Shirley's North San Antonio, Texas, Real Estate Blog

How are You Preparing for Santa?

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:22:10 -0600

www.weather.com

We have been having some cool weather here in San Antonio. Right now at 3:00 p.m. it is 52 degrees. I checked on the weather at the North Pole where Santa lives and the temperature at 3:00 p.m. is minus 25 degrees but it feels like minus 48 degrees! Brrr, that sounds cold!

I wonder if Santa is checking on the temperature in San Antonio. I hope he doesn't think it is too hot down here. I suppose he can take off his jacket if it's too hot but then he would be out of uniform and it might look kind of funny.

I'll leave a big glass of Texas Sweet Iced Tea out for him along with cookies so he can relax and cool off before continuing on his important mission of making children happy.

Overwhelmed? Need Some Help?

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:19:59 -0600

Have you ever found a very good thing but didn’t really want to share it? Did you just want to keep it for yourself?

Well, I have found a really good thing that I really don’t want to share but I think Ellen Pfeiffer of Generations Concierge Services deserves a shout out!

Several months ago I realized that I was overwhelmed with responsibilities. It was taking a toll and I decided I needed help. I am the caregiver for one of my daughters and although she lives in her own apartment, it is my responsibility to take her grocery shopping once a week and to regularly clean her apartment.

The manager of the apartment complex where my daughter lives recommended one of their cleaning ladies so I now have a dependable lady who comes in about every two weeks to clean. I also located a wonderful concierge service that takes her shopping once a week. The concierge service is Generations Concierge and Ellen Pfeiffer is the owner. Her website states:

“Do you feel stressed out and overworked? Feel as if there are never enough hours in the day? Do you need an affordable way to gain the time you need for yourself to spend the time doing the things that are really important in life?? Let Generations Concierge be your personal assistant. We can shop, run errands, take your car to be serviced, take you to an appointment; to name a few examples.

Our mission is to make your life easier. At Generations Concierge, we believe that quality service does make a difference, and we will always strive to provide quality in all that we do. We are affordable, dependable and easy to use."

Recently the San Antonio Express News ran a story about Ellen. You can read it here: Need Some Help?

Here is a link to the Generations Concierge website where you will find more information and a list of all the services offered. www.generationsconcierge.com

Ellen is more than just an errand person. She provides a professional and personalized service. She takes an interest in my daughter, gives her useful information, makes helpful suggestions, loans her books, and provides stimulating conversation.

Now I can spend more quality time with my daughter without constantly worrying about getting things done. I am happier and my daughter is happier, too... thanks Ellen!

"Speechless" Sunday ~ Calling My Children Home

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:07:26 -0600

Dedicated to everyone with children living away...

Emmylou Harris/Youtube

Those lives were mine to love and cherish.
To guard and guide along life's way.
Oh God forbid that one should perish.
That one alas should go astray.

Back in the years with all together,
Around the place we'd romp and play.
So lonely now and oft' times wonder,
Oh will they come back home some day.

I'm lonesome for my precious children,
They live so far away.
Oh may they hear my calling...calling..
and come back home some day.

I gave my all for my dear children,
Their problems still with love I share,
I'd brave life's storm, defy the tempest
To bring them home from anywhere.

I lived my life my love I gave them,
to guide them through this world of strife,
I hope and pray we'll live together,
In that great glad hereafter life.

I'm lonesome for my precious children,
They live so far away.
Oh may they hear my calling...calling..
and come back home some day.

My Motorola Droid Does!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:41:31 -0600

I read Kathleen's post yesterday and then this morning my husband starting talking about this new phone that he couldn't remember the name of. "Droid?" I said. Yep, that's it. It's supposed to be pretty awesome so we may get one....

Via Kathleen Cooper, JCKC Realty, Broker, SRES, REALTOR®:

MY MOTOROLA DROID DOES!

Right before our trip to Florida for Thanksgiving, I decided to upgrade my phone at Verizon after having a Blackberry Curve over a year. I was in the store getting a Netbook for our trip, and that's when I first set eyes on the Motorola Droid.

I was a little reluctant to give up my trusty Blackberry that had grown attached to me like glue. I asked my sales rep tons of questions and probably spent a good 45 minutes in the store playing with this new Motorola Droid phone, pondering whether or not I could give up the trusted name-brand Blackberry for another Motorola phone. After owning a Motorola once before, I swore I'd never own another. That old phone was a piece of junk, every problem that could go wrong, did go wrong with it.

