No, We Do Not Yet Have All The Answers To All Our Questions!
There are for certainty two “givens” in our times: that we are human beings and that we currently occupy space on the planet Earth. Centuries ago those who occupied the same spaces knew considerably less about where they were and most likely also wondered about the same things for which we would now like some answers. Fortunately since those earlier times some of the questions have been thoroughly researched and we now know much more about our surroundings and the world in which we live.
Today, as before, once one reaches the age of reason and wants to understand what is going on in the world around them they may wonder about things like what is out there in space? When and how did all this life begin? Just how many different plants and animals are there in the world? When someone dies what actually happens? Why do we dream and what do dreams mean? Will time travel ever be a possibility in our lifetime?
As noted, many of the questions of those who preceded us on Earth have since been answered as for centuries some of our most brilliant minds have searched for solutions and have offered a substantial number of theories as to the why for all things. Eventually, through use of the “trial and error” method or actual scientific method, they have been successful in arriving at answers, i.e., after many missteps they finally stumbled upon the correct answer. However, most of the questions posed above, as of this day and age, despite all the currently proposed theories from all the brilliant minds working together, using modern high powered telescopes and computers and up-todate artificial intelligence programs, are yet to be resolved!
Through studies done to date within Quantum Physics and Cosmology, along with information garnered through NASA’s foray into outer space we do have some understanding of the requirements necessary to sustain life and scientists now estimate there could be, within our galaxy (the Milky Way), as many as 40 billion habitable planets. Though
we do believe that some of the life sustaining elements could be present on other yet undiscovered planets, until we find those planets we remain ignorant of the presence of other lifeforms in our universe. Perhaps in the future, when we find the “trigger” that creates new lifeforms and just how they form, develop and sustain their existence, we will learn what to look for and where we might find it in the universe. So for today, while we do know that there are many animal and plant lifeforms on Earth, we are not sure of just how many unusual species there are. Given that, how could we even guess what is in yet unexplored outer spaces?
Another thing we frequently wonder about is why some nights we just go to sleep and wake in the morning after a quiet and peaceful rest but other nights we may wake after having had a weird dream that really made no sense (nightmare perhaps). Theories are many and varied when it comes to the whys and wherefores of dreams. We do know there are four stages to the sleep cycle beginning with a short drowsy period of light sleep followed by a much longer time of light sleep which is accompanied by a decreased heart rate and body temperature. After this we enter a third stage which is a deep sleep when it would be quite difficult to easily rouse one and a time during which the body has opportunity to heal itself. The fourth stage is known as REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) when one’s breathing and heart rate increase and during which most dreaming occurs.
Ever since Sigmund Freud helped draw attention to dreams in the late 19th century, researchers have been trying to demystify the scientific process, however, there is much yet to be learned on the subject. While there is no simple explanation as to the purpose of dreams or their meaning, we do know that all humans and some animals do dream and that the content of dreams and their effect on sleep can vary dramatically from one person to another. Most agree that dreams are emotional or sensory experiences that take place during REM
sleep, that dreaming is normal and healthy but that nightmares could seriously interfere with one’s sleep. Yes, I would think so!
Probably one of the biggest unanswered questions in life is just what it’s like to die, unanswered because none of the experts on the subject are here any longer to tell us about it. If one is fortunate enough to reach an advanced age they begin to think about the end of their time on Earth and what it will be likewill it be quick and easy or long, drawn out and miserable? Yet the bigger question may be what happens next and where does one go afterwards – is it all over then or will there be more to follow? As to what the living individual may expect of an afterlife might depend on whether or not they follow any of the various religious beliefs or not – if not they may anticipate nothing more but if so, they expect to be conscious of their surroundings and in a better place with all their past relatives and friends who had gone on before them.
Some inkling of what might be expected comes from those who have experienced near-death events and have survived to tell about what they recall happened to them. One such case was related by Anthony (Tony) Cicoria, an orthopedic physician who in 1984, when about a foot away from a telephone booth after making a call, was struck by a bolt of lightning. He later related that he remembers being blown upwards and looking down at his body which was surrounded by a bluish-white light. He saw a woman who had been there waiting to make a call, who coincidentally was an ICU nurse, resuscitating him after which he was taken to a local hospital. Though he initially experienced burns to his foot and face and periods of memory loss his life eventually returned to normal except that within two or three days of returning home he acquired an insatiable desire for piano music, bought a piano, learned to play it and is now composing his own music and performing publicly.
Though not quite as dramatic as the previous incident, actress Jane Seymour, in 1988,
while filming in Spain, was taken ill with bronchitis and brought to a local hospital where antibiotics were prescribed. Unfortunately they were injected into a vein rather that than a muscle and she went into anaphylactic shock and her heart stopped beating.. She too relates calmly looking down on the scene and seeing a white light and a nurse attempting to revive her by injecting her with other medications. Just two examples of what one might experience when that time comes, however without returning live to the scene.
