Issuu

Articles In This Issue Page 1: Pat Farrell Page 3: SABOR Column Page 7: The Way I See It Featuring Cathey Meyers Page 16: Associate Spotlight Featuring TAP•FCU Page 19: NARPM Column #WeWillGetThruThisTogether Page 21: Associate Spotlight Featuring Barton Carpets Page 26: Guest Column Featuring Pat Farrell Page 27: Newsflash

Vol.VI, No.5

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May 2020

This Too Shall Pass, But Will Our “Normal” Be The Same Afterwords? By: Pat Farrell There is little doubt that our current business environment, along with having to do without so many of our personal contacts, is a situation that none of us had anticipated or have had to experience before and I expect none would care to experience again. There has, however, been much to learn from our situation today, but we have also been left with questions. How many of us have been able to successfully weather this storm, and have we been able to stay afloat businesswise during this global event that is unprecedented in our lifetime? In speaking with some of those who have been recognized as tops in their fields of practice, be it REALTORS®, lenders or closers, it pretty much depends on how one is able to adapt to the issues at hand and what will be next once the stay at home

orders have been lifted. REALTORS® and lenders are still able to work but in some cases title closers have been furloughed and some closings are being handled in parking lots in an attempt to protect all those involved in the process. Regal Realty, Broker-Owner and residential REALTOR® Judy Goldick said that due to this viral climate some owners have been hesitant to list their properties, knowing it would mean that strangers would be coming into their “shelter;” however, the housing business has actually been continuing as there are many that still must relocate, and need a house now. When she and her staff call a listing agent to arrange a showing they ask that the owners turn on lights and open all interior doors so that her agents have only to touch (with gloves on) the lock box, front and possibly rear doors. The agents and clients come to the house in their respective cars and the clients have been instructed to touch nothing while in the house, but just in case, the agents are equipped with hand wipes, sanitizers, etc. Being tech savvy has worked well for Judy who makes use of all platforms such as social media, video, phone contact and ZOOM meetings to stay in touch with clients and agents. For those who are not up to date on the technology scene, now would be a perfect time to learn how to use what is available. She cautions that that just because we are “sheltering in place” it is not a good idea to stop working while at home, because those who

have stopped will have no place from which to start when this is over. Judy is ready for whatever the new normal will be! According to Adona Lowery, Owner-Broker at Landlord Property Management the bulk of their office activities are now being handled digitally including the application process, rent payments and disbursements and a recently added process whereby tenants can view a 3D rendering of properties which will allow them to determine if that rental will accommodate their furniture. They have been fortunate so far in that the majority of tenants have been able to cover their April rent payments, but the concern may come during month of May especially if the stimulus checks have not yet been received. There is currently a state ordered moratorium in place for issuing late fee notices and orders to vacate properties for any reason other than criminal activity. Another concern that is currently being considered among other members of the local chapter of NARPM is what will happen if a tenant is affected with the virus, especially if they do not recover. Adona commented that since so much of her business is now handled online she may have to reassess the need to maintain such a large office. Valerie Wilshire, of Independence Title Company, said that as a Texas company they have been fortunate during this crisis in being able to continue doing business without having to furlough any of their

staff. They have received outstanding support from their owners and as a result have been able to implement quickly to keep up as circumstances change. They do remote online and mobile notary closings and are serious about social distancing with closings scheduled by appointment and include only closer and signatories. Independence Title has proved itself to be adaptable and ahead of the game when it comes to the new norm, so it is business as usual, in a new way (temporarily). They remain strong and continue to grow as there are plans to add a new office sometime in the near future. Valerie noted that this pandemic has made us aware that there are ways, other than what we have been used to, that will allow us to still successfully accomplish the same thing. No doubt, the digital age has been here for quite a while but not all were willing to rely so heavily upon it until now. Can you envision us forever being reduced to elbow bumps to greet one another when so many of us are huggers? Everything in the real estate business is not just processing applications, preparing documents and handling disbursements – real estate is more of a personal, one on one process that most of us who start clients off on their way to finding a home would prefer to end that process with a hug rather than a “bump.” It is hard to say exactly when the “powers that be” will determine it is safe to resume life as it once was, but the question is - can we be certain that what once was, will be what now is!

Real Estate Newsline

May 2020

Signs Of The Times REAL ESTATE NEWSLINE A PUBLICATION OF JDC3 LLC

Managing Editor...........Courtney Smith Contributing Writers:......Cathey Meyer ..................................................Pat Farrell Columnists.....................Rebecca Byers ...........................................Brenda Davila Business Development .......Joyce Orts

(210) 508-0888 Real Estate Newssline 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.

Email or Send to:

editor@realestatenewsline.com Real Estate Newsline 14546 Brook Hollow Blvd. #129 San Antonio, Texas 78232 Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if material is to be returned.

May 2020

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Jenny Bingham, RE/MAX Northeast and Patti Bordelon, RE/MAX Preferred having fun at the RE/MAX Preferred Open House.

