Wilson County Housing Blog! Real Estate News For Floresville, La Vernia and South San Antonio: Cindy Cranston (Keller Williams Heritage- Floresville, LaVernia, San Antonio)

It is FINALLY Here Floresville- La Quinta Inn Floresville Breaks Ground.

Floresville Mayor Daniel Tejada, City Councilwoman Sherry Castillo, City Manager Andy Joslin, Floresville Chamber of Commerce President Susan Hodges, FCOC Vice President Philip Vipond, Floresville Economic Development Committee President Sarah Mendoza, FEDC Executive Director Jesse Perez, and La Quinta owners Mr. & Mrs. Bhakta gathered with a small group of onllookers this afternoon to break ground on the much anticipated La Quinta Inn Floresville. Welcome to Floresville La Quinta we are very excited to have you!

 

 

67th Annual Floresville Peanut Festival ~ Downtown Floresville, TX ~ October 4th, 6th-9th.

 

It's that time of year again Floresville..... Floresville Peanut Festival kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct.4th) with the Goober Games at 5pm-7pm. The Carnival opens Thursday, Oct. 6th on the festival grounds at the Wilson County Courthouse parking lot. This years event looks to be a fun filled weekend.

A little history...

On July 29th, 1938 plans for the first festival celebrating the peanut was discussed. Originally designated as the 'Floresville Peanut POW WOW' to promote Floresville top cash crop of that time and shine a favorable light over Wilson County.

In August, 1938 the name was changed forever to the 'Floresville Peanut Festival'.

Held on the second full weekend in October, the Peanut Festival recognizes the importance of the peanut historically to Southwest Texas agriculture,

 

List of Events....

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011         

5:00pm-7:00pm          Goober Games                                    Festival Grounds (Downtown Floresville) 

Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011

5:00pm                       Carnival Opens                                  Festival Grounds

7:00pm                       Coronation                                        Wiley Seale Auditorium

Friday, Oct. 7, 2011

5:00pm-12:00am         Carnival/Vendors Open                      Festival Grounds

6:00pm                       Kiddie Parade                                    2nd and C Street

8:30pm-10:00pm         Los Banger Broz                                Festival Grounds-Main Stage

10:30pm-12:00am       Marcos Orozco and Y Rebelde             FG-Main Stage

Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011

8:00am                       2nd Ann. Goober Kids/5K Fun Run      Starts Corner 4th and C Street

9:00am                       Carnival/Vendors Open                      Festival Grounds

10:00am                     Parade                                             Downtown Floresville

2:00pm-6:00pm          Festival Ground Entertainment           Courthouse Square

2:00pm-6:00pm          Kids Stage Acts                                 Kids Stage

3:00pm                      Washer Tournament                           C Street-Across from Main Stage

3:00pm-4:30pm          April Hall                                           FG- Main Stage  

5:00pm-6:30pm          Flashback                                          FG-Main Stage

7:00Pm-8:30pm          Cody Robbins Band                            FG-Main Stage

9:00pm-10:30pm        Blue Edmondson                                FG-Main Stage

11:00pm-12:30pm      Bart Crow Band                                  FG-Main Stage

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011

8:00am                      Ticket Sales Begin                               Floresville Event Center

8:30am                      Head Cooks Late Registration End         Floresville Event Center

9:30am                      PC Chili and Menudo Cook-off Starts     Floresville Event Center

10:00am                    ICS Chili Cook-off Starts                      Floresville Event Center

11:00am                    Grounds Open to Public                        Floresville Event Center

                                 Ranch Rodeo Finals

11:30am                    PC Chili & Menudo ampling Begins        Floresville Event Center

2:00pm                      Jus Cause Band                                  FEC-Outdoor Bud Light Stage

                                 Animal Planet/World Record                 Floresville Event Center

4:00pm                     Justin Van Sant                                   FEC-Outdoor Bud Light Stage

4:30pm                     Cook-off Winners Announced                Floresville event Center

6:00pm                     Cook-off and Rodeo Grounds Close

                                Scott Wiggins Band                              Floresville Event Center Stage

8:00pm                     Josh Abbott                                         Floresville Event Center Stage

9:30pm                     Event Center Closes

 

Sounds like a very full weekend. Hope to see you there!

                                      

Floresville  to Welcome a Brand New Superintendent to Floresville ISD. New Superintendent Choice.