And on a final note, many wonder, especially after seeing movies about “time machines,” if it would ever be possible that one might actually be able to visit a time that is way in the past or far into the future. So far research indicates that travel into a future time might be possible but travel into the past would be so difficult that it might be impossible. Albert Einstein’s theories relating to relativity provided a description of the relationship between space and time, indicating that the flow of time is not a constant.
Time can speed up or slow down in accordance with the circumstances. i.e., the faster you travel, the slower you will experience time. Consider this: many of us rely on GPS to get from point A to point B but the GPS satellites that are responsible for relaying signals to the systems on Earth are located 12,550 miles above Earth and their clocks are slower than those on Earth. To add another complication the GPS satellites are orbiting Earth at 8,700 miles per hour and experience time at a rate slightly faster than 1 second per second so there will always be a time discrepancy between space and on Earth. Although the daily difference may be small, over days it would become significant if scientists, using mathematical calculations were not able to consistently adjust for the difference. All this leads to the belief that yes, once we know more about space and time and the effects of gravity on them, time travel forward might be possible and somewhere along the way answers to many of the other questions will be forthcoming – maybe in your lifetime!
Pat Farrell / Senior Contributing Writer
ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT
REALTORS®, Security Service knows after you’ve helped your clients find the perfect home, you want to help them find the perfect mortgage to secure the purchase. Our knowledgeable mortgage representatives are committed to providing you and your clients the highest level of professionalism and service. They’re dedicated to ensuring an on-time close and are readily available to you and your clients.
Don’t let upfront costs stand in the way of your clients looking to buy a home. To overcome this problem, Security Service created the Power Mortgage to remove those
financial obstacles and enable members to purchase a home with less upfront costs.
With a Power Mortgage borrowers pay no origination fee, saving your clients 1-2% of their loan amount at closing. For a $200,000 home, the origination fee would generally be at least $2,000 — already a huge savings to your clients. The Power Mortgage also covers buyers’ closing costs up to $5,000*.
A wide variety of mortgage types are available to your clients, including fixed and adjustable-rate conventional loans. Fixed and adjustable-rate
options are also available on jumbo loans for homes over $766,550. If your clients are building a home, Security Service provides a One-Time Close construction loan. With a One-Time Close, your clients lock in a low rate for construction that carries over to a permanent mortgage loan. If your clients are in the market for land, we also offer competitive, low rates on lot and land loans up to $500,000.
When your clients are ready to close, close with Security Service Title Company. We offer multiple convenient closing options like in-home closing, in-branch closing, inoffice, and remote online notarization, where available. You can even close at one of our new offices in Corpus Christi or New Braunfels! We’ll make sure you close on time, every time. Learn more at ssfcu.org/title.
For more information about how to help your clients save on their home purchase, please visit ssfcu.org/realtors. To speak with a mortgage representative, call 1-800-681-4466, Monday through Friday from
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You and your clients will work with the same dedicated loan officer who will keep them updated on their loan status from the beginning to end of the homebuying process.
Membership eligibility required. Loan subject to credit approval.
*The program offers to save up to $5,000 in select closing costs does not cover mortgage insurance, seller paid closing costs, discount points, prepaids, reserves, and post consummation loan costs. If loan is closed or paid off within first 36 months of the term, member may be required to reimburse all or some of the closing costs incurred. The program is not valid for FHA, VA, or Lot/Land loans. Closing costs may vary based on transaction. Visit mortgage department or ssfcu.org for conditions and restrictions. Valid in Texas, Colorado, and Utah.
1-Nov Patricia Sanchez Keller Williams Legacy
Eddy Hall Keller Williams Legacy
Tracey Lammert Compass RE Texas
2-Nov Lynn Boyd Phyllis Browning Company
Kathleen McKan Tirado Vortex Realty
Jeff Webster CEO Greater Chamber of Commerce
Aurora Crawford M. Stagers Realty Partners
Donna Phelan Vortex Realty
3-Nov
4-Nov
5-Nov
6-Nov
Kathy Alberthal Garrett Wright Properties
Randall Odom Randall Odom, Realtors
Alejandra Martinez Premier Realty Group
Jason Payne Coldwell Banker D’Ann
Lonna Atkinson Lonna Properties
Peggy A. Orf RE/MAX Elite - SA
Estela Haese Keller Williams Heritage
Brenda Brock Kimberly Howell Properties
Aneeta Bhalla Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Grant Shaffer Grant Shaffer, Broker
Jocelyn Dela Rosa Real
Lorena Rodriguez Full Spectrum Realty
April Ancira Thompson VP Ancira Automotive
Rosalyn Mitchell Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Lenora Cromer Simmonds Real Estate
Sharon Herbert Independence Title
Paul Germano Old Republic Title
Karishma Rupani Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group
7-Nov J. R. Troy ERA Troy Realtors
Jeanine Schuchardt Key Relo Real Estate
Jaime Sepulveda Strategic Property Management
Viki Melton Stone Oak Realty Services
Carol Schultz Hill Country Home and Land
Praveen Mammen BHHS PenFed Realty
8-Nov Diane Craig RE/MAX Associates
Tammy Leeper Premier Hill Country Prop.
