March 2021

Articles In This Issue Page 1: Pat Farrell Page 3: SABOR Page 7: The Way I See It Featuring: Cathey Meyer

Page 11: NARPM Featuring: Brenda Davila

Page 15: Associate Spotlight

S ERVING S OUTH T EXAS AND S URROUNDING A REAS F OR O VER 37 Y EARS Vol.XXXIX, No. 3

Featuring: Independence Title

Page 23 : Newsflash

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March 2021

In The Month Of March - Éirinn Go Brách (Ireland Forever)!

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Texas Permit #1416

M a rc h i s t h e m o n t h i n w h i c h w e ( m e a n i n g a g re a t number of people worldwide) usually celebrate St Patrick’s Day and all that goes along w i t h i t , i n c l u d i n g g re e n c l o t h ing, parades and parties feat u r i n g f o o d a n d d r i n k c o l o re d w i t h g re e n f o o d d y e , i n o t h e r w o rd s a c e l e b r a t i o n o f I r i s h c u l t u re . I n p a r t i c u l a r M a rc h 1 7 i s a d a y d e d i c a t e d t o re m e m bering St Patrick who, during t h e f i f t h c e n t u r y, m i n i s t e re d C h r i s t i a n i t y i n I re l a n d .

During the last glacial period, thought to have starte d i n 11 5 , 0 0 0 B C , I re l a n d a n d G re a t B r i t a i n w e re b o t h a p a r t o f c o n t i n e n t a l E u ro p e a n d w e re p e r i o d i c a l l y c o v e re d i n t h i n s h e e t s o f i c e . To w a rd t h e end of that period, during the centuries in the 10,000s BC, as the ice melted, rivers formed a n d s e p a r a t e d G re a t B r i t a i n f ro m E u ro p e a n d I re l a n d f ro m G re a t B r i t a i n . T h e re s u l t i s t h a t I re l a n d i s n o w t h e t h i rd l a rg e s t i s l a n d i n E u ro p e w i t h 8 4 , 4 2 1 a c re s j u s t b e h i n d G re a t B r i t a i n w i t h 2 2 9 , 8 4 8 a c re s a n d I c e l a n d w i t h 1 0 1 , 8 2 6 a c re s . T h e earliest indication of any human inhabitants on the i s l a n d c o m e s f ro m t h e p re s -

ence, in a cave in County C l a re , o f a b u t c h e re d b e a r bone in about the year 10,500 BC. Prior to 4,000 BC settlers, during what is known as the " N e w S t o n e A g e , " i n t ro d u c e d a g r i c u l t u re , a n i m a l s s u c h a s sheep and cattle, and wood buildings to the island. A sheep’s tooth, cattle bones and a flint knife found in a cove in C o u n t y K e r r y h a v e b e e n c a rbon dated to about 4,350 BC. A l t h o u g h i t s t i l l re m a i n s u n s e t t l e d a n d c o n t ro v e r s i a l d u e t o l a c k o f a rc h a e o l o g i c a l e v i d e n c e , t h e re h a s b e e n o n g o ing debate found amongst various studies as to how and when the island became Celtic a n d o n e p re v a i l i n g v i e w i s t h a t the Celtic language, Ogham s c r i p t a n d c u l t u re w e re b ro u g h t t o I re l a n d b y w a v e s o f invading or migrating Celts ( I n d o - E u ro p e a n p e o p l e f ro m m a i n l a n d E u ro p e w h o s p o k e the Celtic language) beginning a b o u t 5 0 0 B C . H o w e v e r, t h e re i s n o d i re c t e v i d e n c e t o s u p p o r t a l a rg e i n v a s i o n a s t h e i r c u l t u re a r r i v e d i n v a r i o u s stages and the migration was a l e n g t h y p ro c e s s s i n c e b y t h a t time trade was active between t h e i s l a n d , G re a t B r i t a i n a n d m o s t o f E u ro p e .

S t . P a t r i c k , b o r n a ro u n d 450 AD to a Christian Roman soldier and a native British w o m a n o n t h e S c o t t i s h b o rd e r arrived in 432 A.D bringing w i t h h i m t h e C a t h o l i c re l i g i o n .

A t t h a t t i m e D ru i d i s m , c o n s i d e re d t o b e a s c i e n c e r a t h e r t h a n a re l i g i o n , w a s p re v a l e n t a n d u n d e r c o n t ro l o f t h e D ru i d s w h o h a d re s i s t e d a n y B r i t i s h o r R o m a n ru l e a n d w e re t o t a l l y u n a c c e p t i n g o f conversion to Catholicism. St. P a t r i c k , a s t ro n g b e l i e v e r i n t h e C a t h o l i c C h u rc h , t h o u g h t anyone who was not Christian would not be “saved” and d e c l a re d t h a t h e w o u l d d r i v e all the “snakes,” a metaphor

f o r t h e D ru i d s , o u t o f I re l a n d .