As the new school year swiftly approaches and we prepare to send our most precious assets back to school, a lot of us are wondering who will be filling the void left by Dr. David Vinson's resignation. Who would the Floresville ISD Board of Directors choose to fill the position of Superintendent?

Well today I had the opportunity to meet the lone finalist for the job.....Dr. Jerry Lee Hunkapiller. Under Texas law the trustees of a district must wait at least 21 days from the time the lone finalistis named to sign a contract. Dr. Hunkapiller was officially named the lone finalist on July 7th. He is excited to fill the position left vacant byDr. Vinson's move to Wylie ISD in June. 

Having metDr. Hunkapiller, I am excited for the future ofFloresville ISD. He is a polite, soft spoken man with a clear vision and sense of community. He has assured me that he will have an open door policy and wants community input. He will be bringing with him to his new position, the experience he gained in his time as Superintendent of Millsap ISD. Prior to becoming Superintendent at Millsap, Dr. Hunkapiller was the Director of Student Services at Garland ISD servicing 56,000 students.

Dr. Hunkapiller completed his Bachelor Degree at Texas Tech, his Masters Degree at Sul Ross State, and his PHD at Texas A&M Commerce. His education and experiences will be an asset in his new position here at Floresville ISD.

Floresville would like to welcomeDr. Hunkapiller, wife Wendy, and his five boys(Blade 11, Gage 9, Bryce 5, Grayson 3, and Briggs 18 months) to our community. Thank-you for stepping up to the challenge, we look forward to having you!

 

 

 

 

Dealing with New Home Builders 'A Cautionary Tale!' Why Buyer's Need An Agent Representing Them.

Jane and Jack Buyer have decide their home is too small. It is time for them to buy up into a larger home. Jane loved the agent they used to buy their current home and knows that they will list with this agent.

Cindy Realtor lists their home and asks them about their plans for their next home. Being prepared after the listing interview she had over the phone with Jane and Jack she has a list of properties that are in their area of interest. She advises them to drive by the homes and let her know if the area interests them. They set a time to look at properties the following Saturday.

Saturday starts with viewing preowned properties from the list. Very early on Cindy can tell that Jane and Jack are not going to find all that they are looking for in the preowned homes that are available. Luckly for Jane and Jack a new neighborhood is opening up and there are lots still available to build on.

Cindy takes Jane and Jack to meet with the builder. The meeting goes very well, and the builder offers an incentive of $20,000 off the base price for Jane and Jack to write a contract to build. They decide to move forward and build.

After meeting with the builder Jane and Jack speak with Cindy about what upgrades they want to make to the base model so it will fit their needs. Cindy makes a list of all the upgrades in preparation for the upcoming meeting with the builder. They discuss strategy to get the most for their money and still get the upgrades the want.

Cindy Realtor sets an appointment with the builder to meet and make an offer. At the meeting the builder informs Jane and Jack that the base price on the home he will build is $329,000, with the $20,000 incentive the sales price will be $309,000. The builder brings out a contract for $309,000. Cindy Realtor steps in and asks what about the upgrades they had discussed in the first meeting. The builder tells them that they can amend to add them at a later date. Catching on quickly and being savvy to how contracts work Cindy advises Jane and Jack to make all the upgrades part of the initial offer. Jane and Jack get the house they want with over 15K in upgrades and 20K initial price reductions, all because they were smart enough to hire a REALTOR.

Another happy ending for a smart homebuyer!

Google Juice!Google Juice!Google Juice! How Activerain Is Helping My Business!

Google Juice is a term which means the unique visitors coming to your website from search engines (primarily Google, because of its domination in Search Engine market).

If your Blogging then Google Juice is the sweet reward of your labor. Activerain has been one of the fastest ways I have found to gain the  Google Juice, once I understood what I needed to do to get it.

Blog! Blog! Blog!

Comment on other peoples posts! They will comment on yours.

Use common search phrases, those you wish to show up within Google, in all your posts.

Become a local source for information, this will encourage others to visit your Blog often.

But most importantly, Have Fun!!! Your enthusiasm is most contagious when you're enjoying yourself:)

I look forward to reading your posts out there in the blog-o-sphere.

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If your looking for a home in Floresville, LaVernia, Fort Sam Houston, or San Antonio I would love to be your REALTOR!

