tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49427192693213093032024-02-19T06:49:37.985-08:00(Re)Location Matters<center><i>Real Estate Topics for Buyers and Sellers Exploring Northeast San Antonio's Outer I-35 Corridor</i><br><b>
Schertz - Cibolo - Garden Ridge- Universal City - New Braunfels</b></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-7468841402533994072015-02-02T08:22:00.002-08:002015-02-02T08:23:58.342-08:00Feb. 'News & Views' Newsletter-TAX SEASON<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Featuring our monthly newsletter, with helpful tax season tips! Save money with deductions and spend your returns on home improvement projects that increase the value of your home. Let us know if you'd like to subscribe! :) We always put helpful Real Estate tips in the content, and purdy pictures, too! Visit </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/feb-news-views-newsletter-tax-season/">http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/feb-news-views-newsletter-tax-season/</a> to contact us or reply in the comments box below. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-89314088481633468402015-01-28T09:21:00.000-08:002015-01-28T09:21:16.835-08:00Extreme Dream Homes<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Holy Real Estate! </i>Some people aren't satisfied with your
typical single-family dwelling, and that’s okay. Certain people thirst to put
their own artisan touch on the architecture and design of the home. Sometimes they
even take on a whole construction project with an ethereal vision of something they can
truly call their own. Some of these projects are a little too intimidating for
the likes of us, but we are glad they exist to charm us far beyond a state of
tickled-pinkness! Here are three such projects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">(Photo Credits: </span><a href="http://www.chateaudegudanes.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">http://www.chateaudegudanes.org</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once upon a time (November, 2013), an Australian
couple pursued their life-long dreams by purchasing a mid-eighteenth-century French
château (Château de Gudanes) nestled by the arms of the Pyrénées Mountains in Château-Verdun,
France.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Craig and Karina Waters took on this daunting project out of love and determination, grasping tightly a vision of returning the greatness of what “has-been” to what “could-be”, or better, what “will-be” <(that’s us putting faith in their colossal vision).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxvrVU949WhriGhXxcq-alyivHTzOL3q3B2IKM3Rhsy_Rtw74xqABMpP5znOaHjNytEdp_of2hBhSt7uIVagDcYAUjxK0ROlrzRtDjxW0OyOIvV4BMGD6t5Wqbx75CdY8Y9fCINkFa5I/s1600/Chateau+Gudanes+Carla+Coulson-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsTpcglKP26ebrtFTEwP-UTNbXwU0TCDs4n0qL4Dxd_0CLQXWHaFSFCGJHntuFN6RzT4XfRnj9KyehOfaOj0sSsgqTBkqomIcE0PVP51jxvJednj4DPqHnI8sfApPKCTLv2USVYieHgc/s1600/feb6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsTpcglKP26ebrtFTEwP-UTNbXwU0TCDs4n0qL4Dxd_0CLQXWHaFSFCGJHntuFN6RzT4XfRnj9KyehOfaOj0sSsgqTBkqomIcE0PVP51jxvJednj4DPqHnI8sfApPKCTLv2USVYieHgc/s1600/feb6.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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Watch the charming video below to experience
the conception of their journey. The video captures the magnetism and old-world
beauty of the surrounding village, nature, and of course the chateau itself. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gieQh0oPd0" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gieQh0oPd0</span></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Project 2-Ye Olde Paper Mill</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one is from HGTV’s ‘Extreme Homes’. A
young Holyoke, Mass., couple turns an Industrial-textile paper mill into a
10,000-square-foot home! Melissa and Rich Cooper got the home for a fraction of
the price of a regular home in the area, so they spent the extra cash on a
massive renovation-of-their-dreams. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
two own their own masonry business, and so touches of their bricklaying
expertise can be seen throughout the home. Melissa also had fun with some
personal artwork on a couple of the walls and doors. <i>We can’t find any photos
of the project or the couple online, so please accept our apologies. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check this video out,
the result is just as quirky and endearing as their personalities! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://on.aol.com/video/you-live-in-what---couple-turns-paper-mill-into-10-000-sq--ft--home-518493297">http://on.aol.com/video/you-live-in-what---couple-turns-paper-mill-into-10-000-sq--ft--home-518493297</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>3. Living the High Life</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">( (Photo Credits: Blue Forest)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE1a8SrP03pGC7rsL5HrykhaveufmNCsv0PhnxSGkPPenqIylh9K-6ImbEdDigrz_jzu8Wq5Fte5FJNMKVHsnbZP3ynnpVINpvXqmPv4dD7c88yQudvl01CN5M8B66btlD_4KTp9wE_Q/s1600/BlueForest_TreeHouse___2_gallery-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE1a8SrP03pGC7rsL5HrykhaveufmNCsv0PhnxSGkPPenqIylh9K-6ImbEdDigrz_jzu8Wq5Fte5FJNMKVHsnbZP3ynnpVINpvXqmPv4dD7c88yQudvl01CN5M8B66btlD_4KTp9wE_Q/s1600/BlueForest_TreeHouse___2_gallery-image.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOMfapxeaCYkbI9cV7vsJrkW9XaszWrTFWKxecwarWQ1DGD-NTTUu7ESn0tIcGzT1cl4mppLIOhIW1WxPOxfZab6ORx04ko-wFXE4b1da-JoiPQHDBfR9-qvWGJoSMPPy6xMNXKsic4E/s1600/BlueForest_Tree_House_2_Leafy_Home_news-image-inline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOMfapxeaCYkbI9cV7vsJrkW9XaszWrTFWKxecwarWQ1DGD-NTTUu7ESn0tIcGzT1cl4mppLIOhIW1WxPOxfZab6ORx04ko-wFXE4b1da-JoiPQHDBfR9-qvWGJoSMPPy6xMNXKsic4E/s1600/BlueForest_Tree_House_2_Leafy_Home_news-image-inline.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brothers Andy and Simon Payne are have turned their boyhood adventures into a career with their England-based tree-house
building business, ‘Blue Forest’. The two grew up in Kenya where nature was
their playground. Now, they build tree houses for anyone, any age. If you've always wanted to live in a tree house as an adult, behold your builders! (Well, if you don't mind travelling to the
U.K. to get the process started). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb8dX3oKPWovo5abFvWewv_4zhgHeb73kzvDOEqdA69b7XQSE_26VCZ0erBpadrfbbkLL6V8OCz4mmK8fKgkEig2eaWct_NVOjJ4_kXvup3E_9SDdxIBiqTuslR6GZhdH1fyAAeSPxHw/s1600/BlueForest_Fairytale_Tree_House_3_gallery-image+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb8dX3oKPWovo5abFvWewv_4zhgHeb73kzvDOEqdA69b7XQSE_26VCZ0erBpadrfbbkLL6V8OCz4mmK8fKgkEig2eaWct_NVOjJ4_kXvup3E_9SDdxIBiqTuslR6GZhdH1fyAAeSPxHw/s1600/BlueForest_Fairytale_Tree_House_3_gallery-image+(1).jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The only problem we would have with this is
fighting the squirrels, monkeys (depending on where you live), tree snakes, and
birds for territory. Also, what happens if you fall down and break a limb, tree
or otherwise? Would they have to send a MEDEVAC flight to save you? It all
seems so dubious, but so exciting! Check out their video, featuring all sorts of
high-life whimsy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLRov0Amm-8"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLRov0Amm-8</span></a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-15445023293092898482015-01-26T10:59:00.001-08:002015-01-26T10:59:45.723-08:00Tax Season: The Best Time to Be a Homeowner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrddrwSOmmIe2zM_G6QQqJJtlPUULPCE8w4gJpVWjXV_mClJLqJfld4nhohzzrmzV5goNfyABY2vn42uHP3dTmvcnOKJLu6eV3P8hwvwcwXCaiQdE6ETWpMGQ864p-Bu-u2-DQWG-KD0/s1600/121106105149-mortgage-debt-monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrddrwSOmmIe2zM_G6QQqJJtlPUULPCE8w4gJpVWjXV_mClJLqJfld4nhohzzrmzV5goNfyABY2vn42uHP3dTmvcnOKJLu6eV3P8hwvwcwXCaiQdE6ETWpMGQ864p-Bu-u2-DQWG-KD0/s1600/121106105149-mortgage-debt-monster.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now that tax season is here, it’s time to rejoice, all ye homeowners! You have the freedom and (possibly) extra cash coming your way to afford cosmetics, furnishings, fixes, and renovations.</div>
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The key to this freedom and (possible) cash is filling out your itemized deductions under Schedule A in the dreaded 1040 long form, which can be found <a data-mce-href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-1040,-U.S.-Individual-Income-Tax-Return" href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-1040,-U.S.-Individual-Income-Tax-Return">here</a>.</div>
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If you pay property taxes under your local or state government, great news—you may deduct them and any real estate taxes you pay. Also, a portion of your monthly mortgage may be deducted on your tax return. The interest is what’s deductible. The requirement is that you must stay in that home for at least 14 days per year (or more than 10% of the days it’s rented annually). If you fail to meet this requirement, it may be that the IRS has classified your home as a rental property and not a second home. Even more rules apply if the latter is the case.</div>
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Points may also be deducted which are calculated based on IRS’ criteria, usually loan origination fees, loan discount, discount points, or maximum loan charges. The full amount of points gathered annually may not be deducted in the full amount, so be sure to check out the IRS’ guidelines on points.</div>
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Mortgage interest, discount points, and origination fees are called the “big 3” mortgage write-offs.</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/VeteransHomeLoan-wide.jpg" href="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/VeteransHomeLoan-wide.jpg"><img alt="VeteransHomeLoan-wide" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4708" data-mce-src="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/VeteransHomeLoan-wide.jpg" height="336" src="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/VeteransHomeLoan-wide.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you have a VA home loan, you may be eligible for different deductions found under IRS Publication 530. For instance, you may be able to deduct interest through a VA cash-out refinance loan, which would enable vets with credit card debt to reduce their high interest to low-interest for their home loans. Vets benefit doubly from using this program because not only can they reduce their monthly payments, but they can also deduct the mortgage interest. Also, be sure to check out the rules for capital gains. Most married homeowners (filing jointly) can sell their home every two years tax-free. Since service members typically move every couple of years, this is a very handy thing to keep in mind for when you put that VA loan to use!</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/140124-F-YR527-006.jpg" href="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/140124-F-YR527-006.jpg"><img alt="140124-F-YR527-006" class=" wp-image-4709 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/140124-F-YR527-006.jpg" height="457" src="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/140124-F-YR527-006.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you need specific guidance on filing your tax return, contact a tax advisor or read up on the regulations in IRS Publication 936, which can be found <a data-mce-href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Publication-936,-Home-Mortgage-Interest-Deduction-2" href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Publication-936,-Home-Mortgage-Interest-Deduction-2">here</a>. Or, if you have any questions at all pertaining to this blog or anything else, please give us a call at (210) 566-6355. We can't guarantee we'll have the answer to questions like, "who was the speaker of the house in 1932?" or, "how does the theory of relativity apply to space travel?", but we'll definitely be able to help you with your real estate needs! We value all of you, and good luck on your taxes this year! Happy filing! :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-60960123939068088452015-01-19T08:59:00.000-08:002015-01-19T08:59:26.924-08:00San Antonio Restaurant Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsjUkO2dvJRblYHa5mAlxs-v_Qx5j0Grx0-BQRjn-KWCfBBH7koEnbk_ryNLv2xLqTKE6PDyba27y0578SoitlDty9IwK8Iz2-6l455_3vggn0BfZTP9ITln9OJHqmHT_UlFtKUq13Dg/s1600/IMG_2716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsjUkO2dvJRblYHa5mAlxs-v_Qx5j0Grx0-BQRjn-KWCfBBH7koEnbk_ryNLv2xLqTKE6PDyba27y0578SoitlDty9IwK8Iz2-6l455_3vggn0BfZTP9ITln9OJHqmHT_UlFtKUq13Dg/s1600/IMG_2716.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we get to gratify
our rumbling tummies at our favorite fancy-schmancy San Antonio Restaurants for
RESTAURANT WEEK (featuring fixed-price rates for top-tier meals!) It’s a way
for us to celebrate San Antonio culture and culinary expertise affordably. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Tier-1 service, it’s $15
for lunch and $35 for dinner<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Tier-2 service, it’s $10
for lunch and $25 for dinner<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We know that reservations </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">aren't</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> required, but definitely seem to be a good idea on account of how many
people are excited to devour some good eats.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A major plus for joining in
on all the fun is that some of your money will go to a good, charitable cause.
