january 2012
DESCRIPTION
Hill Country Real Estate Report January 2012 issueTRANSCRIPT
Austin Ruple- Ruple Properties, www.SouthTexasProperties.com- Specializes in ranch sales throughout the Texas Hill Country including South Texas.- Operates two offices, one in Boerne and one in Pleasanton.
Laura Fore - Raised in Kerrville, the Texas Hill Country has been part of Laura’s life since she was a little girl. As such, she is quite familiar with the many different neighborhoods and the offerings of each.- After receiving her college education at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Laura went on to work as the Administrative Manager for the #1 Real Estate Team in the Coastal Bend before “getting back to her roots” and moving home to Kerrville. - When not hard at work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being actively involved in the art community, and traveling.
Debbie Vallone-Homeier, Broker- Licensed, professional Real Estate Broker, and manages this firm's Blanco office.- She and her husband Carl also own and operate Paragon C&D Builders, a construction company that works hand in hand with the firm's real estate operations.- Specializes in Blanco County and also serves the surrounding Bexar, Comal, Gillespie, Hays and Kendall counties.- Reside in Blanco. Debbie's civic activities are many, and currently include being the 2011 Blanco Chamber Secretary; 2011 Gillespie MLS Board Director; 2011 TAR Political Affairs Committee Member; 2009 Blanco Chamber of Commerce President, as well as the Visionaries in Preservation Task Force Lead, and the Wildlife Rescue Event Chairperson & Volunteer.
Charlie Hill- Vice President, Development and Marketing DHI Investments- After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in finance in 2000, Charlie spent five years at Guaranty Bank in Dallas as an Assistant Vice President of commercial real estate lending and also homebuilder finance.- In 2005, Charlie joined DHI and has been actively involved in finance, entitlement, development, construction and marketing for new development projects, including Johnson Ranch, Cordillera Ranch and Ledgestone, management and leasing of three commercial properties, as well as strategic investment and finance planning for DHI.
HILL REAL ESTATE REPORT Magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. HILL COUnTRy REAL ESTATE REPORT Magazine and Schooley
Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions
expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of HILL COUnTRy REAL ESTATE REPORT and/or Schooley Media Ventures.
Copyright 2011 Schooley Media Ventures, 265 n. Main, Suite C, Boerne, TX 78006
Vic nixon- Has been in the real estate business for 34 years and has lived in Fredericksburg all of his life except when he went to college. - Has a BBA from Sul Ross State University and has been President of the Gillespie Co Board of Realtors® and the Jaycees. - Is a past trustee of the Hill Country Memorial Hospital.
Jane Marie Hurst, Realtor®- Director with KW Commercial.- Represents clients in the Highland Lakes and Texas Hill Country areas specifically within the cities of Marble Falls, Burnet, Horseshoe Bay, Spicewood, and Cottonwood Shores. - Jane Marie has been directly involved in the development of the mixed-use master planned communities of La Ventana at Lake Marble Falls in Marble Falls, TX and The Ranch at Delaware Creek in Burnet, TX. - Jane Marie is currently an elected City Council Member for the City of Marble Falls and appointed to the Board of Directors for the City of Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation. - Married to Steve Hurst, an attorney practicing in the area of real estate amongst other areas of the law, and they have three children: Bill, Daniel and Tory.
Sherman D. Durst- Spent almost 30 years in the real estate industry and as the owner-broker of Fredericksburg Realty.- Has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Teaching Certificate, from Texas State- Is a host of graduate real estate designations, including Certified Residential Broker, Accredited Buyer Representative, Luxury Home Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist and Senior Real Estate Specialist. - Sherman has served as a Fredericksburg City Councilman, a city Planning and Zoning Commissioner, as President (and VP) of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, as the first President of the Fredericksburg’s Shopkeepers Guild and on numerous other city and county foundations, historical societies and special event boards.
Brad Goebel- 1991 graduate of Baylor University with a Business Management Degree.- Real estate agent with Horseshoe Bay Resort Realty in Horseshoe Bay, Tx.- Acquired his real estate license in 1996.- Brad and his wife, Kristi, reside outside of Marble Falls, Tx. Brad has a daughter, Kylie, who is 12 years old and son, Gage, who is 2 years old.
Advisory Council
elcome to the January 2012 issue of the Hill Country Real Estate Report. As we finish up 2011 and begin to set our sights on 2012, my staff and I want to thank each and every one of you for
the tremendous response we’ve experienced with the magazine. Starting a new publication is never an easy task, especially one as focused as this one, but the kind words and great response we’ve enjoyed has certainly kept us motivated. We look forward to working with each of you in the coming issues as we continue to provide you with a great resource. In this issue, we are looking at a variety of challenges facing the market. From financing to rentals to luxury homes, we are taking a comprehensive look at the “state of affairs” for a variety of buyers. Hopefully you can gain a greater understanding for what’s happening out there so you can be in a prime position to adapt. Speaking of content, we want to continue to reach out to you, the realtor, and remind you that you are responsible for 100 percent of the content that finds its way into the magazine. So if you’ve got a great article idea, or know of an interesting bit of news that’s occurring in your area, we’d love to hear about it. Just drop us a quick note to [email protected] and we’ll take it from there! Again, thanks so much for taking the time to read the Hill Country Real Estate Report and I hope you enjoy what you find on these pages. We hope that 2012 brings continued strength in the housing market, and that you set new records! All the best,
Benjamin D. [email protected]
5 WhatInsuranceFitsYourNeedsBest?
6 TheEffectsofPIGGSDebt
10 TheAppealofRentingStillGrowing
14 HSBtogetFirstFullGrocery
19 Realtor’s®Do’sandDon’ts
20 PhyllisBrowningCelebratesAnniversary
22 MoreChangesAheadforKerrville
25 Realtor®Profile-Denise Graves
28 TopTechnologyforRealtors®
30 LocalTitleCompanyintheBigLeagues
32 LuxuryMarketStillBooming
Contents
Brett McDowell- Has nearly a decade of experience in commercial finance. Brett has been active in this capacity in the Texas Hill Country since 2006.- Holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Texas Tech University as well as a Graduate Banking Degree from the Cox School of Business at SMU. - Brett and his wife, Ginger, enjoy traveling and outdoor activities of all types. Brett is active in the Hill Country young Men’s Business League and the Independent Banker’s Association of Texas. - Senior Vice-President at HCSB specializing in: • Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate • non-Owner Occupied and Development Lending • Commercial and Industrial Lending • Middle Market and Small Business Banking
Send us your opinion at [email protected]
W
2 | January 2012
This Month’sFeatured Property
This Month’sFeatured Property
Rocky Ridge Ranch, a unique and completely high fenced “turn key” property located in Edwards County, Texas off of Hwy. 83 north of Garven’s Store. The acreage and facilities are ideal for multiple uses such as a private residence, personal or corporate retreat, or that very special hunting ranch you always dreamed about. This ranch is ready to go! The planning, preparation, and hard work is already done. Just move in, prop your boots on the banister, and enjoy from day one. Special features include: a lodge style five bedroom house with polished pine millwork and bamboo hardwood floors throughout; foundation in place for a master suite addition; guest house/hunter’s cabin; newly constructed lake; large walk-in game cooler; large metal outbuilding for storage, tractor, or workshop; views for miles. Own your piece of Texas history on land that once was part of the legendary YO Ranch.
Kerrville MLS# 74894; Lands of Texas #985133
ROCKY RIDGE RANCH128 ACRES
EDWARDS COUNTY$499,000
By Amber ThomasonStaff Writer,
State Farm™Everybody has to live somewhere, right? And whether you choose to live in a home, condo, or apartment, you’ll want to protect your home and property with a residentialinsurance policy. Here’s what you need to know about insuring your home, no matter where you choose to do it.
Insured Hazards Residential coverage insures your dwelling and/or personal property against common causes of damage and loss, such as theft, vandalism, fire, lightning, ice, wind and plumbing malfunctions, among others. However, some hazards will not be covered, including floods, earthquakes and hazards that affect the land itself but not the building, such as contamination. When considering residential insurance, ask your agent which perils are included in the basic policy and which may require separate or additional coverage.
Homeowners Insurance A homeowners policy is typically the most comprehensive form of residential insurance because it covers a house’s exterior and interior, as well other structures on the property, such as a garage. The policy will also cover residents’ personal property, including clothes, furniture, electronic equipment and other household items. (Additional coverage may be needed for especially valuable items.)
Before buyers finalize a mortgage, lenders usually require that they purchase a homeowners policy so if you’re in the market for a house, contact an agent to start the process. If you already own a home but have no insurance, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports the average cost to insure a single-family home is about $800 per year. That’s peace of mind for an affordable price.
Condo Insurance Like homeowners insurance, condo insurance is usually required by lenders as a condition of the mortgage. However, the cooperative nature of a condominium adds a few twists to a traditional homeowners policy. Usually the building’s exterior, common spaces and some unit structural elements will be covered under the condo association’s master policy. The cost of this insurance will be included in the dues paid to the condominium association.
The coverage needed for your particular unit will vary depending on the master policy. Most likely, you will be responsible for buying a unit policy that insures most of the interior elements – including additions, renovations and improvements – as well as your personal property. Review condominium association documents like by-laws or covenant for information on the insurance requirements for unit owners. You can also purchase additional coverage for special assessments against unit owners to pay for repairs to common property or other expenses.
Renters Insurance When you rent an apartment, your landlord is usually responsible for insuring the building’s physical structure, both inside and out.
