NHOME Texas Magazine Jan/Feb 2014

NH ME TEXAS

LUXURY LIVING

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DESIGNS

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HOME IDEAS

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R E A L E S TAT E

BEST IN THE BUSINESS

JAMES MCKISSICK AND SWBC MORTGAGE LA CANTERA

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Haute Homes 2014

PREDICTIONS FROM INTERIOR TRADE CARTEL

New Year, New Home FIND YOUR DREAM HOME AT THE new

JOHNSON RANCH BRING THE ROMANCE

DATE NIGHT DINING 101

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Time for a Change?

CHAMPIONS SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE on Defining Moments JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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Local. Legendary. Lasting.

Homes from the $260s to $1Million+

Discover the very best in luxury garden homes exquisite single family homes and elegant custom homes in communities throughout the San Antonio area. For 50 years, we have built a reputation of superior quality and customer satisfaction.

Ask a Sitterle Homes Sales Professional about our Sitterle Select Homes — homes ready for quick move-in!

Visit us online to view our floor plans, community maps, driving directions and more.

*Prices, promotions, incentives, features, options, amenities, floor plans, elevations, designs, materials and dimensions are subject to change without notice. Valid in Sitterle Homes - San Antonio division only. Other restrictions may apply. For further information, please see a Sitterle Homes Sales Professional . ©2014, Sitterle Homes, Ltd. All rights reserved.

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1. Cielos at Cibolo Canyons - From $500s 2. Amorosa at Cibolo Canyons - Garden Homes from $300s 3. Campanas at Cibolo Canyons - Garden Homes from $380s 4. Johnson’s Ranch - Coming Soon!

5. Kinder Ranch - From $260s 6. San Miguel - From $350s 7. Stately Oaks - From $280s 8. Dominion - Garden Homes from $500s 9. Salado Canyon at Rogers Ranch - From $360s 10. Balcones Creek - From $450s Balcones Creek Gardens - Garden Homes from $400s 11. The Overlook at Stonewall Estates 12. Cresta Bella - Garden Homes Coming Soon!

13. Aviara - From $290s 14. Triana - From $420s 15. Air Force Village - Garden Homes from $280s

INTERIOR TRADE CARTEL

DESIGN SHOWROOM TO THE TRADE ❖ WWW.INTERIORTRADECARTEL.COM 930 PROTON, SUITE 303 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78258 OFFICE: 210.494.1602 TOLL-FREE: 888.887.1914 FAX: 210.494.4630

FLOOR SAMPLE STUDIO

LIKE US ON

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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Model Homes now open

Live Life on the Ranch www.JohnsonRanch-tx.com neaR bulveRde on fM1863. 1 Mile east of Hwy. 281 noRtH H o M es by

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/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

january // february 2014 TEXAS NHOME MAGAZINE

CUSTOM HOMES Johnson Ranch

This new residential/mixed-use development will offer residents both the charm of Hill Country living and easy access to big-city living, already making it the next great masterplanned community in the San Antonio area.

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features

20 DINE

Date Night Dining: A How-To With Valentine's Day just around the corner, NHOME shares some of the best date night dining locales in the area for couples in all relationship stages and a few aphrodisiacs.

28 FUNCTIONAL DESIGN Haute Home Decor 2014

Want to know what's haute? In celebration of the New Year, the pros at Interior Trade Cartel share their predictions for the year's hottest trends in home design.

46 REAL ESTATE

Defining Moments Rita Santamaria of Champions School of Real Estate discusses the moments of great impact that change the direction of our lives and the resulting commitments we can make to ourselves.

62 FINANCE

Lender Profile: James McKissick Processing, people and location: With some of the best in the business on his team, the branch manager at SWBC Mortgage La Cantera provides excellent customer service in an excellent location.

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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in this issue

78

NHOME staff

72 ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

86 Functional Design

Finance

26 Living the Dream

66 History, Facts and

Real Estate 38 Rock-Solid 42 Renting vs. Buying

Green 54 Continuing the Discontinued 56 Lean and Green in 2014

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

Predictions

Arts & Culture 70 A Weekend in Boerne 72 Mix and Match

Great Escapes 76 San Antonio is for Lovers

MARKETING ASSISTANT Chinyere Okoro

Active Adult Living 78 Raising the Bar 80 What's New for 2014

Events 82 A Great Start 84 Recognizing the Elite 85 A Night of Giving Thanks 86 NHOME 2nd Anniversary

INTERN Chloe Gil

Celebration

IN EVERY ISSUE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SIGGI RAGNAR

BUILDER: MONTICELLO HOMES

10 A Note From the Publisher 14 Contributors 16 Advisory Board INTERN Miriam Guajardo Resendez

New Release of Di Lusso Villas and Hilltop Homesites

SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR

and get a whole new definition of lifestyle.

• 20+ mile panoramic views of the Guadalupe River Valley and Hill Country • Di Lusso Villas designed by acclaimed architect Roy Braswell on 1/3rd acre view lots • 1-2 acre estate homesites with panoramic views • Clubs of Cordillera Ranch: Seven Clubs, ONE MEMBERSHIP • Top Ranked Golf Course in a Residential Community in Texas • Minutes from San Antonio shopping and entertainment • Low Kendall County taxes • Private Guadalupe River access • Eight miles of nature trails and two beautiful waterfront parks We invite you to discover a relaxing lifestyle of natural beauty and outdoor adventure far from city life, yet close enough to the comforts of everyday luxury living, all just minutes from San Antonio and Boerne. Contact us today for a private viewing of this incredible limited inventory of hilltop properties before they are gone.

This is living. Pure and simple.

888-66-RANCH

or visit us online at www.CordilleraRanch.com

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{ ON THE COVER { Johnson Ranch

PHOTO BY CARLTON WADE

is San Antonio’s newest master-planned community conveniently located just nine miles north of Loop 1604 on U.S. Highway 281 at FM 1863. With beautiful Hill Country views of Cibolo Valley and nestled among heritage oaks, homeowners will enjoy trails, natural open space, an amenity center and Johnson Ranch Elementary school. The Ryland Homes models are open in The Homestead at Johnson Ranch, with Highland Homes opening soon. Monticello Homes and Sitterle Homes will open models in the late spring, with Lennar Homes and Village Builders opening in Johnson Ranch North in the late summer. Homeowners will enjoy the convenience to San Antonio and the feel of Hill Country living.

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a note from the publisher

M

y wish for you, our valued advertisers and readers, is that 2014 will bring you more joy and fulfillment than the years before! Having the opportunity to see another year is a blessing and a privilege that many take for granted. Let’s make resolutions to put our best effort into everything we do this year.

In light of the New Year, we are excited to celebrate a new development that is just bursting with anticipation to offer a fun-filled family environment full of great amenities so that residents can enjoy the quality of life that Texas offers! Our featured development is Johnson Ranch, which has calming views right near Bulverde on FM 1863 and yet is just minutes from the city of San Antonio. Who would have ever imagined? NHOME gives you a sneak preview!

And as one of our lenders who would be happy to help you build or buy your next home, SWBC celebrates the ribbon cutting of their new La Cantera office. Read the article on SWBC, this issue’s profiled lender, to become more familiar with who they are and the services they can offer you or someone you know who is in need of a mortgage lender.

New designs go right along with a new year! Just like in fashion, interior decorating always features new designs that make one want to redecorate every year. Interior Trade Cartel, or ITC, shows us what is haute for 2014. Read and learn more about their team and how they can help you transform your whole house to suit your personal style.

We just celebrated the holidays, but Valentine’s Day will soon sneak up on us and we will want to know where we should dine for PROUD MEMBER OF: date night. With its motto, “give your kitchen a break,” NHOME’s Dine section is here to help! But make your reservations early because the nicest restaurants are sure to get booked first.

As real estate continues to do well in Texas, do you ever wonder who is behind Champions School of Real Estate? Well, wonder no more: NHOME has made it possible for you to find out from the founder herself. Read about the defining moment and see how and why it all started.

At NHOME, we strive to bring you a variety of interesting and informative articles in each issue. A few other articles in this issue you don’t want to miss are “History, Facts and Predictions”; “Renting vs. Buying”; “Rock-Solid”; “Lean and Green in 2014”; and many more for your enjoyment.

Another year always brings great new innovations. Start the year the right way and follow your creative mind early on. NHOME wishes you, your family and your business a happy, healthy and improved New Year!

Sincerely,

Adaku Okoro, publisher adaku@nhometx.com

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I hope to see many of you at the upcoming Parade of Homes in a few months!

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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NH ME TEXAS

JANUARY // FEBRUARY 2014

Austin | Dallas | Fort Worth | Houston | San Antonio | Online

PUBLISHER

Adaku Okoro ART DIRECTOR

Providing Award-Winning Real Estate Education For

Elisa Giordano

30 YEARS

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Holly Borham-Ramos Angela Clack Easton Crafts Gabriel Diego Delgado Jakki Eckmann Kelly Hamilton Rita Zenzen Heck Nichelle Hosely Nan Krigbaum Bill Ness Lauren Ramirez Christian Reed-Ogba Rita Santamaria Kim Young Patricia Zars

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Nelson Enochs Sarah Brooke Lyons Siggi Ragnar Jason Roberts

Real Estate

Loan Origination

Home Inspection

Appraisal

MARKETING ASSISTANT Chinyere Okoro

INTERNS

Champions School of Real Estate ® has enjoyed serving the Texas Real

Chloe Gil Miriam Guajardo Resendez

Estate industry for over 30 years. Providing high quality classroom and online instruction for Real Estate, Loan Originator, Appraiser and Inspector Professionals. With seven locations, classes 7 days a week, evening and weekend schedules, Now is the Time to...

Choose to be a Champion!

Austin/Round Rock Dallas North Fort Worth Houston North

512-244-3545 972-867-4100 214-687-0000 281-893-4484

Houston Galleria Houston West San Antonio Toll Free

713-629-4543 281-496-7386 210-349-7600 800-284-1525

ChampionsSchool.com Join us at facebook.com/ChampionsSchool Open to the Public; TREC #0005,

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Lone Star College Tomball Provider #0123

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www.nhometx.com For advertising information, please call 210.568.9688 or email info@nhometx.com.

For editorial comments and suggestions, please email info@nhometx.com.

TO REACH US: 5600 Broadway Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78209 Phone: 210.568.9688 Copyright © by NHOME Texas Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

DESIGN, BUILD & RENOVATIONS

The perfect way to celebrate success!

7902 Calle Rialto, Suite 200 San Antonio Texas 78257 www.ckccustomhomes.com

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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contributors

KIM YOUNG Kim Young, a native Texan, is a broker/associate with BH&G RE Bradfield Properties who has been assisting luxury buyers and sellers in the San Antonio and Hill Country areas since 1999.

She is a third-year recipient of the coveted Five Star Professional Award for customer service and a past recipient of the Platinum Top 50 award. She is a mother of four, including twin daughters who recently turned 21. In addition to her real estate career, she is an author and co-author of the Creating Machine series, and she writes for various publications and websites.

EASTON CRAFTS Easton Crafts is the CEO of Directions Equity, LLC. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1995 and in that time has closed thousands of loan transactions of all types including Conventional, FHA, VA, Texas Vet, USDA, Jumbo and Construction Loans.

He co-founded Directions Equity in 2007 along with his business partner Marc Spitzer and together they have helped the company increase production over 20% per year since its inception. Easton holds a degree in Business Administration with concentration in real estate finance and mortgage lending. He is a member of the Texas Association of Mortgage Professionals and SA North Chamber.

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CHRISTIAN REED-OGBA

NAN KRIGBAUM

RITA SANTAMARIA

JAKKI ECKMANN

Christian Reed-Ogba launched her boutique PR firm, BethanyEast PR, alongside her husband, Uchennaya, in late 2012 after relocating from Detroit.

Since then, she has garnered much recognition in the social media marketing and nonprofit public relations sectors of the city’s increasing small business sector.

Reed-Ogba is devoted to increasing connectivity between entrepreneurs, local community influencers and their audiences. As a publicist, she has worked with a number of nonprofits, new technology and hospitality brands, and she takes time to write freelance for area blogs and editorials.

Since Nan Krigbaum acquired her interior design degree in 1992, her work has taken her to clients’ projects in Seattle, Honolulu and Palm Springs. As manager of the furniture department at Interior Trade Cartel, Krigbaum’s goal is to help the interior designers of San Antonio and Austin find aesthetic solutions that work within their budgets.

Currently celebrating her 30th year in business as the founder and owner of Champions School of Real Estate, Rita Santamaria has seen her school grow from a small two-classroom facility in Houston to a statewide school with seven campus locations in Texas.

Champions currently has offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and Fort Worth (as of 2012).

The school’s success can be attributed to Santamaria’s dedication.

Jakki Eckmann is a marketing and social media consultant who focuses her efforts on strategic marketing and lead generation for residential real estate. She specializes in marketing across various social media platforms, writing for public relations and website content development. Eckmann holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, with an emphasis on speech communication, from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO

LAUREN RAMIREZ

PATRICIA ZARS

NICHELLE HOSLEY

Lauren Ramirez is a 20-yearold member of the team at Louis Shanks Fine Home Furnishings. In her position, she takes on different roles from a receptionist to a librarian who assists designers with projects. In the design center, she keeps everything up-to-date, including the current fabrics, the discontinued fabrics and the catalogs. Having learned how to sew from her greatgrandmother when she was about 7, Ramirez enjoys using the discontinued fabrics to hand-make unique, durable and ecologically friendly makeup bags.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners, it was a natural progression for Patricia Zars to dive right into the family swimming pool business after completing her B.A. in Business Marketing. In summer 2003, armed with her entrepreneurial spirit, her degree and a lot of drive, she decided to pursue a career in real estate, the field her husband, Lane Rogers, already worked in.

Zars has also completed the extensive broker's licensing requirements and obtained her broker's license on Feb. 1, 2012.

A native of Virginia, Nichelle Hosley relocated to San Antonio with her husband and four children in 2004. With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and as an entrepreneur, her professional background now includes interior design. Hosley holds a certificate in both residential and commercial interior design from St. Mary’s University, and she has worked under several award-winning designers.

She now brings her unique skills and focus on design to her current position at Interior Trade Cartel, a design showroom to the trade.

Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist.

He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications. His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

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BILL NESS Bill Ness is considered a leading expert on 55-plus age-restricted and active adult communities in the United States. He worked as a sales manager for Del Webb in Illinois at the popular Sun City Huntley and Edgewater active adult communities for five years. He left Del Webb in 2007 to start 55places.com.

Since starting the website, Ness has toured hundreds of active adult communities across the country and interviewed countless residents, real estate agents and builders about trends in active adult living.

HOLLY BORHAMRAMOS Holly Borham-Ramos is the owner of HBR Creative Design and Media, which focuses on strategic design and implementation for a variety of marketing services. She has more than 20 years of experience in creative marketing and media, and she specializes in sales/marketing design, multimedia presentations, logo development/branding and specialty advertising design. Ramos serves as the creative marketing and media associate for Keller Williams Heritage, and she is an active realtor. She has excelled in former positions throughout her career, including vice president of operations and production, art director, sales training and marketing director and creative designer. She holds degrees in both fine arts and visual communication and design, and she has obtained licenses and certifications in real estate, insurance and human resources.

ANGELA CLACK Few people will confess a love of eating, but Angela Clack lists eating among her hobbies. She believes life is best experienced in the enjoyment of great food with family and friends. Her tastes range from casual street foods to exotic selections and fine dining. Clack enjoys traveling and uses it as an excuse to immerse herself in the local cuisine and culture. Raised on highly seasoned traditional Southern fare, she seeks out authentic food and dining experiences and documents her discoveries for other food lovers.

