RE Newsline January - 2024

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Vol.XLII, No. 1

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January 2024

In This Issue: Page 2: Did You See The “Old” Out And Welcome The “New” In? Page 6: SABOR 2024 Leadership Team Page 7: Starting 2024!

Page 8: OLE! / Sleep In Heavenly Peace Page 11: Exhibit SA: Museums Galore Page 12: Top Ten Reasons To Consider Becoming A REALTIST® (SAAREB) Page 13: 2024 San Antonio Women’s Council Of REALTORS® (WCR) Page 15: 2024 Will Not Disappoint! (NARPM) Page 19: Here's To Art! Here's To Love

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

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Real Estate Newsline

January 2024

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Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer

Did You See The “Old” Out And Welcome The “New” In? Many of us in the United States celebrate ushering out the old year and welcoming, even in uncertain times, the prospects that a new year might hold. Of course how you celebrate the arrival of a new year depends upon experiences, culture and where you are located on the holiday. For many in this country a major focus on December 31st is watching, usually with a glass of champagne in hand, the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square either in person, from someone else’s party or from the comfort of one’s bed as it is now widely featured on television. The New York “ball drop” began in 1907 when the ball, covered with lights, weighed 700 lbs. and the tradition continues today with one that is composed of Waterford crystal panels and LED lights that weighs 12,000 lbs.

The end of the countdown to Midnight as the ball reaches ground level is usually followed by a good luck kiss with someone special and singing “Auld Lange Syne.” And with the arrival of the New Year the spectators are treated to a spectacular fireworks display.

Many of the folks in New York City may think all this celebrating began with them, however, according to History.com that honor goes to the Babylonians. In about 4,000 B.C., at the first new moon, Babylon began the tradition of an 11 day festival known as Akitu to honor Marduk, the sky god and his mythical defeat of Tiamat, the sea goddess.

During the festival they would either allow the old king to remain or if his rule was unfavorable they could crown a new king. Think about that - not just one evening followed by one day to party but a whole 11 days!

Back to the United States on New Year’s Day, if they hadn’t already done so on the prior evening, people will visit with family to enjoy a meal and perhaps to get sympathy for one’s hangover from an overabundance of champagne or other preferred alcoholic beverage the night before. Frequently this is the day one decides they must make positive changes to their lives and will resolve to do things like lose

weight, exercise more, spend more time with family, and so on, which are resolutions that may last a month but are usually abandoned within the first two weeks. And let us not forget that in many states one, for good luck and prosperity in the coming year, will eat a bowl of blackeyed peas (representing money), especially in the southern states.

With the United States being a “melting pot” of cultures, special foods eaten for luck in the next year might also include tamales, pretzels, pickled herring, grapes, soba noodles and pork and sauerkraut.

After a brief look at the United States traditions it might make one wonder how the rest of the world celebrates the New Year. In Europe it seems that the color red symbolizes passion, love and/or fertility so that wearing red underwear on New Year’s Day seems to be the thing to do in several of the countries, that is if one wants to gain and maintain a loving relationship. In Spain as in many other countries around the world, grapes are very important to have for that day as one is to take 12 grapes and as soon as the clock strikes midnight they must speed eat one grape as the clock strikes each of the 12 seconds thereafter to have good luck and fortune during the next dozen months. This tradition is thought to have originated in the 1800s when a group of vintners started the practice, so they could sell more grapes – it caught on!. Also in Spain the New Year midnight toast is done with their sparkling wine (Cava) but only after they have placed a gold item in it, usually a ring, before drinking all of the wine.

Cheers!

In Ireland, as in many, many other countries, thoroughly cleaning one’s house just before New Year’s Eve signifies that one is ready for a fresh start in the coming year and it is also still a custom to bang the doors and walls of the house with Christmas bread to chase away all evil spirits and make room for the good spirits to enter. On New Year’s Day an Irish family will gather for dinner, setting a place at the table for a dead member

and leaving the front door open so their spirit may freely enter.

The Irish also believe that if the wind on New Year’s Day is coming from the West it is a good sign for a prosperous Ireland but if coming from the East, not so much!

Rather than following the Gregorian calendar but rather complying with the Lunar calendar, the Vietnamese New Year (Tet or Tet Nguyen Dan) will begin this coming year on February 10th and is usually celebrated for three days but at times may extend to as long as a week.

During this time the homes are decorated in red and yellow colors and the bamboo trees sport red paper streamers. Many Vietnamese will have peach blossom trees present in the home to help remove evil spirits and may also have a Kumquat tree to represent the family’s generations.

Vietnamese also have their food traditions, one of which is to eat at least one of the flat round rice cakes, known as Banh Day or Ban Chung, on Tet and the meal might include pig feet, mung bean pudding, stir-fried almonds and papaya salad. Other activities occurring at this time include exchanging gifts to show gratitude to those dear to them, giving money in red envelopes to children, wearing bright colors as an attraction for good luck and visiting the graves of loved ones.

Some of the more unique customs practiced for the New Year include the Danish who mark the New Year by smashing dishes against their family’s or friend’s doors so that when they awake in the morning they will know from the number of broken pieces how much they are loved and respected (the more shards, the more they are loved). Also in Denmark, as in several other countries, the folks will jump off a chair to symbolize their willingness to leap into the New Year. In Ecuador the people create paper filled effigies of folks they don’t like and when midnight arrives they set the effigy on fire to rid themselves of the bad from the old year to make way for the good that is to come.

In Estonia it is believed that eating seven times during New

Year’s Day will assure there will be an abundance of food for the table throughout the upcoming year. And in Greece the people hang onions on their doors and tend to them so they will continue their growth ae they are a symbol of rebirth and continued development.