The sales rep at the Verizon store in Sturbridge did a great job answering my questions and concerns. He explained that the Droid isn't a phone, it's a computer with an application to access a phone on it. It is an intelligent piece of equipment.

After owning this phone for several weeks and really spending hours playing with it and getting to know it, I figured I'd share with you some of my favorite apps for business, fun and entertainment. All of these can be found in the Market on your phone and all are free!

Here's My List of What My Droid Does:

ShopSavvy- This app allows you to scan in bar-codes at a store on most popular items and performs a search to find where the lowest advertised price is in other local stores and online. Tried it out on a Kung Fu Panda dvd we had lying around, works great!

iMusic - Great app to download all of your favorite music for free.

Swift - For Twitter, this app is very user friendly and helps me stay connected to my Twitter account on my phone. Was sad to have to give up my TinyTwitter on my Blackberry, but this app is just as good, if not better.

Bloo - A great Facebook app to help you stay connected on Facebook. It is a little more user friendly than the mobile Facebook already on your phone, so I like to use a little combination of both.

Handcent - A great sms messaging app that you can customize and adjust settings for your text messages. You can set different LED colors to flash for different contacts and set it to pop open a bubble when you get a new text. Much better than the original messaging app on the phone.

DroidLight - A great flashlight app that helps shed some light on those dark situations. Best flashlight app I have seen for the droid, uses your built in flash for light rather than just the screen.

Toggle Settings- Convenient app that allows you with one click to easily change all of the settings on your phone such as silent mode, bluetooth, ringer volume, etc.

Advanced Task Killer - Helps kill all of those applications running in the background that you're not using so you don't drain your battery life too fast.

FlyScreen - When enabled, you can set your phone to show news, weather and recent Tweets when your phone is in locked mode.

YouMail- Great voicemail app that lets you listen to your voicemails on your phone without having to call voicemail. You can also get text transcripts and emails of your voicemails.

Gmote - Turns your Droid into a remote for your computer.

Droid Coupons- You can lookup and email yourself coupons for many local restaurants and stores.

Mabilo Ringtones- Download tons of hot new songs for ringtones for free!

Where's My Droid - If you lose your phone and it's on silent mode, you can text a specified message to your phone that will make it start ringing so you can find it.

Google Sky Maps - If you like astronomy, this is a really cool app that allows you to find and name the stars in the sky.

So far so good with this cool little phone. Can't beat a touchscreen AND a keyboard option! This is a lean, mean social networking machine with the bonus of phone capabilities built in. Check it out!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Snow for Bexar County!?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:07:44 -0600

Snow for Bexar County!?

weather map KSAT12

San Antonio Musical Events

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:07:29 -0600

San Antonio Musical Events ~ December 4 - 7

Dec 4 Handel's Messiah University United Methodist Church
Dec 5 The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles Laurie Auditorium
Dec 5 Handel's Messiah Coker United Methodist Church
Dec 5 Sweet Plantain Jo Long Theatre
Dec 6 Handel's Messiah Byron P Steele II High School
Dec 7 Kelly Clarkson with special guests Eric Hutchinson and Parachute American Bank Center Arena

Tickets available at www.Ticketmaster.com

The Relaunch of US Inspect Blog

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:11:56 -0600

The relaunch of US Inspect Blog

ActiveRainer Justin Smith has just announced the relaunch of the U.S. Inspect Home Inspection Blog and has requested bloggers to help get the word out. Actually, I was totally unaware of this site, but now that I've seen it, it looks great and it should be a great site for everyone to learn more about everything involved in home inspections... for agents, inspectors, home owners, and anyone else.

Oh, and by the way, Justin is giving away free stuff for doing this! How cool is that!?

Check out the website here : www.usinspect.com/blog

New Homebuyer Tax Credit.... What you need to know

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:36:21 -0600

Via Tom Burris | Texas Mortgage Dallas Mortgage FHA (DallasLoanGuy.com):

New homebuyer tax credit

A new tax credit for homebuyers has been enacted and there are some changes. Income limits have been increased and it is no longer restricted to First Time Homebuyers.

I have included a chart below from the National Association of Realtors. This is the best illustration I have seen so far and will help answer many questions. I have heard positive feedback from those that have called the IRS from the phone numbers found on their website, irs.gov. Hold times are short and you can easily get to a human being!!

The effective date of this new credit is November 6, 2009 as that is the day this was signed into law!!

I hope this is helpful for those with questions.

