RE Newsline May 2024

In This Issue:

Page 2: Is What You Have Heard About An Event Factual Or Not?

Page 7: Comfor t Fear

Page 8: Champions School of Real Estate

Page 11: Each Mile Br ings Us Closer to the Hear t of San

Page 13: What’s Up With The Women’s Council Of Realtor s®? (WCR)

Page 15: If You Haven’t Attended One Of Our Meetings Yet, The Time Is Now! (NARPM) Page 17: Graduate Realtor Institute Society (GRI)

Page 19: An exceptional inter view with an exceptional ar tist: Maestro Vic De La Fuente

Event Pictures , Announcements and More...

Is What You Have Heard About An Event Factual Or Not?

Some people are immediate believers of what they hear about an event while others may take time to analyze the story to decide whether what they hear could actually be true or not. There are also those who, regardless of what people who are likely to actually know the details behind the event say, will consider the happening to be untrue and claim it is certainly a conspiracy theory. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary a conspiracy theory is one that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators, or a theory asserting that a secret of great importance is being kept from the public.

There are a number of events that have occurred over time that are still being labeled untrue by conspiracy theorists who most likely believe that the reason for the story is just the government’s way of gaining recognition or explaining away some plot against the public. Despite all the evidence available there are today still substantial numbers of individuals worldwide who believe the moon landing never actually happened but was rather a staged event, filmed in a studio so the United States could claim victory in the space race. According to a summary of opinion polls noted in Wikipedia: in 1994 only 86% of Americans believed the moon landings were real; in 2000, 28% of Russians thought the landings were a hoax and in the United Kingdom in 2009, 25% of 18-25 year olds believed the landings were faked.

It would seem that every time something noteworthy happens anywhere in the world there is, almost immediately, a conspiracy theory to provide either the inaccurate reason for the occurrence or to debunk the idea completely. Although Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, died in 1977 there continues to be reported sightings of him around the world, including in Russia, at Graceland where he

tends the grounds and at a Burger King in Kalamazoo, MI. Many of the theorists believe Elvis worked for the FBI and had to fake his death because the mafia was after him and he had to go into the witness protection program. Really?

Sometimes an event can conjure up some of the wildest conspiracy theories to go along with a whole host of myths, legends and other bits of misinformation, and such has long been the case following the opening of the new Denver airport in 1955. Regardless of whether it was the Freemasons, the New World Order or the Illuminati, the one certain and prevailing legend about the airport is that it was built by a secret society whose headquarters lie beneath it. Or perhaps all three worked together to accomplish the feat. The evidence to support these claims comes primarily from a dedication capstone at one entrance to the facility that references the generosity of local Masonic lodges and bears their Square & Compasses symbol. The capstone also mentions the New World Airport Commission, which if it ever did exist does no longer, and under that capstone is a time capsule containing items and messages from that time to be opened in 2094. But wait –there’s more!

While airport officials agree that the area below it has a train system to transport passengers between terminals and several offices for staff, the majority of theories posit miles and miles of tunnels extending a hundred or more miles beyond the airport along with bunkers and buildings where the society members can safely wait out the coming apocalypse. There is also much made of the artwork placed in and around the airport in that it is suggested that the works contain messages about the coming end times. In addition to two exceptionally large murals and numerous photos there are two gargoyles purported to be in place to ward off evil spirits, however, many passen -

gers view them as being the evil spirits themselves. And then there is a sculpture of Mustang, a blue horse with red eyes and a Medusa-like mane, standing 32 feet tall on its hind legs that Denver residents call “Blucifer.“

After working on the sculpture for 10 years the artist was killed when a piece of it fell, severing an artery in his leg. Ultimately the sculptor’s children had to finish his final work of art. Story just adds to the theory!!

Sometimes all it takes to set conspiracy theorists in motion is to have a writer suggest that there is a major power at work globally that is determined to change the world by taking control of it and subjugating its occupants. When British author and former BBC sports reporter, David Icke released his book “The Biggest Secret,” he made his readers aware that he and those within his movement believe that a secret society of elites are manipulating our human society globally. He talks of the presence among us of shape-shifting extraterrestrials who are in the world now as presidents, actors, prime ministers and athletes and were responsible for 9/11, Covid 19 and Europe’s Holocaust. He looks at the symbols in our world like the disembodied eye in the pyramid on the back of the one dollar bill that might make one think about a prying authoritarian. Watch out!

So, have you now moved into the 5G age where everything digital is now focused? Well, be alert as the conspiracy theories are many and varied. What is so dangerous about 5G? Well, it causes both cancer and COVID-19, can burn your skin and was developed by the government to exercise control over its people. And, despite the fact that we know COVID-19 is a virus that spreads from person to person via droplets, that 5G radiation is non-ionizing so will not damage one’s DNA so as to lead to cancer and uses radio waves essentially too weak to cause cancer the theories still

persist, And, the true believers are thought to be responsible for several 5G towers being damaged. And, you had better watch out for all those chemtrails in the sky when the jets fly overhead because it is a sure sign that the government has added special chemicals to the plane’s exhaust in a plot to control the weather.

