RE Newsline May - 2023

What “Holidays” Do You Celebrate In May?

Most people love to have something to celebrate any day in the year and the month of May certainly gives one many opportunities to do just that. This year Mother’s Day is on May 14 and is a day that almost everyone celebrates, be it to honor a mother who is still with them, nearby or at a distant location on earth, or to remember a mother who is no longer with them but, I am sure, very well remembered.

May is also National Military Appreciation month and also the month we celebrate Memorial Day, a day that despite the fact that people often wish others a “Happy Memorial Day,” is not actually a ”happy” day as it remembers those who died while serving in the armed forces. This national holiday, originally known as Decoration Day which at that time was celebrated on May 30, is now observed on the last Monday of May and is often celebrated with parades, barbeques and local fellowship.

Other celebrations in May are divided into several categories including some of those which honor someone or something and those that deal with a significant number of health issue awareness. Others recommend celebrating with a variety of types of food and some offer suggestions for things to do on a particular day of the month.

If you would like to choose a favorite event to remember you might start with our final Victory in Europe, VE Day on the 8th when World War II was declared ended in the European Theater, however WW II continued on in the Pacific Theater. Then there is Stars and Stripes Forever Day (14th), World Telecommunications Day (17th), Lucky Pennies (23rd) and African Liberation Day or Geek Pride Day (25th). The 27th is National Road Trip Day (27th) followed by International Jazz Day on the Saturday before Memorial Day (28th). For publication main characters you might consider celebrating Mother Goose (1st), Harry Potter, (2nd), Peter Pan (9th) or Sherlock Holmes (22nd).

To honor special people start with National Brothers and Sisters and Babies (2nd) and move on to National Wordsmith Day (God bless writers!) and on the first Tuesday of the month we remember our wonderful Teachers (3rd) or on the first Wednesday it is for Cartoonists and Museum Lovers (5th). Remember National Receptionists Day or School Nurses and Night Shift Workers on the second Wednesday (11th) and follow that with International Nurses Day on the 12th. On the 15th you can celebrate International Families Day or if it is the Sunday after Mother’s Day there is Stepmother’s Day, followed by National Biographer’s Day on the 16th and on the 25th Red Heads (now I can relate to that!) and Neighbors on the Sunday before Memorial Day (29th). For things and places look no further than the Red Cross (8th), National Hospital Day (12th), International Museum Day (18th) and Endangered Species and Flowers on the 20th and don’t forget World Turtles (23rd), World Otters (25th), Whooping Cranes (28th), Pink Flamingoes plus Paper Clips (29th) and World Parrots Day (31st)!

Although not pleasant for so many there are a number of medical diseases that have a special day set aside during the this month so that others may become aware, for at least a day, of the struggles that those affected by the disease may be facing. Even the whole month of May is dedicated to the awareness of ALS, Lupus and especially Mental Health as Childhood Depression Awareness Day (3) and National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, (5) start off the month. This is followed by Bladder Cancer Awareness on the first Friday (7), World Ovarian Cancer (8), World Melanoma (9), World Lupus (10), National Fibromyalgia Awareness (12), World Hypertension (17), Hepatitis Testing (20), World Schizophrenia Awareness (24), and finally World Digestive Health (29). There is such a large

number of people who experience so many different diseases!

Looking for something special to do this month? Well the May observances certainly have a number of suggestions for not only what to do but they are also specific about the day on which you should do it. It is interesting that while the 1st day of the month suggests the World Save Your Hearing Day but the last day of the month is just National Save Your Hearing Day. There is no bullying allowed on the 4th, a day when you should also bike to school and the following day (5th) could be quite busy especially if you attend any of the Cinco de Mayo events locally or as is suggested, make a book or spend some time in prayer. The 6th, however, Is a “don’t do” day as there is to be no homework done (be sure to tell your teacher) and no dieting this day.

If you were unable to bike to school on the 5th perhaps you can spend some time on Saturday (7th) learning to ride a bike so you can go to give someone a cupcake the next day. On the 10th you will need to learn to trust your intuition, clean up your room and stay up all night! (Really?) It is OK to blame someone else on the 13th and you should send flowers to someone on the 15th but on the 16th you’re to love a tree (any old tree?) and be sure to wear purple for peace. Go visit your relatives on the 18th and plant something the following day (maybe that tree you are going to love next year).

