The Dominion Lifestyle

May | June 2011

42 Vineyard Dr. • $3,495,000 7460 +/- Sq. Ft. • 5 Bed | 5 Bath

Real Estate Activity In

The Dominion UNDER CONTRACT

33 Vineyard • $1,995,000 5400 +/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Bath

58 Champions Ln. • $799,000 3568 +/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath

6 Duxbury Park • $789,000 5030 +/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3 Bath

FULLY FURNISHED

8 Century Glen • $325,000 2373 +/- Sq. Ft. | 2 Bed | 2 Bath

2 Priors Way • $850,000 3175 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed | 4 Bath

19 Venice Ct. • $730,000 3174 +/- Sq. Ft. | 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath

8 Henly Lane • $1,000,000 6344 +/- Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 5 Bath

40 Stratton Lane • $115,000 LOT

210.573.4040 dj@gvtc.com

DebraJanes.com

Buying Real Estate?

Exercising Your Option Period

A Gourmet Twist On Traditional Texas Fare Antlers Lodge’s Baked Oysters

For everything real estate...call

Debra Janes

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

The Dominion’s

Real Estate Report

Featuring Antlers Lodge at Hyatt Regency Hill Country 210.647.1234 | www.HillCountry.Hyatt.com

BAKED GULF OYSTERS WITH CHORIZO, CAVE-AGED WHITE CHEDDAR AND CRÈME FRAÎCHE Ingredients • 12 fresh oysters put on the half shell • 4 Tablespoons cave-aged white cheddar • 2 Tablespoons Aurelia’s Spanish-style chorizo (available at Central Market) • 2 Tablespoons crème fraîche • 2 teaspoons chives, finely sliced Method 1. In order to keep oysters level, place them in a bed of salt on a baking sheet 2. Fine dice the chorizo (approx 1/16th inch pieces) and distribute amongst oysters 3. Shred cheese and distribute amongst oysters 4. Gratinée oysters under an overhead broiler on highest oven rack until cheese is browned and cooked to your liking 5. Transfer oysters to serving dish on a bed of salt 6. Garnish with crème fraîche and chives

Ever feel like your home is a little hum-drum? A little too beige and white?

A little short on drama and flair? Well, go ahead and spice things up with these yawn-defying décor tips. We guarantee if you go for the bright orange throw pillows over the tried-and-true tan just this once, you really won’t regret it. Before long, your abode will feel energized and alive—and so will you!

Don’t be afraid of bold and bright colors. The easiest way to get drama in your home is to add some fiery color. Red, oranges, yellows, and even purples and pinks will add that dramatic flair you crave. Don’t want to commit to a red room just yet?

Leave your walls neutral and add some red splashes to your room. Think accent chairs and occasional tables that don’t necessarily play center stage, a strategically placed boldly colored lamp or a bright vase. A touch of vibrant color in even the most mundane of spaces will enliven the environment. For those truly color-shy,

try the drama of an all black-and-white or black-and-brown room. Or try going completely neutral on your walls to let your furniture pop. Another new trend?

Instead of leaving your ceiling white, add some drama and draw the eye up by painting your ceiling a cool color, such as gray, violet, or powdery blue. It will automatically make your ceiling look higher.

Welcome wallpaper into your home. Tired of paint? Bold-patterned wallpaper will add some serious excitement to your rooms, without having to make a very long commitment. The perfect place to try out some bold paper: bathrooms, entryways, and hallways. The bolder the better—here’s where geometrics, iridescents, large prints, and florals play out and give your home the decorator touch you’re looking for.

Focus on scale and size (as in supersize!). Think big when you want dramatic décor.

Although a collection of small vases on a side table or plates hung on a wall can look beautiful, one or two oversized vases or jumbo plates will pack more power than their tiny counterparts. And don’t forget the visual impact of height. Tall vessels with leggy branches of willow or long natural reeds will draw the eye and focus the space.