For every $1 and $2 spent at participating restaurants, they will donate to Culinaria
and its select charity groups. That sounds like a wonderful excuse to <s>grossly</s>
<s>overeat</s> splurge a little on gourmet grub to us! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Culinaria is a non-profit organization
geared toward bettering San Antonio and making it a popular, worldwide
wine-and-food go-to destination. The program provides aid and education for San
Antonio chefs during times of personal hardship through their Chefs 4 Chefs
program. Its next big push to benefit San Antonio is its Culinaria Urban Farm, which
will promote a nutritionally-dense farm-to-table diet and will highlight the
importance of serving locally-grown produce in restaurants throughout the city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo Credit: Biga on the
Banks, San Antonio)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This
week we plan on trying Biga on the Bank’s 11-spiced Texas Axis venison and
grilled Bandera quail featuring a g</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">oat
cheese tart, chestnuts, Brussels sprouts, apricot, sultana cinnamon chutney, and
juniper sauce for dinner. For dessert, we would like to try Restaurant
Gwendolyn’s </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;">apple
pie rose water creme anglaise topped with brandy ice cream</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKPCQv6n1KAUwldVley6Hzu6rEBgnWcFqvNpHtMWQKwqHk-7jKzmImf-cteK-fOKtkgPz7en1mod_bgpwk2Zxn713Mf-hRDf9hFDMql3vpZEDMAfvWX3A6lleWiR-4FpTiY-4C_f1GS8/s1600/4f46ef2130a9b35273fca86cad87637ec3caf855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKPCQv6n1KAUwldVley6Hzu6rEBgnWcFqvNpHtMWQKwqHk-7jKzmImf-cteK-fOKtkgPz7en1mod_bgpwk2Zxn713Mf-hRDf9hFDMql3vpZEDMAfvWX3A6lleWiR-4FpTiY-4C_f1GS8/s1600/4f46ef2130a9b35273fca86cad87637ec3caf855.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo Credit: Restaurant Gwendolyn, San Antonio)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;">OMG our mouths are absolutely
watering! (Where is that measly stick of cheese I packed for snack this
morning? Maybe that will satisfy me until then? Maybe?). Likely not. </span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following are the
participating restaurants:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Antler’s Lodge<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">La Frite<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arcade Midtown Kitchen<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liberty Bar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Azuca<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little Rhein Steakhouse<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bavarian Brauhaus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mariposa<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biga on the Banks<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Market on Houston<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bite<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max’s Wine Dive<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bliss<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mellow Mushroom<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bob’s Steak and Chop House<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boardwalk Bistro<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morton’s The Steakhouse<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NAO<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boiler House<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oaks Crossing Bistro and Bar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bolo’s<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paloma Blanca<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boudro’s<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perry’s Steak and Grille<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brio Tuscan Grille<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Restaurant Gwendolyn<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Citrus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth’s Chris Steak House<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charthouse<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speisen European Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cover 3<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starfish<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cured<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stella Public House<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">El Machito<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thai Topaz<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Esquire Tavern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zocca Cuisine D’Italia<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">La Foccacia Italian Grill<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-90267950490684968002015-01-14T12:09:00.002-08:002015-01-14T12:18:57.093-08:005 Projects That Up Value of Your Home<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Projects That Up Value of Your Home</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remodeling and fixing-up your home can be a way to boost the value of your home. But it's important that whatever you do to your home, you end up getting your money's worth out of it. The <em>2015 Remodeling Cost vs Value Report </em>explains that exterior projects and smaller projects had the best bang-for-your-buck this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It can be a very overwhelming prospect to decide what to do and what not to do, but luckily the experts here at the Claus Team can help you out. The first thing we will say is that curb appeal is always important to buyers searching for homes. It's the first thing buyers see and the thing that leaves the most lasting impression when they're done viewing your home. For instance, do you have a crumbling retaining wall that is barely holding up, like the one in this photo? Although it can be a big project with tractors and lots of digging, it will be worth it in the long run when it comes to selling your home to at least repair a shoddy retaining wall.</span><br />
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<img height="300" src="http://www.wooddecklongisland.com/images/deck.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">(Photo Credit: A Pinch of Vintage)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another great way to spend money and recoup that money is to replace your door with a steel door. In fact, Realtor.com says that switching to a steel door in the front can recoup the cost of the door by "101.8 percent" upon resale. Steel doors are markedly less expensive than their wood and fiberglass counterparts, save on energy expenses, last longer, and require the few repairs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A wood deck is another fantastic investment, if done right. It adds a tremendous amount of living space while upping the aesthetic view of your home. The return-on-investment according to House Logic is about 80.5 percent upon resale</span><br />
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<img height="300" src="http://www.wooddecklongisland.com/images/deck.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">(Photo Credit: Long Island Decks)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Closely behind wood decks in terms of return, is an attic conversion project. It adds extra space and could potentially attract buyers who want a guest room or a bonus office. An attic room can be completely charming and a welcoming break from symmetry, community with roommates, and boring, square walls. Unless you're into that sort of thing</span><br />
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<img src="http://tyroneatticstairs.com/images/gallery-conversion/conversion-6.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Photo Credit: Tyrone Attic Stairs)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A very smart way to upgrade the appearance of your home is to replace the garage doors. It's a simple project and adds tremendous curb appeal. Check out the before-and-after photo below. The new garage doors are an indubitable improvement from the ones before, and they add so much modernity to the house itself! Plus, the projected return-on-investment is about 82.5% according to Home Logic.</span><br />
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<img height="150" src="http://www.alphaonedoorsystems.ca/images/postcard/large/Mississauga-1-before-after.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Photo Credit: Alpha One Door Systems)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">New windows will also up the value of your home and return the cost upon resale, especially if they're energy-efficient. Below are some impressive examples from Snyder Windows of how windows can totally change the appearance of the home. It can take the exterior from drab to fab in no time! Home Logic says that the expected return for the investment from this project is about 77.5 percent for "midrange vinyl" windows, and about 78.8 percent for "midrange wood" replacement windows.</span><br />
<img height="311" src="http://www.snyderwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/window_before_and_after.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Photo Credit: Snyder Windows)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're ever curious about what you're planning to do to your home is really a good investment for you, please call our experts at <a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank">The Claus Team</a>. We are always standing by to answer your questions, give you advice, support you, and of course, help you purchase or sell a home. We aren't just Realtors, we are long-term friends eager to see you succeed and make the best choices for you and your family, so please keep us on speed dial! We look forward to the call! :) (210) 566-6355.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-87185389981143677542015-01-12T08:01:00.001-08:002015-01-12T08:04:46.127-08:00New FHA Rate Cuts Costing Homebuyers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jR1J4LJ_gBjmgz0ECDgKu6-_oNP5qu-0TZZvl4NdS9Wf__sHrIDNnMg3AWdcA3BnEIJwdr3NBkid7T4GYINAcb8s9AfzlgvQgCWXDnh7EgOAEWDi_mEPQt0NJttnYS7BAIAMTXEmzVE/s1600/buying-a-new-or-old-home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jR1J4LJ_gBjmgz0ECDgKu6-_oNP5qu-0TZZvl4NdS9Wf__sHrIDNnMg3AWdcA3BnEIJwdr3NBkid7T4GYINAcb8s9AfzlgvQgCWXDnh7EgOAEWDi_mEPQt0NJttnYS7BAIAMTXEmzVE/s1600/buying-a-new-or-old-home.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember our December 29, 2014 blog about the state of the
2015 Real Estate market? We told you the forecasts for 2015 were looking relatively
bright and sunny, “fueled by significant improvements in economic fundamentals,
low mortgage rates, and compressed inventory”, according to <a href="http://news.move.com/2014-12-04-Realtor-com-2015-Housing-Forecast-Stage-Set-for-the-Return-Of-First-Time-Home-Buyers">Realtor.com®’s
2014 Housing Review.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also said a rise in jobs has led to an increase of
the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and rates are at an all-time low,
increasing consumer motivation to buy a home. Things were looking swell for cash-strapped
millennial homebuyers. One of the biggest challenges for them and all potential home
buyers would have been the competition since the availability of homes is somewhat
scarce in early 2015. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, now we can add a new complication for these young
borrowers to the mix. Although the following plan presents fewer challenges for
home buyers in general, it may be a hardship for them. President Obama announced
a “3% down loan program” in December that will challenge homebuyers even more.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will cut its mortgage insurance premiums on
its loans from 1.35% to 0.85% for new borrowers electing the 30-year,
fixed-rate mortgage beginning January 26. This change is now predicted to bring in more
than 250,000 new homebuyers to the closing table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The FHA’s new program is reportedly an attempt to restore
the market to a state in which buyers are no longer paying inordinate annual
fees. Previously, the average homebuyer has had to fork over an average of
$1,600 a year, a dollar amount significantly higher than seen before the nation’s
economic crisis. The new program is
expected to now save buyers an average of $900. By reducing premiums, saving consumers
money, and reducing stringent lending standards, the FHA hopes to (somewhat) restore the
normalcy of yesteryear to consumers searching for a new home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This may be bad news for cash-poor millennials, who were
expected to flood the home-buying market this year per this year’s market
forecast. With a 3-3.5% down payment required, their options appear somewhat
limited. Should they elect to do the lower-rate FHA loan and pay 1.75% mortgage
insurance up-front as well as their 0.85% premiums for 30 years? Or do they
choose one of Freddie Mac’s or Fannie Mae’s 3% down payment loan, in which they
would need stellar credit? If they choose either one of these, borrowers will
still be required to purchase mortgage insurance until the equity in their home
is up to 20%. Plenty of cash up-front as well as a good credit score will
behoove them in the home-buying process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, millennials aside, the FHA’s new 3-3.5% down home
loan program could lift barriers for home buyers in general. Of course, there
are naysayers who claim this could lead to another huge bailout for the
mortgage industry, but that remains to be seen. For now, most homebuyers can enjoy the lower rates. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whoever you are--millennials, rookie home-buyers, retirees--it doesn't matter--we can help put you in the home you've always imagined yourself in (or help you sell the one you're tired of!). Call us today and get a free market analysis or home value analysis. (210) 566-6355. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-48035309957960882692015-01-08T10:04:00.004-08:002015-01-08T10:05:17.604-08:00Top 5 Things To Do in San Antonio January 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Things to Do in San Antonio This Month</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">San Antonio Cocktail Conference/ &25-$275</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015-Sunday, Jan 18,