As you can see, the income limits were increased to include more participants in the program as well as the inclusion of buyers who have previously owned a home.

Tom Burris
DallasLoanGuy.com
Dallas, TX

http://www.dallasloanguy.com/

I write about Texas Home Loans , live in the Dallas, TX area and lend across the entire Great State of Texas!!

Please share this article on your facebook wall!!

And re-blog if you are an activerain member!!

Good news for San Antonio real estate

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:15:14 -0600

Good news for San Antonio real estate

The San Antonio Board of Realtors has announced that home sales rose by 25% in October compared with the same month in 2008, possibly due to the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

More than 1,712 existing homes were sold last month and most of them sold at less than $200,000. In October, only about 9% of the sales were lender-owned properties.

The tax credit has now been extended through the spring and now includes a $6,500 tax credit for people selling a home they've owned for at least three years and purchasing another one.

SABOR says that October's home sales also got a boost because they're being compared with the gloomy economic environment in 2008. Negative events with banks and the stock market caused many people to delay buying a home during October of last year.

One of the strengths of the San Antonio housing market is that it isn't dominated by lender-owned properties.

Cheating On Your Agent

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:27:57 -0600

Kristina Pratt shares an unfortunate learning experience and educates buyers about working with an agent.

Via Kristina Pratt, REALTOR® - GoshenRealtyGroup.com (St. Louis' Illinois Suburbs - RE/MAX Preferred Partners):

Everything was perfect. I had a first time buyer that was pre-approved and motivated to find their dream home. We spent countless hours together. He relied on my expertise and market knowledge, and I happily showed him house after house. We met for consultations.

Then we wrote two offers together. One finally got accepted, but the whole house inspection turned up sour, so we began the process over again. I thought everything was going great. Until the phone call...

John: "Hi, Kristina? This is John Doe. Did I sign anything with you saying I had to buy a house through you?"

Me : <stunned silence> "Umm, well not specifically. Why?"

John: "Well, I knew you had family obligations today so I was driving around on my own. I drove past one of the houses you e-mailed me, and I really really liked it. So, I called the agent on the sign. She came out right away and showed it to me. And you know, what? She told me I could actually get a better deal if I bought directly from her. We went straight to her office and wrote an offer and guess what? It got accepted by the sellers! Isn't that awesome? I just wanted to tell you thanks for all your hard work. I'll send you a Christmas present."

<click>

I felt like the wife that just found out her husband cheated on her. Did the buyer know any better? Probably not. He wasn't trying to keep me from getting a paycheck. He simply didn't know - because I didn't tell him any different. He thought I would be sincerely excited that he got the house he wanted. Did the agent know better? Probably, or he wouldn't have asked me if he had signed anything.

This was back in 2005, when I first got my license. Since then, I've found that I have to be the one to educate my buyers. Although I've still had a few buyers get cold feet, their financing falls apart, or they just flat out change their minds - I rarely have a buyer call the agent on the sign.

So how do you keep your buyer from straying? It's simple - just educate them about the process. If you don't focus on building a relationship with your buyer and explaining to them that they have responsibilties in the process too, who will? The answer is either no one or another agent. Remember, most buyers (especially first time buyers) don't know the inner workings of real estate. These are the five key points I tell all of my buyers.

1. Don't call the agent on the sign. I will do everything in my power to be available during the times that you need appointments, but I'll need some notice. If I can't show you homes at that time, my partner can.

2. I'm your advocate. I'm looking out for your best interests, and I want to get you the best deal. I'm on your side in this process and we are a team.

3. I don't get paid a salary, or per house I show. I only get paid when you buy a house.

4. I'm making a commitment to you to share my time, expertise and market knowledge. I need you to make a commitment to me that I am your agent. (After a few showings or when it's time to write the first offer, this is when I bring out the buyer's agency agreement.)

5. If we work together, we can have a successful outcome.

The key point is this - Never forget that although we do this every day, not everyone does. It may seem simple to us, but to others it's not. Help your buyers understand how the process works - it's not just for your benefit, but for theirs.
About the Author: Kristina Pratt is a REALTOR® with Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Nancy Milton help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs of Madison and St. Clair counties with special emphasis on the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville and Troy. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Kristina@GoshenRealtyGroup.com

Urban Spaces Tour ~ San Antonio

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:42:56 -0600

The Downtown Alliance has announced their annual Urban Spaces Tour, a walk through some of downtown's best living spaces.

The tour will be held on November 20 and will showcase a mix of spaces such as private lofts, apartments, and even exceptional offices.

