Wilson County Housing Blog! Real Estate News For Floresville, La Vernia and South San Antonio: September 2009

The 65th Annual Floresville Peanut Festival

October 8, 9, 10, 2009

In downtown Floresville around the

Courthouse Square

In July of 1938, plans for the first festival to celebrate the farming and harvesting of the peanut crop were discussed. This festival was planned to promote the peanut and to show the world wide success of Wilson County's farming program.

In August of 1938, the name of this proposed festival was changed from "Floresville Peanut Pow Wow" to "Floresville Peanut Festival." This festival was considered the first of its kind in Texas.

This years is the 65^thAnnual Floresville Peanut Festival, and promises to be fun for the entire family.

Schedule for Stage Events ...below

NO ICE CHESTS WILL BE ALLOWED

Schedule for Stage Events

Friday, October 9, 2009  Main Stage

Saturday, October 10, 2009 Kid's Stage

Saturday, October 10, 2009  Main Stage

Hope to see you there.

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© with RE/MAX Vista living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Unlike the traditional agent, I am a professional REALTOR©.

I adhere to the REALTOR© code of ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS©.

I put my client's best interest above my own at all times.

I act with honesty and integrity with clients, customers and other professionals I come in contact with in the day to day operations of my business.

I understand that each property and client is unique and work with my buyers and sellers to realize their true desires and goals.

I understand and utilize the latest technologies to ensure the properties I market get the best exposure.

I meet with my sellers to customize a marketing strategy that fits their needs.

I communicate openly with my client's, I am always open to constructive suggestions.

If you are tired of the traditional agent who is unable to articulate what makes them different from the other 7000+ agents in your area, and are ready to work with a professional, give me a call.

Yesterday 9/28/09

Urgent Prayer For This Sweet Baby Girl! I ask anyone reading this to take a few moments and pray in Jesus name for the complete and total healing of 6 year old Angelina Villareal. Angelina is the daughter of some very dear friends and one of my daughters best friends. She got the flu and it turned into pneumonia, and she has not been responding well to treatment. She is in surgery right now to place a chest tube and a central line. The illness has also caused her platelet levels to drop to a very low level.

This sweet and vibrant child needs your prayers, please take a moment out of your day and say a prayer for her in Jesus most precious name. Also pray for her family, pray for strength and comfort as they go through this ordeal.

Riley is in car seat and Angelina in in the seat belt.

I thank all you prayer warriors, in advance for for your prayers in this matter. May God bless you and your family.

 Today 9/30/09

 Thank-you for your prayer. I received this letter as an update from Lina's mom this morning.

Hi there

Thank you sooo much for your prayers. The latest on Lina is that after her platelets were 19 she had a transfusion and then they were 118.

Went to surgery for 2 hours and got a central line and they removed gelantin like junk from outside her lung. It was nasty, we got a pic. Also blood loss was 20cc.

We didnt go to ICU! She didnt require a ventilator afterwards and was breathing better. She coughed in recovery but all night long hasnt coughed anymore. Her heartrate dropped to a normal rate too! Also, she had a fever in recovery but none all night, praise God. She slept all night, poor baby and has gotten up twice to the bathroom in pain but does so well.

We will most likely be moving to a surgical ward today and just wait and see what she does. She needs very minimal oxygen and the chest tube was left in to drain, and thats draining well. Also, her platelets last night were 115.

They took cultures in the OR but we still dont know what germ this is except a positive rhinovirus (common cold)
This is a great report! Im very happy.Praises to my King!
Liza

9/30/09

Lena is off oxygen and appears to be well on her way to a full recovery. Please keep up the prayers.

Praise be to God. Keep praying for this sweet little girl and her family.

On a sadder Note.

Please pray for the family of Luke Pollok. This brave and beautiful ten year old lost his year long battle with cancer this afternoon. You can read his story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lukepollok. Pray for strength and comfort for this family.

Banks vs. Mortgage Lenders-- Too Many Choices! How Do You Know What Your Getting?

If you are buying a home chances are you will be using a mortgage, and there are some BIG differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers. I hope this information assist you in making an educated decision as to which will better suit your needs.

Bank loan officers or credit union loan officers are employees who sell and process mortgages for their employer. The loan officers offer a wide variety of loans that all originate from one lending institution, the bank where they are employed.

