Carolyn Capalbo, Shows us how to Ease the Stress of Buying a Home

Buying a new home can be an exciting and exhilarating time, but let’s face it, it can be quite stressful, too. Most individuals find that buying a property ranks high on their list of stressful events, mainly due to the fact that there is a lot at stake financially when you buy a home.

For many home buyers, however, the act of purchasing a new home is minimized because they stay in control of the process. In other words, there are things that every home buyer can do to minimize their stress and ensure that their home buying experience is a positive one.

Carolyn Capalbo 4 Rules

1. Hire a great real estate agent – Sure, you can go it alone when you purchase a new home, but in reality a qualified real estate agent will make the entire process run a lot more smoothly. A great real estate agent ( like Carolyn Capalbo) will educate you on the process, will walk you through the complicated process of closing on a home, and will be your best advocate when it comes to negotiating. Before you hire a real estate agent, interview several agents and find the one that best fits your needs. Make sure your real estate agent has plenty of experience with the local real estate market, and make sure you have a good rapport with him or her.
2. Spell out your expectations clearly to your real estate agent from the beginning – Let your real estate agent understand what you expect from him or her before the process begins. Make sure you receive regular updates and that you are involved in every facet of the transaction. In short, let your agent know that you want to be kept in the loop during the entire process.
3. Understand that the home buying process can take a long time and plan accordingly – The process of buying a new home can be quite long and quite tedious. Therefore, plan ahead and set enough time aside before you begin the home buying process. For example, don’t begin planning during your busiest season at work or during your child’s tournament sports league.
4. Make a commitment to stay informed and educated throughout the entire process – Don’t just assume that because you have a good real estate agent that you don’t need to learn about the process as well. There is no excuse for not educating yourself on the home buying process; buy books, search the Internet and ask your Realtor plenty of questions so that you will stay informed – and therefore make the best decisions – during the entire process.

VIP Realty San Antonio would like to thank Carolyn Capalbo for her great insight!

San Antonio boasts a dynamic economy and a thriving housing market. In particular, San Antonio’ s luxury housing market is showing signs of excellent growth, thanks to an exceptional supply of luxury homes on the market.

San Antonio luxury homes can be found in any number of luxury neighborhoods, including Olmos Park, Alamo Heights, the Dominion and Terrell Hills, just to name a few. From expansive lots to architecturally significant – and sometimes historic – homes, real estate in San Antonio is exquisite.

For many, it is no secret that the San Antonio luxury housing market is generally dynamic, given that the San Antonio economy continues to grow. From business and high-end corporate relocation to retirees heading where the weather is temperate and the sky is blue, it’s certainly no wonder why the housing market continues to grow at a healthy rate. Combine that with the excellent work force in Houston and the many business and employment opportunities available in a wide variety of sectors, and it becomes clear that San Antonio is poised for an excellent future.

If you are in the market for San Antonio luxury homes, you may be quite surprised to learn that luxury is now reaching a whole new level. San Antonio luxury homes with granite countertops, whirlpool tubs and steam showers are the norm; in fact, you can often find these features in moderately priced homes throughout San Antonio. It’s the newest trends in luxury homes that will knock your socks off:

• Spa-inspired bathrooms – Don’t expect the usual jetted tub and double vanity when you begin your search for San Antonio luxury bathrooms; instead, expect a spa experience. Today’s luxury homes now have such four-star-hotel-inspired themes as oversized saunas, vertical spas, towel warmer drawers, and heated floors. You can also expect eco-friendly touches, such as nontoxic building materials and natural building materials. Most master suites will feature oversized spa bathrooms; many of which are as big as the bedrooms themselves.

• Smart homes – Today’s San Antonio luxury homes are decidedly “smart,” as they integrate technology into every conceivable area of the home. From security systems to home automation, expect to control nearly every area of your luxury home with the touch of a button. Expect the price tags for these smart systems to hover in the $40,000 range.

• Sustainable environments – From super energy-efficient windows and doors to eco-friendly flooring and water-conserving faucets, expect today’s luxury homes to keep a close eye on the environment, and the impact that homes have on it. Think glass, metal and stone instead of plastic, for example, or forest service-certified wood and chemical-free glues.

• Indoor/Outdoor living spaces – With the trend of staying home instead of vacationing away comes a renewed interest in indoor/outdoor spaces. Don’t, however, expect these spaces to be ho-hum. Expect expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows that completely open to reveal an outdoor living space, as well as outdoor gourmet kitchens with stainless steel grills, granite countertops, and wine coolers, just to name a few.