Bob Mueller All Safe Property Management
9-Nov Clark Tilley Clark Tilley INC
Jose Lopez Premier Realty Group
Susan Petereit Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
10-Nov Edward Alanis San Antonio Portfolio KW RE
Lisa Stanley Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Jennifer Romance-Deal Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
11-Nov Olga Gallego A & N Realty
Martha Gutierrez Keller Williams Heritage
J. D. Boggus Texas Land 4 You
12-Nov Jay Villarreal Old Republic Title
Kathy Seale Phyllis Browning Company
13-Nov Brenda Worsham Keller Williams City View
Diana Fuentes Calswell Banker D'Ann Harper
Grace Joseph Independence Title
15-Nov John Ximenez Mission Real Estate Group
16-Nov Jane Gordon Premier Realty Group
17-Nov Bruce Wedell Keller Williams Heritage
Sue Rodarte Phyllis Browning Company
Roger Brissette JB Goodwin Realtors
18-Nov Rose Jamison The Horn Company
David Saenz Keller Williams Legacy
Danny Ashinhurst ERA Colonial Real Estate
Robert Pike BHHS PenFed Realty
Luci Cockrell Cockrell, Inc., Realtors
Mary Corcoran Key Realty
19-Nov Michael Trautman Redfin Corp.
Michele Gammel Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group
Jon Hess Phyllis Browning Company
Cheryl Aycock Phyllis Browning Company
20-Nov Jan Hicinbothom RE/MAX Associates
Manny Arredondo Realty Executives of S.A. 21-Nov Kyle Cornell Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Dorothy Williams Vortex Realty
Sherrell Russell Keller Williams Heritage
22-Nov Nena King Nix Realty Company
Susan Brand Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Jamie Farley LPT Realty
23-Nov Joe Buzzank Vortex Realty Ron Diggs Home Team of America
Charo King RE/MAX North - San Antonio
John Michael Little Keller Williams Legacy
Katy Stephens Phyllis Browning Company
24-Nov Karen Franz Keller Williams Heritage
David Kline Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
25-Nov Denise Carswell eXp Realty
Sandy Miller JB Goodwin Realtors
Connie McCord RE/MAX Associates
John Brown Alamo Realty Experts
Joel Garza Texas Edge Realty
26-Nov Lynane Eifler Key Realty
Bob Leonard RE/MAX Associates
Frances Ross Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Chris Schenk Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
Debbie Turner Nix Realty Company
Claudine Coleman JB Goodwin
27-Nov Nancy Skovly BHHS Prudential Don Johnson
Lowie Van Diest Red Diamond Realty
Steve Bennett SH Bennett Properties
Michelle Campbell Keller Williams City View
Howard Rhoder Shining Star Real Estate
28-Nov Kurt Varela Lincoln Realty Group
Nancy Oberman Phyllis Browning Company
Tere Arenivar-Garcia JB Goodwin
Jennifer Beck Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper
29-Nov Charla Sealy Realty Executives of S.A. Rick Montelongo Bordeaux Luxury Homes
30-Nov Kristi Maxwell Kuper Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Randy Rice Premier Realty Group
Anya Grokhovski Musical Bridges Around the World
THE WAY I SEE IT
Cathey Meyer / Contributing Writer
Still Cabled
The nice cable company sent us an email last month announcing they were sending us new equipment. Since we are in that ‘scam the elderly’ range, we were skeptical about this proclamation and just ignored the legitimate looking email. Two weeks later, a special delivery arrived from our friends at UPS: a very large, heavy box and a label that said open immediately. Oh, the suspense. We were intimidated by the box as we did not make a request for anything from our cable service. Our lives were quite content with simple remotes, the gigantic black box under the big television and all the little boxes under the not so big televisions. The neighborhoods have been hopped up on having us convert to the ‘simplicity’ of streaming services. Wanting to be in the know of limited technology, we reviewed the options. Turns out, by the time you combine your streaming services of choice, create accounts, figure out yet more pesky passwords and pray for strong internet feeds, you are paying the same or more in fees than our antiquated cable com-
pany charges. All we have to do to access cable television is pay our bill once a month and punch the ON button on the remote. We are simple people.
After a week of sitting on the coffee table, we finally got the courage to peek in the box. I should repeat the cable company did send several more emails announcing they sent us a box, they knew the box had arrived at our billing address and we had one month to complete the transfer. For those of you in our elderly age range, you recall those opening Mission Impossible episodes when Peter Graves, aka, Jim Phelps would receive his impossible mission via small box delivery and the cassette recorder would then announce his assignment and self-destruct in ten seconds. To our disappointment, we had no cassette recorder with easy instructions about what was in the box. For those of you scratching your noggin about what a cassette recorder is, Google it. If Jim Phelps had Google, that television show would have been so different . . .or a Tom Cruise movie
these days. None-the-less, self-destruction was imminent.
