Carl Winters Blog, Real Estate Inspector, New Braunfels, Texas

If you are thinking about a stay in downtown New Braunfels, here is a neat Bed & Breakfast  you may want to consider. In the next few weeks we will show you some of the things to do and see if you would like to stay in the downtown district of New Braunfels, Texas. This Garden View is welcoming just like the folks here in New Braunfels. The Gerlich-Wagenfeubr Bed & Breakfast, New Braunfels, Texas

http://www.nbconservation.org/bandb.htm For more information for renta you can go to this website.

 

If your moving to New Braunfels, Texas area and should need a home inspector please call Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, License #3630 (since 1994). Complete Inspection Service, 830-660-0131

Canyon Lake, TX - New Bulletin - Breaking Ground on a New Fire Statin

Yip! This is great news. One  fire station breaking ground and more to come. Guess What? Our insurance premiums are going down, down, down.Here are a few comments if you live in the area or thinking about moving to this area.

                            New Schools, Shopping Centers, and now Fire Station Means Growth!

 

Canyon Lake firefighters and emergency medical personnel soon will have another home away from home.

Builders broke ground Wednesday on a new central station for Emergency Services District No. 3 at the intersection of Scissortail and Dove streets in Canyon City. The two-story, roughly 14,000-square foot facility will cost about $2.4 million to build, and is slated to open next year.

"A new fire station in the Canyon Lake area is something that hasn't happened in decades.


More than 10 new firefighters will be welcomed into the department through 2009, so as the station at Scissortail and Dove begins to materialize, "we'll hire people first, train them for a year, and when it's finished, they'll go the station.

The new facility's construction and operating costs are funded by a tax-rate increase approved by voters last May of 2007. "Our voters generously approved a tax increase in Comal County."  In return, emergency personnel have helped knock the area's Insurance Service Office ratings down to some of the lowest in the nation, meaning homeowners can save between 15 and 50 percent on their yearly premiums.  The district is already scoping out land for additional fire stations.

According to an annual report from ESD3, its directors have begun planning for satellite stations on Island View, in the Hancock area, near Farm-to-Market 306 and Purgatory Road, and in the vicinity of a upcoming new subdivision near Hwy. 46 and Cranes Mill Road.

 

  FIREWORKS ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREA FOR COMAL COUNTY

Here is a summary of an article that was just published. "Exploding fireworks on July 4th is a celebration of independence. The Comal County drought measurement now in the highest stage of dryness.The risk from a grass fire that easily could get out-of-control and threaten homes, livestock and, above all, human life, is not a risk worth taking.

Fireworks already are banned by municipal ordinance in the City of New Braunfels, meaning that no one can buy, sell, transport or discharge fireworks in the municipality at any time.

Designated Area:
Fortunately for area residents, the Landa Park Fourth of July Fireworks display will provide an opportunity to enjoy flashy fireworks under the control of pyrotechnic professionals.

June 2008

 My Question - If it is this simple why can't our auto makers convert? They would make a fortune and still honor the warranty.

I've been hearing about this on one of our local radio stations that I listen to on Saturdays when I'm in and out. I thought I would check out  this information to make sure I was hearing correctly. Obvarious you hear lots of things these days with the price of fuel so high. This is a website that I found that helped me better understand what they were talking about.

Now, I wouldn't run out and try this unless you do allot of research and investigation. I would think this would no longer secure your auto warranty.

Review of "Run Your Car with Water" .com

Runyourcarwithwater.com is a very impressive system and is our top pick in terms of value, ease of use and results.

How Are You Coping with High Gas Prices?

Have gas prices got you wondering if you can afford to drive to and from work? It seems there is a lot going on to help people find alternative forms of energy so they can be less reliant on gasoline. What you need is a simple, safe solution that will honestly cut your gas costs. What you need is to learn about how to run your car on water.

Many Advantages to Running Your Car with Water

Water power is safe to use. It is simple to covert your car with a water conversion guide and it will save you up to 60% on your gas costs. Water power is reliable and the only difference you may notice is that your car operates smoother than before. Oh, and you will notice that you have more money in your pocket.

The Technology of Running Your Car With Water

With a simple water conversion kit you can start using water to power your vehicle. The water technology works by cutting the amount of gasoline your car uses and instead uses the water power and your battery to provide power to your car. Almost every car can be converted easily to a water powered vehicle. No matter what you drive, water can get you moving.

Get Started Now

Look at RunYOurCarWithWater.com's top notch program which gives you all the information you need about how water power works to run your car. You can get the conversion guide and convert your car today, so you can get more miles to a gallon of gas and start living again without worry about how you will afford to fill up your tank.

go to runYourCaronWater.com

I did want to add a note to this. I in no way support eveything we hear or read in reference to alternatives. My question to this is why can't our auto makers come up with an alternative that would be an approved alternative. I wanted to get your thoughts on some of these things we are finding on the internet, hear on the radio or read in the newspaper. I would in no way try anything that would hinder my warranty if your approved by the auto maker.

Let me introduce you to my surprise. Cute but Smelly!                                                          

It Finally Happened!

