https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXQusdbG4vw

Hallo Wings - SPI Birding and Nature Center

Time to get off the fence! Interest rates are still low, but who knows for how long?

If you’re considering buying a home, ask any real estate agent worth their salt and they’ll tell you: NOW is the time to do it. The real estate market is seemingly changing by the day, and if you want to get a great home for a great price, making a move now is in your best interest; conditions a year from now (or even six months from now) aren’t likely to be as hospitable. And why is that? Why shouldn’t you, if you’re interested in buying a home, wait? Why is NOW the time to make a move? The first reason you should buy a home now is that interest rates are extremely competitive. While they aren’t at the near-historic lows homeowners enjoyed in 2016, they’re still hovering in the high 3%’s for 30-year fixed mortgages and the low 3%’s for 15-year loans. But that’s going to change. Mortgage rates are scheduled to rise at least 3 times in 2018, with many experts predicting the interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage to reach 5% by the end of 2018. But what does that mean for you as a potential homeowner? Let’s say your mortgage principal is $200,000. If you secured your mortgage with a 3.87% interest rate, the total interest you would pay over the course of the loan would be $138,571 (360 monthly payments of $940, for a total of $338,571). Now, if you secured a mortgage with a 5% interest rate, the total interest you would pay over the course of the loan jumps to $186,152, a difference of $43,581 (if you’re interested in how changing interest rates affect the total cost of a mortgage, you can check out this interest rate calculator tool). Locking in a lower interest rate on your mortgage will save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your loan, which is why securing a loan now is in your best interest. 2. Competition is getting fierce Another reason now is a good time to purchase a home is that housing markets are growing more competitive every day. Now that much of the country has recovered from the recession, more and more people are in the position to purchase real estate. And the more people there are on the market, the more competition there is for homes. Competition is getting fierce in markets across the country. Homes are sold almost immediately, often at above asking price, and sellers are often dealing with multiple offers. The competition in most real estate markets is still manageable and deals are still to be found, but as the economy continues to improve, the competition will heat up even more – making finding and buying the home of your dreams significantly more challenging (not to mention expensive). 3. Homes are getting more expensive by the day… Speaking of expensive, homes are (literally) getting more expensive every day. In fact, as of June 2017, home prices have been rising every single month for well over 5 years. And that trend shows no sign of slowing. Experts predict home prices will jump up to 5% more in 2017 and another 3.5% in 2018 (with hot markets, like the Pacific Northwest, seeing even greater increases). Which means that if you purchase a home at the end of 2018, you can expect to pay an average of 8.5% more than you would pay today. Combine the rising interest rates with the rising home prices and you’ve got a recipe for paying a lot more for a home a year from now than you would pay today. 4. … And there are fewer to choose from One of the factors in rising home costs is low inventory. When there are too many people who want to buy homes and not enough homes for them to buy, it drives up prices and competition in the market. We have a huge problem with low inventory now, but unfortunately, that problem doesn’t have a simple solution. As interest rates rise, people are less likely to put their homes on the market in an effort to preserve the lower interest rates on their mortgages. The moral of the story is: there’s low inventory now, but there’s likely to be lower inventory in the future, which means prices will soar even higher. It’s better to buy now then it is to wait for the problem to get worse. Buying a home is a big decision. But if it’s a decision you’re considering, now’s the time to make a move. You’ll enjoy lower interest rates and an overall less expensive (and less stressful!) experience today than you will if you wait. So get out there and find your dream home!

Sand Castle Days 2017

Thu, Oct 5, 2017 8:00am Sun, Oct 8, 2017 5:00pm Clayton's Beach Bar (map) Master Sand sculptors Walter McDonald (aka Amazon Walter) and Lucinda Wierenga (aka Sandy Feet) are South Padre Island residents and 30 years ago started Sandcastle Days as a way to demonstrate the magical sculpting qualities of South Padre Island sand AND the critical importance of protecting our beautiful coastal shores. Master Sand sculptors Walter McDonald (aka Amazin Walter) and Lucinda Wierenga (aka Sandy Feet) are South Padre Island residents and 30 years ago started Sandcastle Days as a way to demonstrate the magical sculpting qualities of South Padre Island sand AND the critical importance of protecting our beautiful coastal shores. Over the years this FREE family-fun event has grown from a local celebration to qualifying event for the World Championships of Sand Sculpting where 30,000+ fans come to watch the sand come alive. Admission to this year’s event is FREE and boasts a new location, live music, art booths, great food, and an exciting new evening. Check back here and on the event schedule page for more details!

