Issuu

Vol.III, No.19

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October 1, 2017

Are You An Addict?

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Texas Paid Permit #1590

By: Pat Farrell Most people’s reaction when the subject of addiction is bandied about is to immediately think only of the abuse of some type of chemical substance like narcotics or alcohol which probably results from the fact that that is the addiction issue we most hear about in the news. Also, many among us, or perhaps a family member may have just such a “problem,” but it is important to note that some addictions have nothing whatsoever to do with the abuse of chemical substances. There is still much disagreement about whether addiction, per se, is actually a “disease” or not, and some definitions read simply that it is “the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity” or that “it is the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, such as narcotics.”

Others, however, claim that it is "a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry where dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.” Phew!! Putting that debate about addiction to the use or abuse of chemical substances aside, it may be more interesting to look at other “behavioral” types of addiction. While there are Impulse Control Disorders like aggressive behavior, gambling, setting fires and stealing there are also those things that people are addicted to like pornography and sex (but we are not going to go there), food, working, exercising, reading, shopping, spiritual obsession, seeking pain (or cutting one’s self) and, of course, the Internet. Some would have you believe that the term “addiction” is a misnomer since it would only take the application of a little self-control to solve the problem. Really? What is evident and cannot be disregarded is that there are many behaviors, including gambling, eating and risk taking, that are occurring at an addictive level and left untreated are destroying lives. According to many pundits, any behavior that becomes the focus of one’s life, and that usually excludes other activities or that causes harm to the individual or others, should be considered a form of addictive behavior. There are many of us who enjoy good food, including some we are able to prepare for ourselves and some for which we choose to have served to us at a good restaurant. However, there are also those that beyond usual eating behavior, actually crave food, where some must have the taste associated with fatty foods, others

need to experience sweetness, or may crave salt. Whatever the food choice, when it becomes an “I must have” or it is always being sought after because of the “high” it produces in the individual, then there may just be a serious addiction problem. And, similar to substance abuse, it is possible for one to build a tolerance to the desired food so that more and more of it will be required to get that sought after “high.” No doubt we have all heard of, read about or may actually know someone who has a gambling “problem” such that they are always preoccupied with finding the “game of chance” of their choice, and once there will continue to bet, as they are so sure they will finally get all their losses and more back on the next roll of the dice, hand of cards or pull of the handle, etc. However, it usually does not happen that way and brings with it the serious potential of huge losses and they may eventually lose it all: family, home, job and even life. And the “high” that gamblers experience may be similar to one that many people are seeking when they engage in activities that most consider to be dangerous, like surfing the highest waves and snowboarding off high mountains or driving while totally drunk and engaging in unprotected sex with strangers. If common sense tells them it should not be done they will usually do it anyway! With the digital age now in its prime, there so many of us that have become tethered to our digital devices and are probably aware that most teens, and a large number of adults for that matter, would likely suffer severe withdrawal pangs should their cell phones be removed from their person for even an hour – just think of all the calls, texts and email messages that would be missed during that

time! It can be fascinating to watch people in public places, who even though they are with other people are individually engrossed in their own phones and seem to have no time for each other. Then, with the coming of the Internet era, there are a whole new crop of addictive behaviors to consider. While today’s video games are to some just time wasters they are to others a chance to escape into a fantasy world that has little to do with the surrounding realities of their lives. Though we may not appreciate the allure that seems to call gamers to the computer, many of them have found that being able to communicate online with previously unknown others from around the world who share their fascination and whom they will never have to meet, all while playing the latest and greatest game with them, is much more satisfying than having to deal with those who are currently a part of their lives or local environment. Does anyone else see a problem here? Also, because of the Internet there are those who must always buy the latest and greatest thing available online because it may be needed now or later, even if they cannot afford it, and we all know of others who must constantly post any and everything they do, where they go, what they do there and even what they are now eating, and at what restaurant! The Internet is also a Mecca for those who are addicted to viewing and hoarding pornographic images for their personal use and to share with other likeminded people. On a lighter note (I think) there is one addictive behavior that most would never have thought much about and that is the addiction to reading. I just happen to be acquainted with someone who fits that

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category so well that I can easily recognize the telltale signs. Most among us are casual readers and we may even be proponents of the activity and actually encourage it since we usually consider that if our children like to read it is a sure sign of intelligence. But you know you are a reading addict if people, at some time in your life, have called you a “bookworm,” you ALWAYS have a book with you (just in case) and you will regularly turn down social engagements as you prefer to stay home and read.

