Galveston Real Estate

2 Story For Sale in Marina Pointe

Team Stevens — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:27:00 GMT

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

Marina Pointe , Galveston

New listing at Marina Pointe. priced to sell.

Team Stevens — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:27:00 GMT

Marina Pointe , Galveston - Announcing 921 Marine #323, a 1,178 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $123,900 - Lowest price in complex.

Property information

Close to UTMB, the beach and the Strand. See the above property details for more information.

Emerald by the Sea

Team Stevens — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:02:00 GMT

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

This week in Galveston, Tx real estate

Team Stevens — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:26:00 GMT

Well we have been busy which is very reflective of the season. As soon as we head towards summer real estate gets hot in Galveston, Texas. The market really seems to blossom out of nowhere. This week alone has been very busy for us. We are working on 2 new listings as we speak. One is going to be another Marina Pointe condo. The other is a home we anticipate listing in the Sagemont area (Houston- Clear Creek ISD). Both will be great additions to the Houston and Galveston markets.

More to come as we start to advertise the specific listing details.

For more information on Tean Stevens and Galveston Tx real estate click here.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Stevens

409-515-9542

What you need to know when considering a property management team.

Team Stevens — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:13:00 GMT

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

Take a Virtual tour of 921 Marine, #312

Team Stevens — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:27:00 GMT

Take a virtual tour of 921 Marie, #312 at Marina Pointe in Galveston Texas .

New listing at 1615 Winnie in Galveston Island

Team Stevens — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:40:00 GMT

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.

CondoFor Sale in East End Historic District by UTMB. Also for lease.

Team Stevens — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:30:00 GMT

walking/ bike riding distance to UTMB

• 1,178 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story - $149,900

East End Historic District, Galveston - Location, Location, Location. This 2/2.5 unit is minutes away from UTMB. This is a sought after complex. Enjoy the Harbor view from your front door. Smell the sea air as your ride your bike to UTMB. This community is also moments away for the historical Strand and the beach. Shopping and dining right at your fingerprints. The condo itself is updated and ready for you to occupy. Some features include a whirlpool tub in the master bath, carpeted flooring, a bar, and a laundry room/ half bath. The owners are also welcome to consider leasing the unit for $1200 a month. They may even allow you to lease some furnishings if needed (no pets if leasing/ they are allowed at this condo). This condo would be a great investment for anyone.

Property information

New listing at Marina Pointe Condos. Within walking distance of UTMB. Great investment.

Team Stevens — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:30:00 GMT

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

Duplex For Sale in Galveston Island

Team Stevens — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:09:00 GMT

Moments from UTMB and the Strand

• 2,549 sq. ft., 1 bath, 4 bdrm duplex "2 units, both 2 bed/ 1 baths w/ separate utilities" - MLS® $275,000 - Income producing duplex

Galveston Island, Galveston - Beautiful duplex (2 units) located 4 blocks from the historical Strand district in Galveston, Texas. Also located moments away from UTMB. The unit has had a solid rental history. The downstairs is rented for $1150 (lease ends in April 2008). The upstairs was just rented again for $950. This home features spectacular wood floors, WIFI, modern appliances, and large windows for viewing the absolutely gorgeous yard. The property is close to restaurants and shopping. A carport is located in the back of the property by the alley. Both units are 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Each has a spacious kitchen and dining area. Both feature washer/dryer hookups and much more. This home captures the essence of living in Galveston, Texas. The home embodies the East End lifestyle while still reminding you that you are minutes away from the beach. Do not pass this property by.

Property information

Why a stroll on the beach may be worth your time this weekend.

Team Stevens — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:42:00 GMT

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

New improvements for our website

Team Stevens — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:06:00 GMT

We are currently trying to improve upon on Galveston area website. We always welcome feedback. Please check in from time to time so that you can view our improvements.

Neutral versus colors??? Why you should care.

