thought it was a great idea and we agreed the next place we saw would be our adventure. We did not know what we were in for.

"Stop! stop!, I yelled. There it is!" "Where?", asked my husband. "Look there on the hill", I said. Bigger than life, there it stood. It was an old mansion built like a small Taj Mahal. The gate was locked with a huge chain that was rusted and untouched for years. We couldn't budge it. We parked on the side of the road and decided to climb over the fence. Who would care? No one had been there for years. That was apparent.

It was further up that hill than we had originally thought. We were huffing and puffing but it was definitely going to be worth it. Finally we reached the steps to the grand old porch that stood with columns facing the west. Climbing to the top was difficult as the steps were twice as high as ordinary steps. I remarked, "these steps must have been built for giants."

As we stood there on the porch looking west, we saw the sun go down over the hill and what a beautiful sight it was. Hill country sunsets are gorgeous. We didn't realize how late it was until then. Our curiosity led us to ignore the time and go on with the adventure. Pushing on the front door the dust fell in our faces but the hinges gave way and down came the door. With a loud crash onto the foyer floor, it could have awakened the dead. Maybe it did!

A little frightened we entered the mansion. The first thing unusual was the staircase. Normally, they go upward but this one went downward. I didn't want to go down there especially without a flashlight, so we went into the dining room and then the kitchen. I was a little nervous being there but became very frightened when the countertop in the kitchen was filled with plates of fresh food.

I told my husband "Let's get out of here!" We both headed for the front door but the path we took was not the same one or things got turned around somehow. Into a bedroom we went. Panicked, we turned and went back into the kitchen, that's when we ran smack dap into a statue of a butler. He had a look on his face I will never forget. He was larger than life size. The eyes were wide open and so was his mouth like he was screaming. He had a tray in one hand and a knife in the other. Why would anyone make a statue like this?! No time for questions, just get me out of here! We ran for the door. In fact we ran to the car and over the fence and back to the motel.

We were still shaking the next day when we asked the maid at the motel about the old mansion. She said she did not know what we were talking about. She lived out that way and there was no old mansion there. She said, "It must be your imagination running wild."

I suppose she was right.

Happy Halloween!

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Listening is the key to success

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:45:35 -0500

I have been complemented in a most unusual way. One of my clients asked me if she could write a blog post about her experience with me and my office in buying a property. She sent me the post this evening and I was so surprised and pleased. Normally, it would be me, writing about my clients but now it is switched around and she is writing about me. I was so surprised! She was so complementary and expressed her feelings of gratitude to having found her dream home in such a quick and easy manner.

(This is not the property but such a pretty picture I wanted to share with you. The Texas Hill Country is so beautiful. Call me if you are looking for a dream property too. )

She was thinking it would take a long time and be exhausting. Instead, she found that we first, listened to her and understood what she was looking for. Then we began our search with our internet tools and Voila! there was the property she was dreaming of. We only showed her two properties but told her all along that the one would be THE ONE! Sure enough, it was!

She went on contract and now it is just a little wait until closing.

It goes to show you, if a Realtor(R) really listens to a client and knows their area well, finding a property does not take long. My best teachers always said LISTEN more and talk less. It pays to listen!

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Dear Diary, I'm tired and it is late

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:42:03 -0500

Dear Diary,

I want to write a blog post tonight but I am tired and it is late. So much happened today, I don't know where to begin. My office was busy all day long with people coming and going, in and out of both doors.

Well, of course, it would be busy. We are building the new room for our office. So the carpenters were busy hammering and nailing and finishing up the trim and the baseboards. Then the telephone man was installing new telephone jacks and adding another line. He was in and out of every room checking the other connections. He didn't work very long for what they charged me, but what else is new. I just wished he had plugged the phone back into the fax machine before he left. It would have saved us several faxes we got late because of his mistake.

One of my agents' day ended well with two contracts negotiated and accepted. Some tense moments though trying to get the deals worked out. Then, another was worried about the timing of her next closing. I'm sure it will be OK, it's just a sign of the times.

The others are doing well. My new agent really keeps me on my toes, he is such a go-getter. The real stress came with my clients. A medical emergency took away their fun, happy day but ended well with health returning, only to drive 2 blocks from the hospital and be hit by a runaway car driven by a little old lady. I don't think I've ever had this bad a day as they had today. I will go to bed counting my blessings and I'm sure they will too. All of their children were in that vehicle and none of them were hurt.

