SAJim's Blog: All Categories

Over about the last decade, the issue of radon gas infiltration has become a concern that is becoming increasingly addressed in real estate transactions. The Environmental Protection Agency recently published the "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" (PDF download y En Espñaol) and "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction" (PDF download), and the National Association of REALTORS® brought the issue to its membership's attention in a recent newsletter.

Real estate professionals should now be on notice of the need to advise buyers to order home inspections and seek out home inspectors who check for Radon gas, and not just for HUD transactions. As yet, there is no requirement that sellers test for the presence of radon, but they also should be prepared for…

At the end of 2007, the San Antonio real estate market remained one of the stronger markets in the US. It was not significantly affected by the backlash from the sub-prime lending fiasco, and held true to the forecasts for population and job growth--and appreciation in home values. Forecasts for future growth and steady appreciation in housing values appear good for 2008 as well. The forecasts and news reports were however varied, and deserve closer scrutiny.

While local news reports placed appreciation rates at 6%, the Top 25 US Markets and Texas Real Estate Markets pages of Housing Predictor are in my estimation more reliable. The likely flaw in the reporting is the statistical measure used in the report, median prices. It does not account for the trend…

In a measure to relieve enrollment at Ronald Reagan High School and leave room at Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson High School for future growth on the east side of U.S. 281, the North East ISD Board of Trustees approved new attendance boundaries for Johnson High School. The decision affects students currently enrolled in Reagan and Douglas MacArthur high schools. The boundary changes go into effect at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year.

Johnson was planned to accommodate 3,000 students, whereas Reagan was built for 2,500. Students currently attending Reagan who will be seniors in 2008-2009 will have the option to stay at Reagan, and students temporarily assigned to MacArthur to accommodate overflow will have the option of remaining at…