Mortgage Interest Rates

Historic Lows Continue

Impress Your Dinner Guests

Morton’s Tantalizing Crab Cakes

The Dominion’sReal Estate Report

Modernizing the Heart of Your Home

October 2010

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Debra Janes began her endeavors in real estate after many years of teaching music. Starting in 1993, Debra chose the Luxury market in which to develop her client base and has been extremely successful catering to an affluent clientele. Having started her career in Boerne, she quickly relocated to “The Dominion,” seeing the necessity and desirability of a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week luxury guard-gated Country Club and golf course community. Located just 10 minutes east of Boerne and 10 minutes west of San Antonio on IH-10 West, The Dominion is close to high-end shopping at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and many other offerings at The Shops at La Cantera and only 20 minutes to the San Antonio International Airport. Debra has been associated with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty since their purchase of her previous brokerage, and developers of The Dominion, in 1999. The past 17 years have been dedicated to building her business and fostering client relationships. She has been recognized for the past several years as one of the Top 10 Realtors in San Antonio on the San Antonio Business Journal’s “Top 50 Realtors” list. She was ranked the #1 Residential Realtor for Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty in 2008 and 2009. Focusing on “working smart,” Debra has a full-time assistant, Kristin Troilo, who helps Debra provide the utmost in client services. Debra is working diligently to market to and share her expertise with families moving to San Antonio from Mexico. Debra has a translator available in anticipation of more Mexican clients moving into The Dominion. While working toward her 2009 year-end goals, last year was punctuated by the sale of two estate homes on the very same street to family members relocating from Mexico. Earlier

in the year, another family also purchased two other high-end homes in the same area of The Dominion that were listed and marketed by Debra. Her ability to relate to the Mexican culture comes naturally and easily since Debra is a born and raised native San Antonian and has enjoyed travelling to Mexico throughout her life. Debra Janes is a first class, consummate professional dedicated to providing a real estate experience guaranteed to be beneficial to her clients, from all over the world, in choosing their next home in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

For everything real estate...call Debra Janes

Debra Janes210.573.4040dj@gvtc.com

DebraJanes.com Other Debra Janes’ Dominion Properties Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath List Price2 Darby Glen (SOLD!) 3956 / 3 / 3 $749,0004 Darby Glen (SOLD!) 3371 / 4 / 3 $745,00040 Vineyard (Lot) 1.34 acres $499,50038 Vineyard (Lot) 1.22 acres $499,500

Real Estate Activity InThe Dominion

42 Vineyard Dr. • $3,495,000 7460 Sq. Ft. • 5 Bed | 5 Bath

33 Vineyard • $2,195,0005400 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Bath

Featured Properties

8 Henly Lane • $1,250,0006344 Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 5 Bath

6 Duxbury Park • $839,0005030 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3 Bath

7 Kings Manor • $1,395,0004618 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Bath

21 Devon Wood • $1,550,0006841 Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 4.5 Bath

Just Listed

2 Priors Way • $795,0003175 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed | 4 Bath

1 Bishops Green • $799,000 5921 Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 6 Bath

19 Venice Ct. • $730,0003174 Sq. Ft. | 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath

Just Listed

3 Newton Abbot • $649,000 3325 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3 Bath

Hole-in-Wine Golf TournamentThe Westin La Paloma, October 4th210.822.9555 | CulinariaSA.orgCombine two of your favorite pastimes together during the tastiest golf event in town. Start with a gourmet boxed lunch before heading out to one of San Antonio’s premier golf courses for a day of relaxation and a little competition. End the day with a fabulous reception featuring fantastic culinary delights and, of course, wine!

Celebrating the Legendary BlendMorton’s The Steakhouse, October 7th210.228.0700 | Mortons.comMorton’s The Steakhouse and Napa Valley’s esteemed Mondavi Family have joined forces for a deliciously great cause. Enjoy a four-course meal with inspired wine pairings. Guests may also participate in the silent auction with one-of-a-kind wines up for grabs. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization granting wishes and hope to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

B.B. KingThe Majestic Theatre, October 10th210.226.3377 | MajesticEmpire.comDon’t miss a great opportunity to see this blues guitar legend in person. At 84 years old, B.B. King still knows how to bring the house down with his trademark Gibson guitar known as “Lucille.” Hear his classics The Thrill is Gone and How Blue Can You Get while honoring the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner this special evening.

