San Antonio is a great housing market

sumbitted by: Rebecca Lowther - Marketing Department

According to Forbes, real estate is looking up for 2/3 of the country’s big cities where median home sale’s prices rose.
Congratulations San Antonio! Once again you’ve proven yourself a great place to live. In Forbes.com’s August 16th article,”Best and Worst Housing Markets” San Antonio was ranked #6 on the list of Best US housing markets. Sandwiched between San Francisco and New York, the San Antonio market offers a median home price of $154,300.
According to Forbes.com, “Most of Texas has been immune to the housing downturn as many markets remain affordable, and good local economics have insulated much of the state from subprime fall out.”
Austin also made the list, coming in at number 9 with a median home price of $186,600.

Real Estate Predictions

Submitted by: Kathy Moore Cloud - Boerne Office

Boerne, Texas is on a high growth corridor Northwest of San Antonio, Texas on Interstate l0. I couldn’t agree more with Gary Ashton’s interview in an RISMEDIA article by Dr. Cliff Baird November 2l, 2007. Although Ashton is in Nashville, he expresses a sentiment heard throughout our own local real estate market as well for the immediate future (next l2 months).

“The past couple of years were definitely sellers markets and now the tide has turned towards a buyer’s market but the sellers are not at a point where they have to take huge losses to move their homes. Expectations are becoming more reasonable. Sellers are realizing that there may be longer days on the market than before but the homes are still selling. Thankfully I notice more realistic listing prices. We will have the seasonal lows around November, December and January and demand will increase again around February, March and April and through the rest of the summer."

The level of the demand will, to some extent, be determined by the media’s perception of the real estate market. The reports in the media are based on reality but they have created a perception that the problem is actually much worse which the public then absorbs as fact. They then perpetuate this belief by making the perception reality. It is the ultimate self-fulfilling prophesy. It’s a vicious cycle and has turned the buyer’s state of mind in to a “wait and see” mode.

The long term effects of this hesitant buyer will be to create a seller’s market when consumer confidence returns and the pent up demand is released. As the number of buyers flood back on to the market, the demand increases and the sales rise, days on the market is then reduced…and we will return once again to the seller’s market. Thus the cycle completes itself. It always does.

A spokesperson from the Brinks family reminds us all “real estate is the greatest lifelong investment there has ever been and ever will be”. Indeed! Our Real Estate business grows yearly for the Cloud Group thru personal referrals and web based lead generation which is powerful. The Cloud Group growth and personal referral client base is a direct reflection of the power of our personal services and professional knowledge. We are proud to be part of the largest Independent Brokerage of South Texas. Bradfield Properties’ longevity speaks volumes in this type market both to us as Realtors and to our clients. For more information, please visit me at www.bradfieldproperties.com/kathymoorecloud or send me a message at kathymoorecloud@BradfieldProperties.com .

Arrowhead

Submitted By: Jilla Sayyadi - Stone Oak Office

$264,900
MLS #: 682149
Subdivision: Arrowhead
4 BR/2.5 BA
2-Car Garage

Relax by the pool, or sit on the game room balcony and enjoy the city views, 4 bedrooms, 2 and half bath, master down with plantation shutters, master bath has whirlpool and double vanity. 4 sides brick, custom ceramic tile through out, formal dining room, study and game room. Stainless steel Refrigerator, Storage building, patio furniture and few other small items stay with the house. For more information contact Jilly Sayyadi at bradfieldproperties.com/JillaSayyadi.

Click Here For More Details On This Property

Rolling Meadows

Submitted by: Brenda Alexander - Stone Oak Office

$187,000

MLS#681946

Loop 1604 & Nagodoches

4BR/2.5BA

2-Car Garage

Often parents find that the investment into a home is more cost-effective than a school dormitory or apartment for their college bound children, especially if they will be in-place for an extended period of time. Such is the case with this wonderful property, now for sale in the northeast area of San Antonio. After completion of the Bachelor/Master programs, the financial end should be a "wash" on the cost of housing for the student and very possibly some extra dollars (a little or a lot - depends on the deal) in mom and dad's pockets to boot! Adding icing to the cake, is that the

student/child secured employment in their newly developed field of expertise and have a job in another state! So, are these sellers motivated? You Bet! Contact Brenda Alexander at bradfieldproperties.com/BrendaAlexander for a private showing today - you can certainly get in, in time to enjoy that fireplace and big backyard for the Holidays!

