Sara and Steve's Blog

Stone Oak San Antonio, TX 78260, Sitterle 2/2/2 is under contract

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:15:50 -0800

Sara Woolford | iTexas Realty | (210) 492-6683

303 Mirror Lk, San Antonio, TX

2/2/2 in desirable Stone Oak with top-rated NEISD schools. Backs to
greenbelt!

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $199,990

Year Built	2009
Sq Footage	1,478
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,227 sqft
HOA/Maint	$92 per month

DESCRIPTION

Perfect Sitterle stone-accented one-story, CPS Smart Energy home. Double-doored study, granite, stainless steel built-ins & counter seating. Upgraded Entertainer Kitchen: Gas cooktop & 42 staggered ebony cabinets. Extensive tile, except bedrooms & closets. Decor neutrals. Bronze lighting. High ceilings & vaulted ceiling in family room. Niche & Arches! Fantastic greenbelt lot. Gas water heater. 30 year shingles on roof. Top NEISD schools (verify enrollment with district). Sprinklers & easy-care landscaping! Amenity Center Park, Playground, Pool and Courts!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Dining room	- Family room	- Laundry room
- Master bath	- Office/Den	- Pantry
- Storage space	- Walk-in closet	- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal	- Microwave	- Stainless steel appliances
- Stove/Oven	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Fenced yard
- Lawn	- Yard	- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fans	- Central A/C	- Central heat
- Double pane windows	- High-speed internet	- Controlled access
- Security system	- Garage - Attached	- Granite countertop
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Tile floor

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Basketball court	- Clubhouse	- Playground
- Sports court	- Swimming pool	- Tennis court

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6
Photo 7	Photo 8
Photo 9	Photo 10
Photo 11	Photo 12
Photo 13	Photo 14
Photo 15	Photo 16
Photo 17	Photo 18
Photo 19	Photo 20
Photo 21	Photo 22

Contact info:

Sara Woolford

iTexas Realty

(210) 492-6683

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Mar 2, 2013, 5:44pm PST

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

If you are planning to Buy or Sell a home or land in San Antonio or the Texas Hill Country, we'd be happy to get you moved on with your life! Get to know us and our Real Estate Brokerage: You can go to our blog, website, Pinterest, Facebook page or just,call to chat: 210-492-6683

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Lot 66 Bulverde Hills Drive, Bulverde, TX

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 23:32:47 -0800

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson | iTexas Realty | (210) 492-6683

Lot 66 Bulverde Hills Drive, Bulverde, TX

Great building lot in beautiful and convenient Bulverde with NO
Mandatory HOA!

.84 acres Vacant Land

offered at $34,500

Lot Size

.84 acres

DESCRIPTION

Great lot in quiet Bulverde Hills subdivision - with no mandatory HOA! Mostly level lot. Brush has been cleared, leaving mountain laurel, mature oaks and grand cedars surrounding the level building site for your dream home. Property backs to a large ranch. Nice neighborhood homes, low Comal Co. taxes and great Comal ISD schools. Minutes from San Antonio's Stone Oak restaurants, services, hospitals and shops, yet a world away. Come see it!

see additional photos below

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson

iTexas Realty

(210) 492-6683

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jan 24, 2013, 9:29pm PST

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Exotic Redhead (for your Garden)

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:56:40 -0700

It's always nice to have something blooming in your San Antonio, Texas Garden in the late summer and early fall.

It's even nicer to have something other than the usual autumn mums.

One splashy, yet drought-tolerant shrub that you can add is the Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), which you may also see labelled as Pride of Barbados in your local garden center. If you love something a little tropical and exotic, not to mention, orangey-red, this may be just the right plant for you. It is a sun-lover and attracts bees and butterflies.

It is fairly hardy in this area (unless we get a big frost), but the seeds and some parts of the plant can be poisonous if ingested....

It is fairly fast-growing and can get to be 5 to 6 feet (and that wide), very quickly, so be sure to give it ample space and put it a little further back in the garden bed, unless you are showcasing it as an ornamental.

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Growing African Yelllow Daisy (Euryops) in San Antonio, Texas

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:41:57 -0700

That plant with the yellow flowers on dark green, fern-like foliage?

Sun-loving, drought-resistant Euryops. It's also called an African Yellow Daisy, which is certianly easier to spell!

