Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Can't Wait To Try A Ramen Burger? Make It At Home!

A few days ago, I posted on Facebook a link about L & L Hawiian BBQ is coming to San Antonio.  They will be making the Ramen Burger.  Quite a few folks commented with curiosity and interest in trying it.  Well if you can't wait and you like to cook...  This is how you do it...  Let me know if you make it and how it turns out!



Meet the latest, greatest food craze since the cronut: the ramen burger. Engineered by Keizo Shimamoto and sold at Brooklyn's Smorgasburg, this burger nestled between two eggy ramen buns has inspired legions of fans to queue up in line for a taste. Inspired by this over-the-top delight, we've developed a home-kitchen-friendly version - try it out and see what all the hype is about!


From POPSUGAR Food
Ramen Burger

Notes

To shape the ramen into a bun, use ramekins that are similar in size to the burger patty. If you don't have ramekins, substitute pint-size deli containers.

Ingredients

1 package ramen noodles
2 eggs, divided
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/2 tablespoon sriracha
1 beef burger patty
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
1 slice American cheese
1 scallion, thinly sliced on the bias
1/2 cup arugula

Directions

1. Cook the ramen according to the directions on the package (including the seasoning), then drain off the liquid. Let cool to room temperature. In a small mixing bowl, whisk 1 egg until no streaks of yolk remain. Add the ramen, tossing thoroughly to coat with the egg. Divide the egg-dressed ramen into two portions, and place each half into a ramekin.
2. Cover the ramen with plastic wrap, and weigh it down with a can of soup to compress it into a bun shape. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Add the oil to a skillet, and set over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, unmold the ramen buns into the pan, and cook until the bottom is a dark golden brown. Flip both of the patties, and cook until a dark golden brown on both sides.
4. Whisk together the sriracha and ketchup in a small bowl.
5. Season the hamburger patty with salt, pepper, a splash of soy sauce, and sesame oil. Wipe out the skillet, and cook the burger over medium-high heat until medium rare, or to your preferred degree of doneness. Finish with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil. Top with a slice of cheese.
6. Wipe out the skillet, and lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, and fry 1 egg sunny side up.
7. Assemble the burger in this order: ramen bun, arugula, ketchup, burger patty (cheese side up), fried egg, scallions, and the second ramen bun. Wrap in wax paper for easier eating, and serve hot.

How To Make A Ramen Burger - Original Posting 

Monday, February 24, 2014

NO CLOSING COSTS + BUYER REBATE = SAVINGS, SAVINGS, SAVINGS!!

M/I Homes is having an amazing money savings event if you're in the market to buy a new home.  There are homes in many of communities available in various areas of San Antonio.

Here's how it works, any contracts received now and closed by March 31, 2014...  You will have  
NO CLOSING COSTS!!

Pair that with my Buyer Rebate and you will save, save, save a nice chunk of change.  Call me for more information or to schedule a viewing of any of these homes.





































Friday, February 21, 2014

Open House Saturday 2-22-14 12:00pm to 4:00pm / 3631 Crimson Star, SA TX 78261

Great starter home and or great investment opportunity...  Come join us at 3631 Crimson Star and take a tour of this lovely home...  You can also call me to schedule your own private viewing at (210) 274-2378!  Don't miss out on this opportunity...

3631 Crimson Star Website
















4 bdr, 2.5 bath, 2556 sq ft.

Hard-to-find 4-Bdrm floor plan @ this price* 1st-floor Master Bdrm, M-bath w/sep Shower & Garden tub, dual vanity, walk-in closet* Big GAME Rm* Dbl Drs to Private MEDIA Rm* Open kitchen to Family Rm, Stainless steel appliance* 4-Living Areas* Formal Dine* Covered back Patio* Water softner* Master water cut-off panel* New Energy Eff A/C Unit* PRIVATE Cul-de-Sac* Bulverde Village w/Park*Playground*JogTrails*Tennis* 3-min to PGA Golf@JW Marriott Resort* Top-Rated Cibolo Green Elem, Tejeda Mid & Johnson HS, NEISD!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

SellSmart February Bday Celebration

So last night, SellSmart had a get together at StoneWerks at the Rim and Boy oh Boy did we have fun!  I debuted my new hat!

























