Strengthen your negotiating position with this one tip

There's a simple thing you can do to put yourself in a powerful negotiating position: If you want something, don't care about getting it. Does that sound crazy? Can you see yourself not caring when negotiating the purchase of your dream home, the one you can see yourself blissfully happy in for years to come? Don't misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting you don't try to get the house. Not caring means you sit down with your Texas REALTOR® and put together a data-driven offer that makes sense for your situation. Then you divorce yourself from the outcome. Not caring-removing the emotion-makes your decisions easier because you'll be assessing objective criteria. Either the seller meets your price or he doesn't. Either he agrees to make a repair or he doesn't. You won't win every negotiation this way, but you'll be less likely to pay more than you wanted to or compromise on something that you'll regret. There's no line in the contract that says, Check this box if you really want this house. Focus on the particulars of the deal without caring about the outcome. It's easier said than done.

How can you buy a home you don't know is for sale?

Not many homebuyers would ask to see 70% of available homes for sale. But that's what's happening if you're visiting certain websites. Realtor.com recently provided a real-world demonstration of its competitors' incomplete data by wrapping an Austin home in a black covering with a statement printed on it that said, "Searching for a home to buy on Zillow? You're missing out on thousands like this." The point is that not all real estate sources give you a complete picture. Some websites don't list thousands of properties currently for sale, show homes for sale that have already sold, and provide inaccurate values and data. So how do you know you're getting the most complete, accurate information? My suggestion is to work with a REALTOR®. They are the folks with the most real estate experience, the best information, and the ability to help you interpret that information.

Lighting of the Island Christmas Contest

Don't Forget to Shop the Island!

Can the buyer terminate if I've already paid for repairs?

I signed a contract to sell my house in which I agreed to repair six items. I also agreed that the buyer could have a 10-day option period. I was worried that the repairs wouldn't get done before closing, so I hired a roofer and plumber to get started on the repairs. But on the last day of the option period, the buyer terminated. Is he allowed to do that? Yes. The buyer will have the right to terminate under the option period regardless of whether you make or start to make repairs. If you used a Texas Real Estate Commission contract, you are obligated to complete all agreed-upon repairs prior to closing. However, you can ask the buyer to extend that closing date if you think you need more time-just get any extension agreement in writing.

MARKET by the BAY

December 16 - 17: Arts, Crafts, Antique & Jewelry Show at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center. THREE dates: December 16 - 17, January 13 - 14 & February 17 - 18. A Gloria Bates Production. Call 956/455-6798 for vendor information.

PORT ISABEL invites you to SHOP SMALL all through the season!

Port Isabel's downtown is uniquely located on the shoreline of the Laguna Madre Bay and has a historic lighthouse in the center of it! There are dozens of specialty shops, an art gallery, food and drink, museums, a fishing pier, a pirate ship, fishing charters, dolphin watches, fish markets, and, yes, you can stroll to the top of the Lighthouse! Park & Play All Day! Shop keepers and restaurateurs are friendly and take great pride in creating a memorable experience for you! From great service to an unimaginable variety of collectibles, souvenirs and gifts! See our video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1llBcBo

Shop the Island

City of South Padre Island Christmas Celebration

28th Annual Lighted Boat Parade

Is now the right time to sell your home?

Texas homes are in demand statewide this year, and even though the number of homes on the market is rising, it's still relative low at only 4.0 months' worth of housing inventory. What this means for sellers It's estimated that a market with a monthly housing inventory between 6.0 and 6.5 months is balanced between supply and demand. An inventory of less than 6.0 months indicates a seller's market because there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. There may be increased competition among homebuyers in markets with fewer homes for sale, which means sellers could see multiple offers or offers above their asking price. Work with a local expert Every market is different, so if selling is on your mind, contact a Texas REALTOR®. He or she can offer insight into your area's activity, like how quickly properties are selling, and help you determine the best asking price.

Lighting of the Island Christmas Contest

Sellers, here's what buyers really think about your home

Have you ever wondered what a potential homebuyer thinks when she visits your house? Here are a few questions that came to my mind when I was searching for my first home. What's that smell? I never realized how sensitive I am to smells until I saw eight houses in one day. The pet smells, air fresheners, mildew, and fresh-paint odors left me with a pounding headache. Some people love the smell of cinnamon apples and others might not, but get some help from your Texas REALTOR® to figure out a way to create a more neutral smelling experience. That might mean opening a few windows before a showing or temporarily moving the litter box. Will that dog bite us? As a pet owner, I know I can't always take my dog or cat with me wherever I go. If you can take your pets with you when a buyer comes for a viewing, though, it can make for a much better home-tour experience. Why? Some people might be afraid of your pet. Other times, your pet can be a distraction. It's hard to concentrate when a barking dog accompanies you on your property tour. Where would I put my stuff? It's true what they say: buyers have a hard time looking past excessive clutter. When that spacious closet you're trying to sell is packed full, I can't tell how spacious it truly is. And navigating through your kids' toy maze is just as annoying for me as it is for you. It's hard to please every potential homebuyer who will walk through your door, but there are a few simple ways to make your home a little more inviting so your house isn't known as "the one with the cat smell" or "the one with the toy booby trap." Talk to your Texas REALTOR® and be open to his advice about preparing your home for sale. He'll know what attracts homebuyers to a property, and he's on your side to get it sold.