They are VERY low maintenance almost like a Marguerite Daisy. The Euryops shown in the photograph have not been pruned*, but they can be pruned to a nice round (or other), shape. They grow about 24-30 inches tall and the same width. They like a well-drained soil - usually perfect for this area. In our San Antonio, Texas garden they are perennial (unless the plant is un-sheltered and we get a nasty frost), but are grown as an annual in other winter climates.

The Euryops has a long blooming season in San Antonio. This one started blooming in March and is still going strong. It's almost September now. Get some as soon as you can and start enjoying them. The Butterflies certainly will!

*I want to note that even if you are a novice gardener, you cannot prune these incorrectly.

Just try not to take off more than 20% at a time until you get the hang of it.

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

You're Never Moving Again, Right?

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 07:51:00 -0700

Once you have purchased your dream home, it's time to settle in, plant some trees and flowering shrubs. Start a flower garden and the zinnias and roses that you cut can be displayed on the table in your new dining room. Take a deep breath and relax!

YOU NEVER HAVE TO MOVE AGAIN!!!!

But what if you:

Become happily married to someone with 3 kids?

Get a great job all the way on the opposite side of the city - with a huge raise?

Decide that you want to become an Alpaca farmer and need 100 acres?

Then you may be joining the ranks of First-time Buyers who decide to move up. According to the National Association of Home Builders 2009 statistics, 26.3% of First-Time Buyers only stay in a home for four years. Selling the home for an acceptable price isn't generally the problem, it's that First-time Buyers rarely think about RESALE before they buy and resale is important.

For re-sale be sure to choose the following:

Most desirable neighborhood in your price range
A good location within the neighborhood
Good neighborhood or area amenities
Good local schools
Easy access to transportation
Best re-sale floor plan - Buyers in 5 years will want something different then than they do today.
Contemporary interior and exterior finishes - some of those are hard to change.
Age of the home relative to energy efficiency
If it's a fixer-upper, be sure that the pricing of the home works with the costs of repairs and upgrades to get the full value when you sell.

Not sure how to apply all these rules or adjust for repairs and renovations?

That why you need a hard-working, knowledgeable and insightful Realtor to guide you.

Even if you plan on keeping it as a rental

(a lot of our first-time Buyers plan on that because they are REALLY SMART),

it needs to have attractive resale potential.

If people wouldn't want to buy it,

they won't be excited about renting it either, will they?

If you stay in the home longer, you'll be even happier that you acted on your Realtor's advice and got all of the best qualities in your home AND a historically low 3.5% (just for example) interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

A Little Bleach and a Bomb...

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 19:09:39 -0700

It's amazing how many times we preview homes for sale to be sure that they are of the quality, condition, and finish that our Buyers will accept .

This particular Buyer wanted only homes that were perfectly move-in ready. Certainly, once we reviewed this dirty home, we realized that the shower was the least of the problems!

Fairly, or unfairly, Buyers (and generally, their Realtors), equate cleanliness with how well the Seller has maintained the home. The Seller lost our Buyer before the Buyer even saw the house.

As one Investor used to say about grimy houses, "its nothing a little bleach and a bomb won't cure!"

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Tasmanian Devil - Variegated Perennial for Part Sun Locations

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:27:37 -0700

The Flax Lily (dianella tasmanius varigata - what a great name!),

is really as practical as it is beautiful, a low water user, and blooms tiny blue flowers on the medium-tall stalks. Ours are now 18+ inches tall. They are really nice close up and the green and white variegated foliage is low maintenance and has a low water requirement.

It is a great plant to use all over the yard in part sun areas. The variegated green and white will really wake up the plantings near it and the spiky foliage is a perfect contrast to large dark leaves other other part sun plants.

You can even buy these at HEB or other area grocery stores when they start filling their garden centers. They are inexpensive and would make a nice foundation planting along the base of the home under a front window area.

Flax Lily is a perennial, so it may die back if we have a really cold San Antonio, Texas winter (not really the norm here where there is little reason to have a cost closet!). Ours didn't die back last year at all.

Now you know, so add some to your yard as soon as you can!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Glamorous Home in Glenwood, Bulverde, Texas 78163 is off the market

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:44:05 -0700

Steve Golson | iTexas Realty | (210) 492-6683

1182 Glenwood Loop, Bulverde, TX

Located in Glenwood, 15 minutes north on Blanco Road from 1604.