San Antonio luxury real estate has plenty to offer, and plenty of upscale neighborhoods in which to choose from. From Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills to Olmos Park and the Dominion, San Antonio luxury real estate is certainly in no short supply.

One of the most important homes in a luxury home is the kitchen, so it only makes sense that some of the newest trends in San Antonio luxury real estate can be found in the kitchen.

Here are some of the newest trends in the kitchens of San Antonio luxury real estate:

• Countertops – Bland laminates have given way to exotic cuts of granite, sleek concrete and even glass. What you can expect from luxury kitchen countertops is the unexpected. It seems as if the trend in luxury kitchens is both striking and bold.
• Work stations – Luxury kitchens of today are multi-purpose, so it comes as no surprise that they feature loads of working space, such as built-in desks, center islands, bar and beverage centers, and baking workstations, just to name a few. Along with workstations comes loads of storage, so expect your storage options to be plentiful if you purchase a luxury home with an updated kitchen.
• Kitchen cabinets – The kitchen cabinets of today’s San Antonio luxury homes can be sleek and contemporary or bold and ornate. What is commonplace about cabinets, however, is there custom design and superb construction. You can expect kitchen cabinets of today to be constructed from everything from bamboo and stainless steel to pecan and other exotic woods.
• Appliances – Don’t expect run-of-the-mill appliances in today’s luxury home kitchens. Instead, it is quite common to see appliances that perform double-duty: refrigerators that chill at a variety of temperatures and humidity levels; ovens with warming drawers and convection capabilities; and built-in wine coolers and deep freezers.
• Electronics – The kitchens of today’s San Antonio luxury homes are wired, so it only makes sense that many of them boast such extras as computer workstations, sound systems and flat-screen televisions. In addition, expect all appliances to include electronic controls for even more customization.

The beautiful new condo community of Vidorra has enjoyed great success, even amidst the fumbling economy and housing slump.

Although one cannot dispute the many perks of living in this beautiful high-rise building, the developers of Vidorra also credit the success of the development to the partnership with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage obtained approval for the joint venture just prior to Vidorra’s completion last year, thereby allowing buyers to receive competitive market rates, backed by one of the country’s largest banks.

Because condo buyers generally have a harder time obtaining financing for condominiums, this partnership with Wells Fargo home mortgage allowed many of the condo’s buyers to receive financing at very competitive rates.

In addition, the completion of the Vidorra project just happened to coincide with all of the problems in the real estate industry. Other condo projects at the time experienced a huge decline in their numbers because of this; however, Vidorra, with the backing of a very strong banking institution, allowed the developers to close homes with market rate loans.

In fact, with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage’s help, the Vidorra developers were able to close on many homes as soon as they received the certificate of occupancy. As a result, more than 70 percent of the homes of Vidorra are occupied.

The Vidorra Lifestyle

Vidorra is a 20-story, $60 million high-rise near San Antonio’s Sunset Station. This development includes 146 condos and six townhomes, all of which enjoy a number of excellent amenities and features.

Homes of Vidorra range from 1,000 to 3,866 square feet and there are about 15 floor plans from which to choose. Just some of the amenities afforded to the residents of Vidorra include: 24-hour concierge; a resort-style swimming pool and spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; a well-equipped business center; a secured parking garage; and guest suites.

Vidorra has become a popular condominium building for many San Antonio residents, including empty nesters and military personnel. Homes of Vidorra start at about $255,000. There area also two penthouses in the building.

Purchasing a home today is far different than it was even a few years ago. Now, buyers have begun recognizing the value of the Internet and the time and money it can save them.

The Internet may very well be your best resource when shopping for a new home. In fact, the Internet can prove to be incredibly useful during every step of the home buying way. From searching for Terrell Hills homes to finding the mortgage that best meets your financial needs, the Internet can be your best friend when shopping for a home.

Here are just a few of the way in which you may use the power of the Internet to purchase a Terrell Hills property:

• Find a real estate agent – Many of today’s real estate agents have made a point to develop an Internet presence. From informative blogs to detailed websites, you may be able to learn about a number of local real estate agents simply by surfing the Internet. Search for an agent who best meets your needs and has a solid background in both buying and selling Terrell Hills homes.
• Find a competitive mortgage – One of the most important factors when determining which mortgage is right for you is to stay on top of mortgage rates and mortgage products; and there’s no better way to keep updated on all of this information than through the Internet. Unlike print media, such as newspapers, the Internet often provides the most up-to-date information, and many websites list mortgage products side-by-side, thereby facilitating your comparison shopping duties.
• Learn about the neighborhood – What are the schools like in your Terrell Hills neighborhood? Are there neighborhood parks, libraries and community activities? Is the neighborhood safe and does it have the support of a fire and police team? All of these questions – and more! – can be answered simply by searching for this information on the Internet. In addition, search for blogs and other social media sites for reviews about local neighborhoods, as these outlets can be a great source of information.
• Find a fabulous home – Most real estate websites provide a plethora of information about Terrell Hills homes for sale, including videos, pictures and features. So take advantage of this information and save yourself a load of legwork in the process by doing your primary searches from the comfort of your home!

