Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting GRAND OPENING and RIBBON CUTTING Friday, November 20 and Saturday November 21, 2009 Grand Opening Friday 9:00AM - 6:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Ribbon Cutting, Friday at 9:00 AM CHOICES AND MORE 11977 US Hwy 281 N Spring Branch, TX 78070 830-885-7691 http://choicesandmore.com Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at Choices and More! Come on out and support the Chamber, new businesses and shop locally! 11/14/2009

Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce Power Lunch Another great benefit of Chamber membership!  The monthly Power Lunch where you can network, eat lunch at one of our local eateries and learn something new from informative speakers! Join us on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 POWER LUNCH The Gathering Place at Faithville 17130 HWY 46 West Spring Branch, Texas 78070 Time:  Noon to 1:00 pm PROGRAM: Jeani Thomas Richie, Broker, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, TRLP Broker/Owner of EXIT Hill Country Realty in Faithville TOPIC:  USING SOCIAL NETWORKING TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS Come learn about how you can use online resources to create an internet presence for your business that will attract new customers, create new avenues of commerce and make you more profitable.  Jeani is a professional instructor who s... 11/13/2009

Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Come on out and support another new business joining the Bulverde/Spring Branch community! Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, November 12, 2009 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Ribbon Cutting at 6:00 pm) Brian Smith Orthodontics 6102 FM 311 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (830) 885-5512 customsmiles@sbcglobal.net http://www.austinorthodontist.com New businesses opening in our market area is always an exciting thing.  We are happy to share our community with Brian Smith Orthodontics and welcome him to the community and to the Chamber of Commerce! For more information about the Bulverde/Spring Branch Communities, contact Jeani Thomas Richie, Broker EXIT Hill Country Realty 11/07/2009

Buvlerde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings for week of November 2, 2009! The following Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings are taking place this week:   TUSCANY ITALIAN GRILL 8685 US 281 (In Adobe Village) Spring Branch, Texas 78070 830-885-6107 GRAND OPENING!!! Monday, November 2, 2009 6:00 to 8:00 pm (Ribbon Cutting at 7:00 pm) TuscanyItalianGrill@Gmail.com   BULVERDE FOOD PANTRY 2295-1 Bulverde Road (behind Vintage Wine and Coffee Bar) Bulverde, Texas 78163 830-438-7899 OPEN HOUSE!!! Thursday, November 5, 2009 5:30 to 7:30 pm (Ribbon Cutting at 5:45 pm) Non-perishable food items accepted and appreciated!   RUSTIC RIVER MARKET SHOPPES 8685 US 281 Spring Branch, Texas 78070 830-885-7765 OPEN HOUSE!!! Saturday, November 7, 2009 Noon to 7:00 pm (Ribbon Cutting at 2:00 pm)   Co... 11/02/2009

Bulverde/Spring Branch Texas September 2009 Residential Market Report The following market data is from the Central Texas MLS.  This is an overview of residential market activity in September 2009 showing a comparison to September 2008 and current active listing statistics for the Bulverde/Spring Branch market area. ACTIVE LISTINGS There are currently 76 ACTIVE residential listings on the market.  With a listing price range of $39,900. to $1,395,000.  The AVERAGE listing price is $399,312. and the MEDIAN listing price is $329,500.  The AVERAGE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT is $133.64 and the AVERAGE Days On Market (DOM) is 138 days. SOLD LISTINGS Number of listings SOLD was 5 in September 2009 and 3 in September 2008. List Price RANGE in 2009 was $239,900. to $450,000. AVERAGE: $326,940. and M... 10/08/2009

       It's time for your home inspection, this you can do yourself                                                                                                                             Fall Checklist Part 6 ~~~~~ by Carl Winters ~~~~~the Kitchen                                                                               The Kitchen   The Dishwasher - Check your racks for any cracks or erosion (this could damage your china and dishes) Look for any signs of leaks in and around your dishwasher Lift and spin your dishwasher arm to make sure it spins freely The Sink - Check your faucets, if they are leaking they may need a new washer Check underneath the sink for any leaks. Lines to the faucets, icemaker, dishwasher Turn on the disposal and listen to make sure it is not binding The ... 09/29/2009

Fall Checklist Part 4  Home Inpection Checklist                                                                                                                                          Fall Checklist by Carl Winters Interior Windows and Doors This could certainly help save money and easy to do your self Look for peeling paint or signs of water penetration around corners of your windows. You may have to do a little caulking. Looks for cracks in window glass and window glazing around panes Examine weather stripping around exterior doors and windows (weather stripping comes in many sizes) If you have, broken windowpanes call a professional to replace Check rollers on patio doors Replace any window and doors screens if worn                                                   Items to buy at y... 09/26/2009

