I wanted to get some really great photos of the beautiful Autumn colors now present in the Hill Country but my schedule has been too busy.  As I was driving across the Guadalupe River bridge yesterday I snapped this photo of the Cypress trees in full color.  It is not the great  planned shot I wanted but I'm sure you will enjoy the color none the less.  Cypress trees line the banks of every creek and river in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and pretty scenes like this are to be found all over.                                                                        Lost Maples is the place to go for Fall color.  It is only an hour drive from Kerrville and has the most spectacular views of the hills and the Big Tooth Maples.  If you can't make though, here in Kerrville is a great place to... 11/15/2009

It finally has happened.  We are finally getting that precious liquid falling from the sky.  Yes, it is raining in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.  This summer was the hottest summer on record for the Texas Hill Country.  More days with 100 degree weather than had previously been recorded in the history of our State.  To make matters worse, we had almost no rain for two solid years.  The summer of 2007, it rained almost every day but come September, the faucets were turned off.  So little rain for two years and then record heat.  People here were wondering if it would ever rain again. Well, the rains started in September and have come and gone ever since.  We are catching up with our annual rainfall records quite nicely.  The area lakes are still low because all the recent rain has go... 10/09/2009

Have you heard that old saying before?  Probably more times than you care to remember.   Fishermen say it all the time.  "The Big one got away!"  They always stretch out their arms and probably exaggerate a bit.  What do you think? Today I found myself in much the same situation.  Only not a fish but a FALLOW DEER,  a WHITE FALLOW  BUCK with a rack bigger than any I've ever seen.                                                                                                                                                      Light brown spotted  While driving down a country road I spotted him.  I struggled to get the camera and turned around and went back to the clearing.  Slowly approaching, he was watching me.  He was hiding behind a cedar tree. I creeped up but as soon as the camera... 09/19/2009

Labor Day will be a holiday for me this year.  Of course, I know it is a good time to show property when everyone else is off work but sometimes we have to rest and have time with our families too.  I encourage my agents to take time for themselves and their families.  We always try to cover our clients needs also.  So with this in mind, Angie and Bennettia will be in the office on Monday.   If you are wanting to look at property before you go home from the long Texas Hill Country weekend, please stop by and talk to one of these great agents.           They will be able to show you homes, land, businesses, and commercial property.  Need to get pre-approved for loan?  We can help with that too.  Whatever your real estate need, we can help. Give us a call or stop by the office.  Pick up a... 09/03/2009

I've been working on my website, updating listings and changing wording and photos.  While looking at the great photos on my slideshow, I began to see them like a new buyer would see them.  I have some great shots of the river and sunsets and just thinking how blessed I am to live in this fabulous part of Texas.  I am so thankful.                                         Back in 1984, we came to Kerrville for the first time in our lives.  Little did we know we would be living here one day.  We only stayed a couple of nights and our days were busy doing other things than looking at the area.  We did drive across the bridge at the Loop and saw the beautiful Guadalupe River but we did not search the countryside like we normally do when exploring new areas. We were not looking really.  Two y... 08/17/2009

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – KERRVILLE TIVY ANTLERS August 14th, 2009 categories: Local Events Source: www.Kerrvilleisd.net 08/14/2009

How's the market in your area? Have things picked up? Here in Kerrville sales have increased.  There were 55 closed transactions in the month of July according to our MLS system.  In June, there were 76 closings.  These figures represent all property types. As for prices, home sale prices are steady with a  very small decrease from the list price.  Land however, has taken a hit on the price.  We have seen quite a few low offers come in.  Sometimes, the sellers take the offers and sometimes they do not.  It all depends on a person's situation. The vast decrease in prices nationwide has not affected the Texas Hill Country in the same way.  We see buyers come from different parts of the nation and expect to offer low offers like are prevalent in their areas.  That is not the market here in... 08/02/2009

  It looks like two of our Hill Country Faves made Texas Monthly’s 2009 Best Burgers List:  #3 Alamo Springs Cafe cheeseburger with chiles on jalapeno cheese bun and #49 Kerrville’s Classics Burgers and “Moore” cheeseburger.  Check out the full article Here. 07/22/2009

