LAYAWAY ANGELS!

Wow, Christmas is only a few days away!  We are all so busy finishing up at work, getting the last of the gifts, wrapping the presents, and preparing for the celebrations with friends and family.  My heart has been touched this holiday season and reminded that it is soooooo much better to give than receive.  What made me really think about that idea this year???  If you haven't already heard, there is a group of "Layaway Angels" spreading Christmas cheer across the nation.  Who are these angels and exactly what are they doing? 

If you look closely at the picture, you will see that anonymous individuals are visiting Kmarts and Walmarts around the county and paying off customers layaway accounts.  Many of the people who put their Christmas gifts on layaway are unable to pay the account in time for Christmas.  These "angels" have made it possible for those individuals to celebrate a very Merry Christmas. 

What's even cooler is that these "Layaway Angels" have touch the lives of several families right here in South Texas.  Last Friday at the Walmart in Boerne, several "layaway angels" walked into the store and asked how they could help.  They ended up paying off over $1600 on layaway accounts...even better, all of the items paid were toys.  It warms my heart to know that there are many families in the Boerne area now whose kids will enjoy possibly the best Christmas yet! 

So, as we go into Christmas this weekend, take a minute to be thankful for what you have.  If you know someone in need and you are in a position to help~think about doing it, it may just bring you the most joy!

If you are interested in hearing more about the Layaway Angels in Boerne, here is the link to the broadcast from KSAT 12 news.

Boerne Layaway Angels

If you have any good stories of how you have spread Christmas blessings or if you have been blessed...we would love to hear it!

Merry Christmas to all!

WE believe in Christmas!

One of our favorite parts of Christmas is jumping in the car one evening and driving around to look at Christmas lights.  It seems like every year people put up less outdoor decorations...but there is a family in Cibolo that shows the TRUE Christmas spirit!  They go all out with decorations, Santa, Santa's mailbox, and more.  They even have their own website and a facebook page. 

I mean WOW!!!!!  Isn't that awesome! 

There website is actually http://www.webelieveinchristmas.com/

You can also go to their facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/#!/WeBelieveInChristmas

204 Nandina Ct  in Cibolo, TX 78108

They have fun for all.  This year Santa is scheduled to make a few visits starting this Saturday Dec. 10th from 6:30-8:30.  He will also be there on the 17th, 24th, and 25th at the same times. 

Did your kiddo write a letter to Santa this year?  Well they can send it off here!

Be sure to include a return address on your letter and Santa will send a letter to them!  How COOL is that?

The best part of this is everything is FREE...you got it FREE...you can take your own pictures with Santa at no charge, actually they owners will even upload the pictures they take to Walgreens and you can order for there. 

While enjoying the lights, Santa, and the spirit of Christmas...this family does not forget those who are less fortunate.  They always have a box for donations of new unwrapped toys, new children’s clothes, gift cards and monetary donations on behalf of The Forgotten Child charity which assists children in foster care through CPS locally.

So, if you have a lot to be thankful for and you can spare a little drop by with a gift for a child in need!

WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Festival of Angels~Schertz, TX

Happy Holidays Everyone!  It's so hard to believe that Thanksgiving has already past and Christmas is quickly approaching!  Here at the Claus Team...Christmas is our favorite time of year~which fits us well considering our team name!  :)  So, let's kick off the holiday season.  This Friday December 2nd, the city of Schertz will begin its Festival of Angels. 

What a great way to get into the holiday spirit.  One thing that comes to mind when I think of Christmas is cold weather and snow....ha ha, except for here in south Texas.  Well, Schertz has got it figured out!  Bring the whole family out to sled down Mt. Schertz...of course it's not your typical mountain...but it's still lots of fun and will get you in the spirit!  Check out these great images from previous years.

You also won't want to miss the awesome lighted night parade which kicks off at 6:30 pm!   Begins at the Samuel Clemens High School Parking Lot and ends at Pickrell Park. 

Other attractions will be Market Days (handmade crafts available for purchase) plus food/beverage vendors. 

This is going to be a ton of fun for EVERYONE~all ages will enjoy getting in the holiday spirit!

Hope to see you there!

We LOVE our veterans! Come show your support Nov 5th!