4BR/3+1BA Single Family House

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	4,003
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	1.02 acres
HOA/Maint	$42 per month

DESCRIPTION

4/3.5+Study Gorgeous Stone Exterior** Hardwood-Tile-Carpet** Big Granite Is. Kitchen w/42" Alder Cabs / Butlers Pantry** Lg. Master &2nd BR Dwn** Big Brkfst + Formal Dining** Huge Secondaries** Landscaped & Sprinklers** Perfect for Entertaining and comfortable living** Comm.Pool- Play-- Clubhouse. For Recorded Information Call 888-829-9198, ext. 2773

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Office/Den
- Dining room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Granite countertop
- Stainless steel appliances	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking	- Guest parking	- Clubhouse
- Swimming pool(s)	- Playground	- Gated property

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Long Drive, parking	Bay window vws yard
Bedroom 2	Bedroom 3
Bedroom 4	Dining Room-hardwood fl
Entry From Interior- Tile	Enry to Dining Room
Family Room to Study	Garden Tub
Kitchen w/ Dark Alder Cab	Kitchen- Double Ovens+MW
Kitchen Lighting	Laundry w/Sink
Master Bedrm-Door to Pati	Niches & 8' Doors
13' Dining Room Ceiling	Powder Room
Vanity w/Double sinks	Wine Fridge in Bultler's

Contact info:

Steve Golson

iTexas Realty

(210) 492-6683

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 19, 2012, 3:36pm PDT

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

4/2.5/2 Dream House in Falcon Ridge, Cibolo, Texas, 78109 is PENDING

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:24:15 -0700

Steve Golson | iTexas Realty | (210) 492-6683

109 Pilot Pt, Cibolo, TX

New carpet Fall '12 Big House**Move In Ready**4 Bed+Study**18" Tile**Flat Lot**Quick Close!

4BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $206,777

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	3,025
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,405 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

ONLY $68.35 per square foot! This big 4/2.5 is in Move-In Condition! Extensive Tile! Downstairs Guest/Office. Big, Open Floor Plan! Covered Patio. Neat as a pin, Move-in Ready. Quick Close! Easy access, close to schools, shopping, bases.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Breakfast nook	- Dining room	- Family room
- Laundry room	- Living room	- Master bath
- Office/Den	- Pantry	- Storage space
- Walk-in closet	- Dishwasher	- Garbage disposal
- Microwave	- Stove/Oven	- Fenced yard
- Lawn	- Air conditioning	- Ceiling fans
- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Double pane windows
- Cable-ready	- High-speed internet	- Security system
- Garage - Attached	- Off-street parking	- Tile floor

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse	- Playground	- Swimming pool
- On-street parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- NEW CARPET & PAD 9-12

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6
Photo 7	Photo 8
Photo 9	Photo 10
Photo 11	Photo 12
Photo 13	Photo 14
Photo 15	Photo 16
Photo 17	Photo 18
Photo 19	Photo 20
Photo 21	Photo 22
Photo 23	Photo 24
Photo 25

Contact info:

Steve Golson

iTexas Realty

(210) 492-6683

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Feb 4, 2013, 4:18pm PST

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Garden Home for Sale in Heights of Stone Oak, 78260

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 12:42:25 -0700

Sara Woolford | iTexas Realty | (210) 492-6683

303 Mirror Lk, San Antonio, TX

2/2/2 in desirable Stone Oak with top-rated NEISD schools. Backs to
greenbelt!

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $209,990

Year Built	2009
Sq Footage	1,478
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,227 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Dining room	- Family room	- Laundry room
- Master bath	- Office/Den	- Pantry
- Storage space	- Walk-in closet	- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal	- Microwave	- Stainless steel appliances
- Stove/Oven	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Fenced yard
- Lawn	- Yard	- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fans	- Central A/C	- Central heat
- Double pane windows	- High-speed internet	- Controlled access
- Security system	- Garage - Attached	- Granite countertop
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Tile floor

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Basketball court	- Clubhouse	- Playground
- Sports court	- Swimming pool	- Tennis court

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6
Photo 7	Photo 8
Photo 9	Photo 10
Photo 11	Photo 12
Photo 13	Photo 14
Photo 15	Photo 16
Photo 17	Photo 18
Photo 19	Photo 20
Photo 21	Photo 22

Contact info:

Sara Woolford

iTexas Realty

(210) 492-6683

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Feb 8, 2013, 3:34pm PST

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Tax-Free Weekend in the Great State of Texas!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 11:20:48 -0700

August 17, 18, and 19, Texas offers all shoppers (you need not be a Texas resident),a tax exemption on most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks that are priced under $100.

