Archive for October, 2011

October 27, 2011

The Cadillac of Mobile Offices

With all of the new technology available these days, consumers are more educated & they expect for Realtors to keep up with these new tools…at least as much as they do.

Many times when driving around looking at homes, clients will have questions about the homes, communities, schools and many other things along they way that may not even have anything to do with real estate.  Sometimes we will know the answers and many times we could use a life-line.  Because it is not usually the best option to “call-a-friend“, it can help to have google on your side!

Picture this situation…It’s a Hot Texas day and you are escorting clients around…their children are getting figity and they are getting frustrated looking at homes in neighborhoods they know nothing about…trying to make sense of it all.  This is where the right vehicle & technology can make all of the difference.

We have outfitted a Cadillac Escalade with wi-fi technology that allows web access in the vehicle and we always bring with us our 14″ HP Laptop as well as our Samsung Galaxy Tablet.  So, as we are driving around, the clients have the ability to utilize the internet if they want to search for information.  We also pre-load information from MLS so that they have all of the details & photos of all of the properties we are viewing.  There are also great apps through the android market on the tablet that allow us to quickly access additional information on other properties in the area.

Even the kids get great use of the Tablet…they can play games (usually angry birds) or even watch a movie.  If the adults need to use the tablet, we also have the rear entertainment system in the Escalade that they can watch movies on.

As you can see, the picture changes a lot…Happy informed clients and content children being escorted around in a roomy comfortable vehicle.

We also bring along with us our Sony Nex-5 camera so that we can take high quality pictures of the homes that we view.  We are able to upload them right there in the vehicle & email them directly to the clients.  This way, if clients need to review the properties as they narrow them down to “the perfect one” they have an easier way to remember details.  Plus, when they make their decision, they will already have some great shots that they can email out to their friends and family or put into their new facebook album “Our New Home!”

So far, turning our Cadillac Escalade into a high-tech mobile office has been a great tool for real estate!  Our clients love being able to “stay connected” while they search for their new home!  I guess this is how we roll!

October 25, 2011

Amazing 3 Acre Lot For Sale in Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake

Check out this Amazing 3 Acre Lot For Sale in Fantastic Canyon Lake Community of Mystic Shores!

This superb Lot has tons of mature trees & has been partially cleared…

There are several great level spots on which you can build your dream home and take in the incredible views!

Whether you choose on top of the hill or in front of the seasonal creek, you are sure to find the perfect spot for your new home!

 

The Mystic Shores Community offers great amenities…Pool, Tennis, Clubhouse,  Playground/Park, & The Lake – Dock, Fishing & Boat Ramp!

For more information on this Amazing 3 Acre Lot For Sale in Mystic Shores at Canyon Lake, give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!

1245 Mystic Breeze

$49,900

mls 918251

October 17, 2011

San Antonio Housing Market Statistics – September 2011

San Antonio Housing Market Statistics – September 2011

The 3rd quarter of 2011 is officially over & we are now in the home stretch towards the end of the year…

So…how is our Housing market going into the 4th quarter?

“The San Antonio Board of REALTORS® reports that there was an eight percent increase when comparing single-family residential home sales in September 2011 (1,534) to those in September 2010 (1,419).”

One factor that may have brought buyers out (and is still bringing buyers out) is interest rates…which dropped below 4% in September!  These rates are lower than they have been in over 50 years!

SABOR also reports that September 2011’s average price ($190,211) is up 2% from that of September 2010 ($185,679).

The Median price of a single-family residential home was $152,500…which is actually the same as September 2010.

With San Antonio Housing Market Statistics strong in September 2011, approximated 7 months of inventory (just above what is considered balanced) and over 1200 pending sales, we are poised to finish out the year strong.

 

 

October 15, 2011

Halloween Safety Tips for You, Your Kids & Your Home

Halloween Safety Tips for You, Your Kids & Your Home

Halloween is a fun time for kids, but it is also an important time to be extra
vigilant for possible safety hazards so that your children have a fun and safe
Halloween. Some tips to make Halloween safe include:

Costume safety

  • choose a costume made of flame retardant material
  • costumes should be short enough so that they don’t cause your child to trip
    and fall,
  • for good visibility, add some reflective tape to the costume or bag he is
    using to carry candy or make/choose a costume made of bright material that is
    visible in the dark
  • masks should fit securely and allow your child to see well and not hinder
    visibility
  • if using face paint, make sure it is
    nontoxic and hypoallergenic
  • knives, swords and other props should be made of a flexible material, so
    that they don’t pose a hazard if fallen on

Trick-or-Treating safety

  • children should be well supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating. Older
    children should trick-or-treat in large groups in well known neighborhoods.
  • carry a flashlight
  • stick to well lit houses in familiar neighborhoods only
  • follow traffic signals and rules of the road
  • drive slowly
  • avoid taking shortcuts across backyards or alleys. Stick to the sidewalks of
    well lit streets