Click Here For More Details On This Property

Happy Thanksgiving - We appreciate you!

Submitted by: Reagan Greer - Broker

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday season, the management team of Bradfield Properties would like to thank all those who have entrusted their real estate needs with our professional team of Realtors. Whether buying or selling property, the process can be overwhelming as well as time consuming and a part of our job is to help in creating a smooth and trouble-free transaction for our clients and customers. As the numbers of individuals reviewing our website grows, technology continues to provide an easy and convenient method to gather and share information.

The National Association of Realtors estimates that 80% of today’s buyers of property start on the internet. We are pleased you have found our site and our blog useful as your search and review options.

As we enjoy the fall weather, remember to have your AC/heating unit checked out, take advantage of the timing to fertilize and prune your lawn/foliage and keep your gutters clear as leaves fall. Home maintenance ultimately can pay dividends down the road.

Again, we appreciate your interest in our services and wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving 2007.

For my money, I’d rather concentrate on the facts

Submitted by: Naomi Weckesser - Manager - Boerne Office

While we continuously hear the moaning and groaning of down turns in the housing and economic predictors from sources on a national level, I find it incredible that we hear so little from our state or local media about the real facts. However, in the October issue of Tierra Grande, Journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, Steve H. Murdock, a research fellow with the Real Estate Center, proves my perspective and opinion on concentrating on the facts.

Mr. Murdock’s Demography article, Here We GROW Again, clearly shows that …”Texas’ population had a larger numerical increase from 2000 to 2006 than any other state and a growth rate (12.7) twice that of the nation.” Additionally, San Antonio is among three cities in Texas with the largest increases, at 33,000 new neighbors.

I won’t deny the tight squeeze being felt by our East and West coast populations, but here in Texas, and particularly in the Hill Country, we’ve still got plenty of room to grow, so Come On Down. We’ve got lots of room for new neighbors and this means plenty of opportunities for existing friends to sell, move up, and move around! Call our Boerne office at 830-816-9400 to speak to a Real Estate Professional to assist you in your sale or buying needs.

Real Estate Auction – A Viable Alternative?

Submitted By: Stewart Larsen - Boerne Office

In a recent observation by Ina Steiner on AuctionBytes.com, October 22, 2007, we note that Ina sees… Real Estate Auctions Contribute to Live Auction Growth.

According to Ina Steiner, and in a recent survey, forty-seven percent of auctioneers that responded, reported an increase in gross sales receipts in the first three quarters of 2007. Additionally, Ina states, residential real estate auctions continue to be one of the fastest growing segments of the live auction industry with an estimated growth of 3.1% since the end of the second quarter. During this same period, commercial and industrial real estate auction has grown 2.9%.

Locally, we see real estate auctions on the rise as well. As noted by David Hendricks in Business Section D of the San Antonio Express-News, October 20, 2007, recently an auction of the McAllister house was conducted. Although bids submitted did not result in a sale, we recognize this as a viable alternative to conventional sales practices and are realizing our need, as REALTORS® to expand our marketing efforts in this arena. Having already experimented with this method of exposure and potential avenue for a sale, my own comfort level with real estate auctioning is growing at a very positive rate. For more information, visit me in our Boerne office or go to www.bradfieldproperties.com/stewartlarsen .

Seven Ways Sellers Can Ensure a Good First Impression

Submitted by: Rebecca Lowther-Marketing Department

There are many things sellers have to remember when selling a home. Keeping everything looking clean and tidy can be daunting and its easy to let the little things slide. Here are 7 things that could go unnoticed in all the flurry activity.