As a renter, you alone are responsible for insuring your personal property against theft, damage, and loss. And unlike homeowners and condo insurance, renters insurance is not usually required as a condition of occupancy. That means the decision to carry renters insurance is up to you. It’s an easy decision to make, though. The average renters insurance policy costs around $12 a month, making it an affordable option for almost any budget.
Loss Of Use And Liability A residential insurance policy will also typically include coverage for loss of use and liability. Loss of use means that living expenses in excess of your normal daily budget are covered if you temporarily have to live elsewhere because your home was made uninhabitable by an insured event, such as a storm or fire. This may include hotel costs, meals and other expenses.
Liability insurance covers settlements and claims against you for physical injury to others for which you are responsible, as well as damage you cause to others’ property. This protection is an important part of your financial security.
If you have any questions about any of these coverages please feel free to contact me : Amber Thomason Mike Kropp State Farm 330 Junction Hwy Kerrville, TX 78028 830-896-1551 [email protected]
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Greece-weAmericanshearaboutthisnationof11millionalmostdaily.Mostofussimplywonder,uponpausingtothinkforanano-secondortwoaswelistentothemorningnewshoveredoverabowlofCinnamonToastCrunch,“what’supwiththoseguys,anyway?”Wearebombardedwithtalkof50percentbond-writedownshereandausterityplansthere,blah-blah-blah. Whataboutthetalkoftwo“I”edpigs?Ihavealwaysoperatedundertheimpressionthatmostpigshavetwoeyes,justnotwhenyouspellthewordpig.HaveyouheardabouttheEuropeanStabilityMechanism?Sorryfolks,ifyouguessedit’sFrance’snewestversionoftheShake-WeightoranewGermananti-depressant,youguessedwrong.AmImakingsense?Thecorrectanswerwouldbe“probablynot”.AmImakingapoint?Theansweris“yes”andthepointisthatEurope,fromafinancialperspective,makesnosenserightnow. Financially,Europeismessedup.ThePIIGS(Portugal,Italy,Ireland,Greece,andSpain)arebroke.They’rebrokebecausethey’vetriedtolendmoneytoeachotherandotherbrokeeconomiesthatcan’tpaythemback.Worseyet,they’reaskingforbailoutsfromthosesamebrokeeconomies.ThemassiveEuropeanbailoutplan,orEuropeanStabilityMechanismasitisnowknown,hasbeenonthetablenowforweeksandiscurrentlyontheropes. ThereasontheEuropackhasyettosolvetheissueliesinthefactthatthefinanciallystrong(er)oftheEuropeancountries(likeGermany,GreatBritainandtoalesserextent,France)haveafundamentalproblemwithcountrieslikeGreececontinuallyfallingshortofexpectations.Thestrongrefusetocarryadisproportionateamountofweight.ThrowinalittlenegativeattitudefromtheIMFandStandardandPoor’sandthereyouhaveit–amassivebailoutthatreallyhasaquestionablechanceofsuccessatthispointintime.Asaresultofallthebailoutuncertainty,EuropeanstocksareslumpingandtheeuroisatitslowestvalueversusthedollarsinceJanuaryofthisyear.WorldwideconcernsthattheEuro-zone’ssovereigndebtcrisisisfarfromoverhaveconsequentlybeenexacerbated.Adouble-diprecessionforEuropecouldbeinthecards. So,wehaveestablishedthattheEuropeanbailoutisnotadonedeal.What,then,couldcontinuedandpossiblymagnifiedvolatilityanduncertaintyinEuropedotothebondandcreditmarketsintheUnitedStatesgoingforward?Whilewehaveourownissuestodealwithhereathome,theeffectsshouldatleastbenon-detrimentalintheshort-run,unlessEuropedigressesintoacompletetailspin. Thenegativeshort-runsideoftheEuromesscouldmeanreducedexports(mostlyattheindividualstatelevel)totheEurozoneresultinginapossibledownwardadjustmenttoU.S.GDPestimatesand/oractualGDPfiguresin2012.Also,capitalflowsintotheFarEasthaveslowedsubstantiallyinthepastfewweeksasthestrongerEuromemberscontinuetobalkatthebailoutdeal.Shouldthistrendcontinue,therecouldbemorenegativepressureputontheworldeconomyastheincreasinglyintermingledChineseYuanisfurtherpressuredbytheworldmonetarysituation.Europe’sproblemistheWorld’sproblemtosomeextent.
Thepositivesideoftheequationdictatesthatinvestorswillcontinuetoseekrefugefromvolatilemarkets.Forthetimebeing,thatrefugewillcomeintheformofcontinuedflight-to-qualitytoU.STreasuries.Thismovementisexpectedtoprevailasinvestorsworld-wideremainriskaverseinto2012andwillseeminglycontinuetobelievethattheU.S.isthesafestplacetoinvestmoney.Withthebenchmark10-yearTreasuryyieldrecentlyslidingfurtherdownward(1.90asofMid-December),wemightinferthatthelowinterestrateenvironmentwehaveexperiencedoverthecourseofthepastfewyearscouldbeextendedwellinto2012,possiblybeyond.Withmanypublished30-yearconventionalmortgagerateshoveringaround4percentandthecurrentTEDspread(inter-bankliquiditymeasure)hangingaround50-60bps,wecouldsurmisethatthecreditmarketsforalltypesofloanswillcontinuetobeconducivetoeconomicrecoverystate-side. Onanotherpositivenote,thereiscurrentlyabroadshiftoccurringinfavorofthedollar.ThedollarisstrengtheningandwecanthankEurozonevolatilityforthat.AtlastTuesday’s(12/13/11)FederalOpenMarketCommitteeMeeting,ChairmanBernankesetthetonethatalthoughtheFedremainscautiousaboutthefutureoftheU.Seconomicrecovery,theyalsofeelmoreupbeatabouttherecoverythantheyhavepreviouslyexpressed.Themarketshavereactedinagenerallypositivemannertotheimpliedpossibilityofreducedoddsofathirddoseofquantitativeeasing.QE3couldwipeoutoptimismwithregardtothecontinuedstrengtheningofthedollar.Areducedriskofmonetaryeasingwouldnotbeartheburdenalone,butitdoeshelp. So,therewehaveit.Greece,withapopulationofapproximately3.5percentandnominalGDPof2%ofthatoftheUnitedStates,willcontinuetotakecenterstageuntilsuchtimethattheEuromessisresolved.TheimplicationsoftheEuroslidewillnodoubtcontinuetopromulgatevolatilityintheU.S.equitiesmarketsbutthecurrentsituationmightjustprovidethebreatherweneedtostageastrongeconomicrecovery.Untilthattime,interestratesshouldremainathistoriclows.Hindsightwillprovethatnowisagoodtimetorefinancethathomemortgageorcommercialpropertyifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.Contactyourbankerormortgagebrokeranddiscussthepossibilities.Untilnexttime,trynottoworrytoomuchaboutGreece,andbyallmeansenjoythatbowlofCinnamonToastCrunch.It’sdelicious.
BrettMcDowellhasnearlyadecadeofexperienceincommercialfinance.HehasbeenactiveinthiscapacityintheTexasHillCountrysince2006andholdsaMaster’sofBusinessAdministrationfromTexasTechUniversityaswellasaGraduateBankingDegreefromtheCoxSchoolofBusinessatSMU.BrettandhiswifeGingerenjoytravelingandoutdooractivitiesofalltypes.BrettisactiveintheHillCountryYoungMen’sBusinessLeagueandtheIndependentBanker’sAssociationofTexas.HeisaSeniorVice-PresidentatHCSBspecializingin:-OwnerOccupiedCommercialRealEstate-Non-OwnerOccupiedandDevelopmentLending-CommercialandIndustrialLending-MiddleMarketandSmallBusinessBanking
By Brett McDowell
6 | January 2012
The Texas Hill Country real estate market is one of the hottest in the country and the Hill Country Real Estate Report is one of the most unique real estate publications to be found. There has been no viable news source for professionals in the local real estate market to help them stay informed of the news and information they need to know to be successful – until now. Featuring articles specifically tailored to our readership, with the most comprehensive distribution list in our area, the Hill Country Real Estate Report is your premier source to learn about what’s going on throughout the industry, as well as growing your business!
AttentionRealtors®!
For more information contact us at:
210.507.5250Boerne, TX | www.hcrer.com
hcrer.com | 7
8 | January 2012
hcrer.com | 9
Withtoday’seconomy,therearemorereasons
thanevertorent.Morespecifically,therearemore
reasonsthanevertorentanapartment.Let’sface
thefacts–peoplejustaren’tbuyinghouseslikethey
usedtoandmanywouldargueforgoodreason.
Afterall,wehaveeachfeltthestingoftherecent
financialdownturnandthedramaticdropinreal
estatevaluesinthelastseveralyears.
Atpresent,mostseasonedrealestateinvestors
willtellyoutheyarelayinglow,patientlywaiting
asthemarketcontinuestodemonstratesome
continuedlevelofstabilitybeforemakingany
majorpurchases.Financialanalystsareputtingout
reportsinanefforttodebunkmythssurrounding
apartmentlivingandencouragedevelopersto
considerbuildingapartmentcomplexesratherthan
multi-familysubdivisions.So,iftheexpertsaren’tout
househunting,it’snotsurprisingthateveryonefrom
newlywedstosinglegalslikemehavebegunto
reevaluatetheideaofmakingahomepurchaseany
timesoon….ifever.
Renting.It’sthelatestcrazeinrealestate.