Commitment to Excellence Program The National Association of REALTORS® proudly introduces Commitment to Excellence (C2EX), a program that empowers REALTORS® to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to conducting business at the highest standards. REALTORS® defined professionalism in this industry more than 100 years ago when they created the Code of Ethics. C2EX takes professionalism to the next level by enabling NAR members to assess their expertise in 10 (11 for brokers) elements of professionalism ranging from customer service to use of technology. This innovative engagement

tool encourages participation in all levels of the REALTOR® organization. It’s not a designation or a course. It’s not a requirement, but a benefit available to all NAR members at no additional cost. To get started, log in to www.C2EX.realtor and take the self-assessment that measures your proficiency in each of the elements of professionalism, known as the C2EX Competencies. Based on your results, the platform will generate customized learning paths, recommend experiences, and provide tools and resources to increase your knowledge and enhance your skillsets. Source: National Association of REALTORS®

Alex Gonzalez of Mission Title was recently recognized by Mission Title CEO/President Gregg Lyssy for surpassing 60 Years continuous service in the Title Insurance industry. REALTORS who have closed their deals with Alex appreciate his calm demeanor under fire.

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May 2020

Meetings Look Different Now…

For the time being, this is our new normal! Submit your photos of your organization meeting virtually, or of how you continue to do the essential business of Real Estate while maintaining Social Distancing guidelines. Be safe!

Women’s Council of REALTORS meeting.

VAREP looks different now.

Recent IREP Meeting on Zoom.

Old Republic Title has more than 40 REALTORS join them for a CE class on Zoom.

Four Rivers Association of REALTORS are happy to connect (even virtually!)

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May 2020

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May 2020

Valerie Wilshire, Independence Title, Kim Perry, Keller Williams Heritage, Melanie Gessner, Guest, Gail Lamb, Keller Williams Heritage, Renae Pretty, JP & Associates, and Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title at the Women’s Council Mix and Mingle in March.

Jen Brearley, KB Home and Lupe Bocanegra, San Antonio Finest Realty learn the newest Social Media craze at KB Home’s TikTok class.

Holly Herzig and Kathy Olivarez, both Old Republic Title greet guests with a smile at the Old Republic Title 6th annual Chili Cookoff.

Lynette Napier, Lone Star Real Estate Advisory and Sergio Martinez, Imagine Homes at a CE class on the Principles of Staging hosted by Imagine Homes.

John Peche, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper, REALTORS and Jose Martinez, Prime Lending at a CE on contracts hosted by Mission Title.

Sherrell Russell, Keller Williams Heritage and JoAnn Quinones, Outreach Director, sign up new members at the February VAREP meeting.

Diane Gonzales, Premier Realty Group and Christina O’Connor, Pilgrim Mortgage at a recent VAREP meeting

Johnnie Childs, eXp Realty and Christy Johnson, Directions Home Loan at a recent Lunch & Learn at Directions Home Loan.

May 2020

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The Way I See It By Cathey Meyer

The Other Mother’s Day As we lounge around in our sweatpants and sip our ‘coffee’, we may or may not be free to hug our mothers this fast-approaching Mother’s Day. My last official Mother’s Day hug was 17 years ago, in simpler times when my mother would tie up the family landline misusing the early days of the internet waiting for her computer to buffer. My brothers ran away from town decades before, but they were good about calling to wish her a happy Mother’s Day, at least that was their intent. The phone line would be busy for hours, so they would call me to complain they could not get through and would I give her a hug for them when I went to the house. Texting was not a thing yet, my parents were not mobile phone people and while my brothers could email, my mother was not yet savvy to receiving electronic mail. Do not ask me why they did not send a traditional card; I think it had to do with their gender and the fact their wives did not oversee

the in-law side of the family. As the dutiful daughter, I made the effort to bring flowers, only to be told I should have spent the money on something more practical. I brought over dinner, only to be told I got the order wrong. I provided the virtual brother hugs, only to be told my hair looked funny, my pants made me look hefty and my brothers were a lost cause because they didn’t care enough to call. Ah, the love only a mother can give. I do miss my mother. She was honest, caring, and was the greatest example of how to give back and help others. She taught me how to bargain shop, never let my hair go to its natural color, and most importantly, how to manipulate men. We laughed; We shared clothes (the pants made her look hefty as well); We disagreed on television shows and news events; We schemed how to make family events and dinner parties trauma free. She was a wonderful example of how to be the best person you can be and most