October 1, 2017

As a reading addict you may spend hours in bookstores and when it comes time for a gift, people know to always give you a gift card to your favorite bookstore. You enjoy rereading books from your special collection and have piles of books in every room in your house. It is not uncommon for you to wind up with very little sleep because you had to finish the next chapter and then the next and then just one more, etc. You would NEVER own a Kindle as it could not replace the “feel” of a real book, and you are certain that even

before a movie, based on the book is released, that the book was better! It is not uncommon for us to get in the habit of doing the things we truly enjoy on a regular basis and for the most part there is no reason that we should not do so. But when the activity that we are engaged in has become something we do that excludes or interferes with our relationships with family and friends, interferes with our health and wellbeing or disrupts our attention to the necessities of daily living it just may be time to reevaluate.

Reading Real Estate NewsSource Frances Ross, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS, takes a moment to look at her NewsSource while enjoying the Italian countryside.

REAL ESTATE NEWSSOURCE A PUBLICATION OF PUGS PUBLISHING LLC

Publisher/President.....Courtney Smith Asst. to the President.....Candy Carver Contributing Writers:......Cathey Meyer ..................................................Pat Farrell Columnists....................Paula Durocher ...........................................Tiffany Wright Business Development .......Joyce Orts

(210) 508-0888 Real Estate NewsSource is not responsible for the opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any byproducts in advertising or editorial copy. REALTOR® is a registered trademark. The word REALTOR® sometimes appears in this paper without the registered trademark symbol (®), for the purpose of saving space. Wherever the word REALTOR appears in this space, the registered trademark should be assumed.

We welcome submissions of photos, press releases or articles.

Stewart Horne, Smart Group Realtors, went to visit family in Australia and made sure to bring his NewsSource to share with the "locals"!

Send to: Real Estate NewsSource 10004 Wurzbach Road, #288 San Antonio, Texas 78230 E-MAIL: editor@renewssource.com Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if material is to be returned.

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October 1, 2017

Register to Vote in the November 7th Election The November election is r i g h t a ro u n d t h e c o r n e r. T h e upcoming election will allow you to vote on constitutional amendments, it so important f o r R E A LTO R S ® t o g e t o u t a n d m a k e t h e i r v o i c e s h e a rd . F i n d o u t h e re h o w t o re g i s t e r a n d w h e re t o g e t t h e i n f o r m a t i o n you need about the upcoming election. Election Day is on November 7th and the deadl i n e t o re g i s t e r t o v o t e i s c o m ing up on October 10th. If you p l a n o n v o t i n g b e s u re t o re g ister to vote. Registering to vote is simple, just visit w w w. b e x a r. o rg , f i n d t h e i r e l e c tions page and click the “ R e g i s t e r t o Vo t e ” b u t t o n . F ro m t h e re y o u w i l l f i n d a l l t h e s t e p s y o u n e e d t o g e t re g i s t e re d t o v o t e i n B e x a r

C o u n t y. A re y o u n o t s u re i f y o u ’ re re g i s t e re d t o v o t e ? I f s o , t h e Bexar County elections website can help you find out. Just c l i c k t h e “ A re Yo u R e g i s t e re d ” b u t t o n t o v e r i f y y o u r re g i s t r a t i o n s t a t u s . I f y o u a re re g i s t e re d , t h e n y o u ’ re a l l s e t t o vote in the November election. The Bexar County elections w e b s i t e i s a l s o a g re a t re s o u rc e t o f i n d o u t m o re about the election, including w h o i s y o u r re p re s e n t a t i v e a n d the items that will be on the ballot. M a k e s u re y o u r v o i c e i s h e a rd i n t h e u p c o m i n g e l e c t i o n , re g i s t e r t o v o t e . I f y o u need any further assistance g e t t i n g re g i s t e re d p l e a s e c o n tact g o v e r n m e n t a ff a i r s @ s a b o r. c o m .