7 Things To Remember When Selling a Home:
1. Clean window treatments and windows: Wash the drapes or at least shake them out and dust any shutters or blinds. Dirty window treatments can make a home smell musty and can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers. Run over the windows with glass cleaner to make them gleam and let in the light. And don’t forget the window sills!
2. Dust ceiling fans: Ceiling fans accumulate dust fast and can make an otherwise tidy room look dirty. Run a damp paper towel over the blades to remove any dust that’s collected there.
3. Clean the baseboards: Use a a damp cloth to get rid of dust and marks from shoes. Touch up chipped paint.
4. Check for cobwebs: Carefully inspect ceilings, especially high ones, and eradicate any cobwebs.
5. Use candles and air fresheners to make your home smell inviting: We all grow accustomed to the smells in our house, whether its our beloved family pet, the fish we had for dinner or just the smells that accompany an older home. Although these odors might be faint, they can be quite noticeable to someone whose never been in your home. A fresh smelling candle or a few puffs of odor eliminating air freshener will keep your home smelling as good as it looks. But remember, overdoing it with air freshener and candles can scare people away just as quickly as bad smells, so use sparingly.
6. Pay attention to the front door: It must be clean and inviting. Use a household cleaner to get rid of any scuffs, smudges and fingerprints. Also, make sure the step and doormat are clean and tidy. Sweep away any leaves or bugs that may have been blown there.
7. Curb appeal: Mow, edge and weed the yard. Plant flowers for a splash of color. If you make your home inviting from the driveway, people will know you take care of it before they even walk in the door.

These little things may seem nit-picky, but they could make or break a first impression. Let people see your beautiful home, not the dust!

New Braunfels offers More than Toobing

Submitted by: Jeanne Edwards - New Braunfels Office

New Braunfels, Texas, is a town ripe with cultural and social activities. There are numerous festivals throughout the year including Wein Sangerfest, Clayfest, Wurstfest, Wassaelfest, Folkfest, Comal County Fair and more. For more permanent venues, the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, Circle Arts Theatre, New Braunfels Art League Gallery, Sophenburg Museums, New Braunfels Conservation Society and Heritage Village offer year round events. New Braunfels is not just for toobers any more. For more information about Real Estate in the New Braunfels area contact Jeanne Edwards at bradfieldproperties.com/JeanneEdwards.

Where is Call District High School?

Submitted by: Rebecca Lowther- Marketing Department

With the San Antonio area growing so quickly, school districts are being forced to constantly change. Students that once attended one school have been routed to another due to overcrowding. This shell game of school names makes it very difficult for parents, particulary those who are moving, to keep up. Many MLS sheets simply say "Call District" beside the headings of Elementary, Middle and High school.

Never fear, parents, help is available. Websites such as http://askted.tea.state.tx.us, a website of the Texas Education Agency, offer numerous resources on Texas school districts. By going to http://askted.tea.state.tx.us/org-bin/menus/public_schools.pl you can search for district information by using a variety of criteria. Once you locate your school district, contact information is provided including address, phone numbers, Superintendent, and in most cases, websites.

Finding a new home for your family can be a stressful affair, especially when it comes to finding good schools, but their are resources to make it easier. If you have questions about what schools your children will attend, don't hesitate to contact your school district. For all your Real Estate needs, go to www.bradfieldproperties.com

San Antonio's Real Estate Market is Different From Most

Submitted by: Tom Peterson - Boerne Office

Matt Woolsey of Forbes.com got it right when he said "Homes sales are in a slump, but not everywhere." There are five cities included in his analysis that are still in a seller's market position. Because of lack of room to overbuild or a population influx, many many opportunities for Real Estate success are alive and well, including our own San Antonio and Hill Country areas.

Although many media outlets cast doom and gloom on Real Estate activity nationwide, prices for existing homes are not falling by the mass in our area. Not every market follows national trends, and despite the industry's overall problems, there are still cities where sellers have the upper hand. The best way to judge a buyer's versus a seller's market is a simple supply-demand analysis of housing stock: the current rate of sales, how long would it take to sell off the inventory of single-family homes or condos? If that measure comes back high, houses sit on the market longer. If it is low, the market is tightening, which is good news for the seller.

Visit with your Realtor to determine your best price and get your property exposed to the buyers here in the South Central Texas area today! For more information visit Tom at www.bradfieldproperties.com/TomPeterson

What Bubble?

