The Dominion Lifestyle

The Dominion

September | October 2012

DEBRA JANES The Dominion Real Estate Specialist

The Dominion Market Report

Debra Janes Luxury Real Estate Group

112 CURRENT ACTIVE MLS LISTINGS IN THE DOMINION (approximately 8% of the 1300 completed homes)

$300,000 to $500,000 16 $500,000 to $1,000,000 64 $1,000,000 to a high of $2,600,000 32

13 PENDING OR ACTIVE OPTION $300,000 to $500,000

Natalie Biggers Licensed Realtor Associate

Maria Freyre Spanish Translation Specialist

Kelly Hamilton Licensed Realtor Associate

210.573.4040 dj@gvtc.com DebraJanes.com

3 Debra Janes Luxury Realtor

$500,000 to $1,000,000 8 $1,000,000 and above 2

52 HOMES SOLD IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS $300,000 to $500,000

San Antonio’s Luxury Market Values Are Holding Strong 2012 SOLD STATISTICS*

15

(123 Properties including Pending Sales 1/1/12 - 8/17/12)

$500,000 to $1,000,000 27

Minimum

$1,000,000 and above 10

Average

Prices per square foot vary and are unique to each home. For a price opinion and listing appointment to learn more about the market value based on your personal residence, please contact Debra Janes at 210.573.4040.

Maximum $2,750,000

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data sourced from the San Antonio Board of Realtors MLS statistics from January to August of 2012.

P r e s e n t e d by D e b r a Ja n e s

$750,000 $1,063,742

* Sold properties closed averaging 92.34% of their Final List Price reflecting a 7.66% difference between property sale prices and their Final List Price. Statistics reflect homes sold at $750,000 and above. *Data as of 8/17/12 from San Antonio MLS.

Sales & Information Pavilion 10 Dominion Drive

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

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Cibolo Moon

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2012

at the JW Marriott San Antonio

Dinosaur Stampede San Antonio Botanical Garden, Sept. 1st- Dec. 31st 210.207.3250 | SABOT.org Got a budding paleontologist in the family?

Or maybe you just finished watching Jurassic Park again on late-night cable. Through the end of the year, you can step back in time and experience the Mesozoic Era with realistic and life-sized dinosaurs strategically placed throughout the garden.

210.276.2500 | JWSanAntonio.com

ALAMEDA MARGARITA INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 oz. T1 Tequila Blanco Ultra Fino 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier 2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice 1 oz. Agave Nectar 1 oz. Blood Orange Nectar

METHOD: In mixing tin, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, agave nectar, and blood orange nectar. Shake gently. Rim margarita glass with salt and fill with ice.

Pour contents in mixing tin over ice. Add orange moon and lime slice as a garnish.

As the temperature begins to dip a bit, why not consider tweaking your home décor to be in sync with the seasons? Especially at this time of year—and again in springtime— something inside us yearns for change as we find comfort in embracing the weather changes and traditions that harken in a new season. Surrounding ourselves with fresh items that reflect the ever-changing elements of the seasons promotes a feeling of progress and comfort which can be uplifting and inspiring to the soul.

Changing your surroundings to mirror the seasons can also be good for you, as studies have shown that one’s environment directly influences one’s mood and productivity.

Welcoming in a new season with décor changes to your home can do wonders for your creativity and inspiration, as the human psyche is directly affected by nature and the elements.

How to get started? In the spring, we’re inspired with growth and renewal and can reflect this in our home by lightening up our interiors, making rooms airier and open as the heat outside intensifies. This could mean simply altering your furniture arrangement to improve traffic and air flow. Reducing clutter will also help create a clean, spring vibe conducive to relaxing in the summertime. In the fall, we tend to want to make our spaces cozier, textural and den-like. Try creating an intimate reading or conversation nook in the fall and winter to encourage cuddling up with a blanket and a mug of coffee to be a daily indulgence.

A dramatic change can be felt by simply changing out linens, curtains, and throw

pillows. Think breezy and light window treatments and bare floors in the spring and more dramatic, heavier curtains and plush area rugs in the fall to give your space seasonal appeal. Add comfy throws and decorative accent pillows which can be eliminated or transformed with different pillow cases in the spring.

