san antonio texas: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau "Qualified Mortgage" rule Sucks - 02/13/13 11:20 PM
NAHREP SA (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals)  announced at yesterday's luncheon the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is proposing a "Qualified Mortgage" rule making it even more challenging for banks to lend.

I found this statement online to support the announcement: "The new QM ability to repay underwriting standards requires full documentation of loans that lenders must preserve for three years in case they are sued by the borrowers. Points and fees on a QM loan cannot exceed 3% of the loan amount under the DFA. And the debt-to-income ratio cannot exceed 43% if the lender wants … (29 comments)

san antonio texas: Spring Break Classes at the Garden - San Antonio, Texas - 02/10/12 12:08 AM
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens Presents: Spring Break Classes at the Garden March 12-16, 2012 To register, please contact programregistrar@sabot.org or Sasha Kodet at sasha.kodet@sanantonio.gov or 210.207.3270. YOGA IN THE GARDEN Refresh, relax and renew. Each class consists of different physical postures and movement, breathwork, meditations and relaxation/ stress relieving techniques. You will be taught by a certified, experienced teacher according to your individual needs and goals. If you have any questions, please call Madeline at 844-8806. Of course, as with any physical exercise training, consult your doctor before beginning class. Fee: $50/person/session.
Checks may be made payable to the … (11 comments)

san antonio texas: If Paula Dean Can Go Healthy, So Can You! - 01/17/12 06:33 AM
I'm a FOODIE:  I love to eat food, watch food, smell food, & cook food. I watch FoodTV on the few occasions that I do watch TV. I hate Paula Dean, well, not her personally but what she represents. I'm a healthy person and living healthy isn't easy, it takes conviction and sometimes, well, disease.
Paula Dean announced this morning that she has Type II Diabetes. I'm not surprised!  The woman eats butter right out of the tub for God's sake. Her gross eating behaviors & cooking style has infected millions of Americans with the ideology that BUTTER, SUGAR, and FAT … (18 comments)

san antonio texas: Press Release: Local REALTOR® awarded SUNAGENT® CERTIFICATION - 01/16/12 04:48 AM
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Cathy Bureau
    1844 Bandera Rd #419
    Helotes, TX  78023
    (210) 560-1891
 Local REALTOR® awarded SUN AGENT® CERTIFICATION
 January 15, 2012
           San Antonio, Texas  – Cathy Bureau with GREEN Home Realty has been awarded the SunAgent® certification from SunAgent®, a private solar certification company based in New Jersey, the first to be awarded in Texas.
           Cathy achieved this valuable certification after completing a specialized course designed specifically for REALTORS®.  The rapid expansion of solar energy sparked the development of SunAgent, an assembly of industry professionals in the solar energy, … (21 comments)

san antonio texas: GREEN Home Realty - Newsletter - January 2012 - 01/15/12 11:36 AM
In years past I have mailed out quarterly newsletters to my friends, family, clients, and those who are considering my services, or just want to keep up with me.  This year I am trying out a few things different. I hope it inspires you.  Feel free to give ideas for my next newsletter, March.
 
I'm printing on gray granite paper with 50% recycled content instead of white. I like the feeling of "stainless steel" - a modern approach. I'm including some vendors and Realtors that I know in other markets so they can keep up with me, even if they … (11 comments)

san antonio texas: Take a Starbucks Coffee Break! It's Fabulous Friday! - 01/13/12 05:19 AM
I couldn't resist when I found this while commenting to a friend's blog that he's like a Starbuck's Caramel Macchiato, always an interesting person to read.
 Enjoy!
 
