San Antonio hits the big time again by being ranked as #10 on the list of America's Best Bargain Cities. To determine which US cities were the best bargain, Forbes evaluated the average salary for workers with a bachelors degree or higher, unemployment, the cost of living, and the housing opportunity index. For the complete article, see the link below.
Austin ranked #1 and all five of Texas's biggest cities - Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Ft Worth were among the top 10 best bargains.
Ya'll take your time moving here - we don't want to get too crowded! :)
(Reprinted with permission from Forbes)
America's Best Bargain Cities
Try these places if you want to get the most for your money.
By Zack O'Malley Greenburg
http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/13/bargain-cities-america-lifestyle-real-estate-bargain-cities.html?partner=email
When my clients first start looking at a home purchase, I tell them the most important thing to notice is not the floor plan, the neighborhood, the location, or even the price. The #1 thing to consider when looking at homes is to evaluate whether or not the property might have a resale problem.
Here are the top ten issues to avoid when buying your next house:
•1. Large power lines close to the house - Whether it has been scientifically proven or not, many people believe that these large power lines can cause cancer. Besides that, they are not attractive.
•2. Drainage area or ditch next to the house. If there is a drainage area adjacent to the house, there might be an occasion when the water comes up into the house. There might also be a requirement to purchase flood insurance - now or in the future.
•3. Heavy road noise - if the house backs up to a busy street, I can't think of anyone who would think this is a plus.
•4. Master bedroom upstairs - most families only want to be close to the children for a few short years when they are very young. Then they prefer living on different floors. If the house is a one story, most families prefer split bedrooms on different sides of the house. (Use an intercom if your children are small.)
•5. The most expensive house in the neighborhood - If the house is the most expensive one in the neighborhood, the others will pull its value down. Even if it is much nicer than the others, appraisers and future market analyses will use other homes in the neighborhood to evaluate its worth.
•6. Funky floor plan - Even if you don't cook much, most future owners will want a decent sized kitchen. You need to ask yourself if there are there enough bathrooms for the number of bedrooms. Is there adequate storage? Tiny secondary bedrooms? These are all items that future owners will consider.
•7. Travel Time - How is the travel time to and from? Even if you don't mind the drive, the next owners might.
•8. Foundation issues - repaired or not, guaranteed or not, walk away.
•9. Aluminum wiring - Aluminum wiring was used for a very short time in home construction in the 70's. Then it was discovered that it shorted out easily and could start house fires. Unless the house has been totally remediated (there are several methods) do not consider a house with aluminum wiring.
•10. Elevation and stairs - Does the home have a lot of stairs to get to the front door? Are there a lot of different elevations within the house? Will grandma or small children be able to get around the house without falling?
Please note: The best insurance against buying a home that might have a resale problem is to have a good real estate professional representing you when you are out house shopping!
Spring has sprung, and I like to go with lighter desserts this time of year. I took two pies to our last dinner club and got rave reviews on them! I thought I would share the recipes with everyone.
Strawberry Pie
8 oz of cream cheese (I use low fat)
1/3 c sugar
½ c sour cream
1 t vanilla
2 pints of strawberries
8 oz of Kool Whip
Graham Cracker Crust
Wash berries. Slice. Put 1T sugar on them and let them sit while you prepare the filling. Beat cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar together until consistent. Stir in sour cream and vanilla, then strawberries. Fold in Kool Whip. Pour into graham cracker crust. Chill for four hours.
KEY LIME PIE
2 - 14 oz cans of sweetened condensed milk ( I use low fat, if that makes you feel better)
1 cup of fresh lime juice
2 eggs
Graham Cracker Crust
Combine the milk and eggs. Beat well, then add the lime juice. Beat well. Pour in crust and bake at 325 for 15 minutes. Let cool, then chill for two hours before serving.
You can add this topping, but I don't.
1 c sour cream combined with 2 T powdered sugar and 1 T lime zest.
According to Builder Magazine the Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009 are:
1.Houston
2.Austin
3. Ft Worth
4. San Antonio
5. Dallas
In that order! This is for the whole country. This is great news for us in the Lone Star State.
Here is San Antonio, we added 15,000 jobs last year, our population grew 2.8% thru the third quarter of 2008. Existing home prices in the Alamo City are only down 1.8%. The median home price is 154, 400 - which is $25% lower than the national average.
Check out www.Texaplex.com for some great information and statistics about the economy and Real Estate in Texas and San Antonio.
My new favorite restaurant is the Roaring Fork @ Blanco and 1604. It is a great restaurant to meet friends or have a nice date. When we were getting our kitchen redone last fall, we became nightly visitors to the Roaring Fork. Their happy hour features half price appetizers and drinks. Indoors is nice, dark, loud, and cozy, but I like the outdoor patio on cool or warm nights. My favorites are the flatbread pizza, the huge portion of guacamole and chips - and of course - their margaritas. Joe likes the Pork Stew and the Big Ass (No kidding - that is the name of it) Burger.
Paula specializes in residential sales in Northern San Antonio to Boerne. Including Inwood, Shavano Park,Shavano Creek, Dominion, Deerfield, Stone Oak, Rogers Ranch, Vineyards, Stonewall Estates.
FROM TEACHER TO TEACHER: Paula Christo was licensed as a real estate salesperson in January of 2003. She had been a marketing teacher, a gift store owner, and a mom in her previous careers. This combination of teaching, merchandising and business was an excellent background for real estate. "Being a Realtor lets me do something I love to do-Teach! And I don't miss the playground duty and grading papers. "
Paula continues the ‘learning based' philosophy in her real estate business. She has furthered her professional education as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI). The GRI designation is a mark of excellence that only about 8% of Texas REALTORS® earn. It is a continuing education program that include instruction in legal issues, finance, marketing, real estate investments, professional standards and environmental law. She is also an Accredited Luxury Homes Specialist, a member of the KW Luxury Homes Division, and the Greater San Antonio Builders Association.
PAST & PRESENTS : The years that Paula spent owning an antique and gift shop taught Paula that how a product is merchandised definitely has an impact on whether or not it sells - and for what price! This mindset definitely helps when sellers need to ‘stage' their home to make it sell faster and for more money!
FAMILY MATTERS: Paula and her husband of 25 years moved to San Antonio in 1997. Paula had a few years off from the 'regular' work force to be a stay at home mom. She was a member of the San Antonio Newcomers Club, San Antonio Junior Forum, PTA organizations and Homeowner's Associations. She spent countless hours volunteering for school events, swim team, and church youth events. "This definitely honed my organization skills-something that I have been told by others is one of my greatest gifts!"
PAULA AS A PERSON: Most people describe Paula as driven, professional, and organized. Her personal interests include antiques, home decorating, gardening, and scrap booking. She enjoys spending time with her family still likes music from the sixties and seventies, and is pretty good at "Name That Tune"
PAULA THE REALTOR: As one client put it, "Paula demonstrated great patience, understanding and knowledge of the San Antonio market. She was gracious and accommodating in her approach. I found the right house for my needs and made a friend in the process! " Paula continues to be top producer in her office and has been nominated for the Platinum Top 50 award for several years.
Paula specializes in selling residential sales in North Central San Antonio. Areas include Inwood, Deerfield, Stone Oak, Rogers Ranch, The Vineyards, Deerfield, and Boerne. She was a finalist for Platinum Top 50 Realtors in 2005, 2006, 2008.. She has an Accredited Luxury Homes Specialist Designation, and is a member of the Keller Williams Luxury Homes Division and Graduate Realtor Institute.
Jason & Laura wanted a larger home!
Paula Christo was an excellent realtor for us. She was helpful, honest, and responsive to our questions. She pointed out positive and negatives about floor plans that we would have not noticed on our own. We found our dream home and are thrilled with the results. We could not have asked for the negotiations and closing to go any smoother.
Regarding the selling of our old house, she gave us pointers on how to inexpensively update the house. After we listed it, we had the final contract at near asking price within two weeks.
Paula's goal was to meet our needs and make us happy. She accomplished that goal and gained two very satisfied clients.
Irene Had Her House Built - From Hawaii!
I have nothing but compliments for Paula Christo. She handled everything for me, and made me very comfortable and confident. She is a very helpful and caring person. I would highly recommend Paula with no hesitations. I can't thank her enough for her good, reliable work.
Mark wanted an older, classic home!
Paula was able to find a home to meet my very specific needs and price range within a tight time frame. She demonstrated great patience, understanding, and knowledge of the real estate market in San Antonio. She was gracious and accomodating. I was satisfied that I found the right house for my needs. I made a friend in the process! I recommend her services without hesitation.
Blake & Lisa bought their first home....
Paula Christo is good at her job and so personable that she made us feel like we had known her for years. In buying our first home, we were very nervous and wanted to make the right decision. Paula made us feel comfortable and confident in purchasing our first home. She went out of her way many times and had to deal with our uncertainties. In the end we found the perfect house for our family! Pauls is an awesome realtor and fantastic person!Scott & Peggy wanted to move up in the same neighborhood....
Paula made our real estate transactions (buying and selling) go quickly and smoothly. We knew we were in good hands, and both the loan officer and closing agent commented on her constant communication and how she kept everything on track toward closing. We greatly appreciated her professionalism and enthusiasm for her clients. We can refer her with confidence.
Meg was deployed!
I would wholeheartedly recommend Paula Christo to anyone in need of a professional, competent and compassionate Realtor. Paula handled the sale of my sister's home after she was deployed to Iraq. The nature of this transaction demanded a Realtor who communicated, was available, and was action oriented. Paula delivered on all counts.
Beth F.
Linda wanted to be closer to relatives......
Paula was patient in helping me locate my new home. We looked at many houses and finally the perfect one came on the market. We were ready to put a contract on it the first day, and closed within a month. Paula is very professional and knowledgable of San Antonio Real Estate.
Kelly & Peggy Wanted To Change Neighborhoods!
We had a less than positive experience with our previous realtor. Paula far and away exceeded our expectations with extraordinary service and excellent advice. She made the listing and buying process easy and smooth. We love our new house, and we will be recommending Paula to our friends and acquaintances.
Joy & Daniel relocated from Maryland!
We would like to convey our total satisfaction with our home-buying experience in San Antonio with Paula Christo. She spent an inordinate amount of time with our family on multiple house hunting trips. We recommend her caring service to anyone interested in moving into or out of San Antonio.
Joy & Daniel L.
Mike & Jolynn needed a new home!
Paula Christo gave us wonderful and outstanding personal service!
Buddy & Barbara Love to Entertain!
Paula made our hectic 5 day visit to San Antonio very pleasant and successful! She had a lot of patience with us as we looked at house after house. She went above and beyond our expectations. She cheerfully worked with our long-distance needs and spent a lot of time with us. She did a fantastic job helping us find our "WOW" house.
Gary & Robby Wanted on The Golf Course!
Paula was there for us through looking, buying, selling, moving, stress, joy and everything!
Richard Needed to Sell His Home!
I was in the midst of planning my wedding and I really appreciated Paula's diligence. It was comforting to know I could depend on her to ensure my home would be shown as often as possible. She worked hard for me and kept me informed of what was going on with my house. I also appreciated her honesty and objectivity ......she expressed how and what I could do to sell my home faster. She walked me through the selling process up to closing - while making sure I understood all the details. She is one in a million!
Richard S.
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