Outgoing SABOR CEO Angela Shields with incoming interim CEO Gilbert Gonzales. We wish Angela the best of luck at the Tennessee Association of REALTORS!

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October 1, 2017

Sitterle Homes VIP Happy Hour at Stately Oaks

Caroline Lanza, US Realty Pros and Thomas Engle, Sitterle Homes.

Patty Jones, Sitterle Homes and Al Cannistra, Texas Premier Realty.

Gabriel Rodriguez and Becky Rodriguez, both Commonwealth Realty and Vickie Young, Young Realty S.A.

Erika Ramon, Sitterle Homes, Andrea Nauschutz, Uownit Realty and Caroline Lanza, U.S. Realty Pros.

Pat Allen, Guest with Bob Allen, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors and Gordon Bartley, Rigel Realty.

Rose Arredondo and Lisa Stanley, both Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors.

Rosanna Correa and Greg Smith, both Keller Williams City View.

Jordan Phillips and Kaitlynn Johnson, both Phillips & Associates Realty.

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October 1, 2017

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October 1, 2017

Peopleâ€™s Home Equity Appreciation Luncheon at Paesanos

Manny Ortuno, Marketing Director, Lance Bryce, Area Manager, and Randall Gillespie, Central Midwest Division VP, all Peoples Home Equity.

Simon Ortiz, Keller Williams Legacy with Rey Garza, Rey Garza Real Estate.

Seated: Michael Landi, Keller Williams Heritage, Judi Koulter, Keller Williams Legacy, Chelsie Franz, Keller Williams Heritage Standing: Tracy Radigan, Peoples Home Equity, Tisiana Gonzalez, Keller Williams Heritage and Karen Franz, Keller Williams Heritage.

Amanda Herring, Amanda P. Herring.

Denise Klepac, Bielefeld-Klepac Realty and Carla Van Zandt, Home Team of America

Angie DeLeon, Peopleâ€™s Home Equity with Tom Van Zandt, Home Team of America.

Voncille Bielefeld, Bielefeld-Klepac Realty.

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October 1, 2017

The Way I See It By Cathey Meyer

Back in the Day In an attempt to keep up with the newest tech developments, I actually had my ‘Alexa’ hooked-up at my office. To be honest, I generally forget ‘she’ is there and all too often something is said in the office and Alexa usually responds with “I don’t understand that request.” Right back at you Alexa; I don’t understand how you operate, but I remain suspicious that someone in Amazon or China is monitoring our every office operation. As an executive director of a nonprofit, I bet that long-distance monitor-dude is napping through much of the fundraising discussions—not exactly spy-worthy information. As we departed the other evening, my officemate jokingly said, “Bye Alexa.” Alexa immediately responding with “Processing the purchase of a new Alexa.” The ear-splitting “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” that rattled through my throat

brought folks from all over the building to our door. Chaos ensued and we were unplugging, deprogramming and verbally cancelling the unintended order. I am hoping a new Alexa does not appear randomly on my doorstep. There is a good chance the Alexa did make it to my doorstep, but I would never know if the random front door thieves beat me home. I find it fascinating that corporate America can figure out how to encroach the easy-as-speak purchase, but cannot figure out how to secure the delivery of a fully paid for package. As I was cancelling my Alexafriendly credit card, my niece was concerned how I would pay for things without a plastic swipe. Turns out, at the ripe old age of 15, the idea of paying for stuff with good old American Benjamin’s was as foreign as a peso. Gaging my age at this point, I

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randomly asked her what her home phone number was and without missing a beat she replied, “Mom on my phone.” I assume this part of the new math that is all the rage—lack of number usage—just an ability to punch points on a screen. Back in the day, making a phone call was an effort. First you had to memorize all of seven numbers. Next you had to insert a finger in a small hole and physically whip a plastic disc around a wall mounted box while holding a receiver in the opposite hand. I have serious doubts, as smart as my niece is, that she could keep the order of the now 10-digits phone numbers long enough to endure waiting for that rotating dial to start/stop between each number. At 15, back in the day, I was thrilled to be in driver’s education and terrifying my parents with my too fast right hand turns. I asked my niece when she wanted to take a spin in the old Prius. She had no interest in driving—why should she drive when I could do the work and she could be totally engaged in her phone screen? I inquired when she might one day get a driver’s license and she commented her Uber driver would take care of her transportation needs. I just skipped the inquiry about how she would write a check at the grocery store without a driver’s license ID—I was sensing a discussion about balancing checkbook entries was a generation gone.