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importantly, she showed me that while she was my mother by birth, there were many more ‘moms’ out there to watch over me. This year, in a time more than ever when we need a hug and cannot give or receive one, I just wanted to put my hugs in print to a few ladies who took the missing mother torch and made a difference in a time of my life when you really need your mother. First, cheers to Aunt Jill and Aunt Angie. My mother was the middle sister, and the three of them could not be more different. That makes for a wonderful perspective on everything from animal care to sports observations to movie reviews and most importantly, to keeping the extended family together. The Aunts have lived a wild and crazy life, which just goes to prove my wild and crazy life was not by accident, but a genetic trait that put the LIVE in living. They have travelled the world, survived the health issues that would put an elephant down, and shared joy and tragedy with grace and dignity. Thank you for being the mothers of adventure. My dear Miss Sosa was the fifth-grade teacher with whom every kid at Dellview Elementary prayed to spend the year. I was not as lucky as my siblings, who scored the win, but Miss Sosa watched out for me way passed the fifth grade. (Mr. Helmer won the lottery to have me in his class . . .) We reconnected decades later at a Dellview celebration. She asked for my

address and now we have literally been pen-pals for years. There is no greater joy than to receive a card with a loving note from a lady who is ageless in mind and spirit. I am amazed at 60 years old, my fifth-grade influencer still inspires me with random phone calls, hilarious observations, and a blessed Mass said for me on special occasions. Mrs. Patton was my mother’s best friend. We all agreed, I was separated at birth from the Patton family, as Shirley and I had many more similarities than my mother and me. She was Martha Stewart long before there was Martha Stewart. My mother could cook, garden and sew, she just did not enjoy those events. Shirley embraces every sunrise with a new project and taught me how see the beauty in everything we touch. She has gifted me in ways she can never know, and I enjoy the peace of her front porch and sage words of wisdom. My cousin Donna has taught me patience and the joy of unexpected motherhood. She makes being a mother look effortless and fun. Every day is a new adventure at her house and her daughter Allison is nothing but pure love and innocence. Their smiles light up a room and I cannot wait to see them at family reunions and holidays. We need a distraction from our quarantine days—trust me—observations are coming, but for now, take moment and find the mothers in your life that made a difference. Happy Mother’s Day to my other mothers.

Real Estate Newsline

May 2020

SAAREB March Meeting Thelma Williams, eXp Realty and Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title

Madge Rashell, mortgage professional and Brian Paris, Keller Williams City View.

Madge Rashell, mortgage professional, Diane Gonzales, Premier Realty Group, Maudel Hardie, Hardie & Associates and Regina Sanders, Vortex Realty Thelma Williams, eXp Realty, Jaida Patrick, home warranty professional and Sherrell Russell, Keller Williams Heritage.

Regi Prothro, Keller Williams City View and April Raynor, mortgage professional

Jeanne Marie Warren, Guest and Michelle Barre, JP & Associates

Diane Gonzales, Premier Realty Group and Maudel Hardie, Hardie & Associates

Velma Greene, Keller Williams Heritage, Lavenia Johnson and Arlene Swan, both with Vortex Realty

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May 2020

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Eva Benedetto, BHHS PenFed Realty Texas and Ivanna Benedetto, guest are all smiles as they learn something new at the KB Home TikTok class.

May 2020

Alejandro Carbonell and Michael De La Fuente, both KB Home, Joe Flores, Full Spectrum Realty and Smiley Orosco, Laughy Hilger Group at the KB Home Grand Opening of Sky View.

Renae Pretty, JP & Associates, Rebecca Byers, Vivid Realty, Jenifer Somerlot, Keller Williams Heritage and Michelle Alford, Vivid Realty glad to be together at the Womenâ€™s Council Mix and Mingle back in March.

Courtney Smith, Real Estate Newsline and David Gardner, Movement Mortgage having fun at the Old Republic Title Chili Cookoff in early March.

Christine Seidel, Seidel Properties and Jan Hicinbothom, RE/MAX Associates support TREPAC. Learning at a recent CE class taught at Directions Home Loan.

Andrew Sparhawk, Prime Lending and Scott Jauregui, Keller Williams Heritage catch up before social distancing at a recent event at RE/MAX Preferred.

Ruben Pena, TC Austin Residential Group, Mary Corcoran, Key Realty, Travis Winn, mortgage professional and Judy Goldick, Regal Realty at the February VAREP meeting.

May 2020

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Leah Tarver, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS, Jen Brearley, KB Home and Mark Nanez, speaker are happy to learn how to utilize TikTok with KB Home.

Michael Torres, wealth manager and Stephanie Rodgers, RE/MAX Corridor at the February VAREP meeting.

Nick Rinaldi and Lisa Munoz, both SA Portfolio Keller Williams Real Estate Alamo Heights at the Platinum Top 50 Awards ceremony.

Wally Welch, veteran actor of dozens of westerns including the epic Lonesome Dove, now a REALTOR at Ranch Connection, shares a tall tale about a recent closing with Mission Title's John Neely.

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May 2020

KB Home Agent Mixer at Chuyâ€™s John Kuntz III, Realty Executives of San Antonio, Chance Pircher, eXp Realty, Jen Brearley, KB Home, Gordon Deering, Covenant Partners USA, Victor Yong and Letty Yong, Home Team of America.

Wayne Ramirez, RE/MAX Integrity and Jen Brearley, KB Home.

Barbara Martinez, Mitchell Realty with Victor and Letty Yong, The Home Team of America.

Mary Jo Schaffer, eXp Realty and Dayna and Griff Zolninger, eXp Realty.

Narce Pena and Jeff Shaffer, both BHGRE homecity.

