Laguna Vista Residential Lots for Sale

There are several vacant lots in Laguna Vista just waiting for your dream home to be built. There are some in Paradise Cove, SPI Golf Community and even in the Original Townsite. I'd love to show you around, call me today! (956) 433-6291

23rd Annual World's Championship Shrimp Cook-Off

The annual festival is a favorite among area residents and visitors and tests the skills of amateur and professional chefs from throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Contestants are judged on appearance, aroma, and taste of their specialty dishes. Samples are available to attendees at a modest fee. In addition to great food and a variety of vendors, the festival also offers live music by “The Agency” and activities for kids of all ages. Original artwork, gifts and collectibles can all be found in one location. Click HERE for more information

1390 Harbor Island Dr., 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

Manicures and Martinis

58 Whooping Crane Dr., Laguna Vista, TX 78578 (MLS # 87149)

Residential lot located in The Estates of the South Padre Island Golf Course in Laguna Vista. HOA includes 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise room and clubhouse. Optional golf memberships available. Build your dream home and enjoy the many amenities this gated community has to offer. Approximately 15 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, Laguna Madre Bay and South Padre Island. Click HERE for more Information

What’s the point of mortgage points?

If you’re financing a property purchase, you’ve probably come across the term points or discount points. Although there are other meanings, most often these terms refer to prepaid interest, with one point equal to 1% of your mortgage loan. Lenders offer borrowers the opportunity to purchase points on their mortgage, which means you’re paying up front to lower the interest rate of your loan. Here are some questions to ask when deciding whether you should buy points: How long will you live in the house? You usually benefit more from points the longer you stay in the property. That’s because the savings you realize on each monthly payment will accumulate and eventually offset—hopefully exceed—your points payment. Can I afford points? You need to provide a downpayment and cover the closing costs to secure a mortgage. Do you also want to pay for points? How much will the rate come down? Each point costs 1% of the loan amount, but the interest-rate reduction you receive varies from lender to lender. Don't worry. Experts like your Texas REALTOR® are available to help you make the decision right for you.

17-19 Swordfish E South Padre Island, TX 78597

3 Lots together right on the corner of E Swordfish and Gulf Blvd, great location! Buyer can replat into 3 separate lots which would allow for 3 separate dwellings. Centrally located with a beach access directly across the street. Close proximity to the entertainment district. Click HERE for more information

City of South Padre Island 5th Annual Blood Drive

City of South Padre Island 5th Annual Blood Drive Monday, October 31, 2016 8:30am- 3:00pm SPI Community Center Next to City Hall

You sure you want the internet to solve your real estate problems?

I was reading user comments on a real estate website the other day. The questions buyers and sellers were asking reminded me that real estate transactions can get complicated in countless ways. Here’s a random sample of issues buyers and sellers were having … A lien the seller didn’t know about is making it difficult to sell the home. A person buying a home is thinking of renting out her current home rather than selling it. The seller accepted the buyer’s offer, and now the buyer has found a home he likes better. The homebuyer wants to move in before closing and rent the home until the closing date. An inspection revealed costly repairs are needed, and the buyer wants to renegotiate the purchase price. A buyer has a contract to buy a home and learned the seller has another a contract with a second buyer. The buyer and seller disagree about what items should stay with the property after the sale. A buyer of a commercial building doesn’t understand the seller’s reply to his offer. The seller wants to know how to handle multiple offers. The seller didn’t show up to closing, and the buyer doesn’t know what to do. This list could keep going and going. I understand why people would “ask the internet” about their real estate problems, but I would be wary of the advice found there. You don’t really know what you’re getting. On the other hand, a Texas REALTOR® is a professional with the experience and knowledge to help you avoid many problems, deal with those that arise, and help you reach the best possible outcome on your real estate transaction.

28535 Roper, Bayview, TX 78566

This beautiful home along with just under 10 acres of land is situated in the quiet country community of Bayview. Solar panels, out door storage, fenced pasture, workshop, hot tub and an outdoor shower are just a few of the amenities. Located close to the wildlife corridor, you are sure to enjoy the wildlife activity from the spacious patio. Located a short 20 minute drive from the white sandy beaches of South Padre Island, this is country living at it's finest. Click HERE for more information

How slowly do you want to sell your home?

I've never heard a homeowner say he wants to sell his home as slowly as possible. Yet some people make poor decisions that lead to their homes staying on the market much longer than average. In fact, there are a few homes in my neighborhood that have been for sale way longer than others nearby. With each of those homes, my reaction was the same when I first saw the asking prices. Wow, can they really get that much? So far, the answer has been no. In the meantime, those sellers have been paying carrying costs for their homes ... month after month after month. How do you determine an asking price that's high enough to maximize your profit but not so unrealistically high that it will make your home harder to sell? A Texas REALTOR® can go over the numbers with you and explain how your home's value fits in to the current sales market.