Now, on the 20th you are to become a millionaire (unfortunately no instructions were provided), pick some strawberries, go to a pizza party and be ready to play solitaire the next day either before or after you have bought a musical instrument (preferably one you already play or at least one you want to learn to play). Participate in a scavenger hunt on the 24th and since it is the Thursday of the week (26th) eat more fruits and vegetables. And finally take a road trip on Friday (27th), learn about composting (29th), water a flower (30th) and since the 31st

is a meditation and smile day, there is to be no tobacco and it is time to learn to speak in complete sentences.

And now to my favorite category, food. May is National Hamburger and National Macaroon month (quite a combination). We start the month with lemonade (1st) and move to truffles the following day. For those who may not know what a truffle is, it is similar to the mushroom in that is also the fruiting body of a fungi, but somewhat difficult to locate and considered to be a delicacy. A truffle is also a delightful chocolate candy which I would definitely prefer to the fungi! Next on the 4th we have orange juice (4th), Hoagies (5th) and empanadas and then coconut cream pie on the 8th. That is followed by Shrimp (10th), nutty fudge (12th) plus Fruit cocktail and apple pie on the 13th. Then we have National Buttermilk Biscuit Day (14th) (pass the sausage gravy please), Chocolate chips (15th) and pickles (16th) followed by walnuts, cherry cobbler and Pinot Grigio Dry (17th).

How about some cheese souffle on the 18th, and hummus (hmmm) and devil’s food cake on the 19th. Then comes the pizza party on the 20th, vanilla pudding (22nd ), taffy (23rd) and escargot and asparagus on the 24th. The 25th is National Wine Day (your choice) then National Blueberry Cheesecake and National Cherry Dessert Day on the 26th. You can try a Grape Popsicle on the 27th before you celebrate International Hamburger Day and National Brisket Day on the 26th and for the end the month enjoy some Macaroons on the 31st

It would seem there are a myriad of things to keep one busy during the “Merry Month of May” so just sitting at home should not be an option. However, first and foremost, it is most important to look to the main remembrances for the month: our Mothers, our Military and especially those who helped in the fight to keep us forever free but unfortunately lost their lives in the effort.

Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer

Barton Co. Carpets Sponsors Our April Happy Hour

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

Brenda J Cochran , Ellis Realty and Pat Farrell, RE Newsline

Gregory Walcoff , Barton Carpets, Karen Evans , RE Newsline and Robert Guerra, Barton Co., Carpets

Cindy Mundy, Wakefield Realtors, and Karen Schaffer, Presidio Title

Frankee Chapa, RE/MAX North, Tony Martinez, RE/MAX North, Gregory Walcoff , Barton Co., Carpets and Valerie Ceciliano, Sean Parker Realty Group

Tony Cantu and Cathey Meyer RE Newsline

A BIG thank you to Robert Guerra, Gregory Walcoff and Barton Co., Carpets for sponsoring our event at Picks. Everyone had a great time!

Adriana Rodriguez with husband Rick Rodriguez, both United Realty Group of Texas and Bertha Trevino, Monticello Homes

Scan

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

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

Scott Jauregui, Keller Williams Heritage and Ojas Tasker, Tasker Properties

Kyra Smith with Alamo

Title and Raul Rodriguez with Exp Realty.

Michelle Lebherz, Independence Title and Gina Campbell, Option 1 Real Estate.

Clara Gilroy, Mitchell Realty and Maudel Hardie, Hardie & Associates with Kimberly Austin and Brian Paris, both Keller Williams City View.

Susan Taylor, Michelle Lebherz and Celeste Smith all with Independence Title

Crystal Greene, RE/MAX North San Antonio and Sandra Thomson, Rubiola Realty

Ronnah Stabenow, Pyramis Company and Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management.

