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National residential real estate agency Compass has acquired Realty Austin and Realty San Antonio, in a move that will expand its position as the leading national firm and its growth in Texas by more than 600 agents.

Although the sale price was not disclosed in Compass' announcement, the local brokerages completed $5.24 billion sales just in 2022 alone.

Compass added that the Austin and San Antonio leadership will have direct oversight of daily operations as part of the terms of the acquisition. Realty Austin and Realty San Antonio co-founder Yvette Flores maintains that she and her leadership team will strive for a "seamless transition" into the national firm that respects the home-grown culture they have created.

Realty Austin was founded in 2004 by Flores and Jonathan Boatwright, and has grown through the years to become one of the most innovative brokerages in Central Texas and beyond. The company expanded its operations to San Antonio in 2021.

Realty Austin and Realty San Antonio CEO Gabe Richter said in the release that Compass' leading-edge technology will help his agents foster greater successes, particularly in one blossoming San Antonio category: luxury real estate.

"Our agents have consistently set records with remarkable achievements," Richter said in the release. "Now, by aligning with Compass, they gain access to a transformative technology platform that enhances efficiency and elevated resources that empower them to secure even more luxury listings."

Compass was founded in 2012 as the largest real estate brokerage in the U.S., and preserves its stronghold as the No. 1 brokerage in Texas thanks to its milestone acquisition. The national brokerage has already surpassed $10 billion in sales in Texas in 2023, according to the release.

“With this acquisition, we've positioned ourselves as Austin's leading brokerage — our commitment to setting new standards and inspiring innovation for all our exceptional agents remains the top priority while honoring what Realty Austin and Realty San Antonio has built," said Compass Texas President Rachel Hocevar.

Photo courtesy of DMTX Realty Group

Extraordinary self-sustaining Hill Country ranch hits the market for $8.75 million

views for miles

A glorious and spacious Hill Country ranch fully equipped for off-the-grid living has landed on the market with a grand $8.75 million price tag.

The Lonesome Valley Ranch, located at 1430 Gibson-Best Rd. in Hye, sits behind a gated entrance on a short road for ultimate privacy. Past the gate is 260-plus acres of land, a one-acre pond, and four fully-furnished buildings ready to accommodate large gatherings or events.

The single-story main residence has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, while the two-story "barndominium" serves as a three-bedroom, three-bathroom bunkhouse and saloon. The bunkroom includes 10 bunk beds, so it's perfect for large groups. Both homes have wrap-around porches, extensive outdoor living spaces, and 360 degrees of Hill Country views.

Overlooking the pond is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin with a connected 40-foot pier for guests to try their hand at fishing or take a dip in the water. Also within the pond is an anchored dock and a fountain.

The fourth building on the ranch, hidden among the woods, is an equipment barn and workshop with a loft, apartment, and caretaker's residence.

The ranch is fully capable of operating off-the-grid thanks to an extensive solar system, several backup generators, a deep water well, a supplementary 100,000 gallons of rainwater collection, a propane capacity of 4,000 gallons, and much more.

Lonesome Valley Ranch is truly an entertainer's paradise. With the benefit of having no restrictions, the next owners could choose to Airbnb the bunkhouse, host special events or corporate retreats, and more. According to the listing, the property could generate $200,000 to $300,000 yearly for the next owners, while still operating as a family compound.

1430 Gibson-Best Rd

Photo courtesy of DMTX Realty Group

Lonesome Valley Ranch is located in Hye, Texas.

Thanks to the seller's intentional preservation of the heavily-wooded areas of the property, there is an abundance of wildlife suitable for hunting. Other outdoor amenities provided include an NBA-sized basketball court, a tennis court, and a pickleball court.

The property is also neighbored by the award-winning William Chris Vineyards and Garrison Brother's Distillery. The ranch is an easy 20 minute drive from Fredericksburg, and about an hour and 15 minutes from San Antonio.

David Murray from DMTX Realty Group holds the listing. More information about the ranch can be found on dmtx.com.