Seriously,everybody’sdoingit.(Well,not
EVERYONEofcourse.Somefolksarefortunate
enoughtoowntheirownhome.)Andsure,there
areplentyofpeoplewhorent/leasehouses,and
that’sallfineandgood.Butlet’sfocusforamoment
onthefactthattherearethousandsofHillCountry
residentsperfectlycontenttoliveouttheirdaysin
thecomfortofarentedapartment.Here’swhy:
Apartmentlivingdoesnotdemandthelevel
offinancialcommitmentthatcomeswithahome
purchase.Undoubtedly,ayoungperson(like
myself)whoisjustgettingstartedinlifeisunsure
aboutwhatthefutureholds.Afterall,atthespry
ageof34,buyingahomeisahugecommitment,
nottomentionacostlyendeavor.Evenifmyfirst
homewasamodesthand-me-down,thethought
ofbeingweighteddownbyamortgagepayment,
homeowner’sinsuranceandpropertytaxes–well,it
justdoesn’tsoundappealingtosomeonewhoisn’t
yetsurewherethey’llbeinfiveyears.Rentingan
apartmentprovidesthecomfortofahomewithout
alltheheadaches.Plus,expertsarenowsaying
homeequityisanillusion,encouragingconsumers
torentanapartmentfordirtcheapandinvestin
stocksinsteadofbuyingahome.
Apartmentsrequirealmostnomaintenance…
asidefromvacuuminganddusting.Whatarelief.
Nopayingforaplumberwhenthesinkclogs.No
summerdaysspentmowingtheyardandmessing
aroundwiththedarnlawnmower.Nosweepingpine
leavesofftheroof.Whenyourentanapartment,it’s
almostlikeanall-inclusivevacation.It’sapackage
deal:PayXamountofdollarspermonth,geta
maintenancecrewatyourdisposalatnoadditional
cost!Butwait!Actnowandwe’llthrowinafree
fullymaintainedswimmingpool…justpayseparate
shippingandhandling.Honestly–enoughcan’tbe
saidabouttheluxuryofnothavingtoworryabout
pestcontrolandalltheothernecessarynuancesthat
comewithhomeownership.
Easycome,easygo.Whenapersonfinds
themselvesinatransitionalperiod,anapartment
istheperfectplacetoland.Divorcees,widowers,
singlemoms,highschoolandcollegegrads–these
areperfectexamplesofsituationsthatwillcause
apersontoseekoutanapartment.Rentinggives
peopletheopportunitytoregroupandrefocus.
Shorttermscontractlikethreeandsix-monthleases
areidealforthekindofpeoplewhowantaplaceto
stay,butnotaplacetoSTAY.Whatoftenhappens,
No Vacancy?
GetReadyforAnotherLookatApartmentLiving
ByBethanyHeinesh
10 | January 2012
Americanscallapartmentshome?In2006,housingstudies
predictedanincreaseof1.8millionrentersby2015.Instead,
theindustrysawasurgeoffourmillionrentersfrom2005to
2010.The2010U.S.CensusevenrankedTexasasthestate
withthethirdhighestnumberofapartmentcomplexesinthe
country-1,508,607tobeexact.NewYorkcameinsecondwith
1,967,219apartmentcomplexesandsurprise!TheGoldenState
ofCaliforniacameinatnumberonewith2,515,960.
TheNationalMultiHousingCouncilinWashington,D.C.
reportedsomeinterestingfactsandfiguresbackinSeptember,
informationeveryrealtorshouldknow.“TheU.S.isonthecusp
offundamentalchangeinourhousingdynamicsaschanging
demographicsandchanginghousingpreferencesdrivemore
peopleawayfromthetypicalsuburbanhouseandtowardthe
typeofhousingthatrentalhousingoffers,”saidNMHCPresident
DougBibby.“Familieswithchildrenmadeupmorethanhalfof
householdsdecadesago,buttheymadeuponlyone-thirdof
householdsin2000andby2025,theywillbeclosertoone-fifth.
Intheirplacearegrowingnumbersofhouseholdswhoaremore
likelytochooserenting—singleparents,coupleswithoutchildren
andemptynesters.By2025,singlesandunrelatedindividuals
livingtogetherwillcomprise40percentofhouseholds.”
Sure,theTexasHillCountryisstillconsideredavastland
ofprimerealestate.Oiltycoons,countrywesternmegastars
andprofessionalathleteshangtheirhatsinluxuryhomesfrom
however,isthesepeoplesettleintotheirnewlifeandbecome
accustomedtolivinginanapartmentcommunity.Theynever
leave!Or,theyleaveandmovefromoneapartmenttoanother
foryears,asismystory.
Theproblem?Becauseofthereignitedattractionto
apartments,moreandmorepeoplelookingtorelocatetothe
HillCountryandrentarefindingthatsmallcitieslikeBoerne,
Bandera,FredericksburgandBlancoaresaying,“NoVacancy!”
Apartmentcomplexesarereporting100percentoccupancy
forweeksatatime,oftenblackingouttheentirecalendarfor
anyonelookingtomovetoanapartmentinacertainarea.Many
complexeshavewaitingliststhatgoonformonths.
“Icouldn’tbelieveit,”saidBreaMeyerofherrecentHill
Countryapartment-huntingexperience.Lookingtorelocatefrom
SanAntoniotoBoerne–atownof10,000–Meyerimmediately
gotherfirsttasteofsmalltownliving.“Icalledeverysingle
complexinBoerneeverydayforweeksbeforeanyonewould
eventalktomeaboutrentingaonebedroom.Theywouldtell
metheywereatmaxcapacity.Finally,Icalledonedayandoneof
thepropertymanagerstoldmeshehadaone-bedroomopening
upatthebeginningofthemonth.Ididn’tevenlookatit;Itold
herIwouldtakeit!Iwentandputadepositdownthatday.”
IntalkingtooneofBoerne’sapartmentmanagers,she
reportedthather120-unitcomplex,oneofthemoreupscale
choicesamongthecity’sdozenorsoapartmentcommunities,
hasconsistentlymaintainedanywherefroma95to98percent
occupancyrateformonths.“Thatisnotevenclosetothe
industrystandard.Westayreallyfull.Infact,theseunitsbasically
leasethemselves.Beforesomeonehasmovedout,someoneelse
isreadytomovein.”
Meyerisn’taloneinthequesttofindsolutionstotheissueof
affordablehousingintheHillCountry;it’satopicthathasmade
itswaytothemindsandconversationsofcivicleadersallover
Texas.Infact,apartmentdevelopmenthasbecomearather
contentioussubjectinmanysmall-towncommunities.
Therearethosewhoargueaffordablehousingwillattracta
certainunwantedclassofpeopleandthusresultinanincreased
crimerate.Manyhomeownerswilltellyoutheydon’twantthose
kindsofpeoplelivingdownthestreet.Theideathatapartment
rentersaresomehowsecond-classcitizensandshouldbefeared
byhomeownersisjustplainsilly.Asoneofthosepeople,I
cantellyouIloveapartmentliving.I’maprofessional,single
womanpursuingacareer–notsomeriffraffthecatdrugin.My
neighborsarealsohard-working,law-abidingcitizenswholovea
glassofwine,agoodcountrysongandaSundaytriptochurch.
Assomeonelookingtoenjoyluxuryapartmentliving,finding
myplaceinBoernewasarealchallengeanditshouldn’thaveto
bethatway.P.S.theaverageincomeforapersonlivinginaHill
Countryapartmentisreportedly$38,000.Nottooshabby.
Anotherhurdlerentalpropertysupportersfaceiscommunity
backlash.Apartmentdevelopersarenotwelcomebyarea
homeownerswhowillbedirectlyeffectedbythebuildingof
acomplex.Inevitably,almosteveryapartmentcommunitywill
backuptosomeone’sfenceorbebuiltinthevacantlotacross
thestreet.Nothingwillrallyneighborsfasterthanwhatthey
thinkisamuchneededtriptoacitycouncilmeetingtooppose
developmentandrunoffpotentialbuilders.
Incontrast,therearethosewhoaremakinganeffortto
educatethecommunityabouttherealtyofapartmentcomplexes
andthepeoplewholivethere.Homeownersandrealtorsare
bothguiltyofstereotypingapartmentdwellersasirresponsible
partyanimalswhodestroypropertyanddisturbthepeaceor
childmolesterswhocan’tfindhousingelsewhere.Thankfully,the
powersthatbearecurrentlyworkingtoraisepublicawareness
aboutthegrowingneedforapartments,actingasthevoiceof
thosepeoplewhoaren’ttooconcernedwithgettingoutand
rallyingsupportfortheissueofaffordablehousing.
Statisticssuggesttherearecurrentlymorepeoplerenting
apartmentsthaneverbefore.Didyouknowmorethan17million
BanderaallthewaytoFredericksburg.Whileit’struethatTexasis
stilltheplacetobeifyouhappentobeintherealestatebiz,the
times–theyarea–changing.Yes,peoplelovelivingintheLone
StarStatewhereTexansenjoyeverythingfromwideopenspaces
withbabblingbrooksandoldfarmhousesinLlanotocustom
builthomesinexclusiveneighborhoodslikeBoerne’sCordillera
RanchorKerrville’sComancheTrace.Nevertheless,thereisan
increasinglynoticeableneedforsmaller,moreaffordableplaces
toliveasthepopulationofapartmentfolkcontinuestoincrease
bytheminute.
Everyrealtor’sheartskipsabeatwhentheythinkofthedream
client–somebigtalldrinkofwaterwhomoseysintotheiroffice
andlaysoutacouplemillfor500acresinthemiddleofnowhere.
