Page 17: A br ief self-introduction (on the cover)
Page 18: Ha ppy Cr tic (Karen Evans)
Do You Tell It Like It Is Or Are You Euphemistically Challenged?
There are times and situations when people find it difficult to express exactly what they know and feel about a specific subject and will try to soften what they say so the harshness of certain words or phrases do not offend others. These phrases are termed EUPHEMISMS which for many can be comfortably used in place of words and subjects considered to be taboo or too blunt. Another form of euphemism known as DOUBLESPEAK occurs when the words and phrases are deliberately ambiguous or constitute evasive language which may be intended to confuse those who hear or read them. This language pretends to communicate without doing so and can make the negative seem positive and the bad seem good. Anyone who has listened to a politician speaking in response to a direct question can appreciate what doublespeak is all about.
One look at the obituary section of the newspaper will show that hardly anyone dies anymore - they have passed, departed, gone home/ been called home to the Lord or have become angels. Death is apparently considered an unpleasant subject and research shows that there are at least a thousand phrases that are in use for death and/or dying. But in some cases the substituted phrases are not quite so pleasant, as for example, was struck by Zeus; has bought the farm or a pine condo; shuffled off to Buffalo; given up the ghost; is wearing cement shoes or is swimming with the fishes.
Some other examples of subjects that people seem to have trouble discussing and find other ways to address are things like being fat, pregnant, handicapped, homeless or poor, most bodily functions, getting fired or just referring to certain
occupations. And in many cases what is considered to be taboo can depend on one's cultural upbringing and what was an accepted subject in their household.
Other ways to indicate one thinks someone is fat is to say they are fluffy, heavy, portly, plump, immense, voluptuous or perhaps they are full figured, rotund, thick boned, aisle blockers or chub scouts. How many have heard pregnant women or pregnancy referred to as being preggers, with child, in the family way, with a bun in the oven or a pea in the pod, on stork watch or eating for two. Perhaps the need to use other ways to describe the condition as anything but pregnant comes from its relationship to the bodily function of sex for which there are an enormous amount of euphemistic phrases and for anyone interested they can be found on http://www.sexlexis.com.
And no one gets fired any more either; they are let go, downsized, given the boot, the pink slip or the heave-ho. The employee's boss may tell them they are reducing their force, offering them a career change, eliminating the position, reallocating resources, inviting them to be successful elsewhere or suggesting an early retirement to allow them to spend more time with their family.
People try to avoid saying one is homeless but will rather use destitute, displaced, dispossessed, on the streets or have no roof over their heads. And handicapped seems to have become an unfortunate word so those so afflicted are now physically or mentally disabled or challenged, disadvantaged or even differently abled. In case they were unaware the poor have become economically chal -
lenged, low income or working class. They may have a temporary negative cash flow, be in debt or unable to make ends meet, of humble origins and just living paycheck to paycheck. And in some cases euphemisms may be used to inflate or mislead as when one of those "low income" folks happen to be employed as a Janitor, good taste seems to call for them to be "elevated" in status as Caretakers, Custodians, Supervisors or perhaps Maintenance Workers.
I am sure there are industries that have euphemisms that they use to describe the items for which they are responsible and for what they do but I'd bet there are none so commonly used and so wide spread as those prevalent within the real estate industry. Real estate euphemisms have been referred to as a "literary loophole" that allow one to say something in a nice, friendly or pleasing way about something that is essentially anything but. This is not a new phenomenon and probably dates back to early years when one respected others and were careful to not say anything (in public anyway) that might seem to be derogatory about them or their possessions. Enter the real estate agent's listing advertising!
Even though it has been suggested that real estate agents know how to "put lipstick on a pig" it can create a dilemma when an agent who has just listed a house that is much less than perfect and must now present it to the buying public as an very attractive, extremely desirable and must buy property. We must also keep in mind that reaction to the words and phrases used in realty ads can vary widely depending on the reader's frame of mind. Where one might read a description of the house and say, "Oh that sounds
just perfect for us " another might say, "oh yeah, I'll just bet it's that good--when pigs fly!"
While terms like 'cozy cottage' or 'cute as a button' may be intended to convey how comfortable a place might seem, they, along with 'modest,' 'intimate' or 'quaint,' may cause some to determine that it will most likely be too small to accommodate their family, especially if they plan to include their furniture too! And when an agent says the property is 'unique,' 'interesting' or has many 'customized amenities' it could mean there are some very special and creative additions or that it has become bizarre beyond belief!