I did offer to take her to the mall for a little aunt/niece shopping spree. I planned to take a stash of cash for an old fashion pay-out experience: Own the merchandise immediately, take it with you and mingle with the people. She wanted to know how I collected rewards without a card, why I would want to carry bags all over the mall when you can have it shipped to your door and why would you want to get out among strangers and germs? These inquiries were texted to me from the adjoining room. Not only was I speechless, I was talking to myself. How could she pass on free stuff and quality time with her aunt? I am not THAT uncool, of course her reference to ‘uncool’ would translate to not cold and who wants to hang with hot-flashing aunt? In one last ditch effort, I offered to take her to the movies. She wanted to see my Netflick account. Don’t have one. What about my Hulu account. Don’t have one. What about my Slingshot account? You see where that is going and it is not to the movies. I gave up and gave in—my niece, Alexa, is just as aggravating as my device, Alexa. They both seem to only respond when it is of interest to them, seem to spend money when I am unaware of the expenditure, and have no ability to interact in the old fashion human manner. More and more, I miss the wisdom of Grandma Meyer who always reminded us of

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October 1, 2017

KB Home Agent Lunch at Heights at Northeast Crossing

Joyce Sellers, KB Home.

Mary Jo Schaffer, eXp Realty, Lacy Padilla and Joyce Sellers, both KB Elda Olvera, Key Realty, Husain Lee, RE/MAX Realty Advantage, and Home and Stephen Hunter, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors Margaret Cook, BHGRE Bradfield Properties

Angela Uribe, BHGRE Bradfield Properties and Derek Rodgers, Home Team of America

John and Arlene Mendez, ICON Realty

Johnnie Childs and Mary Jo Schaffer, both eXp Realty

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October 1, 2017

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October 1, 2017

Alice Ruiz, Alicia Ruiz Properties, showing off her swag from a recent M/I Homes Realtor Luncheon in Cibolo.

Martin Moreno, eXp Realty and Vickie Young, Young Realty S.A., enjoy the VIP Happy Hour at Stately Oaks hosted by Sitterle Homes.

Karl Kluthe, RE/MAX North with Brandon Rogers, Corry Martinez and Brian Nanney, all Horizon View Homes and Mike LaRochelle, Trinity Title are having a great time at Trinity Title’s End of Summer Cookout at Bandera Trails.

Farah Momin, Miguel Gomez and Brica Gomez, all Perry Homes, at their company’s grand opening at Bella Vista.

Sue Trautner, Becker Properties and Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management at the August GRI meeting.

Carmen Soto, Vivid Realty and Christina O’Connor, Pilgrim Mortgage, catch up at a recent Women’s Council meeting.

Angelica Solis, San Eric Steitz, OnQ Antonio One Stop Financial and John Realty and Tracy Kuntz III, Reliance Stockton, David Residential Realty at Weekley Homes, are OnQ Financial’s End accidental twins in of Summer Mixer at the same dress at Stonewerks. David Weekley’s open house at Enclave at Elm Creek.

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October 1, 2017

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R E A LTO RS d a o R On The

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October 1, 2017

Trinity Title End of Summer Cookout

Toni Smart, Smart Group, REALTORS with Jose Martinez, OnQ Financial.

Renee White and Dale Lewis, both Trinity Title, Cindy Kolmeier, OnQ Financial and Norma Pearson, Christian Brothers Realty.

Corry Martinez, Horizon View Homes, Linsay Martin, Trinity Title with Brandon Rogers and Brian Nanney, both Horizon View Homes.

