Texans for Prop 1 #TxProp1

City of South Padre Island Blood Drive

22nd Annual World's Championship Shrimp Cook-Off

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

Make your house look bigger without removing walls

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

5 seller safety tips

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

"Night at the Casbah"