What is the future of NAR and FAR and local boards? - 11/30/08 04:04 PM

Via Anne Hensel Real Estate Broker St. Petersburg houses and condo for sale:
I personally think they are a thing of the past. Are you sometimes asking yourself "and why am I paying all this dues and fees to NAR and my local board? The way they do business is stuck in the 20th century. Think about it, what do they actually do for the Realtor that pays them month after month after month?  Are they the once who provide the breaking news?  When you search for real estate information on the web, why do companies like Inman, Active Rain, Trulia, Zillow … (6 comments)

When Winston Met Abe - 11/30/08 03:29 PM
This post may be more suited for Halloween.  However, I have recently watched a couple of shows on tv about the White House.  I don't recall on which show I heard this White House ghost story and usually I take these things with a grain of salt but since the person who experienced it was Winston Churchill, it makes me wonder...
During World War II Churchill was spending the night at the White House while on one of his visits.  Late one night he went about his usual routine of relaxing and getting ready for bed... taking a long, hot bath, … (3 comments)

San Antonio Housing October '08 - 11/29/08 09:29 PM
For the month of October, the San Antonio Board of Realtors shows a 6% increase in the price of homes as compared to one year ago, evidence of the fact that our local market has held strong in relation to other areas of the country.  Homes have stayed on the market longer by an average of 13 days.  And we had a lower volume of sales compared to one year ago, but only by 149 sales.  Below is a partial MLS Report for October 2008 for single family residential homes:
Sales                Sales Year Ago
1,413               1,662
Average Price     Avg. Price Year Ago
… (3 comments)

It's Free, It's Fun, It's Your Credit Report? - 11/29/08 08:19 PM
 
Via Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker:
To say your credit history & score is HUGE these days may be a borderline understatement.  For purposes of my experience, I'll concentrate on how credit relates to getting a mortgage to buy a home or trying to refinance the one you currently own.
Talking about credit is about as much fun as chewing broken glass while watching Yanni's latest video on VH1, at least to most.  Even for the most severe masochists or staunchest Yanni advocators, it's probably not a subject full of brim excitement.
So, I'll try to make this concise and simple.  … (4 comments)

San Antonio Holiday Lights & Caroling - 11/29/08 12:30 PM
Holiday Boat Caroling                                                                                                          
November 29 - December 21During the holidays barges filled with carolers will serenade visitors along the River Walk.Fiesta de las Luminarias                                                                                                     
December 5 - 21, weekends onlyThe River Walk will be lit by more than 2,500 luminarias (candles set in sand-filled bags.)  Enjoy this centuries-old tradition at dusk on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
IW Holiday Lights                                                                                                                       
The University of the Incarnate Word will glitter with a million twinkling lights during its' annual Light the Way celebration. Take a driving tour of the sprawling, tree studded campus through the first week of 2009.
… (3 comments)

Top 10 things "flippers" should do - 11/27/08 10:43 PM

Via Beth Forbes Your 24/7 loan officer:
Property investment for resale has been glorified in shows like "Flip that House", in the ultimate sellers market a few years ago people with very little experience were making big bucks doing this.
Things have changed a little since the days when you could buy a house, throw some paint on it and sell it for a big profit. The good news is that with all the bank owned properties and short sales on the market, good deals are everywhere. Now the investor is taking advantage of the market form the buying end of the … (6 comments)

Buyers: Even If It Seems Like a Good Idea, It's Not - 11/26/08 11:42 PM
Excellent advice from LaShawn Norden.
Via LaShawn Norden:
As a Buyer's Agent, I can understand how exciting it is to look for homes! I'm sure there are days when you spend hours surfing the Internet looking for that "perfect" house or weekends driving up and down streets calling on signs to see how much a seller is asking for a particular house.
There are times, I'm sure, that you've even stopped your car in front of a vacant home and peeked in the windows. Maybe, you've even checked the doors to see if they are unlocked...and quite possibly, you may have been tempted … (6 comments)