2015</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKtLXQPZgm5465AyxkGK2vN0NOIIemZSWNSxQFNI4qDUIZ4JxHLV0ZxxmW0zTxKiEEx4Rj_Vus5rQvWCZouK4t1TjCY68DbMKFRhdG3S-zVfU4InEsIvLFZDYwLpJzTLptXpW-N9d8-s/s1600/101cec35-f6db-4beb-b121-44b48f309ff6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKtLXQPZgm5465AyxkGK2vN0NOIIemZSWNSxQFNI4qDUIZ4JxHLV0ZxxmW0zTxKiEEx4Rj_Vus5rQvWCZouK4t1TjCY68DbMKFRhdG3S-zVfU4InEsIvLFZDYwLpJzTLptXpW-N9d8-s/s1600/101cec35-f6db-4beb-b121-44b48f309ff6.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Photo Credit: VisitSanAntonio.com)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The San Antonio Cocktail Conference is one
of the Best Cocktail Festivals in the United States, according to Fodor’s
Travel. The city’s best cocktail connoisseurs and bartenders get together for
guided tastings and cocktail parties as well as educational seminaries. Much of
the proceeds go to charity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Rally</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday, January 19, 2015, 10am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Martin Luther King Academy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3501 MLK Drive, San Antonio </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONuv-slbSy1W6cicLRJt7_gH5E9ibO7gvFjSeESCqcY0wjpfOHXidhX1eRHiH9TtJDnKh2F1moWJTktA1mdGa4RReLank445Knjfccux1h2M5Tv4Dfng9m5ZAJMpTVg7cnJfaKvdCJOI/s1600/938a1362-1b77-419d-a153-0c9937f11819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONuv-slbSy1W6cicLRJt7_gH5E9ibO7gvFjSeESCqcY0wjpfOHXidhX1eRHiH9TtJDnKh2F1moWJTktA1mdGa4RReLank445Knjfccux1h2M5Tv4Dfng9m5ZAJMpTVg7cnJfaKvdCJOI/s1600/938a1362-1b77-419d-a153-0c9937f11819.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Photo Credit: VisitSanAntonio.com)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Join the march in honor of the nation’s
most respected leader of civil rights. The march begins at the Martin Luther
King Academy and will end at Pittman-Sullivan Park. More than 100,000 adults
and children are expected to show up to the event. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure-San Antonio/
$9-$20</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday, Dec. 1, 2014-Tuesday, June 30, 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10:00am-6:00pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Starts at Emily Morgan Hotel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">705 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78205</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">805-603-5620</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFjAbgUcGq302ff91CTQMxtpNP-1gqn8FGd43c_mRzX-hNaw1cFn3kcZs2TMXv6OvmJfqRKbBDH6Fe-4aaVUJM6IHyhV8gvosve1TTGV49ujd8aKgpJSpQ0cROUSIJqhkP47lf8kwCJ0/s1600/4b1111e7-1526-46d7-a8e2-1f76b2b9a364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFjAbgUcGq302ff91CTQMxtpNP-1gqn8FGd43c_mRzX-hNaw1cFn3kcZs2TMXv6OvmJfqRKbBDH6Fe-4aaVUJM6IHyhV8gvosve1TTGV49ujd8aKgpJSpQ0cROUSIJqhkP47lf8kwCJ0/s1600/4b1111e7-1526-46d7-a8e2-1f76b2b9a364.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Photo Credit: VisitSanAntonio.com) </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Dia De Los Muertos Art Exhibition</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014-Sunday, Feb. 1,
2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10am to 5 pm Tuesday-Sunday</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Educational & Cultural Arts Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">101 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio, Texas 78207</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Texas A&M presents a Day of the Dead
art exhibition in the Educational & Cultural Arts Center. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. SeaWorld San Antonio Opens for 2015 Season</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jan. 31</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-73189972848992039242015-01-07T10:02:00.000-08:002015-01-07T10:02:11.696-08:00How Cultures Influenced the Design of Texas Homes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S78YLHy8BwpH73oirJu_ZfFyCP0OiCJLhc49YmsLXTF0UEvinhsSofQsz301rfzvaSYLPBIPNfQSONpIgGeSinhCQE7K30fl-Rq7JZ6EUBvUHe9Z3QxciG22BcZ38WVnOwRgkppdLDY/s1600/possumkingdom-03-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S78YLHy8BwpH73oirJu_ZfFyCP0OiCJLhc49YmsLXTF0UEvinhsSofQsz301rfzvaSYLPBIPNfQSONpIgGeSinhCQE7K30fl-Rq7JZ6EUBvUHe9Z3QxciG22BcZ38WVnOwRgkppdLDY/s1600/possumkingdom-03-lg.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>(Photo Credit: cowboysandindians.com)</i></div>
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I haven’t always lived in Texas. I was born and raised in
the suburbs of Denver, accustomed to small, single-family ranches of wood and
brick. Rarely did I see a Spanish roof or adobe, or a house exterior of pure
stone. Once I moved to Texas, I noticed the state’s affinity for these types of
materials. I assumed Texans’ love for stone and rustic design stemmed from its
natural landscape…semi-desert, rock-and-clay, a landscape of many natural
tones. But the truth is, home design and architecture in Texas is attributed to
its many cultural influences, in addition to its natural landscape. </div>
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<b>Rustic-Cowboy, Mexico and South America Influence on Homes (1519-1700s):</b></div>
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Vaqueros came from Mexico and South America after the
Spanish established cattle ranches there. The vaqueros migrated throughout the United
States and South America all the way to Argentina. Landowners even taught
Native Americans to cattle ranch on horseback. The practice and profession
spread to the Southwest and was hugely popular by the turn of the 19<sup>th</sup>
Century. Today, many Texas homes take on a rustic rancher feel, as a throwback
to the archaic American cowboy with lasso in-hand. Cabins, rugged wood, animal
skins and mounted heads paired with Native American rugs and adobe inspiration
is common in many Texas homes. </div>
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<b>Spanish-Inspired or Native American-Inspired Homes
(1682-1835):</b></div>
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After all, the first smatterings
of architecture in the state were Spanish Roman-Catholic Missions as Spaniards strategically
placed them throughout the state to bring Christianity to Native Americans. These
missions were responsible for securing Spanish territory in Texas along with
forts and pueblos. They became the signature look of Texas. Today, many homes reflect details of
Spanish-style Missions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXJDtxlCAfdO7fnBRzlHATk1YWKim9Wr_cmHhdZoGYJ4stnXcbHDgkPJeckwaAzV6Z0A1ok-X8dp8ne4VqJH0bmhQi0JqAWpGaklgfNIAncWe1c-z3EjNgyH5sCL-1mVZSOXtrMW_F1g/s1600/download+(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXJDtxlCAfdO7fnBRzlHATk1YWKim9Wr_cmHhdZoGYJ4stnXcbHDgkPJeckwaAzV6Z0A1ok-X8dp8ne4VqJH0bmhQi0JqAWpGaklgfNIAncWe1c-z3EjNgyH5sCL-1mVZSOXtrMW_F1g/s1600/download+(16).jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><i>(Photo Credit: Architecture Digest, Lance Armstrong’s Austin
Home)</i></div>
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Perhaps Texas homes made out of Adobe and natural stone
slabs can, in part, be attributed to its rich culture of Native Americans. At
least four Native American cultures existed throughout Texas when the first
European settlers laid claim to territories there, including the Coahuiltecan,
Karankawan, Trans-Pecos, Jumanos and the Patarabueyes peoples lived in adobe
and mud-plastered homes in villages or pueblos. In North Texas, another culture
erected structures similar to those seen commonly in New Mexico and Arizona,
layering adobe and slabs of stone. </div>
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<b>Greek, Colonial, and Victorian Anglo Influence on Homes:
(1700s-1900s)</b></div>
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As more and more Europeans settled in Texas, more Catholic
and Episcopal churches popped up throughout the state. Tall, angular steeples
and high arches brought a gothic-Greek style into Texas architecture. Anglos began to build public squares and
communities, building structures multiple stories high with many European
touches, such as French doors and brick-and-stone patterns. </div>
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And of course, Texans caught the Victorian-era bug after the
civil war until the turn of the 19<sup>th</sup> century. This explains the many
historical buildings established in many Texas towns. Victorians were very
detailed and opulent in their architectural styles, preferring asymmetry and an
overall balance rather than logic of layout or simplicity. Today, many Texas
cities preserve their historical structures as a valuable part of their
culture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_DNb8oyP_4VLMbv7fp5XSGnLkp3gewpwvFCo8MdmRuTUgwccnGtssW-xizKdgUrGdSj-LCRhGArh-Eu3ARGpqY0vDLtdFWdqFspMAAHAJG8q8OKoM85zVLdnJeBuyEzceQEPEiXN8mI/s1600/cfiles5534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_DNb8oyP_4VLMbv7fp5XSGnLkp3gewpwvFCo8MdmRuTUgwccnGtssW-xizKdgUrGdSj-LCRhGArh-Eu3ARGpqY0vDLtdFWdqFspMAAHAJG8q8OKoM85zVLdnJeBuyEzceQEPEiXN8mI/s1600/cfiles5534.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>(Photo
Credit: City-Data.com, Gainesville, TX Victorian Home)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Mhxkgoy3uM6LKjNqSpksWcSZhhNs5QXhw5QoAql8XpNGcWxSC-6tpYGIKgce7BSDqSVf5B2Z3qtlEztc5QNOdy5ztrFUQvxVevpYymgMpD6y4CDAz-usJ0TFaXD1V4PKkvUcz5VRlY/s1600/hr3435642-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Mhxkgoy3uM6LKjNqSpksWcSZhhNs5QXhw5QoAql8XpNGcWxSC-6tpYGIKgce7BSDqSVf5B2Z3qtlEztc5QNOdy5ztrFUQvxVevpYymgMpD6y4CDAz-usJ0TFaXD1V4PKkvUcz5VRlY/s1600/hr3435642-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>(Photo Credit: Search-Har.com, a Colonial-Style Brick-and-Column
Home in Houston, TX)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgIk3cjq7RKTtvxmn_8z-hh3MQ4PqcYmbMEQqZUtuoN0aIJ3EPGNRB2TIRe66PFIFSIORlFhtCCl6tv3cMmjQBy5plQ0opDRzze7-OP3duyEJSE-csC1LC7dXL_lVgx5sdI25PUfUD7w/s1600/6.2-Million-Classic-Greek-Revival-in-Dallas-Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgIk3cjq7RKTtvxmn_8z-hh3MQ4PqcYmbMEQqZUtuoN0aIJ3EPGNRB2TIRe66PFIFSIORlFhtCCl6tv3cMmjQBy5plQ0opDRzze7-OP3duyEJSE-csC1LC7dXL_lVgx5sdI25PUfUD7w/s1600/6.2-Million-Classic-Greek-Revival-in-Dallas-Texas.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>(Photo Credit: Exotic Excess, A $6.2-mil Greek Revival Home
in Dallas, TX)</i></div>
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Many homes in Texas are a nod to these influences in its
diverse and rich history. New construction often mimics these gorgeous details,
sometimes finding a unique amalgam of all these styles. So, when you see one of
our homes for sale, look for the hints of cultural influences we’ve just
discussed, and see if you notice! For instance, do you see the tiniest touches
of Spanish-Colonial and Native American influence in this Garden Ridge home?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pkz5UPgP_9WxTyyRce0_rf-4fk8jCyUG6IHCEvOPvkabY2uttsic9mfzhWtbx0qTxoWPCrbbsqXhkqKP9BLpQjTnjbsB6GTaV3epJuKR6ZDnNeWq0dSkypSBLbRIESbeWymFC27Zj8g/s1600/rsz_1-a-front7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pkz5UPgP_9WxTyyRce0_rf-4fk8jCyUG6IHCEvOPvkabY2uttsic9mfzhWtbx0qTxoWPCrbbsqXhkqKP9BLpQjTnjbsB6GTaV3epJuKR6ZDnNeWq0dSkypSBLbRIESbeWymFC27Zj8g/s1600/rsz_1-a-front7.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>(Photo Credit: clausteam.com, 24719 Creek Loop, San Antonio,
78266)</i></div>
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And notice the classical Greek and colonial details of this
San Antonio home for sale. The style also combines Spanish and Native American
inspiration, along with complimenting the natural landscape of the land with
the layers of natural white stone in the yard. Beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WaTAlXoTtBJJOJmPN1dMgfZjSB1eKItgVsbVbxgyHwYHdO52t_VhO5Dq-2N-kUpEQz9ZV8vzfwP6UPsAn5UCbpgYg28oAEEghm4H3jMzNMydoP6_uvEuiDB3Qtzn9ENiUwt3dIZV-y4/s1600/1-a-Front2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WaTAlXoTtBJJOJmPN1dMgfZjSB1eKItgVsbVbxgyHwYHdO52t_VhO5Dq-2N-kUpEQz9ZV8vzfwP6UPsAn5UCbpgYg28oAEEghm4H3jMzNMydoP6_uvEuiDB3Qtzn9ENiUwt3dIZV-y4/s1600/1-a-Front2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>(Photo Credit: clausteam.com, 863 Fawnway, San Antonio,
78260)</i></div>
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(Data and dates taken from the <a href="http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/cmask">Texas Historical
Association</a>, Architecture as well as <a href="http://www.americancowboy.com/article/history-vaquero">AmericanCowboy.com</a>)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-74848553901237113832015-01-06T09:01:00.003-08:002015-01-06T09:03:43.480-08:00Is Marriage Before Mortgage Still a Thing?<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUsLC4lKNEyVL9_pxUDxLFu8gx1gUB_WmwnfHNdk_iQGPVoosf9RgakdZyqWcUf0MITGD0n01W6O4WuTSbFudyjUktluF49ey5CSVOiLfCMuUUIdXeFEkwe5NOeyGjFF7zFdHZf49MPY/s1600/download+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUsLC4lKNEyVL9_pxUDxLFu8gx1gUB_WmwnfHNdk_iQGPVoosf9RgakdZyqWcUf0MITGD0n01W6O4WuTSbFudyjUktluF49ey5CSVOiLfCMuUUIdXeFEkwe5NOeyGjFF7zFdHZf49MPY/s1600/download+(10).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marriage Before Mortgage...is it necessary?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://theclausteam.com" href="http://theclausteam.com/">The Claus Team</a> has come across some very interesting statistics in 2015 that suggest things are really starting to change in Real Estate. Of course, we have noticed in our own day-to-day business that families have changed quite a bit since starting out in Real Estate in the early-nineties. And of course, the market continually changes. Society changes. Everything changes! Marriage before mortgage used to be the only option.</div>
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Life used to go like this: once upon a time, you graduated high school, you got married, you bought a house, and you immediately began to have children. At least, that’s the experience I recall with my own grandparents, who at 18 got their diplomas, got married, bought a house, and got pregnant with their first child (out of four subsequent children), all in the same year. That was in 1951, when marriage was a prerequisite of a mortgage. Nowadays, things are drastically different than they were in the “good ole days”.</div>
