Shirley's San Antonio Real Estate Blog

If I Can Research Properties on the Internet, Why Should I Work With An Agent?

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:17:54 -0400

Do-it-yourself home buying is not as easy as it looks. Ann O'Connell explains why:

Via Ann O'Connell (Real estate agent at Mock Realty):

I am a do-it-myselfer. I enjoy the challenge of fixing what's broken on my own, of discovering something new, and of finding a good bargain. So I have to admit I get it when people tell me they think they don't need an agent for buying a house. Between being able to search our MLS online, internet postings about open houses, and virtual tours, buyers have so many tools at their disposal, it's easy to start believing you can do it yourself. Too easy . . . because there's a lot more to buying a house than simply finding a pretty one on the Internet.

We are seeing a real trend - buyers researching properties on the Internet, attending open houses, and then trying to put in offers on their own in an attempt to save on some commission. Sometimes it works. But more often than not, the buyers' attempt to save a buck ends in disappointment. A couple of weekends ago I saw the perfect example of why you can't always do it yourself. I hosted an open house at an extremely well-priced townhome in a popular subdivision in Boulder. People were literally waiting at the door for me to open it, saying they'd seen it come up on the MLS and couldn't wait to check it out. Unfortunately, their ship had already sailed. Other buyers had already jumped on the property, having had early notice of its being on the market and having seen it before the open house. How could these open house visitors have avoided this disappointment? By having their agent alert them of the new listing and get them into the property as soon as possible to check it out.

Your agent alerting you to new interesting listings is just one small example of how working with a buyers' agent can pay off. There are so many other benefits: the agent's knowledge of the market and sales prices, which can help you avoid overpaying; the agent's experience with contracts once you make an offer; the agent's experience in bringing in qualified inspectors and professionals to evaluate the property you're buying . . . the list goes on and on.

All things said and done, after negotiating an offer, inspections, appraisals, and mortgage issues, working with an agent will often save you more than you will pay out in commission. It also avoids countless evenings filled with stress and worry over the pending transaction. Buying a house is just not the time to be a do-it-yourselfer - save that for the new kitchen remodel!

Boulder County REALTOR

www.oconnellhomes.com

303-868-3957

As an SRES® designee, I have received additional education on such topics as tax laws, probate, estate planning, equity conversion strategies, and can offer you information on current market trends as well as valuable resources regarding real estate transactions.

Understanding Appraisals - What is an Appraisal ?

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:41:29 -0400

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in San Antonio or anywhere else, you need to click on the link in this post submitted by that British agent, Sheldon Neal.

Via Sheldon Neal -- That British Agent -- (Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited):

What is an Appraisal ?

Recently appraisals have hit the spotlight because of the increased restrictions / guidelines / expectations placed on them. In fact, appraisals can often be the make or break step of a deal right now.

If an appraisal summizes a home value to be lower than the projected loan amount the lending company will usually deny the loan. The reason being that the home is their collateral against the money they are lending. So should the borrower default, or stop paying their mortgage, the lending company wants to be sure they can sell the home for enough to cover their loan amount.

This video at the link below provides a great insight into 'Understanding Appraisals" - critical for all Buyers and Sellers to know these days, as it can greatly affect both parties.

Understanding Appraisals

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>> Dont miss other upcoming blog entries from "ThatBritishAgent" !

Sheldon Neal is a Full Time Realtor® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes For Sale in Central and Northern Bergen County, NJ.

Sheldon is also a proud Bergen County resident !

If you are looking for Bergen County Realtors, call local expert Sheldon Neal for all your Bergen County
Buying & Selling needs !
Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LTD.
cell: 201-481-2891
email: SheldonNeal@remax.net
website: www.SheldonNeal.com

Do you know someone with Alzheimer's disease?

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:18:50 -0400

~Here is a video worth watching. At some time in our lives, each of us is likely to have someone in our own family or someone in a friend's family suffer from Alzheimer's disease. My husband and I lead a caregiver's group each Thursday evening and Alzheimer's is a recurring topic at our meetings. While searching UVerse for something new on the subject, I typed in the letters alz and this video came up. You can watch it on HBO if you have that at home or you catch watch the same video below.