Candy safety

  • instruct your children to bring all candy home before eating it so that you
    can carefully inspect it for tampering. Children shouldn’t snack while they’re
    out trick-or-treating, before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To
    help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they
    go — don’t send them out on an empty stomach.
  • Tell children not to accept — and, especially, not to eat–anything that
    isn’t commercially wrapped.
  • Throw out candy or treats that are homemade, unwrapped or if they appear to
    have been tampered with (pinholes in wrappers, torn wrappers, etc.)
  • Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum,
    peanuts, hard candies or small toys.
  • Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect it for holes, including small
    punctures, and cut it open before allowing children to eat it.

General safety tips

  • homeowners should prepare their home for trick-or-treaters by removing
    obstacles from the front yard, restraining dogs and other animals, and lighting
    the house well
  • provide treats that are individually wrapped candy or offer kids nonfood
    treats, such as stickers and erasers.
  • artificial lights and candles are a safer alternative to real candles with a
    flame that can pose a fire hazard
  • if going to an adult Halloween party, make sure that you don’t drink and
    drive. Use a designated driver if alcohol is being consumed.
(Information cited from www.keepkidshealthy.com)
October 12, 2011

HOT Deals on New Construction Homes in Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio

HOT Deals on New Construction Homes in Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio…

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 New Construction Single Family Homes located just North of Stone Oak & Canyon Springs…offering residents a hill country feel while still being super convenient to all that the Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio area has to offer…Great Shopping & Fabulous Restaurants, close proximity to Major Employers, Medical Offices & Hospitals, and easy access to HWY 281!

Contract on any of these homes before 10/16/2011 & receive additional Price or Closing Cost Incentives!

*****

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Huge Game Room, Large Island Kitchen, Stone Fireplace, Comal ISD

2125 sq.ft.

Priced in the $160′s

READY NOW!

*****

 

 

5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Corner Lot, Comal ISD

2612 sq.ft.

Priced in the $180′s

READY Nov/Dec 2011

*****

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Stainless Appliances, Double Ovens, Master Down, Large Game Room, Comal ISD

2612 sq.ft.

Priced in the $220′s

READY NOW!

*****


4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Double Ovens, Master Down, Large Game Room, Former Model, Comal ISD

3104 sq.ft.

Priced in the $240′s

READY NOW!

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For more information on any of these New Construction Single Family Homes, including photos & incentives, call (210) 209-8711 or email today!

HURRY – Special Pricing & Incentives end October 16, 2011

October 12, 2011

HOT Deals on New Construction Townhomes in Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio

HOT Deals on New Construction Townhomes in Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio…

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 3 New Construction Townhomes located just North of Stone Oak & Canyon Springs…offering residents a hill country feel while still being super convenient to all that the Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio area has to offer…Great Shopping & Fabulous Restaurants, close proximity to Major Employers, Medical Offices & Hospitals, and easy access to HWY 281!

Each of these 3 homes qualifies for USDA Financing!

Contract on any of these 3 homes before 10/16/2011 & receive additional Price or Closing Cost Incentives

& receive 1 Full Year of HOA dues paid!

2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Open Loft, Stainless Appliances, Covered Patio, Comal ISD

1532 sq.ft.

Priced in the $130′s

READY NOW!

*****

2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Open Loft, Covered Patio, Comal ISD

1532 sq.ft.

Priced in the $140′s

READY NOW!

*****

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Granite Kitchen Counters, Covered Patio, Comal IDS

1532 sq.ft.

Priced in the $140′s

READY NOW!

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For more information on any of these great townhomes, including photos & incentives, call (210) 209-8711 or email today!

HURRY – Special Pricing & Incentives end October 16, 2011

October 10, 2011

Like New Tuscan Style Home FOR SALE near TPC San Antonio with 3 Car Garage!

Like New Tuscan Style Home FOR SALE near TPC San Antonio with 3 Car Garage!

You don’t want to miss this one!

This just may be the perfect Home…

Open Floorplan with 4 Bedrooms & 3.5 Baths and 3220 sq.ft.

Island Kitchen with 42′ cabinets, Granite Counters, & Stainless Appliances

Dining/Living combo with cozy Fireplace

Master Down with separate Shower & Garden Tub, 2 sinks & large walk-in-closet

Huge Game Room up

Seperate Media Room

3 large secondary Bedrooms – One with on-suite bath & one Jack&Jill

Front porch & Rear deck

3 Car Garage!

The Cliffs at Cibolo is a quiet gated community across from Johnson High School – in the highly acclaimed NEISD

  • Roan Forest Elementary
  • Tejeda Middle
  • Johnson High School

This amazing home is only 1 year old and is located in one of the most sought after areas of San Antonio…Just down the street from the TPC JW Marriott Resort & Spa & Championship Golf Courses!