Beauty and the BeastThe Majestic Theatre, October 12th – 17th210.226.3377 | MajesticEmpire.comThis Academy-Award winning Disney hit is brought to life on stage in a captivating and delightful presentation. One of life’s best lessons is learned in the tale of a girl who dares to look past a man’s beastly exterior and love the true prince inside. Dazzle at the exquisite sets and costumes, and sing along to all your favorite musical numbers such as Be Our Guest and the self-titled number Beauty and the Beast.

Art in the GardenSan Antonio Botanical Garden, October 14th210.207.3250 | SAbot.orgJoin the Botanical Garden as they unveil unique sculptures from San Antonio’s very own artist George Schroeder. Admire Schroeder’s works of art as they are strategically placed throughout the many formal and display gardens and be sure to visit the Lucile Halsell Conservatory as well as the many Texas Native Trails.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana PacersAT&T Center, October 27th210.444.5000 | ATTCenter.comCheer on our home team during their opening game of the season against the Indiana Pacers. These four-time NBA Champions are bringing back some of their key players as well as newly drafted guard James Anderson. Half-time performances by the Silver Dancers and the ever-popular Coyote are sure to entertain you!

OCTOBER 2010

CRAB CAKES WITHMUSTARD MAYONNAISE SAUCE

Featuring Morton’s The Steakhouse210.228.0700 | Mortons.com

Take yourself back to 1981. Reagan led our country, MTV launched into living rooms, IBM released the first PC, Post-It notes were invented, and the world was obsessed with Di and Charles’ Royal Wedding. Oh yes, that’s also the year that your $400,000 mortgage payment was $5,572.97 a month. Back in 1981, the annual average interest rate was a whopping 16.6 percent. If you’re thinking of refinancing or buying a home, now truly is the time to do it. We are currently at a point where mortgage interest rates are at an all-time historic low. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.35 percent at press time. But let’s get some perspective on just how low that number really is. Last year at this time, the 30-year rate averaged 5.12 percent, and in 2000, the average annual interest rate was 8 percent; nearly double what it is today. Want to see more annual rates going back to 1970 when records were first kept? There’s a great chart to view at www.FreddieMac.com/pmms/pmms30.htm. So what does all this mean to the bottom line—your wallet? Let’s compare the cost of money today versus recent history. With the same example of a $400,000 loan, the current

interest rate of 4.35 percent makes your monthly payment $1,991.25 (principal and interest only). Not bad! In 2000 (the interest rate was then 8 percent), your monthly payment would have been $2,935.06. Even this time last year with those fantastic rates, your payment would have been $2,176.72 per month. Today’s calculated mortgage payment shows how the current rates truly are at historic lows. Why are rates so low? There are two reasons for this. First, it’s no secret that we are currently in one of the worst recessions in US history. And this kind of bad news has translated into a record low in mortgage rates. There is a lot of downside risk in the stock market these days. As a result, savvy investors have invested in mortgage-backed securities, increasing the demand and driving up their yield. Because mortgage rates offered to the consumer have an inverse relationship to the investment yield, mortgage rates have been plummeting.

Oddly enough when you look at the record number of foreclosure filings in the United States over the past few years, one has to wonder who wants to buy mortgage-backed securities during a time of high home-loan defaults? And that question leads to the second reason why

mortgage rates are at historic lows. Last year and early this year, the Federal Government bought huge blocks of mortgage-backed securities to keep mortgage rates from spiking and to make sure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could sell the securities to survive.

