Telephone Etiquette It is part of us. What would we do without it? It is as common as apple pie and summer sunshine. As much a part of our lives as learning to walk and talk. I remember one of my first jobs was a telephone operator for a finance company. I was trained by someone from Southwestern Bell (that is when they would come out to the business and train the operator). It didn't look like this, it was one that you had to pull the cord and actually plug it into the office extension (now I'm dating myself). Then we all had the dial phone, it went by different areas of town, like Pershing, Lehigh,Cypress,etc. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. When we first moved to Canyon Lake we were on a party line, believe me there was no privacy. We took the game warden's calls when h... 07/07/2009

This was posted this morning in an article I received from the Key West Citizen Newspaper in Key West Florida. That is where I was born and my dad owned the first Standard Oil station in Key West. Back then not everyone was fortunate enough to own a car. This is when our family purchased our first family car that was a Kaiser (I believe was a Mercury Brand). I remember we as a family  all worked at the service station. (My job was to carry my box out to the car at the pump, step up and clean the windows). My dad usually pumped the gas.That is back when someone would come out, pump your gas, clean your windows, check your tires and oil; have a soda and gossip for awhile. If you didn't have money to pay my mom would keep a record of money owed in a little hand-written log book. Back then ... 07/01/2009

Have you noticed that some of the tree's are dying from lack of water? Both the oak tree and cedar that are popular in this area can usually go without water for a substantial length of time. Stress is beginning to catch up. We noticed this year not as many leaves in the spring and the trees are beginning to look pale. What once had a huge canopy is now sparse. Pray for rain so we won't loose our trees.                                                                                    Worst hit is Central Texas and the Hill Country, where exceptional drought, the most severe designation, has persisted for months and is the driest area in the U.S. Mineral Nutrients Function Magnesium Produces green chlorophyll Calcium Gives rigidity to cell walls Potassium Regulatory functions Nitrogen1 ... 06/22/2009

Okay, okay.  I know I said speechless Sunday.... But sometimes Texans are so proud of our State, you know "everything is bigger in Texas".  I pass this on my way to the river and chuckle every single time!  So, hope you get a kick out of it too!       We have been serving the real estate needs of San Antonio, New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo since 1987!  For a proven results oriented team call 210-325-6962.   Sheila Moran, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Access.  Buy or sell a house with me, use the truck to move for free !  www.SistersThatSell.com   06/21/2009

I had the privelege of spending the day with EXIT Realty President of US Operations Tami Bonnell and EXIT Realty International's Technology Guru, Jeff Lobb.  I am the broker/owner of EXIT Hill Country Realty and one of the things that I love about EXIT Realty is that the leadership all the way to the top is real and in touch with their franchisees, brokers, regional owners and agents.  We see the CEO and President of the company several times a year...today they were in my community, a rural market outside of San Antonio, Texas. Tami Bonnell gave a very inspirational and motivational presentation in the morning session to the broker/owners and was accompanied by Jeff Lobb, who is our Technology Director.  One of the first things he asked the broker/owners was how many had heard of Activ... 06/17/2009

I'm tired of talking home inspection news, tired of talking economy but when I saw this it made me think how little things in life can brighten your day (even if it is a sausage on a stick). It makes me think of summer, fun, good food, family, vacation and writing a Friday Night Blog on Active Rain. It's Friday night and Ceil is waiting for Facebook something or other to get a name. I came across this photo and thought how German and how Texas could you get. Now this is right now my alley, a meal on a stick but with a Tater Twist. I would call it a                                        TEXAS GERMAN SAUSAGE TATER TWIST...                                                                      From your Texas Hill Country Home Inspector http://www.home-inspection4u.com             *******  ... 06/12/2009

  Not taking my first MCE Class but teaching my first MCE Class of which I authored the curriculum!!!  I am so stoked about teaching my own class and it's in front of the home crowd! The topic..."Online Marketing...FREE and Cheap!" and it includes a huge plug for Active Rain and blogging plus social networking, video, and creating a strong online presence!  I have taught the class as a company trainer for two years now and I submitted it recently and got it approved this week.  I get the privilege of presenting it at the Texas Association of REALTORS Region 7 Meeting next Friday in New Braunfels, Texas for attendees representing the 8 REALTOR Boards of our region.  There were 34 seats available in the class per fire marshall standards and as of Wednesday we were at 29 and reservations w... 06/12/2009

