Real Happenings

Lock Box Exchange

2011-09-28T09:12:00.002-05:00

I know everyone has been told repeatedly, but today (September 28) is the deadline for exchanging and returning the grey lockboxes.

Each office has a list of the lockboxes on their listings and based on that list we collected the new blue lockboxes. SABOR has a strict deadline for the return of all the grey lockboxes. Anything not returned will be charged to me at $75 plus tax.

All lockboxes not received in our office by close of business today must be charged to the agents who have not returned the boxes because if they are not returned, they are charged to my credit card.

Canyon Lake Freedom Walk on 9/11 Slideshow

2011-09-14T11:41:00.001-05:00

Click Here for slideshow

All Sellers Disclosures Must be Updated

2011-09-14T08:45:00.002-05:00

On September 1st, the a new sellers disclosure went into effect. After a call into the TAR legal hotline, the word is that unless you were under contract prior to September 1st, all listed properties should have the revised sellers disclosure. Here is a report from TAR.

Explanation of Sept. 1, 2011, changes to TAR Seller’s
Disclosure Notice (form 1406)
Through various pieces of legislation, the Texas Legislature made three changes to the
required Seller’s Disclosure Notice. Here are the three additional questions sellers must
answer:
• Whether the property receives liquid propane gas and whether that LP gas is
community (captive) or on property
• Whether the property has a single blockable main drain in pool/hot tub/spa. This
notice must also include a statement that a single blockable main drain may cause
a suction entrapment for an individual
• Whether the property has any rainwater harvesting system connected to the
property’s public water supply that is able to be used for indoor potable purposes
Use of the revised form is mandatory as of Sept. 1, 2011.

Sellers must begin giving the updated notice to buyers Sept. 1; however, you should immediately use the revised notice to avoid having to obtain an updated notice from the seller if the listing does not go under contract before Sept. 1. The updated form is available on TexasRealtors.com and through zipForm.

False Reports on 3.8 Real Estate Transfer Tax

2011-07-13T08:35:00.004-05:00

There are incorrect stories being circulated about a real estate transfer tax or sales tax that came about with the new health care law.

The fact is that on certain high income individuals with net investment income an additional 3.8% tax on the net investment income that exceeds $250,000 of adjusted gross income to the extent there may be net investment income.

Since the gain on the sale of a home for a married couple must exceed $500,000 before any becomes "net investment income" and is taxable - only to the extent that the gain on the sale of a home exceeds the $500,000 and pushes your family adjusted gross income over $250,000 would the tax be imposed.

For single individuals, the income level is $200,000 and the gain on the sale of a home non-taxable limit is $250,000.

If you did have a taxable gain on the sale of a home it would be a capital gain and taxed at substantially lower rate than earned income anyway.

As you can see, the rumors about a transfer tax which, which most people look at as a sales tax are incorrect. A correct example of a transfer tax would be if you sold your car. In that case, the entire proceeds on the sale of a car are subject to a sales tax - not just the profits.

Here is an example of the law as I understand it. Assume a couple makes $200,000 a year of adjusted gross income which includes $20,000 of dividends, interest, and net capital gains. However, they sell their home for a million dollars. They bought the home for $300,000 twenty years earlier and spent $50,000 on putting in a new pool and spent $20,000 for a new roof and another $20,000 for a new A/C system and other landscaping and capital repairs. So their basis in the home is $390,000. When they sold their home they paid $60,000 commission and another $20,000 of closing costs. So, their net proceeds from the sale was ($1,000,000 minus $60,000 minus $20,000) $920,000. Consequently their gain on the sale is ($920,000 minus $380,000)$530,000. Since their gain is $30,000 more than the tax free $500,000 gain for the sale of their home - that amount would be added into net investment income.

In our couples case, their adjusted gross commission income was $200,000 and if you add in the $30,000 of net investment income from the home sale - they still do not exceed the $250,000 threshold over which net investment income becomes taxable at 3.8percent. So,there would be no tax.

A true transfer tax is a sales tax. Gain has nothing to do with it. This is not a transfer tax.

No Excuses - All Things are Possible

2011-06-13T14:03:00.004-05:00

When we think of reasons why we can't do something, think of Matt Stutzman, a young man in his late twenties, born with no arms. Matt never let his handicap slow him down, and could do most things as good or better than a person with arms. Matt does everything with his feet, and I mean everything — eat, drive a car, ride a motorcycle. You won’t find a handicap sticker on Matt’s car, nor is his car adapted for a person with no arms. He purposely challenges himself to do any and everything a “normal” person can do.

Matt was into archery in a big way, having placed high and winning several national competitions shooting against people without handicaps.

Are you sitting down? If not, you might want to, ‘cause here’s some really big news. Matt Stutzman has qualified for the National U.S. Olympic team in archery! Not the Special Olympics. The Olympic Team.

Circlepix 24/7 sign rider - San Antonio office

2011-06-09T11:16:00.002-05:00

I am happy to help folks by printing the labels for the sign rider. Before requesting, please make sure that the listing is already in Circlepix. That helps me a lot because I am not having to log in, go to your account, and look up your listings and then find out there is no info there for me to print the label.

Thanks for your help!

Bernie

Luxury Home Pru University Virtual Instructor Training Opportunity

2011-06-02T14:06:00.002-05:00

Lynn Nestor Brand Training at Homewood Suites

2011-05-11T11:09:00.003-05:00

Prudential Wins Major Award at BBQ Cook-Off

2011-05-04T08:06:00.002-05:00

The crowd roared with the announcement. Prudential Don Johnson won the coveted Showmanship Award at the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce Annual Cook-Off. The picture gallery is on our company facebook site.

Ladies of Prudential Get to Together

2011-05-04T08:01:00.002-05:00

USDA Loan Info

2011-04-26T16:48:00.002-05:00

Prudential Barbeque Team Smells Victory

2011-04-25T15:37:00.002-05:00

This weekend 4/30/2011 - the Prudential Barbeque Team hosted by our Canyon Lake culinary char-kings and queens are up at Canyon Lake for a big fundraiser. Details to follow. Lots of fun and everyone is welcome.

Free Missions Tickets

2011-04-25T15:30:00.003-05:00

Last minute notice. Tuesday April 26th at 11:05 AM the Missions are playing the Frisco Roughriders at Wolfe Stadium (off HWY 90). Imelda Lynch has four free tickets to a suite with a parking pass. You have to buy your own food, but these are $25 tickets and the value of the tickets and parking pass are around $105.

First Come, First Served. Please call Imelda on her cell at 508-3461 if you want them.

Lynn Nestor visit scheduled

2011-04-25T15:29:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon everyone,

Lynn Nestor with Prudential Real Estate Affiliates will be in town the first week of May on the 5th and 6th. Lynn is meeting with Bernie on Thursday the 5th to go over the results of the Operations Review Questionnaires. Bernie has called for a companywide meeting for Lynn Nestor to speak with all of us on Friday, May 6, 2011. The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Homewood Suites By Hilton located at 125 N. Loop 1604 West (210 497-8200). This is the same location at which we met when Lynn was last here, 2 years ago. Coffee and water will be available during the meeting and then we will be served a luncheon sandwich buffet at the hotel after the meeting. This will be a great opportunity for you at ask Lynn any questions regarding PREA, Profit Planning, Brand Identity or any other questions you may have. We encourage all that can attend to do so.

