This explains why I forward jokes (Sent to me by a friend)
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.
He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble... At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he wasstanding before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'
'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.. 'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.
Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up. 'The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.
'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.
As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.
'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'
'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'
'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.
'There should be a bowl by the pump.'
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.
'This is Heaven,' he answered.
'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'
'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'
'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'the man asked.
'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'
Soooo...
Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word. Maybe this will explain. When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.
When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.
When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how, you forward jokes.
Also to let you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still loved, you are still cared for,guess what you get? A forwarded joke.
So, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile.
You are all welcome at my water bowl anytime! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU !!
Selling Your San Antonio Home-Do You Need a Building Permit?
Maybe you thought a building permit was not needed since the house is your homestead and you are doing the work yourself. Wrong. Whether done by the owner or a contractor there are several types of modifications to your San Antonio home that should only be done after you have submitted the required documentation, paid the fees, and received your building permit. In some cases, an inspection will be needed to complete the process.
If the modification to your home is done without the permits, it may affect your ability to sell your San Antonio home until the proper permits are obtained.
What modifications to a residential property need a permit?
room additions
carports, decks, and patios
inground and above ground pools
fences and re-roofs
foundation repairs
general repairs (to include sheetrock, siding, doors, windows, and flooring)
What types of permits may be required?
electrical
mechanical (heating and air-conditioning)
plumbing (to include gas and sewer)
concrete (sidewalks, curbs, etc)
What is the purpose for permits?
The stated purpose is safety-to make sure buildings and modifications are performed to a standard that provides for safe use and operation of buildings. Of course, someone has to pay for the permits which provide some revenue for the city or county. In addition, the increased value, if any, to the property is added to the assessed value and an appropriate increase in assessed value will be noted for the next cycle of tax assessment.
How can a home owner verify the contractor they want to hire is licensed to work in San Antonio?
Contact San Antonio's Development Services Department (DSD) at 210-207-1111.
If the homeowner does the work, is a permit still required?
Yes, a permit is still required. There is a wrinkle in the permitted process regarding plumbing. See DSD for guidance on plumbing issues. Electrical work should be done by licensed electricians.
"Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced." San Antonio DSD website.
What happens if work is done that needs permits and inspections and they are not obtained?
If not discovered, nothing bad will happen. But if found out, the lack of permits and approved inspections could cause a transaction to be delayed or not approved by a lender. Remember the lender has an appraiser visit the property to determine if the house has value that supports the loan amount. Construction or remodeled homes that are evaluated for their plans, and execution by an independent party and are inspected by people qualified to grade the work, have a better chance of being good risks.
If a good quality remodel or repair job is not done, and the Buyer still wants the property in question, there will usually be an expectation of a reduction in price, or discount. Most Buyers will expect some form of compensation since the risk is being transferred to them. The number of potential Buyers will be reduced if the remodel or repair seems poor.
Conclusions
The thought for this post came about from some of the homes I've seen over the past year. Not a week goes by without me seeing a home improvement project that is off the mark as I take Buyers out to see homes for sale in San Antonio. Now we never get a specific answer from a lender regarding why a property did not appraise for the desired loan amount, and maybe less than stellar work in a remodel job had nothing to do with a property failing to appraise.
But, if the work is designed, and implemented according to the code in effect at the time, and on-going maintenance is performed, the remodel or up-date should not be an issue in getting a home sold.
Call me if I can help you find the best way to get your San Antonio home sold.
Wayne Johnson 18756 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio Texas 78258
Randy Prothero, a Hawaii REALTOR, describes VA Loan program. The loan guarantee limit is geography specific. So you'll need to determine the limit for your area. Comments to Randy.
One of the best benefits given to active to military is housing.When I speak of housing I am not talking about base housing which has been greatly improved in Hawaii the last few years.I am speaking about VA benefits to purchase a home.
The VA loan program is an extremely attractive program for active duty soldiers and veterans.The VA loan program offers 100% financing.In Honolulu County (the island of Oahu) the limit for 100% financing in 2012 is: $695,750.If the vet wants to buy a home for more than that amount most lenders require 25% down for the amount above the limit.
Besides offering the 100% loan program, active duty soldiers also receive BAH (Basic Housing Allowance).On Hawaii an E-1 with a dependent receives $1860/ month, while on the high end an O-7 and above receives $3423/month.That is above and beyond their pay and cost of living allowance.What makes this significant is that not only does an active duty soldier have a wonderful mortgage program, but the government gives them a housing allowance to make the payments.
There are a few differences between using a VA mortgage compared to using a conventional loan.
1)The VA provides a guarantee to the lenders.
2)The VA has a streamline program for refinancing loans.
3)VA loans are assumable.