If it is 'Grandma's house,' 'Old fashioned,' 'Antique,' or has 'Retro decor' watch out for the fact that nothing has changed since the house was built 40 to 60 years ago and though you might get lucky and find well maintained wood floors, etc., one is more likely to find green shag carpet, discolored wallpaper and pink or avocado colored appliances. And for the property that has 'easy access to everywhere' one might be concerned that the Interstate is at the back door or at least nearby and they can expect to hear sirens and trucks passing by all day and night. So when the agent suggests 'Walking distance' or 'beach close by' does that mean just down the road or perhaps a mile or two away? And how about a 'Magnificent view' - don't you wonder of what?
Euphemisms go way back to a time when there was overall respect for another's privacy and feelings. So if you think you always "tell it like it is" you are either mistaken or care less about others than you think you do.
Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer
In and Around San Antonio
Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer
Beyond Bluebonnets: A Wildflower Guide for San Antonio
Each year I feel called by my Texan roots to participate in a truly iconic spring activity: finding the perfect spot to take bluebonnet pictures. As the quintessential wildflower of Texas, bluebonnets are stunning. Their brilliant blue stalks begin popping up at the first sign of warmth, soon blanketing roadsides and fields in a spectacular sea of blue.
While bluebonnets tend to steal the spotlight, many other native blooms grow right alongside them, often going unnoticed. As you stroll through McAllister Park, hike Government Canyon, or drive along local roads, you’ll find countless varieties of the beautiful blooms tucked into every sunny spot.
Do you want to impress your friends with your botanical wisdom? Want to beef up your Texas knowledge? (After all, your brain has room for more than just remembering the Alamo.) Or maybe you’re seeking a different color palette for your next family photo. Whatever the case, here are some common wildflowers you’ll find in and around San Antonio—and how to identify them.
First on the list, and one of my favorites, often mistaken for a pink bluebon-
net, the Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa) has bright pink-orange flowers on a tall stalk. It gets its name from its resemblance to a paintbrush dipped in vibrant color. These flowers often bloom alongside bluebonnets, creating a striking contrast.
In the same color scheme as the Indian Paintbrush, but not nearly as often featured in pictures, is Standing Cypress (Ipomopsis rubra). Also bright orangey-red, but a much taller plant with smaller, more delicate flowers, these bushy clusters may not provide the best photo session for us humans, but they are a favorite among hummingbirds.
Few flowers put on more dramatic colors than the Drummond Phlox (Phlox drummondii), a name you probably don’t hear often. These small, delicate flowers bloom in beautiful varieties of pink, purple, and white. They are usually found growing close to the ground in sandy soils, and add bursts of color to roadsides. Their petals delicately open into a soft pentagon or star shape.
The Texas Bluebell (Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum), which is much more purple than blue, is often mistaken for a tulip. With delicate, cup-shaped blooms, it tends to
grow in small clusters rather than large patches, adding subtle beauty to the landscape.
With a similar look, but found in more abundance is the aptly named Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata). Its petals are vibrant purple or magenta and open up to look like (you guessed it) a cup. These sprawling plants bloom in spring and early summer, often growing in clusters low to the ground.
One of my absolute favorites is the Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides). This beauty thrives in my yard. I love the bright clusters of flowers. Like a collection of hundreds of teeny bouquets, the small petals come in a wide variety of colors with orange, yellow, and red. I’m not the only one with a passion for these low-growing beauties—butterflies flock to them, especially in hot, dry conditions when other flowers struggle.
Another common variety you may have heard of before is the Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera). While not quite as striking as the pinks and purples of other blooms, the distinctive dark red and yellow petals that droop down, around the center are said to resemble a sombrero. Fun fact, the cone-shaped “hat” in the center isn’t a single reproductive structure—it’s covered in hundreds of tiny disk flowers that ultimately produce seeds after pollination. These droughtresistant plants, with their long tap roots are commonly found in open grassy areas and along highways.
Dropping all color, but still managing to wow us with its beauty is the Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum). These petite, white (and occasionally yellow) flowers are highly drought-resistant and their fame comes from the fact that they often begin to bloom in late spring and continue flowering
into fall, dotting even the driest, rockiest areas with delicate blossoms.
These next flowers are like no other on this list, or around here. Officially known as Eryngium, most folks call this flower Rattlesnake Master or Sea Holly. Growing up my family didn’t know what they were called so we’ve always referred to them as “Floof-kanoofs” because of their round, spiky, globelike flowers in shades of periwinkle blue. Before they bloom the plant has stiff, spiky leaves similar to thistles or wild lettuce. Once the unique flowers open up, the tall stalks can be cut and dried for beautiful additions to dried flower arrangements.
