Galveston TX Real Estate Blog

New Office pt 3 and new REALTORS

Ryson Real Estate — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:45:59 -0600

The phone lines are going in early next week and the sheet rock starts mid next week! The office is coming along. The roof is being completed this week!! Its been a long time coming, but with the new office and the extra space we need more REALTORS. So, we have taken on 2 new agents this week. We hope to get them posting on Active rain ASAP. Azalea has been selling Bayou Vista for years and is very successful. Erin was working as an appraiser and knows his values! We will keep you posted on the progress, but we still have 3 office spaces to fill!!

Our New Office (pt 2)

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:03:32 -0600

We spent the day yesterday working on our new office and the building it is in. The 61st st plaza had seen better days after the storm pushed debris in the parking lot, plastered mud on the walls, and ruined the flower beds. The office is not owned by us but the older gentleman who owns it has had some major losses in the storm. So, because it is our store front we decided to pressure wash the building, rip off the old signage, sweep the parking lot, and clean the flower beds. We also cleaned the windows and the inside of the office (which still has ripped out sheet rock, dust everywhere , and stuff left from the chiropractor. Needless to say the place looks 10x better and is really starting to feel like ours. We will keep working on the unit this week and have our phone guy in later.

San Luis Resort Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:23:18 -0600

The San Luis Resort is THE top resort on Galveston Island. It has more features and amenities than most towns. Not to mention, the beach views of this high rise are to die for. So what can you get for 300,000 to 1 million? Almost anything. The list would include concierge service, valet parking, shopping, the best bar on the island, the best steakhouse on the island, multiple waterfalls, pools, private outdoor cabanas, water-slides, wedding gazebo, hele-pad, private beach view balcony, private parking, and much more. The bar/sushi bar called H2O is a place that should not be missed while visiting Galveston. It has a swim up bar with large flat screen TV's, intimate lounges, fire pits, a top sushi chef named Kenny Sato, and very friendly service. The other draw of the San Luis resort is the area it sits. Not only is it beachfront but it lies in the middle of Landry's row. Within a few steps are the famous Rainforest cafe with a huge volcano that erupts and a indoor water ride. Also close by: gift shopping, Landry's restaurant, IHOP, and beach ware shopping. The San Luis Resort also site next to the Galveston Island conference center- a brand new, state of the art meeting facility large enough to handle venues of any size. Mix this all together and you have more of a fashion statement than a residence. You never know who you might see on a nightly basis at the San Luis including major league athletes to business owners and CEO's to stars. The San Luis is The place to be!

for more information on Galveston real estate please visit our website!

Diamond Beach Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:59:51 -0600

Diamond Beach Galveston will rival any condo resort anywhere. It will be the modern San Luis and have many must have luxury features and amenities. The condos start at $500/sqft and are already over 50% sold out. The units are currently under construction and had no problem surviving hurricane IKE. The completed condos will have valet parking, concierge service, bar, conference center, Spa, private beach, and much more! It will be a great vacation rental and may offer in-house vacation rental services. Don't miss Diamond Beach Galveston!

for more information on Galveston real estate please visit our website!

Ocean Grove Condos Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:44:14 -0600

Ocean Grove Condos are a new addition to Galveston's famous Seawall. These condos are located at 9420 Seawall BLVD. The large Green complex is like something you might see more in Florida than Texas. Ocean Grove condos feature a loft like feel, Granite everywhere, updated light fixtures, storm doors and windows, and much more. Outside the units you will find many must have amenities including gated parking, pool, workout facility, and glass elevators showing off a private nature preserve. With the beach right across the street and entertainment within walking distance- what's not to love about Ocean Grove.

for more information on Galveston real estate please visit our website!

By the Sea Condos Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:28:36 -0600

By the Sea condos are located right on the Galveston Seawall at 7310 Seawall BLVD. These beachfront condos are in a concrete high rise building and offer strength, stability, and low maintenance fees. The units range from low 100's to the 300's. The units range from small efficiencies of 438 sqft to larger combined units over 1500 sqft. The complex is older but many units have been nicely updated. Amenities are 24 hour front desk, coffee bar, piano room, downstairs storage, tennis court, and a nice pool area. The twin elevators will take you up to the 12th floor where you can see all the way to Moody Gardens and beyond. These condos allow short -term vacation rentals, but can also make a great full time residence.