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West at the IMax - 11/26/08 11:32 PM
My husband and I have been to the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Portland; we have been to Fort Clatsop and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center  on the Oregon coast.  During the 106 days Lewis and Clark were at Ft. Clatsop, the foggiest spot in the lower 48 states, they only had 6 sunny days.  One statement that stands out in my mind from their journals is that "the Pacific is not very pacific."  My daughter has given us books on the Lewis & Clark Expedition.   
So I was excited to see that The IMAX Theatre Rivercenter announced the opening of "Lewis & Clark: … (3 comments)

Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony - 11/26/08 11:05 PM
You may want an excuse to work off a few of those calories you enjoyed on Thanksgiving.  Head on down to the Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony on Friday at 7:00 p.m.  The switch will be thrown and more than 120,000 twinkling lights will form a beautiful and magical canopy over the San Antonio River Walk. This ceremony marks the beginning of the Paseo del Rio Holiday Festivities. The spectacular one-hour parade will feature decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants. The theme for this year's parade is "A Theatrical Christmas".  Reserved seating is available along the parade route or you will be able to watch it without … (4 comments)

Black Friday Shopping - 11/26/08 10:54 PM
Only a few San Antonio stores will be open on Thanksgiving.  Sports Authority, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Big Lots, and Michael will all be open.  Check their hours before heading out.  The San Antonio Express News had a coupon in today's paper for 25% off at Sports Authority and coupons will mostly likely be in the paper tomorrow.
Some stores will open at midnight on Thanksgiving... that's 12:00 p.m. after your Thanksgiving feast, to get an early start on Black Friday, including Disney Stores, San Marcos Prime, Tanger outlet.  Kohl's opens at 4:00 a.m. Macy's and Wal-Mart open at 5:00 a.m.   Burlington Coat Factory and … (5 comments)

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER? FOUR PROFESSIONALS TO HELP THROUGH THE PROCESS. - 11/24/08 11:27 AM
Great advice from Ken for first time home buyers.
Via Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate:
First time home buyers are a growing portion of my business. 
As that number grows, I am always learning.
Radon, mold, closing, attorney, inspection, mortgage, down payment, property tax...These words can scare first time home buyers. 
Buyers should not be scared.  Buying a home should be great experience.  Not terrifying.  
 
Four professionals will usually be needed during the home buying process:

1.  The Realtor
The Realtor will fill many roles during the home buying process. They will coordinate the transaction.  They can also narrow down home choices, educate on neighborhoods, assist with negotiations, and even provide a shoulder … (4 comments)

A non-meme & a chance to share a wonderful book - 11/23/08 02:24 PM
I have been non-meme'd by Frank Bailey, a fellow San Antonio Realtor. The rules (in abbreviated form) are to take the nearest book, turn to page 56, share a few sentences of the book after sentence 5, and then tag 5 more people. The Book: Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston & James D. Houston
(A true story of a Japanese-American family during World War II and their life before, during, and after being placed in an internment camp. I love this little book and highly recommend it.) p. 56 "If any single event climaxed those prewar years, it was, … (11 comments)

Thanksgiving, Holidays, Diets - 11/22/08 10:26 PM
Thanksgiving is just a few days away.  Despite our resolve to refrain from over - indulging, most of us will enjoy a Thanksgiving feast of turkey and all the trimmings, including desserts.  After that we may be suffering from Thanksgiving remorse and resolve to go on a diet.  Or we may put the diet off until after Christmas or Hanukkah.  It can be confusing to decide which diet will work best for us.  Some people feel they can't live without carbs and others feel they can't live without fats.  The following graphic, courtesy of Publix.com, describes the main elements of each diet.
… (7 comments)

A Recipe for a Full Life - 11/22/08 08:40 PM
Mike has some great advice for everybody!
Via Mike Saunders:
Just thought I would share this with you all!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day.  And while you walk, smile.  It is the ultimate anti-depressant.2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.  Talk to God about what is going on in your life.             3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today.  I am thankful for______________'4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.5. Drink green tea and plenty … (2 comments)