Since the sales tax in San Antonio is just over 8% (Texas does not have a State income tax, another reason to buy a home in beautiful San Antonio....), this can be a lot of savings for back-to-school and other shopping. Please click on the link here to go to the State Government website and find out about qualifying items.

Oddly enough, in the popular shopping areas, sales staffs are reporting that this year is not as busy as in prior years, so go out and get that stuff!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

A FEW WORKS ON WALLPAPER

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 11:04:03 -0700

Selling San Antonio, Texas homes, a Realtor can't help but notice that the homes selling quickly and for the best prices are what Buyers (not necessarily Sellers), consider "move-in ready". It is always been interesting to me that homes can be perfectly move-in ready yet contain WALLPAPER. Buyers will reject it right there on the Internet and will not even want to go see the home; despite a great floor plan, great pricing, and a great neighborhood. It's a regional bias, it's just not considered current here.

Firstly, let us be clear, I actually like WALLPAPER. It's like that - totally individual.

Secondly, let us also be clear, WALLPAPER is the kiss of death in a resale home.

Interestingly enough, Buyers will love a metallic painted dining room wall, but will first ascertain that it is not the dreaded WALLPAPER. Of course a glamorous and expensive metallic WALLPAPER would be easier to fit into an upscale feel of a home than the stripes, dots, and florals that were so common 20 years ago, and still seen too often in homes that are 10+ years old.

When selling your home in San Antonio Texas, be prepared to remove the WALLPAPER. If you're moving anyway, what do you care? Trust me, that WALLPAPER is unlikely to be attracting people to your home, and is more likely to have them crossing it off their list of possibilities to come out and view in person.

Come on! Let's do what it takes to get it SOLD!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Help! It's Eating the Sidewalk!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 22:02:37 -0700

In the San Antonio real estate day, my husband Steve and I spend a great deal of time talking to Sellers about how to increase the curb appeal of their home because they want to sell for an acceptable price, in a reasonable period of time.

The subject of enhancing curb appeal does not always receive the attention that it deserves.... Sellers think that we are asking them to do some work. It is hard to deny our intent...

Often, the Seller has not added ANY landscaping since they purchased and we are working to enrich the feeling of permanence by adding some structure and to create some visual appeal with color.

Sometimes, instead of adding, the Seller needs to subtract. Case in point:

This particular shrub, which will grow to TWICE the size that you see here, would be better off relocated to the backyard and another, better suited shrub or even a fountain put in its place.

Consider calling your Realtor a year before you want to sell to begin working on getting your landscaping in shape for the sale. If you don't have the home well-presented it will cost you in time AND money.

--Sara

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Breathtaking Hibiscus Bloom from Our San Antonio Garden

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 20:41:59 -0700

I like a little something exotic in our San Antonio, Texas garden

(though I confess that this showy specimen was purchased at the Alamo Ranch Lowes!.)

We have an unusual amount of shade from some big oaks, but this single-flowered orange hibiscus gave stunning blooms in a part sun location. I just love the color - like a nectarine; that orange sherbet color with a crimson center. I wish I had more time to garden, but I have houses to show and sell....

Happy Gardening in South Central Texas or wherever your shovel takes you!

--Sara

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

So Many Spectacular Orchids on One Stalk

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:20:58 -0700

I valiantly attempt love to , grow flowering house plants in San Antonio,
Texas. I have a notorious "Black Thumb", so I have every confidence that you can grow these, too.

I just love the long-term look in my home and seeing the plant, buds and blooms change by the week (I'm too busy to see it every day!)

This Phalaenopsis orchid has been a joy to Steve and me for weeks!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

They Don't Build 'Em Like They Used To - Is an Older Home Right For You?!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:32:14 -0800

They don't build 'em like they used to!

But, that's OK with me. Although Steve and I have owned homes built in the 1800's, the 1900's and 2000's, older homes aren't for everyone. I know that there is something romantic about dreaming of living in an older home, but believe me, if your finances are fixed, sometimes it's not good to have a fixer-upper - even one that doesn't appear to be one at first glance.

