Sheila Moran ~Broker Bits~: October 2008

Where we can:

voice our opinion

vote as we please

and use our private property as we please (well, within reason)  

Four to five weeks ago, on my way to and from the office I noticed a sign go up.   Now this wasn't any old sign.  It was homemade, painted over and spray painted with the message that the person was trying to get across.  For weeks I drove by admiring this handy work, the fact that someone could announce to his neighbors a message.  Now we all may not agree with the message, but it was THEIR message to announce.  We must respect that.

So, I noticed that on Monday's the message was different for that week.  See below:

 

 

But, last week the message started heating up and it changed every couple of days or so.  

So, I still drive by, take a picture, chuckle at whatever handy work they have done for the week and go about my day...it's like a little game of cat and mouse.

These days everyone seems to be gripping about the economy, how our children are being raised, double income parenting, the BAIL OUT, golden parachutes (well, you get what I'm trying to say...I won't name them all).  

Maybe you agree with this landowner or maybe you don't.  But, it made me think of what a wonderful place that we Americans live in.  We have the right to speak our mind without repercussion (except on AR), dare to think for ourselves (okay, I'll leave this one alone!) and have basic human rights that many people that we share this world with don't.  

So, take a minute out of this MEDIA infested day and focus on something that reminds you of the beauty of this country and our inherent rights as citizens of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

And if you don't like what you see, go out and cast your VOTE!
 

Oak Run Subdivision, New Braunfels, Tx This stunning Perry Home is located on the NW side of 35North at the start of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This particular home sits in the back end of this neighborhood, has no neighbors behind the house, but most importantly has a FABULOUS sunset view. If you love sunset watching, this is the place to be. Single story home that features granite countertops, wide open hallway's, island kitchen that opens into family room...perfect for entertaining. Interested in more information or photos? Let me know, Sheila Moran, RE/MAX Access, 210-325-6962, www.SistersThatSell.com, remember BUY OR SELL FROM ME, USE THE TRUCK FOR FREE!

This past week I met with the best RE/MAX Agents in Texas!  

Twice a year I meet with my Success Partners which is a group that our coach, Cheryl Fairbanks formed. 

This particular time we met at the Inn at Granbury,Texas.  This place was right on Granbury Lake, had a beautiful lot and wonderful facilities.  There are 8 master bedrooms (each one different and stately decorated) so some of us stayed at neighboring B&B's but we ate, laughed, learned and gathered for our meetings on these serene grounds. 

The place is really spectacular, the dining even better!   I just had to take a few photos and share this with everyone!

If you are ever in Granbury, Texas and want a smashing place to reconnect, unwind, read a good book, sit in a swing and watch the water ripple this is THE place to do all of those things.

 

 

Need an Agent that is informed and motivated?  Call Sheila Moran, RE/MAX Access, www.SistersThatSell.com, 210-325-6962

Early Voting at Garden Ridge, Texas what a wonderful experience! 

On my way to the office this morning I stopped off in beautiful Garden Ridge, Texas at their municipal offices and voted.  It was the most pleasant experience I have encountered in my 23 so few years of being able to vote!   

As I drove in I noticed directional signs everywhere...they said VOTE in big red letters that usually accompanied an arrow directing me in my voter direction. 

I marched right in expecting a wait...well, where was everyone?  There were more ladies there to assist me in my quest than there were voters!  Ahh, how pleasant! 

As the only voter in line I was treated like royalty.  After showing them my voter registration card (they didn't want my ID to double check if I was truly THE Sheila Moran voting) ...I VOTED!  

In years passed I always remember a busy parking lot, so many signs that you didn't know where to go, a long line, grumpy people complaining about "doing their duty" and the such.  

The sign says it all, there is EARLY voting at Garden Ridge for the next 2 days!

If you are interested in voting at a beautiful facility, wonderful people to assist you and spending less than 6 minutes TOTAL!  Take a little stroll down to Garden Ridge, Texas.

 

 

Looking for a KNOWLEDGEABLE REALTOR to assist you in the purchase of a home in Garden Ridge?   Call The Moran Team, www.SistersthatSell.com Sheila Moran, RE/MAX Access, 19115 FM 2252, Ste 7, Garden Ridge, Texas

The following is an great example of how an AR guy helped me and he didn't even know it! 

Many months ago (I was NOT on AR then) I was googling information about having a moving truck wrapped (or just trying to get some information in general about).  

I ran across Utah Dave's post about how he wrapped his truck.  He talked about how he had it 3 years before he re-vamped it and now it is actually working for him!   I thought it was very interesting and I was in the midst of buying/thinking/deciding on a moving truck myself for my clients.   

So, in August I made the decision and made the step.  Since then I have been working with a designer to come up with the "wrap" on the side of the truck. 

I FINALLY have a design and wanted all of your opinions about it BEFORE I made this live.  

I would love your opinion!

Keep in mind that this is just a "proof".  The photo will actually be sharper and the colors more vibrant when wrapped.  I guess that I should also share that this proof is very small...keep in mind that it will be spread over an 18 FT box on the truck (everything should be large enough to view and see).

 

 

Another reason to love New Braunfels, Texas.  The New Braunfels Independent School District was awarded a "superior" rating. What an awesome place to live, raise children in, play and work. Here is the story courtesy of the Herald-Zeitung.

 
NBISD awarded 'superior rating'
By Mark Koopmans
The Herald-Zeitung

Published October 21, 2008

New Braunfels Independent School District officials boasted a "superior achievement" rating during a public hearing Monday.

The mandated hearing concerned the district's school FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System) Management Report, and took place prior to the board's regular meeting.

An annual public meeting for a financial management report explaining NBISD's performance is required by the Texas Education Agency, which monitors school districts statewide.

More than 20 indicators for the current and prior year are used to determine a district's rating. According to the report, the NBISD earned a "superior achievement" rating and the local district received "a perfect score of 85," said Assistant Superintendent Randy Moczygemba.

The 2008 School FIRST ratings were based upon an analysis of staff and student data reported for the 2006-07 school year, as well as budgetary and actual financial data for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.

As part of the report, districts are required to report the superintendent's current contract, as well as reimbursements to board members for the school year in question.

As of Feb. 1, 2007, Superintendent Michael Smith earned an annual salary of $171,000, according to a contract signed by Smith and former NBISD President Bill Biggadike.

According to the report, 10 trustees on the NBISD board for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2007, were reimbursed a total of more than $9,980 for apparent school-related expenses.

During the regular meeting, the board honored several students, teachers and staff members, including 27 transportation department employees. The group, which included more than a dozen bus drivers, were honored for their efforts during the Hurricane Ike evacuation effort and were presented with an "Excellence in Service Award."

The board of trustees also spent nearly two hours in executive session stemming from a grievance appeal filed by an unnamed current or former district employee, according to information from the Texas Open Meetings Act.

When the board reconvened in open session, the motion to grant the grievance appeal was passed 4-3, with President Ed Clark and trustees Mae Ruth Meyer and Greg Schlather voting against the motion.

No other information concerning the grievance was discussed, and an attorney for the employee was asked, but had no comment, after the motion was granted.

 

I'd love to help you find a house in New Braunfels, Texas.  If I may help you, please call Sheila Moran, RE/MAX Access in Garden Ridge, Texas.  210-325-6962

This darling home is only a few years old. It's located in the Judson Independent School District. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths a nice open living room and eat in kitchen. There is 1070 sq ft per the Builder and excellent use of space! Rooms are seperated, master bedroom is at rear off of kitchen and has a seperate bathroom. Owners have maintained wonderfully and it shows! Priced right and ready for a new owner!

This past week I took this wonderful listing. It's located in Boerne, Texas but schools are in Comal County, Tx. It sits on a beautiful 6.42 acres slightly up a hill. There are mature trees, peaceful and there is always a breeze. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths a upstairs loft that can be used for an office. Downstairs the house has a game room at the rear that overlooks the private backyard. The pool is fenced in and there is a workshop (size of a 2 car garage) that would be a dream for a handy person!

Yesterday I wrote a post on saving yourself from the "debbie downers" of this world called My Blinders are on...  

Some of the responses that I received made me think that there might be a few more of us that really need a little "pick me up".  

I always go back to this quote (I have posted at my desk, in my closet, everywhere that I can see) when I need some inspiration, renewed excitement or rejuvenation.  For some wonderful reason this quote always does it for me.  Hence, I thought that instead of keeping it for myself that I would share with the rest of you.  Hopefully, this will ignite something inside of you as well.

      "The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena,

who strive valiantly;

who know the great enthusiasm,

the great devotions,

and spend themselves in a worth cause;

who, at the best, know the triumph of high achievement;

and who, at the worst, if they fail,

fail while daring greatly,

so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls

that know neither victory nor defeat."   

 Theodore Roosevelt    

Now, I don't have express written permission to publish this but, I'm sure no one will mind my spreading a little inner strength to my comrades in the trenches.  

I'm hoping your day is splendid and fruitful!  

                                                                         

Remember if there is anything that I may help you with, I'm a phone call away.  Sheila Moran, RE/MAX Access, www.SistersThatSell.com, San Antonio, Texas  210-325-6962

Seems that for months now I have been careful to avoid the Agents, Sellers, Buyers, general population with their "economic" breakdown (yes, similar to a nervous breakdown and the hysteria that goes along with it).  

Now, I'm not saying to IGNORE all of the signals.  Nor to blatantly stick your head in the sand.  But, one thing is for sure:  You are what you listen to and participate in.  

I've been reading story after story about Agents crying over the market (and I'm not saying that all markets are great).  But, I would bet money that the Agents that have their BLINDERS on and are focused on what they need to do, how they are going to accomplish it and what their desired outcome from it will be, have got to be ahead in these "mind games". 

 

Need a minute to re-focus?  Easiest way to do that it to break out that goal sheet that you did at the beginning of the year.  Oh, you didn't do one?  Better late than never so, sit down and make a plan for the last 4th quarter of this year.  Lock yourself where you won't be distracted (for me that's my GIANT walk in closet) turn on some soothing music and rethink, re plan and rejuvenate your mind and soul.  When your ready with your ACTION plan in hand walk out and face the world again. 

Sometimes during the day feel someone trying to steal your peace?....well, your already focused.  You can quickly put a stop to it!  

See someone walking your way with TOXIC words?  Tell them politely, "sorry, wearing my blinders today (and maybe ear plugs, too!) I simply can't afford to participate in this conversation".  They will look at you funny and might be a little mad that you won't commiserate in their miserly, but believe me they will find someone else that WILL.  

Remember, your time is what you make of it. 

 

 

Interested in a REALTOR that is focused and on track?  Call Sheila Moran, www.SistersThatSell.com, Garden Ridge, Texas, RE/MAX Access