Galveston Real Estate

• 1,178 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $123,900 - Lowest price in complex

Marina Pointe , Galveston

Property information

Kevin and I took a tour of Emerald by the Sea yesterday.  It was very nice.  The community has just opened.  The pool was designed with an infinite type design overlooking the beach.  The views are exquisite.  More information to come on our website.  We will be launching a specific page in regards to the Emerald by the Sea later this week.  I am working with an onsite representative to get this page going.  The builder has stated that they have very few units left so if you are interested in this condo now would be a good time to check it out.

Thanks, Christina Stevens

409-515-9542

The subject of property management has been of much debate for our Team in the recent weeks.  Now that we are devoting all of our real estate time to Galveston we have decided to start managing property.  We see a HUGE need for this in the Galveston, Texas real estate market.  I have heard many horror stories.  One is from first hand experience yet that is a subject for another post (coming soon, renters alert- how to avoid getting ripped of by your property manager).  I have heard about fees associated with ending contracts.  Extra hidden fees that have not been disclosed at the time one signs a property management contract.  I could go on and on.  These things are what I would like to warn people who own Galveston, Texas real estate about.  Understand that you have options.  If you are not getting quality service then complain.  Don't pay fees that were not disclosed to you.  Don't deal with a management company who does not have your best needs at heart. 

Don't let a management company that is a brokerage exclude your rental from MLS.  Why do they do this?  The simple reason is because it is customary for the first months rent to be split between the brokerages who handle the lease.  if they include it on MLS then they have to pay some of the first months rent to the cooperating broker.  Most Galveston brokerages don't want to do this so their greed keeps your property off the MLS.  How dopes this hurt you?  Your property is not being advertised to the millions of people who would know you have an option for them.  Use a brokerage that participates with MLS on rentals.  Preferably both area MLS services.

Team Stevens charges a 10% fee to manage your property.  we have not yet opened our beach rental service.  We are considering this in the near future.  We are happy to manage any of your long term rentals.  We will tailor our services to fit your property management needs.  To find our more about Team Stevens and our Galveston Texas real estate market please visit us at our website.

Have a wonderful day.

Christina Stevens 

Galveston Island, Galveston  -  Announcing our new listing at 1615 Winnie, a 2,549 sq. ft., 1 bath, 4 bdrm duplex "2 units, both 2 bed/ 1 baths w/ separate utilities". Now MLS® $275,000 - Income producing duplex.

Property information

This duplex is close to UTMB, The Strand, and the Beach. The top unit was just leased to a medical student.  The owner purchased the home during his time at UTMB.  It would be a great investment or just a great place to live while earning income on the other half of the house.  The duplex can be also be used as one large home in the future.  The downstairs unit is leased unit April for $1150.  The upstairs unit is leased unit 3/2009 for $950.

East End Historic District, Galveston  -  Announcing our new listing at 921 Marine #312, a 1,178 sq. ft., 2.5 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story. Now $149,900 - .

Also for rent at $1200 a month.  (no pets, tenants subject to approval by owners). 

Many investors have purchased at Pointe West because of its proximity to UTMB.  In addition you are minutes away from The Strand and beach.  Shopping and restaurants surround this prime location.  View the Galveston harbor fro your door everyday.  Smell the sea air.

Property information

Galveston and Houston will be wet this week but this weekend the sun will come out.  It may not be the warmest weekend in history (projected to be in the 60's).  Sometimes a stroll on the beach during the late of winter is just what the doctor ordered.  before long we will all want to jump in the ocean due to the heat of summer so enjoy the beach with a light jacket.  that is part of the pleasure you get when living in Galveston, Texas.  Explore Galveston, Texas and the Galveston TX real estate market.

Have a great weekend no matter where you are.

Christina Stevens

I am a member of Activerain which is a blogging community for real estate professionals.  They also have Localism for consumers to learn about real estate,  specific markets, and so much more.  Just yesterday a post caught my eye that I thought I would share on my blog here.  The post addressed the question of wall coloring in a home.  The author displayed pictures of a home in College Station, Texas.  She had both before and after shots.  The photos were very similar with a few changes.  The post question was neutral or colors??  Well the seller had chosen to go from a dated colored kitchen to a kitchen that was decorated in the Aggie theme. As many of you know College Station is the home of Aggie's yet I want to stress this is a NO, NO when selling your home.  This seller capped his audience and his sales potential.  You may love a college or certain theme but the buyer would most likely prefer to decide the decor of their new home.  Please go neutral so that they feel they can make the changes they would prefer, therefore creating a successful sale.  Agents should advise a potential listing client correctly if the client conveys to them that they may redecorate in an effort to move the property.  By decorating in this manner you have made the choice for them so they may go on to the next option.

Back to the question, Neutral or colors???  Neutral by far.  This leaves the pallet open for the new owner to explore his or her own options.  It is very simple, always neutral.  Yes you may love a color but if you are decorating to sell your property you should consider the fact that what you love does not matter.  I read an agent comment on the blog.  The comment noted that colors were great for the younger generation. Don't let your agent misinform you.  They should not generalize like this.  I am 32 and feel that I would not purchase a property that has colored walls or set themes.  In addition colors often make a room look small.  I have written several pieces about staging.  Not because I feel you should run out and pay your hard earned money for staging but because you can learn from this practice.  Consider reading some article on this practice.  You can view one of mine by following this link.  When I list a property I am always happy to offer small, inexpensive staging tips for the home owner to consider.  I am by no means on of those agents that comes in and tells you this is ugly and that has to go but I do feel that sometimes the truth must be told in an effort to achieve the sellers goal.  That being said I understand that not all owners are capable of affording a remodel to get their property sold.

For more information about Team Stevens please contact us.  We are happy to help.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Strommen Stevens

Realty Associates, Team Stevens

409-515-9542

Great news about 8006 Hall Road.  Target shopping center is our new neighbor.  They are set to open in 2009.  The shopping center will be located about a mile down from 8006 Hall road towards the established HEB.  In addition the owner is in talks to secure a  tower with T-Mobile on the property.  He may be willing to sell this lease with T-Mobile if the offer is right (please note the tower is currently not reflected in the asking price).  If you know much about this Houston area then you know about the growth off this portion of Beltway 8.  Contact Team Stevens for more details about this listing.  Contact Team Stevens for ALL of your real estate needs in the Galveston/ Clear Lake/ Houston regions.

Realty Associates

Team Stevens 

409-515-9542