Armando Perez, guest, Lupita Perez, Jadestone Real Estate, Pearl De La Cruz, Northwest Real Estate.

Kathy Olivarez, Trinity Title.

Susan Moore, RE/MAX North San Antonio, James Rogers, eXp Realty and Steve Martinez, RE/MAX North San Antonio.

Carmen Bean, Century 21 Northside, Matthew Bean, Guest and Gwen Derry, Trinity Title.

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October 1, 2017

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Tracy Parris, Reliance Residential Realty and Martin Quintanilla, KB Home at KB Home’s Agent Lunch at Mirabel.

Wayne Johnson, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors and Teri Nolan, eXp Realty at a recent Lunch & Learn hosted by CalAtlantic Homes.

Jeff Porter, Option One Real Estate and Belinda Porter, guest enjoy Perry Homes’ Grand Opening at the Grove at Vintage Oaks. John Craig, Key Realty and Charlie Ruffo, Realty Executives of SA, are happy to see each other at the SABOR Member Breakfast.

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October 1, 2017

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October 1, 2017

By Paula Durocher President, Women’s Council of REALTORS, Hill Country

It Has Been A Productive September Women’s Council of REALTORS® is in the “get ready for year 2018” mode! During the early part of the month the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Texas held their conference in Dallas in conjunction with the Texas Association of REALTORS® meetings and our Hill Country 2017 officers: Jan Boyle, President Elect; Raquel Calderon-Wallace, Secretary; Patti McDaniel, Treasurer and I, as your President were in attendance. It was a great opportunity to network with REALTORS®, Affiliates and Strategic Partners from across our wonderful state. We took advantage of the offered Performance Management Network (PMN) course that leads to the flagship Women’s Council of REALTORS® PMN designation that is designed to give you practical tools and provide access to a nationwide peer network of business leaders. The course objective was to learn how the best separate themselves from the

rest by utilizing skills we can implement in our real estate careers as well as other aspects of our lives. We also learned how to eliminate obstacles that prevent you from getting to that next level. The PMN designation is available only to Women’s Council of REALTORS® members and more information concerning the designation can be found at WCR.org. We also attended the Networking dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Dallas where they announced the winners of the Texas Membership Contest for Small, Large and Mega Networks. I am proud to announce that Hill Country won the membership contest for the Large Network category as we increased our members by roughly 25% during the contest period. For this award we received a $300 check for our very own Network!! Way to go everyone!! We also spent one day at a training session with Bruce Gardner who has more than 20 years experi-

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ence in the real estate business and is a well known speaker, coach and author. He is creator of the Seven Styles Success System for real estate agents, and is a recognized expert on lead generation strategies. If he is ever speaking at a class near you, I recommend you attend as you will gain so many helpful strategies to help grow your business. During the Texas Governing Board meeting the elections for our 2018 State Leadership were held and you 2018 officers will be Shelia Moran, President, Dawn Lavka, President Elect, Peggie Pentecost, Secretary and Sheryl Hunter, Treasurer. I have thoroughly enjoyed talking with these ladies and they have so many wonderful ideas that will not only help Women’s Council of REALTORS® Texas but our Hill Country Network as well. I am also so excited to report that our very own Raquel Calderon-Wallace is not only our 2018 President Elect, but she is going to be the Education Chairman for the Texas Network. Congratulation Raquel, you are making our Hill Country Network very proud! And this past week we held our second joint luncheon meeting of the year with the Four Rivers Association of Realtors. The luncheon was held September 18 in our beautiful little town of Seguin where we had more than 110 in attendance. The speaker was John Curnett, Director of

Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training at Texas State University in San Marcos and his topic was “Situation Awareness and Realtor Safety.” John gave many great tips on safety but the main thing I took away was to be careful about what you post. So many REALTORS® love to use social media to advertise open houses, new listings etc., but be careful about what you post. For example, don’t post on any social media site…. “Come visit me at 123 Lonely Street today from 24. I am sitting here bored stiff and I’d love to show you around this gorgeous, 4 bedroom home on 2 acres.” You may not realize it but you have just told all those would be attackers, “Hey, I’m here alone and could be a great victim for you!” Be cautious and careful and especially pay attention to your surroundings and to what you say and to whom!! Our next Luncheon will be held at Mckenna Event Center in New Braunfels on Oct. 12, 2017, from 11-1. Our speaker will be Austin Berman from Valentine Properties in Richmond, VA. Austin and his wife, Heather, who is a National Association of REALTORS® “30 under 30,” run a successful boutique brokerage. They will be speaking on Finding and Defining Balance in your world. We would love to have you join us!! Need more information? Contact me 210-262-4776.