A perfect example of the saying “out with the old” is played out in Johannesburg, South Africa on New Year’s Day as the people there throw old furniture and appliances out their windows, a dangerous activity which been made worse because residents of high-rise apartment complexes have joined in the tradition. “Watch out below – coming down!” In a milder tradition in Talca, Chile thousands celebrate the New Year in the local cemetery where they will be surrounded by their long gone loved ones and may even spend the night there. And while people elsewhere are dressing up in their finery for the many celebrations it is tradition in Brazil to wear just your underwear, the color of which is specific to determine one’s luck area, as in: yellow for finances, pink for love and green for health. Brr! And finally, one of the more unique and truly entertaining celebrations occurs each year in Sidney, Australia where, since they are in the Southern hemisphere, the New Year can be enjoyed during the summer. The festivities take place along a shore where the Sidney Opera House serves as a beautiful background and activities begin with a small firework display, usually at 9 pm that is designed to please those youngsters who will have to be in bed soon. Since Australia is one of the first to see in the New Year they begin their later festivities with one of the largest fireworks displays in the world to amaze the more than one million in attendance, a display that is launched from seven barges filled with the fireworks which create a display that lasts for 12 minutes. Now, if funds were no object and you had the opportunity to pick the place, where would you like to see the “old” out and welcome the “new” in the next New Year?

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January 2024

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Publisher .........................................JDC3 Lead Writer:............................Pat Farrell Contributing Writers:......Cathey Meyer .............................................Karen Evans .............................................Aly Crawford ...........................................Brenda Davila Business Development .......Joyce Orts Area Sales Director...........Karen Evans .............................................210.529.2931 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.

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Real Estate Newsline

January 2024

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SAAREB Meeting

Brian Paris, Keller Williams City View and Patricia Botello, SABOR

Susan Valenzuela and Loralee Dear, both TAP FCU

Maudel Hardie, Hardie & Associates and Rockie Carter, Core Values Realty

Kenny Cunningham, Click & Move Realty and Destiny Washington, Priority Title

Krys Mermea, Gateway Mortgage and Shannon Gobert, Nexa Mortgage

Velma Greene, Keller Williams Heritage and Tim Malcolm, Success Mortgage Partners

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

Regi Prothro, Keller Williams City View, Maudel Hardie, Hardie & Associates and Brian Paris, Keller Williams City View

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Real Estate Newsline

January 2024

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SABOR 2024 Leadership Team William Curtis will serve as the 2024 Chair of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®.

Curtis has been a REALTOR® for eight years and specializes in commercial real estate. He served on the Commercial committees at both the National Curtis Association of REALTORS® and Texas REALTORS® as well as several committees locally with SABOR. He was also the 2021 President-Elect with CCIM. He was named one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” winners in 2019.

Reagan Williamson will serve on the Executive Committee as a Chair-Elect.

Willamson has been a REALTOR® for 14 years and a Broker.

Williamson is an active SABOR, TR and NAR member. He’s served as the MLS Chair for the Williamson SABOR MLS Committee and participated on the Communication Committee at the local Board of Realtors. Williamson is a TREPAC Major Investor.

Kevin Crawford will serve on the Executive Committee as Secretary/Treasurer. Crawford has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2005. He has served on SABOR’s MLS and REALTOR® Builder Committees. Crawford is a graduate of the Leadership Crawford San Antonio Class 41 and was also named one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” winners in 2016.

Crawford also currently sits on the boards of two non-profit foundations actively serving the Special Forces community.

Cortney Gill will serve on the Executive Committee as a Member-at-Large. Gill is a 3rd generation real estate professional specializing in property management. She currently serves as a TREPAC Trustee and RVP for Texas Realtors. She is a graduate Gil of the TRLP program and a Platinum R Major Investor.

Ed Zapata will serve on the Executive Committee as a Member-at-Large. Zapata holds a Broker’s license and has been specializing in Residential Real Estate in the greater San Antonio area since 2006. He is a 2008 graduate of the Texas REALZapata TORS® Leadership Program and has served on several committees with the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® including Budget & Finance, Young Professionals Network, and REALTOR® Development.

Sara Briseño Gerrish is immediate Past Chair. Gerrish has been a REALTOR® for over 20 years and has served and chaired on several SABOR committees including Government Affairs and YPN. She was the 2020 chair of Texas REALGerrish TORS®’ Diversity Committee and the 2021 chair of NAR’s Smart Growth Advisory Board. She was named a “REALTOR® to Watch” in 2019 by Texas REALTORS®. Gerrish is a Sterling R major investor in TREPAC and a 2011 graduate of the Texas REALTORS®

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January 2024

THE WAY I SEE IT

Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

Starting 2024!

And just like that, the pressure of resolutions has eked out into a new year.

There is something refreshing taking stock of areas in need of improvement from year to year, but it is also frustrating realizing nothing really improves from year to year. Without fail, we pledge to lose weight, curtail drinking, drive more responsibly, spend quality time with loved ones, reduce screen time, pick up the pet poop even when folks are not looking, and save more for retirement.

Usually, we are eating leftover holiday cookies while downing a Seven&Seven contemplating whether we should drive after that, but why go home early to whiny kids not doing homework when Facebook just announced school is cancelling due to a possible ice storm and there is no way anyone is walking the dog in that weather.

Forget about retirement.

Since I am a successful resolution rejector, I am revisiting a better method to be effective at commit-

ting to follow through with my intent. Turns out this expectation of creating a list of annual failures dates back over 4000 years. Credit the ancient Babylonians with saddling us with this need to make a list, check it twice and then two weeks later totally deny we had any intent of making change. I doubt the Babylonians were using our same calendar system all those centuries of yore. Did they celebrate the arrival of Santa Clause, the instant return of unwanted gifts, the drunken celebration of out with the old and in with the new and then an unpleasant meal with black-eyed peas and a promise to do better in the new year? I think not.

The secret to a genuine resolution is to figure out a method to succeed. I believe I found the loophole.

Create a list of things you never have or never will do and then commit to not doing them this year.