If you have ever lived in or near the Schertz/Cibolo/Universal City area...you know that the military is a HUGE part of our community!  All of us here in the area, whether veterans or civilians, LOVE our military members.  With Veteran's Day just around the corner, The Greater Randolph Area Veteran's Council will sponsor the 41st annual Veteran's Day Parade in Universal City this Saturday Nov 5th.

This parade is actually the oldest, continuous parade in the San Antonio area.

The route runs along Pat Booker Rd. and begins at 10:30 am.  Bring the kiddos~there should be candy coming their way.  This is a great opportunity to support the veterans in our community (I'm sure most of us have at least one relative or friend who is a veteran).  So come out and enjoy a great parade!!!!

For more information visit The City of Universal City Website

Off we go....into the wild blue yonder!

There's something about military planes that leave you awestruck!  From the F-16's to the Blue Angels to the aerobatic air crafts....it's all exciting and fun to watch!  So, this weekend is the opportunity for you to come out to Randolph Air Force Base and watch our military pilots "do their thing."  There will be fun for the whole family + admission and parking are FREE!  This Saturday and Sunday October 29th and 30th. 

The featured flight will be the Navy's Blue Angels

Everyone will enjoy the fun and vigor of this great event!

They will also have food, children's inflatables, aircraft simulators, military recruiters, and tons of informational booths.  Gates open at 9 am.  More information (including the schedule of performances) is available at this link Randolph AFB Air Show 2011.

We hope you will be able to check out this AWESOME event!  Not only will you have fun but you will be showing support and appreciation for our military!  To all of you who are military,

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

One final note: Don't forget the earplugs....it does get LOUD!

A Night of Denim and Diamonds!

A little taste of Vegas! 

This Saturday October 22nd at the Nights of Columbus Hall in Schertz, TX. 



The Schertz Cibolo Universal City ISD Education Foundation was created in 2008.  Since then they have hit the ground running!  The purpose of the foundation is to provide additional support to students, teachers, schools, and programs.  Each year teachers are awarded "Innovative Grants" to provide financial assistance for their innovative teaching ideas.  The teachers/teams must apply for the grant and explain their ideas. 

So, why the casino night? 

Of course, this is a foundation that provides grants and therefore requires the support of donations from members of the community.  The casino night is a fund raising event to benefit the Education Foundation allowing it to provide the grants for education! 

For only $50 per person....did I mention this donation goes to a great cause...you will have an evening full of fun and entertainment.  There will be dinner, a silent auction, and vegas style games.  There will even be a chance to win a trip for 2 to.....drum roll......LAS VEGAS!

So put on your poker face and come join us for a fantastic evening. 

For more information you can contact Jenny Hale at (210)-945-6095

Wait...WHAT?!

When you decide to list your house for sale, one of the most crucial parts of the listing is the pictures.  Here at The Claus Team, we know that when a buyer goes to view a home, it's not really their first viewing.  It's normally their second or third, because they have already seen your house online!  That's why taking great pictures is SO important, and why we dedicate so much time to getting perfect photos to showcase your homes best features.

Oh, that Freddie

According to news out this week from Freddie Mac, recent numbers indicate that "...fixed mortgage rates have fallen to historic new lows for the fourth straight week and are likely to fall further."  Rates for 30 year loans are down to 4.01%, the lowest since 1951, and rates for 15 year loans are down to an astonishing 3.28%, the lowest rate EVER for that loan.  When you look at these numbers, and also take a look at the amazing deals to be had through other loan programs, such as FHA, VA, or Texas Veteran (currently at 3.57%!!!!), it's really quite flabbergasting!

Feature Friday

On September 30, 1868, the first volume of Little Women is published.

On September 30, 1927, Babe Ruth hits the 60th homer of the 1927 season.

On September 30, 1955, James Dean died in a car crash.

 AND NOW, on September 30, 2011, it's FEATURE FRIDAY with The Claus Team. You're welcome for that history lesson!

Octo-Beer Feast

One of the newest (and fastest moving) trends in the "food world" is the emergence of food trucks.  That's right--eating food from a truck is suddenly very cool.  If you think eating from a truck would involve hot dogs and other tired street fare, THINK AGAIN.  Today's food trucks offer a wide variety of gourmet delicacies, environmentally conscious eats, and yes, even upgraded comfort food.  You can find anything from grass-fed organic bison burgers to wild truffle risotto to all sorts of Asian fusion cuisine.  There's also a smorgasbord of desserts to choose from--think homemade organic ice cream, gourmet cupcakes or traditional Afghan baklava.  The options you can find at food trucks are seemingly endless.