Submitted by: Jim Sluder- New Braunfels Office

It seems as though any day you turn on the national news there is another story about falling home prices, record foreclosures, and Sellers being stuck with un-sellable houses. If we in Real Estated took our lead from these stories, we may as well stay in bed and pull the covers over our head!
But there is Texas...we have been fortunate to have steady, healthy growth in Real Estate appreciation. The market in South and Central Texas is among the strongest in the nation. We can tell our customers and clients with confidence that ours is a market where both Buyers and Sellers are in a market with strength. Real Estate in Texas is like "money in the bank."For more information go to www.bradfieldproperties.com/JimSluder

An Up and Coming Central Texas Town

Submitted by: Henri Farmer-New Braunfels Office

The thriving community in and around New Braunfels, Texas offers endless opportunities for recreation, shopping, education, and investment. Best known for its two rivers, tourists as well as locals enjoy tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. Two hours on the Comal River are about right for a short respite from the work world. On the other hand the Guadalupe River provides leisurely trips from two to eight hours. And there are other activities in Gruene and in town.

The historic/tourist community of nearby Gruene welcomes shoppers, dancers, and music lovers. In the evening boot-scooting to country western dancing attracts many to historic Gruene Hall whole several local eateries offer up steaks, seafood, hamburgers, and wonderful pasta fares with appropriate wines and beer. And while these activities are growing in popularity, the main streets of downtown New Braunfels are flourishing as well.

In the center of the city an historic bandstand provides a favorite photography spot for all special occasions. Local businesses and citizens have gone to great lengths to revitalize shops, meeting venues, banks, restaurants, and The Brauntex Theater. This old movie theatre turned performing arts theatre has become home to two theatre groups and a yearly menu of high caliber performances by quality entertainers. Bradfield Properties is proud to be a corporate sponsor for this very important part of this south Central Texas community. For more information about properties in New Braunfels, go to www.bradfieldproperties.com/HenriFarmer

Country Living with City Benefits

Submitted by: Kathy Moore Cloud - Boerne Office

San Antonio has been ranked the 7th largest city in America by many sources. And despite becoming a recently discovered locale, many outlying communities are growing by leaps and bounds as the preferred residential area. Communities such as Fair Oaks Ranch, Boerne, Pipe Creek, and Bandera are realizing previously unprecedented growth. It seems our new neighbors are attracted to the structure of city life as far as jobs go, whether employee or employer, but prefer to enjoy the country life with an easy commute to work. There's still plenty of large tracts of land for sale in the Hill Country. For example, a 47 acre property with a spring fed pond, barn and cabin already set with a well and a septic system sounds like a great start for a new Hill Country resident. Or, how about a secluded 60 acre property with several interesting levels for other buildings in addition to the existing home? One can enjoy the views from their quiet porch before heading to the city in the morning and upon return in the evening- now that's country living with city benefits! For more information about these and other large acre tracts, go to www.bradfieldproperties.com/KathyMooreCloud.

2007 Scholarship Winners

Submitted by: Rebecca Lowther - Marketing Department

Bradfield Properties salutes their 2007 Scholarship winners:
Gabriela Trevino, daughter of Cassie Trevino, is a graduate of Churchill High School and will be attending the University of Texas in San Antonio. Hannah Stewart, daughter of Allen and Laurie Stewart, is a graduate of Boerne High School, will be attending the University of Texas in Austin.Evin Schuchardt, son of Jeanine Schuchardt, is a graduate of Boerne High School, will be attending Texas A&M University.

Bradfield Properties would also like to congratulate Ali Petlin and Kayla Bradfield, granddaughters of Boyd and Joyce Bradfield, on their graduation from Alamo Heights and Churchill High School. Both girls will be attending the University of Texas at Austin.

The Bradfield Properties Scholarship Program was founded in 1992 in memory of Realtors Rita Sheehan Eaves, Betsy Meyer and Jan Newman. The company contributes a portion of every closing towards the Scholarship fund and individual agents contribute as well. Each year 3 recipients are selected by a panel of judges. Since its inception, the scholarship program has provided 48 students with the funds to further their future. This years ceremony was held on May 31, 2007 at the Longhorn Cafe. Judges were Carolyn Greer, Terry Hausman and Melton George.

