So, as you know we live in the bible belt here on Joyful Place and all the women bake or have their kids bake varities of Christmas cookies that they send to us poor folks who think cookies come in packages as a small gesture of good will. Sooooo, my darling Joe Joe man ( my sisters better half ) decides that this year we will bake four (YES FOUR) different varieties of cookies to share at Christmas. As you also know he is the fastest of the fastest and I will share with you yesterdays festivities.
 
First I looked up Christmas cookies under the google of VERY EASY Christmas cookies. I found FOUR, Yes FOUR and printed them off and made a shopping list. We had not one ingredient in our vegan home so the Fred Meyer bill was HUGE. We could have catered a four course meal for the entire street for the price of the ingredients. We had to buy things Joe Joe said we didn't need like wire wracks for cooling, more cookies sheets (we have one), a cookie drop instrument and the list goes on. Before we left for the store I had Joe check for some basics like vanilla which he says yep and holds it in his hands.
 
Soooo, home from shopping Joe man brings in the supplies to discover that he had left the wire wracks on the grocery cart. Not to worry he says, My Mom always put them on kitchen towels. I tried to no avail talk about sweating cookies and that argument went no where. Then when I went to get out the ingredients he has mistook lemon extract for vanilla, so we started out by sending him back to the store. Fresh with all ingredients we start to put them together deciding to make the easiest first (sugar cut outs) and Joe dumps the sugar in with the flour so we threw that out as the sugar goes in with the butter and other wet ingredients.
 
We successfully blend the mess together and put in the refrig and after 30 minutes attempted to roll it out. My rolling pin has no sock nor do we own a pastry cloth. Joe says no problemo and he dumps flower all over the island granite and rolls out the dough. It is supposed to be 1/8th think, but it constantly broke apart so he makes it 1/4th at which time the dough is sticking all over the counter and will not go into the brand spanking new cookie cutters. Back to the refrigerator goes the dough and I convince him we need the cutting board with flour which still didn't prevent most of the dough to stick to the rolling pins.
 
Finally we get enough cookies cut out and onto the cookie sheets and into the oven. After 10 minutes they looked like Pillsbury dough boy rolls instead of cookies. Not to have our spirits dampened we take the smashed lifesavers (this recipe calls for that for sprinkles) and they were supposed to press into the warm cookies and stay put. When you press on one of these dough boy cookies they  deflate like an old woman's breast with one or two candied pieces sticking and the rest dusting across the room.
 
The best part is how bad they tasted, not to even mention how bad they look. Dough that has been rerolled fourteen times with a half a lb of flour to keep from sticking somehow takes the flakiness right out of the cookie. I did have a thousand laughs and the best part is that Joe and I and every surface of the kitchen was covered in flour and every bowl we owned was in the sink.
 
This morning Joe is undaunted and ready to attempt the more difficult recipes while we are still fresh. I hope the neighbors have a VEry GOOD sense of humor. Be thankful you don't live close or Joe would get you some of these as well.
 
Have a great day!!!

Sheri Rowe

It seems the more you mature (getting older) the faster the seasons come and go. A quick peek at the calendar shows that Christmas is just a few rolls of the clock dials away. Yes here it is again, Christmas in south Texas. Instead of heading down to the river for a brisk afternoon of bonfires, hot chocolate and ice skating many of us are putting the Christmas lights on palm tress in our shorts.

I don't know about you but I miss walks in the snow and dreaming of the weekend trip to the mountains to go snow skiing under the deep blue skies of the mountains. Of course, there's the retreat into a warm lodge with it's roaring fire and spiced wine.  Before I go getting all warm and fuzzy over winter up north, I drag myself into reality  and remember putting chains on to cross the mountain passes just to get home when it's cold as heck and the gloves have to come off to accomplish the task. And yes who can forget shoveling off the roof, driveway and side walk, in some cases everyday for days on end. But I must admit I miss the smell of wood burning in the fireplaces, the pine trees covered with a white blanket of fresh snow and the sight of distant cozy cabins on the hills at night with glow of Christmas lights dancing in the frosted windows. Most people in Texas can see my memories in Budweiser beer commercials we will be seeing nightly till Christmas.