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October 1, 2017

Mark Nauschutz, guest with Andrea Nauschutz, UOwnIt Realty at the VIP Happy Hour at Stately Oaks hosted by Sitterle Homes.

Alicia Epperson, Cindy Kolmeier and Deborah Carriles, all OnQ Financial are ready to mix and mingle at OnQ Financial’s End of Summer Mixer at Stonewerks.

Tracy Radigan and Michelle Bryce, both People’s Home Equity, at their company’s recent appreciation lunch at Paesano’s.

Alfred Hockley, M/I Homes and Karen O'Fearna, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors at M/I Homes agent luncheon at Turning Stone in Cibolo.

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October 1, 2017

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Debbie Blackerby, American Homeshield with Christina O’Connor, Pilgrim Mortgage ready to teach at their co-hosted Lunch & Learn!

Brenda Carillo, Zars & Rogers, Drew Kolmeier, OnQ Financial and Renee White, Trinity Title at Trinity Title’s End of Summer Cookout at Bandera Trails.

Darlene Thomas, Keller Williams City View; Valorie Pollard, Vortex Realty and Jeanie Murphy, Keller Williams City View at KB Home’s Agent Lunch at Mirabel.

Jim Hughes, David Weekley Homes and Vicki Collier, Keller Williams City View at David Weekley’s open house at Enclave at Elm Creek.

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October 1, 2017

Amerifirst Financial Grand Opening

David Vaello and Martha Garibay, both with TYJ Realty

Jeff Cruz, Amerifirst Financial cuts the ribbon as the crowd looks on.

Esmilda Guerra, Keller Williams Legacy, Marisa Estavillo, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors, Gloria Zarate, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors. Travis Vorpahl, Bob Watson and Margaret Canfield all with Amerifirst Financial

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October 1, 2017

and Ice Cream Social

Esme Aguilar, Capital Title, David Vaello, TYJ Realty and Luchia Johnson, Capital Title

David Gallegos III, Independence Title, Marissa Cruz, RE/MAX North San Antonio, Yolanda Barboza, RE/MAX North San Antonio and Dana Taylor, Independence Title Corvette Wiseley, Amerifirst Financial and Renee Campbell, Texas Hill Country Realty

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October 1, 2017

Cookie Gehring, Keller Williams Heritage and Linsay Martin, Trinity Title are glad to catch up at Trinity Title’s End of Summer Cookout at Bandera Trails.

Gretchen Barton, Phillips and Associates and Sola O, Perry Homes are all smiles at Perry Homes’ Grand Opening in Bella Vista.

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Peoples Home Equity (PHE) may be new to the San Antonio area but is certainly not new to the mortgage banking business. PHE, headquartered in Brentwood, TN, was founded in 2001 with a simple goal of helping Americans achieve the dream of responsible home ownership. Since its founding the company has continued to grow and is now licensed in 34 states and has more than 80 branch locations from coast to coast. They are a fully functional Conventional and Government HUD-approved lender that closes nearly 4 billion dollars in mortgage loans annually, with more than 80% percent of their business being tied to purchase loan transactions. Peoples Home Equity recognizes how important to a buyer the home purchase decision is, both financially and emotionally, and works very closely with the REALTOR® community to assure that they and their buyers have a stellar

October 1, 2017

experience during the lending process. PHE Mortgage Advisors will always take all the time necessary to ensure that your buyer fully understands their options and will be comfortable knowing that the mortgage they selected will fit their short as well as their long term financial goals. PHE has been known to favor quality over quantity, which is why their Mortgage Advisers are among the most experienced staff in the industry and they stand firmly behind their promise to offer personalized solutions that are tailored to your client’s specific needs. They offer a rapid loan turnaround time to go along with the wide array of loan programs that are designed to suit almost any need. It can be most important to you as REALTORS® to know that PHE underwrites all of their files up front so you will never have to wonder if one of your