A loan officer assist you in completing an application and provides you with a list of required documents needed for loan approval. After your personal credit is approved the loan officer moves forward to close your purchase.

Mortgage brokers are independent contractors who are paid a fee to bring borrowers and lenders (investors) together. They provide their services for a pool from a few to several hundred lenders.

Mortgage brokers find you the home buyer, evaluate your credit and determine which lender is the best fit for your needs. The broker submits your application to several lenders in order to sell it and earn a commission. Once a lender is selected they work with the lender, to meet their requirements, until the loan closes.

Brokers are paid a fee for each transaction and the more appealing the loan is to the lender the more they make.

As a consumer it is somewhat difficult to tell if you are truly dealing with a bank or a mortgage broker. Some mortgage brokerages use the words 'bank' or 'banker' in their company name, it is always a good idea to ask.

There are pros and cons to using either a bank loan officer or a mortgage broker, the best thing to do is shop around. Interview the people you are interested in using, without allowing them to run your credit. Only submit a credit application after you have chosen the person you wish to work with. Buying a home can be and is very stressful use someone you can trust to get the job done.

For information on 'How to Secure Financing the Smart Way' and 'Questions Buyers Should Ask a Mortgage Lender' please email me your address and I will send you a buyer's information packet with these tips. My email is CindyCranston@remax.net, or you can visit my website www.GoSeeCindy.com and register as a user.

I want to be a valuable source for all your real estate needs. I appreciate your support of my business and value any input you may have. ---Cindy

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.  

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Unlike the traditional agent, I am a professional REALTOR©.

I adhere to the REALTOR© code of ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS©.

I put my client's best interest above my own at all times.

I act with honesty and integrity with clients, customers and other professionals I come in contact with in the day to day operations of my business.

I understand that each property and client is unique and work with my buyers and sellers to realize their true desires and goals.

I understand and utilize the latest technologies to ensure the properties I market get the best exposure.

I meet with my sellers to customize a marketing strategy that fits their needs.

I communicate openly with my client's, I am always open to constructive suggestions.

If you are tired of the traditional agent who is unable to articulate what makes them different from the other 7000+ agents in your area, and are ready to work with a professional, give me a call.

Chevette vs. Corvette-Which type of agent do you want representing you, a traditional agent or a professional REALTOR®?

Are you tired of hearing comments like these...

"I'm the top salesperson in my company!"

"I'm a multi-million dollar producer!"

"I've won numerous awards!"

"If I can't sell this house no one can!"

"I'm the best, the greatest, the real estate God, me, me, me, me!"

Traditional agents boast about their accomplishments, you do all the listening. They have huge EGO'S and inflated resumes. But the bottom line is they make everything about THEM. They leave the clients concerns as a secondary consideration. Traditional agents do this because they cannot articulate why they differ from the other 7000 agents in this market area.

A professional REALTOR® makes YOUR needs and goals the focus. They listen to you and customize their marketing plans for each individual property. They never subscribe to a traditional agents "one-size-fits-all" approach to real estate. Professional REALTORS®, while they generally enjoy a higher level of success, are focused on the future not living in the past, and are willing to adapt in the ever changing market. They handle stress, constructive criticisms, and everyday problems in the same manner they handle their success and praises, calmly and professionally. They work well with the other PROFESSIONALS they come in contact with and rely on to conduct business.

The difference between a professional REALTOR® and a traditional agent can best be described in the following metaphor; what is the difference between driving a Chevette or a Corvette. Chevette vs. Corvette-Which type of agent do you want representing you, a traditional agent or a professional REALTOR®? They are both Chevy's, the names sound alike, both will get you to your destination, but the experience in getting there is very different.

The traditional agents has a very basic skill set, while the professional REALTORS® has a more intense knowledge and understanding of the client's individual needs, the current market, contracts and managing through to close.

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.  

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Unlike the traditional agent, I am a professional REALTOR©.

I adhere to the REALTOR© code of ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS©.

I put my client's best interest above my own at all times.

I act with honesty and integrity with clients, customers and other professionals I come in contact with in the day to day operations of my business.

I understand that each property and client is unique and work with my buyers and sellers to realize their true desires and goals.

I understand and utilize the latest technologies to ensure the properties I market get the best exposure.

