Pay Now or Pay Later

Posted on January 21, 2013 by papesellssatx

What a great deal to be able to buy your dream home with little to no money down! I think I’ll  do that again!

There are hard realities to face with many home buyers who have purchased their homes with little to no money down in the past few years and now are wanting to sell.

All to often we are having to meet with potential sellers who have owned their houses for 4-5 years and are now wanting to move for various reasons. They meet with us in hopes to learn they will be able to see a good return of equity. For most, this is not the case. Some have even refinanced within those years which makes the net at closing even less.

The truth is if you paid little to no money down, refinanced and rolled those closing costs into the refinanced loan, chances are you will be coming to the closing table with money to be paid out of your pocket.

What is that old saying…”Pay Now or Pay Later”?  Even with housing sales on the increase, it is not an overnight process for values to increase rapidly enough for a huge profit to be received.

The best way to know where you are in the selling process is to contact a REALTOR®.  They will be able to provide a market value of your house and prepare an estimated net sheet at closing.

Be prepared to hear what they tell you as this is not any easier for them to deliver the information as it is for you to hear. We all want the same end result…to sell your house so you can move on to another dream.

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Baby It’s Cold Outside…

Posted on January 7, 2013 by papesellssatx

 

…So it’s time for comfort foods. And, of course, comfort wines.

Comfort foods are rich and hearty. They put a tear in your eye as you remember Mom’s cooking. They cause you to ignore daunting levels of fat, calories and cholesterol.

Comfort wines are soft and round, without hard edges of tannin or fruit acids. And they’re often a comfort to your wallet as well.

Here are some favorites:

The food: Mac ‘n’ cheese.

—The wine: 2011 Mirassou Pinot Noir, California: hint of sweetness, flavors of black cherries and vanilla, ripe tannins; $12.

The food: Roast chicken.

—The wine: 2011 Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” Riesling, Calif. (88 percent white riesling, 10 percent gewürztraminer, 2 percent malvasia bianca): lightly sweet, with litchi and honeysuckle flavors; $11.

The food: Meat loaf.

—The wine: 2011 Don Gascon Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley, Argentina: aromas and flavors of black plums and milk chocolate, smooth and soft; $15.

The food: Cuban ropa vieja — shredded beef in a tomato sauce served over rice.

—The wine: 2010 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Barbera, Mendocino County: bright, light red raspberry flavors, soft tannins; $16.

The food: Beef-and-beans chili, as hot as you like.

—The wine: 2010 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel, Napa Valley: black raspberries and black pepper, spicy, soft and lush; $36.

The food: Beef stew.

—The wine: 2010 Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile: hearty and rich, with black cherry and mocha flavors; $15.

The food: Turkey Tetrazinni with pasta in a cheesy sauce.

—The wine: 2011 Bonterra Chardonnay, Mendocino County: rich and buttery, with ripe apricot and peach flavors; $14.

The food: Lobster pot pie.

—The wine: 2009 Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Marquis de Laguiche Premier Cru: powerful floral aroma, intense flavors of peaches and other dried fruits, weighty on the tongue, silky, endless finish; $88. (Sorry to suggest such an expensive wine, but I consider lobster pot pie, with butter, cream and sherry, to be the finest dish every created by humankind.)

The food: Chocolate.

—The wine; 2010 Penfolds “Thomas Hyland” Shiraz, Adelaide, Aust.: lightly sweet, with flavors of black raspberries and milk chocolate; $15.

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Cold Weather + Soup = Heaven

Posted on December 29, 2012 by papesellssatx

It seems every month is a ____ month, i.e. Ice Cream, Cheese, Chocolate and January is no different. SOUP is the dish of the month for January. Makes perfect sense to me to help take the chill off those cold and damp days and nights.

This hearty Wild Rice Soup should do just the trick! YUM!!!

Screen Shot 2012-12-29 at 11.35.43 AM

Hearty Wild Rice Soup!

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

1 cup chopped onion

4 carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced

2 celery sticks, halved lengthwise and sliced

1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
8 ounces sliced crimini mushrooms 1 quart chicken broth, good quality 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
3 cups cooked wild rice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup dry sherry, optional

Directions

1. Heat a large stockpot over medium low heat. Add bacon and fry until bacon is crisp and fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. To the fat add onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally

until tender and translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes more. Stir in chicken broth, raise heat, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Uncover, and stir in chicken and cooked wild rice. Continue to cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and sherry, if using. Simmer an additional 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon.

http://family.go.com/food/recipe-an-798508-wild-rice-soup-t/

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Color = Mood

Posted on October 1, 2012 by papesellssatx

What kind of mood are your sending? Are you happy, sad, relaxed?

It is interesting how colors affect our moods, the way we think and whether we are attracted to or repelled by something.  Colors are even believed to have healing powers; such as Red to stimulate circulation, Yellow to purify the body, Orange increase energy, and Blue can soothe.

When adding color to your surroundings, such as your home, keep in mind what type of mood you want to create for you and those who visiting. Do you want to “stay” or do you want to “go”?

Here are some colors and some popular behavioral reactions:

White – innocence, purity, simplicity, cleanliness

Red – excitement, energy, romance, warning, dominance, men’s perception of female attractiveness

Blue – professionalism, peace, coldness, loyalty, increases creative endeavors

Green – relaxation, comfort, hope naturalness, fatigue, sense of calm

Yellow – cheerfulness, happiness, liveliness, strength, boots optimism

Try some of these to project the mood you want to create.

Till next time…

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Wanting More Information?

Posted on August 7, 2012 by papesellssatx

Your out driving the neighborhoods looking for the next place you want to live. Suddenly, without notice, you come upon a house that looks just perfect and is in the neighborhood you love. The best part is it is FOR SALE!

There is hesitation on your part in dialing the phone number on the sign as you don’t want to be asked questions…you just want the facts, i.e. price, square footage, bedrooms.

You can get all this information and more with one quick solution…a mobile website. Simply click on Property Search and add the address and up pops all the information your looking for with pictures too. If your wondering if there are additional houses within the area you merely click on the GPS search and ten of the nearest houses in your current location will be shown listed FOR SALE.

What’s the catch you ask…Nothing…just a FREE service I provide to you to make your search easier. If you find this mobile site useful, let me know.

Click on the picture or go to www.trudypape.com on your cell phone.

Till next time…

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Texas BBQ & Chili at the DAM

Posted on July 27, 2012 by papesellssatx

I know it is “HOT” in Texas and the San Antonio area is no exception; however we “love” our barbecue and chili any time of the year.

If your in the area or looking for something to do this weekend, point yourself in the direction of the beautiful Texas Hill Country and Canyon Lake Friday thru Sunday; July 27 – 29. You will find the 9th ANNUAL CANYON LAKE BARBEQUE AND CHILLI COOK-OFF at The Dam Red Barn.

Sounds like a fun time to beat the heat and enjoy some music, food, tubing and some boot scooting’.

Until next time…

 

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New Opportunities for Kayaking/Canoeing

Posted on July 19, 2012 by papesellssatx

If you like to kayak or canoe, there is a new place for you. A new section of the San Antonio River has been opened up for both of those water sports enthusiasts to enjoy.

The San Antonio River is the most scenic and visited spots in Texas. The idea of seeing it in a complete different way is both unique and fascinating.  You will get a whole new perspective of the river…even though some in the sports arena have a different opinion of our river…it IS a beautiful, romantic, and adventurous addition to our city and its history.

For a sneak peak click the picture and watch for more to come…

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San Antonio’s Melting Pot Festival

Posted on June 9, 2012 by papesellssatx

Even though San Antonio has a Hispanic influence, there are many ethnic groups which have contributed to its rich heritage and culture.

Experience the delicious cuisine, traditional dances, fine-crafted keepsakes, storytelling and music of more than 40 ethnic groups at the biggest three-day cultural celebration in Texas a the 41st Annual Texas Folklife Festival. It is just the place to see, feel, smell and eat your way through those many cultures without leaving the city of San Antonio.

The festival began on Friday, June 8, 2012 and will run through Sunday, June 10, 2012 so you still have time. It is held on the ground of HemisFair Park in downtown San Antonio.

Until next time…


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Grillin’ & Tacos

Posted on May 18, 2012 by papesellssatx

If you haven’t already fired up the grill, now is the time to do so. If you are looking for something quick, easy and delicious try these Grilled Fish Tacos…YUM!

GImageRILLED FISH TACOS

Ingredients

 

1/4 cup fresh lime juice, (juice of 2 limes) 1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp cumin powder
1 Tbsp chili powder

1/2 Tbsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 1/2 pounds halibut steaks, (four steaks) 4 flour tortillas, 10-inch diameter
2 cups black beans
1 cup salsa
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 16 oz. sour cream

Directions

In a large zip-lock plastic bag or dish with cover, combine lime juice, oil, cumin, chili powder, oregano and pepper; stir well. Add fish to lime marinade and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Prepare grill (medium- high heat) and oil the rack so fish will not stick. Place fish on the hot grill and cook 4–5 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

While fish is cooking, wrap tortillas in foil and place on grill to heat.

Place black beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover and heat in the microwave.

When fish is done, place it in a dish and flake with a fork. Assemble tacos by spooning beans into the center of each tortilla, add flaked halibut and top with cheese and salsa.

Make a simple white sauce with sour cream and a bit of lime juice to taste.

Compliments of Vitaminworld

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A Sudsy Turn Around

Posted on April 30, 2012 by papesellssatx

Have you ever wondered what the hotels so when you leave that used bar of soap in the bath? Do they throw it away? Does the staff take it home? Just what happens to that small piece of soap?

Well wonder no more; as there are more than 1,300 hotels in North America participating in soap recycling. Yes, you heard it right…soap recycling.

A Orlando based company, Clean the World, started recycling soap and other toiletries. They sanitize, clean and melt used soap bars from the hotels. The company creates  new soap bars and sends them to 48 countries.

Currently they have sent more than 10 million bars of soap. Their mission is to stop the spread of preventable diseases such as cholera.

So next time you’re in a hotel…leave a little soap for someone.

Til Next Time…

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