Let's consider what you get with a typical 40 year-old home in San Antonio:

40 year old plumbing.
40 year old electrical system
Single-paned windows
Original insulation
Out-dated floor plans (no game room and a formal living room)
Original features

Of course, you also may get:

More established neighborhoods
Mature trees and shrubbery
Closer to older employment centers
Larger lot sizes
Original features

You may have noticed that "original features" made the list twice. In older homes, the architecture and lot size are two of the most desired items and a reason to pursue your love of older homes.

As a Buyer, it's important for you to evaluate the cost of any updates and replacements that you would desire if you purchased an older home. In a newer home, you could probably forgo those and there are a lot of newer homes in San Antonio.

Just a couple more thoughts: Buyers often think they will earn "sweat equity", by renovating an older home, but that isn't necessarily the case. Generally, Buyers pay out of pocket for those remodeling costs and that can strain a budget. Even if you have the help of family "in the trade", there will be costs.

Besides, remodeling can put a real strain on your relationship and don't you want to be romancing instead of managing remodeling? Don't let the dream of "sweat equity", turn into splitting the equity with your credit card company getting the lion's share! After all, you could be out having fun on the Riverwalk!

If an older home is truly for you, call Steve. He used to serve on a city Historical Preservation Committee. He knows all KINDS of obscure stuff and is a great resource for ideas and replacement/renovation cost options. Steve can show you some great San Antonio areas like Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills and Olmos Park where you can find homes n beautiful neighborhoods with some charming features .

*Image used with permission of gifanimations.com

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

2012 Early Forecast

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:10:07 -0800

Dramatic Savings, Clearance, Overstocked, Reduced Rates! It's practically Buy 1, Get 1 free!

So, treat yourself, you deserve it, and Don't miss out.

This is the message that is going to Buyers across the country. Some of them are getting excited and planning a purchase.

The Pending Home Sales Index, which is a strong forward indicator of soon-to-be-closed sales, is at the highest level since April of 2010. We love to see trending activity: The fourth week of December had more on-line home-searching activity than the third week. Here at our office we have had more phone inquiries, more internet inquiries, and more calls on our 888 number for automated home information. Combined with the historically low interest rates, 2012 could shape up to be a better year than last.

Stock market analysts advise us not to time the market, but I'm thinking of a different type of "market timing". The timing involved in planning your purchase.

For Sellers: Last year we saw early Buyers, with the summer Buyers dramatically tapering off in July. We are advising those want to get sold this year, to get listed In January or early in February as opposed to late February or early-to-mid March.

For Buyers: More homes coming on the market early may give you a better selection of homes. Additionally, if the market improves substantially in the Spring, Summer and Fall, Buyers may be paying more and that may trickle into 2013 as well. It's too early to tell, but we do advise you to put your plan together, even if your purchase isn't for a year or more, due to job changes or past credit issues. Speaking of credit issues, it's rarely too early to get to work on those and start improving your score. It's a great feeling to have great credit, so if you don't have it now, it's time to get started!

If you're ready to discuss the possibilities or find out abut recent sales (comparables), in a neighborhood; contact us by phone, e-mail or text Sara at 210-823-5501 or Steve at 210-488-4826, and start making a plan by getting the information that you need.

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and Celebrating it All!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:16:37 -0800

I noticed something disappointing this year - in none of the stores, does anyone wish you a Merry Christmas - or even Happy Holidays. I suppose that it is one of those crazy corporate trends that sweeps our nation from time to time.

Of course, not everyone celebrates Christmas, and that's a part of life, but this year ESPECIALLY, I want to add special Christmas cheer to the little things everyday!

I am doing this by wishing EVERYONE a Merry Christmas!!!

And if you want to wish me Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukah or Happy Kwanza, Thank You and may you and your family be Blessed!

Merry Christmas!!!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

I Met the Godfather of Real Estate!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:22:15 -0800

After three showings, Steve and I received a silly offer on one of our listings. This doesn't upset me as silly offers are a part of our business. Even here in San Antonio Texas, one of the strongest markets with not much price decline in the under $200,000 homes (when compared to the rest of the country), we see Buyers experimenting with "low-ball" offers. Their rationale:

"It doesn't hurt to ask"

Oops, they forgot a word: "NICELY"

IT DOESN'T HURT TO ASK NICELY!