4)The appraisal process is handled by the VA and an NOV (Notice of Value) is issued.
5)The VA restricts some of the closing costs paid by the buyer.These are known as non-allowables.
In Hawaii we have several military bases and a large number of veterans.In my real estate business, Active duty military and veterans account for over half of my business.With the number of VA transactions I do, I have been able to put together support services with local venders and lenders for VA buyers.A great example is that a few of the local lenders pay the VA non-allowables, so the buyers do not have to negotiate that from the sellers.Other venders offer discounts to military, such as home inspections.
If you are considering buying a home in Hawaii and would like to know how using your VA benefit will impact you, please contact me anytime.I would be honored to assist you.
Randy L. Prothero, REALTOR®, ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SFR
Century 21 Liberty Homes
Randy Prothero is well established as an expert in working with military / VA clients and first time home buyers. His home seller's (listing) campaign is one of the most aggressive marketing programs in the area.
Based out of Mililani, Hawaii. Randy services the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and the Leeward Regional Chairman of the Honolulu Board of Realtors. To improve overall professionalism in his area Randy also offers classes for real estate agents.
Controlled Access or Gated Subdivisions in San Antonio
Controlled access subdivision in San Antonio means a gated community. Controlled access is the identifier used in the MLS system to indicate community amenities and features. See my post titled "Gated Subdivisions in San Antonio" for more information on some of the attributes of gated communities.
Another feature of controlled access subdivision are Home Owners Associations (HOAs). I've worked with Buyers who like the idea of a gated community, but want nothing to do with a HOA. Granted, HOAs are like the people who are in the membership. Some can't wait to break a rule or push a boundary, while others just want to be left alone and prefer the neighborhood busy body move on down the road and mind their own business.
Now one more thing about gated communities, at least in the San Antonio area. Once your gate(s) is in place, the streets in the community are the responsibility of the community. Need some pot holes filled? Don't call the city or the county street and road department. The streets are the responsibility of the community. Money should be set aside from HOA dues for improvements to streets, common lighting, pools, playgrounds, and any other features used for the common good. The gates, fences, landscaping, and guards where applicable are all expenses where the support of the community pay the freight.
I did a quick count of gated or controlled access subdivisions in San Antonio and found almost one hundred. Based on sales in 2011, one can find homes in gated communities starting from the mid $150s. Gated communities are in all sectors of San Antonio, although most are outside Loop 410.
If you'd like to compare controlled access or gated subdivisions with non-gated subdivisions call me and I will set up a tour for you to compare the merits of them both. Call me at 210-483-6329 when you are ready to do the comparison.
Wayne Johnson 18756 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio Texas 78258
Polar bear swims are a winter tradition in many parts of the country. The neighborhood Polar Bear Swim in the Vineyard will happen on Sunday, January 22, 2PM.
I just checked the weather forecast on the iPhone and temps are projected to be between 56 degrees and 77 degrees. That's quite a bit warmer than some previous Polar Bear swims in January's past.
Hot chocolate will be served poolside. Come out and meet some of your neighbors whether you want to get wet or not. I know some of the Vineyard Viper Swim Team members will be out to get wet.
Questions about the event should be sent to: vineyardvipers@gmail.com
Is there another menace in north San Antonio? I hope this is not me spreading another urban myth but a local news report described coyote sightings in the Rogers Ranch area. Some homeowners are attributing their missing pets to coyote attacks.
One Rogers Ranch resident interviewed stated her cat had been killed by a coyote.
If you know the area adjacent to Rogers Ranch, you understand that it is an area where coyotes could hide. Rogers Ranch is a bit south of Camp Bullis, which is over 27,000 acres of land used for field training for military units. It is an area of scrub brush, rocks, rolling hills, and trees. Lots of places for nimble critters to hide.
Although completely fenced, coyotes can dig their way out of such enclosures.
As a result of the warnings, Rogers Ranch residents, as well as people living in subdivisions near Camp Bullis should take care in not letting pets or small children wander about unsupervised. If it happened in Rogers Ranch, areas such as Greystone, and The Vineyard should be watchful too.
Wayne Johnson Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors® 18756 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio Texas 78258
Almost everybody has a real estate story. To take the old Andy Rooney
intro, "Did you ever notice how
everybody has a real estate story?"
Sometimes it's horror story, sometimes a fairy tale, sometimes there's
a villain, or other times a hero. There are times when there is a brave
person going it alone, and other times it's a team activity.
Sometimes entertaining and others times sad and with a bad result.
No one can make you buy or sell
real estate. It is a voluntary
activity. Your next real estate story is in the future. Do some
research, not just on the house you think you want to buy, or the price
you think your house is worth. But also find a REALTOR with whom you
feel comfortable and develop a plan get your real estate needs handled.
