Sharon Miller's Blog Posts

“Why do real estate agents tell us to put away our family pictures and personal items when we put our house up for sale?”  This is a question posed to me by a client who sold a home

January is the beginning of a new year and offers each of us an opportunity to begin anew.  Those items we decide to “begin again” may be some of the same things we decided to ;

Thinking of putting your home on the market?   Getting the home ready for market is quite a job, but given the holidays coming up, it may seem unmanageable!  In addition to all the

What kind of activities does your family plan annually to celebrate the Christmas holiday?  We have a good-sized home and our daughter and her family come for Christmas Eve supper and stay

It’s almost time for Halloween and then Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  When it’s autumn, I’m always in the mood for pumpkin pie, homemade stews and fresh breads.  All

Once a homeowner decides to list their property, the real estate agents they choose to interview have work to do.  The work may or may not pay off—it doesn’t really matter, it must be

I noticed a school bus coming into our gated community this morning, well what I really noticed was the red lights blinking.  The bus was stopped to allow time for the gate to open so the

I know it’s still a hundred degrees out, but it is September and my thoughts automatically turn to autumn.  A large part of autumn for me is starting to shop for holiday gifts and

Everybody’s Idea of “Home” is Different!My idea of “home” is a spacious house filled with color and enough yard to have a pool.  I am very big on the “feel” of a home,

First-Time Buyer’s Inspection Report—Repairs?As a real estate agent, I recommend that every buyer client have a home inspection.  The purchase of a home is likely one of the most

Thinking About Selling?  Check Your Home’s Curb Appeal!There are always things to do inside the home in preparation for selling:  clearing clutter, painting, sorting closets, cleaning,

MLS Listing States "Multiple Offer Situation".  What Does That Mean?Home Buyers in San Antonio often encounter “Multiple Offers” notices on certain (and usually “New”) home-for-sale

It makes sense to some homeowners to sell their home without a Realtor, doesn’t it?  If you could save several thousand dollars by selling your home yourself, you would have more to put

I am a first-time homebuyer.  When will I get the key to my new home?  Can I have it as soon as I sign the contract, or do I get it when the lender has all the required documents? 

Have you ever visited someone and find their home in a mess?  You might expect to hear an apology or an excuse (i.e., sick baby) for the stack of dirty dishes on the table and dried food

This question comes up frequently when it's time to schedule a home inspection.  The Buyer selects the Inspector and pays for the inspection.  Since the Inspector

Spring officially begins on March 20, but we in Texas know that spring officially begins as soon as the trees and shrubs start budding.  Look around and you will see the redbud bloomed, pear

The Hunters Creek neighborhood is nestled in one corner of Lockhill-Selma and Huebner Road.  The moment you turn into the subdivision you are filled with a sense that “this is a place where

Roof Rats—An Expensive Lesson LearnedSan Antonio is a wonderful city.  The wildlife in the neighborhoods do not “bother” me—I’ve mentioned that I see a skunk several times a month

I found what I felt was the perfect house about ten years ago.  It had plenty of room for family, for pets and for me.  The downside of this find is that it has two stories and I really

When I am the client what is it that I look for in a home?  Interestingly, it is the same things you might be looking for in your new home.  I don’t know any special secrets about

We’ve all heard Grandma say that “chicken soup will fix whatever ails you” but chicken and homemade noodles tops the list of comfort foods for me.  I have to admit that I don’t

New Year, New Home, First StepsFamilies often have home ownership as a major goal and often they put a timeline on achieving that goal—owning their home.  As a young family, we lived in

The holidays are here and most of us are dreaming of cooler temperatures than usual and hoping for another coating of snow.  We never expect to see the white stuff covering the ground here in

  This picture of a vintage Christmas Tree is copied from files on Pinterest.  I was raised in the 1950's in a small town in northeast Oklahoma.  This tree was very typical of

The inspection has been done and you received, negotiated and agreed to a list of repairs requested by the Buyer.  You are wondering when the repairs must be completed and how many of them

A home is the largest investment most of us will make in a lifetime.  That’s not to say that we won’t “move-up” to a bigger, better home one day, but for a first-time home buyer, it

When meeting with potential sellers who want to list and sell a home, one thing we agents often hear is concern about de-cluttering.  Why do it?  I recommend taking it a step or two