Of course, however they ask, their Realtor® should put their offer in the best possible light and present it TACTFULLY as the Buyers goal is to purchase the property, not actually ANNOY the Sellers (Realtors® aren't often annoyed by graceless demands, we just roll our eyes an move on. Ok - sometimes we blog about it first...)

When negotiating, I discourage (sometimes one HAS to use them), the following terms:

"best offer"

"final offer"

and avoid like the plague:

"Buyer will not"

"Buyer refuses"

"Seller must"

I am all for candor, but it's not hard to be gracious and since the Buyer and the Seller must agree, the fewer roadblocks put up the more opportunity there will be for that agreement to be signed, executed, and an escrow opened.

Enter the Godfather: who acted as if the offer couldn't be refused.

The correspondence that we received regarding the offer was rude, as well as full of demands and ultimatums. Having spoken with their agent on the phone, I suspect that neither the demands, nor the demanding tone of the offer were representative of the Buyer; but that demanding tone did reflect negatively on that Buyer and their offers were rejected three times.

Buyers (and sometimes their Agents), need to consider that the Seller has the home on the market because they WANT to sell, not necessarily because they HAVE to sell.

Not every Seller is desperate.

Not every Seller needs to move.

Here in San Antonio, it's not unusual for the Seller to own the home free and clear. THAT'S RIGHT, NO MORTGAGE PAYMENTS - a rarity in other cities, and it's not unusual for the Seller to wait for what they consider a fair offer. If you can't negotiate using the expertise of your Realtor®, your future may not include living in that beautiful home....

By the way, the Godfather of real estate is a woman. Who knew?

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

SELLERS: It's not easy!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:52:06 -0800

We DO apologize, but there are times when getting your home shown is something like cookie-making. sometimes you can't tell that there will be nutty things until you bite.

Like the other day; we got a showing request for one of our high-end listings- (the Sellers require us to open the home for other agents, and be there to close it at the end of the showing). We're glad to do this as it's a very special property (sometimes these homes are not even on the MLS), and we have an opportunity to explain it's features, etc.

Anyway---a Buyer's Agent (a known agent from a reputable firm) called Saturday in the late afternoon to request a two-hour showing window on Sunday. Trying to shorten the time the Seller would have to vacate their cool, comfortable home in the middle of the hot San Antonio summer's afternoon, we called her office to request a one-hour showing and asked that she call back to confirm.

5 phone calls later, messages left at their office AND on her cell phone on Saturday AND Sunday- the showing window came and went. On a Sunday afternoon, we stayed in the area all day to communicate with the Seller IN CASE we finally heard anything, eventually we called it quits at 5:30pm.

So... at 5:45, we got another show request, this time through the Central Showing Service, asking if they Buyer's Agent could show the Luxury home "RIGHT NOW". This home is in a guard-gated luxury home community that is 40 minutes from our office. We again asked that a message be relayed: "can we show you the home tomorrow? And "would you please call us to confirm?"

FINALLY! at 6 pm on Sunday, the Buyer's agent called to say she had no messages, "must have been brain dead", and would call again at the end of the week. No apology.

To our nice Sellers: We DO apologize.

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

How Long Has it Been on the Market?

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:19:12 -0800

Does it REALLY matter to you? In THIS market? Do you REALLY think it indicates SOMETHING? WHAT?

Let's think about it:

Does the length on the market indicate anything other than, perhaps, it was a very cool (or hot) (or cold or wet) Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and home sales were 'off' for a while? Maybe the property was not available for showings due to an illness or med school finals? Maybe the Seller decided to replace some old flooring, or finally pained three pink bedrooms a pretty cream color?

Do you ever know for sure?

Why you even care?

The home we find that is PERFECT for you, is no less perfect if it has not sold yet.

Maybe it's been waiting just for YOU!

If the home has been on the market over 60 days do you think the seller is more desperate for you to make your 'low-ball' offer?

Not likely. After 60 days of vacuuming, cleaning, and 'fluffing' every day, the Seller may be a little more anxious, but usually not in a mood to let you have an extra $xx,xxx of their money!

In fact, an unreasonably LOW offer is more likely to get rejected and result in a MORE stubborn Seller because you've offended them. (We hear about this from our Sellers all the time, so we aren't imagining it!)

Let's find the right home for you.