Anna Hernandez, Keller Williams City View, Jen Brearley, KB Home and Connie Zwink, Keller Williams City View.

John Kuntz III, Realty Executives of San Antonio and Gordon Deering, Covenant Partners USA.

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May 2020

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May 2020

February 12 Graduating Class of the MVHC certification class taught by VAREP.

Wes Burke, KB Home, talks to agents at the Grand Opening of their community Dove Heights.

Norma Heard, Directions Home Loan, Perry Messer, Old Republic Title and Christi Hines, Directions Home Loan at a recent Lunch & Learn at Directions Home Loan.

Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management with Dwight Hale, Broker and wife Mary support TREPAC at TREPAC Nite in February.

Scott Parker and Paul Kasperbauer, both KB Home enjoy lunch at the KB Home TikTok Class.

Lisa Bennet, Keller WIlliams Heritage and Crystal Rodriguez, TAPFCU at a recent VAREP meeting.

Armando Leon and Janna Valencia, both Movement Mortgage, prepare chilli for the Old Republic Title Chili Cookoff.

Brian Paris, Keller Williams City View and Toya Ohlrich, BHHS Don Johnson at the Platinum Top 50 Awards Ceremony at the Omni.

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Julio Rivera, Oasis Company, Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management and Ruben Pena, TC Austin Residential Group at the February VAREP meeting.

Mary Hall and Andrea Hall, both Keller Williams Legacy, at the Platinum Top 50 Awards ceremony.

Michelle Alford and Rebecca Byers, both Vivid Realty, Melanie Gessner, Guest, Renae Pretty, JP & Associates, Valerie Wilshire, Independence Title, Kim Perry, Keller Williams Heritage and Katie West, title professional having fun at the Mix and Mingle hosted by San Antonio Womenâ€™s Council of REALTORS.

John Kuntz III, Realty Executives of San Antonio and Norma Pearson, Christian Brothers, REALTORS chat at the Old Republic Title 6th annual chili cookoff.

May 2020

Real Estate Newsline

Established in 1978 by REALTORS® to help meet the financial needs of those who work in a fluctuating income industry, the Texas Associations of Professionals Federal Credit Union (TAP FCU) just celebrated its 41st Anniversary this past December. Their assets which were initially well below $1 million have steadily increased over the years and have now reached $40 million, the result of dedicated staff, a strong Board of Directors and President Paula Grigsby’s consistent attention to detail. Your Credit Union has grown stronger with each passing year, and it continues to do today, what it was founded to do in 1978

May 2020

- help REALTORS® and other members of the real estate community manage their financial needs. After an extensive, almost two-year period of research for the best of services available, TAP FCU completed a major technological upgrade in 2019 and converted its computers and core system to the Fiserv system. TAP FCU now has many of the bells and whistles available at larger banks. This includes ability to remotely deposit checks through either their phone or by business scanner for those in Property Management or other businesses with high check volume needs. In addition, TAP FCU has its own App to complete

Follow Us @renewsline transactions using your smart phone. TAP FCU is a major player in the home loan arena and their Mortgage Division continues to grow under the very capable direction of Vice President, Mortgage Division, Windy Minten. In 2019 the Credit Union closed $60 million in real estate loans and expects to easily exceed that record in 2020. Their Construction Loan Program, with two-time close, has always been very popular with builders and lenders and they appreciate TAP’s focus on excellence and their ability to keep up with service deliverables. Mortgage Lending at TAP FCU also includes Mortgage Purchase, Non-Warrantable Condominiums, Investment Property and Second Homes. They will lend up to 90% on Construction Loans. When it comes to banking needs TAP FCU is hard to beat and anyone who is not currently a member should consider remedying that situation sooner rather than later. When becoming a member, you are not just opening another account but are establishing a relationship with people who are interested in helping you succeed. You will never be just an account number to staff so that when calling TAP FCU you will speak to a person who cares about what you want and will work tire-

lessly to help you get it. Many current members joined at the time, or shortly after TAP FCU was founded, and although they may have accounts at other financial institutions, they continue to use their TAP account to take care of much of their business. For the most part practitioners in the real estate industry are self-employed and as such often run in to times when a little financial assistance could be beneficial. Anyone who finds that to be the case should check out the SelfEmployed Borrowers Program as it could prove to be the perfect fit. If you are a saver you will find deposit rates are usually higher than their competition’s, and there will be NO FEES associated with the transaction. Also, TAP FCU does not charge a fee when one has their commission checks directly deposited into personal accounts like many banks often do. Although TAP FCU has only one branch, they offer their members up to $15.00 reimbursement for ATM fees monthly, Online Banking, Apple Pay and more …. It would be to your advantage to take the time to get more information about all TAP FCU has to offer: you can visit https://www.tapfcu.coop, call (210) 593 3710 or just drop into their office on the second floor at SABOR. You will be welcomed!