You can spend your self-guilt time wondering what it would be like to do or have done those things and

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then cheer yourself up for not doing them this year. Make it interesting: Start an office pool of who can keep their resolutions the longest. By March, you should clean up that easy cash.

This year I will quit smoking.

Granted I never started smoking and most likely never will, but no one will ask those details. I can fake needing a smoke just as easily as faking the need to quit. All the more reason to be excused from a dull meeting—I will take a stroll around the building and NOT smoke.

This year I will get more sleep.

I actually get plenty of sleep, but no one has to know that. Instituting a regular nap time will make more sense when I pair it with my resolution to get more sleep. Adam, I would really like to help you with that project at 2 PM, but my resolution nap time is 1:30 to 2:30 PM. You know how I need more sleep this year . . .

This year I will reduce my stress level. I am not, nor am rarely stressed, but all the stress type A folks just assume we are all stressed.

To not stress them out by not being stressed, I will assume the stress attitude and the de-stress myself by not cooperating in any hair-brain activity they create. Sorry, I cannot participate in that, my resolution is to be less stressed. Count me out

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while that vein in your forehead explodes.

By resolving to complete projects I never did before, I feel very accomplished at finally honoring resolutions that might actually hold up for the year. Being an under achiever at things I have never done is surprisingly satisfying. Not surprising are the crazy ideas a few buddies supplied me with as I asked what their intentions for the new year were: Make a new friend a month.

WHAT?! I am trying to unload dead weighted friends now. Why on Earth would you want to add 12 more obligations to your phone log?!

Learn a decent party trick.

WHAT?! If you are attending parties that need tricks, you are at the wrong party. If you are learning decent party tricks, were your other tricks indecent or just so lame none of the friend-of-the-month club would invite you anywhere?

Try a new food each week.

WHY?! What is wrong with regular food each week? Your new monthly friend may not want to dine with you while eating horse hooves marinated in worm stock. Now that’s a party trick.

Cheers to your 2024. May it be filled with grand success, accomplished resolutions and creative ideas to make things work.

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Real Estate Newsline

January 2024

GUEST COLUMN

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

OLE! As a young child in her grandparents' living room, Annette would dance to the rhythms of her grandfather Willie "El Curro" Champion's Flamenco guitar. At the same time, her mother, Chayitos's voice, accompanied the music, and her grandmother, Teresa Champion, guided her movements.

Long before I discovered dance for myself, I was already a dancer. I began dancing with my grandmother at the age of 2 in our home and at Teresa Champion Dance Academy. In reality, I believe I started dancing in my mother's womb!

My parents are Rosalinda Chayito Champion and Daniel Duran. I am proud to belong to two prominent families here in San Antonio. The Champion Family is known for their art form of Flamenco, and the Duran family's legacy is also artistic. My grandfather Duran was a master carpenter, and my uncles Gilbert Duran and David Duran, whose artworks and sculptures are displayed internationally and throughout San Antonio.

Flamenco is a way of life for my family. Flamenco is what provided shelter, food, and family bonding for us. For me,

dance is a way of life. I have been able to make a living for myself performing as a professional dancer in San Antonio since the age of 15, working for my grandparents' dance company, Los Flamencos de San Antonio, and teaching at Teresa Champion Dance Academy.

My dance studies include Flamenco, Mexican Folklorico, Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance. I am studying with various instructors, including Teresa Champion, Vladimir Marek, Nancy Smith, Alonzo King, Sergio Martinez, Miguel Ponce, Amelia Hernandez, Tracie Stanfield, Yaniv Abraham, and many, many more.

I have my own project-based company, "Soul Fusion". We have collaborated locally with San Antonio's Inaugural Poet Laureate, Dr. Carmen Tafolla, to create poetry with dance throughout the city. I still perform with Los Flamencos de San Antonio at Toro Kitchen, Holam, and Carmen de la Calle.

Going to New York to study dance has been one of my best experiences. I love

Follow Us @renewsline going to Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Broadway Dance Center.

I hold two degrees. I have a Bachelor of Science in Dance from Texas State University with a minor in Exercise and Sports Science and a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University, making me a first-generation college graduate in the Champion Family.

Professor George Ann Simpson opened up a desire to teach college-level dance at San Antonio College. She was out one day and left me to substitute for her classes, and it was that first day that I realized I needed to switch my major from psychology to dance. After I graduated from Texas State, I was hired to teach Flamenco at San Antonio College. I taught ten tears before another educational adventure knocked on my door at KIPP Texas University Prep High School, teaching dance at an International Baccalaureate school. I have been at Uprep for six years and absolutely love my kiddos and the opportunities I have created for my dancers.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach at the American College Dance Conference, Texas Dance Educators, and to be called back to Texas State University to teach master classes.

I have always longed to open my own dance studio to keep my family legacy strong throughout San Antonio, and my dream is slowly

Sleep In Heavenly Peace On December 9th, 2023, the San Antonio Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) chapter, led by CoPresident Stan Gross, delivered its 5000th bed. Nationwide, SHP has built and delivered nearly 150,000 beds since 2012 with support from founder Luke Mickelson. This feat would not be possible without community support and volunteers in San Antonio donating their time and financial support. We have a volunteer opportunity for everyone. Not only are events fun, they are rewarding. If a child needs a bed, SHP makes sure they get one. NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN!!

Jordan Allen Executive Director and Luke Mickelson The

Barbara Hall started volunteering about four years ago and is part of the core group of volunteers that help lead builds, vet for deliveries, and write grants. She enjoys all of it, working with the wood, keeping her computer skills up to date, and especially guiding the volunteers from local companies( EXP Realty, Frost Bank, RBFCU, NARPM) that give their employees a chance to take an afternoon and give back. It's a team-building experience for the workers and an excellent opportunity for SHP. SHP has a community build on the fourth Saturday of every month. They welcome people of all skill levels, there is a job for everyone, and their events are perfect for the entire family! Anyone can visit the SHP website and sign up to build, assemble, and deliver top-notch bunk beds to needy children and families. It's straightforward: eight bolts to a bed!