Then, if we can negotiate a price that's good for you, and the Seller agrees to sell it to you -it'll still be JUST Right!

-Steve

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

When is too Late?

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:14:50 -0800

Too late to add a Tile Roof to your new home? When we work with our happy home buyers in the construction of their new homes there are deadlines and time-lines and construction schedules to consider. In the case of wanting and having a nice tile roof on your new home, the right time to decide is BEFORE you sign a contract- in the planning stage before the home plan has been drawn and submitted for plan approval.

Usually we will be working with a custom builder who is offering a design that includes a tile roof, but not always- it may be an option you can add on.

A Tile roof is heavy- so the whole home has to be engineered to support the additional weight- and that will affect the building cost. So- plan ahead, budget for it, and that beautiful Spanish / Mediterranean Tile Roof can be yours!

Want more information about having your next home Custom-Built?

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

SOLD! 4/3.5. 3 years old and Convenient to Lackland AFB

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:14:02 -0700

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson | iTexas Realty | (210) 492-6683

5722 Palmetto Way, San Antonio, TX

Get 100% FINANCING with USDA! APPROVED Short Sale. Almost all single story. 3 bedrooms & 2 1/2 baths down. EZ commute

4BR/3+1BA Single Family House

Year Built	2008
Sq Footage	3,289
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.15 acres
HOA/Maint	$20 per month

DESCRIPTION

Short Sale. Minutes from new shopping, dining and Christus Hosp. EZ commute to LAFB. Move-in ready 4/3 1/2 has MBR + 2 bdrms PLUS study down. Gameroom + in-law/teen suite w/ full bath up. Open plan has large family room overlooking backyard, island kitchen with lots of cabinets, big, sunny breakfast room, tile in all wet areas & high ceilings. NISD. New elementary in '11 is 2 blocks away! Neighborhood Amenities: Jr. Olympic pool, beach-entry baby pool, courts, playground and park.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s)

- Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Welcome Home!	Entry
Big Family Room	Kitchen & Breakfast Rooms
Loft	Flat Backyard w/ Patio

Contact info:

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson

iTexas Realty

(210) 492-6683

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 5, 2012, 2:21pm PST

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Home for Sale in San Antonio, Texas 78230 is SOLD

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:17:09 -0700

Sorry you missed being first in line,

but the Seller would look at a back-up offer!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson | iTexas Realty | (210) 492-6683

13819 Shavano Mist, San Antonio, TX

MOVE-IN READY*NEAR SHOPPING*UTSA*CLARK HS*USAA* MED CTR*CUSTOM ROLL-DOWN METAL SHUTTERS*TREES-LANDSCAPING-FULL SPRINKLER

3BR/2BA Single Family House

Year Built	1992
Sq Footage	2,095
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$13 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great Location, near shopping and schools in quiet neighborhood with mature trees and landscaping. Very well maintained- Move-In Ready!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Attic	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- EASY CARE .17 ACRE TREED LOT

- ALL NEW A-C '06- UV SYSTEM-AIR PURIFICATION

- BIO TECH WATER SOFTENER

- REVERSE-OSMOSIS FILTER

- HIGH CEILINGS TO 11'

- PORCELAIN TILES- ALL WET AREAS

- CUSTOM METAL ROLL-DOWN SHUTTERS

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Front View

Island Kitchen

Master Suite

Master Bath

Gas Fireplace in L/R

Big Breakfast Rm

BR 2 or Study

Back Yard

Street View

Contact info:

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson

iTexas Realty

(210) 492-6683

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 1, 2011, 3:10pm PDT

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

CAVEAT LUNAR - AND LET THE SELLER BEWARE!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson, ALHS (iTexas Realty Co.) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:23:27 -0700

Once again the nation is in the grip of a recurring natural disaster.

That's right folks, we are in another phase of the full moon. I know that it looks so pretty, hanging there in the sky. It's ivory mystery hides something more sinister: A fierce lunar pull, causing fragmentation of the brain waveof otherwise normal Buyer.

- SOMEHOW, GREVIOUSLY AFFECTING THIER MATH SKILLS..... making them unable to ADD, only to SUBTRACT!

So all you SELLERS, CAVEAT LUNAR and prepare some for some crazy offers ---- and I don't mean crazy in a good way!

---Sara

PS: If you want to know when it's safe to receive offers again, Try this MOON PHASE CALENDAR

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas

www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com