Remember the question of who in the world wants to buy US mortgage-backed securities when home-loan defaults are at a record high? The answer is: everyone in the world. Mortgage-backed securities are essentially a mutual fund-like pool of newly issued home loans. While loan defaults in the pool may slightly hurt

the investment return to the investor, the defaults are diluted by the majority of the loans in the pool that are performing. What is more important to an investor is whether the entity issuing the securities (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in this case) are financially sound. Since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now owned by the Federal Government, their mortgage-backed securities have an implied guarantee that investors find very attractive. The global recession and world-wide debt woes have resulted in many countries teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. Despite how bad the US economy may seem, investing in US-backed securities is still very appealing versus other alternatives, bringing money from investors worldwide into our mortgage-backed securities market. The substantial demand in recent months has turbo-charged the drop in mortgage rates. Until the stock market returns to stability, there is expected to be heavy demand for investments in mortgage-backed securities, keeping these record mortgage rates in place. But like all good opportunities, they often disappear quickly.

today’s cost of money: how low can you go?

Today’s kitchens are all about aesthetics, functionality and environmental consciousness. Sean Daigle of Downsview Kitchens, one of the nation’s premier design/build kitchen companies, has lent his expertise to what’s hot in “the heart of the home.” Read on for Daigle’s knowledgeable take on the trends and find inspiration to enhance your kitchen! Whether for your own enjoyment or to increase your home’s resale value, kitchen improvements are one of the smartest moves you can make.

NODS TO THE ENVIRONMENT Many cabinetry manufacturers are offering “green” products and materials through more environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. Earth-friendly material examples might include wood-grain laminates or reconstituted veneers which are engineered from plantation-grown trees. Other manufacturing examples would be the use of formaldehyde-free adhesives along with earth-friendly paints and sealers. Appliance manufacturers are making more energy-efficient products too, such as dishwashers that use less water and with a delayed-start option so your appliance can run during off-peak hours. LED lighting within the kitchen keeps energy usage down, and unlike traditional lighting, produces no heat and keeps your workspace cooler.

HIGH-TECH OPTIONS Along with amazing new cabinetry-front materials and clever interior solutions, some lines are now offering cabinetry with a handle-free design where doors and drawers open automatically

with just a light touch or a pull. Upper-cabinet doors can lift up high out of the way, similar to the overhead compartments on an aircraft, and can be closed with a simple press of an accessible button. Drawers and doors now come equipped with “soft close” glides and hinges allowing a silent, smooth, and effortless closing motion; preventing slamming. Appliances have also gone high-tech and have become much quieter. Some refrigerator brands offer water and air purification systems. Many appliances have automatic sensing features or even computer systems that can help ease and optimize cooking. It’s possible now to monitor, maintain, or control your appliance remotely when you’re not even home. APPLIANCE INTEGRATION Many homeowners are replacing unsightly appliances with concealed, fully integrated appliances that blend seamlessly into the kitchen. Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, warming drawers, and more can be disguised with cabinetry-matching panels and will accept cabinet door hardware. The appliances are flush with the cabinetry, the controls are on the interior, and they have no visible hinges. These units can enhance the sleek, continuous look of the cabinetry in a contemporary kitchen, or perhaps create the look of an armoire in a traditional setting. Kitchens are looking less and less like kitchens, and are blending in more with other rooms of the home. Hard-to-clean knobs on cooktops have been replaced with touch controls. Built-in, high-definition televisions are now a must-have for many homeowners as well. ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Style: The heavy and elaborate details of the traditional kitchens from the last decade are being replaced with simple, less intricate embellishments. Many of today’s traditional kitchens no longer have the great level of detail, inlays & appliqués, heavy carvings, and ornate stacked mouldings. Kitchen spaces also seem to be reflecting a homeowner’s personal unique style more often these days. A homeowner may desire a red island, an eco-friendly kitchen, or perhaps an ultra-modern kitchen in a very traditional home. Mixing styles seems to be more accepted. In fact, the “transitional” kitchen has come to the forefront as the desired trend. Floorplans: Open, “social” kitchens have replaced formal, closed-in kitchens. As everyone tends to gravitate to the kitchen, open floorplans often help to create a functional, family-friendly flow from the kitchen to the family or living rooms. The size of the average custom-built home has decreased over the past few years, but the size of the average kitchen has remained the same. This reflects the popularity of the kitchen as the focal point of the home. Finishes: White is back; but not the glossy, stark white so popular 20 years ago. Cabinetry with custom, soft-white finishes such as “Linen White” and “White Dove” has tremendously grown in popularity. Color trends today may include simple whites with rich elements of wood – perhaps even an exotic veneer. Dark is out and neutral, lighter finishes are in. Since resale is always a topic, it’s nice to know that neutral palettes tend to be more appealing to a broader audience than an unconventional color might be. A neutral color palette also opens the doors for some bold color choices in backsplashes, wall coverings, and accessories to add a bit of drama to your space!