~Maria Shriver is the executive producer of the Emmy-Award winning HBO documentary series "THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT". She narrates "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?" which is geared towards children and young teens coping with a grandparent's Alzheimer's. The film is based on her book, "What's Happening to Grandpa?" Her father, Sargent Shriver, had Alzheimer's disease before his death.

Thinking outside the box

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:36:20 -0400

I have been getting a lot of calls for rentals lately. Schools starts on August 23 and families want to get their kids registered at the school of their choice as soon as possible. Sometimes applicants have less than good credit so it is very stressful on them knowing that they may not meet the criteria for getting the house they want. In this post Michelle Gibson shares a great idea for "thinking outside the box" and creating a better chance for renters to qualify for a rental.

Via Michelle Gibson REALTOR® Wellington Florida Real Estate (Hansen Real Estate Group Inc.):

Thinking outside the box

Writing a personal letter to a prospective landlord isn't common in my area, but it's something I have every one of my prospective tenants do.

Why? A personal letter is just that, personal, an introduction to who they are.

How many landlords base their decision solely on credit reports and deposits? I can tell you a lot.

So how is a person with horrible credit and/or little money suppose to find a home? Over the years I've placed countless clients into a rental home due in part to the personal letter they wrote.

A letter that introduced them, a letter that explained why their credit wasn't perfect, a letter explaining why they short saled their home or claimed bankruptcy.

I have found landlords will look past the numbers on the paper and focus more on the person, IF the person takes the time to introduce themselves.

If you are working with a prospective tenant regardless of how they appear on paper I highly recommend including a personal letter with their offer, it can go along way.

Michelle Gibson REALTOR®
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc.
561.333.0446

Wellington FL Real Estate

Wellington FL Real Estate Blog
©2010 All Rights Reserved

My P90X Experience Thus Far... it was time and my Austin buddy motivated me

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 10:34:33 -0400

Recently my husband and I lost 30 pounds each by following the Weight Watchers program. My husband's triglycerides have gone down from 168 to 89. Yea! Since we started I have noticed more and more people working on weight loss and healthier living. I have been following Jason's progress with his program and today I see that John is sharing his weight loss journey, too.

Via John Cannata - LegacyTexas Mortgage Sr Loan Officer - Frisco Texas ( 972-325-4912 Also available evenings and weekends):

A short while ago, Mr. Jason Crouch wrote a post about his diet. If you have kept up with his posts or twitter updates, you may know that he has already lost 30+ pounds. Well, we were talking about 2 weeks ago about what he was doing and the different iPhone Applications that helped him acheive this goal (and he is not done yet).

Well, after talking with him about it and talking with my friend about an infomercial I was watching (P90X), I decided I needed to do something about my weight as well. As it turns out, my friend has this system in his house and only lasted the first week. He claimed it was a tough program and his schedule just became too busy.

I did a little research and asked if I could borrower it for at least 30 days (its a 90 day workout program for those of you that are not familiar). If after 30 days, I have stuck with it (which I COMPLETELY intend on doing) then I will purchase my own.

To keep me honest, I am stealing Jason's idea about going PUBLIC with my weight loss goal. This will keep me focused and accountable for my goal. My goal is to be around 205 pounds. As I get closer to this goal I may adjust it accordingly, which will depend on my muscle mass compared to fat percentage.

So, on Sunday morning I jumped on the scale. Although I was not happy with the initial reading, I was not surprised by it either... in other words, the scale was not kind to me...

Sunday evening I started the first day of my P90X program. As I mentioned, its a 90 day program, which for me will run from August 1st to October 30th. In addition to the workout program, you have to watch your diet. They have a recommendation, but I am currently watching what I eat, how much I eat, and ultimately counting my calories like a modified Weight Watches program.