There are a lot of benefits to hiring a REALTOR, peace of mind is one of them! Olga Vega Carter, REALTOR RE/MAX 1st Choice (956) 433-6291

I work late so you don't have to! Call me today and I will help you find your dream home!

5 Surprising (and Useful!) Ways to Save for a Down Payment

Buying your first home conjures up all kinds of warm and fuzzy emotions: pride, joy, contentment. But before you get to the good stuff, you’ve got to cobble together a down payment, a daunting sum if you follow the textbook advice to squirrel away 20% of a home’s cost. Here are five creative ways to build your down-payment nest egg faster than you may have ever imagined. 1. Crowdsource Your Dream Home You may have heard of people using sites like Kickstarter to fund creative projects like short films and concert tours. Well, who says you can’t crowdsource your first home? Forget the traditional registry, the fine china, and the 16-speed blender. Use sites like Feather the Nest and Hatch My House to raise your down payment. Hatch My House says it’s helped Americans raise more than $2 million for down payments. 2. Ask the Seller to Help (Really!) When sellers want to a get a deal done quickly, they might be willing to assist buyers with the closing costs. Fewer closing costs = more money you can apply toward your deposit. “They’re called seller concessions,” says Ray Rodriguez, regional mortgage sales manager for the New York metro area at TD Bank. Talk with your real estate agent. She might help you negotiate for something like 2% of the overall sales price in concessions to help with the closing costs. There are limits on concessions depending on the type of mortgage you get. For FHA mortgages, the cap is 6% of the sale price. For Fannie Mae-guaranteed loans, the caps vary between 3% and 9%, depending on the ratio between how much you put down and the amount you finance. Individual banks have varying caps on concessions. No matter where they net out, concessions must be part of the purchase contract. Related: New Law Protects You from Surprise Closing Costs 3. Look into Government Options The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, offers a number of homeownership programs, including assistance with down payment and closing costs. These are typically available for people who meet particular income or location requirements. HUD has a list of links by state that direct you to the appropriate page for information about your state. HUD offers help based on profession as well. If you’re a law enforcement officer, firefighter, teacher, or EMT, you may be eligible under its Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program for a 50% discount on a house’s HUD-appraised value in “revitalization areas.” Those areas are designated by Congress for  homeownership opportunities. And if you qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage under this program, the down payment is only $100; you can even finance the closing costs. For veterans, the VA will guarantee part of a home loan through commercial lenders. Often, there’s no down payment or private mortgage insurance required, and the program helps borrowers secure a competitive interest rate. Some cities also offer homeownership help. “The city of Hartford has the HouseHartford Program that gives down payment assistance and closing cost assistance,” says Matthew Carbray, a certified financial planner with Ridgeline Financial Partners and Carbray Staunton Financial Planners in Avon, Conn. The program partners with lenders, real estate attorneys, and homebuyer counseling agencies and has helped 1,200 low-income families. 4. Check with Your Employer Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) programs help connect low- to moderate-income workers with down payment assistance through their employer. In Pennsylvania, if you work for a participating EAH employer, you can apply for a loan of up to $8,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance. The loan is interest-free and borrowers have 10 years to pay it back. Washington University in St. Louis offers forgivable loans to qualified employees who want to purchase housing in specific city neighborhoods. University employees receive the lesser of 5% of the purchase price or $6,000 toward down payment or closing costs. Ask the human resources or benefits personnel at your employer if the company is part of an EAH program. 5. Take Advantage of Special Lender Programs Finally, many lenders offer programs to help people buy a home with a small down payment. “I would say that the biggest misconception [of homebuying] is that you need 20% for the down payment of a house,” says Rodriguez. “There are a lot of programs out there that need a total of 3% or 3.5% down.” FHA mortgages, for example, can require as little as 3.5%. But bear in mind that there are both upfront and monthly mortgage insurance payments. “The mortgage insurance could add another $300 to your monthly mortgage payment,” Rodriguez says. Some lender programs go even further. TD Bank, for example, offers a 3% down payment with no mortgage insurance program, and other banks may have similar offerings. “Check with your regional bank,” Rodriguez says. “Maybe they have their own first-time buyer program.” Not so daunting after all, is it? There’s actually a lot of help available to many first-time buyers who want to achieve their homeownership dreams. All you need to do is a little research — and start peeking at those home listings!

Why didn’t the seller send me a counteroffer?