There is, however, one type of conspiracy theory that has been around for a very long time known as the False Flag Theory, where a country claims to have been attacked by another nation to justify their entering a war against that nation. From facts learned since its execution the second Gulf of Tonkin incident is thought to have been used by the United States to justify its entry into the Vietnam War. While that may have been a valid false flag occurrence, many have since tried to account for the 9/11 attacks under that theory claiming our country caused that to gain entry to the Iraq and Afghanistan actions. And, finally in the same category many blame our government for instigating the numerous mass shootings so they have a reason to take guns away from the people. Seriously?

One might wonder why there are so many people who continue to believe in their conspiracy theories when valid reasons have been offered. Researchers have found that there are no demographic differences among the theorists, i.e. they are not less educated, poorer or any different ethnically than those who seem to accept the correct information, but they do share a major distrust of government with other conspiracy theorists making them more likely to agree with false information. So what about you – are you able to adjust to weigh the pros and cons of the explanations that are offered following a frightening situation or are you also ready to blame the government motivation or a nefarious plot by an elite secret society for the outcome?

Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer

9-Jun

Maria

Andrew

Angela

Bizzy

Evan

Elida

Banker D'Ann Harper

Margie Vallejo Keller Williams Legacy

B.J. Grant Keller Williams Legacy

Matthew Galvan Savvy Real Estate Investments

Ellen McDonough Phyllis Browning Company

Lanette Pennell Keller Williams Boerne

11-Jun Laura Collins Magnolia Realty

12-Jun Jean Gross Realty Executives of S. A.

13-Jun Bob Test Keller Williams Heritage

John Wilkins Redbird Realty

14-Jun Randy Cunningham Kuper Sotheby's International

Lauren Keller SA Portfolio KW RE

Patricia Kocurek Century 21 The Hills Realty

Maria Silveyra Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

15-Jun Stephanie Flath Redbird Realty

Alison Barrow Phyllis Browning Company

Connie Smith Old Republic Title

17-Jun Rhonda Howerton Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Zach Taylor RE/MAX North-San Antonio

Missy Keller 5th Stream Realty

Mike Anthony RE/MAX North- San Antonio

18-Jun Ashley Nicholson The Agency Texas

Dawn Chapa Old Republic Title

Sandra Castro Old Republic Title

Bill Tolan Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Jane Tomaszewski JB Goodwin Realtors

Maria Booth Century 21 The Hills Realty

19-Jun Denise Matthews Rigel Realty

Juan Costilla Bluefax Property Management

Sally Oppenheimer Nix Realty

Chris Gerhard San Antonio Elite Realty

20-Jun Cynthia Murray Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

Beverly Fulton Phyllis Browning Company

Dora Delgado Century 21 The Hills Realty

21-Jun Luis Acosta Vortex Realty

Stacy Dean-Peters Keller Williams Legacy

22-Jun Lori Stipetich BHGRE Homecity

Danyelle Daniel Keller Williams Heritage Raul Jimenez eXp Realty

Martha Garibay Marick Realty

Tom Ortiz Realty Executives Access

23-Jun Sylvia Moths Premier Realty Group

Suzanne Fitzgerald Texas Premier Realty

Kim McCullough Premier Realty Group

Karen Smith Smith Properties

Carole Tubbesing Phyllis Browning Company

Michele Skeans JB Goodwin Realtors

Diane Strauch JB Goodwin Realtors

Keri Neff Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

24-Jun Jon Green Stonewall Property Group

Dale Dorsey Keller Williams Legacy

Ricky Brown, Jr. Realty Executives of S. A.

25-Jun Dan Longoria Hill Country Realty

26-Jun Libby Weye Premier Hill Country Properties

27-Jun Lisa Cano Keller Williams Heritage

28-Jun Allen Cole BHGRE Homecity

Janette Springer Phyllis Browning Company

Teri Falcon Keller Williams Heritage

Chris Duran Keller Williams Heritage

29-Jun Krystal Pilgrim Realty Executives of S. A.

30-Jun Beatrice McFadden Phyllis Browning Company

Adrianne Frost Phyllis Browning Company

10-Jun Leesa Rispoli Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

RE Newsline Happy Hour Fun

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Greg Marshall, Direct Finance and Annie Marshall, Realty One Group Emerald

Brenda J Cochran, Ellis Realty, Bertha Trevino, Monticello Homes, Pat Farrell, RE Newsline and Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management

Victor Maas , San Antonio Investors (SAREIA), Rebekah Murtagh, Sol Realty, Marisa Cortez, RE/MAX North, Adriana Rodriguez, WCR Past President, Rick Rodriguez, United Realty, Scott Jauergui, Keller Williams Heritage

Robert Guerra and Gregory Walcoff both with Barton Co., Carpets

Larissa Campos, Capital Title, and Christy Johnson, Stewart Title

Cathey Meyer, RE Newsline with Tony

Jeffrey Shaffer, All City Real Estate and Annette Slater, Landlord Property Mgmt.