Today is Day #4 ... YOGA. :-) I have not completed this exercise yet, but can imagine it will be tough. Its 92 minutes long. In previous years I have teased my wife about how easy Yoga is... although I had never taken a class. So, I imagine she will get a good laugh at me after this evenings workout.

The program is designed to have a 'Weight Lifting' day, then a 'Cardio' day. What do you think about Yoga? Is it tougher than it looks? I'll know for myself in about 4 hours, but wondered what you thought and how many AR members are Yoga fans.

To date, I have lost 3 pounds... and Im sore ALL over. Seems like a small number, but its only been 3 days. I dont expect to lost a pound a day, but a few pounds per week would be great.

If you have ever thought about P90X, I would certainly consider it. The only time I would not suggest investing your money is if you have back or knee problems. Some exercises may irritate an existing injury you have in those areas. It can be tough, but feels well worth it so far. I'm sure I'll keep you posted with the results as I go.

p.s. Did I mention that some how I got Jason Crouch to do it as well? It works out really well because we compare notes on the exercises and push each other. Besides going public with my weigh loss goal, one of the biggest motivators is that I have an accountabiity partner that checks in on me to keeps me honest.

See you later in the Rain!

*********************************************************

Are you are looking to buy or sell a home in Frisco Texas or another city in North Texas? Perhaps you love your home but would be interested in refinancing to a lower interest rate? If so, then I can help.

I'll help you get pre-approved for your a new home loan in Texas and even suggest some very knowledgeable and professional Real Estate Agents in your area of choice. If you are available to talk, I am available to listen. Give me a call any time or visit my website for more details.

Do you want to know all of your mortgage options? Call me today and let's discuss them further.

Always available for your Texas Mortgage needs!

John Cannata LegacyTexas Mortgage  p#972.325.4912

www.TexasLoanGuy.com

Frisco Texas Mortgage Consultant

Frisco TX Mortgage



The views expressed on this site are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my employer.

GET OFF THE FENCE ! - LOWEST MORTGAGE RATES IN 40 YRS ! - GREAT TIME TO BUY !

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:35:44 -0400

Attention buyers: That British agent located in NJ, Sheldon Neal, has a good point!

Via Sheldon Neal -- That British Agent -- (Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited):

GET OFF THE FENCE ! - LOWEST MORTGAGE RATES IN 40 YRS ! - GREAT TIME TO BUY !

Within the past few weeks, 30 year fixed mortgage rates were available to those who qualified at just over 4.5% !!!!

... that's an amazing opportunity lock in a super low rate for 30 years !

For those out there even considering whether to buy a new home or not, this is something to seriously contemplate, as we havent seen rates this low in almost 40 years !

And let's not forget that HOME PRICES are the lowest that we have seen in many years too in most areas !

Of course, there are serious economic concerns for many, including job security and rising costs of living, but you may find that with these rates, a mortgage payment may be manageable, and if you have wanted to buy but just held off because of market uncertainties - well these rates might just be good enough reason for you to jump off the fence !

If you have questions about the current market or listings in your area, contact your local Realtor for all the information you could want to help with your decision making !!!

... don't end up a few years down the road regretting that you didn't buy now !!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>> Dont miss other upcoming blog entries from "ThatBritishAgent" !

Sheldon Neal is a Full Time Realtor® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes For Sale in Central and Northern Bergen County, NJ.

Sheldon is also a proud Bergen County resident !

If you are looking for Bergen County Realtors, call local expert Sheldon Neal for all your Bergen County
Buying & Selling needs !
Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LTD.
cell: 201-481-2891
email: SheldonNeal@remax.net
website: www.SheldonNeal.com

What I believe in...

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:19:16 -0400

What I (still) believe in... :o)

Are you afraid to call a mortgage lender?

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:16:03 -0400

Many people who are thinking of buying a home want to go out and look at homes but don't have their preapproval letter from a lender. They are apprehensive about contacting a lender because they are afraid of what will show up on their credit report and are afraid their FICO® score will be low.