Thus, historians note that Catholicism took over as the d o m i n a n t re l i g i o n o n t h e island and that many Celtic t r a d i t i o n s w e re i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o t h e “ n e w ” re l i g i o n .

In some of the earliest w r i t t e n G re c o - R o m a n re c o rd s o f I re l a n d , t h e i s l a n d w a s re f e r re d t o a s H i b e r n i a o r Scotia (an ancient name for Scotland but was also used to re f e r t o I re l a n d ) . O v e r t h e y e a r s t h e re h a v e b e e n m a n y n a m e s f o r I re l a n d i n c l u d i n g : t h e I r i s h F re e S t a t e ( S a o r s t á t É i re a n n ) , E i re , t h e O u l d S o d , the Land of Saints and, of c o u r s e , t h e E m e r a l d I s l e . Wa y b a c k w h e n , t h e G re e k s c a l l e d i t l o u r n i a , I v e r n i a , l e r n e o r l e rnis, while to the Romans it w a s H i b e r n i a , N e m o ro s a o r Te r r a F i n a l i a a n d , i n G a e l i c Crioch Fuindh, while the M i l e s i a n s , G a e l s f ro m S p a i n , called it Muicinis (the island o f t h e p i g ) b u t l a t e r, w h e n they decided it was not a pig after all, named it Scotia. Old C e l t i c n a m e s f o r I re l a n d w e re Inis Fáil meaning destiny and Inis Eagalia meaning noble i s l a n d o r I n s u l a D o c t o ru m , t h e island of the learned. It is estim a t e d t h a t t h e re a re a t l e a s t 2 8 d i ff e re n t n a m e s f o r I re l a n d .

A c c o rd i n g t o s o m e o f t h e e a r l i e s t w r i t t e n re c o rd s o f I re l a n d a t l e a s t s i x t e e n n a t i o n s inhabited the island by 100 A D , a n d a s R o m a n c o i n s w e re found on the island it is a p p a re n t R o m e w a s o n e o f t h e i n h a b i t a n t s . T h e re w e re r i v a l k i n g d o m s t h ro u g h o u t t h e island each with its own king but by the 8th century all k i n g s w e re s u b j e c t t o a s u c c e s sion of high kings, who c l a i m e d l o rd s h i p o v e r t h e e n t i re i s l a n d ru l i n g f ro m t h e H i l l o f Ta r a i n t h e k i n g d o m o f Meath in the south and to the n o r t h , U l s t e r. B e c o m i n g a h i g h king was usually accomplished

t h ro u g h a g g re s s i v e m e a n s w i t h c o n t i n u i n g r a i d s o f o t h e r a re a s o n t h e i s l a n d . O n e w e l l re g a rd e d h i g h k i n g w a s B r i a n B o ru , w h o s e h a rd - w o n a u t h o r i t y ended when he was killed in b a t t l e b y Vi k i n g i n v a d e r s . T h e Vi k i n g s w e re s h o r t l y t h e re a f t e r defeated and most died by d ro w n i n g w h i l e t r y i n g t o g e t b a c k t o t h e i r s h i p s . Wi t h Brian’s death the concept of high king was essentially over with and the Kingdom of I re l a n d w a s re c re a t e d b y Henry VIII who then assumed ru l e o v e r t h e i s l a n d .

On the last days of D e c e m b e r 1 7 3 9 , t h e “ G re a t F ro s t ” b e g a n t o c o v e r E u ro p e a n d t h e r i v e r s i n I re l a n d w e re f ro z e n o v e r. W h e n t h e t h a w b e g a n t h e d e s t ru c t i o n b e c a m e a p p a re n t a s h y p o t h e r m i a a n d famine had taken its toll and e v e r y p o t a t o c ro p t h ro u g h o u t I re l a n d h a d b e e n d e s t ro y e d .

The climatic disaster lasted w e l l i n t o 1 7 4 1 re s u l t i n g i n t h e d e a t h o f a p p ro x i m a t e l y o n e fifth of the population along with most of the fish and all of the sheep and cattle. The Irish called the Irish Famine Blian a n Á i r – t h e Ye a r o f S l a u g h t e r.

A c e n t u r y l a t e r, f ro m 1 8 4 5 t o 1849 the Irish experienced yet another famine and this time t h e f a m i n e re d u c e d t h e p o p u l a t i o n f ro m 8 m i l l i o n t o 4 . 5 m i l l i o n e i t h e r f ro m d e a t h o r emigration.