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buyers will fail to be approved. And, while your client is in the shopping process, you are given access to the system that allows you to print the client pre-qualification letters, avoiding time wasted waiting to receive them before you can submit offers. Once you begin working with a PHE Mortgage Advisor you will be supplied with your personal log on to their borrower tracking system and can modify your client’s pre-qualification letter to make it specific to the price they are offering. Following the contract’s acceptance, PHE’s awesome loan-tracking software will allow you to see exactly where your client is throughout their loan process, so you are never uninformed or left in the dark. You may soon learn to consider PHE to be your best marketing partner as, in addition to all the co-branded materials available, they will take amazing care of your buyers! When you refer a borrower to them, they let them know exactly how the process works, what they should expect, how much they can afford, and what their costs will be. They can really put your borrowers at ease, and will always make sure your buyer continues to think highly of you! That can be a major plus and certainly helps to take some of the anxiety out of what could be a very stressful process. You will love how they use their “Highway to Home” program to work with your buyers that may have issues to resolve before they even start shopping for a house and they never lose touch with your clients, but will continue to work

with them until they are fully approved! REALTORS®, you should know that PHE also caters to YOUR needs while they are serving your clients. You will have amazing co-branding opportunities with the marketing team which has an AWESOME website, making it super simple for you to choose the best products, while making certain that both you and PHE stay RESPA compliant. A number of REALTORS® use PHE to co-market their listings and have indicated that the marketing, follow-up and lead tracking systems have helped them take their business to the next level. Though some REALTORS® were concerned at first about working with a new company they have since learned that PHE has added a new aspect to their marketing efforts by not only closing their current buyer’s transactions but also helping them find new clients. So, REALTORS®, if your current lender is not helping you stay in touch with your leads, and does not help you market your listings, or if you are still having loans fall apart late in the process, perhaps you should be talking with Lance Bryce, San Antonio Area Manager and Senior Mortgage Advisor for Peoples Home Equity, who has been active in the mortgage industry for nearly 25 years. The PHE office is located at 1000 Central Parkway North, Suite 265, Tel: 210-963-6710 where Lance or one of their other Mortgage Advisors will be happy to help you serve your clients and perhaps take you to the next level in your business.

SABOR Keeping Posted

October 1, 2017

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October 1, 2017

SABOR Keeping Posted

October 1, 2017

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October 1, 2017

SABOR Keeping Posted

REAL ESTATE NEWS SOURCE

Starkey Mortgage Unveils Rebrand and Name Change to Certainty Home Loans

WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP, a nationally recognized residential mortgage company, announced it would officially rename the company Certainty Home Loans, LLC and launch a complete rebrand on October 2, 2017. Since 2000, Starkey Mortgage has provided exceptional, individualized service and maintained supportive, lasting relationships with borrowers, Realtors®, and builders. With the rebrand, Certainty Home Loans puts the company’s core strength front and center, ensuring confidence, and delivering on time closings. “The rebrand to Certainty Home Loans marks our commitment to investing in our future. We are better positioning ourselves and in doing so, planning for continued growth. Our

industry is rapidly changing with regulations, digital mortgages and the fundamental shift in the profile of the mortgage customer; the rebrand ensures we continue to create personal, meaningful and relevant connections with customers, employees, builders, Realtors and other referral sources,” said Jim Clapp, President and CFO of Starkey Mortgage. “The rebrand allows us to put our core strength front and center closing loans confidently on time with the terms and time frame our customers expect,” said Jim Anderson, chief marketing officer for Starkey Mortgage. “Certainty Home Loans takes our team’s personal approach to each and every loan and brings it to life by focusing on our ability to approach every client with unrelenting care, unprecedented expertise and excitement and hope for our customer’s future.” Customers can experience Certainty Home Loans for themselves on October 2 when the brand rolls out at CertaintyHomeLoans.com and on all social media channels.

