Charting a course for the future...somewhat like sailing a ship and deciding which direction to go (north, east, south or west).  If only it could be that easy and set the compass and know the direction is best for our business.                                                                                         Can you set your Compass in the Right Direction                                                  Put on your glasses and tell me what you see now and in the future Charting a course for the future reminds me of our industry. Do we really know which direction to go? Do we take extra courses that we really don't need (why not pocket the money is what we think). Do you invest in building repairs to the real estate office? Do you invest in new software or hardware (or do you wait... 09/04/2010

ONE FOR THE MONEY, TWO FOR THE SHOW, THREE TO GET READY AND FOUR TO GO....... YIP IT'S TAX FREE WEEKEND STARTING Friday morning here in New Braunfels, Canyon Lake and surrounding area. The doors will swing open and crowds of anxious shoppers can take advantage of buying clothing, school supplies for the youngsters.                                                                      You have Friday - Saturday  and  Sunday to shop until you drop.  Just think NO SALES TAX - Yhea!  Have a great day of shopping and remember.                  1. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing                  2. Be sure to lock your car                  3. Know where your children are at all times                  4. Watch your purse or wallet or credit card                  5. Be patient and polite    ... 08/18/2010

  I had a wannabe inspector call me this evening to ask some questions as he was thinking about becoming a home inspector. A few minutes into the conversation he asked how do you get your leads. Here is what I told him.                    First and most important know up front once you have your license you will have to:                                                                                                           DEFINE YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE                            You bet, even a home inspector needs to "define his or her target audience". #1 Define your message#2 Define how, when and where. Why? Compensation of course#3 The how - when - where      Phone book      Flyers      Post Cards      Direct marketing to realtors      Website      Join organizations      Join socia... 08/13/2010

                           Since it hasn't been built yet we will have to use another photo of N.B.                                                                            Our favorite photo of the Gazebo located in downtown New Braunfels, TX. Yes you just can drive round and round and enjoy everytime you make the loop.                                                                         Now for the Exciting News                                                                                           One more reason why folks are moving to New Braunfels Texas. Seems everytime we turn around another healthcare facility provider is expanding to this great area.Here is a blurp that will sum it up in a nutshell....The Company (Post Acute Medical) is committed to providing high-qualit... 08/11/2010

A Grand Opening tomorrow, July 29, 2010  in New Braunfels, Texas. I'm sure you'll see some new faces, but will also get to see many friends and neighbors. One more sign that we continue to grow.                                                                    H.E.B. New Braunfels H.E.B. will open the second H.E.B. in New Braunfels,Texas tomorrow. This is a great day, a nice new and big store with plenty of parking. Did you hear me....plenty of parking. It will be located at the intersection of Loop 337 and Hwy. 46. Walgreen's is right across the street and behind that The Scooter Store and right down the road is New Braunfels High School. Whew! This is going to be a busy intersection.                                                         A little about the new H.E.B. store. The 88,0... 07/29/2010

 What is the first thing your buyer may smell when they walk into the home?                                                             A kitty litter box?                                         Clean and fresh? Environmental Indoor Air Health...what are your thoughts when it comes to the air you breathe in your home? How healthy is the inside of your home?                                                Just think about it. How well does the ventilation system work? How does the inside of the home smell?Does it smell of cooking odors?Does it smell of smoke? (hope not)Does it smell of air freshner's?Does your refrigerator allow food odors to escape when you open the door?Does it smell like a cat litter box?Does it smell like it needs a good overall cleaning? I could go on forever about ... 07/29/2010

Working on a blog last night we came acrosst his great and helpful website. You may want to bookmark this one for future reference.                         Everything you will ever need to know about a product from beginning to end Get Information on Household Safety Products. It's a health and human resource database for products.Every entry contains manufacturer information and safety warnings. Yu can also get safety information on prodcut ingredients (Important). Example:                                                                                     Auto Products                                          Inside the Home                                                                                                                              Pesticides                           ... 07/25/2010