It's easy, really. Just go to www.annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized source for consumers to access their annual credit report online for FREE. Or call 877-322-8228. You will be able to order all three credit reports at one time, or each at different times throughout the year if you prefer. But, be sure to order from the centralized agency. If you go directly to the credit reporting agencies, you will be charged for the report from each one unless you fit another criterion for a free report such as you have been denied credit.

The credit report will not contain your FICO® score. You can get your score from www.myfico.com for a reasonable charge. Or you can use the FICO® Score Estimator to estimate your score. I tried doing both and got the same score both ways. Myfico.com also has a lot of useful information about credit... everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.

The chart below shows how your credit score can impact your mortgage payment based on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage in the amount of $150,000.

FICO® score

APR

Monthly payment

760-850

4.334%

$745

700-759

4.558%

$765

680-699

4.736%

$781

660-679

4.952%

$801

640-659

5.386%

$841

620-639

5.936%

$893

If you don't have a lender yet, here are two great mortgage lenders to get you started:

Mike Puente, Viewpoint Bankers Mortgage, 210-490-8833 or 210-573-3224

Melissa Kulikoff, Residential Lending Services, 210-849-9030

Chart courtesy Bankrate.com

After you apply for a mortgage.....Don't move til after close!

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:19:15 -0400

Here is an important reminder for home buyers via Larry Bettag!

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:

Here's the deal

Your credit will be re-pulled prior to closing!

Book it!

Bank on it!

Expect it!

Last month we had about 1500 closings and two issues came up prior to closing. One person had new credit because of a recent purchase and the other person had just "looked" into obtaining credit. The real issue is this. Don't do anything once you've applied for a loan. After you've gone to closing,

then you can go purchase items til they come through your wazoo, but until then....

Fogettaboutit!

Recently, I've seen companies getting bit in the butt by this new rule. Make sure that you're educating your consumer. As a realtor, assume that the lender won't educate the borrower to this rule, so you should.

Don't have your closing blow up. Don't look into credit until you've closed on your new loan!
Larry Bettag - Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

630-417-7172

An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

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Do you recommend using a Realtor® in the new home construction process?

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:02:07 -0400

Loreena says "These and more reasons support the decision of hiring an experienced real estate agent in new home construction to make your process a much better experience." This is true whether you are buying a new construction home in Frisco, San Antonio, or any other city.

Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco TX Homes (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):

The answer that I share may seem biased especially coming from a Realtor®’s standpoint. I usually try to be as objective as possible whenever I answer. Hence, I try to answer this question as honestly and fairly as I can, coming from a first time Frisco TX home buyer standpoint as well as inter-mixing my past experiences as a Frisco TX Realtor®

I bought my first home back in 2000. I was not a Frisco TX Realtor® back then. Knowing what I know now about real estate and negotiations, I realized I put myself at a disadvantage many years later. Back then, I thought I could negotiate the best deal without one. I failed to recognized the value an experienced real estate agent may bring to the table.

First of, the salesperson that I dealt with is an employee of the builder. He watches his company’s best interest whenever he answers my questions. I was already at a disadvantage. The builders’ representatives are also highly trained in sales and negotiations. Again, a skill I didn’t have when I bought my first home. I didn't say every salesperson is out to get you, but after working with enough builders in Frisco TX, you will know how “negotiable” some builders are and how some won’t budge on the price or terms. Again, something I didn’t know when I first bought my house.

When I bought my first home, I went in with the mindset that the builder’s rep is out there to get me, ie. to make me upgrade features in the house unnecessarily. Several years later, I found out that mindset was wrong. If I had a Frisco TX Realtor® to guide me, I would have known what are the features I should have included in my house when I contract to build it. Some “mistakes” are things that are “fixable” after expensive expenses, then there are those features I didn’t get that I could never add to the house after the fact. Again, had I have an experienced Frisco TX Realtor® who understands the Frisco TX market, what’s hot and what’s not, I would have built a better first home in Frisco. (Special note: Agents aren’t paid on the upgrades the buyer add to the base price of the house. So, we are here just to tell you what you ought to have in the house from a desirable standpoint).