I re l a n d l i e s i n t h e N o r t h A t l a n t i c , w e s t o f G re a t B r i t a i n a n d s e p a r a t e d f ro m i t b y t h e N o r t h C h a n n e l , S t . G e o rg e s Channel, and the Irish Sea. To d a y t h e R e p u b l i c o f I re l a n d , o r j u s t I re l a n d , w i t h a p o p u l a tion of almost 5 million, occupies 26 counties (five-sixths of t h e i s l a n d ) . I re l a n d h a d s e c e d e d f ro m G re a t B r i t a i n i n 1 9 2 2 and was then known as the I r i s h F re e S t a t e u n t i l 1 9 3 7 when it became, constitutiona l l y, a re p u b l i c . T h e re m a i n i n g

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six counties, covering onesixth of the island, belong to N o r t h e r n I re l a n d w h i c h h a s re m a i n e d , g e o p o l i t i c a l l y, a p a r t o f G re a t B r i t a i n a n d h a s a population, as of 2020, of 1.6 million.

I re l a n d , c o m p r i s e d o f low-lying mountains which s u r ro u n d a c e n t r a l p l a i n , h a s several navigable rivers which extend inland and its lush g re e n v e g e t a t i o n i s a p ro d u c t of its mild climate which is n o t s u b j e c t t o e x t re m e s i n t e m p e r a t u re s . A n d , i n f l u e n c e d b y the Atlantic Ocean, the island’s has milder winters but cooler summers with abundant cloud cover and rainfall.

During the Middle Ages most o f I re l a n d w a s w o o d l a n d b u t today woodlands account for only about 10% of the island, little of which is native.

C e n s u s f i g u re s s h o w a n Irish population of 8.2 million in 1841, but only 6.6 million a decade later and many of the emigrants to the United States o f t h a t t i m e w e re u n p re p a re d for the new country’s industrialized, urban centers and although these immigrants w e re n o t t h e p o o re s t p e o p l e i n I re l a n d , b y A m e r i c a n s t a n d a rd s , t h e y w e re d e s t i t u t e . I t should be noted that although the Irish took on unskilled,

March 2021

low paid work as many Irish A m e r i c a n m e n l a b o re d i n c o a l m i n e s a n d b u i l t r a i l ro a d s a n d canals and Irish American women became servants or d o m e s t i c w o r k e r s , m a n y w e re a b u s e d a n d m i s t re a t e d a s immigrants. History shows that many Americans at the time didn’t welcome this new influx and movements like the Know-Nothings (anti-immig r a n t s ) s p r a n g u p i n re t a l i a t i o n f ro m t h e 1 8 4 0 s o n w a rd s .

D e s p i t e t h e i r i n i t i a l t re a t ment, the Irish immigrants w h o e n t e re d t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s between the sixteenth and t w e n t i e t h c e n t u r i e s w e re n o doubt changed by America, b u t a l s o c h a n g e d t h i s c o u n t r y.

They and their descendants made exceptional contribut i o n s i n p o l i t i c s , i n d u s t r y, o rg a n i z e d l a b o r, re l i g i o n , l i t e ra t u re , m u s i c , a n d a r t . F o r example, many have become familiar with the works of O s c a r Wi l d e , G e o rg e B e r n a rd S h a w, J a m e s J o y c e , B r a m Stoker and Jonathan Swift to name only a small number of noted Irish writers. The memb e r s o f t h e C a t h o l i c C h u rc h i n t h e U . S . i n c re a s e d g re a t l y w i t h t h e a r r i v a l o f i m m i g r a n t s d u ring the 1840s as 90% of them w e re C a t h o l i c . I n t h e s p o r t o f boxing John L. Sullivan and

Follow Us @renewsline James J. Corbett (Gentleman Jim) excelled as did Connie Mack (Cornelius McGillicuddy) in baseball.

NFL Hall of Famers include G e o rg e C o n n o r, Ta c k l e L i n e b a c k e r, J o h n ( B l o o d ) M c N a l l y, H a l f b a c k a n d E d H e a l e y, Ta c k l e a n d s t i l l a c t i v e t o d a y i s To m B r a d y, Quarterback!

Once on this side of the Atlantic, Irish immigrants a d a p t e d t h e d i ff e re n t i n g re d i ents available to them in the United States to make traditional meals like those familiar t o t h e m f ro m I re l a n d . T h e famous Irish American meal of corned beef and cabbage was d e v e l o p e d h e re t o re p l a c e t h e bacon and cabbage popular at h o m e a n d t h e y i n t ro d u c e d o t h e r f o o d s l i k e s o d a b re a d and colcannon to American re c i p e b o o k s . I r i s h b e e r, e s p e cially Guinness, is popular in America as it is estimated that 1 3 m i l l i o n p i n t s a re c o n s u m e d on St. Patrick’s Day alone. So, u n t i l M a rc h 1 7 t h w h e n t h e only music on the radio most likely consists of Irish ditties and everyone is wearing somet h i n g g re e n , I b i d y o u “ S l á n Agus Beannacht” (Goodbye and Blessings).

- Pat Farrell / Contributing Writer

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Managing Editor...........Courtney Smith Contributing Writers:......Cathey Meyer ..................................................Pat Farrell Columnists.....................Rebecca Byers ...........................................Brenda Davila Business Development .......Joyce Orts Area Sales Director..........Rose Stewart .............................................210.386.6544 Real Estate Newsline is not responsible for the opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any byproducts in advertising or editorial copy.