Galveston Causeway Open

Ryson Real Estate — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:31:31 -0600

Galveston, Texas

Galveston's second span of its new causeway opened for traffic this last week. The twin spans each boast 3 lanes, full shoulders, and an exit only lane. The spans have been under construction for years and it is a great accomplishment for Galveston get the causeway open so quickly after Hurricane Ike. The new causeway will reduce traffic in the mornings, evenings, and during the busy summer season. The bridges are wide enough to accommodate future growth in the area. The spans are nicely decorated, landscaped, and come with a nice welcome sign!

Our New Galveston Island Office

Ryson Real Estate — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:10:02 -0600

Ryson RE is moving to a new office! Not too far from our old office- in fact it is next door. The space is about 3500 sqft and was occupied by a chiropractor who had this office there for 17 years... and unfortunately her office/business did not make it through the storm. We will be moving in as soon as the space is ready for us... it will feature a new layout, new sheetrock/paint, new flooring, new bathroom, and a new kitchen. The office has room for our vacation rental operation and 10+ agents. It will also have a large conference room featuring our 42 inch flat screen from our old office. The furniture will be our old solid wood, hand carved desks and bookshelves. The walls will be hung with art from our featured artist. It will be even nicer than the last office... I will post pictures of the progress as it happens!

Dickens on the Strand in Galveston Texas will go on...

Ryson Real Estate — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:32:00 -0600

This charming celebration is coming into its 35th year of operation.Dickins will be helt Decemeber 6-7, and it's a unique occasion in which the Strand is transformed into a miniature old-style London. The event is located on the Strand and broadens to the surrounding areas. In a festive spirit, Charles Dickens' characters "come to life" and can be seen nearly anywhere you look. This is a very family-friendly occasion that offers tons of holiday related activities...

Read full article here:

Dickens on the Strand 2008

Galveston Bike Rally 2008

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:35:30 -0600

For those of you who own motorcycles- there is nothing like a huge rally to get excited about. Well Galveston's bike Rally is one of those events! Even after hurricane Ike tried to wipe Galveston off the map- we are back. This year's Lone Star rally will be a great time and feature cooler weather. Dec 11- 14 will turn Galveston into a bikers dream! Last year's rally had over 400,000 people enjoying all Galveston has to offer... and this year should not disappoint. Ryson Real Estate and Vacation rentals looks forward to helping with all of your vacation rental needs. We have 50% of our homes and condos back after hurricane IKE, so call 409-740-1600 to book your stay now!

Galveston After Ike

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:03:08 -0600

Galveston... now over 3 months after hurricane IKE. How are we doing you might ask? That question depends on who you are. Ryson Real Estate will re - build but others will not. Galveston is undergoing a rebirth. Driving around weekly will attest to that fact. Galveston is looking less like a war zone... Downtown Galveston was hit very hard and many people/businesses did not have flood insurance because its been so long since the island has had a storm like this. All of downtown flooded, and it is taking longer to rebuild that even I thought it would. But- it is happening. Our office should be open in 2 weeks!! Trash remains a problem. However, as you can see in the following pictures Galveston is like one huge construction site- and is coming back!

rebuilding Postoffice ST

rebuilding the strand

Jason Keeling

Broker

Ryson Real Estate

Hurricane Ike pictures

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:03:45 -0500

I did this photo album a long while ago, but I did not put it on here... We have been a little busy lately. I hope to add some re-building pictures on here soon... but for now this will just remind us of what we survived!

Hurricane Ike pictures

Galveston - back in action

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:42:13 -0500

Galveston took a major blow with hurricane Ike- but we will recover. Cleanup and power restoration is nearing completion and real estate is getting back on track. In order to close a deal that was pending pre-hurricane you have to get all the utilities turned on, re-inspected, re-appraised, and possibly get new financing. I have my first closing post -Ike coming up in a week or two. It is a little tough to close a house unless it is cash, but that will soon change. Most of the island has power, water, and gas. We have some gas stations open, and even some fast food now! Things are looking good. Our office is being re-built even as I write this and we should be open in the next month or so. We are (all of our agents) working hard with past clients, and future clients out of our homes. The next few months may be the best time to buy in Galveston... investors may be able to damaged homes for 50-60% of value...