 

 

Total Edge Team Visits The Historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas! Cindy Cranston and Faye Taylor Take a Road Trip!

With buildings dating back as early as 1883 and sitting on the east bank of the San Antonio River, the Pearl Brewery has undergone many changes as of late. With 1100 feet of San Antonio River frontage and the expansion of the downtown San Antonio Riverwalk the Pearl Brewery offers Restaurants, Urban Residences, Studios, Shops, Culinary Institute, Offices, and Public Spaces for weddings, seminars, awards ceromonies, etc. 

Faye Taylor and I got a wild hair and decided to take a Road Trip to the historic Pearl Brewery in our fair city of San Antonio, TEXAS. The cloud cover most of the day made this a great day for pictures, so we thought we would share.

Hope you enjoy!!

 

The Stables at the Pearl Brewery!    Close to Fort Sam Houston.   

 

 

 

Calendar of Events for the Month of April 2011. San Antonio - Floresville Texas Events.

San Antonio Events for April 2011.

April 7-17 Fiesta San Antonio - A celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse culture.

Fiesta San Antonio Events List

April 14-17 Valero Texas Open - Third oldest tournament on thePGA tour.

Valero Texas Open

Floresville Events for April 2011

April 9 Jr. Catholic Daughters Balloon Release - Sacred Heart Cemetery 10:00am - to remember the unborn.

April 9 Larry Guerrero Jr. BBQ Plate Benefit - Floresville Church of Christ - 11:00am-2:00pm

April 16 Your Junk is Our Treasure! Item Drop Off -Wiley Seale Auditorium - 9:00am-12:00pm - Floresville High School Theatre Department will accepting to use as props and costumes for upcoming shows.

April 17 Palm Sunday BBQ Dinner & Bake Sale - Floresville Knights of Columbus Hall - 11:00am-2:00 pm - Lion's Club Fundraiser.

April 26 Step It Up - Floresville Community Convention Center - 6:60pm-8:30pm - Girl Scouts and the City of Floresville together in a healthy living initiative.

April 30 Annual Cowboy Breakfast - Sacred Heart Parrish Hall - 7:30am-10:30am - 9th Annual Rosenberg and Rotter Cowboy Breakfast benefiting the Wilson Area Housing Foundation.

April 30-May 1 Relay for Life of Wilson County - La Vernia Bear Stadium - 6:00pm-7:00am - American Cancer Society Relay for Life celebrates peoples lives who have battled cancer, remembers those lost to cancer, and fights back against this disease.

Click Here to Donate to Relay For Life of Wilson County.

Hope to see you out and about working in the community to help make Floresville a better place for our kids and grandkids. If you see me be sure to say 'hello'!---Cindy

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Wilson County, Texas. 6pm Saturday April 30th through 7am Sunday May 1st, 2011 at LaVernia Bears Stadium.

  Betty and David Koenig 2009 REMAX Vista team.

I write this asking for your support and donations. I will be participating in the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Wilson County, Texas.  After being on the Relay for Life of Wilson County  board for the past 2 years this year I had to step down due to scheduling conflicts but this is still a cause close to my heart. Cancer is the great equalizer, everyone has been touched by this horrible disease. Please help me to raise funds for this worthy cause. 

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer and won. Relay remembers and honors those lost to this disease. Relay raises funds to fight back against cancer. At the event, teams camp out and take turns walking or running around a track. Each team is to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are over night and can last up to 24 hours with most lasting 12 hours.

Celebrate-Relay starts with a Survivors lap to honor those who have battled and beat cancer, and those who are still in the fight.

Remember-After the sun goes down Relay takes time to honor the people touched by cancer, and remember loved ones lost to this disease. They do this with theLuminaria Ceremony. During the ceremony candles are lit inside sand filled bags for each person touched by cancer, and the names are read of those touched.

Fight Back- Participants are encouraged to make a commitment to fight back.

PLEASE support me in my efforts to Fight Back. Follow the link below to make a donation.

Click Here To Fight Back! 

Thank-you for your support and donation. May God bless your generosity!

Floresville Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet April 2, 2011. Floresville, Texas Events and Happenings.

On a beautiful night in Texas, this past Saturday April 2,2011 theFloresville Chamber of Commerce held their annual Awards Banquet. The banquet was held at theFloresville Community Convention Center and was a great success for incoming Chamber President Susan Hodges and her team.

