Have you ever thought if your home was built on a shaky foundation what would happen? In my #4 Thought Provoker blog series I wanted to get your attention referencing this important issue. Drainage and Foundations are two important items you need to know about your home. Living in San Antonio we have had TV coverage recently with home owners having distinct problems with their home from soil movement. End result foundation issues. Some areas in and around San Antonio have had problems for a number of years with soil movement causing cracks in the home, doors sticking, retainer walls not built correctly and falling.  Some of this movement can be caused from the drought and dry soil. One step further, type of soil and soil preparation. Back when I was growing up we had no problems where ... 01/10/2012

Inventory Time (Your Home Inventory List)   Watching the news over the weekend I saw some home fires in our area. What if you were to meet with a home disaster; would you be prepared?   You will need to replace any damaged or lost items. By having the appropriate information and I suggest with photos, it will make the process a little easier.   Take thirty minutes and do an Inventory of your home. It may take longer  the first time if you don't have a list. Always make January, in this case January 2012, to add or delete items off your Home Inventory List.   By updating your list each January it will  prompt you for details you might otherwise forget. Each item you record you can include a cost, purchase date and location, along with model and serial numbers. You can even include photos... 01/03/2012

Jimmy Jacobs is well known for building award-winning homes offering unique options for customization. The Enclave at Westpointe Village in New Braunfels, Texas is a brand new Jimmy Jacobs community planned for just 132 single-family style homes. Interested home buyers can select from seven floor plans ranging in size from 1,714 to 2,621 square feet all set on home sites of various shapes and sizes. Jimmy Jacobs also offers the unique option to build a custom home to meet any special requests. All of the base floor plans feature at least two bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage. The homes feature beautiful exteriors with combinations of stucco, stone and composition shingles as well as charming front porches and relaxing rear patios. Some of the interior features include ten-foot ce... 12/31/2011

  No real tree this year. We decided to use and decorate our Retro Tree. This was our first tree that we purchased back in 1962.                                                                                         Merry Christmas from Carl & Ceil Winters Thank you to all friends with Active Rain Real Estate Network, friends and family in our area of The Texas Hill Country. May each of you have a wonderful and safe Christmas.                                          12/15/2011

                                       Is it really necessary? Shopping in New Braunfels today we saw the police bringing someone out in handcuffs for shoplifting. So when I came home I decided to write a blog.  I saw this article on Yahoo. According to statistics shoplifting is up six percent this year, retailers stand to lose a whopping $119 billion of merchandise to shoplifters in 2011. I guess it's the economy. What do you think? The first item really got to me. Exactly what are people stealing? According to Add Week the TOP 10 most shoplifted items of 2011 are: 1. Filet Mignon    So many people are tucking choice cuts of meats under their jackets that supermarkets are now considered the stores with the most theft.  (we are having hamburgers tonight...can't afford Filet Mignon. 2. J... 12/03/2011

New Braunfels Texas Wassailfest! December 1, 2011 The New Braunfels downtown merchants to thank customers for their patronage. What better way to highlight the beauty of downtown New Braunfels to bring in the holidays with a Wassail-fest. Help Celebrate Wassail-fest! ...With a traditional toast to kick off Wassail-fest at 6 p.m. December 1st in the Main Plaza. Afterward, downtown merchants open their doors and serve their specialty batches of wassail. “It’s fun, family-oriented event with lots to see, eat and drink. Mark your calendars and come a-wassailing! Come listen to some wondererful Christmas carols. Enjoy the nativity scene in front of the Gazebo. Indulge in some wonderful season snacks. Sip up to 30 different wassails. Leisurely walk the closed off streets in downtown New Brau... 11/30/2011

  Main Plaza downtown New Braunfels Texas. Yes indeed, Main Plaza is glowing with lights and decorations. Seems we have it all in little old New Braufnels TX. Now its time to dress up Main Plaza and enjoy all the planned festivities of the season. If you haven't been down to Main Plaza be sure to put it on your list of things to do. You can walk, sit or drive around and around and around in circles. New Braunfels is such a lovely quaint city for locals and tourist that flock to the area for every occasion. Happy Holidays to all our friends and neighbors in The New Braunfels TX area.      Enjoy the Season! Localism Blog November 20, 2011 Complete Inspection Service for your next property inspection. Carl and Ceil Winters          11/20/2011

