What once stood as a missionary outpost settled by the oil rich families of Texas now remains as one of the more desirable neighborhoods within San Antonio, Castle Hills. The area was prime for settlement, with a closeness to the railroad and commerce traveling through, which helped the development of the area in building homes that are still found erect today. The homes of Castle Hills tell the history of the neighborhood, with some deemed of historical significance, of which the community strives to preserve. Castle Hills today is a booming neighborhood, also termed a city within a city, which was incorporated by the San Antonio Metropolis July 3, 1951, offering a city post office, police station, fire department, and even its own city hall. The neighborhood is also well endowed with ... 09/24/2011

  Investor Report: Tax Extender Act  by Kenneth R. Harney Real estate investors are facing a squeeze play on Capitol Hill, with important tax incentives nearing an end-of-the-year deadline. Last week the House approved what's known as the Tax Extender Act, a Christmas tree bill filled with nearly 50 tax program extensions beyond their December 31st scheduled expiration date. Two of the extenders are especially significant for investment real estate: First is the so-called "leasehold improvements" provision, which allows owners of commercial, retail, hotel and office buildings -- large and small -- to use an accelerated 15-year depreciation schedule in writing off renovations and upgrades they make to their real estate. The House bill extends favorable leasehold writeoffs for another yea... 12/19/2009