The wind blew,  the trees bent, the dust swirled, the skies flashed, the thunder rolled, and the black clouds twisted and turned and blew south eastward.  Yes, it is all over and the pavement at our house is still dry.  For miles and miles, the darkness covered the sky.  Rain did fall in Bandera and Rocksprings and maybe in Mountain Home but not at our house in Kerrville. There definitely is a dry line about a mile from our house but this is ridiculous.  The weatherman said this storm was a huge storm covering a whole county at a time. Some kind of cumulous convection or something he said but it was not to be for us. I was going to look at a property in the country when the storm blew in.  I watched as it took the front half of the roof off a church and decided the dust devils it was st... 07/20/2009

This is the new designation.  It will be my next. I've heard lots about going green in recent months and recent years.  I come from a rural area and gardening was always a part of my life.  Therefore, preserving the land and water resources is something that is always on my mind. I don't take abusing the land and polluting lightly.  I sell land and it is a very valuable asset.  Ask anyone who has recently purchased any acreage.  It is not something to disrespect or pollute.  It is a valuable resource and those fortunate enough to own it, usually appreciate its value. There are many new "green" products coming on the market for the consumer that will improve our lives, make buildings and homes safer, and will pollute less and will save resources.  I am excited to see these many products ... 07/08/2009

Sound too good to be true?  It's not.  You can get Free Money.  That's right, up to $8,000. buckaroos. Did I mention Free Money? It's not falling from the sky or growing on trees.  It is part of the stimulus package to get our financial system back on track.  Here's what you have to do to get your free money.  You have to be a first time homebuyer or not have owned a home in the past 3 years.  That's the first thing.  Do you qualify? OK, next.  You must buy a home before December 1st, 2009.  That gives you only 5 1/2 months.  You better get shopping.  It takes time to find a house.  It takes time to find a Realtor.  It takes time to negotiate a contract.  It takes time to get a loan.  It takes time to close.  Get the message? So what are you waiting for?                                 ... 06/15/2009

  Be sure to watch Cable TV Channel 10-KVHC     Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM    in the Kerrville area. Ricki Eichler Real Estate will be presenting lovely new townhomes on "Showcase on the Move".  This is a 30 minute show that takes the viewer from room to room and explains the features in the homes it presents.  Ricki Eichler, Bennettia Fifer, agents and Parker Harrison, executive director for H C Home Opportunity Council are the three featured guests. In addition to showing the homes and sharing the neighborhood amenities, the show deals with homeownership and a new program for downpayment and closing cost assistance. A new homebuyer can receive up to $10,000 in the form of a forgiveable loan.  That means if certain conditions are met, you   do not   have to pay it back.  Call us for ... 06/13/2009

  What is a full service real estate office?                                                         We are a full service office and to us Full service means that we can help buyers and sellers with real estate transactions from beginning to end and even after the sale service.   After the sale follow up is very important.  Have your former agents just walked away at closing?  If so, you may have experienced times you wish they had continued to help you with various things involved in getting you moved.  We stay in touch and make sure the move has been smooth.  We like to make sure the documents have been delivered, the utilites transferred and everything is working as planned.  Following up should be part of the service. Full Service also refers to the types of properties being sold i... 06/10/2009

  I am getting spoiled.  Every evening I come home and take an hour long swim in the pool.  It is so relaxing after fighting the real estate ups and downs all day long.  To be able to just relax and listen to the water moving and swim and float away my troubles.  My whole body and mind feels better when I finish and then it's dinner time and the rest of the evening goes so much better. We put this pool in last summer but did not get finished with it in time to really enjoy it so this summer is the reward for a lot of hard work last year.  I feel so spoiled.  Wish everyone had a place as quiet and nice to relax as this. I don't even mind the warmer weather coming in July and August now,  knowing I have a great way to cool off.  My family and friends love it too.  Our Memorial Day party w... 06/08/2009