Fred Wulff, RE/MAX Corridor, Mary Corcoran, Key Realty, Steven May, Fairway Mortgage and Judy Goldick, Regal Realty

Erin Cestero, Christie Stott, and Giovanni Gonzales all with JB Goodwin

THE WAY I SEE IT

Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer

View Blockers

You may not remember who won best song at the 2023 Academy Awards, but you do remember the lady who showed up in too much white tulle swirling around her head like a runaway bride caught in a funnel cloud. Most everyone raved about the daring, attention grabbing moment and most everyone continued to watch the who wears what on the Red Carpet not considering where the cloud of tulle would settle. The cloud of tulle belonged to Temilade Openiyi AKA Tems, who was nominated for best original song. (Just a bit of Jeopardy trivia for your next appearance,) Tems was a two time loser—did not score the Academy Award and did not score friends with the folks sitting the entire show behind the cloud of tulle.

Online are numerous clips of the poor souls who waited all their lives for the chance to attend the glamourous Oscars only to score the seat behind a thunder cloud block. They shifted on top of seatmates next to them, stood up periodically to catch a

glimps of the action and grimaced in frustration at their unexpected partial view seat. The assumption would be Ms. Tems would deflate her mountainous tulle in consideration of those behind her, but alas, she is just a member of the current club of View Blockers at audience seated events.

The evolution of View Blockers has been a subtle occurrence. More frequently, I am view blocked by ‘gentlemen’ wearing cowboy hats indoors. Mind you, these are not ‘cowboy’ events I am attending, but high brow lectures, foreign movies with subtitles, and theater performances. Yes, most of those events are not on my regular play list, but on the rare occasion I venture out to something new, I do not need a black Stetson clouding my attempt to not fall asleep at the event. Apparently, the common courtesy of removing one’s bald spot coverage when entering an indoor venue has changed. Why does one need to wear a hat indoors? Especially indoor events with limited lighting. What glare is

disturbing the view? Sometimes they are very polite when you ask for the view blocker removal, sometimes not so much.

As a civic minded voter, I was recently at a candidate forum. The room was scanned for the big hat indoor freaks and we sat on the other side of the aisle. What I did not anticipate was the dude with the large cell phone who held it above his head the entire forum recording the candidates. WHY?! Bless these candidates for their attempt at public service via an election, but honestly, none of them were interesting enough to watch again. Who did this dude think wanted to see this in its entirety?! Why did he have to block my view for the entire forum? Of course, he is one of the ‘forgot to mute his device’ fellows, so there was the occasional break when he had to actually answer a call to tell the caller he was recording a meeting. We could see the candidates on his screen, but please, stand in the back of the room like the real reporters and record your needed information.

My attendance at an art lecture was view blocked by a staff photographer for the venue. Settled into our second row seats, my friends and I were confident no hat people would sit in front of us and any phone recording nerd could just keep it in their lap. With no warning, midway through the lecture, a larger than average photographer plopped down

in the seats (yes, she took more than one) in front of us and raised her massive camera and clicked away. Not only did our view get blocked, but the clicking drowned the speaker. Her tight-fitting tee-shirt was emblazed on the back with the venue’s logo, so now we are not only view blocked by random audience members, but employees of places we go.

Small humans have long been view blockers. The wonderful thing about those is when one of two things happen as the parent is holding them high above their head: one, they just get too heavy to remain aloft or two, they become whining and squirmy and de-elevate on their own accord. Little humans are reverse view blockers as sometimes, their little show is better than whatever you showed up to watch. As an aside, nothing is more fun than engaging with a little human during an event when their parents are unaware of your instigation. If you have a resting show face when they turn around to see what is stirring the pot, you can have a side show of the real show. Unfortunately, with hats and recording devices, that fun is unavailable.

The winner of the 2023 Academy Award for Best Song was Naatu Naatu by M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose. (Just one more Jeopardy bonus tidbit.) For the record, they did not wear view blocking attire.

Scott Small, Keller Williams Legacy and Pam Knight, Knight Home Inspection

Caroline Daly, Fidelity National Home Warranty and Bobbie Elizondo, RE/MAX North San Antonio

Bea Velasco, Amy Kerekas and Maggie Rodriguez, all Jefferson Bank

Perry Messer, Old Republic Title and Christi Hines, Directions Home Loan

IREP Installation Of 2023 Officers

Hilda Rodriguez, IREP Past President and Sandra Lagos, JPAR

Michelle Noble , Certainty Mortgage and Annette Slater, Landlord Property Managment

Bill Noble, Landlord Property Management and Cory Rose, guest.