I'm glad a few of you enjoyed this. Just thougth it would be a fun way to have some Starbucks time with you. I think they used to call it the "water cooler" break - until the java hit the corporation food court ring. Funny thing is, I don't even drink coffee, I just never really cared for it or most of the smells, only the chocolate and amaretto type smells. But this … (6 comments)

san antonio texas: A Four Letter Word - 01/13/12 03:29 AM
I'm sure a few choice words popped into your brain but the one I'm writing about is "TRUST." Isn't it a bit misleading that I used a profanity concept to grab your attention?  We see this everyday in ActiveRain and other marketing tools which causes me to evaluate weather or not I will click-through. Personally, I'd rather have more readers because of the high quality content rather than something gimmicky.  When we choose gimmicks, what does it say about our character?   
Fool me once, shame on you,
 Fool me twice, shame on me. 
I've always told my kids, don't ever … (10 comments)

san antonio texas: Drum Roll Please......... My Website Overhaul and Why I Made the Changes - 01/12/12 04:12 PM
I blogged "A Facelift for my Website - New features for easier information access" earlier this month to pre-launch a  major overhaul to my custom website based on things I learned from some awesome bloggers. I chose to use a layout that stands out. With the recent blogging of market reports, community information, and YouTube videos, I made some structural changes in addition to the style changes.
The style updates:  Previously the background and boxes were a few shades lighter than the blue bar in the header.

I changed the boxes from light blue to steel gray, as it is … (12 comments)

san antonio texas: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations in San Antonio, Texas - 01/09/12 03:53 PM
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day  
MLK Day March / 25th Anniversary January 16, 2012 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The festivities go beyond the one day expressly dedicated to the march and include speakers, award presentations, an annual chess tournament, Hip Hop Youth Summit, classic basketball tournament and an interfaith service.
Each year since 1987, San Antonio residents and visitors -- along with people in cities all over America -- get together and celebrate the life and dream of a great man, Martin Luther King Jr. San Antonio's MLK Day march is the largest in the U.S. 2012 is the 25th Anniversary celebration of the annual MLK … (11 comments)

san antonio texas: What Shade of Green Are You? - 01/06/12 11:09 AM
The Green industry is so widespread which is one of the reasons I think some find it difficult to embrace. There are actually 3 levels of green building commitment so folks don't have to bite off too much at the beginning and enter gradually.
Low Commitment - There are some basic things you can do to save money and resources, as well as live healthier. Composting, adjusting thermostats, using low VOC paints, use weatherstripping, get an energy audit to test for air leakage, use low water usage plants and water flow. Use LED or CFL light bulbs, dimmers, energy smart appliances, … (14 comments)

san antonio texas: "Green" is Sexy - Exploring Clark County with Debb Janes - 01/06/12 10:26 AM
Green is sexy!
It means go (you interpret that statement)
We become "green" with envy (over beauty)
"Horny Toads" are green
Sexy Gecko!

In all seriousness - everybody likes to talk about it and maybe taking small steps. But everything counts, so take whatever steps you can take. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sincerely,
Cathy Bureau
 
Smart is sexy. Having a viewpoint greater than oneself is also sexy. Therefore, living "green" is sexy. There's something unmistakably attractive about someone who makes a decision to live in a healthier manner.
Especially when that decision creates not only a more … (0 comments)

san antonio texas: Eat Right to Make More Sales - New Year's Resolution #3 - 01/06/12 09:53 AM
Eating healthy feeds the brain helping us to be smarter, more energetic, and creative.  In our crazy Realtor  world that may seem daunting says my friend when I posted  New Thanksgiving Traditions to Live Longer and Healthier.  I recall that my dear colleague wrote:
"...I work every day, often on the road so meals are usually on the road. I find that my lunch or dinner is a rewarding break from the stresses of the day a so finding something good for you is often tough. For me It needs to taste good, so finding that right food is the trick."
… (3 comments)

san antonio texas: Trader Joes Coming to San Antonio, Texas - 01/04/12 01:59 PM
In the past, San Antonio  has had little in the way of healthy eating and shopping. I suppose with the heavy influence of German and Mexican cuisine it seems that there isn't much room for that - pi shah!
 
The Quarry Market is one of our luxury shopping centers and being smack dab in the middle of San Antonio makes it a great location for everyone. This is one spot that Trader Joe's is considering according to MySanAntonio.com.  Regardless of an existing HEB Food & Drug and a Whole Foods Market, it's on the radar.
 