"The Broadway" Premier

Submitted by: Kristy Bradfield Petlin, COO

Last evening many of San Antonio’s finest Realtors attended the premier preview of “The Broadway,” the newest innovation in luxury high rise living. This luxurious property is located at the corner of Hildebrand and Broadway in the Alamo Heights area. Priority reservations are now being taken for the 90+ units. Each has its own grand view overlooking the San Antonio Country Club or picturesque parks and gardens. The community has landscaped gardens and grounds, resort-style pool and cabanas, pet friendly area, private underground parking and valet service along with impressive common areas on the first floor. Bradfield Realtors, along with their business associates, enjoyed a first look at the architects model of “The Broadway”. The sample living and bathroom were completed along with a terrace and suggested color palettes were on hand to entice customers. The event was five star quality with fabulous treats catered by the Don Strange Company.

New Subdivision in Fair Oaks Ranch

Submitted by: Doris Follett- IH-10 Office

An exciting 358 acre development called “Stone Creek Ranch”, which is in the city of Fair Oaks Ranch, is located on Amman Road. It is part of the acclaimed Boerne Independent School District and offers recreational amenities to accommodate those interested in a fitness center, spa, billiard room, bridge room, swimming pool and walking trails. The homesites range from 1 to 3 acres and start at $99,500 and the entrance will have a guard gate. Residents will also have the opportunity to apply for membership at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf and Country Club which features a 36 hole golf course, 15 lighted tennis courts, pools and dining.

Technology is changing the face of Real Estate

Submitted by: Ruben Cortez - Churchill Office

The rise of the internet has given anyone searching for information access to a wealth of data at their fingertips. Because of this, companies both in and out of the Real Estate industry have figured out ways to make money on your desire to find the best price of an existing house or find out how much your home is worth. While many of these companies work with information gathered from various sources their bottom line is to make money. Some companies have now adopted “price ranges” to classify the home you are buying or selling. The goal is to obtain your information such as address and phone number in order to get more specific information for you. Once you do this, some companies will then sell your information as a “lead” to others in the Real Estate industry and other industries, sometimes multiple times. Every wonder how your name ends up on emails and you have no idea how they received it? Save yourself time and effort by contacting a local Realtor that is a member of the San Antonio or Central Texas Board of Realtors. They can access the most current MLS (multiple listing service) to give you the most up to date information. If you’re selling your home or looking to purchase one, make sure the company and Realtor you choose to represent you offer everything you need. For more information on how technology affects the Real Estate market contact me at rubencortez@bradfieldproperties.com

Bradfield Properties Welcome New Realtors

Submitted By: Reagan Greer, Broker

Bradfield Properties is proud to congratulate our newest dedicated professional Realtors who just completed our two-week extensive training courses. Del Amaya, Lane McCullough, Sandy Valladares, Cindy Mandujano, Denise Carswell and Jackie Poblete are joining our IH-10 Office. Dana Causey, Roxane Cook, and Kamilla McKinski are joining our Bulverde Office. Carlos Pena, Lorna Pratt, and Mark Pratt are joining our Churchill Office. Vanessa Turney, Dave Claflin, Stewart Larsen, and Tom Zimmerman are joining our Boerne Office. Ophelia Poole, Veronica Schwab, Donna Mooney, and Renaldo Sanchez are joining our Stone Oak Office. Lisa Stamps is joining our New Braunfels Office. If you are interested in a career in Real Estate, please contact our broker Reagan Greer at 210.340.6500 or email him directly at Reagan@bradfieldproperties.com.

San Antonio Tops State Appreciation Rate

Submitted by: Reagan Greer, Broker

The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University recently completed a comparison study that re-enforced that real estate in Texas continues to be strong and healthy.

Nationally the stories are not quite the same and Texas is an area many are focused on as a result.

The study showed that San Antonio is leading the state in appreciation with an 11% increase from February 2006 to February 2007 with a median price of approximately $145,100. It also revealed Austin is second in the state increasing 7% with a median of $177,400, Houston 3rd with a 3% increase median price $146,900, and Dallas with a 1% gain median price $156,000.

San Antonio and the surrounding area continues to enjoy growth spurred by favorable economic conditions, low interest rates and reasonable home pricing per square foot compared to other areas.