Paula Grigsby, TAP FCU

Sopfiela Grannum, Click & Move Realty and Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title

GUEST COLUMN

Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer

Support The Cause

What can your dollar do?

I’ve been involved with fundraising and conservation since I was a kid. It’s always been a clear connection between the things I love and the desire to protect them. From auctions and raffles to donations and sales there seems to be someone asking for your extra cash around every corner. But, what’s the point? You worked hard for your money. Why should this charity or that cause get your hardearned dough?

As humans our need and desire for community draw us towards empathy and compassion. Our place in our community and environment require that we are a part of a system much greater than ourselves. There are many challenges in life: disease, tragedy, and changes that impact our future. There is no escaping this. I’ve seen that there is immense

power in taking steps to building community resilience. When a neighbor is struggling with something, friends pull together to support them. When an issue needs to be dealt with, a community can come together to find a solution. Fundraising is no different. We call upon those that are willing and able to support those who cannot do it alone.

Since being thrust into the world of Cystic Fibrosis after the birth and diagnosis of my son in 2021, I’ve been deeply moved and left in awe of the power of fundraising. Like many nonprofits, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosts a variety of fundraisers. Their passion and commitment to finding a cure is unmatched. In the span of a lifetime the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has ensured that my son has the potential to live a lifetime. Since they began in 1955, when

children diagnosed with CF weren’t expected to make it to elementary school, to today, where the average age of CFers has now passed 50 years and there are people who are now living into their 60s and 70s, they have shared a message of hope. The money raised at events like the Concert and Drive for a Cure are used to fund and research new medications, therapies, and supports for people living with CF. Because of donations they are able to commit money towards things that, quite literally, have changed my son’s life and future. The medications my son takes on a daily basis were made possible by incredible scientists and doctors but sadly, they may never have come to be without the funding provided. There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis yet. But, I have seen what communities can do when they come together.

It all comes back to why. Why should you support this cause? Why does this charity fundraise? Why should I be the one to donate? That is for you to ponder and discover. You may be in a position like me where you can give your time or you may be in a place where your money is able to make a change far bigger than your -

self. Whether you commit $5 dollars a month to planting trees in the Amazon Rainforest, win the trip of your dreams at a charity auction, or volunteer at an event raising awareness for a rare disease you are helping to build a resilient community. The fundamental parts of what make us human are the same things that commit us to building a world where we all get to move forward. Find a cause that you are passionate about and get connected with people that share your passion. Find your way to commit to an issue or cause that will add goodness and hope to the world.

Visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foudation webite if you woud like to learn more or make a donation to REALLY good cause.

https://www.cff.org/

Empowering Myself To Empower The Women Around Me

I believe it is important, as women, that we empower each other with the gifts that we were each given. A popular quote from Zig Ziglar states “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want”.

First of all, no matter what role or roles we have in life: whether you are a mother, wife, daughter, licensed professional, an entrepreneur etc., we have to remember every day to be thankful for the opportunities and the adversity that each day will bring, because it will only make us stronger! What a great way to start your day, don’t you think?

Secondly, having a

growth mindset will empower us to keep going and pursue the dreams and plans we have.

What does that growth mindset look like? Well….

*We need to understand that mistakes help us learn and grow.

*We need to strive for progress, not perfection.

*We go after our dreams and we cheer ourselves up when it gets hard.

*We need to recognize that we are problem solvers!

*We need to always embrace new challenges & give ourselves credit for being brave enough to try.

*And lastly, when we don’t succeed right away… .Hey, let’s try again.

I personally like to empower other women with

any opportunity I get by:

* giving them a word of encouragement, *praying for someone’s need, *sharing knowledge that has helped me be successful, *educating in areas that I know well, & * sharing my story when I get an opportunity, hopefully to inspire other women to keep going and pursue their dreams.

I wanted to share about

empowering because that is what we do at the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.

Our Mission: We are a network of successful REALTORS®, advancing women as business leaders in the industry and in the communities we serve.