In addition, drinks are served before the tour and both food and drinks are served after the tour.

This year's tour will be of the west side of downtown and the first property on the tour will be the penthouse at the Morris Apartments on Main Plaza. Tours start at 4 p.m. and depart every 30 minutes.

Click here to purchase tickets. The cost is:

Students, $25
Active duty military $35
Downtown Alliance members $55 or $100/couple or $300 for a group of six members.
The public, $60 or $110/couple or $330 for a group of six.

Ticket prices will increase to increase by $5 on Nov. 17.

Enjoy the the food, the drinks and the tour!

Morris Apartments

Fredericksburg, TX ~ Rockbox Theater

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:39:10 -0600

Rockbox Theater ~ Fredericksburg, TX

ActiveRainer Kathleen Cooper got it started (I think, or maybe she passed it on) on Facebook and I am doing it, too. A Thanksgiving challenge to post something every day until Thanksgiving that I am thankful for, that is. Today I posted:

Today I am thankful for the Volunteer Appreciation party given by our church last night. (Community Bible Church, www.communitybible.com) Surprise entertainment was provided by the Rockbox Theater out of Fredericksburg. I can't say enough about what a wonderful evening it was. Awesome energy, fun, music, humor by true professionals. My husband especially enjoyed the music of the Eagles but the entire show was great, including the moving tribute to our veterans at the end. We will be making the short trip to Frederickburg to see these talented performers again in the near future.

"From Buddy Holly to the Beatles, Sgt. Peppers to Stevie Ray - you are sure to hear your favorites at a Rockbox performance. We play tunes from the Golden Era of Rock N' Roll. The 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and even music of today are all represented (although not each at every show!) We have the only professionally cast LIVE Rock N' Roll show in the Texas Hill Country."

graphic: rockbox theater.com

Check out their website: www.rockboxtheater.com

I was surprised to see how many volunteers we have. My husband guesstimates there were about 2,000 people in attendance last night's event. Of course, some of these people may have been spouses of volunteers but usually if one spouse volunteers, so does the other. Also, I noticed the absence of some volunteers last night.

Up Time

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:44:34 -0600

Breakfast in Texas

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:03:27 -0600

New Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview.

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:48:32 -0600

Here is more great information about the new homebuyer tax credit from George Souto.

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:

As promised below is an overview and comparison between the present Tax Credit and the New. The information below was just given to us by Senator Dodd's Office.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview:

First‐time homebuyers (those who have not owned a principal residence in the three years prior to the purchase date of their subsequent home) are eligible for a refundable tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of a principal residence up to $8,000 for homes bought between January 1 and December 1, 2009.

If the home is sold within three years, the taxpayer must pay back the credit (called "recapture").

Income limits for the current credit are $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, phasing out completely after $95,000 for individuals and $170,000 for couples. Income limits are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).

Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit:

Extends the availability of the $8,000 first‐time homebuyer credit to taxpayers who have a principal residence under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.

Creates a new $6,500 credit for move‐up buyers. Move up buyers are defined as people who haveLike the credit for first‐time buyers, lived in their current home for 5 or more consecutive years during the 8 year period ending on the date of purchase of the their subsequent principal residence. this credit is available to taxpayers who have principal residences under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.

Raises the income limits for both the first time and move‐up buyer to $125,000 for single filers, $225,000 for joint filers with a $20,000 phase‐out. The $20,000 phaseout means that no credit can be claimed by those with MAGI above $145,000 for single filers, $245,000 married joint filers.

Both the first‐time and move‐up credit are available for principal residences with a purchase price up to $800,000. Purchase price is defined as the adjusted basis of the principle residence on the date such residence is purchased.

Includes strong anti‐fraud provisions:

Gives the Internal Revenue Service math error authority which they have requested when processing IRS form 5405. This would allow the IRS to correct certain errors during credit processing, and avoid the need for a post‐refund, labor intensive audit.

Requires a copy of the settlement statement (HUD‐1) which would verify the date of purchase, the residence address, and the purchase price.

Introduces an explicit age limitation, allowing no one under 18 to claim the credit

Excludes individuals who are claimed as dependents and married individuals who purchase the home from the family of their spouse from claiming the credit

Eliminates the recapture requirement for military personnel and members of the Foreign Service and intelligence community who are forced to sell their homes within three years as a result of an official extended duty of service. In addition, these individuals have one additional year to qualify for the credit if they served for at least 90 days outside the U.S. in 2009 or 2010.