To ensure a proper amount of materials and food we will need a headcount of those attending by Wednesday, May 4th , 2011.

Thank you,

Admin for Bernie Johnson

Wynn Czarnecki

Office Administrator – San Antonio
Prudential Don Johnson Co. REALTORS®
210 493-1766 Ext. 133

Wells Fargo 203(K) Training/Lunch

2011-04-22T15:00:00.001-05:00

Subject: Fw: Wells Fargo 203K Training/Luncheon

Brandon Stellges, from Wells Fargo will be at our office offering training, on April the 28 at 11:00 am. Wells Fargo has a 203k product for properties that will make renovation financing possible. This is great for sellers or buyers who want to sell or purchase a property that is in need of repair. Please RSVP so we will have a head count for lunch. Thank You.

Joe Orozco- Sales Manager, Blanco Office

FHA MIP Change

2011-04-14T13:09:00.001-05:00

Effective for all FHA case numbers on or after April 18, 2011 MIP Changes on all FHA Loans:

FHA continues to increase their mortgage insurance requirements. They are keeping their up front fee the same at 1% of the loan amount, which is rolled into the borrowers loan. Effective April 18th, the monthly Mortgage Insurance is going to increase from .90% to 1.15%

This will increase your buyers monthly payments. On just a $200,000 FHA loan, it will increase their monthly payments by more than $40.00 per month or $480.00 per year. If you have someone on the fence, this could be a good tool to help pull the trigger.

Jack Feise
Pilgrim Mortgage
Loan Officer
16635 Huebner Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78248
Office: 210-499-4200
FAX: 210-499-0989
Cell: 210-380-7916

All Office Meeting Friday April 15th

2011-04-12T07:52:00.001-05:00

Lynn Nestor with Prudential Real Estate Affiliates will be in town this week. Lynn is meeting with Bernie on Thursday to go over the results of the Operations Review Questionnaires. Bernie has called for a company wide meeting for Lynn Nestor to speak with all of us on Friday, April 15, 2011. The meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2011 at Homewood Suites By Hilton located at 125 N. Loop 1604 West (210 497-8200). This is the same location we met at when Lynn was last here, 2 years ago. Breakfast will be served at 8:30am and the meeting will start at 9:00am and last to 11:00AM. This will be a great opportunity for you at ask Lynn any questions regarding PREA, Profit Planning, Brand Identity or any other questions you may have. We encourage all that can attend to do so.

PREA matching Japan Relief Contributions

2011-03-28T08:40:00.001-05:00

Affiliates Can Double Their Contributions for Japan Disaster Relief

Prudential Financial recently announced that The Prudential Foundation is contributing $6.1 million to support disaster-relief efforts in Japan.

Prudential Real Estate Network representatives can contribute to the relief effort, and get their funds matched by The Prudential Foundation, by following the respective procedures linked for U.S. and Canadian affiliates.

For additional information, contact Mary O'Malley, Prudential Local Initiatives, at 973-802-7675.

Rio Guadalupe Condos Open House

2011-03-14T15:03:00.001-05:00

Bring a non-Prudential Realtor for a special door prize. One entry for each non-Prudential Realtor you bring. Yeahhhhh!

Media Center - Now Free!!!

2011-03-08T09:29:00.002-06:00

Prudential announced at the convention in San Diego that they were making the Media Center free of charge. This is awesome news. Although the cost was only $10 a month - making it free allows us to us the Center as a uniform distribution point of marketing materials.

Lisa O Sullivan & Kirk Riedel manning our booth.

2011-02-17T12:55:00.002-06:00

Congratulations and thanks to Lisa and Kirk for mannning Prudential's booth at the Winter Texan Reception.

Congratulations to Brian and Kelsey

2010-12-27T11:28:00.003-06:00

Just got the word that Brian Johnson proposed to Kelsey King on the top of a mountain in Colorado yesterday.

Christmas Pics on Facebook

2010-12-17T09:31:00.003-06:00

Pictures from our Christmas Party at River Crossing are on the Company Facebook Page. Click Here to check them out. If anyone has some more pics, please send them.

Brian Johnson Wins UTSA Real Estate Competition

2010-12-15T13:03:00.000-06:00

Realtor.com Find a Realtor

2010-11-19T11:50:00.001-06:00

A few more pics

2010-11-19T08:01:00.002-06:00

More Potluck Pics

2010-11-18T15:47:00.003-06:00

Thanksgiving Potluck

2010-11-18T15:39:00.001-06:00

Golf Tournament pictures

2010-11-18T15:10:00.001-06:00

Here is a link to the pictures

Friday Freeze Warning!

2010-11-18T13:32:00.000-06:00

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO TX
354 AM CST THU NOV 18 2010

...A FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM CST FRIDAY FOR
PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS ADJACENT TO THE HILL COUNTRY...

.COLD DRY AIR PUSHING INTO SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS THIS MORNING WILL
SETTLE OVER SOUTH TEXAS THIS EVENING. THE COMBINATION OF CLEAR
SKIES...LIGHT WINDS AND VERY DRY AIR WILL CAUSE TEMPERATURES TO
FALL RAPIDLY TONIGHT. LOWS WILL DIP TO NEAR FREEZING BY SUNRISE
FRIDAY MORNING...ESPECIALLY IN LOW LYING AREAS.

USMC 235th Birthday

2010-11-10T10:38:00.002-06:00

USMC Tribute Video

San Antonio info from Corrine Lorenzana

2010-11-03T13:08:00.002-05:00

Received from Presidio Title
The San Antonio Difference:
• The 3rd Fastest Growing City in America (U.S. Census Bureau)
• Ranked in Top 5 best cities to buy a home (Forbes.com July 2008)
• San Antonio Ranked #6 by Forbes Magazine for Best Cities for Home Sellers
• Among the 10 most active housing markets in the U.S. (Metrostudy) )
• Ranked #1 in home price appreciation for a city with a population of 1 million and more than 10,000 new home starts/closings (Source: Trend Setter Realty April/May 2008)
• San Antonio is America’s #2 most recession-proof city (Forbes, April 20 2008)
• San Antonio is ranked #1 in Top 10 Places to Invest (Source: NuWire Investor Magazine, 3rd Quarter 2007)
• Maintains one of the lowest levels of new home inventory in the U.S. with closings continuing to outpace starts. (Source: Trend Setter Realty April/May 2008)

CAbi Trunk Show November 4th - New Braunfels

2010-11-03T12:21:00.000-05:00

Hope that you can bring anyone in your office that loves pretty clothes tomorrow!!! The CAbi trunk show will be at our office between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM this Thursday!!! You can have lunch at Herbert's Taco Hut next door! See attached to see a preview.

Thanks,

Karen

Karen A. Myrick
Prudential Don Johnson Co., Realtors
1551 N. Walnut, Suite 1
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830)660-9748 Cell
(830)624-8994 Fax
KarenMyrick@satx.rr.com

Your referrals of friends, family and business associates are greatly appreciated!

