SPI Golf Community in Laguna Vista

The SPI Golf Community in Laguna Vista is a wonderful place to stay and play!  Whether you are looking for your new primary residence, or an investment property,  you will fall in love with the community.  Known as "The Gateway to the Bay", Laguna Vista offers quiet living and quick access sunny South Padre Island.  Call me today to talk about listing and selling opportunities (956) 433-6291

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

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

Why you should ask for the seller’s phone number

I like my house, but I think I like the guy who sold it to us better. After my wife and I closed on our house 13 years ago, we walked into the kitchen and found a wonderful surprise left by the previous owner: manuals to the appliances, previous utility bills, cans of paint, and a hand-drawn map of the sprinkler system’s zones. This information has been indispensable as paint peeled, sprinklers leaked, and other systems needed maintenance. But one thing he left-something I never would’ve asked for-has proven more valuable: his phone number. That’s right, the guy voluntarily left his cell number and said to call with any questions. And I have. Most recently, I needed blueprints. Before we started building an addition, our architect mentioned how it would be easier to draw his initial plans if only he had the house’s blueprints. So, more than 10 years after we last saw each other, I called Tim, who not only sold us the house but had it custom built for his family. A few days later, the blueprints arrived in the mail. Not everyone’s going to find a seller as willing to help as we did, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask. So after you shake hands at the closing, ask the sellers to share their knowledge about the house-and maybe their cell number.

Just Listed!

123 Golf House Rd. Laguna Vista, TX 78578 This is another beautiful custom home built by Bubba Vann of Gallery Built Homes. The backyard is a tropical paradise with has the safety of a gated, heated pool as well as a hot tub and fire pit. The private backyard provides you with cool breezes and afternoon shade. The inside of the home boasts vaulted ceilings, custom cabinets and granite counters in the kitchen and restrooms. Don't miss your opportunity to own a piece of tropical paradise!

5 design trends for new homes

Privacy, personal elements, and practicality are a few of the features that buyers purchasing new homes desire, according to experts interviewed by Builder magazine. Here’s what designs those experts say are popular this year. Private outdoor spaces. Buyers are looking for outdoor areas that have some privacy from nearby houses. Outdoor “rooms.” These covered outdoor spaces adjoin interior rooms but provide access to outside. Personal touches. Those buyers purchasing new or existing homes are looking for ways to introduce their personal touch in a home, typically through custom fixtures, flooring, and kitchen designs. More room in the garage. Cars aren’t the only items homeowners store in garages. Buyers are looking for extra space to expand their storage options. Small and efficient. Some buyers are looking at smaller homes seeking energy efficiency and functional spaces. Read about nine other design trends in “14 New-Home Design Trends for 2014” on Builder magazine’s website.

Bands on the Beach

Come on over and listen to the live music and watch the fireworks during Bands on the Beach! September 5th – October 31st every Friday & Saturday at 7pm at Clayton’s Beach Bar.

Sand Castle Days

South Padre Island Sand Castle Days, my favorite event of the year! Join everyone at Clayton’s (the biggest beach bar in Texas) and check out the amazing sand sculptures. October 3-5

Port Isabel Lighthouse Market Days

While you’re at the Port Isabel Lighthouse Market Days on October 11th, make sure you take advantage of the $1 admission to the museums!

Own a piece of tropical paradise!

Click HERE for more information on this property. Enjoy spectacular views and breathe in the fresh Gulf breeze from the balcony of this charming beachfront condo. Kick back and relax year-round in the heated pool. The brick walls and tiled floor creates a charming ambiance. This gated complex has onsite management and a well established rental program.

Why you may want to consider condos in your home search

If an abundance of options is a priority in your search for a new Texas home, consider adding condos and townhomes to your list of prospective properties. These homes come in many different forms, and greater demand for condos has led to increased inventory, which means even more options for buyers. Check out the 2014 Texas Condominium Mid-Year Sales Report

to see how condo and townhome sales have been performing this year. This 11-page PDF breaks down the sales numbers in the state's four major metros.

Let your imagination run wild!

Click HERE for more information on this property. Great Lot Located in the best location in South Padre Island! Beautiful scenery of the Queen Isabella & the Laguna Madre Bay!

Texas sets a great example for real estate

What other states can learn from Texas The Lone Star State is home to several cities that have recovered well since the recession. Read more in The Washington Times. DFW-area housing inventory drops Home sales in North Texas are down from their 2013 levels. Read more in The Dallas Morning News. San Antonio homes don't stay on the market for long Residential real estate continues to move quickly in the Alamo City. Read more fromKSAT News. These buyers are worth $11 billion to the state's economy Texas has seen its greatest number of international homebuyers in years. Read more from the Tyler Morning Telegraph. Who is buying Texas real estate? More than 65% of all U.S. homes purchased by these consumers were in Texas. Read more in the Houston Chronicle.

New Listing - 1849 Oklahoma Port Isabel, TX

Click HERE for more information on this property. This is a perfect starter home located in the heart of Port Isabel, on a corner lot. A short 5 minute drive to the beautiful beaches of South Padre Island. This home has a large backyard which is big enough to add a pool if you like.

Just Listed! 123 Golf House Rd. Laguna Vista, TX 78578

Click HERE for property information. This is another beautiful custom home built by Bubba Vann of Gallery Built Homes. The backyard is a tropical paradise with has the safety of a gated, heated pool as well as a hot tub and fire pit. The private backyard provides you with cool breezes and afternoon shade. The inside of the home boasts vaulted ceilings, custom cabinets and granite counters in the kitchen and restrooms. Don't miss your opportunity to own a piece of tropical paradise! Call me today to schedule a showing (956) 433-6291

The tourist season may be over but the fun isn't!

Now that the busy season is over on South Padre Island, you may think there won't be much to see or do....Don't worry because that is not true! Check out my September Newsletter for some of the activities that will be going on this weekend.

Quick and free way to find out if it's time to buy

If you’re thinking of buying property, you’ll probably apply for a mortgage. But before lenders decide what they’re willing to offer you, they’ll want some financial background, such as your employment history, salary, bank-account balances, and your credit history.

Know your status before a lender does 
While you could wait to find out how your financial picture appears to lenders after they’ve decided whether to loan you money, you’d be better off finding out first. One way is to request a free credit report so you can see what a lender might see.

What is a credit report? 
A credit report shows how much you borrow, whether you pay on time, or if you’ve been sued or declared bankruptcy. A credit report is not the same as a credit score. It usually costs money to find out what your credit score is, and can vary depending on the source you obtain it from.

How do you get a free credit report? 
You can request one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major consumer credit-reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. But you don’t have to get all three reports at once. Obtaining one report at time, like quarterly, can help you monitor changes and is a good way to find out if you’ve become a victim of identity theft.

How does your credit report help you buy a house? 
A credit report gives you insights into your financial habits. For example, you’ll see how well you do at paying debts on time and if you tend to borrow within your means. Checking your credit report now also gives you a chance to find errors, which you can correct before they affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. And if you find legitimate flaws, you might be able to take steps to improve your credit standing before purchasing a property.

Ask your Texas REALTOR ® for help with the mortgage loan process, and see if he or she may be able to help you find resources to repair your credit if necessary.