Also, as a first time home buyer in the Frisco TX market, I have never lived in a single family home. An experienced Frisco TX Realtor® may ask me to add certain features to the house that can ease living in the house. Some of these features are things I wished I had only after living in the house. Won't it be nice if someone mentioned to me? I would have a much better built-home, with a better re-sale value because of these features.

Working as an experienced Frisco TX Realtor® in the new home construction, I have helped many clients contract to build their new home. My best record was 6 new homes in 6 weeks. As a home buyer, even an experienced one may only contract to build 2 or 3 in a lifetime. The dozens of new home construction experience do count when you have someone with experience watch your back.

As an example, a client's form for foundation was set incorrectly. I happen to be there to check on the construction. I noticed the problem and quickly called the salesperson. We took care of the issue right there instead of letting the subcontractor build the forms incorrectly, then take another day or two to rectify the problem. Another example - My clients who counted on the City Permit to begin construction was told by the Design Center that they did indeed receive it, stamped on the blueprint. When I looked further, it was actually the Architect's stamp and not the City Approval. Had I left my clients leaving the design appointment thinking they had a Building Permit approval and ready to start construction, then having to burst their excitement in a day or two, again, it's setting the right expectations for clients. Had I ever noticed that salespeople have one of the most positive outlook on schedules?

These and more reasons support the decision of hiring an experienced real estate agent in new home construction to make your process a much better experience.

The truth is that some BUILDERS **may sell their contract-to-build homes to you at a lower price without a Realtor® but THE BIGGER QUESTION is saving a couple of thousands of dollars worth it when the value of an experienced real estate agent clearly BRINGS you much more than what it costs you?

As a home buyer, you think you may be saving a few thousand dollars, and in a period of a 15- or 30-year note payment, the monthly savings is minuscule, but the grander picture for a home builder may very well be a less-hassle client who enters the contract unrepresented.

Do you understand the home construction process?

Do you know the inspection "stops" along the way by Building officials?

What to expect during the 6-8 months building time?

Can you determine if the "minimum" standard features, as disclosed by the Builder is a differentiator between one builder from another, or is it merely just a Building Code as required by the City?

If I could turn the clock back, with or without the Realtor, I would sure hope I would build a better first home for my family and I. But I couldn't have done it without one.

** Some home builders who respect and honor the business real estate agents bring them will not reduce the price of the home, with or without a Realtor®.

Related Frisco TX New Home Buying Articles:

How Real Estate Agents Get Paid

How is the Frisco TX Homes Market Doing?

Value Proposition of Your Realtor in Your New Frisco TX Home

Working Exclusively Is An Important Message Consumers Need To Know

*********************************************************************************************

All contents are original. Consider subscribing to my blog for more real estate commentaries.

Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.

Pick up your phone & call today!

Loreena Yeo
Frisco TX Realtor(R)
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com

Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, & North Dallas area communities.

Join the Frisco TX City Guide Facebook page

Copyright © 2010 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY)
Original Source: Do you recommend using a Realtor® in the new home construction process?

Open the box and look at it before you buy it...

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 10:30:33 -0400

I find it hard to believe that there are people who do things like this...

We recently had our kitchen countertops, sink, and faucets replaced. Our plumber came over to hook everything up but told us we needed a new disposal. So off we went to Home Depot at 281 and Evans and bought a brand new Insinkerator. My husband chose a sealed one from the back of the stack since the one on the top front had been opened. The plumber came back the next morning to install the disposal and complete the plumbing job. But when he opened the Insinkerator box he found an old rusted disposal that had a bone stuck in it. Ewww! Obviously someone had bought a new disposal, put their used one in the box, sealed it up, and returned it to Home Depot for a refund! I must say, they did a good job of keeping the box all new looking and sealing it back up. Basically they got away with shoplifting.

Since I had to go out IH-35 to remove a lockbox we returned our purchase at the Home Depot located at The Forum. As I waited in line at customer service I noticed the lady in front of me returning a box of Delta faucets which was refunded and placed under the counter without the girl at the checkout looking inside to see what was in the box. So that's how this happens!