                                                            We are Proud Americans Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.                                                                   Oh So Proud To Fly This Flag                                                                                                                                           God Bless America                                           __________________________________________________       ... 06/13/2010

  New Braunfels has something for everyone. How about a FREE visit to a Rail Road Museum.                                                                  New Braunfels Railroad Museum                                                                  302 W. San Antonio St.   The New Braunfels Railroad Museum, operated by the New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society. THE MUSEUM IS OPEN THURSDAY THRU MONDAY 12 TO 4 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE AND DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED. WE ARE LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN NEW BRAUNFELS AT 302 WEST SAN ANTONIO STREET AT THE RAILROAD TRACKS. MUSEUM PHONE NUMBER: 1-830-627-2447 MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 310475, NEW BRAUNFELS TX 78131-0475 OR E-MAIL: info@newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org It sits in a 1907 depot. Folks who are nostalgic for the railroad era will appre... 06/13/2010

Wordless Wednesday...Landa Park Gazebo This is one of my favorite places to sit and think and enjoy a pretty day...this is located in New Braunfels, Texas in our beautiful Landa Park on the Comal Springs.  There are ever present ducks quacking and bathing nearby, other gorgeous birds all around, squirrels scampering about and the sound of children playing and laughing.  I love this gazebo and come here often to reflect and take in the sights of the park. Photography by Jeani Thomas Richie Copyright 2010 06/02/2010

Spend magical nights watching amazing Texas Sunsets from the luxury of your custom covered private cedar-fenced outdoor area.Sophisticated Energy Efficient home in immaculate condition only 5 minutes from excellent shopping, the Guadalupe River, downtown and I-35.Huge Open Kitchen with a Breakfast Bar, lots of cabinets, Upgraded Appliances, smooth surface range, self-cleaning oven, built-in microwave, Pantry and tile flooring.Large Open Breakfast Area with lots of windows for abundant natural light, a new ceiling fan/light and tile flooring.Open Living Room is great for entertaining with vaulted ceilings, wood flooring, new ceiling fan/light and lots of windows.Private, Restful, Relaxing split Master Bedroom with large windows and new ceiling fan/light.Master Spa Bathroom features a lar... 05/31/2010

2010 Rules for tubing the Guadalupe in New Braunfels Texas           The city is also reminding visitors that there are certain rules that must be followed while on the river. 1. No jumping from bridges, dams, trees or cliffs. (also in Comal County) 2. Coolers must have a locking mechanism on the lid 3. Absolutely no glass allowed on the rivers! (also in Comal County) 4. No styrofoam or foam (also in Comal County) 5. The maximum permitted cooler size is now 16 quarts, one per person. 6. No volume drinking devices (beer bongs) 7. No containers under 5 fluid ounces are permitted (Jell-o shots) 8. Noise devices may not be audible beyond 50 feet                                                                       Blog: May 28, 2010 by your Texas Hill Country Home Inspector, Carl Winters, #... 05/28/2010

 The Gazebo in downtown New Braunfels Texas. Reminder: City Offices Closed Monday, May 31stCity offices will be closed in honor of Memorial Day, on Monday, May 31, 2010. Solid waste and recycling will be collected as normally scheduled, but the City Recycling Center will be closed.                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                                                                  Concerts in the Park                                                                                      New Braunfels Tradition Grab your picnic basket, lawn chair and dancing shoes! For over twenty-five years, the Landa Park Dance Slab has been the place to be every Thursday night during the summer months. Local musicians perform a variety of music that ranges from ... 05/27/2010

New Braunfels Farmers Market ~ Every Saturday 9-1pm   ~ Downtown New Braunfels, Texas Today I had a wonderful experience in downtown New Braunfels, Texas, I went to the Farmer's Market.     It was obvious from the parking downtown that this was a much visited event. I parked right on the main street (one of the reasons that I LOVE living in New Braunfels) and walked less than a block away to the Farmer's Market.  One nice thing was that all the vendors goods have to be things that are grown or made locally.   When I arrived I saw a huge variety flowers, cheese's, meats, vegetables, fruits, Oh, my the list could go on.    There was some great homemade tamales (chicken & cilantro, poblano & feta cheese, vegetarian) very different and unusual combinations.  I'm used to ordering tamales by:... 05/15/2010

