Get the latest scoop on what’s happening around Port Aransas here. Click the headlines to read the full story.

Port Aransas News Roundup

How businesses in Port Aransas, Rockport, Corpus Christi are doing after Hurricane Harvey

“Home to beloved restaurants, shops and hotels, Texas’ Gulf Coast bore the brunt of a Category 4 hurricane two weeks ago, before the storm moved east, ravaging most of Houston….”

Port Aransas continues long road to recovery

“Texans who live near areas where Hurricane Harvey first made landfall two weeks ago are still dealing with their own heartache.
Folks in the small town are not wasting any time rebuilding the coastal community, but the emotional toll still is sinking in…”

Port Aransas continues long road to recovery after Harvey: Video

“Port Aransas was one of the hardest hit Texas towns when Hurricane Harvey made landfall.
More than two weeks after the storm, the town remains unrecognizable covered in rubble and debris.
Hurricane Harvey was still gaining strength when it hit the Texas Gulf Coast with winds of 130 to 140 miles per hour…”

“Indescribable” Toll After Harvey Heavily Damages Port Aransas, Texas

“A Texas city near where Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 storm has suffered damage to nearly all of its businesses and is without power, water and telephone service, officials said Sunday…”

Harvey recovery: Stories of hope and healing from Port Aransas

“Earlier this week, I wrote about Hurricane Harvey’s impact on the small coastal community of Port Aransas and my beloved memories of spending summers there growing up. As soon as I published it, my inbox flooded with emails from people who had similar fond memories of this little town, solidifying my belief that there really is something special about this place. The Port Aransas and Mustang Island Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau shared it on its Facebook page, and readers instantly shared their memories of Port Aransas….”

Dive bar is first business to reopen in Port Aransas since Harvey

“Edwin Myers, the owner of the Shorty’s, told KRIS-TV that six inches of water inundated the bar, damaging bottle coolers and the flooring. But a construction crew came in an repaired the building in about five days…”

Filed under: Blog by Julie Woodward
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When you’re looking at Port Aransas homes for sale, the final step—closing—is never far from your mind. That’s the big day; the day you’ll get the keys to your next home.
But what, exactly, happens at closing?
Your Realtor® will be there with you, and so will a handful of other people.
Here’s the breakdown of what happens.

What Happens at Closing?

The day you sign the final paperwork that outlines your ownership of the home you’re buying is called closing day. You’ll sit at the closing table (it’s really just a table where we close real estate transactions) and sign your name to dozens of documents.
There will be plenty of documents for you to sign, too. You’ll have financial documents, disclosures, title agreements… you name it, and you’re signing it on closing day.

What Happens After You Sign All the Papers?

After you sign all the paperwork your Realtor puts in front of you, those documents need to go to your lender. Typically, whomever is in charge on closing day will handle faxing or scanning these documents to your lender (and the seller’s lender, if there is one).
In many cases, your signature is required on all these documents before your lender will actually fund the loan and give the seller his or her money. In some cases, the funds are already waiting and the lender just needs a final confirmation that everything went through according to plan.
After everyone has all the documentation they need, your loan is funded… and you’re a homeowner.

Are You Buying a Home or Condo in Port Aransas?

Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll begin searching right away.
In the meantime, you might find these links helpful:

• Free mortgage calculator
• Info on buying a home in Port Aransas
• The ultimate moving checklist

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
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If you’re like many people, you’re wondering whether it’s a good idea to buy a foreclosure in Port Aransas or North Padre Island.
After all, foreclosures often sell for less than market value – and you’d make out like a bandit when it comes to equity, right?
The truth is that buying a foreclosure isn’t always a good idea.

Pros of Buying a Foreclosure in Port Aransas or North Padre Island

If you’re buying a foreclosure, it’s probably true that you’ll spend less than market value on the home.
Sellers who are in foreclosure – before the lender actually takes possession of the home – are often in a big hurry to sell, too. That can work in your favor.
Sometimes lenders are willing to negotiate the price, particularly if the home has been on the market for more than a little while.