Don't shelve the ....  Sunscreen in Winter? Yes indeed; its just as important during winter as it is any other time of the year. Just because its cold don't think you can go without sunscreen.. Actually, you need it more. This is what my dermatologist reminded me today.  In the winter, the sun is closer to the earth and its rays can be damaging, says my dermatologist. You might think winters the right time to lay off the sunscreen and bundle up rather than slather up, but you’re wrong. Whether you are sitting at a sports event or out showing homes you are still exposed. Or if your fortunate to go snow skiing. Something that we can't do here in The Texas Hill Country. 1. You can sunburn on top of mountain. Nice sunny day, all bundled up and you're surprised that evening to find your face... 11/10/2011

New Braunfels, TX (30 min North of San Antonio) is hosting its annual Wurzfest from November 4th to November 13th.  This is the 50th Anniversary for the festival!  During this 10 day festival you will find a variety of entertainment, food, and fun on the Wurzfest grounds in Landa Park.  Hours- Wurzfest opens on weekdays at 5 pm and Saturdays and Sunday at 11 AM.  Closing times will vary by day. Admissions- The admission charge is $8 for adults at the gate, $6 in advance and group rates are available.  This fee provides access to all entertainment areas, including the Wursthalle.  Children 12 and under are admitted free.  Food And Drink- Food and drinks are sold throughout the grounds.  For more information and schedule of special events please visit www.wurzfest.com We hope you and your... 11/08/2011

It’s here!   Open from November 4, 2011 – November 13, 2011  Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas   It’s the biggest salute to sausage that I have ever seen.  Ten days of eating, dancing and drinking German beer! Every year when the weather turns, Wurstfest shows up.  This is a spectacular event for families (during the day) and the “others” in the evening.  On the grounds there are huge tents with different types of music and dancing.  Inside there is food galore.   From yes, you figured it out, sausage on a stick, sausage with sauerkraut or any other way that you like it, funnel cake, fried pickles, you name it they have it.   Just get out and enjoy responsibly.   For more information www.Wurstfest.com   Photo courtesy of Wurstfest   11/04/2011

If you are new to the area you might not have experienced Wurstfest yet?  It should be on your "must" list if near New Braunfels.  Heck, even if you aren't, make the drive! It's worth it! Wurstfest start's TOMORROW, November 4 (alway's the Friday before the first Monday in November) & last's until November 13th.  So, there's PLENTY of time to get down to New Braunfels & get your beer & grub on.  Mmmmmmmm, imagine sausage on a stick (with a bun of course!), funnel cakes, beer, rides for the kids, german brats, potatoes & MORE! Woah! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! So, where does it all take place? Glad you asked! Here are the details from their website! During the 10-day festival, you'll find a variety of entertainment, food and fun on the Wurstfest Grounds in Landa Park and... 11/03/2011

The Enclave at Westpointe Village ~ Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes in New Braunfels, Texas Jimmy Jacobs sure knows what he is doing out in New Braunfels, Texas with The Enclave at Westpointe Village.  He has built a fabulous 55+ Active Adult Community located right off of Hwy 46 & 35 behind the new H-E-B.  The Enclave at Wespointe Village offers seven floor plans to choose from: Camp Mabry     1714 Fort Bend         2013 Fort Mason       2047 Fort Hood         2051 Fort McKavett    2231 Fort Bliss          2349 Fort Davis         2621 Pretty awesome, right? The lot's are beautiful with trees & the neighborhood itself is pretty secluded.  We visited this community last night at their grand opening event. We sat outside by the fireplace in the neatly manicured yard & enjoyed the breeze & the f... 11/03/2011

Wordless Wednesday - Photo's Tell The Story - It's Coming......Wurstfest New Braunfels TX - November 4th - Opening Ceremony 4:00 p.m. - Landa Park                         Willkommen zum Wurstfest - A 10 day celebration                      New Braunfels celebrates it's German Heritage                                                 Bring your dancing shoes                                        Wonderful German Food and Beverages 11/02/2011

Wurstfest – November 4-13, 2011 WURSTFEST 2011 is almost here!! If you live anywhere in South Texas you have without a doubt heard of Wurstfest… If you are new to the area or if you have never attended, you may ask…”What exactly is Wurstfest?” Wurstfest, a “Ten Day Salute to Sausage,” began back in 1961 and was originally called “Sausage Festival.” Within a few short years the name was changed to “Wurst Week” and then to “Wurstfest.” Wurstfest has now been drawing visitors to the German-influenced Hill Country town of New Braunfels (just outside San Antonio) for over four decades. And, the Sausage Festival that once drew only a couple thousand, now brings in well over 100,000 people each year! The entire WURST STORY is pretty incredible!   This year, The 51st Annual Wurstfest will run f... 11/01/2011