For several days now we could "smell" this lilttle guy or gal. You didn't need to see them but definitely  had come for a visit. Yea! The Odor.

As I raised the garage door (you know the rest of the story). Fortunately he ran one way and I the other but he raised his tail and marked his spot.

Here are some tips for deoderizing after the episode.

  

1. == Removing skunk odor ==
2. You will need to break down or dissolve the oil in skunk scent.

Inside house:

1. wash affected wall, floor, etc. areas with water containing either chlorine bleach or vinegar (acetic acid) or

2. Use a commercial odor-removing compound such as:

• "Skunk-off" aerosol; get through Vet Clinic, or catalog of dog supplies through dog kennel or pet shop.

• "Nil-Odor" made by Dow Chemical; follow directions and put couple drops in water, and put on furnace filter to circulate air through; can put on dogs as directed.

• "Odor-Away" either liquid (use few drops) or aerosol.

• Rexall "C-D Deodorant" aerosol, can spray furnishings, drapes, etc.

We have also tried Odor-Ban that we found at Sam's Club.

These odor-removers act to break down the oil and so remove the odor or neutralize it.

3. Spraying with aerosol or putting drops around will neutralize odor in air generally; may still smell for awhile as you put nose right down in drapes, carpets, etc. but will gradually dissipate.

Outside house--on bare wood, concrete, soil: Get chlorinated lime water at drug store, or mix 1 cup agricultural lime in 1 gallon chlorine bleach and put on areas. BE VERY CAREFUL TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS - don't get on skin, clothing, etc as it will burn (is a caustic solution), and will also burn grass or other vegetation.

On clothes: Launder in cool or barely lukewarm water with lots of heavy, built laundry detergent, plus a degreaser and some water conditioner (like Calgon) if water is hard. Don't use very warm or hot water as oil will be released in steam and odor will come up out of tub.

[Info from the Home Maintenance And Repair Database at the Michigan State University website]

More tips from FAQ Farmers:

• Trying using vinegar first.

• Soak in tomato sauce.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_remove_skunk_odor

Someday I'll have t write a blog telling the story of how I met up with a whole family of skunks when I was doing my inspection. WOW! It was a day I'll never forget.

Judi Morgan prompted this blog so here goes...I know I have posted similiar blogs but it's worth another try. Judi mentioned she had shown several houses, one with A/C and the others without. In this Texas heat A/C makes a difference.   

 *Picture yourself walking into a 90-100 degree house, at 1:30 in the afternoon with no A/C. The next home that is 78 degrees with A /C, Which home would you spend more time evaluating and envisioning yourself living in? Judi said they really liked the one that  had A/C.,,,, I wonder why?

         Now, here are some tips to prepare for your inspectot the day he comes to inspect your home.

 

   •1.   Clean the House - Need I say more. Clean & Declutter

    2. Be On Time Because the Inspector Will Be

Sometimes home inspectors are early. If an inspector makes an appointment with you for 9:00 a.m., have the house ready for inspection at 8:30. It's also common for inspectors to start on the exterior of the home, so leave the shades down or drapes drawn until you are dressed.

    3. Leave the Utilities Connected- - - Thank You

The home inspector will need to turn on the stove, run the dishwasher, test the furnace and air conditioning, so leave the utilities on, especially if the house is vacant. It's impossible to check receptacles for grounding and reverse polarity if the power is turned off. Without utilities, the inspector will have to reschedule, which could delay the closing of your transaction and the removal of the buyer's home inspection contingency.

    4. Provide Workspace Around Furnace and Water Heaters (De Clutter)

Remove boxes, bookcases, furniture and anything else blocking access to your furnace, air conditioner and water heater. The inspector will need three to four feet of working space to inspect these items.

    5. Keep Pilot Lights Ignited

Many home inspectors will refuse to light pilot lights because they are not covered for that type of liability. If your pilot lights are not lit, then important items such as the water heater, gas stove or furnace will not be inspected and the buyer could delay closing until those inspections are completed.

    6. Provide Access to Attic and Garage

The inspector will need to get into your basement and / or attic as well, so keep a path cleared. Move boxes away from the walls. (clean and de-clutter).

    7. Leave Keys for Outbuildings & Electrical Boxes - Important

Leave the remote controls for your garage door opener or a key if the garage is unattached to the house. Unlock the covers for your sprinkler system and electrical box. Leave a key for exterior building access. If not, this means a return trip for the inspector and a possible reinspect cost for time and travel)

   8. Clear Away Brush from Exterior Inspection Points

 In the summer, cut down dead tree branches and clear brush from the foundation. Move trash cans away from the house. (prepare the outside, just as important as the inside inspection).

  9. Provide Repair Documents...Helpful

Make available to the home inspector all invoices and documents regarding remodeling projects or new items such as a roof or furnace. If you've upgraded the electrical from ungrounded to grounded, installed a new dishwasher or repaired a leaky faucet, find the paperwork. It will give the buyer peace of mind to know those items were reinspected. (Keep all your paperwork in one place so you can easilyl locate) I recently did a home in the Dominion with many built in's in the kitchen, items you don't see in a normal home. The owner had all the paperwork available. Some items had not been used and they had lived in the home for a year; so we learned together. Thank goodness for the paperwork.

  10. Prepare to be Away for Three to Four Hours Depending On The Size of the Home

Often the buyer will accompany the home inspector, and buyers feel uncomfortable asking questions if the owner is present. Try to schedule a time for the inspection when you can be out of the house, and take the children with you. Crate your pets if you cannot remove them from the premises. (we don't want any surpirses, maybe a bird that may fly out the door or a cat run to the neighors).

11. Make sure the diswasher is empty and don't hide items in the oven or dishwasher. You'll be surprised some of the things I have found through the years.

12. Don't leave valuables, Example:  jewelry laying around.

         The inspector can not conduct the inspection without electricity and water; it will take several days to have these items turned on; therefore you can save time by not turning these items off.

         I'm sure I could add additional items but these are a few that come to mind.

                                                                                    Thanks

 Carl Winters, Complete Inspection Service (your friendlly Hill Country Inspector) serving San Antonio and surrounding counties. For the Inspection, Call 830-660-0131

 From TAREI:

Home Manual Your Home Well Information Septic Information Radon Information Mold Information Asbestos Information Swimming Pool Information Air Quality Water Testing Aluminium Wiring EIFS Information Polybutylene Piping

                  This is valuable information for you the buyer, you the seller and realtors.

This has bothered me for a few days now since I heard this the other evening when I was about to fall off to sleep. The news was over and Jay Leno program came on after the news. While I was snoozing and semi-asleep I heard him say let's go out on the street and do some Jay-Walking. The question posed seemed simple and straight forward to me, but was I ever surprised. Not one person could recite The Pledge of Allegiance.

People, something is wrong if you live in this country, educated in this country, and not be able to recite The Pledge of Allegiance. To my surprise one of the people he interviewed was a kindergarten teacher. ???

 So here is the The Pledge of Allegiance and in your heart of hearts if you care for this great country of ours, please learn The Pledge of Allegiance, teach your children and take pride to have the opportunity to live in this great country.

 

                    

If you are vacationing at Canyon Lake, TX or New Braunfels, TX or even the Texas Coast be sure to protect yourself from the sun and heat.   

        Keeping Cool This Summer!     Take Care of Yourself & Your Pets!                  

 

The Dog Days of Summer Are Here. Everywhere we go we hear these terms: 

It is going to be a scorcher today ?

Is this a summer heat wave?

What temperature do you set you're A/C?                Be sure to also keep your doggy cool during this summer heat wave. Always have lots of cool, clean water.

Here are some tips to remember to protect yourself:

Summer Heat Precautions

During a heat wave the body has to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Excessive heat can result in serious health threats by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk.

Measures for Preventing Heat Related Illnesses

• NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.
• Avoid too much sun.
• Plan outdoor games and activities for early morning or evening.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Stay indoors as much as possible; use fans or air conditioners to cool the air.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Hot Weather Health Emergencies

Heat cramps: Painful spasms, mostly in legs and abdomen, usually the result of heavy exertion and heavy sweating.

Recognizing Heat Cramps
Painful spasms usually in the legs and abdominal muscles that may occur in association with strenuous activity.

What to do
Apply firm pressure to cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms. Replace fluids. Consult your health care provider.

Heat exhaustion: Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.

Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin. Weak pulse. Fainting and vomiting possible.

What to do
Lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths. Fan or move person to air-conditioned place. Take sips of water. Consult your health care provider.

Heat stroke: A medical emergency- the body's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

Recognizing Heat Stroke
High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Individual will likely not sweat.

What to do
Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or emergency medical services or get the person to a hospital immediately. Move to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use fans and/or air conditioners, to cool the body.

If your house hunting in the San Antonio Area  or Surrounding Counties and should need a home inspection, please call Carl Winters, Complete Inspections Service, Advanced Inspector, Since 1994. 830-660-0131

THERE IS SOMETHING HAPPENING IN TEXAS!

 

State of the Economy for New Braunfels, South to San Antonio and West toward Boerne.

I was just finishing a home inspection yesterday when I had a real estate broker call me from another state. We had a very interesting conversation. Many of his questions pertained to the New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Wimberly area. Wanted to know how I estimated the sale of homes in this market. I told him the market is not as vibrant as last year, a little soft but still moving forward. He asked about statistics: population, schools, taxes, industry and the normal questions someone interested in the area would ask.

Fortunately my business as an inspector has been good. I do see more expensive homes being sold and from what I can gather these people have the money to purchase. Most of these people are moving here from other states and in some instances are paying cash.

It became apparent to me not only are individuals moving to this area but also some brokers from other areas. This tells me that people are watching us and very interested in our marketplace. If things are not going well in one area of the country pick up and move to a more active area.

Whom better can you get the true picture from...statistics, newspaper, friends, family and the guy in the trenches....your friendly Home Inspector. We ended our conversation by me saying, come on down to Texas where life is good, people are friendly and our economy is still healthy. Bring all your clients with you so we can sell them a home.

I asked him how he found me and he said through Active Rain.

                                                                    Thank you Active Rain!

Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector

     Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com

                                                                

                Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *        Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                          Complete Inspection Service