Sophear Wilson, McKnight Title, Ojas Tasker, Tasker Properties, and Neelam Kinger, Vortex Realty

Monticello Homes at Shavano Highlands

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Jennifer Schmidt, Liz Bruchmiller, Sue King, Bertha Trevino, all with Monticello Homes

Gary Scott, Home Team of America

Misty Alcala, J Prime Realty, Salima Noe, 1st Choice Realty, Jeanette Nevavez, Keller Williams Boerne, Jessica Harris, Scott Felder, Jess Steitler, Scott Felder, Linda Mora, Realty San Antonio and Edgar Rosales, Red Bird Realty

Liz Bruchmiller, Monticello Homes

Amanda London, Berkshire Hathaway, and Diane Salazar, Guest

Alma Siman , Coldwell Banker, D’Ann Harper Realtors and Andrea Chamberlin, You-Own It Realty

Brian Mylar and Roy Bogar both Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtor

THE WAY I SEE IT

Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

Comfort Fear

In the last few years, we have survived a total eclipse, possible power grid failures, the invasion of electric cars, common, everyday millionaires launching into space for three minutes, and of course, the uber of all pandemics. One would think folks would begin to feel fearless about what could take you down. We are resilient and can survive the oddest of events and still have time to submit Amazon orders, receive Door Dash food, check the Instas, and stream all the movies we can watch. The element of surprise is all but vanished. Surveillance cameras are everywhere. No one has to be licensed to carry, so the bad guys should understand they are one bullet from justice in any old lady’s purse.

We should be in a comfort zone of survival, and yet, many of us are as scared of our own shadow now as we were in our youth. Maybe we are not fearful of everyday occurrences, but fearful of the unknowns out and about coming to take us out of our comfort zone. As one of the last daily readers of newspapers, I seem to discover more

and more information that gives me a moment to pause. My partner just tells me to quit reading the news and worry about real issues on Facebook. I am scared of Facebook, so I have never entered that rabbit hole, but the daily paper used to bring me comfort and joy.

My current fear is Quasar J0594331, the bright core of a distant galaxy that is powered by a supermassive black hole. Yes, this is a real thing. Several items in that story bring me great fear. First, any black hole in the universe is of concern. What is keeping our tiny Earth from getting sideswiped by an unknown alien and bumping us into the black hole abyss? What happens to us in the black hole? Will we even know we are in a black hole? But I digress as the more disturbing issue in that article was this quote, “This Quasar is the most violent place that we know in the Universe,” said lead author Christian Wolf of Australian National University. So how do ‘they’ know the Quasar is violent?! What kind of violence is a Quasar capable of? Does it suck the oxygen right out of

you? Does it steal all you passwords and take all your money? Does it just blow up the Earth? I need to make plans.

Even more frightening, J05294351 was discovered in the 1980’s, but ‘they’ thought it was a friendly star. I did not know to worry about friendly or unfriendly stars but will add that to my fear list. Last year, ‘they’ noted the exciting thing about J0529-4351 is that it was hiding in plain sight AND computer modelings have determined it is gobbling up the equivalent of 370 suns a year or roughly one sun a day. Hello, we only have the one sun on Earth, so how close is this thing? In a comforting note, the host black hole is 17 to 19 billion times that of our sun, but more study is needed to understand its growth rate. Ya think?!

While I am pondering how to prepare for sun loss and black hole absorption, I start reading about the Earth losing time. At least in this article, we received some warning and can prepare for change. For the first time in history, world timekeepers may have to consider subtracting a second from our clocks in a few years because the planet is rotating a tad faster than it used to twirl. The time watch scientists have noted this is not a huge change that would lead to a catastrophe, but it is notable. Again, WHAT? None of my digital clocks show the same time, my phone clock and my car clock are always a minute off, yet I manage to get places in what I consider to be on

time. How can a second make that much difference. Now that I know a second can make that much difference, how much difference is the difference? While the scientists attribute the loss of a second to climate change, I attribute it to the Earth gaining weight—just like the rest of us. We have more people than ever, more stuff than ever, more everything (except polar ice caps and glaciers) than ever. As the Earth gains weight, what keeps it from just dropping lower and lower in the universe? Then the black holes get closer and closer and finally our sun just gets gobbled up one Quasar Thanksgiving. Some folks chose to get all fearful about the state of our politics, foreign countries taking us over or women being in charge, but I am pondering the element outside our universal boundaries.