The other areas … (16 comments)

san antonio texas: San Antonio Luminaria - March 10, 2012 - 01/04/12 01:29 PM

Luminaria is San Antonio's annual celebration of art and artists. Held in March and overseen by San Antonio's creative leaders, it is free of charge and showcases all art forms in an outdoor setting and inside various venues downtown.
Luminaria spotlights San Antonio's cultural assets for local citizens and visitors alike and is made possible through the generosity of artists, arts organizations, volunteers, and public and private donations.
In 2011, an estimated 300,000 people attended Luminaria.
For more information go to :  Luminariasa.org
 
 
… (1 comments)

san antonio texas: Please Vote on a Background for my website - 01/02/12 11:31 AM
I've been writing about my website overhaul so I'm asking for your creative input.  My existing background is indigo but it is just a tad too purple.  With a dark natural background I can convey my eco friendly message, add some sophistication , and make the page content pop. Please look at some of these samples and tell me which one you like and why.  Thanks so much!
Existing Layout & Background
 

Sample of how the new background might look... blog customization is a good idea.

 
Left to right, top to bottom
 
A.  Light Bamboo … (19 comments)

san antonio texas: The San Antonio River Walk - Everything You Ever Wanted to Know - 01/01/12 04:05 PM
The San Antonio River Walk Millions of people visit the River Walk each year to enjoy this unusual urban sanctuary that winds along the San Antonio river in central San Antonio, one story below the bustling street level.
The lush landscapes, quaint pathways, tinkling waterfalls, quiet pools, outdoor art and relaxing outdoor patios evoke the renowned public spaces of Europe.
What started as the vision of a young architect, in 1929, has grown, over the decades, into one of the world's most distinctive meeting places -- old and new friends meet up, travelers pause, families congregate, lovers gaze; and weddings, reunions, business meetings spill over … (11 comments)

san antonio texas: January Events - San Antonio, Texas - 01/01/12 04:01 PM
Santikos Australian Opera Performing Arts - Theatre
04/07/2011 - 03/04/2012 at Santikos Embassy 14
Venue Name: Santikos Embassy 14Series of the Australian OperaMore Info
Opening the Witte Wardrobe: 85 Years of Textiles Cultural Centers - Museums
09/07/2011 - 03/25/2012 at Witte Museum
Venue Name: Witte MuseumOpening the Witte Wardrobe: 85 Years of TextilesMore Info
Witte Through Time: 85 Years and Still Growing Cultural Centers - Museums
09/16/2011 - 05/26/2012 at Witte Museum
Venue Name: Witte MuseumWitte Through Time: 85 Years and Still GrowingMore Info
Out of the Vault: 85 Years of Collecting at the Witte Museum Cultural Centers - Museums
09/16/2011 … (0 comments)

san antonio texas: A Facelift for my Website - New features for easier information access - 01/01/12 03:36 PM
If you haven't visited my website, you should.  It's custom designed by my amazingly talented, encouraging, creative, supportive, hardworking husband, Scott Bureau.  But it's time for a major facelift!
I listen to what the pros say on webinars and what my clients want. I also look at others' sites and I talk with real estate agents to find out what works for them.  For the last 6 months I've been diligently reviewing my website, identified new opportunities, changed IDX providers to one that provides a custom option from IDX gadgets, all so I can produce an OUTSTANDING website for my prospects.
… (12 comments)

san antonio texas: So What Are You Waiting For? Break Through Your Wall - 01/01/12 03:04 AM

I was told in high school by my high school counselor that I should consider vocational school.  I was not a good student so I didn't make the grades needed to get into any good college. Surprising? Well, not to me. I had parents with no education, couldn't help me in school, but were committed to me attending since they didn't. They hadn't the foggiest idea of what I needed to do or how to help me, they just simply made it a requirement for me, even more important than marriage and family. 
 
I was way too busy with … (14 comments)

san antonio texas: 6 Easy Eco Friendly New Years Resolutions - 12/21/11 05:28 AM
Being GREEN is easier & cheaper than you might think. Earth911.com makes it easy and this little list they compiled is quite realistic.   
6 Green Resolutions You Can Actually Keep The New Year is nearly here, and it’s time to start thinking about those dreaded resolutions. We want you to get this year off on the right foot, so here are some suggestions for super-easy green resolutions that won’t be hard to keep.
The Dane County farmers' market in Madison, Wis. is the largest producer-only farmers
1. Eat and shop local
There are so many benefits to eating local; … (8 comments)