In the box were five tiny boxes, five unrecognizable remotes and a sheet of paper with the tiniest of print explaining how simple it would be to disconnect our current boxes and reconnect our new boxes. We were not sure if we were reading English as nothing we looked at made sense. In a move that even surprised me, I went online to see if the instructions would be easier to decipher. Online, the print was larger, but the instructions promising to be simple steps to replace our boxes were even more confusing. Things were referenced in the instructions that I did not believe were in my home. In fear of losing any television signal, I made a call to my favorite cable company. The usually quick response folks told me it would be three to four weeks before anyone could come out to assist us. Turns out, there are plenty of folks in our little cable club that first, have cable and second, have no clue how to transfer boxes for signals.
Three and a half weeks later, Rolando, our regular cable guy showed up as scheduled. We see him about twice a year for various issues and he is always friendly and helpful. I explained that the instructions told us it would take 10 minutes to unplug, replug and reset our equipment for a flawless transition. He chuckled and got to work. One- and one-half hours later, Rolando was ready for a beer. His
mission was only half over as now he had to explain to two AARPer’s how to operate the space-craft-like remote. I must commend him on his patience. Change is never easy, but these contraptions were beyond our big button turns on the TV mentality. Turns out, many changes have arrived to the smart television screens of the 21st century. Before you even get a picture, you are bombarded with choices, words, instructions and a tiny red arrow that controls you—you do not control her. Once you can target your viewing choice, you pray you can remember which arrow gets you to your destination. Rolando had time, we were the last call and the beer was cold. He tutored us right through the process. He noted this was his job all month—simplifying the ‘easy’ process of installing new equipment. Apparently, some AI egghead without tech-slow relatives thought this was a grand idea to have customers do their own installation upgrades, when, in fact, it created a nightmare for the cable techs.
Roland was very familiar with our Mission Impossible scenario. He used to watch reruns with his grandpa, who as luck would have it, was his first appointment the following day. We are once again cable ready for action. For the record, we do have one antenna television for emergency reception. It doesn’t get cable channels, but it does get Mission Impossible reruns. The old days just keep repeating.
Kelly Mueller and Liz Ortiz both with Champions School of Real Estate and Tori Vendola Reliance Residential Realty
Ruth Rios, Chiaki Brown, and Ruben Rios, all with Vortex Realty
Memories & Friends Flashback to October 2014
In and Around San Antonio
Aly Crawford / Contributing Writer
Priceless Halloween Memories
Halloween has become plastic-dipped and wrapped in chocolate. We can do better. This holiday is more than overpriced, throwaway costumes and gorging on teeny tiny packages of candy. Halloween is a unique and memoryfilled holiday for all ages. The frightening decor and hair-raising horror movies definitely set the scene, and the fact that the temperatures have the potential to dip below 85 really has me ready for spooky season. But between the prevalence of a certain spirited popup store and the ridiculously high prices on tiny bags of candy, much of the spirit of the holiday has become faded and warped. Here’s my proposition:
Let’s trick-or-treat in our neighborhood. Do you remember going door-to-door, checking for the porch light, knowing this was the undeniable signal that this house was friendly to trick-or-
treaters? The practice of "trick-ortreating" likely originated from the medieval custom of "souling," where the poor would go door to door on Hallowmas (November 1) to receive food in exchange for prayers for the dead. While the custom has seen upgrades in the past century, the last few years have been a downhill spiral of chaos: cars driving around, kids bursting out of the doors, running to the front door, collecting their prize, and running back to the safety of their car as the car darts off down the street. That’s not right! That’s not right! I understand that not all neighborhoods are safe for youngsters to walk in, but find a good one where you can park and stroll with your family, or consider a local trunk-or-treat. Plus, no one is judging the shoes on your costume, so swap the heels and (plastic) glass slippers for tennis shoes and plan to get your steps in for one night only.
Let’s bring the Tricky Treats. It is called trick OR treat. I usually only see treats. My mother-in-law has the best solution for this: she saves all her condiments from restaurants and drops tiny ketchups and grape jelly packets into unsuspecting trick-or-treaters’ bags. Fantastic! I enjoy having a candyless treat bowl. Sometimes, referred to as the Teal Pumpkin Project, offering non-candy alternatives for various reasons, I love my cauldron filled with goodies like stickers and glow sticks and maybe just a few plastic cockroaches.
Let’s get creative with unique costumes. You don’t need to be a seamstress or a master TikTok makeup guru to make something special. A certain spirited pop-up store that brings empty department stores back from the dead for a limited time is a ghoulish excuse for overconsumption. You can dress up as anything for Halloween. Literally anything. Raid some family members' closets and dress up as an old lady. Tape packages of Smarties to your pants and show your true personality of a smartie pants. Dress up like a tourist, or a cowboy, or a Best Buy employee in your khakis. You don’t need to buy a costume. If you must - at least check the thrift store first.