WHEN YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF THINGS TO BLOG AND YOUR BRAIN GOES DEAD THIS IS WHAT YOU DO....Blog Something Fun What can give you hours of  fun? Walks, rolls, slithers, climbs, and is low maintenance, and doesn't talk back?  Has been popular in every home since the 1940. It can walk down stairs, doesn't need food, just some TLC. Inexpensive It doesn't take up much room and will sleep anywhere,anytime.   In a way it can relate to what we do everyday in the real estate industry. We walk, roll, slither, slide. climb and have fun. We can work anywhere, anytime.  The Answer:SLINKY   C&C - Just another Thought Provoker - Beginning Series for Christmas Stocking Stuffers. "Having Fun Living in Comal County Texas. Call Carl Winters for your next home inspection. November 1, 211 11/01/2011

                 Sunday at the Comal County Fairgrounds the Gruene Lions will host their annual Halloween Festival. The event features trick-or-treating, a costume contest with cash prizes for all ages baby through adult.  Lots of free games.  The Halloween Festival  runs from 2 to 7pm with the Costume Contest beginning at  5:00 p.m. llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll  Admission is just one canned good per child, with all donated food benefiting the SOS Food Bank.                                 1 Canned Good Localism Blog Event for New Braunfels Texas - Halloween Festival at the Fairgrounds Sunday October 30, 2011 Carl and Ceil Winters 10/29/2011

                                                          November and December Events Gruene Market Days is a great way to spend a weekend. Put this date down for November. Novemeber and December are always a great time at Gruene Market Days. Always held the Third Weekend of Every Month. ( www.gruenemarketdays.com )   Vendors set up is well organized in an outdoor market setting. You will find arts and crafts handmade by local artists all along the way. The people you meet will be friendly and helpful and all looking to help you have a really great day.   Wear comfy shoes and bring plenty of money. It's a great time to pick up some unique Christmas gifts. A nice variety of restaurants to choose from. Lots of activity this weekend at Gruene.  Want more:                Visit the Antique ... 10/21/2011

    Come Enjoy a Beautiful Autumn Afternoon.   The 7th Annual Wine Stroll in Downtown New Braunfels. Admission is Free. It's a good time to visit some of the downtown shops. The weather is great this time of the year. You can shop and enjoy snacks, visit with old neighbors and meet some of the newcomers. What a way to spend Thursday evening in down town New Braunfels. I’m sure many Winter Texans are already arriving to the area. I’ve been seeing the RV’s on the roads headed to New Braunfels and Canyon Lake. Be sure to give them a big welcome When: October 6, 2011 From: 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Reminder: AVID (A Very Important Date) for your calendar. Don’t forget to put Wurstfest 2011 on your calendar of events. Noember 4th through the 13th. For a complete list of October events you can tap thi... 10/04/2011

  The first day of autumn...what a great day for the Comal County 118th Parade in Beautiful New Braunfels Texas. (September 23, 2011). Bring you chair, water bottle, comfy clothes and don't forget your sun hat and sun screen and your camera).   Parade Day is a big deal in New Braunfels...come on out and enjoy the marching bands, floats and then follow the crowd over to the fair grounds. Schools are closed on this special day for students, teachers, and family members to have a great day.   Friday is parade day, with the pet parade at 9:30 followed by the Fair Parade at 10. Both events are downtown, and remember, last year we got rain during the parade so we might have that to look forward to as well. The Fairgrounds open at 11, with performances from local high school bands from 1 to 4 ... 09/22/2011

COMAL COUNTY FAIR & RODEO IN NEW BRAUNFELS TEXAS (September 21 - 25, 2011) There is something for everyone at the Comal County Fair                                                 118thYear at the  Fair in New Braunfels TX. Come on out and meet the Rodeo Queen.  Have fun at the carnival  Enjoy dancing at the coral Pet Parade Downtown New Braunfels Parade Pizza eating contest Tractor pull Livestock Show Rodeo Arts and Crafts Homemade baked good contest The kids always enjoy riding the ferris wheel:    This is just an example of what to expect this year at the Comal County Fair & Rodeo in our beloved New Braunfels, TX. It's a time to have fun, meet new folks, visit with your neighbors.   Events schedule: Comal County Fair & Rodeo www.comalcountyfair.org A localism news blog by Carl and Ce... 09/21/2011