Cons of Buying a Foreclosure in Port Aransas or North Padre Island

Remember, you’re not the only person in Port A or on North Padre Island who’s looking for a great deal on a foreclosure. In fact, you might need to dive into a bidding war – and the home’s price can jump up quickly (and exponentially), and that can negate any savings you might have seen.
You’ll also need to account for the fact that when you buy a foreclosed home, the previous owner didn’t have the money to make mortgage payments. What if he or she didn’t take care of routine maintenance (or major issues) because of money problems?
You may also inherit debt connected to the home, so it’s important that you work with a reputable title agency and that your Realtor® thoroughly vets the property.

Foreclosures in Port Aransas and North Padre Island

You can come out ahead by buying a foreclosure in Port Aransas or on North Padre Island, but it’s extremely important that you work with a qualified expert who understands how to help you through the process… and who’s looking out for your best interests every step of the way.

Are You Moving to Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more!)

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Buying a Foreclosure by Julie Woodward
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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Port Aransas and the surrounding communities offer beautiful landscapes to add to the enjoyment of your pastimes. If you lead a leisurely lifestyle, you can relax along miles of sandy beaches or partake in some birdwatching. For the more adventurous at heart, you can spend your days catching some waves or deep sea fishing.
Port Aransas has something for everyone. If you’re considering a move to the area, feel free to check out our Port Aransas homes and condos for sale.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is a magnificent gem that sits along the Gulf of Mexico and is a treasure in and of itself. You can spend your days off relaxing on the beach or enjoying one of these activities:

• Birding
• Bonfires
• Camping
• Paddling
• Swimming

Padre Island National Seashore
You can get away from your everyday hustle and bustle at the Padre Island National Seashore. This park stretches along endless miles of the coast, and you can even drive on the beach in some areas. You’ll find activities for everyone to enjoy.

• Birding
• Bookstore
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Seashell collecting
• Swimming

Roberts Point Park
Roberts Point Park is another spectacular site for recreational activities. In addition to normal beach activities, you’ll discover:

• Concerts in the amphitheater
• Observation tower
• Playground
• Soccer fields and volleyball courts

Are You Moving to Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more!)

Filed under: Blog, Things to Do by Julie Woodward
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If you’re selling your home, your Port Aransas Realtor® will walk you through all the steps you need to make to put its best foot forward.
But what else can you do to make buyers fall in love at first sight?

3 Tips for Staging Your Port Aransas Home

You want buyers to walk in and love your house, so you have to be proactive. Each house has its own charms, so you’ll want to highlight them; likewise, each house has its own quirks, and you’ll want to minimize (or eradicate) those.

Home Staging Tip #1: Make Buyers Feel Welcome

Your goal: to make buyers feel right at home. Ideally, your potential buyers can envision themselves living in your space. In order to help them do that, you can:

• Leave the house. Buyers don’t want you hanging over their shoulders during a showing. (You wouldn’t, either.)
• Put out wrapped candy or other takeaways that your potential buyers are welcome to take.
• Make the interior temperature as comfortable as possible. Forget about your utility bills, just this once, to ensure that potential buyers aren’t sweating or freezing.

Home Staging Tip #2: Set the Mood

Turn on water fountains if you have them, and light a fire in the fireplace if it’s cool enough outside to make sense. (Remember that you’re leaving, though, so you’ll have to time it right.) If you can, pipe soft, relaxing music throughout the house.
Open all the shades to let in as much natural light as possible. Turn on all the lights, too. The brighter the home, the more likely buyers will view it more favorably. However, if there’s something unsightly outside, keep the blinds partially closed.

Home Staging Tip #3: Skip Heavily Scented Deodorizers or Air Fresheners

Lots of people are sensitive to synthetic smells, and lots of other people are just plain turned off by certain scents. Don’t burn candles or spray perfume, and skip the air fresheners and deodorizers.
Instead, open the windows if you can. (If there’s a lot of noise outside, though, leave them closed.)
If you’re going to bake cookies, make sure you leave them out for visitors with a nice note that says, “Please help yourself.”

Are You Selling Your Home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island?

If you’re selling your home, we’d love to help you do so quickly and at the right price. We’ll be happy to give you a free comparative market analysis so you know exactly how much your home is worth. While you’re here, you can also download our free home-selling eBook and read our useful tips for selling your home faster.
When you’re ready, call us at 361-563-7788 or contact us online to find out how we can help you sell your home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island.
 

Filed under: Blog, Selling, Staging by Julie Woodward
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DISCLAIMER: This is not intended to replace financial advice; we’re not financial advisers. If you need financial advice, you should speak with a licensed financial adviser.
Can you buy a house with bad credit?
Let’s talk about what constitutes “bad credit” for the purposes of buying a home so you know exactly what you need to do if you’re ready to make the leap.

Buying a Home With “Bad Credit”

Typically when lenders refer to someone with bad credit, they could mean that the person has excessively high credit card debt, late payments, a bankruptcy, or a foreclosure.
The most obvious ways to improve your credit are to pay down your debt and make timely payments. As for bankruptcy and foreclosure, time is typically the cure.
What you can do is talk to a lender that specializes in helping borrowers with bad credit. Your lender can point you toward special programs that will improve your credit and show you how you can finance a home, even with a bankruptcy or foreclosure on your record.

Time Frames for Foreclosure and Bankruptcy on Your Credit Report

Before you assume that you have bad credit, order your free credit report from Annual Credit Report. Thanks to the Federal Trade Commission, everyone’s entitled to one free copy of his or her credit report every year.
A bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. The farther the bankruptcy is in your past, the more favorably lenders may look at your credit profile.
If you’re using a conforming loan, you typically need to wait about 4 years after a bankruptcy or a short sale.
If you’re using an FHA loan, you must wait 2 years after foreclosure. The good news? After 2 years, you may qualify to pay as little as 3.5 percent down. If you’ve had a short sale, you’ll have to wait 3 years.

Are You Buying a Home With Bad Credit in Port Aransas?

If you’re buying a home in Port Aransas, call us at 361-563-7788 right away. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you find it.
In the meantime, browse our Port A real estate listings in some of the most popular communities:

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Consumer Tips, Credit Scoring by Julie Woodward
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Condos for sale in Gulf Shores are a hot commodity, and it’s easy to see why. With unparalleled views and amazing amenities, Gulf Shores condos are some of the most popular (and widely searched) in Texas.

Find Condos for Sale in Gulf Shores

• Gulf Shores condos for sale 100k – 200k
• Gulf Shores condos for sale 200k – 300k
• Gulf Shores condos for sale 300k – 400k
• Gulf Shores condos for sale 400k – 500k
• Gulf Shores condos for sale over 500k

What’s So Special About Gulf Shores Condos?

This beautiful area is close to everything. Port Aransas, Mustang Island, and North Padre Island are all right here, so you have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment that you won’t find anywhere else.
Each unit at Gulf Shores condos is exceptional. The amenities are unsurpassable, and they include:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing views of the beach
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Swimming pool
• Pristine gardens
• Elevators
• Shuffleboard court
• BBQ facilities
• Game room
• Library

Are You Thinking About Buying a Gulf Shores Condo for Sale?

If you’re considering buying a condo at Gulf Shores, we’d love to help you find one that meets your needs.
Call us at 361-563-7788 today so we can start searching for your next home!

Search Near Gulf Shores Condos

If you’re still considering a number of condominiums near Gulf Shores Condos, use these links to explore nearby complexes.

Filed under: Blog, Gulf Shores Condos by Julie Woodward
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If you’re thinking about moving to Mustang Island, Sea Gull Condos are probably on the top of your list of must-see homes.
It makes sense — they’re beautiful and offer some of the best amenities in the area.

About Sea Gull Condos

Don’t try to look past cruise ships or crowded tourist areas… when you live in Sea Gull Condos, you have unobstructed views of the water and access to 27 miles of pristine beaches.
This beautiful high-rise is just 8 miles down the beach from Port Aransas, and it’s adjacent to a beautiful boardwalk.

Amenities at Sea Gull Condos

Sea Gull Condos offers one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom condos with fully equipped kitchens.
You’ll also find:

• A large pool that’s heated in November, December, March, and April
• Hot tub
• Tennis courts
• Local golf course access
• High-speed Internet in each condo
• Boardwalk shower
• Fish cleaning station
• Basketball court
• Fitness room
• Game room
• Book library

Are You Moving to Sea Gull Condos on Mustang Island?

If you’re thinking about moving to Sea Gull Condos on Mustang Island, we’d love to help you find the home that best suits your needs.
Call us at 361-563-7788 right now so we can begin searching for your next home!

Find Sea Gull Condos for Sale and Explore Other Condos in Port Aransas

You can explore all Sea Gull condos for sale here, as well as use the links below to find other condos in Port Aransas.

Filed under: Blog, Sea Gull Condos by Julie Woodward
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In some cases, it really pays off to list your Port Aransas condo for sale during the winter months.
Why?
People who look for new homes during the winter, particularly in a great spot like North Padre Island or Port Aransas, may be a bit more serious about buying than those who come “kick the tires” during spring and summer.

Selling Your Port Aransas Condo During Winter

Sure, lots of homebuyers go into hibernation during the winter. Your condo may drum up less interest during December, January, February, and March than it would during warmer months… but the interest that it does generate may be from more qualified buyers.
It’s not necessarily the number of people who come through your condo that matters; it’s the number of qualified buyers who are ready to make a purchase that matters.
If you’re thinking about selling your condo, grab a free local market report. We’ll tell you about Port Aransas home values and North Padre Island home values so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
We’ll even be happy to perform a free comparative market analysis to show you how much you could get if you put your condo on the market today. Your CMA will include:

• Similar properties that have sold and closed within the past 6 months
• Similar properties that are on the market right now
• Similar properties that are in a “pending” status (they’ve sold, but they haven’t closed yet)
• Similar properties that have expired (they didn’t sell during their listing period)
• A detailed report on your condo and how much it’s worth based on today’s market

Let Us Help You Sell Your Port Aransas Condo

We can help you sell your Port Aransas condo quickly and at the right price. Call us at 361-563-7788 today to learn how we’ll market your condo and get it in front of all the right buyers — even during the winter.

Filed under: Blog, Home Seller Tips, Home Selling Tips, Selling by Julie Woodward
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Dunes Condos, one of Port Aransas’s hidden gems, is a great place to purchase a condo—and when you’ve had a chance to tour the community yourself, you’ll understand why residents love it so much.

Dunes Condos in Port Aransas

If you already know your budget and you’re ready to start looking at Dunes Condos for sale, use these links to get started:

• Dunes Condos for sale from 100k to 200k
• Dunes Condos for sale from 200k to 300k
• Dunes Condos for sale from 300k to 400k
• Dunes Condos for sale from 400k to 500k
• Dunes Condos for sale over 500k

If you’re not quite sure, you can explore all Dunes Condos for sale.

Why Choose Dunes Condos in Port Aransas?

The amenities are second-to-none in this beautiful condominium complex. Residents enjoy:

• A huge, heated pool
• Hot tub
• Sun deck
• Gym with cutting-edge equipment
• Meeting room
• Fish-cleaning facilities
• Housekeeping services
• Grilling areas
• Great parking
• Arcade games and vending machines

Many people choose to purchase a condo in Dunes Condos and use it as a vacation rental; others choose to live in the complex throughout the year. Either way, the homes here are nothing short of amazing.

Units at Dunes Condos

You’ll find one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos at The Dunes. These spacious condominiums offer breathtaking views of Port Aransas and the surrounding areas.

Are You Looking for a Place at Dunes Condos in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a condo at Dunes Condos or another type of home for sale in Port Aransas or North Padre Island, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll start searching right away.
In the meantime, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more!)

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Dunes Condos by Julie Woodward
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