Lastly, let’s celebrate in true San Antonio style and incorporate
and celebrate Dia de los Muertos. We talk about the reason for the season a lot at Christmas but, why not Halloween? This holiday used to signal the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. On the night of October 31, it was thought that the spirits of the deceased could return to Earth, so people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. It takes a much different view of the dead and honors deceased loved ones by celebrating their lives through remembrance, rather than mourning. Think about adding an ofrenda, or altar, to honor those that have passed with photographs, a few of their favorite foods, drinks, and personal items, and adorn with marigolds. This beautiful holiday seems tied to Halloween but it's more than just beautiful sugar skulls; bring some love and good-hearted celebration to the season with its beautiful celebrations of life.
You definitely can go buy the $15 bag of candy, or the generic plastic costume, you could even leave your porch light off entirely, but memories made on Halloween are priceless and worth a lifetime. Maybe even more, maybe the ghosts and ghouls are trying to tell us something about the afterlife too.
Memories & Friends Flashback to October 2014
Closing Thoughts For Year 2024
As we approach the last quarter of 2024, I want to share the vision our San Antonio Women’s Council of REALTORS® Board had for this year which includes backtracking to 2023. At the beginning of 2023 we were a completely new board as this was a time following Covid during which no one was meeting and everything was at a standstill. A few of us were completely new to the Women’s Council and clueless as to what serving on the board entailed. We applied, were chosen, sent to orientation, and later realized that we had committed to a major responsibility with a lot of work to do. As we mobilized, one of the first things we did was reach out to the members and strategic partners to understand what was important to them. We asked what they would like to see the organization do to bring value not only to our members but also to our strategic partners who financially support our board. We took notes and started to rebuild our post-Covid Network.
The year 2023 was one of reconstruction as we had to reintroduce ourselves to San Antonio and let our REALTOR® community know that we were still here and eager to come back strong. The vision for 2024 has been to continue to connect with our members and our community. We have aimed to show the value that the Women's Council brings to its members and strategic partners who plug in and take advantage of all we have to offer. In addition to building up leaders in our real estate community, we have focused on forging connections and relationships. This has been a year of learning, growing, and building friendships and business bonds that have advanced our individual growth as leaders and business owners.
For any who feel they have not gained anything from being a part of the Women's Council, I ask this: besides attending one or two events
and leaving when it's over, what have you done to connect, get involved, serve, and really take advantage of the leadership and growth opportunities offered at not only the local level but also at state and national levels? If you are too busy to connect, grow, and learn, you will miss the whole point of being part of an organization that offers value and tremendous opportunities. We do still have some opportunities for you to plug in.
By the time you read this, we will have had our last mixer for the year. On September 19th, we combined our White Out event with our member appreciation event where we honored our members by giving awards and swag to our members. During October, the State Network will hold their installation and orientation for the 2025 board. The new boards officially begin on November 14, 2024. We are also excited to announce our 2nd annual Realtor Olympics on October 23rd which will be in collaboration with Bear Coaching with proceeds being donated to Boysville. The purpose of this event is to have fun while also raising money for a local charity. In November, we have planned a lunch to honor and thank our Strategic Partners for their support throughout 2024 and will also hold our final membership orientation for 2024. The year end National Women’s Council event will be in conjunction with the National Association of REALTORS®
(NAR) in Boston, MA where our new National Board will be installed. For those who may not know, we are a Sister Organization to NAR, and hold our national conferences with them twice a year.
The installation for our local 2025 board will be held at the beginning of December. We do still have openings for Committee members for 2025 to help out in Membership, events, hospitality, and social media. This is a wonderful way to get involved with minimal commitment while you get to meet many people, help plan, and can see the bigger picture of Women's Council of REALTORS®..
I am a different person now than I was when I became a board member for Women's Council. I came in blindly not knowing what I was getting into and while It has honestly been a period of being uncomfortable, stretched, growth, getting to know who I really am and how I operate, it has all been a part of my leadership journey. I have met amazing people and have had doors of opportunity open due to the connections made through the Women's Council. I also now have an amazing network of professional women with whom I have been sharing as well as receiving referrals. I am better as a result and grateful to have been blessed to be a part of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.
Angelica Erosa / President, San Antonio Women’s Council Network
Bill and Frances Ross, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
Sergio Hernandez, Hollywood Crawford
Carol Case with Kuper Sotheby’s Int’l Realty, Susan Jones with JB Goodwin, and Richard Specia with Kuper Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
NARPM
Brenda Davila / SAMAC, NARPM Past President
Making And Keeping Connections In Property Management
I remember when I started my property management business, I had one property and it went on for a few months, yet it felt like forever when you have bills to pay. I was super cautious with that property and owner, as it was my only bread and butter at the time, and I had all the time in the world to dedicate myself to it. That one property I proudly managed was referred to me by a longtime REALTOR® friend. The property owner wasn’t able to sell at the time, so it was suggested to rent out the home which is how I came into the picture. My friend knew I was starting out, was knowledgeable, honest and communicative. He took a leap of faith in me that his client would be taken care of for a few years until the house was ready to be placed on the market and sold. I’ve always been appreciative of that opportunity, as that’s where it all started.