Dear Home Owner Please leave the keys Do you really want to sell your home? I have a request for everyone that has been notified that the Home Inspector is coming, leave the keys or unlock the areas so that we can do a Complete Inspection of the Property.                                                        Please                 Please                   Please                                                                                        Unlock Your Outbuldlings, Storerooms or leave the KEY                                                            If outbuildings are locked the Home Inspector can not get in to do the inspection, which will mean a return trip and another service charge.                                                     A Reminder From Your Friendly Home Ins... 09/21/2009

  EXIT Hill Country Realty welcomes William Bray to our Team!!! As a broker/owner and company trainer, I am tasked with the responsibility of recruiting...aka "attracting" agents to our company.  It is not an easy job especially since I am in charge now which means I have no one breathing down my neck about producing numbers by stuffing an office full of real estate licensees who can fog a mirror! I opened my real estate resource center in March of this year and I just attracted my first agent!  I am very deliberate about who I bring on board, because they need more than just a license to work here.  They must have motivation, a self starting attitude, a willingness to learn, entrepreneurial spirit and be able to think outside the box.  William Bray is all that and much more!  He got hi... 08/21/2009

BULVERDE/SPRING BRANCH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "PASSPORT TO SUCCESS!" is coming soon!   There are many great things about working in the Bulverde/Spring Branch Texas communities but one of my favorites is the Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce.  This local icon for economic development and support has only been in existance since 1995, but they have quickly established themselves as an entity that knows how to do it right! Since I joined in March after opening my real estate office in Faithville on HWY 46 I have been welcomed and included in the Chamber and it's many activities and functions with open arms and a warm smile.  They started by showing up at my front door bearing a plant that was presented to me by three Ambassadors and I was photographed and told invited to "... 08/19/2009

Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce presents: "Taste of the Hills" This is the 9th Annual culinary event for the Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce which mixes the lifestyle of the Texas Hill Country with amazing food selections and beer and wine tasting opportunities.  Throw a Silent Auction into the mix and you have one great, fun-filled evening that you won't forget! The event will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the Clyde Johnson and Sons Ranch (in Bulverde near US 281 and FM 1863) from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. The food is prepared and presented by the finest local restaurants with beer and wine tasting to go along with the culinary delights that will be available.  Tickets are $50.00 per person and are available at the following locations: Chicki's Coffee... 08/17/2009

  BULVERDE/SPRING BRANCH 2009 RESIDENTIAL MARKET REPORT The Central Texas real estate market has continued to remain steady even through the national real estate market as a whole has been all the way to the bottom of the barrel.  Other markets have struggled through the past couple of years, but due to stable appreciation rates and low interest rates, the Bulverde/Spring Branch real estate market in the Texas Hill Country has held it's own. I have prepared the Bulverde/Spring Branch 2009 Residential Market Report utilizing data compiled from the Central Texas Multiple Listing Service (MLS) from January 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009.   SOLDS: 49 homes SOLD since January 1, 2009 List Price Range:  $64,500. to $699,900. with an average list price of $276, 065. Sales Price Range:  $60,000. to $... 08/01/2009

LEADERSHIP BULVERDE/SPRING BRANCH APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING! The 2009-2010 Leadership Bulverde/Spring Branch Class is open for applications.  The Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program will begin classes on September 1, 2009. JOIN THE LEADERSHIP CLASS FOR 2010 AND BE A PART OF A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS AND STRENGTHS OF THE COMMUNITY.   Leadership Bulverde/Spring Branch Application Deadline Approaching...Applications are available from the Chamber website and the deadline for registration is August 1, 2009. A minimal cost of $350.00 is required which includes meals, materials and transportation. Classes will be held the first Wednesday of each month, September through May. The following quote is from one of the former members of the class sum... 07/29/2009

I love being a part of a community that cares!  The only thing better than being able to practice real estate in the Texas Hill Country is the blessing of living and working side by side with compassionate individuals who also call the Hill Country home.  At EXIT Hill Country Realty, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve and we invite you to join the Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce in participating in the annual Backpack Drive to Benefit the Children of St. Jude's Ranch for Children!   Backpack Drive to Benefit the Children of St. Jude's Ranch for Children Backpack Drive:   Join The Bulverde Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce and help the children of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children start the 2009-2010 school year equipped to succeed! Each year businesses and... 07/24/2009

  COME ON OUT FOR THE JULY 2009 CHAMBER MIXER! HOSTED BY:  ALLEGRA PRINTING AND IMAGING 5:30 to 7:30 pm Thursday, July 23, 2009 17080 Highway 46 West Suite 108 Spring Branch, TX 78070 (Faithville) Come network in Allegra's 3,000 cool, air conditioned square feet of office/production space. * Meet and network with new and current members. * See amazing digital print & imaging technology. * Meet the Allegra team. * Enjoy food and drinks from Allegra's event sponsors. * Win great door prizes, and * Hear a special announcement from Allegra Print & Imaging. SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY AND THE LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!  COME ON OUT TO THE MONTHLY BUSINESS MIXER, BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARDS, MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS, MAKE NEW FRIENDS, SHARE IDEAS, AND NETWORK WITH THE FRIENDLY FOLKS OF THE BULVERDE/SPRIN... 07/22/2009

  INFORMATIONAL UPDATE REGARDING CAMP BULLIS AND DEVELOPMENT: Information about Camp Bullis Joint Land Use Study will be presented to the public on Tuesday, July 21, at 6:00PM at the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library across from Home Depot at the corner of Highway 46 and 281. The meeting will start promptly at 6:00PM. The following people will be there to present and answer all questions: Jim Cannizzio, Administrative and Civil Law, US Army Phil Reidinger, Spokesman, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, US Army Jay Millikin, Comal County Commissioner Tom Hornseth, Comal County Engineer and possible Frank Sherman, Project Manager, Office of Military Affairs, San Antonio After the meeting, a questionnaire to allow you to vote on various aspects of the JLUS. This informational vote will be talli... 07/21/2009

Scam Alert: The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texas residents to make sure that any alarm salesperson, company or alarm installer that they hire is licensed by the Private Security Bureau. The Private Security Bureau has initiated investigations in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin following reports that numerous unlicensed salespersons, installers and companies have been aggressively marketing their services to residents in those cities—primarily going door to door in neighborhoods. DPS is working with the alarm industry trade associations to investigate these claims, which generally increase in the summertime. “If someone offering alarm-related services shows up at your door unsolicited, ask them for their DPS Private Security pocket card, which will also have the... 07/20/2009

  IT'S SUMMERTIME IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY... There is so much to love about the Hill Country and fresh produce is yet another one of those things!  Of course fresh produce presented in the surroundings of the beautiful Bulverde/Spring Branch community in the heart of the Texas Hill Country by "Texas Friendly" people is even better! THE BULVERDE FARMER'S MARKET HAS MOVED AND IS IN IT'S NEW LOCATION... at The Branches, 4594 US Hwy. 281 North about .75 miles north of the State Hwy. 46 & 281 intersection, Bulverde, Texas 78163.  Call 830-438-0233 for more information!  You can also visit the website for The Branches.  The Bulverde Farmer's Market will have their Grand Opening in the new location on Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 2:30pm to 5:30pm and the market is open to the public! SOME OF... 06/05/2009

CONGRATULATIONS!! Well, our first ever, "Cleanup Shepherds Ranch" campaign has come to an end and all of you who participated deserve a large pat on the back. Your contributions to the neighborhood are extremely noticeable. There were some who did a little and some who did a lot and we want to thank you all for making our neighborhood sparkle.    Of course, we have some over achievers who deserve to be mentioned (sorry, no prizes this time), such as the Crafts who mowed for miles (seemed like) and E. Olaez who carries an HEB bag around while she walks (great idea) to pick up small trash and many others.. Thank you so much. Our campaign was a great success!  This is really only the beginning of an ongoing effort to constantly help each other as neighbors. Whether it be picking up the gar... 06/02/2009

  No...that is not a type-o...I didn't mean "dear" I meant "deer" as in the furry creatures that I share my real estate market with as a REALTOR in the Texas Hill Country. You've got to admit they are pretty cute.  In fact as I type this I am sitting at my desk looking out the window and there are a herd of the little darlings making a breakfast buffet of my back yard.  They are cute and it's about time for the babies to show up and they are just completely adorable.  But these beautiful creatures have a distructive side too.  The mouth that lies below those big perky ears is in reality a sinister landscape terminator and they are coming to a yard near you! Don't let the cute, furry big earred and in the case above, winking persona fool you...these deer want your plants, flowers and veg... 05/23/2009