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An influx of young people are pursuing mortgages in 2015 despite being unmarried, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. Roommates, same-sex partners and unmarried couples are occupying the housing market increasingly more these days, says Harvard University’s Joint Center for Hope researcher Rachel Drew. Along with this upward trend, is a downward trend of married-couple mortgages.</div>
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A 2014 study by real estate website Redfin revealed that some couples are finding it more prudent to take the money they’ve earned and put it toward a down payment on a home, foregoing a wedding or a honeymoon.</div>
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That doesn’t mean marriage isn’t still a big factor in today’s real estate market. The link is clear, as a large part of the housing market is still occupied by married couples. It just means that number is continuing to decrease as newer generations take hold of the market.</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-fi-g-marriage-home-ownership-20150102.png" href="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-fi-g-marriage-home-ownership-20150102.png"><img alt="la-fi-g-marriage-home-ownership-20150102" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4553" data-mce-src="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-fi-g-marriage-home-ownership-20150102.png" src="http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-fi-g-marriage-home-ownership-20150102.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>(Photo Credit: L.A. Times, 2015)</em></div>
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What do y’all think of the mortgage-marriage concept? Do you think it’s a good thing to be married before buying a home, do you think it’s bad, or does it matter to you either way? We’d love to start up a good conversation and hear what you think. Post away in the comments box below!</div>
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Oh, and one more thing. Married, unmarried, or between a marriage, we are always here to help you out in all things Real Estate. Just give us a call and we can discuss things like when to put your home on a market, what type of home you’re looking for, or give you a current market analysis. Can’t wait to hear from you!</div>
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<em>Source: “<a data-mce-href="http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-marriage-home-ownership-20150103-story.html?track=rss" href="http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-marriage-home-ownership-20150103-story.html?track=rss">Many Buyers No Longer See Marriage as Prerequisite to a Mortgage</a>,” Los Angeles Times (Jan. 2, 2015)</em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-19591239139882180092015-01-02T12:09:00.002-08:002015-01-02T12:09:34.305-08:00The best New Year's Resolution: Save $ for a Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokJmPi6BwWPgPSuVxRvoXNs8A3czh-dQPHZ0ShnTBaxxiO2bdt98NtFUdR8FKKJyFukcL-nJx28acUgg34CjpMixNgDxVFkbNOoCluef984mz54ojS5hWVxL6_uW-HFE-hfb_eqMF6S4/s1600/house-money-piggy-bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokJmPi6BwWPgPSuVxRvoXNs8A3czh-dQPHZ0ShnTBaxxiO2bdt98NtFUdR8FKKJyFukcL-nJx28acUgg34CjpMixNgDxVFkbNOoCluef984mz54ojS5hWVxL6_uW-HFE-hfb_eqMF6S4/s1600/house-money-piggy-bank.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How prepared are you financially to save up for a home? Either way, doing so could use a little drive and focus in the form of goal-setting. Fortunately, this is the perfect time of year to do just that! Consider making your number one New Year's resolution to save up money for your home's down payment. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">According to a 2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers survey, thirty-seven percent of homebuyers claim it only took them six months or less to save up money for the purchase of a home. The rest took between a year to a year-and-a-half. So it's feasible to complete this goal successfully by the end of the year, at least.
The national median average for the down payment required from first-time buyers is 6-percent. For repeat buyers it's 13-percent. Most people expect that number to be egregiously higher than it is. In fact, that number is quite often over-estimated. So again, it's very possible to save up enough money for the down payment within a limited amount of time. Will you have to sacrifice money in your budget and forego certain luxuries? Probably, but maybe not as much as you would expect. Here are some tips on how to save.
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Create a budget (be honest and realistic about your needs vs. expenditures vs. savings) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Don't touch your savings (make a rule to keep hands off until it's time to make that "down payment" withdrawal) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Set up automatic savings deposits (do this through your employer's payroll so it gets subtracted from your paycheck before it hits your main bank account) </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 4. Save all "unexpected" incoming funds (anything surplus that you didn't expect, including bonuses and tax refunds, sweep away into that quarantined savings account) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Don't focus on the little ways to save; focus on the doozies. (it's easier and faster to focus on your largest expenditures, such as ways to cut down on utilities, than switching to mayonnaise sandwiches from your usual egg salad, for instance) </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. Downsize (is there a way to move into a one-bedroom instead of a two, and save in the process? can you make your coffee at home instead of getting one every morning in the drive-thru?) </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Save less for retirement (now is the time to stop focusing on that matching 401-k and focus on short-term savings to quickly save the amount you need for your down payment) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. Enlist the help of a support network (tell your in-laws you won't be meeting them at restaurants for dinner anymore, or very often. Tell your friends your savings goals and allow them to support you along the way) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9. Reward yourself in the midst of the process (if, for example, you have cut out going out to dinner from your monthly budget, consider fixing a fancy meal at home once a week. You don't want to be miserable, right?)
So, in a nutshell, simply create a budget, hands off the savings, and make sure you're not completely overdoing the saving. The number-one reason New Year's resolutions often fail is because the goal is too lofty and unrealistic. Don't make that mistake with this one, especially since it is of critical importance for one buying a home in the near future. Make sure you give yourself plenty of breathing room, and in the meantime, happy home-hunting! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider allowing the Claus Team to be alongside you in the process. We are here around-the-clock to provide you guidance, support, and show you the homes you have your eye on. Our New Year's resolution is to continue to provide you excellent service, and place you in the home of your dreams. We are a team of patient, friendly counselors ready to meet and exceed your expectations! Call us today and get a free estimate on your home or market analysis. We look forward to the call!</span></b><br />
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<b><i>(Photo Credit: Jeanine and Brad Claus)</i></b></div>
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<b>The Claus Team </b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(210) 566-6355 </span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://theclausteam.com </span></a></b>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-84975714615659715522015-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:002015-01-01T09:00:02.861-08:00Happy New Year from the Claus Team!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VjWLmlo72HE" width="420"></iframe><br />
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So ^<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjWLmlo72HE" target="_blank">this</a>^ YouTube video is so cool! It features New Year's 2015 celebrations from all over the world, starting in London. It makes us excited to ring in the new year here in San Antonio, Texas! We'll show the world how it's done, right?<br />
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2014 was a wonderful year for the Claus Team. We met some clients we truly enjoyed and formed life-long friendships with. We hope your year was just as good, and if it wasn't (bummer!), we hope 2015 will be full of opportunity, friendships, love, joy, and success! We measure success in terms of how happy our clients are with our services and our relationship, and it'll always be a goal in the forefront of our minds, no matter how "well" y'all tell us we're doing! There really is no point in which one has arrived when it comes to doing business, after all, true?<br />
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Therefore, this new year, we resolve to continue to be the best Realtors we can be. We promise to work as hard as we can to put you in the home you deserve. We will continue to strive for the best and beyond in 2015. But for tonight, we'll party like it's 2014 with the rest of you! Cheers to a fresh start, and to you, who get the credit for our continued success. Thank you, we appreciate you, and party on!<br />
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<iframe src="//giphy.com/embed/GCLlQnV7wzKLu" width="480" height="192" frameBorder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-88115177942730507552014-12-31T08:42:00.000-08:002014-12-31T08:42:54.323-08:00Killer New Year's Party Ideas <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">If you’re anything like us, you’re tired of the same old
stuff for the New Year. Champagne, party poppers, and…champagne…and…champagne…and…er…
lots of shouting. We can’t really think of any other traditions beside that, so
we’re going to try ringing in the New Year an extra special way tonight. HERE
ARE SOME IDEAS. Oh, sorry, we started the shouting there a bit prematurely.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Toast.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> For
the most important part of the evening: the toast. We think it probably has to
be easy and reminiscent of the champagne people are expecting when the clock
strikes twelve, so here are a couple of recipes to try out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here’s one from famous lady Whitney Port:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2015/greatideas/blog/150112/whitney-port-600x450.jpg" /></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo Credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty(2))</span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 25.1pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 25.1pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; padding: 0in;">Sunset
Prosecco Float</span></strong><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><br style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 50%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit;" />
Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 25.1pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2
small scoops blood orange sorbet (or flavor of your choosing)<br style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 50%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit;" />
About 4 oz. prosecco<br style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 50%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit;" />
Mint sprig<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 25.1pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 25.1pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Using
a melon baller, scoop the sorbet into a champagne flute.Top with prosecco, pouring slowly. Stir.<br style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 50%; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit;" />
Garnish with a mint sprig.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yield:
Serves 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And another one from The Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis;
it received five stars and seems like a winner on account of its ability to be
served in one huge batch so people can serve themselves throughout the evening
willy-nilly: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2009/2/4/1/GH0114-2_Champagne-Sangria_s4x3.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(Photo Credit: Food Network)</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Champagne Sangria:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients: 1 (750-ml) bottle Prosecco
or French</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Champagne, chilled<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ cup orange juice<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 cups Mint Simple Syrup<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 lemon, zested and thinly sliced<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 lime, zested and thinly sliced<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ cup sliced strawberries<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 fresh mint sprigs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Crushed ice<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a large pitcher, combine the
Prosecco, orange juice, Mint Simple Syrup, lemon zest, and lime zest. Add the
sliced strawberries, lemon slices, lime slices, and mint sprigs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fill glasses with crushed ice and pour
the sangria over the top. Serve immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yield: 2 ½ cups<br />
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;">The Grub.</span></b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;"> Have a midnight feast,
because food! We think something quirky and fun like a baked potato bar or a
shrimp cocktail station would be a rocking way to end 2014. Personally, there’s
nothing like a surprise meal to make we (me, the author specifically) giddy
