Chris & Tracie Cowley Heart of Texas Realty (210)389-6006 (210)639-7117 Fax: (210)579-6314 13810 Bluff Lane San AntonioTX78216
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Presented by: Chris & Tracie Cowley
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National Market Update The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reported a decrease in the rate of existing home sales through the month of June, which fell 2.6 percent. NAR's revised home sales forecast now stands at 4.86 million units for 2008.
Despite the decrease, REALTORS® are reporting activity in all regions across the country. NAR president Richard F. Gaylord explains, "Timing the market can be very tricky, which is why home buyers should always have a long-term view to build wealth."
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Average (Mean) Sales Price of Existing Homes by Region
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Date
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U.S.
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Northeast
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Midwest
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South
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West
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2006
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268,200
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299,700
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205,300
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230,000
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371,300
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2007
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266,000
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307,100
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200,500
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225,600
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365,900
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01/08
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245,500
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298,400
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178,800
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206,500
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335,600
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02/08
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242,000
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292,700
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175,100
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204,600
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333,100
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03/08
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247,100
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310,800
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183,200
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209,600
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325,200
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04/08
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247,200
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294,400
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188,500
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212,900
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327,000
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05/08
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252,600
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309,100
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190,700
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219,000
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326,700
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06/08
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257,500
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292,600
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204,200
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229,900
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330,500
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Statistics from the National Association of REALTORS®
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To stimulate market activity, the Federal Housing Administration has increased loan limit guarantees for 2008. FHA programs are available with a modest 3 percent down payment, and allow borrowers more buying options when purchasing a home. The national median existing home price was reported at $215,100 in June, down from a year ago when the median price was $229,000 for all housing types.
Moving Tips!
Moving doesn't have to be stressful! Prepare ahead to make the most of your moving day.
- De-clutter: This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of those things you no longer need or use. Donate old clothes to Goodwill, hold a garage sale, give away things to people who would enjoy them, and make a trip to the dump.
- Organize: Pack your possessions by room and label them properly. This will save time for you and the movers.
- Keep Essential Items: Think ahead and consider the things you'll need to have during that first night at your new home. Pack a change of clothes, toiletries, bedding, light bulbs, box cutters, and anything else you can think of to make that first night an easy one.
- Notify: Fill out a change of address form at your local post office. Be sure to notify local utility companies and service providers to avoid unnecessary charges, and to make sure these services are activated when you move in to your new home. Save even more time by doing these things online!
Restaurant Review: DULCE VIDA Few things excite me more than real estate, but one that is right up there is eating at a good restaurant! Anyone who knows my family knows that is one of our biggest enjoyments, and because I work with so many people who are new to San Antonio I thought it would be fun to feature a restaurant every month in my newsletter. Those who have never tried the featured restaurant may be enticed to try something new, and those who think I'm missing the mark or think I need to try YOUR favorite place can drop me a line anytime!
DULCE VIDA
19178 Blanco Rd, Ste. 305
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Phone: 210.496.6724
Fax: 210.496.6060
Location: If you have tried this gem of a restaurant you know how good the food is! You probably also know the location is not so good being right at the corner of Huebner and Blanco Rd. Traffic at peak times is a nightmare and it makes Dulce Vida a bit tough to get to when the traffic is at its worst.
Atmosphere: I like Dulce Vida! On nice nights they do have outside seating, when the Spurs are on you can eat at the bar, and there isn't typically too bad of a wait even on the weekends. It can be a bit loud, but it really just makes the atmosphere seem more festive!
Wait Staff: Everyone I have had wait on me is very nice, but they are hit and miss on how attentive they can be. I wouldn't try Dulce Vida when you are in a hurry, but if you have some time it is great place to enjoy a cold Margarita, eat some tasty chips, and visit with friends!
Food: The food at Dulce Vida is the reason you will put up with the slow service! It is delicious! I usually have Alambre A Las Brazas, which is Shish-ka-bobs straight from the grill. Served over a bed of rice, beans and garnished with guacamole. Sirloin or Shrimp. It is awesome! I don't know how they get that meat so tender, but since I had this dish it has been the only thing I have ever ordered!
Tracie always goes with Taquitos Mexicanos - Four taquitos filled with our tender carne asada, garnished with fresh onions, cilantro and lime wedges. Served with beans. It is a great dish that doesn't leave you feeling so full you have to roll out of the restaurant!
Price: Dulce Vida is not your old hole in the wall Mexican restaurant where you can eat like a king for $10. It is a bit pricey so we don't go there every week, but for a semi-special occasion it is hard to beat! The Margaritas are delicious, but if you aren't careful you'll spend as much on them as you do your food!
OVERALL: I love this place, and because you don't have to wait 2 hours to get a table I love it even more! I would definitely recommend it to a new San Antonio-an, or someone who has lived here their whole life. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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Heart of Texas Realty, 13810 Bluff Lane, San Antonio, TX, 78216
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