I would love to write a blog but I'm just too tired and it is late. Maybe tomorrow night.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

It's Spring Time in October

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:31:41 -0500

It finally has happened. We are finally getting that precious liquid falling from the sky. Yes, it is raining in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

This summer was the hottest summer on record for the Texas Hill Country. More days with 100 degree weather than had previously been recorded in the history of our State. To make matters worse, we had almost no rain for two solid years. The summer of 2007, it rained almost every day but come September, the faucets were turned off. So little rain for two years and then record heat. People here were wondering if it would ever rain again.

Well, the rains started in September and have come and gone ever since. We are catching up with our annual rainfall records quite nicely. The area lakes are still low because all the recent rain has gone into the ground rather than runoff because of the dry conditons.

Today promises to bring lots of thunderstorms and rain with a front that is coming into the area this morning. Driving will take a little longer. Everyone should watch out for low water crossings as there may be some flooding.

The wildflowers that usually blossom in the Spring have popped up all over the place. They think it is Spring time rather than Fall. The weather has been unusually warm and all the moisture has Nature mixed up.

Springtime in Autumn, what a beautiful place to be!

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

TRY, The Real You

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:45:52 -0500

I have recently read Gary Keller's book "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" and found it very helpful. There is an short part in one chapter titled "The Real You". It is an acronym for the word TRY.

In my last blog post, Live Life Once, Live It to the Fullest, I said to try and fail is not to fail, but failure is failing to try. Right after I wrote that post I came upon a chapter in the book talking about trying. With the analogy of TRY equals THE REAL YOU, I had to spend time pondering this statement. I asked myself many questions and mentally reviewed occurrences in my life to see if what the book was saying had any merit.

I do believe it does. The book said many people never experience the real you because they are afraid to try. Fear is the number one enemy of the human endeavor. It is only when we break free of our fears that we can really accomplish great things. I have in recent years released my fears and gone forth in a way with my business I would have never tried before. The results have been amazing.

It took me years to decide that I had nothing to lose by trying but everything to gain. It took a commitment, dedication and focus I did not have previously. It took knowledge, confidence which came because of the knowledge I had gained, it took support of people I highly respected. Put all these things together and then add the action of TRYing and there will be no holding you back.

Let the world see who THE REAL YOU is.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Live Life Once, Live it to the Fullest

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:47:44 -0500

"You only live life once, so live it to the fullest!"

This old saying was something I learned early in my life. I didn't necessarily always do this but for the most part I have. Anything I ever wanted to do, I have done. I always promised myself not to grow old and have regrets for not taking a chance and trying things.

My parents taught me, to try and fail is not to fail, but never trying is real failure. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again". Remember that old saying, I put it to memory and used it many times.

I feel my life has been good and exciting. I do not get bored or even depressed. I realize there are so many things I have not accomplished or even started and the time I have left is so small. Every day I try to put as much into my day as I can fit in. I don't want to miss out on anything.

So my advice to everyone is, ENJOY your life! You have a lot to be thankful for and lots more to experience. Make your days an adventure. Wake up and know there are people and places ahead of you this day that are different and precious. You can never get those moments back. You never know what a day holds, one of my favorite sayings that really motivates me. Have a wonderful day tomorrow and be thankful for it.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

When Was The Last Time You Looked?

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:30:01 -0500

When was the Last Time You Looked at your e-mail signature? It is one of those things we use everyday but just pass over and never really look at it with the eyes of a stranger. Does it really represent you? Does it speak to others what you want it to say?

First of all, is all the information correct? Or has it been a while, and the numbers are outdated or the address has even changed. Maybe lots of things have changed if you haven't updated in a year or two. Stop and look at it. Does it have anything that stands out to the recipient that distinguishes you from other Realtors(R)? Is what you are looking for easy to find in your signature? Is it too short? Is it too long? Both can be bad.

Take a moment and look at your signature. Does it represent you well? It should speak volumes. Afterall, you send it out many times a day.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

The One That Got Away

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:38:59 -0500

Have you heard that old saying before? Probably more times than you care to remember.