Texas Law requires all real estate licensees to give the following information about brokerage services:

http://www.trec.state.tx.us/pdf/contracts/OP-K.pdf

Places to announce your open house

2010-10-28T12:20:00.002-05:00

Hi Bernie,

Here is another avenue we can pursue when advertising an open house or home for sale that is free.

http://mysa.kaango.com/ads/choosepostad
This is an example with my ad

http://mysa.kaango.com/ads/viewad?adid=17902669

Thanks Jason - there are a bunch of places to announces your openhouse:
1. realtor.com
2. listingware (your web site)
3. Online Seller Advantage
4. Circlepix
5. Circlepix - leadbee
6. MLS
7. and of course the mysanantonio.com website you are referring to

Caravan to the Grand Opening

2010-10-21T08:51:00.002-05:00

We are all excited about Dianne's awesome exclusive listing of a major condo poject on the Guadalupe at Canyon Lake. The condos are well suited as a residence, second-home, or a rental property.

For those who want to follow me up there this Friday (10/22/2010) - I will be leaving at 11:00. I will have room for one or two riders.

Dianne's Rio Guadalupe Grand Opening Extravaganza

2010-10-21T08:36:00.002-05:00

Radio Show Increases Visitors to Open House

2010-10-11T08:10:00.000-05:00

Bernie,

I wanted to give you feedback on the Radio and its usefulness it had on my openhouse today. Two families came from the castle hills area because they heard Jay announce it on the Radio. This is going to be a great tool for all of us to utilize and I will be using the radio station service in my open house two weeks from now.

Thanks
Jason G

Congrats! Steve Crisp elected NB/CL Director

2010-09-21T14:15:00.001-05:00

Steve was elected to the NB/CL Board of Directors at the monthly membership luncheon yesterday.

Dianne Thomas
Prudential Don Johnson Co.
Broker Associate/Manager
thomasjd@gvtc.com
210-379-5810 direct

Radio Show

2010-09-21T13:47:00.003-05:00

All of our offices can benefit from the new Real Estate show (see blog entry below). My reason for sponsoring the show was to allow our associates to be able to be "on air" experts and to promote their listings/open houses. I am sure there are other ways we can benefit. Please contact Jay Robbins at robbins@satx.rr.com for mnore info.

DirectTV Prudential Discount

2010-09-21T13:44:00.003-05:00

Here is a great reason to contact your referral base:

SUPPLIER INFORMATION
New Home Special from Bridgevine – A Prudential Home ConnectionsSM Supplier:
DIRECTV Extends $60 Discount Exclusively to Prudential Real Estate Clients

From now until Oct. 6, DIRECTV is offering your clients a $60 USD discount on any package! They will get $5 USD off of their bills for 12 months. They will also get five FREE months of the Premier Package when they order the NFL Sunday TicketTM! This offer is limited only to Prudential Real Estate clients and allows them access to the biggest savings all year on DIRECTV. Or, save up to $34 USD per month on other package choices. Sign up by visiting http://newhomespecial.com/prea or calling 800-330-8850.

Radio Show

2010-09-09T11:17:00.002-05:00

Bernie,

Here are the highlights of our new radio show which will air starting Saturday, September 18th from 7 to 8 AM and each Saturday thereafter at the same time on NEWS TALK RADIO KLUP AM 930.

The show will be called: THE REAL ESTATE SHOW Sponsored in part by Prudential Don Johnson Company REALTORS®

Hosts: Jay Robbins, GRI, ABR, Broker / Associate TREC Certified Real Estate Instrcutor Prudential Don Johnson Company REALTORS® (since 3/97) Full time REALTOR® since 1988.

--and--

Mark Eberwine, owner 5 Star Home Inspections
25 years home inspection experience in San Antonio Past president San Antonio Residential Home Inspectors Assn.

The show can also be heard anywhere via streaming audio at:

Click Here

Congrats to Nanette King

2010-09-08T13:37:00.001-05:00

Nannette is new to our New Braunfel office. I got an E-Card fom her announcing her new office and including within the e-card a presentation developed on the Media Center. Here is a link to the Media Center slideshow she used in the e-card. Cogratulations

Joe Orozco - Sales Manager

2010-09-08T13:00:00.003-05:00

Joe Orozco and I have met about helping out in the Blanco office. Joe ran a successful real estate company (Golden Key) and was previously a sales associate with our company many years ago. Joe returned to PDJC at the beginning of the year and has been helfpful with HUD training and assisting some of our young agents.

As a sales manager with our Blanco office, Joe will assist agents in developing their business, assist in developing and providing training, and Joe will also help with recruiting. We will all benefit with Joe in his new role as sales manager of our Blanco office.

Joe's experience and knowledge will be a great asset to our company. He will begin his responsibilities on September 13th.

Joint Media Center Training

2010-09-08T06:58:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all the attendees of our Media Center Training Session. It was a lot to cover and I welcome the opportunity to work with small groups with more hands on training.

Livestrong Austin Cycling Fundraiser

2010-08-24T16:09:00.004-05:00

For folks that are interested, I will be doing a group charity ride for the Livestrong Foundation. I am not asking or expecting anyone to donate. However, if you are interested - Here is a link to my fundraising page.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. The LAF believes that unity is strength, knowledge is power, and attitude is everything. Please support our team as we make a difference in the battle against cancer with our participation in the 2010 LIVESTRONG Challenge AUSTIN, which benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The LIVESTRONG Challenge is more than a bike ride, run or walk...it is a community of selflessness united together to improve life for the 28 million people living with cancer worldwide.

For more information on Livestrong please visit their website.

Have a Great Day! Bernie

Happy Birthday Ann Johnson

2010-08-23T08:30:00.002-05:00

lowesrealtorbenefits.com

2010-08-09T11:07:00.001-05:00

9/11 Canyon Lake Freedom Walk

2010-08-03T15:41:00.002-05:00

JD Powers Listing Ratings

2010-07-28T09:57:00.000-05:00

JD Powers Award Again

2010-07-28T09:32:00.000-05:00

Great news! J.D. Power and Associates this morning announced that the Prudential Real Estate Network ranked “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power and Associates' 2010 Home Buyer/Seller Study. This represents the second time in three years our Network has been named for the distinction, which underscores your high leadership standards and the true quality of your companies. In short, you've excelled through varied market circumstances and selling customers have acknowledged your skill, expertise and service.

This distinction comes on the heels of additional great news from our Relocation Division. Trippel Survey & Research LLC, a customer satisfaction research company specializing in relocation data, ranked Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services first among several of the largest firms providing relocation services in its 16th annual Nationwide Relocation Survey. And, earlier this year, PRERS ranked first in overall satisfaction in Trippel Survey & Research’s sixth annual Relocation Managers’ Survey on International Policy and Service Providers’ Performance.

Indeed, we stand out from the industry’s finest and we have exciting plans to promote this fact. We've negotiated complete marketing rights for J.D.
Power and Associates’ study and for our favorable ranking. We will market through national advertising and a variety of venues

TREC fraud alert

2010-07-26T08:44:00.002-05:00

TREC has recently learned about a scam in which a person pretending to be an agency employee may call a licensee with a story about a problem with the licensee's license status. The caller then offers to resolve the problem by asking for the licensee's credit card number to make a payment by phone.

DO NOT RESPOND to requests from TREC asking you to provide personal information, including credit card numbers, social security numbers, or any other identifying information. TREC does not accept any payments by phone and will never make such a request. Please remember to always carefully guard your personal data. If you receive a suspicious call from someone purporting to be from TREC, we recommend that you ask the caller for his or her name, then hang up, call TREC at the number on the website, and ask to be transferred to that person.

If you have received a suspicious call involving TREC and gave out personal information or otherwise feel your security may have been compromised, please first file a report with your local police department and then notify TREC of the situation.

