San Antonio Lifestyle | Ann FitzGibbons

Dedicated to my career and my clients

MARCH | APRIL 2015

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Ann FitzGibbons has been a real estate professional since 1991 and has been listed as one of the Top 50 Agents in San Antonio by the San Antonio Business Journal’s “Book of Lists”.

ACTIVE

Ann brings a diverse background of career experience to her real estate business. She has a degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Education.

She was Curator of Education at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and Adjunct Faculty with the University of Alaska in Anchorage.

Prior to her life in Alaska, Ann, a native of St. Louis Missouri, she was appointed Director of the Skinker BeBaliviere Community Council in the City of St. Louis, working closely with neighborhood development and business.

1913 South Flores | 8,200 SQFT | $474,000 Gallista Gallery at South Flores hosts visual art exhibitions, poetry readings, music and Lone Star Bar B Que. With over 8,200 SQFT this art center is known throughout the State as the place for contemporary local art and features well known artists with numerous studios and galleries exhibiting their work. According to Texas Monthly’s October 2014 edition on the “Second Saturday of the month, you’ll want to head to this flourishing arts district for its festive gallery crawl. You’ll get to sneak a peek at local artists’ latest works and enjoy live music, food trucks, and (often) a free glass of wine or two.”

Living in San Antonio since 1988, with her husband and three children, she has been actively involved in many community, school and church organizations and is committed to creating a better quality of life for the city. She remains involved with Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, and other community organizations.

sweet sailing Above deck

In The Know | San Antonio

Bill FitzGibbons created the original Luminaria light piece project that debuted March 14, 2009 at the Alamo.

The light piece performance was in conjunction with the San Antonio Symphony and was a historic event because this was the first time the Daughters of the Republic have allowed the Alamo to be used in a performance piece.

“I am dedicated to my career and my clients. I combine my diverse background and creative ability to achieve positive results for my clients.”

adventures

Homeownership Tax Breaks

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

FitzGibbonsandAssociates.com

Broker Associate FitzGibbons and Associates Keller Williams Luxury Homes International Alamo Heights Ann@FitzGibbonsandAssociates.com

For the most effective marketing to get your San Antonio property sold call Ann at 210.723.3093.

Upscale Real Estate Marketing | 877.660.096 | UpscleRealEstateMarketing.com

More Green In Your Wallet!

Cover Photography | Bill FitzGibbons

Ann FitzGibbons

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

A N T O N I O

Featured Listing

Know The Name... Trust The Service

210.723.3093 Direct

S A N

Fall in Love with Cheese Fondue from The Melting Pot

For All Your Real Estate Needs Ann FitzGibbons | 210.723.3093 Ann@FitzGibbonsandAssociates.com

come sail away...

In Good Taste The Melting Pot | MeltingPot.com 14855 Blanco Road | 210.479.6358

Totally over the crowded cruise scene?

Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires... without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.

WISCONSIN TRIPLE CHEESE FONDUE INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 c shredded Butterkase 1 1/2 c shredded Fontina cheese 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 3/4 c white wine 1/4 c dry sherry 2 tsp chopped shallots 1 tsp freshly ground pepper 1/4 c crumbled blue cheese 2 tbs chopped scallions INSTRUCTIONS: Toss the Butterkase and Fontina cheeses with the flour in

The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too.

With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.

a bowl. Place a metal bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches of water. You may also use a conventional double boiler. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the wine and sherry into the bowl. Stir in the shallots using a fork. Cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly.

Event Calendar MARCH | APRIL 2015

Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs.

And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands.

On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it.

Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking.

For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!

Add half of the cheese blend, and stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Add the remaining cheese blend a small amount at a time stirring constantly. Fold in the pepper and blue cheese. Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat. Garnish with the scallions.

TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of.

Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy

equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines.

With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits.

There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.

Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are: • MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home.

• MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction.

• REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax.

• PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an individual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.

• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted.

Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.

St.Patrick’s Day Arts & Crafts Show The Riverwalk | March 13-15 TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com | 210.227.4262 Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk and stop to talk to our vendors who are anxious to share information about their craft. Participating vendors display some of the most unique handmade merchandise available. Whether its jewelry, pottery or fine art you are interested in, you are sure to find what you’re looking for!

Culinaria 5k Wine & Beer Run The Shops at La Cantera | March 21 Culinariasa.org | 210.822.9555 Participants run or walk through and around the mall while enjoying the view of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This, alone, captures the attention of so many runners that are used to exercising on the typical streets and sidewalks of the city. If that was not enough to entice you, maybe having a post-race reception will be. Imagine, once you cross the finish line, you are greeted by the sights and sounds of celebration. The reception takes place immediately following the race and includes dishes prepared by some of San Antonio’s own chefs, along with wine, beer, entertainment, and the awards ceremony.

Aspen Sante Fe Ballet Majestic Theatre | April 10 ARTSSA.org | 210.226.2891 Ranging from the accessible to the sophisticated, ASFB repertoire resonates with eclecticism and energy. The company exudes a European aesthetic charged with American vigor. It blends dance athleticism and classical refinement celebrating the spirit of the American West.

ASFB’s repertoire speaks a complex language, challenges its audience and advances the art form.

Viva Botanica San Antonio Botanical Garden | April 18 SABOT.org | 210.207.3250 Join the fiesta fun at the San Antonio Botanical Garden for this annual spring celebration. Decorate your wagons and bring the kids for a parade through the garden. Children’s craft activities and entertainment. Don’t forget there will be a plant sale, too!

Native Plant Landscape Design Class Mitchell Lake Audubon Center | April 25 Mitchelllake.Audubon.org | 210.268.1639 Native plants and special design features can create a beautiful landscape that also creates a haven for interesting birds and butterflies. Join us as we learn how to create a design on graph paper, what features to incorporate, as well as some common drought hardy plants to include so that you can open your back door to a world of wildlife.

come sail away...

In Good Taste The Melting Pot | MeltingPot.com 14855 Blanco Road | 210.479.6358

Totally over the crowded cruise scene?

Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires... without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.

WISCONSIN TRIPLE CHEESE FONDUE INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 c shredded Butterkase 1 1/2 c shredded Fontina cheese 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 3/4 c white wine 1/4 c dry sherry 2 tsp chopped shallots 1 tsp freshly ground pepper 1/4 c crumbled blue cheese 2 tbs chopped scallions INSTRUCTIONS: Toss the Butterkase and Fontina cheeses with the flour in

The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too.

With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.

a bowl. Place a metal bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches of water. You may also use a conventional double boiler. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the wine and sherry into the bowl. Stir in the shallots using a fork. Cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly.

Event Calendar MARCH | APRIL 2015

Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs.

And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands.

On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it.

Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking.

For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!

Add half of the cheese blend, and stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Add the remaining cheese blend a small amount at a time stirring constantly. Fold in the pepper and blue cheese. Pour into a warm fondue pot and keep warm over low heat. Garnish with the scallions.

TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of.

Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy

equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines.

With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits.

There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.

Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are: • MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home.

• MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction.

• REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax.

• PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an individual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.

• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted.

Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.

St.Patrick’s Day Arts & Crafts Show The Riverwalk | March 13-15 TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com | 210.227.4262 Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk and stop to talk to our vendors who are anxious to share information about their craft. Participating vendors display some of the most unique handmade merchandise available. Whether its jewelry, pottery or fine art you are interested in, you are sure to find what you’re looking for!

Culinaria 5k Wine & Beer Run The Shops at La Cantera | March 21 Culinariasa.org | 210.822.9555 Participants run or walk through and around the mall while enjoying the view of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This, alone, captures the attention of so many runners that are used to exercising on the typical streets and sidewalks of the city. If that was not enough to entice you, maybe having a post-race reception will be. Imagine, once you cross the finish line, you are greeted by the sights and sounds of celebration. The reception takes place immediately following the race and includes dishes prepared by some of San Antonio’s own chefs, along with wine, beer, entertainment, and the awards ceremony.