Team Stevens — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:08:00 GMT

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

Spring Listing Specials

Team Stevens — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:32:00 GMT

Team Stevens is offering sellers unique listing specials as we head into Spring. We understand that many owners are apprehensive due to the nations economic woes. Please contact us regarding your property so we can determine the best way to save you the most money on your commission. We are not a discount brokerage yet we believe in offering 100% service for a reasonable price. Keep more of you hard earned $$$ for your future investments. Now is a great time for anyone in invest in the Galveston, Texas real estate market. Buyers are waiting to see your property on our top rated website.

Team Stevens, Realty Assocaites

409-515-9542

Investors Alert!!!

Team Stevens — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:25:00 GMT

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

Spring is in the air.

Team Stevens — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:21:00 GMT

Galveston, Texas is a seasonal island. Who wants to come to the beach in the dead of winter? Our real estate market is no exception. As Spring approaches we will see new opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Sellers will start to list their properties since buyers are now on the prowl. Many sellers have waited until the Spring/ Summer seasons to list their properties. Now is the time to consider an investment in Galveston. Clear Lake also sees a surge in activity. Since we are the 4th largest boating area in the country we attract new owners and residence during the summer months. It is much more exciting to enjoy a beautiful day on the boat fishing during the warmer months. Contact Team Stevens to find out more about our market.

Team Stevens now offering property management services.

Team Stevens — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:48:00 GMT

My husband and I have decided to start offering property management services to area Galveston/ Clear Lake owners. The need for this service has been brought to our attention by several owners who are now selling their units due to mismanagement of there investments. Many owners feel like being a landlord can be hard and tedious, especially when the property is not managed correctly. Please let us know if you would like additional information about our property management services.

Tropical Storm Humberto headed for Galveston County

Team Stevens — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:52:00 GMT

Tropical Storm Humberto has just formed off the coast of Galveston. It has winds of about 45 miles per hour. The storm is expected to hit land around 2:00 AM. The storm should come in somewhere around San Luis Pass or Freeport.

We wish everyone well during this storm. If you have followed our hurricane preparations guide (see one of our previous blog entries) then you should be more then fine. Tropical Storms are not hurricanes often just dumping large rain amounts and gusty winds.

San Luis Pass is home to a great development called Pointe West. This is a beautiful, natural region located on Galveston, Island. This portion of the island is very isolated from the fast paced world we live in. Really a nice place to visit or live. Check them out after the storm passes.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Stevens

July market report for Houston. How the mortgage crisis is effecting our market.

Team Stevens — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:16:00 GMT

The latest issue of Houston Realtor published July real estate statistics for our market. These statistics are compiled by the Houston Association of Realtors. My husband and I are both members of this association. It appears that only a small portion of the Houston market is being effected by the recent mortgage crisis in America. The price point that is effected by this slump includes homes listed between $80,000 and $150,000. This moderate decline is due to the crisis in the mortgage industry. Overall the Houston market saw an increase in sales. They show this increase over the last 2 months of figures. Also an increase over 1% from last July (2006) was noted. The average single family home purchased in July was $209,339. The median home price averaged out at $155,100.

Our market is Houston appears to be maintaining the stability needed during this mortgage crisis. To be honest the crisis seems to effect different regions of the country, not necessarily our region. Homes prices in Texas are relatively low in comparison to many other areas. Their is a wonderful time to have the advantage as a buyer. Please understand that, due to the current mortgage situation, a loan is no longer something that can be factored with variable conditions. Loans will be a bit harder to acquire. Having said that I want to stress that we have had a streak of luck over the past few years. A streak has destroyed many markets across the nation. Now things are returning to the old standards when requiring a loan. This for the consumers own good. Have your credit evaluated by a mortgage professional. Look at your finances and decide if a home purchase is truly a feasible choice. They will tell you what you need to work on, how much money to save, and what to clean up. Listen to these professionals and interview at least 3. Have your credit run by all 3 at the same time. Credit inquires do mark your credit history but you are allowed to shop around within a specific time period. If you know that you don't have the best credit history then just have it run once for your own benefit. After the mortgage broker evaluates your current situation then you can set goals. Often many of us are just 6 month to one year away from owing our own home. Be responsible about the realities of owning your own home. Just because it may be possible does not mean it is always sensible.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the mortgage process. We are working on a great new addition to our site. This page will allow you to get a credit approval within hours of your submission. We hope to feature several sources that can facilitate your mortgage needs.