Real Estate Newsline takes the pandemic situation very seriously, we do not endorse or condone any behavior contrary to current CDC guidelines. To that end, please be aware, some pictures in this issue may have been taken pre-covid and should not be considered to represent anyone being irresponsible or careless in any shape or form.

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2022 NAR Committee Applications Open Applications to serve on National Association of REALTORS® 2022 committees are now open.

In order to apply to serve on NAR committees, you will first need to update your expertise profile at www.nar.realtor and submit your application by May 1, 2021.

The member expertise profile provides NAR Leadership with key information about your professional and association experience. The information in the expertise profile is used as a resource when identifying members to serve on a committee(s).

This profile is required to be completed as a supplement to your committee application.

When you log in to the committee section of www.nar.realtor, you will have the option to edit or create your expertise profile. Even if you already have one created, you should consider updating it to ensure it reflects all your current knowledge and experience. The profile will

allow you to indicate your primary professional focuses, such as what type of real estate you specialize in, your experience in financial planning and budgeting, your familiarity and interest in technology, as well as your background in other areas such as marketing, business issues, land use, community involvement, research and more.

Once you complete this section of the profile, you will also be asked to indicate your experience in service at the local, state and national levels.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to submit a photo to accompany your profile.

With your expertise profile complete, you will then be able to apply for service on NAR committees, including seeking endorsements from others to support your application. Remember, the deadline to apply is May 1, and you may apply for up to five committees.

To start your profile and apply, visit www.nar.realtor.

John Kuntz III, Local Realty and Sue Trautner, Vecino Realty, LLC

John Thurman, Heart Independence Title

of Texas

Realty

and

Denice

Brown,

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Febuary 2021

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Brenda Mullen, RE/MAX Access and Tracy Blackwell, Insurance Professional

Joe Pine, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper and Virginia Ulrich, Triangle Realty

Brad Smilgin, Smilgin Real Estate Services and Carmen Soto, Vivid Realty

Janet Clyde, BHHS Don Johnson and Jennifer Jones, Directions Home Loan.

Michael Thomas and Albert Rodriguez, with Wells Fargo

Michelle Camargo, Black Label Real Estate Advisors, Carla Yager, Perry Homes and Stephanie Flores, Black Label Real Estate Advisors

Mikaela Rios, Staging Pro and Raquel Wallace, Keller Williams Heritage

Yvette Allen, Real Estate 210 and Marty Hutchison, Property Management Services

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March 2021

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Darlene Thomas, Keller Williams City View and Laurie Martinez, Keller Williams Legacy

Dorothy Steger, Sherri Wolfshohl, Karen Critchlow, Charlie Ruffo, Jan Lares, and Manuel Arredondo all of Realty Executives of SA.

Adona Lowrey Management

Michael Guertin, CPA with wife Aricie

and Annette

Slater, both Landlord Property

Alyse ALonso, eXp Realty, Trish Najim, REAL Broker, LLC, and Christy Johnson, Directions Home Loans.

Leigh Brown and Carmen Soto of Vivid Realty

Jamie Torres, Delaine Kaplan, Kristine Foster, Gabby Schneider, Christianna Jimenez and Dorothy Pickford, all with Culhane Premier Properties

Cathy Heshmat, Keller Williams Heritage and Rebecca Byers, Brick and Stone Realty

March 2021

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THE WAY I SEE IT Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

But Wait, There’s More!

These new normal times have created less than optimum routines for the aging mind. As a routine television watcher, I get my morning news, sail off to work or some semblance of work, check-in on occasion with an afternoon sports or news show, catch the evening network news and get ready for my regular nighttime shows. I have learned the art of DVR, but I do not have the patience to figure out the streaming options. Yes, I know it is easy, I just fear the addiction. This is now ONE YEAR we have all waited patiently in our humble abodes for clearance to clear out, but most of us are two shots away from freedom.

As I wait my turn for the elusive miracle booster, which I calculate to be no time soon, I have reignited my fascination with television game shows.

Uncle Shelby was a stickler for his game show times. Back in the day of cableless television he was captivated by the major network offerings. Wheel of Fortune was a very complicated show of word prob-

lem solving, and then collecting cash to purchase over-priced unneeded items from a turnstile stage. It took me a minute to understand why contestants could not solve M _ K _ NG _ R E S E R V A T_ O N puzzle. Uncle Shelby was not patient with me for not MAKING A RESERVATION with him for appointment television. The show has evolved to a much easier format since those days in 1974, but I miss watching a giddy housewife purchase a toaster for $300. In modern times Pat just lets you keep the money you win with no purchase necessary.

The summer of 1974 introduced me to The Price is Right—back in the day of Bob (get your pet spayed and neutered) Barker. I have no clue what the appeal of this show is for me, but I have been hooked ever since. In the recent shutdown, I am a daily loyalist to the newer version of my beloved pastime, but boredom has set in, and as cute as Drew Carey might be, I am less a fan these days. Turns out, if you are watching

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these ‘game shows’ closely, you realize they are simply one long commercial for over-priced products. This realization has me quite disheartened. I loved the joy of victory as contestants unexpectedly won thousands of dollars’ worth of unneeded appliances or the agony of defeat as a new car slips through their guesses.

What has changed since the late 1900’s of game guessing television is the number of endless commercials hawking even more stuff. From Let’s Make A Deal and The Price is Right to daily talk shows, someone is constantly hawking some product. Then the viewer sits through endless commercial advertising for the same product plus a litany of additional items that may or may not be of daily use. The thrill of victory in ‘winning’ has now been replaced by the agony of product placement. I am over the guessing of the manufacture’s retail price without going over the showcase showdown price of a hot tub, a riding lawnmower, and a camper. But wait, there’s more!

Granted, not all game shows require excessive retail pricing knowledge. I do remember Uncle Shelby loved Concentration—a show where you matched cards for prizes. No pricing knowledge needed, just a whip smart recall of where the matching cards were placed. There was also a show called Bowling for Dollars, but I put a pin in that—just not an action gameshow fan.

Today, we have the return of Card Sharks-On-Steroids. I vaguely recalled the original Card Shark show from

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1978—I was a high school senior trying to get a better graduation gift from Uncle Shelby and we would play our own at home game as the television game played. He was the master as I lost my ‘gift’ on the final card draw, but he did give me a lovely parting gift: a case of Rice-o-Roni.

Games of intellectual knowledge were not my mastery. Jeopardy is a nobrainer for ‘I watch it for the pictures.’

Match Game was entertaining enough if the ‘celebrity guests’ were inebriated enough. The Dating Game was mostly a yawner because even in the 1970’s all the men looked like XXX adult movie producers, The Newlywed Game fascinated me because I never understood why couples would embarrass themselves on national television, but mostly I thought Bob Eubanks was ahead of his time with his Toy Story hair and wardrobe. The $$$$$$ Pyramid is too taxing with all its rules; To Tell the Truth should be Mostly Not the Truth and many more have slipped my mind. I will put in a plug for Press Your Luck. I cannot follow the rules, but I do enjoy watching contestants randomly pound a button for more money, more money, more money.

Likewise, The Wall, while still requiring too much intellectual recall, has a fun element of random freefalling for thrills.

Maybe I have too much television time on my hands these days. Might be time to renew my library card—or can you even go to the library these days? I need a shot. . . and a booster. . . and a little more mind numbing entertainment.

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March 2021

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Tom Fentress, RE/MAX Preferred, Rick Acosta, RE/MAX Associates Boerne and Bill Lester, Capital Title.

Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title, Jaida Patrick, American Home Sheild and Jan Hicinbothom, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Annalese, Bret Finley and Nita Wilson, all SABOR

Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management and Pat Farrell, Real Estate Newsline

Jennifer Herbsleb, Keller Willaims Heritage and Chyrel Madden Century 21

Mary Landon, Wells Fargo, Elaine La Vonna Stewart, Hardie & Associates

Sevier, JB Goodwin and

Mikaela Rios, Staging Pro and M’lissa Steel, Keller Williams Heritage

Hilda Garza, eXp Realty, Lisa Lozano, Directions Home Loan and Alyse Alonso, eXp Realty.

We invite Realtors, architects, and builders to drop by and see all our beautiful garage doors and leave us a card for a monthly drawing for a $100 American Express Gift Card!

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March 2021

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Jessica Byrne, Fairway Mortgage and Jeanine Weidner, Title Professional

Christine Chau, AREAA Austin Chapter President, Pat Farrell, Real Estate Newsline and Ojas Tasker, AREAA San Antonio Chapter President

Dahlia Garcia, Crockett Bank. Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title and Trinie Johnson, ICON Realty

Lorraine Bookout, Legacy Mutual Mortgage and Karen Green A and K Realty

Jan Boyle, Keller Williams Heritage and Johnny Lopez, Security Professional

Carmen Soto, Vivid Realty and Tish Lowe, Keller Williams San Antonio

Leigh Fetters, Insurance Professional and Raquel Wallace , Keller Williams Heritage

Michelle Alford and Rhapsody Vogt, both Vivid Realty

March 2021

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NARPM Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Secretary

NARPM Continues To Lead Without Restrictions With the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) newest extension of the eviction moratorium this has brought relief to some until March 31, 2021; however, this may cause the opposite effect on others. As if our lives are not naturally complicated, now add what seems to be the never-ending Coronavirus, the third moratorium extension, working from home or working with a mask all day and the ultimate task- home schooling (to name a few). These are all reasons to bring stress levels to an all-time high.