REAL ESTATE SALES IN KERR COUNTY: $5.7 MILLION FOR MONTH OF MAY, $33 MILLION FOR YEAR SO FAR June 2nd, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market Given the recessionary climate that we have been in this last year, every one is watching and waiting for the real estate market to turn around.  Will it happen this month?  Will it be next? There have been some statistics showing encouragement of late … particularly, the stock market that has been leveling out, consumer confidence is rising, and interest rates are continuing to be very low. Most people in real estate will tell you that there has been a significant increase in traffic this last month.  Real Estate sales normally begin to increase in the month of May as Summer is traditionally the high season for moving. In Kerr County, there ... 06/02/2009

TEXAS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - KERRVILLE, TX May 22nd, 2009 categories: Local Events Be sure to check out the Arts & Craft Fair in Kerrville at the Events Park on Hwy 27 just east of Loop 534 & the VA Hospital on Hwy 27 (Memorial Blvd) on Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Hours are 10-6 on Saturday & Sunday and 10-4 on Monday. 160+ Artists featuring: Ceramics Fiber Graphics & Drawings Leather Mixed Media Painting Sculpture Culinary Arts Glass Jewelry Metalwork Photography Wood Hands-on Education Art Demonstrations Live Entertainment Children’s Activity Area Specialty Art Exhibits Talent Contests Great Food Admission is $10 for a 3-day Adult Admission, $7 for Monday only Adult Admission, and $2 for Child Admission per day.  For more information, go to www.theartoftexas.com. 05/22/2009

KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL OPENS MAY 21st AND PLAYS THROUGH JUNE 7th May 22nd, 2009 categories: Local Events Quiet Valley Ranch will be all but quiet beginning May 21st and will feature numerous Folk, Blues & Texas Roots artists such as: John Vezner Guy Forsyth Amilia k Spicer TR Ritchie Bruce Robison The Limeliters Band of Heathens Terri Hendrix Ray Bonneville Sonia & Disappear Fear Elllis Paul Patrice Pike Jimmy LaFave Ray Wylie Hubbard Billy Jonas Ruthie Foster Belleville Outfit Jaime Michaels Jonathan Byrd KC Clifford Butch Morgan Border Blasters Trout Fishing in America Austin Lounge Lizards This is the 38th year of the Folk Festival and it’s a real interesting mix of people that show up. You won’t want to miss it! Quiet Valley Ranch is 9 miles South of Kerrville on Texas Hwy 16.  Tic... 05/22/2009

There are differences in real estate agents and that will make a difference for you.  Some are Realtors® and some are not.  The difference is the Code of Ethics that Realtors® pledge to abide by.  They are also members of the National Association of Realtors® and members of the State Association of Realtors and the local Board of Realtors®.                           Why is this important to you?                                                     (1.) It means these people work with other Realtors and (2.) continue to learn (continuing education and constant daily learning tools from the associations to better serve their clients and customers.  (3.) The Code of Ethics speaks for itself.  (4.) Realtors® also work to help protect Private Property Rights.  That's right.  Realtors® keep up... 05/21/2009

I heard on the morning news today one reporter saying the recession is over!   Leading indicators are showing a trend that the recession is ending.  This does not mean everything will be rosey tomorrow but it is a start. I have said for a long time, "This is the time to buy".   First time homebuyers and investors ,                                                                            LISTEN UP!!!!!  Now is a good time to get a good deal on a special property.  If you wait another year, first time homebuyers, you will lose the opportunity to cash in on the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit.   Investors, you will miss the best buys and the best interest rates in your lifetime. Don't be foolish and wait.  It is a great time.  Summer is just around the corner and sales always pic... 05/12/2009

The Kerrville Real Estate Market Faring Much Like Wall Street March 4th, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market On Monday, the Dow Jones industrial average fell to 6,763 — the lowest close for the Dow since April, 1997. The 300-point drop Monday leaves the index more than 52 percent below its record high of 14,164.53 set in October 2007. The Texas Hill Country real estate market, while still doing better than the national market, is experiencing a similar decline as that of Wall Street.  Kerrville, Texas Real Estate Sales in January & February 2009 totaled just $7.67 million, equivalent to just 46.7% of  last year’s sales. It is commonly understood that in an unstable environment, “Big Ticket Items” get hit the worste.  People delay purchases … especially big ones until they feel m... 03/04/2009