Are verbal negotiations binding?

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

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

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

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

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

28th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

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

New Listing: 213 Palm Blvd., Laguna Vista

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

Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market

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

4 benefits to being an off-season homebuyer

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