Olga Vega-Carter Named RE/MAX Top 500!

New Listing! 28 Bethpage Dr. Laguna Vista, TX

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 $239,000

These loan programs can help you buy and renovate that fixer-upper

It's tough out there right now for first-time homebuyers. Even though home sales are rising, the share of first-time buyers fell in 2015, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. Part of that is the difficulty of saving for a downpayment and strict financing requirements, but in many areas, the inventory of appealing, entry-level homes is limited. Where there is a dearth of updated or move-in-ready homes for first-time buyers, some will consider buying a fixer-upper. If that's you, make sure you know what your options are for financing the purchase and renovation of your first home. While using a traditional mortgage to purchase the home and financing the renovation separately is an option, there are loan products that combine the cost of the home and the renovation in one payment. The Federal Housing Administration's 203(k) program allows homebuyers to finance $5,000 to $35,000 in renovation costs as part of their mortgage. Many of the same rules and restrictions that apply to typical FHA-insured single-family residential mortgages also apply to 203(k) loans, but there may be more fees charged by the lender for additional services that are part of the 203(k) process. The value of the property must fall within FHA limits for the area, as well. With this program, the money is held in an escrow account and released as the work is completed. Like other FHA products, insurance is required throughout the life of the loan. Interested buyers can find a lender using HUD's online tool. While the 203(k) program is limited to primary residences, FannieMae's HomeStyle Renovation mortgages can be used for one-unit second homes or investment properties. HomeStyle mortgages are more like traditional mortgage products in terms of requirements for downpayments and private mortgage insurance, where mortgage insurance can be dropped after a set amount of equity in the home is reached. The amount buyers can borrow through the HomeStyle program depends on either the post-renovation value of the home as determined by an appraiser or the purchase price plus renovation costs, whichever is lesser. HomeStyle loans are also subject to conventional mortgage limits. Unlike the 203(k) program, there is no online tool to find a lender that deals in HomeStyle mortgages. Work with your lender and your Texas REALTOR® to get the property that's right for you.

New Listing - 25 Whooping Crane Dr. in Laguna Vista

Another beautiful home built by Gallery Built Homes. Located in a gated development with two golf courses, bar/restaurant, driving range, pro shop, club house, tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness center. Gated and security from dusk until dawn. Just minutes from the beaches of South Padre Island and championship golf of SPI Golf Club. This is the perfect time to purchase a brand new home on the lake in the Estates of the South Padre Island Golf Community with room for your golf cart. Click HERE for more information

South Padre Island Area Housing Statistics

New Listing at 2 Spoonbill Cove Rd. in Laguna Vista

Absolutely stunning home located on a corner lot in the South Padre Island Golf Community. You will love the spacious open floor plan which is perfect for entertaining! 2 master suites with walk-in closets. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances which convey, granite counter-tops and decorative back splash as well as a kitchen island. Tropical, fenced in private backyard with a saltwater pool built by South Texas Pools. Make this home your own piece of tropical paradise! Click HERE for more information

SPI Birding and Nature Center

New Listing at Seagull Condos $895,000

New Listing at Sea Gull Condos! Absolutely breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Call me today for a private viewing (956) 433-6291

Avoid these mistakes between loan approval and closing

You've been careful with your finances, saved for a downpayment, and finally received approval for a mortgage loan. It’s time to celebrate, right? Not yet. Your lender will recheck your credit right before closing. Don't give him or her reason to question your creditworthiness by making these mistakes: 1. Changing jobs Changing employers could mean delays due to employment and salary verifications. Of course, you shouldn't ignore a great career opportunity. It means only that optional moves should wait. 2. Making a big purchase Your debt-to-income ratio is an important factor when being considered for a loan. If you add to your debt by purchasing a car or boat, you risk exceeding the ratio that your lender finds acceptable. 3. Opening credit accounts You might apply for a credit card so you're ready to buy furniture for your new house. But similar to taking on new debt, applying for a new credit account can harm your mortgage approval. The credit inquiry necessary for the new account will ding your credit score a few points, and the lender might wonder just how much you plan on spending with that new account. Part of the mortgage process is a final check to ensure you can afford the loan. Neither you nor the lender wants the payments to be a struggle, so don’t give the lender any reason to doubt your creditworthiness. There are other ways a transaction can fall apart before closing. Be sure to consult with your Texas REALTOR® about contract deadlines and other to-do items to ensure you close on your new property.

Pending: 54 Lakewood Laguna Vista, TX

My new listing is pending after only 18 days on the market! Laguna Vista is on fire! Call me today to schedule a showing (956) 433-6291

Can you trust online price estimates for your home?

Have you ever entered your address into a website that claims it will tell you how much your property is worth right now? And have you ever been shocked at the number it calculates? As it turns out, many of those websites don’t have access to important information about your property and instead use data that might not be so accurate. In fact, these popular websites explain the limitations with their own data in their disclaimers—which you can read for yourself in this free flier. A Texas REALTOR® is the best source for real estate information online or in person, especially when it comes to helping you determine how much your home is worth. They also have a lot of other useful advice about buying, selling, or leasing property in Texas, and they’ve shared some of it for this free guide, Now that’s a smart move. Check it out and then contact a Texas REALTOR® for more useful—and accurate—information.

Price Reduced! 210 W. Mezquite South Padre Island

Looking for a Bayside Residential Lot? Check out 210 W. Mezquite, price reduced to $89,000!

What to know about student debt and homebuying

A couple of friends of mine are having a year full of major life milestones: Their wedding this fall is quickly approaching. One of them just finished her first year of teaching after going back to school for a master’s degree. And, now, they’re closing on their first home this month. They were able to make it all happen, but for many who are in similar situations, the idea of buying a home after incurring a significant amount of student debt, whether from undergraduate or graduate programs, can seem like a major challenge. A new survey from the National Association of REALTORS® reported that 71% of non-homeowners polled believe that student debt is delaying them from buying a home. Much is made of millennials' homeownership trends and preferences, but only recently has the effect of student debt started to garner more attention. Senator Elizabeth Warren addressed the topic specifically during the 2016 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., last month. From an individual standpoint, one of the most important things to keep in mind when entering the homebuying process with student debt is your debt-to-income ratio. It’s not always calculated quite the same—sometimes student debt is included as a percentage of the current balance rather than monthly payments—but generally, it’s the percentage of monthly income that’s spent on all debts (auto loans, credit cards, etc.), not just student loans. In the case of my friends, they were lucky enough to have a lender who worked with them to lower that ratio to the point where they could qualify for the home they had in mind. Some common ways to lower your debt-to-income ratio include paying down credit cards, getting car loans down to 10 payments or fewer (the point at which some lenders will exclude it from the ratio), finding new sources of income (can you add freelance work?), or if you have a partner, moving debt around might be an option. A debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less is ideal, but in some cases lenders will consider up to a 43% ratio. Your REALTOR® may suggest other ways that apply to your situation. It can be hard to reduce your debt-to-income ratio while paying student loans—not to mention saving for a downpayment—but taking the long view of your finances and managing your ratio now can pay off in the future when you’re ready to start the homebuying process.

About This Activity Scheduled for the 4th of June, 2016, the 2016 Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk will follow a 6.2 mile (10K) course starting at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark on South Padre Island, continuing on to the Queen Isabella Causeway and over the Laguna Madre Bay and ending in front of the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center in Port Isabel. Awards ceremony will be held immediately following the event at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center. RUN STARTS at 7:00 A.M. WALK STARTS at 7:30 A.M. Event details and schedule OVERALL CASH PRIZES: Overall Male & Female Cash prizes: 1st place will pay $500.00 to each; 2nd place $300.00 each; and 3rd place $200.00 each. Overall Male & Female winners will be ineligible for medals in their respective age divisions. RACE COURSE: 10K (6.2 mi.) Starts at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on South Padre Island and ends at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center (309 E. Railroad Ave.) in Port Isabel. One major incline. Water stations at the end of the Causeway, 1 other location, and at the end of the race. There will be police protection and EMS services. The run is USA Track and Field certified: Certification TX15005WG. RUN STARTS at 7:00 A.M. WALK STARTS at 7:30 A.M. ABSOLUTELY NO PETS ALLOWED. FITNESS WALK COURSE: This course starts at the Schlitterbahn parking lot, then left on to Park Road 100 and on to the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge, on to Highway 100 one block, then left at Tarnava St. ending at the finish line in the parking lot of the Port Isabel Historic Museum (adjacent to the PIECC). THIS IS NOT A RACE. IT IS A PARTICIPATION WALK. Participation medals will be presented to those walkers crossing the finish line. ABSOLUTELY NO PETS. LATE REGISTRATION IN PERSON: Friday, June 3, 2016, 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center (PIECC), 309 E. Railroad St., Port Isabel. THERE WILL NOT BE ANY LATE REGISTRATIONS OR CHECK-INS THE MORNING OF THE RACE. LATE FEE: Add $5 for runners only. No credit card use during late registration. NO REFUNDS. T-SHIRTS & RUNNERS' BIB/CHIP PICKUP: Participants may check in at the Port Isabel Chamber office Mon.-Thurs. the week of the event from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to pick up their T-shirts and walker wristbands. RUNNERS TIMING CHIPS AND BIBS WILL BE HANDED OUT AT LATE REGISTRATION FRIDAY AT THE PIECC. T-SHIRTS ARE GUARANTEED TO THE FIRST 1,000 PARTICIPANTS TO CHECK IN. SIZES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. YOU MUST WEAR YOUR ASSIGNED RUNNERS/WALKERS BIB/WRISTBAND TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE CAUSEWAY. AWARDS & PRESENTATIONS CASH AWARD TO OVERALL FIRST THREE PLACES BOTH MALE & FEMALE RUNNERS! $500- 1st; $300- 2nd; $200- 3rd!Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners as well as to first through third place winners in each male and female age division of the 10K. Awards ceremony immediately following the race and scoring at Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center. Refreshments for participants will be available. Overall Male & Female winners will be ineligible for medals in their respective age divisions. PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE Shuttle service will be available starting at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning from the PIECC to the start line at Schlitterbahn. Shuttles will also transport participants from the PIECC back to Schlitterbahn at the end of the race for vehicle pick up. You must be wearing a PICC Causeway Run & Fitness bib or wristband to use the shuttle bus back to Schlitterbahn at the end of the race. Please expect delays with the buses. ABSOLUTELY NO PETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE RUN OR WALK! YOU MUST WEAR YOUR EVENT BIB/WRISTBAND TO BOARD THE BUSES.

