House-shopping is exciting.
But it can get really confusing, really quickly.
Which house was the one with the great kitchen island? Which had that atrocious screened-in back porch that looked droopy and dreary? What house was the one your kids fell in love with but you were just so-so on? Didn’t that one have a funky smell in the garage?
If you can’t straighten them all out, you’re going to have to ask your Realtor® to see them again. And while your Realtor won’t have any problem showing you the same homes again, it’s kind-of a pain to drag your whole family back out just so you can remember which houses you liked… and which you didn’t.
How can you ensure you’re keeping track so you’re making the most informed decision possible, though?

How to Rate the Houses You’ve Seen

Your Realtor will most likely print out listing descriptions for the homes you’re going to see each time you go out, so ask her to make extra copies for you, too.
You’re going to use them for notes.
Great views? Beautiful lanai? Weird smell? Jot it down while you’re in the house. Your Realtor won’t rush you while you’re touring a home you might buy, so take your time… and make your college professors proud by jotting down every impression you get in each home.
Pull out your smartphone, too. Take a picture of the listing description your Realtor printed for you (just make sure you capture the address), and then start snapping away around the house. Get pictures of the kitchen, the bathrooms, the bedrooms… anything that you like or don’t like about the house is fair game. You can even go outside and snap pictures of the home’s surroundings, which can help you decide when you’re down to just a couple homes.
Once you walk out the front door and get back in your car, rate the house from 1 to 10 and write it on the listing description. That way you can sort out your choices later — when you’ve had time to process your day.

Are You Looking for a Home for Sale in Port Aransas?

If you’re searching for the perfect home in Port Aransas, call us at 361-563-7788. We can help you find it!
In the meantime, have a peek at homes for sale in some of the most popular communities in Port Aransas by using the links below.

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
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Sandcastle currently has nine condos for sale. Seven of these are efficiency’s ranging in price from $145,000 going up to $172,900. There is one 1/1 being offered for $215,000 and one 3/2 being offered for $595,000. If you would like more information on any of these listings please let us know.
PortAransasCondos.org

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Despite all of the doom and gloom in the media about the housing market home sales are up in Port Aransas. Home sales were up 17% in 2010 compared to 2009. This is very encouraging considering the difficulty obtaining financing on vacation/investment properties. We are looking forward to an even better 2011.
PortAransasCondos.org

Filed under: Port Aransas Condos by Julie Woodward
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Port Aransas Condos your online guide for Port Aransas Real Estate.
Along the shores of Mustang Island, an eighteen mile stretch of sandy beach, you may find the perfect place to rest awhile.  To access the Island, one can drive through the City of Corpus Christi toward North Padre Island and over the JFK Causeway.  Or for a true island experience, board the ferry through Aransas Pass. 
On the Island you will discover the eclectic beach town of Port Aransas, “Port A” as the locals say.  Roughly 3,000 residents call this home year round, in the Spring & Summer expect numbers upwards of 100,000 and more.  Port Aransas is truly a second home, resort town and is fast becoming THE destination of choice for Texans and beyond. 
Port Aransas is experiencing one of the best Buyers markets ever seen, so this may be the best time to find your slice of Island life!  The Port Aransas Condominium market has historically been preferred, due in part to the resort/second home market.  The condo option often allows peace of mind, regarding maintenance, while you are away.  Secondly, most condominiums offer vacation rental management giving you the option of renting out to guests that frequent the area year round. 
Most of the Port Aransas condo complexes were constructed in the 1980’s and lie along the stretch of sandy beach neighboring the Gulf of Mexico.  The Port Royal, for example, is a beachfront resort with one of the largest lagoon pools in Texas.  When purchasing a condo at Port Royal, you buy into the resort life- pools, hot tubs, restaurants, on-site rental management, gift shop, and private beach access.
Further North, find Sea Gull and Sandpiper Condominiums offering beachfront living for the discerning Buyer.  Again, offering on-site rental management options while you are away.  Guests that frequent the Sea Gull or Sandpiper often return year after year and vow not to stay anywhere else! 
La Mirage and Gulf Shores condominiumsare two neighboring complexes with beachfront appeal.  These are well suited for the laid-back buyer wanting relaxation without pretention.  Condos may be purchased starting in the $140k’s and $200k’s respectively.  Great fun!
Cinnamon Shores is the newest beachfront development on Mustang Island and still in the construction phase.  Mostly, detached homes abound; however, condominiums are available in the Social Circle section. 
Casa Condominiums sit quietly along in a quaint complex.  A tropical pool and on-site vacation management are offered.  Condo suites have views of Corpus Christi Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.
As you enter the town of Port Aransas, there are approximately 8 miles of beach with condominiums to purchase along the shore.  The Aransas Princess offers luxurious living with prime location off of Beach Access Road 1A.  The Aransas Princess may be the finest in Port Aransas!  Amenities include two pools, one beachfront and the other bay view; tennis, sauna, private beach access, and a discerning on-site vacation rental management option.  Million dollar views here! 
Island Retreat II is an established, beachfront complex with studio suites up to three bedroom options.  Condos at Island Retreat II have some of the best beach views due to the proximity to the Gulf and large, private balconies to enjoy the vistas. 
Port Aransas Sandcastle Condominiums, with 180 Gulf or Poolside units, offer resort amenities with spectacular beachfront views.  The beachfront, tropical pool may be the best in-town!  Also on-site management and a 3,000 square foot conference center accommodating 10 to 150. 
The Dunes offers one to penthouse options steps away from the beach or pool.  Each balcony with wonderful views of sunrises over the Gulf!  On-site rental management is offered. 
Cline’s Landing is a quiet, reserved Port Aransas Condominiumresort with gated access overlooking the harbor.  A short walk to the shops and restaurants in Port Aransas and a front row view of the shipping channel, all make this upscale complex unique. 
No matter your background or budget, Port Aransas may be the perfect place to call your second home!  Plenty of condominium options abound on Mustang Island– the question is when are you coming?  We’ll help you find out the what, where, and how. 
http://www.PortAransasTexasRealEstate.com/PortAransasCondos

Filed under: Port Aransas Condos by Julie Woodward
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