Thrift It With Your BEST SHOT

Shopping at thrift stores, or "thrifting", has risen to an artform for some people.  Some folks make it look downright easy to walk into the local Goodwill and walk out with a brand new Coach purse (tags still attached!), a positively adorable vintage cake stand, or a piece of art to hang over the fireplace that looks like it was custom made for THAT space. 

HOWEVER, for many of us, it's just not that easy.  We walk into a thrift store, and are immediately overwhelmed by the stink of mothballs and mildew AND amount of crap that's crammed into such a small space.  It's enough to make anyone turn on their heels and head back out again.  BUT WAIT!  There are great treasures to be found in your local thrift store, and many of these treasures can be used to update and refresh your home.  REALLY!  Check out Apartment Therapy's guide to taking common thrift store finds and turning them into DIY projects. 

Old dishes?  You can use them to create a piece of clustered arwork on a boring wall!
Outdated sweaters and linens?  Funky pieces of fabric can make great pillows or chair covers!
Ugly lamps?  Give 'em a wipedown, a coat of spray paint and a new shade, and you just saved yourself some moola!

Check out the guide above, and hit your local thrift store this weekend, because updating your home is ALWAYS a good thing!

Feature Friday!

Happy Friday!  Today is officially the first day of autumn, the first full day of Schertz Festival, and last (but not least!), Feature Friday with The Claus Team!  Here's how it works. Below is one of The Claus Team's featured listings. Take a look. See if you like it. See if it looks like something that someone ELSE would like. If you refer someone to The Claus Team that ends up purchasing the Feature Friday property, you get a $25 gift card to a restaurant of your choice!

See You at Schertz Fest!

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend?  Or how about something to do for a date night with your honey?  Well...you're in luck!  This weekend is the Annual Schertz Festival!  Admission is FREE, and there are tons of activities that you can choose from! 

Want to listen to some great live music?  CHECK! 
Want to take the kids to ride some carnival rides?  CHECK!
Want to watch a BBQ throwdown?!  CHECK!
Want to see the fireworks you DIDN'T get to see on the 4th of July?  CHECK!

With beautiful weather in store for us this weekend (lows in the 70's...GASP!), this is the perfect way to end your week.  Click HERE for more details, including the complete list of events!

Attention Military!

Moving can be such a stressful thing for many people.  It's exhausting, time consuming, and MONEY-DRAINING, and for folks in the military, it's something that must be done every few years (or less!).  Sigh.  In an effort to ease at least one of these burdens, many banks and mortgage companies offer move programs that involve some sort of cash at closing and/or assistance with locating a realtor.

Feature Friday!

It's finally Friday, and this week it's served up with a side of beautiful, glorious RAIN!  AND, if you listen closely, you will hear all the trees and flowers collectively singing their own rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus.  As you get ready for the upcoming weekend, and try to plan what to do with all your extra time now that you DON'T have to water your yard, let us remind you that it's FEATURE FRIDAY!  Here's how it works. Below is one of The Claus Team's featured listings. Take a look. See if you like it. See if it looks like something that someone ELSE would like. If you refer someone to The Claus Team that ends up purchasing the Feature Friday property, you get a $25 gift card to a restaurant of your choice!

Hunger in San Antonio

As you get ready to eat your tasty lunch today or begin to prepare your supper, chew on THIS fact...in San Antonio, ONE in every FOUR children and ONE in every FIVE adults lives in poverty.  To go hungry is thankfully something that most of us will never deal with, but hunger is a very real problem that folks of all ages and backgrounds deal with daily.  Here in San Antonio, the San Antonio Food Bank works to deal with this problem by partnering with local agencies such as soup kitchens, church food pantries, family crisis centers and and hospice programs, to provide healthy, FREE food to indivuduals that need it.

Organizing is Easy. No, really!

You know that old saying, Cleanliness Organization is next to Godliness?  Yeah, me either.  But it should be it's own saying, right?  Organizing and cleaning your home not only leads to happier occupants, but it's one of the best ways to ensure that it will be seen in the best possible light during showings if it's on the market.  Think about your own experiences, even looking at houses to rent, when it comes to how you view a home.  If you walk in and there is junk everywhere, laundry all over the floor, crafting materials covering the kitchen table...what do you think?  Put simply, it makes a bad first impression.  A tidy home conveys pride of ownership!