OPEN HOUSE TODAY AT 1752 OAKMONT CIRCLE IN OAK RUN, NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS Come on out today Sunday, April 25, 2010 between 2pm and 4pm and preview this gorgeous and spacious 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 2 car garage Kirchoffer home located in popular Oak Run.  This home boasts over 3400 square feet of living area, .31 acre lot with fenced backyard, two dining areas, three living areas, gas kitchen with island and soaring ceilings.  Offered for $292,000. Listed by:  EXIT Hill Country Realty - Jeani Thomas Richie, Broker - Licensed in Texas 0472264   04/25/2010

You can't beat Free - Learn to live and be green in New Braunfels Texas Earth Day 2010 Where: Landa Park Dance Slab When: 1-5 p.m., Saturday, April 24 Cost: Free The event will include more than 40 organizations and green businesses that will have demonstrations and educational booths as well as live entertainment. Food, beverages and commemorative Earth Day T-shirts and bags will be available for purchase. Food vendors will include The Italian Kitchen and Paleteria La Reina. "It's family fun, and will teach people how to live and be green in New Braunfels," Living green in New Braunfels is the theme Saturday at the New Braunfels fourth annual Earth Day event at Landa Park.  Green is beautiful. Things to do in New Braunfels Localism blog: New Braunfels, TX by Carl Winters, Home Inspecti... 04/22/2010

                                                                                         Fiesta San Antonio                                                                 There is excitement in the air in San Antonio, Texas.   It is time to find your FIESTA HAT, FIESTA DRESS and plan on helping folks in San Antonio  celebrateFIESTA.                                                            It's Party Time in San Antonio                                                            http://www.fiesta-sa.org/                                                                 Contact Info. & Info.                                                                        210-227-5191                                                                                                1-877-723-4378       ... 04/15/2010

100 Reasons to Visit New Braunfels Texas. Folkfest is a must. Weather report says we are going to have a great day for New Braunfels Folkfest http://www.nbheritagevillage.com                                                                       April 10, 2010 - April 11, 2020   FOLKFEST : New Braunfels Texas FOLKFEST is an annual "Family Heritage Festival" sponsored by the Heritage Society of New Braunfels on the grounds of Heritage Village in April.                      FOLKFEST features living history re-enactments, pioneer craft demonstrations, free furniture museum tours, children's activities, musical entertainment and delicious food. A complete schedule of activities will posted the week of the event. All proceeds benefit Heritage Village and their historic preservation projects. ... 04/08/2010

Speechless Sunday...Bathtime! I do wildlife and nature photography as a side business to my real estate.  It really started as a passion that my late father got me into as a kid and has grown into a business.  I have done three exhibits and have sold some of my work...so I suppose that makes me a professional in some sense. Well, my almost thirteen year old son has picked up on my passion and is always snatching my camera and shooting something and today I found this photo that he snapped while we were visiting nearby Landa Park in New Braunfels, Texas for a picnic recently.  I thought he did an amazing job of capturing this bathing duck in the stream and chose it to be my Speechless Sunday feature! Photography by:  Jordan Richie Copyright 2010 04/04/2010

Randolph Air Force Base (Randolph AFB) is a base of the United States Air Force located in Universal City, Texas, near San Antonio. Dedicated June 20, 1930, as a flying training base, and it continues with that mission today. The base is named after Captain William Millican Randolph, a native of Austin who was on the base naming committee at the time of his death in a crash. It serves as headquarters of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) as well as the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) and is known as "the Showplace of the Air Force" because of the Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture in which all structures including hangars were constructed. The symbol of the base is a large water tower atop Building 100, housing the 12th Flying Training Wing (12 FTW) headquarters, k... 03/25/2010