DESIGN • FUNCTION • TECHNIQUE

BREAD CRUMBS:1 Tbs. garlic, finely chopped1 tsp. shallot, finely chopped1 tsp. parsley, fresh, finely chopped1 cup white bread crumbs, fresh1/8 tsp. salt1/8 tsp. white pepper, ground

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix garlic, shallots and parsley into bread crumbs. Add salt and pepper.

MUSTARD MAYONNAISE:1/2 cup mayonnaise, heavy4 tsp. Grey Poupon Dijon mustard1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1/2 tsp. horseradish, prepared

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a stainless steel mixing bowl using a wire whip. You will use 2 Tbs. to prepare crab cakes, and the balance will be served on the side.

CRAB CAKES:1 lb. jumbo lump crabmeat 1 cup bread crumbs (see recipe above) 1 Tbs. parsley, fresh and finely chopped 2 Tbs. mustard mayonnaise (see recipe above) 1 tsp. Grey Poupon Dijon mustard 1/4 cup pasteurized whole egg 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce clarified butter as needed

Drain crabmeat of all excess liquid and place in a stainless steel bowl. Add bread crumbs and toss to distribute evenly. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients with a wire whip. Pour over crabmeat mixture. Mix GENTLY to combine all ingredients. Divide evenly into 6 portions and form into balls. Flatten slightly to 1” thick. Do not make perfectly flat, because cake should have grooves.

Place portioned crab cakes on a non-stick cookie sheet, slightly oiled with clarified butter. Place in a preheated 450-degree oven and bake approximately 5 minutes on first side, turn and finish cooking approximately 4 minutes. Place crab cakes in center of plate. Garnish with lemon and 1 Tbs. of mustard mayonnaise sauce per crab cake. Yields: 6 crab cakes

Hole-in-Wine Golf TournamentThe Westin La Paloma, October 4th210.822.9555 | CulinariaSA.orgCombine two of your favorite pastimes together during the tastiest golf event in town. Start with a gourmet boxed lunch before heading out to one of San Antonio’s premier golf courses for a day of relaxation and a little competition. End the day with a fabulous reception featuring fantastic culinary delights and, of course, wine!

Celebrating the Legendary BlendMorton’s The Steakhouse, October 7th210.228.0700 | Mortons.comMorton’s The Steakhouse and Napa Valley’s esteemed Mondavi Family have joined forces for a deliciously great cause. Enjoy a four-course meal with inspired wine pairings. Guests may also participate in the silent auction with one-of-a-kind wines up for grabs. Proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization granting wishes and hope to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

B.B. KingThe Majestic Theatre, October 10th210.226.3377 | MajesticEmpire.comDon’t miss a great opportunity to see this blues guitar legend in person. At 84 years old, B.B. King still knows how to bring the house down with his trademark Gibson guitar known as “Lucille.” Hear his classics The Thrill is Gone and How Blue Can You Get while honoring the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner this special evening.

Beauty and the BeastThe Majestic Theatre, October 12th – 17th210.226.3377 | MajesticEmpire.comThis Academy-Award winning Disney hit is brought to life on stage in a captivating and delightful presentation. One of life’s best lessons is learned in the tale of a girl who dares to look past a man’s beastly exterior and love the true prince inside. Dazzle at the exquisite sets and costumes, and sing along to all your favorite musical numbers such as Be Our Guest and the self-titled number Beauty and the Beast.

Art in the GardenSan Antonio Botanical Garden, October 14th210.207.3250 | SAbot.orgJoin the Botanical Garden as they unveil unique sculptures from San Antonio’s very own artist George Schroeder. Admire Schroeder’s works of art as they are strategically placed throughout the many formal and display gardens and be sure to visit the Lucile Halsell Conservatory as well as the many Texas Native Trails.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana PacersAT&T Center, October 27th210.444.5000 | ATTCenter.comCheer on our home team during their opening game of the season against the Indiana Pacers. These four-time NBA Champions are bringing back some of their key players as well as newly drafted guard James Anderson. Half-time performances by the Silver Dancers and the ever-popular Coyote are sure to entertain you!

OCTOBER 2010

CRAB CAKES WITHMUSTARD MAYONNAISE SAUCE

Featuring Morton’s The Steakhouse210.228.0700 | Mortons.com

Take yourself back to 1981. Reagan led our country, MTV launched into living rooms, IBM released the first PC, Post-It notes were invented, and the world was obsessed with Di and Charles’ Royal Wedding. Oh yes, that’s also the year that your $400,000 mortgage payment was $5,572.97 a month. Back in 1981, the annual average interest rate was a whopping 16.6 percent. If you’re thinking of refinancing or buying a home, now truly is the time to do it. We are currently at a point where mortgage interest rates are at an all-time historic low. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.35 percent at press time. But let’s get some perspective on just how low that number really is. Last year at this time, the 30-year rate averaged 5.12 percent, and in 2000, the average annual interest rate was 8 percent; nearly double what it is today. Want to see more annual rates going back to 1970 when records were first kept? There’s a great chart to view at www.FreddieMac.com/pmms/pmms30.htm. So what does all this mean to the bottom line—your wallet? Let’s compare the cost of money today versus recent history. With the same example of a $400,000 loan, the current

interest rate of 4.35 percent makes your monthly payment $1,991.25 (principal and interest only). Not bad! In 2000 (the interest rate was then 8 percent), your monthly payment would have been $2,935.06. Even this time last year with those fantastic rates, your payment would have been $2,176.72 per month. Today’s calculated mortgage payment shows how the current rates truly are at historic lows. Why are rates so low? There are two reasons for this. First, it’s no secret that we are currently in one of the worst recessions in US history. And this kind of bad news has translated into a record low in mortgage rates. There is a lot of downside risk in the stock market these days. As a result, savvy investors have invested in mortgage-backed securities, increasing the demand and driving up their yield. Because mortgage rates offered to the consumer have an inverse relationship to the investment yield, mortgage rates have been plummeting.

Oddly enough when you look at the record number of foreclosure filings in the United States over the past few years, one has to wonder who wants to buy mortgage-backed securities during a time of high home-loan defaults? And that question leads to the second reason why

mortgage rates are at historic lows. Last year and early this year, the Federal Government bought huge blocks of mortgage-backed securities to keep mortgage rates from spiking and to make sure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could sell the securities to survive.

Remember the question of who in the world wants to buy US mortgage-backed securities when home-loan defaults are at a record high? The answer is: everyone in the world. Mortgage-backed securities are essentially a mutual fund-like pool of newly issued home loans. While loan defaults in the pool may slightly hurt

the investment return to the investor, the defaults are diluted by the majority of the loans in the pool that are performing. What is more important to an investor is whether the entity issuing the securities (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in this case) are financially sound. Since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now owned by the Federal Government, their mortgage-backed securities have an implied guarantee that investors find very attractive. The global recession and world-wide debt woes have resulted in many countries teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. Despite how bad the US economy may seem, investing in US-backed securities is still very appealing versus other alternatives, bringing money from investors worldwide into our mortgage-backed securities market. The substantial demand in recent months has turbo-charged the drop in mortgage rates. Until the stock market returns to stability, there is expected to be heavy demand for investments in mortgage-backed securities, keeping these record mortgage rates in place. But like all good opportunities, they often disappear quickly.

today’s cost of money: how low can you go?

Today’s kitchens are all about aesthetics, functionality and environmental consciousness. Sean Daigle of Downsview Kitchens, one of the nation’s premier design/build kitchen companies, has lent his expertise to what’s hot in “the heart of the home.” Read on for Daigle’s knowledgeable take on the trends and find inspiration to enhance your kitchen! Whether for your own enjoyment or to increase your home’s resale value, kitchen improvements are one of the smartest moves you can make.