According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 8 out of 10 adults say the pandemic is a huge contributor to the increased stress levels in their lives. Especially for parents

of school aged children where about 46% of parents (3,013 adults surveyed) were asked to measure the amount of stress on a 10-point scale and they answered between 8-10. Are we currently experiencing a mental crisis? And if we are and our current situation is considered the “new normal” what are some things that can be done to lower life’s current pressures?

Currently in my property management position I am experiencing longer rental days on market, an increase in unqualified applicants, owners worried about the wear and tear on their homes due to tenants being in house longer periods of time, some owners selling their rental properties due to being worried about the unforeseen economic future or worried their tenants

Real Estate Newsline

will take advantage of the moratorium and lastly had a few renters not pay rent or have declared protection under the new eviction protection program.

All are reasonable concerns and reasons that lead to stress for both owner and property managers. Property managers are having to stay informed of current laws and policies while keeping owners up to date, helping them feel secure and being ready to act in case an unfavorable situation arises and possibly experiencing a loss of income.

No matter how well you keep owners or tenants informed there may be a few that become agitated, verbally aggressive or make financial decisions without discussion or a heads up. Everyone deals with stress differently and I will not judge, however, as property managers we will take the bulk of the worry or the aftereffects of the decisions being made by others in our line of work.

With the increase in stress levels, it is important to take a step back, take a deep breath and remember that if you are not in a good state of mind you will make mistakes or worst, suffer from physical or psychological issues, such as chronic headaches, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues as well as depression. So

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put the guilt aside and immerse yourself in a self-care routine.

Here are a few ways you could destress: Meditate; Start exercising- take a brisk walk, run a trail, start yoga; Read a good book or start a journal; Organize your house such as pantry, closet, or kitchen/bath cabinets; Begin a hobby such as painting, gardening, sewing; Take a selfimprovement class such as acting, piano playing or how to flip houses; Eat healthy and learn new recipes; Disconnect and take a trip or a long bath; And Sleep longer. Whether it be physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual, it is important to just start and you will see how much better you can handle life’s unexpected scenarios. *2021 will be filled with new educational classes, speakers, and more opportunities for charitable events. To accommodate our members and affiliates, educational classes will be available both hybrid and in person.

Do not miss your opportunity to serve, gain industry knowledge, and make new friendships. If you are interested in joining or would like to discuss; do not hesitate to reach out to us. For membership information or our calendar of events, please visit: http://www.sanarpm.wildapricot.org/

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Real Estate Newsline

March 2021

Nancy and Tim Brown, both RE/MAX Corridor.

Paula Grigsby, TAP FCU, Pat Farrell, Real Estate Newsline Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management

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Jennifer Herbsleb and Jim Chappel, both Keller Williams Heritage.

and

Cindy Goodwin, JB Goodwin and Mindy Winton, TAP FCU

Jay Arbrizue, eXp Realty and Christi Hines, Directions Home Loans

Selina Medina and Michelle Lebherz, both Independence Title

Debbie Blackerby, American Home Sheild, Matt Gessner, Inspector, Melanie Gessner, Home Warranty and Jaida Patrick, American Home Sheild

Sally Singley, Insurance Professional and M’Lissa Steele, Keller Williams Heritage

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March 2021

Irene Galindo-Cantu, Christian Ruiz, and Janna Valencia, all Movement Mortgage with Michelle Barre, JP & Associates and Lori Roe, Movement Mortgage.

Susan Bylicki, BH&GRE Bradfield Properties and Cecilia Sosa, First American Title

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Al Green, A and K Real Estate and Richard Fernandez, Fairway Mortgage

Tonya Stuart, Flooring Specialist, Ojas Tasker, Texas Real Estate Firm, Gloria Byington, RE/MAX Preferred

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Real Estate Newsline

March 2021

Neelam Kinger, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper, REALTORS, Chuck Berry, RE/MAX North - San Antonio and Marissa Estavillo, Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS.

Daisy Ramirez, Guest and Jessica Martinez, JP & Associates

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April Boyer, eXp Realty and Cory Flores, Keller Williams Alamo Heights

Selina Medina, Independence Title and Charlotte Jorgenson, eXp Realty.

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Independence Title takes pride in standing apart from their competitors as they keep jobs local, believing that is the best way to provide their customers with comprehensive information about property in Texas. Headquartered in Central Texas, Independence Title has more than 70 branch locations in the state. They can handle transactions on property in any county in Texas and are licensed directly in Atascosa, Bastrop, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Burnet, Caldwell, Chambers, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grayson, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Hunt, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lampasas, Llano, McLennan, Medina, Montgomery, Nueces, Parker, Rockwall, San Patricio, Tarrant, Travis, Waller, Williamson, and Wise counties. Every employee is but one phone call away from their local decisionmakers, Jay Southworth and Brian Pitman, which means they can readily deliver timely services and solutions that are customized to a client’s particular needs.

As an immediate response to the

Pandemic threat, Independence Title retooled their processes at all stages, retrained their teams, and rebuilt their resources to meet these challenging times.

