Stephanie Hansson,ABR,CRS

It only takes one great closing to make you realize ,one of the reasons you became a Realtor.

At a recent closing of a family of First Time Home Buyers, I was presented with 2 bouquets of flowers (isn't that what I am suppose to bring?). One from the mom, which was beautiful, but the one that got to me, was the smaller bouquet from their daughter.

She came dressed in a darling summer dress, patent leather Mary Jane shoes (my all time favorite for little girls), and a pretty bow in her hair. She was to enter the first grade this fall, and was well behaved, and very charming. She also brought with her a folded note, which she handed to me after we sat down at the table.

I am as proud of this note, that she wrote, as I would have been with a million dollar commission. If you can not see it clearly, I am so sorry, I could not get a good copy to bring out the colors, but I knew I just had to put it up, regardless. I truly think this is a priceless letter.

As a Realtor we want to provide the best service we can, so as to obtain the best price, cover all the important factors of the contract, protect our clients from a bad situation, and be there for them, when they become overwhelmed with stressed induced emotion. We have shown them a multitude of homes, in hopes that we can find just the right one. Then spent our evenings working on the paperwork, connecting with the inspectors, title companies, repair people, and so on. Then the big day arrives, the closing, and you watch as they sign a ton of papers, and hand them their keys.

But do we really know what impact we have made to their lives? I think not. I can only hope and strive towards excellence in making a measurable difference in the peoples lives that I have had the privilege to work for.

This thank you note will ALWAYS have special place in my heart,

Patty cake, Patty cake, baker's man, Bake me a cake as fast as you can;
Roll it, pat it, mark it with a B, Put it in the oven for baby and me.

I was recently reading a number of posts on www.mybcs.com, and everyone was raving about Patty Cake? Australian bakery? Who would have heard of such a thing? I had to check out this place. The owner/baker was very happy to explain Australian pastries to me, allow me to try samples, and take pictures of the goodies.

They are a wonderful family, Robert and Anne Quick, and their daughters Danielle and Gemma, who also work and help out in this wonderful family owned business. Robert is originally from Austin, TX, moved to Australia where he met his wife whose family owns a bakery.

They are located in the Tejas Shopping Center on the Corner of Texas Ave and Villa Maria, on the side facing Texas Ave (2 doors down from Carter's Burgers) It's not all take out either, they have some small tables if you want to eat there. But beware !!! you may stay longer than intended because you will be wanting to sample everything in the case

This is the good stuff from the old country. Also, all the items were very, very reasonable. Most of the pastries were only $1,

Vanilla Slice - This is a slice of Heaven without purgatory. As one of the staple pastries of Australia, I can see why. A vanilla slice is essentially a thick vanilla custard sandwich. Think about a 2 inch layer of custard sandwiched between two piece of puff pastry and lightly frosted. OMG !!

Rumbles - This is cross between a cake ball and truffle that tastes like I'll be drunk very soon. Chocolate, rum, and sprinkles. I don't think I need to elaborate. Perfect size for a treat, without having to eat anything huge. Brought a couple home to try, and I it took only one to as a dessert. The other was saved to be treasured another night.

Lamingtons - This is a yellow sponge cake that has been soaked in chocolate syrup and covered with coconut flakes. Lamingtons to the Australians is like Twinkies to Americans, except these were homemade.

Torpedo bread - Looks like a torpedo, tastes like a spiced soft bread lightly frosted. The owner asked, "Are you okay with the butter on it?" I just giggled and stuffed it in my mouth. Many of the other breads (cream puffs, cream finger buns) are made with the same torpedo bread dough. It is similar to a cinnamon raisin bread. Yum-me!

Shepard's Pie - Best pie crust, EVER! Flakey. Buttery. Heavenly. This has Marie Callanders beat any day of the week


I've been back here several times getting treats for friends and family. Here's some new must trys.

Melting Moments - The name says it all. They seem hard and crumbly, but I assure that they'll melt in your mouth like a cute puppy melts your heart. Get one for your sweetheart. It's a marriage proposal waiting to happen.

Strawberry balls and cream puffs - soft, puffy, creamy, YUM!

Coconut cake - shortbread crust with raspberry jam, and an ultra thick layer of coconut cake. I love this cake. If I ever my daughter decides to get married, I hope she will want this cake at her wedding

I have pictures and as soon as I can figure how to get them from my Vista (ugh!) Picture package I will add them as soon as possible, because a picture is worth a thousand words. Plus the telling of all these delectable goodies, has just made me realize I haven't had lunch yet. What an excuse!!!

Yesterday I attended the Board of Realtors Luncheon, held at the Briarcrest Country Club, and was astounded and blown away by two guest speakers, that were introduced by Mayor Sam White of College Station. After listening to them, I can understand why the Mayor was equally impressed. I was particularly impressed by Tyler Koch, who holds the distinction of being "speaker of the Senate" for the Student Government Association for Texas A & M University.

They were speaking on an "White Paper" that they recently wrote, taking up the concerns of the community of College Station and it's residences, in relationship to concerns of neighbors where there is a population of multiple students living in rental houses. There have been recent rumblings that maybe some deed restrictions would be created to limit the number of non-related occupants in one single family home, be restricted to only two, thus curtailing too many cars, excess parties, etc.

College Station's sister city, Bryan, recently had many subdivision petition their council and were successful in passing such restrictions. These young men decided to develop a program to bring the University in to be proactive in the issues of off campus housing. This would entail and three phase program which would interact with offending students, with visitations and documentation. Then University mediation and letters of reprimand. If all else failed it could be reflected in the student's academic file. This would mean that the University would take responsibility beyond the campus, and help establish a good neighbor policy, Student Tenants would be held accountable to the the University's code of conduct

The subject was brought up, in the question and answer period, as to whether of not an amendment could not be developed to be included in standard lease agreements, which would make student tenants aware and compliant to the University's off campus regulations. I believe that was taken under serious consideration.

I may not have all the details, and I am sure there are others of the Real Estate community that can add some of the items that I might have missed, but I just wanted to get it said how much I appreciate Texas A&M and the quality of education, support and inspiration that makes this one of the best places to live.