I just came in from our backyard vegetable garden and thought I would write a blog.                               What does a backyard vegetable garden have to do with real estate?                                                          Could be the Deal Closer                                             Memories of one more thing they liked about the property                                                     Backyard Vegetable Garden is making a come back                                                                           Even at the White House                                                           (The Obama's Even Have a Vegetable Garden) I believe the outside is just as important as the inside. A beautiful flower garden is wonderful but how about a vegetable garden. Tho... 06/10/2009

  Nestled in the midst of historic New Braunfels, Texas is a beautiful Hill Country oasis known as Landa Park.  I remember back to growing up in the Hill Country and one of the things you did as a kid was swim in the ice cold waters of the giant spring fed pool.  You arrived hot from the South Texas summer heat and jumped into the pool which was so cold it took your breath away.  Back in the day before all the hyper active safety awareness, they had high dives and all kinds of fun things that you could possibly maim yourself with...but man did we love it.  Today they have a rope swing and a really cool huge slide for the kids (big and small) to enjoy!  For those who are into a more climate controlled experience, there is the regular pool at the top of the hill and the childrens pool and... 06/09/2009

Has New Braunfels been fighting change and growth? Everyone knows that right now (yes, it's grown in leaps and bounds), but that it's (New Braunfels) still has that "quaint" old town feel from the town square, seeing neighbors at the grocery store, to floating the river on a lazy Sunday. A recent article in the Express News shows the struggle that New Braunfels is having with growth.  Read the article here: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/state/New_Braunfels_is_planning_anew.html It seems that New Braunfels is seriously fighting change so it doesn't turn into San Antonio with the outer loop. One questions posed was did San Antonio change because the outer loop was built OR because it was inevitable? Question is to anyone that lives in a smaller community....do you live there for the co... 06/08/2009

We hope homes will sell so home inspectors can inspect, appraisers can appraise and folks can have jobs.                                                                                                                                                Maybe some jobs are coming to  San Antonio, Texas                                                                                 and surrounding counties When I turned on my computer this morning this was the first thing I saw. This is good news and when is it going to happen is my question?  Soon we hope so folks can get back to earning money, buying cars and buying homes. "Obama promises more than 600,000 stimulus jobs (AP) ". "AP - President Barack Obama promised Monday to deliver more than 600,000 jobs through his $787 billion stimulus pl... 06/08/2009

This Thursday the New Braunfels Recreation Department's starts their Concert in the Park summer music festival.  This year will mart the 27th year of the festivities.  It starts at 7:30 every Thursday at the Landa Park Dance Slab. The concerts are free and there is a ton of different musicians that will perform. Bring your family, refreshments, lawn chairs and blankets, and start or continue a great summer tradition in the beautiful outdoors of Landa Park.Here is the 2009 Concert in the Park schedule:June 11 - Tom Teboe BandJune 18 - Korey Free & Fore of a KindJune 26 - HIS PraiseJuly 2 - TexannaJuly 9 - Clint Taft & the Buckwild BandJuly 16 - One 4 the RoadJuly 23 - Union StreetJuly 30 - The Good Ole BoysAug. 6 - KnuckleheadAug. 13 - Carlton Pride & Zion   Hope to see you there!   We h... 06/07/2009

Hot, Heat, Summer....does that make you think Texas? Here are a few tips that may help with your electric bill, keep a few pennies in your pocket and help you stay cool                                                                     1.Heat is constantly lost or gained in a home. Keeping this loss or gain to a minimum is very important. Insulation can be a big help because it creates a barrier of resistance. The amount of resistance each insulating material has is called its R-factor. The higher the R-factor, the better the insulating power of the material.2.Approximately 30 percent of heat is lost through the attic or roof. If your attic already has insulation, check its condition. If the insulation is water damaged, settled, compressed, or incomplete, consider adding additional ins... 06/06/2009

SHOPPING...EVERYONE LOVES SHOPPING!  OKAY...WELL MAYBE NOT EVERYONE... But a lot of people do and this is one event that the Texas Hill Country has to offer that is sure to make even the most reluctant shopper re-think their stance.  Gruene Market Days is a recurring event held in Gruene, Texas that occurs every third full weekend February through November and the first weekend of December from 10am to 5pm. GRUENE MARKET DAYS IS A ECCLECTIC COLLECTION OF ARTS, CRAFTS, CREATIONS, FOODS, AND CLOTHING... that is sure to grab the interests of almost anyone that wanders through the area.  Just a sampling of items you might see are candles, jellies, jams, jewelry, plants, ceramics, needlecrafts, woodwork, furniture, clothing, accessories, glass, metal arts, stone art, and much more.  If you ... 06/02/2009

