World's Largest Colony of Bats Just Minutes Outside San Antonio

Bracken Cave, off FM 3009 in southern Comal County, is home to  approximately 20 million Mexican  free-tailed bats.  Every summer evening they vortex out into the sky in search of insects to eat. The emergence of the  mammals lasts for hours.  During its summer stay in South Central Texas, the Bracken colony nightly eats tons of insects, including mosquitoes, providing natural pest control for farmers as well as city dwellers, while pollinating plants and spreading seeds.

Until  earlier  this month,  the  public  did  not  have  access  to the  site.  But  now,  there  are  egular tours five nights a week for people to experience the phenomenon up-close, at $24.99 per person.  The evening bat tour,  limited to 60 people per  day,  begins with an interpretive talk at nearby Natural Bridge Caverns, followed by a short hike to Bracken Cave to see the  bats  emerge.

Visiting San Antonio this summer?  Now you have another reason to come!







 

August Sales Up in San Antonio in 2011 over 2010

In a recent article in mysanantonio.com, the number of reported home sales in August of 2011 in San Antonio showed a 10% improvement over the home sales of 2010.  There were 1771 homes sold that month versus 1617 sold in August a year earlier.  Unfortunately, home prices were down 6% from the previous year.  The lower median price indicates stronger sales in the lower price ranges during the economic downturn. 

What does the future hold?  San Antonio hopes to buck the national expectations of lower sales throughout the first quarter of 2012.  Time will tell. 

Light Rail is Coming to San Antonio!

According to http://www.mysanantonio.com/, the VIA Metropolitan Transit Board has unanimously adopted a plan for San Antonio public transportation that will include light rail, streetcars, and bus rapid transit lines.  Currently San Antonio is the largest city in the U.S. with a bus-only transit system.  The city's last streetcars were discontinued in 1933.  But with a projected population of over 2 million by 2035, the need for public transportation will increase dramatically. 

As seen on the map, there will be bus rapid transit routes added.  The city's first bus rapid transit line is set to launch late next year or in early 2013, plus there are plans for additional bus rapid transit lines stretching north and south.

Next comes the streetcar lines through downtown.  There will be construction of an east-west modern streetcar line through downtown connecting VIA's planned West Side multimodal center and the Robert Thompson Transit Center at the Alamodome on the East Side.

Finally, there will be two light-rail corridors in the region, one stretching north and south, initially joining the airport and downtown, and one east and west, connecting Lackland AFB to Fort Sam Houston.

And meanwhile, bus service will remain the bedrock of the system. Bus frequencies will be improved and new express lines will be added to facilitate transportation in the suburbs.

All in all, the VIA plan will help San Antonio residents get to work as more and more people leave their cars at home and enjoy the ride!

First Section of the San Antonio River "Mission Reach" Celebrates its Grand Opening

              Photo: Andrew Buckley/abuckley@express-news.net / abuckley@express-news.net


The restoration of the San Antonio River's ecosystem, which encompasses a total of eight miles, remains a work in progress.  But the first two miles of the extension had it's unveiling last week, with work continuing on the last 6 miles, due to be completed in August, 2013.  Saturday was the first time joggers, walkers and cyclists could navigate trails from San Pedro Creek to Mission Road. 

Saturday's ceremony also included the opening of the Mission Concepción portal, a stone masoned archway and trail, the first of four that will link the river to missions Concepción, San José, San Juan Capistrano and Espada. The portals will be opened one by one as the final phases are completed.

Sixty years ago, the river was modified and straightened, becoming a glorified drainage ditch. Now it's beginning to look more like a typical South Texas river, but everything about it is engineered — down to the placement of the 23,000 native trees and shrubs.

To learn more about this local treasure, read Pierre Bertrand's informative article in the San Antonio Express News. 

13815 Chittim Oak in San Antonio -- ready for new owners!

Beautiful two story home on a quiet cul-de-sac street in the Oak Hollow neighborhood in north central San Antonio... updated and ready for new owners at $259,900.

This home features four spacious bedrooms plus a study, as well as two living areas (one up and one down) and two dining areas in 2620 square feet (per appraisal district).  The open floorplan downstairs includes recent tile floors, decorator paints and trims.  The master is downstairs as well, and its bath has a large walk-in closet along with seperate tub & shower, and double vanities.