Now,that’sallfineandgood,butlet’sgetreal….Firstofall,those
kindofclientsarefarandfewbetweenandthefactisyoumay
nevercrosspathswithoneinyourentirecareer.Two,asany
successfulrealtorknows,there’salotofhustlinginvolvedinthe
saleofahomeorpieceorproperty.Alltoooften,realtorsmake
themistakeofbankingonbigsalesorpursuingthemwitha
fervorthatcausesthemtoignore“thelittlepeople.”Thereisan
entiredemographicofHillCountryresidentsbeingoverlooked
“Your home isn’t the
investment you think
it is.”
- Wall Street Journal
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entirelyandnotbeingofferedtheservicesofaknowledgeable
andunderstandingrealtorwhowillcatertotheirindividualneed
ratherthantrytogivethemtheolehomeownershipsalespitch.
TheWallStreetJournalisreportingthat“yourhomeisn’tthe
investmentyouthinkitis.”TheNewYorkTimesgivesawordof
adviceinahousingslump:rent.AccordingtoasurveybyFannie
Mae,almosthalfofallrenterssaidtheyrentoutofchoiceand
notnecessity.HeadlinesalloverAmericaarescreamingRENT!
DuringthiscriticaltimeinAmericanhistory,beingflexibleand
opentoinnovativeapproachestorealestateisessentialtothe
survivaloftheeverelusiveAmericanDream.
Someadvice–stayupwiththetimes!Realtorseverywhere…
wakeuptotheshifthappeningintoday’srealestatemarket.
Arapidlychangingtrendissweepingthecountry.Weare
shiftingfromasocietyofhomebuyerstoagainingmajorityof
renters.Bigthingsarehappeningatthenationallevelinthe
areaofaffordablehousingandapartmentsinparticular.The
messagebeingsentisloudandclear–Americawantsandneeds
affordablehousing.
Herearesomekeypointsfrompresentationsrecentlymadeby
theNationalMultiHousingCouncil,whoistryingtoimplement
anewhousingpolicy.Thesemessageshavebeendesignedto
encourageapartmentrentalsasopposedtohomepurchases:
•Housingisshelter,notaninvestment.A$100
investmentinhousingin1985wouldbeworth$235today,
whilethatsame$100placedinstockswouldbeworth
$1,200—morethanfivetimesasmuch.
•Apartmentdevelopment=eco-friendly.Shift
60percentofnewgrowthtocompact,walkable
neighborhoods—thekindswhereapartmentsarefound—and
theU.S.willsave85millionmetrictonsofcarbondioxide
annuallyby2030.Plus,apartmentspreservegreenspace,
therebyreducingdamagetostreams,lakesandriversby
reducingtheamountofpavedsurfaces.
•Americaneedsrentalproperties.Oneprominent
researcherestimatesthatinordertomeetemerginghousing
needs,halfofallnewhomesbuiltbetweennowand2020
shouldberentalunits.Approximately19millionhousingunits
willneedtobebuilttoaccommodatepopulationgrowth.
•PayingrentisNOTthrowingawaymoney.Reality:for
thefirstfiveyearsofownership,youaresimplygivingaway
yourmoneytoabank.Nearlyone-thirdofallbuyersmove
withinfiveyearsbeforetheystartbuildinganyrealequity.
Theargumentforapartmentdevelopmentisstrongandit
continuestogainmomentumasorganizationsliketheNMHC
imploreAmericanstotakeanotherlookathomeownershipand
choosewhatthey’recallingthemorefeasiblesolutionforour
country’sever-changingwayoflife–renting.
Asforthemyththatapartmentrentersaresomehowsecond-
classcitizensandshouldbefearedbyhomeownersisjustplain
silly.Asoneofthosepeople,IcantellyouIloveapartment
living.I’maprofessionalwomanpursuingacareer–notsome
riffraffthecatdrugin.Myneighborsarealsohard-working,law-
abidingcitizenswholoveaglassofwine,agoodcountrysong
andaSundaytriptochurch.Assomeonelookingtoenjoyluxury
apartmentliving,findingmyplaceinBoernewasarealchallenge
anditshouldn’thavetobethatway.P.S.theaverageincomefor
apersonlivinginaHillCountryapartmentisreportedly$38,000.
Nottooshabby.
Sowhatdoesallthismeanforyou,therealestate
professional?Simple.Beforwardthinking.Becomeanadvocate
foraffordablehousing.Soonerratherthanlater,investorsand
developersaregoingtobehittingsmallcommunitieshard.
They’llbeseekingplanningandzoningchangesandapproval
fromcitycouncilsandaddressingallthedetailsneededtoputup
a100+unitapartmentcomplex.Expandtheservicesyouoffer,
connectwithlocalapartmentmanagers,talktoyourcolleagues
andbeproactiveaboutyourbusiness…dowhateverittakesso
thatwhentheapartmentboomrocksyourcommunitytothecore
(anditwill),you’llbeready.
12 | January 2012
hcrer.com | 13
InaregionwherethereisanHEBonnearlyeverycorner,HorseshoeBay
hasbeenaHillCountryoddity.Atpresent,thetowncurrentlyoperates
withoutagrocerystore–thenearestbeinginMarbleFalls–soHorseshoe
Bayresidentsareexcitedthatsoon,thankstoJamail’s,afreshproduceand
specialtygrocerwillsoonbeopening.
OriginallyaHouston-onlygrocer,JimandKathyJamail,alongwith
daughterandson-in-lawPaigeandMicahBarnes,arere-locatingtheir
businesstoHorseshoeBay.Jamail’s,knownforitsexcellentqualityand
vastselection,nottomentionamazingservice,hasn’tchangedmuchfrom
whenNageeb“Jim”Jamailcreatedhisfirstfruitandvegetablestandafter
comingtothestatesin1905.OriginallyfromBekfaya,Lebanon,Jimstarted
sellingintheHouston’sFarmers’Marketandwasquicklyrecognizedforhis
fairpriced,high-qualityproduce.
Eventually,theproducestandgrewintoasmallgrocerystorerunby
Jamail,hiswifeMaryandtheirfivechildren.JamailandSonsgrocerygrew
intoareputablefamilybusinesswhichcateredtomanyfamouscustomers,
includingactors,comedians,pastpresidentsandevenprimeministers.
AftermanyyearsintheHoustonmarket,amovetotheHillCountry
seemedlikethenextlogicalstep.DeveloperMikeWalsh,knownfor
buildingTheTrailsofHorseshoeBayandTheFallsinMarbleFalls,had
purchasedthelandat9710Hwy.2147inHorseshoeBayandwaslooking
toputinaretailcenter.
“IhadSuperSFoodsandotherchainslookintoputtingagrocerystore
ontheproperty,buttheyallrolledupandquittalking,”hesaid.
WalshsaidhethoughtabouthisfellowSt.ThomasHighSchoolalumni
JimJamailinHouston.HeknewJamail’sfamilyhadbeeninthegrocery
businessforthreegenerations,sotheywentintotalkstopartnerupand
getagrocerystoretoHorseshoeBay.
WhenWalshapproachedJamail,hewasnolongerinthegrocery
business.Insteadhewassellingwholesaleproducestraighttocustomers.
Jamailsaid,“Ihavehadmanyopportunitiespresentedtometoopen
By Leah Bredemeyer
14 | January 2012
anotherstore,butnonehadinterestedme.Thentheopportunitytoopen
astoreinHorseshoeBaycamealong,anditwasexactlywhatIwaslooking
for.Wehavenowbeeninthedevelopmentalstagesformanyyears,and
nowthatthebuildinghascommenced,thingsaremovingahead
quitequickly.”
Keepingwithwhattheyknow,thenewstorewillhavethesamequality
Jamail’shasbeenknownfor,butinanimpressive,new15,800sq.ft.store.
“We’renotgoingtobefocusedonthesatelliteside,”Jamailsaid.“We’re
notgoingtohavehousewaresorbluejeans.Thisgrocerywillnotbeas
tremendousasthepaststores,butwillstillhaveallthemajordepartments
andwillconcentrateonfreshproducts.”
OneconcernJamailhadwaswiththepersonnelrequiredtorunsuch
astore.“Wewerenotsureweweregoingtofindstaffouthere,but
havebeenpleasantlysurprisedtohaveagreatmanyinterestedwiththe
sameworkethicswehave.Manyhavecomeforwardinthisjobmarket.”
Jamailalsosaidhewaspleasantlysurprisedwiththeresponsefromthe
community.“Theresidentshaveshowntremendoussupport,theyare
constantlyE-mailingme.Theyarehappywearecomingandcan’twaitfor
ustoopen.”
OneofthoseeagerresidentsisrealestateprofessionalBradGoebel.
HesaidhethinksthegrocerystorewillbethehubofactivityinHorseshoe
Bay.“Ithinkthestorewillgivethisareatheexcitementandsynergythat
isneededtostimulatetherealestatesales.Forsolongwehaveheard,
HorseshoeBayneedsahospital,HorseshoeBayneedsagrocerystore.
Well,nowwewillhaveboth!Jamail’sandScottandWhiteRegional
Hospitalwillhaveatremendousimpactofthegrowthofthisarea.”
GoebelreportsthatJamail’shadagreatvarietyoffoodsattheirstore
inHouston.“Forexample,theyhad117differenttypesofmustard.Also,
theywereoneofthefirstgrocerystoresinTexastohavepreparedmeats
thattheysoldinthestore.Shopperscouldtakeithomeanditwasreadyto
eat.Eachoftheirsteakswerehand-cuteveryday.Theirproducewasalways
freshandtheyalwayshadstoreemployeestohelpwithproduceselections
andtoansweranyquestions.”