Residents of Stone Oak enjoy the best in Southern living, thanks to its top-notch master-planned community atmosphere.  Couple this with the many opportunities of San Antonio and you’ve got a home run in terms of highly sought after real estate.

What can you expect to find in Stone Oak? Premier real estate, quaint neighborhoods and excellent community amenities; and that’s just the beginning.

Stone Oak Real Estate

There is a great array of real estate options afforded to the residents of Stone Oak, including single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums. Many of the neighborhoods of Stone Oak, including Sonterra, the Vineyards, Canyon Springs, Champions Ridge and Roger’s Ranch, feature any number of neighborhood facilities, including swimming pools, walking trails, community centers and beautiful green spaces.

Many of the neighborhoods of Stone Oak, such as Roger’s Ranch, offers its residents a beautiful expanse of greenbelts and open spaces, and most of the homes enjoy pristine, wooded lots.

Many of the neighborhoods of Stone Oak are also built around a golf course community theme, including Canyon Springs and Sonterra. Both communities offer a resort-like atmosphere and plenty of excellent views and amenities.

Home prices for Stone Oak real estate varies widely. For example, homes in The Heights at Stone Oak, Canyon Springs and Sonterra start in the high $100,000s, while homes in Roger’s Ranch typically start in the mid $200,000s. There is also a great deal of new construction in Stone Oak, as well, thereby offering a nice variety of new and existing homes for sale.

Stone Oak Locale

Stone Oak enjoys an excellent proximity to San Antonio and, as such, residents of Stone Oak enjoy the many professional, educational and recreational opportunities of the city. In fact, many professionals choose Stone Oak because of its great location.

Just some of the sites  of San Antonio that can be enjoyed by residents of Stone Oak include: the Alamo; the San Antonio Zoo; Fort Sam Houston; Market Square; Riverwalk; San Antonio Botanical Gardens; the San Antonio Museum of Art; and Sea World San Antonio.

The real estate downfall of 2009 left in its wake a number of victims; and not just homeowners.

Many real estate agents all across San Antonio found themselves struggling to keep up with, well, a struggling market. And the fact of the matter is not many of them survived. However, while other real estate companies were fighting to keep their heads above water VIP Realty was growing by leaps and bounds.

The Secret Behind our Success

The secret to VIP Realty’s success is no secret, really. It all comes down to the innovative way in which VIP Realty allows it agents to control their own destiny, all the while enjoying unlimited income potential.

Once in a while a company comes along that bucks the trends and looks at the real estate industry in a whole new light. And that company is, without a doubt, VIP Realty. In fact, San Antonio real estate careers have never looked so good than they have at VIP Realty: San Antonio’s fastest growing real estate company!

Finding the Right Commission Plan for you

Instead of taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to commissions, VIP Realty lets its agents choose their own commission plans; after all, what works for one agent may not work well for another.

For example, an experienced agent with plenty of leads in the industry may do very well working independently, and therefore may need little assistance from the real estate company for which they are working. So, why should their commission percentage be the same as another agent that requires a bit more guidance and assistance?

The answer is simple: it shouldn’t!

From established, top-producing agents to agents in need of a steady supply of quality leads, all agents at VIP Realty are given the tools and the assistance to help them succeed! In addition, VIP Realty offers a very successful revenue-sharing program that allows agents to earn even more money and get their real estate careers off the ground!

The future of San Antonio careers is certainly bright at VIP Realty, so join the team and discover the difference VIP Realty can make with your real estate career!

A military relocation, or any other type of relocation for that matter, is often difficult on the children. However, there are ways to make this move less stressful – both for you and for your children!