What "fiduciary" means and how it applies to your real estate transaction

I read the most incredible thing this morning: Some financial advisers can put their own interests above yours. That's right ... as long as that financial professional recommends an investment that is "suitable," he or she can suggest a fund with higher costs to you (and higher commissions for the adviser) than a cheaper fund that may be a better option for you. Though that is shocking to me, I am encouraged by the following: 1. Many financial advisers adhere to a higher standard that puts the interests of the client above those of the adviser. 2. New rules are in the works to require this higher standard for advisers and brokers who work with retirement accounts. More good news for anyone buying, selling, or leasing real estate: When you receive agency services from a licensed real estate agent or broker in Texas, that professional is required by law to put your interests above his or her own. It's called a "fiduciary" relationship. Even better news when you hire a real estate agent or broker who is also a Texas REALTOR®: All REALTORS® pledge to abide by a Code of Ethics that holds REALTORS® to an even higher standard than what's required by law. To make sure you're getting the highest level of professionalism, make sure your agent or broker is also a Texas REALTOR®.

Why every real estate agent isn't a REALTOR

If you're planning to buy, sell, or lease property, you're probably in the market for a real estate professional to help you through the process. But you may be stuck on who to choose. Depending on where you live, there may be many people interested in your business. Here's one way to make it easier on yourself: Find a Texas REALTOR®. Not all real estate agents are Texas REALTORS® Anyone who wants to sell real estate in Texas must get licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). To obtain a license, someone must pass the real estate licensing exam, and after passing, must take real estate education classes. But these actions don't make someone a Texas REALTOR®. How does someone become a Texas REALTOR®? After obtaining his or her real estate license, the license holder can join the local association of REALTORS®, the state-level association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®. Only then may someone be called a REALTOR®. What makes a Texas REALTOR® different? REALTORS® follow a Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics outlines how REALTORS® should serve consumers, and this consumer-oriented code holds REALTORS® to a high standard of professional behavior. Membership in the Texas Association of REALTORS® has added benefits. Texas REALTORS® have exclusive access to more than 100 forms for many types of real estate transactions that other real estate agents don't have. These forms can help you avoid legal problems down the line.

National Day of Prayer

The community is invited to gather in prayer on Thursday, May 5th at 10:00am on the front steps of South Padre Island City Hall.

Don't ignore these mortgage documents

The homebuying process contains many moving parts and lots of paperwork. It's hard to keep up with all the decisions and demands on your time. But when you start applying for a mortgage, there are two documents that you should pay special attention to: the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure. The Loan Estimate This is a three-page document that you'll receive from your lender no more than three business days after receiving your loan application. It provides important details about the loan you're trying to get, such as the estimated interest rate, monthly payment, and total closing costs for the loan. The Loan Estimate also tells you about the estimated costs of taxes and insurance, and how the interest rate and payments may change in the future. At this point, you haven't been approved for anything. It's just a summary of what you've applied for and how much it's going to cost. Once you have been approved for the mortgage loan, you can look forward to receiving the next important document. The Closing Disclosure This five-page form provides final details about your loan. It includes the loan terms, your projected monthly payments, and how much you will pay in fees and other costs to get your mortgage. You'll get the Closing Disclosure at least three days before closing on your mortgage loan. Use this time to review the terms and costs and make sure they are correct. For guidance on these documents and others related to the homebuying process, talk to your REALTOR® and mortgage lender.