WhenaskedwhattheresidentsofHorseshoeBaycanlookforwardto
beingstockedontheshelves,Jamailsaid,“Wearegoingtohaveawide
selectiontocheeses,withagreatmanyimportedfromoverseas.We’renot
goingtoopenacanofbeans,cookitandserveit;itwillallbedonewith
freshproduce.We’regoingtohavepâtéandcaviarandalsowewillnot
haveanypre-packagedmeats-everythingwillbecutfresh.Theproduce
willleanmoretowardsbeingfromtheHillCountry,butifitisimportedit
willbefresh.”
Residentshaveseentheprogressofthebuildingandwillgetto
experiencetheTexas-renownedexcellenceofJamail’ssoonerthanlater.
“EverythinginHorseshoeBaymovesatasnailpace,itsmorerelaxedand
adifferentdynamicthanHouston.It’stakenalongertimetogetthings
rolling,butthat’snotunusualhere.Wearelookingtoopenthisnextspring
insteadofsummer.Weareonscheduleandthatisanicesurprise,”Jamail
said.
YouwatchtheprogressofthebuildinghappeningatJamail’s.Visitwww.
jamails.comorcheckthemoutonFacebook.
hcrer.com | 15
If you have news, let us know! [email protected]
“In terms of real estate, what is the one thing your community is lacking? More residential housing? Big box retail? More open space? Other?”
Here is what Blanco, TX lacks:Affordable housing & senior retirement community.
As an agent, I hear this all the time.
As a builder, I have the perfect spot for affordable housing and the perfect spot for a retirement community.
Debbie Vallone-Homeier
Vallone Real Estate II & Paragon C&D BuildersBlanco, TX
My opinion is that available financing is the one thing the community is lacking.
One solution to the problem would be lease to own your property.
S. Tom CarleKeller Williams Realty
“I think we need a grocery store withfresh produce and meat, not just frozen stuff.”
Lynda EscalanteReal Estate Haus
New Braunfels, TX
“I think affordablehousing for blue-collar workers
needs to be addressed.”
Cyn Thomas
Next moNth’s opiNioN topic:“Share one of your favorite stories about your best or worst client!”
e-mail your responses to [email protected]
Tony Mangus Tony has been nominated as a Semi-Finalist for the Platinum Top 50 Realtors in San Antonio. www.platinumtop50.com PT50 REALTORS® are successful professionals and community leaders. Platinum Top 50 Winners stay current with marketplace trends through the acquirement of professional designations and by taking an active role in industry organizations that promote education and affect the governance of industry standards. Platinum Top 50 Winners also generously give back to the public through participation in various community, nonprofit and philanthropic activities, and achieve high levels of sales production.
Stagecoach Realty And Coldwell Banker D’ann Harper, Realtors® Join Forces Martha Bodiford and Rene’ Leith, Co-Owners of Stagecoach Realty in Bandera, Texas and D’Ann Harper, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® have joined forces to form Coldwell Banker Stagecoach Realty. Joining Sales Associates Bodiford and Leith will be Linda Stevens, Kat Ryan, June Baker, Terry West, Ginger Puckett, and John Figueroa. Carol Schultz, Manager of Harper’s former Bandera office will continue to serve as Sales Manager for the new Bandera office. Bodiford and Leith say they plan to continue doing what they have always loved to do, which is to help people and to serve their community. “We truly believe that the resources D’Ann can provide the Sales Associates and to our Clients will far exceed anything we have seen thus far in the Bandera community,” says Leith and Bodiford. “I am very excited about this expansion of our Company!” says Harper. “Our Bandera office, which opened in 2009, has enjoyed a very successful presence in the Bandera market area. However, with the addition of the Stagecoach sales team, it will allow us to grow and expand our services even more,” says Harper. The Coldwell Banker Stagecoach Realty office is located at 603 Main Street, Bandera, Texas. In addition, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® has three offices in San Antonio, an office in new Braunfels, and in Boerne. AboutColdwellBankerD’AnnHarper,Realtors® Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, Realtors® is a local real estate expert, serving the entire greater San Antonio area, new Braunfels, Boerne, and surrounding areas. We represent buyers and sellers in all phases of their transactions. The properties we handle range from the middle of the market to the premier upper-tier market. ©2011 Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, Realtors® All rights reserved. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated.
hcrer.com | 17
18 | January 2012
Asarealestatesalesassociateitisimportanttorememberthat
thisisabusinessandyouaregoingtomeetsomeclientsthatarea
joytoworkwithandothersthatareclearlynot.Whilemostclients
willbereasonableandeasytoadvise,therewillbeothersthatwill
constantlytestyourpatience.Intoday’stougheconomyitishardto
turnawayclients,sohereareafewDo’sandDon’tsfromColdwell
BankerD’AnnHarper,REALTORS®tokeeppotentiallyproblematic
clientstoaminimum.
Doconductapre-clientinterview,preferablyatyouroffice.This
helpsyoudetermineifyouandtheclientwillbeagoodfitandwill
weedoutclientsthatarenotreallyserious.
Don’tsendclientsalistofhomesuntiltheyhavepresentedyou
withapre-qualificationletterfromtheirbank.
Do trustyourinstincts.Ifyourgutistellingyouthisrelationship
doesn’tfeelright,trytoreferthemtoanothersalesassociatethat
mightbeabetterfitforthisparticularclient.
Don’timmediatelydismisstheindecisiveclients.Theycantake
upalotofvaluabletime,somakeagoodimpressionearlyonand
don’tgooutofyourwaytodoworkforthem.Beenthusiasticabout
theprocesstogetthemmoreinterested.Whentheymakeuptheir
mind,theywillmostlikelyrememberyourenthusiasm.
Dosetboundaries.Beclearfromthestartaboutyour
expectations,thehoursyouareavailable,yourshowingschedule,
etc.Beincontrolofmanagingyourtime.
Don’tbereactive.Trytobepatientwithdifficultclients.Don’t
brushofftheirconcernsrightaway.Listenandaddressthose
concerns,howeverbigorsmall.
Do communicateregularly.Beingattentivetoaclientmayturn
themintoalifelongcustomerandgoodsourceforreferrals.
Don’t belittlethe“knowitall”client.Theywilltestyour
knowledgeandyourpatience.Lettheclientknowyouare
impressedwithhisinitiativeandthatheorsheismakingavaluable
contribution.Byagreeing,heorshewillmostlikelystarttotrust
yourjudgmentastheprofessionaltheyhired.
Do helpyourbuyerunderstandthemarketandwhytheright
pricingissoimportant.Manyoffersarelow.Don’tletthem
immediatelyclosethedooronanynegotiation.
Don’t disregardreferralsthatcomefrompastclients,pastco-
workersordearfriends.Takeextracareofthosereferrals.
Do prepareyoursellersforpossibleclosingobstacles.Mostof
thetimetransactionsclosewithoutanyseriousproblems.However,
sometimesotherentitiessuchastitlecompanies,mortgage
companies,appraisers,etc.candelaytheprocesswhichisoutofthe
agent’scontrol.
Do goinsearchofnew‘ideal’clients.Figureoutthe
characteristicsofpeopleyouenjoyworkingwith.Joinagymora
serviceorganizationtomeetnewpeople.Whenyoubuilda
trustingrelationshipwithpeopleyoualreadygetalongwith,they
aremorelikelytoworkwithyouorreferyoutofriends,coworkers,
andfamily.
KayeHarperContrerasistheExecutiveVicePresidentofMarketingandPublicRelationsforColdwellBankerD’AnnHarperREALTORS®.D’AnnHarper,Broker-Owner,openedherfirstrealestateofficeinSanAntonioin1986.Justthreeyearslater,D’AnnHarperREALTORS®joinedColdwellBankerResidentialAffiliatestobecomeColdwellBankerD’AnnHarper,REALTORS®.Sincethen,thecompanyhasexperiencedphenomenalgrowthandnowservesthegreaterSanAntoniorealestatemarketincludingBoerneandNewBraunfelswithmultipleresidentialofficesandover300licensees.Inaddition,thecompanyishometofullserviceCorporateDepartmentsincludingRelocationandReferrals,PropertyManagementandLeasing,ApartmentLocators,AssetManagementandaMilitaryBestRelocationOfficeatFortSamHouston.
ByKayeHarperContreras&JeannineVoss
hcrer.com | 19
The“originalluxuryreal
estatecompany”celebrates
ayearintheirnewBoerne
office!
OnFriday,December9th,Realtors,
associatesandfriendsofPhyllis
BrowningCompanygatheredto
celebrateasuccessfulfirstyearatthe
company’snewestrealestateoffice,at210
EastBlanco,astone’sthrowfromMainPlaza!
Reminiscentoftheveryfirstofficethe
companyopenedonBroadway,inSanAntonio,
backin1989,theaccommodationisacharming
HillCountrycottage–atleastthat’showitappears
ontheoutside–butdon’tbefooledbyitslooks.
Inside,it’sahiveofhigh-techindustry,complete
withgiant,flatscreenTVdisplayingluxuryproperties
forsalenotjustintheneighboringHillCountry,butall
overtheworld.Despitebeingatotally-independent
andfamily-ownedbusiness,PhyllisBrowningCompanyis
well-connectedgloballythroughthetwolargestinternational
propertynetworks:LuxuryPortfolioandChristie’sInternational
(ifthenameisfamiliar,itshouldbe–Christie’sistheworld’s
oldestandlargestauctionhouse,currentlyintheheadlinesfor
offeringtheElizabethTaylorcollection).
MarketingrealestateintheTexasHillCountryisnotnewtothe
company.Evenintheearlydays,theareawasknownforitsbeautiful
scenery,exceptionalschoolsandgentlerwayoflifeandhasalways
attractedsavvypropertybuyers.FounderandCEOPhyllisBrowning
says“IhavealwayslovedtheHillCountryalongtheI-10corridorand
intoBoerne.Overthelastseveralyearswehavebeenwatchingthe
areagrowandsoitjustseemednaturaltohaveanofficehere.”Her
daughter,companypresidentJenniferShemwelladds“Wealreadyhad
severaltop-producingagentsinthismarketandthiswasjustagreatway
toputthemclosertohome.”
Sincethe1990s,theHillCountryregionhasgrownatahealthypaceand
Boernehasblossomedintoamodelcommunity.Someofthecompany’s
topsellingrealestateprofessionals–whoalsohappentobelocalresidents
–movedtothenewofficewhenitopenedinDecember2010andhaven’t
lookedback.
LuxuryrealestatespecialistPattiNelsonsays“IchosetomovetotheBoerne
officebecauseIliveinBoerneandmostofmylistingsareintheBoernearea.
Havinganofficehereismoreconvenientformysellers,andenablesmeto
keepmyfingeronthepulsethatisdrivingtheHillCountryrealestatemarket.”
Becauseofherworkload,PattikeptherSanAntonioofficewhereshecommutes
twiceaweek.“Thisallowsmeflexibilityinmarketingandhandlingbuyers
movinginfromoutlyingmarkets.”
DeniseGraves,whosesuccessfulGravesGroupteamjoinedthecompanyin
2007,isdelightedtobecelebratingtheirfirstyearintheBoerneoffice.“We
lovedbeingapartofthemoveandarehappytobepartof“theVeryBest”inits
newBoernelocation,”saysDenise.“TheHillCountryisahotspotforsellersand
buyersandhaslongbeenknownforitsqualityoflife.”
PhyllisBrowningCompanybringsnotonlyitsesteemedresidentialrealestate
servicestoBoerneandtheHillCountry,butalsoitshighly-respectedphilosophy
of“givingback”tothecommunity.Philanthropyhasalwaysbeenhighonthe
listofprioritiesofboththecompanyandindividualagents,andin2010,those
attheBoerneofficegavegenerouslyoftheirtimeandresourcestomanylocal
civicorganizationsandnonprofits,including:HillCountryFamilyServices,Kendall
County4-H,KendallCountyEconomicDevelopment,BoerneHighSchool
BoosterClub,LeadershipBoerne,MuscularDystrophyAssociation,
CapitalCampaignforNewPublicLibrary-PatrickHeathPublicLibrary,Wounded
Warriors,WoundedHeroesGolfTournamentatCordilleraRanch,Battered
Women’sShelter,KendallCountySheriff’sToyDrive-contributors,Boerne
BergesFestandHillCountryDailyBread–aswellassupportforlocalchurches
andschools.
Atatimewhenmanybusinessesarestillrecoveringfromrecessionanda
stagnatingrealestatemarket,it’srefreshingtoknowthatanorganization
ofthestatureofPhyllisBrowningCompany,the“originalluxuryreal
estatecompany,”withitslongandproventrackrecordofoutstanding
achievements,continuestoexpandintonewmarketswhilestillofferingthe
highestqualityrealestateservices.
Photo captions:
1. BenitaPatuelcutstheribbonasshejoinstheBoerneChamberofCommerce
surroundedbyfriendsandassociatesofPhyllisBrowningCompany
2. Givingback.PhyllisBrowningCompanyagentsdisplaysomeofthetoysthey
havecollectedforchildrenthisChristmas.
3. PicturesqueCiboloCreek.Beautifulscenerylikethisisoneofthereasonsso
manypeoplemovetoBoerne.
4.ThegazeboonMainPlaza.AgatheringspotfortheBoernecommunity
andliterallyastone’sthrowfromthePhyllisBrowningCompanyoffice.
Phyllis Browning marks a year of selling in Boerne
By Diane Prodger
20 | January 2012
Kerrville is going through some major changes. Yes, with
“quality of life” now the city’s defined economic target,
the people of Kerrville are seeing a lot of action around
town. Local officials are working overtime to make sure the
city continues to stay on the fast track toward a massive
citywide renovation. River Trail Project developments are
already underway and while progress is highly visible in the
community, another project is still in its infancy stages –the
construction of a new city hall. Even though these are two
separate endeavors, both are part of a colossal effort to
encourage Kerrville’s ongoing beautification process.
City staff is calling the river trail a defining project for
the community, one that will steer both quality-of-life and
economic development opportunities along the Guadalupe
River for the long term. The trail route, in its entirety, will
extend from the 1400 block of Junction Hwy to Kerrville-
Schreiner Park, a trail length of approximately six miles.
Community leaders say developing public river access and
amenities promotes community activity and will serve as
a catalyst for private development in Kerrville. Because of
the highly visible intersection where the new city hall will be
positioned, many believe the new building will be the “cherry
on top” to the trails project.
“I have always thought this was a good project,” said
Stacie Keeble, Kerrville’s Place 2 City Council Member. “The
new city hall is being brought downtown where it should
be –at the center of all the action. It will be just around the
corner from the county courthouse and down the street from
Louise Hays Park. People will be able to go to city hall and
walk just a short way to get on the river trail. Plus, this new
building will create a brand new gateway to the community,
one we can all be proud of.”
Keeble explains that constructing a new city hall is not
just a want, but a need. She says the current city hall is in
terrible shape, literally jam-packed with city staffers. “We
have long since outgrown it. There are way too many people
working in that building now. We literally have people
whose offices are set up in oversized closets. That has to
change!” Keeble also reports the current facility needs a lot
of maintenance and the air condition is lousy. “I just can’t say
enough about how excited I am about this project,” Keeble
says. “City hall should be a place that best reflects the spirit
Kerrville’s New City Hall Gets Green Light –
All Systems GoBy Bethany Heinesh
22 | January 2012
of the community. An old building that’s falling apart
doesn’t exactly welcome those who have come to
Kerrville looking to do business.”
Mindy Wendele, Director of Business Programs
for the City of Kerrville agrees. “We have completely
outgrown our current building. Our entire staff is
looking forward to being able to spread out in a new
office and have our own private workspaces. Plus,
once completed, I believe city residents will also
enjoy the new city hall. It really will benefit everyone
in the community.” Wendele has been with the City
of Kerrville more than 17 years and is one of 65
employees who work at city hall. The city manager,
city secretary and county attorney are just a few of
the people who occupy the building and will benefit
from the big move.
After shuffling city staff and relocating city
hall from building to building for many years, in
December, the Kerrville City Council unanimously
voted in favor of four very important agenda items.
Each was instrumental in getting the ball rolling
to construct a new city hall, a plan that has been
discussed for years.
The council agreed to accept the deed for the
new city hall property located at 701 Main Street, a
relatively small tract of land generously donated by
the Cailloux Foundation, valued at approximately $5
million. They also had to approve lease agreements
for a parking garage facility at 201 Clay Street and
two adjacent buildings located at 219 Clay Street and
200 Sidney Baker Street. Architect Peter Lewis was
hired to design the two-story building.
The new facility will be located on the site of the
former Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital,one that has
remained vacant since the hospital relocated and
was demolished in 2008. A temporary construction
easement for city-owned property and a temporary
construction easement from the Cailloux Foundation
was also accepted at council. City staff hired Huser
Construction to build the new 14,700-square-foot
city hall and renovate two existing buildings for
$2.4 million.
The majority of the money for the project –2.1
million to be exact –is coming from taxpayers who
voted “yes” in a 2009 bond election in favor of a new
city hall. The remaining balance is set to come from
the sale of the current city hall.
The 2-acre tract, located at the intersection of
Sidney Baker and Main Streets, will become the
home of what has been designated the Kerrville
Peterson Plaza, named after the hospital. The plaza
will be complete with Kerrville City Hall, a clock tower
and park. Construction of city hall and Peterson
Plaza should begin in early 2012. Construction of
the clock tower and improvements to the crosswalk
began in early July. Many local residents have begun
affectionately comparing Kerrville’s new clock tower
to the one in the blockbuster smash hit movie Back
to the Future. It was also donated by the Cailloux
Foundation.
“Another nice part of this project is that the
people of Kerrville are getting a great deal,”
Keeble said. “Thanks to the gracious support of the
Foundation, we are able to build city hall on donated
land that didn’t cost the taxpayers a cent and we get
a great-looking clock tower. How cool is that!?”
Constructing a new City Hall is not just a want, but a need.- Stacie Keeble
hcrer.com | 23
24 | January 2012
1. How did you get into real estate? My husband was working at USAA in the Real Estate Department, RealCo and
heard lots of complaints about the service people received when dealing with real
estate agents. He told me I could do a much better job so I gave it a shot.
2. List recent awards or accomplishments: Platinum Top 50 2001-present, SuperStar, Pinnacle. My favorite- Bill & I were
voted one of the Cutest Couples in Boerne.
3. Most rewarding experience in real estate? You can’t beat the smiles and hugs you get from a satisfied buyer or seller. Those
expressions of joy make it all worthwhile.
4. Most frustrating experience in real estate? Working in a tough lending environment.
5. Most unique home you’ve ever sold? Hard to say-I recently sold a “camp type” compound on the Guadalupe.
Probably the most unique situation was a custom home sold in Comanche Trace-
beautifully designed and executed with breathtaking views of the golf course and
never lived in. The owner’s lives changed and we needed to sell their dream home
that was way over the top of the market. In a challenging market we sold it to a
delighted family in less than a year.
6. How is the market performing in your area overall? We were fortunate - Boerne and the Hill Country never got hit as hard as the
rest of the Nation. We’ve been slow since 2008 but steadily increasing each year.
7. What issues have you been seeing lately in the real estate market? Everything has just gotten tougher. Appraisal issues, lender issues - it’s harder to
get a loan today even for a qualified buyer than it’s ever been.