NODS TO THE ENVIRONMENT Many cabinetry manufacturers are offering “green” products and materials through more environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques. Earth-friendly material examples might include wood-grain laminates or reconstituted veneers which are engineered from plantation-grown trees. Other manufacturing examples would be the use of formaldehyde-free adhesives along with earth-friendly paints and sealers. Appliance manufacturers are making more energy-efficient products too, such as dishwashers that use less water and with a delayed-start option so your appliance can run during off-peak hours. LED lighting within the kitchen keeps energy usage down, and unlike traditional lighting, produces no heat and keeps your workspace cooler.

HIGH-TECH OPTIONS Along with amazing new cabinetry-front materials and clever interior solutions, some lines are now offering cabinetry with a handle-free design where doors and drawers open automatically

with just a light touch or a pull. Upper-cabinet doors can lift up high out of the way, similar to the overhead compartments on an aircraft, and can be closed with a simple press of an accessible button. Drawers and doors now come equipped with “soft close” glides and hinges allowing a silent, smooth, and effortless closing motion; preventing slamming. Appliances have also gone high-tech and have become much quieter. Some refrigerator brands offer water and air purification systems. Many appliances have automatic sensing features or even computer systems that can help ease and optimize cooking. It’s possible now to monitor, maintain, or control your appliance remotely when you’re not even home. APPLIANCE INTEGRATION Many homeowners are replacing unsightly appliances with concealed, fully integrated appliances that blend seamlessly into the kitchen. Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, warming drawers, and more can be disguised with cabinetry-matching panels and will accept cabinet door hardware. The appliances are flush with the cabinetry, the controls are on the interior, and they have no visible hinges. These units can enhance the sleek, continuous look of the cabinetry in a contemporary kitchen, or perhaps create the look of an armoire in a traditional setting. Kitchens are looking less and less like kitchens, and are blending in more with other rooms of the home. Hard-to-clean knobs on cooktops have been replaced with touch controls. Built-in, high-definition televisions are now a must-have for many homeowners as well. ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Style: The heavy and elaborate details of the traditional kitchens from the last decade are being replaced with simple, less intricate embellishments. Many of today’s traditional kitchens no longer have the great level of detail, inlays & appliqués, heavy carvings, and ornate stacked mouldings. Kitchen spaces also seem to be reflecting a homeowner’s personal unique style more often these days. A homeowner may desire a red island, an eco-friendly kitchen, or perhaps an ultra-modern kitchen in a very traditional home. Mixing styles seems to be more accepted. In fact, the “transitional” kitchen has come to the forefront as the desired trend. Floorplans: Open, “social” kitchens have replaced formal, closed-in kitchens. As everyone tends to gravitate to the kitchen, open floorplans often help to create a functional, family-friendly flow from the kitchen to the family or living rooms. The size of the average custom-built home has decreased over the past few years, but the size of the average kitchen has remained the same. This reflects the popularity of the kitchen as the focal point of the home. Finishes: White is back; but not the glossy, stark white so popular 20 years ago. Cabinetry with custom, soft-white finishes such as “Linen White” and “White Dove” has tremendously grown in popularity. Color trends today may include simple whites with rich elements of wood – perhaps even an exotic veneer. Dark is out and neutral, lighter finishes are in. Since resale is always a topic, it’s nice to know that neutral palettes tend to be more appealing to a broader audience than an unconventional color might be. A neutral color palette also opens the doors for some bold color choices in backsplashes, wall coverings, and accessories to add a bit of drama to your space!

DESIGN • FUNCTION • TECHNIQUE

BREAD CRUMBS:1 Tbs. garlic, finely chopped1 tsp. shallot, finely chopped1 tsp. parsley, fresh, finely chopped1 cup white bread crumbs, fresh1/8 tsp. salt1/8 tsp. white pepper, ground

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix garlic, shallots and parsley into bread crumbs. Add salt and pepper.

MUSTARD MAYONNAISE:1/2 cup mayonnaise, heavy4 tsp. Grey Poupon Dijon mustard1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1/2 tsp. horseradish, prepared

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a stainless steel mixing bowl using a wire whip. You will use 2 Tbs. to prepare crab cakes, and the balance will be served on the side.