But you know what, you really can't beat Christmas in South Texas, yes I know it can get a little nippy but if that's the case put on a t-shirt as you go swimming at the coast. Best part of all you can leave your shovel at home and with that I'll leave you with a Merry Christmas wish.

Before putting your house on the market for sale, you need to take some time "pretending to be a potential buyer."  Get in your car and drive up and down the street in front of your house (don't worry about what the neighbors think...they'd do the same thing!) and imagine that you are seeing your home for the very first time.  What could you improve? 

The photos that your agent will take are equally important.  Most buyers use these photos to help determine if they even want to visit the house.  If the home isn't properly staged for the photos, you could lose some potential buyers. 

The most common needs are small changes, like new door hardware and a fresh coat of paint on the front door, a new porch light and house numbers, or trimming back shrubs.  Look closely-a potential buyer certainly will!  Remove any dead or dying plants or trees, fertilize the lawn, put fresh mulch in the flower beds and hide the trash can.  Adding a pot of brightly colored flowers near the front door or on the front steps can help, too. 

By the time you're finished and ready for your agent to take photos, your home should be calling out "Come in!  You want to see me!" 

If you're thinking about selling, visit our website: www.taylorhometeam.com for a wealth of useful information for the selling process.

A BRILLIANT 3BR/2.5BA HILL COUNTRY CUSTOM HOME SPARKLING LIKE A GEM IN TAPATIO SPRINGS.

THE GOURMET KITCHEN BOASTS CUSTOM CABINETS WITH GRANITE COUNTERS & STAINLESS BOSCH APPLIANCES. THE PRIVATE MASTER SUITE HAS A GARDEN WHIRLPOOL TUB, DOUBLE VANITY AND WALK-IN CLOSET. THE BRIGHT AND OPEN GATHERING AREAS INCLUDE A WARM FIREPLACE, SPACIOUS DINING ROOM, BREAKFAST AREA, & COVERED PATIO TUCKED AWAY BEHIND THE 5TH TEE BOX ON THE GOLF COURSE. GOLF, TENNIS & POOL AVAIL. W/MEMBERSHIP. LG BONUS RM & STUDY, TOO!  Priced to sell at $499,000.  Go to www.taylorhometeam.com for more info and photos of this fabulous home.

Potential clients and first time buyers usually ask this question.  It's not one of the easiest answers to give.  Most of the time a mortgage is required, so the lender requires a title policy.  In some types of ownership transfers, title insurance is not required, or necessary.  A good title company can help you determine your needs.

Listed below are a few of the hidden risks that are covered under an owner's policy:

• Documents executed under false, revoked or expired powers of attorney;
• False impersonations of the true property owner;
• Undisclosed heirs;
• Improperly recorded legal documents;
• Prescriptive rights in another not appearing of record and not disclosed by survey;
• Defective acknowledgments due to improper or expired notarization;
• Corporate franchise taxes as liens on corporate real estate assets;
• Gaps in the chain of title;
• Mistakes and omissions resulting in improper abstracting;
• Forged deeds, mortgages, wills, releases of mortgages and other instruments;
• Deeds by minors;
• Deeds which appear absolute, but which are held to be equitable mortgages;
• Inadequate legal descriptions;
• Errors in tax records;
• And many more.

Owners Policy-Homeowner

Just as lenders want security with their loan policy, you should want to protect your investment with an owner's title policy. For a low, one-time premium you can receive an owner's title insurance policy to protect your property against hidden risks or undiscovered interests.

The Owner's Policy Provides:

• Protection From Financial Loss due to covered claims that may be asserted against the title to your property, up to the face amount of the title policy.
• Payment Of Legal Cost if the title insurer has to defend your title against a covered claim.
• Payment Of Successful Claims against the title to your property covered by the policy, up to the face amount of the policy.

Peace Of Mind

Title insurance adds security and peace of mind to your ownership. Remember that a policy issued by Kendall County Abstract Company can help you prevent the potential loss of your property due to these causes as well as many others. If you have any questions about title insurance, call your local title compnay.  They will be happy to answer your questions.