RITA ZENZEN HECK In her hometown of Chicago, Rita Zenzen Heck was a newspaper and magazine editor and TV copywriter.

She currently lives in San Antonio and volunteers with the Majestic Theatre, the San Antonio Sports Association, the San Antonio Conservation Society, the San Antonio Council for International Visitors and the San Antonio Downtown Residents Association.

Heck has worked for Stars and Stripes, Overseas Weekly and Made In Europe magazine, as well as in advertising and PR, before opening her own Creative Overflow. She added The Green Connection in 1995, also producing green building showcases and her own green building and education magazine and events.

Since 1995, she has hosted and produced The Green Connection television show on digital cable channel 20, which airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Your Trusted Mortgage Lender ...for more than 20 years

Kim Young Has been working with luxury home buyers and sellers achieving their real estate goals in the San Antonio/ Hill Country market since 1999.

Call her today!

PROFILES OF THE MONTH Cleo Garza NMLS #218858 Senior Loan Officer

KimYoung Broker/Associate Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Bradfield Properties

210.240.1883 Kim Young is a third year recipient of the Five Star Professional Award as seen in Texas Monthly

Jon Tober NMLS #212945 Senior Loan Officer

15900 La Cantera, Suite 26230 San Antonio, TX 78256

Now Hiring Exceptional Loan Officers

Call our office at 210.598.7908 to prequalify! Š 2013 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval; certain restriction and conditions apply. Programs and Guidelines are subject to change. Rates change daily. 8540-4780 1213

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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advisory board

PEGGY ZETTNER

MIKE HOLLAWAY

BELINDA VELA-REYNA

A realtor and real estate business owner since 1991, Denise Graves started the Graves Group in 2003 with the vision to offer extraordinary service to her clients, both locally and globally. The Graves Group has been in the Top 25 Real Estate Teams (SABJ) since 2005 and continues to set the standard for real estate in San Antonio and the Hill Country. With her 20-plus years of real estate experience in the area and her business mantra of “high tech, high touch,” Graves makes her properties stand out and keeps clients coming back.

San Antonio native Peggy Zettner has been in the wholesale interior design industry for more than 21 years. As president of Interior Trade Cartel Inc. (ITC) for the past 17-plus years, she has seen many changes in the local interior design market. And business has never been better. Zettner has always felt there was a need to bring more design product to the trade in San Antonio.

ITC currently represents more than 100 lines of product. ITC is an ASID industry partner, and it is very involved in the community. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, Zettner stays pretty busy. She loves entertaining family and friends, and her newest passion has been getting involved personally in the community. Her two biggest passions are CASA and Wounded Warriors.

Mike Hollaway enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the San Antonio area’s most prestigious builders of fine custom homes since 1992. One of his many well-earned awards was the 2008 Builder of the Year. He is a past president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association; he holds graduate master builder (GMB) and certified green professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); and he is a voting director of the Texas Association of Builders and the NAHB. Hollaway currently builds throughout San Antonio, as far north as Austin and Horseshoe Bay and as far south as the Eagle Ford Shale. Some of his community involvement includes being a past member of Rey Feo court, and he is honored to have been chosen to build the 2013 St. Jude’s Dream Home.

Belinda Vela-Reyna is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.

She retired from an 11-year career as a U.S. probation officer for the Western District of Texas San Antonio Division to stay home with her two beautiful daughters, Alexandria and Mia. She also has two amazing stepchildren, Danielle and John, and a wonderful husband. She has always had a passion for design, and she recently enjoyed renovating her new home with the help of Trent Hultgren.

BARRY DENTON

EDNA DE SARO

EASTON CRAFTS

KRISTAL POWELL

As the director of real estate sales at Cordillera Ranch, Barry Denton is dedicated to creating an environment where people work together to consistently exceed goals. Prior to joining Cordillera Ranch, he worked for Bluegreen Communities, starting as a sales consultant in 2000 and ultimately becoming the South Texas regional sales director in 2009. Denton also has a background in teaching and in the golf business, and he remains a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he has been a licensed real estate agent since 1991 and a licensed broker since 2005.

Edna De Saro is the senior vice president of Lone Star National Bank.

As marketing director of one of the fastest growing banks in Texas, De Saro is involved in the development and implementation of all strategic marketing objectives that include corporate branding, public relations and market positioning.

Easton Crafts is the CEO of Directions Equity LLC. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1995, and in that time, he has closed thousands of loan transactions of all types, including Conventional, FHA, VA, Texas Vet, USDA, Jumbo and Construction Loans.

He co-founded Directions Equity in 2007, along with his business partner Marc Spitzer, and together they have helped the company increase production more than 20 percent per year since its inception. Easton holds a degree in business administration with a concentration in real estate finance and mortgage lending. He is a member of the Texas Association of Mortgage Professionals and the San Antonio North Chamber.

Kristal Powell is the co-founder of CKC Custom Homes who serves as the driving force behind the beauty and elegance that is evident in the company’s finished homes. She uses a hands-on approach, personally assisting clients in the selection of paint, tile, cabinets and all aspects of design. Much of CKC’s success can be attributed to Powell’s passion for perfecting the unique style of CKC Custom Homes.

Nelson Enochs

DENISE GRAVES

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S PE C IA L ADVERTIS ING S ECTI ON

DI NE NHOME

TSOKUR JULIA/BIGSTOCK.COM

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A BREAK TONIGHT AND DINE WITH US

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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advisory board (cont'd) Frederick Costa continues to write his love sonnets in fine cuisine and wine and the latest creation is not only a new look for Frederick’s Restaurant — complete with a fresh menu featuring his latest French and Asian favorites offering a variety of tastes to try.

DALE PONDER Dale Ponder is the owner and operator of Cozy Outdoor Escapes, an outdoor living retail center focusing on customer service and high-end equipment. His career started in the electrical trades, where he held various positions in a large, nonunion shop in San Antonio, where he was raised.

He later entered the international market, project managing the construction of drug interdiction radar sites throughout South and Central America and owning and operating a telecommunication construction service company in Caracas, Venezuela. Ponder left the business in 2010 to pursue his passion for the outdoor living retail sector. He developed a business plan, and Cozy Outdoor Escapes opened to the public in March 2011.

REV. DR. CLAUDETTE COPELAND

Try our new Happy Hour appetizers and drink specials at our New Bar at the Broadway location!

To make reservations call #210.885.3782

www.frederickssa.com M O N D AY T H R O U G H F R I D AY: 11:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. lunch 5:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. dinner S AT U R D AY: 5:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. dinner

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Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland has served in a variety of ministry settings, including the Hospital Chaplaincy and the Mission Field (in Haiti, South Africa, West Africa and East Africa), and is a former member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Copeland is a founding co-convener of the Women in Ministry Training Conference, serving aspiring and active women ministers in all seasons of their journey. She is married to the Bishop David Michael Copeland. She serves with her husband as executive pastor of the New Creation Christian Fellowship Church, a thriving nondenominational church in Windcrest, Texas, just outside San Antonio. Copeland also has a passion and appreciation for beautiful homes and exquisite décor.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/ communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist. He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications. His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

TRISH NAJIM As a realtor and certified luxury home marketing specialist, Trish Najim prides herself in providing her clients a service to best assist them with their real estate needs regardless of whether they are sellers or buyers. Najim is with Keller Williams Realty Luxury International in San Antonio, and she is also a certified staging consultant and an interior design consultant. With her design background, she is able to work with buyers to visualize themselves in the home of their dreams, and to help sellers make their homes appealing to buyers.

YOU'LL WANT TO KISS THE CHEF.

BRING YOUR VALENTINE TO MYRON'S FOR A TASTE OF THE TOP 2% HAND-CUT AND WET-AGED PRIME BEEF IN AMERICA. YOUR LIP-SMACKING MEAL WILL BE COOKED TO PERFECTION AND DELIVERED HOT TO YOUR TABLE BY OUR AMAZING STAFF. JUST REMEMBER TO SAVE SOME ATTENTION FOR YOUR DATE!

PLANNING SOMETHING A LITTLE LESS INTIMATE? OUR PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS ARE A PERFECT WAY TO SHARE THE MYRON'S LOVE WITH A GROUP OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

MYRONSPRIME.COM NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS | 136 NORTH CASTELL | 830.624.1024 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS | MILITARY HIGHWAY & WURZBACH PARKWAY | 210.493.3031

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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// dine //

Table for Two? A HOW-TO GUIDE TO DATE NIGHT DINING

W

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hen considering options for romantic dining, it is important to realize that we don’t all define romance in the same way. This is likely due to our relationship stage. Yes, relationships have stages. Factors like tenure and degree of commitment would place you in one of the following stages:

STAGE 2: YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE FOR ME. You’re fully committed, perhaps in your first few years of marriage or leaning in that direction.

STAGE 1: ARE YOU THE ONE? You’re in a new relationship, you’re still learning about each other and you’re on your best behavior.

It is in this context that I share a few suggestions for dining as we approach Valentine’s Day, a day set aside for romance with all the trappings: well-chosen greeting cards, flowers, gifts and dining.

/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

STAGE 3: YOU’RE STILL THE ONE. You’re long-time loves – you understand that you are knit together for the long haul.

KZENON/BIGSTOCK.COM

// BY: ANGELA CLACK

Not subject to much argument is the notion that romantic dining is enhanced with the inclusion of one or more aphrodisiacs – foods believed to tilt the arc of romance in your favor. A Web search revealed five foods considered to be tried-and-true aphrodisiacs.

They are: CHOCOLATE: Dark is considered best for health.

It is also delightful with red wine.

1

AVOCADOS: I am disinclined to share what I read about the Aztecs’ fondness for this fruit. I would suggest you Google it for yourself.

2

Piatti Italian Restaurant & Bar at Eilan

BANANAS: Rich in potassium and B vitamins, they offer an instant and sustained energy boost.

3

OYSTERS: Loaded with zinc and other nutrients, this “whole food” was on most lists.

4

HONEY: Rich in B vitamins, this sweet substance has become a term of endearment.

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JERSTAD PHOTOGRAPHICS, VIKTAR MALYSHCHYTS/BIGSTOCK.COM

Where and why Table 12 at Lüke San Antonio, overlooking the River Walk, is

ROMANTIC DINING IS ENHANCED WITH THE INCLUSION OF ONE OR MORE APHRODISIACS. a perfect spot regardless of relationship stage. It’s a safe choice for those in Stage 1 that offers some of the city’s best dining, including specialty oysters (No. 4 on our list) from the Lüke Raw Bar. What your date orders for dinner at Lüke may offer some insight into the

future of your relationship. What if you order the Lüke Burger (3/4-pound prime beef, caramelized onions, Benton’s bacon and Emmenthaler), a superb onion and bacon cheeseburger, and your date orders the Entrecote Grilled Rib Eye, Béarnaise, Frites (also a marvelous choice)? Your

choice is approachable and safe, and your date’s choice is ostentatious and showy.

What does it all mean? Probably nothing.

Order the Dark Chocolate Mint Tart for dessert if the date seems to be going well.

If not, console yourself with their marvelous bread pudding.  JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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Lüke San Antonio

www.lukesanantonio.com

Wildfish Seafood Grille

www.wildfishseafoodgrille.com

Sumo Japanese Steakhouse

www.sumosanantonio.com

Myron’s Prime Steakhouse

www.myronsprime.com

Paloma Blanca

www.palomablanca.net

Sustenio

www.eilanhotel.com/sanantonio-restaurants.aspx

Piatti Italian Restaurant & Bar www.piatti.com

Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood Frederick’s

www.frederickssa.com

Francesca’s at Sunset

www.westinlacantera.com/ dining/francescas_at_sunset

Creme Brulee at Lüke San Antonio

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Another dining choice for Stage 1 is Wildfish Seafood Grille. It’s a chic setting to enjoy great seafood. The $1 Louisiana oysters are a treat, along with the $5 vodka cocktails during their happy hour.

Sumo Japanese Steakhouse features dinner and a show, as delicious and imaginative cuisine is prepared in front of you.

The lively experience offers an opportunity for light-hearted conversation. For a casual date, take advantage of their reverse happy hour to watch a late Spurs game.

Bill Been has created a sensual setting at Myron’s Prime Steakhouse. It is a tried-and-true choice for folks in every relationship stage. Most tables have a private feel, with intimate lighting ideal for a long evening of good conversation, great wine and fine dining. Lauded for their steaks, Myron’s serves USDA Prime Midwestern beef (the top 2 percent in the United States). Additional entrees include Australian lobster tail, rack of lamb and Ahi tuna medallions.

A selection of desserts, including a

chocolate cake (No. 1 on our list), is a perfect ending when paired with Myron’s coffee, a concoction that includes Kahlua, Amarula and Frangelico.

Stage 2 parents, get a sitter and spend an evening at Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine. Their Guacamole Olmeca is a special recipe using Hass avocados (No. 2 on our list). It is prepared tableside and served in a molcajete. Paloma Blanca offers an enormous selection of expertly prepared dishes traditional and innovative. The interior is intentionally intimate and cozy. The cantina/terrace is a relaxing floral environment with soothing water features – and it’s open a full hour after the kitchen closes.

Sustenio, tucked inside the Eilan Hotel Resort and Spa, offers a thoughtfully crafted menu, including a selection of ceviches served individually or in tasting combinations you dictate. Appetizer selections include an heirloom tomato and arugula salad, a tamale tart and shrimp and grits with candied jalapenos. Main courses

LEVKR/BIGSTOCK.COM

www.bohanans.com

are a foodie’s dream come true: rack of lamb, seared scallops and poblano relleno, to name a few.

Dining and romance can be taken to another level, as Sustenio offers their restaurant cuisine on the Eilan room service menu. Stages 2 and 3, is it time for a romantic “staycation”? Book a weekend hotel reservation. Include a morning couples’ spa experience – they have private VIP spa suites. Then let the staff bring an extraordinary dinner to your room.

Still in Stage 1 and looking for a more vibrant dining option? Take a stroll on the beautiful Piazza at Eilan. There you will find Piatti Italian Restaurant & Bar, the newest of two locations in San Antonio, near the fountain. If the view and energy are not enough, the menu offers imaginative takes on pasta, pizza and main dishes to be enjoyed with a glass or two of their private label house wines. The casual atmosphere is a suitable setting to relax, let your guard down and get to know each other better.

Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, located on Houston Street across from the Majestic, is an ideal choice for

Stage 3ers. Arrive well ahead of your dinner reservation to sip a cocktail at their classic bar. As you sip, know that you are the beneficiary of the talents of bartenders trained by Sasha Petraske, noted on the Bohanan’s website as a “major player”

WE DON’T ALL DEFINE ROMANCE IN THE SAME WAY. in New York’s cocktail renaissance. May I suggest the Tequila Honeysuckle, sweetened with No. 5 on our list?

At dinner, relax at an intimate table for two. Bohanan’s is renowned for their impeccable service and exquisite cuisine.

What better way to finish a romantic dinner than with a dessert prepared tableside

– Banana’s Foster (includes No. 3 on our list), drenched in rum and flaming? Check, please!

Frederick’s embodies romantic dining with its understated warm decor. The French- and Asian-influenced cuisine

by Chef Frederick Costa is beautifully presented. The unique menu features escargot with Spanish chorizo alongside spring rolls with pork and shrimp served with rice vermicelli. The happy hour menu is as varied with clever offerings, including French Fries with Truffle Oil and Aioli and the Oriental Meat Ball Iceberg Wrap.

Frederick’s is a choice for couples who understand and appreciate fine dining – it is the type of restaurant that becomes a long-term favorite. The setting is perfect for a proposal that transitions a relationship from Stage 1 to Stage 2.

I will be making my first visit to Francesca’s at Sunset at the Westin La Cantera Resort. As Stage 3 boomers, my husband and I are looking forward to the acclaimed view, dinner from their ever-changing menu and dessert. I’m told they have a chocolate lava donut. Chocolate? That’s No. 1 on our list. ■

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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SAN ANTONIO

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Alamo Quarry Market 255 E. Basse Road, Suite 500 210.832.0300 Éilan Located on the Piazza 17101 La Cantera Parkway 210.251.3542 piatti.com | #piattiristo | facebook.com/piattirestaurant 24

/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

t he

bar

a t

boh

a n a n

’ s.

A New Bar With An Old Tradition.

An elegantly appointed Old World bar where cordial

Like the great old bars of the past, we dispense classic

bartenders practice their venerable art behind a

cocktails, exotic beverages and good cheer in a

46-foot bar of reverently polished cherrywood. The

civilized setting. Join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres,

cheerful clinking of glasses punctuates the rich notes

then come upstairs to Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and

of the baby grand piano.

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AN AR Y /! / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4 N H O M E / C e l e b r a t e w i t h u s — t h e b a r i s Jo pUe n

25

// functional design //

Living the Dream MORE LIKE FAMILY THAN A JOB TO ITS STELLAR TEAM OF DESIGN PROFESSIONALS, INTERIOR TRADE CARTEL CONTINUES TO SERVE AS AN EVERCHANGING AND GROWING SHOWROOM TO THE DESIGN TRADE.

“ALL I ASK IS THAT you give me three years to commit yourselves to making a go of this” is how Peggy Zettner, president of Interior Trade Cartel (ITC), fondly remembers the words of Lazaro Fernandez Jr., her financial backer and business founder. That was in 1996 at a preliminary meeting between her, Fernandez and business partner Chris Dillard.

Gathered to discuss the idea of marketing Fernandez’s line of Novel Fabrics to the United States, the two women (both 1992 graduates of the St. Mary's University interior design program) and Fernandez had only imagined where that meeting would eventually take them.

With Fernandez based in McAllen, Texas, Zettner and

26

Dillard opened their first 3,000-square-foot showroom on Sigma Road in Stone Oak on Jan. 21, 1997. “At the start, we were a three-person operation with Sara Burns as our first employee,” Zettner said. “We did it all ourselves – from unloading trucks to cleaning toilets!”

And to test the proverbial waters, Zettner remembers with a chuckle that, “several designers sent in clients and friends to see if we would sell to them.

They just wanted to be sure that we were really going to be loyal to the interior design trade” (including designers, decorators, builders, workrooms and real estate professionals).

The partners knew they could create a to-the-trade home for Novel Fabrics and Robert

/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

Allen, “and once we did, we started getting calls (from other vendors) – lots of them.” Next came Duralee, then Brunschwig & Fils and many more fabric lines, followed by various lines of wallcoverings, drapery hardware, Hunter Douglas window treatments, accessories, lighting and furniture.

“I remember that the first sofa we sold was in a bold, red damask.” This told Zettner that San Antonio designers weren’t afraid of color.

Dillard’s gifts for design, space planning, color and creativity were instrumental in designing their first and current locations. Dillard, who retired in June 2013, was also fundamental in selecting pieces for the showroom. One could easily see her hand in choosing unique covers for upholstery and finishes for casegoods and mixing in the right accessories and patterns.

She is exceptionally adept at forecasting colors and trends.

In May 2005, ITC tripled its size when they moved to their current location on Proton Road. “I was always thinking about function, business flow and the dreaded operating costs,” Zettner said. “That’s why I was adamant that we have access to the entire building (in which ITC is housed). I wanted to have spaces available for design professionals to lease. And

from the moment we opened, all the adjacent offices were leased by designers or design tradespeople.”

Ever expanding, in spring 2010, ITC added a flooring showroom with the talents of Penny Holt, a 20-plus-year veteran in the flooring industry. Zettner is pleased to note that, “the flooring product that has come out in the last few years is amazing.”

Always growing and changing is important to Zettner, who foresees an ever-brighter future for the design trade: “By 2020, San Antonio’s population is expected to reach four million.

We have the greatest potential for growth (of any city). We’re friendly, with an excellent climate and cost of living. We’ve only just begun to tap into the potential clientele who are moving here from elsewhere such as Mexico, California and the East Coast.

“ITC values our relationships with our customers.” Zettner sentimentally adds that she’s been to the weddings, baby showers and even memorials of her clients. “Some clients we have had the pleasure of working with from the day we opened! ITC has become more like family than a job. And as our business continues to grow, we meet new customers weekly.

“I have the greatest job in the world and work with the

STAFF PHOTOS BY ART1MEDIA

// BY: NAN KRIGBAUM

greatest group of people. Everyone here is trained and educated in design. And with this great staff, it is amazing to watch a dream evolve into reality.”

NICHELLE HOSLEY, furniture department sales and service: Nichelle Hosley has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and as an entrepreneur, and her background now includes interior design. She holds a certificate in both residential and commercial design from St. Mary’s University. She brings to ITC her unique skills and focus on children’s spaces.

Meet the team at ITC SARA BURNS, director of U.S. sales and service for Novel Fabric: While taking a residential and commercial design class at St. Mary’s University 19 years ago, Sara Burns met Zettner and Dillard through an internship with them. In her final year at school, she heard they were starting their own trade showroom. She called, met with them and started with ITC on day one.

Burns loved fabric from the very start, and ITC was where she wanted to be. “This has been such a wonderful place to work,” she says, “and we still enjoy it as much today as the first day we started.”

REY ORTIZ, logistics, receiving and solutions manager: Rey Ortiz wanted to learn the design trade from all aspects after attaining a B.A. in Architecture. Responsible for receiving, he communicates with designers to make each acquisition streamlined.

Ortiz also handles advertising media, as well as lighting and flooring installations at the showroom. Privately, he is a craftsman who provides architectural consultation, as well as installation and construction services.

CINDY REID, Novel Fabric sales and service: Cindy Reid graduated from the University of Texas with a fashion merchandising degree, and she has spent 18 years in the retail business. Prior to working at ITC, she taught in a private school for seven years. Reid went back to school to receive her residential certificate in interior design, and she is currently taking a commercial design class, which she will complete in June.

During her internship at ITC, she met Burns, Zettner and the rest of the ITC family. She enjoys servicing Novel Fabric customers in a wonderful family environment at ITC. KARLA BLANSETT, accounting and office manager: Karla Blansett earned her certification in interior design from St. Mary’s University. She came to ITC as an intern and never left. She has worked in various capacities as a fulltime employee since 2003.

Her love of fabric, pattern and accessories is as evident in her clothing flair as it is in her work.

CHERYL PETERSON, bookkeeping: Cheryl Peterson graduated from St. Phillip’s with a degree in interior design in 2003. She had used ITC as a design resource while working for a previous employer, and she thought of it as “Disneyland for a fabric fan.”

When a job opportunity came up, she was, in her words, “fortunate enough to snag the job,” and she started working at ITC in 2006.

Peterson’s experiences at ITC have taken

HEATHER BUFFORD, manager of the fabric department (to include trimmings, wallcoverings and hard window treatments): While working for a small retailer in 1978, Heather Bufford learned that she loved designing window treatments. After she moved on to an established San Antonio design firm, her 30-plus years in the field have earned her the official title of “Queen of Drapery.” Bufford brought her expertise and experience with a wide variety of clients to ITC in 2007. “The design business is not for the faint of heart,” she shares, “but a more interesting profession would be difficult to find.” Bufford enjoys looking forward to what is new in the realm of design for 2014. her from sales and service in fabric, wallcovering and window treatments to her current position in ITC’s bookkeeping department.

NAN KRIGBAUM, manager of the furniture department (to include lighting, accessories, wall décor and bedding): Since Nan Krigbaum acquired her interior design degree at Seattle’s Bellevue College in 1992, her work as a residential designer has taken her to projects in Seattle, Honolulu and Palm Springs. At ITC since 2010, her goal is to offer a wide variety of furnishings and accessories and to help San Antonio- and Austin-area designers find aesthetic solutions that work within their budgets.

PENNY HOLT, manager of the flooring department: Penny Holt has worked in both the residential and the commercial flooring industry since 1989. For the span of her career, she has worked with designers to help them find what works best for their clients.

One of her specialties is helping designers create custom rugs to fit any shape or size.

Her adage is that, “flooring is an art – all you need is imagination.” ■

Interior Trade Cartel is located at 930 Proton, Ste. 303, in San Antonio, Texas.

For more information, visit www.interiortradecartel.com.

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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// functional design //

Haute Home Décor 2014

INTERIOR TRADE CARTEL FORECASTS THE HOTTEST COLORS AND TRENDS IN HOME DECORATING FOR THE NEW YEAR.

FASHION HAS ALWAYS been a great influencer in home décor. Clothing, handbags and jewelry can be seen manifested in new forms such as designer drapery, furniture and accessories for walls and tabletops.

Erin Embry, sales associate for Baker Furniture, shares her knowledge of trends and color forecasting: “We usually see a lot of the color and fabrics come out of the designer apparel runway first and then trickle down to home about six months to a year later, especially in fabrics and rugs.

Right now, we are seeing a push for black and white, greens, blues and especially purples. Grays have replaced blacks and browns even though blacks and browns never really go out of style.

“Navy and black-navy seem to be very hot colors right now and probably will be for the next year or so. This was very apparent when Jacques Garcia launched his new collection for Baker in the fall and introduced a new finish for casegoods called Nocturne, which is a dark navy lacquer – absolutely stunning, along with his dark navy velvet, ribbed velvet and crushed chenille in the same color. He also introduced a very rich deep purple that they showed at High Point market on a new, contemporary Chesterfield sofa. This was hand-picked by Jacques’ assistant to show on the floor because it’s a very hot color in Europe right now.”

Like a savvy shopper of couture who invests in timeless separates, Embry observes that, “a lot of designers are working on mixing pieces from different collections so it looks like someone ‘collected’ their pieces for their homes over time.

Most of the design community believes

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FABRIC PHOTOS BY ART1MEDIA

// BY: NAN KRIGBAUM AND NICHELLE HOSLEY

Collette

Serpentine

that if you love it, then they will make it work in your home.”

David Mitchell, sales representative for Hancock & Moore, has the following to say about colors for high-end upholstery: Like high fashion, “browns (and basic neutrals like blacks and grays) are always hot and top sellers. But what we’re starting to see is a push in bold, statement colors, especially yellows, purples, reds and blues.” Hancock & Moore’s ad campaigns have focused on these intense brights and paired them with both contemporary and very traditional frames, updating rooms and adding a touch of whimsy.

Novel Fabrics’ motto is “live life in color,” and their push to bring opulence and color to designers at an affordable price point is evident in their latest offerings for 2014.

Crushed velvets, metallics, woven with bright hues and prints with lustrous embellishments look as if they walked right off the runway and into the home.

The “August” Chest from City Collection Furniture is the collaboration of the brand’s founder, Chad Salenius, and designer Jeffrey Bruce Baker. The piece is comprised of exotic woods, silver-plated silicon bronze legs and a midnight blue lacquered interior with drawer pulls that bring to mind simple, yet elegant designs from Tiffany or Cartier.

This leggy creature models great design married with modern function, and it makes a beautiful bar.

Kyle Bunting was first introduced to the design potential of hides as a child by

The “August” Chest from City Collection Furniture

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Francis

“NAVY AND BLACKNAVY SEEM TO BE VERY

HOT COLORS

RIGHT NOW AND PROBABLY WILL BE FOR THE NEXT YEAR OR SO.”

his father, Jim Bunting. Widely recognized as the creator of the decorative hide rug, Bunting is an innovator whose work over the past decade has redefined how hide is used in interior applications.

Noticing a lack of quality hides for high-end interiors, he ushered in hair-on-hide as an art form.

Luxurious to the touch, hide is a material of incredible depth and dimension that brings unlimited design potential to rugs, walls, objects and upholstery. And Bunting has created a need and a market for what was once only seen within the vernacular of Western apparel and rugs for the ranch.

Interior Trade Cartel offers a price-point-friendly alternative to the Kyle Bunting aesthetic with its Saddleman’s of Santa Fe custom rugs. Moroccan tiles, chevrons and striking geometric patterns are comprised of your choice of soft neutrals or bold, jewel-toned palettes. ■

Snare Chair

STAFF PHOTOS BY ART1MEDIA

Interior Trade Cartel is located at 930 Proton, Ste. 303, in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit www.interiortradecartel.com.

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/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

GOT DESIGN SKILLS? ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN OUR NEW FUNCTIONAL DESIGNS SECTION.

CONTACT

ADAKU OKORO

[210] 386.6531

adaku@ nhometx.com

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

31

// CUSTOM HOMES //

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/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

‘Liveon theLife Ranch’ JOHNSON RANCH: THE NEXT GREAT MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY COMES TO SAN ANTONIO. // BY: KIM YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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L

ike champion bulls, quality developments take passion and perseverance. When you put the two together, you get Johnson Ranch, one of the newest residential/mixed-use developments in the San Antonio area.

Just 23 miles north of downtown, where the hills roll and the majestic oaks reach for the heavens, you’ll find Johnson Ranch. The Johnson family is wellknown in the breeding industry for their Champion Hereford Bulls. Now the 770-acre ranch is being developed into a great master-planned community, with about a third of the land remaining as natural open space. Located on FM 1863 and U.S. 281 at the Bulverde Road exit, Johnson Ranch is only nine miles north of Loop 1604.

DH Investments Ltd. and the Johnson family began talking in the early 2000s about their dreams of creating a special community. The original plot was a land grant to Alfred Schlather of Germany from the German Prince Solms. The rock home was built in 1836, and it later served as the ranch headquarters. When the Johnsons started ranching, they took care of the cattle and the land, as evidenced by flourishing oak trees and few cedar trees.

DH Investments took great care to preserve this natural beauty with roadways designed around heritage oaks, preserving the pecan treelined entrance off of FM 1863 and putting in underground utilities. Various park-like pockets of space create settings residents and their guests will enjoy for years to come. Trails will run through the open space connecting the school, the amenity center and the various neighborhoods within Johnson Ranch.

The Homestead at Johnson Ranch is conveniently located next to Johnson Ranch Elementary, a Comal ISD-recognized school. They currently have plenty of space and are eagerly awaiting your kids.

Ryland Homes and Highland Homes will be the first to offer homes in Johnson Ranch. Ryland Homes has two model homes in The Homestead that are now complete. A Ryland sales representative will be onsite in January ready to help with the selection of your new home. Prices will range between $230,000 and $350,000.

“We’ve been working with DH Investments on this project since 2009,” explained Roy Olivarez of Ryland Homes. “We knew it was a great site

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I remember how excited I was when I first walked this land years ago. It’s a great setting, and we are glad to be part of it.”

The custom residences will range in size from approximately 3,000 to 4,500 square

“This is a great setting, and we are glad to be part of it.”

and would be a great place to live.”

Highland Homes is scheduled to start construction on their models in the first of the year. “Highland Homes is so happy to be building in Johnson Ranch,” said Patty Spangler, sales and marketing manager.

“This beautiful ranch will be the new home to folks wanting a peaceful, relaxing country life with quick access to the city. We are proud to be one of the builders in Johnson Ranch.”