Your room’s color scheme can also give your home a seasonal lift. This can be done easily by changing out lighter accent colors in the spring and summer (whites, blues, lavenders and yellows) with darker, warmer colors (reds, oranges, browns and greens) that echo the changing hues outside. A room’s accessories can also add much to a seasonal interior design scheme, with the backdrop remaining consistent all year long. For warmer months, add seashells, nautical and beachthemed items, colorful floral arrangements and wicker and glass elements which all lend a relaxed summery feel. In the fall, replace these accents with heavy wood frames, stoneware, and fall-inspired florals to help your interior space reflect the natural passage of time.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of smell.

Think all-natural, light floral and citrus candle scents in the spring and summer and fragrant, spicy smells in fall and winter to give your home a true seasonal feel. These small details and minor tweaks give your home meaning and individuality and allow you to feel a part of nature’s cycle. And, as a bonus, these simple changes to your environment may also help boost your mood throughout the year as you turn back the pages of your calendar.

Most buyers will have an inspection on the property that they plan to purchase. Typical inspections include a general home inspection, pool inspection and other more specific inspections depending on the situation. For example, homes with a stucco exterior may require a stucco inspection to ensure the quality and condition of the stucco. Roof inspections are also common especially when the general inspector has raised a concern about the condition of the roof.

Buyers can request that everything, nothing, or a list of specific items that were found in the inspection be fixed. The seller, along with their real estate agent, should assess the situation and determine what they are willing to repair.

be inferior electrical wiring that could cause a fire.

• Has building code changed such that the item needs to be brought up to current standards?

• Is the item cosmetic in nature? Sellers are not usually responsible for cosmetic items.

An example may be a crack in the stone NAVIGA flooring. As long as the crack does not indicate a structural issue or a safety concern, the seller can opt to not repair this item.

How should the repairs be made? Many sellers want to do the repairs themselves or get their brother-in-law who is “handy” to fix the requested items. Instead, sellers should have

Things to consider are: • Does the item needing repair cause a safety concern? It behooves the seller to fix any safety-related issues so that they are not liable post sale for a safety problem. An example may

T

Cozy Up Your Casa For Fall & Winter Transform your abode with these easy changes for a perfect fall feel.

• Add faux-fur pillows and blankets to seating areas.

• Rearrange furnishings to set the scene for snuggling by the fireside.

• Replace clear glass vases, pitchers, and accessories with heavier, more substantial materials such as wood, leather and wrought iron. Update your tableware and tablecloths to darker, more dramatic pieces.

• Make your bedroom a tranquil retreat with inviting bedding such as a down-filled duvet, suede throw blanket, and accent pillows with brocade fabrics and rich textures.

Swap out window treatments made from cool cotton and breezy linen for heavier and more luxurious fabrics (think rich velvets, chenilles and sumptuous silks).

• Stash summer silk or dried floral arrangements out of sight and replace with natural fall and winter harbingers—think pine cones, acorns, nuts, pumpkins or dramatic tree branches in large urns. Adding tiny white lights to these helps the fall/winter season further resonate throughout your home.

• Change out sisal and cotton jute area rugs for thicker, cushier shag or wool carpets to keep your rooms looking and feeling toasty warm.

• Add groupings of candles, lanterns, and candelabras as daylight begins to fade earlier.

• Fall and winter to many is synonymous with family gatherings and the holidays. Bring out your most cherished photos from past celebrations and replace artwork with these special memories.

repairs that require a professional, be done by a professional that is bonded or certified for their industry – such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Receipts should be provided to the buyer showing when and who did the work.

The seller may prefer to offer a lump sum to I N G T H E the buyer so that the buyer can select their own repairmen and can oversee the repairs themselves. The downside to this approach is that the repairs are completed after closing and the buyer has taken possession of the home.

Some buyers may want to move into the home and have everything in perfect working order, so

Repair Process

this approach may not be agreeable in all cases.