CRAB CAKES:1 lb. jumbo lump crabmeat 1 cup bread crumbs (see recipe above) 1 Tbs. parsley, fresh and finely chopped 2 Tbs. mustard mayonnaise (see recipe above) 1 tsp. Grey Poupon Dijon mustard 1/4 cup pasteurized whole egg 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce clarified butter as needed

Drain crabmeat of all excess liquid and place in a stainless steel bowl. Add bread crumbs and toss to distribute evenly. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients with a wire whip. Pour over crabmeat mixture. Mix GENTLY to combine all ingredients. Divide evenly into 6 portions and form into balls. Flatten slightly to 1” thick. Do not make perfectly flat, because cake should have grooves.

Place portioned crab cakes on a non-stick cookie sheet, slightly oiled with clarified butter. Place in a preheated 450-degree oven and bake approximately 5 minutes on first side, turn and finish cooking approximately 4 minutes. Place crab cakes in center of plate. Garnish with lemon and 1 Tbs. of mustard mayonnaise sauce per crab cake. Yields: 6 crab cakes

Mortgage Interest Rates

Historic Lows Continue

Impress Your Dinner Guests

Morton’s Tantalizing Crab Cakes

The Dominion’sReal Estate Report

Modernizing the Heart of Your Home

October 2010

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Debra Janes began her endeavors in real estate after many years of teaching music. Starting in 1993, Debra chose the Luxury market in which to develop her client base and has been extremely successful catering to an affluent clientele. Having started her career in Boerne, she quickly relocated to “The Dominion,” seeing the necessity and desirability of a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week luxury guard-gated Country Club and golf course community. Located just 10 minutes east of Boerne and 10 minutes west of San Antonio on IH-10 West, The Dominion is close to high-end shopping at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and many other offerings at The Shops at La Cantera and only 20 minutes to the San Antonio International Airport. Debra has been associated with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty since their purchase of her previous brokerage, and developers of The Dominion, in 1999. The past 17 years have been dedicated to building her business and fostering client relationships. She has been recognized for the past several years as one of the Top 10 Realtors in San Antonio on the San Antonio Business Journal’s “Top 50 Realtors” list. She was ranked the #1 Residential Realtor for Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty in 2008 and 2009. Focusing on “working smart,” Debra has a full-time assistant, Kristin Troilo, who helps Debra provide the utmost in client services. Debra is working diligently to market to and share her expertise with families moving to San Antonio from Mexico. Debra has a translator available in anticipation of more Mexican clients moving into The Dominion. While working toward her 2009 year-end goals, last year was punctuated by the sale of two estate homes on the very same street to family members relocating from Mexico. Earlier

in the year, another family also purchased two other high-end homes in the same area of The Dominion that were listed and marketed by Debra. Her ability to relate to the Mexican culture comes naturally and easily since Debra is a born and raised native San Antonian and has enjoyed travelling to Mexico throughout her life. Debra Janes is a first class, consummate professional dedicated to providing a real estate experience guaranteed to be beneficial to her clients, from all over the world, in choosing their next home in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

For everything real estate...call Debra Janes

Debra Janes210.573.4040dj@gvtc.com

DebraJanes.com Other Debra Janes’ Dominion Properties Address Sq. Ft. / Bed / Bath List Price2 Darby Glen (SOLD!) 3956 / 3 / 3 $749,0004 Darby Glen (SOLD!) 3371 / 4 / 3 $745,00040 Vineyard (Lot) 1.34 acres $499,50038 Vineyard (Lot) 1.22 acres $499,500

Real Estate Activity InThe Dominion

42 Vineyard Dr. • $3,495,000 7460 Sq. Ft. • 5 Bed | 5 Bath

33 Vineyard • $2,195,0005400 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Bath

Featured Properties

8 Henly Lane • $1,250,0006344 Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 5 Bath

6 Duxbury Park • $839,0005030 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3 Bath

7 Kings Manor • $1,395,0004618 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4 Bath

21 Devon Wood • $1,550,0006841 Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 4.5 Bath

Just Listed

2 Priors Way • $795,0003175 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed | 4 Bath

1 Bishops Green • $799,000 5921 Sq. Ft. | 5 Bed | 6 Bath

19 Venice Ct. • $730,0003174 Sq. Ft. | 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath

Just Listed

3 Newton Abbot • $649,000 3325 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 3 Bath