Well, it wasn't long before the first Thief had her pic taken with it!!

Anyway, the bug spread as you can see from this point forward, it's pretty much a photo album of everyone enjoying a great night!  Starting with the Jefe!!  How BLESSED am I?  Thank you everyone for an AWESOME evening!!

























I am the Mad Realtor spreading MADNESS!!!  LOL  Who knew beautiful people could be more beautiful with my HAT...  LMAO







































Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Love Of Our Furry Babies Be It Dogs or Cats

I have a wonderful friend whom tonight, had to follow her heart even though it's against the love that we all know...  

She had to remove her baby's pain and be there to help him through...

The loss of a furry baby is unimaginable... It's the loss of a BELOVED family member...  They are unconditionally loving, appreciative and comforting babies in our lives...

In honor of my friends baby, I wrote a poem on the spot from the heart... It's called:
 ______________________________________________________________

"Why I'm A Furry Paw Paw"

Tonight I lay my head to rest,
I Thank my God for everything,
My home, my food, my friends, my loves,
My furry babies, my blessings from above.


We go to bed, we go to sleep.
I'm cuddled all night, it's just so sweet.
My Paw Paws and my Ma Paws cuddle me...
I sleep, I rest, I thank the Lord for Thee.

My babies are unconditional love
any day or night...
My babies are Furry, I love and protect them
All the time...



 ______________________________________________________________

Thank you everyone out there who gives the unconditional love that is returned...  Thank you for keeping God's beautiful creatures safe and a TREASURE in our lives...  

Life is so beautiful...  Cherish it, treasure it... and always, always...  PROTECT it...  From the smallest...  to the "be afraid of me MOFO"...  it's life!!  Life is as beautiful as you make it...  Mine is Gorgeous...  Look at my supporters...

We LOVE you Buddy...  Rest in peace beautiful baby!  Thank you for all the love and friendship all these years...  You will forever be in our hearts and missed...

Thursday, February 13, 2014

The Worst Things You Can Do Before Buying A Home




Follow these steps to avoid your mortgage from being denied.

Cynics may scoff, but getting under contract on the right home can turn even the most stoic shopper into a bit of a dreamer. From paint colors to planting a garden, picturing yourself in that property is critical for many buyers.

But leave a little room for pragmatism. Remember that getting pre-approved for a mortgage and even under contract isn’t a guarantee. That prefix is there for a reason. Loan pre-approval is not loan approval.

You’ll have more hurdles to clear before a lender legally commits to funding your home loan. Buyers who don’t know any better can inadvertently add obstacles to that path – or even kill the entire deal – between contract and closing day.

Some missteps can be costlier than others. Here’s a look at five of the worst things you can do before buying a home.

1. Go Credit-Crazy
It’s almost become cliché in the mortgage industry, but the warning still bears repeating: Don’t buy a truckload of furniture until after your loan closes. The prohibition goes beyond sofas and settees – avoid obtaining credit for any major expense, like a car, a boat or, yes, a new bedroom set.
Be careful with even minor expenses. If you absolutely need to obtain new credit or accrue debt before closing, talk with your loan officer as soon as possible.

New payments are going to affect your monthly debt-to-income ratio (and residual income on a VA loan), and not in a good way. Hard inquiries on your credit report could also lower your credit score. That might hurt your interest rate if you haven’t locked or even knock you out of qualifying range all together.

2. Shuffle Dollars & Cents
Lenders will scour your most recent bank statement as part of the pre-approval process. It’s not like they forget about it after that. They’ll take another look at your assets and bank records again during the underwriting process.

You’ll need to explain any unusual deposits or withdrawals. Lenders will require clear documentation and a paper trail if you’re putting gift funds toward a down payment or closing costs. Stuffing a wad of undocumented cash into your account is going to raise some red flags.

3. Get Behind on Bills
Having a late payment hit your credit report before closing can devastate your deal. Payment history comprises about a third of your credit score.

One solitary 30-day late payment can clip 60 to 110 points from your credit score. Maybe not a huge deal if you had an 800 score, right?
Possibly. But if that 30-day late blemish is a mortgage or rent payment, some lenders will boot your application altogether. Many will require at least 12 consecutive months of on-time payments in order to qualify for a home loan.

4. Co-Sign on a Loan
Co-signing a loan is arguably a bad financial move whenever you make it. But it’s especially risky during the mortgage lending process. It means you’re financially liable for someone else’s debt.
Yes, that someone else might be the most responsible person on the planet. Lenders will still need to factor that new monthly obligation into your overall affordability profile. Adding one more debt to the list could stretch too thin your debt-to-income ratio and assets.

5. Changes in Employment
Probably goes without saying, but losing your job is going to be a big problem. Even job-hopping can present some major hurdles. Lenders crave stable, reliable income that’s likely to continue.
Lenders are likely to slam on the brakes if you take a new job in a different field. Or if you decide to start your own business. Or even if you get a promotion but see some or all of your income shift to a commission basis.

The bottom line: Any change to your employment is significant. Keep your loan officer in the loop, and ask questions when in doubt. The last thing you want is to waste time and money on a home loan you’re never going to get.

Throughout the mortgage process, it can also be helpful to monitor your credit scores for changes so you can know whether you need to address any problems. To do that, you can use a free tool like Credit.com’s Credit Report Card, which updates your credit scores and an overview of your credit report every month.


 


602 W. Broadview Drive in University Park

3 bdr, 1.5 bath, 1198 2q ft.  Call me to schedule a viewing...


WOW! IT DOES'NT GET BETTER! BEAUTIFUL HOME IN IMMACULATE CONDITION PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SHOWS THROUGH OUT. LOCATED IN THE UNIVERSITY PARK SUBDIVISION. AVAILABLE NOW THIS COZY ONE STORY 3/1 1/2, OPEN FLOOR PLAN, CERAMIC FLOORS THROUGH OUT HOME. NEW ROOF ONLY 2 YEARS OLD, AND NEW A/C 1 YEAR OLD. THREE CAR CARPORT MADE COMPLETELY OUT OF STEAL STRUCTURALLY SOUND. WORK SHOP AND WORKOUT ROOM IN BACK YARD. NICE YARD WITH PATIO SLAB GREAT FOR FAMILY OUTTINGS AND BBQ'S. ALSO ENJOY THE ABOVE GROUND POOL. A MUST SEE!!!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Ultimate Dixie Dessert: Krispy Krème Brûlée - (This should just be illegal)

image
Photographs by Margaret Houston

In July of 1937, Vernon Rudolph arrived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with twenty-five dollars in his pocket and a secret recipe for yeast-raised doughnuts. Seventy-five years later, you’ve probably heard of the company he founded, a little outfit called Krispy Kreme. And while the doughnuts are plenty good on their own—especially when the “Hot Now” sign is lit—when we heard about a chef in Greenville, South Carolina, who was blending them, literally, into a traditional crème brûlée, we felt it our sworn duty to investigate. After trying the recipe for ourselves, we’re happy to report Rudolph would likely be proud.

Often on the menu at Nose Dive Gastropub in Greenville, chef Rodney Freidank’s Krispy Kreme crème brûlée elevates the humble doughnut to new heights. It incorporates half a dozen doughnuts (we never said it was good for you), pureed into a traditional base of cream, sugar, and egg yolks, then baked into a custard that mirrors the classic dessert in texture—but with that unmistakably familiar Krispy Kreme taste. The crunchy candy top is added just before serving with either a kitchen torch or a quick run under the broiler. Hot now, indeed.

Ingredients:6 Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts
1 pint half-and-half
1 quart heavy cream
12 egg yolks
1½ cups sugar
8 packets Sugar in the Raw

image

Preparation:
Puree the doughnuts and half-and-half in a blender until smooth. Combine the heavy cream with the half-and-half/doughnut puree, and heat until scalding (just before boiling).
Meanwhile whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl to combine and dissolve the sugar.
Once the sugar is dissolved, temper the yolk mixture by whisking in a small amount of the hot cream mixture. Once the yolks are tempered, whisk them into the remaining cream mixture. Strain the brûlée base through a fine mesh strainer.

Divide the mixture into eight ramekins. Fill until nearly full, and bake in a water bath at 325 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until the custards are set when gently shaken. (Tip: For the water bath, we used a large metal roasting pan and filled it with enough water to meet the halfway-point of the ramekins.) Once set, remove the ramekins from the water bath to cool. After cooling, dust the top of each with Sugar in the Raw, and caramelize evenly with a kitchen torch or under the broiler until the sugar darkens and bubbles. Set aside to cool (2 to 5 minutes) before serving. This will allow the sugar to harden on top.

Note: Propane kitchen torches are highly flammable. To prevent injury, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.


Garden and Gun
Feb 10, 2014

7 Fat Loss Foods that Make Your Life Easier

Since I love food, I wanted to share this...

Don’t let your busy world keep you from getting the body you want

There’s an old
  saying: “Abs are made in the kitchen.” But perhaps the following statement is more accurate: "Abs are destroyed in the kitchen!" And at the drive-thru. And anywhere else you get your food. That’s because when it comes to your diet, there’s a guaranteed way to fail: not planning for the inevitable. Yes, it would be great if you could carefully prepare every meal to fit your nutrition plan. But you will get busy. You will get tired. You will get lazy. And that’s when you need a backup plan.
My solution: These 7 “fat loss” foods that will make your life easier—and help you get leaner. You can turn to them whenever you’re crunched for time or just tired of making dinner. Think of them as the go-to foods that will keep you on the fast track to a six pack.

1. Rotisserie Chicken. These slow-cooked birds are available at just about any supermarket. They’re a fast and ready-to-eat source of high-quality protein. If you’re ever in a pinch for a meal, just reach for a rotisserie chicken and pair with your favorite vegetable.

2. Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausages. Adding new flavors and tastes to your diet is easy with brands such as Al Fresco and Trader Joe’s. These lean protein sources are already cooked so you just need to heat them—and eat them.

3. Plain Greek Yogurt. Skip the varieties with the fruit added already, as those come with lots of added sugar. Plain Greek yogurt has twice the protein and half the carbs of traditional yogurt, making it a creamy snack you can enjoy any time of the day.

4. Plain Kefir. This is a fermented milk product that has a thickness somewhere between cream and yogurt. (Think of it as drinkable yogurt.) The plain versions contain almost a 1:1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates. Kefir also has enough probiotics to keep your digestive track functioning at its best. I personally have a cup each day at breakfast.

5. Pre-Cut Vegetables. Everyone knows that vegetables are great for you, but many people say that cutting them up is too much of a hassle. Fortunately, there’s a growing trend in grocery stores to remove this barrier of entry. From diced pepper and onions to shredded Brussels sprouts, you should be able to find just about any vegetable you want—ready to toss into a roasting pan or skillet, or simply eat raw.

6. Smoked Salmon. This is one of my favorite non-traditional snacks. It’s carb-free, and full of satiating protein and fat. Having smoked salmon for a snack will quickly redefine your idea of “diet food.”

7. Cheese Sticks. A protein-rich snack doesn’t get any more portable (and proportioned) than a couple of cheese sticks. From the traditional string cheese—which is mozzarella—to more recent pepper or Colby jack cheese sticks, these should always be in your refrigerator. Pair them with a small piece of fruit for a snack, or chop them up on a salad.

Thank you Men's Health

Original Article at:    7 Fat Loss Foods That Make Your Life Easier

Today's featured property is 3631 Crimson Star in the beautiful Bulverde Village neighborhood conveniently located off 281 and TPC / Stone Oak.  In the top rated North East Independent School District, the schools for this property are Cibolo Green Elementary, Tejeda Middle School and Johnson High School.  Call me to schedule a personal tour of priced to sell rare 4 bedroom treasure in this area.



