Shirley's San Antonio Real Estate Blog: February 2009

~Summer Camp in the Texas Hill Country~

Just three short months and summer will be here.  It's not too soon to start planning your kid's reservations for summer camp.

Attending summer camp in The Texas Hill Country is a wonderful summertime memory for many Texans.  Going away to summer camp for the first time can be a daunting experience for many children but after the first time, it is an experience to look forward to each year.  By going to camp, your kids will

Meet New People
Camp might give children a chance to be with people from different states, or even different countries.

Appreciate Nature
Children will learn to appreciate the wonderful natural world... trees, water, wildlife.... and achieve a better understanding about how every living thing is connected.

Challenge Themselves
Not all the things that kids do at camp are easy.  New challenges -- trying new sports, learning new crafts and games, or pushing themselves to achieve something - is a very rewarding experience.

Try New Things
Camps offer games and activities that they probably can't do at home, such as archery, sailing, pottery, dance, obstacle courses, and lots of other fun things.

Learn New Skills
All the activities and instruction at camp are great opportunities to learn something new -- pottery, sailing, tap dancing, etc. Camp can help kids develop life skills like independence, self-reliance, and confidence. They will be living in a group of people and learning about cooperation, compromise, and getting along with others.

Have FUN!
Going to camp is all about having a good time. Camps across the U.S. offer some awesome programs including *Physical challenge courses *Performing arts *Inline skating and skateboarding *Wilderness trips *Circus camp *Ranch camp *Math camp *Science camp *Weight loss *Sports camps *and many more

Below are a few Texas Hill Country Summer camps to check out.  Click the links.

Camp Arrowhead for Girls                    

Camp La Junta for Boys                 

Camp Sierra Vista

Camp Stewart for Boys

Camp Waldemar for Girls

Heart O' the Hills Camp for Girls

Kickapoo Kamp for Girls

Mo Ranch Summer Camp

 

 

 

                                                             -photo: Camp Arrowhead

 

7 comments • Shirley Parks, Sands Realty, San Antonio Area Real Estate 210.414.0966 • February 27 2009 02:08PM

Citibank hires idiots - yes it's confirmed!

I can't resist re-blogging this post.  It is too funny!

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Via Lyn Sims ~ Chicago Northwest Suburbs (RE/MAX Suburban ~ Schaumburg Illinois):

Subject: Cancel your credit card before you die....

Now some people are really stupid!!!!

Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die? Ft. Kaskasskia IL

This is so unbelievable and pathetic and so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.

A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.

Here is the exchange :

Family Member:   'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'

Citibank:  'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member: 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'

Citibank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'

Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'

Citibank: 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'

Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

Citibank: 'Excuse me?'

Family Member: 'Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'

Citibank: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'

 

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'

Citibank: 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'  

Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

Citibank: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)  

Citibank:  'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'

Family Member: 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )

 

After they get the fax :

Citibank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'

Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'

Citibank:  'Well, the late fees and charges will still apply.'

(What is wrong with these people?!?)

Family Member: 'Would you like her new billing address?'

Citibank: 'That might help...'

Family Member:  'Odessa Memorial Cemetery, Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'

Citibank: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'

Family Member: 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???'

 

Yes they walk amoung us and they work at Citibank!  It's time to put your money in your mattress!

4 comments • Shirley Parks, Sands Realty, San Antonio Area Real Estate 210.414.0966 • February 24 2009 10:29AM

San Antonio~Model Railroading Show~February 21 & 22

"The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour"

Henry B Gonzales Convention Center
200 E Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

February 21 & 22, 2009
Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 10am to 5pm

"The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour" showcases the hobby of model railroading. The event is sponsored by the Hobby Manufacturers Association - Model Railroad Division and by the World's Greatest Hobby Program.  The show presents model railroading to the general public in an entertaining, lively and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a hands-on experience of operating railroads for both children and adults. The show hopes to create new train enthusiasts by exposing the public to the very best model railroading has to offer. The hobby of model railroading has a unique ability to bring the family together in activities that teach many skills. Model railroad skills range from carpentry to artistry, from electrical engineering to historical research.

The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour is a premier showcase exhibition displaying the very best of the model railroading industry. The country's largest model railroad manufacturers will be showcasing their latest products alongside major retailers selling all types of trains and accessories. Everyone will enjoy the huge operating model railroads, contests, informational seminars, The Thomas the Tank Engine Playground for the kids and the Choo Choo Charlie Entertainment Stage.

What you will see at the show:
- 50,000 sqft. of Huge Operating Model Railroad Railroads
- GIANT Riding Train for Kids
- 200 Booths of Manufacturers and retailers
- 100 Thomas the Tank Trains for Kids to run
- DCC controlled railroads for adults to run
- The Choo Choo Charlie Railroad Entertainment Stage
- Demonstrations, seminars, and new products

 

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10 comments • Shirley Parks, Sands Realty, San Antonio Area Real Estate 210.414.0966 • February 19 2009 10:36AM

We Are Hosting Another FREE Homebuyer's Seminar!