I'm still steamed that someone would do something like this and I'm also annoyed that our remodeling job was delayed because of it. I love our plumber but I'm wondering what our plumbing bill will be like since he had to make an extra trip to our house. Let's see... at $85/hr times whatever hour minimum he charges per trip... it could add up to an expensive lesson: Always open the box and look at the item before you buy it!

July 4th Events in San Antonio

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:45:44 -0400

There will be something for everybody in San Antonio to enjoy this Fourth of July (unless Alex hangs around and brings us more rain this week-end.)

Events

City Bash at Woodlawn Lake Park will be held on Sunday with the Red, White and Blue Children's Parade (preliminaries at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Lake Gym; parade at 11:30) and concludes with a fireworks spectacular over the lake at 9 p.m. Opening ceremonies at noon will be followed by continuous entertainment, leading up to a 7:30 performance by the Air Force Band of the West. www.july4sa.org.

Independence Festival at Randolph Air Force Base. The festivities on the South Flight Line start at 5 p.m. Sunday and include food booths, '60s and '70s hits from the Psychedelic Jukebox, children's activities, sports skills events, a game truck and fireworks display at 9:35. Admission is free. Enter the base from the South and East gates. Go to www.randolph.af.mil for a list of permitted items.

Market Square celebration A holiday-weekend festival at El Mercado, the historic downtown market, will celebrate through Monday with food booths and entertainment on three stages, one of which has been set aside for "Americana." There will be a daily Michael Jackson tribute. From 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday. Admission is free.

Arts and Crafts Show The River Walk will be lined with booths manned by artists, craftsmen, and jewelers selling their wares. The show starts at 10 a.m. daily through Monday between the Alamo Street bridge and Rivercenter mall.

Schertz Jubilee The festival runs from 6-11 Friday night, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon until dark Sunday in Pickrell Park and includes a barbecue cook-off, lots of live entertainment and ends with fireworks Sunday night. The music lineup includes the Air Force Band of the West, Dimensions in Blue, Emmerson Biggins and the Dust Devils.

Theme parks

Six Flags Fiesta Texas The Lights of Liberty fireworks display replaces the Lone Star Spectacular at 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The display can be watched from Lone Star Lil's amphitheater. Get tickets the day of the event. An all-American, all-you-can-eat family picnic will be held from noon-4 p.m. both days featuring sirloin steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, sides, and desserts. The cost is $14.99 plus tax for adults and $9.99 for ages 8 and younger in addition to park admission.

SeaWorld San Antonio Continuous entertainment begins at 7:30 with fireworks displays at 9:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Ski Stadium . Seats in Ski Stadium can be reserved in advance (go to www.seaworld.com.) Free popcorn and bottled water and a glow-in-the-dark sword. There will be a pre-show picnic in Penguin Plaza, with seating from 7-8:30 p.m.

Music

Heart of Texas Concert Band The band will perform traditional favorites in front of the Alamo at 3 p.m. Sunday. The same program also will be presented at 3 p.m. Saturday at Morgan's Wonderland.

San Antonio Symphonic Band "Strike Up the Band!" concert features Sousa marches and other patriotic tunes at 7 p.m. Sunday in Seguin's Central Park, 201 S. Austin St. Free, bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Texas rocks!

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:28:23 -0400

"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word. ... A Texan outside of Texas is a foreigner."

~John Steinbeck

"I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans."

~John Steinbeck

Via Kevin Robinson Real Estate Investor and Developer:

I want to go visit Texas. Some of the folks that I like the best on AR hail from Texas. I always wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Padre Island is on my travel list. George Strait is from Texas. Lets face it, the Texas Longhorns are one great football team.

Hey all you Texans, let us know how great your state is.

Veterans have extra help if they can't meet their mortgages

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:53:11 -0400

San Antonio has a large military presence so this is good information for our area, too.