Since then, my business has grown and it hasn’t been without the people that think of me when it comes
to property management. Those connections are dear to me and without the referrals, my business would be nonexistent. Now, how do you make and keep those connections? I’m going to say that number 1 on the list for me is to “follow through”. If you tell someone you are going to do something, do it. Don’t wait 2-3 days later to respond or show results. This right here can be a make-or-break situation. #2 -Never overpromise and underdeliver. This is another way for someone to lose trust in you. #3 -Be honest and concise, even though it may mean you won’t get the job. I’ve had property owner’s interview me, shop around, work with another property manager and come back to me due to the manager overpromising and underdelivering. #4- Another way to stay connected is to stay up to date with industry law and news. Just because we have a license to do what we do; doesn’t mean we know everything and it’s unchanging. It’s the total opposite, as we have experi -
enced in the last few years. Discipline in educating ourselves is a must as well as being a good communicator.
That brings me to #5Communication is key and clients and tenants want to hear from you. Whether good or bad news, owners don’t want to be left in the dark about their assets and clients would like to know you're approachable, to be more open about concerns or share their intentions such as, not renewing the lease, since they’d like to become home owners. #6 –Be proactive not reactive. Be prepared by anticipating future issues and ways to resolve, instead of reacting after an event has occurred. Being reactive, can lead to loss of time, money or trust. It’s best to be one step ahead. Lastly, #7always be thankful and show appreciation. Feeling thankful isn’t enough. Showing and saying it, goes a long way. I started sending thank you cards a few years back and it’s been fun to get a reaction or response. When I started, I didn’t do it with the intention of getting a response back. I did it to show my appreciation and thought in a letter form, I’d say what I would’ve probably held back from saying on the phone. Then one day I received a note back, then another and so on. It’s been an awesome feeling to know that my card is read and they enjoy it. Just be yourself and stay positive.
Now these are just a few pointers of many more that are out there.
Find the way you’d like to operate, stay focused and run with it. If you are your true self and are good at what you do, you won’t have a problem being top of mind to someone looking for a property manager. Now if you’re inclined to take in more education for your business and haven’t tried NARPM, may I suggest checking out our calendar of events. For more information on these topics or upcoming meetings, like our Facebook page, San Antonio Metropolitan Chapter of NARPM or visit our website: https://sanarpm.org/
Our upcoming calendar of events:
October 8-9 - Texas Residential Leasing Specialist Designation (TRLS)
October 10 - Executive Meeting (virtual)
October 14 - Property Management: Texas Property Code - In Person October 17- SABOR Leasing & Property Management Committee Meeting
October 21-24 - NARPM National Conference- Dallas
FYI: Don’t forget we changed our meeting hours from 10am-1pm to 11am-1pm. Same place and better time slot, so you can get some work done before coming in and leave early enough to complete your workday and feel accomplished.
TAP FCU Mixer
Scan to see and download more pictures from this event and others.
Paula Grigsby, TAP FCU President and Pat Farrell, Pat Farrell, Realtor
Tommy Wilson, TAP FCU Board and Guest.
Linda Hutchison with husband Marty Hutchison, Property Management Services
Bill Noble , Landlord Property Management Services with wife Michelle Noble, Certainty Home Loans
Nancy Nelson, Keller Wiliams and guest.
Ojas Tasker, Tasker Properties and Neelam Kinger, Vortex Realty
Pat Daugherty with husband Dale Daugherty, TAP FCU Board Member
Annette Slater, Landlord Property Management Services and Narcisa Ruiz, Keller Williams Heritage
Karen Evans / Contributing Writer
Legacy Office CentersServing San Antonio Since 1985 Faces And Places
You might say Charlie Alvarado lives the "suite life." As president of Legacy Office Centers, Inc., she has been in the office leasing business for 40 years. Legacy Office Centers is one of the longest-running privately owned and operated Office Centers in the US. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. Charlie has been married for 32 years and has three sons and six grandchildren. They live on a ranch outside of Devine, Texas, where they raise Brahma, Hereford, and Black Angus cattle and have a cow/calf operation. She enjoys very much her home, family, and country life. They are members of the Knights of Columbus and are all involved in their community.
At Legacy Office Centers, where Charlie has her office, we offer small businesses a unique
support system of back-office solutions. Our suites are designed for one- to four-person businesses, providing instant setup for operation with access to a receptionist, secretaries, office equipment, conference facilities, Internet access, Wi-Fi, and more.