Although a low tray or glass bowl will look attractive, a tall vase filled with lemons or seashells will create more of a dramatic impact.

Select artwork that wows. Never underestimate the power of a very large-scale painting, print, or piece of art hung prominently over a mantle or dining table. The visual impact of one large canvas can provide major drama, often missed with more typically sized pieces. That said, a collection of smaller, similarly framed pieces of art or framed photos can give the same visual punch. And don’t forget that mirrors are a wonderful way to open up spaces and give a room instant brightness.

Seek out shimmer. Nothing says drama more than large shimmering candlesticks or a crystal vase. Just remember that a little shimmer goes a long way. Use it as an accent and use it sparingly for optimum impact.

Do the unexpected. Really want to add some drama? Go against your signature style now and again. If you usually go for rustic and natural looks, add something a bit more elegant into your mix of home décor. A toned-down crystal chandelier in a more rustic setting is guaranteed to pop, as is an earthy, wooden side table in an otherwise contemporary setting. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and be eclectic— you don’t want your home to look like a catalog or like it all came from one store.

real estate contracts allow time for due diligence Buying real estate can be overwhelming with so many things to consider – including the condition of the property and whether there are any unknown defects that the seller does not know about or that cannot be seen by the naked eye.

In Texas, buyers have an “Option Period” or “Contract Termination Option” which gives the buyer the right to terminate the contract within an agreed time period. Let’s look at what the Option Period is and how it affects both buyers and sellers in a Texas real estate transaction.

First, the Option Period is specified in residential contracts (see Section 23 Termination Option of the TREC promulgated resale contract). Many builders do not offer an Option Period on new construction properties, so those contracts should be closely reviewed to understand what options, if any, you as the buyer have to back out of the contract if you choose to do so.

Second, the Option Period is negotiated at the same time that the contract to purchase the property is negotiated. The buyer offers a nonrefundable “option fee” to the seller. The fee gives the buyer the right to terminate the contract for any reason, at any time during the Option Period. The duration of the Option Period is also negotiated as part of the contract and is typically seven to 14 days, but can be longer or shorter depending on the situation.

During the Option Period, the buyer can perform “due diligence” on the property by conducting a general home

inspection and any other inspections pertinent to the situation.

Once the general home inspection is completed, the buyer may choose to have additional experts come and examine the property as a follow-up to the inspector’s findings. We typically see additional inspections of stucco and roof, plus any areas where water penetration is suspected. This is the buyer’s opportunity to uncover any unknown defects in the property and to determine how extensive the repairs may be to fix them. The buyer may then negotiate needed repairs or other considerations based on these findings.

Since the option fee is nonrefundable, it should be small enough to not be a huge loss to the buyer, but large enough to let the seller know that the buyer is serious. Typically option fees range from $100 to $2,000 depending on the situation.

The option fee should not be confused with earnest money which is money that the buyer puts down to show that he is serious about purchasing the property. Earnest money sits in an escrow account until closing. If the buyer chooses to terminate the contract during the Option Period, the earnest money is completely refunded to him. But, the seller keeps the option fee. If the buyer decides to move forward with the purchase during the Option Period, the option fee can be credited towards the buyer’s closing costs.

During the Option Period, the seller may negotiate and accept back-up offers, but he is contractually bound to sell the property to the original buyer if that buyer chooses to move forward after the Option Period ends.

Buying residential property in Texas is a little less stressful because of the Option Period and the right to terminate the contract. We all know that defects in the property may not always be visible to the naked eye. Texas buyers have an added assurance of being able to perform due diligence on the property without risking their earnest money.

MAY | JUNE 2011 CULINARIA – WINE & CULINARY ARTS FESTIVAL Various Locations, May 11th – 15th 210.822.9555 | CulinariaSA.com Foodies unite! Enjoy this multi-day, multi-venue event, all in celebration of delicious food and drink.