The last flower to make the list is even more odd, but more recognizable. Prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.) typically bloom in the spring and early summer (between April and June, depending on weather). You’ll see their vibrant yellow, orange, or even pink large, showy flowers popping up from the top of spiky cactus pads. These unbelievable blooms only last for a single day, but new blooms continue to emerge over several weeks. After flowering, the plant produces red or purple fruit (prickly pears), which ripen by late summer or early fall
Wildflowers are one of my absolute favorite parts of spring! Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, they transform our landscapes, painting our lovely corner of Texas in beautiful colors. Take a drive on just about any Hill Country backroads, enjoy scenic drives west of San Antonio on Highway 16 or Ranch Roads 337 & 187 to get great views of these stunning native wildflower fields. Whether you find them in town or along the roadside, don’t forget to stop and smell, I mean, take some photos in the flowers.
ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT
After Nearly 80 Years,Family-Owned Hollywood-Crawford Continues To Grow
Not many companies have been around for nearly 80 years. It’s also rare for a business to have a 5star average rating on Google, especially with more than 4,300 reviews.
But both of those describe Hollywood-Crawford Door Company, which was founded in San Antonio in 1947. Today the company is the fifth-largest residential garage door company in the nation.
When Hollywood-Crawford got its start, garage doors were made of wood. The technology for garage door openers was in its infancy and wouldn’t become widely available until the 1970s and 80s.
Now, garage doors are available in a multitude of materials, styles and colors, and can be controlled with a tap on a smartphone.
While the industry has seen many changes over nearly eight decades, one thing has remained the same: Hollywood-Crawford has remained a family-owned business, committed to providing great service to customers.
Customer service is the key to the company’s longevity. HollywoodCrawford has won the Angi Super Service Award for 18 years in a row for exceptional customer service (something no other garage door company in San Antonio has achieved). It’s also earned awards from platforms including Yelp and Nextdoor based on positive customer reviews.
Hollywood-Crawford’s family roots run deep. It all started when Doyle Benton began working as an installer for the company in 1959. Twenty years later, Benton bought the business from Harry and Merle Crosland, the couple that started the company.
He hired his son-in-law, Randy Oliver, in 1981. Oliver has served as the company president since 1996, handling day-to-day operations with his wife, Becky, and overseeing a team of nearly 80 team members.
Today a third generation of family members are in leadership roles at the company: Randy and Becky’s son Chris is the company’s general manager and their son Jonathan is the sales team leader.
Other family members have also joined the team:
• The couple’s nephew, Derek Benton, will lead the company’s New Braunfels location later this year.
• Sister-in-law Teri Benton oversees estimating and purchasing.
• Their niece Emily Kennedy is a customer care representative.
• Nephew Christian White is a customer care representative, and his wife Maima Knupps is the company’s HR manager.
Together, Benton and Oliver have helped HollywoodCrawford not only survive, but thrive by adapting to changing conditions.
Garage doors have gone from a purely practical necessity to a design element, comprising up to 40% of a home’s elevation. The company built a showroom that now displays more than 40 garage doors to show homeowners many of the options available.
Garage doors often serve as the main entrance into and out of a home. Homeowners can now control and monitor their garage door openers from their smartphones, with some featuring built-in battery backups, cameras and twoway audio and more.
The company has seen changing trends in San Antonio’s construction industry as well. More multifamily homes are incorporating garages into their designs. Word of mouth, always a vital source of referrals, has taken on a new significance with online reviews and social media. As the labor market
has gotten more competitive, the company has invested in increasing employee benefits and improving the culture, including higher pay, more paid time off and a healthy profit-sharing program, among other perks.
The family also believes in giving back to the community and provides significant financial gifts to local nonprofit organizations each year.
"Our family has been blessed over the years here, so it’s important to us to support organizations that help others in San Antonio and the Hill Country," Oliver said.
At 88 years old, Doyle Benton remains the company CEO and helps with banking, planning and greeting employees. And with the next generation of the Benton family continuing his legacy of service, Hollywood-Crawford is well positioned for many more decades of success.
Steve Dane with Haven for Hope, Denice Brown with Independence Title, and Jessica Burdon with Haven for Hope
Hailey Sims and Francie Millan, both with Keller Williams City View
Joe Chodash, Sandi Peerman, Erin Cestero, Tere Arenivar-Garcia, Grant Bowman and Jennifer Bowman all with JB Goodwin Realtors
Spring has been a season of growth and momentum for the Women’s Council of REALTORS® San Antonio Network. We are thrilled to share the continued success of our mission to empower women in real estate through events that educate, connect, and elevate our members and partners. With a strong 2025 leadership team in place and energy building throughout the network, we are committed to keeping the bar high with innovative, high-value programs that support our members’ businesses and personal development.