I meet with my sellers to customize a marketing strategy that fits their needs.

I communicate openly with my client's, I am always open to constructive suggestions.

If you are tired of the traditional agent who is unable to articulate what makes them different from the other 7000+ agents in your area, and are ready to work with a professional, give me a call.

Cats Laughing Photo Curtesy of www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Cats/Laugh.htm

Have you laughed today? Did you know doctors beleive laughter is good for your health? Some doctors believe laughter helps people feel better and may actually help them live longer.

Next time your feeling rundown try laughing.

 May you be blessed by blessing another.

Are You A Pessimist? Do You Fail To See Opportunity When It Comes Knocking? Stop making excuses and start looking for opportunity.

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Winston Churchill.

Current market conditions make now one of the best time in recent history to take advantage of the buyer's market and purchase a home. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, buying your next home, purchasing a second or vacation home, or buying investment property, current market conditions work to your favor. As a buyer you have a slight advantage when negotiation price with current housing inventory levels.

 If you are a First-Time Home Buyer, you have the additional incentive of the soon to expire up to $8000 Tax Credit. This $8000 Tax Credit requires that your home loan must close and fund before December 1, 2009.

If you are trading-up your home it is also a great time to do so. In most cases you will more than make-up any loss in price in the selling your home when purchasing the larger/upgraded home. Let me explain; Let's say that in 2006 you thought about listing your home and had your REALTOR© prepare a Competitive Fair Market Analysis. This analysis showed your home to have a Fair Market Value of around $160,000. In current market conditions your homes Fair Market Value is around$140,000. This may make you hesitant to list your home because you are only looking at the smaller picture. You are only seeing a loss of $20,000. Let me show you the bigger picture; you want to upgrade to a home that under current market conditions is in the $250,000 price range. If we can assume based on the difference in your property the same percentage of loss in value on the upgraded home, then you actually come out ahead trading-up in a down market.

Let Me Show You.

Your home decreased in value 12% since 2006 this is a decrease of 4% per year until now, not unrealistic numbers. Using this 12% you can assume the upgraded home would have sold for somewhere around $280,000, a $30,000 decrease from 2006. This means that you are coming out $10,000 ahead trading-up in a down market.

If you are looking to buy a home, or sell your existing home and trade-up, there may not be a better time. Do not let today's opportunities pass you by. Give me a call!

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.  

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Unlike the traditional agent, I am a professional REALTOR.

I adhere to the REALTOR code of ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS©.

I put my client's best interest above my own at all times.

I act with honesty and integrity with clients, customers and other professionals I come in contact with in the day to day operations of my business.

I understand that each property and client is unique and work with my buyers and sellers to realize their true desires and goals.

I understand and utilize the latest technologies to ensure the properties I market get the best exposure.

I meet with my sellers to customize a marketing strategy that fits their needs.

I communicate openly with my client's, I am always open to constructive suggestions.

If you are tired of the traditional agent who is unable to articulate what makes them different from the other 7000+ agents in your area, and are ready to work with a professional, give me a call.

Words Of Wisdom! Do you have something that inspires you?

"To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you."Tony Dorsett.

These are truly inspiring words from a man who pushed as far as he could to up his 'game' to a level that few can imagine. Do you have something that inspires you? --Cindy

Disclaimer:Do not misconstrue that by quoting Tony Dorsett, that I am a Dallas Cowboy fan. I am and have always been a New Orleans Saints fan. Sometimes even I find inspiration from the least expected of sources. LOL

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.  

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Unlike the traditional agent, I am a professional REALTOR.

I adhere to the REALTOR© code of ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS©.

I put my client's best interest above my own at all times.

I act with honesty and integrity with clients, customers and other professionals I come in contact with in the day to day operations of my business.

I understand that each property and client is unique and work with my buyers and sellers to realize their true desires and goals.

I understand and utilize the latest technologies to ensure the properties I market get the best exposure.

I meet with my sellers to customize a marketing strategy that fits their needs.

I communicate openly with my client's, I am always open to constructive suggestions.

Shannon Ridge Subdivision, Floresville, TX 78114! A Great Place to Live! For a little over nine years I have called the Shannon Ridge Subdivisionin Floresville my home, and it is a great place to live and raise a family.