Culinaria features something for everyone, regardless of age or culinary taste. From a black tie event, grand tasting, winemaker dinners and a day of family fun, the variety of festival events guarantee that you will find something to please your palate.

FIESTA NOCHE DEL RIO Arneson River Theatre, starting May 13th 210.212.6771 | Alamo-Kiwanis.org Take part in the 55th annual season of the longestrunning outdoor musical revue in the country. A visually stunning, fast-paced and colorful musical performance is presented in seven acts. Beautifully costumed dancers and singers honor the music of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas. Staged every Friday and Saturday night through mid-August.

YANNI IN CONCERT Majestic Theatre, May 22nd 210.226.3333 | MajesticEmpire.com Yanni and his world-class musicians will perform their greatest instrumental hits made famous around the world. Join this legendary artist in a special live concert sure to thrill his current admirers, and create new fans as well.

MEMORIAL DAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW River Walk, May 27th – 30th TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com Whether it’s pottery, jewelry or fine art you’re interested in, you’ll find plenty to inspire you from the scores of vendors that set up shop along the picturesque River Walk. You’re bound to find a new treasure to enhance your home, wardrobe or garden!

SAN ANTONIO SUMMER ART & JAZZ FESTIVAL Crockett Park, June 3rd – 5th 210.207.7275 | SASJazzFest.com This free three-day event features 10 great jazz concerts, an arts and crafts fair and delicious Texas cuisine. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family, the fest is also host to free workshops developed for young student musicians in middle and high school and feature instruments associated with the style of jazz music.

SHAMMIES ‘N KOOZIES Texas Hill Country, June 11th 512.386.7966 | ShammiesNKoozies.com The ultimate in proverbial summer fun, combine your love of biking through beautiful Texas Hill Country, floating down the Guadalupe River and plenty of great music and Texas BBQ into this Ride & Float event. Choose from a 25, 50 or 60-mile ride. All are fully supported and staged for safety. Then take a load off with a cool and relaxing float to end your day!

Featuring Antlers Lodge at Hyatt Regency Hill Country 210.647.1234 | www.HillCountry.Hyatt.com

BAKED GULF OYSTERS WITH CHORIZO, CAVE-AGED WHITE CHEDDAR AND CRÈME FRAÎCHE Ingredients • 12 fresh oysters put on the half shell • 4 Tablespoons cave-aged white cheddar • 2 Tablespoons Aurelia’s Spanish-style chorizo (available at Central Market) • 2 Tablespoons crème fraîche • 2 teaspoons chives, finely sliced Method 1. In order to keep oysters level, place them in a bed of salt on a baking sheet 2. Fine dice the chorizo (approx 1/16th inch pieces) and distribute amongst oysters 3. Shred cheese and distribute amongst oysters 4. Gratinée oysters under an overhead broiler on highest oven rack until cheese is browned and cooked to your liking 5. Transfer oysters to serving dish on a bed of salt 6. Garnish with crème fraîche and chives

Ever feel like your home is a little hum-drum? A little too beige and white?

A little short on drama and flair? Well, go ahead and spice things up with these yawn-defying décor tips. We guarantee if you go for the bright orange throw pillows over the tried-and-true tan just this once, you really won’t regret it. Before long, your abode will feel energized and alive—and so will you!

Don’t be afraid of bold and bright colors. The easiest way to get drama in your home is to add some fiery color. Red, oranges, yellows, and even purples and pinks will add that dramatic flair you crave. Don’t want to commit to a red room just yet?

Leave your walls neutral and add some red splashes to your room. Think accent chairs and occasional tables that don’t necessarily play center stage, a strategically placed boldly colored lamp or a bright vase. A touch of vibrant color in even the most mundane of spaces will enliven the environment. For those truly color-shy,

try the drama of an all black-and-white or black-and-brown room. Or try going completely neutral on your walls to let your furniture pop. Another new trend?