This home is super convenient to all that the Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio area has to offer…Great Shopping, Fantastic Restaurants, Local Businesses & Major Employers, Medical Offices & Hospitals & Exemplary Schools!

Call (210) 209-8711 or email today to set up your private showing!

$329,900

MLS #915795

VIDEO TOUR OF 2907 ELM TREE PARK

MORE INFO & PICTURES of this Like New Tuscan Style Home FOR SALE near TPC San Antonio with 3 Car Garage!

October 9, 2011

What Amber Thompson is Saying about Zars & Rogers

“I would highly recommend Patricia Zars to anyone.  She knew I had to find a rental home asap.  She found me a home, expedited the entire application process, and had me in the house within a couple days. 

She made this a very positive experience for me and I look forward to working with her in the future when I go to purchase a home.”

Amber Thompson – September 2011

October 9, 2011

Garden Homes in Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio

Garden Homes in Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio

Lately, we have had quite a few people inquire about Garden Home Communities in Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio…

There are actually some great choices in the area when it comes to communities with Garden Homes!

What are some of the reasons that Garden Home Communities are so popular?  Well, let’s see…

Low maintenance is probably one of the top reasons.  Garden Homes are typically situated on fairly small lots & much of the time have zero-lot-lines.  This would mean that there is not very much yard to maintain.  In many garden home communities, partial or full yard maintenance is covered by the monthly home owner’s association (HOA) fees…Which definitely lowers the owner’s maintenance!

Single Story homes are another reason people search out Garden Home Communities.  Most all “Garden Homes” are single level homes.  This obviously eliminates stairs in the home…which appeals to many prospective buyers.

Community Amenities & Recreation are often a key reason that Garden Home Communities are so desirable.  Often within the community, residents have access to a clubhouse, swimming pool, walking trails & other community recreation facilities!

The good news is we have several great Garden Home Communities in the Stone Oak & Far North San Antonio area!

There are Garden Home Communities

  • In the heart of Stone Oak
  • In the Rogers Ranch Area
  • In Sonterra
  • In the Dominion
  • In Emerald Forest
  • Overlooking Golf Courses
  • With views of the San Antonio Skyline or Hill Country
  • Super Convenient to 1604 & 281

What are you looking for in a Garden Home Community?

Sizes of garden homes in the area typically start around 1500 sq.ft. and go up to nearly 3500 sq.ft.

In the Stone Oak & North San Antonio Area, there are available New Construction & Pre-Owned Garden Homes, with prices starting in the lower $200′s and going all the way to the $700-$800,000 range!

So, whatever your budget, there is a Garden Home Community in the area that fits your needs…. And, Zars & Rogers REALTORS® can help you find it!

Give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email today!

October 7, 2011

Downtown Lofts, Highrise Condos & Riverwalk Apartments in San Antonio, TX

Downtown Lofts, Highrise Condos & Riverwalk Apartments in San Antonio, TX

Picture people enjoying dinner & a cocktail at outdoor cafes, restaurants & bars…the smell of great food…and the sound of mariachis or of smooth jazz coming from a local night spot…. This is the San Antonio Riverwalk and there is no place like it in the world!  In addition to the attraction of the Riverwalk, downtown is home to many city festivals, cultural fairs & other fun-filled events!

With endless things to do, great shopping and fantastic places to partake in amazing food & drink…it is no wonder that many are starting to call Downtown San Antonio home!  Until recently, there haven’t been many choices as for where to live in the heart of downtown SA…. In the past several years, this has definitely started to change!  New Highrise Condo developments have been popping up, The Pearl Brewery has been adding Apartments & Condos and Swanky Lofts are now available in & around newly revived Riverwalk areas!

Some recently developed Downtown Lofts, Highrise Condos & Riverwalk Apartments in San Antonio, TX include 1221 Broadway (12welve 2wenty1), Vidorra, Judson Candy Factory, Las Cascada, Southend Lofts, Cevallos Lofts & Alteza, which is located within the Grand Hyatt Hotel (that’s right, you can live in a hotel!!).

The median condo price in the downtown area is around $275,000 and prices soar to nearly $4 million…but, you can find brand new condos starting in the mid-$100′s!

 

So, whatever your budget, you can find the perfect Downtown Loft, Highrise Condo or Riverwalk Apartment in San Antonio…and Zars & Rogers REALTORS can help!

So, if you are thinking that it might be nice to walk out of your new place & wander around the local farmer’s market or grab some delicious ceviche & maybe a margarita…then downtown living just may be for you!

 

Give us a call (210) 209-8711 or shoot us an email so that we can get started helping you find your Downtown Loft, Highrise Condo or Riverwalk Apartment in San Antonio!