Below are several suggestions to help you make moving and relocation, easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

1. Maintain an ongoing dialogue with your children about the move. Children often feel much less stressed about a military relocation if you keep them in the loop and inform them of any and all changes that will be taking place within the family. An ongoing conversation about the move is also a great way for your children to feel as if they can ask questions and express their concerns.
2. Don’t assume that your children understand the details of the military relocation. Instead, take the time to explain everything in detail so your children won’t be confused – and therefore scared or stressed – throughout the move. This is also a great time to calm their fears and let them know that their special belongings will accompany them and that you will remain together.
3. Talk to them about the new house and the neighborhood in which you will move to. Pictures and videos are a great way to show your children your new home. Often times, the process of a military relocation is much less stressful for your children if they can see where they are moving to.
4. Turn your military relocation into a fun and exciting time for your children by staying in a kid-friendly hotel along the way or eating at a fun restaurant. Make the journey exciting so that your children will view the move as a positive one.
5. Take the time to sign your children up for their favorite sports or activities as soon as you’re settled. Being able to resume their favorite activities will allow them to make friends and feel at home.
6. Make it a priority to set up your children’s rooms as soon as you move into your new home. It will prove to be very comforting for your children if you take the time to set up their bedrooms. Paint the walls a fun color and encourage your children to use their creativity to decorate a fun bedroom.

Downtown San Antonio has its share of beautiful condominiums. However, every once in a while a residence comes along that simply exceeds expectations.

Meet the Broadway: one of downtown San Antonio’s premier condominium buildings.

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Broadway enjoys a fabulous proximity to the opportunities and excitement of San Antonio, including major companies, excellent dining and entertainment, and world-class shopping, just to name a few.

This 22-story high-rise, although located in the city, bucks the trends by surrounding itself with beautiful, lush gardens and historic buildings. Upon entering the premises, guests and residents will enjoy covered verandas surrounded by picturesque, tropical gardens. Adding to the property’s resort-like feel is the resort-style swimming pool and the outdoor spas. Cozy up near the outdoor fireplace and talk with friends in the large gathering area; all the while enjoying the fantastic sight of San Antonio’s skyline.

The interior of the Broadway is just as opulent as its exterior, as homes in this building boast such features as:

• Ten to 14-foot ceilings in all living areas
• Gourmet kitchens with granite and natural stone countertops, built-in wine coolers and stainless steel Miele appliances
• Expansive, private balconies with sweeping views of San Antonio
• Twelve floor plans including a penthouse unit
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Imported hardwood flooring
• Walk-in closets

The community features are impressive, to say the least, as they include:

• Secured, staffed lobby monitored 24/7
• A private resident clubroom
• A bar and lounge area
• Spa services
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Yoga studio

Homes of the Broadway range from one to three bedrooms and are priced from $500,000. Homes range from 1,262 to 5,841 square feet.

From the beautiful architecture to the unsurpassed location, the Broadway has become a beacon among San Antonio’s dynamic, downtown skyline. Professionals will enjoy its close proximity to business and industry, while families will enjoy the nearly endless supply of surrounding arts, entertainment and dining choices. One thing is for certain, however: there is no better place for the discriminating buyer than the Broadway.

You’ve done everything right – or so you think – to sell your home. You’ve priced it right and sat back and waited for the onslaught of offers. However, a few months later and no offers have you rethinking your plan for selling your Live home.

Pricing your home to sell may only be one part of the equation. It is important to understand that most home buyers of today want homes that appeal to them; homes that they feel welcome in; homes that they get a warm, fuzzy feeling about. After all, much of the home buying process involves emotions.

With that in mind, are you doing everything you can to appeal to your buyers? The following tips may help you create the mood to attract your buyers:

• Let the sun shine in – A dark home doesn’t show well. It makes the rooms appear smaller and makes the home appear less welcoming. Therefore, the best thing you can do brighten things up is to open the blinds, throw back the curtains and let the sun shine in. Take it one step further and turn on all the lights in the house. A bright home will do wonders for the mood of your buyers.
• Take a whiff – Is your home filled with less-than-pleasant odors? The first thing you can do to sell your Live Oak home is to stop smoking in it. Second, avoid cooking any food that may linger in your home, such as fish. Third, keep the kitty’s litter box clean. Lastly, open the windows, if possible, before a showing to flood the home with fresh air. Light a few candles and add fresh flowers and, voila! Your home is now attractive to the noses of your buyers.
• Clean it up – Most of us understand that a clean home sells, but many home sellers fail to realize that it just isn’t about running the vacuum before potential buyers arrive. Instead, your home must be in showcase condition. Things to consider: shampoo the carpets; scrub down the appliances, inside and out; scrub every inch of your bathroom; remove any dirt or marks from the walls; and scrub your kitchen sink until it shines.