Corriente Estates at Johnson Ranch is a gated enclave featuring mature oaks and deeper lots to accommodate a larger home.

Corriente residents will enjoy the beautiful pond next to the gate that is preserved from the original ranch. Corriente Estates is named after the Corriente cattle breed.

Brought over in the late 15th century, Corriente are of Spanish descent and believed to be related to the Texas Longhorn.

Ryland Homes and Highland Homes are

the exclusive builders for Corriente Estates.

Featuring a gated entrance, La Creciente at Johnson Ranch comes into view as you climb the hills. These larger lots range from a third- to half-acre and will be the homes closest to the amenity center, which is planned for the end of next year. This beautiful area, with its rise in elevation, takes advantage of the awesome views across the Cibolo Valley.

“A nice open space runs behind most of these lots, so few will have immediate backdoor neighbors,” explained Amy Schoemaker, marketing director with DH Investments.

Sitterle Homes and Monticello Homes are the exclusive builders for La Creciente at Johnson Ranch.

Monticello Homes Founder Wayne Moravits is very excited about Johnson Ranch. Their homes will start in the mid to upper $400s. “We are planning to be ready with our model home by late spring.

feet with stunning Hill Country views and exterior features reminiscent of the ranch lifestyle.

Sitterle Homes is elated to be working with DH Investments and the other builders in Johnson Ranch. “We just walked the development again [recently] with Charlie Hill to make some final decisions about layout and home designs,” said Keane Carol, director of operations for Sitterle Homes San Antonio. “The location and how they have preserved the natural environment adds character and a unique personality for our homebuyers.” They plan to have a model in progress by late spring.

“Lennar Homes is developing Johnson Ranch North, and eventually, the two will connect,” said Charlie Hill, vice president of DH Investments. “We took time in selecting our builders, knowing that this would be a long-term partnership.”

“Johnson Ranch is the next great masterplanned community in the San Antonio area,” said David Grove, Lennar Division president. “We are very excited to bring two Lennar collections and two Village Builders collections to the development.”

According to Grove, Lennar and Village Builders will build on a total of 455 home sites with base prices across the four collections currently ranging from the mid $200s to the $400s. The gated communities will feature ample open space with preserved trees and natural features, greenbelts and parks. The Lennar and Village Builders sections will have a dedicated entrance directly off U.S. Highway 281, offering easy access to San Antonio and the Hill Country.

“Our residents will enjoy a relaxed Hill Country lifestyle with terrific views, but

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“Quality developments take passion and perseverance. When you put the two together, you get

Johnson Ranch.”

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/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

they will still be close to San Antonio,” Grove said.

“We currently plan on opening for sales this summer.”

Johnson Ranch features underground utilities, central water from Canyon Lake via GBRA and a wastewater treatment system.

Adding to the amenity package will be a Bulverde/ Spring Branch fire and EMS station at the entry of the community immediately south of the school. This facility should be complete by the end of 2014.

According to Hill, “Having an EMS and fire station in the neighborhood not only provides an added health and safety benefit to Johnson Ranch residents, but it also can reduce homeowners’ insurance rates.”

SITTERLE HOMES

VILLAGE BUILDERS

MONTICELLO HOMES

RYLAND HOMES

This type of development, with its Hill Country views, has been a long time coming and it will appeal to the homeowner who wants the feel of open space without the upkeep and maintenance of a water well and septic system. ■

For more information about Johnson Ranch and your future “live life on the ranch” dream home, call 830-336-2518 or visit www.johnsonranch-tx. com.

HIGHLAND HOMES

// real estate //

RockSolid

INSIGHTS FOR 2014: ONLINE AND OFFLINE SOLUTIONS FOR BUILDING THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR REAL ESTATE MARKETING PLAN // BY: HOLLY BORHAM-RAMOS AND JAKKI ECKMANN

SETTING UP A GOOGLE+ BUSINESS PAGE CORRECTLY IS A “MUST DO” IN 2014. your marketing efforts among all of the different avenues available. The good news: There are some marketing trends for 2014 that may help you chisel out a rock-solid marketing plan for the New Year.

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PRINT ADVERTISING AND MARKETING It’s important to remember that print remains an important component in the marketing industry despite all of the opportunities one may have for online and social media marketing. Recently, one of my clients was contending with what she should do to grow her business in 2014. When asked about her greatest hurdle, she mentioned she was challenged with embracing today’s technology without forgetting the traditional media that has always worked for her in the past.

Marketing is all about balance. Include technology, but don’t limit yourself to only technology. Print still plays a big role in real estate, and it’s important not to neglect this traditional form of marketing. In fact, 85 per-

SERGEY NIVENS/BIGSTOCK.COM

I

f the words, “real estate marketing,” sound daunting to you, you’re not alone. Marketing for real estate can be extremely time consuming, and it can be very difficult to figure out how to balance

cent of consumers sort through and read selected pieces of mail every day.

“While we’ve had a heavy focus on developing an online presence, we continued to stick with traditional marketing channels, as well,” say Tami and Mark Stillings of The Stillings Group, a 2013 Platinum Top 50 winner. This is a smart move, considering direct mail delivers the strongest return on investment (ROI) with 37 percent for customer contact and retention and 34 percent for acquisition.

Additionally, more professionals in the real estate industry are publishing both articles and homes in local and national magazines. Studies have shown that when reading a magazine, there is less multitasking by the reader compared to other forms of media. Consequently, ad effectiveness for magazines has grown 11 percent in the past five years.

ONLINE MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGY In a world where technology is ever evolving, it’s important for real estate professionals to effectively utilize it to reach out to clients. Evey Edwards of Evey Edwards Group Selective Property Management recognizes this. “The biggest thing that made a difference in my business [last] year was building a Web portal that made my clients’ lives easier by allowing them to streamline rent payments and schedule maintenance requests. My clients can now find all their answers on the website so I can reroute my efforts towards building my business.”

But it’s not just client software that makes a difference in a marketing plan.

The use of social media is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, and with more than one billion users, Facebook can have exponential reach to a target audience. Seventyfive percent of Millennials, or Generation Y, prefer to use the “word of mouse” and make purchases based on online ratings and reviews.

“We engage our audience daily on Facebook by sharing interesting real estate facts and advice, tips on staging, market trends and updates and recipes,” say Tami and Mark Stillings. “We also keep it human by sharing fun little things about us and our family.”

Additionally, many agents are turning to YouTube, Twitter, Google+ and blogging to

Marketing is all about balance. further spread their marketing reach and climb to the top rankings on the all-powerful Google. Tami and Mark Stillings recognized just how powerful Google rankings were and came up with a plan to launch their website to the top. “[Last] year, we opened up a Google+ account, rerouted all social media to it and connected it directly to our website.”

This strategy has worked well for the Stillings team, helping them grow their revenue by nearly $8 million in 2013. For this reason, setting up a Google+ business page correctly is a “must do” in 2014. Online reviews have also proven to be absolutely essential.

According to Bert McClure, co-owner of SEO San Antonio, “seven out of 10 people trust online reviews as much as their personal friends. Since 80 percent of budgets are spent within 50 miles of home, make sure you have a strong, local Internet presence that allows you to get your market share and not a competitor’s. Make sure you have a five-star reputation online, then make sure you have a high-converting website that ties into the relevant social media platforms that are being worked correctly by constant high-quality content for your readers and the search engines.”

COMMUNITY: BOTH PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL Building client relationships continues to hold its place as one of the most effective strategies in real estate marketing today.

The Stillings Group plays to this by engaging their client base with various activities and small client events. They realize that it’s “not just about engagement during the transaction, but through the life of the relationship.” As a result, 70 percent of their business is repeat or direct referral.

Similarly, Miguel Herrera with Miguel Herrera Realty Group, a top-producing

luxury agent with Keller Williams Heritage, regularly holds business seminars in Mexico to illustrate how business owners can improve their business by investing in real estate in San Antonio. Ideally, he is building relationships by opening doors to these potential clients and then nurturing the relationships by using his knowledge of business, real estate and commercial property investment alongside educating his clients.

While client relationship building is a must, we can’t forget to build relationships with other industry professionals. “It’s important to create a network of business professionals from other industries,” Mark Stillings says. “Not only will they share referrals with you, but it increases the opportunity to nurture your existing relationships with clients by passing them on to exclusive trade professionals.”

Craig Owen, broker/owner of Keller Williams Heritage and recent recipient of the San Antonio Board of Realtors Broker of the Year award, is an expert on building and sustaining relationships in this particular industry. “I encourage our agents to come from contributions in their relationships,” he says. “Providing consistent value and a high level of expertise while genuinely caring about others in their lives is a great way to build relations that last decades.”

A marketing plan is only as strong as its foundation. Analyze your business today, and target the specific areas that need improvement in 2014. Set your goals using these areas, and create the strategy. Set your sights high, and market with conviction. In doing so, you may be surprised just how much time and money you will save while revenue begins to climb. ■

For more information, contact Holly Borham-Ramos at borhamramos@gmail. com.

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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41

Renting vs. Buying THE PROS AND CONS OF RENTING AND BUYING HOMES IN TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET // BY: PATRICIA ZARS

W

hen it comes to real estate, one question seems to surface over and over again: “Should I rent or should I buy?” When trying to figure out whether renting or buying is the right decision, many things should be taken into consideration.

Obviously, the first thing most people try to figure out is which option is bet-

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ter financially. Putting all of the figures together can be quite daunting. Even with the help of the many online calculators set up to figure how long it will take to reach the break-even point, there are many unknown numbers that are not and cannot be accounted for. In most cases, with today’s interest rates, rental rates, average rates of appreciation, etc., it will appear that it will take several years to cover the costs associated with buying.

So this may indicate that it is best to rent for the time being, right? Maybe not!

What happens if rental rates rise over the course of those years? Experts estimate that rental rates will rise by about 4 percent annually in 2014 and 2015. What if home prices appreciate at a higher rate?

It is crucial to take a look at the local market. San Antonio’s economy is strong, and the housing market is poised for growth over the next several years. In that case, it is possible that all you will accomplish by waiting is wasted time and loss of potential appreciation. You undoubtedly will have some buying costs to make up, so you have to start that process at some point. If you are planning on purchasing a home at all in the next several years, now really is the time.

If you wait, it is likely that you will also pay more. Mortgage rates are currently hovering in the low to mid 4 percent range. They are expected to be around 5 percent by the end of 2014. Back in the early ‘80s, they were between 18 and 19 percent. Can you imagine buying a home at 19 percent interest?

Mortgage interest rates and home prices are both expected to continue to rise.

This will ultimately lead to two things: The mortgage payment will be higher on a home that has not changed, and the higher payment may not be one you can qualify for or want to pay. Basically, you will be able to afford less home.

With the increases we have been seeing in rental rates here in San Antonio and with the historic low interest rates for mortgages, in many cases, we are seeing mortgage payments at or below rental rates for comparable properties. Plus, with a fixed-rate mortgage, costs are predictable – for a long time. Renters generally have no idea what they’ll be paying

KIKKERDIRK/BIGSTOCK.COM

// real estate //

Trish Najim

a few years down the line. This would make buying now more advantageous than renting.

If you know for sure that you will only be living in San Antonio for two years or less, renting may be the easiest option, and it may make the most sense. However, if you will probably be around for a longer period of time or if you are looking to settle down, it is likely that buying will be the most gratifying option.

There are many financial benefits to purchasing a home that we often hear about: tax deductions, appreciation, equity

NEVER BUY MORE

HOME THAN YOU CAN AFFORD.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY AND SELL A HOME! CALL ME TODAY!

buildup, borrowing power, “forced savings” and stability, for example. Let’s face it, though: A home is much more than numbers. There are psychological benefits to owning a home that simply cannot be quantified. These benefits should also play a key role in your decision-making.

For many, as cliché as it may sound, homeownership is the American Dream. That’s not to say that you can’t make a rental into a home. But the mental stability that homeownership provides to all of the family members who live in the home (and those who return from college for the free food over the holidays) can definitely be very rewarding. This stability also comes from the sense homeowners get of being more anchored to their community.

Homeowners also tend to have more desire to maintain a stable environment, and this can be an emotionally satisfying experience. The pride of ownership really can do wonders for your psyche.

There are definitely sound financial and psychological benefits to owning a home, but it is still wise to be cautious. Never buy more home than you can afford. But if you can buy a home and are ready to start reaping the benefits of homeownership, you are in luck – because now is a great time to buy. ■

Check out my website www.TrishNajim.com Trish Najim REALTOR®, CLHMS

Call or Text 210.213.2531 tnajim@kw.com “

Patricia Zars is broker/owner of Zars & Rogers REALTORS. For more information, you may contact her at patriciazars@ zarsandrogers.com or visit www.zarsandrogers.com.

10 Dominion Dr. San Antonio, TX 78257 Each Keller Williams is independently owned and operated.

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

43

D CE DU RE

YELLOWJACKET RANCH consists of 142 parklike, gentley rolling acres with both sides of South Grape Creek and just 9 miles from Fredericksburg.

A 3800 SF, custom Tony Martin home with all the detail and unique finish you expect including a high end kitchen, beamed ceilings, long leaf pine and wonderful master suite.

Gated entry, paved road to the home, guesthouse and workshop. $2,995,000

GERMAN REPRODUCTION home

by Richard Laughlin on 28 acres with views into downtown Fredericksburg.

3228 SF of living space in main home with the Hill Country flare you will appreciate and Laughlin homes have won so many awards for; plus guest quarters over the garage. Excellent landscaping, this is the package you have been waiting for. $968,000

When location, luxury and quality are important to you, then you should consider this energy efficient ICF home on 22+ acres just outside the Fredericksburg city limits. 3200+ SF, 3/2.5 with room to expand the upstairs, custom details, pool, garden areas and horse friendly soils with Ag exemption. $1,298,780

116 E. Austin | Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Office: 830-990-8708 | Cell: 830-456-6327 | Fax: 830-990-8906 www.remax-fbgtx.com

Dennis Kusenberger GRI, CRS, Broker/Owner RE/MAX Town & Country | dennisk@kusey.com Each office independently owned and operated.

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Located between Fredericksburg and Kerrville, mysteriously hidden behind gated entry, the backyard overlooks Wolf Creek which has been dammed to create one of the bests pools of water in Gillespie County. Over 8,000 SF of custom living space designed for a busy family and one that values a lifestyle of entertainment. $2,850,000

Historic Premier Ranch between Fredericksburg and Mason, 1,674 acres, high fenced with complete deer breeding setup, lodge that will sleep 20+ people, limestone plantationstyle main home. The work has been done, come and enjoy!

In addition to the wildlife, this is excellent cattle and horse country with fertile soils and several irrigation quality water wells. $8,700,000

FREDERICKSBURG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, if anyone knows anything about dining, then you know that AUGUST E's is one of the best known restaurants in the Hill Country and situated on a prime commercial property in the central business district; only a block off Main Street. The building was completely renovated and updated in 2007 into the stylish venue it is today where patrons can be served in the eloquent dining room, the lounge or at the full bar from more casual dining. The offering includes all of the furniture, fixtures and equipment with the exception of a few personal items of decoration which have personal value to the owners. The kitchen is the heart of the operation, and is equipped with modern equipment which is designed to get the job done in a professional manner.

With 5128 SF of space, this is the largest seating restaurant in Fredericksburg.

73 acres just 5 miles from Fredericksburg with Pedernales River frontage, 6,000+ SF home with all the appointments you would expect and views overlooking the river valley, excellent soils for horses, guest house and much more. This home is an entertainer’s dream with easy flow from kitchen to greatroom to the veranda and the master retreat will totally re-define that term as you view other homes. $3,539,000 JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

45

// real estate //

need and you promised yourself that you would never be in need again. You can probably recall exactly where you were and what the day was like. There may be odors or smells that bring the instant recall to mind. And I believe you have stuck to that promise you made to yourself.

Managers have defining moments from time to time whether they intend to or not.

No Exceptions DEFINING MOMENTS: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU

EXPERIENCE A MOMENT OF GREAT IMPACT IN YOUR PSYCHE OR CONSCIOUSNESS THAT CHANGES THE DIRECTION OF YOUR LIFE // BY: RITA SANTAMARIA

A

“defining moment” is that point when the essential character of a person is revealed. In every person’s life, there are moments in time that literally stand still.

Those moments can be brought forward by instant recall in your brain. There are both positive and negative defining moments.

Those events that entered your psyche or consciousness with impact that

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changed your life direction are defining moments. There have been times when the impact was so dramatic that it changed the core of who you are or your business direction. There have been moments when those choices set you on a new path. Those choices may have determined who or what you have become.

Some people have specifically set out to establish a defining moment – for example, say you were at one time very poor and in

You believe people are honest and have integrity, but then you discover that an employee has violated that trust. Perhaps that trust was violated through a dishonest dealing, or maybe out-and-out stealing took place. The managers set the direction for the business as a whole based on how they react to this moment of revelation.

The employee who is involved in any conference about the need for change will have a defining moment. A resolve of some type will be the outcome of that conference. It can be a career-changing event.

People who have a serious illness and are counseled by their doctor to change their lives to prevent the illness from getting worse will generally have a defining moment. Turning away from bad habits could be the outcome of that defining moment.

Approach your defining moments straight on. Prepare yourself for the change, approach your plan for instituting the change, define in writing how you will go about making the change and then enforce whatever you choose to do to make the change. To “enforce” means to hold yourself to your personal commitment.

Don’t make exceptions. Defining moments are not goals; defining moments are the events that cause you to realize you need new direction and therefore, new goals. ■

Rita Santamaria is the owner of Champions School of Real Estate. For more information, visit www.championsschool.com or www.thechampionsprofessional.com.

DIGITALISTA/BIGSTOCK.COM

THERE ARE BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE DEFINING MOMENTS.

Happy New Year!

Alamo Heights

Dominion

Summerfield

Dominion

Search ALL homes For Sale or Rent in the entire San Antonio area...

PATRICIA ZARS - BROKER LANE ROGERS - BROKER, CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST ABR, AHWD, CRB, CRS, E-PRO, GRI, RSRS, SFR, SRES

Free Market Analysis ▪ Move-Up, Downsize & First-Time Buyer Programs

BUY - SELL - RENT

WWW.ZARSANDROGERS.COM

DOMINION - 4 DOMINION DRIVE, STE 250

(210)209-8711 office (210)771-5263 cell info@zarsandrogers.com

STONE OAK - 19230 STONEHUE, STE 4100

Your Lifestyle. Your Community. our expertise

ALAMO HEIGHTS 210.821.6441 www.kwluxuryalamoheights.com

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

47

Platinum Top 50 REALTORS

2014 WINNERS & FINALISTS the finest in residential real estate

CENTURION WINNER

Barbara del Amo Keller Williams Legacy

CENTURION WINNER

CENTURION WINNER

Corie Boldt

CENTURION WINNER

CENTURION WINNER

Phyllis Browning Company

Phyllis Browning Company

Keller Williams Realty

JonPaul Martin

Judy Dalrymple

CENTURION WINNER

CENTURION WINNER

Kuper Sothebys Int. Realty

Tara Allman

Keller Williams Heritage

Barbara Lane

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

CENTURION WINNER

Cathy Naiser

The Boehm Team Keller Williams Realty

Binkan Cinaroglu

Kuper Sothebys Int. Realty

Corie Properties

CENTURION WINNER

Phyllis Browning Company

CENTURION WINNER

CENTURION WINNER

CENTURION WINNER

KW Luxury International

Kimberly Howell Properties

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

Phyllis Browning Company

CENTURION WINNER

Keller Williams Heritage

RE/MAX Associates

CENTURION WINNER

Keller Williams

CENTURION WINNER

Brendan Christensen

CENTURION WINNER

Dayton Schrader

Kevin Crawford

Keller Williams Realty

CENTURION WINNER

David Marne

Judy Dunlap

The Claus Team

CENTURION WINNER

Dave Wagner

The Solis Group

Half Priced Real Estate

Kimberly Howell

Missy Stagers Team

Denise Graves

Patti Nelson

Aja Edwards Patino

Alexis Weigand

Amy Karns

Cathy Beckerman Heshmat

Cathy Cole

Chad M. Hughes

D. Lee Edwards Realty, Inc.

Keller Williams Luxury

Northwest Real Estate

Keller Williams Heritage

Carmen L Soto Ultimate Realty

RE/MAX North-San Antonio

ERA Colonial

ERA Troy Realtors

Dana Phillips

Danny Charbel

Danyelle Daniel

Dave Wilcox

Debra Maltz

Diane Craig Team

Doc & Ellen Stephens

Gina Ann Candelario

Haley Catlett

Janice Tisdale

Jason C. Campbell

Jason Glast

Katy Stephens

Ken Davis

Phillips & Associates Realty

Kuper Sothebys Int. Realty

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Keller Williams Realty

KW City View

Keller Williams Heritage

Phyllis Browning Company

/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

Option One Real Estate

Kuper Sothebys Int. Realty

Keller Williams Luxury International

RE/MAX Associates

Phyllis Browning Company

Keller Williams Realty

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

Kevin Best

Phyllis Browning Company

Pattie Walker

Kuper Sotheby’s Intl. Realty

Kimberly Bragman

Lorena Pena

Matthew A Resnick

Misty Wood

Molly E. Wahrheit

RE/MAX Realty Advantage

Pat Acquisto

Keller Williams Realty

Rhonda Howerton

RJ & Shanna Reyes

Rob & Camille Di Maio

Robert A. Dullnig

Robin Saunders

Ruth & Allen Cole

KW Luxury Homes International

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Bradfield Properties

Susan Jones

Phyllis Browning Company

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors

RE/MAX Preferred Realtors

Keller Williams

Keller Williams Luxury

Kuper Sotheby’s Intl. Realty

Keller Williams Legacy

Sandi Peerman

Scott Jauregui

Shelley Wright

Spencer Hasch

Steve Collins

Susan Davis

Terri Saari

The Stillings Group

Tom & Helen Guajardo

Toya Ohlrich

Tracey Lammert

Trent Boarnet

J B Goodwin, Realtors

Kimberly Howell Properties

Keller Williams City View

Kelller Williams Heritage

Nationwide Real Estate

Keller Williams Heritage

Finalists

BROKER OF THE YEAR

Bob Jacobs

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT

Annette Slater

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Andy Smith

Amy Piotrowski Ana Sarabia Andy Smith Angelica J Albanese Ann FitzGibbons Annette Slater Barbara Finch Betty Yenderrozos Bridget Archer Carey Morgan Carlene Carrigan Carter Fine Homes Cathy Goodwin Cesar Amezcua Charo King Cheryl Flynn Chrissy Labatt Cindy Baughn Clark Tilley Colleen M. Casey Connie D. Dukes Courtney Silver Craig Browning Cyndi Bush Danni Springfield DaviesGarzaGroup Deanna Wright

Deborah Garza Donna Clement Enrique Volkmer Erika Chapa Erin Caraway Group Estela Haese Gina J Fontenot Glenn Clarke James V Miller Jana Baird Janet Key Janet Smalley Janis Morgan Jason Martin JIM CONCANNON Joan P Gaytan JoHelen Clark John R. Peche Josh M. Boggs Julia A Carnahan Julie A. Alexander Jwel McCullough Karen Nolan Karl Meyers Kathy Ripps Katie Griffin-Ross KW - Home Locators & Mgmt. Group Kim Lookabaugh

Ultimate Real Estate

Prudential Don Johnson Co., REALTORS

Kristen Alexander & Associates Leslie Brown Leticia Sanders Linda Kirk Lisa Weissgarber & David Harder Team Liz Montoya Marian P. Knowlton Mary Esther Carrasco Mary Hall Melinda Thomas Melissa Muse Wiggans Michelle UhrigKanclerowicz Nadine R. Berger Neal & Neal Team Neal Zingelmann Pat Sankey Patricia Zars & Lane Rogers Patrick Wilks Patsy Oakley Pliny Mier Randy Rice Reagan Williamson Rick Kuper Rick Ocampo Robert A. Dullnig Rosanna Schulze

*CENTURION WINNERS ARE 5-TIME CONSECUTIVE PT50 WINNERS.

The Collins Group

Phyllis Browning Company

Rudy E. Andabaker Sandra Rangel Sandy Hancock Shantz Team Stephanie & Randy Kelley Stephanie Tullis Stephen Horton Sue Baillio Susan Paulette Rodriguez Tammie C. Bennett Team Wallis, LLC The Curtis Team The Galaxy Group The Hayes Group The Hayes Group The Julian Team The Leonard-Moyer / Paez Team The Premier Group Tiffany Carew Alvarez Tom White Group Tony Mangus Traci Lewis Veronica Rodriguez Clarke Vicki Morgan Viki Melton W. K. “Skip” Shumpes

RE/MAX Preferred

Keller Williams Heritage Alamo Heights

Keller Williams Legacy

JB Goodwin

TRAINER OF THE YEAR

Bonnie Wilson

Chesmar Homes, Prime Lending Providence Title

platinumtop50.com

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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HERITAGE/CITY VIEW

SAN ANTONIO We are proud to congratulate our Platinum Top 50 Centurions, Winners and Finalists for 2014

2014 CENTURION WINNERS

Jeanine Claus

50

Amy Boehm

Catherine Naiser

David Wagner

Kevin Crawford

Ruben and Mary Solis

Tara Allman

/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

2014 PLATINUM TOP 50 WINNERS

Alexis Weigand

Brendan Christensen

Danny Charbel

Danyelle Daniel

Doc & Ellen Stephens

Haley Catlett

Helen Guajardo

Jason Glast

Matthew A. Resnick

Misty Wood

RJ & Shanna Reyes

Robin Saunders

Scott R. Jauregui

Steve Collins

The Stillings Group

Trent Boarnet

2014 PLATINUM TOP 50 FINALISTS

Angelica J. Albanese

Amy Carter

Ana Sarabia

Ann FitzGibbons

Brian Shantz

Cathy Goodwin

Celeste Hayes

Clint Neal

Cyndi Bush

Doug Curtis

Enrique Volkmer

Erika Chapa

Erin Caraway Group

Estela Haese

Heidi Leonard

James V. Miller

Janet Key

Jason Martin

Josh M. Boggs

Julia A. Carnahan

Leticia Sanders

Linda Kirk

Patrick Wilks

Rick Wallis

Rosanna Schulze

Tony Mangus

Traci Lewis

Vickie Morgan

W. K. “Skip” Shumpes

Wilson “Hoppie” Cantwell

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

51

Opening Doors in San Antonio Since 1974

111 BROKEN BOUGH

- Shavano Park - 5 bedrooms and 3.5 Baths - 0.71 acre lot - Approx. 3667 square feet Call for more details or private showing

Proudly marketed by Lisa Noble Price

King Realtors has met

the housing needs of San Antonio continuously since 1974. Specializing in the sale of distinguished homes.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property, call us and say you saw it in NHOME MAGAZINE!

5600 Broadway Avenue San Antonio, TX 78209 KingRealtors.com tabitha@kingrealtors.com

TABITHA KING 210.414.4255 52

/ NHOME JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014

s

Thank you!

s

Wishing all of our clients, friends and associates the Very Best for the New Year!

– Bill and Denise Graves, Founders and Principals, The Graves Group

Our sincere thanks for helping us to achieve the coveted “Centurion” Platinum Top 50 status (Platinum Top 50 Realtors® 5 years in a row) as well as San Antonio Business Journal Top 5 for the fifth straight year. We have completed over 100 sales in 2013 and we look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in 2014! Currently offering some fabulous Hill Country properties, including:

Cavalo Creek estates – $699,500

ComanChe traCe, kerrville – $2,000,000

Cordillera ranCh – $760,000

The Graves Group The art of luxury residential real estate Denise Graves,

RealtoR®, CLHMS, CRS, ABR, GRI I www.thegravesgroup.com I office: 210-698-4700 cell: 210-260-2176 JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME / 5 3

// green //

Continuing the Discontinued

HOW I USE SAMPLES

OF BEAUTIFUL DISCONTINUED FABRICS TO MAKE DURABLE, HIGH-QUALITY MAKEUP BAGS BY HAND // BY: LAUREN RAMIREZ // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

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WHEN I WAS ABOUT 7, my great-grandmother taught my younger brother and me the basics of how to sew. We would spend time with her, sewing little pillows for our baby teeth for when the tooth fairy would come. We would stuff them with cotton balls and even make a little pocket on the pillow to insert our tooth. Little did I know, but later, I would be able to use what she taught me to make other useful things.

My name is Lauren Ramirez. I am 20 years old. I am blessed to work at Louis Shanks Fine Home Furnishings. My position takes on many different roles from librarian assisting designers with projects to receptionist. When I work in the design center, my primary task is to keep everything up-to-date, including current fabrics, discontinued fabrics and catalogs.

In pulling the fabric samples, I realized the potential in utilizing the discontinued fabrics. I began to think to myself, ‘these patterns

and designs are so beautiful. There is no way that I can throw them away! What could I do with all of these fabric samples?’ Initially, I thought maybe a purse, but the fabric samples were not big enough for that. Then I thought, ‘maybe a wallet?’ But that seemed too complex for my sewing abilities.

So then I thought about a makeup bag. I am always in the market for a new makeup bag because they get ripped, the zipper breaks or I simply want a cute new one – not to mention the fact that you don’t really find durable, handmade makeup bags made with recycled fine-quality fabrics.

I began to set aside the fabric samples that I adored. After setting aside the fabric samples, I began to do my research. On one of the wellknown social media websites, I typed in “how to sew a makeup bag.” Sure enough, there it was: step-by-step instructions on how to sew a cosmetics bag.

Fabrics were picked, and research was done.

Next, I needed some long-lasting zippers, which I found at a crafts store. Four hours later, I had hand-made my first cosmetics bag. I didn’t even realize I was being ecologically friendly, but in doing so, it added to the whole dynamic.

While sitting at the receptionist desk, I would occasionally have the finished cosmetics bags on top of my workspace. The pieces of fabric looked

nothing like a makeup bag at first; it looked like I was making a chaotic mess of some of the gorgeous fabrics. But when the ladies saw the finished product, they were in awe of the outcome – and shocked that I had hand-stitched everything myself.

For me, sewing these makeup bags creates a sense of confidence and pride. When selecting the fabrics for a bag, I am careful to select true cor-

I HAND-STITCH EVERYTHING IN THE MAKEUP BAGS MYSELF. relates so the lining enhances the exterior of the bag – not to mention the patience, creativity and precision it takes.

With my aspirations to go to college and my lack of certitude as to what I would like to major in, I look forward to the endless possibilities this may bring. ■

For more information, contact Lauren Ramirez at laurenramirez1001@gmail.com.

JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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// green //

Lean and Green in 2014

ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS, GREEN LIVING THIS YEAR WILL FEATURE MORE EFFICIENCY, MORE SAVINGS IN BOTH ENERGY AND COSTS AND A DESIGN AND BUILD INNOVATION THAT COMES STRAIGHT OUT OF A SCI-FI MOVIE. // BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK

L

ess, more efficient space. More dollar- and energy-saving products. And a fabulous new 3-D printing system that could change the design and build world forever. These are green living predictions for 2014.

John Friesenhahn, Imagine Homes cofounder (with Jim Bastoni), sees more solar hot water on the horizon. The recipient of countless local and national green building awards, Friesenhahn noted Imagine Homes has run the gamut of improving the building envelope by tightening windows and doors, with duct work and overall insulation and by adding solar shingles.

“Most of our new projects now include solar shingles, so in 2014, we’re concentrating on

when necessary). Information on federal, state and local rebates for solar hot water is available on EPA’s ENERGY STAR website.

Mini-splits Mini-split heat pumps, used extensively in Europe and Japan, are becoming a favorite with San Antonio architects, especially those who deal with historical renovations and additions.

Mini-splits require no ductwork, and up to four units can tie into a single suitcase-sized generator.

Available in a wide variety of sizes and seasonal energy efficiency ratings (SEERs), they

LIGHTING CAN ACCOUNT FOR UP TO OF YOUR ENERGY BILL.

one third

solar hot water,” he said. “It’s not new, but it hasn’t been that popular the past few years.

Locating a reliable unit with local maintenance service reduced public confidence in solar hot water, but we found the Sun Freedom America system manufactured in Israel with San Antonio representation and full-service facilities and will be offering it in 2014.”

According to Friesenhahn, a 50-gallon solar tank can produce as much hot water as the traditional 100-gallon tank because water remains at a constant temperature, even when there is no steady sunlight. With a predicted hot water savings of 50 to 80 percent, solar hot water heaters produce 100 percent clean energy, reducing harmful emissions by relying solely on the sun for operation (with electric backup

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range in price from under $500 to $6,000-plus, depending upon size and SEER. Extremely efficient mini-splits can heat or cool a space at your discretion with a click of a remote, which comes with most units, saving energy and energy dollars by not cooling or heating unused spaces.

Accepted in historical districts, the slender mini-split’s outdoor unit can be placed out of sight most anywhere near the project, thus satisfying historical home inspection requirements. Operating much like a window unit, the mini-split internal unit is small and usually placed at the top of a wall or on a ceiling.

Mini-splits are eligible for energy rebates based on SEER ratings, just like traditional systems. Initial installation costs may be a little

for 2013, who also noted that color charts posted at retailers such as Home Depot can help customers decide what is best for their use. “Philips had a series of true color lamps last year, but they were yellow, resembling insect repellant bulbs, and customers didn't like them. Just recently, we introduced a true white lamp, which is available in a variety of sizes and lighting effects.”

MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP

Light up with 3-D

higher than for traditional systems, but energy dollar savings will more than make up the difference.

Light up your life Lighting can account for up to one third of your energy bill, so it’s important to consider your options. Traditional incandescent light bulbs (under $1 or $2) will be disappearing from the scene in 2014. Manufacture will shut down, but a large stockpile will keep them available for a while, and 40 watts (and under) will still be produced. Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs ($4 to $6) can last up to

nine years at approximately one-third the operating cost of incandescents, which is why they are twice as expensive.

The newest light on the block is the light-omitting diode (LED) lamp priced at $10 to $25, but lasting up to 22 years.

ENERGY STAR-rated LEDs use 75 percent less energy, last 35 to 50 times longer than other bulbs and produce very little heat.

Coming with a three-year warranty, some LEDs come with dimmers, won’t break like a bulb and are available in a variety of density and color choices.

“The technology is constantly changing and improving,” explained Bryan Lesch, senior district sales representative for Philips Lighting, ENERGY STAR partner

But bulbs and lamps aren’t the only things to light up your life in 2014. Imagine designing and constructing a house with a 3-D printer or turning out a lamp or coffee table of your own design on your personal 3-D printer. It sounds far-fetched, but it’s possible.

Lasers blast out layer upon layer of plastics or other material on the 3-D wonder in what was once just a sci-fi fantasy, forming the 3-D objects of your dreams.

Currently available for as little as $300, 3-D printers have been around for a while and have been used to create all types of furniture and home accessories – even the WikiHouse, which was introduced at the 2013 Milan Furniture Fair by a London nonprofit group.

The WikiHouse attracted the attention and imagination of 32-year-old kitchen and bath designer Eric Schimelpfenig. Always fascinated with the 3-D printing concept, Schimelpfenig took the open-source construction system a step further by developing SketchUp, free design software to guide 3-Ders such as architects, designers and builders.

“I was fascinated by the WikiHouse, made contact with the originators and constructed the framework as a model in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “The concept is the same as Lincoln Logs or LEGOs except 3-inch plywood is printed into 4-by8-foot sheets, and like a life-size puzzle, assembled into a 24-by-24-foot house that can be designed to exact owner specifications. Our WikiHouse was packed into three shipping cartons with components numbered for easy assembly and delivered to the site.”

The WikiHouse concept is much like the late 1900s Sears catalog houses that were shipped throughout the United States for JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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“

I AM ALWAYS TRYING TO PUSH THE LIMITS OF MY FURNITURE PIECES .”

onsite assembly, but without interior embellishments.

Schimelpfenig invites architects to download free the 3-D printing software, which allows for easy changes and add-ons. He expects builders to eventually adapt the system. “But it will take some time to perfect the system for general usage,” he said. “Most every community has 3-D printing-capable equipment locally since large routing machines can easily be converted to a 3-D printer capable of handling the construction job. From a green standpoint, waste, pollution from long-haul delivery and efficient, tight construction is the final goal.”

These 3-D printed products are available online throughout the United States, and 3-D experts are available to help you with your own projects.

The hollow chair-plus Working with 3-D printed designs, as well as traditionally produced products, designer Judson Beaumont of Vancouver, Canada, has designed a whimsical line of furniture that would be a conversation piece in any setting. It all started with the hollow chair.

“I am always trying to push the limits of my furniture pieces,”

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he said. “I began sketching a typical club chair, but only included the outside shape and stopped. I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if I could just make the chair shape and eliminate 90 percent of the bulk, using the negative space for storing books, toys, firewood, your pet, etc.?’”

Quirky chests, cabinets and even an updated grandfather clock are among Beaumont’s creations, and they are available online.

With all of these innovations, 2014 could be the year to make a dramatic change in your life. Go for it! ■

Creative Overflow/The Green Connection is located at 201 Barrera in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, contact Rita Zenzen Heck at 210-212-8031 or visit www.heckuvalife.com.

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LENDER PROFILE

Stronger Than Ever NHOME CATCHES UP WITH JAMES MCKISSICK, THE BRANCH MANAGER WHO, WITH THE HELP OF HIS STELLAR TEAM, PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE IN AN EXCELLENT LOCATION AT SWBC MORTGAGE – LA CANTERA. // SPECIAL TO NHOME // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

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NHOME: Can you tell us briefly about your background and family?

McKISSICK: Yes. My parents were missionaries, so my siblings and I had a traveled background. I was born in Africa and then soon moved to Dallas – moved again to Vancouver, British Columbia, where I spent most of my teen years. I laugh now, but I never realized how beautiful Vancouver was until I saw West Texas. I finished high school in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, and then graduated from college at ACU in Abilene.

It was at ACU that I met my wife, Debbie, and we were married our senior year. Back then, we rented a small garage apartment living behind my fraternity house for $125 per month.

You know, I wish we still had that for a mortgage.

We have three wonderful grown kids who also graduated from ACU and are now working and living the dream in Austin. By the way, my daughter bought a home there and rents a room out to her two brothers; I figure it’s just payback for the hard time they gave her growing up. I thought that was pretty smart.

“I STAY IN THE BUSINESS BECAUSE IT’S ALL ABOUT people.”

NHOME: How do you balance work with family?

McKISSICK: I’ve always made time to be with my wife and kids. I do believe it’s simply a decision to spend more time with the family. In fact, at one point in my career, I found myself working late often when my then 12-year-old son, Jeremy, asked me why I wasn’t eating dinner with them anymore. It was shortly after that that I changed my career just to be more available. My wife will also tell you that we have really enjoyed the time we’ve had together watching our kids grow up.

NHOME: Why did you choose the mortgage business?

McKISSICK: In my early career, I was either working for a Chrysler dealership or for Chrysler Corporation. Then, while building our house in 2000, it was a local loan officer who impressed me with his professionalism. Within a year, an opportunity presented itself in the mortgage business, and 12 years later, I’ve never looked back.

Now, that’s how I chose the business, but the reason I stay in the

business is because it’s all about people. I truly enjoy the opportunity to work with people young and old, helping them make one of the most important decisions of their life.

NHOME: In 2009, you joined SWBC Mortgage and went from being a broker to a banker; why the switch?

McKISSICK: That’s a good question. To start with, my then partner and I joined SWBC in 2009 because it seemed clear that as the laws were changing, so was our broker model. SWBC Mortgage rose to the top mainly because of its local location and excellent reputation within our industry. We see ourselves as a one-stop shop offering our realtors, builders and borrowers luxuries like in-house loan origination, processing, underwriting, closing, funding and even servicing, which is rare among San Antonio mortgage bankers.

Our secondary department is direct with Fannie Mae, meaning we can underwrite and service our loans bypassing the middle banks, which often have complicated overlays. Now, just five years later, SWBC is stronger than ever with almost 50 branches nationJANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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“AT SWBC MORTGAGE – LA CANTERA, WE HAVE BOUGHT INTO THE BELIEF OF CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT.” bought into the belief of constant improvement. We even have a unique program called TCAP, or the Tiffany Customer Appreciation Process.

Early in the loan process, we give all customers a Starbucks gift card simply thanking them for allowing us to offer them our services. And then at the end, our loan officers always attend the closing and give each customer a Tiffany Blue box gift, along with a bottle of wine. Nobody else does that, so it sets us apart and leaves a great impression with our borrowers and realtors. All together, we provide exceptional customer service.

NHOME: Can you tell us more about your branch’s achievements and relocation?

wide. It’s safe to say we’re not the same company we started with, and that’s been very positive.

NHOME: What would you say separates your La Cantera branch from the competition?

McKISSICK: There are a few things I feel separate us from the pack such as processing, people and location. But most important of all, I think we have great people. Even when I was approached about this magazine profile, I wanted the article to be more about the folks working at our branch.

For example, I’ve worked with some of our employees for over 10 years now. I often brag about our team and our proces64

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sors, who I believe are some of the best in the business. We also have great camaraderie, as each one of us likes to achieve, but we also like to see each other achieve, as well.

In the end, we all want a good work experience and environment for our clients, as well as each other. It’s really hard to beat the team we have at our branch, and it’s a pleasure to work with each of them.

NHOME: What is your secret to customer satisfaction?

McKISSICK: I think it’s a combination of offering great products while executing efficient processes performed by serviceminded people. I truly believe our branch has all of these going for us. We have

McKISSICK: Yes. Two years ago, we opened a branch in Leon Springs with four employees who grew to 14 people, increasing our volume and enabling us to relocate to La Cantera. Our branch loan volume increased to $5 million per month – a 200 percent increase. And just last summer, we celebrated a record month with volume of $6.9 million in July.

Our branch is now nestled in The Shops at La Cantera beside Barnes & Noble and above Jos. A. Bank. We chose La Cantera because we wanted to provide a warm, comfortable environment for everyone, including our industry partners and clients.

We have a modern art gallery feel, and our naturally landscaped garden courtyard has access to shops and restaurants, making it the perfect mix of business and pleasure.

Just recently, we celebrated our grand opening with more than 350 attendees, and then we enjoyed a later ribbon cutting with more than 100 people, including our three local chambers of commerce: the Hispanic chamber, the San Antonio chamber and the North San Antonio chamber. Needless to say, it’s been an exciting road traveled, and we’re looking forward to the future. ■

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History, Facts and Predictions WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGE RATES IN 2014

W

ith a hot jobs market in Texas in 2013, we have seen double-digit growth in condo sales, a third quarter that showed demand and prices for homes at historic highs and inventory at historic lows. We’ve also seen international buyers add more than $6 billion to the Texas economy, and it is for these reasons and more that Texas leads the nation in relocation activity and, per the Texas Association of Realtors, has become a “domestic migration destination.”

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I see it more than ever when I drive – license plates from all states near and far. This is not during the vacation months, either. These people are here to stay, and they help our local economy thrive while our state serves as an economic model for the rest of the nation. These factors have also helped increase the price of real estate in Texas.

The median home price in the third quarter of 2013 increased by 10 percent compared to the third quarter of 2012. This is all good news for real estate as we begin 2014 with a full head of economic steam.

MAXXYUSTAS/BIGSTOCK.COM

// BY: EASTON CRAFTS

WE ARE BEGINNING 2014 WITH A FULL HEAD OF ECONOMIC STEAM. Sellers’ market There is no doubt today that with multiple offers being presented to sellers, they have become the ones in the superior negotiating position. With only a four-month inventory of homes in Texas, buyers are making full asking price and even above to ensure that they aren’t back on the home search, only to find themselves competing for another home with multiple buyers.

According to the Real Estate Center, home supply is balanced with demand in six-and-a-half months of inventory.

Opening Doors to the American Dream

Rates are still low Although the federal government will start to have an impact on the increase of long-term mortgage rates, the prospects for home affordability in 2014 will in no way be at the fault of interest rate when comparing historical averages. Rates will undoubtedly increase in 2014, barring some major disaster, but they should stay manageable in order to yield an acceptable mortgage payment to most.

Predictions for 2014 When it comes to real estate and mortgage rates in 2014, the Texas economy will start to benefit from the national and international economies, which are still climbing out of their financial woes and taking the longer road up the economic prosperity chart. Texas will see a median home price increase from 5 to 10 percent, while rates will increase, but remain below 6 percent.

Lending and loan qualification standards will remain the same, with no more ratcheting down on underwriting requirements, and I cannot stress the importance of getting preapproved as one of the first steps to take in the homebuying process.

Construction lending and lot loans will continue their popularity, as buyers will look to build to their specifications rather than pay for increasing home prices. Make no mistake, though: The demand to build more homes has also contributed to an increase in the cost to build. With home prices continuing to increase, there is no better time to make a move or build a home than now. ■

For more information about mortgage loans, contact Easton Crafts at easton@directionsequity.com or 210-257-0642. You may also visit www.directionsequity.com for online payment calculators and payment scenarios and to apply online. (National Mortgage Licensing System No. 220151)

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// arts & culture //

A Weekend in Boerne

COME FOR THE CHARM, BUT WITNESS THE PROGRESS OF THE SMALL TEXAS TOWN THAT’S MAKING A CONTEMPORARY TRANSFORMATION. // SPECIAL TO NHOME // ARTWORK: LINDA RUKAVINA FROM RUKAVINA PHOTOGRAPHY

S

ettled by German immigrants more than 150 years ago, Boerne, Texas, remains a sleepy stronghold on the IH-10 corridor going north from San Antonio. But change is afoot! With the introduction of contemporary sensations to various pockets of the town, including salons, fashion, art, buildings and gardens, there is even more to see in Boerne.

Established in 1859, Ye Kendall Inn provided travelers, ranchers and weary patrons with the first hotel experience in the area. The nine-acre property features airy porches, fully restored cottages, a 19th-century chapel converted into a bridal suite, spa services, a tavern and 36 guest rooms, suites and cottages.

However, Ye Kendall Inn remodeled their signature bar in August 2013. As of Janu-

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ary 2014, they have reopened the newly remodeled kitchen, which was redesigned to serve a minimalistic and quaint menu of tapas and appetizers.

If your rugged cowboy needs a bit of cleaning up, get ready for Boerne’s new male spa experience. The faux pas of man pampering is no more. On Sept. 16, 2013, GENT owner Ben Schooley brought a new trend to Boerne: the “man cave” day spa, complete with a cigar humidor, liquor, private manicure and pedicure stations, straight-razor shaves and big-screen TVs. “Kendall County is home to a large number of professional gentlemen, and we felt that there was no business that truly catered and provided them a service that was custom tailored with them in mind,” Schooley says. “We provide a

‘styling session’ that is unlike anything that most men have ever experienced: a personal consultation, professional scissor cut, hot towels, hand massage and razor shaves, all provided in an environment that is specifically designed with fine gentlemen in mind.”

Texas Fine Art Treasures Gallery Owner Johnny Rosa opened the Texas Treasures Fine Art Sculpture Garden on April 11, 2013. From bronze to metal to kinetic wind sculptures, Texas Fine Art Treasures has more than 19 sculptures on the premises. Open and free to the public, the sculpture garden is enjoyed time and time again.

“Even though this space is commercial and for the sale of these sculptures and artwork, it is also for the enjoyment of the public,” says gallery director Aaron McWilliams. “The sculpture garden is a showcase for art to be sold, but it is also a wonderful place to spend some time and gather your thoughts in this increasingly fast-paced world where we live.”

Is there contemporary fashion in Boerne? Tres Bella Salon offers a contemporary flair unlike any in Boerne. “We are a salon whose staff has been trained by the ‘best’ in the industry in France and Europe,” say salon owners Pam Wiese and Allyson Murphy, who adds that “we are a hair studio offering the highest-quality color techniques, haircutting, special occasion styling, makeup (from everyday to runway) and waxing.”

Not only is Tres Bella dishing out exceptionally contemporary looks for everyone from teens to moms to retirees – they are environmentally conscious while doing it. “We choose to be a Davines exclusive line because it is a sustainable company based in Parma, Italy,” Wiese says. “The Davines line includes professional and retail products that are environmentally friendly, and is a socially conscious company that gives back to the world community through various charities.”

And we can’t talk about transformations without addressing the contemporary fine art coming out of J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art, Boerne. With a new gallery director in the Boerne gallery loca-

tion, Gabriel Diego Delgado is bridging the gap in visual aesthetics, showing you can collect, hang and curate your home with a complementary mix of traditional and contemporary artists. “[The diversification of art collections] is a delightful trend that is here to stay,” Delgado says. “There has to be a conversation, a trust factor and a certain level of fine art education, reassuring everyone it’s OK to mix and match. Ideally, there would be the historical lineage from Cezanne to Vives-Atsara to Harvey to contemporaries like Guus Kemp, and illustrating the direct correlation between styles, genres and eras and how it all makes sense conceptually, visually and

WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF CONTEMPORARY SENSATIONS TO VARIOUS POCKETS OF THE TOWN, THERE IS EVEN MORE TO SEE IN BOERNE. aesthetically in their home.”

J.R. Mooney Galleries wants to introduce Boerne to contemporary art like abstract expressionist Guus Kemp; to provide an introduction to the sublime and tranquil abstract landscapes of Russell Stephenson; to grant an avenue to showcase the organic stone-carvings of Cody Vance; and to spotlight the minimalistic paintings of Louis Vega Trevino.

Come for the charm, but witness the progress. Great things come to those who wait, and Boerne’s wait is over. The town that is “as unique as its name” has something for everyone. ■

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Mix and Match AS BRILLIANTLY EXEMPLIFIED BY WESTERN

PAINTER BILL SCHEIDT AND MINIMALIST LOUIS VEGA TREVINO, THE JUXTAPOSING OF

GENRES, STYLES, AESTHETICS AND ARTISTS IS DRIVEN BY CONCEPT. // BY: GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO

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A

n ever-increasing trend in interior design and home decor is the “bridging” or mixing of genres, styles, aesthetics and artists in the fine art placements. The diversification of peoples’ selections has driven a contemporary movement in the way homes are hung to accommodate eclectic tastes. Westerns and traditional landscapes can be hung side-by-side with contemporary, conceptual or abstract, creating a natural flow of imagery that is both easily digestible and visually stimulating.

From Architectural Digest to Veranda, interiors worldwide are showing designers who are constantly perfecting the placement of seemingly conflictive aesthetics in close proximity to each other and disbanding the pigeonhole effect of singularities of wall ornamentations based on palette, artist or genre.

With so many artists in the area and so many paintings to choose from, we should not censor our collective purchases to fit a predetermined mold of how things should fit together.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match and to take chances and risks, and feel free to purchase art not only on investment value, but also on your instincts. If you like it, buy it – and you will find a place where it will work.

Two such painters in the Greater San Antonio area who are completely opposite in all manners of artistic integrity can easily be differentiated and contrasted, but also inexcusably paired and coupled with an existing collection. Bearing a sensible enticement of visual appeasement are Western painter Bill Scheidt and minimalist Louis Vega Trevino. Each artist is known for a signature style, mentored by significant artists of reputation, and each has had previous careers that helped shape their present artistic success.

Scheidt is a Level 5 certified Texas professional farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming, the balancing and the placing of shoes on hooves), and he is a member of the Texas Professional Farriers Association, giving him an incredible insight for his artwork on the anatomy of horses, livestock and the cowboy lifestyle.

Trevino is a trained architect who graduated from San Antonio College with a degree that spans both architecture and art, granting him an unusual perspective on the two industries and forging an uncanny ability to create work that is influenced by a variety of architectural parameters.

Together, Scheidt and Trevino are at extreme opposites, with one depicting an uncanny sense of realism (an example being the wild horses in the New Mexico Badlands), while the other dismisses subject matter altogether for compositional 1960s minimalism.

Known as a colorist stripe painter, Trevino explores simple geometric alignments with hard-edged and blurred lines, verticals and horizontal selections that invite the viewer into his world of artistic movement, optical illusion and irregular “Frank Stella-ish” shaped canvases – all making amusingly

color-charged compositions have revived and redefined.

On the other hand, Scheidt is a current/former member of American Plains Artists and Oil Painters of America, and he has exhibited in the Museum of Western Art. Having studied at the Scottsdale Artists’ School, he has also taken workshops with artist Roy Andersen and Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) artists Joe Beeler, Jim Norton, R. S. Riddick and Bruce Greene, in addition to attending various other CAA workshops.

Scheidt is a signature member of the Artists for Conser-

EDUCATION IS A TOOL TO EXPAND HORIZONS.

clever arrangements.

Trevino’s painting recalls not only the atmospheric color fields of Mark Rothko and Jules Olitski, but also that indeterminate margin where color field interests merge with the geometric and optical abstraction of Gene Davis and Richard Anuszkiewicz. In that margin, Trevino’s work finds its form – an area once explored by Morris Louis and which Trevino’s

vation Foundation, which is dedicated to “supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, biodiversity, sustainability and environmental education through art that celebrates our natural heritage.”

Stoic in his intentions, Scheidt is a revered and wellrespected artist by several Native American tribes for his renditions of Native American culture. Showcasing the unique JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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characteristics of members of the Taos Pueblo (Tiwa or Tewah) and Apache tribes, Scheidt is true to form in capturing this indigenous way of life. Also as a sign of gratitude and respect for his craft, Scheidt was presented a highly prized woven Navajo blanket by Native American Joanna Purley, which is on display in his personal studio as a reminder of his servitude to an entrusted legacy.

Contrasting such strict realistic restrictions, Trevino is neither tied to formalities of pictorial definitiveness like perspective, detail or anatomical renditions. His paintings are something of a paradox – balancing cool analysis with a hot pursuit of color relationships in which he blurs the distinction between color, line and form such that those elements seem to merge and deconstruct in

scape? Do we understand the relationship between the cowboy and his herd? How does the subject fit within the arrangement of all pictorial layers? Do we believe in his vision?

With Trevino, the composition is the work. Are the edges of the stripes complementing each other? Do we feel intuitively that the color combinations work? Are the angular arrangements cohesive to the fundamental integrity?

Are the hues dependent on each other for intrinsic value? Is there a color theory concept that functions on a subversive level that creates energy?

With such questions we ask ourselves, we begin to understand the work more – to appreciate the cleverness and the underlying principles of the art, and to see how both artists are driven by the same

WE SHOULD NOT CENSOR OUR COLLECTIVE PURCHASES TO FIT A

PREDETERMINED MOLD OF HOW THINGS SHOULD FIT TOGETHER. an astonishing blend of hues that are only conceptual in relation to one another.

Taking more freedom in pictorial placement, shaped canvases are purposefully arranged in a way that is neither fluid nor geometric, but teeters on the brink of symbolic. With no one canvas sharing a common axis, each section can be angled to a distinct degree, making for matching corners, but obsessively evident is the reference to negative space contemplations if the work is arranged where no one side touches the other and a small sliver of space is left to exist between the edges.

However, Scheidt walks the line between storyteller and conservator, careful to capture details and allowing the viewer to see the wrinkle lines on subjects’ faces, the taut muscle tones of the animals’ bodies and the magnificent and majestic skylines of Texas, New Mexico and the Great Plains. We gather a sense of shamanistic and cosmic energies set forth by the Native American portraits, feel the warming sun of the evening luminescence and gravitate to the awe-inspiring mountains and expansive plains.

Now let’s see why they are compatible.

Scheidt’s concepts are dependent on composition. Are we drawn into the land-

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principles applied by different means. In other words, in order to understand how to play the early bebop jazz, musicians had to learn the fundamental aspects of music in order to dismantle the theories and build up a conceptual defrayment of structural arrangements. The famous splatter painter Jackson Pollock was a trained realist who evolved from traditional landscapes.

Cowboys next to minimalism can work in the right context when we see how vertical and horizontal compositional elements in a landscape seem conversant with simplified lines and stripes that are essentially that: compositional elements that tie a work together.

Of course, color plays a role in interior décor, and once we understand lights and darks, cool and warm, we can play with wintery landscapes next to abstract blue or whitish abstracts.

Education is a tool to expand horizons – in this case, collections. Now let’s go out and not be afraid of new art and new concepts in decorating the home. ■

For more information, contact Gabriel Diego Delgado at gabrieldelgadoartstudio@yahoo.com.

NOW OP EN Now, the story of the West comes alive at the new Briscoe Western Art Museum on the iconic River Walk in downtown San Antonio. Paintings, sculptures, artifacts and more highlight the art, history and culture of this vast region, the American West – where the resilient Cowboy, Vaquero and Native American traditions live on today. The contemporary campus features the historic three-floor Museum building filled with exquisite art including works by Frederic Remington, John Coleman, T.D. Kelsey, Z. S. Liang, and highlights of the Spanish and Mexican Colonial era.

Visit Us! Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00am-4:00pm Friday-Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm Closed Monday Open until 9:00pm every first Tuesday of the month Admission: $5 Adults | $4 Seniors, Students & Military Free for children 12 and under

The West is Here Br iscoeMuseum.org

210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 | 210.299.4499 | JANUARY//FEBRUARY 2014 NHOME /

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San Antonio is for Lovers GREAT DATES AT HOME, DOWNTOWN AND ON THE MOVE // BY: CHRISTIAN REED-OGBA

WHETHER IT’S VALENTINE’S or an early-year anniversary, doing things with the love of your life never takes much planning – but what’s that your mother always said about failing to plan?

San Antonio is for lovers – meaning there’s always something that requires two people. Even enjoying a great brew wherever the rare St. Arnold Icon Series can be found, i.e. alongside pulled pork sandwiches and French fries at downtown’s The Luxury, can be romantic, followed by a stroll under San Antonio constellations with a backdrop of the River Walk.

Here’s a list of some of what can make this growing, bustling city seem like it’s just you two in the Loop: 1. Nothing says I love you like “let’s live forever!” a. New Years’ resolutions and juice cleanses go handin-hand, and so does getting a healthy jump on the rest of your lives together. Plan a romantic evening with Executive

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ANPET2000/BIGSTOCK.COM

// great escapes //

Personal Chef Jesse Rios. His Visual Palate menu features low-calorie delicacies made in the comfort of your home from locally grown and purchased meats and veggies. Rios’ passion for healthy, good food will set the tone for a lively evening – I personally recommend his Atlantic salmon and pan-seared venison. And remember, ladies: The fastest way to your man’s heart may be through his stomach, but no one said it has to be you cooking.

TASHKA/BIGSTOCK.COM, PONTUSE/BIGSTOCK.COM

2. Make love. View art. Memories included. a. San Antonio’s newest and oldest downtown staple is a must-see on the list of romantic destinations.

In years past, the Briscoe Western Art Museum was San Antonio’s downtown library branch. Having just

BEING A FOOL FOR LOVE DOESN’T MEAN

YOU HAVE TO MAKE A FOOL OF YOURSELF.

finished a completed remodel totaling more than $32 million, the classic architecture now meets a modern flow that showcases amazing Western art. A perfect backdrop if you want to make a memorable first impression – or switch up the humdrum of dinner and a movie.

3. Get ready to dance the night away. a. San Antonio is not short on the availability of dance halls. However, being a fool for love doesn’t mean you have to make a fool of yourself. Have no fear: A quick visit to Leon Valley’s Smash Dance Studios for a lesson in tango, salsa or even Bollywoodstyle dance will have you twirling, or two-stepping, the night away together in no time. ■

ST. ARNOLD BREWERY: www.saintarnold.com

THE LUXURY: 210-354-2274 THE RIVER WALK:

www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

CHEF JESSE RIOS: www.chefjesserios.com

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM: www.briscoemuseum.org

SMASH DANCE STUDIOS: www.smashdance.net

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// active adult living //

Raising THE BAR Amy Thomas and her associates allow residents to retire in style with their peace of mind in tact by providing a superior level of service at The Towers on Park Lane. // BY: KELLY HAMILTON // PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH BROOKE LYONS

here comes a time in life when the kids are gone and it is time to downsize and simplify from a real-estate perspective and start enjoying the finer things in life. At The Towers on Park Lane, the mantra is “active living is an inspired lifestyle.” It is this lifestyle that Amy Thomas, licensed realtor and director of sales and marketing, helps her residents fulfill.

Thomas recently sat down with me in her office in one of the Towers’ beautifully finished-out residences to elaborate the amenities at The Towers and the ease of a secure lifestyle that awaits future residents.

After an extensive tour of the statuesque property with its park-life open atmosphere and expansive 360-degree views of San Antonio, I am beyond impressed at the thoughtfully streamlined residence.

The conveniences of city living and the quiet

T

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charm of a resort lifestyle are effortlessly merged in an inspired and comfortable “neighborhood” of friends. Active senior residents can enhance their retirement by escaping the burdens of household responsibilities. Residents enjoy peace of mind and the convenience of a superb location overlooking Fort Sam Houston on the outskirts of Alamo Heights.

From working fulltime to volunteering fulltime, The Towers caters to all of its 400-plus residents and their lifestyle needs.

Organized as a unique cooperative, The Towers is unlike other retirement communities in many respects. It is an environment in which the residents are part owners, each with the right and responsibility to participate in decisions affecting the community in which they live. Every resident is a shareholder; each has an equity interest in their investment that keeps their home a vital part of their estate.

Upon the purchase of their respective unit, the new Towers resident is allowed to demo and finish out their unit as they so choose. The associates at The Towers in resident services are on-hand to simplify that process if the resident seeks assistance in the relocating process.

From the front door valet to the in-home emergency call buttons, security associates are onsite at The Towers to provide peace of mind and a worry-free retirement experience to residents and their family members.

Residents are protected with 24-hour surveillance of the property and grounds, along with monitored fire alarms and sprinkler systems installed in each home. Access into The Towers is controlled by an electric key system and will only allow entry to those with permission. Non-residents are required to check-in upon entry. The fully secured community is ideal for travelers, as residents are enabled to leave feeling confident and worry-free.

All security personnel are certified first responders, allowing them to provide prehospital care for medical emergencies. Each home within the community is equipped with two emergency call buttons: one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom.

Activities and amenities abound at The Towers. Transportation is provided for daily excursions to those who are unable or do not wish to drive themselves. Residents enjoy a variety of activities in a group setting, as well as individual activity centers such as the wellness center, which offers a variety of fitness classes at different levels; the indoor pool; the woodworking shop; the club; and other areas.

One of the valuable assets is the executive club, which is available to all residents.

The club is located on the 22nd floor of the high-rise, and it boasts spectacular views of downtown San Antonio and the Hill Country.

The club includes a full bar, private nooks

for enjoying a drink with friends, large televisions for sports fans and the understated elegance synonymous with The Towers as a whole.

The club hosts a cocktail hour twice a week and themed dinners, as well as special events for the holidays. The club at The Towers can also be reserved for private parties. With respect to dining, room service is offered daily to all residents upon request.

Meals to go and restaurant-style dining can also be provided at the bistro-style cafe and the elegant Gardenia Dining Room. Streamlined dining is provided in a country clubstyle setting wherein residents may take meals as frequently as desired and receive a statement for payment at the end of the month.

The executive chef and associates utilize only the finest ingredients, preparing fresh meals daily, and they provide a wide range of dining options from which to choose.

Without exception, The Towers is a no-gratuity residence. Associates are prohibited from receiving gratuities so all residents can equally enjoy the amenities.

An active lifestyle is what the staff at The Towers strongly encourages and facilitates.

However, if residents are in need of more extensive medical attention, they are allowed up to 20 days a year at the neighboring Parklane West.

Parklane West provides elegant senior care through a variety of services, including rehabilitation and experienced nursing care.

Licensed health care professionals provide medical consultation and routine laboratory tests. Therapies offered include physical, speech and occupational. Residents can also utilize outpatient therapy, as well as services from the medical director, podiatrist and dentist.

Trained, professional home health staff provides an alternative to a more intensive care setting, fostering a sense of independence and self-respect. Patients receive services in the comfort of their homes in a clinically effective and cost-efficient manner. The services are designed to help meet personal needs on a short- or long-term basis.

Across all spans of life and lifestyle, The Towers on Park Lane is a uniquely elegant and pristine high-rise that caters to active residents over the age of 50. Thomas and her associates at The Towers have not only raised the bar for independent senior living – they continually aspire to provide a superior level of service for a diverse group of residents. â–

For more information on The Towers on Park Lane, visit http://thetowerslife.com or call 210-822-8722.

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// active adult living //

WITH THE LONE STAR STATE’S GROWING REPUTATION AS AN

IDEAL DESTINATION FOR RETIREMENT,

55PLACES.COM WEIGHS IN ON SOME NEW

ACTIVE ADULT LIVING COMMUNITIES FOR

HOMEBUYERS TO WATCH THIS YEAR. // BY: BILL NESS

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THE PAST DECADE has brought Texas among the ranks of Arizona and Florida when it comes to being a popular retirement hot spot. Active adult communities throughout the state have been gaining in popularity as more retirees than ever consider Texas their ideal destination for retirement.

Austin, San Antonio and College Station (near Houston) all made the ranks on Forbes’ 2013 list of the best places to retire. In addition, research conduced by the team at 55places. com shows the Dallas/Fort Worth area as one of the most popular cities for retirement.

Hill Country Retreat in San Antonio has been a sought-after retirement destination since Del Webb broke ground in 2006. Construction

continues today on the 2,090 homes planned for the resort-style community designed for residents aged 55 and better. With the recent acquisition of 100 Hill Country Retreat home sites by Village Builders, new luxury floor plans are enhancing the offering of available home styles. The new Veranda Collection of homes caters to homebuyers looking for spacious main-floor living homes sized from 2,150 to 2,838 square feet.

Sun City Texas is the largest active adult community in Texas set about 35 miles north of Austin in the town of Georgetown. Del Webb began construction of this enormous community in 1995 with plans to complete 7,500 homes for residents aged 55 and better. An impressive village center boasts 86,000 square feet of amenity

EVREN_PHOTOS/BIGSTOCK.COM

What’s NEW for 2014

EVREN_PHOTOS/BIGSTOCK.COM, MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES/BIGSTOCK.COM

space combined with fabulous outdoor recreations, including three golf courses.

The offering of ranch floor plans ensures buyers have plenty of options to choose from. Del Webb plans to open new portions of the community in 2014, giving buyers even more options to choose the ideal home site for their dream home at Sun City Texas.

In the Houston area, some of the most popular active adult communities are sold out of new construction homes or have a limited number of home sites available. Heritage at Towne Lake in nearby Cypress is about 95 percent sold out of new construction homes with sales exceeding expectations. Sweetgrass by Del Webb in nearby Richmond has sold about 300 homes since opening in 2011 and continues to offer 10 ranch floor plans, along with an outstanding clubhouse facility and a robust social lifestyle.

The popular Heritage Grand at Cinco Ranch community in Katy, about 28 miles from Houston, continues to be a highly sought-after community. Recently, resale homes have been selling very quickly, often in a matter of a few weeks and some with multiple offers. Increased selling activity has become more prevalent over the past two years, with prices up significantly by double digits.

Taylor Morrison recently announced a brand-new development to begin construction in 2014. Bonterra at Woodforest promises to be a luxury 55-plus community offering world-class amenities, elegant homes and an exciting active adult lifestyle. The Conroe location within the master-planned Woodforest community will offer residents fantastic recreational opportunities within their neighborhood while being less than an hour from the heart of Houston.

The Dallas/Fort Worth area also offers a myriad of active adult communities, including the highly acclaimed golf course community of Robson Ranch in Denton. This particular community is unique in that it is open to residents as young as age 40 and offers an impressive lineup of resort-style amenities. It is planned for 7,200 homes and offers new construction homes in more than 25 floor plans designed fit nearly any budget.

Frisco Lakes is another wonderful active adult community in the rapidly growing upscale suburb of Frisco, about 30 miles north of Dallas. Built by Del Webb, Frisco Lakes is well-known for offering the ideal blend of amenities and the famous Del Webb lifestyle to residents aged 55 or better. It also offers more than 25 ranch floor plans and golf-course living.

The landscape of active adult communities in Texas con-

AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO AND COLLEGE STATION ALL MADE THE RANKS ON

FORBES’ 2013 LIST OF THE BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.

tinues to grow and evolve with ongoing development at the larger resort-style communities while developers continue to seek out new opportunities for smaller, more intimatesized communities in sought-after niche locals. Experts at 55places.com anticipate that 2014 and the years ahead will bring exciting new developments to Texas designed to fit the needs of today’s active adult homebuyers.

Obtaining the best information on the most popular active adult communities in Texas is easy at 55places.com.

Visit us today to view community photos and floor plans, and to read community details and homeowner reviews. ■

For more information, visit www.55places.com.

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// events //

A Great Start

NHOME CONGRATULATES SWBC MORTGAGE - LA CANTERA, WHICH RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WITH THREE AREA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND AN ALLAROUND GREAT TURNOUT.

// SPECIAL TO NHOME

ON MONDAY, DEC. 19, SWBC Mortgage - La Cantera celebrated its ribbon cutting with three San Antonio chambers and nearly 100 attendees. The representatives from local chambers who hosted the ribbon cutting were Ramiro Cavasos, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Duane Wilson, president and CEO of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce; and Richard Perez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

Nestled in The Shops at La Cantera, the 2,500-square-foot, boutique-style office houses 12 employees and Branch Manager Jim McKissick. “We truly thank those that attended and supported our employees and business,” McKissick says. “It’s been an exciting road traveled to the opening of the SWBC Mortgage - La Cantera office.

We joined SWBC Mortgage in June 2009.

Two years later, in the fall of 2011, we opened the Leon Springs branch with four employees, which grew to 12, enabling us to relocate to La Cantera in June 2013.”

In the past two years, branch loan volume has increased to $5 million per month – a 200 percent increase from two years ago. Last July, the branch celebrated a record month with volume of $6.9 million.

“Our goal is to provide a comfortable and warm environment for employees, industry partners and clients. We chose La Cantera because we wanted a great location for our employees to work and enjoy their surroundings. Our modern gallery feel and naturally landscaped garden courtyard has access to shops and restaurants, making it the perfect mix of business and pleasure.”

It looks like SWBC Mortgage - La Cantera is off to a great start, and we at NHOME wish them well as they serve our San Antonio community. ■

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FRONT LEFT: RAMIRO CAVASOS, HISPANIC CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND CEO

LEFT: DUANE WILSON, NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND CEO

LEFT TO RIGHT: DEBBIE MARINO, DEBBIE AND JIM

MCKISSICK, DIANE KOENNING, CHARLIE AMATO, KRISTIE AROCHA, VERONICA RIDGE, JEFF WILLIAMS AND BOBBY CRUZ

Take Ownership of Your Active Lifestyle…

Affordable, Unique & Sophisticated Retirement Living in San Antonio

Follow us on 1 Towers Park Ln

San Antonio, TX 78209 I n d e p e n d e n t

The convenience of city living and the quiet charm of a resort lifestyle flow together at The Towers on Park Lane. Conveniently located near Alamo Heights, Ft. Sam Houston and downtown San Antonio.

The Towers is surrounded by fine dining, The Quarry shopping center, and is the prime location for an active lifestyle. The Towers caters to both civilian and military individuals age 50 and over.

R e t i re m e n t

L i v i n g

As a cooperative, The Towers provides the advantages of HOME OWNERSHIP in an upscale senior residential community that is sophisticated, yet affordable, with floor plans ranging from one to three bedrooms.

SERVICES & AMENITIES ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Maintenance-free living Weekly Housekeeping Scheduled Transportation Parking, Valet, & Shuttle Services 24-hour Surveillance of Property and Grounds

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Penthouse Club Overlooking Downtown San Antonio 4.5 Acre Park with Walking Paths and Garden Beds Heated Indoor Swimming Pool & Whirlpool Wellness Center with Weekly Classes Restaurant-Style Dining Room & Casual Deli Daily Resident Activities & Clubs

Call us for questions and to schedule your private consultation.

Let our staff help you make your move to The Towers a smooth transition.

210-822-8722 ✤ www.thetowerslife.com

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// events //

RECOGNIZING the Elite

PLATINUM TOP 50 REALTORS OF SAN ANTONIO HOSTED ITS ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY ON DEC. 4 BEFORE A CROWD OF MORE THAN 400 ELITE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS. // PHOTOGRAPHY: NELSON ENOCHS OF LIGHTCATCHER PHOTOGRAPHY 3

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1/ CLINT AND SHANE NEAL 2/ DANA AND TOM PHILLIPS 3/ HIGHLAND HOMES FOUNDER JEAN ANN BROCK AND MEGAN SCHAUFFELE 4/ SCOTT JAUREGUI, SYLVIA SEABOLT, CORIE BOLDT AND FRED HUTT 5/ MIKE HOLLAWAY AND AMBER THOMAS 6/ SUSAN WRIGHT AND TRICIA SILVA 7/ CAMILLE AND ROB DI MAIO 8/ BINKAN CINAROGLU 9/ GINA CANDELARIO 10/ DAN DIEPENHORST 11/ RUTH HORACE, MARK AND TAMI STILLINGS 12/ ENRIQUE VOLKMER AND SONIA ALMANZA 13/ TERRI SAARI AND DENISE SMITH 14/ MANDY PILGRIM, HALEY CATLETT AND KEVIN CRAWFORD 15/ JASON GLAST AND ELIZABETH PRIEST 16/ RUBEN AND MARY SOLIS AND MANDY PILGRIM

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// events //

A Night of Giving Thanks SITTERLE HOMES SALUTES THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT AT A HOLIDAY FUNDRAISING EVENT. SITTERLE HOMES started the 2013 holiday season with a fundraiser benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project appropriately called A Night of Giving Thanks.

The Campanas Clubhouse was magically transformed into a glamorous casino, with

Lucas Jack at the piano and Chef Mike serving gourmet treats and libations.

Sitterle Salutes pledged a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project on all homes sold during the last quarter of 2013.

Among those attending the event for

Sitterle Homes were Frank Sitterle Jr., Jeff Buell, Keane Carol, Cheri Bass, Lynn Sampson-Berzins, Rodney Jordan and the Sitterle sales team and developers, realtors and homeowners who support the Wounded Warrior Project. ■ 3

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1/ BLACKJACK WAS THE GAME 2/ CHERI BASS AND RODNEY JORDAN SELLING CASINO CHIPS 3/ CRAPS TABLE 4/ MICHAEL BEATTY, A U.S. ARMY VETERAN WHO SERVED TWO TOURS IN IRAQ, SHARED HIS EXPERIENCE OF BEING DISABLED IN COMBAT. 5/ FRANK SITTERLE JR. AND JEFF BUELL 6/ SITTERLE’S KEANE CAROL AND CHRIS TYSON OF TYSON SPORTS ENJOYING THE SILENT AUCTION 7/ LUCAS JACK ENTERTAINED 8/ MANDY PILGRIM AND AMBER THOMAS CHATTING WITH FRIENDS 9/ SITTERLE’S LYNN SAMPSON-BERZINS SELLING CHIPS FOR TEXAS HOLD ‘EM 10/ JEANIA KNUTSEN, JOHN MOON AND SITTERLE HOMEOWNERS RICHARD AND LAVERA ALEXANDER

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// events //

NHOME 2nd Anniversary Celebration // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

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// VALENTINE'S DAY EVENT SERVICES //

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Television Show

Premiering January 25th Then every Saturday afternoon at 1:30 pm on

HOSTED BY:

Virginia Tovar Yamin A weekly 30-minute TV show featuring multi-million dollar luxurious homes that are FOR SALE by some of the TOP SELLING REALTORS in and around the San Antonio, Boerne, and Fredricksburg areas.

You’ll also hear from a variety of experts in the upscale home industry offering TIPS, IDEAS, and TRENDS on:     

Home Interior Design Pools  Art  Tile & Stone Elegant Accessories Furniture  Automobiles And so much more!

www.luxurioushomeliving.com For more information on how to be on the show, contact 210.683.3711

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“Custom home building is an art.

I strive to create exclusive designs and features, integrating quality materials and craftsmanship to build a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle needs.”

- Mike Hollaway President

Unparalleled Knowledge and Expertise

Established in 1992, Mike Hollaway Custom Homes has received expansive recognition with some of the most prestigious awards in custom home building for exceptional craftsmanship and design innovation. With more than 30 years of industry knowledge and expertise, Mike Hollaway holds the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) designations of Graduate Master Builder (GMB) and Certified Green Professional (CGP). Awards of distinction include: 1998 Distinguished Single-Family Builder of the Year, 2008 Builder of the Year and numerous Texas Star Awards, Summit Awards and The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) Parade of Homes Awards, including People’s Choice, and Realtor’s Choice Awards.

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Mike Hollaway, President www.mikehollaway.com 2511 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78258 210.490.0069