with delight. Sometimes I remind myself of the <s>lady</s> in the pic below (from an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yErb0jzIPL8" target="_blank">SNL skit</a> featuring Chris Farley).</span></span><span style="background: rgb(243, 243, 243); color: #727272; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;">The Noise.</span></b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;"> You know what noisemaker
would be better than one of those lame cone-shaped, metallic kazoos we normally
blow into when the ball drops? Anything. Invite your guests to bring a crazy noisemaker
of their choosing. For instance, <a href="http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=1545">vuvuzuelas</a>. </span></span><span style="background: rgb(243, 243, 243); color: #727272; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo Credit: Pennsylvania State University)</span></i></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;">The Game.</span></b><span style="color: #1c1c1c;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Ask your guests to write
predictions for 2015 onto a small piece of paper. Then put all of their papers
into a hat, and going clockwise in a circle, have each guest draw one and try
and guess whose fortune belongs to whom. When they mis-guess, it goes to the
next person. If the person gets it right, they keep going until they guess
wrong. Then it goes on to the next person, and so on. The person who guesses
the most correctly wins a giant booby prize of your choosing. You can tally
this total up by having people keep the ones they got right. This game can be
outrageous or tame as you want it to be, or rather, as your guests are. So be
prepared for some surprises along the way! But </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">isn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> that what the New Year has
for us anyway? Great big ole surprises? That’s why we love it! That and it
represents a fresh, clean slate for all of us. </span></span></span><span style="background: rgb(243, 243, 243); color: #727272; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 115%; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img height="425" src="http://www.knightarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/happy-crazy-new-year.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo Credit: Knight Arts)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;">***Oh, and by the way…when y’all sleep off those killer party hangovers,
and you feel like buying a house or selling one, give us a call! It’ll be time
to get serious, but let’s start 2015 on a productive note, right?!!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 115%;">Talk to
you soon!***</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(210) 566-6355</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://theclausteam.com/">http://theclausteam.com/</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-67320535730048140912014-12-29T08:24:00.003-08:002014-12-29T08:25:16.257-08:00Real Estate Market Watch 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><img src="http://southfloridalawblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/housingmarketsign-300x249.jpg" /> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The housing market has gained momentum throughout 2013 and 2014 and is continuing into the New Year according to <a href="http://realtor.com/">Realtor.com</a><a href="http://news.move.com/2014-12-04-Realtor-com-2015-Housing-Forecast-Stage-Set-for-the-Return-Of-First-Time-Home-Buyers">®'s 2014 Housing Review</a>, which suggests the boom is, "fueled by significant improvements in economic fundamentals, low mortgage rates, and compressed inventory". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /> That upswing is credited to a rise in jobs leading to an increase of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coupled with low rates, both of which have bolstered consumers' motivation to buy a home.<br /><br /> That's wonderful news, but unfortunately the following factors still may make it a bit difficult for those first-time home-buyers to close on their loans in a timely manner, if at all. Depending on your financial situation, the process could also be a breeze. But keep these two items in mind to mentally prepare yourself for the journey of home-buying.<br /><br /> 1. <b>Strict Lenders:</b> lenders are increasingly more tight-handed when it comes to granting home loans these days. But in 2015 those standards are predicted to loosen a bit, particularly in the areas of <i>credit scores</i> and <i>debt ratios</i>.<br /><br /> 2. <b>Competition</b>: there are a low number of homes out there to select form.<br /><br /> Let's focus on the positive, buyers. The top five factors that will continue to work in your favor here. Keep in mind these are <i>predictions</i>, not <i>assurances</i>.<br /><br /> 1. <b>The economy is continually improving</b>, contributing to buyer confidence in the single-family market.<br /><br />2. <b>Mortgage rates are low (below 5%) </b>which again help first-time home buyers to get the best deal possible.<br /><br />3. <b>Price appreciation is getting back to normal (still rising, but more slowly) </b>after 2012 and 2013 favored home sellers, inflating the value of their homes and lightening the pockets of many home-buyers.<br /><br />4. <b>Foreclosures and and short sales are decreasing</b>; these are known as "distress sales" and are down about 30% around the beginning of January, 2015.<br /><br />5. <b>Investors are expected to slow down </b>since distress sales are decreasing. This will result in less competition in the single-family market. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> All of these items are great news for home buyers. That doesn't mean home buyers won't face their share of hurdles in the home-buying process. <b>Strict credit standards, tight lending, low inventory, fewer first-time home buyers in the single-family market, historic numbers of renters by the droves, and the painfully slow process of building new homes </b>are all factors that might weigh down the process in the coming year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Here at <a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank">The Claus Team</a>, we like to show you the light at the end of the tunnel. So when we give you hypothetically "bad" news, we'll also give you the good. The bright side of these challenges is that the overall economy won't be negatively-impacted by careless lending and credit standards as it did in the early to mid-2000's, when consumers were placed in home loans disproportionate to their incomes. When lenders were loose (just one contributor among many other large-scale financial missteps), the national economy crashed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> One of the keys to preventing </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">further consumer and national debt was forcing financial institutions and individuals to raise their </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">lending standards. The challenges are a good thing when you take that bird's-eye perspective.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> This <a href="http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2014/11/update-2015-housing-forecasts.html" target="_blank">Calculated Risk </a>chart shows the state of the housing market in 2015 according to some of the biggest financial, home-building, and real estate institutions in the United States.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Looking to buy or sell a home in 2015? January is often a great month to start your search for the perfect home and the perfect Realtor. Call your friendly agents at the <a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank">The Claus Team</a><a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank"> </a>and we'll advise you on everything you need to know to get a head start on your buying or selling journey. <b>(210) 566-6355</b>. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-3886024662661912242014-12-25T09:45:00.000-08:002014-12-25T09:45:00.066-08:00Christmas on the Riverwalk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJpLbGFfapitPVqXhDXpe51FE2jk8mw5Ciy8mYeL5YoGFKNvoqEYXlUB0JJA47YiRDvpeb2lAIEzJgUmxoZaMBgvHgcrvuLlwxap8-DaLPgY9e902ZEyB2cE9Q1EE9ICLcF7s4x6RHCk/s1600/CasaRioChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJpLbGFfapitPVqXhDXpe51FE2jk8mw5Ciy8mYeL5YoGFKNvoqEYXlUB0JJA47YiRDvpeb2lAIEzJgUmxoZaMBgvHgcrvuLlwxap8-DaLPgY9e902ZEyB2cE9Q1EE9ICLcF7s4x6RHCk/s1600/CasaRioChristmas.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just look at how beautiful and colorful Christmas is on the San Antonio River Walk! It's open today and tonight and makes for a perfect family holiday stroll or a romantic Christmas date. We'll see you there! :) And as usual, Merry Christmas from the Claus Team!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKs9leAHzE32R0ZibpZY1CIMtMHCHv6yaH1UTtBNecJN0hJCy-pkQshsNtgAMy86M_3lI3Ovxcs6qfiI6miCglQBtAZi-J7qxEvoVKMlCj5U6plTPD_Y4veO8XcCtVnxD5u0BPx6MPkQ/s1600/KW1800-404TeamWhiteWEBSITEPERFECT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKs9leAHzE32R0ZibpZY1CIMtMHCHv6yaH1UTtBNecJN0hJCy-pkQshsNtgAMy86M_3lI3Ovxcs6qfiI6miCglQBtAZi-J7qxEvoVKMlCj5U6plTPD_Y4veO8XcCtVnxD5u0BPx6MPkQ/s1600/KW1800-404TeamWhiteWEBSITEPERFECT.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(210) 566-6355</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-66272889216279435142014-12-24T09:37:00.000-08:002014-12-24T09:37:06.629-08:00Ho, Ho, Ho!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Merry Christmas</b></i> to all of you wonderful people--friends, family, clients, and colleagues! We pray that your holiday is full of peace, quietness of mind, joy, and goodwill. And <strike>spiked</strike> egg nog! :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCKPyasAY0wlMEuE0Ii5c9DBIJBdJ0Nh8rhyphenhyphennaYG2m3RVnmhJ8IYPOfYTuKLU8eYCrMoxxZlg0FYZTUQ_NZ7Iwg7Uqqj82c59TGzf4_xu0f8Kr5BdtYnU3XkYTEVmHokufl3wI9AMahM/s1600/92064_Merry-Christmas-Desktop-Wallpapers-Greeting-Cards_1600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCKPyasAY0wlMEuE0Ii5c9DBIJBdJ0Nh8rhyphenhyphennaYG2m3RVnmhJ8IYPOfYTuKLU8eYCrMoxxZlg0FYZTUQ_NZ7Iwg7Uqqj82c59TGzf4_xu0f8Kr5BdtYnU3XkYTEVmHokufl3wI9AMahM/s1600/92064_Merry-Christmas-Desktop-Wallpapers-Greeting-Cards_1600x900.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-15317533678457466412014-12-23T07:52:00.001-08:002014-12-23T07:52:27.309-08:00LEGOS at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens<img alt="Legos at San Antonio Botanical Garden" src="http://www.saflavor.com/calendar/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Legos-at-Botanical-Garden-September-6.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.sabot.org/" target="_blank">San Antonio Botanical Garden</a> presents a LEGO exhibit featuring 27 sculptures made entirely out of LEGOS! The sculptures range in size, some of them only a few inches, and others eight feet. This might be a fun thing to do with the in-laws in town over the holidays! Here are the details:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Address:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">San Antonio Botanical Garden</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">555 Funston Place</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">San Antonio, TX 78209</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cost: $10 for Adults, $7 Kids, and free for children under 3</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When: December 28, 9:00 am-5:00 pm</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-64378237242954054002014-12-22T14:32:00.000-08:002014-12-22T14:32:53.680-08:00#TackyXmasLights and Your Legal Rights<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My, oh my! The Claus Team did a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=tacky+christmas+lights&rlz=1C1AFAB_enUS494US497&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=o5WYVOOGBIb9yQTcvIGwDg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1455&bih=665" target="_blank">Google search </a>for<br />"tacky Christmas lights" and guess what we found? Here are just a few photos we came across:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, we'd like to ask a few questions to all of our blog viewers: would any of these scenarios bother you? Have any of you experienced this with your neighbors? <b>Please comment below and let us know your stories! We want to hear.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second, all this brings to mind the <b>legal </b>aspect of this situation. Of course, we at the Claus Team are Realtors and so we are always considering homeowners' rights above all else. If you are finding your holiday spirit dampened by a sensory overload holiday experience, or are finding that a similar situation is adversely affecting your enjoyment of your own private property, you may need to read up on laws that protect you and your rights. Here are some options we suggest exploring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions</b> (CC&R) are laws and conditions usually found in your closing documents that relay your property-owner rights and limitations in a development or community. This includes rights and limitations for members of a Homeowners Association (HOA). As long as these guidelines are federally legal, they apply to you and your neighbors. Our advice to you if someone is taking "deck the halls" <i>waaaay</i> too seriously is to read up on your community or development's regulations to see if you can find reason to drop a complaint to your HOA to attempt to limit some of the madness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Zoning ordinances and regulations</b> may also help you in an over-zealous decorator situation. There should be a pertinent municipal code within these documents that addresses lighting or decorating. If a neighbor is found guilty of violating the ordinances or regulations, they may be issued a warning or a hefty fine (up to $2,000). Hopefully they don't let it get to this level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If neither of these options have been helpful to you, you may consider filing a <b>private nuisance claim</b>. This is intense and may require an attorney. These cases require a lot of detail on the part of the plaintiff, so be sure you have all your facts straight before approaching the judge if you should want to pursue this type of legal action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We sincerely hope your holiday is full of joy, peace, and goodwill toward men. If you have any questions of any sort about this blog post or anything having to do with Real Estate, we invite you to give us a call at <a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank">The Claus Team, </a><b>(210) 566-6355</b>. Our agents are eager to speak with you and find you the answers you're looking for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Have a wonderful week, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-18445457496418831682014-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:002014-12-19T05:00:00.349-08:00Top 10 Things to do in San Antonio for the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="userContent" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hey, fellow San Antonians, looking for festive things to do from now until Christmas? Here is the Claus Team's list of top things to do. </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Light the Way, now through Jan. 6</b></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nearly a million lights decorate the University of Incarnate Word campus for this festival, from <i>now until January 6</i>. Check out this aerial photo of the campus. Isn't it gorgeous?</span></span><br />