The scientists do not appear to be full of fear as they are gleefully quoted in articles. One did note that a light year is 5.8 trillion miles but did not elaborate on what that means. I fear a light year is faster than a regular year, so those trillions of miles may get here faster than we are prepared to deal with the massive change they may deliver. My yoga instructor says to not worry about those things we cannot control and breathe deeper. I will take a second and ponder that if the Earth can spare the second and the Quasar does not suck up all my oxygen.

Champions School of Real Estate Relocates to New North San Antonio Campus

One morning in the nineties, in an event room at an Embassy Suites in San Antonio, Rita Santamaria, founder of Champions, prepared to teach a real estate continuing education class. As she transformed the space into a makeshift classroom, Rita hoped agents from around San Antonio would come to fulfill their license renewal requirements. Though Champions had established itself as a premier real estate education provider in other parts of the state, this was its first CE class in the San Antonio area. The future was uncertain, but Rita believed that Champions could one day be the top real estate education provider for the San Antonio community.

Fast forward to 2006, the plan was in full swing. Rita's continuing education classes were well received, and the number of students attending them was growing. That rapid growth prompted Kimberly Dydalewicz, Champions' president, co-owner, and Rita's daughter, to relocate to San Antonio and help facilitate the launch of a new campus. She reached out to offices in the area, networked with brokers, and spread the word through an allout marketing effort. By the end of the year, the 10000 San Pedro campus was open for business.

Kimberly Dydalewicz recalls the early days: "I worked with our contractors, built out

the school, hired and trained our staff, and went through the process, along with my mom, to onboard our teachers. When we opened our doors, business was just awesome. It was as though we had been in San Antonio for years."

Today, Rita and Kimberly's vision has become a reality, garnering thousands of five-star reviews and a stellar reputation with agents and brokers. Champions School of Real Estate has been the top real estate education provider in the San Antonio area for the past 17 years. Dydalewicz attributes this success to the dedication of Champions' instructors, career counselors, and staff, including San Antonio's campus manager, April Brown, who has been with the company for 14 years.

"In fact," says Dydalewicz, "we have one teacher still with us, Mike Boyd, from when we opened our doors. He was our 2023 Teacher of the Year. And our team of career counselors all have such an impact on the success of our company."

With such substantial expansion, Champions has outgrown its home at San Pedro. This year, Champions closed its San Pedro campus and relocated to its new home at 3010 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 202, San Antonio, TX 78231.

Reflecting on the decision to open the new campus, Kimberly emphasizes the importance of providing a fresh, modern learning environment for the San Antonio real estate community.

"Everything came together. Parking, the square footage, the aesthetics of the building, the newness of the building, the location being north, it was perfect!"

The Wisenbaker Design building, where the campus is situated, offers state-of-the-art facilities and ample parking—a far cry from the modest beginnings of Champions in San Antonio. With 2nd-floor wraparound windows, natural lighting, and hill-country views, the location is exceptionally comfortable and conducive to learning.

The real estate community in San Antonio has played a crucial role in Champions' journey to success. Kimberly expresses gratitude for their unwavering support, noting that nearly all brokerages in the area refer their agents to Champions for their real estate education needs. "We would not have been able to make this move without their continued business and support," says Dydalewicz. "And for that, I'm extremely grateful."

Looking back on the journey, Kimberly acknowledges the challenges and triumphs that have defined Champions' evolu -

tion in San Antonio. Setting up the new campus was a challenging feat. Still, it was a testament to Champions' commitment to providing top-tier education to the real estate community.

As the school continues to thrive in San Antonio, the new campus stands as a beacon of Champions' dedication to serving the needs of the real estate community.

Champions School of Real Estate's journey in San Antonio is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and community support. From humble beginnings in a hotel event room to becoming the region's premier real estate education provider, Champions' story is one of resilience and determination.

As they continue to pave the way for future generations of real estate professionals, one thing remains certain: Champions will always be at the forefront of real estate education in San Antonio and the great state of Texas.

To learn more about Champions School of Real Estate and its different education divisions, check out their website at ChampionsSchool.com, Rita Santamaria's podcast, "Real Estate Superstars Today," available on most podcasting platforms, or connect with Champions on social media.

Realtors & Industry Leaders at GSABA

In and Around San Antonio

Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer

Each Mile Brings Us Closer to the Heart of San Antonio

San Antonio has many facets. As proud city dwellers, we're often enchanted by the vibrant array of cultures we are able to experience alongside our city’s many conveniences. We know that the city is full of rich history, and many diamonds are hidden in the rough within our beloved city. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy daily lives, we sometimes overlook the spectacular variety and beauty that surrounds us. The driving tour is a beautiful solution. It allows us an immersive and convenient way to rediscover the soul of San Antonio, away from the typical tourist hotspots, and it can be scheduled anytime you are available. Buckle up as we embark on a journey through the heart of our city, revealing why exploring San Antonio is not just for tourists, but a perfect daytime adventure for us locals too.

Where to begin? It’s your driving tour, so you can start anywhere. (I

recommend your home, but it’s up to you). Next, make a plan because you could quite literally drive around for hours and never cross Loop 1604 if you really wanted. The adventure I’m recommending is one of many possible routes. It is more than your daily commute because San Antonio is truly gigantic. Gas up on coffee and fuel before heading out.

If you‘re looking for a place to begin, think about heading south to rediscover history along the San Antonio Missions Trail. Go back to the 18th century, as you delve into the history and heritage of early people living in this area. Explore the colonial architecture, lush landscapes, and sacred spaces that have shaped our cultural identity. As locals, we've all heard the tales of the Alamo, but how often do we explore its sister missions –Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada? Exploring the San Antonio Missions Trail by car lets us see our-

selves in the vision of our city's long history, long before the times of automobiles. Make sure to try and stop at each one, as they all offer different experiences and information. The hardest part: try not to spend all day here.

Continue along your path and head north towards downtown. From the beautiful Missions, take Probant or South Presa north towards downtown. I implore you to turn off of the main highways and, if you’re brave enough, the navigation as well. Take a turn onto any of the side streets and explore hidden neighborhood gems. I love driving down streets and looking at different house styles and features.

No driving tour of San Antonio would be complete without indulging in the city's culinary delights. The city is known for mouthwatering Tex-Mex fare and authentic Mexican cuisine, but our city boasts a diverse culinary landscape that reflects our multicultural heritage. Don’t pass up the opportunity to stop at any place that sparks an interest. Some of the city’s best eateries are on side streets and back roads.

Downtown San Antonio may be bustling with activity and tourists, but some of the city's most charming neighborhoods lie just beyond the edges. As you head north you’ll come through Southtown. It has an eclectic mix of art galleries, cafes, and bou-

tiques. Seek out its secret murals. Continue to the tree-lined King William district, known for its charm and beautifully restored Victorian homes.

A driving tour allows us to meander through these areas at our own pace, uncovering the local treasures that make San Antonio truly unique.

Drive north to the Pearl District, a vibrant neighborhood filled with shops and restaurants. Take a stroll along the River Walk extension, and enjoy dinner at one of the district's unique restaurants. Or continue the driving tour by taking Broadway north through the many neighborhoods near Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights You’ll pass even more enticing restaurants along the way.

As we navigate the winding roads and hidden alleys of our city, a driving tour becomes more than just a sightseeing adventure – it becomes a journey of self-discovery and appreciation for the place we call home. Whether we're exploring historic landmarks, sampling local cuisine, or simply enjoying the scenic drives, each mile brings us closer to the heart of San Antonio and the memories we cherish as locals. So, the next time you're looking for a new way to explore San Antonio, hop in the car, roll down the windows, and embark on a journey of discovery that's as unique and vibrant as our beloved city itself.

Wayne Johnson with Coldwell Harper D’Ann Harper Realtors and Justin Cantu with Beazer Homes

Carmen Soto, Vivid Realty and Ojas Tasker, Tasker Properties

Sean Everest and Anthony Cardenas both with Capital Title, and Neelam Kinger, Vortex Realty

Brian Long and Nadene Long, Wealth Partners Realty Group

Luis “Papi Grande” , Papi Grande Tacos, Laurie Huey and Jose Gutierrez both with Coldwell Banker North Central

Tina Sanchez, Vortex Realty, Erica Silva, friend, Arlene Mednez, Vortex Realty

Rosie Barrera with Coronado Realty and Amy Kerekes with Jefferson Bank Mortage

Maria Garcia and Maddie Rivers, both TAP FCU

Erosa / Vice-President San Antonio Women’s Council Network

The Women's Council of REALTORS® is an organization that has been around for several decades and was founded to empower women in the real estate industry. Women's Council of REALTORS® (WCR) is a proud affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) with an 80+ year history of partnership and collaboration. The organization seeks to complement not compete with NAR and its affiliated local and state associations.

With over 13,000 members, it is a force to be reckoned with, and its members are some of the most successful real estate professionals in the industry. One of the most significant benefits of being a member of the Women's Council is the opportunity to earn more money. In 2021, the average income for a WCR member in real estate was $153,000, with a median income of $106,000. Additionally, the average sales volume for a Women's Council member was $11.3 million, with a median sales volume of $5 mil-

lion. Women's Council members also benefit from referrals from other members, with the average commission income from member-to-member referrals being $14,000. Furthermore, 54% of members refer business to other members annually, with the top reason being that Council membership signifies a high-level business leader who will follow through on client needs.

The Women's Council of REALTORS® is made up of strong business leaders, and 71% of members agree that their involvement in the organization has helped them become stronger leaders and develop advanced leadership skills for their business, community, and personal life. Additionally, 60% of members report being leaders in their local community, and 20% of the NAR Board of Directors hold membership with the Women's Council.

WCR is also proud to invest in the industry, with a 66% participation rate in RPAC. The total annual investment of Women's Council members is $3.4 million, with 573 President's

Circle members, 1,778 major investors, and Hall of Fame members. Membership in the Women's Council offers several benefits, with 93% of members reporting that it gives them a sense of professional pride and satisfaction, and 91% stating that it provides them with skills and information to deal with a changing business environment.

The Women's Council of REALTORS® holds two major events every year that coincide with NAR’s meetings namely the Midyear Meeting and the National Conference. The 2024 Midyear Meeting will be held on May 7-9 at the Westin Washington, DC Downtown, while the National Conference will be held November 610 at the Westin Copley in Boston, MA.

As a leadership organization, the Women's Council of REALTORS® is dedicated to providing its members with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and enrich their personal and professional lives. One of the most significant opportunities for leadership development within the Women's Council is the Leadership Institute. With over 80 years of experience, the Leadership Institute is considered the gold standard in the industry for developing leaders who have demonstrated potential through their local and state networks. Throughout the year, WCR offers Mastermind Groups, which bring together likeminded professionals to further advance women as business leaders in the industry and the communities they

serve. These groups are divided into three distinct specialty groups: Global, Commercial, and Broker/Owner & Business Building. These groups offer members a chance to network, share ideas, and learn from each other as they work to advance their careers and the Women's Council's mission. In addition to national events, the Women's Council offers numerous state and local events that are designed to enhance the skills of REALTORS® in all areas of their business, as well as their leadership abilities.

The Texas WCR network also hosts two state conferences each year that are held in conjunction with Texas REALTORS® conferences. Texas State Leadership also offers various courses throughout the year, both in-person and online, designed to enhance your business skills. The Women's Council of REALTORS® does not only offer opportunities, but it also provides a journey of personal, business, and leadership growth. Are you willing to take the step to connect, serve, and put yourself out there? Remember, your participation is crucial because you will only go so far as you allow yourself to go. Don't miss the chance to attend our upcoming events and take the first step towards success. For more information, email wcr.communications@gmail.com or text 720-838-0269. The Women's Council of REALTORS® is here to support and empower you on your journey to success.

Angelica

Christie Stott and Brenna Benavides both with JB Goodwin

Buba Djenic with Home Team of America and David Cantu with Meritage Homes

Steven Orndorff, Raul Espinoza and Denise Davis all with Brightland Homes

Dorothy Cofield with RE/MAX Preferred and Eddie Gonzales with Premier Realty Group

NARPM

Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Past President

If You Haven’t Attended One Of Our Meetings Yet, The Time Is Now!

SAMAC’s calendar of events has been interesting thus far. If you haven’t attended one of our meetings yet, the time is now. This month we will be hosting “Ways to Increase Profitability and Productivity” with Pete Neubig. This class is for sure going to be a crowd-pleaser, as Pete Neubig has worked alongside fellow property managers in the trenches and knows what our industry is about and how to problem solve. Pete is a licensed Texas Broker, current NARPM radio podcast host and cofounder and CEO of VPM Solutions. This

event will take place on May 15, 2024, from 11am-1pm at the Old San Francisco Steakhouse. Please take note of our new hours, SAMAC reduced our Chapter meeting times to give the opportunity for our members to visit with each other, enjoy lunch and learn and don’t forget about our Chance for Charity. You can win a prize and give back to the community. To register please visit: sanarpm.org

So, this past April was another month of learning opportunities. Property Managers from all over the US met up for Broker Owner in Amelia Island, Florida from the 16th18th. Going over Finance cash flow, Tenancy, and Law, Building Winning Teams and Defining Your Tech Stack. These are just a few titles of subjects being covered. If you are a Broker or a decision maker in

your real estate business, this conference is another one to be on the lookout for. It’s an annual event that meets at different location throughout the United States. This is another great growth opportunity for your business and your network.

So, I’ve been excited about all the awesome things that have happened at SAMAC and I’m even more excited about our firsts. I’d love to share the details with you; however, I can’t as we are in the planning stages. You’ll just need to hang on, bookmark our website, like our Facebook page or come to the meetings. Yes, come join us and let’s continue to fill every seat in the house, as we have been doing the last 2 meetings. With your support our meetings and speakers get better, and we may need to consider changing locations again to make room for our new members. We are here for our industry, fellow property managers and for you. Don’t forget that and please don’t hesitate if you have questions about joining SAMAC or would

like to volunteer. We cannot get this done without you.

Lastly, I want to bring up that SAMAC members can also become TRLP members and graduates. We have quite a few that are graduates and go on to leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. Currently, TRLP needs mentors to assist the upcoming class of 2024. If you are SAMAC and interested in being a TRLP mentor, please reach out and ask for Brenda Davila, 2023 Past President for more details. Again, don’t forget to like our Facebook page: San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of NARPM, to stay aware of our upcoming classes, charity opportunities and social activities.

Check out our calendar of events: May 4 –7 NAR Legislative ConferenceDC May 8 - Executive Board Meeting May 15 - Chapter Meeting- Ways to Increase Profitability and Productivity May 18 – Construction Day at Habitat for Humanity

IREP Meeting

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Michelle Noble, Certainty Mortgage, Bill Noble, Landlord Property Management and Rex McCord, San Antonio Elite Realty

Gil Amendariz and Susan Valenzuela, TAPFCU

Patricia Botello, SABOR and Regina Eldridge, Success Mortgage Partners, Speaker

Merlie Sanders, Ottey Investment Realty

Tamika Cunningham , Fairway Mortgage and Annette Hodges-Brothers, Home Locator and Mgmt.

Megan Trevino, State Farm and Sophiela Grannum, Click and Move Realty

Sophiela Grannum, Click and Move Realty and Sandra Lagos, JPAR

Linda Lopez Wright, Colonial Mortgage with Ojas Tasker, Tasker Properties

GRI

Graduate Realtor Institute Society

The local GRI Society was originally organized in the late 1980s or early 1990s to provide a forum for graduates of the GRI program to meet and exchange information about trends and changes within the real estate industry. The Society was adopted by the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR) in 2021, to bring more resources and connections to SABOR members and help their businesses become a success. We always like to present next-level education and to expand on everyday topics we face in the industry and try to stay ahead of current issues. While we know agents and other professionals have access to many of the same business partners, we also strive to think creatively and bring awareness to those subjects that prove to be challenging to our members. In doing so, we can provide real solutions that

have worked for those who have experienced many of the same challenges.

As this year’s GRI Society Chair, I am grateful for the opportunity to help coordinate these events for our members and those of SABOR. It is a great passion of mine and the rest of the Society’s board members to be a part of something so impactful to our peers. As our industry endures many obstacles, we have a duty to share our successes and learn from our failures. This can only enhance our service to our clients, fulfill our fiduciary duty, and preserve our reputation in society.

Aside from resources and connections, the GRI designation itself serves another purpose as well. Agents in their first two years are required to take a sizeable number of Sales

Agent Apprentice continuing education hours (CE) and attaining the GRI designation is one to provide most of those hours. Once received the designation is yours to keep and does not require renewal annually. The education derived from receiving the GRI designation helps increase knowledge and allows agents to highlight their skill compared to others. Designations showcase an agent’s ability and desire to escalate their service for clients, not to mention their referral partners.

Another benefit to the GRI designation is to be a part of an elite but small group, thereby setting you apart from the average agents. Studies report, (Texas Realtors®, 2024), “Only 10% of Texas REALTORS® have earned the designation. There are more than 11,000 active designees in Texas. Texas has the most designees in the country. You must be an active member of the Texas REALTORS® to earn the GRI designation.” As this number, relatively small, has increased in the last few years, it remains the second highest designation held, which further proves its respectable strength.

Some topics included in the GRI designation are Contracts to Closing, Marketing, Business Skills, and Real Estate Brokerage. Within these classes you can acquire a more in-depth understanding of an agent’s duty involving specific skills and risk. It provides a true understanding of documents in a transaction, how to market your business, and the responsibilities of a broker with agency relationships.

In closing, real estate is evolving daily and there is no better time to inform yourself and others collectively to improve our industry. Sure, you could perform transactions without the GRI designation, but with it, you are announcing more of a commitment to excellence. It is my hope that many agents join in and invest in themselves and this opportunity to shine. The ability to change or adapt will be a crucial role we play in our future, and will determine the amateurs from the professionals. I could not be prouder to be a leader in this endeavor with those likeminded beside me. For those who wish to know more, please reach out to your local board, and get registered today!

Join the RE

Crystal Green / 2024 President

NEWSNOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sisneros Joins EXIT Realty

SISNEROS

Our Broker, Cher Miculka, is so proud to announce the addition of Cherie Sisneros to EXIT Premier Realty and our EXIT Nation! Her enthusiasm and passion for helping buyers and sellers stems from her desire to make the journey of finding or selling a home as seamless and stress-free as possible. She understands that buying or selling a home is one of life's most significant decisions, and she approaches your needs with dedication and empathy.

She aims to ensure you find your desired home and secure the best deal possible. she genuinely listens to your needs

and will be your advisor, advocate, and partner in your journey for your next home. She specializes in helping sellers prepare and list their homes and helping investors turn properties into rental homes."

Cherie has a personal connection to the world of real estate, as her family has a long history in the industry. She has owned and managed rental properties for over 25 years, even before she obtained her license.

She enjoys connecting with the community in new ways.

ESTORGA

Phillips & Associates Realty Welcomes Estorga

Phillips & Associates Realty welcomes new Realtor, Edward Estorga, to the team! Edward comes with over 23 years of real estate experience working in various roles in the housing industry. From selling new homes for renowned Texas home builders, to navigating the complexities of the mortgage world as a licensed TX Loan Officer and Wholesale Mortgage Account Executive.

His desire to provide the community with quality expertise from a professional who truly understands the market, makes him a perfect addition to the team.

Edward chose Phillips & Associates

Realty for many reasons, the most important being that they are authentic professionals who are dedicated to learning about real estate and serving from a position of confidence and competence. The quality of service and focus on each agent mentored is hard to come by now in this fast-moving industry and Phillips & Associates Realty shines at it.

Welcome to the team, Edward, your drive, and expertise is much needed and will get you far in this industry!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup salted shelled pistachios

1 stick unsalted butter, soft

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

11 ounces of soft Vermont Goat Cheese

2 cups full-fat Greek-style yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup local clover honey

1. In a food processor, pulse the pistachios until finely ground. In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter with the granulated sugar at medium speed until pale, about a minute. Add the ground pistachios, almond extract, and salt, and beat at low speed until incorporated and the dough is crumbly.

2. Scrape the dough into a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Using the bottom of a glass press the dough over the bottom and up the side of the tart pan. Chill for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Pick the dough all over with a fork. Bake the crust for 45 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack and cool.

4. In the mixer bowl, beat the goat cheese, yogurt, lime juice, and zest until combined. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Scrape the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours.

5. Just before serving, in a small saucepan cook the honey over moderately high heat for about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir until slightly cooled about 2 minutes. Drizzle the honey over the tart and stand for 5 minutes to firm. Serve & enjoy!

Can you share your story of how you began your journey in real estate and how you have intertwined being a Realtor, opera singer, and Artist?

ARTIST: Well, we need to go way back to 1996, after experiencing unfortunate discrimination working with a meat distribution company as a national sales trainer. I was very young at the time, fresh out of high school, newly married, with a

growing family, and I decided to leave that company after that bad experience. I came across an employment ad from Mortgage Investors Corporation, looking for Loan Officers to help Veterans reduce their interest rates and save them thousands in interest. That was my birth into the real estate industry. What better place to help veterans than in Military City, USA? I traveled from Temple, TX, down to the Rio Grande Valley and everywhere in between and enjoyed the position until the need to learn more about the mortgage industry and other loan products influenced my decision to work for a different mortgage company that allowed me to understand not only refinancing loan products but also learn about the purchase market and the various loans available for first-time homebuyers. After a couple of years of gaining vast knowledge in the industry, I opened up my own mortgage company. I helped my clients sell their homes for free as long as I was the lender in the transaction. Luckily, I came across a Real Estate broker who

learned about me selling homes at no cost, and she told me, "You do know you can earn a commission selling Real Estate; all you need is a Real Estate License, "I was like, OK" so I went to Champions School of Real Estate and got my license in May of 2008, and I've been selling ever since. I consider it a blessing, and I love working with families and individuals to be a piece of the puzzle in achieving home ownership or selling their homes. I'm proud to say, "My Real Estate business is 100% referral-based."

My life continues to evolve, and I continue to pursue my dreams and aspirations. My newly found gift of singing allows me to continue living life to the fullest. As I continue to learn how to use my instrument, I feel it's important in life not to stagnate but to continue learning new things. My art is another thing in my life that I pursue with a passion; I love to paint, and it's also helped me with my creativity in my other business, flipping homes. The ability to purchase the worstlooking home in the neighborhood and transform and renovate it to become the most beautiful home is like starting a new canvas and creating a stunning piece of art. The goal is the same.....pour my heart into it and watch it come alive!

KAREN EVANS!: What themes do you explore?

ARTIST: Mainly Spiritual. My belief that we are not alone is one reason why I am fascinated with painting angels. I deeply feel a calling to paint what I think, what moves me—the ability to

stress compassion, empathy, and perseverance. My life has not been a bed of roses, but I remain focused and allow only positive thoughts to run through my mind.

KAREN EVANS!: What advice would you give others who aspire to pursue diverse passions and careers simultaneously?

ARTIST: I recently learned about a different concept of thinking. That is...we have four different parts to our heart. Each can directly correlate to four specific gifts or distinct careers you can still be passionate about. As a very passionate person, I wouldn't say I like doing anything without it being the best that I can be. I am my hardest critic, the one I have the most challenging time convincing. As long as you're giving 100% of your abilities into what you do, then more power to you!

Artist Realtor Singer

Victor H. De La Fuente Legendary Realty 210-367-3268 - vicdlf1@gmail.com

KAREN EVANS!: