Friday, November 14, 2008
I(ke)ronic...
Wow if that last post isn't painfully ironic... Gustav eeked by, but Ike sure didn't. Please follow along at www.IBCgalveston.com.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Galveston has no love for Hurricane Gustav and will likely avoid evacuations
tracking chart courtesy of www.wunderground.comThankfully, Galveston has (at this point, 1pm August 31, 2008) avoided an evacuation based on Gustav's updated projected path. We are happy to avoid him, and wish a safe journey to all those escaping his path.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=85c067ec1cbf4261
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Galveston real estate July 24 - August 25, 2008
Data taken from Galveston MLS, July 24 - August 25, 2008.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Galveston Goes Green with World CarFree Day Sept 22, 2008
www.downtowngalveston.org/carfree_galveston
Carfree Galveston
Events
September 22nd, 2008
Galveston Railroad Museum (Strand @ 25th Street)
FREE ADMISSION
New International Event Coming To Galveston
Get out of your cars and onto your bike, feet, trolley or bus because World Carfree Day is on the way! On September 22, the world will catch a glimpse of an easier and more joyous way of life. All around the globe, sections of streets and plazas will be closed to cars and opened to events celebrating reasons to go car free.
On Galveston Island, we’re having a party at the Railroad Museum, 11am-1pm.
There will be music and fun and tee-shirts. We’ll celebrate the winners of a week-long Carfree Challenge, take a peak at an Amtrak car for a commuter rail connection to the mainland that could happen in the not too distant future, witness for real the downtown trolley keeping to a reliable and convenient schedule, be dazzled by velocoutre, and get up-close-and-personal with subscription sharing of electric bikes, scooters, Zipcars and other exciting ways to kick the car habit.
Join with your friends and neighbors to invent a future with cleaner air, better health, and greater economic vitality. Come to the party! Go carfree!
Check back to this page http://www.downtowngalveston.org/carfree_galveston for more information soon!
Carfree Galveston
Events
September 22nd, 2008
Galveston Railroad Museum (Strand @ 25th Street)
FREE ADMISSION
New International Event Coming To Galveston
Get out of your cars and onto your bike, feet, trolley or bus because World Carfree Day is on the way! On September 22, the world will catch a glimpse of an easier and more joyous way of life. All around the globe, sections of streets and plazas will be closed to cars and opened to events celebrating reasons to go car free.
On Galveston Island, we’re having a party at the Railroad Museum, 11am-1pm.
There will be music and fun and tee-shirts. We’ll celebrate the winners of a week-long Carfree Challenge, take a peak at an Amtrak car for a commuter rail connection to the mainland that could happen in the not too distant future, witness for real the downtown trolley keeping to a reliable and convenient schedule, be dazzled by velocoutre, and get up-close-and-personal with subscription sharing of electric bikes, scooters, Zipcars and other exciting ways to kick the car habit.
Join with your friends and neighbors to invent a future with cleaner air, better health, and greater economic vitality. Come to the party! Go carfree!
Check back to this page http://www.downtowngalveston.org/carfree_galveston for more information soon!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Islander By Choice - "Do more than shop local, wear local."
August 5, 2008 ("El Mondos")
An island in every sense of the word, Galveston has survived and re-imagined herself time and again through the passion and ingenuity and sometimes delusion of its residents. Five locals have started a new Galveston label promoting the Island attitude and lifestyle that promises to be more than your typical souvenir: it's a piece of Galveston's witty neighbors and quirky history. Together, they formed Islander By Choice (IBC) and have unveiled their first t-shirt for IBCs, BOIs, and visitors alike. Islander By Choice was started by Adrienne and Michael Culpepper, Lauren and Kevin Scott, and Will Wright, who wanted original Galveston t-shirts that capture the character of the Island with style in mind.
Capitalizing on a kooky sense of wit and wisdom and some forgotten facts, they want to promote Galveston pride and a truer spirit of the Island. What began as local friends joking in a shop one summer has now launched with their first t-shirt: the IBC definition shirt. And don't worry - visitors and locals alike, including Born On the Islanders, will want to rock this shirt across the Island.
Galveston Island is a unique place that breeds attitude and eccentricity from its historic homes and downtown to the Seawall and its colorful characters. These IBCs know the melodic pull that keeps visitors coming back and the magnetic force that holds locals here at home. This odd little sandbar is ripe with attitude, strangeness, and yes, a bit of tomfoolery.