Many real estate agents recommend that the seller purchase a home warranty for the buyer that will cover repairs during the first year for major appliances and systems (plumbing, heating, etc.) in the home. Purchasing a home warranty does not circumvent repairing items that were identified as malfunctioning during the home inspection, however.

Negotiating repairs is usually a crucial step in the sales transaction. As with any negotiation, it is a give-and-take process. Emotions often run high and it’s not uncommon for the entire deal to fall apart due to a disagreement on a simple repair. Your real estate agent is invaluable with helping you navigate through the process successfully.

Dining in the Gardens of Villa Finale Villa Finale, Sept. 15th 210.223.9800 | VillaFinale.org This lovely fall garden party will highlight the newly restored gardens of Villa Finale, the first National Trust Historic Site in Texas. The evening includes special dining options from a variety of restaurants, tours of Villa Finale and its collections, and an unparalleled ambiance in the King William neighborhood.

Red Carpet Gala Valero Headquarters, Sept. 29th 210.582.1983 | SARedCross.org Not just a typical black-tie event, come in support of the American Red Cross in your red tie. Dinner, dancing and a silent auction are all on hand.

However, you won’t want to miss hearing honored guest J.R. Martinez share his amazing story of hope and inspiration! This war veteran was one of People’s 25 Most Intriguing People of 2011, and most recently served as Grand Marshal of the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Gruene Music and Wine Festival Gruene Hall, Oct. 4th – 7th 830.629.5077 | GrueneHall.com Take a trip to the oldest dance hall in Texas with four days filled with vintner and music events, food and wine tastings, and the Great Guitar Auction. Your senses will be on overload with all things Texan: from the food, to the music, and to the award-winning Texas wines.

Walk Like MADD 2012 Brackenridge Park, Oct. 27th 210.207.7275 | MADD.org No one wants to hear of one more unfortunate drunk driving tragedy. Join fellow supporters in this non-competitive 5K walk to help spread awareness and to show your support of victims and their families. Besides the walk, you’ll enjoy the Vendor Market Place, Kid Zone, Teen Scene and Doggie Pen.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Cibolo Moon

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2012

at the JW Marriott San Antonio

Dinosaur Stampede San Antonio Botanical Garden, Sept. 1st- Dec. 31st 210.207.3250 | SABOT.org Got a budding paleontologist in the family?

Or maybe you just finished watching Jurassic Park again on late-night cable. Through the end of the year, you can step back in time and experience the Mesozoic Era with realistic and life-sized dinosaurs strategically placed throughout the garden.

210.276.2500 | JWSanAntonio.com

ALAMEDA MARGARITA INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 oz. T1 Tequila Blanco Ultra Fino 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier 2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice 1 oz. Agave Nectar 1 oz. Blood Orange Nectar

METHOD: In mixing tin, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, agave nectar, and blood orange nectar. Shake gently. Rim margarita glass with salt and fill with ice.

Pour contents in mixing tin over ice. Add orange moon and lime slice as a garnish.

As the temperature begins to dip a bit, why not consider tweaking your home décor to be in sync with the seasons? Especially at this time of year—and again in springtime— something inside us yearns for change as we find comfort in embracing the weather changes and traditions that harken in a new season. Surrounding ourselves with fresh items that reflect the ever-changing elements of the seasons promotes a feeling of progress and comfort which can be uplifting and inspiring to the soul.

Changing your surroundings to mirror the seasons can also be good for you, as studies have shown that one’s environment directly influences one’s mood and productivity.

Welcoming in a new season with décor changes to your home can do wonders for your creativity and inspiration, as the human psyche is directly affected by nature and the elements.

How to get started? In the spring, we’re inspired with growth and renewal and can reflect this in our home by lightening up our interiors, making rooms airier and open as the heat outside intensifies. This could mean simply altering your furniture arrangement to improve traffic and air flow. Reducing clutter will also help create a clean, spring vibe conducive to relaxing in the summertime. In the fall, we tend to want to make our spaces cozier, textural and den-like. Try creating an intimate reading or conversation nook in the fall and winter to encourage cuddling up with a blanket and a mug of coffee to be a daily indulgence.