Instead of leaving your ceiling white, add some drama and draw the eye up by painting your ceiling a cool color, such as gray, violet, or powdery blue. It will automatically make your ceiling look higher.

Welcome wallpaper into your home. Tired of paint? Bold-patterned wallpaper will add some serious excitement to your rooms, without having to make a very long commitment. The perfect place to try out some bold paper: bathrooms, entryways, and hallways. The bolder the better—here’s where geometrics, iridescents, large prints, and florals play out and give your home the decorator touch you’re looking for.

Focus on scale and size (as in supersize!). Think big when you want dramatic décor.

Although a collection of small vases on a side table or plates hung on a wall can look beautiful, one or two oversized vases or jumbo plates will pack more power than their tiny counterparts. And don’t forget the visual impact of height. Tall vessels with leggy branches of willow or long natural reeds will draw the eye and focus the space.

Although a low tray or glass bowl will look attractive, a tall vase filled with lemons or seashells will create more of a dramatic impact.

Select artwork that wows. Never underestimate the power of a very large-scale painting, print, or piece of art hung prominently over a mantle or dining table. The visual impact of one large canvas can provide major drama, often missed with more typically sized pieces. That said, a collection of smaller, similarly framed pieces of art or framed photos can give the same visual punch. And don’t forget that mirrors are a wonderful way to open up spaces and give a room instant brightness.

Seek out shimmer. Nothing says drama more than large shimmering candlesticks or a crystal vase. Just remember that a little shimmer goes a long way. Use it as an accent and use it sparingly for optimum impact.

Do the unexpected. Really want to add some drama? Go against your signature style now and again. If you usually go for rustic and natural looks, add something a bit more elegant into your mix of home décor. A toned-down crystal chandelier in a more rustic setting is guaranteed to pop, as is an earthy, wooden side table in an otherwise contemporary setting. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and be eclectic— you don’t want your home to look like a catalog or like it all came from one store.

real estate contracts allow time for due diligence Buying real estate can be overwhelming with so many things to consider – including the condition of the property and whether there are any unknown defects that the seller does not know about or that cannot be seen by the naked eye.

In Texas, buyers have an “Option Period” or “Contract Termination Option” which gives the buyer the right to terminate the contract within an agreed time period. Let’s look at what the Option Period is and how it affects both buyers and sellers in a Texas real estate transaction.

First, the Option Period is specified in residential contracts (see Section 23 Termination Option of the TREC promulgated resale contract). Many builders do not offer an Option Period on new construction properties, so those contracts should be closely reviewed to understand what options, if any, you as the buyer have to back out of the contract if you choose to do so.

Second, the Option Period is negotiated at the same time that the contract to purchase the property is negotiated. The buyer offers a nonrefundable “option fee” to the seller. The fee gives the buyer the right to terminate the contract for any reason, at any time during the Option Period. The duration of the Option Period is also negotiated as part of the contract and is typically seven to 14 days, but can be longer or shorter depending on the situation.

During the Option Period, the buyer can perform “due diligence” on the property by conducting a general home

inspection and any other inspections pertinent to the situation.

Once the general home inspection is completed, the buyer may choose to have additional experts come and examine the property as a follow-up to the inspector’s findings. We typically see additional inspections of stucco and roof, plus any areas where water penetration is suspected. This is the buyer’s opportunity to uncover any unknown defects in the property and to determine how extensive the repairs may be to fix them. The buyer may then negotiate needed repairs or other considerations based on these findings.

Since the option fee is nonrefundable, it should be small enough to not be a huge loss to the buyer, but large enough to let the seller know that the buyer is serious. Typically option fees range from $100 to $2,000 depending on the situation.

The option fee should not be confused with earnest money which is money that the buyer puts down to show that he is serious about purchasing the property. Earnest money sits in an escrow account until closing. If the buyer chooses to terminate the contract during the Option Period, the earnest money is completely refunded to him. But, the seller keeps the option fee. If the buyer decides to move forward with the purchase during the Option Period, the option fee can be credited towards the buyer’s closing costs.