Launched on the 4th of July, Islander By Choice wants you to do more than shop local. Wear local.
To check out the premier IBC shirt, visit www.ibcgalveston.com, where you can also order your very own piece of Galveston pride and get information on upcoming products and events. You may also purchase a shirt at Nautical Antiques & Décor and visit our MySpace and Facebook pages.
An island in every sense of the word, Galveston has survived and re-imagined herself time and again through the passion and ingenuity and sometimes delusion of its residents. Five locals have started a new Galveston label promoting the Island attitude and lifestyle that promises to be more than your typical souvenir: it's a piece of Galveston's witty neighbors and quirky history. Together, they formed Islander By Choice (IBC) and have unveiled their first t-shirt for IBCs, BOIs, and visitors alike. Islander By Choice was started by Adrienne and Michael Culpepper, Lauren and Kevin Scott, and Will Wright, who wanted original Galveston t-shirts that capture the character of the Island with style in mind.
Capitalizing on a kooky sense of wit and wisdom and some forgotten facts, they want to promote Galveston pride and a truer spirit of the Island. What began as local friends joking in a shop one summer has now launched with their first t-shirt: the IBC definition shirt. And don't worry - visitors and locals alike, including Born On the Islanders, will want to rock this shirt across the Island.
Galveston Island is a unique place that breeds attitude and eccentricity from its historic homes and downtown to the Seawall and its colorful characters. These IBCs know the melodic pull that keeps visitors coming back and the magnetic force that holds locals here at home. This odd little sandbar is ripe with attitude, strangeness, and yes, a bit of tomfoolery.
Launched on the 4th of July, Islander By Choice wants you to do more than shop local. Wear local.
To check out the premier IBC shirt, visit www.ibcgalveston.com, where you can also order your very own piece of Galveston pride and get information on upcoming products and events. You may also purchase a shirt at Nautical Antiques & Décor and visit our MySpace and Facebook pages.
June to July Galveston real estate market report
Galveston MLS market report June 25-July 24th, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Palisade Palms completed, fully loaded & ready to move in!
Palisade Palms is the newest addition to the Galveston Island skyline. Come experience the absolutely stunning views from this 4th floor Tradewinds (west tower) unit that is low on wind and high on style! The desirable Pompano floor plan offers an open concept with beach and bay side balconies, views of Galveston, ship channel, the beach & bay. Sellers chose porcelain tile upgrades in living and dining areas, and upgraded the carpet in the bedrooms. Bosch stainless appliances, outdoor stainless BBQ pit. Just walk in and you're home.Visit http://www.culpepperproperties.com/ for a virtual tour!
Monday, May 26, 2008
April to May Galveston Real Estate market report
Galveston Multiple Listing (MLS) market report April 26- May 23rd, 2008.Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Wedded bliss.... May 17th, 2008
Please excuse the non real-estate interruption, but I have to share this wonderful news: one of my best friends, who I've known since I've been alive, just... got.... married.... And, she and her new husband gave me the greatest honor by inviting me to officiate their wedding this past weekend.
If you notice that it is a master's graduation robe, good job! Please don't share that with anyone else - I'm trying to perform a wedding here.
If you notice that it is a master's graduation robe, good job! Please don't share that with anyone else - I'm trying to perform a wedding here.
The numbers are in... HAR reports average sales price is up .9% from last year!
"The average price of a single-family home rose by 0.9 percent last month to $207,270 from $205,490 in April 2007. The median price of a single-family home was stable at $150,000. Sales of all property types for April 2008 totaled 6,432, which represents a 12.8 percent drop compared to April 2007. " - Houston's Real Estate Market Shows Continued Pricing Strength In April Despite A Lingering Sales Slowdown; HOUSTON — (May 20, 2008)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
3102 P1/2 Historic Home for Sale, close to Galveston beach
Built in 1895, this 1900 Storm Survivor has been fully restored and is priced to sell. This historic home features beautifully refinished hardwood floors, notable
woodwork, moldings and fixtures. Wrap around porch and full, corner lot. Full bath on each level gives master bedroom option on 1st or 2nd story. Lots of
storage under the house, detached 2 car garage with alley access, and great curb appeal.
woodwork, moldings and fixtures. Wrap around porch and full, corner lot. Full bath on each level gives master bedroom option on 1st or 2nd story. Lots of
storage under the house, detached 2 car garage with alley access, and great curb appeal.
1718 M1/2 Lost Bayou Historic District
2005 winner of Landmark Commission's residential renovation award! Completely restored Storm Survivor, built in 1879. Double gallery porches, huge detached garage with workshop, fenced yard and New Orleans style courtyard. Parlor, dining room, butler's pantry space, huge family room and sunroom. 1 1/2 baths and wet bar 1st floor + 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths upstairs with master suite on west wing with dressing room, claw foot tub and separate tiled shower. Very nicely landscaped.
Galveston Real Estate is strong
I am afraid I haven't been able to add anything to my blog lately, but it is for a great reason - the Galveston real estate market is going strong! I had 4 contracts in title just last week and there more happening each day. Buyers, now is still a great time to buy - especially with the fantastic weather we've been having here on the Island! Interest rates are low as well, and real estate in Galveston is still a good investment!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Can I close without a title company?
I had a call at the office this afternoon from a woman asking about the closing process in general. Specifically, she was wondering if she had to close at a title company since she is not in the same vicinity of the property where the deal is taking place.
The answer is no, you do not have to close at a title company. You can close at your Realtor's office, an attorney's desk, at a title company, at the house in question, or even from your own home. The title company can send you all the closing documents either electronically by email or through the mail, usually using FedEx or another over-nighting company to expedite the process. (And, of course, the paperwork will be coming from a title company because we all know how important title insurance is when purchasing a home, right?!)
You can then print them off and bring them to you to the cosing site or complete the paperwork right where you are. BUT, don't forget that many of those papers will need to be notarized (your large branch bank usually has an associate who is also a notary right on site and they generally waive any fees if you are an account holder there - Bank of America is pretty good for this...) so you'll eventually have to bring them to wherever a notary is before you can send the docs back to the title company.
The major benefit of closing at the title company, though, is the fact that you get to sit down with your closer and if you have any questions (which is completely normal - there is a TON of paperwork and it can be quite daunting if you aren't into reading lengthy legal-sounding jargon on a regular basis!), he/she is right there at your side to answer anything. Also, having your Realtor on hand just to double check that everything is right on the HUD (aka closing sheet) and you aren't paying $3500 for a survey rather than $350 is a good idea....
If you are lucky enough to find a good escrow officer at any title company, I have some advice if you plan on buying/selling more property in that same area: stay with that agent! Follow that agent to a new company if they move, but once you find someone who does a good job for you in the title business, stick with 'em - a good one of these will save you many stressful days for sure!
The answer is no, you do not have to close at a title company. You can close at your Realtor's office, an attorney's desk, at a title company, at the house in question, or even from your own home. The title company can send you all the closing documents either electronically by email or through the mail, usually using FedEx or another over-nighting company to expedite the process. (And, of course, the paperwork will be coming from a title company because we all know how important title insurance is when purchasing a home, right?!)
You can then print them off and bring them to you to the cosing site or complete the paperwork right where you are. BUT, don't forget that many of those papers will need to be notarized (your large branch bank usually has an associate who is also a notary right on site and they generally waive any fees if you are an account holder there - Bank of America is pretty good for this...) so you'll eventually have to bring them to wherever a notary is before you can send the docs back to the title company.
The major benefit of closing at the title company, though, is the fact that you get to sit down with your closer and if you have any questions (which is completely normal - there is a TON of paperwork and it can be quite daunting if you aren't into reading lengthy legal-sounding jargon on a regular basis!), he/she is right there at your side to answer anything. Also, having your Realtor on hand just to double check that everything is right on the HUD (aka closing sheet) and you aren't paying $3500 for a survey rather than $350 is a good idea....
If you are lucky enough to find a good escrow officer at any title company, I have some advice if you plan on buying/selling more property in that same area: stay with that agent! Follow that agent to a new company if they move, but once you find someone who does a good job for you in the title business, stick with 'em - a good one of these will save you many stressful days for sure!
Galveston real estate market update MLS report Dec-Jan21 2008
Homes are selling - it is still a great time to buy, though!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