At The Women’s Council of REALTORS® our mission is connected to empowering each other in the following ways:

Adriana Rodriguez / President San Antonio Women’s Council Network

Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title and Denise Gomez, Directions Home Loan

GUEST COLUMN

Karen Evans / Contributing Writer

La Tuna

I had the pleasure of sitting and talking with this stunningly bright, beautiful young woman at my favorite Icehouse. La Tuna! I was so lucky to hear her loving family story because I learned about their passion, vision, commitment, hard work, teamwork, and blessings. I hope you enjoy Ruby's story!

We’re a family business through and through. Back in 1992, my father, Michael Berrier, and my mother, Suzanne Martinez, and their business partners Mike Looney and Marlys Dietrick bought this property on Probandt and opened La Tuna. Now, the Martinez-Berrier family is happy to continue serving the community cold beer and providing a chill space for great conversations!

We have seen so many places in the neighborhood come and go over the years, so imagine the happiness of being one of the places that grew and changed, having a frontrow seat to watch it prosper, and seeing so many different types of people come through and continue to come back. One of my favorite stories about this bar is truly genuine: My dad Mike Berrier and his partner/friend Mike LooneyMike y Mike - would come up here with a bunch of beers and ask their friends to come over and help them build this little shack that became the great La Tuna Ice House. It was not like they hired a bunch of work -

ers. They did this on their own on Saturdays and Sundays; whenever they had free time they would build this tiny shack. My dad designed it. It was so small and non-pretentious.

My mom's idea was to name the ice house La Tuna after the Cow's Tongue Prickly Pear Cactus she brought from her grandmother's place - the same one that now surrounds the front patio. La Tuna means the purple fruit of the cactus. It was great when it started because my mom, dad and Marlys and Mike would take turns working every shift. My sister Philippa was born just before they opened. My sister is now 31, and the bar is 31, so they were babies together! Some of our first customers were all the Pioneer Flour Mill guys. Their business back in the day is literally what kept us going. There was practically nothing here in the area except for us. Beer on ice! As simple as that!

My dad was born and raised in Dallas and was new to San Antonio. My mom and dad met in Austin, Texas. My dad worked for the Texas governor then, and my mom worked for the first-ever Whole Foods Market. He would check out at her line all the time. One day she made a funny comment about his legs and the next thing you know they are getting married! They have been together for 36 years, which is wild. She came back here to finish school at UTSA. He fol -

lowed her and fell in love with the area and the town.

My dad earned a Ph.D. from Berkley in Public Affairs, and my mom has a Master's in Politics and Government, and they both taught at SAC for years. My dad only recently stopped teaching. He has always had multiple things in the hopper. They have always enjoyed living a bit differently and creating their own lifestyle, and you see that reflected in the bar because they truly attract all kinds of people.

My mom has been a home and hearth to my dad and a constant supporter of stability. My dad is an absolute workhorse; he is 73, still gets up every morning, goes down to Tuna, checks everything, and ensures everything is okay. It is a labor of love, and it takes serious dedication to be here every day. Seeing his leadership taught me a lot about being a good person. He works so hardhe won't retire. Ultimately it always comes back to the fact that he loves to be at the bar, watching things.

We have seen a massive influx of people moving to the neighborhood. More wealthy homeowners and younger people. It has changed the landscape, but we have tried to maintain a space where our OG's (our original customers from the start) feel really comfortable. Like Bugger! I have never not known Bugger. My sister and I grew up here. On more than one occasion, I would fall asleep on the beer boxes. You can see the history of this place in our favorite pictures on the walls in our recent new room addition. These pictures are beautiful memories.

Our newest addition is the BBQ Pit. We now have BBQ

Sundays for the first time! From noon until five or Sell Out! Our Head Chef, Mark, and the “front of the house”… his wife, Anna have been operating La Tuna Grill for over 15 years. Chef Mark's talent is undeniable, and his food is excellent. He cooks up delicious Tex-Mex, Seafood, Cajun, and American Classics. Chef Mark is really creative and has run with some fun, unique recipes.

