Shirley's San Antonio Real Estate Blog: July 2008

King William Historic District

The King William Historic District is a 25-block area located south of and adjacent to downtown San Antonio on the east bank of the San Antonio River.  In the 1700s this land was irrigated farm land and belonged to the Mission San Antonio de Valero, which we know as the Alamo.

In 1793, the land owned by the mission was divided among the native families who lived there or was sold at public auction.  The King William Neighborhood that we know today was subdivided into lots in the 1860s and laid out with streets which still exist as they originally were.  Many Germans who had immigrated to Texas in the 1840s began to move from smaller settlements into larger towns and many settled in this area which became known as "Sauerkraut Bend."  This German neighborhood developed into a wonderful area of large homes shaded by pecan, oak, and cypress trees.

The main entry street into the area was given the name King Wilhelm in honor of King Wilhelm I, King of Prussia in the 1870s. During World War I, when America was at war with Germany, the name was changed to Pershing Avenue. After the war was over the original name was restored, but was given the English version of the name, King William.

In the early 1900s the King William District lost favor as an upscale neighborhood for the upper class and by 1920 many of the original home builders had passed away and their descendants moved away from the area. During the 1930s and 1940s the neighborhood had fallen into decline and deterioration.  Only a handful of the earlier settlers remained in the area and maintained their homes as before.

However, the 1950s saw an interest in restoring and preserving these fine old houses and the King William area once again became a desirable place to live.  The King William District was designated the first Historic Neighborhood District in Texas in 1967. It is protected Under a zoning ordinance designed to "protect it for the benefit and enjoyment of the public." 

If you are a history buff and enjoy looking at historic homes, a visit to the King William District is a must. Most of the homes in the district are privately owned and can only be viewed from the street or sidewalk. However, two are open to the public:

The Guenther House: Located at 205 East Guenther Street. This house, built in 1860, was home to Edward Guenther, the founder of the Pioneer Flour Mills, and his family.  The house is currently owned by the San Antonio Conservation Society and features a popular and excellent restaurant (open for breakfast and lunch only,) museum, and gift shop.  It also has a room available for small parties.

Open Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Steves Homestead:   Located at 509 King William Street.  This home was built in 1876 for Edward Steves, founder of the Steves Lumber Company.  In 1964, it was designated as a historic home.

Open daily for tours from 10:00am-4:15pm. Admission: $5 for adults; free for children under 12.

 

San Antonio's newest builder, Tristone Homes, begins construction in The Ridge at Leon Valley.  Homes are priced from the $130's to the $170's.  In addition to The Ridge at Leon Valley, four more developments are planned, including Laurel Mountain Ranch, Santa Maria at Alamo Ranch, Westcove Village, and Estonia Estates.  There will be a home choice for everyone from first time homebuyers to move-up buyers with prices in the five developments ranging from the $130,000s to the $240,000s.  Prices subject to change.

The Ridge at Leon Valley is located near Bandera Rd. and Loop 410 within 5 minutes of the South Texas Medical Center. The neighborhood is surrounded by great shopping, movie theaters, and restaurants and provides easy access to major thoroughfares.

The Ridge Floorplans:

The Guadelupe	Square Footage: 1,698
The Fredicksburg	Square Footage: 1,519
The Pedernales	Square Footage: 2,061
The Colorado	Square Footage: 2,190
The Mason	Square Footage: 2,447
The Medina	Square Footage: 2,962

Tristone is an Energy Star and San Antonio Green builder.

For information on new or preowned homes in San Antonio, please visit my website at www.shirleyparks.com or call me anytime at 210-414-0966.

Most people look forward to buying their first home.  After all, it is the American Dream.  But some people may be undecided if buying a home is really the right thing to do.  They may feel somewhat overwhelmed with the thought of applying for a mortgage and choosing the right home.  Having reservations is normal. Everything will fall into place once you have made the decision to move forward.  The more information you have about the benefits of home ownership, the less daunting the process will seem. Here are some good reasons why you should buy a home.  

Pride of ownership.  Making the decision to become a homeowner is making the decision to invest in your  future. Owning a home gives you a sense of stability and  security.  This is the main reason why people want to own their home. You also can make your own decisions about decorating your home to suit your own taste.  