They offer multiple closing options to meet the needs of all customers: the use of mobile notaries, Remote Online Closings (when allowed by the specifics of the transaction), and in-office closings with appropriate safety protocols by appointment in various office locations. They continue to deliver the very best in quality, service, and attention to detail that everyone expects when doing business with Independence Title. They recognize that real estate is a “team sport” and that it takes the team, all working together, to “win,” so they stand ready to team up with REALTORS® for successful property transactions, big and small. Their team of escrow professionals are some of the best and most experienced in the state, and are backed by in-house attorneys, a local title examination department, and cuttingedge information resources.

While the main focus of Independence Title remains with the

Real Estate Newsline

insurance and escrow segments of their business, they are also strongly committed to providing REALTORS® with the tools needed to succeed in business and have continued to expand their role in REALTOR® education. They have implemented “best practices” to combat current industry challenges like wire fraud/cybercrime and offer more tools, resources and CEaccredited courses than any other title company in Texas. Education opportunities are primarily online now and a visit to their website: http://independencetitle.com/san-antonio, under the “Education” link will detail an array of classes, most of which include one hour, or more, of CE credit, with subjects that range from title to technology.

Independence Title is dedicated to ensuring a level of professional and personal service that demonstrates their commitment to caring for their customers.

They agree with the philosophy of Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, that “customers are guests at a party for which the company is the host,” and as such they see the job of every employee to be one of making each important aspect of the customer’s experience a little bit better. To that end, they have recently added a new training specialist, along with additional escrow officers, escrow assistants and marketing professionals so they will be better able to reach and serve more customers throughout the area.

Independence is committed to protecting the integrity of their practices, the real estate transactions they insure, and the security of their customers’ personal infor-

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mation. Their “Best Practice Team” is comprised of top experts on the latest rules and regulations, and they are dedicated to keeping Independence Title and its customers current and compliant. Flexibility on closing dates is very helpful when transactions require mobile notaries and it is also helpful when REALTORS® can build in some extra time on the contract closing date, especially when the buyers are getting a loan. All aspects of the loan process are taking longer – loan approvals are slower due to challenges in getting employment verifications and changes in job status, delays from credit reporting agencies, etc.

During this time, Independence Title will greatly appreciate your patience, good attitudes, help, awareness, and feedback as we all move through business together and they will continue to reevaluate their best practices to ensure everyone’s safety, and will keep you informed.

So, If you have not yet done so, perhaps it is time, as REALTORS®, to treat your clients and yourself to the smooth, efficient closing process that can be experienced at Independence Title. You could start by visiting the previously mentioned website to take advantage of all they have to offer or perhaps you could attend one of their many virtual educational offerings. For answers to any questions about what you might expect when conducting your business through Independence Title, contact Mark Macejewski, Division President, or Denice Brown, Vice President/Director of Business Development, at the Alamo Heights Office at (210) 237-4660