  It's not pronounced "groo-inn" or "groo-nee" it is GREEN just like the color! This little town has charm plus...Gruene, Texas at the edge of New Braunfels on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the Hill Country of Texas.  Probably the most famous feature in Gruene is the crown jewel of the community Gruene Hall...aka...Texas' Oldest Dance Hall. Gruene Hall is without a doubt the home of Americana music where many big name artists got their start and often return for concerts.  It is a great place with tons of character, a laid back atmosphere, good times, good friends and always a good time for everyone.  It is located in the heart of Gruene right next to the Grist Mill restaurant which has fabulous food and a great open air dining experience overlooking the Guadalupe River. Gruene Ha... 06/01/2009

Recently we have had some very bad accidents in our area where lives were ended. This is the time of the year when young folks are getting out of school for the summer; getting behind the wheel and headed ... who knows where. Drive like they are in a hurry to go nowhere. One very important item is that seat belt, yes it's uncomfortable but it may save your life. It's time to take life seriously, obey the law and do the right thing. BUCKLE UP GIRL'S AND BOY'S...MEN & WOMEN.                                  Drive the speed limit and look out for the other guy or gal. Day and Night, Cops are Cracking DownEvery year during this holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, from coast-to-coast, for an enforcement blitz that delivers on our message Click It or Ticket. Th... 06/01/2009

                                                                                      Looking for the right home inspector can be a challenge for the First Time Home Buyer.                         Here are are few tips to remember.  You can easily do on your own.   1. Request a list from your realtor. In Texas all home inspectors must be certified by TREC (Texas Real  Estate Commission).  2. You can visit TREC webpage to select your own inspector.   3. When interviewing the inspector ask if they are full time. How long have they been in business.  Be prepared to give the inspector this information.          A.  Square footage of the property         B.  Slap Foundation or Pier and Beam         C.  Age of home         D.  Occupied or Unoccupied         E.  Utilities/Water turned on or of... 06/01/2009

  I am so excited.   If you are planning on attending one of the MANY water activities here in New Braunfels, Texas this summer then you are probably going to need ice, right?   Well, let's face it....100+ degree weather yep, no doubt about it.   With so many different things to do from floating down the Guadalupeor the Comal rivers, taking the kids to Schlitterbahn, heading off to Dunlap or Canyon Lake you need to come prepared, right?   Well, last week I had noticed this new ice house.  No, you can't buy your sodas, coffee or get gas there (for those of you that still call a convience store an ice house)...this is a real ice house.   Ice House Americahas built these nifty self contained buildings that you can drive straight up to get your ice.  No need to wait in the line, drag throug... 05/31/2009

  Rockwall Ranch is a great, quiet neighborhood that lies between Garden Ridge, Texas and New Braunfels proper.  All the lots are oversized (or have some acerage), tons of Oaks and mature trees and the country setting makes it the perfect spot for home living.   I have many happy homeowners in this neighborhood and they continue to tell me how much they love it! The following is a comparison (2008 & 2009) of what has SOLD in the neigbhorhood the same time frame being January to March 29.   2008 Stats   2009 Stats If you will note that the number of listings that has SOLD has dropped and the average days on the market has increased (as has the neighboring cities), but what really stood out is that the LIST TO SOLD price was still holding it's own. It's obvious that Seller's that are pric... 05/29/2009

                                        My Second Thought Provoker -Home Sweet Home                                                                 First Time Home Buyer's Please Read                                                                     We all know FHA helps homeowners by providing lenders with mortgage insurance for certain qualified loans. If you are about to buy your first home please know that FHA.............   1. FHA DOES NOT PERFORM HOME INSPECTIONS (Does Not)   2. FHA DOES NOT GIVE YOU MONEY FOR REPAIRS. YOU...the buyer will be responsible to find your own home inspection service. You can request help from your real estate agent that will either give you a list to choose from for the  inspection service or in Texas you can go to TREC to get a list of inspectors. (... 05/27/2009