RE Newsline December - 2023

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Vol.XLI, No. 12

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December 2023

In This Issue: Page 2: How Many Of These Informational Tidbits Did You Already Know?

Page 6: 2023 SABOR Award Winners Page 7: Putting A Stamp On It Page 8: A San Antonio Christmas Page 11: Cool Texas Winter Page 15: Get Involved And Get It Done Page 19: Shop Local! Feel Good!

SABOR Keeping Posted, Event Pictures, Announcements and More...

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Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer

How many of these informational tidbits did you already know?

The International Space Station (ISS), launched in 1998, is the result of collaboration between the five space agencies of the United States, Russia, Japan, Europe and Canada i.e., NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA, respectively. The ISS is the most expensive object ever made by humans at a cost of 100 billion dollars. In daily operation since 2000, the facility has been occupied by an international cadre of researchers who have been conducting gravitational and other experiments there. Having just recently experienced a time adjustment in our central time zone, one of many that fall under the standard Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), it was interesting to learn that the ISS uses the one standard global time used by scientists, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Have you ever heard of a “mondegreen?” According to Merriam-Webster a mondegreen phenomenon occurs when one mishears or misinterprets what is has been said or sung as something different than what was intended. Good examples of mondegreens would be the phrase “spitting image” which comes from the two words “spit and image” as “spit” once meant “a perfect likeness” along with image, “ nickname” which comes from mishearing “ekename” which once meant “another name” and instances when children misinterpret as, "I led the pigeons to the flag" the actual intended phrase of "I pledge allegiance to the flag.” With song, mondegreens occur more frequently when one cannot see the singer’s face or when the singer has an accent. In a 1954 Harper’s essay, Sylvia Wright, an American writer, recounted a story of when she was a child and her mother read to her from “Reliques of Ancient English Poetry” the line “And laid him on the green,” which she misheard as “And Lady Mondegreen.”

And speaking of finding words in dictionaries, one of the more complete dictionaries today is the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). In 1857 the Philological Society of London decided that none of the dictionaries of that

time were complete so they set about writing a more comprehensive product to be called a “New English Dictionary on Historical Principles.” They estimated that it would take approximately 10 years to complete and expected that over that time they would produce four volumes encompassing about 6,400 pages. The first inkling that the project might be larger than originally thought was five years later when the word “ant” had finally been reached.

Seventy years, 10 volumes and 400,000 words and phrases later the first edition of the OED was published in 1928. The second edition followed in 1989 and the third edition is today still a work in progress.

Do you have blue eyes? It is now known that the OCA2 gene, along with the adjacent HERC2 gene located on the long arm of chromosome 15, provide instructions to the body for producing a pigment protein known as melanin which gives color to an individual’s skin, hair, and eyes.

Scientists have determined that up until 12,000 years ago, all Homo sapiens had brown eyes, but sometime during the Neolithic age in Europe the HERC2 gene mutated, thus affecting OCA2's expression in the human iris resulting in an individual being born with blue eyes.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of today’s world population has blue eyes and that it is likely that all those with blue eyes are descended from that one, northern European, blue eyed ancestor.

It is always interesting to me to learn the reason behind all sorts of things. For example while it is pretty easy to guess why Chicago is called “The Windy City” and Detroit is called "Motor City,” why is New York known as “The Big Apple” and New Orleans called “The Big Easy?”

Some attribute the New York name to a notation in 1909 by journalist Edward Martin in his book, “The Wayfarer in New York” that Midwesterners are likely see New York as a greedy city since “the big apple gets a disproportionate share of the national sap.” However, the prevailing explanation comes from a horse racing publication in which

John J. Fitz Gerald, racing journalist, noted about racing that it is “The dream of every lad that ever threw a leg over a thoroughbred and the goal of all horsemen.

There’s only one Big Apple.

That’s New York.” He had actually overheard two New Orleans stable hands discussing the New York racing being the goal of every aspiring jockey and trainer because it was a supreme opportunity, like an attractive big red apple.

The origin of “The Big Easy” for New Orleans is still a bit obscure but one suggestion is that it is a comparison of the way of life in New Orleans to life in “The Big Apple,”- New York, the “city that never sleeps.” Another theory places the name origin within the city’s well recognized musical heritage with its vast number of performance venues where in the early 20th century struggling musicians could easily find places to make a living while plying their trade. “The Big Easy” is essentially a synonym for the spirit within the city as the people there can do things their way without fear of being judged.