I’ve been in real estate less than ten years but I am often asked the same questions by first-time home buyers and buyers who have lived in their current home for many years.  I thought it

I’ve written a couple of blogs about loving a special child and I wanted to do a follow-up. My special child is a granddaughter who is now in high school. She has been in counseling for two

It seemed like a very long summer season this year.  It’s been pretty hot and dry.  We delayed our annual vacation this year—we usually go in early July.  This year we chose

I meet very few first time buyer clients that start the home purchase process correctly--typically they start by browsing the Internet looking for homes.  A search engine is usually their

Soon we’ll see school buses in the neighborhoods, lights flashing at school crosswalks, leaves on the ground and cooler temperatures.  In this area, we’ll see only minimal temperature

There were lots of summer celebratory things going on at our home over this past weekend including family gatherings, extra dogs, too much food and drink and a ton of fun!  We even splurged

Divesting Yourself—Years of “Stuff” Build-upI recently came across an article about helping older clients clear out excess furnishings and collectibles in preparation for selling their.&

             You’ll feel welcome from the front door and throughout this home.  It is a single-story home built by M/I Homes in 2012 and it is barely

We have a lovely pool in our backyard and, aside from the trees that grow berries and plop them into the pool, the next most bothersome issue have is the Texas-sized mosquito population. ;

I am hosting, along with my favorite lenders, a seminar for First-Time Home Buyers*.   If you are considering a home purchase and you will be a first-time home buyer, I encourage you to

If you are a first-time home buyer, you may not know that your credit is checked just prior to closing on a home.  When you are in the process of securing a mortgage to purchase a home, you

       Two of my favorite lenders and I will host a Seminar for First-Time Home Buyers on May 16, 2017.   If you are considering a home purchase and

I’ve wanted to host a First-Time Home Buyer Seminar for some time, but taking time to do the work preparing for it always seemed elusive.  There’s a rush of clients, open houses, photo

If you've ever purchased a home, you know the process can make your emotions run the gamut. Buying a home can be an exhilarating, frustrating, amazing, time consuming, beautiful undertaking. And

       I recently attended a meeting that was partially hosted by a local Water Softener Company.  The representative who addressed the group emphasized the importance of

Landscape Design: Seven Tips for BeginnersWhether your yard needs new plantings or a complete refresh, here are seven, must-know landscape design tips for the perfect garden.BY

SPRING TOUR OF HOMESDate/TimeApr 1, 2017 to Apr 8, 201711:00 AM until 06:00 PMDescriptionPresented by the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, the 2017 Spring Tour of Homes showcases 17

3 tips to help your kids cope with a move Translate this page Select Language▼02/10/2017 | Author: Summer MandellThere are more than just logistical challenges when you move with children.

Not sure when to sell your house? If you’ve been on the fence, we’ve got good news: It’s a great market for sellers! Limited inventory continues to drive home prices up, and the latest data

As most everyone knows, real estate agents live a “life of luxury”.  What?  Have I missed out?  Like a lot of agents, I do occasionally, get to show lovely, exquisitely

Spring break was never a big deal when our kids were young because we were either living overseas or I was working in Alaska (spring doesn’t really ‘arrive’ in March in Alaska).  This

Hmmm, am I really going to write about this?  Yep, I am a person working on a second career who chose real estate.  I was a federal employee for 30 years and decided to hang up“

When I am honored to spend time with a potential client in a listing consultation, I generally do a walk-around with the Seller.  It is during this walk-through that I make written and mental

It's Rodeo Time San Antonio! Click on the image above to gain access to the 2017 Rodeo Schedule and!

As I look around my neighborhood, I see quite a number of tree service trucks, lawn service folks, two to three homes getting new roofs and others having some sort of construction (inside). 

Most Buyer Final Walk-Through's go off without a hitch because the home is vacated, repairs are complete and the home is cleaned in preparation for the Buyer’s last look before heading to

You truly never need to wait for an anniversary, birthday or national holiday to take your significant other on a date.  However, if you are stumped on ideas for your next outing, click on the

Ever thought about “right-sizing” to a centrally located split level home in Northwest Crossing?  Here’s the news:  A new single story home ideally located on a cul-de-sac and

Up early every morning, coffee going, dogs racing outside—all this while it’s still dark!  Why do I get up so early?  I could be sleeping.  Instead, I am straightening the

A real estate agent meets and works with clients of all ages, folks with all the issues that people deal with on a daily basis. What does that mean? Well, suppose the client is an elder

Ever consider life in an over 55, active adult community?  Are you familiar with your neighbors?  Would you like to have the option of joining (or not) in activities you are interested

There is a new listing in San Antonio’s Del Webb community, Hill Country Retreat.  The home has just hit the market and it is ready for new owners!  Of course, there is a clubhouse

I have a marketing plan that includes professional photos, designing a postcard to mail to the neighborhood, holding an open house and more.  The open house will be held at the owner’s

There’s a new home on the market this week within the Wildhorse at Tausch Farm community.  It’s a wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 baths plus office, one-story home that backs to a private farm.

A client recently asked whether they needed to pack their excess household items and put them into storage or whether it was okay to place the boxes in the garage.  I have my opinion on this

The best high schools in Texas for 2016, according to NewsweekBy Chris QuinnUpdated 9:48 am, Monday, August 15, 2016         ;

Japanese Tea Garden (Jingu House)3853 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212210-212-4814    Visit WebsiteAdd ThisOverview This unique garden features beautiful floral

When I first became a real estate licensee, I was pretty shaky about how to go about moving my “book learning” in real estate into a profitable profession.  Sure, I understood the parts

We’ve had a couple of little storms blow over this past week and again today, it looks like it could rain.  This kind of weather reminds me of cooler days, piles of fallen leaves and a list

Relocating in 2016? 6 tips for a stress free move Published 9:37 am, Monday, July 18, 2016      

When someone of my generation goes looking for a new home, are they generally interested in one of the McMansion-type homes or a one-story smaller home?  I don’t know how many times I’ve

My family loves to vacation at the beach and we especially love Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, HI.  It is becoming quite expensive in terms of real cash and time commitment to travel to Hawaii

http://

 Downtown Runs/Walks(210) 207-6321    Visit WebsiteAdd ThisOverviewSlip on your running or walking shoes and explore San Antonio on one of the scenic routes we’ve 

The contract to purchase a residential resale (home) in Texas addresses the issue of repairs and treatments.  Unless the parties agree otherwise (in writing), repairs and treatments must be

You’ve found the “perfect” home for your family.  You loved everything about it—location, layout, interior colors, curb appeal!   But, now that you are moving in, well, it

You’ve found the home of your dreams and have moved beyond the home inspection, the Option Period, and the appraisal and you are a week out from closing.  The home is located where storm

If you think about it, the time between getting the loan documents all submitted and actual closing gets pretty quiet for Buyers.  First-time (and potentially all) Buyers purchasing a

Swimming pools scare the poop out of me—I don’t swim, I love to get into the water, but when it gets up around my neck, well yikes!  I nearly drowned as a kid taking swim lessons at our

The best first step in getting your home ready to list is to ask your Realtor what he/she recommends.   Generally, you will hear things like clearing out the clutter, packing away

Spring has finally arrived and that means that sunny days are here again!  Love playing outside, but of course, it also means that everything is blooming and pollen is plentiful. 

Bless our broker for her efforts to drive business.  The latest idea is to tote a “Sold” sign around with us everywhere we go—some put it in a backpack, rolling bag, large purse—me, I

What to do first, what should I do first?  After making the decision to purchase a home, the first step in the process is to talk with a lender.  There are many lenders out there, both

I’m sure you’ve heard the question “who would buy a car without a warranty”?  Well, my question is “why buy a house without a home warranty”?  If you purchase new

We decided to purchase a home in San Antonio after living in Alaska for nearly 18 years.  One item on our “had to have” list was a pool!  The sunny days and warm nights ahead

Agents Charge a Lot—for What?Potential Seller:  How much work is it to list a home?  It sure looks like agents prepare a quick market analysis, snap a few pictures, ask a ton of

I’ve represented Buyers for several home purchases in this Senior Community and each one raves about how their lives changed with the move.  One client describes life like this: “Every

The Termination Option is a clause in the contract that allows a Buyer to cancel the purchase and get the earnest money returned, the unrestricted right to do so within the number of days and the

Each year, I promise myself that I will eat healthier, make the effort to exercise regularly and lose weight.  Past promises to myself included finding a new job, moving to a new State,

Does your family have special things they do each year to celebrate the Christmas holiday?  For example, do you go to church on Christmas Eve, have a special dinner or decorate the tree?;

I recently listed a home and the first question was “Shall we try to sell during the holidays or wait till the first of the year?”.  My response:  “You accepted a job in another

The medical definition of the term remission is the diminution or abatement of the symptoms of a disease and the period during which it occurs.  In everyday language, remission is defined as

 Some homeowners decide to sell their homes without a Realtor.  Other owners would never consider marketing and selling their home without one.  I have a couple of clients who have

I was holding a listing open and was wondering to myself about exactly what the people who walk through the home learn about the home in a single jaunt.  Actually, the quick trip through the

Before the cold winds blow in is a great time to take a look around the outside of your home.  Our homes are usually the single most expensive investment that most of us make in a

Eight years ago we bought a home in San Antonio in a wonderful gated subdivision not far from all the things we need—medical, dental, shopping, restaurants, airport and more.  At the time,

http://www.sharon.sahouses.com/details.php?mls=136&mlsid=1141933This home is a contemporary two-story home built in 1999 but most certainly designed for the way families live today.  The

The question about painting a room or an entire home is one that real estate agents hear often.   My response is usually “It depends.”  It does.  “It” depends on what

We all want to best price for our home and in today’s market the buyers are more educated about what is currently for sale and compare properties.  Before I became a real estate agent, I

Before we had so many choices in types of mortgages, many of us were not all that concerned about committing to a long-term mortgage.  My parents lived in the same home for over 50 years. ;

The Del Webb community is an active lifestyle senior community located within Alamo Ranch at Hill Country Retreat.  The amenities, activities, friendships and sense of belonging make this an

I say the answer to this question depends on the advertising your agent will do before the Open House, even though lots of agents say there is little or no benefit in holding them.  Roughly

Are you at a point in life where you are tired of climbing the stairs in your home?  Does it make you tired just thinking about mowing the yard on a hot, humid Texas day?  What about

Our decision was made, our current home is listed for sale and we signed a contract to build the new home.  Great, right?  Well, not so fast.  Now, the “worry” goes into high

A website for a group of military spouses often has questions about VA loans.  Often these members are caring for their families while the spouse is deployed.  They may be planning to put

You may or may not be a first-time home buyer but you have taken the initiative to select a lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage.  You contact a Realtor and ask to see a home in your

The simple answer is “It Depends”.  Typically-if there is such a thing in real estate-everything has been provided, funds for the down payment have been wired, buyers each have current

Client:  So, we were going over our just-received Closing documents and I saw two line items that I didn’t expect!  One of them read: “Items Required by the Lender to be Paid in

This is a question that real estate agents hear often, particularly from first-time buyers.  They find the “perfect” home and want to make an offer.  They don’t want to pay too

You’ve negotiated a sales price on your new home, you’ve paid the home inspector and your Realtor has negotiated repairs.  The Realtor says you will get to do a Final Walk-Through before

               “How do we make an offer on a home?”  I hope that the question has been asked and answered long before you find the home of your

This featured home won’t last long.  It is a three bedroom, 2 bath home located on the northwest side of San Antonio just outside Texas Loop 1604 off Culebra Road.  The subdivision is

I am an early morning coffee drinker, but when I head to the office I am ready for my first iced tea.  Here I am in the south, at least south-central Texas, and folks drink sweet tea. 

My clients were ready to build their “forever” home.  They asked me to accompany them to visit the models and talk with the builder representative.   During our walk-through at

I was going over the current showing trends and market statistics with a selling client yesterday when he said he had a question.  His question was not regarding the information I was,

I love comfort food and there is nothing better than homemade noodles and chicken for a family dinner.  I love making my own noodles, especially when my youngest grandchildren join in the.&

One of the newest communities neighboring San Antonio to the north is Johnson Ranch. This new development is located in Bulverde, TX, about 10 miles above the intersection of Texas Loop 1604 and

After a long day of viewing homes, the client said “you are really lucky to be able to fill your car up using the corporate card, aren’t you?”  Other clients have remarked about

San Antonio’s Del Webb community is conveniently located in the northwest section of the city.  It is a large community and will grow even larger since construction is on-going.  New

As parents, we all have days we wish we could “do over”, especially parents of difficult children.  It is tough loving a child when you are caught up in the “bad” emotions.  It�

There are so many new communities developing in and around the San Antonio, TX area that it may be difficult deciding in which of them you should even look for a home.  We also have,

I really like the Del Webb community here in San Antonio.  There is always something going on and the residents are very friendly.  You might want to check it out for yourself if you are

I am one of the baby-boomer generation who retired from one career and immediately jumped into another.  At about that same time, I began volunteering with Heartland Hospice locally. 

In an earlier post, I described some of the issues with obtaining an accurate diagnoses, minimizing the “label” that goes along with a certain diagnosis and touched on our challenges with not

The diagnosis of a neurological disorder is a modern medical breakthrough especially as it pertains to a child with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.  Our experience over the last dozen years has

I am a recycling Weight Watcher’s lifetime member and I am struggling.  I’ve been attending weigh-ins for the past year or so and initially lost about 25 pounds.  I played with“

As you calculate your tax returns, consider each home tax deduction and credit you are - and are not - entitled to.  Running afoul of any of these nine home-related tax mistakes - which tax

Before I became a real estate agent, I never gave much thought to how a Realtor® gets paid.  We had purchased and sold a few properties, but I just assumed the agents were paid from the

Our daughter’s illness changed my “planned” path for a ‘live-happily-ever-after’ retirement home purchase in Phoenix to a ‘definitely-will-sell’ home purchased here in San Antonio.

You found the perfect (or nearly perfect) home, your offer was negotiated and approved and now your agent says you should get a home inspection.  Yes, the agent told you about the Option,

It’s a cow town.  You feel comfortable wearing your best worn and scuffed boots, a bling-y big ol’ belt buckle and jeans almost anywhere.  You can get all fancied up and stroll

Well, that’s what I call it!  We purchased ownership of a number of points per year that can be redeemed anywhere in the world that our group has resorts.  We've increased our

I live in San Antonio, about 5 hours by car from the Port of Galveston.  Two years ago, I decided to take advantage of having easy access to the Port by booking a cruise on Carnival Cruise

Love Me or Dump Me, You DecideWe all know someone who has, or we ourselves may have, experienced less-than-expected service from a clerk in a store, a telemarketer on the phone or from a real

Have you ever really thought about the things you are truly grateful for?  I was recently asked to name three or four things that I am truly grateful to have.  Narrowing down to only a

The lifestyle that I want for myself includes friends, golf, swimming and aerobics, card games, walking, biking and so much more!  I hear this again and again.  I also hear that the �

A deaf man contacted a real estate agent regarding a home purchase and ended up changing her life.  How do I know that?  I am the agent.  While looking for a home for this client,

It’s a given that when planning a career in real estate, you have to attend classes and pass a national/state exam.  You will be fingerprinted and required to go through a background

My clients have generally been a very discerning collection of Buyers.  Like most homebuyers today, they pre-select homes they wish to see online and look forward to visiting them. 

One of the biggest deal-killers for buyers is that first look at a home in need of some extra curb appeal.  The impression your home makes on potential buyers from the street often determines

Many factors effect home values today, I will name a few of them, but the list goes on and on  Resale potential should be one of the factors considered when making a decision on a home

For many of us, purchasing a home has been a long-term goal.  Whether it is a move-up home or your first venture into the real estate market, there are several things you can do now that

This is a follow-on to my initial writing regarding choosing a cruise for a family vacation.  As I write, we are on our second cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines, both sailings on one of the

It’s easy for real estate agents to schedule showings on homes that are vacant; the approvals are generally pretty automatic.  Actually showing the home is not always so easy.  If the

Have you ever given thought to selling your home and asked a real estate agent whether you should sell now or wait until after the holidays?  I was asked that question by a perspective

This is a follow-on to my initial writing regarding choosing a cruise for a family vacation.  As I write, we are on our second cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines, both sailings on one of the

Many articles have been published regarding selecting the “right” real estate agent.  I agree that having the “right” agent is important—so important the it may mean the home-buyers

Some buyers choose to represent themselves with a new home builder because they think they can get a better “deal” without an agent.   They expect the builders to allow them to

I live in San Antonio, about 5 hours by car from the Port of Galveston.  Two years ago, I decided to take advantage of having easy access to the Port by booking a cruise on Carnival Cruise

There are many schools of thought on what should be done to prepare a home for the market.  Whether it is an older home, a newer home, a first-time buyer home, a For-Sale-By-Owner or listed