8. What’s one thing about working in real estate you wish you’d knownwhen you first started? How much fun it is and what great people you get to meet.
9. Family:
Husband & Business Partner, Bill- we’ve been married 27 years. Daughter,
Lauren, 22 - in nursing school.
10. This time next year, how do you believe the real estate market willbe performing? I expect it to keep steadily increasing and because it’s an election year we may get
an additional boast!
Education: San Antonio College
Hometown: Born in Bastrop, La.
Agency: The Graves Group-Phyllis Browning Company
hcrer.com | 25
Bluebonnet Realty
Welcome to Boerne Welcome to Boerne
HOMES FOR SALE
2.) FOR SALE - $695,000 - Priced $50K below 2010 county appraisal! Residential, potential commercial property on Scenic Loop Road, 1/2 miles South of IH-10. Main house had approx. 3000 s.f., 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 story; 2nd house, 1 story has approx. 1500 s.f., 2 bed, 2 ba; and 3rd house, 2 story, approx. 1500 s.f., 2 bed, 1 bath. There’s also a storage building and
a rock smoke house, all on 2.16 acres with frontage on Scenic Loop.
1.) FOR SALE - $497,000 - Exceptional Property in Mountain Springs Farms on 4.25 acres. This home has approx. 3289 s.f. of living area, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, PLUS a guesthouse, a workshop, and in-ground pool. This owner has completed extensive, impressive upgrading and landscaping.
You know what I mean… AsaPropertyManager,Ihonestlyfeelthatwaymostofthetime!And,anActive Verbatthat! However,I’malsoaguidancecounselor(guidinghomeownersandtenantstofindthebestsolutionto theirindividualproblems). Apsychic(howlongwillittakemyhousetolease?) Adecorator–IshouldhaveboughtstockinHomeDepot!Ihavemyownapron. Afinancialadvisor(well…maybenot!) Butattheendoftheday,whenI’vehelpedanownersavetheirhomefromforeclosure,orhelpedthemrealizeincomefrom theirhomethathasn’tsold,I’mgladI’maNoun. WhenI’vehelpedafamilywhohaslosteverythingandistryingtostartoverwithbadcredit,andtheyaresoappreciative thatthey’vebeengivena“new”chance,I’mgladI’maNoun. Judy Filingeri, Bluebonnet Realty P.S.Agents,doyourhomeownerafavor,andcounselthemnottolosetheirhomes,theirinvestment,duetolossofjob, orillness,oranyoftheotherlifebombs.Asaprofessional,youcanmakeadifference.Nowit’sarentersmarket! EspeciallyhereinBoerne!Inthelast45days,I’veleasedover10homesinlessthan45days…onein4hours!Ididn’t evenhavetimetoputitinMLS!Ifyoudon’tknowhowtopricearental,callme.I’llbehappytohelpyouandyourclient.Good luck out there to all of you!
Now be a Verb and go to work!
REALTOR®Should be a verb!
830-816-2288|www.boernetexashomes.com
4.) FOR SALE - $145,000 - Charming, Hard-to-Find turn of the century 2 bed, 1.5 bath. Wood floors & high ceilings!
3.) FOR SALE - $249,900 - Hill Country Hide-a-way with 2 bedrooms, great views, and 9+ acres to make this the perfect weekend place!
HOMES & COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
PUT YOUR HOME TO WORK FOR YOU!
RECENTLY RENTED
2.) $1430/mo. 35 days on market2.) Less than 30 days on market 1.) $850/mo. 13 Days On Market1.) $1395/mo. 3 days on market
5.) $875/mo. 25 days on market4.) $2200/mo. 4 days on market3.) $1595/mo. 5 days on market
6.) FOR LEASE - Commercial space in high traffic area. $1.20/p.s.f. Currently a total
of 2600 s.f. available.
10.) FOR LEASE - $1650 - 3 bed, 1.5 bath rock home on 3 acres. Gated, lots of tile, fireplace, large family/game room, fireplace, covered
pavilion with large bar-b-q.
7.) FOR LEASE - $1475 - 4 bed,2 bath home with approx. 2000 s.f. of living area.
8.) FOR LEASE - $1550 - 4 bed, 2.5 bath on large corner lot. Approx. 2688 s.f. of living area in Bentwood.
9.) FOR LEASE - $1100 - 3 bed, 2 bath, 1900 s.f. mobile home on 5+ acres.
12.) FOR LEASE - $875 - 2 bed, 2 bath duplex with fenced yard and garage.
ONLY ONE LEFT!
5.) FOR LEASE - $4000 - 4 bed, 3.5 baths, library, dining room, bonus room, approx. 4200 s.f. of living
area, pool, barn on 28 acres east of Boerne on Highway 46E. Private
setting, long drive back to the house. Great views.
Scan Code With Your Smart Phone
Bluebonnet Realty would like to welcome Angela Schooley
to our team of Realtors®.
Take advantage of the HOT rental market! Sales are slow and some people are motivated to buy but can’t get loan approval! So... they have to rent!
If your home has been on the market for a long time, and you are still making housepayments, turn that home into a bonus instead of a drain on your pocketbook!
Lots of folks coming into our area for jobs, good schools, a great place to live and they all need a place to live! Short-term leases, long-term leases, it doesn’t matter. This will give your home a rest from the market place and ready to go back on the market when the market is moving at a faster
pace! Think about it and if you have any questions, just feel free to contact an agent at Bluebonnet Realty. Leasing and Selling homes in the Boerne area since 1987! No charge for a phone call!
1. Laptop/Tablet
Smartphonesarelike
tinycomputers,but
sometimesthebiggerscreen
youhavewithalaptoportablet
isthewaytogo.Easilypulluplistings,
editPDFcopiesandprintoutadetailed
recordofwhatyourclientswant.Thedrawback
tolaptopsandtabletsistheyneedtobecharged
moreregularlythanmostgadgets,buttheyare
stillnumberoneonourlistsimplybecauseof
themultitudeofabilitiesandeaseofuse.
In today’s technology driven
world, everyone has at least one
gadget that helps make his or
her lives easier. We compiled a
list of devices that we think are
essential for today’s fast paced
life of Realtors®.
5. Portable PrinterOutshowinghouses
andforgottograba
contract?Youdon’thaveto
driveallthewaybacktotheoffice
ifyouhaveaportableprinterwithyou.
Thesecaneasilybeprogrammedfora
wirelessconnectionthroughBluetoothtoprint
anydocumentanywhere.Portablephotoprinterscan
alsobegoodtohaveonhand,particularlywhenshowing
homes.Thesetwogadgetscankeepyouvisuallyorganizedby
printingoutphotosforclientswhowanttorememberashowing
orforspecificattributesthatdonotcomeacrosswellinsimpletext.
4. Digital Camera–Thesedaysyoudon’tloadfilmorwaitforthefilmtobedevelopedtogetpicturesofyourlistings.Incontrasttoearlycameras,new
digitalcamerashavebetterresolutionandcanevenrecordshortvideos.Nowyoucancatalogallyourlistingsonlineandpostavirtualtourof
propertiesonYouTubeeasierthaninthepast.
3. Bluetooth–Multi-taskingwhiledrivingisnotalwaysagoodthing.Withallthedrivingarealestateprofessional
hastodointhecourseofaday’swork,havingyourphoneconnectedthroughBluetoothisoneofthesafestwaystogo.Notonlydoesitallow
youtogohandsfreewhiledriving,butitalsoallowsformultitaskingwhileworking.WithaBluetoothdevice
leavingyourhandsfree,youcanprint,searchandE-mail,allwhile
talkingtoclients.
tohelpyoumaintainyourbusinessinasecondofficeor
thecar.Needhelpfindingthenexthouseonthelist?
MostmodelsnowcomeequippedwithGPS.Data
plansdonothavethecheapestrates,butwithall
thepossibilitiesinthisonesmalldevice,asmart
phoneisstillthebestinvestmentarealestate
professionalcanmake.
2. Smart phone
Forthoseofuswho
rememberthoselongpastdays
whentheonlyphoneweowned
wasattachedtothewall,today’sphones
mayseemlikesomethingoutofBacktothe
Future.Keepingconnectedwiththesedevices
hasneverbeeneasier,notonlybecausethey
canmakecalls,theyalsoareabletofindwhere
youare,wheretogo,snapaquickphotoandeven
searchonline.SyncyourE-mailandsearchlistingsonline
28 | January 2012
hcrer.com | 29
By Jay Ermis, News Editor with The Boerne Star
ABoernetitlecompanyhasmadeittothemajorleagues.
TexasInvestorsTitlewasselectedtoclosethesaleoftheHoustonAstros
fromDraytonMcLaneofTempletoapartnershipheadedbyJimCraneand
CraneCapitalofHouston.
Thefive-persontitlecompanyclosedthe$250millionloanfromBankof
Americatothepartnershipandprovidedthetitleinsurancesecuringtheloan
withtheleaseonMinuteMaidParkwheretheAstrosplay.
SteveVallone,presidentofTexasInvestorsTitle,saidthetotalsalesprice
oftheAstroswasreportedtobe$680millionandincludedthemovebythe
AstrostotheAmericanLeaguein2013.
VallonewasinvolvedintheNov.22transactionalongwithassistantsBecky
EdmistonandJackieCrouch.
“Itwasagreatopportunitytoputourlittlecompanyonthemap,”Vallone
said.“Whatthisshowsisthatyoucanbeasmallcompanyinasmalltownand
completeagainstanybodywhomightbeinalargercitywithalargecompany.