SHP has different types of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. They need core members who want to be involved regularly, leading builds and training people. Any company or individual can sponsor a build at approximately $250 per bed. No amount is too small. Join

Terry Hossman, Barbara Hall & Jordan Allen

the Buckhead Club by signing up for a recurring donation of at least $20 per month, and your contribution adds up to roughly the cost of a bed after one year of giving. Be a Bunkhead, Give a Kid a Bed!!

At the builds, our volunteers take raw wood, sand it, drill it, and assemble headboards, safety rails, slat sets, and side rails. Then, they

Bob Korte, SHP Volunteer, Richard Gonzales, Old Republic Title and David Cruz, upcoming 2024 NAHREP

becoming a reality in 2024.

I also love being a mommy of three and a grandmother of four. I have three kiddos! Janette, Jay Anthony, and Xochitil.

My partner, Cibicue Perez, has been super supportive of my life as an artist and dancer. I am an avid fan of Disney and love to visit the park often because I am a Peter Pan and Never Want To Grow Up! I am fundraising for the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation Scholarship Fund through the San Antonio River Walk and campaigning for Riverwalk Royalty. I have an event on February 5th at the Quarry Golf Course. If you would like to support my campaign in any way, please send me an email at danz9601@yahoo.com I want to finish with the fact that I am still a student of dance, especially alongside my family, where I continue to grow as an artist, performer, and dance educator.

My grandfather El Curro always said, "There will always be someone better than you; learn from them. There will always be someone not as good as you. Teach them; this will make you a better artist.....OLE!!!!"

all get dipped in a sealing solution.

On delivery day, groups pick up the volunteers and the bedding, head to the homes, and assemble the beds in each child's room. The last step is to make the bed with age-appropriate bedding so the children have a complete set for sleeping that night. You can donate new twin-size sheets, pillows, and bedding items to San Antonio families in need. The parents are always very emotional and grateful.

How to get involved with Sleep In Heavenly Peace?

Sponsor or participate in a build day. Build Days are meant for communities to come together to serve. Contact your Volunteer Coordinator: 844-432-2337 shpbeds.org

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Real Estate Newsline

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January 2024

In and Around San Antonio

Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer

Exhibit SA: Museums Galore With a population of over 2.5 million, San Antonio is home to a diverse collection of people. And that brings a widely diverse collection of experiences right to our doorstep. There seems to be no end to the variety! Just take the museums around town for example.

We started with the big ones.

Ya know… the first ones to come up when you search museum: the engaging Witte Museum with more to wonder about and explore in each room, the peaceful and stunning McNay Art Museum, and the overwhelmingly beautiful San Antonio Museum of Art. We took our son (several times, per his request) to the DoSeum and watched him learn and explore with kids of all ages (including myself). They were each amazing and brought us back again and again!

But, I’ll admit, every time I searched to see which new museum to check out next, I found even

more I wanted to explore. I had no idea there were this many museum experiences in the Alamo City.

Let me share a few that I’ve been pleasantly surprised with, and a few more that I can’t wait to visit this year.

While I’d argue that kids should be in every museum, not every museum is particularly engaging for an interaction and sensory-seeking kid. Here are a few museums the kiddos will LOVE: the Texas Transportation Museum is a train bonanza that will bring out the kid in anyone, the San Antonio Fire Museum is a great place to spend the afternoon, it’s especially great for littles with a play area but fun for the older kids too, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures with really engaging displays and so many areas to explore, you can really feel like you’ve been taken back in time, and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum that is, believe it or not, pretty interesting

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if you read the people’s stories.

Take your kids and a few friends to the Texas Selfie Museum. Make sure to bring a camera and get ready for a lot of smiles, you’ll be there a while!

Now, some of the museums that made my list aren’t quite a whole morning stroll. Some of these are on the smaller side but still pack a big historical punch.

Because they are on the smaller side, check on hours, pricing, and details before heading out. I call these the Micro Museums: the deeply impactful Holocaust Memorial Museum and the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum are both great places to learn about the individuals who are all too often forgotten. Plan a visit to the calm homestead in the middle of downtown - Casa Navarro State Historic Site, make sure to check out the Ralsom Family Collections Center, it is a great addition to an obligatory family’s-in-town-gottavisit-the-Alamo-trip. The Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens is a unique and highly decorated home filled with a magnificent array of historical goodies in the gorgeous King William District, or find a reason to visit the Ricos Museum that I hope will bring a smile to even those who are laughtose intolerant (who knew nacho cheese could be so important!), and the one I’m most excit-

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ed to visit next year SAMSAT (San Antonio Museum Science And Technology) AREA 21 celebrating and highlighting 21st-century technology.

To broaden our horizons we are planning to visit more of the city’s great art museums such as: the San Antonio Art League and Museum, Contemporary at Blue Star, the Briscoe Western Art Museum, the Centro de Artes Gallery displaying history and artwork from Hispanic-American culture, and the Lighthouse ArtSpace San Antonio.

But to consider our horizons officially broadened we can’t skip out on the eclectic museums.

These museums are best visited with friends. Have a giggle at Plaza Wax Museum or Louis Tussaund’s Waxworks, or join me at another museum that’s at the top of my list for this year the TexPopS.A., a South Texas pop culture museum, or the hard-to-describe Retro Fun Store & Museum and The Forgotten Dollhouse Museum showcasing dolls and other creepy collectibles.

There are even more museums that didn't make my list this time. But, that’s one of the greatest parts about this city - there are so many ways to get out and explore the history and people that make our city truly one of a kind.