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May 2020

Real Estate Newsline

18 1-May

2-May

Real Estate Newsline Dayton Schrader ..........eXp Realty

May 2020 10-May

Sherri Hurley................Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Dina G-Vullo ................SABOR

LeRoy Romo ................Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Andy Ruffo ..................BHHS Prudential Don Johnson

Dixie Lyon....................Fathom Realty

Shirley Hernandez ........Capital Title

Jim Dawson ................Home Buyers Marketing II

Marsha Bane ................Bane Properties

Lisha Spellman ............Kristalli Real Estate

Kathy Miner ................Keller Williams City View

11-May

Dona Minor ..................Rubiola Realty

Sam Razban ................Keller Williams Legacy

12-May

Matt Johnson ..............Premier Realty Group

8-May

9-May

Sonja LeJeune..............Vintage Texas Realty 22-May

Karen Fulghum ............Premier Realty Group

Mike Singleton ............Century 21 Scott Myers Realty

Paulette Jemal ............SA Portfolio Keller Williams

Sherry Rubins ..............Keller Williams City View

Mike Hermes, Jr ..........Phyllis Browning Company

Luke LeGrand ..............Keller Williams Legacy

Jo Ann Guevara............RE/MAX Associates

Annette Slater..............Landlord Property Management

23-May

Latrice Martin ..............Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

24-May

Cheri Morris ................ERA Colonial Real Estate

Tom DeWine ................ERA Colonial

25-May

Jeremy Shaw ..............RE/MAX Prime

Brenda Scott................Century 21 Scott Myers

13-May

14-May

15-May

Brian Shantz ................Keller Williams City View

Sharon Veatch..............Keller Williams Boerne

Randy Kelley ................Keller Williams Legacy

Kimberly Bragman ........Phyllis Browning Company

Brenda Sharp ..............Vortex Realty

Geraldine Sherrod ........ Sherrod Real Estate

7-May

Patricia Dehle ..............RE/MAX North San Antonio

Kim Paul......................Coldwell Banker Stagecoach

Mike La Rochelle ........Old Republic Title

6-May

21-May

Candy Gregory ............Home Team of America

Dora Martinez ..............Century 21 Northside

5-May

Julie Stewart................eXp Realty

Raquel Echeverria ......Century 21 Northside

Ian Riles ......................Alan King & Assoc.

4-May

20-May

Janelle Carey ..............Carey Properties, Inc.

Connie Cooper..............Cooper Realty

3-May

John Foster ................Foster Family Real Estate

16-May

Ann Van Pelt ................Phyllis Browning Company

Karen Roland ..............Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Gina Candelario ............Kuper Sotheby’s International 26-May

Maria Lidia Dorantes ....JB Goodwin Realtors David Flax....................Old Republic Title

27-May

Trey King ....................King Realtors

Mavis Brown ................Realty Executives of S.A.

Lisa Lozano..................RE/MAX Associates

Courtney Pfeiffer ..........Keller Williams Boerne

Kim Voyles ..................eXp Realty

Brenda Steele ..............Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Robert Morales ............Texas Listing Agents

Rita Eubanks................Luxury Homes

Amanda Hallmark ........Keller Williams Boerne

Patrick King ................Keller Williams Legacy

Charlie Ruffo ................Realty Executives of S.A.

Rainbeau Presti ............RE/MAX Northeast

Joyce Bradfield ............Kuper Sotheby’s Int’l Realty

Richard Johnson ..........Realty United

Patricia Chapa ..............Smart Group

Paula Grigsby ..............TAP-FCU

JP Martin ....................Kuper Sotheby’s International

Terri Cantwell-Jorgensen Realty Executives of S.A.

Richard Rodriguez ........Real Estate Connection

Lisa Burris ..................Colonial Residential Properties

28-May

Linda Dietz ..................Century 21 United D&D Real Estate

Bruce Cannon ..............Rigel Realty

17-May

Hagan Retzloff ............Capital Title

29-May

Tanya Power ................Kuper Sotheby’s International

Tami Price....................eXp Realty

18-May

Natalee Newell ............Phyllis Browning Company

Randy Waldrep..............River City

Kari Whitaker ..............Keller Williams Heritage

Heather Hart ................Exquisite Properties

Scott Aranda................Texas Real Estate Firm

30-May

Lonnie Lynn ................The Lynn Group

Pearl De La Cruz ..........Northwest Real Estate

Karen McManuis ..........Full Spectrum Realty

31-May

Jenny Bingham ............RE/MAX Northeast

Lauren Porter ..............Old Republic Title

Pamela Garrett ............BH&GRE HOMECITY

Ray Blankenberg ..........Texas Premier Realty

Denise Reus ................RE/MAX North San Antonio 19-May

John Harris ..................RE/MAX North San Antonio

Gloria Zarate ................Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Linda Carreon ..............SABOR

Neelan Kinger ..............Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Christine Denney ..........RE/MAX Associates

May 2020

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NARPM By Brenda Davila SAMAC, NARPM Secretary