Advertising HUD Homes

2010-07-15T15:13:00.002-05:00

Advertising HUD Homes

All HUD registered brokers and their agents are encouraged to advertise HUD as long as they strictly adhere to the following rules:

Property must be listed for sale by the HUD listing broker

Advertiser must not convey the impression they are the sole source of property information or that they have an exclusive or favored sales listing or sales advantage

Advertisements cannot suggest the property is a “distressed sale” – HUD Owned or HUD Acquired is okay – but HUD Foreclosure is forbidden – no mention of foreclosure is allowed

All advertising just have the Equal Housing Opportunity logotype, statement or slogan
All ads must comply with the Truth-in-Lending Act – meaning do not advertise loan terms

If applicable – must include a flood plain notation.

Since Prudential Don Johnson is a HUD broker - as long as you follow the above guidelines - you may post them to Craigslist. Please keep in mind - all real estate advertising must include the name of the brokerage on each page.

how to record a voice message about your property

2010-07-13T15:19:00.000-05:00

Manage Your LeadBee Extension
Thank you for choosing LeadBee. Our lead-generating tools can provide you with valuable feedback for finding potential clients.
Change Your Message
LeadBee allows you to change your message at any moment. To edit a home information message that is currently saved, follow these simple instructions:

1. Dial 1-888-494-8380
2. Enter [extension number] given at time of order
3. When the message plays press the pound key [#]
4. Enter your [pin] number (initially 1234) followed by [#]
To review your message press [1]
To record your message press [2]
To delete your message press [3]
To save your message press [4]
Sample Script
Below is a sample property information script. You may use this script as a guide or create your own message:

Thanks for calling for more details on this home located at 1329 Scenic Dr in Escondido, CA.

There are 3 beds and 3 baths in this spacious, 2370 square foot, single family home that has been fully remodeled with new flooring.

The immaculate interior of this home also includes a formal dining room and master suite.

This residence is located on a ½ acre lot which is fully landscaped with mature trees and a walkway.
Highlights of this lovely residence also include a spa and gazebo, granite kitchen countertops, and a 3 car garage.

The home is priced at $650,000.

To find out more about this home or to schedule a time to stop by and view this home please contact Josh Jones at 555-1212.

Thanks for listening!

Printing Labels for CirclePix Sign Rider

2010-07-09T15:09:00.003-05:00

I use 5.5" by 8.5" weatherproof labels (Avery at Office Max) (2 to a page) - however, I print 4 to a page and cut the labels in half in order to get 4 labels to a page.

The Word Settings are: Font Calibri, font size 140 (type it in) top margin .2", left margin .17", Bottom margin .17", right margin .17". Paragraph spacing of "0 pt" Before and "0 pt" After

With these settings you can handle two listing sign riders.

767 Utopia - not listed (Jennifer Madison)

2010-07-09T15:08:00.001-05:00

RE Inquiries on 767 Utopia (Jennifer Madison)

We do not have it listed, nor is there a listing agreement – it is an auction property. I will let him know to visit www.auction.com for details. If the property does sell at auction there will be a commission for us.

Short story on this one – it is a B of A property that is in horrible condition and I requested the listing be reassigned for this reason. The bank preferred to send it to auction because we all agreed they would probably make a better profit going this route. There are certain requirements for auction properties and I agreed to do the paperwork so they will still pay us. Normally, open houses are required for the 2 weekends prior to the auctions but due to condition we are not doing them because of potential harm to a buyer. There is a huge hole in the roof and there is mold – that was the main reason I did not want to list it.

I know there have been a few duty calls on this one as well – buyers can visit www.auction.com or call 800-793-6107 for more information. If one of our agents registers a buyer than they would get a commission for representing the buyer for this or any auction property.

Emilio Alcazar Catching Marlin 160 Miles Offshore Texs

2010-06-21T14:37:00.002-05:00

CirclePix Sign Riders In

2010-06-17T15:39:00.002-05:00

Homebuyer Credit Closing Extended to September 30th

2010-06-17T13:32:00.001-05:00

Link to Article on Homebuyer Credit Closing Extension

Pics from Canyon Lake

2010-06-16T14:01:00.002-05:00

Seller Financing and SAFE Act

2010-06-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Dianne!!!

2010-06-03T08:16:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to call and harass Dianne Thomas today - in honor of her 29th Birthday. Canyon Lake agents - don't forget the lunch today (Thursday June 3rd)

Timely Submission of Contracts and Listings

2010-05-14T12:19:00.002-05:00

Just a friendly reminder, all listings and contracts should be submitted to the respective office staff on a timely basis. Our managers are experts on reviewing the paperwork and it is not unusual for a second set of eyes to pick up some minor and not so minor errors.

It is so much easier to get a client to initial a contract or listing change in the first few days of the execution then it is when the "honeymoon" is over.

We appreciate everyone's help.

Thanks,
Bernie

Canyon Lakes connects offices

2010-05-14T12:06:00.005-05:00

The Canyon Lake offices are now all connected. Previously, the two spaces were separated by a space occupied by a Title Company. When the Title Company moved to a smaller space, our office traded spaces - allowing our offices to be connected and to take advantage of a much better floorplan. Here's a pic from get together yesterday.

Karen Myrick's Son Signs

2010-05-14T11:41:00.001-05:00

Linda Williamson caught a big one!

2010-05-11T08:57:00.001-05:00

Spam Filter

2010-04-22T13:06:00.002-05:00

For agents using the company (realsa) email, I have asked our mail provider to turn off the spam filter. The reason I have done this is that sometimes the notifications of MLS violations were being caught by the spam filter and consquently agents and staff were unaware of violations.

If you want to turn your spam filter back on - go to http://mail.realsa.com and login with your user name (first part of email addresss followed by .real and your password. You can then turn on your filter and adjust the settings. I just cannot assure that you will receive everything from Central Texas MLS. If you do turn on the filter, you can whitelist their email on your site as well. That is something I cannot do for you.

I would recommend you use Outlook or Outlook Express to receive your email. You can then use Outlook or Outlook Express to manage your spam settings. Unfortunately, if you let mail.realsa.com serve your spam settings, you cannot see caught spam unless you go directly to mail.reals.com and look at caught spam (it does not show up in caught spam in Outlook or Outlook Exppress unless you allow Outlook of Outlook Express to be the exclusive manager of Spam.

Within the next several weeks, our mail server will send a list of caught spam to your email address every three days - so that could help solve the problem with Central Texas MLS - as long as you review your caught spam.

Any Questions? Give me a call.

Bernie

Convention Pic

2010-04-20T17:16:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Steve Crisp and Stephana Tiller

2010-04-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

Prudential Don Johnson Co. REALTORS - TX029
16845 Blanco Road
San Antonio, Texas 78232

Re: 2009 Fourth Quarter Awards - Final

Congratulations! Here are your award winners for Fourth Quarter 2009.

We will be notifying your company's winners on their achievements immediately following this email. You may wish to make an announcement to your sales professionals that if they do not receive their award notification, they should verify/update the email address on their PREA Center account to ensure proper delivery.

****************************************

Don Johnson Co. REALTORS - 002

Sales Professional and Team Awards

Steve Crisp - scrisp@gvtc.com
Sales Professional Award - 1st Place in Texas for Residential Units

Stephana Tiller - gstiller@gvtc.com
Sales Professional Award - 3rd Place in Texas for Residential Units

Our Mission

2010-04-01T07:21:00.001-05:00

Our Mission

To drive exceptional value to our customers, clients and associates using the power of our Prudential and Don Johnson brands and our commitment to using and developing innovative marketing and service technologies

Our Vision
To be the compelling choice for consumers, clients and industry professionals.

Our Core Values
Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation, and Commitment to Service

Central Texas MLS Violation Warning

2010-03-04T10:02:00.000-06:00

The following is a courtesy notice.

Currently in the Central Texas MLS, there are 1,448 listings in violation of the Buyer Agency fee field. The $ or % symbol must be typed in this field along with the number entered.

PLEASE look at your Active and Pending listings to make sure they are in compliance. Fines will now be given for uncorrected listings. Two notices will be sent, three days apart – before a fine is assessed.

Central Texas MLS
(830) 515-0457
ctxmls@yahoo.com

Sunshind Kids Send-Off - Thanks

2010-03-03T13:17:00.001-06:00

Imelda,
The kiddos and I had a great time in New Orleans! Thank you so very much for the extremely generous goody bags. I have not downloaded pictures yet, but as soon as I do, I will forward them to you. Can you please send me your mailing address again...I would like to send a handwritten thank you note. The kids enjoyed their spending money and the snacks came in handy as we were stuck in the airport for a few hours. You all definintely helped to start our vacation off with a bang! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Hope you are having a great week. I will get pictures to you by Monday, I promise!! Thanks again,

Jaime Ingram

Jaime Ingram, CCLS
Child Life Specialist
Methodist Children's Hospital
San Antonio, Texas
Office: (210) 575-7308
Pager: (210) 917-7717
Email: Jaime.Ingram@MHSHealth.com

Great Free Online Training on the PREA Center

2010-02-15T09:06:00.002-06:00

Prudential University LearnCenter Training Supports Your Business Goals

The LearnCenter continues to expand training opportunities for everyone in our Network. In 2009, there were hundreds of Virtual Instructor Led Training sessions offered for sales professionals, broker/managers and instructors. Topics included utilization of the Online Advantage programs, using eCards, skills training for sales professionals, technology sessions focusing on social media and website optimization.
The LearnCenter has nearly 40 Web-based training courses available 24/7. Whether you're a managing broker, new or experienced sales professional, there is a wide range of training options to help improve your business.

Whether it's to fulfill state licensing requirements or increase your competitive edge, you may need to take educational courses. We've teamed with a preferred supplier to provide online educational classes at a discounted tuition rate. Through the Prudential LearnCenter you have access to a comprehensive online curriculum including broker and sales professional pre-licensing courses, continuing education courses, certification and professional designation courses, as well as personal development courses.

Visit the Prudential LearnCenter today and make this year the year you take advantage of training to help you energize, refocus and give you the skills you need to reach your business goals.

Prudential Matching Haiti Relief Program - deadline extension

2010-02-15T09:04:00.001-06:00

Prudential Financial Extends Deadline to Match Affiliate Contributions for Haiti

Prudential Financial has extended the deadline to March 15 for its match of affiliate contributions to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Here's how to qualify for gift-matching:

• Funds must come from personal accounts, not company funds or accounts. Funds collected from friends and relatives cannot be submitted for matching.
• Donations of $25 up to $5,000 can be matched, per individual. Cash donations cannot be accepted.
• Each individual should write a personal check payable to "Prudential CARES Disaster Relief Fund – Haiti."
• Each check should have the donor's name and complete home mailing address.
For simplicity, affiliates are asked to gather contributions from their representatives and send them collectively to: Prudential Matching Gift Center, P.O. Box 7184, Princeton, NJ 08543-7184. Please also include a spreadsheet with your company name documenting each donor's first name, last name, email address and donation amount.

Donations can be tax-deductible. Those donating $250 or more will receive an acknowledgement letter that can serve as a receipt. Unless specifically stated otherwise, donations to this and other disaster-relief funds count against your annual limit of $5,000 in matching gifts.

A Prudential Financial Community Resources committee will select the specific disaster-relief organizations to receive the donations and matching funds.

Prudential Realtor for Durango, CO looking for job as assistant

2010-02-12T08:44:00.003-06:00

Hi... I am a realtor at Prudential in Durango Colorado. I am relocating to your area. I called your office inquiring if your office, or any of the agents there are in need of an administrative assistant. I have extensive real estate and administrative support experience. Attached please find my resume. If your office or any agents there need an assistant please have them contact me. It would also be great if you could get my resume out to all of the agents in your office. Thank you so much for your time and I really appreciate your assistance. Thanks again and have a great day!

Skyler Scharf
3012 E. 3rd Ave. / Durango, CO / 970-903-5135 ssheartland@hotmail.com

Pre-Convention Party Head Count (in Austin)

2010-02-09T10:51:00.003-06:00

Just a heads up reminder that Gold Financial (Mike Horner) is hosting a cocktail party on Sunday, March 7th from 5:00-6:30. The party is for ALL Prudential Don Johnson agents, spouses/SO and staff regardless of if you are attending convention.

That being said I need a head count later than Monday, February 8th at noon.

Now here is the FUN part. In keeping with the theme of the Merrill convention party being held Monday night (Second Chance Prom) I want you old prom pictures! We will have them on a bulletin board at the party for the whole world to see. (Not the world, just us) Please get them to me ASAP.

(Please pass this on to your agents, Thanks!)

Terry Harris
Office Administrator
Prudential Don Johnson Co. REALTORS
1415 FM 2673
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Office: 830-964-4355
Fax: 830-964-4365
Cell: 210-215-4965

25 Pictures on Realtor.com?

2010-02-08T15:49:00.003-06:00

Hi guys,

A survey of our listings shows that only a small percentage have 25 pictures, which is what we pay for with the company showcase program on realtor.com. If you login to the solutioncenter.realtor.com you can add the additional pictures.

Our clients have a significant advantage by adding the pics as it will result in a higher placement in the searches by customers.

Higher placement means better results!!!!

Sunshine Kids Send-Off from San Antonio

2010-02-08T15:02:00.003-06:00

A special thanks to Kathy Cooney, Anita Kimes, and Imelda Lynch for being there for the kids at SA International for Monday's flight out.

Special Asset Management - Update

2010-02-03T09:20:00.000-06:00

Broker Alliance Management conducted a recent test of our internal assignment process for SAM listings on a SAM Asset Management System (AMS) demo site and accomplished the assignment of 325 assets within 24 hours. We are planning weekly drills for our team to increase our speed and accuracy in getting assets to you.

Your company's SAM February 'to do' list should include continued focus on sales professional registration and rollout of the new agent training module, available free at PREA Center > REO and Special Assets > Downloads > SAM Sales Professional AMS Site Training Module.

There is a 48-hour BPO (Broker Price Opinion) response time requirement on SAM listings Your listing sales professionals should be registered and trained when the batches are released. Buyer agents should also register to become familiar with SAM processes for uploading offers from their customers.

Prudential Defines "Broom Clean"

2010-02-03T09:19:00.002-06:00

What Constitutes Broom Clean for Inventory Properties?