I submitted an offer to buy a house. Instead of accepting my offer or sending back a counteroffer, the seller replied with a form called Seller’s Invitation to Buyer to Submit New Offer. On it, he wrote a comment that he would view my offer more favorably if I increased my offer price. Why didn’t he just make a counteroffer? Though often sellers will respond with a counteroffer when an offer doesn’t quite meet their approval, sometimes they will reply with the form you mentioned. The form—only for use by Texas REALTORS® and their clients—enables the seller to continue marketing the property to other buyers while you consider your next move. You can discuss with your Texas REALTOR® whether to submit a new offer based on the comment the seller provided in the form. You may not want to wait too long, since the seller can entertain other offers in the meantime.

5 things first-time homebuyers don’t know they should do

You’ve decided that your first home should have three bedrooms and a big yard, but what else have you thought about? You may want to check out Fox Business' list of 10 things that most first-time homebuyers don’t consider during their house hunt. Here are the first five: Make a checklist and use it. Determine what features are essential to you and refer to your list when viewing properties. Your list may change, but it can be a good starting point. Consider all expenses. When you're calculating what you can afford, be sure to factor in other expenses like taxes, insurance, commuting costs, and utilities. Ask for the paperwork. If you’re looking at property in a homeowners association, request a copy of the HOA rules before submitting an offer to see if you’re willing to abide by them. Research funding sources. You may qualify for homebuyer-assistance programs based on your profession, income, or the property’s location. Think about resale value. You may appreciate a home’s unique features, but will potential buyers love them when you’re ready to sell? One of the best decisions you can make you’re ready to buy your first home is to choose a Texas REALTOR®. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to help you reach your real estate goals.

Stop Living on the Edge!

Doesn’t the buyer have to give a reason for backing out?

I accepted an offer on my home, and now the buyers are backing out. I thought they had to a give a valid reason—like that they can’t get a loan—but their agent says they don’t. Is that true? It depends. If the buyers paid you for a termination option (see Paragraph 23 of the contract), they can cancel the deal for any reason within the agreed-upon time period. In that case, the buyers don’t owe you an explanation. You get to keep the option fee negotiated in Paragraph 23, but the earnest money will be refunded to the buyer. If the contract does not include a termination option—or if the option period has expired—the buyers would be in breach of the contract if they tried to walk away without giving a contractually acceptable reason, such as not being able to obtain financing under the terms specified in the contract.

4 ways to stay safe as a new homeowner

You do actions to stay safe every day, like fastening your seat belt, looking both ways before you cross the street, or locking your doors before you go to sleep at night. Your Texas REALTOR® likely has some ideas of how to you can stay safe as a new homeowner, but here are four safety tips to consider: Don't entice thieves with your empty boxes. While it's exciting to upgrade your home to make it your own, putting those boxes from your new TV on the curb might send a signal to potential thieves. Instead of putting boxes out in plain sight, break them down and place them in a trash receptacle or store them inside until trash day. Better yet, take them to your local recycling center as soon as possible. Change the locks. Have you ever made extra keys for your home for the dog walker, your best friend, or as a loaner to give to visitors? You're probably not the only one. Even though your seller will surrender her keys at the sale, there's no guarantee that she remembered to retrieve all of them. For safety's sake, it's worth getting your own set of keys that no one else has but you. If you're in a condo, you might be able to ask a maintenance crew to change your locks for you. If not, your local home-improvement store can give you some guidance, and there are plenty of instructional videos online as well. You can also hire a locksmith to rekey for you. Keep your name to yourself. You might want to tell the world about your new purchase by putting your name on your mailbox, doormat, or elsewhere, but be smart about what you reveal. On your mailbox, use just your last name or your last name and first initial. This keeps strangers from knowing too much about you and your family, like your gender or how many people live in the property. Sign up for the neighborhood email list. If there is a local group email list, becoming a member of it is a good way to stay informed about neighborhood happenings. For example, my neighborhood's email list has alerted me about suspicious door-to-door visitors and car break-ins. Even though it's unfortunate, I'm glad to be in the know. A bonus benefit? You'll probably hear about fun ways to meet your neighbors, too, like block parties or yard sales.

Home Improvement | Paint vs. Replace

https://youtu.be/7yCxSydOMu8

What's the Difference Between a Short Sale and Foreclosure?

Two options for homeowners who fall behind on mortgage payments are a short sale and foreclosure. While the prospect of losing a home is a hard reality that many people face, it's important to understand the difference between these two processes. How long do short sales and foreclosures take? Which is more detrimental to a borrower's credit? Let's discuss the details. What is a short sale? A short sale happens when the owner owes more on the mortgage than the market value of the property. During this process, they are essentially asking the lender to accept a lesser amount than the total it's owed. If the bank accepts the terms, the debt will be settled and the borrower released from any further liability once the short sale is closed, says Realtor® Paola Martinsen with Equity Real Estate in Murray, UT.