“Hopefully,thiswillbesortofawakeupcalltoalotofsmallcompanies
…don’tbeafraidtocompetewiththebigcompanies.Ifitboilsdowntothe
qualityofyourworkonalevelplayingfield,wecandoanythingtheycandoin
HoustonorDallas.Ithinkwehaveestablishedsomerelationshipsthatwilllead
intosomeotherlargedeals.”
TexasInvestorsTitle’sinvolvementwiththeAstrostransactiongoesbackto
the1979inHouston.Vallonewasinatitlecompanypartnershipwithformer
UniversityofTexasAll-AmericarunningbackChrisGilbertandUTdefensive
standoutCorbyRobertson.
“Thoseguyswereabletoputtogetheragroupofpartnerswhowereinthe
Who’sWhoofearly‘80sdevelopmentinHouston,”Vallonesaid.“Wehada
bunchofguyswhodidapartments,shoppingcentersandmallsanddowntown
buildings.Weweresortofaboutiqueoperationthathadasmallnumberof
largedeals.”
AccordingtoVallone,theysoldthecompanytoStewartTitlein2006.“Part
ofthetermsofthepurchaserequiredmetostayonandrunoneoftheir
divisionsforthreeyears,whichIdid.WhenIgotdowntothelastfewmonths
ofmycontract,IthoughtIamreadytoleaveHouston,”hesaid.“IdecidedI
wantedtomovetotheHillCountry.IlookedatranchesaroundKerrvilleand
BanderaandFredericksburgandthencametotheconclusionthatBoernewas
thebestlocated,theneatesttown.Itwasagreatatmosphere.Idecidedto
movetoBoerne.”
Afterninemonthsofretirement,Vallonedecidedtoformatitlecompany,
whichstartedinJanuary2010andisapproachingtheendofitssecondyearof
operation.
“Thecostofgettingintobusinessasfarasyourcapitalexpenditureswere
nevercheaperthantheyarerightnow,”Vallonesaid.“Nobodyintheirright
mindwouldpossiblystartatitlecompanyinthemidstoftheworstrecession
withverygoodcompetitionhereintown,butIdecidedtodoitanyway.”
Vallonesaidhiscompany’sbusinessmodelrequiresthemtobecome
involvedinbusinesstransactionsthroughoutthestate.
“WefortunatelyhavetheabilitytocloseranchdealsthroughoutSouthTexas
andtheHillCountry,”hesaid.“Wehavedonesomelargetransactionsfor
USAA.IstillhavemyfriendsandformerpartnersinHoustonwhohavemedo
someoftheirdealsfromtimetotime.”
VallonesaidBankofAmericaapprovedthe$250millionloantotheCrane
group.
“It’sinteresting.Iclosedsomeprettylargedealsandsometimesthebigger
dealsareactuallyeasierthansomeofthehousesorsmallrancheswehave
closed,”Vallonesaid.“Notalwaysisthedollarsizeindicativeofhowdifficult
thetransactionwillbe.”
Vallonesaidalender’stitlepolicywasrequiredbecausethepurchaserwas
goingtomortgagehislease-holdinterestinMinuteMaidPark.
“BankofAmericawantedtomakesuretheyalsohadcontrolofthelease
becausetheowneroftheAstroswillleaseMinuteMaidParkforthelength
ofthebaseballseason,”Vallonesaid.“Itdoesn’tdoyouanygoodtohavea
baseballteamwithoutaleasetoplay.Thatrequiredtitleinsurancesowewent
downanddidallthetitleworkonthestadium,senteverythingtotwolawfirms
inNewYorkandNorthCarolinaandworkedoutthetitlematters.”
VallonesaidtheywereconcernedabouttheBankofAmericadealinvolvinga
majorlawfirminNewYorkCityandamajorlawfirminNorthCarolina.
“You’vegotthisfive-personcompanyfromatownthatnobody’severheard
ofandiftheyhavetheycan’tpronouncethename,”hesaid.“Iamsureafew
peoplearescratchingtheirheadsaskingwhydidthisgroupendupwithitas
opposedtooneofthebignationalcompanies.”
Vallonecontinued,“WhenevertheydidthebackgroundonourHouston
company,theysawthatIcloseda$1.2billiontransactionwiththeShell-Deer
ParkrefinerysaletoapartnershipcomposedofShellandPEMEXandIclosed
theHoustonCentertransactionwhichwasa$510milliondealonagroupof
downtownHoustonbuildings.”
Vallonesaysitallboilsdowntothefactthattheteamisdoingallthework.
“Whetheryou’repartofagiantnationalcompanyofyourpartofasmall
companyinBoerne,it’sstillthatclosingteamwherealloftheinteractiontakes
place.Justbecauseyou’reinasmalltowndoesn’tmeanyoucan’tperformat
biglevels.Iwashappywehadthechancetoprovethat.”
30 | January 2012
hcrer.com | 31
Patti Nelson has been an agent for 8 years with The Phyllis Browning Company as an Accredited Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. She is a consistent Top 10 Realtor as named by the San Antonio Business Journal and a consistent San Antonio
Platinum Top 50 Agent. She is married to Randy and has 2 children - Katie 23 and Tanner 19.
AsaRealtor®marketingto,andrepresenting,the
luxurymarket,ithasbeendifficulttofindconsistent
statisticsestablishingaclearpictureofwhat2012will
bringforhomesvaluedat$1millionandup.Withfour
plusyearsofplunginghomepricesand,doomand
gloomnationalmediaupdates,theTexasHillCountry
hasprovenitselftimeandtimeagaintoberesilientand
thebestplacetosellrealestate.
Wrappingup2011,therealestateclimateforthe
luxuryhomemarketwasstrong.AreasNorthofLoop
1604soldandclosed57homeswith7undercontract,
creatinganapproximatesalesvolumeofmorethan$90
million.Thisnumberdoesnottakeintoconsideration
the“Non-MLS”sales.Onaverage,5.3homessold
eachmonth.Currently109homes,atthispricepoint,
areonthemarket.Inventoryisdownconsiderablyfrom
thelastfewyears.
Ibelievetwobasicfactorsarelayingthe
foundationforadramaticrecoveryintheluxuryhome
market.First,therehasbeenahistoricdropinnew
construction.Second,therehasbeenaslightdecline
inprice.AlthoughSanAntonioandsurrounding
areashaveseenlessofadeclinecomparedtotherest
ofthenation–wehaddeclinenonetheless.Witha
morebalancedsupplyanddemand,boastinganew
affordability,Americanswillbeluredbacktoluxury
homebuying.
Onefearthatcontinuestoplaguethehighend
marketistoday’stightcreditstandardsforthejumbo
lenders.Thestandardsandguidelinesusedbeforethe
buyingcrazeoftheearly2000’sarebackinplacewith
alittlemorestringency.Ibelievewearefinallyreaching
apointofstabilityforthequalifiedhomebuyer.Even
withunderwritingguidelinesbeingtough,theyare
notanyworsethanayearagoandarenotgettingany
tougher,whichisagoodsign.Asthestandardsand
guidelinesbecomemorebalanced,thiswillleadto
moresales.
Anotherhugeplusfortheluxurymarketistheboom
oftheoilandgasindustry.EagleFordshale,justsouth
oftheHillCountry,issaidtobeoneofthelargestoil
andgasdiscoveriestodate.Newbusinessesandjobs
inourareausuallyenticerealestateinvestorstopump
moneyintothearea.In2010alone,thisnewestofthe
Texasshaleplaysgeneratedcloseto$2.9billionin
revenue,supportedapproximately12,600full-timejobs
inthearea,andprovidednearly$47.6millioninlocal
governmentrevenue,saystheUniversityofTexasat
SanAntonioInstituteforEconomicDevelopment.
ForthoseintheluxuryhomemarketinKendall
Countyandsurroundingareas,2012shouldbea
greatyear.Theinstabilityinthestockmarketandthe
Europeanmarketsseemstobedrivingalotofpeople
toputtheirmoneybackintheonesafelongterm
investment–realestate.Ifeelcashbuyerswillbea
largepartoftheluxurymarketin2012.Weallneedto
rememberwedonotwatchthenewsinCaliforniato
determinewhattheweatherwillbeforthedayhere
locally-soweshouldnotlistentothenationalstatistics
todeterminethetemperatureofthelocalluxuryreal
estatemarket.
By Patti Nelson
32 | January 2012
$2,600,000Bandera Co., Tx
319 Acres
$1,249,550Gonzales Co., Tx
373 Acres
$184,995Burnet Co., Tx
10 Acres
$175,000Gillespie Co., Tx
10.87 Acres (Tract A)
$140,000Gillespie Co., Tx
10.44 Acres (Tract E)
$699,000Burnet Co., Tx
63.25 Acres
$695,000Lampasas Co., Tx
48.22 Acres
$8,997,650Live Oak Co., Tx
2,884 Acres
$669,900Gonzales Co., TX
231 Acres
$150,000Gillespie Co., Tx
10.44 Acres (Tract D)
$554,334Calhoun Co., Tx
187.91 Acres
$1,295,000 Burnet Co., Tx |
43.92 Acres(Commercial)
Rick Doak | 361-243-1040 (c) | 512-263-9090 (o) | [email protected] Fowlkes | 512-749-8509 (c) | [email protected] Faust | 512-940-3300 (c) | [email protected]
Representing Buyers and Sellers of Fine Ranch Properties Throughout Texas!
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ONLYnewspublicationspecificallyfortherealestateindustry.
Formoreinformationcontactusat:
210.507.5250Boerne,Tx|www.hcrer.com
Don’t miss your PREMIER opportunity for advertising your listing, development, agency, or service. Packages begin at $150.
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