Purchases made in 2010 can be claimed on the 2009 tax return.

The score of $10.8 billion over 10 years is paid for by a seven year delay of the worldwide allocation of interest rule until 2017, not stimulus funds.

Effective after the date of enactment.

Homebuyers who were eligible for the first‐time homebuyer tax credit pre‐WHBAA will be able to continue to claim the credit. Homebuyers who qualify for the credit under the expanded terms will only be able to claim the credit if they close on their home purchase after the date of enactment of this bill (the binding contract can be signed before enactment).

Some of this, like any new Legislation, is going to take a few days to fully understand. As further clarification is made available I will try to provide it.

*****************************************************************************************************************

Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com

How the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Looks to the Consumer

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:27:00 -0600

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:

The National Association of Realtors (also known in the industry as NAR) has a great Frequent Asked Questions communique for the consumer. Things are so different from the current version of the bill that consumers need to be aware of what this bill encompasses.

YOUR CONTRACT NEEDS TO BE SIGNED BY APRIL 30th and Closing by June 30th.

Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?

Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?

Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

Question: I am a firsttime homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?

Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phaseout range).

Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a nonnegotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?

Answer: No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.

Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?

Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.

Question: I am an eligible firsttime homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?

Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.

Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172

An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Would you like to foster a puppy for a good cause?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:55:56 -0600

Would you like to foster a puppy for a good cause?

TSA Canine Breeding and Development Center

The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program

Would you like to join others in the community who are helping to fight the war on terrorism? You can do so by fostering a TSA puppy. Potential puppy foster homes must be in the San Antonio and Austin communities and have

a secure fenced yard
a vehicle in which the pup can be transported
no more than 2 other dogs in the home
the patience to raise a pup from 10 weeks to 12 months of age

Vist the website at www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/programs/puppy_program.shtm or call 210-671-1624.

graphic: tsa.gov

Recovery and Reinvestment Act ~ Arts Grants in San Antonio

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:21:11 -0600

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ~ Arts Grants in San Antonio

National Endowment for the Arts

FY 2009 Grant Awards: Texas

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Nineteen nonprofit arts organizations in Texas, including two in San Antonio, are receiving grants to support the preservation of jobs that are threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn. The 19 Texas grants total $775,000.

International Accordion Festival
San Antonio, TX
$25,000
CATEGORY: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
FIELD/DISCIPLINE: Folk and Traditional Arts

Southwest School of Art & Craft
San Antonio, TX
$50,000
CATEGORY: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
FIELD/DISCIPLINE: Visual Arts

Number of Grants: 19 Total Amount: $775,000

Speechless Sunday ~ Military Tribute

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:26:48 -0600

Are you paranoid? I am...

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:19:55 -0500

Are you paranoid? I am and for a very good reason.

My stepson was in town for a couple of days this week attending a law conference. He treated us to dinner Tuesday night and shared some stunning news. He said a former law partner had died the day before of complications from the H1N1 virus. The attorney had become sick 10 days before, slipped into a coma, and died from complications of pneumonia. I googled for more information on the virus in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and found that 155 people have been diagnosed with H1N1 and 11 of those have died.

I have been unable to find numbers for H1N1 in San Antonio but we are being cautious. I made an appointment to get the pneumonia vaccine but had to cancel that; now we are getting it on Wednesday. We are mostly staying home, avoiding crowds. Yesterday I went to the bookstore but wore gloves while handling books. We are members of a very large church so I am thinking about not attending services for a while. I will still hand out candy tonight although my husband thinks we may not have many trick-or-treaters because of H1N1. I will wear a mask and drop the candy in containers rather than letting the kids get their own. We still have to go to the grocery store... so if you see someone shopping while wearing a mask and gloves, that will probably be me!

San Antonio homes for sale ~ Deerfield ~ 78248

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:32:56 -0500

San Antonio Homes ~ Deerfield ~ 78248

Deerfield is a well-established neighborhood located inside Loop 1604 off Huebner and Bitters. Here you will find homes with mature trees with easy access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and great schools. There is a community center in the neighborhood with a pool, tennis, and park. Deerfield is convenient to the South Texas Medical Center, Stone Oak, Valero Energy, and USAA.

There are currently 22 single family detached homes for sale in Deerfield. To see any of these homes, give me a call at 210-414-0966.

