Open House Avalon Subdivision!
By Cindy Cranston | July 12, 2008
Avalon Golf Course Community in association with area REALTORS is sponsoring an Open House Event, Saturday and Sunday, July 12th-13th. Refreshments will be served in the Sales Office, and all New and Preowned Homes for sale will be Open to tour. There will be catch and release fishing for the little ones in the lake in front of the Sales office. There will be tours of the Course and community amenities through the sales office. Come on out, bring the family and when you see me say hi.
Topics: Buying A Home, Community Info, Listings | No Comments »
Good Times Are On The Horizon
By Cindy Cranston | June 28, 2008
REALTOR® Magazine posted an article in July 2008 issue, by Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, title, “A Year of Repair; Then A Year Of Growth.” This article states how home sales have stabilized over the past seven months, and are expected to increase throughout the rest of 2008. Contrary to what the national media is spewing Mr. Yun also believes the subprime lending crisis is almost past.
Mr. Yun does admit that the current annualized sales pace is the lowest in ten years, but looks at the larger number of jobs available now as a positive for growth. 10 million more jobs than 10 years ago. He believes sales should continue to grow into 2009.
Here in Texas we have been relatively insulated from the ‘crisis’ the media would have you believe is everywhere, yet I still field concerns on a daily basis regarding the real estate market. I am glad to pass along this news as well as a link to article. Good times are on the horizon.
Topics: Buying A Home, Community Info, Home Values, Listings, Selling A Home | No Comments »
Why Keep Up With The Jones’ When You Can Be The Jones’!
By Cindy Cranston | June 21, 2008
This 3545+/-Sq.Ft. Luxury Home offers 4Bdrms/3.5Baths, An Elegant Open Floor Plan, Gourmet Kitchen, Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Counters, Built in Wine Rack, Gas Cook-Top, Built-in Oven and Microwave, 2 Fireplaces, Down Stairs Master Bedroom w/Attached Study and Sitting Area. This Spectacular Home is located in the Master Planned Abrego Lake Community. To Schedule A Private Showing Today Call Marlynda @ 210-255-0955.
Topics: Buying A Home, Listings | No Comments »
Where Does The Time Go?
By Cindy Cranston | June 20, 2008
This afternoon as I sat at my desk, as I do every Friday, I reviewed my day planner and made a list of tasks that I had intended to finish and goals I had set for this week. Looking back on the past week, I had accomplished most of what I had set out to complete and met several of my goals. As is the case, more often than not, there were items I had yet to complete. Most of these tasks are simple enough to accomplish, but eat up your time. As tasks such as my weekly back-up for my laptop (please don’t crash today), to defrosting Antarctica in my freezer at home (lucky my husband didn’t marry me for my domestic skills) went unfinished, I started wondering where my time had went. The crucial tasks had been completed, deadlines had been met, and promises had been kept. So with my fingers crossed that the laptop will be o.k., and the freezer can wait one more day, I went home, held my 3 year old, had a civil conversation with my 13 year old, and ate dinner with my husband. I had an awesome week, and tomorrow is another day.
Oh, by the way, if you are planning to sell your home it is always a good idea to make a list of tasks that need to be completed. It is also great to set time goals to accomplish these tasks. Focus on enhancing curb appeal, and setting your property above the competition. Schedule a time to preview the other homes For Sale in your area, to better understand the positives and negatives of your home.
For examples of simple, repairs and upgrades that really add value without tying up all of your time, or breaking the bank click on one of the suggested links. HomeInsight; Design Gardens; Parade.com.
Topics: Humor, Listings, Selling A Home | No Comments »
3 Tips For Successfully Negotiating As A Buyer.
By Cindy Cranston | June 20, 2008
Successful negotiation is defined as reaching an agreement that satisfies the needs of all parties involved and in which all parties are satisfied.
•1. Look at the transaction from the seller’s point of view. In negotiating a real estate transaction it is very important to step into the property owner’s shoes and look at the transaction from their side. This will help you to get the upper hand. Know their pressure points, and hot buttons. Knowledge is power in a real estate transaction. Know why they are selling, how long the property has been listed, if they are facing foreclosure, or owe back taxes, are they moving out of state, have they already purchased a new home. Any information obtained will benefit and strengthen your position in negotiating.
•2. Don’t place all your chips on the table. Play it close to the vest, don’t divulge too much about yourself to the owners. Like you they are gathering information to use in negotiating. Do not give the property owner leverage to use against you.
•3. Always have options. It is a good idea to have other options if the negotiation on a particular property passes the point of no return. Find 2 to 3 properties that meet your needs. This will make it easier to walk away. To have the upper hand in negotiation you have to be able to set a point of no return, conditions under which you walk away. Let the seller know theirs is not the only property you are considering.
–The best advice is to hire a professional to handle your real estate transaction. Negotiation can be tricky, a professional REALTOR® has the knowledge and experience to skillfully guide you through your entire buying experience. From the searching to a successful closing, a REALTOR® can guide the process to a timely and smooth conclusion. Let your REALTOR® deal with the stress for you.–
Topics: Buying A Home | No Comments »
One of Those Days!
By Cindy Cranston | June 13, 2008
This is for all the working MOMS Out There..
I am sitting in my office this afternoon, printing MLS sheets for my afternoon showings. I am in a rush to get them printed, when suddenly I realize I have forgotten my Supra key at home, as last night was the scheduled update. Already in a slight rush I head home to retrieve it. I arrive to my 3 year old playing MOMMY by trying to write a contract to sell her daddy our house… THESE ARE THE MOMENTS I LIVE FOR. No longer feeling quite so rushed, I sat her in my lap for a few moments of cuddle time. As I leave my 3 year old informs me she has sold 2 homes today. I guess I better “hop to it” to have a shot at keeping up with her.
Topics: Humor | No Comments »
Haunted Real Estate/Pick of The Week
By Cindy Cranston | June 12, 2008
This weeks pick is our very own Dewees Remschel House. Located in southern Wilson County, the Dewees Remschel Home was willed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. by Claribel Dewees Remschel, a direct descendant of the original owners of the ranch. The NTHP felt the home was too difficult to manage from Washington, D.C. and transferred the title to the Wilson County Historical Society. The home is located five miles southwest of Poth, off of FM 541 and CR 206. It was originally built by Dr. R. T. Knox in Gonzales, Texas. It was moved to the present site and renovated in 1997.
Some visitors have felt an other worldly presence in the upstairs Brides room as well as on the stair case. Most visitors describe this presence as cold air passing by them. Regardless of whether this home is really haunted or not, it is a truly remarkable property, and worthy of a visit.
Topics: Community Info, Haunted Real Estate | 2 Comments »
Wilson County Under Burn Ban.
By Cindy Cranston | June 12, 2008
On June, 9th, the Wilson County Commissioners court voted in favor of a 90 day ban on outdoor burning and aerial fireworks. The Commissioners court unanimously approved the burn ban. This will run through the July 4th, holiday, and will remain active as long state fire officials consider our area to be without adequate rainfall.
For additional information on requirements refer to the Wilson County Health and Public Safety Office @ 830-393-8503.
As property owners we need to pay heed to this ban, with the dry conditions and high winds we’ve been experiencing even a small burn pile can get out of hand quickly. Be safe, and God Bless—Cindy
Topics: Community Info | No Comments »
Top 10 Household Cleaning Tips Using Vodka…Reasons To Never Drink Vodka.
By Cindy Cranston | June 10, 2008
I was searching for a recipe for Vodka pasta and came across several pages with crazy ways to use Vodka. I found the many uses interesting and thought I would post the better uses. —-Cindy
10. Pour Vodka over Poison Ivy rash To remove the oil from your skin and help in healing.
9. Vodka will disinfect and alleviate a jellyfish sting.
8. Pour 1/2 cup Vodka into a freezer bag and freeze, the frozen slush is a great reusable ice pack.
7. Use a washcloth to rub vodka on chest and back as a liniment to relieve fever pains.
6. Apply Vodka to a cotton ball and use as astringent to cleanse pours on face.
5. Add a shot of Vodka to a 12 ounce bottle of Shampoo, to remove toxins from hair and scalp, and to stimulate new hair growth.
4. Add Vodke to 16 ounce trigger spray bottle, spray bees and wasps to kill.
3. Washing your feet in Vodka cures foot odor.
2. Spray Vodka on caulking around bathtubs and showers, let sit 5 minutes and wash clean. The alcohol will kill mold and mildew.
1. Prolong the life of a razor by letting soak in Vodka after shaving. Vodka disinfects the blade and prevents rusting.
As a cleaner/disinfectant/astringent Vodka has a lot of great uses………But never, ever drink it…
Topics: Joke Of The Day, Top 10 List | 2 Comments »
Spectacular Golf Course Views!
By Cindy Cranston | June 7, 2008
Pride of ownership shows from the moment you enter this 2115+/-Sq.Ft, 3Bdrm/2Ba, single story in the exclusive Avalon community on the Mavericks Golf Course. Enjoy a the view of the greens as you sip your iced tea from your covered back patio with ceiling fan to cool the summer heat. From the time you enter the openness of this property makes it feel much larger. The Dine-In Kitchen with breakfast bar offers ample counter space and cabinets while also including an huge walk-in pantry. The Living/Formal Dining Combo includes upgraded Pergo wood floors, art niches, and built-in shelves to display your collections or framed photos. The Large Master Bedroom has coiffured ceiling, a plant ledge, and access to the back patio. The attached Master Bathroom offers a whirlpool tub, separate shower, double vanity, and huge walk-in closet. The Second Bedroom offers attached access to the Second Bathroom and would make a great Mother-In-Law sweet, or Guest Bedroom in addition to child’s room. The Third Bedroom located off the Front Entrance could be used as a home office. Make an appointment today to see this beautiful home. Call Cindy @210-373-8634.
Topics: Investment Property, Listings, Selling A Home | No Comments »