SPI Wahoo Classic

Friday, September 8, 2017 9:30am Sunday, September 10, 2017 5:30pm Jim's Pier South Padre Island, TX Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in the second annual South Padre Island Wahoo Classic. Fishing from Jim’s Pier, Anglers will compete in three categories: Wahoo, Black Fin Tuna, Dorado/Mahi Mahi. The Classic features $15,000 in cash prizes for the top three competitors. The Gulf comes alive during September and October, so come join us during the best fishing weather of the year. Source:: http://www.sopadre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/WAHOO-CLASSIC-Online-Registration1.pdf

Can I keep the lighting fixture when my house sells?

There's a chandelier in my entryway that I don't want to sell with my house. How do I make sure it's excluded from the sale? The Texas Real Estate Commission sales contract says that permanently installed and built-in items, including lighting fixtures, go with the property. So, you have two options if you want to take the chandelier with you: Take it down before showing the house, so potential buyers don’t assume it comes with the property. Tell potential buyers during negotiations that the chandelier will be removed, and list it as an excluded item in the sales contract. Ask your Texas REALTOR® about the best way to accomplish this.

For Sale: 17 Hacienda Laguna Vista, TX

This gorgeous 3/2 Hacienda really stands out! Relax in the screened in patio which overlooks the 9th Fairway with views of the lake. Granite counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, slate flooring and carpeted bedrooms, stainless steel appliances, 2 car garage with golf cart..this home has it all! Located a short 15 minute drive to South Padre Island. Offered fully furnished! More Information

Keep these money-saving homeownership benefits in mind during tax season.

https://youtu.be/Zx1rkx8BGSQ

FSBO Risks: 4 Scary Scenarios 'For Sale by Owner' Home Sellers Face

Going the "For Sale by Owner" route is a tempting alternative to hiring a real estate agent to sell your home. After all, listing agents charge a commission for their work that can eat into your own profits. So why not try to save money by selling your home yourself? Here's why: There are some major risks with going FSBO, from a lower sales price to landing in legal hot water. So before you pursue this DIY route, here's a warning of some of the bad things you might encounter when you attempt a FSBO arrangement. 1. Your listing won't be seen by many buyers One key thing a real estate agent will do for you is create an eye-catching ad for your home, with attractive photos and a winning description that will reel in buyers (by, say, playing up those hardwood floors and granite countertops). Sure, you can probably cobble together your own ad, but there's one thing you absolutely can't do if you go FSBO: Post that ad on the multiple listing service. Real estate agents pay to put their listings on the MLS, which is then distributed far and wide, including to sites such as realtor.com®. Which is great, since that way you know your home can be seen by thousands of potential buyers and their agents. With FSBO, however, your home won't go on the MLS; instead, it'll go on sites that cater to FSBO listings, which get far less traffic. “There are thousands of agents trying to sell your house when it's on the MLS, but when you do it alone, only one person is trying to sell your house—you,” notes Realtor® Denise Briez with Pro100 in Neosho, MO. 2. Your home could sell for a much lower price Pricing a home can be far more challenging than most newbies assume. The majority of sellers price their home based on emotions, or what they hope it should sell for in some dreamy best-case scenario. “Often the seller is too personally invested in the situation and too close to be objective,” says John Powell, chief development officer at Help-U-Sell Real Estate in Tucson, AZ. But buyers want a bargain, and they know when a place is overpriced. As such, listings with bloated prices tend to sit—and sit—on the market. Even if you eventually lower the price, buyers are likely to wonder at that point if there’s something wrong with your house since it's languished on the market so long. A real estate agent, by contrast, will provide an accurate home value based on a solid market analysis, plus serve as a buffer between you and buyers to facilitate successful negotiations and a resolution both parties can live with. This, in turn, means you can earn top dollar for your home—which means your agent will likely earn every penny he's paid. 3. You could run into legal trouble Selling a home is fraught with legal pitfalls that only a real estate agent will know. As such, when you choose the FSBO route, you could do something that skirts the law but not even know it. "There are a lot of potential legal problems that can arise during home selling," says David Welch, a Realtor with Re/Max 200 Realty in Winter Park, FL. "I would say disclosure requirements may be your most likely issue. Most states, maybe all of them, have requirements involving seller's disclosure of defects in the property." Disclosure requirements vary by state, but might include information on lead-based paint, nearby environmental hazards or sex offenders, and even whether someone died in the house. If you know of such info but keep mum, you could be committing a prosecutable offense and have one highly irate buyer on your hands to boot. 4. You might end up with a buyer who doesn’t pan out Even if your FSBO listing gets an offer that you accept, you're not out of the woods quite yet. For one, buyers fall through or back out for all sorts of reasons. For instance, you might inadvertently choose a buyer who can’t get a loan, which means you’ll have to start back at square one. A real estate agent will be your ally in confirming a buyer is pre-approved for the correct loan amount, and then will ensure there is an airtight contract in place so the entire process will proceed smoothly. Due to the risks of FSBO homes, many sellers eventually realize they can’t afford to not hire a real estate agent. So make sure to weigh the FSBO trade-offs against your money, time, and peace of mind.