Are verbal negotiations binding?

The seller didn't accept my initial offer to buy his home. He told my agent he would sell the house to me if I came back with an offer $10,000 higher. So I did ... only to find out that the seller is already under contract with another buyer. Didn't he have a duty to sell to me if I met the asking price he said he would accept? No. Although buyers and sellers may have verbal communications to negotiate acceptable terms, a written contract must be signed by both parties to be binding.

City of Port Isabel’s 8th Annual Community Tree Lighting

Mayor Joe E. Vega & The Port Isabel City Commission invite you to attend City of Port Isabel’s 8th Annual Community Tree Lighting Thursday, DECEMBER 3 at 6 p.m., Beulah Lee Park. Public is invited! 213 N. Yturria St. Next to the Public Library. Special appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, Music Performances, Crafts for Children, Christmas Caroling, Food Booths and Goody Bags! For more information, please call (956) 943-2682. FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter 5th Annual Ay Chihuahua Fundraiser

The Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter invites you to our 5th Annual Ay Chihuahua Fundraiser! The event will be held at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center November 21, 2015, from 7-11 p.m. Drinks ~ Music ~ Silent Auction ~ Food ~ Loteria & More! Tickets may be purchased ONLINE, at the Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter, Port Isabel Visitor Center, Port Isabel Public Library or at the door for $20 per person or $35 per couple. TICKETS ARE ONLINE: http://ay-chihuahua-fundraiser.eventbrite.com All profits will go towards the Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter. For more information call: 956/943-3888.

28th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Celebrate Christmas coastal style with our 28th Annual Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 6 p.m. Viewing areas on the shores of the Laguna Madre Bay! Hosted by: Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored in part by: Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce • Port Isabel / South Padre Press & Parade • Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation Thanks to: Awards Ceremony (LOUIES BACKYARD) & Judging Venue (SOUTHPOINT MARINA) Towing courtesy of: TowBoat U.S. Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. 956/943-2262 http://portisabelchamber.com/Events/ChristmasLightedBoatParade.aspx

New Listing: 213 Palm Blvd., Laguna Vista

213 Palm Blvd. is located in a quiet neighborhood in the town of Laguna Vista which is a short 15 minute drive to the white sandy beaches of South Padre Island. This beautiful home as granite counters throughout. You will love the back yard! It is perfect for entertaining and fun family gatherings with an outdoor kitchen, hot tub, pool and outside shower. Click HERE for more information

Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market

The Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market is held the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 9 am to 4 pm at Beulah Lee Park on Hwy. 100. For more information, contact Gloria Bates at 455-6798.

4 benefits to being an off-season homebuyer

Winter months typically bring a lull in real estate sales, but this can be an ideal time for homebuyers. In fact, there are several reasons to keep up your house hunt at year's end. Less competition. Even hot markets see a decline in buyers during the winter. This can mean fewer multiple-offer situations and more time to present your strongest offer. Motivated sellers. Sellers who list during winter months are often highly driven to sell. And fewer buyers means fewer offers, so sellers may be willing to make extra concessions to close the deal. Potentially faster closings. Mortgage brokers, inspectors, and other professionals involved in the deal may help you get to the closing table sooner since they'll be dealing with fewer transactions this time of year. A chance to see how the home performs. Systems such as the heater, insulation, and plumbing are put to the test when the temperature drops, and you'll be able to witness how they handle winter stress. If you're thinking about starting or continuing your house hunt during the winter, ask your Texas REALTOR® about the benefits of purchasing a home at the end of the year, including tax write-offs for homeowners. You may decide it's worth donning those mittens after all.

The best resource for pricing your home

You're ready to sell your home, but you're not sure what to ask for it. No problem ... a neighbor just sold her home for $329,000, so you'll just ask for the same amount. Wait. That was what she asked for her home. You're not sure what it actually sold for. Oh, hey! Didn't your coworker sell his home for $275,000 a few months ago? That's solid information. Maybe you should ask for that. If the market hasn't changed much since then. Sure, the coworker's house isn't in your neighborhood, but it has the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms as your home. Or maybe you should go with the asking price to the neighbor's house. She probably sold it for close to that number. The house isn't as nice as yours, but it's a little larger. And it has beautiful landscaping. That adds some value, but how much? Putting those two homes aside for a bit, you go to a website that promises to tell you what your home is really worth. An actual number. Now you're getting somewhere ... if the value isn't off by the 20% margin of error you read about in the site's disclaimer. If only there was a way to process all this ... pull in more data ... make sure it's accurate ... account for differences in the properties ... factor in what's going on with real estate prices in your neighborhood. If you could just find some to do all that, analyze it, and guide you toward the highest price that will actually get an offer. Sounds to me like you're ready to work with a Texas REALTOR®.