please visit our website for Ike pictures, my own post-ike blog, and more on Galveston real estate

Galveston avoids 3 storms

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:17:36 -0500

Hurricane Ike aftermath 9-10-08

Galveston is a lucky city. We have just been missed by Ike, a TS and earlier a cat 2. Eduard was supposed to be a direct strike on our city... but it missed! Dolly could have easily turned and struck us. We have been very greatful of all the missed storms. I have been here for over 8 years and so far no strikes. We were supposed to be hit by many including rita and katrina at one point or another. I wont keep my fingers crossed but we have had good luck from the last major storm in 1983 - alicia. Lets keep it going!

9-14-08 This last post was from before- when the storm was headed for southpadre. IKE did hit Galveston and the damage is yet unknown. I thank all of you for your support and thanks for the post michelle! Thats great news... we will be up and running as soon as the island allows us back. BTW we did evac to west houston and are fine. WE WILL BE BACK! Hurricane Ike aftermath

Palisade Palms Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:08:11 -0500

Palisade Palms Galveston is open and ready for move in. I just had a great tour of the property and I can say the wait was well worth it. It is the only project like it on the island in over 30 years and the only property that compares is the San Luis resort. However, this is a new 200+ twin tower high rise with modern materials and up to all the codes. It is true luxury living on the island. It will be a place the elite meet and mingle and vacations who get to experience it talk about it all year. The towers sit right on east beach with beach access over a dune walkover, but its the Palisade's amenities that are a real draw. A private cafe, exquisite lobby with waterwall and curved stair case, huge flowing pool, and many other make the stay worth every penny. And now will be the time to buy. With the potential to have 40-50 units come onto the market at the same time and owners testing the waters... price competition may occur. Also, many of the popular floor plans have been sold out for years so if you have been waiting now is the time. Ryson Real Estate and Jason Keeling will be your guide for Palisade Palms, and we will be working with buyers, sellers, and vacation rental owners. Please feel free to contact Jason at 409-750-2222 for more information.

More Palisade Palms pictures

Galveston Apartment complex for sale: $459,000

Ryson Real Estate — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:32:08 -0500

I just listed a great little 10 plex with 8 two bedroom and 2 one bedroom units. The little complex is always 100% rented with a waiting list and is just a few blocks to the beach. Features include plenty of parking, laundry facility, and gazebo with table. Most of the units have been updated and the two buildings have a new roof and brick front wall. All appliances stay with the apartments, and the income is GREAT! The units bring in over 76,000 a year with only 30,000 in expenses. The income per year will be over 46,000 after expenses. This great complex has room for rent increases and potential for the utility expenses to go down. Call Jason Keeling for more info at 409-750-2222

Going Green in Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:36:41 -0500

I just got back from a vacation in Toronto Canada and I discovered they are much "greener" than we are. It gave me new insight and ideas. However, I don't know much about GREEN. I know I want it and the lower utility bills that come with it. So I am going to do research and post my finding here. If anyone has any info on resources or has done home upgrades themselves... please chime in!

such as:

solar pannels

tankless water heaters

composting

fruit and vegtables

Galveston Condos from $69,000

Ryson Real Estate — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:44:42 -0600

I have listed a great new Galveston condo project called the palms at Cove View. The units range in price from 69k to 120k. The unis are nicely updated and have new carpet, tile, applicances, and paint. Some units have pool or beach view. 1-2 bedroom floor plans availiable. The Palms at Cove View Condos

The Palms at Cove View Condos

Ryson Real Estate — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:36:11 -0600

The palms at cove view condos are a great choice for full time living or an inexpensive second home. The units are within walking distance to the beach and are located on Cove View Blvd near the end of the Galveston Seawall. The units are very affordable and start ion the $69,000 range. With 6 floor plans, this condo conversion can work for almost anyone. The Palms are a great choice for student housing as well. With low HOA and no maintenance they are perfect for your A&M or UTMB student. Don't miss the palms at Cove View condos on your next visit to Galveston.

for more information on Galveston real estate please visit our website!

Casa Del Mar Condos Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:24:59 -0600

Casa Del Mar condos have been a staple diet for Galveston visitors and buyers alike for over 20 years. The adored condo complex sits right on the beach at 61st and Seawall. The old cedar siding has been recently replaced with new siding and all of the balconies have been replaced. This was all courtesy of a 20,000 per unit assessment which has just been paid in full for most all owners. The units have dipped in price from a high of about 70k-130k to 50k-120k. The price depends on the floor and proximity to the beach. These low prices will land you a unit that can rent for between 6,000/yr and 12,000/yr. Ryson Real Estate currently has 4 units at casa del mar and all units have rented well. Next time your in town don't miss casa del mar condos Galveston!

Jamaica Beach Texas

Ryson Real Estate — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:07:12 -0600

Jamaica Beach Galveston TX

Jamaica Beach is a place where you can raise a family and grow old. It is a close knit community on Galveston's West end and is as "small town" as Galveston gets. The village of Jamaica beach has a fire department, police department, and a city hall. It also has parks, boat launches, shopping, food, and great beaches. Homes in Jamaica beach are typically up on pilings and can range from a small one bedroom home to a huge beach front resort getaway. Because of this, prices vary from the low 100's to the 1 million mark. Jamaica Beach is full of Great vacation rentals and some of the beach homes can pull in over $70,000/yr. In fact, Ryson vacation rental's represents a canal home that did over $37,000 last year. Now is the perfect time to buy in Jamaica Beach...

Jamaica Beach Texas real estate

Jamaica Beach Canal House for sale--SOLD

Ryson Real Estate — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:03:44 -0600

2 bed / 1 bath

$149,000

SOLD!!!

16709 Tahiti Way

Great starter canal home in Jamaica Beach nderful starter canal home in Jamaica Beach priced just above lots in the area. This updated canal home features new flooring, new appliances, new boat lift,, new A/C and two decks. The lot has great views of both the wetlands and the Jamaica beach marina. All appliances and furniture in the home stay- all you need to make it your own is your boat and yourself!

Contact Jason Keeling at 409-750-2222

SOLD

Pointe West Galveston

Ryson Real Estate — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:49:04 -0600

Pointe West Galveston stretches across more than a thousand acres on the western tip of Galveston Island. It is the Islands only resort style community on such a grand scale. Pointe West features a Private Beach Club and a multitude of destination resort amenities. Pointe West's offerings include; custom homesites, elegant villas (condos), and charming beach cottages. You choose your locale, on the Gulf side for oceanfront fun or on the bay for a serene natural setting. Galveston has taken resort style living to a whole new level. There are more than 3 miles of bay front and beaches. This community was most certainly built with active lifestyles in mind. There are lagoons for kayaking and canoeing, several parks, a bayside pool club, and a marina, which keeps natural habitats intact, is being designed.

The numerous amenities offered at Pointe West in Galveston, Texas are available to home buyers and the guests that vacation there. The Beach Club provides an extraordinary fitness center, infinity edge pool, as well as a bar and grill serving casual seasonal fare and open for a sunset happy hour every evening. All of these facilities are connected by miles of paved resort, perfect for scenic biking and relaxed strolls.

Prices Range from the 200's to the 600's+

There are a good number of units on the market, but if furnished they can bring in a good amount of rental income.

I have now sold 3 in 3 months! The latest one is a 3/2 beachview for under 300k! What a deal!!!

Playa San Luis

Ryson Real Estate — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:40:33 -0600

I really enjoy getting to know Galveston and one of my personal favorites is Playa San Luis. The neighborhood has a lot to offer and is tucked away on Galveston's west beach. The neighborhood offers a pool, walk under from the pool side of FM 3005 to the beach side, and multiple dune walkovers. The beaches are patrolled by Galveston county sheriffs and vehicles are not allowed. The sands are expansive along with the dunes. In current reports Playa San Luis beaches are accreting rather then eroding. The layout of the neighborhood is ingenious allowing every home to have a beach view

Playa San Luis 3/2 with 30k in income- $329k

Ryson Real Estate — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:30:11 -0600

I just listed a great buy in Playa San Luis. The home is a new 3/2 with tile floors, fireplace, and great beach views. Even though it sits back from the beach it has great views down an easement and is just a 30 second walk to the dune walkover. The home has over 30k expected this year and did over 27k in 2007. This house is very cute and clean... Please call Jason for more info at 409-750-2222

Galveston TX real estate