As you entered the Convention Center you were greeted with the beautiful smiles of Chamber of Commerce Board Members Teddi Harllee and Lori Roe.

As you enter the events room the tables were elegantly decorated in a brown and teal color pattern with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as the center piece. Attendees enjoyed a fabulous Italian dinner catered by James and Lindsay Strunk of Extreme Catering.  

LaJuana Newnam-Leusgave the invocation before the meal. LaJuanna was also honored by the Chamber of Commerce with a Public Service Award for her tireless community service to Floresville.

Awarded the Chamber of Commerce President's Award were Roxanne Longoria owner of Jack's Cafe for her service to the community. Pictured above with Board member/ 2010 Chamber Vice President Teddi Harllee, 2010 President Paul Sack, and current President Susan Hodges.

Also receiving the President's Award for Community service for his contributions to Leysa's Light House was Ron Greer owner of the hair salon the Colour Bar in Floresville. On hand for Ron's award was founder of Leysa's Lighthouse Christi Moczygemba.

The 2010 Floresville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year winner was Raj Patel and the Floresville Best Western. Pictured with the 2011 Chamber of Commerce Executive Board.

In a show of community the Chamber of Commerce also honored Mayor Daniel Tejada, the members of the Floresville City Council, and the City of Floresville staff present at event with an Award for their support of the Chamber past , present and future. Susan Hodges stating 'Building a bright future is the common goal of the Chamber and all the city entities.' Together we can! Bravo Susan!

Chamber of Commerce Board Memberand fellowREALTOR^®Lee Gonen of RE/MAX Vista enjoying the event.

Chamber of Commerce Vice President and owner of Trendy Treasures, Melissa Popham in the center with her lovely sisters.

Chamber of Commerce Board Member and owner ofBuilder Flooring, Philip Vipond with Chamber Executive Director Sherry Polluck and Mike Thomas.

 

Lucy Tejada, Barbara and Philip Vipond. Lucy and Barbara are showing off their new purses won during the silent auction. Philip is just eye candy.

My sweet honey! Supportive husband and the love of my life,Todd Cranston enjoying a cold adult beverage.

Yours Truly, Cindy Cranston, Teddi Harllee, and Paul Sack.

Such a lovely couple!! Dave and Lori Roe.

If you missed this years event be sure to mark your calenders for next years it was a very enjoyable evening.

 Thank-you to theFloresville Chamber of Commerce for the event. Thank-you to the great staff of theFloresville Community Convention Center for the location. Thank-you toJames and Lindsay Strunk of Extreme Catering for the good food. Thank-you to all who attended for their contribution to the good times. Thank-you to A Rey of Flowers for the lovely living bouquet I got to take home and enjoy. Congratulations to all the award winners, it's your contributions to this community that make Floresville such a great place to live and work!

 All pictures are the Copy Right of Cindy Cranston and Total Edge Team.

Picture curtesy of Floresville ISD website.

Floresville ISD to Lose a Great Leader in  Dr. David Vinson, Floresville ISD Superintendent.

For the past 6 year Dr. David Vinson has lead the Floresville Independent School District as Superintendent. Dr. Vinson will be resigning at the conclusion of this school year to start a new adventure with the Wylie Independent School District, as reported in the Wylie News on March 26.

Under Dr. Vinson, Floresville began the Building a Community of Character program. During his time as Superintendent Floresville voters passed a $63 million bond package that allowed the district funds to build Floresville North Elementary which open to students this school year. This bond  funded the construction of the new Floresville High School which opened to students in 2009-2010 school year, and upgrades to the Floresville High School Football Stadium as well as the construction of a state of the art High School Athletic Complex. This bond also brought new opportunity to our students in conjunction with Alamo Community Colleges by opening the early college within the newly built high school.

In a recent article in the Wilson County News, Dr. Vinson is quoted saying,"I have absolutely loved my time in Floresville and will miss everyone in the community very much." Adding,"I would only leave this place for another school district that has a great staff, school board, kids, and a strong sense of community. Wylie is that place."

On a personal note, I have always admired Dr. Vinson. Having had the opportunity to speak with him on occasions, and I have always been impressed with how much he valued community input. Dr. Vinson and his Beautiful family will truly be missed by myself and this community. Floresville owes you a big thank-you for a job well done Dr. Vinson. THANK-YOU!