HVCC Update

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:07:54 -0500

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:

HVCC Update. The petition that has been going around seems to have finally made its way to congressional leaders. The House Financial Services Committee has been receiving lots of noise as to the negative affects that this law is having on the consumer. More importantly, the representatives are hearing the nightmare stories that have come along with it. Stories include shoddy appraisers being allowed to "get back in the mix" even though companies have blacklisted them. Appraisers from Illinois going to Milwaukee to appraise properties where they have no knowledge of the local markets. Four bedroom homes being appraised as two bedroom homes, etc.

It's ridiculous if you ask me. Here's the petition as it came to me.

If you haven't done so yet, please sign the petition below. Here's the text as it was forwarded to me yesterday. Just read the first sentence. That's enough to peak your interest alone.

We have HVCC on the ropes so we need your help more than ever!

On Wednesday, October 21st, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers used this petition hvccpetition.com to help convince the House Financial Services Committee to pass an amendment that will finally put an end the mess that HVCC has been making of the real estate and lending industries. More than the 102,000 signatures on the petition, it was the pace at which the petition is growing and the HVCC horror stories signers included with their electronic signatures. Now more than ever we need everyone to rally behind this cause to make absolutely certain it continues to gain the momentum necessary to make it through the House and Senate votes that are forthcoming. Please, please, Please, sign this petition if you haven't done so already and more importantly, send it to everyone you know in any sector of the real estate and lending industry as well as to all the current, past and future clients in your database. The new petition website makes it abundantly clear how all homeowners are losing equity and being harmed directly by HVCC as well as how it is blocking any chance at the real estate recovery our economy needs so desperately. Everyone you send to hvccpetition.com will be indebted to you for looking out for their best interest. We won the first of three battles which is more than anybody thought could happen and if we get serious and rally together now for one last massive push we should be able to put HVCC behind us forever. Thank you for your time, effort and support.

Click here to see our interview with the president of NAMB thinkbigworksmall.com/mypage/player/tbws/19036/-4592

hvccpetition.com

Frank Garay and Brian Stevens
Co-Hosts of the TBWSDaily.com real estate news program tbwsdaily.com
"Concerned advocates for a better real estate industry"

Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172





An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Halloween Costumes and Candy

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:44:05 -0500

Halloween Costumes and Candy ~ What kind of candy do you hand out? Do you wear a costume?

Each year our neighborhood has lots of trick-or-treaters on Halloween night and I enjoy handing out candy almost as much as the kids enjoy getting it. The scary masks my husband and I put on are always quickly removed since the little kids are easily frightened. Maybe this year I will buy something friendlier to wear.

I decided to hand out mini M&Ms this year since I end up treating myself to the mini Snickers bars that I traditionally hand out. Actually, I also like M&Ms or any chocolate candy.

The most popular Halloween costumes this year are:

Michael Jackson
(Harry Potter) Gryffindor
The Vampire
Miley Cyrus
Star Trek
Zombie
GI Joe Ninja
Hermione Granger

(About.com)

I find this kind of hard to believe but who knows...

From the www.hersheys.com website: "To help trick-or-treaters map their routes this Halloween, Hershey conducted a national survey to find out which houses were handing out their favorite Hershey treats. Following are some "tricks" to increase the odds of receiving desired "treats":

Houses with black shutters are 77 percent more likely to hand out Kit Kat Wafer Bars and trick-or-treaters have a 37 percent greater chance of scaring up a Kit Kat Wafer Bar from a ranch house.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup lovers should forego ranch houses and opt instead to ring the bell of two-story houses where they'll have a 26 percent greater chance of receiving the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Knock on brown doors if seeking Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars. Trick-or-treaters have a 32 percent greater chance of receiving a Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar from homes with brown doors."

Butterfly Invasion ~ They're not what you think

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:47:19 -0500

The past couple of days have brought us an invasion of butterflies all over San Antonio. Although they are smaller than Monarch butterflies, we at first thought they were Monarchs migrating south to Mexico. They have similar coloring to the Monarch.

Well, we were wrong. It turns out that these are American Snout Butterflies that are born right here in San Antonio. The sudden population explosion is simply a sign that our drought is now over. During a time of drought they don't breed but after a drought is over they breed on the leaves of the Hackberry trees. It takes about 10 to 15 days to produce the butterflies; first the eggs hatch, the caterpillar eats, and they then turn into butterflies.

Sadly, some of them have sacrificed their lives on our windshield. They should be around for about two weeks, according to a zoo spokesman via Randy Beamer, WOAI. I don't know where they go after that... maybe south to Mexico?

I'm thinking tonight of my blue eyes.....

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:35:30 -0500