When trying to determine who was actually the first to invent something it can be interesting because through improvements to the original item we finally get to the mechanisms we are familiar with today. One example of this is the invention of the steam engine which according to Britannica it was Thomes Savory, a British engineer who in 1698 patented his invention using pressurized steam. Then in 1712 this device was improved upon by Thomas Newcomen, who with the help of John Calley built his engine on top of a waterfilled mine shaft using atmospheric pressure to remove the water below. Then in 1769 James Watt patented the majorly improved steam engine that helped to bring about the Industrial Revolution.

And then there is the computer for which Charles Babbage, an English engineer, is credited with having the first concept of a computer that could be programmed to carry out many chores then accomplished by humans but that would be able to do the job more efficiently and

faster. In 1823 he enlisted engineer John Clement to build what he called his “difference machine,” one that would make complex mathematical calculations by repeated addition without using multiplication or division, but by 1833 the two agreed to disagree and parted company.

By then, though, Babbage had a greater idea for a machine that he named the Analytical Engine and recorded his notes and sketches of about 5,000 pages for a device that could do more complex mathematical chores including multiplication and division. Those sketches and notes of the parts resemble those of which today’s computers are comprised. Unfortunately Babbage died before he could get very far into the production of his idea and it wasn’t until 1942 that Dr. John Vincent Atanasoff, along with Clifford Berry, his graduate student, actually created the Atanasoff-Berry electronic computer.

It can be mind-boggling when one thinks about how far back these ideas were being bandied about but even earlier than it has been shown that others had similar ideas but just lacked the wherewithal to be able to build such machines. In fact it was mathematician and engineer Heron of Alexandria who lived during the first century who was first to conceive of an idea for a steam engine he called the Aeolipile and Leonardo Da Vinci during the 15th century drew his designs for a steam powered cannon he called the Architonnerre.

So as far as computers are concerned, in 1901 an ancient Greek device called the Antikythera mechanism, which calculated and displayed astronomical phenomenon, was recovered from a trading ship that had sunk during the first half of the 1st century BC near the island of Antikythera in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been speculated that when the device was whole it would have fit in a shoe box and the faces of the mechanism covered with Greek inscriptions, there was enough to clearly indicate the device’s astronomical, or calendrical purpose. And, thus ends this compilation of informational tidbits, at least for today!

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December 2023

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December 2023

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Ashton Woods Homes Studio Grand Opening

Trevor Crawford, RE Newsline, and Sarah Hildebrand, Compass Real Estate.

Noah Uriostegui and Molly Wahrheit both with RE/MAX, Realty Advantage

J. Paul Rollins, eXp Realty, and Jim Croce, Ashton Woods Homes

Jeanie Holmes, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors, Anna Reveles, Ashton Woods Homes, Dina Murphy and Brian Murphy both with Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

Rebecca Quinn, Ashton Woods Homes and Muks Jaswani, Sonic Homes

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The Ashton Woods Homes Crew

Emma Garza, RE/MAX-Realty Advantage

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2023 SABOR Award Winners The illustrious tradition of acknowledging remarkable achievements within the real estate sphere continues as the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® once again lauds individuals who have surpassed expectations and set unparalleled standards in the industry. As the curtains draw on 2023, this year's laureates stand as a testament to unwavering commitment, expertise and dedication within the ever-evolving landscape of real estate.

Handpicked through a meticulous process that involved nominations

REALTOR® Rookie of the Year Pedro Fuentes

REALTOR® Broker of the Year Jeff Garza

REALTOR® Salesperson of the Year Ara Fesperman

Affiliate of the Year Hector Toledo

Lifetime Distinguished Service Cathy Heshmat

Farm & Land Specialist of the Year Chad Foster

by esteemed peers and subsequent deliberations by a discerning committee, the winners emerged not just as victors but as beacons of excellence in their respective domains.

The San Antonio Board of REALTORS® takes immense pride in honoring these trailblazers, affirming their pivotal role in shaping the present and future landscape of real estate and extending heartfelt congratulations to the exceptional achievers of 2023.

Manager of the Year Mindi Stange

Commercial Specialist of the Year Award Patricia Chavez

Property Management Specialist of the Year Adam Acord.

Legislative Champion Susan Rodriguez

Builder of the Year Jessica Goldberg

This year, SABOR opened the Good Neighbor Award for voting by the membership. This award recognizes a REALTOR® who has made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in his/her community through volunteer work. The nominees for this year are Donna Franklin and Ana Ojeda. Congratulations to all the award winners!

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December 2023

THE WAY I SEE IT

Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

Putting A Stamp On It To be honest, I have no clue how much a United States postal stamp costs. When it hit fifty cents, I quit noticing the price. Obviously, mailing silly cards would now be a sport for the peel and stick elite. I tried not to send greeting cards, birthday cards, sympathy cards, and other items just for the fun of it, but when I receive the random card, I get such a thrill from that occasional mailbox non-bill, nonjunk mail delivery, I want to share with others as well. Peel and stick may just be one of my few addictions—the other addictions we can save for the 2024 reads.

The quandary of sending the annual holiday/Christmas cards reared its yearly envelope last month.

Every year, for the past seven years, I have promised that would be the LAST year I seek out the perfect card, address too many envelopes and take out a small loan for the adorable Christmas stamps. The idea of not allowing a holiday message to arrive unannounced just seems too Scroogelike. I must honor the lifelong tradi-

tion of communication by snail mail even if I will be the last of the Christmas card mailers.

I seriously was ready to cold turkey the effort, when my partner announced he would need 20 cards this year. “Twenty cards for what?!” I inquired with more than my usual disinterest. “You know, you study options for ordering those great custom cards, get the really cool stamps and make everyone’s holiday by still sending cards. I will send 20 of my own.”

Who knew he even paid attention all these years? He used to be happy with the freebie cards we get from every charity hustling us for end of year donations. I was happy to keep my secret of creating cards that might be more pricey than I would care to admit because I love the unexpected comments throughout the following year when folks would note how much they enjoyed my card. So let the games begin. This year, I did get lazy and failed to stylize my halfsize Santa in a local spot reflecting the

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holiday spirit. I found a photo from this year and began a bit of photo shopping to create a pop-art version for 2023. He jumped right in as I was cutting, pasting, adding, and deleting and then suggested using a slightly pricier card stock. I was thrilled. I now had a partner in tradition.

Then an odd event occurred: We received a Thanksgiving card.

Why? Who is starting this added holiday nightmare?! The new trend continued as we received a total of five Thanksgiving cards. Is this a thing now? One sender just noted they were not sending holiday cards this year, so they sent a Thanksgiving card. Is Thanksgiving not a holiday? I am not sure I understand the difference as it is the same hassle and expense, just a different month and the stamps are not as adorable. For that matter, the cards are pretty generic as well. How clever can one get with a turkey and a cornucopia?

At least we did not receive a Thanksgiving ecard. I am not a fan of the electronic cards via email, text, or other social media venues I do not frequent. As one who is warned daily my storage is about to max out, and I am not even sure what is being stored or what my maximum storage might be, I have no desire to add to the unknown storage with moving images on a card I can only enjoy with a charged battery and a password. I prefer the subtle holiday card display

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that guests can admire at their leisure when visiting. No one wants to sit with my computer and me to scroll through the clever cards in my system—including me.

I do know this holiday season will deplete my collection of Forever Stamps. You may recall I shared iback in 2007 my great plan to purchase as many Forever Stamps as my savings would allow at forty-one cents per stamp. Amazingly they still send my cards on their merry way making the holiday tradition affordable for us.

Turns out, a stamp now costs sixtythree cents, I think. There is something fishy about a product that has no price on it, just a FOREVER marked on the front. Ironic since the price is not really forever, just forever long it last until the next increase. If I could do math in my head, it might be interesting (or depressing) to determine what the inflation rate of postage has been these last 16 years, but why take the joy out of the intent?

Cheers to a Merry Christmas card and/or the card of your celebration choice this time of year. My New Year’s resolution may include the will power to make 2023 the last of the mailing card tradition. Then again, if I ignore the price of postage, I can avoid the bah humbug of another spirited season. In the infamous thoughts of the most famous Christmas poem: “Happy Christmas to all and to all a Good Night.”

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Real Estate Newsline

December 2023

GUEST COLUMN

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

A San Antonio Christmas Christmas and the Holidays are here, and San Antonio is coming alive with music, lights, and celebrations! This holiday season is the most wonderful, colorful, and creative time of the year!

My favorite Christmas memories were those made right here in San Antonio! The Holidays are a time for enjoying family traditions and cultivating new rituals with loved ones and friends. What I love most about this beautiful season is the music and food, helping others, and genuinely remembering the meaning of these significant days. I have created a spectacular list of Christmas events to enjoy with your family and friends.

I still go every year!

"Holiday Lights on the Riverwalk" never fails to bring me joy, and the Spirit of Christmas shines bright all around me.

Over 100,000 multicolored twinkling lights adorn the towering bald cypress trees and bridges along the waterway, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Locals and visitors can casually stroll up and down the river enjoying the carolers in their lit-up barges while eating delicious food, sharing wine, and reveling in camaraderie at a few favorite spots: Boudro's, Biga, or On the Bend Oyster Bar. From November 30 through

December 23rd, groups can hop on a river barge and sing their hearts out as they wind down the San Antonio River, enjoying an authentic holiday caroling experience.

A Riverwalk Christmas is truly magical! www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com November 24, 2023 - January 7, 2024 Latin Grammy nominees Jose Hernandez and his worldrenowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico bring "Merry-achi Christmas" to the Tobin Center on December 21. The Mariachis will perform the most fun & joyful Christmas and Latino music for young and old fans! www.tobin center.org December 21 Santa's Railroad Wonderland is an extravaganza of Christmas joy, including train rides! They decorate every area of the museum, from the historic depot, the trains, the garden railroad, and everything else in between. Grab some hot chocolate and the kids! Santa will be visiting from the North Pole; snow is predicted this year!!! www.texastransportationmuseum.org December 2,3,9,10,16,17.

The beloved family tradition is back at the Majestic Theatre: The Nutcracker! A Magical Christmas Ballet is about a girl's Christmas adventure with a nutcracker

Nate Costa with NEXA Mortgage, Dorothy Steger, Charlie Ruffo of Realty Executives of SA and Linsey Martin with Old Republic Title.

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doll who becomes a prince in the Land of Sweets. Be transported by the magic of jawdropping acrobatics, largerthan-life puppets, and stunning handcrafted costumes! www.theatresanantonio.org December 8-9 Sarah Brightman-A Christmas Symphony at the Majestic Theatre is the world's biggest selling soprano and legendary Grammy Award nominated artist.

Accompanied by orchestra, choir, and special guests, this magical holiday show will feature Sarah performing her holiday classics and greatest hits.

"A voice so angelic sounding it literally takes you to a higher power." www.theatresanantonio.org December 23 The Heart of Texas Concert Band presents "A Crystal Christmas," accompanied by the Dianne Brumley Chorale and The River City Ringers at Trinity Baptist Church on December 17th. Dr. Mark Rogers is the founding conductor of the 80-piece volunteer community band, the Heart of Texas Concert Band, which has performed over 140 free concerts in the San Antonio area. The San Antonio Report considers it the "Best kept musical secret in town!" heartoftexasconcertband.org December 17th Lace up your ice skates and head to the coolest place in town, the Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park in downtown San Antonio. Nearly 200,000 people have enjoyed this 5,000square-foot ice rink that will be opening the Friday before Thanksgiving. This is the city's most welcoming, playful, and prosperous place!

www.rotaryicerink.com November 17, 2023 - January 15, 2024 Here are some of the best places to see Christmas lights in San Antonio. It is truly one of the best Christmas towns in Texas!

San Antonio Zoo Lights is a great place to visit during the holidays. The Zoo Lights event features over two million dazzling lights, festive music, and whimsical displays. You can walk through the illuminated zoo and see the animals in a new light! www.sazoo.org November 18 to December 31st.

Seaworld's Christmas is the largest Holiday Celebration of Lights in Texas.

The winter wonderland of millions of twinkling lights, Christmas shows, festive foods, and thrilling rides down snow hills is a blast for the whole family! www.seaworld.com November 9, 2023 to January 2, 2024 Visit nearby Boerne for Christmas on the Ranch. Don Strange Ranch is known for its month-long holiday light show. The Ranch boasts over 4 million twinkling lights, and visitors drive through dozens of impressive movable displays. www.donstrange.com November 27 to December 24 The Christmas season is a time of joy, love, and giving.

It's a time to cherish the company of loved ones, reflect on the year that has passed, and look forward to the new year with hope and optimism!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at RE Newsline!

Kelly Mueller, Champions School of Real Estate

Replacing Your Garage Door is the #1 Rated Home Improvement Project both Nationally and in San Antonio According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost Versus Value Report!

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December 2023

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Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management, Ojas Tasker, Tasker Properties and Jeffrey Shaffer, All City Real Estate

Maudel Hardie, Hardie & Associates and Arlene Swan, Vortex Realty

April Orr, eXp Realty and Arlene Chalkley, ERA Colonial RE

Taylor Sutlive, Cody Cravens, and Mario Duran all with JB Goodwin

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December 2023

In and Around San Antonio

Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer

Cool Texas Winter It may not always look or feel like a winter wonderland here in central Texas, but there is no doubt that winter is the coolest time of year.

As San Antonioians we like to complain about how hot it gets here during the summer, but the part we forget to highlight is that it also doesn’t get too cold here in winter. While our more northerly neighbors are regularly seeing freezing temperatures and snowfall, even our coldest days here are surprisingly mild. When you look out the window and see the sun is shining you could be fooled into thinking it is a nice warm spring day even in midDecember. You just never know what it will be like this year. The weather could be warm and breezy or even cold and rainy but, unlike other parts of the U.S., it is rarely

snowing or freezing.

Around here there’s no need to get bundled up with coats and earmuffs. No need to pay attention to the treads on the soles of those fashionable winter boots, it rarely freezes long enough for ice or snow to stick around. So, grab a light jacket and get out to enjoy some holiday fun. Savor the cool, but not cold, winter weather by embracing the outdoors.

Get into the Christmas spirit by strolling through the already stunningly beautiful Botanical Gardens for their winter event: Lightscape.

Enjoy the sounds of carolers singing in the caves at Natural Bridge Caverns, or walk mitten-in-mitten with your love down the River of Lights on the Riverwalk. Even Santa stops by San Antonio to

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defrost each year. You’ll be able to find him at several different attractions and events across the city including the highly decorated Santa’s Railroad Wonderland at the Texas Transportation Museum.

Instead of shopping online or heading into a big air-conditioned store, you can buy from local craftsmen and shops at open-air pop-up markets. Bring the entire family because many markets do special holiday-themed events.

These are great places to spend time with others and find the perfect holiday gifts and treats. You can check out the Pearl Holiday Night Market or stop by the Christmas Markets in La Villita. As you walk around from booth to booth you will no doubt find a shop selling warm holiday cheer. Fill up a mug of hot cocoa or coffee to warm your hands as well as your insides. Don’t forget to get your tamales too!

If it is feeling a little too cold for some folks, try finding festive holiday lights from the cozy warmth of your car.

Many streets and neighborhoods show off their Christmas spirit by setting up marvelous light displays in

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their front yard. You can load the family in the car and venture out on your own or head to one of the mile-long drivethrough light experiences.

Whichever way you decide to go, pack plenty of snacks and warm drinks.

Even without snow or pine trees, city streets still look festive. With twinkling lights on the houses and trees, you don’t miss the more iconic triangular shape of pine trees.

The Live Oak trees are definitely not meant to withstand snow and even through winter, they keep their green leaves. But wrap these familiar trees in glowing lights and you won’t even need to add a star to the top to capture the beauty of our Texas Christmas.

With the twinkling lights in the oak trees and the stars shining bright on iconic Texas-sized cowboy boots, we’ve found our southern Christmas charm here in San Antonio without snow-topped trees or bundled-up skiers.

There are so many ways to get out and enjoy this holiday season. However you decide to celebrate, make sure to make the most of the cool Texas winter.

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December 2023

DR Horton Salado Creek Open House

Collin Bornemann, Texas Relocation Experts, Susanne Arters, DR Horton and Brandon Vargas, The Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group.

Erica Salazar and Jenevie Guerrero, Keller Williams City View with Gina Hollern, DR Horton

Morgan Londrie, DHI Mortgage with Kendra Hailey Weatherman of DR Horton.

Murphy and

Yvette Coranado, Keller Williams Legacy and Victoria Zapata, Social Media Manager.

Micheal DeMarco, Best of Texas, Samantha Martinez, RD Realty Group and Austin Flores, Legacy Realty Group.

Angie Felix Rojas and Jennifer Thompson, Riegel Realty with Courtenay Allison., Exquisite Properties, LLC

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Bill Teer and Richard Salas, DR Horton

Kellie Sue Daniels, Coldwell Banker D’ANN Harper Realtors.

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December 2023

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Janice Flowers, JB Goodwin and David Acosta, RE/MAX Preferred

Regina Eldridge and Gil Amendariz, both Success Mortgage Partners and Susan Valenzuela, TAP FCU

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December 2023

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Signs Of The Times

Madge Rashell and Andrea Bohnert, both Guild Mortgage

Anthony Cardenas, Capital Title, Kimberly Rios, Credit Human, Ruth and Ruben Rios, Vortex Realty

Susan and Steven Boyet both with Vortex Realty

2023 IREP Officers: Pat Farrell, Treasurer, Sandra Lagos, Vice President, Gwen Derry, Secretary and Sopfiela Grannum, President

Sumbit your sign or any news event to be featured in an upcomng issue! https://realestatenewsline.com/newsflash-submission/

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December 2023

NARPM

Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM President

Get Involved And Get It Done No matter what area of real estate you are in, it seems that our industry is always under fire in which we are constantly needing to protect, endure and most importantly adapt to the ever - changing landscape brought unto us via government, the public and our own industry. It’s obvious we have eyes on us and need to uphold the REALTORS’S® Code of Ethics. As you may have heard on the news or seen on social media, we are currently experiencing a new threat to our livelihood (based on commission rates) which started with a lawsuit in Missouri, then South Carolina and more than likely will spread to multiple parts of the United States. I won’t get into the legalities as I’m not an attorney and am still reading the information as it comes out. The point I’m trying to make is that our industry is a vital part of growing this nation and we should not take that role lightly. We need to educate ourselves, our

clients and hold the utmost importance in what we do and what we stand for. This is one of the reasons it’s important to get involved in your real estate board, the PAC, the organization in what you specialize in, to continue learning and stay abreast of both local and national industry news. As the saying goes “history repeats itself” and it’s our duty to have a better outcome than the last one.

With that in mind, I’d like to wholeheartedly thank the San Antonio Metropolitan Area Chapter and all its members for allowing me the opportunity to serve in your organization. It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve as your 2023 President. This role has been the most amazing and challenging role since the start of my real estate career in 2001 and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for the support, the leadership, the patience, and the respect that we

2023

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hold for each other both personally and professionally. I’m so happy to say that my theme for 2023 lived up to its name: “It’s a Family Affair”, Productivity, Positivity, Interconnectedness, and Community. That’s exactly how we got it done!

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personally inviting you to join our great organization as a Committee Chair or Co-Chair. We are looking for people to take on the challenge and share their skill set with us in 2024. The following positions are available: Website, Newsletter, Social Media, Governmental Affairs, Affiliates, Member Services and Professional Development.

If you’re interested, please reach out to: https://sanarpm.org/ or secretary@sanarpm.org

Now I cannot end this without

Our calendar of events: Dec 06- Christmas Party & Officer Installation Dec 132024 Strategic Planning SABOR Leasing & Property Management Committee Meeting Dec 21- Class- Maintenance: Beyond the Basics

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December 2023

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Susie Zuniga, Notary, Destini Rosales, Real Broker

Marisa Luna, New York Life, Maryela Ruiz, Vortex Realty and Efrain De Leon, Devora Realty

Linda Heisler, TAP FCU and Gil Armendariz, Success Mortgage Partners

Cindy Taylor, CT Group, John Speegle, SKDA, and Gabriela Vargas ASP Cares

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December 2023 Allyson Wolfe

Keller Williams Legacy

Griff Zolninger

LPT Realty

eXp Realty

Richard San

Realty Executives of S.A.

Esther Lemieux

Lifetime Realty Partners

Sally Garza

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Gabriela Davila

Home Team of America

Sylvia Perez

Home Team of America

3-Jan

Phyllis Browning

Phyllis Browning Company

13-Jan

Tamika Lee

Fathom Realty

Valerie Gambedotti

eXp Realty

4-Jan

Rick Tankersley

REAL

14-Jan

Sam Cunningham

LPT Realty

Tina Kappelman

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

5-Jan

John Harris

RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Justin Crisp

Justin Crisp

Theresa Hines

SA Portfolio

Jason Glast

Phyllis Browning Company

Carey Cardone

Keller Williams Legacy

Shannan Albrecht

Keller Williams Heritage

Kelly Collums

RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Chuck Blair

StepStone Realty

Linda Marion

Texas Premier Realty

Mary Hall

Keller Williams Legacy

Ed Zapata

Kuper Sotheby's International

Mary Garcia

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Greg Rubiola

South Texas Realty Services

15-Jan

Pura Esquivel

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

23-Jan

Mike Garza

Homebuying Homeselling Realty

7-Jan

Teresa Edmondson

Old Republic Title

16-Jan

Laura Rauch

Independence Title

24-Jan

Phyllis Woods

Kingdom Living Realty, LLC.

8-Jan

Carol Fochler

Brass Ring Properties

Ashley Gee

Phyllis Browning Company

Nicky Stubbs

Old Republic Title

Dea Driffill

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Jonathan Mason

Lifetime Real Estate Services

Mary Lynn Presas

RE/MAX Associates

Pamela Botine

Keller Williams Boerne

Sherry Johnson

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Bobbie Jo Enstad

eXp Realty

Patricia Broyles

Select Properties

Jewel McCullough

RE/MAX Associates

26-Jan

Jacob Hobson

JB Goodwin Realtors

Jan Lares

Realty Executives of S.A.

Missy Christian

Lone Star Properties

27-Jan

Deborah Koford

Kimberly Howell Properties

Alicia Hale

Simmonds Real Estate

Stacey Dimmitt

Independence Title

Joe Ramirez

Redbird Realty

Carmen Ramirez

Texas Premier Realty

Dennis Scott

John Chunn Realty

Grant Lopez

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Brad Graves

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Dwain Harris

Premier Realty Group

Ron Tate

By Referral Realty

Marilyn Smith

RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Tiffany Montano

RE/MAX Associates

Anne Marie Marshall Realty One Group Emerald

Sally Juvena

Phyllis Browning Company

Sharmeen Hirani

Vortex Realty

Joyce Orts

Real Estate Newsline

Esta Eberwine

JMAT Company

Robby Robinson

All City Real Estate

Edwin Wannamaker

5 Star Real Estate

Alice Castillo

Home Team of America

Gloria Abundis

Old Republic Title

Michelle Bowes

BT Realty & Associates

Karen McManuis

Full Spectrum Realty

Martha Bodiford

Edwards Ranch Realty

Dan Bender

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Andre Fulton

Nextdoor Property Management

Jobe Wrzesinski

Rigel Realty

Lisa Sinn

Keller Williams Heritage

Brenda Vaughn

Home Team of America

Jo Lewis

Phyllis Browning Company

6-Jan

9-Jan

10-Jan

11-Jan

12-Jan

Real Estate Newsline

17-Jan

18-Jan

19-Jan

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Call or email our sales team today to find out more!

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December 2023

NEWSNOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS Local Real Estate Professional Brings Home National Certification Through proprietary criteria, formulas, and other valuable considerations, Scott Myers, owner of Century 21 Scott Myers, Realtors has been certified by Broker Agent Advisor in the Seven Star category as one of the best in real estate based on achievement, potential, leadership, ethics, community value, experience, capability, and trust for their service during the calendar year of 2023.

“Scott Myers exemplifies the type of professional we designed this program for,” says Chad Golladay, Executive Publisher of Broker Agent Advisor. “A true credit to their company, profession, and community; one with whom the honor is truly ours in being able to share our certification.”

There is no cost or fee required for this certification, and all applicant’s credentials are verified, which makes this honor one of the most genuine in the industry towards identifying those truly worthy of special recognition and distinction.

Scott now represents their market alongside the finest men and women in real estate in Broker Agent Advisor's national online directory of certified professionals.

Established in 1994 Broker Agent Advisor is a real estate trade publication which provides information, tools, and resources to assist the modern real estate professional in achieving greater success through their real estate practice.

Mary Corcoran Receives TRLP Honors Key Realty is proud to congratulate Mary Corcoran on her completion of the prestigious 2023 Texas Realtors L e a d e r s h i p

Program. TRLP graduates are community and organizational leaders, who contribute to their communities and the Realtor profession, with a high level of professionalism and integrity.

N e t wo r k i n g H a p p y H o u r !

Wednesday, December 6th 4 - 7PM Hosted By:

The Hoppy Monk 1010 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232

Phillips & Associates Realty & Jordan Phillips – “We’re All Heart” event for The American 100% of money raised goes directly to The American Heart Association and will help fund heart disease research, education resources and help save the lives of those suffering from heart disease and stroke in San Antonio!

Join Us For Happy Hour and Meet Some Staff, Advertisers, Readers & Friends!

Photo Opportunities, Lots of Fun Mingling.

Donations for American Heart AssociationLeaders For Life Campaign can be made at https://linktr.ee/Phillipsandassociatesrealty

Help Us Promote You!

We Want To Know!

- Event coming up?

- Did you win an award?

- Get Employee of the month?

- Pictures of events?

- Do something exceptional?

- Hire new agents?

- Earn a designation?

It Is Simple and Easy To Submit Info To Us For FREE 1. Go to the website 2. Click on forms 3. Select the form you want 4. Fill out and submit!

RSVP to Karen Evans 210.526.1420 - karen@renewsline.com

Strawberry & Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich Dessert Makes 4 servings 8 thick slices of Challah 1 stick of unsalted soft butter + 2 tablespoons more ¼ cup of sugar 1 jar quality strawberry jam 1-pint strawberries hulled & sliced 8 ounces plus of softened brie at room temperature sliced Confectioners’ sugar for dusting Butter 4 slices of bread on both sides. Sprinkle sugar on 1 side of each slice and turn over sugar side down. Spread jam on each slice and top with a layer of strawberries. Top with a layer of brie. Butter the remaining slices of bread on both sides and sprinkle one side with sugar. Lay slices on top of the brie, sugared sides facing up, to make 4 sandwiches. Press down gently.

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a cast iron skillet over medium low heat. Grill 2 of the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 24 minutes, until sugar melts on both sides, the bread turns golden and the brie is bubbly.

Take the sandwiches out of the pan and repeat. Dust the sandwiches with the powdered sugar, cut them in half and serve warm. Serves 4 Simply Delicious!

Karen Evans!

Curator, Connector, Cook Karenevans@email.com 210-529-2931

www.realestatenewsline.com

December 2023

HAPPY CRITIC

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

Shop Local! Feel Good!

Welcome to the Happy Critic Column I created for folks who love extraordinary experiences with food, art, and the finer things in life!

I use uplifting words to draw attention to remarkable people and their stories. I concocted this fun list of the most beautiful things I came across this season, and I hope you will consider shopping local and sharing the love!

KARA STEVENS SONGWITER

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SINGER

/

space she built and developed. Her Studio is a magical venue for this San Antonio musical phenomenon to share her God-given gift-her vocals!

I encourage you to attend one of her December concerts!

"The Christmas Party Everyone is Talking About!

A Delicious Dinner and Show of Your Favorite Classic Christmas Songs" December 2nd,3rd,9th, & 10th Tickets on Sale Now! BYOB karastevensproductions.com

Art changed my mind! Not only is he a digital artist but a Doctor of Physical Therapy based right here in San Antonio. He does his work on an iPad Pro using Procreate and Vectornator, which allows him to work in various styles to express his ideas. Michael's goal is to be someone who a younger version of himself would look up to.

The vibrant colors and whimsical shape in this digital piece of "Spiderman" remind me of the fun and carefree days of my childhood.

It belongs to me now! michaelleviart.com

Real Estate Newsline

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beauty and, more importantly, serve as a conduit for inner healing and spiritual connection. Her craft is ever-evolving and has grown with the San Antonio art community and even expanded into the Austin art scene. I love the amethyst crown that Eden created for me. It is a beautiful and powerful adornment that helps me connect with my spirit.

Please support Eden! She is a talented artist with a beautiful soul. www.edengiuliana.com @edengiulianajewelry

EDEN GIULIANA JEWELRY

MARK THOMAS HANSEN ART OBJECTS

Eden Montelongo is a San Antonio-based jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and GIA Gemology student with a certificate in colored stone essentials that I have been blessed to work with. She expresses her passion for healing crystals through her jewelry design, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase her talent. Her favorite adornments are crystal crowns, hair clips, purse charms, smoke wands, and body jewelry. These crystal pieces are crafted to enhance one's natural

Discover the enchanting world of clay artistry by the talented Potter, Mark T. Hansen. Every Sunday in December at the Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex in Southtown is an opportunity to explore and share the beauty of his teapots, mugs, bowls, vessels, and one-of-a-kind tortilla holders.

Mark's sculptures are on sale at Mockingbird Handprints right down the alley from the Brick. Show him some love!

MTHansen@gmail.com

MICHAEL LEVI DIGITAL ARTIST

My first Kara Concert was a mixture of deep joy and heartfelt emotion. A musical experience I will never forget. Her Records on the Wall, The Legacy of Chet Himes Recording Studio, is the intimate

Many of you who know me understand I have yet to become a big fan of digital art. Michael Levi

*Always First Quality! * The Latest Styles!

Do you have a listing that needs new flooring?

FHA GRADE CARPET SOLIDS OR FRIEZES IN STOCK COLORS over 7/16” Pad, Installation

Special Pricing For Realtors and Property Managers VINYL PLANK STARTING AT $.92 CENTS A SQ. FT.

Barton Co. Carpets – est. 1995 6 Month Deferred Interest Financing With Approved Credit

Call 210-655-8269 for FREE Estimates • Carpet • Hardwood • Ceramic Tile • Vinyl 12202 Bulverde Rd., San Antonio, TX 78217 bartoncc@bartoncocarpets.com

www.bartoncocarpets.com

FHA Grade Carpet in stock for very prompt installation

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December 2023

RE Newsline Happy Hour at Lucy Coopers

Trevor Crawford, RE Newsline and Tristin Crawford, TNT Pressure Washing

Maria Villarreal, Sabrina Guerra, Angel Gonzales, all with Credit Human

Jaqueline

Andrea Chamberlain, U-Own-It Realty, Sara Hildebrand, Keller Williams Heritage, Karen Evans, RE Newsline, Gwyneth Contreras, Lucy Cooper’s Ice House

Terry and Angie Martin, A Dream Weaver Florist

Jeffrey Shaffer, All City Real Estate, Katelyn Shaffer, Guest and Karen Shaffer, Presidio Title

Tom Peterson and Candy Carver, Guests

Garza,

Scan to see and download more pictures from this event and others.

Mindi Stange, All City Real Estate, Gina Graham, eXp Realty and Adam Graham, Nexa Mortgage

Alma Simán, Guest, Andrea Chamberlain, U-Own-It Realty