Some of our clients require that the transferring customer leave their properties in "broom clean condition" or monies may be withheld from the customer. If this is required on a specific inventory file you receive, then you will be instructed by your Relocation contact.
• A broom clean inspection means that the entire house, attic, closets, basements, garage, and any detached buildings are free of garbage and debris, including combustibles (cleaning supplies, paint cans, oil and gas cans or other items, especially in garages and storage buildings).
• You may be requested to do a broom clean inspection prior to the actual acquisition of the property to expedite the process.
• Proceed with cleaning or removing items after a broom clean inspection only when authorized by the Relocation contact.
• Once the property is vacant, immediately perform a broom clean inspection and report back within two days to your Relocation contact.

listingware upgrade

2010-02-02T08:59:00.000-06:00

Here's a couple of reasons to upgrade to the new version of ListingWare:

Social Bookmarking: Now both you and your Clients can share, save, or bookmark searches and listings right from your ListingWare service. Post stuff directly to Twitter, Facebook, and tons of other services!

Custom Icon Color: In addition to setting your own color scheme for many screen elements, you can now choose a custom color for your icons. You can even make them glossy! All changed easily from the Color Scheme designer.

To read up on how to use these things and more in the new version, just sign in to the Account Manager and click on the great big "New Version!" button. That will tell you what you need to know!

Just like always: as a current customer, it doesn't cost extra and you're not required to do it. We just want you to know about the latest-and-greatest stuff!

Prudential Matching Haiti Relief Program

2010-02-01T09:17:00.001-06:00

Prudential to Match Affiliate Contributions for Haiti

Prudential Financial, after pledging $150,000 in earthquake relief for Haiti through the Prudential Foundation, has announced it will match affiliate donations made for Haiti through Feb. 26. Here are specifics:
• Funds must come from personal accounts, not company funds or accounts. Funds collected from friends and relatives cannot be submitted for matching.
• Donations of $25 up to $5,000 can be matched, per individual. Cash donations cannot be accepted.
• Each individual should write a personal check payable to "Prudential CARES Disaster Relief Fund – Haiti."
• Each check should have the donor's name and complete home mailing address.
For simplicity, affiliates are asked to gather contributions from their representatives and send them collectively to: Prudential Matching Gift Center, P.O. Box 7184, Princeton, NJ 08543-7184. Please also include a spreadsheet with your company name documenting each donor's first name, last name, email address and donation amount.

Donations can be tax-deductible. Those donating $250 or more will receive an acknowledgement letter that can serve as a receipt. Unless specifically stated otherwise, donations to this and other disaster-relief funds count against your annual limit of $5,000 in matching gifts.

A Prudential Financial Community Resources committee will select the specific disaster-relief organizations to receive the donations and matching funds.

Sunshine Kids Send-Off from San Antonio

2010-01-25T11:37:00.000-06:00

We are so excited that Kids from the San Antonio area will be attending the Sunshine Kids Mardi Gras Fun-Time Fantasy, February 8-14. If your company is interested in sending the kids off at the airport please let me know and I will give you the flight times and kids information. Thank you again for your continued support!

Shannon Malone
Director of Operations
The Sunshine Kids Foundation
2814 Virginia St.
Houston, TX 77098
713-524-1264 Office
713-524-7165 Fax
www.sunshinekids.org

PREA Info on AHR Opportunity - Related to Previous Post

2010-01-20T13:27:00.000-06:00

One of our newest preferred suppliers, America’s Home Rescue (AHR), will be featured on a Lifetime Television Network program, “The Balancing Act,” on Wednesday morning Jan. 20, during an eight-minute segment on short sale and foreclosure avoidance assistance. More importantly, the show may have the potential to result in business referrals for affiliate companies registered with Special Asset Management (SAM).
During the Balancing Act segment -- “Solutions for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure,” 7:30 a.m. EST, 6:30 a.m. CST, 5:30 a.m. MST and 7:30 a.m. PST
-- viewers will be directed to America’s Home Rescue Web address:
www.americashomerescue.com where they will also find an 800 number for more information. AHR has contracted with SAM to provide call center support for the show to service inquiries from viewers interested in exploring a short sale solution. SAM will use its technology, on which many of you are trained, to support referrals and transactions that may result from the AHR feature on The Balancing Act.

Referrals will be sent to PRERS’ Broker Alliance Management team, which will distribute the referrals to participating SAM-registered companies via the SAM Asset Management System (AMS).

This AHR program is new and should not be confused with the SAM program previously communicated. AHR opportunities will be at a full brokerage commission of 6% with a 25% referral fee due PRERS at time of closing.

These opportunities are to be assigned by the REO director to sales professionals who are experienced in short sales and registered in the SAM AMS system, in the following order:

1. AHR Certified Default Resolution Specialists (CDRS)
2. Other industry recognized short sale designation such as the NAR
designation or similar
3. Sales professionals who do not carry a short sale designation but
have been trained by your company and meet your minimum expectations for servicing short sale sellers/properties

Note: For a limited time, AHR is offering the Certified Default Resolution Specialist (CDRS) Designation Course for $149 by using the SAM149 code when registering for the course at americashomerescue.com.

Opportunities from the AHR lead channel will be more of a “traditional” or “seller” initiated short sale to their lender. The sales professional will be expected to coordinate/deliver all required short sale documents between the borrower(s) and their lender(s) while simultaneously uploading all documents to the SAM AMS site and utilizing the SAM marketing system. SAM in turn will use its expertise and contacts with the lender(s) involved to further coordinate a successful close.

Although we do not know what the response level will be to this AHR/Lifetime offering, we do want to ready our Network to receive referrals. Thank you to those who have continued to support PRERS and SAM by returning your signed SAM Master Listing Broker Services Agreement and having your sales professionals sign up and complete the SAM training via PREA Center. If you have not signed up and would now like to participate, please contact Robert L. Colvin at 480-778-7802 or Robert.colvin@prudential.com to find out how to quickly become involved and have your sales professionals register and train.

Certified Default Resolution Specialist Training

2010-01-20T13:04:00.000-06:00

I am providing this info because Prudential has indicated the possibility of future opportunities in this area.

CDRS Certification Program (Certified Default Resolution Specialist)
Regular Price: $495 (PREA Price: $395 using BAMSAM100 promotion code)
America’s Home Rescue is thrilled to now be offering our trained real estate professionals a designation of Certified
Default Resolution Specialist (CDRS), designed to reward and distinguish those professionals who have invested in
their Short Sale training and are actively working Short Sale transactions. Given the foreclosure situation that our
country is currently experiencing, it is imperative that real estate professionals diversify their expertise beyond traditional
real estate practices. The CDRS Certification Program includes our CDRS Advanced Course (Live or in a 3-
Part Webinar Series), the Short Sale Solutions Instruction Guide, the Short Sale Calculator Desktop Software, ongoing
guidance and support via our Online Short Sale Q&A Forum, ongoing training opportunities provided by the
America’s Home Rescue Training Team, a CDRS certificate, lapel pin, and digital logos to be used for marketing purposes,
as well as placement on the Online CDRS Agent Network Mapping System (www.CDRSNetwork.com), so
that homeowners, lenders and other real estate professionals can search and locate you when they are seeking the
services of a trained CDRS Certified Professional. Please visit our CDRS Web site, at www.CDRSCertified.com, for
all of the details about this exciting opportunity and to apply to become part of the America’s Home Rescue exclusive
professional CDRS Network!
Short Sale Solutions: An Instruction

Texas Number One Moving Destination

2010-01-20T12:12:00.001-06:00

Allied Van Lines Report Shows Texas as #1 Destination Spot in U.S.