Christina Stevens

Come flip this House. Great for anyone wanting to invest in Houston. Previous rental income for over 20 years.

Team Stevens — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:53:00 GMT

Investors Dream. Come flip this house.

• 1 and a half baths, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® #2645781 $59,000 - Priced for Quick Sale

Aldine, Harris County - Welcome to 5002 Charriton. Come "Flip this House". We are offering this house way below market for a quick sale due to needed repairs. Homes has great rental or resale potential. Looking to live in this home? Large backyard with porch area. Kitchen-dining combo connected to family room.
Shopping and highway 59 located just minutes from the home. Owner is agents father.

Property information

Back on the market!! Price Reduced on 5002 Charriton, Houston, Texas, 59 and Adline area

Team Stevens — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:53:00 GMT

Announcing a price reduction on 5002 Charriton, a 1 and a half bath bath, 4 bedroom, brick with garage, single story. MLS® #2645781 Now $59,000 - Priced for Quick Sale.

Property information

Galveston improves it's fire stations by proposing new changes.

Team Stevens — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:09:00 GMT

In today's Galveston Daily new an article was published regarding our island fire stations. They are in need or revamping. Looks like a few moves and some remodeling is on the way. Firefighters at Station 5 in Galveston make improvements every year. This year they built closets so that each firefighter can have his own space. I think it is a goof idea to reference just how much time the firefighter spends at his station. Often firefighters and EMS officials work 24 hour shifts. Their stations must accommodate them as their home away from home. They have beds, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. It is part of their responsibility to maintain this space in addition to their field work. My husband has been a paramedic for about 12 years. He often speaks of the stations that he occupied. The Galveston city council has constructed a plan to move many of their fire stations. Improvements must be made due to the age of these buildings. Fire Station 5 is the first to possibly move. The possibly move could transfer the station to a new Broadway location. The currently are located at 56 and K. The station was constructed on a residential lot so they have no room for expansion. The move would also make room for the emergency medical services department currently located at 50 and Q 1/2, The city of Galveston manages 6 fire stations.

It is wonderful to read about the cities plans. These city employees are valuable to our cities life. Their stations and work environment should be a priority. Often the city under pays these positions. We should show the proper respect to the individuals who run our city. They should have facilities that will make their jobs run smoothly. The city should improve the properties they own making the Galveston, Texas a modern, updated community.

Please read the article at the Galveston County Daily News website.

Restricted by my own MLS. How this can effect the property owner.

Team Stevens — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:02:00 GMT

I just wanted to take an opportunity to vent. This issue concerns both property owners and Realtors. Particularly effecting anyone that will have property listed or featured on Har.com. I recently listed a lot in Galveston, Texas (16522 John Silver). We are members of the Galveston and Houston MLS. We have been for years. We advertise our Galveston, Texas listings using the Galveston and Houston MLS services. I have never listed a property where the owner was willing to finance the buyers purchase. This rarely is a possibility. I have had the pleasure of working with a gentleman who is willing to do so. He actually welcomes the idea of acting as the bank. He specifically instructed us to advertise this option in an effort to make the property available to many who cannot qualify for a loan. Just because you cannot qualify with the bank does not mean that you are a bad candidate for a purchase. Our MLS systems have a place for public and private agent to agent remarks. It makes sense to place his offer to owner finance in both areas of the MLS. We want the public and agents to know that this is an option. After all the buyer should be able to view that the seller is willing to owner finance yet the Houston Association of Realtors has sent us a violation for advertising his wishes. The board of Realtors in Houston voted on this issue stating that any financial information cannot be viewed by the public under the property remarks. It should only be viewed agent to agent. What about the buyer who is not yet working with an agent? How will they know exactly what the seller wants them to understand when considering his property? I was very perplexed by the violation. It just seemed silly to me not to respect the sellers instructions yet my hands are tied. The listing will be kicked off MLS if we don't not comply. We are only allowed to check a tiny box that states the seller will owner finance. I don't feel this is not emphasizing his wish to publicize this factor. The remarks written by an agent are one key factor when selling a property. They need to state exactly what they buyer needs to know. Listing always featured taxes, size, etc. The buyer almost always calls to ask the agent these questions. This information is available to them yet they often miss it since it is not in the remarks. You have to know where to look. If the seller has a stand out feature then you must highlight it under the public comments. Don't bury a wonderful option by checking some tiny box.

I understand that all MLS boards must make rules. Rules are in place for very specific reasons. I do feel this rule is a bit political. These rules are made by agents to protect out field. I feel the wishes of the owner should come FIRST. This was an issue where no true violation occurred. The true crime is the limitation that HAR is putting on his property. If he chooses to have this factor highlighted when selling his lot then it should be his right to do so. After all HAR would not have property to advertise without area property owners allowing them to do so. The customer is always right. This is my rant for the day. Excuse me for having to vocalize how I feel when it comes to this restriction. Thankfully the owner is a really laid back and understands that my hands are tied. Often property owners do not want to hear why you cannot do something. They just want it done and in some cases, like this one, rightfully so.

Realtor and public opinion welcome. Let me know what you think. How can we solve problems like this?

Have a great week.

Christina Stevens

Large Lot For Sale in Jamaica Beach (Galveston). Owner Financing available.

Team Stevens — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:34:00 GMT

Large lot, close to the beach and bay

• $49,900 - Priced to sell. Owner Financing available.

Jamaica Beach, Galveston - This large lot is close to both the Galveston beach and the bay. One of the few dry lots left in this section of Jamaica Beach. Jamaica Beach is an established city on the West End of Galveston Island. Priced to sell.

Property information

Reaching for the sky. Is Galveston on it's way up?

Team Stevens — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:12:00 GMT

A looming debate is being held in the city of Galveston, Texas. An island that is running out of "dirt." How can a city expect to grow when we have no room to do so? The west end of Galveston island is becoming an extension of our main island. This has not always been the case. Gone are the days of the pastures and cows. Developers are planning new communities as the island expands. The new proposals by developers have show details of an island that plans to grow up to compensate for the lack of space. These plans have been meet with great opposition. Many islanders feel that growing up will take away from Galveston's beauty. The city of Galveston recently sent out a survey regarding this issue. Of the 28,000 mailed the response was very low. Only 3,328 responded. 77% of those polled want the city to regulate the height of buildings while 65% want a specific height in place for any development. One respondent listed 50 stories as the limit while other listed numbers less then 12. Many answered the cities request for feedback by stating that the East End and Seawall would benefit from these high rise developments. The least popular of locations listed was the West End and Seawall.

The Galveston Daily News recently featured this issue outlining the above details of the cities survey. They examined in detail the benefits of building up versus out. One benefit may be the structures ability to withstand damage during a hurricane. The Galveston Daily news featured an expert and high rise proponent from Miami. John Fullerton specializes in high rise construction and development in Florida. He stated that research has show that the taller a building is the more it can maintain a stable environment during a storm. I am not sure how much research exists on this subject. My thought would be that the material and building design would be the withstanding factor, not the height. Most large scale developments are still created using wood. My opinion would be that more specific research from sources like Mr. Fullerton would be beneficial. I would like to see our local paper feature more specific details. Mr. Fullerton also stated that opposition to high rise development has been common in Florida. I would love to see the city feature some experts who can give us more specific details on these benefits.

From a galveston real estate perspective I see building developments moving upward as a positive effect on Galveston. Our island is growing and we have limited space to do so. Moving upward could offer buyers an attractive option when looking at property in Galveston. We could feature more properties with scenic views of the bay and gulf therefore producing more tax revenue for the city of Galveston. More taxes mean more money for improvement. Issues such as beach parking could become non-issue since we would be producing more city revenue. Our city must be able to continue its development for our tourism economy to continue on a path of growth.

As a local I do not want to diminish the scenic attributes of Galveston. I do however think the planning of carefully orchestrated developments could and will benefit our cities beauty. I wish more residence in Galveston would comment on this issue. The lack of response by our community is of concern. I appreciate the time the city took to consider it's citizens feelings by sending out a poll on this matter.

We would love to hear all views regarding this issue.

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

Christina Stevens