#WeWillGetThroughThisTogether No one saw it coming and it came out of nowhere with force and speed that spread like wildfire. On March 13th I was enjoying the waves and beach of S Padre Island and a few days later, I came home to long lines outside of HEB. Those long lines lead to aisles of empty shelving where basic items such as toilet paper, napkins, wipes, non-perishables such as pasta, rice and beans used to be and now were nonexistent. As days went by more everyday items were being added to this now unattainable sought-after list. This included cleaning supplies, meat, milk and eggs. Coronavirus (COVID -19) was to blame and became 2020’s new threat to humanity. Covid-19 ruined spring break for most and that was just the least of our worries. This new highly contagious virus had traveled around the world within a few weeks. It caused physical and financial chaos, confusion and most importantly loss of life. According to website ourworldin-

data.org; as of April 19, 2020, the United States leads with a death toll of 38,910 and Italy right behind us with 23,227. These numbers are astonishing, worrisome and to say the least, this virus has changed the way we live our life. Locally, San Antonio practically shut down after our Mayor mandated the “We Stay home and Stay safe” order. No more going to happy hours or getting dinner, meeting up with friends and family and no more movies with popcorn and nachos. We need to stay home and work, home school our kids and stay safe. Only essential workers were to be out on the roads to keep our city and economy moving forward. This is where we as Realtors® come in and do what we do best. We are considered essential, alongside other jobs and services. To name a few: • Gas stations, auto supply stores, auto repair shops and related facilities • Grocery stores, farmers markets,

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food banks and convenience stores • Healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics and healthcare operations including research and laboratory services, medical wholesale and distribution, dentists and Pharmacies • Restaurants (only for delivery, takeout and drive-thru) • Hardware stores and plumbers • Contractors and other tradesmen, appliance repair • Exterminators and other service providers • Banks and related financial institutions including insurance and accounting services • Businesses that provide shelter and/or social services During this chaos, people are still needing our services. People are still moving, buying, selling and renting. Although we do have to change the way we now conduct business, we’re still moving forward and I can see from my friends and associates in the business, that we’re finding creative ways to adjust and are becoming very innovative to proceed with business as usual but with more caution. The new norm includes Zoomvideo conferencing for office meetings, educational classes, listing and buyer consultations and now the occasional happy hour. Face masks now being worn in public, no handshaking with our clients and for some even mandatory shoe booties and hand sanitizer galore. Property Managers have also had to

tweak their business models. As some of you have heard, the city placed an emergency ban on evictions for about 120 days making it somewhat unnerving for property managers and owners. Most of us already have a close relationship with our owners and now had to further extend our services to include an even more personal one on one communication. Some of us reached out to make sure our owners and tenants were ok and gave as many resources as possible in case a tenant couldn’t pay rent on time or at all. We’ve had to work with some tenants and agree to payment plans all to try to alleviate the confusion and tension. My Aha moment during this time has been that Realtors® are resilient. We stand together, we motivate, we nurture, we overcome and most importantly we love what we do, and it shows. Thank you to everyone in the industry that has come together to share their knowledge and ideas of how to continue to run our businesses during this trying time. A heartfelt thanks especially to organizations such as NARPM, SAMAC. They quickly sprang into action to find as many invaluable property management resources from attorneys, community leaders and industry vendors to ease the uncertainty. Times like this reminds me that I’m proud to be a Realtor® and that we will get through this together. I look forward to the next happy hour, where we’ll shake hands or maybe even hug and spend valuable face to face time again.

Real Estate Newsline

May 2020

What’s Cooking While we eat at home a bit more until the pandemic guidelines loosen, we thought we would share a few yummy recipes.

CHICKEN VERDE Preheat oven to 450o You will need: 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast 1 ⁄2 cup sour cream 1 ⁄2 cup of green salsa verde (Herdez can be purchased at any HEB) 1 ⁄2 cup monterey jack cheese grated 1 ⁄4 cup chopped green onion 1 ⁄4 tsp salt 1 ⁄8 tsp ground pepper Grill or brown chicken in a skillet Place in 9x13 pyrex dish sprayed with non stick Mix the rest of ingrediants and spread evenly over the chicken Bake 20 minutes at 450o until hot and bubbly.

Jose Martinez, PrimeLending, John Neely, Mission Title, and Todd Soechting, RE/MAX New Heights at a CE class taught by Prime Lending in early March.

Valerie Wilshire, Independence Title and Kim Perry, Keller Williams Heritage at the Women’s Council Mix and Mingle last March.

Your Not Advertising In The Enjoy all the benifits of yourTAP•FCU Visa® using Apple Pay™ Paying in stores or within apps has never been easier, safer, or more private.

Why Not?

• Direct mailed to San Antonio Area REALTORS Learn more at www.tapfcu.coop *Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and later and Apple Watch in stores, and iPhone 6 and later, and iPhone 6 and later, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 and later within apps. For a list of compatible Apple Pay devices, see www.apple.com/apple-pay of www.tapfcu.coop.