Turkey Trivia - 11/22/08 08:13 PM
June is National Turkey Lovers Month.
Males turkeys are called toms.
Female turkeys are hens.
Tom turkeys make a gobbling noise.
Hen turkeys make a clicking noise.
Domesticated turkeys cannot fly.
Wild turkeys can fly short distances up to 55 miles per hour and can run 20 mph.
Turkeys have an estimated 3,500 feathers.
Dyed turkey feathers are used in American Indian costumes or as quills for pens. Turkey feather down is used to stuff pillows.
The first meal Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin ate on the moon was roasted turkey with all the trimmings from their foil food packets.
Wishing … (1 comments)

Pecan Pie - 11/21/08 10:46 AM
Being from the South, Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without homemade pecan pie.  Here is my favorite easy recipe:
Assemble these ingredients:
•1 1/2  cups  pecan pieces
•3  large eggs
•1  cup  sugar
•3/4  cup  light (or dark) corn syrup
•2  tablespoons  melted butter
•2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
•1/2  teaspoon  salt
•1  (9-inch) deep-dish frozen unbaked pie shell of your choice
Follow the directions:
1. Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Optional
2. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted.  Optional
3. Stir the eggs and next 5 ingredients together; then stir in pecans. Pour … (8 comments)

Good News In Employment - The US Census Bureau is Hiring - 11/20/08 08:48 PM
 

Via Craig W. Barrett - Hughesville MD Real Estate:
All Economic News Today Isn't Bad
Amid all the bad news we read about today's economy; stock's plunge, leaving the Dow below 7600, Deflation, Disaster or just a nice discount, NAR forecasts further declines.
I came across some news that is good. Finally.
 
The US Census Bureau is hiring
The US Census Bureau is recruiting temporary part-time census takers for the 2010 Census and according to the Census Bureau:
"The pay is good, the hours are flexible, and the work is close to home. Census taker jobs are excellent for … (7 comments)

Curb Appeal and Selling Your House - 11/20/08 08:43 PM
Whether you are selling your house For Sale By Owner (FSBO) or listing it with an agent in MLS, make sure the curb appeal is as good as it can be.
 Front Yard:
•  Keep your lawn cut.  
•  Trim shrubbery and trim back limbs that touch the house
•  Weed the yard and edge along the driveway, sidewalk, and curb. 
•  Plant new flowers.  They look fresh and welcoming and are inexpensive.
•  Get rid of any dead shrubs, tree limbs, and even stumps. 
Driveway, Walkway, Front Porch:
•  Clear driveway and clean any oil spots.  
•  Add exterior … (2 comments)

Free Military Address Changer Service - 11/19/08 04:01 PM
I stumbled on this information posted by Leander McClain. San Antonio has a prominent military presence with Ft. Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB located here. This is great information for military personnel moving in or out of San Antonio.
Via Leander McClain Realtor, Burlington County, NJ Real Estate & Luxury Homes:
I found this recently while looking up some information related to my military service.  It may be useful to some of your customers
 military.com com offers a free address changer service.The fastest and easiest way to tell everyone your new address. The service will notify: The United States Post OfficeFrequent Travelers ClubsMagazines National OrganizationsCatalogsHome … (0 comments)

Little Things Matter When Selling Your Home - 11/19/08 02:30 PM
Paying Attention to Details
When preparing your house for listing, you may overlook details that need attention.  After all, you live there every day, and your eye may not see things the way a prospective buyer sees them.  You may have spent thousands of dollars on new countertops or on a new roof, but you may ignore simple things that need to be addressed.
The front yard, walkway, and entrance are the first things potential buyers will see.  If these appear unkempt, the first impression will be a negative one.  When buyers enter the house, if it doesn't smell and look fresh; … (3 comments)

How to Increase FICO® Scores for your Buyers - 11/18/08 11:57 AM
I didn't know about this (part of it, anyway) and I'll bet you didn't either!  Interesting advice from Marco Carbajo...