SPI provides database of registered short-term rental properties

Why Do So Many People Who Sell Their Homes Themselves Decide Not To Do It Again?

Have you ever taken on a project that looked easy until you actually did the work? It seems selling your home without a real estate agent fits that description. Ten percent of homesellers in the U.S. were FSBOs (for sale by owner) in 2012, according to a National Association of REALTORS® survey. Approximately half of those selling on their own already knew the person buying their home. Of sellers who knew the buyer, only 23% said they would sell their next home without an agent, too. Less than half of the sellers who didn’t know the buyer plan to sell on their own in the future. The survey does not get into the reasons why, but I have a few theories: Figuring out the right price takes research and experience. Overpriced homes can remain on the market a long time, often selling for less than if they had been correctly priced in the first place. And underpricing? You don’t need an explanation why that’s a problem. Showing a home to every interested buyer is time-consuming. And you don’t want to show the home to people who can’t afford it or, worse, have criminal intentions. Real estate transactions are complex. You must negotiate stacks of legal documents and take care of details with many different service providers. Making a mistake in a home sale can lead to delays, unsuccessful transactions, and legal trouble. Many people find negotiating difficult and/or uncomfortable. If you’re thinking of selling your home without a Texas REALTOR®, make sure you understand what’s involved. You may decide you want to proceed. Or, you might decide that hiring a professional will save you time, reduce your stress, and help you avoid hassles.

12th Annual DHR “Fishing For Hope” Tournament

Doctors Hospital at Renaissance is pleased to announce its 12th Annual “Fishing for Hope” Tournament, which will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island, Texas. Now the largest non-profit fishing tournament on the Texas coast, “Fishing for Hope” is a family-friendly and fun event for people of all ages. This year’s tournament will feature a live concert, dinner, the legendary stars auction, and much more! All proceeds from “Fishing for Hope” will once again benefit the Hope Family Health Center. Hope Family Health Center (HFHC) is located in McAllen and is run by local volunteer physicians and staff, all of which provide their time and services without charge. HFHC provides free health services in an open and accepting atmosphere to all persons living in the Rio Grande Valley who are without access to health care or medical insurance. Through its partnership with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, the Hope Family Health Center was able to provide medical and mental health services for over 9,202 unfunded patients in 2016. To learn more about the “Fishing for Hope” Tournament or to register your team, call (956) 362-3140 or click the link below REGISTRATION

A Cautionary Tale for Sellers Who Don’t Disclose

My friends recently surprised me when they found a home they loved within days of beginning their home search. They live in a hot market, so they didn’t waste any time putting in an offer. This house has an addition my friends like, but their inspector pointed out some serious flaws with it that a structural engineer would need to address. Pushing further, my friends found out that the sellers knew about these problems and hadn’t disclosed them. At this point, my friends had potential recourse against the sellers. If a seller fails to make proper disclosures in a transaction, a buyer might be able to stop the transaction, or even sue the seller for damages. It’s serious stuff that the sellers could’ve avoided if they’d just disclosed the facts. You may be wondering what I mean when I say “disclose the facts.” As a seller, you’re legally obligated under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act to disclose known material problems with your property to potential buyers, like structurally flawed additions. Additionally, for residential real property of not more than one dwelling unit, a seller is required to fill out a seller’s disclosure form, which your Texas REALTOR® can provide to you. Disclosure is an important step in your home-selling process that can save—or cost you—thousands of dollars. Make sure you talk to your Texas REALTOR® about this important legal obligation.

What Is an Exclusive Agency Listing?