Fishermen say it all the time. "The Big one got away!" They always stretch out their arms and probably exaggerate a bit. What do you think?

Today I found myself in much the same situation. Only not a fish but a FALLOW DEER,

a WHITE FALLOW BUCK with a rack bigger than any I've ever seen.

Light brown spotted

While driving down a country road I spotted him. I struggled to get the camera and turned around and went back to the clearing. Slowly approaching, he was watching me. He was hiding behind a cedar tree. I creeped up but as soon as the camera was in place, he took off. Not far but too far for the camera to pick up good. Between the branches, what a sight to see! So close and yet so far.

There was a doe with him. She was light brown and white spotted. In another clearing just a little way off, there was another white doe. The white buck was spectacular though. They are rare and not in many places in the United States. Central Georgia, California and the Texas Hill Country are their homes on this continent. They live all over Europe and Asia but are not plentiful, especially the white ones.

If you are visiting the Texas Hill Country, always bring your camera. You never know what you will see in these parts. You'll have to be quick though or they will get away!

Here is an interesting website and some great photos. Click here.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection

www.reretx.com

LABOR DAY is a holiday!

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:59:26 -0500

Labor Day will be a holiday for me this year. Of course, I know it is a good time to show property when everyone else is off work but sometimes we have to rest and have time with our families too. I encourage my agents to take time for themselves and their families. We always try to cover our clients needs also. So with this in mind, Angie and Bennettia will be in the office on Monday.

If you are wanting to look at property before you go home from the long Texas Hill Country weekend, please stop by and talk to one of these great agents. They will be able to show you homes, land, businesses, and commercial property. Need to get pre-approved for loan? We can help with that too. Whatever your real estate need, we can help.

Give us a call or stop by the office. Pick up a brochure or some flyers. The Texas Hill Country is a great place to live and we have some great listings. Just look!

Ricki Eichler Real Estate,

your Texas Hill Country connection

www.reretx.com

Search all the area listings on our website for FREE!

511 Junction Hwy Kerrville, TX 78028

(830)257-2520

I Have A Dream

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:50:40 -0500

Yes, I've finally said it! I Have A Dream! It is really a goal I have set for myself. It is a big one and I dared not even think about it a week ago, but then I began to allow it to slip into my thinking a little bit each day. I wrestled with it back and forth. I told myself I couldn't have it. I told myself all the reasons why. I told myself to move on and think about something else.

Then day before yesterday, I told myself, "If I really want it, Think about it all the time." Tell others you want this and let them begin to pray with you for it. "Envision it being yours," I said to myself.

So, now I am claiming it and one day it will be mine. Sooner rather than later I hope.

How many dreams do we let go by the wayside? If you want something, be brave enough to say so and then go after it. Make a plan to achieve your goals and follow through with the action needed to make it happen. It is easier than we think. Three little words with a big impact:

DREAM

PLAN

TAKE ACTION

When we practice these 3 little words, our dreams can come true. I'm a believer in this. What dream will you make come true this week? or this month? Think about it and share if you want to.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate,

your Texas Hill Country connection

www.reretx.com

Come visit and fall in love

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:10:01 -0500

I've been working on my website, updating listings and changing wording and photos. While looking at the great photos on my slideshow, I began to see them like a new buyer would see them. I have some great shots of the river and sunsets and just thinking how blessed I am to live in this fabulous part of Texas. I am so thankful.

Back in 1984, we came to Kerrville for the first time in our lives. Little did we know we would be living here one day. We only stayed a couple of nights and our days were busy doing other things than looking at the area. We did drive across the bridge at the Loop and saw the beautiful Guadalupe River but we did not search the countryside like we normally do when exploring new areas. We were not looking really. Two years later, we discovered Bandera and the whole Texas Hill Country and we fell in love!

It is possible to visit an area and not really see it. I know from experience. So if you ever visit the Texas Hill Country, get some advice where to go to really see it. You will fall in love. Guaranteed!

Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Who Do Realtors(R) Trust to Sell Their Property?

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:09:05 -0500

(I have sold property for Realtors(R) from other areas that had property in my area several times.)

Realtors(R) trust other Realtors(R) because we abide by a Code of Ethics and we know the ins and outs of selling a property. We know how hard it is to find the right buyer. We know how much frustration can come when appointments are not kept or when sellers do not cooperate and appointments have to be rescheduled. We know how the weather and the news reports affect the business. We know how difficult it is for some people to make a decision and how difficult it can be to guide someone without being too pushy or not pushy enough.

We know how the mortgage companies promise but don't always deliver. We know when inspectors are too picky or appraisers are not familiar with our area. We know legal issues and who to call for things we are not expert in. We know disclosure processes. We know how buyers and sellers second guess themselves and worry. We know sellers are emotionally attached to their property. We know buyers are making a life changing decision. We know sellers and buyers need a third party to negotiate an offer. We know we need help.

We know to call on Realtors(R) when we are ready to sell. Shouldn't you?

Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Home sales increasing in Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:21:14 -0500

How's the market in your area? Have things picked up?

Here in Kerrville sales have increased. There were 55 closed transactions in the month of July according to our MLS system. In June, there were 76 closings. These figures represent all property types.

As for prices, home sale prices are steady with a very small decrease from the list price. Land however, has taken a hit on the price. We have seen quite a few low offers come in. Sometimes, the sellers take the offers and sometimes they do not. It all depends on a person's situation.

The vast decrease in prices nationwide has not affected the Texas Hill Country in the same way. We see buyers come from different parts of the nation and expect to offer low offers like are prevalent in their areas. That is not the market here in the Hill Country.

The Hill Country is continuing to grow and there are big plans for downtown renovation in Kerrville. A pavillion is being built on the Guadalupe River right now. There are plans for a convention center and major hotel where the old hospital now stands. Kerrville is prepped for growth and will begin on these plans very soon.

If you are looking for a place to invest, look no farther. Come to Kerrville! Now is definitely the time to make your move so you will benefit from the coming changes. Call me if I can help.

http://www.kerrvilletexascvb.com/ here is a link to the

Convention & Vistor's Bureau "Lose your Heart to the Hills"

Ricki Eichler,

your Texas Hill Country connection

www.reretx.com

The rain, rain went away

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:33:14 -0500

The wind blew,

the trees bent,

the dust swirled,

the skies flashed,

the thunder rolled,

and the black clouds twisted and turned and blew south eastward.

Yes, it is all over and the pavement at our house is still dry. For miles and miles, the darkness covered the sky. Rain did fall in Bandera and Rocksprings and maybe in Mountain Home but not at our house in Kerrville.

There definitely is a dry line about a mile from our house but this is ridiculous. The weatherman said this storm was a huge storm covering a whole county at a time. Some kind of cumulous convection or something he said but it was not to be for us.

I was going to look at a property in the country when the storm blew in. I watched as it took the front half of the roof off a church and decided the dust devils it was stirring up was too much for me. I had an empty house listing nearby and went there and waited until I could leave. Then home I came. Waiting for the much needed pouring but nothing came. So disappointed. Still a chance of more tomorrow...

Are you a "Green Realtor®"?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:31:08 -0500

This is the new designation. It will be my next.

I've heard lots about going green in recent months and recent years. I come from a rural area and gardening was always a part of my life. Therefore, preserving the land and water resources is something that is always on my mind.

I don't take abusing the land and polluting lightly. I sell land and it is a very valuable asset. Ask anyone who has recently purchased any acreage. It is not something to disrespect or pollute. It is a valuable resource and those fortunate enough to own it, usually appreciate its value.

There are many new "green" products coming on the market for the consumer that will improve our lives, make buildings and homes safer, and will pollute less and will save resources. I am excited to see these many products coming to the consumer at a reasonable price as well. I have a client that recently finished building their home and it is off the grid. Hooray for these forward thinking people!

We can all go a little "Greener" and our world will be better for it.

Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Do you return phone calls?

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:45:42 -0500

Do you return phone calls? I do. I believe it is polite and also very beneficial to growing my business, developing and keeping good relationships.

I ask this question because today I became very upset with a friend of mine that does not always return or answer phone calls. I think it is rude. Being my friend, I have overlooked it many times but today I held that person accountable. I told them, in case no one else had ever told them, how Rude it was. We may become better friends because of me saying what I did. If not, so be it.

I am sure in today's business climate, you have experienced the same thing. Some things from the past, like common courtesy should be retained, however. It only takes a second to answer and say "I'm busy, I'll call you later." Many opportunities both personal and financial are missed by not taking a call. The person calling you may not be as important to you as you are to them in your mind, but things change. That person could one day be your boss.

So ask yourself, "Are you guilty of this?" Think about how it has made you feel and then imagine what your friend or acquaintance thought when you did the same thing.

Let's strive to provide good customer service, and politeness to our friends, as well by answering our phone or returning missed calls. Courtesy is always in style!

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Does Your Blog Make You UNSAFE?

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:17:34 -0500

How much information are you giving out to people you don't know, and you wouldn't want to know?

This is a serious problem and a few folks are beginning to understand that what they write on Active Rain, Facebook, Twitter or other social networking sites is open to the PUBLIC. Did you hear that? The PUBLIC may know your young child's name. They may have saved a photo of your precious little son or daughter. They may know where they go to school, what activities they are involved in, etc.

Are you giving out information on the World Wide Web that you really don't want everyone in the world to know?

This has always been a concern for me and I value my privacy. I try to be as open with people on the networks as I can and let folks get to know me. You should too if you are a real estate professional blogging for fun and for business. There are some things though, that should not be put on the web.

Clark Howard on CNN today talked about how some people are returning from vacation only to find their homes have been burglarized while they were gone. How did the crooks know they were gone? Easy! The people wrote about their travels while they were gone and posted it on the web. So for your safety, make sure you do NOT post your vacation until you return from it or you may find the robbers were reading your blog too.

Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Free Money!!! Hurry, get yours before Dec. 1st

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:42:11 -0500

Sound too good to be true? It's not. You can get Free Money. That's right, up to $8,000. buckaroos.

Did I mention Free Money?

It's not falling from the sky or growing on trees. It is part of the stimulus package to get our financial system back on track. Here's what you have to do to get your free money. You have to be a first time homebuyer or not have owned a home in the past 3 years. That's the first thing. Do you qualify?

OK, next. You must buy a home before December 1st, 2009. That gives you only 5 1/2 months. You better get shopping. It takes time to find a house. It takes time to find a Realtor. It takes time to negotiate a contract. It takes time to get a loan. It takes time to close. Get the message?

So what are you waiting for?

Time is running out! Don't wait until the deadline is almost up. You might not make it in time and then you will miss getting the Free Money.

If you buy a home that costs $80,000., you can qualify for $8,000. If you buy a home that costs $70,000. you qualify for $7,000., $60,000. qualify for $6,000. Understand?

The Free Money will be sent to you via your tax refund check next year if you provide the closing cost statement and fill out the form with your tax return. The government has also said you can use this free money for your closing costs when buying the house. Talk to your lender for more details on this.

I'm not a lender, just a Realtor looking to help as many people as I can to take advantage of this Free Money. I love to see folks experience the joys of home ownership. It is the American Dream. Call me, let me help you get your Free Money and make your dreams come true.

Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

For the Enjoyment of the Cat

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:55:43 -0500

Every cat lover and cat owner (or should I say anyone owned by their cat), will know how true the above saying is.

I wonder do dog owners feel the same way about their pets? Or is it something about cats, and the special love between them and their owners, that make them so special. There really is a difference. A cat rarely gets in trouble for whatever mischief they commit. A cat is always beautiful, purrfect in every way. A cat eats whenever they choose, whatever they choose, and comes home whenever they choose. Dogs do not have that luxury.

I suppose it must be the higher level that cats live at that makes the darlings so incredibly purrfect.

Stalking the Frog Statue!

Always alert for danger or a snack!

Going where no man goes!

In the jungle, the mighty jungle the lion (I mean the cat) sleeps tonight. Wait, wait, no, she sleeps in her inside tree house, what am I thinking!

My little darling really sleeps wherever she wants,

whenever she wants and however she wants!

Yes, the truth is out. I am owned by my cat, my darling! :)

Ricki Eichler Real Estate , your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Watch our TV show Wednesday morning Cable Channel 10

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:46:24 -0500

Be sure to watch Cable TV Channel 10-KVHC Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM in the Kerrville area.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate will be presenting lovely new townhomes on "Showcase on the Move". This is a 30 minute show that takes the viewer from room to room and explains the features in the homes it presents. Ricki Eichler, Bennettia Fifer, agents and Parker Harrison, executive director for H C Home Opportunity Council are the three featured guests.

In addition to showing the homes and sharing the neighborhood amenities, the show deals with homeownership and a new program for downpayment and closing cost assistance. A new homebuyer can receive up to $10,000 in the form of a forgiveable loan. That means if certain conditions are met, you do not have to pay it back. Call us for more details.

First Time Homebuyer classes are available at various times. So if anyone is considering buying their first home, but doesn't know how to get started give Ricki Eichler Real Estate a call. We are happy to answer all your questions.

Ricki Eichler (830)257-2520 Bennettia Fifer

Ricki Eichler Real Estate,

your Texas Hill Country connection

511 Junction Hwy

Kerrville, TX 78028

www.ReReTx.com

What is a "Full Service" Real Estate Office?

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:02:39 -0500

What is a full service real estate office?

We are a full service office and to us Full service means that we can help buyers and sellers with real estate transactions from beginning to end and even after the sale service.

After the sale follow up is very important. Have your former agents just walked away at closing? If so, you may have experienced times you wish they had continued to help you with various things involved in getting you moved. We stay in touch and make sure the move has been smooth. We like to make sure the documents have been delivered, the utilites transferred and everything is working as planned. Following up should be part of the service.

Full Service also refers to the types of properties being sold in an office. We specialize in residential sales. However, we also sell farm and ranch properties, commercial properties and businesses. This covers just about everyone looking for real estate. From first time homebuyers to families, to retirees, to investors, to farmers and ranchers, to business people, we can help you find what you are looking to buy or help you sell what you need to sell.

We are local and advertise locally but we also advertise statewide and nationally. That's Full Service exposure for your properties when you list with us. Our buyers come from the local area and from out of town, statewide and nationally. That's Full Service relocation.

We do our best to accommodate everyone. We are expanding our business to include even more services. We will be sharing those new services in another blog post in the next few weeks. Be sure to come back here to see what else we are doing to help you find or sell your dream property here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

A Backyard Pool is a Good Investment in Health and Recreation

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:05:55 -0500

I am getting spoiled. Every evening I come home and take an hour long swim in the pool. It is so relaxing after fighting the real estate ups and downs all day long. To be able to just relax and listen to the water moving and swim and float away my troubles. My whole body and mind feels better when I finish and then it's dinner time and the rest of the evening goes so much better.

We put this pool in last summer but did not get finished with it in time to really enjoy it so this summer is the reward for a lot of hard work last year. I feel so spoiled. Wish everyone had a place as quiet and nice to relax as this.

I don't even mind the warmer weather coming in July and August now, knowing I have a great way to cool off. My family and friends love it too. Our Memorial Day party was super fun with all the kids and friends.

Pools can add a lot of appeal to a home when selling it but they do not always pay off, so be careful how much you invest in your pool. Remember, it is an investment in health and recreation as well as a home improvement.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com

Realtors® work to protect Your Private Property Rights

Fri, 22 May 2009 05:37:00 -0500

There are differences in real estate agents and that will make a difference for you. Some are Realtors® and some are not. The difference is the Code of Ethics that Realtors® pledge to abide by. They are also members of the National Association of Realtors® and members of the State Association of Realtors and the local Board of Realtors®.

Why is this important to you?

(1.) It means these people work with other Realtors and (2.) continue to learn (continuing education and constant daily learning tools from the associations to better serve their clients and customers. (3.) The Code of Ethics speaks for itself.

(4.) Realtors® also work to help protect Private Property Rights. That's right. Realtors® keep up with potential laws and bills about to be passed and try to influence our Congressmen and Senators to vote in a way to protect your property rights. Did you know this? They spend their own money to protect you. They spend time away from their families and jobs to protect you. An example of this is in Texas this year over 4,000 bills were proposed and about 800 dealt with real property. Aren't you glad someone is reading these bills? Your Realtor® friends are.

Most of the realtors I know believe it is a right and a privelege to own land and your own home. We enjoy helping people increase their wealth and the stability of their families by owning real property. It is a privelege for us to go to work and become part of someone's life, helping an individual or family attain their dreams of home ownership.

Realtors® are here to help you. Don't be afraid to let us.

It will usually save you money to use a Realtor®.

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection www.reretx.com