Via Marco Carbajo:
Increase your monthly positive point payments
Your payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score according to Fair Isaac. The most common advice you will hear from every so called "credit expert" is make your payments on time. While this is the basics of building and maintaining a good credit score let's go way beyond that.
Each time you make a monthly payment towards your credit card balance whether on time or late your credit card … (4 comments)

Christmas in the Vineyards, Becker Vineyards, Stonewall TX - 11/17/08 01:57 PM
A trip out into the Texas Hill Country is nice any time of the year and Becker Vineyards is providing a great excuse to do so the week-end after Thanksgiving.  They will be hosting Christmas in the Vineyards, November 28 - 30, Friday - Sunday.  The event is FREE and will be held in the Lavendar Haus Reception Hall "in front of the roaring fireplace."  This is a great time for wine tasting as well as for shopping.  There will be vendors, cooking demonstrations, live music, story telling, and concessions.  Becker Vineyards is about an about an hour, or maybe a little more, outside San Antonio.  … (10 comments)

San Antonio Neighborhoods: The Vineyards - 11/17/08 12:20 PM
The Vineyards subdivision is located in north San Antonio just outside Loop 1604 off Huebner Rd.  Neighborhood amenities include controlled access, pool, clubhouse, park/playground, sports court, and trails for jogging and walking and convenient to shopping.
Currently there are 8 listings in the San Antonio MLS in The Vineyards priced from $268,000 for a 2449 square foot home to $368,500 for a 2740 square foot home. 
The Vineyards is located in the desired North East Independent School District.  Students attend Wilderness Oak Elementary School, Lopez Middle School, and Ronald Reagan High School.  Please verify schools and ask about capping.  NEISD Website
To … (4 comments)

A Message To Buyer's - 11/17/08 09:10 AM
Greg Nino has some great information for buyers.

Via Greg Nino Houston Texas:

What's the largest problem in Real Estate? If you want my opinion it boils down to 2 of many things.
 
1. Consumer understanding of what it is exactly that we do.
2. Educating the consumer and empowering them with the right tools, knowledge and perspective so they can make educated decisions on such an important journey.
I'm writing this blog because I've noticed a pattern, a pattern that needs to be discussed.
First,
Realtors are very rarely "employed." Most of us are Independent Contractors working for Individually owned offices. … (8 comments)

San Antonio Homes: Elm Creek - 11/16/08 10:35 PM
Elm Creek is a gated community of quality custom built homes located near Huebner and Lockhill-Selma in N/NW San Antonio.  It is convenient to The South Texas Medical Center, USAA, Valero Energy, lots of great shopping, and with quick access to IH-10 and Loop 1604. Amenities include controlled access, trails for jogging or walking, a park and children's playground.
Currently there are 21 single family detached homes listed on the San Antonio MLS for sale in Elm Creek, ranging in price from $359,500 for a beautiful home with 2429 square feet to $3,500,000 for a fabulous home with 7595 square feet.
Elm … (0 comments)

Is your reputation worth a minute a day? - 11/16/08 08:36 PM
Great information whether you are a realtor or not.
Via Wayne Golliday:
Online Reputation Management is an on going process that needs to be practiced on a daily basis. There is a very easy way to monitor your image online. Just use Google Alerts. Google Alerts will scour the Internet during its regular schedule and alert you when it finds your name or company name (really any phrases you set it up for). This frees you from the daily task of doing this.The URL for this cool little feature is http://www.google.com/alerts. When you get there you will see that you do not have to … (2 comments)

What you don't know about Short Sales, but may want to know. - 11/15/08 03:25 PM
Anyone enjoy doing short sales?  Check this out.
Via Steven Wright:
You may have already heard about this, but I thought I would tell you anyway. There is a new website out there that is dedicated specifically to Short Sales. It has Short Sale Experts from almost every state that posts to the site on a daily basis. A group of us have pooled our resources together and are hoping to make a difference in this changing housing market. If you have an interest in being a contributor and your State or City is available, go to this link Become a Contributor and let … (1 comments)

May God Bless the Espinoza Family - 11/15/08 03:04 PM
Manuel Espinoza, our friend and former next door neighbor, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 11 at his home at the much too young age of 54.  We lived next door to Manuel, his wife Diane, children Jason and Monica, and Diane's mother, Linda, until we moved a few streets over four years ago. Another neighbor appeared at our door Tuesday bringing us the sad news.  A rosary was prayed on Thursday at the Angelus Funeral Home and the Funeral Mass was held yesterday, Friday, at the beautiful and historic San Fernando Cathedral. 
We feel fortunate to have had the Espinozas as our … (2 comments)