Appreciation.  Many homeowners see their investment in a home as a hedge against inflation.  Although real estate moves in cycles, over the years real estate has consistently appreciated.  

Mortgage Interest Deductions.  There are tax benefits to owning a home.  If your mortgage balance is smaller than the market value, or price, of your home, mortgage interest is deductible on your tax return.  Interest paid is the largest part of your mortgage payment.  

Property Tax Deductions.  Real estate property taxes are deductible for income tax purposes. IRS Publication 530 contains tax information for first time home buyers.   

Capital Gains Exclusion.  If you decide to sell your home, as long as you have lived in your home for two of the past five years, you can exclude up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a married couple of profit from capital gains. You do not have to buy a replacement home or move up.  

Preferential Tax Treatment.  If you are fortunate enough to receive more profit than the allowable exclusion upon the sale of your home, the profit will be considered a capital asset as long as you owned your home for more than one year. Capital assets receive preferential tax treatment.  

Building Equity in Your Home.  The way amortization works, the principal portion of your principal and interest payment increases every month. It is lowest on your first payment and highest on your last payment.

Equity Loans.  Interest on credit card balances cannot be deducted for tax purposes.  Credit card interest can be up to 22% approximately, but equity loan interest is usually much less and it is deductible. It is beneficial for many home owners to pay off this kind of debt with a home equity loan. Although some state laws restrict home equity loans, in many states consumers can borrow against a home's equity for many  reasons. 

For information on new or preowned homes, please visit my website at www.shirleyparks.com or call me anytime at 210-414-0966.

 

Anaqua Springs is an environmentally preserved master-planned community northwest of San Antonio. The community has three phases with a fourth planned phase. Anaqua Springs Ranch I, II and III are developed, although there are still new homes for sale and/or lots that can be bought for building. This is a high-end develpment with many neighborhood amenities.  Homesites range in size from one to four acres.   

The architectural restrictions for Anaqua Springs Ranch incorporate the very best of the Euro-Texan Architecture. This architecture achieves a perfect balance of modern luxury and old-world charm. These beautiful custom homes are crafted from native limestone and native rock, and are stacked according to old German tradition. This form of craftsmanship, featuring clean lines and a classic look, further enhances the beauty of the native Texas materials.

These restrictions apply to the home's masonry, roof and landscaping, ensuring that the homes work together in visual harmony. Homes at Anaqua Springs Ranch, while exhibiting individuality, will share traits that enable the homes to be nestled into the surrounding trees, complementing the natural beauty of the land. 

All homes for sale and all preferred builders that are allowed to build on Anaqua Springs lots conform to this style. For examples of home styles, visit anaquasprings.com  

Homes generally range in price from approximately $800,000 to several million dollars, depending on size and location of the house and lot. (Prices subject to change.) A lot can be purchased directly from a builder with the understanding that you will contract them to build your custom home for you. For information about open lots in Phase IV that has not yet started building, visit the Anaqua Springs website.  

Preferred builders in Anaqua Springs include Burdick Custom Homes, Inc., Diamante Custom Homes, Don Craighead Homes, Fine Homes by Greg Lewis, Hughes Old World Homes, Image Homes, Ltd., Mike Hollaway Custom Homes, Michael Holub Custom Homes, Steve Heflin Architect/Builder, Inc.,  Stadler Custom Homes of San Antonio, LP and Todd Glowka Builder, Inc. Click here for more information about each builder including photos of their homes.  

To find specific schools that Anaqua Springs residents will attend, visit NISD.net.  

For information on new or preowned homes in the San Antonio area, please visit my website at www.shirleyparks.com or call me anytime at 210-414-0966.

 

I read a story in the newspaper about a homeowner who hired Novastar Energy to install solar panels for her home here in the San Antonio area.  Now she is not only using the solar energy for her own home, she is also selling back solar energy.   

Another green method of generating energy for homes is geothermal pumps, great for use in neighborhoods that have restrictive remodeling rules. 

By installing green and environmentally friendly products, homeowners can realize true savings in energy costs.  Most people can't afford to spend several thousand dollars for the solar array or geothermal pumps but there are less expensive ways to save money with green techniques, including passive building methods.   

Some green features being built into homes include aluminum radiant barrier roof decking to keep the attic cooler, blown-in insulation to keep air from coming in and out of the home, low-flow water appliances, tankless water heaters, dual flush toilets, and double-paned windows.  A lawn with areas covered in mulch and plants such as perennials helps keep water bills down.

The Summit at Canyon Springs is a new master planned community built by Highland Homes with prices starting in the $320,000s. (Prices subject to change.) The Summit offers all the conveniences with no city taxes. You will find oversized wooded homesites along with a number of cul-de-sac lots. Sixteen spacious floorplans which include fully sodded yards, a designer landscaping package, sprinkler system and privacy fencing. In the kitchen, G.E. appliances, Corian countertops and tile backsplash are all included; with tile flooring in all wet areas. Designer touches such as rounded corners, soaring ceilings and custom art niches are what you will discover in every Highland home in The Summit. Three car garage plans are featured, plus a variety of stone elevations.

The Summit at Canyon Springs is near Canyon Springs Golf Club, consistently ranked in the top 10 best daily fee golf courses in the state of Texas. Shopping and dining are  just minutes away. The Canyon Spring recreation area is practically in your back yard. A community pool, tennis courts and basketball courts are all available and within walking distance.

Located in the Comal ISD

 

To search for home listings in San Antonio go to www.shirleyparks.com or call me at 210-414-0966.

About Cibolo Canyons   Cibolo Canyons is a master-planned community being built in North Central San Antonio north of Loop 1604 and east of 281.  Cibolo Canyons will feature the nearly-3000 acre JW Marriott resort that will be home to the PGA Tour's Tournament Player's Club.

The 2008 San Antonio Parade of Homes will feature a new section of upscale homes in Cibolo Canyons.

Custom Homes in Cibolo Canyons Communities:

Palacios at Cibolo Canyons $800,000 to $1,300,000+
Cielos at Cibolo Canyons $500,000 to $800,000+
Campanas at Cibolo Canyons $350,000 to $600,000+
Suenos at Cibolo Canyons $340,000 to $500,000+
Vallitas at Cibolo Canyons $290,000 to $370,000+
Ventanas at Cibolo Canyons $250,000 to $350,000+

(Prices are subject to change.)

 Cibolo Canyons Exclusive Home Builders:

Don Craighead Homes (Cielos and Palacios of Cibolo Canyons)
Mike Holloway Homes (Cielos and Palacios of Cibolo Canyons)
Highland Homes (Suenos, Ventanas, and Vallitas of Cibolo Canyons)
Meritage Homes (Suenos, Ventanas, and Vallitas of Cibolo Canyons)
Newmark Homes (Suenos, Ventanas, and Vallitas of Cibolo Canyons)
Sitterle Homes (Campanas of Cibolo Canyons)
Imagine Homes

To search for home listings in San Antonio go to www.shirleyparks.com or call me at 210-414-0966.

Quotes of the Day

We are not retreating - we are advancing in another direction. - General Douglas MacArthur

Outstanding leaders appeal to the hearts of their followers - not their minds.     - Unknown

If you take too long in deciding what to do with your life, you'll find you've done it. - George B. Shaw

Genius is seldom recognized for what it is: a great capacity for hard work.  - Henry Ford,

Imagine Homes has been selected as the Single-Family Production Home of the Year in the 2008 National Association of Homebuilders Green Building Awards.

Advanced framing techniques, blown-in cellulose insulation, radiant barriers, high-efficiency HVAC systems, dual flush toilets, water-saving low-flow plumbing fixtures, water manifolds, native drought tolerant landscaping, tankless water heaters, non-ozone depleting AC units are some of the building features of Imagine Homes.

Imagine Homes Neighborhoods:

Monterrey Village - San Antonio - From the $130,000s

Olympia Hills - Universal City - From the $210,000

Stonebrook - Cibolo - From the 130,000s

Lakeview - San Antonio - From the 140,000s

Stillwater Ranch - San Antonio - From the $160,000s

Cibolo Canyons - San Antonio - From the $250,000s

 

To search for home listings in San Antonio go to www.shirleyparks.com or call me at 210-414-0966.