When can I put my house back on the market after a contract falls through?

A buyer and I used TREC's One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale) for the sale of my home, but the sale didn't close by the date in the contract. While the buyer and I figure out how to terminate the contract-and who gets the earnest money-can I put the house back on the market? I want to sell it, not waste weeks while we consult our attorneys. You should talk to an attorney first about the legal liabilities of proceeding with a sale without terminating the original contract. In this situation, there are two ways to formally terminate the contract: • The parties can agree to terminate and sign a document that releases both parties from further obligations under the contract. If you are working with a Texas REALTOR®, he or she can use TAR's Release of Earnest Money form to accomplish this. • A judge can order the contract terminated. Your primary goal should be formal termination of the contract. This ensures you can sell the property to someone else without risking a lawsuit that could stop a subsequent sale of the property.

Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk

The 2016 Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk is scheduled June 4th, 2016 Registration is Now Open! Click the Blue 'Register Now' button or download a printable version of our registration form! June 4, 2016– 7 a.m. – Port Isabel/South Padre Island, Texas The 2016 Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk, scheduled to be held Saturday, June 4th. The event is expected to attract thousands of participants wanting to take advantage of the unique opportunity to cross the 2.6 mile Queen Isabella Causeway on foot. The summer run and walk is patterned after our 32 year old January event, but with a new course. (Click here to view the course map) The 6.2 mile (10K) course starts at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark on South Padre Island and ends at the new Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center (PIECC). Runners will also be treated to a waterfront loop through Isla Blanca Park before continuing on to the causeway and Port Isabel. Walkers along the 5K course will also start at Schlitterbahn and end at the PIECC, where awards ceremonies will be held immediately following the race. Trophies as well as cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners overall. First through third place awards will be presented in each of the 23 male and female divisions. All participants who cross the finish line will be presented with medals.

Summer Bird Camp on South Padre Island

Ribbon Cutting of the Island's newest restaurant, Russo's New York Pizzeria.

The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Islanders, Board Members, and Chamber staff were honored tonight to participate in the official Ribbon Cutting of the Island's newest restaurant, Russo's New York Pizzeria. Russo's staff started sharpening their skills today with a few people at lunch and dinner tonight, and they OFFICIALLY OPEN ON TUESDAY, APRIL 19TH! Shown cutting the ribbon is Brian Ferguson, Director of Operations, and to his far left is Carlos Varela with Varco, owners of Russo's. We are excited to have Russo's join our community, and appreciate their willingness to invest their resources on South Padre Island.

Quarterly Public Affairs Luncheon

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Public Affairs Luncheon. Friday, May 13th 11:45am at the Pearl on South Padre Island.

How much should you offer for that house?

You've likely heard that everything is negotiable in real estate. That's because buying real estate isn't like shopping at the mall or buying groceries, where you just pay the advertised price. Instead, a real estate buyer can submit an offer for less than the asking price, or more, or even offer the asking price but use other considerations to make their offer more attractive ... and a seller can accept (or reject) any of these offers. Start with a professional The best way to present a strong offer is to work with a Texas REALTOR®. He or she will help you determine your realistic budget before you even start looking, and then use market knowledge and experience to help you arrive at the best offer for a property. In fact, a 2015 consumer survey found that the top three things buyers need from a real estate agent are: help finding the right home for them, help negotiating the terms of the sale, and help with price negotiations. How much was the neighbor's house? One way your Texas REALTOR® will likely help you find the best offer is to review the sale prices of comparable properties nearby that have sold recently. He or she will look for homes in relatively the same area that have features similar to the property you're considering. These features can include square footage, number of bedrooms, and age of the property. Demand can play a role, too If you're in a market where properties are under contract soon after listing-a matter of hours, in some cases-your Texas REALTOR® will have advice for being ready to take action. This can mean offering more than the asking price or negotiating other items in the contract that make your offer attractive ... something you definitely can't do at the mall.