145 Oleander Drive Laguna Vista, TX 78578

LUXURY! VIEWS! WATERFRONT! NEW CONSTRUCTION! Enjoy fireworks, nature, fishing and watersports from your private 90’ waterfront, 1/3 acre lot with breathtaking views of Laguna Madre and South Padre Island. Designed 3BDRM, 3 Bath, but currently used as dual master suites. 3.5 car garage. Fabulous deal on QUALITY, WELL BUILT, Commercial and LEED Designed, TDI Windstorm Certified, Tempered, hurricane impact resistant windows. Chef kitchen, stainless appliances, quartz, gas cooking/ grilling/ fireplace. Low operating costs w/tankless water heater, softener, LED lights, shaded NE facing patio. Gated community with pool/gym/meeting rooms. 2 minutes to golf course, 15 minutes to island. Construction specs list upon request. Cost to build–over $600K Click HERE for more information.

24 Whooping Crane Dr. Laguna Vista, TX 78578

Absolutely stunning 3 bed/2.5 bath home with office sits on the SPI Golf Community with fabulous views of the golf course and 8th hole. Stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops throughout, tile flooring in common areas, elevated ceilings, ceiling to floor windows, and custom built-ins. Make this beautiful home in a peaceful community yours today! Click HERE for more information

New Listing at 16 Country Club in Laguna Vista

Check out my new listing at 16 Country Club in Laguna Vista. Executive Lakefront Golf Course home built by Pavlis Custom Homes. Unfurnished 3 Bdrm 2.5 Bath plus office, wet bar, two car garage and golf cart garage. Very large back yard with wonderful lake views. Granite counters and vanities throughout, custom 42 inch cabinets, cathedral ceiling with wood beams, travertine tile floors, high end fixtures and built-ins everywhere. Windstorm Certified. Click HERE for more information.

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical

City of South Padre Island Christmas Celebration

Why is my brother asking me to sign this document?

My brother, who's a real estate broker, asked me to sign a buyer-representation agreement before he helps me find a house. I trust him completely. Why do I need to sign some paper? The short answer: to protect both of you. The buyer representation agreement spells out many aspects of a broker-client relationship, including how he will be compensated, your agreement to work exclusively with him, and his agreement to help you find a property and negotiate the deal. In addition, as a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, your brother is obligated to comply with NAR's Code of Ethics, which sets strict standards on REALTORS®' duties to clients and customers, the public, and other REALTORS®. The code requires REALTORS® to assure whenever possible that agreements-like a buyer representation agreement-express the specific obligations of the parties in writing and in clear and understandable language.

Texans for Prop 1 #TxProp1

City of South Padre Island Blood Drive

22nd Annual World's Championship Shrimp Cook-Off

Sea Turtle Inc. Throwback to the Beginning: The 70's!

Make your house look bigger without removing walls

Instead of just asking me to help with his kitchen remodel, my friend made me an offer I couldn't refuse: Want to come over and knock down a wall? While that's one way to make your house feel bigger, it's probably not the best option if you're putting your house on the market. Here are a few easier ways to add a sense of space. Cut the clutter Everyone knows they should do this, but few people go far enough. Don't put books and magazines in neat piles-get rid of them. Put knickknacks in storage, and pare down your furniture. It's better to have a few large pieces than several small ones. Take a walk Every house has natural paths, from the kitchen to the dining room or from the living room to the bathroom, and these walkways must be clear. You may not mind detouring around a large sectional to get from the TV room to the kitchen, but buyers will think your TV room isn't big enough. Look around Related to clear walkways are clear views. Keep tall furniture like bookshelves away from doorways, and pull back the shower curtain to expose the entire bathroom. Don't block any part of windows, sliding glass doors, or French doors. Pick the right paint If you plan to repaint some rooms, choose colors that feel cool, such as light blue or light green. Add light Not only will light colors create a sense of openness, actual light helps, too. Open curtains or blinds to let in sunlight, and consider adding a lamp to dark corners. When you're done with these changes, ask for objective feedback from your Texas REALTOR®. He or she will know what buyers will focus on when they enter your house and which rooms might need more work. Of course, if you do decide you want knock down a wall, give me a call. I'll bring my sledgehammer.

5 seller safety tips

When you're selling your property, there's one important thing you shouldn't ignore: your safety. While it's unlikely you'll experience issues, there are a few precautions you can take to avoid problems. Hire a Texas REALTOR®. If you sell your property on your own, how will you vet strangers who want to see it? Texas REALTORS® often manage that guesswork by assessing prospects and handling viewing appointments around your schedule. Store your valuables. Before your house is shown to prospective buyers, you may want to put valuable items like cash or jewelry in a safe-deposit box, or temporarily house your high-quality electronics in a storage facility. And put those valuable items away before your Texas REALTOR® takes photos so your listing doesn't attract people interested in these items rather than your property. Put away your prescriptions. Lock up your prescription medication or keep it with you when you leave for showings or an open house, since it's another item that criminals often target. Pack up your family photos. Storing these photos is often recommended for staging, but it can also be a safety measure. People touring your home don't need to know your personal details, like the size of your family or what your kids look like. Make prospective buyers go through your Texas REALTOR®. A for sale sign in your yard might attract people who will ring your doorbell to ask about viewing your property. Don't let people enter your home in these circumstances. Instead, have them contact your Texas REALTOR® to set up an appointment. Your Texas REALTOR® may have other tips to help you stay safe as a seller, and will ensure you have a smooth sale.