Shannon Ridge is a subdivision located in northern Wilson County, Texas, about twenty five miles southeast of downtown San Antonio and six miles north of Floresville. We are close enough to easily access the amenities of San Antonio, yet we enjoy a peaceful country setting. Our properties average about two- five acres in size and many are heavily wooded. Our soil, a rich sandy loam, is easily tilled, making gardening and landscaping a joy.

Children living in Shannon Ridge attend school at the TEA recognized campuses in Floresville. The Floresville ISD offers a wide range of programs and curriculum, focusing on encouraging children to graduate and continue on to college.

Shannon Ridge is just one of many great neighborhoods in Wilson County. Over the coming months I will highlight some of the other great places to call home in the Floresville, La Vernia, Adkins, Stockdale and Poth areas.

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.  

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Unlike the traditional agent, I am a professional REALTOR.

I adhere to the REALTOR code of ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS©.

I put my client's best interest above my own at all times.

I act with honesty and integrity with clients, customers and other professionals I come in contact with in the day to day operations of my business.

I understand that each property and client is unique and work with my buyers and sellers to realize their true desires and goals.

I understand and utilize the latest technologies to ensure the properties I market get the best exposure.

I meet with my sellers to customize a marketing strategy that fits their needs.

I communicate openly with my client's, I am always open to constructive suggestions.

If you are tired of the traditional agent who is unable to articulate what makes them different from the other 7000+ agents in your area, and are ready to work with a professional, give me a call.

Thanks! My Friends At Alamo Title, 925 Coronado Blvd. Ste 102, Universal City, Texas  78148!

When I have a tricky close I am always confident in using Alamo Title, 925 Coronado Blvd. Ste 102, Universal City, Texas  78148. The team of Katie McBrearty and Norma Nead , have always exceeded my expectations, I know my clients will be treated right in their capable hands.

Whether you are a first time home buyer or a someone who has been around this block a time or two, they are going to take care of your individual needs and concerns at Alamo Title,  925 Coronado Blvd. Ste 102, Universal City, Texas  78148.

If you are a new agent and are looking for a title company that will treat your valued clients like their valued clients look no further than Alamo Title, 925 Coronado Blvd. Ste 102, Universal City, Texas  78148.

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.  

Simply Stunning!Move in Ready, 2666+/- SF Custom Rock Home on 1.24+/-Acres. The Home Offers 5 Full Bedrooms or 4 and an Office, and 2 and 1/2 Bathrooms. The Common Areas Feature 2 Dining or 2 Living Areas, Large Electric Rock Fireplace, High Ceilings, Recessed Lighting, Many Large Windows, A Whole House Central Vac System, and 18" Tile Floors Throughout. The Kitchen Offers a Rock-Faced Wrap Around Breakfast Bar, and Rock Accents Over the Smooth Cook-Top Stove, an Island, Corian Counter-Tops, 42" Custom Cabinets, and Step-In Pantry. The Split Master Bedroom Has High Trayed Ceilings, and a Full Master Bath. Master Bath Has His and Hers Vanities, Separate Tub and Shower, and a Huge Walk-In Closet. The Property is fenced in the back with the front in Wrought Iron. The Tree-Filled Lot Offers Many Mature Oaks Including Heritage Oaks. RV/Boat Parking is Available within the 38X38 Detached Covered Metal Parking Garage w/38X10 Storage Area, and Seperate Driveway. This Home Has A Lot To Offer Call Cindy To Schedule Your Private Showing Today @ 210-373-8634.

Cindy Cranston is a REALTOR© living and doing business in the South San Antonio, Floresville and La Vernia, Texas market. She represents both homeowners and home buyers in these areas.  

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Unlike the traditional agent, I am a professional REALTOR.

I adhere to the REALTOR code of ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS©.

I put my client's best interest above my own at all times.

I act with honesty and integrity with clients, customers and other professionals I come in contact with in the day to day operations of my business.

I understand that each property and client is unique and work with my buyers and sellers to realize their true desires and goals.

I understand and utilize the latest technologies to ensure the properties I market get the best exposure.

I meet with my sellers to customize a marketing strategy that fits their needs.

I communicate openly with my client's, I am always open to constructive suggestions.

If you are tired of the traditional agent who is unable to articulate what makes them different from the other 7000+ agents in your area, and are ready to work with a professional, give me a call.