New Listing: Moorings Condos #224 Port Isabel, TX

New Listing at The Moorings Condos in Port Isabel. There are multiple balconies and beautiful views of the Laguna Madre Bay and Port Isabel. Call me to schedule a showing (956) 433-6291 Click HERE for more information

What thousands of Texans are about to do (but you should do first)

Spring in Texas means yards are full of two things: blooming flowers and for-sale signs. Our state's homeselling season is ramping up on its way to peak in mid-summer. If you're going to be one of the thousands of people looking at properties this time of year, there are a few tasks you can work on now to help make the process smoother. Get your finances in order. Talk with a mortgage broker or banker to assess your financial situation, and check your credit for any issues you can resolve before a lender scrutinizes your file. This will also help you determine a realistic price range for your budget. Figure out your criteria. Start thinking about neighborhoods you may like to live in, what size property you need, and which amenities are must-haves. These options may change during your house hunt, but at least you'll have a starting point. Talk with a Texas REALTOR®. Even if you won't be ready to move for a few months, he or she can help you take steps now to ensure you present a strong offer later, like getting a prequalification or preapproval letter from your lender.

Do I have to share an inspection report from a buyer who terminated the contract?

My house was under contract with a buyer who just terminated the contract. She had an inspection done prior to termination, and she gave me her inspection report since she wanted to negotiate a few repairs. Now that I have the report, do I have to share it with prospective buyers? Although you’re not required by law to provide the inspection report, you are legally required to disclose any information in it that pertains to material property defects. And whether you read it or not, you’re charged with information in the report. It’s a good idea to provide any prior inspection reports—including this one—that you are in possession of to prospective buyers. In fact, the TAR Seller’s Disclosure Notice (TAR 1406) instructs you to attach copies of any inspection reports you have from the last four years.

Great Deals in the SPI Golf Community

104 Golf House Rd., Laguna Vista, TX 78578

104 Golf House Rd. is located approximately 15 minutes from the white sandy beaches of South Padre Island. The South Padre Island Golf Community is a gated community and offers several amenities including a heated pool, club house, exercise room and optional golf membership. This beautiful home boasts a spacious floor plan with over 2,000 square feet. Granite countertops and his and her vanities with a Jacuzzi tub in the master bath. Relax in the screened in patio or in the large, fenced in backyard which overlooks the golf course. $249,900 More Information

Don't think you need a buyer's agent? Think again

Whatever your reasons for not hiring a buyer's agent, they probably aren't good enough to forgo such an important homebuying resource. Here are three reasons why hiring a buyer's agent can benefit you. You'll have someone on your side Hiring your own buyer's agent will ensure you have someone working on your behalf with your best interests in mind. You'll also have someone who will handle communication with the other party, and keep your transaction on track. And when you have questions during the process, you'll have someone you can trust providing the answers. You'll probably save money There is usually no direct cost when you hire a buyer's agent, since sellers typically cover the agents' commissions. Plus, you'll have an expert negotiator working for you. Even if you think you're good at getting deals, a buyer's agent has experience negotiating sale prices in your market, and has access to data that will help you create a more accurate offer price than what you'd come up with on your own. You'll reduce your chances of legal trouble Are you comfortable with earnest money, option fees, and title insurance? Real estate transactions are complicated with continually changing laws and procedures. Unless you're dedicated to keeping up with the latest industry news, you're putting yourself at risk of losing money or winding up a party in a lawsuit. Buyer's agents keep up with the laws and know ways to reduce your risk in a real estate transaction.

What if I don't pay the option fee in time?

What happens if I don't pay the fee for a termination option within three days from the time the contract was accepted? Can I still pay the fee after three days and rely on the option period to terminate the contract? No. In the Termination Option paragraph, it states: "... if Buyer fails to pay the Option Fee to Seller within the time prescribed, this paragraph will not be a part of this contract and Buyer shall not have the unrestricted right to terminate this contract." Since many buyers purchase a termination option with the intent of conducting inspections and making other considerations while reserving the right to terminate the contract, buyers will want to make sure not to miss the payment deadline in this paragraph.

New Price - $339,000! 16 Country Club Dr. Laguna Vista, TX

New Price - $339,000! 16 Country Club Dr. Laguna Vista, TX More Information

Use your ears to learn Texas real estate trivia

There's a podcast for everything these days. Advice, gardening, pop culture, sports-if you're into it, there's probably someone talking about it on the Internet. But if you want a show that explores what's up with homes, buildings, and land in our state, listen to "Inside Texas Real Estate." In every episode, hosts Marty Kramer and Stacy Armijo provide a rundown of shareworthy headlines, stats, and trivia about-you guessed it-Texas real estate. Check out the latest episode to find out if last year was a record-breaker for housing, where to get stats about buying and selling in your city, and more. Give it a listen at texasrealestate.com/inside.

Is it possible to get an offer too quickly?

I heard an interesting comment from a homeseller who said that the first offer he got on his home came too quickly. I thought a quick offer would be a good thing, but I learned that what he meant was that it was lower than his asking price and he thought that higher offers would be heading his way soon. So he rejected the offer. And he waited. ... and waited ... and waited. Several months later, he sold his home for a price even lower than that first offer. His unfortunate experience includes two ideas that sellers should keep in mind: • An overpriced home will take a while to sell. • Early offers can be good offers ... perhaps even the best offers you'll get. A Texas REALTOR® can help you price your property to attract buyers and maximize your selling price. He or she will discuss your time line and other goals to make sure you have the best opportunity to accomplish your objectives. Your REALTOR® will also discuss offers with you to weigh their merits, so you can make a decision you won't regret.

4 expenses homebuyers should keep in mind

When starting your house hunt online, you'll see that most real estate websites let you search by price range. But a real estate purchase will cost you more than just the sale price. Here are four costs you'll want to consider before submitting an offer. 1. Downpayment Some lenders require borrowers to pay up to 20% of the loan at closing. It may take a while to save up that much, but paying a chunk of your loan up front will lower your monthly payment. 2. Mortgage insurance If you don't pay at least 20% of the purchase price as a downpayment, your lender will probably require you to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) that protects the lender if you default on the loan. 3. Closing costs Buyers and sellers can negotiate how much each party pays at closing. Unless the seller agrees to pay all of the closing costs, you'll be responsible for paying a portion of these fees. 4. Monthly payment Your payments will cover principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. You may have other recurring expenses, such as HOA dues and home maintenance, to factor into your budget.

Before you skip the March 1 primary ...

In Lehman's Terms One of the most rewarding experiences of my life was traveling to former Soviet-bloc countries in the ‘90s working on behalf of the National Endowment for Democracy. My role was to help these newly democratic countries administer their first free elections after the fall of the Soviet Union. Much of my work was in the Baltic country of Latvia, where I witnessed thousands of Latvians returning to their home country after over 40 years of exile in Siberia. These people had been forced in 1940 to give up their homes and property and move thousands of miles away. The Soviets wanted to ensure their domination by destroying the Latvians’ national pride and democratic beliefs. But from what I saw during the bitterly cold Latvian winter in 1992, the Soviet tactics did not work. The lines for that first free election in a generation seemed endless. The citizens anxiously queued up to prove their Latvian lineage and vote. As they waited, they told stories about the empowerment they once had in shaping the destiny of their homeland. Many of them sobbed with joy as they cast their ballots in free democratic elections. Since my experiences in Russia and Latvia, I have never missed an opportunity to vote in any election held in my community. I feel this is my patriotic duty to millions of people around the world who still do not have a say in how they are governed. Unfortunately, most Texans do not share this passion for voting. In just two weeks, we will have the opportunity to vote for party nominees for president of the United States, some statewide offices, U.S Congress, and state senators and representatives. If history repeats itself, less than 10% of registered Texas voters will cast their ballots in these important primary elections. That’s not only disappointing but it gives those few primary voters a disproportionate influence over the election—92% of all state races are decided in the primaries. There won’t be endless lines in hostile weather conditions—just easily accessible polling locations where voters will have 12 days to vote for their chosen candidates. The process is seamless, and the satisfaction is tremendous when you realize you are participating in a democratic system that is the envy of many nations—and something that our world’s most oppressed citizens can only dream of. That’s why I ask you to vote in the primary of your choice. Early voting is February 16 -26, and Election Day is March 1. Go to votetexas.gov for more information about how, where, and when to vote. I will see you at the polls. Mark Lehman is vice president of Governmental Affairs at the Texas Association of REALTORS®.

3 things to ignore when pricing your home

There are many factors that go into pricing your property. Your Texas REALTOR® can explain them in more detail, but here are few factors that don’t have much weight in the value of your home. What the Internet says. It’s fun to type your home address into a price-valuation site and see what it says, but you can’t trust such sites to give you an accurate number. These sites don’t know the current market the way your Texas REALTOR® does, or take into account what a buyer in your area is actually willing to pay. Sometimes they’re even too low since the site doesn’t know about improvements to your property. What you spent on your kitchen remodel. While upgrades definitely appeal to a prospective buyer, they won’t necessarily fetch you a higher price. That’s because many renovations don’t give you a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment. Check out costvsvalue.com to get an idea of the projects that have the best resale value. Then, talk to your Texas REALTOR® about what he or she knows about the desirability of these projects within your market. What income you need from the sale. You can’t price your home with target proceeds in mind. Buyers don’t know—and don’t care—if you’ve got a financial goal, and they are turned off when a listing price is much higher than the property is worth. Properties that are priced improperly tend to stay on the market for a longer period of time. That’s why you should hire a Texas REALTOR® to come up with the best listing price for your home. He or she has access to the most accurate data about your market, and interacts with buyers regularly enough to know what they are looking for. Use this tool to find a Texas REALTOR® who can work for you.