                                                                               
Master bedroom

     Master bath            









Upstairs there is a family rooom/ gameroom, and three bedrooms plus the study.  Two full baths offer privacy and convenience for a large family. 

  Upstairs baths

                         







     



Outside, there is a huge entertaining deck with an inviting hot tub.  And the oversized .25 acre lot provides lots of room for the kids to play.  Large trees shade a big portion of the back yard, a big plus in the Texas summers!

                                        

Come take a look at this fine home.  It's easy to set up an appointment... just give us a call!

How Energy Effecient is Your Home? Call CPS Energy to Find Out!

San Antonio's provider of electricity, City Public Service, or CPS Energy as they are now known, is offering a $95 energy audit of your home.  This audit will locate and measure leaks in the home's windows, ducts, and doors, and make recommendations to the homeowner on how they could better save energy dollars.

Possible recommendations include new caulking around windows and weather stripping around doors, adding insulation to attics, and making repairs to air conditioning ductwork. As an added incentive, the first 300 CPS Energy customers who follow through on the auditor's recommendations will receive a check for $1250 from the utility company as the result of a federal grant.

Don't wait!  Find out how you can save money each month on your CPS bill, and maybe even get help with paying for the energy upgrades!

Mid-Century Modern Homes Becoming More Popular in San Antonio

In a recent article in the San Antonio Express News, writer Ana Ley says the homes built around the mid 20th century are becoming increasingly more popular in San Antonio.  Buyers are following a trend popular in other parts of the country, attracted to the clean uncluttered lines of the typically one story, ranch style homes. 

In San Antonio, homes built in this style in the 1950's can be found in many areas of town, including Castle Hills, Hollywood Park, Shearer Hills, Oak Hills, Olmos Park, Northwood, and Alamo Heights, all north of downtown.

Buyers are then taking it a step further by furnishing their home with furniture pieces from the same era, and often incorporating bold color choices in their decorating schemes.  It's a great look, don't you think?

San Antonio's First "Net-Zero" Home is Built

San Antonio's first "net-zero" home is being constructed in far north Bexar County on two acres, at a cost of $1.3 million.  Net-zero means that the home will use no more energy than it feeds back into the local power grid when complete.  The builder estimates the monthly utility bill will be about $50, which will mostly be to cover the gas and garbage pick-up.

The only visible signs that this home is different from others in the subdivision are the blue solar panels in the backyard, along with the 30,000 gallon tank that is part of the rainwater harvesting system, which funnels rainwater into underground pipes and then stores it in the tanks.  The water is then filtered before flowing indoors.

For more information on this unique San Antonio property, see the article in the San Antonio Express News by Karisa King, along with photos by Edward Ornelas.

Happy New Year!

It's a new year, and there are hopes that the recession and its effect on local real estate are over.  Greater San Antonio Builders Association recently held their annual housing forecast where the outlook was for a slowly improving market in 2011. 

The highpoints of the discussion included:

• New home construction in 2010 was up 5.5% from 2009.  Projected new home starts in 2011 are expected to be up another 9%.
• Builders have scaled back production since 2007, leaving San Antonio with one of the tightest markets in the US in supply of new homes.
• Occupancy rates in San Antonio apartments are now above 90%, representing a pool of potential home buyers in the future.
• Texas issued more than twice as many home-building permits in 2010 as the next closest state, Florida.
• In 2010, the bulk of the new home sales in San Antonio were homes priced under $225,000.

Sales of Existing Homes In San Antonio Have Slowed

From the San Antonio Express News' Jennifer Hiller comes:

San Antonio home sellers and real estate agents aren't quite singing the summertime blues, but sales of existing homes slowed considerably in July.  The number of home sales dropped 25 percent in July when compared with the same month in 2009, dipping to 1,491, according to data released Tuesday by the San Antonio Board of Realtors. 

The likely culprit of the unseasonable doldrums: the federal government's $8,000 carrot offered to first-time home buyers and $6,500 to some current homeowners, which was available to those who could go under contract by the end of April.  The tax credits boosted the number of home sales in the springtime, but most of those deals had closed by the time July rolled around.  “What we saw in the spring market was a surge in sales for the tax credit,” said Marietta Alba, SABOR chairwoman. 