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The University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. The Valero Alamo Bowl, Jan. 2</b></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Come cheer on the Big 12 and Pac-12's number-one teams from two premiere conferences. The Valero Alamo Bowl features some of ESPN's most popular bowl games ever. They have sold out the last six out of eight years. GET YOUR POPCORN READY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">100 Montana Street, San Antonio, TX 78203</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. Hecho a Mano, now through Jan. 4</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get a taste of traditional and contemporary Latino culture in San Antonio by this new boutique and picking up some authentic, unique gifts at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">723 South Brazos Street, San Antonio, TX 78207</span> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Fiesta de Navidad, Dec. 19-Dec. 20</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What a beautiful way to celebrate a traditional Christmas story AND San Antonio-Latino-Spanish culture! Here you'll be able to see the one-of-a-kind Pastorla Folklorica, a fun take on a time-honored version of the Nativity story. Members of the Guadalupe Dance Company will perform </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">flamenco and folklorico dances. Tickets are only $10.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1301 Guadalupe, San Antonio, TX 78207</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. Seaworld San Antonio-now through Jan. 2</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shamu performs his "Christmas Miracles", Elmo makes a special "Christmas Wish", and the dolphins put on a spectacular show! Sit back in the stands, get cozy with your family, and watch with cocoa and candy-canes in-hand. Afterward, you can take in the awe and splendor of the Christmas lights around the facility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">10500 Seaworld Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78251</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6. Christmas at the Caverns, now through Dec. 23</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After you take in the lighted view of the park, spelunk your way down to their underground Christmas shows, Caroling at the Caverns, and Journey to Bethlehem. There's also a charming Christmas village, singing cowboys, s'mores, zip lines, and more! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX 78266</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7. Morgan's Wonderland, now through Dec. 23</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this wintry 25-acre park, take your picture with Santa, pet some animals at the petting zoo, and get your Ferris wheel on! Do you think there might be real reindeer at the petting zoo? We want to find out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, TX 78233</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, now through Jan. 4</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hop off that Ferris wheel at Morgan's Wonderland and hop ON to a super scary roller coaster! Many a thrilling ride and tasty treat await you here, including Santa at his castle and a show called the "Majesty of Christmas". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9. New Year's Celebrate San Antonio, Dec. 31</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Experience how San Antonians ring in the New Year with food, music, and a fireworks show that'll knock your Santa hat off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>10. Santa's Ranch, now through Jan. 3</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Show the kids where Santa stays when he visits Texas. There are about a mile of amazing Christmas scenes to see with over a million spectacular lights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-46103679817488612042014-12-18T11:07:00.001-08:002014-12-19T14:14:41.866-08:0010 Quick Ideas to Fix-up Your Tired Guest Room<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas, y'all! I don't know about you, but we are busy preparing for a whole gang to come over to our house for some celebrating. We've been thinking about ways to spruce up the home quickly before the herd shows up at our doorstep. We figure the guest room is the perfect spot to zero-in on. We need to follow some of our own advice here! :)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. PAINT!</span></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbVc5WA3hH6FZsj4Y0chkMgFrecrj2OhsO7lCoDbduVPWFaKXUiB7pzTTDnMAHiW0uzrxVRvPL439sW3PtPVSdB92ISt-vM7eA8NcFMokkwt7TvknDIbI73TeM0okrX7A9BvCgbliuJo/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbVc5WA3hH6FZsj4Y0chkMgFrecrj2OhsO7lCoDbduVPWFaKXUiB7pzTTDnMAHiW0uzrxVRvPL439sW3PtPVSdB92ISt-vM7eA8NcFMokkwt7TvknDIbI73TeM0okrX7A9BvCgbliuJo/s1600/images.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, this is something we ALWAYS say, but it ALWAYS works! I mean, just look at how fresh, clean, and calming the room looks in this home after a few coats of light blue against a white trim. It's glorious! It makes the room look new again, and personally, we love the smell of new paint (to a point). Consider relatively neutral colors like this one to serve as the perfect canvas for a colorful theme, a zany comforter set, or some bright works of art. That way, if you get tired of them in the future, you don't have to paint an entire wall, you just have to switch out the decor!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Consider ways to update your headboard, (or just get a new one!)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img src="http://www.laurabielecki.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wingback-headboard.jpg" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A headboard can bring your guest room to luxury hotel status, stat! The one in the above photo is so beautiful, adding the perfect touch of modern art with its sharp angles and sloping curves along with a dramatic teal-and-turquoise pop of color. The rest of the room is relatively neutral, with subtle hints of tranquil blues scattered about. On a side note, the colors of this room complement the loads of natural light spilling in. How heavenly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Liven up your end tables</b><img src="http://howtonestforless.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/great-room-painted-table-before-and-after.jpg" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All it usually takes is a coat of paint or some varnish, but refreshing your tired end tables will add sophistication to the entire room. Or, you could go to one of our favorite inexpensive places in town, <i>At-Home</i>, and pick up a few silver-and-glass or brightly-painted wood end tables for relatively few bucks. Either way, it's a win.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Switch our your bedding</span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dekrisdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mineral-spring-bedding-Coyuchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dekrisdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mineral-spring-bedding-Coyuchi.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The bed is the central focus of the room. It's important that your guest bed says, "Come hither, and lay your weary body upon me for a deep and peaceful respite from traveling life" instead of, "You might want to inspect the covers for bed bugs before you dive in". Therefore, it's all about the bedding. Just think of all the wonderful hotel rooms you stayed in. Remember how fresh and clean and smooth the covers were, with many layers to could peel off or add on depending on how high you blasted the air conditioning that night? Remember how plush and deep the pillows were, and how everything always seemed clean and new? That's how your guest bed should be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Lampshade makeover</b></span></span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNCffu_xI5EJhDMUcfNeJfpnFOAxyeSkvHwT4RkNjpgfMFIOiz3w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNCffu_xI5EJhDMUcfNeJfpnFOAxyeSkvHwT4RkNjpgfMFIOiz3w" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, what a difference a little color and texture can make in a room! A teensy little lamp, or its lampshade, can make or break a room. Here's proof right here in this photo. Are we even looking at the same lamp here? And guess what? It was probably pretty inexpensive to buy a can of spray paint and a new lampshade!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Get all artsy</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://ourhumbleabodeblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/guest-bedroom-jan-2012.jpg?w=600&h=400" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Behold, the transformative properties of artwork! Without anything on the walls, this room would still be cute, but it wouldn't be "wow". It's important to note the symmetry and attention to eye-levelness of the art. Oftentimes, it's a good idea to balance the works on the walls on a focal feature, like the window here, with two small identical works of art on either side, level to each other. The painting above the bed is balanced on the headboard, which is centered on the wall. A touch of texture and zaniness is added with the hanging lamp in the center of the room. It all works beautifully together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Accessorize away</b></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeyDw8KgUaPdnUHSYOHpse7c3LRei3NeR37quAWhxq7M-ZLVHgCCbTsFBClJUmW5_CkRZrWB_CYbkPUVa5J5ZIMJN9LGFa0r9zP_v-Ar0vCbXxKDpMow2vNXv1HUt49O5CGX2_DeG4Ug/s1600/askds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeyDw8KgUaPdnUHSYOHpse7c3LRei3NeR37quAWhxq7M-ZLVHgCCbTsFBClJUmW5_CkRZrWB_CYbkPUVa5J5ZIMJN9LGFa0r9zP_v-Ar0vCbXxKDpMow2vNXv1HUt49O5CGX2_DeG4Ug/s1600/askds.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like we mentioned in the first point, a neutral wall can give birth to the most perfect backdrop on which to lavish art and colorful accessories, if that floats your boat. Of course, subtle and tame accessories can be just as lovely. Go nuts if you want. Or don't. Or go nuts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8. Freshen with flowers</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GG-N1qJjZdEOiHbAf58PUIQ2ugb4spZIq40XkoihMEBB658-4HC93ScQhmjX5qBU8uQD3CLt4-VihCqDyPqZRjX6W9usB318CC0UTL_y42NvA8PL1OoY-nIze59pDotaM7tG9qihwlQ/s1600/Fresh+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GG-N1qJjZdEOiHbAf58PUIQ2ugb4spZIq40XkoihMEBB658-4HC93ScQhmjX5qBU8uQD3CLt4-VihCqDyPqZRjX6W9usB318CC0UTL_y42NvA8PL1OoY-nIze59pDotaM7tG9qihwlQ/s1600/Fresh+bed.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who doesn't enjoy the intoxicating fragrance of fresh blooms? It reminds one of the season of rebirth and excitement, Spring. It's quite a gracious way to welcome guests and tell them that they're important to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. Cable-up</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many people enjoy settling down at night with the dull hum of a television show or movie. Since guests are already out of their element staying in a strange place, make sure they have access to these types of comforts. Place a television with a DVD player on a stand in front of the bed, and bonus points if you run cable to your guest room! </span><img src="http://www.housedecors.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Stunning-White-Bedroom-Decoration-with-a-Bright-Bedstead-in-front-of-Wide-Screen-Television-on-the-Wall-also-a-Desk-Lamp-on-the-Table.jpg" /></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">10. Clean like there's no tomorrow</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's it. Just dust, sweep, mop, polish, and spritz some smell-good stuff around the room. It's the final touch to your complete guest bedroom mini-reno. Happy decorating! :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIWeJ09xXHtbLMrpH1hexBmsZSCHAFhvf167UEAgCwZlRwUkG4ryisA2gh1jRXiwng8aLsf9K79r82yR5XJxL36K2sd9yo5rU7IA0zAmRpKqhFCV7paFMIfPqWEaol1w1gtSsWtpotZs/s1600/KW1800-404TeamWhiteWEBSITEPERFECT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIWeJ09xXHtbLMrpH1hexBmsZSCHAFhvf167UEAgCwZlRwUkG4ryisA2gh1jRXiwng8aLsf9K79r82yR5XJxL36K2sd9yo5rU7IA0zAmRpKqhFCV7paFMIfPqWEaol1w1gtSsWtpotZs/s1600/KW1800-404TeamWhiteWEBSITEPERFECT.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And remember, we're always here to help or give you more fabulous tips for your home! Call the Claus Team at (210) 566-6355 any time! And visit our website to view current listings and more. <a href="http://theclausteam.com/">http://theclausteam.com/</a> </b></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-55603604668307877402014-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:002014-12-19T14:13:48.055-08:00The 12 Days of Christmas Home Improvement<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px;"><b>In Just 12 Days, Improve Your Home</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys2ottYy8W7AYWduKMplUFQvI013md__jDZXhyphenhyphenasSbRAkR_-07Ur7G6qkGLGAeK72OmYnMyiC_U_pZoG5EgXJbsYYg8gq3iMoZQQZHVqtsiEEzbOpG0J4yTsW3kAWG0CftwwykNj1r98/s1600/ChristmasStory_098Pyxurz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgys2ottYy8W7AYWduKMplUFQvI013md__jDZXhyphenhyphenasSbRAkR_-07Ur7G6qkGLGAeK72OmYnMyiC_U_pZoG5EgXJbsYYg8gq3iMoZQQZHVqtsiEEzbOpG0J4yTsW3kAWG0CftwwykNj1r98/s1600/ChristmasStory_098Pyxurz.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 14.4pt;">Just like the crazy-</span><span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">lovable</span><span style="line-height: 14.4pt;"> families from <i>National Lampoon's A Christmas Vacation</i> or <i>A Christmas Story</i>, our friends and family are