Legacy Office Centers offers each business an affordable and professional image in a Class A Award-winning building. It is a turnkey work environment that provides an alternative to traditional office space. Suites are a total solution in the sense that they are fully fitted and ready for immediate occupancy. Whether a company is seeking the flexibility of an executive suite with a prestigious address or opening a branch office at a fraction of the cost of a conventional office, Legacy Office Centers will make it quick and easy for them. We will also provide the added benefit of shortterm vs. long-term options. Satellite offices, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professional executives benefit from an office environment that reflects class and a professional image. Legacy Office Centers is fully equipped to make a business more profitable, productive, and dynamic.
The Forum Building enjoys a reputation as one of the finest Class A Office Buildings in the San Antonio area. It has been the recipient of many architectural, landscaping, and engineering awards and has been meticulously man -
aged by the Management Group. The grounds are beautiful, the parking is plentiful, and the building boasts a state-of-the-art computerized fire, security, and HVAC system. The building engineer takes pride in ensuring that the building's heating and cooling systems perform at optimum standards.
Throughout the year, Forum Building tenants enjoy catered building parties complete with entertainment, delicious food, and libations. In addition to the many parties sponsored by the building, Legacy tenants enjoy ice cream socials, fresh-baked cookies daily, Haby's Alsatian donuts every Friday, and other activities that promote relaxation and networking.
The covered and spacious parking garage is connected to the building by a sheltered walking bridge. The building tenants appreciate the sophisticated security system and the 24-hour on-site security guard patrol. The Security Personnel are responsive, friendly, and accommodating.
The building grounds are meticulously manicured and landscaped. The Forum Maintenance personnel are hardworking, committed, and helpful professionals. All requests are executed promptly and with a smile.
The Forum tenants also enjoy the convenient on-site cafe restaurant, which prepares delicious meals, sandwiches, salads, and specialties daily. The Forum Cafe is happy to cater your business meeting and will deliver directly to your meeting in the conference rooms or to your office.
Located in the Forum Building, you will find a FedEx Office.
Legacy Office Centers encompasses the 6th and 15th floors with over 125 professionally appointed
office suites. The suites range from 100 to 475 square feet and are completely equipped with a phone system, a private phone number, voice paging caller ID, and voicemail. Each office includes a separate and direct fax line, high-speed internet, and Wi-Fi access. For additional computer assistance, talented and knowledgeable IT Professionals are available for technical support. Your phones are efficiently answered by a professional, dedicated, and highly skilled receptionist Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tenants take advantage of several call-handling options, including office transfer, voicemail, or call patching to your cell phone or another number when you are away from the office. Your receptionist is an extension of your company and provides you with a professional, first-class image.
In addition to the many building amenities you receive as a tenant, you can access and use their three beautiful Conference Board Rooms. The Conference Rooms seat twelve comfortably in soft, high black leather chairs and can accommodate up to twenty people for larger meetings. When staging your meeting, you can utilize the state of the art audio visual equipment and presentation board if needed. A coffee and water bar are handy, and access to the kitchens and restrooms are right around the corner.
The daily burden typically associated with running a traditional office is moved to a third party whose only job is to maintain a professional work environment.
Businesses heighten their business image with a location at Legacy Office Centers at The Forum!
legacyofficecenters.com
charlie@officespacesa.com 8000 IH 10 West Suites 600/1500
NEWSNOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
French Baguette With Caramelized Onions & Olives
Ingredients:
1 Fresh French Baguette
4 tablespoons butter, plus 4 tablespoons softened for brushing on the bread
2 sweet yellow onions, sliced thin
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Sea Salt and ground black pepper
A handful of cherry tomatoes sliced in half
1/3 cup plus more, if needed, Olives. Nicoise, Kalamata, and Manzanilla sliced in half, or your preference
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
A big chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 450
Heat 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are sweet and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Next, holding a serrated knife parallel to the cutting board, shave off the rounded top and bottom of the baguette so that it lies flat. Then, halve the baguette horizontally to make two long slices of bread. Brush both sides of each slice with the softened butter. Put the buttered bread slices on a baking sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper. Spread the caramelized onions on the bread evenly. Dot with the olives and cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Throw the sheet into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Use a vegetable peeler to shower the toasts with Parmigiano shavings. Slice into pieces with the serrated knife and serve hot with slices of Boar's Head Superiore Sopressata Dry Sausage.
BUON APPETITO!
Karen Evans! Curator, Connector, Cook Karenevans@email.com 210-529-2931
United Realty Group Rolls Up Sleeves for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
On 14 September 2024, Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) San Antonio hosted United Realty Group (URG) of Texas volunteers in participating in SHP’s annual Bunks Across America
(BAA). SHP’s BAA is where SHP chapters across America come together in a single day to build beds to put a real dent in the national child bedlessness crisis. The URG of
Texas volunteers built twenty-two (22) beds.
The volunteers drilled and sanded lumber, assembled headboards and side rails. Each bed consisted of two (2) headboards, two (2) side rails and a slat set.