Owning real estate is one of the most precious values of freedom enjoyed in this country. When you decide to buy any type of real property, you want to be sure the property will be yours and that no one else will have any liens, claims or encumbrances against your property other than those disclosed to you or arranged by you (such as a mortgage).

If you are buying or selling real property, having a title policy protect the transaction gives everyone involved peace of mind.

If you are considering buying or selling real estate in the Texas Hill Country, check out our website:  www.taylorhometeam.com

If you've never bought a home, or maybe you did...but don't get deeply involved in all the details, the loan process for getting a mortgage might be a bit mysterious to you.  With all the focus on the mortgage industry lately, we decided to simplify and demystify this process for the average person.

The Typical Mortgage Loan Process:

1.  Get Prequalified!  Call us and we will help you connect with highly reputable mortgage professionals.  As we have seen in recent weeks, they are NOT all created EQUAL!  A referral from your Realtor is your best bet.

2.  Start shopping for homes....we will be happy to show you any available homes in your price range that will suit your needs & wants.  Once a home is selected, we will help you negotiate the contract for purchase.

3.  Make sure you provide all personal documentation requested by your Mortgage Professional and sign and return your typed loan package promptly.  Delay in these steps can actually delay your closing, or possibly cause you to lose the contract on the home you are purchsing if not careful.

4.  Your Mortgage Professional's Loan Processor will verify your employment, assets and income.

5.  Your Realtor, Mortgage Professional, and Title Escrow Officer will see that the title commitment, tax certificates, wiring instructions, survey, and appraisal are ordered and on track to be ready for closing as required.

6. Your Mortgage Professional will submit your loan file to the underwriter.

7. Make sure you discuss interest rates with the Mortgage Professional throughout this process and be prepared to lock your rate 30 days in advance.

8. Once the underwriter has issued the Final Approval, your file will be submitted to the Loan Closer. 

9.  The Loan Closer will prepare closing documents for your final signature at closing.

10.  Your Realtor or Mortgage Professional will contact you with your closing costs so you can prepare your certified funds for closing.  You will then go to the specified title company (or Fed/Ex is sometimes used for out of town buyers) and sign your closing documents.  As soon as funding occurs, you will get the keys to your new home!

It seems like times are tough all around, and we feel that it's important to keep a good sense of humor to ease the tension.  With that in mind, we hope these jokes will make you laugh!!

~If you really want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbor mow his lawn!

~If you think nobody cares you're even alive, just try missing a few house payments!

~The trouble with owning a home is that no matter where you sit, you're looking at something you should be doing!

~By the time you pay off a home in the suburbs, it isn't!

Cheers!

Elegant Hill Country Style Covers Every Inch Of This Home...Inside & Out!  

The chef in you will love the gourmet kitchen & granite countertops, in addition to the outdoor kitchen in the private courtyard.  

The energy efficiency & low maintenance will allow more time and money for relaxing and entertaining.  The home boasts an open floor plan with high ceilings, surround sound throughout home and courtyard, hand troweled wall treatments, universal design allowing full handicap accessibility & professional landscaping with pond.  Truly a must see!! Go to www.taylorhometeam.com for more photos, visual tour, and info.  Listed for $350,000.  You will be sorry to miss out on this one!

Located in a convenient neighborhood in Selma, TX...

a very popular area north of San Antonio....close to Loop 1604 & IH-35

7902 Deerfield Blvd...Approx 12000 sq ft....0.2755 acres

All utilities...water, sewer, electric, natural gas, phone, cable...

Owner is anxious to sell and will consider all offers...MLS # 731730

Listed for $34,900 go to www.taylorhometeam.com for more photos, etc.

Now... as you look at the chart; you will see house payment due July 1st: This means when you make that payment then you are paying the interest for June in that payment. The lender will collect upfront at closing the 16 days of interest in May because that was no included in your house payment... meaning you are paying 16 days of pre-paid interest.

Now remember this will vary depending on what day of the month you close. If you close toward the end of the month you will pay less pre-paid interest and more if you close at the beginning of the month.

I hope this helps