When? When? When?

Posted on November 21, 2011 by papesellssatx

This is a question that is asked over and over…When Will My House Sell?

If I had a crystal ball; it would be so much easier to predict.   Since this is not the case, many factors come into place and the “biggest” is to price it right.  In doing this you will want to consider the Absorption Rate along with the location, condition, etc.

What is the Absorption Rate your ask?  Glad you asked the question! The Absorption Rate is the ability of the real estate market to absorb or sell all of the houses for sale in a given amount of time. For example, if 100 homes are sold every month and there are 1200 homes for sale, it will take 12 months to sell all of the homes currently for sale. If there are 2400 homes for sale, the absorption rate will be 24 months or 2 years for all of the homes to sell, this does not take into count the number of houses which will eventually come on the market in addition to those already for sale.

If you would like to sell in 12 months, you need to take the absorption rate into account. In the above scenario with 2400 homes for sale, we know that only 1/2 of them will sell in the next 12 months. If you need to sell within the next 12 months you need to price the property in the lower 50% of the price range for similar properties in order for it to sell in the next 12 months. To sell in the next 6 months it would have to be priced in the lower 25% of the competition.

The above numbers are fantasy numbers; however it gives you an idea of what is taken into consideration when pricing a house to sell.  Numbers are just not pulled from the sky.  Wouldn’t that be just too easy.

Till next time~

Posted in Real Estate, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Stuffing That Won’t Break The Bank

Posted on November 17, 2011 by papesellssatx

 

 

Sandra Lee’s Golden Raisin and Walnut Stuffing 

Servings:8

Difficulty:Easy
Cook Time:30-60 min

Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray $0.00
  • ¾ cup golden raisins $0.48
  • 2 tbsp. canola oil $0.06
  • 1 medium chopped yellow onion $0.28
  • 3 chopped celery stalks $0.45
  • 1 loaf stale bread, cubed and toasted $1.69
  • 2 tbsp. poultry seasoning $0.06
  • ¼ cup
  • chopped fresh parsley $0.08
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh sage $0.04
  • 1 cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped $1.72
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth $1.58
  • Kosher salt, to taste $0.00
  • Black Pepper, to taste $0.00
  • $6.44/$0.81 per person

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover with 1 cup hot water. Set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil. When it is hot, add the onion and celery, season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 6-7 minutes.

Drain the rains, reserving the liquid and put them into a large bowl with the read, onions, celery, poultry seasoning, parsley, sage and walnuts. Mix everything together, pour over 11/2 cans broth, season with salt and pepper and mix again. If the mixture seems too dry, add some of the reserved soaking liquid from the raisins. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared baking dish (stuffing can be made ahead to this point, covered, and refrigerated overnight). Bake until the top is golden brown, about 25-23 minutes.

This recipe was styled by chef Karen Pickus for Good Morning America.

Recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee’s cookbook, “Money Saving Meals and Round 2 Recipes”.

Posted in Food & Wine, Seasons | Leave a comment

Single Family Residential Homes Sales Up Five Percent in October 2011

Posted on November 17, 2011 by papesellssatx

October 2011 Stats and Insights

1,349 – Total number of single- 1,349 family residential home sales in  October 2011, a 5% increase from October 2010.

$182,304 – Average price of a single-family residential home in October 2011, a 1% decrease from October 2010.

$149, 500  – Median price of a single-family residential homes in October 2011, a 1% decrease when compared to October 2010.

Approximately 7 Months – Months of inventory in October 2011.

1,199 – Number of pending sales in October 2011.

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Waiting To Buy A House? It May Cost You More.

Posted on November 15, 2011 by papesellssatx

The housing market has been in a downward trend for four years. There is some speculation that inventories will not reduce any time soon which will be necessary for prices to rise. However, there are other factors that can increase the cost of housing, specifically mortgages. FHA accounts for a large percentage of the current housing loans and is expected to be even more prominent when the Qualified Residential Mortgage Guidelines go into effect next year.

  1. Rising rates are almost certain, due to looming inflation fueled by higher gas and food prices and the enormous amount of deficit spending
  2. FHA loan limits have been reduced – they are lower than conventional limits in most markets and FHA has suggested that they might be reduced further.
  3. FHA might increase the down payment to 5% or higher in an effort to have a more secure loan that will have less likelihood of going to foreclosure.
  4. FHA might decrease the amount of seller contributions in a similar move to require the buyer to have a larger investment in the home and therefore be a more “qualified” borrower.
  5. Congress may decide to increase the up-front MIP to build up the FHA reserves. The annual MIP has been adjusted twice since October 2010 when the Up-Front MIP was actually reduced.
  6. Due to tougher conventional requirements, demand for FHA loans could exceed maximum annual insurable limits. If Congress is having a hard time raising the limit on national debt, they might not even consider raising the limits for FHA.

In an effort to solidify the lending industry, qualifying is becoming harder for the buyer and more expensive at the same time. Many of the rules changes could go into effect next year. In addition, market factors could easily play a role in increasing buyer’s costs. Waiting will very probably require a larger up-front investment for buyers in the future.

Posted in Mortgages, Real Estate | Leave a comment

Cool Weather, Music, Sausage and Beer…

Posted on November 3, 2011 by papesellssatx

…and add some fun and you have Wurstfest 2011!

A unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun located in beautiful New Braunfels, Texas! Enjoy good fun, food, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment.

This is the 51st annual celebration held just a short 30 minute drive north of San Antonio, TX. The 10 days of festivities begin on Friday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, November 13, 2011.

Be sure to put this on your calendar and enjoy some German hospitality.

Willkommen zum WURSTFEST!

Prosit, und hab’ Spasz!

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Celebrating America’s Military

Posted on October 28, 2011 by papesellssatx

As many know San Antonio is proud to have such a prominent military community.  To show our appreciation and to celebrate, many activities and events are happening in the next few weeks beginning today.

One of the highlights is the US Navy Blue Angels who flew in yesterday with their six F-18 in support of the 2011 Randolph AFB Airshow Oct. 29 and 30 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Blue Angels are the headlining act of this year’s event.

While over by Randolph AFB yesterday I had the opportunity to hear and see them fly over.  What an amazing site!  If you get an opportunity to see them, you won’t be dissappointed

The Blue Angels represent approximately 540,000 Sailors and Marines. Their mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting, and credibly.

There will also be luncheons, dinners, hockey games,  golf tournaments, parades, a running event, Veteran’s Day Observance and concert performed by Air Force Band of the West at the Majestic Theater at 7 p.m. on November 13.

If you would like to join in and would like more information click here.

Thanks to our current and former Military…God Bless Each of YOU!

Posted in Events, Local, Military | Leave a comment

Lions, Tigers, Bears…OH MY!

Posted on October 7, 2011 by papesellssatx

It’s “Bear Season” and we are hunting for bears.  Actually we are hunting for any new or pre-loved stuffed animals…lions, tigers, bears…Oh My!

In 1990 one of our offices wanted to do something for children in need during the holidays and started the “Bear Hunt”.  The first year we collected about 500 new and “pre-loved” stuffed animals.  The company wide event has donated over 20,000 in the last two years.   The stuffed animals were distributed in San Antonio to Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, Youth Alternatives, Salvation Army Hope Center, Bexar County Child Protective Services, SAMM’s Shelter, The Children’s Bereavement Center, Boysville, Blue Santa’s, Forgotten Child, Children’s Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, Any Baby Can, Medina Children’s Home and several police and fire department sub stations. The too loved were given to the Humane Society. 

If you would like to participate in donating and putting a smile of a childs face who has experienced illness, hurt, loss, and loneliness let me know. 

You can either drop the cuddly animals off at my office; 7523 N. Loop 1604 West, SATX 78249 or give me a call at 210-396-1879 and I will be happy to pick them up.

HAPPY HUNTING!  Bear-Hunt-2011-Agent-Flyer

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Texas Style Music Fest

Posted on October 7, 2011 by papesellssatx

 

If you are; then mosey on North of San Antonio about 30 miles to Gruene, TX for their 25th Annual Gruene Music and Wine Festival.

The event kicked of on Thursday, October 6 with German and New World Wine Tasting and featured the legendary B.B. King at Gruene Dance Hall…the “Texas’ Oldest Dance Hall“!

Other guest performers include Lucinda Williams on Friday, Los Lonely Boys on Saturday and an array of bands on Sunday to include Two Tons of Steel and Pat Green to name a few.

To enjoy the music there will be wine and specialty beer tastings available  It’s going to be a “Texas Style Music Fest” indeed. 

Click on the logo above for additional information and ticket sales.

 

 

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IMPORTANT CHANGES: Homestead Exemption

Posted on September 29, 2011 by papesellssatx

Effective September 1, 2011 to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide the following when submitting your application:

  • Texas Drivers License or State ID Card
  • Vehicle Registration Receipt

The address on the above MUST match the physical address of the resident you are applying for. (Residence, Drivers License/ID Card and Vehicle Registration MUST have the same address.)

Please contact the appraisal district for the county you live in for more information.

Bexar County Appraisal District – 210-224-8511; www.bcad.org

Comal Central Appraisal District – 830-625-8597; www.comalad.org

Guadalupe County Appraisal District – 830-303-3313; www.guadalupead.org

Kendall County Appraisal District – 830-249-8012; www.kendallad.org

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EAT. DRINK.REPEAT…

Posted on September 22, 2011 by papesellssatx

…that is the slogan for the Taste of the Heights which is holding their 18th Annual event tonight, Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the beautiful Witte Museum.

If you haven’t made plans for dinner consider attending this worthy event in which a portion of the proceeds benefits the Bereavement Center of South Texas, Alamo Heights School Foundation and the Witte Museum.

There will be over 50 restaurants to choose from so there should be something for everyone. What a foodies delight!

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