Welcome To Peoples Home Equity!

Bill Boehm Senior Mortgage Advisor, NMLS# 265875 (210) 982-0313 (direct) bboehm@peopleshomeequity.com

www.peopleshomeequity.com

October 1, 2017

M. Stagers Realty Partners Welcomes Reed Kim is a long-time resident of San Antonio and Helotes. She brings more than 30 years of combined business and real estate experience to assist you with your real estate needs. She has a Bachelors in Business with an emphasis in Marketing and Finance. Her wide experience from having owned and operated several small businesses with her

husband and her education ensures she can help you make the best decisions in buying and selling. She thinks practically and financially. She has a vast area of local contacts as well. She stays busy with her grown children and grandchildren. She is very active in the Aggie Mom community. You can reach her at kim@msrpsa.com.

Bordelon Earns NAR Designation in Seniors Real Estate Specialists

BORDELON

M o n i q u e Bordelon with RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the National Association of

Realtors®. Monique Bordelon joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRES® designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and

older. “Working with seniors to meet their housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs, and the SRES® designation means that a Realtor® has that understanding,” said Bordelon. “Whether they are buying, selling relocating or refinancing, seniors can be confident that a Realtor® designated SRES® will be able to help them every step of the way.” SRES® Council, founded in 2007, is the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 15,000 active members of the organization world-wide. For more information, visit SRES.org.

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October 1, 2017

Hall American Realty Welcomes Armstrong

Lambert Promoted to Escrow Officer at Independence Title Company

Jeff (jeffarms t r o n g r e a l t o r. c o m /210-941-6864) has spent 16 years in the housing industry in construction, sales, design, and real estate. His degree in ARMSTRONG architecture from The University of Texas at San Antonio has equipped Jeff with a profound understanding of the relationship between the homeowner and the home. Jeff’s experience in architecture has cultivated a keen eye for the details, and a respect for the process. Buying a home is an exciting time in one’s life and Jeff is humbled by the opportunity to serve you with integrity and excellence! Hall American Realty (hallamericansa.com) combines a vision to "Transform Buying and Selling...one client at a time" with a mission to "SERVE our clients with INTEGRITY and EXCELLENCE". This creates a culture of success for our agents like no other. Dreams become reality here...join us!

In the title insurance industry for more than six years, Lexy knows the importance of proactive communication and the value of considering the perspectives of the agents, the buyers and the LAMBERT sellers when preparing a file and closing a real estate transaction. The process can be intimidating, so Lexy strives to make sure everyone feels informed and at ease. As part of the Kristine Asher Team at Independence Title Company’s La Cantera Branch, Lexy is supported by a team of Escrow Officers, Escrow Assistants, the ITC Business Development Team, and the extensive resources of Independence Title Company--including a fully staffed local title plant with data covering multiple counties throughout Central Texas, the backing of every major national underwriter, relationships that allow the closing of almost any transaction in Texas, and more than 50 closing offices stretching from Dallas to Houston. Contact Lexy (210-237-4620 or llambert@independencetitle.com)

REAL ESTATE NEWS SOURCE

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REAL ESTATE NEWS SOURCE

October 1, 2017

CRS Luncheon

Kathy Alexander, RE/MAX Preferred and Debbie Blackerby, American Home Shield

Carmen Soto, Vivid Realty, Esther Lemieux, RE/MAX Associates, Angela Shields, San Antonio Board of Realtors.

Jackie Arnette, Keller Williams Legacy, Elaine Sevier, JB Goodwin and Jennifer Woolford, Guild Mortgage.

Carmen Soto, Vivid Realty, Kathy Alexander, RE/MAX Preferred and Matt Reese, Matt Reese Real Estate Service

Liz Chiego, Phyllis Browning and Gloria Byington, RE/MAX Preferred

Bruce Balfour, RE/MAX Associates and Debbie Blackerby, American Home Shield

John Thurman, Heart of Texas Realty and Tom Walker, RE/MAX Preferred

Jackie Arnette, and Florence Terrell, both Keller Williams Legacy and Bob Jacobs, RE/MAX Associates