Wayne Johnson Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors

I love the variety of colors the Crepe Myrtle shows.

I'm a big believer in staging a home for sale. When a potential buyer is coming to see the house, it's a big deal. There is lots of inventory and the fact that they want to see your house is great. You only need one buyer.

A showing should be production. Like getting ready for a first date. You dress to impress your date, entertainers dress to impress the audience, so dressing or staging the house for potential buyers is in the same category.

There are great stagers in every part of the country. I just happened to see a video example of stagings done by Mary Fasnacht, of Feels Like Home Interiors, Pittsburgh, PA. (Since a picture is worth a thousand words, see the video link.) Staging works. Don't wait until the home is on the market for several months before deciding to stage it. Stage from the first day it's on the market and get it sold.

Sellers, while still occupying a house that is on the market, must take care to secure their personal property.

Here is a short list of things I suggest stored and secured while your house is being shown.

1. Jewels-real and costume, if it has sentimental value
2. Firearms and ammunition
3. Financial statements or any document that contains your name and account number
4. Prescription drugs
5. Small electronic devices (ipod, cellphones, MP3 players, etc)

Most agents try to keep things from disappearing at showings and open houses, but homeowners can really help by removing an easy opportunity for unsavory types.

Fortunately, I have had no mishaps with my clients possessions. Security is important, but by being proactive and not lax, one can make it tougher for a thief.

We are fortunate to still have construction projects, both residential and commercial, continuing in San Antonio. The usually means growth, and a vibrant area.

As I was coming home from an appointment yesterday, I saw this work site and the parked heavy equipment. One of the things I noticed was the names of the equipment manufacturers--Deere, Caterpillar, and Hitachi.

American firms used to have a firm grip on this segment of industry, but now the competition is fierce and foreign companies are winning marketshare. Some believe globilization is bad for America-shipping jobs off shore, capital leaving for other countries, substandard products being shipped back to US for consumption, etc.

Not sure if this is a net good or not, but it is happening. I do not think an exclusive buy-American plan will work in today's environment. The world of commerce is just too interdependent for that. People and companies buy the products and services that work for them.

That's the same way Realtors select a broker with whom to work, and clients select a Realtor. Freedom is great.

One the the favorite old sayings in real estate is location, location, location.

No doubt this is a biggie, but, there are several layers to this old saw, and both buyers and sellers should take into account the pros and cons of the location.

Take the following criteria and see what is important to you, and your lifestyle:

1. Walk to local stores, restaurants, and shops from home
2. Within walking distance of schools, parks, or recreation
3. If the property is in a subdivision, do you prefer to be on main street or side street/cul-de-sac?
4. Commute time to work
5. Easy access to major freeway, and road system
6. Easy access to local transportation routes
7. Easy access to medical facilities
8. Proximity to family and friends
9. Proximity to favored worship facility
10. Prefer current hot, trendy area, or mature area
11. Commute time does not matter, just want to be in country

Use this or your own list in coming up with criteria important to you as you compare properties. Location criteria does affect price. Give location lots of thought before you begin your search. This can allow you to rule out properties before investing too much time in areas that do not fit your needs.