Via Dale Weir (Coldwell Banker Gundaker):

The Veterans Administration had provided some extra help for Veterans and military members who may be having problems with their mortgages. The first thing a veteran or military member should do is contact the VA at 877-827-3702 or http://www.homeloans.va.gov/ and talk with a counselor. Their options include:

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act - to qualify for this program, the military member has to have gotten the mortgage prior to the current period of active duty service. The program can provide a lower interest rate for up to ONE year and can provide forbearance, or prevent foreclosure or eviction up to 9 months from the period of military service

If the military member or Veteran has a VA Loan, it is VERY important to remember that the VA guarantees the loan. If the member defaults, they will lose their VA loan eligibility up to the amount that the bank loses and the VA covers, but the bank CAN NOT go back against them if they accept the VA payout!! The VA WILL work with the veteran or military member and the bank to explore all options first, before the home is foreclosed on - Call 877-827-3702 for help.

If the military member or Veteran has a NON-VA loan, (ie a conventional or sub-prime loan) the VA can offer guidance and advice, but they cannot legally intercede on the veteran's behalf. The Veteran or military member CAN however, refinance their loan to a VA loan as a result of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 which was signed into law on Oct 10, 2008. Veterans can refinance up to 100% of the value of the property now (previously they could only refinance up to 90%).

The HOPE NOW alliance is also available to help veterans if the VA cannot help them. They can be reached at 888-995-4673 or www.hopenow.com

Please Help Mr. Sniffles... He'd Help You!

Shirley Parks, REALTOR® - SRES (Sands Realty, Broker) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:51:27 -0400

Awww... poor Mr. Sniffles! Please help him!

Via Steve Shatsky, SFR - Dallas Real Estate & Short Sale Specialist (469)449-9840 (Prudential Texas Properties):

Many of you on ActiveRain and readers of my blog are familiar with my sometimes assistant and house guest Mr. Sniffles. I have blogged about his visits and his past effectiveness as an unlicensed assistant several times.

What I have not shared with you is that while many people think that Mr. Sniffles has one ear that stands up and another that is floppy. The reality is that Mr. Sniffles actually lost an ear in a bizarre accident with a recliner chair (For the record, not while in my custody) that resulted in over $2,000 in medical expenses.

The chair involved in the incident was later recalled for the safety related reason that resulted in Mr. Sniffles' ear loss, however while the company who manufactured the chair did replace the chair, it has not been willing to pay Mr. Sniffles medical bills. This is where he needs your help.

Mr. Sniffles would never accept money from you, but in his efforts to get reimbursed for his owner's out of pocket expenses, he has set up a Facebook Fan Page. He also will be interviewed by a local television station this week. In an effort to demonstrate his support from the community at large, Mr. Sniffles would appreciate your going to his Facebook Page and clicking his "Like" button... and for that matter, so would I!

So, if you have an opportunity to support Mr. Sniffles in this way, well that would be great. Knowing what a giving little guy he is, I know he'd do it for you!

Shirley's San Antonio Real Estate Blog

If I Can Research Properties on the Internet, Why Should I Work With An Agent?

Understanding Appraisals - What is an Appraisal ?

What is an Appraisal ?

Recently appraisals have hit the spotlight because of the increased restrictions / guidelines / expectations placed on them. In fact, appraisals can often be the make or break step of a deal right now.

This video at the link below provides a great insight into 'Understanding Appraisals" - critical for all Buyers and Sellers to know these days, as it can greatly affect both parties.

Understanding Appraisals

Do you know someone with Alzheimer's disease?

Thinking outside the box

My P90X Experience Thus Far... it was time and my Austin buddy motivated me

GET OFF THE FENCE ! - LOWEST MORTGAGE RATES IN 40 YRS ! - GREAT TIME TO BUY !

And let's not forget that HOME PRICES are the lowest that we have seen in many years too in most areas !

If you have questions about the current market or listings in your area, contact your local Realtor for all the information you could want to help with your decision making !!!

What I believe in...

Are you afraid to call a mortgage lender?

After you apply for a mortgage.....Don't move til after close!

Here's the deal

Your credit will be re-pulled prior to closing!

Book it!

Bank on it!

Expect it!