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Real Estate Newsline

March 2021

Follow Us @renewsline

1-Apr

Corrine Lorenzana

BHHS Don Johnson

Frank LeBlanc

Engel & Volkers SA

Linda O'Connor

Houses in San Antonio

2-Apr

Willie Mason

Lifetime Real Estate Services

Sue Baillio

JB Goodwin Realtors

Rosalinda Medina

Home Team of America

Michelle Yates

Old Republic Title

Judy Hickman

Sterling Group Real Estate

George Mercado

SA Portfolio KW RE

3-Apr

Al Chapman

Home Team of America

13-Apr

Amy Gibson

Independence Title

Shirley Parks

Sands Realty

4-Apr

Stephen Johnson

Preferred Partners Realty

15-Apr

Cathy O'Connor

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Michael Walke

Global Realty Group

Edward Lozano

Home Team of America

Nora Carmona

Home Team of America

Pattie Holladay

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Sonia del Rosario

SABOR

Julie Knowlton

Home Team of America

Amy Clifton

Keller Williams City View

Doug Curtis

Keller Williams Heritage

John Mayo

RE/MAX Associates

Tim Ferris

RE/MAX Preferred

Jackie Gobrial

Kimberly Howell Properties

Stephanie Fikes

Global Realty Group

Richard Davies

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Mary Eddy

Global Realty Group

Treedy Chapa

Keller Williams Heritage

Michele Vaughn

Welcome Home Real Estate

Michael Berryman

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Pam Maxwell

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Karen Nolan

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Albert Alvarado

Keller Williams Heritage

Cynthia Sanchez

JP & Associates

Barbara Finch

Kuper Sotheby's International

Karen Hale

Keller Williams Legacy

Susan Landry

SABOR

7-Apr

Patti Nelson

SA Portfolio KW RE

9-Apr

Tiffany Stevens

Forward Real Estate

John J Kuntz III

Local Realty

10-Apr

Robert Salazar

eXp Realty

11-Apr

Steve Silver

5-Apr

6-Apr

12-Apr

16-Apr 17-Apr 18-Apr

Danette Wagnon 19-Apr

24-Apr

25-Apr

26-Apr

eXp Realty

Iwona Jaskowiak

BHHS Don Johnson REALTORS

Hector Mendes

Century 21 Smith & Associates

Toby Cisneroz

Century 21 Scott Myers

20-Apr

Brenda Hoke

Hoke Properties

Rolando Garcia

Vortex Realty

21-Ap

Jenny Cloonan

Keller Williams Heritage

28-Apr

Dan Armstrong

Keller Williams Legacy

Kamilla McKinski

Vortex Realty

29-Apr

Dennis DeWine

ERA Colonial Real Estate

Patricia Suarez

Suarez Realty Group

Ricardo Echeverria Century 21 Northside

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Todd Avery

Engel & Volkers SA

Carol Case

Kuper Sotheby's International

Jerry Birdsong

Century 21 Northside

Shelia Stanush

RE/MAX Access

Cathy Vise

Phyllis Browning Company

Kia Poursalehi

Premier Realty Group

Emilio Arroyo

Nexthome Leading Edge Realty

Tracy Epps

Southwest Realty Advisors

Holly Gottschalt

Exit Premier Realty

Becky Day

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Denise Martinez

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

22-Apr

23-Apr

Penny Ayarzagoitia Avenue Realty Viviana Plata

Premier Realty Group

27-Apr

30-Apr

www.realestatenewsline.com

March 2021

Real Estate Newsline

Cobb Salad Layer Dip Ingredients: 1 cup blue cheese crumbles 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon hot sauce 3 ripe avocados 1 lemon Salt and pepper 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped 4 plum tomatoes, chopped 2 romaine hearts, clean, dry separate leaves 8 slices of bacon, chopped, cooked to a crisp, drained Rodeana Reynolds, RE/MAX North San Antonio and Jeanine Schuchardt, Key Relo Real Estate

Preparation: In a small skillet over medium high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. When done removed with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel lined plate.

In a medium bowl, mix together the blue cheese, sour cream, the hot sauce, salt and pepper. In another small bowl, mash the avocado with juice of the lemon and salt.

In a small glass bowl or dish, layer the dip: blue cheese, sour cream mixture, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and bacon crumbles. Serve with romaine leaves to use for scooping.

Chyrel Madden, and Cindy Pena Wild, Old Republic Title

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1

SABOR Keeping Posted

March 2021

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SABOR Keeping Posted

2

3

SABOR Keeping Posted

March 2021

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www.realestatenewsline.com

March 2021

SABOR Keeping Posted

4

22

Real Estate Newsline

March 2021

Mark Hampton and Courtney Smith, Real Estate Newsline

Jessica Harris, Scott Felder Homes and Kimberly Howell, Kimberly Howell Properties

Follow Us @renewsline

Gilbert Gonzales, SABOR, Grant Lopez, Keller Williams Heritage, Cathy Heshmat, Keller Williams Heritage, Carmen Soto, Vivid Realty and Lorena Pena, RE/MAX Associates

Caroline Daly, home warranty professional and Jeff Shaffer, BHGRE homecity

www.realestatenewsline.com

March 2021

Century 21 Scott Myers, Realtors Welcomes Pruski Century 21 Scott Myers is pleased to announce John Pruski has joined its firm as a sales associate. He will specialize in property sales in the San Antonio and surroundWHITE ing areas area.

Previous to beginning his real estate career Pruski spent many years in high level positions with Coca Cola in Sales Management in charge of their key accounts.

"We are thrilled to have John join our team," said Scott Myers of Century 21 Century 21 Scott Myers. "It’s an exciting

time to be with the Century 21 System as we increase our market presence in San Antonio and surrounding areas."

Pruski just successfully completed extensive training and licensing through Xcellerate and the office In House Training program. which taught him all facets of understanding the nuances of the real estate business, so he can give the best advice and guidance to his clients and customers.

Myers added, "We believe training supports growth and professional excellence in the real estate industry.

Performance-based training is necessary to assure that Century 21 associates maintain their competitive edge and offer the best service possible to their clients."

Real Estate Newsline

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1. Go to our website 2. Click on forms 3. Select the form you want 4. Fill out and submit!

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Real Estate Newsline

Follow Us @renewsline

March 2021

Wrappy Hour At Independence Title Crownridge

Michelle Lebherz, Independence Title with Dempsey, Kellie Daniels and Denise Martinez both Caldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Denice Brown, Susan Taylor and Valerie Wilshire all with Independence Title

Gail Couser, Independence Title

Denice Brown, Independence Title

Christian Nichols and Cheryl Nichols both of RE/MAX Preferred

Susan Taylor, Independence Title

Be sure to see and download more pictures from this event and others online:

Debbie Snelling, Keller Williams Heritage and Valerie Wilshire, Independence Title