La Tuna has been used for a lot of different things for a lot of different people. I meet people all the time that met, fell in love, and had their wedding here. We have had multiple weddings, live music gatherings, Fiesta events, mini-festivals, fundraisers, and gatherings of women to talk and organize. My sister and I have also helped out through the years. We’ve combined our ideas and talents and helped promote the place and get the word out. We’re really excited to continue to serve cold beer, host new events and foster a community in the neighborhood!

ICEHOUSE HOURS:

Monday-Wednesday

4 PM-12 AM

Thursday-Sunday

NOON_12AM Bar# 210-224-8862

GRILL HOURS:

Monday-Thursday

11 AM-2 PM & 5 PM-9 PM

Friday

11 AM-2 PM & 5 PM-10 PM

Saturday

12 PM-10 PM

BBQ Sundays!

12 PM-5 PM or SELL OUT!

LA TUNA

100 Probandt, San Antonio, TX 210-212-5727

Cold beer. Good people. Pecan trees. Picnic tables. Come one, Come All!!!

The La Tuna family: Mark Fallon, Ruby Martinez-Berrier, Suzanne Martinez, Michael Berrier and Philippa Martinez-Berrier

Michael Peña, Lead Bartender

NARPM

Keeping Up With NARPM

March and April were packed with so many opportunities for our NARPM members. On March 22nd we filled a charter bus and made the journey to the Texas Capital for REALTOR® Day. Once there we joined the other 3,000 REALTORS® from around Texas that canvased the grounds with the goal of meeting with as many legislators as possible to discuss Private Property Rights and other real estate issues. If you have ever been to the Capital you may agree with me that it’s easy to find yourself feeling lost at times, due to the vast area and multitude of offices. That is the importance of going in large numbers to be able to cover more ground. If you were lucky enough to gain a space to stand in at one of the Representative’s offices, you would have observed the REALTORS® that were chosen to lead the conversation and deliver our message. The professionalism and leadership shined through. At the end of the day as we all headed back to the buses it was a sight to see how many agents

knew each other and stopped for a photo op, a hug, or a quick laugh. Although it was a long day, it was productive and if you missed the trip, make sure to mark your calendar for the next one in 2025, take the day off and invest in yourself. Be part of the #PurpleSolution

Then on March 29th, we held our Chapter Meeting and Educational Event at the Old San Francisco Steak House where we heard from not one but two speakers. Our first speaker was Attorney, Carl Jay Quezada who spoke about HOA’s and how the latest rule changes have impacted property managers. Our second speaker was Property Manager, Brian Birdy who presented his 2023 Property Management Forecast. We are thankful to our speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Let’s move on to April. Although property managers work hard, there are times that we need to

take a step back and reset. What better way to do so than to celebrate Fiesta style with great food, fantastic company, fiesta medals and mariachis. April’s social was brought to us by our host and affiliate Barton Carpets at their showroom on Bulverde Rd. Lastly, on April 14th a few of our NARPM members headed over to “Dress for Success” (2023 Charity of Choice) to help with their Spring clothing sale. It’s always an enjoyable time helping our partners.

As you can see, we are not only property managers, but also community leaders, advocates and friends. If you are looking to be a part of a property management organization, gain

industry knowledge, earn a designation, participate in volunteer opportunities, enjoy social events or become a NARPM Advocacy Fund investor, this is the place for you. Come check us out. First visit is always free!

May calendar of events: May 10 SAMAC Executive Board Meeting.

May 17 Chapter Meeting & Educational Event: BCAD Chief Appraiser Amezquita and Form Swap

May 18 SABOR Leasing and Property Management Committee Meeting. For membership information or our calendar of events please visit: http://www.sanarpm.wildapricot.org

Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM President

Trip to the Capital

GUEST COLUMN

Jose D’Craw/

How To Affordably Boost A Home’s Curb Appeal

Every REALTOR® knows that their customers, seeking a new home experience a lasting first impression the moment they arrive at the home for sale. An ugly home may be beautiful on the inside, but a shabby looking exterior is often a deal breaker. They may not even want to tour the interior if the exterior looks too dated or run down.

Your clients want to sell, so they want any improvements they make to be affordable and have impact. They definitely do not want to make any major home improvement investments in the house they’re trying to sell, because they likely need all the money they can save to use toward the purchase of another home.