Aspen Sante Fe Ballet Majestic Theatre | April 10 ARTSSA.org | 210.226.2891 Ranging from the accessible to the sophisticated, ASFB repertoire resonates with eclecticism and energy. The company exudes a European aesthetic charged with American vigor. It blends dance athleticism and classical refinement celebrating the spirit of the American West.

ASFB’s repertoire speaks a complex language, challenges its audience and advances the art form.

Viva Botanica San Antonio Botanical Garden | April 18 SABOT.org | 210.207.3250 Join the fiesta fun at the San Antonio Botanical Garden for this annual spring celebration. Decorate your wagons and bring the kids for a parade through the garden. Children’s craft activities and entertainment. Don’t forget there will be a plant sale, too!

Native Plant Landscape Design Class Mitchell Lake Audubon Center | April 25 Mitchelllake.Audubon.org | 210.268.1639 Native plants and special design features can create a beautiful landscape that also creates a haven for interesting birds and butterflies. Join us as we learn how to create a design on graph paper, what features to incorporate, as well as some common drought hardy plants to include so that you can open your back door to a world of wildlife.

Dedicated to my career and my clients

MARCH | APRIL 2015

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Ann FitzGibbons has been a real estate professional since 1991 and has been listed as one of the Top 50 Agents in San Antonio by the San Antonio Business Journal’s “Book of Lists”.

ACTIVE

Ann brings a diverse background of career experience to her real estate business. She has a degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Education.

She was Curator of Education at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and Adjunct Faculty with the University of Alaska in Anchorage.

Prior to her life in Alaska, Ann, a native of St. Louis Missouri, she was appointed Director of the Skinker BeBaliviere Community Council in the City of St. Louis, working closely with neighborhood development and business.

1913 South Flores | 8,200 SQFT | $474,000 Gallista Gallery at South Flores hosts visual art exhibitions, poetry readings, music and Lone Star Bar B Que. With over 8,200 SQFT this art center is known throughout the State as the place for contemporary local art and features well known artists with numerous studios and galleries exhibiting their work. According to Texas Monthly’s October 2014 edition on the “Second Saturday of the month, you’ll want to head to this flourishing arts district for its festive gallery crawl. You’ll get to sneak a peek at local artists’ latest works and enjoy live music, food trucks, and (often) a free glass of wine or two.”

Living in San Antonio since 1988, with her husband and three children, she has been actively involved in many community, school and church organizations and is committed to creating a better quality of life for the city. She remains involved with Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, and other community organizations.

sweet sailing Above deck

In The Know | San Antonio

Bill FitzGibbons created the original Luminaria light piece project that debuted March 14, 2009 at the Alamo.

The light piece performance was in conjunction with the San Antonio Symphony and was a historic event because this was the first time the Daughters of the Republic have allowed the Alamo to be used in a performance piece.

“I am dedicated to my career and my clients. I combine my diverse background and creative ability to achieve positive results for my clients.”

adventures

Homeownership Tax Breaks

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

FitzGibbonsandAssociates.com

Broker Associate FitzGibbons and Associates Keller Williams Luxury Homes International Alamo Heights Ann@FitzGibbonsandAssociates.com

For the most effective marketing to get your San Antonio property sold call Ann at 210.723.3093.

Upscale Real Estate Marketing | 877.660.096 | UpscleRealEstateMarketing.com

More Green In Your Wallet!

Cover Photography | Bill FitzGibbons

Ann FitzGibbons

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

A N T O N I O

Featured Listing

Know The Name... Trust The Service

210.723.3093 Direct

S A N

Fall in Love with Cheese Fondue from The Melting Pot

For All Your Real Estate Needs Ann FitzGibbons | 210.723.3093 Ann@FitzGibbonsandAssociates.com