Feature Friday

It's finally Friday!  Even though this has been a short week for most people because of the long Labor Day Weekend, Friday is still Friday, and Friday is ALWAYS a good thing!  Also, don't forget that today is FEATURE FRIDAY for The Claus Team!  Here's how it works. Below is one of The Claus Team's featured listings. Take a look. See if you like it. See if it looks like something that someone ELSE would like. If you refer someone to The Claus Team that ends up purchasing the Feature Friday property, you get a $25 gift card to a restaurant of your choice!

Today's property is 316 Mary Louise Drive near downtown San Antonio.  This beautiful home

Can we do a rain dance?

According to the US Drought Monitor, San Antonio is smack in the middle of what is considered an "Exceptional Drought."  According to experts, since weather record-keeping first begain in the 1890's, the last ten months have been the driest EVER recorded in the state of Texas.

Feature Friday!

In the words of George Jones...

It's finally Friday, I'm free again,

I got my motor running for a WILD weekend.

It's finally Friday, I'm out of control,

Forget the working blues and let the GOOD TIMES roll!

Pinterest

For those of you that haven't heard, there is a new website called Pinterest that is all the rage lately.  If you are a creative person at all, you've probably heard of it.  If you don't have a creative bone in your entire body, well then this site is for you!  You're welcome! 

Feature Friday!

It's finally FRIDAY!  Among many wonderful things, this means that it's FEATURE FRIDAY!  Here's how it works. Below is one of The Claus Team's featured listings. Take a look. See if you like it. See if it looks like something that someone ELSE would like. If you refer someone to The Claus Team that ends up purchasing the Feature Friday property, you get a $25 gift card to a restaurant of your choice!

RUN...don't walk....

Are you a Veteran?  Do you currently reside in TX?  RUN...don't walk...to the telephone and give us a call.  As a Texas Veteran, you are eligible to purchase a home using the Texas Veterans Land Board, which provides you with an absolutely unbeatable low rate loan with no money down.  Today's rate is 3.74%.  Interested in buying land?  Maybe a piece of property to eventually build your dream home?  The Texas Veterans Land Board has rates that are unbelievable for that, too.

These rates are HISTORICALLY, UNBELIEVABLY low.  If you are even remotely considering purchasing a home or land, give us a call today!

Seventy Seven

As you look through your typical Monday morning news, don't be surprised if you run across an article about Cibolo, TX, being a great place to live!  That's right...CNN Money recently did a list of the top 100 places to live in the US.  Their list took into account factors such as job opportunities (and the overall economy), quality schools, weather conditions, and recreational opportunities.  Not surprisingly, Cibolo, Texas made the list at number 77!!!

Feature Friday!

Happy Friday!  Hopefully everyone is headed out of work and getting ready for a weekend full of relaxation.  For many of you, it's the last weekend with your kids before school starts! For The Claus Team, that means it's Feature Friday!  Here's how it works.  Below is one of The Claus Team's featured listings.  Take a look.  See if you like it.  See if it looks like something that someone ELSE would like.  If you refer someone to The Claus Team that ends up purchasing the Feature Friday property, you get a $25 gift card to a restaurant of your choice! 

Today's featured property is 1640 Yucca Park in Schertz.  It's a beautiful, traditional home with tons of room for the whole gang! Isn't the curb appeal great?  It looks like home, right?

The inside is just as great as the outside, with a huge kitchen.  You'll never want to eat out again, once this beauty is yours!  There is tons of counter space, beautiful, warm cabinetry, and a great big window over the kitchen sink to make it bright and cheery!

 The floor plan has a great flow between rooms.  This is perfect for you if you are an entertainer!

And finally, the large, lush backyard. The stone patio is just waiting to have a BBQ, and the yard is big enough for a swing set or trampoline!

For more information about this property, click HERE.  If you are interested in this home, or know someone that may be, give us a call, at 210-566-6355.  And remember, if you are looking for any OTHER kind of property, we can help you find your dream home!  Call us today!

Back to School Time...It's Not Just for Kids!

Where did the summer go?  Here in this part of Texas, we are dangerously close to the kids heading back to school (and college!).  If you listen closely, you can hear the collective sigh of relief from parents everywhere. 