There are situations in real estate that seem simple and
straightforward. But the next thing you know someone is getting kicked.
Hard. Don't let that happen to you.
No animal was
harmed in the making of this video. However, can't say
the same for the genius bringing up the end of the parade.
Need some real estate help in San
Antonio area, call or text message
me, 210-483-6329.
Wayne Johnson Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors® 18756 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio Texas 78258
House For Sale-Call Agent Named on the Sign For Details
House for sale. Call agent named on the sign for details. Lots of home buyers do this. It is logical since if you are actually in front of the house when you get the urge to get more information. That may be a quick way to get the information for the specific house, but what if later you find that this house is not really the one for you? Then you get to repeat the process all over again.
Helping families enjoy Christmas, and other holidays in December, is an annual event.
It is one time of year where many seem to be most aware of the joys of giving and helping our fellow man. I know that is a generalization and that there are thousands of groups and individuals who are on the front lines of helping the less fortunate everyday.
One of the things our office does is collect toys, primarily stuffed animals, from agents, clients and community organizations. These toys are distributed to agencies that provide assistance to families in need. The stories we hear of the joy and happiness these gifts bring to kids who might otherwise have a Christmas season without a gift are unforgettable.
Or maybe it's just me and I am more aware of the efforts to be nicer to my fellow man.
To be able to help, in even a small way, makes this memorable for the givers as much as the receivers to me.
Roseheart a San Antonio Garden Home Community is about two miles north of Loop 1604. This gated community has one point of entry from Bulverde Road. Roseheart has approximately 244 lots, and all houses were built by Sitterle Homes. Sitterle enjoys a great reputation as a high quality builder. There must be something to that reputation since, last year, they completed their 46th year in the home building industry. Sitterle Homes has completed the build out of Roseheart.
Roseheart, a San Antonio Garden Home Community, differs from many garden home communities in two areas. First, the houses are not densely situated within the development. These are not townhouses, no sharing of common walls. There is space between each property. Secondly, the houses have high ceilings and begin in the 1,900 square feet area. Both of these features lend an air of openness and space that many home owners are seeking. (Largest house in the community is about 3,300 square feet. That is the some Garden Home).
Check out a typical Roseheart home:
Past Twelve Month Listing and Sales Activity
Status
Sold
10
Cancelled*
3
Expired
1
*Canceled-Homeowner canceled listing prior to sale or prior to listing expiration date.
Current Home Availability
There are five (5) houses available today ranging in size from 1,970 square feet at $234,900 to a 3,333 square foot house with an asking price of $435,000. Call me for specific information regarding houses in Roseheart garden home community. Based on the past twelve month sales rate, that's about a six month supply.
Roseheart is in the Northeast Independent School District (NEISD). Students living in Roseheart are typically assigned to the following schools:
Bulverde Creek (Texans)-Elementary
Frank Tejeda (Timberwolves)-Middle School-This school is capped. Lopez Middle School and Driscoll Middle School are currently "overflow schools". Please contact the counseling office or an Administrator at Tejeda for current information.
Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson (Jaguars)-High School
Medical Facilities
North Central Baptist Hospital and Methodist Stone Oak Hospital are less than ten miles from Roseheart garden home community. In addition to these major hospitals, the Stone Oak area is also home to several hundred medical practices-general practioners and specialists. If you have an ailment, there is probably someone in the area who can treat the condition. Shopping
The locations below are within twenty minutes of Roseheart.
Rolling Oaks Mall
North Star Mall
Northwoods Shopping Center
Vineyard Shopping Center (no website-Loop 1604 and Blanco Road)
The Rim
The Shops at LaCantera
Conclusion
San Antonio is a big city with lots of variety in terms of price, ameneties, and floor plans in the residential inventory or homes available. I think Roseheart-San Antonio Garden Homes is one of the gems in garden home communities in our area. I would love to help you find and buy or sell one of these properties. Call me.
Cross-posted at iheart-sa.com
Wayne Johnson 18756 Stone Oak Parkway Suite 101 San Antonio, Texas 78258
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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fees, and received your building permit. In some cases, an inspection will be needed to complete the process.
that are evaluated for their plans, and execution by an independent party and are inspected by people qualified to grade the work, have a better chance of being good risks.
One of the best benefits given to active to military is housing.
Polar bear swims are a winter tradition in many parts of the country. The neighborhood Polar Bear Swim in the Vineyard will happen on Sunday, January 22, 2PM.
the house when you get the urge to get more information. 
Helping families enjoy Christmas, and other holidays in December, is an annual event.
community has one point of entry from Bulverde Road. Roseheart has approximately 244 lots, and all houses wer