on their way, ready to throw some chestnuts on the open fire, sing Jingle Bells
to their hearts’ content, and drink too much egg nog (the </span><i style="line-height: 14.4pt;">real </i><span style="line-height: 14.4pt;">kind). Do you have your home all spiffy and ready for their
arrival? Here are some great things to do (and you can even turn it into a song
that sounds something like the Twelve Days of Christmas, if you’d like!)</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 1: Deck the halls with lights
(LED will save you money!)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnbuhEqzJha3CYfFPo2E5qp6sgjgr3HdHzHTGvv3xk1y709skXL7jfIz4uxO9X-L6RrPDXaIRUjtYY4Ey_2oWGsETCgUClXLZz_5hiqUPXYnzc1rER3JjGJq3qhYt0BkUczvfCrUJ_lI/s1600/5651696_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnbuhEqzJha3CYfFPo2E5qp6sgjgr3HdHzHTGvv3xk1y709skXL7jfIz4uxO9X-L6RrPDXaIRUjtYY4Ey_2oWGsETCgUClXLZz_5hiqUPXYnzc1rER3JjGJq3qhYt0BkUczvfCrUJ_lI/s1600/5651696_std.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;">Nothing
says, “The holidays are here” like outdoor lights on your home. If you would
rather have a professional hang your lights for you, </span><a href="http://www.sanantonio-christmaslights.com/christmas-lights-rates.php" style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="color: windowtext;">San Antonio General Contractors</span></a><span style="line-height: 15pt;"> has a
wonderful website for estimating the costs on your home. They range anywhere
from about $150 to about $1,000, depending on the extravagance you’re going
for.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QwUiO1Zr9C1yBRdqYSLkZMlISd0InE4_-4gtuLHX9ZMGcx7bHNW6ekFpu4aCA500FsA8hQfgtI0gXqASGo8KHZSdXVIKS5y5Vm_UeY_6aSfJEH8sLabSLdY-I3fxTkxgcs8JtZf-vQk/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QwUiO1Zr9C1yBRdqYSLkZMlISd0InE4_-4gtuLHX9ZMGcx7bHNW6ekFpu4aCA500FsA8hQfgtI0gXqASGo8KHZSdXVIKS5y5Vm_UeY_6aSfJEH8sLabSLdY-I3fxTkxgcs8JtZf-vQk/s1600/download+(1).jpg" height="234" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 2: Clean the fireplace
(to prepare for Santa’s arrival)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 15pt;">When
it’s "BRRRRRR" outside, the fireplace is a staple in your home. Nothing feels as good as lazing around on big comfy furniture, bare feet exposed to the heat radiating off a crackly fire. However, before you use your fireplace, make sure it's hazard-free. Since you last used it, ash might have built up, which can ignite fires in the top of the chimney. So, now's a good time to look for a chimney sweep to do the dirty work for you. They'll also be able to assess any possible structural damage in the chimney or fireplace that need to be addressed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QuvcdG9pffBuOW1xRcB7oKDaMEmX3kDAwR9frD1FkQHSRBwKhBGCFFC3Ho4qmOYmgbkAl4yeNptKadYdl-TeCvjhUy0mm4IhUBQDbBD9B2DkcF5H8sORlgWMNd-CEvZ3Wiayx0p5h7Y/s1600/download+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QuvcdG9pffBuOW1xRcB7oKDaMEmX3kDAwR9frD1FkQHSRBwKhBGCFFC3Ho4qmOYmgbkAl4yeNptKadYdl-TeCvjhUy0mm4IhUBQDbBD9B2DkcF5H8sORlgWMNd-CEvZ3Wiayx0p5h7Y/s1600/download+(3).jpg" height="200" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 3: Weatherstrip the doors
and windows</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
want your family and friends to be nice and cozy when they’re sitting in your
home, kicking up their feet with a big foamy mug of hot chocolate by the nice,
clean fireplace. If they are sitting near a poorly-insulated window and feel a
draft, it might put a damper on the whole toasty experience. What’s more is
that the heater might be working overtime to compensate for the heat escaping
through the cracks throughout the house. That’s money down-the-drain. Just go
around your home and hand-test the doors and windows for leaks, then weather-strip
them if they need it. Problem solved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-18fXy2QafuvQTxowktHc4YSP_A0qR4lVPakO7CDMA0QJj845Pt-6mRsh_hzvN770Zl8zX5uQqqKOD436QLtgifV_Gxxv9QXmNqk-pFKDkSAEDGHNISrktnDeKyJ4hYcII-mh3659_8/s1600/download+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-18fXy2QafuvQTxowktHc4YSP_A0qR4lVPakO7CDMA0QJj845Pt-6mRsh_hzvN770Zl8zX5uQqqKOD436QLtgifV_Gxxv9QXmNqk-pFKDkSAEDGHNISrktnDeKyJ4hYcII-mh3659_8/s1600/download+(2).jpg" height="223" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 4: Test your plumbing</span></b><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once and a while it’s a good idea to hire a
local plumber to perform a check-up on the pipes in your home, especially when
the weather presents freezing temperatures that could cause them to burst. When
your ninety-eight-year-old Aunt Gladys stays over for the holidays, the last
thing you want is for her to have to wheel down the hall (or down some stairs)
to use the bathroom. This situation is not something anyone wants to face when
there’s so much joy and merriment to be had. The plumber can recommend any fixes,
including insulating pipes to keep them from freezing if it’s really cold. Aunt
Gladys will thank you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S8We42g557L0XiYxexQ3qIFCxvean-eU27rjSTqsKMHd1-TWQE_Rjxs8navdm3o2KLymNH55Cwl-SjKQB5EqaWCeOCqmpdtUCAh8nNSlKLdXe7hCClH17_s4qS-hQs-XC1n9eDfe9zY/s1600/christmasstory-soapmouth-400x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S8We42g557L0XiYxexQ3qIFCxvean-eU27rjSTqsKMHd1-TWQE_Rjxs8navdm3o2KLymNH55Cwl-SjKQB5EqaWCeOCqmpdtUCAh8nNSlKLdXe7hCClH17_s4qS-hQs-XC1n9eDfe9zY/s1600/christmasstory-soapmouth-400x300.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 5: Inspect your furnace
filter and clean if applicable</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is actually required once a month, but let’s
face it—not many of us do that. The cleaning ensures that the hot air
circulates easily through the vents and ducts throughout your home. If the
filter gets too dirty, the furnace has to strain to do its job, which will
reflect in your utility bill. The job is too easy and saves you too much money
in the long run, so it’s a good idea to go ahead and knock it out. Replacing
your furnace is waaaaay more expensive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 6: Check out your
insulation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is your insulation clean, dry, and free of
pests? If so, great! If not, it might have formed small holes that jeopardize
its ability to protect your home from the elements. Just like a dirty furnace,
this can also raise your utility bill. Hopefully, the issues are minor or none
at all, or else you might have to hire a home insulation contractor to lay down
some fresh, clean insulation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjertwtTFpE1iH2Ljzfnpemxu7ZH6248PfusLefP_qUwctgOVATOG2Gn0cAnXJlnaxJtxELoE5rG0tlPjTamax0oMGQzPaR3nxWyhCdioveGjc1-g2m-IXoRh5XbI0WwBpnjQwyMNxW_EM/s1600/download+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjertwtTFpE1iH2Ljzfnpemxu7ZH6248PfusLefP_qUwctgOVATOG2Gn0cAnXJlnaxJtxELoE5rG0tlPjTamax0oMGQzPaR3nxWyhCdioveGjc1-g2m-IXoRh5XbI0WwBpnjQwyMNxW_EM/s1600/download+(5).jpg" height="224" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 7: Have your home inspected<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
aforementioned are all small problems, and mostly easy-to-fix. However, if you
want to see if your home has bigger issues that are more difficult to spot,
hire a home inspector. Depending on whether or not there are any issues, the
inspection could take a few hours, so prepare yourself for that reality, sit
back, and make yourself some iced tea while he or she does their investigative
work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXh25nRIFcbaTMJBOiBeMunMf6TIQiALKxV8rrs1nhDxdnvjt6NqzV5-1hmjnOn4QV2IpzMDUYiYLi2cpvHJsUpvg6Wt7s424JH36xTaSyVuKSBYplW2VUhVnP2zPWZVLDjv5mF_OV3o/s1600/11leglampvariant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXh25nRIFcbaTMJBOiBeMunMf6TIQiALKxV8rrs1nhDxdnvjt6NqzV5-1hmjnOn4QV2IpzMDUYiYLi2cpvHJsUpvg6Wt7s424JH36xTaSyVuKSBYplW2VUhVnP2zPWZVLDjv5mF_OV3o/s1600/11leglampvariant.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 8: Fix anything the home
inspection finds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
certainly hope you’re in the clear of any issues, including pests, draining
issues, leaks, wiring or electrical problems, mold, water pressure issues, cracks
in the foundation, or more (broken leg lamps?), once you get that inspection done. But it will be
important to your home in the long run to fix these issues, all of which could
become major issues in the future if not remedied now.</span></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDmOofPLplDoeujWphbYzxG2mANPVjzxreLxxg7WCkk8zlMF5n9-sh69aQRTV42RwefkCAVm8eq8imRdZakuiVKoLrrwR67V8YDJsRetlQxwZtZ9BlTWqqH3NIdeSrR_lwP_1W4fyNrM/s1600/images+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDmOofPLplDoeujWphbYzxG2mANPVjzxreLxxg7WCkk8zlMF5n9-sh69aQRTV42RwefkCAVm8eq8imRdZakuiVKoLrrwR67V8YDJsRetlQxwZtZ9BlTWqqH3NIdeSrR_lwP_1W4fyNrM/s1600/images+(4).jpg" height="224" width="400" /></span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 9: Install a new
thermostat.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember
our post a few days back about changing your old wired thermostat to a
top-of-the-line wireless one? Yeah, we still mean it. It will not only look
better and function fabulously, but it will also save you on your utility bill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqtTju92LOaJ2AR2mQPkBXSIL6zXseZ9l8uVwQknFZro5xVqUYbjCg7S_lC-ya0eXgBUq8oZ2wz5i_f68aDT3TQIokwkn87doxiq2tQBdhXLy6jHBVEtuN4uuWDCx8DIaMnSJvV1u-eo/s1600/78dc6c3c3a2fc3a639aaa34dfc18906a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqtTju92LOaJ2AR2mQPkBXSIL6zXseZ9l8uVwQknFZro5xVqUYbjCg7S_lC-ya0eXgBUq8oZ2wz5i_f68aDT3TQIokwkn87doxiq2tQBdhXLy6jHBVEtuN4uuWDCx8DIaMnSJvV1u-eo/s1600/78dc6c3c3a2fc3a639aaa34dfc18906a.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 10: Paint the walls, stand back and marvel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember the time you decided to paint your walls, and you and your family stood back in awe of how beautiful and refreshing it turned out? Try a serene blue paired with stark-white
trim, to give a clean and spacious impression of the room. There's plenty to choose from! Plus, there’s nothing
like the smell of fresh paint to make you feel like you’re living in the lap of
luxury and newness. It will be the perfect backdrop for a beautifully-lit
Christmas tree.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFoKtyoljQXctmha02_kwT9Ld5SOb1XGpq15YAp7iXWy7aMxgHh8dE10tSaimNCu-L1woZbFhri7l_BgSoIBGAumJMEyq9ZHkS-DKlXwVoooXGYVgxjaYWk7PZzToRrf4rU5f8SLuoM0/s1600/clark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFoKtyoljQXctmha02_kwT9Ld5SOb1XGpq15YAp7iXWy7aMxgHh8dE10tSaimNCu-L1woZbFhri7l_BgSoIBGAumJMEyq9ZHkS-DKlXwVoooXGYVgxjaYWk7PZzToRrf4rU5f8SLuoM0/s1600/clark.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day 11: Don we now our cleaning
aprons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You know the drill on this one. Put on those
aprons and rubber gloves, grab a bucket and a scrub brush, some cleaning
sprays, and get down and dirty. Make that home sparkle! Sure, your Uncle Larry
is going to end up getting crumbs all over the living room and splaying his
clothes all over the guest room, but we’ll worry about that when the time
comes. For now, it’s your time to reveal the glory and beauty of your newish
home. Call it your Christmas present to yourself!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJyVdBWxbwLek0GKDMtSUsa8604vl67gl0tAojH27j70ZR7pwZP3mej2cbjBYhjzBjA3C2eXVegtG4sPrpxrRmCKcdM-9BhY2RnQi2ZynqYwpfWHUMNV2iPSN__evpKPTyX6gfd-OePc/s1600/images+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJyVdBWxbwLek0GKDMtSUsa8604vl67gl0tAojH27j70ZR7pwZP3mej2cbjBYhjzBjA3C2eXVegtG4sPrpxrRmCKcdM-9BhY2RnQi2ZynqYwpfWHUMNV2iPSN__evpKPTyX6gfd-OePc/s1600/images+(3).jpg" height="249" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;">Now
is the perfect opportunity for you to do all the Pinterest org</span><span style="line-height: 15pt;">anization</span><span style="line-height: 15pt;"> projects you’ve been a</span><span style="line-height: 20px;">dmirin</span></span><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">g. Label and arrange your medicine cabinet, or get
color-coordinated baskets and decals that make your utility closet look like
the cleanest, most stylish on the block. Your whispering in-laws will be
impressed/threatened by your freakish attention to detail. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-71500266934663460132014-12-15T07:23:00.000-08:002014-12-15T07:23:19.909-08:0010 Tips For Selling Your Home This Holiday Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A7D_ZjEeZqCxJNsxzrY3Z0mZAlayCB3pBWglY0nZF3pZGRTGANeD7xsR1_l5I8Avgp51KRJMWx0xN1GL-MuAUKX6m80c-oWoLQtP0_6bsyUwIf0I6oQJiUSsoFcFt1q6LkJIMxWhhoo/s1600/Sold_Home_001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A7D_ZjEeZqCxJNsxzrY3Z0mZAlayCB3pBWglY0nZF3pZGRTGANeD7xsR1_l5I8Avgp51KRJMWx0xN1GL-MuAUKX6m80c-oWoLQtP0_6bsyUwIf0I6oQJiUSsoFcFt1q6LkJIMxWhhoo/s1600/Sold_Home_001.png" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Yes, this time of year is really tough
in terms of selling your home. Everyone is so busy getting into the season and
people typically want to move <i>after</i>
the holidays.</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">However, there are some killer advantages, too. Holiday buyers
are usually more serious than your average looker, and other homes on the
market are scarce, so there’s not as much competition with your home. To boost
your chances of getting an offer, though, here are 10 tips that will be sure to
up your selling game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Deck the Halls, But
Don’t Go Crazy!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Sure,
you’d <i>love </i>to post your giant, inflatable
snowman front-and-center on your front lawn, but that may be going a bit
overboard for the purposes of selling your home. But you can still have fun!