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Real Estate Newsline

January 2024

SAAREB

Kenny Cunningham / President of SAAREB

Top Ten Reasons To Consider Becoming A REALTIST® The San Antonio Association of Real Estate Brokers (SAAREB) is the local chapter of the incorporated trade organization National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and is a 501(c)6 Non-profit organization. But I want to give you a brief history of how and why NAREB was created - it was in 1947, a time when Blacks were not offered the opportunity to become members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) when 12 real estate professionals met in Tampa, Fl to found NAREB and designated that a certified NAREB member in good standing, would be identified as REALTIST®. A prime focus of NAREB was to usher in democracy in housing and to see that education was available for underserved communities.

NAREB® was a major driving force for the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and as one can see NAREB® has been fighting for fair housing for a very long time.

Under NAREB the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers (TAREB) is the state governing body for the REALTIST® in Texas.

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REALTIST® can also be a REALTOR® and many are. SAAREB offers membership to more than just real estate agents with several categories of membership including Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Salesperson and Allied Member (i.e. mortgage bankers/brokers, title companies, insurance brokers, appraisers, architects etc.). As you can see if you are a member of the real estate community there’s a place for you in SAAREB. Top 10 Reasons to be a SAAREB Member: 1. We advocate for public policies that protect and expand sustainable homeownership.

2. We partner with other real estate trade groups, civil rights organizations, fair and equal housing advocates, and financial services institutions to create homeownership for African Americans and other recognized minorities.

3. We help connect you with real business opportunities. Our REALTISTS® are listed on our National website that is visited by our financial partners, affiliates, homebuyers, and other

Follow Us @renewsline REALTIST® nationwide looking for business alliances.

4. We alert REALTIST® to policy changes 5. We help provide tools for our REALTIST® to meet today’s real estate challenges with training, certifications, and designations to us ahead of the curve.

6. We offer REALTIST®-only listing opportunities in locations where there is an active NAREB Local Board.

7. We attend national and regional conferences that NAREB convenes which are attended by financial industry decision makers, economists, federal/state/local housing policymakers, and elected officials.

8. We make our members aware of REALTIST®-only discounts that NAREB offers on both business and personal services.

9. We make our members aware of links that NAREB provides to experts from the broad spectrum of many real estate industry disciplines.

10. Becoming a member of SAAREB makes you a part of the oldest real estate trade association that has a professional real estate network located

throughout the United States all working to ensure “Democracy in Housing”.

We would like to invite you to our monthly meeting at SABOR on the 1st Monday of every month. Food is provided as we learn current industry trends and discuss how to keep democracy in housing in San Antonio and continue being a RESOURCE for the community. If you have the same passion, please come to our meeting and join forces with us. In SAAREB we have subject matter experts in all facets of real estate. There will be educational events and expos set up throughout the year all over the city and for more information please visit saareb.com. Our 2024 Chapter Leadership (which follows) looks forward to having you join us: I would like to give a special thank you to the 2023, administration and their families for doing a wonderful job in leading the charge in our chapter.

We can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support and contributions.

Words can’t express how grateful we are.

“What a great time to be a REALTIST®”

2024 Officers: Kenny Cunningham-President Tye Washington-Vice President Gwen Derry-Secretary Maudel Nolan-Hardie-Treasurer 2024 Board of Directors: Brian Long-Chair Nefertari Bladen Clarissa Garza Sopfiela Grannum Brian Paris Monique Slater

www.realestatenewsline.com

January 2024

Angelica Erosa / President San Antonio Women’s Council Network

2024 San Antonio Women’s Council Of Realtors® The dawn of a new year marks not only a fresh start but also a time to embrace change and innovation.

As we step into 2024, the Women's Council of REALTORS® San Antonio is proud to introduce its Board of Directors, a group of dynamic individuals committed to shaping the future of real estate and championing the advancement of women in the industry.

At the core of our organization lies a steadfast commitment to fostering professional growth, promoting leadership, and empowering women in the real estate industry.

Our mission for 2024 is to create an inclusive and collaborative environment that propels our members to new heights of success. With a vision of becoming trailblazers in the industry, the Board of Directors is poised to lead us towards a year of innovation, excellence, and community engagement. Let us take a closer look at the talented individuals who

will be steering the ship in 2024.

President Angelica Erosa started her real estate career in 2007 in Denver Colorado and she has been licensed in Texas since 2017, continuing to real estate in both states. She served on the 2023 Builders Committee for SABOR, and is a 2023 TRLP Graduate. Locally Angelica is part of the Cathy Heshmat Team at Keller Williams Portfolio and is known for her passion for empowering other women in the industry and advocating for diversity and inclusion.

President Elect Carri Amescua, Broker/Owner of Rider Realty, is a seasoned real estate professional with a keen eye for market trends, has innovative ideas and a dedication to mentorship. She is committed to nurturing the next generation of real estate leaders which aligns seamlessly with our mission. Carri is a 2023 TRLP

Graduate.

1st Vice President Rebekah Murtagh is heavily involved in all aspects of real estate, including sales, investments and construction.

She just began her 18th year in real estate and is Broker/Owner of Sol Realty. Rebekah is a 2023 TRLP Graduate and was recently named 2024 Vice-Chair for the TRLP Task Force.

Treasurer Nikki Rosas had been a loan originator since 2002 and is now a REALTOR® since 2019. She is Vice-Chair of SABOR’s Government Affairs Committee, member of the TREPAC Committee and a 2023 TRLP Graduate. With Nikki’s proven track record of managing budgets and maximizing resources, she will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health of Women’s Council of REALTORS® San Antonio.

Membership Director Tonya Stuart is serving her second year in this position so has extensive experience in membership development and her dedication to building a strong and engaged community will be instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of our organization. As a vital member of Nichols Floors Across Texas, Tonya has been one of our Strategic Partners and her energetic approach to networking will undoubtedly invigorate our membership base.

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Events Director Arianna Pulido is a relatively new REALTOR® and is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio where she studied Digital Communications and held several campus leadership positions. While there she organized several successful Research Symposiums. Arianna is a member of the Bishop Team at AE Realty and an active member of the San Antonio Real Estate Investment Association.