But sales volume is still up 6 percent for the year, with 10,922 sales so far compared with 10,297 by the same time in 2009.  The expiring federal tax credits are also a likely reason the median sales price rose slightly, to $160,800.  Alba said that July saw an unusually high number of sales of homes above $500,000 — a group of buyers unlikely to be swayed by the federal tax credit — and a lower number of sales below the $200,000 mark most popular with first-time buyers. 


Earlier in the year, the number of first-time buyers in the market helped push the median price down slightly.  As the market moves out of its traditional peak season, Alba said SABOR expects the rest of the year to be steady, if unspectacular. 


“Our interest rates are still remarkably low and we're glad about that. Job growth continues,” Alba said. “We're still a steady and stable market.”  Homes sold slightly faster in July than they did in 2009, in an average of 84 days, which was 11 fewer than last year. And there were 1,430 pending sales at the end of July. 

Real estate agents and home builders both have noticed a drop-off in business from the usual summer frenzy. Most home buyers try to close a deal and move before the school year starts.  “I think we saw an increase until the month of May. In June we saw a drop,” said Richard Zepeda, an agent with Keller Williams Heritage.  Now Zepeda said he has noticed that builders again are offering good incentives to buyers and larger-than-usual agent commissions, as high as 7 percent, to spur interest. 
“The interest rates are so historically low,” Zepeda said. “It's the best time to buy if you can, especially while other people are still sitting on the fence.” 

1906 Creek Mountain in Encino Park - New Listing

Just listed at $179,900 in Encino Park in far north San Antonio, this home at 1906 Creek Mountain features over 2000 square feet with three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and a full 2 car garage.  There's a living room down with tall ceilings, brick fireplace, and an open staircase.  Upstairs is a large loft for the kids to enjoy.  Located in Encino Park near the community center, the whole family can walk to the neighborhood pool and playground.  French doors off the living room lead to a tree shaded side patio.  Updates include recent paint and carpet, and a new roof is on the way.  Cement fiber siding, storage building, front yard sprinkler system and a water softener are included.  Don't wait, call today for an appointment to see this fine home.

Home Sales are Increasing in San Antonio; Prices are Not

The May real estate numbers are in for San Antonio, and the number of sales of existing homes in May increased 19 percent to 1,928 sales compared with the same month in 2009, according to a new report from the San Antonio Board of Realtors.  But the median price of a San Antonio home dipped 4 percent to $145,900 compared with May 2009.

The increase in the number of sales this May has been credited to the tax incentives for homebuyers that ended April 30th. 

A report this week based on the Fiserv Case-Shiller Indexes said San Antonio home prices could slide slightly this year, but only by 0.5 percent. Nationally, a 3.1 percent decline is expected this year, with steep home price declines continuing in hard-hit markets such as Nevada, Arizona and Florida.  Once again, San Antonio is one of the more stable real estate markets in the country.

With around 7.8 months of inventory — meaning that if no more homes came onto the market, it would take 7.8 months, in theory, to sell the entire inventory at the current pace — the market remains tipped slightly in favor of buyers. About 6.5 months of inventory is considered a market balanced between buyers and sellers. 

The other good news?  The average number of days on the market for a San Antonio home that sold in May was 83, a quicker pace than the year before.

San Antonio Economy Gets a 400 Bioscience Jobs Boost

The big announcement yesterday was that InCube Labs is going to open a research facility in San Antonio.  It will be a research laboratory, focused on developing major medical breakthroughs.  InCube's founder and CEO, Mir Imran, is the developer of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator, which has become a standard in cardiovascular care.  He announced that he picked San Antonio over other Texas cities because of its research institutions, the military and the business community.

The good news for the San Antonio economy?  The company will create jobs with salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $200,000 which Mayor Julian Castro said is on track with his push for higher paying jobs in the city.  According to Imran, InCube will also launch five life science companies in San Antonio: three by the end of this year and two more within three years after that.  The companies will create about 400 jobs and will collectively spend $100 million.