One of the highlights of this season was our powerful April event, Lead Like a Pro, where we gathered to learn from four dynamic industry leaders in a panel-style format. These amazing panelists brought their expertise, insights, and passion to the table, creating a rich environment for learning and reflection. They
shared best practices to level up your business—from time management and client communication to strategic growth, mindset shifts, and personal branding. No matter your years in the industry, everyone walked away with real, applicable tools to enhance both their business and their confidence.
The attendance spoke volumes about the hunger for connection and professional growth in our community. We had approximately 70 attendees—members, partners, and guests—all eager to engage and grow. The energy in the room was palpable. As real estate professionals, we know how easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle, but this event reminded us of the power of stepping back, learning from others, and intentionally investing in ourselves. Lead Like a Pro wasn’t just another networking event—it was a catalyst for improvement and a
celebration of leadership.
But we’re not stopping there.
Next up is one of our most anticipated gatherings of the year: Cinco de Sips with the Builders! Happening on May 5th, this festive event will be hosted in conjunction with five outstanding builder partners at the Homestead subdivision. Together, we’re bringing our members and the local real estate community a unique opportunity to explore beautiful new homes, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the season in style.
We’re proud to be partnering with some of the top names in homebuilding: Coventry Homes, Perry Homes, Highland Homes, Castle Rock Homes, and Century Communities. Their support and collaboration help make this event possible, and they’re ready to welcome REALTORS® into their stunning model homes for an afternoon of connection and celebration.
In true Women’s Council fashion, Cinco de Sips with the Builders will be a vibrant blend of networking, fun, and collaboration. Attendees will enjoy delicious food, music, and the chance to tour these impressive new builds while mingling with fellow REALTORS® and builder reps. It’s a fantastic way to build new partnerships, learn more about local
inventory, and unwind with colleagues in a lively, engaging setting.
Our builder partners play a huge role in supporting the work we do, and this event is a reflection of the strong, mutually beneficial relationships we continue to foster. We’re proud to spotlight their contributions and bring together professionals from all areas of the industry for a day of community and celebration.
At Women’s Council, we believe that when one of us rises, we all rise. Whether we’re hosting a leadership panel, planning a community event, or creating opportunities for professional development, our goal is the same: to foster a supportive, empowering space where our members can thrive.
We are proud of the momentum we’re building this year. With every event, every collaboration, and every new member, we move closer to our vision of a stronger, more connected network. If you haven’t attended a Women’s Council event lately, we encourage you to join us—there’s never been a better time to get involved. Stay connected with us on social media and through our website for all the latest updates, event announcements, and opportunities to grow with us. Together, we’re not just doing business— we’re building a legacy.
Chelsea Smith with Independence Title and Courtney Hoech with Keller Wiliams Hill Country
Kimberly Garner with Champions School of Real Estate
Paula Christoph and Mari Mitchell with Mitchell Realty
Schalonda Mooney, Schooney Graphic and Merlie Sanders with Ottey Investment Realty.
Gina Young with Sitterle Homes
Aidyl Costas and Jill Whittaker, both with JB Goddwin Realtors
Ramon Pena with The Kat Garcia Group and Blanca Rose Hernandez with VIP Mortgage, The Cloud Team
NARPM
Security Deposits Settlements, Friend or Foe?
As if property managers don’t do much already. Now your tenants given notice to vacate and the owner decides to move back into their property and expects to have their property returned in its original condition or better than they left it. Yes, that’s right, after everything we do during the lease term to keep everything moving like clockwork, smoothly and efficiently, now we’ll be facing the daunting task of making everyone happy. Or that's what it feels like.
Although some may find it tedious or at best would like to avoid it, unfortunately it’s one of the most important components to complete the off-boarding process. This process consists of both the property owner and management company complying with the law regarding the time frame of returning the tenant(s) security deposit. As a property manager of over 23 years, security deposit settlements have always been a part of the job
and this is where your communication skills, professional discretion, company policy and staying informed of the law will make or break you.
For some, this part is awkward, undaunting, nail biting and just outright stressful, but doesn’t need to be. According to Texas Property Code, Sections 92.10392.104, landlords shall refund a security deposit to the tenant on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the premises or an accounting of it, as further outlined in Section 92.104Retention of Security Deposit. There is an exception to this rule, and you may find more information in Section 92.107.
When tenant has given proper notice, a forwarding address, and moves out, the clock starts ticking to meet the 30-day required time we have to settle the account to return the deposit or give an accounting of the funds that were
retained by the property owner.