A dramatic change can be felt by simply changing out linens, curtains, and throw

pillows. Think breezy and light window treatments and bare floors in the spring and more dramatic, heavier curtains and plush area rugs in the fall to give your space seasonal appeal. Add comfy throws and decorative accent pillows which can be eliminated or transformed with different pillow cases in the spring.

Your room’s color scheme can also give your home a seasonal lift. This can be done easily by changing out lighter accent colors in the spring and summer (whites, blues, lavenders and yellows) with darker, warmer colors (reds, oranges, browns and greens) that echo the changing hues outside. A room’s accessories can also add much to a seasonal interior design scheme, with the backdrop remaining consistent all year long. For warmer months, add seashells, nautical and beachthemed items, colorful floral arrangements and wicker and glass elements which all lend a relaxed summery feel. In the fall, replace these accents with heavy wood frames, stoneware, and fall-inspired florals to help your interior space reflect the natural passage of time.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of smell.

Think all-natural, light floral and citrus candle scents in the spring and summer and fragrant, spicy smells in fall and winter to give your home a true seasonal feel. These small details and minor tweaks give your home meaning and individuality and allow you to feel a part of nature’s cycle. And, as a bonus, these simple changes to your environment may also help boost your mood throughout the year as you turn back the pages of your calendar.

Most buyers will have an inspection on the property that they plan to purchase. Typical inspections include a general home inspection, pool inspection and other more specific inspections depending on the situation. For example, homes with a stucco exterior may require a stucco inspection to ensure the quality and condition of the stucco. Roof inspections are also common especially when the general inspector has raised a concern about the condition of the roof.

Buyers can request that everything, nothing, or a list of specific items that were found in the inspection be fixed. The seller, along with their real estate agent, should assess the situation and determine what they are willing to repair.

be inferior electrical wiring that could cause a fire.

• Has building code changed such that the item needs to be brought up to current standards?

• Is the item cosmetic in nature? Sellers are not usually responsible for cosmetic items.

An example may be a crack in the stone NAVIGA flooring. As long as the crack does not indicate a structural issue or a safety concern, the seller can opt to not repair this item.

How should the repairs be made? Many sellers want to do the repairs themselves or get their brother-in-law who is “handy” to fix the requested items. Instead, sellers should have

Things to consider are: • Does the item needing repair cause a safety concern? It behooves the seller to fix any safety-related issues so that they are not liable post sale for a safety problem. An example may

T

Cozy Up Your Casa For Fall & Winter Transform your abode with these easy changes for a perfect fall feel.

• Add faux-fur pillows and blankets to seating areas.

• Rearrange furnishings to set the scene for snuggling by the fireside.

• Replace clear glass vases, pitchers, and accessories with heavier, more substantial materials such as wood, leather and wrought iron. Update your tableware and tablecloths to darker, more dramatic pieces.

• Make your bedroom a tranquil retreat with inviting bedding such as a down-filled duvet, suede throw blanket, and accent pillows with brocade fabrics and rich textures.

Swap out window treatments made from cool cotton and breezy linen for heavier and more luxurious fabrics (think rich velvets, chenilles and sumptuous silks).

• Stash summer silk or dried floral arrangements out of sight and replace with natural fall and winter harbingers—think pine cones, acorns, nuts, pumpkins or dramatic tree branches in large urns. Adding tiny white lights to these helps the fall/winter season further resonate throughout your home.

• Change out sisal and cotton jute area rugs for thicker, cushier shag or wool carpets to keep your rooms looking and feeling toasty warm.

• Add groupings of candles, lanterns, and candelabras as daylight begins to fade earlier.

• Fall and winter to many is synonymous with family gatherings and the holidays. Bring out your most cherished photos from past celebrations and replace artwork with these special memories.

repairs that require a professional, be done by a professional that is bonded or certified for their industry – such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Receipts should be provided to the buyer showing when and who did the work.

The seller may prefer to offer a lump sum to I N G T H E the buyer so that the buyer can select their own repairmen and can oversee the repairs themselves. The downside to this approach is that the repairs are completed after closing and the buyer has taken possession of the home.