• Get more for your advertising dollars than ad space! Want more info? - 210-508-0888

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May 2020

Let’s face it, not every REALTOR® has only wealthy clients looking for sparkling new houses with pristine wood flooring, gorgeous designer carpeting and imported tiles. And, as any REALTOR® will tell you, some houses they list do have worn-out, stained or smelly carpeting, banged up wood and ceramic flooring or extremely dated floors that are automatic deal killers for potential home buyers. REALTORS® often have to tell their seller clients that something has to be done about their flooring situations before anyone will consider buying their home, and they find it helpful to be able to suggest the perfect source for fixing their flooring problems. Enter Barton Co., Carpets, experts in dealing with REALTORS®, their clients, property managers, apartment owners, and just about anyone else affiliated with the business of real estate. With their decades of experience in

Member of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR). Being members of SABOR allows team members to access listed homes using the Supra eKey app and frees the REALTOR® from having to meet a team member at a property. Barton Co., Carpets has team members that are also members of NARPM and NAHREP and the company is also a proud sponsor for CRS, WCR and YPN. For the past several years Barton Co., Carpets has received the Super Service Award from Angie's List. Barton Co., Carpets is not just a trade secret for real estate professionals. They are open to the public six days weekly and can even arrange for afterhours appointments to accommodate busy professionals and homeowners. In addition to being a valuable resource for REALTORS® and property managers in need of flooring solutions, Barton Co., Carpets is ideal for home builders who need a reliable flooring company that can provide wood flooring, tiles and carpeting for everything from modest home building projects to even the most expensive planned neighborhood communities. With a vast array of flooring solutions and a convenient showroom, Barton Co., Carpets gives clients access to the world’s most unique, beautiful and stylish products available. Some of their more unique flooring choices include the following: Shaw Quality Wood Flooring – one of the top flooring brands in the world with a reputation among commercial designers for design freedom. Shaw’s

dealing with REALTORS® and other professionals in the industry, they take the guesswork out of decision making by offering the perfect recommendations for flooring issues that help keep an eye on the "BUDGET." Every apartment, condo owner or property manager knows that when a tenant vacates a unit, often the first things that need replacement are carpeting and/or tile flooring. Owners and property managers do not want to eat into profits by installing top of the line carpeting or tiles, but they do want replacement flooring to be attractive and durable enough to appeal to new tenants. The folks at Barton Co., Carpets understand exactly what it takes to provide the right kind of new flooring or carpeting options without wasting time by showing the REALTOR® or property manager a million possibilities. Barton Co., Carpets is an Affiliate

Real Estate Newsline

large selection satisfies a yearning for a highly personal, custom style in the home. Shaw patterns and contrasts help define interiors, from traditional to the avantgarde. Dream Weaver offers a broad selection of carpets and flooring products designed for today’s busy lifestyles that are both durable and affordable. Their Waterproof Vinyl Flooring provides consumers all the benefits of this latest flooring technology and offers an extensive collection of visuals and textures that range from traditional hardwood to the more modern to natural stone. Enhanced Vinyl Plank is designed to replicate the world’s most beautiful wood, stone and ceramic with amazing realism. It is attractive, durable and a good value and its precision engineered locking system makes it easy to use and assures its seams are waterproof like the product itself. Interceramic Tile is one of the greatest values in the industry. Their reputation is built upon providing reasonably priced, design rich products to the tile market. Interceramic Tile products come directly from the earth and because of this, Interceramic is particularly aware of their responsibility to help preserve the beauty and health of our planet and all its natural resources. Of course, Barton Co., Carpets carries dozens of other’s brands in addition to those listed above. For a complete list of brands and services, please visit their web site at http://bartoncocarpets.com or call the office (210) 655-8269. You’ll be glad you did!

SABORâ€ˆKeeping Posted

May 2020

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May 2020

SABORâ€ˆKeeping Posted

May 2020

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May 2020

SABORâ€ˆKeeping Posted

Real Estate Newsline

May 2020

Guest Column By Pat Farrell

Did You Know There Is A Word For That? A “thingy” has been defined as a word that one uses to replace the word they either don’t know or may have forgotten at the moment and is similar to a “do-hickey,” a “whatchamacallit” or a “thingamajig.” To illustrate one might say, “you know that thingy in math that tells you to divide this number by that number?” because they don’t know that the ÷ symbol is an obelus. Or, perhaps when they encounter the # symbol in the United States they might call it a number sign or a tic-tac-toe game, or if it used in music, a sharp, or in twitter, a hashtag or hash-sign but it is really an octothorpe. Not only is there a word for most things but some are quite weird, for example one might say, “Nudiustertian, the blatherskite told a bindlestiff about his

bobsy-die and that he had to either quomodocunquiz or maybe impignorate, but since he had kakorrhaphiophobia he might have to just absquatulate.” Say what?? In other words: The day before yesterday (nudiustertian) the windy, nonsense talker (blatherskite) told a tramp (bindlestiff) about his trouble (bobsy-die) and that he had to either make money anyway he could (quomodocunquiz) or maybe pawn or mortgage something (impignorate), but that he had a fear of failing (kakorrhaphiophobia) so he might have to just leave abruptly (absquatulate). Or one might say, “A deedy young man with emacity had been shopping for a while when he dropped one of his adsiticious, pantagruelian packages