Now this is where there may be upcoming discussions or disagreements with the property owner regarding the state of the move out condition vs the move in condition. As humans, sometimes we may have our memory clouded with so many details and things we have to worry about on the daily. We should not judge, become aggressive or try to win a fight that may not be worth fighting. This happens on occasions, where an owner may remember there were no scuff marks on a wall or the scratch on the refrigerator wasn’t there. Cleanliness is also a main topic as someone's definition of clean, may not be the same to another person. This is where documentation is imperative as well as the insight of what an owner may lawfully charge for. Best practice would be to set the expectation from the beginning of the management agreement, to avoid confusion about your procedures.
Stay communicating during the process and don’t divert from the contracts or the law. Take the time to explain and be thorough with your client. Stay cool and on time and you will prevail with fairness and preciseness. So, the question remains, Security Deposits Settlements, Friend or Foe? That will depend on how you handle the situation. In this business, we can’t
make everyone happy; but we can always do the right thing. Demonstrate to your client that they made the right choice having you as their property manager.
To learn more about our chapter, visit our Facebook page, San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of NARPM or visit our website: https://sanarpm.org/
This year's President Charity of Choice: March of Dimes and Theme is “Live Long and Prosper”.
Calendar of events:
EPA Lead Renovator Initial RRP Training: May 6, 2025
TREPAC Derby Party: May 7, 2025
Executive Board Meeting: May 8, 2025
Pickleball Chapter Social: May 13, 2025
Chapter Meeting- NSPIRE Standards & Opportunity Home: May 14, 2025
SABOR Leasing & Property Management Meeting: May 15, 2025
National Association ofREALTORS Legislative Conference: May 31, 2025- June 5, 2025
Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Past President
HAPPY CRITIC
Karen Evans / Contributing Writer
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there! Your love and care make the world a better place for everyone. Let's celebrate and honor new and experienced mothers who bring so much joy into our lives—sending love and appreciation to all the mothers around the globe on this special day!
The ultimate way to celebrate is by spending quality time with our mothers, whether at a Sunday brunch in a charming restaurant or a delightful luncheon at someone's lovely home.
Here are a few of my favorite spots in the area for Mother's Day brunch: Box Street All Day and The Magnolia Pancake Haus. While I'm not usually a fan of breakfast places, I must say that The Magnolia Pancake Haus might be the best breakfast spot I've ever visited. The food is delicious, and the vibe is cute and cozy. There is a wonderful outdoor seating area while you wait for your table. The service is top-notch. Pancakes make people happy. And the strawberry and blueberry pancakes are sweet, fluffy, and consistently excellent. The waffles with eggs and sausage patties are incredible. They are the best waffles I have tasted in my life. The eggs are perfectly
cooked, buttery, and soft. Their coffee is also the best I have ever had. And yes, the cinnamon rolls are GIANT!!! Excellent service, delicious food, and Texas-sized portions!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Box St. All Day in Hemisfair Park, and it is an experience worth sharing. This trendy brunch spot has quickly become one of my favorites in Southtown, and for good reason. It is so beautiful from the inside out! The vibrant and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for a special occasion like Mother's Day. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff that set
the tone for a delightful meal. The menu is extensive and decadent, with options for brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, beer, wine, and bubbles. I particularly loved the Breakfast Panna Cotta and Eggs Benny! What I love about Box Street All Day is that they truly embody the spirit of brunch; the "All Day" in their name is a testament to serving up delicious eats from morning til evening. Their location is also fantastic, nestled in the full-of-life Hemisfair Park, where you can stroll before or after your meal. It's an ideal place for Mother's Day! I love that I can enjoy brunch dishes at any time of the day! All day! I can't wait to go back and explore their menu more!
Cooking a lovely Mother's Day brunch at home is a delightful way to show appreciation for all the wonderful mothers in our lives. Start by setting the scene with beautiful flowers, champagne glasses, and charming tableware. Prepare a menu that includes a variety of dishes to please every palate, such as soft scrambled eggs, thick
pepper bacon, homemade pancakes topped with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream, and a delicious Asparagus Tart. Serve everything with love!
ASPARAGUS TART
Delicious tender-crisp asparagus on a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust with plenty of cheese is casually elegant for your Mother's Day brunch.
*Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
*Using a rolling pin, gently roll out puff pastry to an 11 x 14 rectangle, then transfer it to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick the puff pastry with a fork, then brush it all over with the mustard.
*Sprinkle gruyere over the puff pastry, leaving a 1" border on all sides. Arrange asparagus spears to be parallel with each other, or get fancy and arrange them on the diagonal! *Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and puffy. Slice into squares and serve with love!