During the Option Period, the seller may negotiate and accept back-up offers, but he is contractually bound to sell the property to the original buyer if that buyer chooses to move forward after the Option Period ends.

Buying residential property in Texas is a little less stressful because of the Option Period and the right to terminate the contract. We all know that defects in the property may not always be visible to the naked eye. Texas buyers have an added assurance of being able to perform due diligence on the property without risking their earnest money.

MAY | JUNE 2011 CULINARIA – WINE & CULINARY ARTS FESTIVAL Various Locations, May 11th – 15th 210.822.9555 | CulinariaSA.com Foodies unite! Enjoy this multi-day, multi-venue event, all in celebration of delicious food and drink.

Culinaria features something for everyone, regardless of age or culinary taste. From a black tie event, grand tasting, winemaker dinners and a day of family fun, the variety of festival events guarantee that you will find something to please your palate.

FIESTA NOCHE DEL RIO Arneson River Theatre, starting May 13th 210.212.6771 | Alamo-Kiwanis.org Take part in the 55th annual season of the longestrunning outdoor musical revue in the country. A visually stunning, fast-paced and colorful musical performance is presented in seven acts. Beautifully costumed dancers and singers honor the music of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas. Staged every Friday and Saturday night through mid-August.

YANNI IN CONCERT Majestic Theatre, May 22nd 210.226.3333 | MajesticEmpire.com Yanni and his world-class musicians will perform their greatest instrumental hits made famous around the world. Join this legendary artist in a special live concert sure to thrill his current admirers, and create new fans as well.

MEMORIAL DAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW River Walk, May 27th – 30th TheSanAntonioRiverWalk.com Whether it’s pottery, jewelry or fine art you’re interested in, you’ll find plenty to inspire you from the scores of vendors that set up shop along the picturesque River Walk. You’re bound to find a new treasure to enhance your home, wardrobe or garden!

SAN ANTONIO SUMMER ART & JAZZ FESTIVAL Crockett Park, June 3rd – 5th 210.207.7275 | SASJazzFest.com This free three-day event features 10 great jazz concerts, an arts and crafts fair and delicious Texas cuisine. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family, the fest is also host to free workshops developed for young student musicians in middle and high school and feature instruments associated with the style of jazz music.

SHAMMIES ‘N KOOZIES Texas Hill Country, June 11th 512.386.7966 | ShammiesNKoozies.com The ultimate in proverbial summer fun, combine your love of biking through beautiful Texas Hill Country, floating down the Guadalupe River and plenty of great music and Texas BBQ into this Ride & Float event. Choose from a 25, 50 or 60-mile ride. All are fully supported and staged for safety. Then take a load off with a cool and relaxing float to end your day!

May | June 2011

42 Vineyard Dr. • $3,495,000 7460 +/- Sq. Ft. • 5 Bed | 5 Bath

Real Estate Activity In

The Dominion UNDER CONTRACT

33 Vineyard • $1,995,000 5400 +/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Bath

58 Champions Ln. • $799,000 3568 +/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath

6 Duxbury Park • $789,000 5030 +/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3 Bath

FULLY FURNISHED

8 Century Glen • $325,000 2373 +/- Sq. Ft. | 2 Bed | 2 Bath

2 Priors Way • $850,000 3175 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed | 4 Bath

19 Venice Ct. • $730,000 3174 +/- Sq. Ft. | 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath

8 Henly Lane • $1,000,000 6344 +/- Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 5 Bath

40 Stratton Lane • $115,000 LOT

210.573.4040 dj@gvtc.com

DebraJanes.com

Buying Real Estate?

Exercising Your Option Period

A Gourmet Twist On Traditional Texas Fare Antlers Lodge’s Baked Oysters

For everything real estate...call

Debra Janes

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

The Dominion’s

Real Estate Report