"Night at the Casbah"

Day of the Dead Celebration - Port Isabel, TX

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Madre presents Boots 'n Bling Casino Night!

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Madre presents Boots 'n Bling Casino Night! This year's annual gala will feature casino style games, a taste of the Laguna Madre with hors d'oeuvres from several local restaurants, music, and a live auction! So bling up your boots & join us for a fun night to support the children of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Madre! Individual tickets are $40, Couples $75.

#TxProp1

I didn't buy the house. Can I get a refund for the inspection?

I was under contract to purchase a home, but the deal fell through. Before the contract terminated, I had the property inspected. Can I get a refund for the inspection since I didn't buy the house? Generally, no. To have a chance at recovering your inspection fee without an agreement with the seller to pay the fee, you would first have to demonstrate that the deal fell through due to the seller's default. Then you may be able to convince a court to award you the fee as part of the damages that you incurred based on the seller's default. However, should you decide under Paragraph 15 of the TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) to terminate the contract and receive the earnest money, you would have no further recourse to pursue the inspection fee.

The new law that addresses creeping property-tax rates

American poet Carl Sandburg once reflected on the creeping of fog, how it "comes on little cat feet." That type of stealth is fine for the weather but not for Texas property-tax policy. Many Texans get sticker shock from their property-tax bills. They get an even bigger shock when they discover that their local taxing jurisdiction-municipality, county, school district-raised tax rates without their knowledge. Members of the Texas Legislature have heard the outcry from Texans. You want a more transparent process and stricter requirements to approve tax-rate increases. This year, legislators took a major step to address this issue. Effective Jan. 1, 2016, a local taxing unit must have a supermajority to approve a property-tax rate increase. That means at least 60% of the unit's members must vote in favor of the increase. Furthermore, all property-tax changes will be posted in an easily accessible and consumer-friendly manner. This new law didn't get a lot of attention last session but could have a significant impact on your wallet. Taxing jurisdictions will no longer be able to hide behind voice votes, simple majorities, and ambiguous public notices to increase tax rates. Each year tens of thousands of Texans show up at central appraisal district offices to protest the values assessed on their property. But almost no one attends the budget hearings where property-tax rates are set. This new law enables citizens to take a more active role in setting their tax rates and helps them understand why their elected officials feel a rate increase is necessary. We know taxes are necessary for communities to fund government services. However, increases should be done in a judicious, transparent manner-not approved in a stealthy manner, creeping up on little cat feet.

501 Ladies Night Out

Keep up with the changes in the real estate market

Say you bought your home seven years ago and you’re ready to move. You’re thinking of selling on your own. After all, you remember most of the steps in the process, and things couldn’t have changed that much since then, could they? Well, here are just a few differences … A new law requires disclosure about fluctuating water levels if the property adjoins certain bodies of water. Last month, there were revisions to the Condominium Resale Certificate. Websites will now tell you how much your home is supposedly worth. (They’re often wrong by tens of thousands of dollars.) The increased energy exploration in parts of Texas has meant negotiations regarding mineral rights in many transactions. New laws have changed the rights of property owners in homeowners associations. Not many transactions were done with electronic signatures seven years ago. Several key components of the closing process are set to change tomorrow. Yes, really … tomorrow, October 3. So while none of these and other changes technically prevent you from selling your home on your own, don’t you think you’d be better off hiring a Texas REALTOR®?

Rock 'N Roll Halloween

City of South Padre Island Blood Drive

5 to-dos for first-time homebuyers

You've decided that your first home should have three bedrooms and a big yard, but what other steps have you taken? There are a few other tasks you'll be glad you took care of before submitting an offer. Determine what's important to you. Create a list of your must-have features and refer to it when viewing properties. Your priorities may change, but it can be a good starting point. Ask for documents. If you're viewing property in a homeowners association, for example, request a copy of the HOA rules to review and ensure you're willing to abide by them. Look into assistance programs. You may qualify for homebuyer-assistance programs based on your profession, income, or the property's location. Consider all expenses. When calculating your housing budget, be sure to factor in expenses like taxes, insurance, utilities, and commuting costs. Think about resale value. You may appreciate a home's unique features or location, but will potential buyers love them when you're ready to sell? One of the easiest tasks you'll want to take care of when you're ready to buy your first home is to hire a Texas REALTOR®. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to help you reach your real estate goals.

Update your voter registration, save money on your taxes

Proposition 1 on the November 3 statewide ballot will lower your property taxes. But you can't vote for Prop 1 if your voter registration isn't current. If you moved, update your voter information here. Or if you're not registered to vote, fill out and submit this application. Why do you want to vote for Prop 1? It lowers your property taxes by increasing the state-mandated homestead exemption. Prop 1 also prohibits state and local governments from imposing a tax on real estate transactions-which means you won't ever have to pay a sales tax if you buy or sell property in Texas. Learn more about why you should vote for Proposition 1 on the November 3 statewide ballot at texansforprop1.com.

When you should call 811

You know to dial 911 in an emergency, but have you heard of 811? That's the number to call before digging around your home. Texas law requires a call to 811 before any excavation that's 16 inches or more deep to allow for underground utilities to be located and marked. Not sure how deep you'll be digging? Call 811. The call and the location services are free, and it's better to make the call than to knock out your neighbor's Internet service-or worse. Before you plant a tree or install a fence post, call 811. If you hire someone to install a sprinkler system, that person is required to call 811. Within two business days of the call, the appropriate utilities will visit your home and mark the location of any buried lines. The colors on the ground indicate what's beneath the surface: • Red: electric • Orange: telecommunications or alarm • Green: sewer or drain • Yellow: natural gas • Blue: water • White: proposed excavation • Pink: temporary survey marks Don't risk severing a telecommunications cable or puncturing a gas or water line. Call 811. It's free, and it's easy.

Meet the Candidates - SPI City Council Candidate Forum

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum for South Padre Island City Council Thursday, October 1, 2015 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. SPI Convention Centre The public is invited to meet the Candidates. Place Three: Theresa Metty Sally Scaman Place Four: Alita Bagley Ron Pitcock Place Five: Paul Munarriz The public may submit questions in advance to the Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Roxanne Guenzel. Questions must include your name and contact information. Questions may be sent via email to roxanne@spichamber.com or mailed/delivered to 610 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas 78597. Questions mailed/delivered must be in a sealed envelope marked Forum Questions on the front of the envelope. Questions must be received no later than Thursday, September 24, 2015, 12:00 pm.

Demand for Texas housing remains strong

San Antonio-area home sales up over last year Sales and price growth in the city are on par with statewide activity. Read more from Texas Public Radio. Texas cities are among the top housing markets Dallas, Midland, Austin, and San Antonio made realtor.com's list of the hottest U.S. real estate markets in August. Read more in The Dallas Morning News. North Texas housing stays in demand Home prices are up 10-30% to some areas of the state. Read more from KERA. Rising home prices won't be a problem for Texas Even if sales level out, don't expect a price crash. Read more at CNBC. DFW sees record-high condo sales These low-maintenance properties are selling at unprecedented levels. Read more in The Dallas Morning News.

Increase funding for transportation infrastructure without new taxes or debt

Increase funding for transportation infrastructure without new taxes or debt In Lehman's Terms This week, a major network news program ran a story about the many states still struggling to recover from the recent economic downturn. Obviously, Texas was not one of those states. The current Texas Quarterly Housing Report shows healthy real estate growth in all segments of our economy and in all geographic regions of our state. Real estate sales and activity continue to be effective indicators of our economy's health. Why is Texas always one of the last states to feel the impact of a slow economy and one of the first to recover? Public-policy makers in Texas constantly look down the road to address problems with our infrastructure needs that could derail our long-term economic viability. Paramount among these needs is transportation. Unfortunately, accelerated growth in Texas has left our transportation system in disarray. Current funding for highways barely keeps up with road maintenance, leaving almost no money for badly needed road projects. But you can do something about this infrastructure problem. Proposition 7 on the November 3 statewide ballot creates a dedicated funding source to fix our current roads, construct new highway projects, and make all our roads safer to drive on. Proposition 7 returns Texas to the pay-as-you-go system of paying for roads, which has served this state so well for generations. Most important, the proposal redirects existing state funds and does not call for any new taxes, new debt, or new toll roads. I urge you to vote for Proposition 7 on the November 3 statewide ballot.

Port Isabel Lighthouse Market Days

The phone number new homeowners will want to keep handy

Shaking hands at closing doesn't have to be your last interaction with your Texas REALTOR®. In fact, you may want to keep in touch for a while. Here are a few instances when you'll glad you kept his or her number on hand. • To tap into a valuable contacts list. When you need help with repairs or maintenance, your Texas REALTOR® can recommend service providers she or her clients have worked with. • To learn about your community. Your Texas REALTOR® will know the location of nearby businesses and information about local agencies, like the school district and city or county offices. • To solicit general homeownership knowledge. This could even include the process for filing for a homestead exemption or protesting your property tax appraisal. • To learn about your new home. If your Texas REALTOR® can't answer your question about the property-like which day the trash is picked up or which utility companies the sellers used-he or she will know who to call or where to look to find the answer.

A Night Under the Stars

A special prom night to honor adolescents and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Saturday, September 26th 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center. Call 956-433-5041 to RSVP

How to find the best place to buy your next home

I was surprised to see my neighborhood make a local magazine's list of top neighborhoods in my city. You see, our neighborhood wasn't on that list the previous year, and I don't think much has changed. That got me thinking about whether people really make decisions about where to live based on all those lists. You know the ones: best cities to raise a family ... top locations for young professionals ... hottest towns for techies ... most affordable places to retire ... best beaches, and on and on. There's nothing wrong with using a list as a starting point when thinking about where you'd like to live. But I hope you'll dig a little deeper. Spend some time in the area. Talk to the people. Check out the traffic. Experience the shopping and the entertainment-whatever it is that you'll be doing in your new locale. Don't forget to talk with your REALTOR®, too. REALTORS® know cities and neighborhoods as well as anyone. In fact, I'd put them at the top of the list.

14th Anniversary of the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway Collapse Ceremony

Friends of Animal Rescue South Padre Island

Join Friends of Animal Rescue for their first annual "Tails on the Beach 2015", a celebration of man's best friend. Free to the public at Clayton's Beach Bar on South Padre Island September 19th 9am - 3pm. Free bandannas for the first 100 dogs!

