Sellers, here's what buyers really think about your home

Have you ever wondered what a potential homebuyer thinks when she visits your house? Here are a few questions that came to my mind when I was searching for my first home. What's that smell? I never realized how sensitive I am to smells until I saw eight houses in one day. The pet smells, air fresheners, mildew, and fresh-paint odors left me with a pounding headache. Some people love the smell of cinnamon apples and others might not, but get some help from your Texas REALTOR® to figure out a way to create a more neutral smelling experience. That might mean opening a few windows before a showing or temporarily moving the litter box. Will that dog bite us? As a pet owner, I know I can't always take my dog or cat with me wherever I go. If you can take your pets with you when a buyer comes for a viewing, though, it can make for a much better home-tour experience. Why? Some people might be afraid of your pet. Other times, your pet can be a distraction. It's hard to concentrate when a barking dog accompanies you on your property tour. Where would I put my stuff? It's true what they say: buyers have a hard time looking past excessive clutter. When that spacious closet you're trying to sell is packed full, I can't tell how spacious it truly is. And navigating through your kids' toy maze is just as annoying for me as it is for you. It's hard to please every potential homebuyer who will walk through your door, but there are a few simple ways to make your home a little more inviting so your house isn't known as "the one with the cat smell" or "the one with the toy booby trap." Talk to your Texas REALTOR® and be open to his advice about preparing your home for sale. He'll know what attracts homebuyers to a property, and he's on your side to get it sold.

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.