San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & Half-Marathon - 11/14/08 04:47 PM
Everyone seems to be really excited about the Rock ‘n' Roll San Antonio Marathon and Half-Marathon which starts this week-end.  Approximately 30,000 runners are expected to take part.  The marathon is part of a nationwide series of marathons and half-marathons put on by Elite Racing.   Each marathon has a musical theme with live bands and cheerleaders stationed at each mile of the run.  The weekend also features a two-day Health & Fitness Expo where all participants go to pick up their race number.  More than one hundred running and fitness retailers, exhibits and clinics will be available at the expo.
… (5 comments)

San Antonio Neighborhoods: Cibolo Canyons, Suenos - 11/12/08 03:00 PM
Cibolo Canyons is a beautiful master planned community located in N/NE San Antonio.  There are currently 9 homes listed on the MLS in the Suenos section of Cibolo Canyons, ranging in price from $387,000 - $499,888 with 3608 square feet to 4385 square feet. Amenities include controlled access, pool and lazy river, playground, park, sports court, and running/jogging trails.  This community is near The PGA Village.
 Cibolo Canyons is in the desired North East Independent School District.  Students in this community attend Roan Forest Elementary School, Tejeda Middle School, and Lady Bird Johnson High School.  Verify schools and capping. NEISD Website
… (6 comments)

Real Problems for North Texas Real Estate Agents - 11/12/08 12:56 PM
Hi Tom, I'm with you! 
Via Tom Burris | FHA VA & Conv. Texas Mortgage Loans :

 
Buyer's are still buying homes in North Texas -- Remember That The Media thrives on NEGATIVITY, so call your Realtor or Loan Officer before you decide to do nothing!
 
No, the sky isn't falling and the credit crunch didn't get worse....!! The problem is reporting like this. Jay Gormley with CBS 11 News pretty much told all of North Texas that they can forget buying a home. The loans are all GONE!!! And if they aren't GONE, then the financing can be yanked out from … (2 comments)

Old Fife and Drum Corps & San Antonio Symphony FREE concert this evening - 11/11/08 12:47 PM
A free concert in honor of Veterans Day will be held this evening at the Municipal Auditorium, located at 100 Auditorium Circle.  The concert will be performed by the San Antonio Symphony in their fourth annual Salute to Service.  Featured selections will be taken from America the Beautiful, Let Freedom Ring, Star Spangled Banner, Victory at Seal Liberty Bell March, and many others will be led by Resident Conductor Ken David Masur. 
The Symphony program will start at 7:00 p.m. preceded at 6:00 p.m. by The Old Fife and Drum Corps performing their musical drill team program.  
The unique Old Fife and … (7 comments)

The Symbolism of the Flag Folding Ceremony at Military Funerals - 11/10/08 07:50 PM
Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, a day when we honor all those living and dead who have honorably served our country. 
A few years ago my husband and I attended the military funeral of a handsome young Marine killed while on duty in Iraq.  He was the only child of a friend of ours.  And recently we attended another military funeral, that of a retired Air Force officer and friend of ours.  These funerals are much different than civilian funerals, being moving ceremonies rich in symbolism.
A couple of years ago complaints were made regarding the recitation during the flag folding ceremony performed at military funerals.  The military then stopped using the recitation altogether so … (15 comments)

San Antonio Neighborhoods: Emerald Forest - 11/09/08 07:16 PM
The community of Emerald Forest is located just outside Loop 1604 near Bulverde Road.  This is a neighborhood of beautiful custom built homes set on treed lots.  Amenities include a 24 hour staffed security entrance, pool, tennis, clubhouse, park and playground, and trails for walking or jogging.
A search of the San Antonio Board of Realtors MLS shows there are 13 homes currently listed for sale in Emerald Forest.  The homes range in price from $325,000 to $665,000 with the average price being $416,428.  Square footage ranges from 2535 square feet to 3649 square feet with an average square footage of … (0 comments)