Port Isabel & South Padre Island Joint Chambers All Member Meeting

The Spazmatics at Louie's Backyard

Louie's Backyard Sep 06, 2015 11 PM Admission: Early Bird $20 Ticket URL: http://spazmatics.eventbrite.com Make your Labor Day Weekend plans today! All of your favorite bands from the 80’s packed into one great group. The Spazmatics are a crowd favorite, bringing you all of the best hits from the 80’s that you know and love! This concert will sell out! Get your Early Bird tickets online now.

You can ban a new tax on real estate

In Lehman's Terms Call it what you want: A real estate transfer tax. A sales tax on real estate. A real estate transfer fee. A home tax. They're all the same thing: A tax on the sale of your property. Thirty-seven states have such a tax, but Texas does not. And you have the opportunity to make sure Texas never has one. Proposition 1 on the November 3 ballot gives Texas voters the chance to ban a real estate sales tax. Forever. You already pay high property taxes. A vote for Proposition 1 ensures you won't have to worry about adding this tax, too. This vote is important for your personal finances but also for the state's economy. I've participated in economic development initiatives that encourage businesses to relocate to Texas. The message from these out-of-state businesses is always the same: They want to come to Texas for our business-friendly climate and because we don't have a state income tax. But they worry that the state's high property taxes will complicate the relocation of employees. However, when I inform them Texas is one of 13 states that does not have a real estate tax, they again want to come to Texas. Proposition 1 will ban taxes on the sale of real estate. It will also take the first step toward lowering property taxes in Texas. Voting for Proposition 1 saves property owners money now and in the future. Mark Lehman is the vice president of governmental affairs for the Texas Association of REALTORS®.

Fall Beach Cleanup on South Padre Island

September 26, 2015 Fall Beach Cleanup!

City of South Padre Island City Council Candidate Forum

Mark your calendars for the City of South Padre Island City Council Candidate Forum: Thursday, October 1, 2015 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm SPI Convention Centre Forum hosted by the SPI Chamber of Commerce

Can I ask if other applicants want the apartment?

I applied for a lease and asked the property manager if there were other applicants for the unit I'm looking at. She declined to answer my question. Can she do that? Yes. She can decline to answer the question if the landlord has instructed her to do so, because property managers are not required to inform you about other applicants. Keep in mind that if you submitted a TAR Residential Lease Application, that form states that the landlord can continue to show the property to other prospective tenants and can accept another offer absent a written agreement otherwise.

Listen to the latest "Inside Texas Real Estate" podcast at texasrealestate.com/inside to learn about the power Texas voters have this November.

Are these rumors keeping you from being a homeowner?

Many people get misinformation about the homebuying process. Don't let false rumors like these keep you from buying your own propery: "You can't buy property if you have a history of bad credit." You don't need a perfect credit score to qualify for a loan, and you can take steps to repair your credit that will put you on the path to homeownership. Talk to a Texas REALTOR® about your current financial situation to determine a realistic timeline for your home purchase. "You need a 20% downpayment to buy a home." There are many programs and mortgage loans available for homebuyers who have less than 20% for a downpayment or no money for closing costs. Visit txhomeprograms.org and contact a Texas REALTOR® to learn about programs you may qualify for. "You can't buy property in Texas if you're not a U.S. citizen." Texas properties have been desirable investments for international buyers for years. In fact, international buyers accounted for $11.06 billion in home sales in the state between March 2013 and March 2014. There are Texas REALTORS® who specialize in working with international buyers and can help you understand the process. Heard other rumors you're not sure about? Find a Texas REALTOR® to help you figure out the realities of purchasing your own property in Texas.

The highest offer isn't always the best

Price may be the most important factor when deciding whether to accept a buyer's offer for your home, but it's not the only one. Here are some other considerations: Do you have the time? If you need to close as soon as possible-or if your circumstances require a later date-you may prefer an offer from a buyer that matches your time frame to one that's a little higher but inconvenient. Does it depend on factors outside your control? A purchase offer contingent on the buyer successfully selling her home first may not be as attractive as one without a contingency clause. Is the buyer qualified? The less you know about whether a buyer can get a loan for your home, the higher the risk of the transaction falling through. A buyer who shows that he has been preapproved for a loan is less likely to have problems following through with the purchase. Do you have to jump through hoops? Buyers may ask for appliances or furnishings to be included in the sale. They could request that you make certain repairs. They might even ask you to pay some costs typically paid by buyers. Each request such as these makes the offer price a little less valuable. Your Texas REALTOR® can review offers with you to discuss how they stack up in all aspects, not just price. Then you can move forward with the transaction that works best for you.

Kayak Tour of the Laguna Madre

Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge From: Jun 05, 2015 – Aug 30, 2015 Every Sunday, Friday, Saturday Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 8 am - 1 pm, June-August Admission: $3/vehicle entrance fee, $30 for adults, $25 for children ages 8-12 CASH or CHECK ONLY. Learn basic kayak skills while enjoying a beautiful morning on the water! Geared toward beginners, all equipment & instruction provided by expert kayak guides. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call (956)-748-3607 ext 111 to make your reservation today!

