Garden Ridge, TX

2011 Blogging Challenge ~12~ We hired the property management guru!

Property Management in San Antonio is growing. Along with that growth is the pains that come with it. This time we made an excellent decision as we hired a gal that honestly has been in the business for over 30 years!

I know that I have known OF HER for over 20 years. She is highly respected and knows her stuff. I'm so excited to announce the addition of:

Leslye Baumann

with

Moran Property Management

Here are some of her credentials:

· Native of San Antonio

· Graduate Texas State University (SWTSU)

· Married to Dennis, one daughter and son-in-law, 3 granddaughters

· Teacher SAISD 10 years

· Real Estate career began in 1982

· Property Management since 1983

· Consistent Million Dollar producer in 80’s and 90’s

· Experience working with relocation companies and listing bank foreclosures

· Brokers License

· SABOR Property Manager of the Year 2002

· City of Live Oak Council member 1997 to 2005

· Vice President Live Oak Economic Development Corp. 1999-2005

· Founding member, Chapter President, Secretary, Director, San Antonio Chapter of NARPM

· Member SABOR Property Management Committee, Chairman in 2003

· TAR Professional Standards Committee member

· Member Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce

· Chairman of the Board Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce 2010

· Northeast Lakeview College, Chairman of Citizens Advisory Committee for Programs

· Alamo College District Citizens Advisory Committee for construction of NELV, and expansion of 4 other campuses

· Member and Chairperson Citizens Bond Oversight Committee ACCD -2006-2010

· Honorary Commander 12^th Flying Wing 2009

· Honorary Commander 502nd Air Base Wing 2010

She is going to keep us organized and help continue to grow the portfolio with quality properties.

Thanks Leslye for helping us start the beginning of 2012 with a bang!

We welcome you!

There are 2 schools that we know are in dire need of jackets as well as toys. The jackets will go to needy kids that the teachers put food in the backpacks on Friday's as they go home for the weekend. The toy drive is for the Chris Martz Ronald McDonald House. We would love for everyone to drop off a gently used or new jacket as well as unwrapped gifts at our office. We will make sure they get delivered. Thank you!

What's happening in Garden Ridge, Texas? Market statistics

As I'm preparing for my next listing appointment I pulled up some very interesting statistics on what is happening here in Garden Ridge, Texas.

I did a comparison of all SOLD properties between the 2nd quarter of 2010 and 2011.

Seems that in 2010 our average SOLD price was $319,575 and it took 98 days on the market for these to sell. But something else jumped out at me when doing the comparison and that was the Average Sales Price to List Price being at 97% (some great numbers there)! The sales price to the original listed price was at 96% (again great numbers). Considering these numbers this tells me that pricing was great and time to sell was good for the 2nd quarter of 2010.

Now, let's look at this year's 2nd quarter, 2011.

2011 average SOLD price was much higher at $375,699 so seller's are actually getting more cash for their house. But the sales price to list price was at 94% and the sales price to the original list price was at 92%. The average days on market was 286. What does all of this mean? That seller's are listing their homes at a higher price point and having to make reductions or accept offers that are lower than what they would normally of had to accept.

What does this tell us in the current climate of the market for Garden Ridge, Texas? That listing your house at the "market price" means shorter time on the market, not as many price reductions and less wear and tear on the Seller for showings.

Thinking about putting your house up for sale? Call me I would love to run the stats on your neighborhood!

If you are a new or first time home owner at Canyon Lake or even in The Texas Hill Country you will soon learn about oak trees, leaves and tassels.

Here is a good thing to think about doing:

Compost Yard Waste

In our case it is oak tree leaves that fall in the spring here at Canyon Lake Texas and in the Texas Hill Country. Yes, it is work but think about it as a fun job where you can invite friends and family over to help you clean up.

If you are like Ceil and me, we have raked and raked and raked; seems like an endless task. Hauled leaves and grass clippings to the compost pile and still have piles of leaves to be moved.

Add your left over uncooked veggies, tomatoes, potato skins, egg shells, celery (this will help speed up the process). Remember to keep the compost pile wet and turn over every couple weeks. By next spring you will have some nice compost.

Now the tassels are beginning to fall as the new leaves pop out. Here comes the runny nose and red itchy eyes . Oak pollen allergy is definitely in the air here in The Texas Hill Country. Let me also mention the yellow that covers everything. Hopefully the next rain will wash this yellow oak pollen dust away.

Yellow tassels, messy but will in time be washed away:

Good News: All the leaves, oak pollen tassels should have fallen by the end of April.

In the meantime, continue to rake, trim and spruce up your yard and garden areas.

Spring is a good time to inspect your flower beds, and garden areas. Clean, trim and get ready for spring planting. While you are doing this be sure to look for termites or wood ants that seem to come out in early spring. Best to do a thorough property inspection early spring.

Another of Carl's Thought Provokers for Spring clean-up. Next time we will discuss the outside of the house.

Stay tuned. (If you are building or buying or even selling consider a home inspection). You want to keep your property well maintained. If in doubt, call Carl Winters with Complete Inspection Service at 830 - 899-2441 - TREC License #3630, Advanced Home and Property Inspection Service).Another localism blog April 5, 2011 for The Texas Hill Country. San Antonio, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Boerne, New Braunfels, Wimberly.

"Living and Love Living in The Texas Hill Country"