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

                                                                                                                                                              HOME SWEET HOME It's a place where you wake in the morning. It's a place where you go each evening. It's a place you want to call "home".              This blog is for the "first time home buyer".  Please read and evaluate carefully some of the things I will discuss in this blog. Having your home inspected may be one of the most important decisions you will make.                                                     Don't Forget the Inspection to Avoid Housing Pitfalls                                               Get a Home Inspection Contingent on a New Home Purchase Why You Ask?    People across the country are feeling the pain of... 05/26/2009

I know I seem to always be talking about the rain, but honestly here we pray for it.  Our aquifers, lakes, rivers are all down. In New Braunfels we are already into Stage 1 water restrictions.  It's only May!  It's years like this (coupled with the past few years of no rain) that makes me wonder what August holds for us this year?  Yikes! I was just getting ready to head on over to meet my family at our river house.  It's an old house that was built in 1947 (bought by my husband's grandpa, that smart man) and has been used generation after generation since.  It's a day that we come together, bbq, play with the kids, float the Guadalupe River....all kinds of fun stuff... but now it's raining. Do you think that's gonna stop this family from enjoying today?  No way, rain or shine the festi... 05/23/2009

Our new family has grown.....Yes the Deer Family Look who came for a visit and to show off her children. Oh the beauty of nature! There was a third fawn but don't believe it belolnged to this doe as there was another doe watching as we took these photo's. These fawns are probably just a few days old and already running around like crazy and making that little bleep noise when they call to mom.                   First photo is of mom - and then a photo of the twins - and then the other fawn by itself.    Photo 1 - Mom Photo 2 - Twins                                                       Photo 3 - The Fawn                                                                              Keeps bleeping and looking for mom, wonder where mom is? It's time for dinner. _____________________________... 05/22/2009

  I ALWAYS LOVE TO START THE DAY OFF ON A POSITIVE NOTE! So last night I was bumming out after reading some online postings by people who compared ALL real estate agents to used car salesmen, crooks and bottom feeders.  Needless to say I woke up this morning and had to make a decision about how I want to face my day.  Never one to stay mired in a pity party, I chose the positive.  I drove to work enjoying the fact that it is a gorgeous sunny day in the Texas Hill Country and that I am going to focus on revenue generating activities today. On Google, I have alerts set up to e mail me when people blog about real estate in Texas, the Hill Country, Canyon Lake, Bulverde, Spring Branch and New Braunfels, since these are the markets that I serve.  Imagine my surprise when I read a blog this m... 05/19/2009

Coming home today I noticed several United States flags being flown. This is our reminder to be sure to fly your flag as we prepare to honor those who have given so much for our freedom. I have also included some very nice links for you to share with your children, family and friends. We must always remember.....and never forget....and to always be thankful for the freedom that we enjoy as Americans this coming Memorial Day.                                                           A Vietnam Veteran lives here. Carey J. Dion proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Florce:                                                                                                                 Ceil's Brother                                                 Memorial Day is observed on Monday... 05/18/2009

  Our Metrocom Chamber was having their yearly golf tournament last Friday, May 15, 2009.   One of the places that donated to the tournament for a round of golf was the Landa Park Golf Course.  Lucky me (as I live in NB) was voted to go pick up the prize and drop off at Olympia Golf Course to be used for later in the day.   If you want to check out their site it is here: http://www.golfersweb.com/golfsan/landapar.htm I really mean lucky.   First off, I'm not much of a golfer.  I have tried for fun, I have taken lessons.  Let's just say that the Professional told me that I was going to need "lots of work"...needless to say I dropped out of the class (why fight it, huh?)   So, I march up to the Landa Park to get the tickets and I am just entranced by the beauty of the golf course.  It's b... 05/17/2009

JAWS Skate Park, New Braunfels, Texas       The construction is under way....the kids are waiting with their boards in tow.  What's happening over at Ernest Eikel Park?   They are building a skate park, new fencing, walk/run trail and resurfacing the basketball court!   This project has been talked about for many months.  I went by (okay...the kids dragged me) to see what progress had been made.   Here is what we found.     This is how the park is taking shape!         I can't wait to see how these forms all come together.  The planning is extensive and it looks like Eikel will get a great new look as well as the addition to the skate park and the much needed walking trail. I'll keep you posted on the project the Parks & Rec department doesn't have a completion date on the web site....b... 05/12/2009

Fellow AR stager, Melody Salazar is very cool!       My new house for the past year has sat untouched (for the most part) without me putting in all of the little "finishing touches".  I live in a beautiful Perry Home built house that has soaring ceilings and LOTS OF WALL SPACE.   I was distraught by the task of choosing color choices (and my husband was tired of listening to me)...so, I decided to call Melody Salazar of Salazar Staging.  Now the only way I know her is through her blogging here on Active Rain.  I figured that I was able to see some of the great transformations that she has made through her staging efforts (she has those great before and after photos) and figured that if I didn't get some help that I was going to drive myself insane (or worse yet, my husband!).   I called... 05/11/2009

Success Partners Retreat ~ After Hours     Twice a year this fabulous group that I am involved in called Success Partners gathers.  We are lead by the talented, gifted and unstoppable Cheryl Fairbanks.  Each time we meet with our group and come up with a strategy list of things that we need to address.  These things range from the business oriented to the private.  Sorry, can't give the details as each meeting is an unspoken code of silence.  The life information that is shared has to do with life in general, how to be a better business owner, better REALTOR, parent, spouse and so forth.  Each time we come together it seems that our challenges/goals vary depending on whom is participating and what challenges they are currently facing.  This could range from a personal crisis to the mark... 05/10/2009