Honey, you're snoring again....

Imagine you are tired.  Very, VERY tired. You go around the house and turn off all the lights, and get your coffee maker ready for the morning.  Then you go into your bedroom.  You take a long, hot bath, then turn down all the lights.  You slip between your cool sheets and kiss your husband good night.  Just as your head melts into your pillow and you start to drift off into the delicious bliss of a perfect nights sleep, suddenly you are RUDELY awaken by an obnoxious, indiscernible noise.  What could it be?!

Feature Friday!

Thank goodness...Friday is finally here!  And you know what that means, right?!  FEATURE FRIDAY!  Here's how it works.  Below is one The Claus Team's featured listings.  Take a look.  See if you like it.  See if it looks like something that someone ELSE would like.  If you refer someone to The Claus Team that ends up purchasing the Feature Friday property, you get a $25 gift card to a restaurant of your choice!

Beforetoday's listing is featured, there is a question that needs to be asked.  Are you constantly overheated?  Do you feel like your skin is on fire every single time you step outside?  Are you tired of the SWEAT SHEEN that covers your body when you walk to your car?  Yuck, yuck, YUCK.  Well, take a look at this stunner, because it might be just what you are waiting for. It's beautiful on the outside...

But it's THIS that really makes this house special! 

Can't you just imagine cooling off in these sparkling, blue waters?  While everyone else is sweating both indoors AND out, you can be floating in your own backyard paradise--chilled drink in one hand, ANOTHER chilled drink in the other!

The inside of this home features a large, cheerful kitchen with TONS of sunlight!

The open floor plan allows you to stand in your kitchen and see into your gorgeous living room, also full of sunlight, with a beautiful fireplace and great ceiling fan to bring the breeze indoors!

If you are interested in this home, click HERE for more pictures and information. If you are interested in finding another home, don't forget that we can help you find your very own version of a backyard paradise...whatever that may be. Call us today! 210-566-6635.

History in the Making

Turn on CNN or Fox News, and you're sure to be tuning into some debate or another regarding the current economic situation.  The state of things right now has people feeling a little EDGY, to say the least.  It's no wonder, either.  The S&P recently downgraded the US credit rating, and everywhere you look, it seems a finger is being pointed somewhere else.

Potatoes--Good for More than Mashing

As it turns out, potatoes are TRULY an all purpose veggie.  Food-wise, potatoes are versatile, healthy, hearty and delicious.  You can make 'em mashed, fried, boiled or baked.  You can top them with cheese, meat, sour cream, or even (if you have the sweet variety) sugar and cinnamon.  They can be served as a breakfast food, a dinner side dish, or even as the STAR of the show as a main course at supper.

In Local News...

Living in a "good school district" has always been a driving force for people interested in buying a home, and it will likely continue to be as long as people have kids!  Everyone wants their children to receive a top notch education, and rightly so.  For this reason, we are proud to offer our sincerest CONGRATULATIONS to the SCUCISD!!!

The Hardest Job in the Military

For many years, military commissaries had the following slogan written on their brown paper bags: "Military spouse--the hardest job in the military."  Everyone agrees that being ANY kind of spouse is difficult--marriage is hard work!  That being said, military spouses have some extra challenges that just plain go with the job.

More Money than Brains?

There are many things that make south Texas a great place to live, including the friendly people, abundant rodeos, beautiful sunshine all year long, and most importantly...the cheesy goodness of our enchiladas. 

Feature Friday!

We're starting a new thing here at The Claus Team--Feature Friday!  Every Friday, we will feature a one of our great listings on this blog. 

The Power of (Spray) Paint

You've probably heard it a million times on those HGTV design shows, but it really is true...paint is the cheapest and fastest way to transform your home decor. 

Summer Time in the City

In William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, he says:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Reading this might actually make you laugh.  Summertime is in full swing here in central Texas.  You can see it everywhere you look

Samuel Clemens High School

Samuel Clemens High School has been named one of the Top 10 Best High Schools in the greater San Antonio area by Children at Risk, a Houston-based nonprofit research and advocacy group.

In addition to being named to the Top 10 Best list, Clemens was also named to the Top 10 Most Improved ... A link to the full story is below.

http://childrenatrisk.org/research/school-rankings/san-antonio/