The FREE homebuyer's seminar in January was such a success that our office is hosting one again this month.

Don't miss out!  You have been thinking about buying a home and now is a great time to get started.  Interest rates are low right now, making your home purchase more affordable than ever.  Whether you're a first time home buyer, a move-up buyer, or helping someone else with a home purchase, you will learn all about it from our realtors and financial professionals.  

To read about First Time Homebuyer Credit Click Here

Saturday February 21, 10 a.m.

Realty Executives Alamo

2815 N Loop 1604, Suite #104

1604 at Redland Road, east of Hwy 281

210-414-0966

I hope to see you there on Saturday!

 


My email is Shirley@shirleyparks.com

You are invited to subscribe to my blog.

With great experience as a San Antonio Realtor® servicing all cities in San Antonio, TX area such as Alamo Heights, Boerne, Bulverde, Cibolo, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Olmos Park, Schertz, Shavano Park, Universal City and Windcrest. I help both buyers and sellers meet their real estate objectives. I have extensive knowledge of each of the communities located in San Antonio and will work tirelessly on your behalf to make your next home buying or selling experience a pleasant and successful one. Click here to sign up for FREE MLS searches for homes in the San Antonio area.
6 comments • Shirley Parks, Sands Realty, San Antonio Area Real Estate 210.414.0966 • February 19 2009 10:15AM

Inspect in Advance to Get Better Offers & Save Grief for Everyone

 

Via Regina P. Brown Real Estate on the California Coast:

Eliminate surprises and hurdles during escrow by ordering Home Seller Reports when first listing your property on the market.  Listed below are the advantages of ordering each type of report in advance.

1. Appraisal

· Price your property correctly at the very beginning, when most qualified buyers are viewing it.

· Help buyers see the value of your property.

· Demonstrate a better value in the market.

· Increase showings of your property.

· Give you and your agent confidence.

· Other agents are eager to show your property.

· More likely to get full price offer.

· Reduce surprises and pricing problems in escrow.

· Guarantee a faster, smoother closing.

· Make seller feel secure during escrow.

· Stimulate buyer confidence.

Once in escrow, if the appraisal comes in low,  the buyer will probably cancel the sale.

2. Pest Control Inspection

· Buyers know exactly the condition of the property.

· Help seller disclose material defects in writing, limiting liability.

· Seller knows the cost of repairs in advance.

· Repairs can be completed early, reduce surprises (work needed) during escrow.

· Guarantee a faster, smoother closing.

· Make seller feel secure during escrow.

3. Home Building Inspection

· Buyers know exactly the condition of the property.

· Help seller disclose material defects in writing, limiting liability.

· Seller knows the cost of repairs in advance.

· Repair can be completed early, reduces surprises (work needed) during escrow.

· Guarantee a faster, smoother closing.

· Make seller feel secure during escrow.

These reports are well worth their cost, saving both money and stress!

Oh, how I wish it was MANDATORY for sellers to complete HOME BUILDING INSPECTIONS before listing their house for sale here in California!  Then buyers could make more informed offers.  It would save a lot of "later" negotiations in which sellers lose control of their transaction and the whole thing quickly unravels.  If sellers completed an inspection in advance, and handed it to each prospective buyer, it would save everyone a lot of grief.

Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
Author of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House"

Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved 

4 comments • Shirley Parks, Sands Realty, San Antonio Area Real Estate 210.414.0966 • February 17 2009 09:23PM

First Time Home Buyer Credit

Under this program, a First Time Home Buyer is defined as someone who hasn't owned a home for the past 3 years.

First-time home buyers are eligible for a refundable tax credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price of their home, up to $8,000, if they made the purchase after Jan. 1, 2009 or before Dec. 1, 2009.

Unlike the previous credit that Congress provided last year, this one doesn't have to be paid back over 15 years. The new credit, however, is not available for individuals with incomes over $75,000 or married couples with incomes over $150,000 who file their taxes jointly. (Higher incomes will receive a partial credit.) Also, you must own the home for 3 years or you will forfeit the credit.  

 

You are invited to subscribe to my blog.

With great experience as a San Antonio Realtor® servicing all cities in San Antonio, TX area such as Alamo Heights, Boerne, Bulverde, Cibolo, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park, Olmos Park, Schertz, Shavano Park, Universal City and Windcrest. I help both buyers and sellers meet their real estate objectives. I have extensive knowledge of each of the communities located in San Antonio and will work tirelessly on your behalf to make your next home buying or selling experience a pleasant and successful one. Click here to sign up for FREE MLS searches for homes in the San Antonio area.
6 comments • Shirley Parks, Sands Realty, San Antonio Area Real Estate 210.414.0966 • February 16 2009 03:36PM