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San Antonio has a very vibrant real estate market. Both the Alamo City's commercial and residential real estate markets are growing at fast pace. A number of factors contribute to the progressive real estate market in the city, including San Antonio's vibrant economy and labor supply, excellent weather, and low cost of living. There are a number of large corporations that have established their headquarters in San Antonio, such as AT&T, Tesoro Petroleum Corporation, Clear Channel Communications, and others.

Meanwhile, the housing real estate markets of San Antonio and surrounding areas are flourishing. Many people are attracted to San Antonio because of the very affordable cost of living. The price of homes within San Antonio is roughly thirty percent below the national average. According to the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, housing in San Antonio is available at less than a fraction of the cost of housing in other cities in the U.S. More and more investments pour into the city?s real estate market, making San Antonio one of the fastest growing American cities.

And San Antonio still has an enormous room to grow. There is a wide area of undeveloped land within San Antonio. As the city's population increases, demand for affordable housing is going to rise at a fast pace. The excellent weather, and plentiful labor and building materials make real estate a worthwhile investment in San Antonio. If you are interested in investing in San Antonio, or if you are planning to transfer your home or office to the city, you can contact a San Antonio realtor to get the information you need. There are also many resources in the Internet on real estate in San Antonio. Here, you can find home and property listings and other real estate information you need.

San Antonio provides detailed information on San Antonio, San Antonio Real Estate, San Antonio Jobs, San Antonio Hotels and more. San Antonio is affiliated with Charleston South Carolina Real Estate.

Like every other house exposed to the elements, Log Homes are neither maintenance free, nor are they absolute killers to take care of. I don't think it would be an exaggeration to state that the first couple of years demand significantly more work than your standard-issue house - unless, of course, you can afford to pay someone to do the work for you! Log preparation and the base coat of stain are critical to the long-term success of your wall protection. But once the initial work is done, the maintenance becomes routine, and I would venture to guess log homes are a little easier to care for than other wood houses. After all, you don't have to strip the stain off between coats.

LOG PREPARATION: Most construction sites become a sea of mud in a short period of time. The soil has been disturbed and there's no grass to hold the dirt together (or absorb the rain). You'll discover that the first few log courses are absolutely pristine, but the higher the walls become, the more the logs get dropped, smudged, or even used as stepping stones to dryer places (like the port-a-potty). Once the house is up, the logs will have to be washed before applying a stain... both inside and out.

Doing the interior cleaning in the right order didn't occur to us - especially since the logs were erected in the winter. In our case, the timing was all wrong; you really want to wash the interior walls before the finished floor is laid, and before the basement insulation is installed under the floor decking. We didn't make it, and we had to follow our wall-washing with a shop-vac to get rid of all the water... what a mess!

It was recommended that we use a mixture of one part bleach and four parts trisodium phosphate. We scrubbed it on with a brush and rinsed it off. Some people recommend a power washer for the outside walls, but you must use great care, and apply with a fan-tip to avoid damaging the logs. The experts recommend corn cob-blasting, but this is an expense most of us can't afford. If you do use a power-washer, it's a good idea to follow up with a shop-vac and vacuum out the water that will pool inside the checks, so that the logs don't get saturated from water sitting in the cracks. Even so, it will take one or more days to dry completely, depending on the weather.

Once the logs are dry, it is recommended that you apply a borate treatment before applying the stain. This borate is not only an insecticide, it also protects against rot. Usually this comes as a powder, and is mixed with water and sprayed on with an ordinary garden sprayer. Make sure it doesn't rain between applying the borate and the stain, or the borate will probably wash out.

STAINING: All stains are not created equal. There is a big performance difference between the best and the worst, so make sure you don't try to save money by cutting corners on the stain - you'll pay for it later. A deck sealer just won't work for logs; you should use a product specially designed for log homes, and you won't find it at your local hardware store. For a good brand, budget around $250 per 5-gal pail. Our 2400 sq. foot house took about 5 pails initially. Most stains need to be applied in two or three coats, so make sure your painter knows this when going for a quote. You will want to stain the exterior as soon as possible after the house is erected; it's amazing how quickly the logs will turn gray under normal exposure.

Afterwards, a "maintenance coat" of stain needs to be applied every 2-5 years, depending on the exposure. You usually don't have to restain the whole house at one time. You'll see the color lighten up as the stain wears thin - for lack of a better word. If you're not sure whether a new coat is required, run a hose on the wall and see if the water beads up. If it does not, you're probably ready for another coat. And no, you don't have to strip off the old stain first, unless it has been neglected and shows sign of flaking and chipping. If your walls have gone 10 years without a second coat, you may have to corn-blast and start over. In this case, consult a specialist.

RAILING SYSTEM: The weak link of every log home is the railing system - especially on an exposed deck. The junctures between the rails and spindles need to be caulked thoroughly, and you'll see many more checks in the little railings giving the opportunity to let rain in. The railing system needs to be restained every year. Make sure you don't let any water drip on the railings; gutters are a must.

CAULKING: It is a personal preference whether or not you caulk the exterior of your log home, but common sense would tell us that it's good policy to lock out the elements. There are caulks specifically designed for log homes that remain supple and give with normal expansion & contraction. The first couple of years, it is advised to caulk any checks that appear on the upper curve of the log surface, where rain might collect. These caulks will take a stain, so they tend to blend in. After the house has reached equilibrium with its environment, the checking will cease.

INSECTS: You can read more about insects in my article LOG HOMES vs. INSECTS: What to look for. For the most part, there is visual evidence of any insect problem. Make it a policy to inspect your home in the spring and in the fall, and be sure to keep your walls free of foliage, dead leaves, etc. Bushes should be planted a minimum of 2 feet away from the walls. Don't stack firewood against the wall, or anything else that could provide a home for unwelcome critters, four-legged or six-legged ones.

BOTTOM LINE: Maintenance on your log home should be routine, and the best defense is keeping a careful eye on abnormalities. Discoloration of a corner probably means water is dripping on it. A little pile of sawdust probably means a boring insect. Holes in the log, regardless of how tiny, are a red flag. These are the kinds of things you'd look for with any house. And after you've had your inspection, relax on the deck and enjoy your home... you deserve it.

Mercedes Hayes is a Hiawatha Log Home dealer and also a Realtor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She designed her own log home which was featured in the 2004 Floor Plan Guide of Log Home Living magazine. You can learn more about log homes by visiting http://www.MercedesHayes.com

When it comes to water pressure, what one person thinks is adequate might come across as a trickle to another. Because opinions vary widely, it is important to be able to make a determination of the adequacy of water pressure in some definitive way. That is especially true for a working home inspector. If a client asks why the inspector did not comment on high or low water pressure, then having a normal water pressure reading documented on the report is a good idea.

Water pressure gauges are easy to use practical tools and, certainly, not out of the reach of the homeowner in either cost or the expertise required to operate them correctly. In fact, these gauges can be purchased at any good hardware store for about $10.00. Once you have the device, you might wonder what readings you are looking for? Well, normal pressure is described as being between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). The easiest place to check that reading is to screw the gauge on at an outside faucet. Beware, there can be a potential snag doing that: Not often, but sometimes, the hosebibb or faucet is plumbed in before a pressure reducer is put in the system and, in that case, there will be a high reading on the gauge. For this reason, when a hosebibb gives a high reading, a person should try to get another reading, such as attaching the gauge to the faucet the washing machine connects to. The washing machine faucet is usually inside the home, or so we hope, and has the same threads as the pressure gauge. If the reading is still high, then the problem is confirmed since the washing machine is one of the appliances we are trying to protect from damage caused by high water pressure.

As an aside, it is my opinion, having inspected many homes and then checked the water flow, that any reading under 50 PSI is suspect and the people who are going to live in the house ought to see for themselves if they like the water pressure. If a person buying a house does not have a pressure gauge, or wonders if he or she will be satisfied with the water pressure, I suggest the good old-fashioned multi-flow test. It is simple enough. Get the dishwasher or washing machine running. Then turn on a sink or two and go to a bathroom and try the shower, the sink, etc. Do this on each floor, with other fixtures running. You can get a pretty good idea of the adequacy of the water pressure and how it will affect you.

As far as solutions to a pressure issue: If the pressure is too high, a pressure reducer will probably be installed by a plumber. If, on the other hand, the water pressure is too low then that will be more complicated. The cause can range from bad pressure at the source, to rusted pipes and a number of other issues.

Steven L. Smith, owner of King of the House Home Inspection is a licensed structural pest inspector and a certified home inspector in Bellingham WA. Smith is the program coordinator for the college level home inspection training program at Bellingham Technical College.

www.kingofthehouse.com

Back in Pennsylvania in 1967, the Coleman Company decided to begin building folding camping trailers for the sudden increase in families traveling in recreation vehicles. Over the years, Coleman Campers were known for their innovative design and engineering, high-quality manufacturing, and top-of-the-line customer service.

By 1979, Coleman campers were the best selling campers in the United States. However, Coleman campers are now known as Fleetwood Camping Trailers due to the acquisition of Coleman Recreational Vehicles by Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. in 1989. Despite the change in name, these campers are still some of the best in the business.

These campers are one of the safest folding camping trailers available. Each Fleetwood, or Coleman camper, comes equipped with tons of safety features.

All campers come with a dependable posi-lock lift system, a rugged tubular steel frame and bumper, heavy duty leaf spring suspension, durable galvanized steel side body panels, heavy duty full-perimeter aluminum body and bed rails, a reliable roof with air conditioner prep, electric brakes, positive locking safety chains, five-bolt wheels, entry step, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, propane detector, and a fire extinguisher.

These features are just a few. It is important to know that these manufacturers are extremely serious about your safety.

Enjoying a camping trip or road trip in one of these campers is like being in a home away from home. Some of the standard features of the best Coleman campers are a 3-way refrigerator, full storage upper galley, wide one-piece screen door, spare tire, mount, and lug wrench for flats, power converter with charger, 12V interior lighting, 12V electric water pump, exterior patio light, interior and exterior 110V outlets, and a carry-out free-standing dining table.

Additionally, most models also feature auto-shut off interior lights for setting down camper, clear window vinyl, lined window curtains, lined -bed privacy curtains, decorative valence, and supportive high-density foam mattresses.

The Coleman camper is a great alternative to camping with a traditional tent. When you go on your camping trip using a folding camper, you can still enjoy nature and the great outdoors without sleeping on the ground where insects could potentially crawl all over you, or even bite you.

Remember, sleeping in the camper is much safer than sleeping in the outdoors. Additionally, when you go camping with a trailer or camper, you also do not need to worry about any potential changes in the weather. You will be sleeping just as comfortably in a rainstorm as you would on a clear balmy night inside the trailer. In a tent, you would be soaked to the bone, or sleeping in the car.

A Coleman camper is a great alternative to the traditional tent for any camping trip. Attaching the trailer, or camper, to your truck is very easy and makes your road trip so much more convenient. Additionally, with the camper, you have more versatility as to where you can enjoy your camping trip. You also will be able to enjoy the comforts of being at home while still enjoying a relaxing weekend in nature.

Find best selection of Coleman Campers at Coleman Campers Depot

What would you say if I told you I knew the best kept secret for traveling in America? A safe, cost effective, hassle-free way to see more of this beautiful country we live in. A way to travel at your own pace, on your own schedule, while building lasting memories with your family and friends. It sound too good to be true doesnt it? Wait, it gets even better. What if I told you its not by plane, train, bus or your family automobile? Are you curious? Would you like to be let in on the secret that over 7 million households in America already discovered? If so, let me introduce you to the wonderful world of Recreation Vehicles (RVs) and camping.

I'm not talking about roughing it in the backwoods with tents and sleeping bags, not that theres anything wrong with camping like that. What I'm talking about is your home away from home. An RV is your living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom on wheels. not to mention air conditioning, satellite TV, and being able to take a hot shower. An RV offers you the freedom to roam Americas back roads and the flexibility to go whenever and wherever you want. Imagine this, you wake up one weekend on a beautiful crisp fall morning and just outside your front door is a 20-acre lake full of hungry rainbow trout. How about a two-week summer vacation 50 yards away from the tranquil sound of waves breaking on the beach, or just a Saturday afternoon tailgate party at your favorite college football game. Your RV is a private guesthouse for relatives when they come to visit and a weekend getaway to your favorite campground.

Its a 30-day cross-country history lesson. Its whatever you want it to be and best of all its fun and its safe. Perhaps this slogan used in a Go RVing advertisement sums it up the best. Waiting for the fish to bite you wonder how smart your daughter has gotten and how much your son is starting to look like you and you wonder why you never noticed until now. But you might as well head back to camp; the fish seem to be as relaxed as you are. Rediscover your family while you discover America. Wherever you go youre always at home. Go RVing was formed in 1994 by representatives of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), Recreation Vehicle dealers Association (RVDA), national Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) and leading state RV and campground associations. Go RVing works to distribute information about the benefits of RV travel and ensure the quality of RV products and services. You can call 1-888-Go-RVing or visit the Go RVing website at www.gorving.com to get a free CD-ROM or video that will introduce you to the world of RV travel and camping.

traveling in the united States and life in general changed dramatically after the cowardly terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. A nation of people who always felt safe and secure against any type of outside threat, and a nation of travelers who never gave a second thought to their mode of transportation are now weary about what to expect next. RV travel, already at an all time high, is more appealing since the tragic events of 9/11. Recognized travel authority and former President of RVIA, Mr. David J. Humphreys had this to say, "Families want to escape to America's outdoors in these uncertain times, spend quality time together, and avoid hassles associated with flyingall long-term trends likely to sustain continued RV market growth."

U.S. ownership of RVs has reached record levels, reveals a 2005 University of michigan study commissioned by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Nearly one in 12 u.s. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV. That's nearly 8 million householdsa 15 percent increase during 2001-2005 and a 58 percent gain during 1980-2005. The study also stated demographic trends favor substantial RV market growth. As baby boomers enter their prime RV buying years over the next decade, the number of RV-owning households is projected to rise to nearly 8 million in 2010, a gain of 15 percent, outpacing overall u.s. household growth of 10 percent. Other contributing factors to RV market growth are low interest rates, long term financing and the lure of the great outdoors. RVs can be financed for periods of 10, 15 and in some cases even 20 years, resulting in low monthly payments and tax deductible interest. RV vacations are more affordable than travel by personal car, commercial airline or cruise ship, according to vacation cost-comparison studies by PKF Consulting. Even factoring in RV ownership costs, and considering resulting tax benefits, a family of four can spend up to 70 percent less when traveling by RV.

What exactly is an RV? RVIA describes an RV as a vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping. RVs come in many different types, sizes and price ranges. Some are very basic starting around $ 4,500 providing sleeping arrangements and cooking facilities. On the other end of the spectrum there are $1,000,000 plus luxury land yachts on wheels.

RVs are categorized as either motorized or towable. Motorized RVs are built on a vehicle chassis and powered by either a gasoline or diesel engine. There are three classifications for motorized RVs, type A, B, and C. type A motor homes are the largest of the three ranging from 25 to 45 feet. They are the ones you see that look similar to a bus, and depending on the price they can be equipped with features like washers and dryers, multiple slide out rooms, satellite dishes, home entertainment systems and much more. type B motor homes are the smallest of the three ranging from 16 to 20 feet. They are conversion vans that have been modified and equipped with all of the comforts and amenities found in other RVs in a compact size. type C motor homes also referred to as mini-motor homes are built on a cutaway van chassis and range in size from 20 to 31 feet.

Towable RVs are towed behind a vehicle then disconnected and set up when you arrive at your destination. This allows you the benefit of using the tow vehicle to make a trip to the store, or go sight seeing while you are camping. Towable RVs include folding camping trailers, truck campers, travel trailers and 5th wheel travel trailers. Folding camping trailers, often referred to as pop-ups, are the least expensive RV and the lightest in weight. Some pop-ups offer the basic essentials while others come equipped with features like a water heater, bathroom, furnace and refrigerator. When set up they can range in size from 15 to 24 feet. Truck campers are campers loaded onto the bed of a pickup truck. This makes for a very versatile RV that can access back roads and remote areas other RVs can't get to. travel Trailers are a popular choice among RVers because of the wide array of floor plans available. Whether its for two people or eight you can find a model that will suit your needs. They range in size from 15 to 35 feet and offer all the comforts of home. Fifth wheel travel trailers are the ones you see that extend over the bed of the pickup or custom tow vehicle. Because of their bi-level design 5th wheels offer the most living space of any towable RV and are often times the choice for full-timing RVers. They range in size from 21 to 40 feet.

traveling by RV makes even more sense when you take into account there are over 16,000 campgrounds, both public and private, for RVers to use in the united States. We also have 367 national parks that offer over 400 campgrounds with 29,000 campsites and our 156 national forests offer more than 4,000 campgrounds. While you visit these campgrounds across the u.s. you don't need to be concerned about staying in touch with your family and business contacts. On a travel Channel program titled Secrets of RVs hosts and publishers of former RV Companion magazine, Mike and Beverly Wieber, discussed the latest technology for RVs involving in motion satellite systems and high speed internet access. With this technology you can access online maps, travel information, and weather reports. More and more campgrounds are offering telephone connections as part of their full hook-up and the latest trend is to provide RVers with wireless high speed internet access at the campground.

If you're concerned about purchasing an RV only to find out the RV lifestyle is not meant for you try renting one before you buy. There are over 400 national rental chain outlets and RV dealerships that rent all types of RVs. Another way to learn more about RVs is to attend a local RV retail show or visit an RV dealer near you. For more information about rentals, RV shows, and RVs in general visit www.RVIA.org. To locate an RV dealer check your yellow pages or visit www.rvda.org. So what are you waiting for? Come join the other 30 million RV enthusiasts in America and remember wherever you go you're always at home. Happy Camping, Mark

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. www.rveducation101.com/

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