new-water-heater-regulationsOn April 16th, 2015 homebuyers could be paying more to heat their homes. That's because new water heater regulations set forth by the Department of Energy will require many existing models to be replaced or swapped out for larger more energy efficient ones. Not sure if you'll be impacted by the rule change? Read on.

New water heater regulations in 2015

After the April deadline, all new natural gas and electric powered tank-style hot water heaters will undergo design changes to meet the new requirements. Based on the new rules, all electric powered water heaters over 55 gallons will require the Hybrid Electric Heat Pump water design. On the other hand, all natural gas models over 55 gallons must use a Condensing Water Heater design.  In other words,…

2630 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

With every year comes new innovations in smart home technology. From smart appliances to automated home security, our homes are constantly evolving to accommodate high-tech lifestyles of the 21st Century. These smart home devices are designed to make your day to day living easier. Here are five of our favorites.

Amazon Echo

At first glance, Amazon Echo looks like your standard portable speaker, but it's so much more. Not only does it play music with exceptional sound quality, this multi-tasking device has a voice activated feature designed to answer questions. It also relays the news, weather forecasts, creates to do lists and alarms.

Since it's connected to the cloud, the power of the Internet is at your service. The cost for this handy…

3413 Views, 1 Comments

Read Full Post

How to Pronounce Texas CitiesOne of the first things travelers notice when they visit the Lone Star State is the distinctive Texas accent spoken by locals. While it resembles other mid-west accents, the Texas twang is quite unique. It's a Southern accent with a twist, that often leaves visitors tongue-tied.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the pronunciation of Texas cities. Newcomers frequently mis-pronounce local Texas towns, which can be embarrassing even to those with the thickest of skins. Stop sounding like a tourist, and brush up on the local lingo. With our handy pronunciation guide to help, we'll have you talkin' like a Texan in no time.

Boerne (BURN-nee)

The name of this small Texan city southwest of Austin is often butchered in its pronunciation. The name…

8299 Views, 1 Comments

Read Full Post

san antonio architectureRecent awards in the San Antonio architecture sphere have had us thinking of the city’s wealth of striking structures. Stalwart staples such as the Alamo, the Emily Morgan, and the Gunter Hotel come to mind, but architects looking to the future are creating noteworthy blends of Texas’ architectural innovation.

The American Institute of Architects in San Antonio recently recognized a handful of constructed and un-built projects from the city’s best. Here’s a look at the recent award winners, and their modern brand of San Antonio style.

Play By The Rules

In the honor awards category, the aesthetics and design behind the Law Enforcement Training Center won over jurors thanks to an innovative take on a current need in the community. The use of…

3614 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

san-antonio-skylineStay connected with the latest happenings in the San Antonio real estate market. Read about the latest news in our city, and stay in the loop and ahead of the competition in this ever-changing market.

This month we feature stories on a San Antonio broker acquisition, the most expensive neighborhoods in San Antonio and more. Courtesy of JBGoodwin REALTORS®.

Lighthouse Realty acquired by Clear Integrity Group, SA Business Journal

Longtime San Antonio real estate broker Lighthouse Realty was recently acquired by Clear Integrity Group LLC, a brokerage firm with offices in Texas and Ohio. Retired owners Charles and Marie Newcomb sold Lighthouse Realty for an undisclosed amount, as they have moved out of state. While the broker change means that…

2184 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post