Photo by J King on Unsplash

Texas is the 3rd hottest state for international homebuyers, new report shows

international homebuying report

The trend of international buyers purchasing homes in Texas shows no signs of slowing down, as revealed in the latest Texas International Homebuyers Report.

Released September 6 by Texas Realtors, the report shows that the Lone Star State remains the No. 3 hottest U.S. destination for international homebuyers. Texas ranks behind Florida and California for the fourth consecutive year.

From April 2022 to March 2023, 9,900 Texas homes were purchased by "foreign buyers," which the report defines as people who don't live in the U.S., don't live here full time, live here temporarily on non-immigrant visas, or have been in the country for less than two years. (61 percent of buyers fell in the latter two categories.) These homes make up 11.7 percent of the total number of Texas Realtors sales transactions.

For comparison, Florida (No. 1) accounted for 23 percent of purchases, with California (No. 2) at 12.2 percent.

"Texas has long been one of the most popular states for international buyers," said 2023 Chairman of the Texas Realtors Marcus Phipps in a release. "Our strong economy, diverse population and high quality of life make the Lone Star State an attractive destination."

International buyers spent $4.3 billion on these Texas homes during the time period, the report says. Nearly half (49 percent) of buyers avoided the need for a mortgage by paying for their homes in all-cash.

In all, 84,600 international buyers bought property in the U.S. between April 2022 to March 2023, down from 98,600 buyers in last year's report.

The report further states that the median home price for international buyers is slightly lower than the overall Texas median: $320,800 versus $342,000. However, the average purchase price for international buyers was significantly higher, at $446,100.

In a breakdown of the foreign buyers, more than half (51 percent) bought a primary residence in Texas. Mexico made up 41 percent of the top buyers, followed by China (8 percent) and India (7 percent). Nigeria and Venezuela accounted for five percent each within the top foreign buyers.

Photo by Henry Becerra on Unsplash

This is how much income a San Antonio resident needs to afford rent in the city, plus more top stories

Hot Headlines

Editor's note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. From new construction to old movies, here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. This is how much income a San Antonio resident needs to afford rent in the city. Thankfully, the city's median annual income is higher than what a resident would need for a one bedroom apartment.

2. San Antonio hospital is one of the top 20 in Texas this year, says U.S. News & World Report. Baptist earns particularly high marks for cancer-related care and procedures.

3. Hemisfair prepares to break ground for hotel and residences around San Antonio's new Civic Park. Hemisfair is always looking toward the next thing, but now it's time for the future to become reality.

4. Fun and affordable San Antonio shows up on new list of best cities for Gen Z. San Antonio charms young adults with its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, diverse restaurants, and buzzy nightlife.

5. San Antonio museum collects spooky set pieces for 30th anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Hope you're sitting down: This year, the classic holiday mashup movie The Nightmare Before Christmas turns 30 years old.

106 Bella Cima Drive/Zillow

Legendary Houston Rockets 'champion' coach Rudy Tomjanovich lists elegant Lake Travis home for $3M

a slam dunk find

San Antonians who are serious about living like a baller on the lake should take a look at this house that just hit the market. Realtor.com recently spotted a listing for the 6,917-square-foot house of Basketball Hall of Famer Rudy Tomjanovich, right off the shore of beautiful Lake Travis.

The Zillow listing shows a wealth of photos in white and dark wood grain, for a tasteful, semi-natural look. But across this 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom house, there's one thing that ties it all together: a ton of arches. They appear over the entrance, in many of the windows, in doorways, in shelving, and even on both ends of the pool. Two domed showers look like they're inset in a cave-like bathhouse.

Among the more standard array of rooms — a very spacious entryway, a light-filled kitchen, and a couple of dining nooks and living areas — there are two that stand out.

The first is the study, the darkest room in the house, as one who often peruses mansions might expect. With wood paneling along the walls, exposed wooden beams inset in the ceiling, and big floor-to-ceiling bookcases, this serious room lightens up thanks to almost an entire wall of windows. In these photos, it's obvious that the house belongs to someone who loves basketball.

106 Bella Cima Drive Austin houseAll the natural woodgrain provides a beautiful contrast to the rest of the white house.106 Bella Cima Drive/Zillow

The other standout room is a wine cellar, seemingly carved from earth, but still fitting in with the white-and-wood aesthetic of the rest of the house. This dramatic storage space is lined with enough shelving to fit hundreds of bottles. A big air vent suggests that the room has its own temperature or humidity control.

Although large, the bedrooms are almost nondescript, save for some inset arches (no way, really?) and walk-in closets big enough to count as another room. At least one of the primary bedrooms features a fireplace in dark marble and a door straight out to the back patio.

It's a grand house, but certainly the biggest draw is the outdoor space. The back patio is topped with a deck, so the entire back of the two-story house is utilized for enjoying the beautiful views in the shade. Tuscan columns offset one section of the patio from the next, creating a few different conversation or reading nooks.

The stone tiled patio floor is even with the pool and "spa" (basically a small hot tub), creating one unified area. On the other side of the pool, an ornate retaining wall sets off the expertly manicured backyard, which avoids the boring green expanses of many mansion lawns in favor of some knobby Texas trees and a conversational fire pit.

106 Bella Cima Drive Austin HouseThere are lots of places to relax among the expert landscaping.106 Bella Cima Drive/Zillow

Other interesting features are a spacious laundry room, a "game room" (which could theoretically be used for anything, and a five-space attached garage.

A Texas legend, Rudy Tomjanovich spent his entire playing career with the Houston Rockets, starting the final year that the team was based in San Diego in 1970. He was the team's second draft pick that year. The six-foot-eight player (notice those high ceilings?) went on to coach until 2005, and is now a player personnel consultant for the Minnesota Timberwolves at age 74.

But fans will always remember "Rudy T" as the man who brought the city of Houston its first true pro sports championship — twice. Tomjanovich coached the Rockets and Hall of Fame legend Hakeem Olajuwon and co. to Houston and the Rockets' first title in 1994 — and followed suit the next year after a blockbuster mega-trade splash brought University of Houston icon and Hall of Famer Clyde "The Glide" Drexler home to the Rockets.

Addressing doubters and naysayers after the 1995 sequel championship win, Rudy T issued one of the greatest lines in pro sports history : "Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion."

106 Bella Cima Drive Lake Travis Austin house

The Lake Travis home is beautifully situated among trees.

See more of the house, which currently has an offer pending, on Zillow.

Steven Devadanam contributed to this story.

Rendering courtesy of Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation

Hemisfair prepares to break ground for hotel and residences around San Antonio's new Civic Park

Park Living

Hemisfair is always looking toward the next thing, but now it's time for the future to become reality. The Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation and its trio of partners have finished the agreed-upon due diligence phase and are nearly ready to break ground.

The partnership includes the following projects and entities, according to a news release:

  • A 200-room hotel by Zachry Hospitality
  • A 10-story residential tower and three-story retail building by Post Lake Capital Partners
  • An indeterminate "residential/retail building" to break ground much later by AREA Real Estate
  • In total, by all parties, "450 residential units with workforce housing, roughly 70,000 square feet of retail space ... [and] hundreds of parking spaces"

“It is great news to share that our three development partners have completed the due diligence phase of the lease agreements and are ready to get started on the next phases,” said Hemisfair CEO Andres Andujar. “Our partners’ dedication to the Hemisfair transformation is critical as we are set to open one of the world’s great public places, Civic Park, in just a few weeks.”

Zachry Hospitality is leading the charge, breaking ground in fall of 2023. The hotel will be a "one-of-a-kind Curio Collection by Hilton product,” according to Zachry Vice President of Public and Government Affairs Tara Snowden. As the name would suggest, this collection features bespoke hotels with eclectic style.

Many Curio Collection hotels place a special emphasis on the surrounding natural world, and Hemisfair is about to unveil its newly improved green spaces on September 29; It's probably a good bet that the two will feature some interplay, even if it's just great views.

The new hotel will join the four others in Texas — two each in Dallas and Houston — sometime in 2025. In the meantime, Post Lake Capital Partners will be working along the Riverwalk, breaking ground in the fourth quarter of 2024, and AREA Real Estate will start wrapping things up when it breaks ground in 2025.

The Hemisfair District, as any San Antonian knows, is too busy to shut down for construction. All the work has been planned around events in the area, according to the release. The 2025 NCAA Final Four, also known as March Madness, was given special consideration; games have already been scheduled at The Alamodome on April 5 and 7, 2025.

It may also quell some San Antonio's anxieties to learn that these developments are all located around City Park, and not directly on parkland. The decision to use these spaces was made in 2014, and funds have been appropriated from Hemisfair District revenue, not tax revenue. In fact, according to the Redevelopment Corporation, the goal is to make Hemisfair financially self-sustaining.

Unveiling Civic Park is part of the second phase of Hemisfair's urban park series. Yanaguana Garden was the first phase, and the third and final phase focuses on "Tower Park," on the eastern side of Hemisfair.

More information about changes in the district is available at hemisfair.org.

Civic Park Hemisfair San Antonio

Rendering courtesy of Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation

Civic Park will be open to the public on September 29.

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Beyoncé brings dazzling Renaissance Tour to big screens with new concert film

big-screen bey

“The goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free ...and no one is judged.”

So declares Queen Bey in a just-released trailer for RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ, a new documentary and concert film coming to major movie theaters on Friday, December 1 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The new film chronicles Houston-born Beyoncé's journey from concept to performance as she treks across the globe in her worldwide, 56-performance, 39-city Renaissance tour.

Houstonians (and fans who made the drive) are still buzzing from the two-day H-Town homecoming (read our review here) that near-capacity crowds pack NRG Stadium for the often breathtaking, three-hour shows that featured a cameo by fellow Houston-born superstar Megan Thee Stallion.

Tickets for the concert film — a joint production between Parkwood Entertainment and AMC Entertainment — are on sale now at amctheatres.com and Fandango.com. Fans can also find tickets at Cinemark, Regal, Cinepolis and Cineplex, all of which will screen the movie. Tickets will also be available at numerous movie theatre circuits in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico later this week, according to an announcement. Admission for all standard showtimes will start at $22, plus tax.

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ is a must for any Beyhive member — as well as those who want to reminisce attending the epic shows, or those who missed her tour stops. The big-screen treatment is fitting: short of seeing the shows live, there is no better way to take in the Renaissance tour's dazzling effects, lasers, and pyrotechnics, mind-bending visuals on huge screens, unforgettable costumes (A.I.!), Megan's surprise, and of course, Queen Bey riding through the air atop a glittering Reneigh, her trusty, mirrorball, shimmering steed.

Fans can look forward to multiple showtimes daily on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, for a minimum of four weeks, according to press materials.RENAISSANCE will also be available in IMAX (the ideal viewing) at AMC and Dolby Cinema at AMC, and other branded premium large format screens.

Kicking off atthe opening show in Stockholm, Sweden and documenting each stop to the grand finale in Kansas City, Missouri, the film captures rarely seen, behind-the-scenes moments of a Beyoncé tirelessly working and preparing and sharing tender moments with her children and family.

Meant to further articulate her “everyone is free/no one is judged” mantra, scenes will depict the more than 2.7 million fans from around the world who dressed in silver and shiny outfits, took part in her Joy Parade, and nailed the Mute Challenge at each show.

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Find RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ tickets at at amctheatres.com and Fandango.com.

Official Texas Fashion Week sashays into San Antonio with top emerging designers

BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

Few among us have the clout to sidle up to Anna Wintour on Loewe’s front row, but one doesn’t need the ear of the legendary editor-in-chief to gain fashion inspiration. As Paris Fashion Week winds down in October, the locally hosted Texas Fashion Week is just kicking off.

The annual affair — the official fashion week of the state’s emerging fashion industry — strutted into San Antonio on October 1 and will inspire through October 7 with a full slate of runway shows, educational programs, and glamorous celebrations. A collaboration between the state nonprofit Texas Fashion Industry Initiative and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the event aims to give promising designers a chance to showcase their ideas.

KLRN’s TV studios at 501 Broadway will be the epicenter of four days of presentations highlighting inspiring new collections. The shows kicked off with a college night featuring Lillian Jenae Designs, Brøc, and Aubrey Frey Apparel, labels created by Texas university students.

“Texas Fashion Week aims to provide a platform for emerging designers to showcase their innovative designs, including students,” said Texas Fashion Industry Initiative Vice President Saige Thomas in a release. “Fashion students deserve a chance to stage their work as well, without the standard financial limitations holding them back.”

In addition to soaking in wardrobe inspiration, local fashionistas can enjoy fashion and beauty panels, a high school sustainability competition, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. An educational program on October 2 covers topics such as branding and drag.

The jam-packed days lead up to the Texas Fashion Industry Awards at the Tobin Center on October 6. A curated brunch at Kiki’s Coffee on October 7 gives gala guests one last chance to congratulate the winners.

The full schedule of events can be found at texasfashionindustry.org. A limited number of all-access and single-day passes are still available.

Comedian Chris Tucker returns to road after a decade with a stop in San Antonio

Comedy Comeback News

Comedian Chris Tucker will make San Antonio's Majestic Theatre one of the stops on his first major tour in North America since 2011, performing at the venue on Thursday, November 2.

The 33-city" Legend" Tour 2023 will kick off in Charleston, South Carolina on September 8, continuing through January 12.

This new date in San Antonio was added due to high demand, as well as a second date in Houston (November 4-5). Tucker will also perform in Irving on November 1.

"I started my career doing stand-up in comedy clubs and it's stand-up comedy that prepared me for all of my movie roles," said Tucker in a statement. "I'm looking forward to getting back to my roots. I love performing live, there's nothing like the energy of a live crowd and making people laugh."

Tucker’s career began in the early 1990s when he became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam. He is best known for his role in the Rush Hour action-comedy film franchise, as well as Friday and The Fifth Element.

He's been in only a few films since the Rush Hour series ended, but recently had a prominent role opposite Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Viola Davis in Air.

Tickets will be available on Tuesday, October 3, at 10 am on Ticketmaster.

THE LEGEND TOUR DATES (*new show):

  • Fri Sep 08 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
  • Sun Sep 10 – Norfolk, VA – Chrysler Hall
  • Wed Sep 20 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
  • Fri Sep 22 – Memphis, TN – The Orpheum Theatre Memphis
  • Sun Sep 24 – Durham, NC – DPAC
  • Sat Sep 30 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre-Oakland
  • Tue Oct 03 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
  • Wed Oct 04 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater
  • Thu Oct 05 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
  • Sat Oct 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Pantages Theatre
  • Tue Oct 10 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre Columbus
  • Wed Oct 11 – Cincinnati, OH – Aronoff Center
  • Thu Oct 12 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre at Playhouse Square
  • Wed Oct 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
  • Thu Oct 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center
  • Sun Oct 22 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome at France-Merrick Performing Arts
  • Thu Oct 26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
  • Wed Nov 01 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
  • Thur Nov 02 — San Antonio, TX — Majestic Theatre*
  • Sat Nov 04 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
  • Sat Nov 05 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center*
  • Tue Nov 07 – Oklahoma City, OK – Criterion Theater
  • Wed Nov 08 – Kansas City, MO – Music Hall Kansas City
  • Tue Nov 14 – Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Moran Theater
  • Wed Nov 15 – Orlando, FL – Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
  • Fri Nov 17 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
  • Sat Nov 18 — New York, NY — Beacon Theatre*
  • Wed Nov 29 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
  • Sat Dec 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
  • Mon Dec 04 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
  • Thu Dec 07 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
  • Tue Jan 09 – Toronto, ON – Meridian Hall
  • Fri Jan 12 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre