Galveston Real Estate

I(ke)ronic...

2008-11-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

Wow if that last post isn't painfully ironic... Gustav eeked by, but Ike sure didn't. Please follow along at www.IBCgalveston.com.

Galveston has no love for Hurricane Gustav and will likely avoid evacuations

2008-08-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

tracking chart courtesy of www.wunderground.com
Thankfully, 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

Galveston real estate July 24 - August 25, 2008

2008-08-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

Data taken from Galveston MLS, July 24 - August 25, 2008.

Galveston Goes Green with World CarFree Day Sept 22, 2008

2008-08-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

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!

Islander By Choice - "Do more than shop local, wear local."

2008-08-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

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.

June to July Galveston real estate market report

2008-08-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

Galveston MLS market report June 25-July 24th, 2008

May to June Galveston real estate market report

2008-08-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

Galveston MLS report May 23-June25, 2008

Palisade Palms completed, fully loaded & ready to move in!

2008-06-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

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!

April to May Galveston Real Estate market report

2008-05-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Galveston Multiple Listing (MLS) market report April 26- May 23rd, 2008.

Wedded bliss.... May 17th, 2008

2008-05-20T11:09:00.001-07:00

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.

The numbers are in... HAR reports average sales price is up .9% from last year!

2008-05-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

"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)

3102 P1/2 Historic Home for Sale, close to Galveston beach

2008-03-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

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.

1718 M1/2 Lost Bayou Historic District

2008-03-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

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!

Galveston market January 21-February 22, 2008 - data taken from GAR MLS

2008-02-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

Can I close without a title company?

2008-01-24T15:44:00.001-08:00

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!

Galveston real estate market update MLS report Dec-Jan21 2008

2008-01-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

Homes are selling - it is still a great time to buy, though!

Commuting to Houston...

2007-12-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

...is NO fun. Each time I find myself driving into Houston for anything other than an Astros game or, (in the good ol' days) Six Flags, I find that I have a tendency to mass produce the beginnings of many tiny ulcers in the pit of my stomach and lose just a little bit of hair during the white-knuckle gripping ride of terror to and from the area so far north of my causeway... known as Houston. Seriously, how do people pass on the right, going 78 mph, while on their cell, with the tallest bucket of Starbucks in hand, and NOT look like they just saw the ghost of Christmas future?

Well, this time I have to say it was worth it. I just completed my last core class (that's an official count of 900 hours, folks, or in other words, 5.6 months straight (if I did it straight, which I didn't but you get the idea) of 40-hour work weeks of pure real estate goodness) before the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) says I can take (and pass, thank you) the Texas Real Estate Broker License exam. Don't be fooled - I am still a glutton for real estate classes and will continue the painful commutes any time there is an intriguing course offered within a 40 mile radius. However, from here on in, I'll be attending as a BROKER. Yup, that's right. BROKER.

Maybe having this title will help me avoid the question I so truly hate fielding: "How old are you?!" Which, to me, really means "you look far too young to know what you're doing - how can I trust you to market my HOUSE?!?! Maybe you can dog-sit while we're out of town, young lady?"

Well, for the record, yes, I realize I look young. But young does NOT mean unqualified. Young does NOT mean uneducated. And young certainly does NOT mean un-capable (I know, I know - it's incapable, but go with me here). I can professionally and properly market your house - quite well; in fact - have been doing it for years now. I can be trusted to work hard and diligently with this thing that I know and respect is of so much importance to you. And, yes, I probably can dog-sit while you're out of town too, but that's just really neither here nor there, now is it?

Signing off as a soon to be BROKER,
Merry Christmas everyone!

Is insurance in Galveston required?

2007-11-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

The short answer is yes. And it is the safest answer I want to give. However, in some instances the answer to this question might be "no", but I still would never recommend going without insurance simply because of where we live... read on...
If you are lucky enough to pay cash for your Galveston Island home, you'll find that there is no pesky lender requirement that says you have to have flood, windstorm and homeowners insurance all lined up and ready prior to closing. (Yes, we have to have all 3 here) The title company won't be hassling you for your insurance provider contact info. You might never even be asked about it - how are you to know what to do??? This is where your "pesky" (I prefer the term concerned) Realtor and Buyer's Rep should insist on you carrying at least some coverage for the protection (and peace of mind) of your new investment that you've both worked so hard to get!

Now, let me say that, for the record, I am not the biggest proponent of insurance - most kinds, anyway. (1) Yes, I came from a military family background where health insurance was just "always there" and my parents' employers forked over the lofty bills while I took it for granted that we only had to pay $10 a pop each time we headed to the doctor. (That's much different now that we pay for it ourselves and HOLY COW that stuff's not cheap! There's one i don't like...) (2) And yes, I am a female so I am therefore insured to drive at a fraction of the price as my husband (that's scary too - ladies, I've seen us doing some crazy stuff out there while behind the wheel... Try and finish the makeup before leaving the house!). But, it didn't do us any good to be insured when my husband's prized 1978 CJ7 Jeep was vandalized for no reason while it was not even being driven!! - That's the second one I don't like. (3) And yes, we have a mortgage on our home here in the East End Historic District so we are required to carry a certain amount of insurance. BUT, I can assure anyone that even if it were not a requirement, there's NO WAY we wouldn't have it. This is one that I don't mind so much paying for...

When we were boarding up our house and the shop (all 22 windows - ugh - thank God for shutters!) 2 years ago (September 2005) as Category 5 Hurricane Rita was barreling towards our general direction, we were actually saying to each other "do we have enough insurance on this place?!?!" To think of all the time, work and sweat we've put into this home and to think that, should disaster strike, all of that would be lost?? Whew. That's not a comforting thought.

So, we boarded up, took a ton of pictures, said a prayer, tossed Ginger (our furry child) in the back of the car and headed north. 24 hours later, we arrived safely at our good friends', the Askews, home in Austin. After watching our Mayor announce that the the storm had passed Galveston Island, we headed home. The 2.5 hour drive (yes, this is normal transit time!) was a strange one. There was practically nobody on the road - a stark contrast from the thousands that packed the freeways (which literally became parking lots) only 1 day before.

But, a week later, we called one of my best friends and our insurance provider, Klayre Lewis(Coady & Lewis insurance http://www.coadyandlewisinsurance.com/content.aspx - they are fabulous!), and said "raise 'em high"! That is a bill worth paying.

Back to the question... Again, if you carry a mortgage at all (that is to say, if you do not pay cash and have to use a 3rd party to finance your home), you'll be required to have insurance - all 3 types. Best recommendation I can make? Ask your Realtor about flood zones. Ask your Realtor for a local, reputable insurance provider who is familiar with the area in which you are purchasing (please, do not have your Kansas insurance provider call me about insuring your home on Tiki Island! I realize they may have seen all 3 of your kids grow up, learn how to drive, and go off to college, but please please please leave this one thing to somebody here in town!). Ask your Realtor what is required in your area - maybe it is earthquake, tornado, or cyclone insurance depending on where you are - just ask.

And, if you are in a situation where you can pay cash for a property, please look into getting insurance anyway. (That is, unless you want the thing to fall over because it will otherwise be bequeathed to your least favorite nephew who never did send you a thank you note for that etiquette book you gave him for graduation... That, of course, is a different story...)

Galveston MLS data October 22 to November 21, 2007

2007-11-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

Again, homes are selling - the price is key. If your home is priced right, but competing with many others with comparable amenities, take a look at how it is showing. Clean up around the yard, the bathrooms, kitchen and keep clutter to a minimum. And, make it smell good!

Don't miss the East End Historical District's annual Christmas Homes Tour this Friday night, November 30th - space is limited, so get your ticket asap! www.eastendgalveston.org.

Students record video greetings for soldiers Thurs, November 29 7-9pm

2007-11-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

Residents of Galveston have been invited to join Ball High students this Thursday from 7-9pm in the Ball High School cafeteria (4115 Ave O) and record personal holiday greetings to be sent to U.S. soldiers via online videos. As part of students' communications applications class, these messages will be made, videotaped and uploaded to a Web site also created by students in the school's Web design class.

Regardless of our personal views of the war in Iraq, our support for our troops should be unanimous and unwavering. This can be a difficult time of the year for our soldiers while they are separated from their friends and loved ones, and I think this is a tremendously thoughtful idea that the BHS students should be applauded for.

If you are interested in recording a video message, you can do so by contacting Ed Herndon at edmund_herndon@gisd.org or by calling 409-766-5700.

Read about it in the Galveston Daily News here: http://news.galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=e3b64c1d837a58a4

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2007-11-22T12:11:00.001-08:00

Happy Turkey Day to Everyone!!!!

Galveston market info (Adrienne's monthly newsletter) October 2007

2007-11-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to receive a hard copy of my market report mailed to you each month, please email me at Adrienne@TheHouseCompany.com with your mailing address and I'll add you to my list!

Data taken from Galveston Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service (GAR MLS)
June 1, 2007 to October 22, 2007

Area/Neighborhood Name
A = Active listings, not under contract (total active listings in this area/ $average list price of active listings in this area)
S = Sold listings, have already closed (total sold listings in this area/ $average sale price of sold listings in this area)
P= Pending listings, under contract to sell (total pending listings in this area/ $average list price of listings under contract)
-provided by Adrienne Culpepper, ABR, GRI
Adrienne@TheHouseCompany.com - www.CulpepperProperties.com

Thank you for my new notebook

2007-11-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Chosun and Ravi for one of the most fabulous gifts I have ever received - my new notebook - from which I am writing this very blog!

We sold Chosun and Ravi's Jamaica Beach house this year - since they have moved to the C.S. (that's College Station for all the non-Aggies or non-"O.C" watchers out there) and are now "plus 1" (baby Jin just turned 3 months old this week!), they were looking to unload the house and pursue Ravi's path to M.D. stardom. To which, I might add, he is already well on his way.

And this was their gift to me. I can't even say how awesome this is, so I'll let this picture do it for me:

(Thanks, guys - many a listing presentation will be made from this gem!)

D'Feet Breast Cancer Run, Moody Gardens Galveston

2007-11-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

October 20th was this year's D'Feet Breast Cancer Run (http://www.dfeetbreastcancer.com/dfeetbreastcancer.com) and it was GREAT! Michael ran in the 5K but didn't get to know his race time because he pulled a Cannonball Run move and had to short-cut the end of the race to get to his car because he was late to open up the shop.

There were a bunch of House Company people that participated in the 5K walk as well and I got to "team lead" one of the water stations on the 10K course. (I really wanted to run it, but knowing I was going to get smoked by my husband if I had ran made accepting the water station deal that much easier on the ol' pride factor!)

The weather was gorgeous and there were lots of people that came out to support the event. Special thanks to the folks that gave me extra $$ donations for our team that went straight to the D'Feet organization! (Eileen McCreight (Mom), Betty Huddleston of The House Company, Michael Culpepper of http://www.piecesofship.com/, Libby Crosby of Chase Bank Galveston, and Nancy Redden of Stewart Title Galveston)