The growth has also placed an importance on adequate schools and many area school districts are faced with an inadequate number of facilities to handle the influx of homeowners. This has resulted in a number of current Bond proposals being considered by voters. The early voting period is underway, with the election being held May 12th.

Texas, specifically San Antonio, are bucking the National trends and this continues to be a great time to buy & sale property.

Green Up Your Lawn And Get More "Green" For Your House

Submitted by: Rebecca Lowther - Marketing Department

Its been said a hundred times that first impressions are important. Whether going to a job interview, on a date or meeting the future in-laws, those first few moments are crucial in establishing yourself as a person of worth. The same principle applies to houses as well. Any potential buyer begins judging your property the minute they drive up and that first view could be a deal breaker. While fresh paint and clean windows can go a long way in making your house appear more valuable and inviting, don’t make the mistake of neglecting your lawn. An overgrown or sparce yard could ruin the first impression of an otherwise immaculate house. All it takes are a few simple touches to make your yard and your house more inviting; no green thumb required.

The first and perhaps most important item for your attention should be the lawn itself. Flowers and shrubs will do little to hide brown or bald spots in the grass itself. Use grass seed or sod in sparce areas to fill in the lawn and seasonal weed & feed products to green up and thicken your grass. Also, keep the lawn mowed. Tall weeds and an overgrown lawn give the impression that the property as a whole is unkempt.

If you wish to add a splash of color to give some zing to your curb appeal, there are numerous hardy plants available to make your yard pop. Annual such as Petunias come in a wide array of colors, but bloom only once and will have to be replanted. If you are putting your house on the market and need a “quick fix”, annuals are a great way to get color bang for your buck. If you want a more permanent solution, perennials such as lantana are hardy and will continue to grow. They usually bloom once or twice a year.

The best advice for lawn care is to visit your local gardening or home improvement store. There, you can find professionals to help you pick the right grasses, plants and shrubs for your particular yard, whether it be sunny or shady. They will also be able to help you pick water-saver and native plants to minimize watering costs and maintenance. Gardening is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your lawn and improve the look of your home. It’s amazing what a few flowers can do.

Redefined Bradfield Properties Website

Submitted by: Sherry Settles - Marketing Department

Welcome to our redefined Bradfield Properties website. We launched our updated website this morning, April 17th. Our site currently offers property searches from 3 different MLS feeds, San Antonio, Central Texas and Kerrville and soon we will be adding Highland Lakes. This means you have the ability to search over 20,000 listings in our area. Once you have located properties that you are interested in, take a moment to click on the Home Clips feature which provides a tour of the property with photos and description. Contact any of our 285 realtors to assist you with more information or to schedule an appointment for viewing the properties you are interested in.

Boerne Land a Good Investment?

Submitted by: Jack Jones, Realtor- Boerne Office

Hill Country landowners (and folks thinking about becoming landowners) will be encouraged by a recent article written by Dr. Charles Gilliland, a research economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M.

In the January issue of “Tierra Grande”, Dr. Gilliland writes that land prices in Texas increased in 2006 by 18% over the previous year. That means that prices saw double-digit increases in each of the past four years.

Getting top-heavy? The article suggests otherwise. Here are some of the points Dr. Gilliland makes:

• Many people are paying cash for land, so there’s not the danger inherent in a highly leveraged market.
• Texas’ population is expected to increase by 16% in the next ten years, which means the demand for land (and prices) will increase as well.
• The population over 65 will increase, and many of those are increasingly well off and in the market for land to enjoy as a place to live and invest in.
• The Texas land market, while at record levels, is according to historical statistics not over-heated.
• Other parts of the country are seeing land prices much higher than Texas, and folks from other states are turning to Texas as a good place to invest!

Bradfield Properties’ experience in the Boerne area certainly confirms these findings. The beauty of the Texas Hill Country, the culture and quality of life here in the wide open spaces and the proximity to San Antonio combine to attract more and more people to Boerne, Texas, as the place to personally grow, raise kids and enjoy life!

Bright Lights, Big City

Submitted by: Barbara Blackburn, Realtor- Bulverde Office

Are you thinking about heading back downtown? If you are attracted to the bright lights and big city energy you are not alone. Downtown areas across the country are enjoying a revitalization and San Antonio is no exception. One of the most popular downtown addresses is right on the river walk, the La Cascada Condominium located at 230 Dwyer just a block south of the courthouse. Stroll along the riverwalk south toward the King William area for the relaxing beauty of the riverside landscaping or take a short walk north and you will find yourself at the heart of the dining, shopping and entertainment center of San Antonio. Enjoy it all from the last penthouse available at La Cascada, this southwest corner unit has a wrap around balcony with awesome sunsets and views to the south, west and east. Ride up one level to the rooftop patio and pool to gaze at the bright lights of the San Antonio skyline, beautiful both day and night.

Drive Right Out to Heaven, Texas Style

Submitted by: Rex Blackburn, Realtor - Bulverde Office

Take a 10 minute drive north out Blanco Rd to Ammann Rd, turn right and you’ll see that work is underway at the new Stonefield Subdivision. The main and only road into Stonefield is being cut this week, weather permitting of course. Soon you’ll be able to just drive right in and pick out your very own slice of heaven, if you’re one of the lucky 6, that is. That’s right, Stonefield is only offering 6 tracts, approximately 10 acres each tract. Build your home among majestic old oaks, some tracts have views, one tract has a pond and old windmill.

Technology is Changing the Face of Real Estate

Submitted by: Ruben Cortez, Realtor - Churchill Office

Almost every day there is a new and exciting method to the madness of buying or selling Real Estate. Gone are the days when the Realtor had all the information on a property and the customer was at the mercy of the Realtor and owner of the property. With the click of a mouse, the consumer can find out as much or more information as any Realtor. Consumers demand it and they have the ability to make choices as never before. Try it! www.bradfieldproperties.com! On this site you will find out information about any property in San Antonio and the surrounding area that is listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Once, only Realtors had access to this information, but because of Technology, almost anyone can access this system in some fashion. There are many other systems out there to help you find information, moving to another city? Try www.realtor.com. Not always as up-to-date as direct access to MLS but better than most systems. With all the Technology today, you can buy a home over the Internet without ever seeing the actual property! Crazy? Ten years ago, who would have ever thought of buying anything under the sun on E-Bay? Crazy like a fox! Next time. Some dangers of the new and improved Technology.

Packing Tips

Submitted by: Gail Legnon - New Braunfels Office

Moving can be a stressful time for anyone but, by using a few tips it may be easier. Don’t be afraid to start packing early! You may want to pack the items you are not using. Take inventory of your belongings before they’re packed, you may need to file an insurance claim later. Don’t pack it if you don’t need it. Have a garage sale. Don’t be afraid to invest in high quality packing boxes and use the same size boxes. Pack all boxes to capacity so they are not easily crushed. Label all boxes before packing or immediately after packing. Check with your insurance agent to ensure you’ll be covered through your homeowner’s policy during the move. Never pack combustibles, food or liquids. These items could cause damage and void your insurance policy. Every member should pack a few nights worth of clothing, prescription drugs, toiletries, a towel and other personal items. It may be a while before you can unpack again. Don’t forget to include a small tool kit for assembling furniture, etc.

Selling Your Home in San Antonio

Submitted by: Patricia DeCordova, Realtor - Stone Oak Office

Planning on listing your home this Spring or Summer? Boy, you’ve hit the Jackpot! San Antonio has never enjoyed such a vibrant and fast paced Real Estate market as we have today. As a home seller, your timing is impeccable!

You may have read in magazines such a Fortune and CNN Business that San Antonio is “On a Roll”. Our healthy local economy, lower costs of living and mild climate have propelled our city onto the national map for corporate relocation and new investment. The finance gurus have mentioned San Antonio in stellar terms with regard to steady growth in housing demand and retail expansion.

All this “Buzz” about our city translates into solid home prices and less time on the market for many home sellers. Of course, the general Real Estate dictum applies here. Location rules! Then my famous rule of the four “C’s”. Condition, Clean, Curb and Clutter! A homeowner cannot pick up a house and move it to a better location but they can certainly perform miracles in the exterior and interior appearance.

Make sure everything is in working order. Condition counts! Clean every surface especially baths and kitchens. Curb appeal is critical to buyers that are driving the neighborhood. Toss out those old flower pots and invest in a new doormat. Your home will appear more spacious without all the clutter we manager to collect over time. Pack up your Hummel collection, make sure toys are off the floor and kitchen counters look sleek and tidy.

Keep in mind your house will be viewed by millions of potential buyers on the Internet. The amount of people that begin their home search on the Internet is enormous. As a seller, hiring a REALTOR that is Internet savvy cannot be overstated. The photos and text description created by your REALTOR will bean important selling tool on the web that can make or break the image you wish to create. Ask your REALTOR if they are a member of the REALTOR.com Web Marketing Group. Members are able to greatly enhance your listing via additional photos, special text and graphic features.

Is it easy to market and sell homes? It is not. But, taking the first step by calling a professional REALTOR is a wise move that’s easy.

"Top Dollar" Home Makeovers

Submitted by: Patricia DeCordova, Realtor - Stone Oak Office

We all love those dramatic TV programs that within an hour transform a rather boring looking home into a showplace. They’re fun to watch, the end result is stunning and offer us inspiration for our own homes. However, the producers have an unlimited budget, an army of qualified workers nor a spouse that says, “ I hate that color”.

But your home is reality an money has wings. Here are some ideas to increase the value of your home, make it more efficient and update your look.

Start with the kitchen and bath if you want bang for your buck when selling. First, lose the outdated wallpaper. Nothing says yesterday like your mom’s striped wallpaper. Now it’s easy to remove with a spray gel remover and a small tool that you roll over the paper. The stuff practically falls off. So, now you’ve got a bare wall. Your choices are to have texture sprayed on the walls, then paint or install the modern wallpapers that appear to have a texture or a subtle finish. Use a neutral color that will combine with appliances, cabinets and window treatments.

Consider painting the cabinets if they need it. Or replace the doors if you have the budget. Check out all the new designs for cabinet pulls. Brushed chrome is very popular now. Don’t go for “cutesy” here. Think traditional. The extra deep kitchen sinks are fabulous looking, not too pricey and very useful. A new kitchen faucet makes a big splash with buyers. Dishwashers are relatively inexpensive and improve the look and function in your kitchen. Look for a white or bisque color.

Baths are a sanctuary for many these days and get more design attention than ever. Again, simple and clean lines are the theme here. Choose a neutral color palette when buying towels, shower curtain and accessories. New towel bars, light fixtures and faucets can all be replaced without breaking the bank.

Good rules to follow: Concentrate on one room at a time. Look through home design magazines first to “Find your Style”. Check out several home improvement stores for ideas. Places like Target have lots of home design items too. Calculate all the stuff you plan to buy beforehand to get a total on your project. Then prepare to enjoy your home makeover!

Is it time to remodel?

Submitted By: Clark Tilley, Realtor - Stone Oak Office

I love the New Year and the thought of making all of those great resolutions. As one person put it, “Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits”. Although my resolutions typically focus on diet and exercise, many people are resolving to freshen up their home. Is it time to consider some updates, needed repairs, or a total remodel? Is it worth the investment? What if we are thinking of selling in the coming months? All of these legitimate questions can be addressed, and in many cases there is ample data available to guide you in your home projects. Every year, through a study conducted by Remodeling magazine, the cost vs. value analysis of specific remodel projects is published. The 2006 results, reported by geographic region, are interesting. In San Antonio, for every dollar spent on a kitchen remodel, you can expect to recoup 82.7% in additional resale value of your home. A master bath re-do will recoup 82% of the cost. Need to replace old siding?? Go with cement fiber. It had the highest return rate reported at 88%. Even something as boring as replacing a roof can return over 80% in our region. These numbers sound pretty good to me. You can enjoy a fresh new look to your home and get back more than 80 cents in resale value for every dollar invested in your project. Thinking of selling soon?? Don’t start that project yet! An experienced Realtor may be able to assist with some money saving ideas. From my experience, many times people spend much more than necessary when preparing a home for sale. A kitchen may only need new countertops instead of an entire remodel. Simple updates, fresh paint, new landscaping, and other inexpensive touches can return great “bang for the buck”. Before you call the contractor, call your favorite Realtor® for their analysis and opinion.