Fireworks over the Bay at Louie's Backyard

Louie's Backyard From: May 28, 2015 – Sep 04, 2015 Every Thursday, Friday 9:15 PM Admission: Free Ticket URL: lbyspi.com The largest fireworks displays on South Padre Island! Visit us on South Padre Island during the summer season and enjoy Fireworks over the Bay every Thursday and Friday Night at 9:15 PM. It doesn't get any better than Louie's!

Mariachis Performing at Louie's Backyard

Louie's Backyard From: Jun 03, 2015 – Sep 02, 2015 Every Wednesday 7:30pm Ticket URL: lbyspi.com Everyone loves the Mariachi performances at Louie's and you will too! Enjoy the wonderful sounds of Mexico while dining bayside at Louie's Backyard! The Louie's Mariachis will be performing every Wednesday at 7:30pm - all summer long! It doesn't get any better than Louie's!

My listing agreement ended. Why do I have to pay my former broker a commission?

My TAR residential listing agreement ended July 1. A buyer who looked at my house in June submitted an offer on July 20 that I accepted. Today, my former listing broker called and said I owe her a commission on this sale-something about a protection period and this buyer being on a list she gave me. Do I have to pay the broker? Check Paragraph 5E of your expired listing agreement-TAR Residential Real Estate Listing Agreement, Exclusive Right to Sell (TAR 1101)-for details about your protection period. You do not have to pay this commission if any of these situations exist: • The protection period ended before you reached an agreement to sell the property to the buyer. • At the time the sale was negotiated, you had the property listed with another broker who is a member of the Texas Association of REALTORS® and you are obligated to pay the new broker a fee for the sale. • Your former broker didn't deliver the list of names within 10 days of the listing's expiration. • The buyer's name is not on the list provided by your former broker. Otherwise, you are legally obligated to pay the commission unless your former broker breached your listing agreement in some way before it expired. If you think that may be the case, you should seek legal counsel as to whether a breach may have occurred.

How to buy more than the house

In a real estate deal, you can ask for anything. While the other party doesn't have to agree to your request, everything is negotiable ... even items that don't usually stay with a property. Buyers sometimes ask for items like the refrigerator or clothes washer and dryer to transfer or "convey" with the property, but the possibilities don't end with appliances. Do you love the seller's wall-mounted TV or riding lawnmower? You may be able to keep them. I've heard of a buyer who asked for the seller's six goats to remain on the property and one buyer who wanted to keep the potted plants. If there's something you want in addition to the property, talk with your Texas REALTOR®. He or she can help you present your request in writing to the seller using the Texas Real Estate Commission's Non-Realty Items Addendum. Your Texas REALTOR® can help you present your offer and any requested conveyances ... just in case you want to keep the goats.

An easy way to lower the cost of homeownership

In Lehman's Terms Texas property owners scored several victories during the most recent session of the Texas Legislature. I think the biggest of these victories is landmark legislation that could lower your property tax and prevent a tax on real estate sales-important if you ever buy or sell property. I say "could" because the legislation approved by the Texas Legislature puts the decision to approve these historic measures in the hands of the voters. That's right. Proposition 1 on your November 3 ballot, if passed, will lower the cost of homeownership. Proposition 1 will increase your homestead exemption by 66%, which will lower your property tax. Proposition 1 will ban transfer taxes on real estate-a tax that already exists in 37 other states. There's no question about it. If voters approve Proposition 1, property owners will save money-now and in the future. Is there still work to be done on property tax reform? Of course. The appraisal system needs fixing, and local taxing entities could reduce their costs and save you money. But lawmakers have sent a message: Texas is serious about lowering the cost of homeownership. Now it's up to you. Mark Lehman is the vice president of governmental affairs for the Texas Association of REALTORS®.

What low oil prices really mean for Texas home sales

What do you get when you mix rising demand for Texas homes with decreasing inventory? The perfect recipe for a strong seller's market. And that's just what happened in the second quarter of 2015, according to the latest Texas Quarterly Housing Report, despite concerns that lower oil prices would have a negative impact on the statewide housing market. "Texas home sales are actually stronger than they were this time last year, when oil prices were nearly $100 a barrel," said Scott Kesner, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. "This is further evidence of the strong and enduring demand for Texas real estate." The report, released today by the Texas Association of REALTORS®, also shows that demand for Texas homes in the second quarter of 2015 kept statewide inventory low at 3.8 months. The Real Estate Center considers 6.5 months inventory to be a balance between supply and demand. Download the full report to see how your market performed in the second quarter of 2015.

Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT)

Scheduled to be held July 29 -Aug. 2, 2015 the 76th TIFT is expected to attract as many as 1500 anglers and more than 500 boats during its two days of fishing activities. TIFT is open to anglers of all ages and levels of experience. And remember, when it comes to big catches, luck often wins over skill! We hope to see you at the 76th! Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel and South Padre Island play host to Texas’ largest saltwater fishing tournament—the Texas International Fishing Tournament. The tournament starts with late registration on Wednesday and Thursday with a special Playday for junior anglers on Thursday. For more information, visit: http://tift.org/

3 homebuying myths busted

Buying a home can be complicated, so it's easy to get misinformation about the process. A Texas REALTOR® can help you avoid problems, but here's some clarification about a few false assumptions. Myth: I can use sites that list home values to figure out a fair offer price. Truth: There are a lot of sites online that offer estimates of how much a home is worth, but they're not always reliable sources. If you use them to come up with an offer, you may end up spending more than you need to. A Texas REALTOR® has access to accurate information about your market, other homes sold in the area, and property features, which can help you arrive at an appropriate offer price. Myth: Sellers have to fix issues noted in an inspection report. Truth: They don't-even if you ask them to. Repairs are a negotiable item like other terms of a contract. If a seller does not agree to make requested repairs and your contract includes a termination option, you have the right to terminate the contract prior to the option period's expiration. Myth: A seller has to accept my full-price (or above full-price) offer. Truth: A seller is not bound to accept any offer, even at full price or above. A seller may choose to accept an offer because of other favorable terms, such as an earlier closing date.

5 lessons for the second-time homebuyer

We've only been homeowners for three years, but even that short time has offered my husband and me lots of lessons that we're using as we buy our next home. These are some of the ways our perspectives have changed from being first-time homebuyers to second-timers. Paint colors really don't matter much. I made the mistake of not looking past cosmetic features that are easily changed, like outdated fixtures or unusual paint colors. This caused us to pass up several homes and potentially lengthened our home search. Ask about repair work. We didn't ask many questions about repairs and maintenance that had been completed on properties when shopping for our first home. Finding out when the roof was replaced or whether the HVAC system was still under warranty could have saved us time and money. Now we ask. Priorities may change. ​The criteria that lead you to your first home may not be what you seek in your next one. I initially wanted a large backyard, until I had to mow one. And we were fine buying a home that required us to join the homeowners association, but now we'd prefer a home in a neighborhood with fewer restrictions. Get your financing in order early. During our first home purchase, we made the mistake of starting to look for homes before getting a prequalification or preapproval letter to share with sellers. This time around, we started talking with a mortgage broker first. Always work with a Texas REALTOR®. Just as your financial situation may have changed in the past few years, it's possible that the housing market may have changed, too. A Texas REALTOR® has the experience and knowledge about the current market to help you find the home that fits your needs ... and you may learn a thing or two in the process.

Laguna Vista, TX – Featured in the Valley Morning Star

Little Town is Tops Laguna Vista one of the best for retirees By KAYLEIGH SOMMER Staff Writer | Posted 22 hours ago LAGUNA VISTA – It’s almost like you can’t afford not to live here. John Karcanes and his wife Linda have lived in Laguna Vista for about 12 years and they love everything about it. “We’ve been wondering when it will get discovered,” Karcanes said. The little town by the bay, home to Winter Tex-ans, retirees and families, has finally made the big time. The online publication MarketWatch.com has named the town one of the top 10 coastal towns where people can afford to retire. The site does not rank the 10 towns. The publication describes the town as a small residential community on the southernmost Texas coast near beautiful South Padre Island, Harlingen and Port Isabel. “This popular resort area has a very warm winter climate and is increasingly home to many retirees as well as vacationers,” the website states. As one of the most affordable retirement spots, the median home sale price is about $150,000. The National Association of Realtors put the national median home price at $196,900 at the end of 2013. The Karcanes said Laguna Vista exuded appeal as soon as they set foot in the city limits with its location, climate and affordability. The Karcanes, who are originally from Minnesota, said the area had every-thing they needed, the right weather, affordable housing and a plethora of activities they can enjoy. “We had a former neighbor purchase property here and they needed help moving,” he said. They were in town only one day when Linda looked at her husband and insisted they move here, too. So they did and now they live here all year round on a beautiful golf course property with a small lake view. “We’re going to live here for the rest our lives,” Karcanes said. A complete version of this story can be found at www.MyValleyStar.com ksommer@valleystar.com

Is your house worth that much?

It has happened again. A for sale sign went up in my neighborhood, and when I saw the asking price for the home, my eyes went wide. I couldn’t believe that house was worth so much. It turns out buyers were thinking the same thing. More than two months later, the owners are still trying to sell their property. The price has been reduced several times-more than 20% from the original number. Meanwhile, other nearby homes have come on the market and sold-some in a week’s time. How can you avoid a scenario like this? Start by working with a Texas REALTOR®. Your REALTOR® knows has in-depth experience and knowledge of the activity and values in your neighborhood. By looking at data with him or her, you can come up with a price and strategy to sell your house for the highest possible amount … without it lingering on the market.

I’m the back-up buyer. When does my option period start?

A seller accepted my back-up offer on a home that’s currently under contract to another buyer. I paid for a 10-day option to terminate, but when do my 10 days start? I don’t know if I’ll even get the chance to purchase the house. You have the option to terminate at any time while you’re in the back-up position. The option period specified in Paragraph 23 of the contract-10 days, in your case-doesn’t start until your contract becomes the primary contract, which is the date you receive notice from the seller of the termination of the first contract.

South Padre Island Farmers Market

SPI Farmers’ Market Every Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Shores 8605 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX

34th Annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament on South Padre Island

Registration is underway! Find out more information about the Ladies Kingfish Tournament on South Padre Island by visiting their website.