Make Your Kids Smile! - 11/09/08 12:24 AM
Where:  The Children's Museum
What:  Kids' Gingerbread 2008 Enjoy a day of decorating gingerbread houses and gingerbread man cookies, December 6 and 7. Saturday, Dec. 6 11am - 4pm and Sunday, Dec. 7 noon - 4pm Gingerbread House includes one 19 ounce gingerbread house, and all the candy & icing to decorate it plus museum admission for one adult and one child. Gingerbread Man Cookies includes two large gingerbread man cookies, and all the candy & icing to decorate it plus museum admission for one adult and one child.
Prices Museum members (reserved - before Dec. 1): $20 each house, $16 … (7 comments)

Raul Jiminez Thanksgiving Day Dinner - 11/08/08 11:31 PM
Do you want to spend a lot of time cooking and preparing a big Thanksgiving Day dinner for your family, getting stuffed, spending a chunk of time watching football before cleaning up the kitchen?  Or would you rather feel like you are doing something more worthwhile, spending your day in a "thanks giving" way by helping others.  I have always been tempted to do this but my other half has never agreed to it.
Every year in San Antonio the Raul Jiminez Thanksgiving Day dinner is held at the San Antonio Convention Center.  Whether someone is homeless, barely getting by, or just … (4 comments)

Barshop Jewish Community Center Events - 11/08/08 10:45 PM
The Barshop Jewish Community Center presents:                                                                                  Children of a Lesser God tomorrow, November 9, at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre, 2:30 p.m.
Contact the Vexler Box Office at 210-302-9835
Book Festival Speaker:  Rabbi Brad Hirschfield in the Holzman AuditoriumYou Don't Have to be Wrong for Me to be Right, November 11, 7:30 p.m.$10/person or $35 for 2 tickets and a copy of his book.
Book Festival Speaker: Stephanie KleinNovember 13, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio12500 N.W. Military HighwaySan Antonio, TX 78231(210) 302-6820
 
… (5 comments)

Water2Wine - 11/07/08 04:21 PM
I have seen the Water2Wine store in Stone Oak but have never checked it out.  Yesterday while running a girly errand at 281 and Thousand Oaks, we noticed a new Water2Wine store with a "wine tasting" sign out front.  My husband didn't want to go in the girly store anyway, so he headed down to the wine tasting, of course, and I joined him later.  Since we were on our way to a builder party at the time, I only tasted a Bourdeaux type wine, a Chardonnay, and an Ice Wine. Very good.
My big RE/MAX name badge was prominently displayed at … (10 comments)

Ron Kitchen Custom Homes - 11/06/08 01:44 PM
Ron Kitchen Custom Homes 
Are you tired of living in an area congested with traffic with neighbors ascloseasthis? Are you looking for a quality built new construction home on a large lot set in peaceful surroundings?  
Last Saturday I had the opportunity to show a beautiful new home located at 229 Crown Jewel, located off Hwy 46 and 7 miles west of Boerne in the gated Diamond Ridge subdivision.  The home was built by custom builder, Ron Kitchen, and is listed by Terri Margozewitz with Bradfield Properties. Set on almost 4 acres, the home has appx. 4055 square feet, 4 bedrooms, … (4 comments)

The Recent Introduction Of Raspberry Ants To Texas - 11/06/08 01:12 PM
Most people here in Texas may be unaware of "crazy raspberry ants" but it is likely they have seen them.  Here is some good information about this pest posted by Ki Gray of Austin.
Via Ki Gray - Austin Real Estate:
It's been years since the red imported fire ant first made an appearance, and the situation is still not entirely under control. Now a new species has arrived. They are known as `crazy raspberry ants' and they are concentrated in 8 counties in and around Houston. The ants have been in Texas since 2002, but their growth has exploded in the past … (3 comments)

Understanding Known vs. Unknown Pre-Existing Conditions in Home Warranties & How It Affects Your Negotiation - 11/06/08 11:33 AM
Thanks to Loreena Yeo for this excellent post on Home Warranties.
Via Loreena Yeo - Realtor(R)/Broker proudly serving Frisco TX Real Estate:
In today's BUYER's market, it is common to ask Sellers for a Home Warranty to cover the general, mechanical, major appliances and other items during the 1st year of ownership. To understand what is covered in the plan, please read your contract including its fine prints and limited liability coverage. A Home Warranty plan is a peace of mind that the Sellers give the Buyers that there are no major out-of-pocket costs should something major goes out in the house during … (0 comments)

Stone Oak Youth Theatre - 11/05/08 09:37 PM
This sounds like a lot of fun!
Stone Oak Youth Theatre will hold their Grand Opening Party and Open House on November 8 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at 21518 Blanco Rd., Suite 101, 78258.
Stone Oak Youth Theatre  is a new educational theatre for kids and teens ages 6 - 17 located in the Stone Oak area.  Classes and performances are offered year-round.
Classes offered include Ballet, Ballet/Tap Combo, Tap I, Adult Tap, Adult Ballet, Acting, Voice, Piano, and other classes.  Each class will culminate in a showcase performance for family and friends. To see a schedule of classes and … (5 comments)

What Will Michelle Obama's Role as First Lady Be? - 11/05/08 11:26 AM
It will be most interesting to see the role Michelle Obama assumes as first lady.  Will she take a hand in decorating the White House as Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan did?  Or since she is a professional woman with a law degree, will she have other things that take priority as Rosalynn Carter as Hillary Clinton had?
The leader/teacher of a small group I was a member of at church, along with his wife, was fortunate to attend a few dinners in the private quarters of the White House.  The members of our group were always delighted at seeing the photos he generously brought to class and shared with us, along … (1 comments)

Lance Armstrong Wins Tour de Gruene - 11/03/08 07:36 PM
Most people don't even know where Gruene, TX is and have never heard of the Tour de Gruene.
I definitely know where the picturesque and romantic town of Gruene is.  It's just a short drive up I-35 north of San Antonio.  But I had never heard of the Tour de Gruene.  Now a lot more people have heard of it because Lance Armstrong won the 25th Annual Tour de Gruene (pronounced Green) yesterday.
The San Antonio Express News reports that "Armstrong continues comeback by winning in record time - and electrifying the town." 
In January, Armstrong will race in the Tour … (4 comments)

Holiday Anxiety ~ Do It Anyway - 11/01/08 10:04 PM
Today is November 1st.  Soon we will be making plans for Thanksgiving.  We will be making plans for Christmas.  Maybe that anxious feeling is starting to build inside; you feel like skipping these two months and going away; just checking out, going on a cruise, or going to a secluded place. But you won't. Maybe you have felt unappreciated, your efforts unnoticed. Some people may expect you to be there for them but they are not there for you.  It is a fact that for many people the holidays are a sad time, not a joyous time.  This year these feelings may be intensified by the negativity you hear … (7 comments)

Restore Your Spirit at the San Antonio Symphony's "Beethoven and Mozart" - 11/01/08 09:17 PM
Are you tired of all the negativity and uncertainty we have been subjected to lately?  Do you feel like you just need to get away? For one evening you can escape the chaos and let yourself be carried away. Away to a "peaceful place" to be restored by the positive musical themes of nature and the American spirit.
The San Antonio Symphony presents "Beethoven and Mozart" on November 7th and 8th at 8:00 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre with Scott Yoo conducting.
The program will consist of:
Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring
Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major; Scott Yoo performs as violin soloist and conductor
and … (2 comments)

 
Shirley_600 Rainmaker_large

Shirley Parks Broker 210-414-0966 San Antonio TX Homes for Sale

San Antonio, TX

More about me…

Sands Realty 210-414-0966

Address: San Antonio, TX

Office Phone: (210) 414-0966

Email Me

Sands Realty is a San Antonio-based independent residential real estate company committed to excellent service and exacting standards of honesty and integrity in conducting business. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We serve all areas of San Antonio, including Alamo Heights, Alamo Ranch, Boerne, Bulverde, Castle Hills, Champions, Cibolo, Converse, Deerfield, The Dominion, Encino Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Inwood, Leon Springs, Monte Vista, Northwest San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Northwood, Olmos Park, Rogers Ranch, Schertz, Shavano Creek, Shavano Park, Sonterra, Stone Oak, Terrell Hills, Universal City, Ft. Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB. We proudly assist clients in every price range throughout the greater San Antonio metropolitan area as well as across the nation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Through our real estate web site, www.shirleyparks.com, you have the ability to search virtually every home for sale in the San Antonio area.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog