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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First-time buyer?
Don’t worry — your Port Aransas Realtor® will walk you through the whole process.

3 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Port Aransas

Your first excursion into the real estate market is exciting, but it can be a little confusing (and if we’re being honest, it can be a little scary, too).
With the right help, though, you’ll come out of it unscathed… And you’ll own your own home.

First-Time Home Buyer Tip #1: Get Your Finances in Order Before You Start House-Hunting

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. Annual Credit Report is the one the FTC recommends you use, but there are other services available — just be careful that you’re not signing up to pay for something when you don’t have to do so.
Start talking to lenders. Get quotes on mortgages, and compare their rates and fees.
Figure out how much money you can spend on a down payment. Typically, the more you spend on a down payment, the lower your mortgage payments will be. If you qualify for a VA loan, use it! Try to get preapproval for a loan (not prequalification, but preapproval) before you start looking; that way, you’ll know your budget and you’ll be able to find homes that really meet your needs.

First-Time Home Buyer Tip #2: Separate Your “Needs” From Your “Wants”

You need a bathroom and a bedroom, and probably a kitchen… but that’s if you’re flying solo. If you have children, you’ll have to plan for their needs. Don’t forget to think about the future, too; if you’re growing your family (or if some are leaving the nest), you’ll have to plan accordingly.
We all want a swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a big, roomy garage, but unless you need these things, you may want to brace yourself; they might not be feasible when you’re buying your first home.

First-Time Home Buyer Tip #3: Let Your Realtor Do the Heavy Lifting

Tell your Realtor what you need and what you want. Make sure she knows about your budget and your preapproval status so she can find Port Aransas real estate listings that meet your needs, and set up times to go see the homes you’re interested in buying.
Remember while you’re house-hunting that great homes don’t stay on the market for long. If you find one you love, make an offer. Your Realtor will help you every step of the way!

Are You Buying a House 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, First-Time Buyers by Julie Woodward
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If you’re like many people, you’re always looking for a great deal on the real estate market — and one way to find them is to browse Port Aransas foreclosures.
However, if you choose to buy a foreclosed home for sale in Port Aransas, here’s what you need to know before you make an offer.

Port Aransas Foreclosures: What You Need to Know

There are plenty of foreclosed homes for sale on North Padre Island and in Port Aransas, and for many people, it’s the best way to buy a larger home than would ordinarily be possible.
One of the other benefits of buying a foreclosed home is that you’re likely to get it below market value — and if you do, you’ll have equity in it the moment you sign the closing paperwork.
On the other hand, you always need to be on the lookout for substandard property conditions when you’re buying a foreclosure. It’s not that the original owners didn’t care about the home; it’s more likely that they had to decide between maintenance or repairs and making a house payment.
Your lender may not move as quickly as you’d like them to, either. Banks require extensive paperwork to sell a foreclosed home in Port Aransas or elsewhere, but you can do your part by providing your loan officer with all the paperwork he needs in a timely manner. You’ll probably need:

• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Other proof of income

Your lender may require other documentation, as well, particularly if you’re using a federally backed loan.

Are You Looking for Port Aransas Foreclosures?

If you’re thinking about buying a foreclosure, check out our:

• North Padre Island home foreclosures
• North Padre Island condo foreclosures
• Port Aransas home foreclosures
• Port Aransas condo foreclosures

In the meantime, call us at 361-563-7788 to tell us what you want from your next home… we’ll help you find it!

 

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Foreclosures, Lenders by Julie Woodward
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If you’re buying a condo in Port Aransas so you can rent it out and recoup your investment, you’re not alone. The vacation rental market here is thriving, and there are plenty of great reasons to join the thousands of other Port Aransas condo owners who are doing the same thing.

Why Rent Your Port Aransas Condo?

Your primary home isn’t necessarily an asset; it’s not making you money each month. If you rent out a condo that you own, though, you’re potentially turning a liability into an asset because it brings in cash you can use to pay down the mortgage, make improvements, or feather your nest for retirement.
It’s not the right strategy for everyone, but renting your condo could be a huge boost to what you’re already doing.

If You Buy a Condo in Port Aransas to Rent it Out…

For most people, it’s a good idea to hire a property manager or a vacation rental manager. Your property manager will help you find renters (or vacationers, if that’s what you’re looking for). The manager will also work on the contracts, keep track of finances, and take care of repairs that the condo needs.
However, you can — if you have the time and the inclination — handle all of this yourself.

Are You Buying a Condo to Rent Out in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a condo in Port Aransas that you can rent to vacationers or tenants, we can help you find one that fits within your budget and meets your needs.
Call us at 361-563-7788 to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll help you find it.

Explore Port Aransas Condos by Building Name

Use these links to explore condos for sale in Port Aransas.

Explore Port Aransas Condos by Price

Use these links to find Port Aransas condos for sale in your price range.

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Condos in Port Aransas, Vacation Rentals 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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El Constante Condominiums are some of the hottest on North Padre Island (they’re technically part of Corpus Christi), and it’s easy to see why. These affordable condos have everything buyers want: great location, excellent amenities, and so much more.

El Constante Condominiums on North Padre Island

El Constante Condominiums have been around since 1985, and since that time, they’ve continually earned the reputation for having great condos.

Amenities at El Constante Condominiums

Aside from the fact that El Constante Condominiums are close to everything (including Schlitterbahn Water Park, Packery Channel, and the Bob Hall Pier), this complex has some great amenities, including:

• Beach location
• Large community swimming pool with hot tub
• Wifi throughout the community
• Spectacular landscaping
• Security lighting
• Private patios and balconies
• Roomy condos with deluxe kitchens
• Walk-in closets
• High-efficiency HVAC systems
• Solar-glazed windows
• Cathedral ceilings in two-bedroom condos’ master bedrooms

Are You Looking for a Condo at El Constante Condominiums?

Whether you’re looking for a condo at El Constante Condominiums 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, Condos on North Padre Island, El Constante Condominiums by Julie Woodward
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Gulf Shores condos for sale are increasing in popularity—and it’s no wonder. With a great climate, beautiful scenery, and so much to do in Port Aransas and North Padre Island, these condos are the pinnacle of great (and maintenance-free) living.

Gulf Shores Condos for Sale

From breathtaking luxury condos to cozy, one-bedroom units with spectacular beach views, you’ll find Gulf Shores condos for sale all over the spectrum. They’re available at all price points, too, which makes this area truly unique; there’s room for everybody on the Gulf Coast.

Search Port Aransas Condos by Price

Not sure where you want to live, but you’d still like to find out how much home you’ll get within your budget?
Check out the links below. You can search Gulf Shores condos for sale in Port Aransas or North Padre Island by price.

Port Aransas

North Padre Island

Search Port Aransas Condos by Community

If you already know where you’d like to live, search for available Gulf Shores condos in your favorite community by using the links below.

Port Aransas

• Aransas Harbors
• Aransas Princess
• Bay Tree Condos
• Beachgate
• Beachhead
• Bella Vista
• Blue Heron
• Casa
• Channel View
• Cinnamon Shores
• Clines Landing
• Coast House
• Coral Cay
• Courtyard
• The Dunes
• El Cortez
• Executive Keys
• Grand Caribbean
• Gulf Shores
• Heritage Lane
• Island Dunes
• Island Retreat
• La Mirage
• Las Palmeras
• Little Lake
• Lost Colony
• Mayan Princess
• Mustang Beach Club
• Mustang Isle
• Mustang Towers
• Ninth Street
• Pirates Bay
• Pelican
• Port Royal
• Royal Palms
• Safe Harbor
• Sand & Surf
• Sand Hill
• Sandcastle
• Sandpiper
• Sea Breezes
• Sea Gull
• Sea Isle Village
• Sea Sands
• Signal Point
• Sunrise Cottages
• Teal Harbor
• The Commons
• The Meridian
• The Moorings
• Twin Palms
• Village Walk

North Padre Island

• Admirals Point
• Ambrosia
• Anchor Resort
• Aruba Isles
• Beach Breeze
• Beach Club
• Beach Haven
• Breezeways
• Brielle Bay
• Casa Europa
• Channel View
• Compass
• Cottage House
• El Constante
• El Pescador
• Goin Coastal
• Gulfstream
• Island Fairway
• Island House
• La Paloma
• Las Balcones
• Las Haciendas
• Las Palmas
• Laguna Madre
• Lakeshore Villas
• Leeward Coves
• Leeward Isles
• Mariners Cay
• Mystic Harbor
• Nautica
• Nautilus
• Padre Island Townhomes
• Palm Bay Village
• Pirates Crossing
• Portofino
• Spinnaker
• Surfside
• The Marquesas
• The Villas Of Padre
• Village on the Greens

Are You Looking for a New Home in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a 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, Condos in Port Aransas, Condos on North Padre Island by Julie Woodward
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Whether you’re new to Port Aransas or you’ve lived here for quite some time, El Cortez condos may be the perfect place for your next home.

El Cortez Condos in Port Aransas

Tucked away on Mustang Island, El Cortez condos are just 3.5 miles out of Port Aransas. The surroundings are beautiful; it’s nestled among a beautiful, tropical landscape that has boardwalk access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Living in El Cortez Condos in Port Aransas

El Cortez condominium floor plans have three configurations; one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom.
Each of the comfortably spacious floor plans offers residents the convenience of maintenance-free living with close proximity to all the area’s amenities. Many of the condominiums offer breathtaking beach views, as well.

Amenities at El Cortez Villas

Because the El Cortez condominium complex is so close to Port Aransas, you’re never more than a few moments away from some of the area’s finest dining, shopping, and entertainment. The complex itself offers great amenities, as well, including washers and dryers in each home and a fish-cleaning facility (which is truly fantastic).

Find El Cortez Condos in Your Price Range

No matter what you’re looking for in El Cortez condos, we can help you find it. You can use the links below to search for condos within your price range.

• El Cortez Condos 100k – 200k
• El Cortez Condos 200k – 300k
• El Cortez Condos 300k – 400k
• El Cortez Condos 400k – 500k
• El Cortez Condos over 500k

Are You Moving to Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a condo at El Cortez, a home for sale in Port Aransas or a house on 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, Condos in Port Aransas, El Cortez by Julie Woodward
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Thinking about moving to Island Retreat in Port Aransas?
You’re not alone—this spectacular community has been getting plenty of attention lately, and it’s easy to see why.

Island Retreat: Port Aransas

There are two phases of Island Retreat in Port Aransas: Island Retreat I and Island Retreat II. Both phases are truly remarkable.

Amenities at Island Retreat in Port Aransas

Island Retreat is one of Port Aransas’s hidden gems. Sports facilities in the complex include:

• Volleyball courts
• Basketball courts
• Shuffleboard surfaces
• Tennis courts

With swimming pools, beautiful cabanas, and gorgeous landscaping throughout the community, this resort-style condominium complex is a wonderful place to call home. Some residents choose to rent their homes out as vacation rentals, as well, making it the ideal place for a second home.

Floor Plans at Island Retreat in Port Aransas

There are several floor plans available in the condos at Island Retreat, and they’re available at several price points, as well.

• Studio
• Studios with kitchens
• Efficiency
• 1-bedroom home with one bathroom
• 2-bedroom home with two bathrooms
• 3-bedroom home with two bathrooms

Search Island Retreat Condos for Sale by Price

You can use these links to find Island Retreat condos in your price range:

• Island Retreat Condos below 100k
• Island Retreat Condos 100k – 300k
• Island Retreat Condos 300k – 400k
• Island Retreat Condos 400k – 500k
• Island Retreat Condos over 500k

Are You Looking for a New Home in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a 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, Condos in Port Aransas, Neighborhoods by Julie Woodward
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When winter is here, you can still enjoy fresh air indoors—you just need the right indoor plants for the job.

3 Great Houseplants for Freshening Indoor Air

Whether you’re worried about chemicals in the air you breathe that come from cleaning supplies, dust, or even your furniture (there’s often formaldehyde in a number of household building products, furnishings, and glues) or you’d just like to have some clean, fresh air inside during the winter, there are some plants that are essentially powerhouses when it comes to pulling toxins from the air.

Air-Freshening House Plant #1: The Boston Fern

Boston Ferns are great at pulling formaldehyde from the air, but they don’t stop with that one. They can scrub benzene and zylene (which come from gasoline exhaust), too. They’re not the easiest plants to care for—they need to be fed weekly during growing season, and monthly during the winter. You may need to water or mist them each day if they’re not getting enough moisture from the air.

Air-Freshening House Plant #2: English Ivy

Easier to care for than a Boston Fern, English Ivy may be the right air-cleaner for you. It also removes formaldehyde and other toxins from the air, but it’s not as finicky as a fern; you’ll need to water and mist it when you remember (no rigid schedule necessary).

Air-Freshening House Plant #3: The Peace Lily

A peace lily can bloom indoors, which makes it a great choice for aesthetics—but it’s a hard-core toxin-remover, too. It removes formaldehyde, benzene, and other volatile chemicals from the air, and it doesn’t need tons of direct sunlight. The only caveat: peace lily leaves are toxic to pets and kids, so you may need to keep it up high.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a 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, Comfort, Garden by Julie Woodward
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