Additionally, they delivered seven (7) beds to families in the San Antonio area. Each family was gifted a bed frame, mattress, a pillow and bedding
All volunteers expressed that they had a memorable day of joy and community service! SHP San Antonio looks forward to working with URG of Texas in the future.
To learn how you can volunteer with SHP San Antonio, visit our web page or follow us on Facebook: Sleep in Heavenly Peace –San Antonio.
NEWSNOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost Vs. Value Report shows garage doors offer 149% return on investment in San Antonio
When it comes to making home improvements in San Antonio, garage doors are one of the best choices for increasing a home’s value upon resale, according to a new report by Remodeling Magazine.
The magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report shows that a new garage door in the San Antonio area offers a 149 percent return on investment, based on the installation of a foam-insulated 16-foot-by-7-foot door and new tracks priced at $4,434. That investment adds $6,609 in value upon sale of a home, the report shows.
It’s second only to manufactured
stone veneer, which returns 275 percent of the initial $10,077 cost upon resale. Based on national averages, garage door replacement ranks first in value among home improvements, offering a 193.9 percent return on investment.
Add in the other benefits of a new garage door, including its relatively low cost, fast installation and an instant boost in curb appeal, and it’s a top choice for a quick improvement to any home, said Randy Oliver, president of Hollywood-Crawford Garage Door Company.
“Even if you don’t plan on selling your home soon, it’s an improvement that adds a lot of value and enjoyment to your home,” Oliver said. “A new garage door is like an instant facelift for your home. We have more than 40 beautiful garage doors on display in our showroom to show homeowners some of the options available.”
Garage doors are often used as the primary entrance, covering up to 40% of the front elevation of some homes, which allows homeowners to greatly improve the function, value and curb appeal of their home by just replacing their garage door.
Honoring Women Of Distinction
Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas has annually honored an area woman who has made a significant contribution to the community and represents the
ideals and values of a Girl Scout. The Trefoil Award is the highest honor we bestow outside Girl Scout-related awards. New Trefoil honorees join a long line of trailblazing and inspiring women who have worked to make the world a better place, just like Girl Scouts do.
Rosario's is thrilled to share that Lisa Wong, owner of Rosario's ComidaMex & Bar, is one of the proud recipients of the 2024 Trefoil Award from the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. This incredible honor celebrates women who embody the courage, confidence, and character of Girl Scouts. Lisa, along with Mary Henrich and Jelynne Jamison, were recognized on September 26th.
Giurgius Joins EXIT Premier Realty
Cher Miculka, Broker of EXIT Premier Realty is thrilled to announce their latest team member, Maged "Mag" Giurgius. San Antonio has been his home since 2006, and he is deeply connected to this vibrant community. You can trust that your buying or selling experience will be handled with the highest level of professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail.
He has had the pleasure of successfully investing in real estate projects over the past 25 years. His goal is to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable experience, guiding you through the entire process from start to finish. He is committed to ensuring that every step is tailored to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. He is excited to help you navigate the current market and would be honored to be part of your real estate journey. Please feel free to reach out, he can be reched at 210-394-1376
Modernizing your garage door can also help reduce energy costs. Insulated garage doors are becoming more popular, helping to keep garages cooler and reduc ing the heat that enters the residence.
Residential garage doors are avail able in a wide variety of styles, colors, materials, and insulation values, with looks for every exterior and price ranges for every budget. Homeowners can choose from materials including aluminum, glass, faux wood, real wood, steel with a stained wood look, insulated steel, fiberglass, and even vinyl garage doors for harsh environments.
Hollywood-Crawford also furnishes doors made with specialty materials, including reclaimed barn wood, Corten steel, composite faux wood materials and full-view aluminum garage doors with a variety of insulated and non-insulated glass panels.
Homeowners can visualize the possibilities of various garage doors using virtual tools online at www.HollywoodCrawford.com. Simply upload a photo of your home or choose a house with similar structure and style, and
select from many styles, materials, finishes and accessories to build a door unique to your needs.
Each year Remodeling Magazine compares average costs for popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in various U.S. markets. For more information on the report, go to www.costvsvalue.com.
To learn more about how a garage door can quickly, easily and affordably boost any home’s curb appeal, visit online at www.hollywoodcrawford.com or call 210494-3434
RE Newsline Happy Hour
Scan to see and download more pictures from this event and others.
David Carr (guest), Marisa Ann Carr with RE/Max North - San Antonio and Valerie Wilshire with Independence Title
Eric and Susy Matheu with Yellow Rose Realty and Ira Elizondo San Antonio Elite Realty
Kimberly Rios and Sabrina Guerra both with Credit Human
Karen Evans with RE Newsline and Maria Villarreal with Credit Human
Trevor Crawford with RE Newsline and Ivan Corna Molina with Lone Star National Bank
Summer Reyes with Lone Star National Bank and Aly Crawford with RE Newsline
Louis Alvarado, III with Mission Title, Debbie and John Craig with Key Realty
Pat Farrell with RE Newsline and Paula Grisby with TAPFCU