Some buyers may want to move into the home and have everything in perfect working order, so

Repair Process

this approach may not be agreeable in all cases.

Many real estate agents recommend that the seller purchase a home warranty for the buyer that will cover repairs during the first year for major appliances and systems (plumbing, heating, etc.) in the home. Purchasing a home warranty does not circumvent repairing items that were identified as malfunctioning during the home inspection, however.

Negotiating repairs is usually a crucial step in the sales transaction. As with any negotiation, it is a give-and-take process. Emotions often run high and it’s not uncommon for the entire deal to fall apart due to a disagreement on a simple repair. Your real estate agent is invaluable with helping you navigate through the process successfully.

Dining in the Gardens of Villa Finale Villa Finale, Sept. 15th 210.223.9800 | VillaFinale.org This lovely fall garden party will highlight the newly restored gardens of Villa Finale, the first National Trust Historic Site in Texas. The evening includes special dining options from a variety of restaurants, tours of Villa Finale and its collections, and an unparalleled ambiance in the King William neighborhood.

Red Carpet Gala Valero Headquarters, Sept. 29th 210.582.1983 | SARedCross.org Not just a typical black-tie event, come in support of the American Red Cross in your red tie. Dinner, dancing and a silent auction are all on hand.

However, you won’t want to miss hearing honored guest J.R. Martinez share his amazing story of hope and inspiration! This war veteran was one of People’s 25 Most Intriguing People of 2011, and most recently served as Grand Marshal of the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Gruene Music and Wine Festival Gruene Hall, Oct. 4th – 7th 830.629.5077 | GrueneHall.com Take a trip to the oldest dance hall in Texas with four days filled with vintner and music events, food and wine tastings, and the Great Guitar Auction. Your senses will be on overload with all things Texan: from the food, to the music, and to the award-winning Texas wines.

Walk Like MADD 2012 Brackenridge Park, Oct. 27th 210.207.7275 | MADD.org No one wants to hear of one more unfortunate drunk driving tragedy. Join fellow supporters in this non-competitive 5K walk to help spread awareness and to show your support of victims and their families. Besides the walk, you’ll enjoy the Vendor Market Place, Kid Zone, Teen Scene and Doggie Pen.

The Dominion

September | October 2012

DEBRA JANES The Dominion Real Estate Specialist

The Dominion Market Report

Debra Janes Luxury Real Estate Group

112 CURRENT ACTIVE MLS LISTINGS IN THE DOMINION (approximately 8% of the 1300 completed homes)

$300,000 to $500,000 16 $500,000 to $1,000,000 64 $1,000,000 to a high of $2,600,000 32

13 PENDING OR ACTIVE OPTION $300,000 to $500,000

Natalie Biggers Licensed Realtor Associate

Maria Freyre Spanish Translation Specialist

Kelly Hamilton Licensed Realtor Associate

210.573.4040 dj@gvtc.com DebraJanes.com

3 Debra Janes Luxury Realtor

$500,000 to $1,000,000 8 $1,000,000 and above 2

52 HOMES SOLD IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS $300,000 to $500,000

San Antonio’s Luxury Market Values Are Holding Strong 2012 SOLD STATISTICS*

15

(123 Properties including Pending Sales 1/1/12 - 8/17/12)

$500,000 to $1,000,000 27

Minimum

$1,000,000 and above 10

Average

Prices per square foot vary and are unique to each home. For a price opinion and listing appointment to learn more about the market value based on your personal residence, please contact Debra Janes at 210.573.4040.

Maximum $2,750,000

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data sourced from the San Antonio Board of Realtors MLS statistics from January to August of 2012.

P r e s e n t e d by D e b r a Ja n e s

$750,000 $1,063,742

* Sold properties closed averaging 92.34% of their Final List Price reflecting a 7.66% difference between property sale prices and their Final List Price. Statistics reflect homes sold at $750,000 and above. *Data as of 8/17/12 from San Antonio MLS.

Sales & Information Pavilion 10 Dominion Drive

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

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996