Bexar County Property Appraisals Have Dropped for Many Homeowners

According to Jennifer Hiller with the Express News, "After years of steady price increases, in 2009, Bexar County property values dipped 2 percent. Prior to that, residential appraisals hadn't decreased in Bexar County since the savings and loan crisis of the early '90s."

The higher dollar neighborhoods like The Dominion, Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills have remained steady while the lesser expensive, more tract-home neighborhoods in other areas of town have sustained larger number of foreclosures which have brought those neighborhood appraisals down.  The average San Antonio home value in 2009 stood at $146,702, while in 2010 it is at $145,682.  

Not all homes are going down. Some have seen increases in their valuations, and have received notices from the Bexar Appraisal District. Only those properties with an increase of $1,000 or more will receive a letter in the mail with the information on how to file a protest. Meanwhile, property owners can check the appraised value online at bcad.org to see if the values have changed. All owners can protest, even if the values have decreased and the owner hopes to lower the value further.

Country Views in the City - 15114 Circle Oak

Want country views in the middle of the city?  Come take a look at this newly listed property at 15114 Circle Oak in San Pedro Hills.  This beautiful home is set on .23 acres with large oak trees that back to a greenbelt.  Two large decks, one covered and one uncovered, give you a place to relax and enjoy the views.  Watch the deer and other wildlife from your own back deck!

The home is a one story, with three sides brick, ranch style home.  There's a full two car garage, plus sprinkler system, a large utilty room, and is wired for a security system.

There's four bedrooms, and three full baths.  Two bedrooms can be the master, and are split on opposite sides of the home.  Perfect for in-laws or guests.  The masters are 17 x 15 and 14 x 13. 

The back yard slopes down to the large greenbelt that's filled with mature oak trees.   

Call today (210-884-2572) if you'd like to set up an appointment to see this beautiful home.  The home is priced at $189,900 and has 2130 square feet per the Bexar Appraisal District.

Home Sales Improving in San Antonio?

Good News......

Sales of existing San Antonio homes increased 28 % in March, compared with March, 2009, as more than 1,700 homes sold, according to the latest data from the San Antonio Board of Realtors.  More than 3,700 resale homes have changed hands in the first quarter of the year, up 12 % from  the first quarter of 2009. 

There were 1,849 pending sales at the end of March.  Those are homes which are under contract but haven't yet closed. It was the highest number since August 2007, and the San Antonio Board of Realtors  is hoping it's another sign that the market is warming up for the traditional spring and summer sales season.  Homes were taking an average of 90 days to sell in March, compared with 103 during March, 2009.

Viva Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas!

The latest from the Alamo City... it's FIESTA TIME!

New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Rio de Janeiro has Carnival. And San Antonio has Fiesta — 11 days of partying, Texas-style. Fiesta began in 1891 with a single parade honoring the heroes from the battles of San Jacinto and the Alamo. Women in decorated horse-drawn carriages gathered in front of the Alamo to toss flowers at each other.


Today there are more than 100 events around the city celebrating the unique spirit of San Antonio with live music, food, dancing, fairs and art.  Not to mention all kinds of parades, including the floating Texas Cavaliers' River Parade, the nighttime Fiesta Flambeau Parade and the Battle of Flowers Parade — inspired by those bloom-tossing ladies.

The festivities kick off today with Fiesta Fiesta, the opening ceremony at the Alamo that includes live music, food and children's activities, emceed by San Antonio native and ABC News anchor John Quiñones. Americana music star Kevin Fowler headlines.  They're not the only celebrities joining the fun. Former Spur David Robinson will head River Parade, while singer Vikki Carr will be the grand marshal of the Flambeau.

Fiesta's royalty are celebrities in their own right. There's King Antonio, who represents the order of the Cavaliers, and El Rey Feo, the “ugly king,” a monarch for the masses.  But there are no ugly queens at Fiesta — at the Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo, the queen, as well as princess and duchesses, wear elaborately decorated gowns. There's also Miss Fiesta San Antonio, the Queen of Soul and the Charro Queen.  And don't forget King Anchovy of Cornyation, the irreverent pageant that pokes fun at current events, and El Rey Fido, who's top dog at the Pooch Parade.

It seems like every Fiesta-goer has a favorite event. There's the Fiesta Carnival packed with games and rides. A Taste of New Orleans at Sunken Garden Theater boasts music and cuisine. A Night in Old San Antonio takes over La Villita with entertainment and food from different cultures. Fiesta Oyster Bake at St. Mary's University is all about music and eating. 


Those same Fiesta-goers know how to make the most of the party: Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. See how many Fiesta medals and pins you can collect. And beware friends bearing cascarones, colorful eggshells that spill confetti over your head. 



After more than a century, Fiesta continues to evolve. This year, it is making strides toward a greener celebration.  The Fiesta Commission is working with the city to provide recycling containers at several events, including NIOSA, Fiesta Fiesta, King William Fair and Fiesta de los Niños at Port San Antonio. At the major street parades, groups that sell seating will collect recyclables. 

But some things about Fiesta that never change — it raises thousands of dollars for various charities every year, and it brings residents and visitors together to celebrate San Antonio's diverse heritage and culture. ¡Viva Fiesta!



Article by Jessica Belasco from the San Antonio Express News

Top High Schools in San Antonio Area

Top 10 High Schools in Greater San Antonio Area


1. Health Careers High (Northside ISD)

2. International School of the Americas (North East ISD)

3. Alamo Heights High (Alamo Heights ISD)

4. Reagan High (North East ISD)

5. D’Hanis School (D’Hanis ISD)

6. Winston Churchill High (North East ISD)

7. Medina High (Medina ISD)

8. Sandra Day O’Connor High (Northside ISD)

9. Medina Valley High (Medina Valley ISD)

10. Clark High (Northside ISD)
 
A group called “Children At Risk” evaluated and ranked 57 high schools, 101 middle schools, and 257 elementary schools in Greater San Antonio.  Children At Risk ranks high schools based on factors like graduation rate, participation in advanced coursework, and performance on college entrance exams. 
 
Congratulations to these fine schools and their students and faculties on a job well done!

NCAA Women’s Final Four to boost S.A.

The upcoming NCAA Women’s Final Four is going to be a big boost the San Antonio economy, according to William Pack of the San Antonio Express-News.    The games will be played in the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio on Sunday, Apr. 4th and Tuesday, Apr. 6th.  It is estimated that the Final Four is going to generate $20.9 million in spending from about 28,000 visitors from outside the San Antonio area.

Sporting events such as the Final Fours have become big economic generators because of the large number of out-of-town fans they draw, and the amount those fans spend at local restaurants, auto rental outlets, hotels and tourist attractions.  In addition, this time there are two teams from the region, Baylor and Oklahoma, and more fans than originally estimated may decide to attend in person.  Seating in the Alamodome has been capped at 23,000 for the championship, but it could be expanded if demand warrants.

Compare the projected $20.9 million impact to previous San Antonio events:

• 2009 Washingston State vs. Notre Game football game at the Alamodome - $15.6 million
• 2008 Rock 'N' Roll Marathon - $20.9 million
• 2008 Mens Final Four at the Alamodome - $47 million
• 2007 Valero Alamo Bowl - $42.6 million
• 2007 Big 12 Championship football game at the Alamodome - $30.5 million
• 2002 Women's Final Four at the Alamodome - $17.1 million to $20.3 million

On a personal note, as a graduate of Baylor University, Go Lady Bears!

Spring Break was Very, Very Good for S.A.

From the San Antonio Express News newspaper, William Pack writes that Spring Break has been very, very good for S.A.  Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio was "swarming with people.  It was really encouraging."

Tourism officials welcomed the increased traffic, especially after a dismal 2009 and barely any growth in January and February of 2010.  The owner of Ripley's Haunted Adventure and two other Alamo-area attractions, Davis Phillips, thought it was a good indicator of strong summer activity.  Attendance at his attractions were up 16% over last Spring Break.

The San Antonio Zoo had two record setting days last week.  When visitors number over 10,000 daily, it's considered great.  Last week saw days with over 18,000 visitors enjoying the animals and beautiful weather.

Local restaurants, hotels and historic sites also noted increases in the 2010 Spring Break business.  "There's the perception that things are getting better", said a spokesman for the city's convention bureau.  And that's good news for the Alamo City.