To view the website click this link:   3631 Crimson Star - Website


To view the video tour click this link:   3631 Crimson Star Video Tour


Inline image 1

Tony Landaverde, Realtor
Buyers Rebate
List for 4.95%




The Importance Of Being Happy



Some people are blessed with a career they love and they make a living, but they're not working...  not working because they love what they do so much...  I am one of those blessed individuals and I have been my entire life...

Nonetheless, everything I always do is to help others reach their achievements and in many cases...  help them smile and laugh through the process...

Today, my beautiful friend  Marta Galeazzi made a comment on one of my youtube videos that made me smile and reminded me;

"Life is amazing but, sometimes a very rough journey!  My advice is...  you HAVE to laugh through MOST of it no matter WHAT...     MOST importantly...  never ever ever EVER be afraid to laugh at yourself...  Laughter just brings the best and most positive energy...  Laughing at yourself shows others you are a positive person spreading smiles and laughter beginning with yourself...

Thank you Marta for laughing at and with me...  You made me smile and ad to that positive energy!!

To watch that youtube commercial, click this link:   Wonder Realtor Youtube Commercial


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

6931 Country View Lane - Alamo Farmsteads Community

Yesterday I added 4 listings to my website and debuted 1 as a featured home by sharing it's website, video and posting it on my blog.  Today I would like to feature this 2nd gorgeous 6 bedroom, 3 bath, 2967 sq ft home located only 200 yards from the Alamo Golf Course.





To view the website click this link:   6931 Country View Lane - Website


To view the video tour click this link:   6931 Country View Lane Video Tour


Rare Find; 1+Acre farm living within City; Stately circle driveway to Classic Texas 6-Bdrm, 2900+sf home; Updated kitchen w/Granite counters & Custom tile back-splash; 1st-Flr has Two Master BRs w/full baths; Cozy Family Rm w/Brick Fireplace; 4-Bdrms on 2nd-Flr, 3 have Balcony access & Country views; Extra 800sf Decks/Patio, New 2011 30yr Roof; Energy Star windows; 2 Lrg storage sheds; Big Workshop; Horses OK! Huge 1+acre yard; 200yrds to Alamo Golf Course; Close to UTSA, Med Center, USAA, Valero.


Thank you for visiting my blog.

Monday, February 10, 2014

New Marketing Fully Implented

I have officially posted some new featured properties on my website.  Each listing also has it's own website, slideshow, music video and data capture.

I would like to debut my first featured listing located at 1419 Fawn Haven. 
 

To view the website click this link:   1419 Fawn Haven - Website


To view the video tour click this link:   1419 Fawn Haven Video Tour

DEERFIELD! Beautiful corner lot. Pride of ownership throughout this spacious home. Vaulted ceilings, arched windows, game room, 3 living & 2 eating areas. Owner's retreat downstairs, gorgeous study compliments this wonderful home. Double vanity in master bath with ceramic tile. Upgrades include wide steps & beautiful wrought iron railing leading up to front porch with a view. Wood flrs, crown molding, granite countertops. 3,260 sq.ft. with a new privacy fence & Sprinkler Sys completes this amazing property.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Thank You Lori for Inspiration...

Today was my birthday and a long time friend brought up a memory inspiring a new YouTube commercial...  Hope you enjoy!!

Wonder Realtor, Wonder Realtor - LINK



New website and State of the Art Marketing is HERE

FINALLY...  my new website is up and running!!  Happy Birthday to me!!!  Well realistically considering the services...  Happy Realtor to YOU!!!

Are you looking to buy or sell your home?  If so, I'm offering cutting edge marketing that is available NOW...   My new website provides you with a full presentation of my new listing services...  I have a full new online presence with the best real estate marketing services and strategies......   Contact me anytime for your free personalized Marketing Analysis and presentation...

I offer a Buyer's Rebate and list for only 4.95%.  Save money and receive state of the art marketing to get your home SOLD!!

For Service, Savings & Results, TonyIsYourHomePro

TonyIsYourHomePro Listing Services Presentation




TonyIsYourHomePro Commercial

Monday, February 3, 2014

Requesting Celebratory Help For What's Yet To Be Declared A National Holiday


Europa, Karaoke by Tony Landaverde - Link

Ok everyone...  Tomorrow is a yet to be declared a national Holiday, because it is my bday, but give it time...  For now...

When I moved to SA from L.A...  I completely changed my life...  I became a home body because I moved here for my dream home...

Well, I need a visit to my old days...  Been dying to go dancing, but not sure where...  Love 80's and retro disco (YES RETRO DISCO), but unfortunately SA to my knowledge doesn't have clubs of such...

Well, other favorite is Karaoke...  There used to be the most amazing fun place within bday celebration crawling distance to my home off Evans and Bulverde Rd.  They have closed and I'm still seeking a fun Karaoke place on Friday's or Saturday nights...  (most cool. places have it during the week, uh hello...  we work, all the time to be honest but the friends and family get weekends)...

On that note, click on the link below and watch me embarrass myself...  But most importantly, HELP with suggestions to celebrate this coming weekend...    :)



Inline image 1

Tony Landaverde, Realtor

Buyers Rebate
List for 4.95%

TonyIsYourHomePro Commercial

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Last chance for mortgages below 5%?

Great article so I'm sharing it...
Last chance for mortgages below 5%?
Last year's 3.5% mortgage rates are long gone — and experts say consumers who hold off buying or refinancing homes in hopes that sub-4% interest levels will return could miss out on today's sub-5% rates, too.
"We think 3.5% rates are in the rearview mirror now," says Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association. "It's highly unlikely that we're going to get back to those levels again."
Benchmark U.S. mortgage rates hit a record-low of around 3.5% in late 2012 and early 2013 as the Federal Reserve's Quantitative Easing III program helped push long-term interest rates into the cellar. Under QE3, the central bank had been buying $85 billion of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities each month in a bid to drive rates on mortgages and other long-term debt down.
But mortgage rates shot up to around 4.4% last summer after the Fed hinted in May at plans to begin winding QE3 down.
Now, market watchers expect QE3's phaseout and the strengthening U.S. economy's increased inflation risks to push mortgage rates to 5% or higher by year's end.
Fratantoni predicts rates will hit 5% by summer and 5.3% by Dec. 31.
"The U.S. economy is growing again, the Fed is beginning to back off of its very-aggressive policy to lower rates and we have [increasing federal budget-deficit] pressures," he says. "Given all of that, rates are much more likely to go up than down from here."
Market tracker Zillow likewise foresees 5% mortgage rates later this year, but economic research director Svenja Gudell says interest levels should rise slowly enough to give consumers plenty of time to buy or refinance places first.
"I don't think there's the need to rush out and buy a house this very second," she says. "But I'd recommend locking in a mortgage below 5%, because I expect rates to continue rising."
On the plus side, Gudell believes lenders will have to ease today's relatively tight lending standards to keep their home-loan operations humming. After all, she says, higher interest rates typically reduce consumer demand for mortgages.
"I think we'll see banks be more generous about extending credit to people who perhaps would have had a trouble getting mortgages in 2013," the expert says.
For instance, Gudell predicts lenders will lower the FICO score required for the best home-loan rates to around 710 from today's approximately 740.
But Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, says consumers shouldn't expect sub-4% mortgage rates to return any time soon unless a "major shock" throws the economy back into recession.
"I think that if people are hoping for some temporary dip in rates, they'll be disappointed," says Yun, who forecasts 5.3% rates by late 2014. "I realize that many people have seen colleagues and friends lock in mortgages at record-low rates and are jealous. But for now, those rates are history."

Original Article at:  Last Chance for mortgages below 5%?


TonyIsYourHomePro

My new commercial!!!  You know you love it!!!