If we make an offer on a house, what comes with it? Do we get the washer, dryer, and refrigerator?

The Texas Real Estate Commission contracts say that an item that is "permanently installed and built-in" is part of the property-this means it will stay with the house when it sells. Whether that applies to the washer, dryer, or refrigerator depends on three factors: 1. How is the item attached? Will the property be damaged by its removal? 2. Is the item customized or standard for the property? 3. Was the installation intended to be permanent or temporary? For example, a standard refrigerator in the kitchen is unlikely to be considered permanent, while a counter-depth, built-in model may convey. Even if an item is not considered built-in, you can still ask the seller to include it with the sale. If the seller agrees with your request, you can use the Non-Realty Items Addendum, which is Texas Real Estate Commission form. A REALTOR® can help you properly document this request.

Taste of the Laguna Madre!

How REALTORS® are like ducks

You know that saying about ducks being calm on the surface but paddling energetically below the water? I think that's a fair description of most Texas REALTORS®. What you see is a composed professional guiding you through your real estate transaction. Behind the scenes, where you may not notice, your REALTOR® is working hard on countless important tasks: • Analyzing data to help you with pricing and offer decisions • Marketing the property through multiple channels to provide maximum exposure (sellers/lessors) or sifting through multiple properties to find all options that meet your criteria (buyers/lessees) • Calling, emailing, and texting the other party's agent to keep the transaction moving • Monitoring deadlines to ensure nothing slips through the cracks • Dealing with complications related to financing, inspections, surveys, appraisals, and insurance • Learning about the latest state government-mandated changes to real estate contracts and managing details brought about by recent federal lending changes to ensure the transaction goes smoothly. This list could go on-and each of these activities could be further broken down into multiple steps-but you get the idea: Your Texas REALTOR® is working hard on your behalf in all kinds of ways.

New Listing at Saida Towers IV Unit #105

Beautiful ground floor condo in one of the nicest complexes on the island! Breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from your personal patio. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo offers an open concept floor-plan, the kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and granite in the baths. Saida complexes are known for their excellent rental history and offer many amenities. 3 pools, tennis courts, palapa bar/restaurant. Located a few short steps to the beach, make this condo your next vacation getaway! More Information

5:01 LADIES NIGHT OUT

5:01 LADIES NIGHT OUT HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016 THIS MONTH OUR GATHERING WILL BE HELD @ THE MOVIE THEATER, ISLAND CINEMA OUR HOSTESS IS COURTNEY HAYDEN WE WILL BE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF MOVIES ON THE ISLAND. DATE: JANUARY 21ST, 2016 PLACE: ISLAND CINEMA 4700 PADRE BLVD LOOKING FORWARD TO CELEBRATING WITH THE 5:01 LADIES AT OUR 1ST GATHERING FOR 2016 PLEASE RSVP, Anna Stahl 210-861-5266 or: a_stahl@outlook.com

New Listing Las Costas #2 on South Padre Island

Las Costas is an impressive 7 unit beachfront condo complex. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from the expansive balconies. This condo is spacious and has top of the line appliances in the kitchen. Unit includes a single covered parking place and a single car garage with a mother-in law suite above it. Palapa and grill area include TV, surround sound system & fire pit. Gated beach access, heated pool/spa. Offered furnished, excludes paintings. More Information

6 reasons to contact a REALTOR® in 2016

Does your list of New Year's resolutions include real estate-related goals? One way to ensure you achieve them is to work with a professional. So, if one of these situations arises, be sure to reach out to a Texas REALTOR®. You think you're ready to buy a home. A Texas REALTOR® can walk you through the process and ensure you get answers to your first-time-homebuyer questions. You're considering selling your home. He or she can help you determine how much your home is worth and what you can do to best prepare your home to attract buyers. You want to buy a second home or investment property. Whether you're planning to be a landlord or you'd rather hire a property manager, a Texas REALTOR® can explain the best practices and requirements in your market. You're new to the neighborhood. If you have questions about the community or want recommendations for local businesses, contact your Texas REALTOR®. You'd like to protest your property-tax appraisal. If you think your appraisal was off-base, your Texas REALTOR® can help you collect evidence that supports your claim. You have a home improvement to-do list. He or she can help you determine which upgrades will generate the biggest return when you're ready to sell. Plus, your Texas REALTOR® is tapped into a network of service providers, including contractors, landscapers, and repairmen, that you may want to consult.