Shirley Parks, North San Antonio TX Real Estate 210.414.0966

The Fountains of Deerfield

The Fountains of Deerfield is a small gated community in the Deerfield subdivision in north San Antonio located off Huebner Road just inside Loop 1604.

This community is convenient to shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and medical facilities. It is a quick drive to Stone Oak, La Cantera, Valero Energy, UTSA, USAA, and the South Texas Medical Center.

There are currenty 6 homes for sale in the Fountains of Deerfield. They range in price from $300,000 for a home with 3000 square feet to $499,000 for a home with 4309 square feet:

To see any of these homes or any homes in north San Antonio, call me at 210-414-0966. Ask about receiving a free 3 day/2 night travel certificate.

"Well, I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night
I love to hear the thunder
Watch the lightning
When it lights up the sky
You know it makes me feel good..." -Eddie Rabbit

It rained today! Glorious raindrops falling from the sky! That may not sound like a big deal to you but it sure is if you live in San Antonio. I don't remember when we last had a good rain. Summer was hot and dry and the city implemented water restrictions. You should see my landscaping... I take that back; I wouldn't want you to see my poor, dry, brown plants. We had no rain this past Spring nor this past Winter... just months on end of gorgeous days with brilliant blue skies. But things are changing...

An elderly neighbor told us the squirrels are building bigger and thicker nests than usual this year and the weather people say we are supposed to get a lot of rain this Fall and Winter. I hope this is true.

The problem with rain in our area is that many people don't seem to know that driving is rainy weather is different than driving in dry weather. Water on the surface of asphalt streets can cause tires to lose traction. Rain decreases visibility in day or night driving. Some people slow their speed in rain but others don't. Scariest of all is that almost every time we have flooding in low areas someone loses their life by trying to drive through high water.

Here are some driving tips from www.edumunds.com for driving in the rain.

• Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. When mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick. Continued rainfall will eventually wash away the oil, but the first few hours can be the most dangerous.
  
  
• Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Keep in mind that traffic is likely to be moving slower as well. There's also the possibility that your preplanned route may be flooded or jammed. Whatever the case, rushing equals higher risk.
  
  
• Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you're slowing down. Also, be more meticulous about using turn signals, so that other drivers know your intentions, and take turns and curves with less speed than you would in dry conditions.
  
  
• Most of America's roads are crowned in the middle, which means that the water will run off to the sides. If possible, stay toward the middle of the road to avoid deep standing puddles.
  
  
• Don't use cruise control. If you hydroplane, there's the chance your car could actually accelerate. Cruise control also allows drivers to be less vigilant and to take their foot away from the pedals - not a great idea when reaction time is so important.
  
  
• If you see a large puddle up ahead, drive around it or choose a different route. It could be that it's covering a huge gaping maw into the front door of hell. Well, maybe not, but water splashing up into your car's engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems. Also, a pothole may be hiding under the water, just waiting in ambush to damage a wheel or knock your suspension out of alignment. If you can't gauge the depth, or if it's covering up the side curb, try to avoid it.
  
  
• Don't attempt to cross running water. This ain't an SUV commercial, and you'll probably get into a heckuva lot of trouble if the force of the water is greater than the weight of your vehicle. All-wheel drive isn't going to be much help if your vehicle is being pushed sideways. Don't end up like those folks on the nightly news who had to abandon their cars to Mother Nature.
  
  
• After you cross a puddle, tap on your brake pedal lightly to dry off some of the water on your rotors.
  
  
• Turn on your headlights, even when there's a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you. However, don't blast your high beams in the rain or fog - it'll obscure your view further, as the light will reflect back at you off the water droplets in the air. If your car is equipped with foglights, you may find it helpful to turn these on, as they throw a little extra light on the road while making your car easier to see.
  
  
• Watch out for pedestrians. An ordinarily observant pedestrian may become distracted by fiddling with an umbrella or a rain slicker. Plus, raindrops deaden sound, so the usual audio clues for measuring car distances become obscured. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
  
  
• If it's raining so hard that you can't see the road or the car in front of you, pull over and wait it out.
  
  
• Track the car ahead of you. Let the car ahead pave a clear path, so to speak, through the water.
  
  
• Give a truck or bus extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.
  
  
• Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up. Switch on both front and rear defrosters and make sure the air conditioning is turned on. Most cars' climate control systems will automatically engage the A/C when the windshield defrost function is selected.
  
  
• If you start to hydroplane, don't brake suddenly or turn the wheel, or you might spin into a skid. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which case you can put your foot down).
  
  

The 10th annual Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair will be held Sept. 25-27 in Fredricksburg. The fair will have lots of exhibits and demonstrations along with children's activities and live music. Going along with the green theme, there will be an organic food cafe.

Attendees will be able to learn about renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, green building, alternative transportation, and more. There will be natural and organic cooking demonstrations.

The fair will be kick off with a photovoltaic system design and installation workshop demonstrating how photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into energy.

Homes in Green Spring Valley

Located in the North East Independent School District, NEISD, Green Spring Valley is an established neighborhood nestled among 167 acres of peaceful wooded winding streets. You may feel like you're in the country here but Green Spring Valley is located a mile inside Loop 1604 off Bulverde Road and convenient to shopping and entertainment.

Green Spring Valley has a recreation center with swimming pool, wading pool, and a cabana sheltered under giant oak trees. There are lighted tennis courts, basketball court, and sand volleyball court. There is a new play area for the kids complete with a sitting area for adults. There's also a 32 acre nature preserve with jogging trails, a picnic grove, baseball and soccer fields, and a "wildscape" for nature lovers.

To view homes in Green Spring Valley or any area of San Antonio, contact me at 210-414-0966. To search the MLS and view these listings go to my website www.shirleyparks.com.

Graphic: San Antonio Board of Realtors

San Antonio Neighborhoods ~ Downtown Condos ~ Riverwalk

Living in one of San Antonio's downtown lofts or condos is an appealing alternative for many people... singles, young couples, empty nesters, or anyone who enjoys living in a sophisticated urban environment. Many new residential units, everything from new highrises to rehabs of historic properties have been come to the real estate market in the past few years. The locations include River North, South Flores area, St. Paul Square, Pearl Brewery, King William, Irish Flats and the Central Business District.

All the charm of the city is at your doorstep. It is so convenient to enjoy an evening at the symphony, theater, ballet, or dining out. Enjoy museums, shopping, cultural events, sports events, and other entertainment. Medical facilities and churches are nearby. Just think of enjoying Fiesta and the Texas Cavaliers River Parade from your balcony or rooftop.

The most expensive highrise condo on the MLS as of today is listed for $1,500,000. But there are modestly priced condos to be found as well, some below $200,000.

If I decided to move downtown, I would most like choose a condo within a short distance of the Riverwalk and preferably with a view of the Riverwalk. The most expensive condo listed in the MLS as of today near the Riverwalk is at the beautiful La Cascada condominiums; a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath with 2968 sf on one level and listed at $695,000.00. The listing agent states that the unit has gorgeous downtown and river views, convenient parking, 24 hour security, an executive meeting facility, rooftop pool and spa and workout facility. It has tile floors, granite counters and stainless appliances. Walking distance to downtown shops and attractions.

Riverwalk in the evening

Fiesta: Texas Cavaliers River Parade

Riverwalk at Christmas