It’s certainly affordable to do some touch up painting, mow the lawn, trim the hedges, plant

a few new shrubs or flowering plants, wash the windows, dust the shutters, and remove any stains on the driveway or sidewalk with a power washer and some cat litter, which absorbs oil and grease stains.

However, if your clients want to make a cost effective first impression that will make a huge impact, nothing can beat the curb appeal of a brand new garage door.

Did you know that, according to “Remodeling Magazine,” in a 2013 Cost versus Value report for major home improvements in San Antonio, a midrange garage door replacement ranked #2 with a 99.3% return on investment, and upscale garage door replacements ranked #1 with a 109.7% return on investment? Very few home improvements can boast that percentage!

Randy Oliver, owner of Hollywood Crawford Garage Doors & Openers said, “The purchase and installation of a new garage door tells potential buyers that the present owner has taken good care of the home, and has pride in the way it looks.”

Consider this. The enormous size of a garage door makes a significant difference in the appearance of a house. Many people focus on the look of the front door, but many front doors are difficult to see from the street because they often are recessed.

The average front door is approximately 3 feet by 7 feet, or 21 square feet, whereas the garage door is very visible from the street and a two car garage door is around 112 square feet.

That makes the garage door more than five times larger than the front door, so it’s plain to see why a new garage door is a wise upgrade to make on any home for sale.

Installing a new garage door is quick and can usually be accomplished in one day. Staff simply remove and dispose of the existing garage door and tracks. Then they install new 4section garage door on resilient, galvanized steel tracks, and they reuse the existing motorized

opener. If the old door does not have a motorized opener, installers can easily add one, which makes for a very desirable home feature.

There are a myriad of new options that cost more than a standard replacement door, but for upscale homes a custom designed door is well worth the added cost.

For the most discriminating home seller, custom designed new doors can cost as much and $10,000, which is not much if the home is priced at half a million dollars or more.

From long lasting simulated wood, to carriage style doors, to modern looks that match an upscale home’s architectural motif, there are dozens of styles for a client to consider.

A standard new garage door usually costs around $800, yet that cost can add lots more to the value of the home.

Beautiful, custom designed doors are an art form, and we thoroughly enjoy the design process and the challenges it can bring.

Randy Oliver can be reached at Hollywood Crawford at 210-494-3434 ext. 110.

1-Jun Annalee Loera Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Michele Moore RE/MAX North - San Antonio

Lynn Phillips Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Melissa Flores Central Metro Realty

2-Jun Angel Garcia RE/MAX Preferred

Karen Callaghan Realty Executives of S. A.

3-Jun Susan Dikin Kuper Sotheby’s Int’l. Realty

4-Jun Ray Aguilar Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Edward Flores Redbird Realty

Deborah Elwood JB Goodwin Realtors

5-Jun Jim Miller JB Goodwin Realtors

Christine Aldrete RE/MAX Preferred

Joan Gaytan Realty Executives of S. A.

Christi Netting JPAR San Antonio

Melissa Wise San Antonio Elite Realty

Maria Gonzalez San Antonio Elite Realty

6-Jun Sherri Vakey Bowman Realty Group

Joy Exiner Realty Executives of S. A.

Kima Light RE/MAX Corridor

Aida Ahvazi Century 21 The Hills Realty

11-Jun

Ellen McDonough Phyllis Browning Company

Lanette Pennell Keller Williams Boerne

Laura Collins Magnolia Realty

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

13-Jun

14-Jun

Bob Test Keller Williams Heritage

John Wilkins Redbird Realty

Randy Cunningham Kuper Sotheby's International

David Simon Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Lauren Keller SA Portfolio KW RE

Patricia Kocurek Century 21 The Hills Realty

Maria Silveyra Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

21-Jun Luis Acosta Vortex Realty

Stacy Dean-Peters Keller Williams Legacy

22-Jun Lori Stipetich BHGRE Homecity

Danyelle Daniel Keller Williams Heritage

Raul Jimenez eXp Realty

Martha Garibay Marick Realty

Tom Ortiz Realty Executives Access

23-Jun Sylvia Moths Premier Realty Group

Suzanne Fitzgerald Texas Premier Realty

Kim McCullough Premier Realty Group

Karen Smith Smith Properties

7-Jun

Addie Langhennig Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Andrew Tolan Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Angela Hayden Hayden Investments