Becoming exclusive with a real estate agent is similar to going steady—you make an agreement to stick with the same person. When you sign an agreement with one sole real estate agent to sell your house, your property is considered an exclusive agency listing. Your broker will have the right to sell the home for a specific, mutually agreed-upon amount of time and compensation. “The word 'exclusive' makes it seem limited, but it is actually the opposite,” says Ashlie Roberson, a real estate agent at TripleMint, a New York City brokerage. “Exclusives can get you more exposure, thus more possible offers." Exclusive agreements can say anything, and time and compensation are not set in stone. Many agents will ask for a six-month exclusive, but if you're in a seller’s market with low housing inventory, agents might be more willing to take a shorter exclusive. That said, there are two different primary types of exclusive listing agreements: the exclusive right-to-sell agreement and the exclusive agency agreement. Exclusive right-to-sell agreement By signing an exclusive right-to-sell agreement, a seller agrees to compensate the listing agent who finds a buyer, "regardless of whether the property is sold through the efforts of the listing broker, the seller, or anyone else," according to the National Association of Realtors®. The only exception to the seller having to pay commission? If an individual is named as an exemption in the listing agreement and if the house is sold to this person, the seller does not have to pay commission to the listing broker. For example, let's say the seller lists a niece as an exemption and this niece ends up buying the house, the seller is not obligated to pay the listing agent commission. “The exclusive right-to-sell was intended to provide compensation to the listing firm if ‘anyone’ produces a ready, willing, and able buyer,” says Nana Smith, a Fairfield County, CT, real estate agent. “This anyone could include the seller finding his own buyer for the property.” Exclusive agency agreement In this type of agreement, the seller agrees to pay the listing agent if the house is sold through the efforts of any real estate broker. However, if the home sells solely through the efforts of the seller, then the seller is not on the hook to pay commission to the listing broker. Should your home be an exclusive listing? At face value, signing any type of exclusive agreement might sound limiting to a seller. But agents will tell you that signing an exclusive can sometimes be akin to letting a racehorse run free. When agents know a listing is exclusively theirs, they will give it everything they've got to sell the property. That could mean syndicating the listing to the entire broker community, spending money on marketing, or hosting a wine-and-cheese broker open house. Before signing, read your exclusive agreement to make sure it has a cancellation or termination clause that lets you end the agreement if you take the property off the market or just aren’t satisfied with the job your agent is doing. Some agreements require the seller to pay a “buy-out” fee or compensate the broker for out-of-pocket marketing expenses. Bottom line: Make sure you understand the exclusive contract you sign, and don’t sign an agreement that doesn’t suit your needs.

Open Houses - SPI Golf Community Saturday, July 15th

1390 Harbor Island Port Isabel, TX 78578

1390 Harbor Island Dr. is a beautiful, one of a kind home located on a large, double lot in The Fingers of Port Isabel. This fishing paradise has 4 boat slips and is located on the channel with views of the Bay and South Padre Island. It even has a pool, which is a rare find in the fingers. Click HERE for more information

Coastal Nature Camp

Come learn about the birds, fish and plants of South Padre Island with crafts, games, prizes and classroom time. Ages 7 to 12. Space is limited. Call to make your reservation today! Camp dates are from June 26-29 from 9 AM to 1 PM.

38 BETHPAGE DRIVE, LAGUNA VISTA, TX 78578 (MLS # 88082)

This is a beautiful 5 star energy home located on the Lake with views of the 13th Fairway of the South Padre Island Golf Course with a 3 car garage! Granite counters throughout and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet with his and hers vanities and a whirlpool tub. The covered patio is great for entertaining. Enjoy all of the amenities the community has to over, swimming pools, tennis courts, and discounted golf dues. Located a short 15 minute drive to sunny South Padre Island.

No credit score? There’s a new automated home loan option for you

Not having enough credit history for a credit score doesn't necessarily mean you must go through a drawn-out manual underwriting process to get a home loan. If you have a history of making housing payments on time and references, you could benefit from a new automated process from Freddie Mac, a quasi-public agency that purchases mortgages. Starting in June, borrowers without credit scores can see if they're eligible for purchase mortgages or no-cash-out refinance transactions on one-unit owner-occupied homes. Lenders will be able to use Freddie Mac's automated assessments to quickly approve your loan with greater confidence that Freddie Mac will purchase it. Loans will still be evaluated against Freddie Mac's credit requirements, but the automated process should allow lenders to more efficiently serve borrowers.

2017 Dargel Boats Owners Tournament

Start: Jun 09, 2017 • End: Jun 10, 2017 South Padre Island Convention Centre • 7355 Padre Boulevard The Dargel Owners Tournament is a spot tournament, the slot redfish with the most spots wins. In case of a tie the earliest fish weighed in will be the winner. We’ll have several surprise side tournaments that we’ll announce at the event. This is a family friendly event with kids and junior divisions, we love seeing the next generation get hooked on fishing!

You found dozens of homes listed online that you love. Now what?

It’s nice having options, right? Especially when it comes to making a big purchase like a home. If you’ve started your home search by using online listing sites, you’ve probably found a long list of properties you want to tour. Even though it’s exciting to see what’s out there, are you wondering how you’ll be able to choose a favorite? Are you overwhelmed with your choices? That’s normal. In fact, research shows that when people have too many options, they have a harder time making a decision and tend to be less satisfied with their selection. Instead of making such an important decision on your own, there’s an easy way to get there faster: Hire a Texas REALTOR®. Texas REALTORS® can help you quickly focus on properties worth seeing because they can eliminate those that may look good online but don’t actually meet your needs. They also have access to current information about whether a home is still on the market, and when homes you thought are out of your price range might actually be open to negotiations. This is information you won’t find on your own searching online, and even if you could, it would take a lot of your valuable time. I can help you avoid wasting your time and the stress that can come with choosing the perfect home!

Zillow's Zestimates are about as useful as the "g" in Lasagna

Queen Isabella Market Days April 8th & 9th

An accepted contract is just the beginning

As a homebuyer or seller, an accepted contract is exciting. But hang on … the deal’s not done. Thankfully, if you’re working with a REALTOR®, he or she can guide you through all the potential twists and turns on the way to closing. An option to back out For starters, most purchase contracts include a termination option. The buyer pays the seller a fee for a specified period of time during which the buyer can cancel the contract. The buyer can exercise this option for any reason. In fact, he doesn’t even have to explain why. A closer look at the property Buyers usually hire inspectors during the termination-option period. Inspections that reveal items in need of repair may prompt a buyer to ask for a price reduction or repairs prior to closing. Or the buyer may simply choose to cancel the deal. Financing considerations Transactions sometimes unravel when a buyer cannot obtain the financing specified in the contract or the property does not meet the lender’s requirements. For example, appraisals can come in lower than the purchase price, or there may be issues with obtaining insurance for the home. The list goes on Option periods, inspections, and financing are three common trouble spots for transactions, but there are many others. Problems with title insurance or the survey, disagreements about items that convey, issues related to homeowners associations, or damage to the property after acceptance of the contract but before closing are a few examples of issues that can arise. You have a valuable resource Communicating with your REALTOR® about each stage of the transaction will minimize surprises and increase the chances that your transaction will proceed smoothly.

28 Bethpage Dr., Laguna Vista

Beautiful home located in the gated community of the South Padre Island Golf Club in Laguna Vista. Property is situated so that it overlooks the lake in the backyard. Perfect for bird watchers and wildlife lovers. More Info

3rd Annual Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk

Online registration is NOW OPEN for the 3rd Annual Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk June 3rd, 2017. Register before May 23rd & take advantage of our early bird registration fees: $25-5k walk, $30- 10k run, $15 for students & military with ID Both courses start at Schlitterbahn on South Padre Island, cross the historic Queen Isabella Causeway and end in Port Isabel. Every participant to cross the finish line will receive a medal. T-Shirts are guaranteed to the first 1,000 participants to check in. REGISTER NOW

Don’t be fooled by these 3 selling myths

First-time sellers beware: there are lots of myths out there about the right way to sell your home. While your Texas REALTOR® is your first line of defense against making these mistakes, here are three common selling myths busted: Myth: I bought a house, so I know what it's like to go through a real estate transaction. I'll sell my home on my own and save money by not using a real estate agent. Truth: Texas REALTORS® don't work for free, but that's because they provide valuable assistance through the home-selling process. Selling isn't the same as buying, and a Texas REALTOR® can help you reduce your risk of making a costly selling mistake. Plus, they help clients with the ins and outs of property transactions every day and are plugged into your local housing market. If you DIY, that means you'll have to spend time marketing your home adequately, be available to show the home yourself, and navigate your way through a tricky transaction alone. Myth: If I price my home higher than market value, I'm leaving room for negotiations. Truth: Buyers have no idea you're employing this strategy and won't understand why your price is too high. Many won't even view your home, much less put in an offer. When your home is priced improperly, it's more likely to sit on the market, making potential buyers think there's something wrong it. When that happens, you'll probably wind up with lower offers than if you had priced the home fairly at the start. Myth: All I need to do is mow the lawn and hide my stuff in a closet and my home will be ready to show. Truth: Is a mowed lawn and hidden clutter all it takes to attract you to a home? It won't work for potential buyers of your property, either. Your Texas REALTOR® might go through your home with you and identify areas that could use some sprucing up to make your home more appealing. Or, he or she might recommend working with a home stager to make the best impression. Be open to those suggestions … your Texas REALTOR® knows what makes a property sell quickly for top dollar.

South Padre Island Job Fair

Tropical Smoothie Café® Grand Opening

Tropical Smoothie Café will be hosting a Grand Opening Celebration for its newest restaurant in South Padre Island on Tues., Jan. 31, 2017 The Grand Opening Celebration will offer fun for the whole family, and an opportunity to enjoy Tropical Smoothie Café’s freshly-made smoothies, flatbreads, wraps, salads, and more. The event will include free smoothies for a year for the first 50 guests*, giveaways, product tastings, and 99-cent smoothies** all day starting on Tues., Jan. 31st at 7:00 am. There will also be an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 am.

222 1/2 Washington Laguna Heights, TX 78578

This is a great starter home located in Laguna Heights which is a short 10 minute drive to South Padre Island. $125,000 More Information

Five reasons to include a home warranty with your home’s sale

When you put your home on the market, you’ll clean and de-clutter, and you’ll probably stage it with newer furniture and on-trend décor. But have you considered including a home warranty? It’s not always at the top of every seller’s list, but it can be a huge benefit to you. Here’s why: It reassures your buyer A home warranty gives buyers comfort—if something goes wrong with the systems and appliances of the home, they’re protected. It gives you peace of mind Having your air conditioning break while your home is on the market is one of the many unpleasant scenarios that can happen. Many home warranty companies include sellers’ coverage when a home warranty is included as part of the sale. Sellers’ or listing coverage is usually free, and will help you repair or replace systems or appliances that break down while the home is on the market. Such coverage is less comprehensive than a regular plan, so check what’s covered and what isn’t. Your home may sell faster A study done by the Service Contract Industry Council in 2014 found that homes with a home warranty as part of the sale spent 11 fewer days on the market than homes without a home warranty. If you want to sell your home fast, a home warranty can help. Your home could bring a higher price That same study found that listings with a home warranty sold for $2,300 more on average than homes without a warranty. Getting more money for the sale of your home is excellent, but it’s even more alluring when you look at the return on investment. It provides a higher return on investment than many repairs Most home warranties cost less than $600. Even if your sales price increase by only half the $2,300 average seen by properties with home warranties, you’re still way ahead. Compare that to the return seen by sellers who replace their front doors, buy a new garage door, or make similar upgrades and you’ll see that a home warranty usually brings a good return on investment. What benefits have you seen from including a home warranty with the sale of a home? Whitney Bennett is the SEO specialist for Landmark Home Warranty, which provides affordable and comprehensive home warranties in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.

The 22nd Annual W.O.W.E. Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! The 22nd Annual W.O.W.E. Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo January 24-28, 2017 at the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center Featuring Special Events and Programs Each Day: Tue – Lower RGV Environment Wed – Fishing in the Gulf & Bay Thu – Native Plants, Butterflies and Dragonflies Fri – Birds, Shore Birds & Migrations Sat – Family Day Fri & Sat – Jonathan Wood’s Raptor Project THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT IN SOUTH TEXAS IN THE WINTER! For Program Info visit spibirding.com or call 956-761-6801.

Shuttle Service On The Bayside Drive

Sundays starting January 15, 2017 Departs Visitor Center at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:00 & 2:00 – SUNDAYS ONLY Visitors wishing to access the Bayside Drive and spend time doing photography, birding or walking may take the FREE shuttle. The shuttle service is not a tour, and is intended as transportation to the key areas of Pelican Lake, Plover Point Observation Deck, Redhead Ridge Overlook, Moranco Blanco Trail and the Aplomado Falcon Prairie. Visitors may get off the bus at the stops and stay until another bus comes by. Complete schedules available at the visitor center.

Best Of South Texas Wildlife

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 More Information

Why you should consider selling a home you haven’t even bought

You’ll consider several criteria when purchasing your first home, but have you thought about how easy it will be to sell later? Things like location, features, and nearby amenities—the same criteria you’ll consider—can affect a property’s resale value. You like it, but will they? If it’s your first home, you may only plan to stay in it for a few years. And while you may be willing to buy a house that, for example, is located on a busy street or close to railroad tracks, ask yourself, “Will future buyers feel the same way?” Keep the next buyers in mind Once the home is yours, think about how to improve or maintain the home to appeal to future buyers. This can include things like upgrading bathroom or kitchen fixtures, improving the landscaping, or using paint colors that have broad appeal. Ask an expert If you have questions about whether a property will be easy or hard to sell in the future, talk to a Texas REALTOR®. He or she can offer advice about purchasing a home you love that will also appeal to the most buyers when you’re ready to move.