January 20, 2010 -- Realty Times Feature Article by Peter L. Mosca

In an economy as challenging as the one we are working under as we enter the second decade of the 21st Century, the mantra "location, location, location" will play an especially important role not only for REALTORS® and investors, but also for builders and other construction-industry professionals. Knowing where Americans choose to live, or want to live is knowledge content that could prove most beneficial. According to Allied Van Lines' 42nd Annual Magnet States Report, more individuals and families chose to settle deep in the heart of Texas than anywhere in the United States in 2009.

For the fifth year in a row, Texas outshined every other state and took the lead as the No. 1 destination state in 2009 based on Allied's report, which tracks U.S. migration patterns.

Texas realized the highest net relocation gain (inbound moves minus outbound moves performed by Allied Van Lines, one of the world's largest moving companies) of almost 2,000 in 2009, slightly higher than last year's gain of about 1,900. Arizona placed second with a net relocation gain of 566, followed closely by North Carolina in third place with a gain of 564. Colorado and Florida placed fourth and fifth respectively for states with the largest net relocation gains.

“We moved a wide variety of people here this year - from singles to families to retirees and all from various backgrounds, which makes a lot of sense. Texas is just so diverse and welcoming to different cultural and ethnic groups," said Ben Hurwitz, president of Westheimer Transfer & Storage, Houston, Texas, and one of the longest-standing domestic and international agents of Allied Van Lines, a leading moving company worldwide. "We also did a lot of corporate relocations this year for some very large companies based in Texas. And that's not surprising since we're such a business friendly state, too." The Lone Star State racked up almost 8,800 total shipments and ranked second behind California which had almost 11,000 total shipments and claimed the title of "most mobile state" (the highest volume of inbound and outbound shipments by international mover Allied Van Lines), followed by Florida in third place with just over 8,600 total shipments.

“Texas remains the best place in America to live, work and raise a family," said Bill Hammond, president of the Texas Association of Business. "Our business climate, diverse culture, and unique sense of independence make our state the envy of the nation. Companies like Allied Van Lines, which help relocate families to our great state, are essential to the Lone Star State continuing to shine." Opinions of Texas have changed in recent years, according to Bill Jones, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®.

“Texas seems to be the cheap seats but with a great view," Jones said. "Just 20 years ago, our wonderful state wasn't the first choice for many people. But now people from all over are noticing we have everything you could possibly want - from reasonably priced housing, to plenty of land for business and housing development, to a wide variety of fine arts and recreational opportunities." Michigan experienced the highest net relocation losses (more outbound than inbound shipments), followed by Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and California. A troubled auto industry and housing market most likely continued to negatively affect relocations to Michigan, as Allied Van Lines' outbound shipments of 2,210 were about double its inbound shipments of 1,019 for the state. Illinois experienced the second largest net relocation loss with 942 more outbound than inbound moves, closely followed by Pennsylvania with a net relocation loss of 854, and California with a loss of 459.

Location, location, location – knowing where markets are heading could be the difference between success and failure.

Have Any Clients that would be a good interview?

2010-01-14T09:04:00.002-06:00

Hello,
My name is Linda Dippel and I am a video producer for Corporate Magic Inc., located in Dallas Texas. Corporate Magic is the production company in charge of this year’s Prudential Real Estate Affiliates meeting in Austin, March 8 – 10th.
I have been given your contact information by Pete Cappa. In short, I am producing a video for the meeting in which we ask home buyers 3 simple questions about their experience with Prudential. It is to be a sort of “you tube” type video that will play during the meeting in Austin.
I am writing to see if you could provide me contact information for any home buyers that you think would provide a positive testimonial, and would be willing to be video taped. We can meet them anywhere in the metroplex (San Antonio Area) and would require no more than 30 minutes of their time. Only one person would be present with a camera, so intrusion on space is extremely minimal. We are looking to complete all video shoots in the next 2 weeks.
I thank you in advance for your help and look forward to answering any questions that you have. Please feel free to contact me via email or at the number below.

Many thanks!

Linda Dippel

Teresa Johnson's Son Pictured

2009-12-14T09:15:00.003-06:00

The New Braunfels Unicorns were edged by defending champ Katy in the Semi-Finals last Saturday. This pic is from the week before after the Unicorns upset Brandeis to advance to the semis.

The tight end for the team is the son of Teresa Johnson from our New Braunfels office as he is pictured after making a vital first down catch late in the Brandeis game.

Platinum Top 50 at the Dominion

2009-12-03T13:27:00.007-06:00

Prudential Don Johnson brought home the gold, or should we say Platinum, at the annual Platinum Top 50 Award ceremony at the Dominion Country Club. Two of our esteemed agents were finalists, Dianne Thomas of Canyon Lake and Toyal Ohlrich of New Braunfels.

Toya Ohlrich was further honored as a Platinum Top 50 award winner. Congratulations to Toya and Dianne for the well deserved recognition.

Pictured below is Dianne Thomas, Larry Coker (keynote speaker), Brian Johnson, and Platinum Top 50 winner, Toya Ohlrich.

Special Asset Management Update

2009-12-02T11:30:00.003-06:00

I listened to the taped version of the Prudential Broker Alliance Management call this morning. According to the call, the earliest we are now looking for possibly getting assignments is in the middle of January. They are one of three finalists for a government contract that would yield approx. 3500 expedited short sales. It is my understanding that most of these involve properties where an effort has already been or currently involved in an effort to modify the loan (keep the owner in the property.)The second government contract is not as far a long and again involves a competitive process that SAM is involved in. They also mentioned another negotiation with a lender that probably will not involve Texas properties.

There are additional training modules - just in time training and training for short sales. They do not take long and everyone who has signed up should go to the PREA center and make sure they are current on all SAM training modules.

$30 Mobile Billboard

2009-12-02T08:04:00.002-06:00

Jewel Badge for Prudential

2009-12-02T07:58:00.001-06:00

PruKids Volunteer Awards

2009-12-01T12:37:00.001-06:00

Applications will be accepted through close of business (your time zone) Dec. 7 for the 14th annual PruKids Volunteer Awards. If your child has performed community service this past year, he or she may be recognized for volunteer efforts.

The award program honors children of Prudential active associates
(including Prudential Real Estate Network members) in grades 5 through
12. Judges will select winners based on personal initiative, effort,
impact of the service project and personal growth. The top two high
school and middle school entries will be awarded $2,500 each. In
addition, four runners-up—two in high school and two in middle
school—each will receive a $1,000 award. Winners will be announced in
January.

The PruKids Volunteer Awards application is attached for your
convenience as an Adobe PDF and Microsoft Word file. Complete the PDF
electronically, save the file and then email the file to
Ruth.Hernandez@prudential.com; or complete the Word file by hand and fax
to (973) 802-4718. Again, applications must be received by 5 p.m. in
your time zone, Dec. 7.

For additional information, visit PREA Center>Community Programs>PruKids
or call the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards hotline at (973)
802-4568.

(See attached file: Pru Kids Application & Instructions - 2010.pdf)(See
attached file: Pru Kids Application & Instructions - 2010.docx)

Room Reservations at Faust Hotel (Christmas Party)

2009-11-30T14:12:00.001-06:00

Please let everyone know that the Faust will release the blocked rooms after Wednesday 12/2/09.

Dianne Thomas
Prudential Don Johnson Co.
Broker Associate/Manager
thomasjd@gvtc.com
210-379-5810 direct

Thanksgiving Feast

2009-11-20T08:42:00.002-06:00

Thanks to everyone for the great turn-out and awesome food at our potluck get together Thursday. The food and company was great!

Don't forget the Christmas party on Thursday, December 10th at the Faust Hotel in New Braunfels. Please RSVP Wynn or Patti in in our San Antonio office.

Agent Web-Sites

2009-11-20T08:35:00.002-06:00

Everyone has been provided their own customizable web-site provided by Prudential Don Johnson. The site is as customizable as you like. The basic system can be set up in just a few minutes. However, you can import code and other action script and the like to make it as robust as any web-site. You may also use this to host a domain name that you may own.

Here is a link to a seven minute training video. The site is managed from listingware.com and your login name is initially your mls number and your password is your last name followed by 1.

Good Luck

About the New Move-Up Credit

2009-11-20T08:32:00.000-06:00

Frequently Asked Questions About the Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit

The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a principal residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010).

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.

1.Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit?
Qualified move-up or repeat home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible to claim this credit.

2.What is the definition of a move-up or repeat home buyer?
The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (“long-time resident”) as a person who has owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit.

3.How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. Purchases of homes priced above $800,000 are not eligible for the tax credit.

4.Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above those limits. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

5.What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and the first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.

To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.

6.If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $6,500 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits.

7.Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $235,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $225,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $6,500 by 0.5. The result is $3,250.

Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $138,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $125,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $6,500 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,275.

Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

8.How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008? How is this different than the rules established in early 2009?
The previous tax credits applied only to first-time home buyers and were for different amounts of money.

9.How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application? Are there documentation requirements?
You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on line 67 of the 1040 income tax form for 2009 returns (line 69 of the 1040 income tax form for 2008 returns).

No other applications are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and repeat home buyer tests. Note that you cannot claim the credit on Form 5405 for an intended purchase for some future date; it must be a completed purchase. Home buyers must attach a copy of their HUD-1 settlement form (closing statement) to Form 5405 as proof of the completed home purchase.

10.What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit, provided the home is purchased for a price less than or equal to $800,000. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.

It is important to note that you cannot purchase a home from, among other family members, your ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.), your lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) or your spouse or your spouse’s family members. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information. Also see IRS Form 5405.

11.I read that the tax credit is “refundable.” What does that mean?
The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.

For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $6,500 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $5,500 ($6,500 minus the $1,000 owed).

12.Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been “purchased” on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or by June 30, 2010, provided a binding sales contract was in force by April 30, 2010).

In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date. Be sure to check with a tax advisor in cases where a HUD-1 form is not used at settlement to be sure you have sufficient documentation to attach to IRS Form 5405.

13.Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?
Yes. The tax credit can be combined with an MRB home buyer program.

14.I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?
Perhaps. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS) and who has owned and resided in a principal residence in the United States for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date can claim the tax credit if they meet the income limits. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. The IRS provides a definition of “nonresident alien” in IRS Publication 519.

15.Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $6,500 in income taxes and who receives an $6,500 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $6,500 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives a $6,500 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $975 (15 percent of $6,500), or lowered from $6,500 to $5,525.

16.Is there a way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 or 2010 tax return?
Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.

Buyers should adjust the withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.

In addition, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. As a result, some state housing finance agencies have introduced programs that provide short-term second mortgage loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should check with their state housing finance agency to see if such a program is available in their community. To date, 18 state agencies have announced tax credit assistance programs, and more are expected to follow suit. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) has compiled a list of such programs, which can be found here.

17.HUD allows “monetization” of the tax credit. What does that mean?
It means that HUD will allow buyers using FHA-insured mortgages to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase immediately rather than waiting until they file their 2009 or 2010 income taxes to receive a refund. These funds may be used for certain downpayment and closing cost expenses.

Under the guidelines announced by HUD, non-profits and FHA-approved lenders are allowed to give home buyers short-term loans. The guidelines also allow government agencies, such as state housing finance agencies, to facilitate home sales by providing longer term loans secured by second mortgages.

Housing finance agencies and other government entities may also issue tax credit loans, which home buyers may use to satisfy the FHA 3.5 percent downpayment requirement.

In addition, approved FHA lenders can purchase a home buyer’s anticipated tax credit to pay closing costs and downpayment costs above the 3.5 percent downpayment that is required for FHA-insured homes.

More information about the guidelines is available on the NAHB web site. Read the HUD mortgagee letter (pdf) and an explanation of the FHA Mortgagee Letter on Tax Credit Monetization (pdf). An FAQ about monetization (pdf) is available at the NAHB web site.

18.If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009 (or 2010), can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 (or 2009) tax return?
Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (“elect”) to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 (or 2010) as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008 (or if in 2010, December 31, 2009). This means that the previous year’s income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed. A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 or 2010 will know their prior year MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.

Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their prior year tax return, but who have already submitted their tax return to the IRS, may file an amended return claiming the tax credit using Form 1040X. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.

19.For a home purchase in 2009 or 2010, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in the prior or present year, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?
Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in the present year and a larger credit would be available using the prior year MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

Update - Revised Homebuyer Credit Imminent

2009-11-05T08:01:00.002-06:00

November 5, 2009

Congress giving homebuyers a $6,500 tax break for existing homeowners and extending $8,000 for first-time homebuyers
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER (AP) – 4 hours ago
WASHINGTON — Buying a home is about to get cheaper for a whole new crop of homebuyers — $6,500 cheaper.
First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year. But with the program scheduled to expire at the end of November, the Senate voted Wednesday to extend and expand the tax credit to include buyers who already own homes. The House could vote on the bill as early as Thursday.
Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers — or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years — would still get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30.
"This is probably the last extension," said Sen. Johnny Isakson, D-Ga., a former real estate executive who championed the credits.

Company Slideshow

2009-11-04T16:15:00.002-06:00

Click Here to see preliminary slideshow. I would appreciate feedback and suggestions.
Thanks,
Bernie

TAR supports 3 Amendments in Tomorrows Election

2009-11-02T08:37:00.000-06:00

October 13, 2009 Texans have the opportunity November 3 to vote on several important constitutional amendments.
The Texas Association of REALTORS® is urging people to vote for Propositions 2, 3, and 5.

These amendments will help ensure that tax appraisals in Texas are fair to property owners and uniform from county to county.

An e-mail misinformation campaign has been circulating that makes false statements about Propositions 2 and 3. The e-mail claims that passing these propositions will allow the state to start taxing homeowners. That is complete fiction.

Here are brief explanations of what these amendments will actually do:

Proposition 2 will require county appraisal districts to value a home as a home. Currently, appraisal districts can use the "best and highest use" method to value a residence based on its potential use. For example, a residence in a neighborhood zoned for mixed use could be appraised at a higher amount for its possible use as a commercial property.

Proposition 3 gives the state the ability to make sure appraisal methods are consistent throughout the 254 Texas counties.

Proposition 5 will make it acceptable for two adjoining appraisal districts to combine their boards of equalization if they wish—an option that rural counties may find attractive.
Don't let this misinformation campaign hurt the chances of passing these important amendments.

If you need additional background materials to share with other Texas REALTORS® and consumers, you can access a layman's explanation written by Texas Association of REALTORS® staff attorney Gabe Lopez.

You can also read the Texas Legislative Council's thorough explanation on all 11 proposed constitutional amendments.

Finally, feel free to download a promotional flier for Props 2, 3 and 5.

And some more Comal Cty Pics

2009-10-28T10:43:00.001-05:00