Bizzy Darling Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

15-Jun

Stephanie Flath Redbird Realty

Alison Barrow Phyllis Browning Company

Connie Smith Old Republic Title

Carole Tubbesing Phyllis Browning Company

Gilberto Aldaco Texas Elite Real Estate

Barb Chardavoyne JB Goodwin Realtors

Michele Skeans JB Goodwin Realtors

17-Jun

Rhonda Howerton Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Zach Taylor RE/MAX North-San Antonio

Missy Keller 5th Stream Realty

Mike Anthony RE/MAX North- San Antonio

Diane Strauch JB Goodwin Realtors

Keri Neff Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

24-Jun Jon Green Stonewall Property Group

8-Jun

Eliza Sonneland Wiglesworth Prop.

Evan Barnett eXp Realty

Elida Martinez Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Margie Vallejo Keller Williams Legacy

9-Jun B.J. Grant Keller Williams Legacy

Matthew Galvan Savvy Real Estate Investments

18-Jun

Ashley Nicholson Real

Dawn Chapa Old Republic Title

Sandra Castro Old Republic Title

Bill Tolan Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Jane Tomaszewski JB Goodwin Realtors

Maria Booth Century 21 The Hills Realty

19-Jun Denise Matthews Rigel Realty

Juan Costilla Bluefax Property Management

Sally Oppenheimer Nix Realty

Chris Gerhard Century 21 The Hills Realty

20-Jun Cynthia Murray Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

Beverly Fulton Phyllis Browning Company

Dale Dorsey Keller Williams Legacy

Becky Hobbs Cuspid Realty

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

25-Jun Dan Longoria Hill Country Realty

26-Jun Libby Weyel Premier Hill Country Properties

27-Jun Lisa Cano Keller Williams Heritage

28-Jun Allen Cole BHGRE Homecity

Janette Springer Phyllis Browning Company

Teri Falcon Keller Williams Heritage

Chris Duran Keller Williams Heritage

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

30-Jun Beatrice McFadden Phyllis Browning Company

10-Jun

Leesa Rispoli Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper

Dora Delgado Century 21 The Hills Realty

Adrianne Frost Phyllis Browning Company

FOREWARN Trainings Available

If you're a primary or secondary REALTOR® member with an active SABOR MLS, you have access to the FOREWARN app as a member benefit. The FOREWARN app is a proactive safety resource that allows members to verify the identity of their business prospects.

Learn how to use your new member benefit, by registering for an upcoming virtual training. This month, we’ll have two! One on Wednesday, May 10, and the other on Wednesday, May 24. For a full list of dates and links to register, head to sabor.com and click on “member benefits.”

Sharon Miller, United Texas and Madge Rashell, Guild Mortgage

Ira Elizondo, San Antonio Elite Realty, Melissa Turner, VIP Realty and Sonia Perez, Vortex Realty.

Jeff Salas, Priority Settlement Group and Laksmi Taylor, RE/MAX Alamo Realty

Hilary Harvey, American Home Shield with Narce Pena, Keller Williams Heritage

VAREP January 2023

Joel Sparta, Chapter Outreach Director and Jesse Lopez, Government Affairs Director

Mary Corcoran, Key Realty Tom Philips, Membership Director

Chesney Woods and Kaema Roberson, Speaker, both with Independence Title

Kurt Van Wagenen, Capital Strategies and Melody Cahoon, Bluprint Home Loans

Judy Goldick, Chapter President and Annie Marshall, Realty one Group Emerald

Diane Medeiros, Realty One Group Emerald and Carlos Rodo, Chapter Secretary

2023 Board: Joel Sparta , Outreach Director; Jesse Lopez , Government Affairs Director; Mary Corcoran, Treasurer; April Brock, Vice President; Carlos Rodo , Secretary; Fred Wulff , Education Director; Judy Goldick President and Tom Philips, Membership Director Julio Rivera, Oasis Company Realtors and Sandy Anzaldua, Real

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

April Brock, Chapter Vice President and Tamika Cunningham, Mortgage Loan Originator