Simplicity is key here; subtle lighting to accentuate the beautiful features of
your home (like a bunch of mistletoe hanging under an elegant archway) is best.
A simple wreath on the front door, a lighted pathway, and a few strings of
lights on the outside may be just the thing to welcome Christmas along with
potential buyers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Hire a Good Real
Estate Team (*<i>Ahem*, The Claus Team!</i>)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">A
good agent will work hard, meet deadlines, and honor his or her promises to you
regardless of the business of the holiday season. Your sale should be priority!
Here at the Claus Team, we will go above and beyond to sell your home. And we'll try and keep you in the Christmas Spirit along the way!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Target Motivated
Buyers</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">This
is the perfect time of year to go head-hunting for buyers. An agent will be
able to help you locate buyers on a deadline (like people relocating for jobs
near you), university students and staff, service members, and investors.
Buyers are out there; sometimes you just have to go looking for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Price Your Home to
Sell</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">If
you’re extremely motivated to sell during the season, consider placing your
home a bit lower for the state of the market. Buyers will be more likely to
consider your home if you offer a low price off-the-bat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Up the Curb Appeal</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Since
the winter months are notorious for being harsh to lawns, trees, and home
exteriors, make up-keep a priority. Touch up the paint, rake the leaves, trim
the branches and hedges, edge the lawn, shovel snow (maybe not in Texas, but
definitely in, say, Minnesota), and clean the gutters. This could make all the
difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Make Good Photos a
Priority</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Work
with your agent to get photos of a beautifully-staged, clean, and modern-looking
home. The images should be high-quality and reflect the beauty, spaciousness,
and uniqueness of your home. If you have one, a spring or summer photo is
always best for exterior shots of your home. Flowers, green, and sunshine
always make it prettier (unless you have one of those idyllic pics of your home looking like pristine a winter wonderland).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Consider Creating an
Internet Video Tour</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">People
nowadays are particularly visual and fast-paced. A video could be the best way to visually
represent your home, as it gives a realistic view of every nook and cranny,
with some movement and life. Additionally, it attracts people who don’t
necessarily want to make a drive out to tour the home face-to-face because of
inclement weather or busy schedules (it's that time of year!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>‘Tis the Season for
Cozy</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Make
your home as cozy and inviting as possible. Light candles, start a crackling
fire, turn on some soft music (maybe Christmas carols!), and subtly scent your
home with something reminiscent of their grandma's famous pumpkin pie to give people an experience they’ll not soon forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Bear Gifts of Goodwill
(In the Form of Financing)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 22.5pt;">Considering
offering financing to buyers who are struggling with scrooge-like lenders if </span><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 30px;">you've</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 22.5pt;"> got the means and are in the Christmas Spirit. This option might not be for everybody, but it definitely could expedite a difficult process for both parties, and give you a chance to bank on interest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> 10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><b>Remember
What’s Important</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">It’s
the season of family, friends, generosity, thankfulness, and good cheer.
Remember that if your home isn’t selling now, 2015 is just around the corner,
likely to up your odds of selling. Enjoy the season and try and release the
stress of the home-selling process. Put up your feet and let the Claus Team do what we do best!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZWVrz0vzMmrU-aKpMT_QW95cFiAzdBwmGlGu5ZPIbzw2EU28WwoP-SZbnHntQoT4PDz9VYExe_2S2Uwn-IQ0GNsFWkJi8NSXFmJiiK87YAI_NYwVUhkL4zeByxHxgJ56LiIKJvBZY3c/s1600/KW1800-404TeamWhiteWEBSITEPERFECT.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: 22.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333232; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank">The Claus Team</a> is Here to Help You Sell Your Home This Holiday Season (And Beyond)!
Call Brad Claus at (210) 566-6355 to talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-6831172935320984172014-12-12T09:00:00.000-08:002014-12-12T12:29:29.622-08:00Is Your Thermostat Wasting Your Money?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 5.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">There are so many features on a home that could potentially waste
money. A thermostat is one of them. We as home-owners and future home-buyers need to be as economical as
possible in today’s economy.</span></b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 5.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 5.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> If you read our blog about
switching to LED lights a couple of days ago, you know that incandescent bulbs
are one way money goes down the drain. Today, we’re talking about your
thermostat. Sure, it makes you cozy-warm in the winter and icy-cool in the summer,
but how much is that costing you? You could be saving more by switching to a
wireless thermostat! That means more</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">gift
money</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">this Christmas!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 5.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> The Claus Team recommends a
wireless, (“wifi”) digital thermostat. They're sleek, compact, and pretty
stylish compared to the boxy eyesores of yore. They're generally easy to install
DIY (basically you attach a couple of wires together—and voila!) Plus, it’s
neat to control the comfort of your home with the simple touch of a remote!
Furthermore, oftentimes you can control the temperature from another location
with its handy-dandy Smartphone app!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://cnet1.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2014/07/03/f0e92632-5af1-4088-8c7d-9c675693d48f/thumbnail/770x433/f097da0be0b21dacc3db9cb671e1b9de/lyric-smart-thermostat-product-photos-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cnet1.cbsistatic.com/hub/i/r/2014/07/03/f0e92632-5af1-4088-8c7d-9c675693d48f/thumbnail/770x433/f097da0be0b21dacc3db9cb671e1b9de/lyric-smart-thermostat-product-photos-23.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">There are also many to choose
from, ranging from around $100 to around $400, depending on which site you go
to. Honeywell is perhaps the most common maker of wireless thermostats. You
also have Allure, Radio, Emerson, Ecobee, and Lockstate. The best deal might be
a Honeywell wireless at about $100 a unit (for the most inexpensive one), and
among the most highly rated on the market.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Many digital thermostat websites
allow you to calculate just how much you could be saving by installing a
wireless thermostat like theirs. When I typed in our Schertz zip code, I was
pleasantly surprised that we could save about $50 a month by switching! We like
those numbers.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 13.5pt;">J</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> So if you’re looking for ways to
save this holiday season, maybe invest in a wireless thermostat! Who knows? It
might even make the perfect Christmas gift for your resident money worry-wart.
We have a few people like that in mind!<u1:p></u1:p> Merry Christmas, y’all!
Happy wireless thermostat hunting!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Call Brad Claus at (210) 787-8556 for more tips, advice, or to buy/sell a home!</i></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-49528141256639672892014-12-11T10:00:00.000-08:002014-12-12T07:47:50.056-08:00Help Feed a Family for Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Drive <a href="http://www.operationwearehere.com/86503672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.operationwearehere.com/86503672.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">'Tis the Season of Giving and Goodwill Toward Men, Y'all!</span><br />
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Now through December 21, 2014, you can join forces with the Schertz Chamber of Commerce's <i>Help Feed a Family for Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Drive </i>and donate food for families struggling during the holidays.<br />
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Those who donate will be eligible to win a meal basket valued at more than $70.00, or one free hour-long Swedish massage! <i>Hands N Harmony</i> day spa in San Antonio is pairing with the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) to host the Meal Basket Program. All donations valued at more than $5.00 will receive a $5.00-off coupon toward any service or merchandise at select wellness stores.<br />
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The location for the drive is <b>537 Main Street in Schertz, Texas</b>. You may donate money or food.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-10231852817962111162014-12-10T07:30:00.002-08:002014-12-10T14:51:17.574-08:00Building Wealth in a Struggling Economy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Real Estate is the Only Way to Build Wealth"</span></div>
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That was easy for American entrepreneur and founder of the Chicago-based department store line Marshall Field & Co., Marshall Field, to say amid the bustling turn of the century. In the early 20th Century, the <i>American Dream</i> was the lifeblood that fueled the before-and-aftermath of the Industrial Revolution and ferried poor and weary immigrants coming to the country thousands of miles for the pursuit of happiness and freedom. The Dream was alive. </div>
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Where is the <i>American Dream </i>now? With increasing corporate competition, a barely-simmering economy, and wars present and future, how is one to build wealth like they used to? The answer is still real estate.</div>
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Think about every wealthy person you know today. Do they own one house? Two? Are they property managers? Do they have just one stream of income, or multiple streams coming in? That is because they are successfully winning in the game of asymmetric risk and rewards, the hand that real estate deals them every time. They are winning because they are educating themselves about current trends in the market, they know current interest rates, federal guidelines, and the current state of the economy.</div>
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Today's economy is a playground for you! The federal government continues to award subsidies, tax breaks, and bailouts to people struggling to pay their mortgages. And because of them, you have the distinct opportunity to invest in your own property, when times are lenient for homeowners. Add to that inflation, wavering supply and demand, and refinancing, and investing in one home can pay off by the hundreds of thousands over the years. </div>
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I want you to do yourself a favor, now. Call the Claus Team to see if home ownership is feasible for you. We will give you a free estimate of your current home value, point you to right people who can you what you can afford now and with increased income, and even talk to you about potentially owning additionally properties years down the road. The Claus Team can be your key to <i>building wealth. </i>Building implies that this is a process that takes time--years, in fact. But if you don't take that first step, you'll never lay the foundation to a future of prosperity. Let us be your "bricklayers", so-to-speak.</div>
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<a href="http://theclausteam.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" Call Brad Claus at (210) 787-8556" src="http://clausrealty.net/files/334949/KW1800-404TeamWhiteWEBSITEPERFECT.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03396338192240576586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942719269321309303.post-51545094963075239672014-12-09T08:50:00.001-08:002014-12-09T09:33:56.822-08:00Could a New Home Be the Best Investment Today?<div class="Textbody" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.4pt;"><b>Here at the Claus Team, We Want
to Put You in the </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.4pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Home of Your Dreams</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.4pt;">Whether that home is a small,
single-family dwelling, a manufactured home, a sprawling ranch, or a
multi-story, you have to look at the trends in real estate to know how to make
the smartest investment.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With that said, new-home sales
have risen 0.7 percent since September of this year. In October, new-home sales
were 1.8 percent higher overall. Could a new home <i>be </i>the smartest investment for you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The above statistics suggest
that buying a new home might be the best option this year, if even just because
of convenience and availability. According to Commerce Department reports, new-home
inventories increased 1 percent in October, the highest since the summer of
2010. Additionally, the sales pace for October rose from 5.5 months in
September to 5.6 months. That’s looking pretty good since economists typically
say six months is the healthiest supply-and-demand balance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What is the draw-back in the
booming new-home market, you ask? Well, new homes are expected to be more
expensive now. Median new-home prices skyrocketed 15.4 percent since last year,
up to $305,000. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>No matter if you decide on a new
home, a historic home, or something in between, the Clause Team would love to
be a part of your home-buying process. We are here to put you in the home you deserve. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Call
Brad Claus at (210) 787-8556 to find </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">your home today!</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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