Follow Us @renewsline and injured both his minmus and hallux. Later, while in the food court where he was xertzing, an argute, criminatory man vicinal to him was eying all the packages, but fortunately his friend came by and helped him get his scrippage to his car so there was an eucastrophe. In other words: An industrious (deedy) young man with a fondness for buying things (emacity) had been shopping for a while when he dropped one of his additional (adsiticious), huge (pantagruelian) packages and injured both his little toe (minmus) and big toe (hallux). While in the food court where he was gulping down his food (xertzing), a shrewd (argute), threatening (criminatory) man adjacent (vicinal) to him was eying all his packages, but fortunately his friend came by and helped him get his personal belongings (scrippage) to his car so there was a happy ending (eucastrophe) to the story. NOTE: had the young man’s fondness for buying things actually been an uncontrollable desire to buy things it would have been an oniomania. You know when you really don’t have a stuffed up or runny nose, yet you can feel that little drop just at the tip of your nose? Well there is a word for that too

and it is called a meldrop, and there is even a word for that little squiggle of toothpaste that you squeeze onto your toothbrush – it is called a nerdle. If you happen to have a little bit of something leftover that is called a tittynope! Many of the words used above may be obscure to most people, however, they do exist and do have that indicated meaning. The American English language began as an off shoot of that of the British and later incorporated vocabulary from the Scots and Irish as they emigrated to the United States. Since those early times the vocabulary of our language, just like America itself, has become a melting pot as it incorporates words from a multitude of other languages. For example, if you consider yourself to be an entrepreneur or order croissants you are speaking French, or if you sent your children to kindergarten or say Gesundheit when someone sneezes, you are speaking German. No matter where it comes from or how outlandish it may seem, just remember there is probably another word for most everything and are we not fortunate that we no longer have to worry about either pronouncing or spelling those other thingys!

www.realestatenewsline.com

May 2020

Real Estate Newsline

Independence Title Welcomes Turnage

TURNAGE

According to Escrow Officer Sonia Turnage, “Closing real estate transactions provides the perfect balance of ‘people-work’ and paper-

work”. Sonia has been in the title insurance industry for approximately 7 years, working as an assistant before transitioning to the role of Closer. She specializes in residential resale transactions, where she feels she has the greatest opportunity to help people “have fun while getting the work done.” Although many people fear change, Sonia prides herself on her adapt-

ability, willingly making adjustments based on the specifics of each transaction. She also enjoys the teamwork involved in closing transactions and seeks ways to highlight the contributions of the Realtors and lenders with whom she works. As part of the Stone Oak Branch, Sonia is directly supported by her assistant Arlene Harris and the resources of Independence Title including relationships throughout the state/nation, a strong Marketing and Education Department, and the backing of almost every national underwriter. Contact Sonia at 210.237.4640 or sturnage@independencetitle.com for your next real estate closing!

Century 21 Scott Myers, Realtors Receives Quality Service Award and Pinnacle Quality Service Award Century 21 Scott Myers, Realtors is delighted to announce that for the 18th consecutive year, we are recipients of the Century 21 Quality Service Award and Century 21 Pinnacle Quality Service Award for the year 2019. This is achieved by the results of answers to surveys by our clients after the closing of their transaction. To achieve this award, an office must have a cumulative service score of at least 95 as rated by the client

or customer. The office's overall score in 2019 was 99. In addition, the following agents received the Quality Service Agent award: Robert Garza and Maria Berumen. Pinnacle Quality Service Award recipients are: Lydia McEvoy, Susan Widsten, Mike Daniell, Norm Muller, and Mark Dreves. We are proud of these agents and proud to receive this for so many years consecutively.

We Want To Know! MCEVOY

WIDSTEN

GARZA

MULLER

DANIELL

BERUMEN

DREVES

RE/MAX Associates Welcomes Three New Agents Rochelle Peoples (formerly Bennett) began her real estate career in 2017 with RE/MAX Associates. She left RE/MAX for a while and owned her own catering company. She enjoys working with her volunteer ministry. Rochelle specializes in residential property sales, both pre-owned and new. David Bumpass is new to real estate and will be working with Diana Tamez as a Buyer’s Agent. He previously worked as the General Manager for a local RV dealership for 16 years and prior to that he was the Market Training Manager for a local fast food franchise for 13 years. David has lived in San Antonio since

- Did you win an award? - Get Employee of the Month? - Do something exceptional? - Hire new agents? - Earn a designation?

1971. Also joining the office is Dix Densley who is grateful to call San Antonio home again. He previously managed several sales offices in the Dallas and Salt Lake City areas for a regional property services company then successfully built his own property services business in Lubbock. In his first year practicing real estate he broke several records in his market and was awarded by his peers the prestigious "Rising Star" award. The following year he was featured on the cover of Top Producers, a local real estate publication. Dix has a GRI designation and is owner of Dix Densley Realty Group, LLC.

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Real Estate Newsline

May 2020

Real Estate Keeps Working As We #ShelterInPlace