As we embark on this exciting journey into 2024, the Women's Council of REALTORS® San Antonio is poised to achieve new milestones under the capable leadership of our Board of Directors. We are excited for what 2024 will bring.

We have some great events planned as well as some collaborations. Our goal is to grow our membership and instill an environment of collaboration, growth, and relationship with our members, strategic partners, and our community. Together, we are committed to realizing our mission and vision, making 2024 a year of growth, empowerment, and success for all. Our first board meeting will be January 11th at 9 am at SABOR to be followed by a “Lunch & Learn” From 11-1. Information about the event and tickets will be found on the Women’s Council of REALTORS® San Antonio Facebook and Instagram Pages.

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January 2024

SWBC Economic Update

Leslie Weber with Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors and Todd Weber with SWBC

Kacey Wells with HighRidge Land & Homes, and Jay Gilmore with SWBC

Van Stewart, Patricia Wiatrek, and Rob Flores all with SWBC

Shannon Bivens-Steward with Troy Realtors, Bob Leonard with RE/MAX Associates, and Patricia Wiatrek with SWBC

Jill Cortissoz, Dave Goff, Perry Messer, Kourtney Helle, and Jennifer Lago all with Old Republic Title.

Sarah Sawyer, Jesica Martin, Emma Gullo, and Jennifer Campbell all with SWBC

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Laura Migliore with Chicago Title, and J. Paul Rollins with Exp Realty

Taylor Julian with RE/MAX Preferred, Patsy Oakley with RE/MAX Associates, and Cheryl Julian RE/MAX Preferred

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January 2024

NARPM

Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Past President

2024 Will Not Disappoint!

NARPM’s Officer Installation and Christmas party took place at the Veranda on December 6th and it was a great evening shared amongst friends, new members, and affiliate partners. The DJ played the night away, the drinks flowed, and the most important thing was “the passing of the gavel” and leadership into the hands of the newly installed President and Executive Board. The excitement of what is to come showed on their faces, as each member was called up, raised their right hand to take the oath and say, “I do”. On the 13th the excitement continued into a well-organized strategic planning meeting where the

new calendar was filled and updated with executive & chapter meetings, charity opportunities and office socials. So be on the lookout for our upcoming events at www.sanarpm.org.

If you didn’t get an opportunity to volunteer in 2023, we have a few positions available for 2024 that are listed on our Facebook page: San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of NARPM. The time commitment is about 6-8 hours a month and It’s not too late to reach out if you are interested or would like to discuss what is available. Being a volunteer can bring sunshine to your life and to the lives of others. You can make a difference, learn new things, meet new people, and forge stronger bonds. These bonds are important and necessary when getting projects planned and completed to have successful end results.

Congratulations to the newly appointed board and it will be an

2024

Real Estate Newsline

honor to continue working with NARPM in my new role as Past President.

Let us give a round of applause to 2024 President, Adela Nieves; President-Elect, Melanie Thomas; Vice President, Lacy Hendricks; Treasurer, Nick Brumgard, Secretary, Teresa Brown.

And I’m loving this year's President’s theme: “Walking with a purpose” and we should keep that in mind throughout 2024.

Last but not least, our first chapter meeting is one you don’t want to miss out on. On January 17th you have the opportunity for a 1 hour CE credit class being taught by Amy

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Hanson, MPM, RPM and managing broker for A Plus Management in Plano Texas. Let’s fill every seat in the house.

Here is our January calendar of events: Jan 17- Chapter Meeting – Risk Management for Property Managers 1 hr. CE credit *2024 will be filled with new educational classes, speakers, and more opportunities for charitable events. Do not miss your opportunity to serve, gain industry knowledge, and make new friendships. If you are interested in joining us or would like to discuss; do not hesitate to reach out to us.

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January 2024

Esperanza / Monticello Realtor Tour Luncheon

Bertha Trevino, Monticello Homes and Kelly Atkin, The Lookout Group

Mariah Wilson, Keller Williams Heritage and Larry Allen, Monticello Homes

Anthony Garza, Exp Realty, Alisa Wasson, Laughy Hilger Group Real Estate

Linda Mora, Realty San Antonio, Vanessa Garza, Real Broker, Jessica Hernandez, Realty San Antonio, Marisa Jackson, Realty San Antonio, Kara Carson, RE/MAX-Boerne, Mariah Wilson, Keller Williams Heritage, Ana Warmke, Keller Williams Heritage

Salima Noe, Alberto Rafols, Laura Medina, and Clara Acosta

Debbie Avery, Welcome Home Real Estate, Kristin Bengochea, Keller Williams Legacy, and Sandy Anzaldua, Real Broker-Boerne

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Anne Marie Markette, and Myriamalie Buentello, both with Keller Williams Legacy

Jenny Bingham, RE/MAX-Boerne

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Brenda Mullen

RE/MAX Associates

Andres Andujar

January 2024 8-Feb

Janet Key

SA Portfolio KW RE

Hemisfair

Gloria Gallego

Realty Executives of SA

Jamie Balderas

LPT Realty

Amanda Schonfeld

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Howard Shelf,II

Howard Shelf and Associates

DeAnna Mercado

Mercado Vaughn Realty

Andrea Chamberlain u-Own-it Realty

Mary Alice Ramirez

ERA Colonial Real Estate

Delcina Smith

Century 21 The Hills Realty

Jamie Lopez

San Antonio Elite Realty

Debra Janes

Niche Properties

Dina Murphy

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Debbie Craig

Key Realty

Debra Forshey

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Ashley Robertson

Kuper Sotheby's Int'l. Realty

Jeanine Rochelle

Shelly Johnson

RE/MAX Associates

Chris Sandahl

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17-Feb

19-Feb

20-Feb

Brenda Clarke

Keller Williams Legacy

Vickie Kossl

Sn Antonio Elite Realty

Anna Gongora

BHHS PenFed Realty

Janice Payer

Kuper Sotheby's Int'l. Realty

Jane Bash

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Tina Young

Fathom Realty

Lyn Wolff Keller Williams San Antonio Carlos Perez

Vortex Realty

Home Team of America

Ibrahim Dinibutun

RE/MAX North-San Antonio

Vanessa Perkins

ERA Troy Realtors

John Austin

Chris Burkhalter, Realtor

Steps Realty

Sergio Martinez

Help U Sell Hill Country

Keri Moses

Jefferson Bank Mortgage Lenders

Missy Stagers

M. Stagers Realty Partners

Kate Park

Nix Realty

James Chudnow

King Realtors

Jerrie Barnett

Home Team of America

Luke Rogers

Texas Land Associates, Inc

22-Feb

Aprille Sowder

eXp Realty

Kayleigh Gotschall

eXp Realty

Marie Brunne

Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

23-Feb

Margaret Davis

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Wendy Ague

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

10-Feb

Denver Cook

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

24-Feb

Emma Burney

Burney Properties

Patricia Estrada

Vortex Realty

12-Feb

Dixie Arndt

Garrett Wright Properties

Ron Sowell

RE/MAX Asssociates

Irv Schuetze

Irving Schuetze Realty

Andy Smith

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Cat Lodge

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Trudy Pape

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Susan Espinosa

Compass RE Texas

Sue Trautner

Vecino Realty

Rene Garcia

JB Goodwin

Joe Zepeda

Home Team of America

Jackie Galvan

1st Choice Realty

Sylvia Perez

SABOR

Sara Baird

LoneStar Properties

Janeene Edwards

Keller Williams Legacy

Kathy Clark

Keller Williams City View

Rich Palacios

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Bob Jacobs

RE/MAX Associates

Leticia Castro

LC Real Estate Solutions

Yvonne Langdon

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper

Rosie Kelch-Delbosque The Real Estate Team

Rene Garcia

Vision Real Estate

Carmen Bean

eXp Realty

Maria Ayala

Realty Executives of SA

Rene Leith

Bandera Ranch Realty

Pam Powell

Kuper Sotheby’s Int’l. Realty

Antonio Sanchez

JPAR San Antonio

Ken Davis

eXp Realty

Pat West

Middleton Group Realty

Tetyana Smith

JPAR San Antonio

Marla Lynn Barrera

Marla Lynn Properties

Honey Knight

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Anne Gamboa

Phyllis Browning Company

Carmen Lucas

CB Harper Global Luxury

Karen Prevou

Independence Title

Oksana Klufas

ERA Troy Realtors

Crystal Bradford

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Karen Trueblood

Keller Williams Heritage

Jill Howe

Nix Realty Co

Erik Darmstette

CEO Office Furniture Liquidations

Angela Rodriguez

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

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

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*This is a live updated list and actual numbers may vary from month to month

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January 2024

NEWSNOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS Hollywood-Crawford Door Co. Named One Of Top 10 Overhead Door Dealers In The Country San Antonio-based HollywoodCrawford Door Company is ranked among the top 10 overhead door companies in the nation, according to an industry trade group.

The International Door Association named Hollywood-Crawford among the top 10 door dealers overall and among the top 10 residential door dealers in both the United States and Canada, based on 2022 revenue.

“This national recognition is a result of our continued focus on providing outstanding service to our customers in the San Antonio area,” Randy Oliver, president of HollywoodCrawford.

Founded in San Antonio in 1947,

Hollywood-Crawford offers both commercial and residential garage door sales, installation and repair services, and is the only door company in the city accredited by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA).

The mission of the International Door Association is to be the leading trade association representing the door and access system industry by providing advocacy, education, and collaboration to advance the industry with increased professionalism.

For more information on HollywoodCrawford visit www.HollywoodCrawford.com or call 210-494-3434.

Local Real Estate Professional Brings Home National Certification Now in its 30th season, Broker★Agent Advisor celebrates success and accomplishment of the industry’s finest real estate professionals through its ‘Certificate of Excellence’ program.

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.

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- Event coming up?

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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!

Ed Guerrero CPA Welcomes 3 New Team Members

MUKOTANYI

RANDAL

Apollo Mukotanyi is a seasoned Senior Tax Accountant with a demonstrated track record of excellence in tax planning, compliance, and client advisory. With a strong foundation in tax accounting and tax law, he brings about four years of experience in providing strategic tax solutions for individuals and businesses. He is dedicated to ensuring regulatory adherence and maximizing financial efficiency for clients. Outside of work, Apollo appreciates outdoor activities like hunting, skiing during winter, playing soccer and is enthusiastic about nature protection.

Jennie Randal is a tax manager with over 25 years of experience and has extensive expertise in income tax preparation. She is highly knowledgeable in the areas of taxation, compliance, and reporting. She has also worked with numerous AMADIN clients to optimizetheir tax strategies. Jennie is passionate about assisting business owners to achieve their personal and business goals.

Clients are not just numbers to her, they are lifelong relationships. Jennie and her husband enjoy attending church, outside activities, and being around family.

Henry O Amadin is our new Tax Planner. He is an Engineering practitioner and manager of over 35 years extensive work experience in both the public and private sectors with practices in the construction and consulting industry. Widely traveled and loved community services.

Hoppin John! Peas, Collards & Cornbread!

Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish that is often served at midnight on New Year's Eve with the Champagne toast for good luck and prosperity in the following year. The peas represent coins, the collards are said to resemble paper money, and the cornbread represents gold. Happy New Year 2024!!!

Ingredients: 1 lb fresh heirloom black-eyed peas 1 ham hock 4 cups chicken broth plus, homemade preferably 1 small Vidalia onion chopped 3 stalks of celery chopped ½ teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves of garlic minced ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 lb collard greens, washed, stemmed, and cut into strips Basmati rice for serving 6 Tabasco sauce for serving 1 bunch of green onions for garnish

Instructions: 1 Add beans and ham hocks and cover with chicken broth. Turn the heat to high and add onion, celery, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until peas are tender. Do not overcook peas!!

Add water as necessary as they cook and skim any foam that collects on top.

2 Remove the peas from the heat and remove the ham from the pot.

Roughly chop the meat and set aside.

3 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the garlic and red pepper and cook for about 1 minute. Add the collard greens and toss to coat with garlic, then add salt to taste and cup water and toss again. Add the chopped ham, reduce the heat to medium, partially cover the pan, and cook for 20 minutes, until collards are tender, and the broth has almost cooked off.

4 While the greens are cooking, make the rice to serve 6 5 To serve, scoop the rice into bowls and top with greens and ham, then ladle the peas and their broth over top. Garnish generously with green onions and tabasco.

6 Serve with a side of sweet cornbread and butter!

Karen Evans!

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

www.realestatenewsline.com

January 2024

HAPPY CRITIC

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

Here's To Art! Here's To Love Art is essential to the human spirit. Art is vital to the quality of life in a community. Art increases performance, is good for business, and builds employee and client relationships. Art is essential for children because it stimulates both sides of the brain. Art lasts longer than most things.

The late, great Artist Gilbert Duran was a breathing art machine, and he told me when I met him....."I am not a man; I am an Artist." And that is what I called him. I was blessed to be his partner in love and business.

I dedicate this column to the brilliant Artist for all the knowledge and opinions he gave me.

Artist thought Greg Drew was an exceptional talent.....primarily his structure work.

RE Newsline: Tell us about Greg Drew!

GREG DREW: I was born and raised in San Antonio and went to Churchill High School. I like to tell folks I've been here for 67 years, and I may decide to stay! I graduated from SWTSU with a Bachelor's in Commercial Art. I chose this degree because I thought two things - It would probably be fun, and it might

be easier than accounting or computer science. As it turns out, I was right on both counts. Being an art major also allowed me to spend an inordinate amount of time down at the river in San Marcos. After graduating, I went looking for a job as a commercial artist. I quickly found out that I could make more money driving a city bus.

After knocking around for a few years, I went to work as a stockbroker for Dean Witter Reynolds. Today, I am still in the financial services industry as a partner with Partners Wealth Management.

RE Newsline: Who is your most significant artistic influence, and where are you inspired?

GREG DREW: My brother, who is three years older than me, was perhaps my first influence. I remember a science project he had that required an illustration. His illustration was quite good - it was draftsman quality. He went on to become a mechanical and petroleum engineer.

My inspiration today comes from images I see. I typically paint images that I really like. I paint in both watercolor and acrylic. Watercolor was my first love, and I have added acrylic only within the last few years.

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Acrylic paint allows me to do much larger pieces, and it's far more forgiving than watercolor. I do a fair amount of commissioned work.

Commissioned work pushes me to paint people, places, or things I would not ordinarily paint.

One woman gave me a photograph of a scene she loved and hired me to paint it. I also very much liked the image. When I sent her the finished piece, she returned it with the requested changes. I made the changes and sent it back to her. And again, she returned it with the desired changes. This happened a third time.

After sending it to her the third time, she loved it and paid for it. Some artists have told me they would not have put up with this back-and-forth thing. My feeling is different. Since I do not want anyone to own a work of mine that they don't really love, I was happy to make the changes. And by the way, because of her demand for changes, the painting was a much better piece in the end.

I have an artist friend that says he does "fun-art," and I do "fine-art".

He says this because he creates abstract art purely from his mind and has fun doing it. While I, on the other

Real Estate Newsline

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hand, almost always work from a reference photograph. My process usually involves a well-planned sketch and sometimes a smaller practice piece before I move to the final piece. And even then, it is a constant struggle and frequent problem-solving to get the painting to reasonably resemble the reference photo.

RE Newsline: Describe the best piece of art you have ever created.

GREG DREW: In the late 70s, I did sculptures. My sculptures were chiseled out of limestone using a hammer and chiseling tools. It was messy until I got to the sanding and polishing phase. Two of my sculptures were shown at the Sol del River Gallery in Alamo Heights, owned by a lovely woman named Dorothy Katz. A man from Houston purchased one of the sculptures, and home builder Ray Ellison bought the other one. Both sculptures contained smooth, polished human figures and rough, untouched stone. These truly were some of the best pieces I have ever done.

RE Newsline: What is the best advice you have received as an artist?

GREG DREW: Steven DaLuz and the late Clay McGaughy always told me to remember a painting is just a painting. While this may sound simple enough, it implies a great deal.

RE Newsline: What do you like most about being an artist?

GREG DREW: Perhaps other artists are like me in that I love for someone to notice and acknowledge my work. A simple compliment keeps me going and striving to do better. I hope to be painting 20 years from now. www.gbdfineartstudio.com

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January 2024

WCR Member Appreciation

Marty Hutchison, Property Management Services with wife Linda Hutchison

Florence Terrell, Keller Wiliams Legacy, Angelica Erosa, Keller Wiliams Heritage Portfolio and Rebekah Murtagh, SOL Realty

Carmen Soto and Michelle Alford, both Vivid Realty

Desirae Byars, Allon Health and Cathy Heshmat, Keller Wiliams Portfolio.

Sandra Rincand-Idrogo and Andrea Slater, both Premier Realty Group

Jayne Hillburn-Mendoza, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors and Kim Miller Perry, Keller Wiliams Heritage

Scott Jauregui, Keller Wiliams Heritage, Laura Cantu, Found It LLC and Michelle Alford, Vivid Realty

Claudia Gaytan, WCR State Shy Rodriguez, WCR State Treasurer

President

and

April Brown, Champions School of Real Estate

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

Tonya Stuart, Nichols Flooring Over Texas, Ira Elizondo, S A Elite Realty, Hillary Moussali, LoanPeople and Carri Amescua, Rider Realty

Paula Grigsby, TAP FCU