Port Aransas Real Estate

Padre Island Land Auction - 94.5 Acres

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:44:18 -0600

The Corpus Christi Caller Times is reporting that 94.5 acres of undeveloped land on Padre Island will be up for auction next Saturday (11/21). Beachfront land and a potential marina site are included. Read the complete article here.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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LA Times: Texas Is The New Retirement Mecca

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:30:59 -0600

There is a great article in this weekend's edition of the LA Times that further illustrates how Texas is performing better than most in difficult economic times.

"Texas' population, the nation's second largest at about 25 million, is expected to be boosted this year by net inflows of at least 150,000 people from other states, said Karl Eschbach, the state demographer. Seniors are a growing part of that trend, lured by aggressive campaigns from state officials and developers."

Read the complete article here.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Fall Air Has The Red Tide Retreating From Port Aransas Beaches

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:13:26 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Earlier this week an algal bloom that is commonly referred to as red tide was plaguing portions of the Texas Coast. The National Seashore and northern sections of Padre Island saw the worst of the conditions. On Thursday, the red tide extended to the southernmost section of beach in Port Aransas. As the Corpus Christi Caller Times is reporting, a well-timed cool front arrived and had an immediate impact.

Sunny skies and afternoon highs near 80 degrees are forecast for the next five days.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Listing: 408 Avenue A - Port Aransas, Texas

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:33:47 -0500

Keith McMullin | Port Aransas Realty | 361.749.7500

408 Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX

Port A Cottage - Great Location

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $199,999

Year Built	1970
Sq Footage	912
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	7,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Ready To Go - This charming Port A 2 bedroom, 2 bath cottage is in a great central location and ready to enjoy. The home has a large detached garage with a rooftop deck above. Owner has approved plans to allow the construction of an apartment above the garage. Most furnishings convey with sale. The property is zoned to allow short-term vacation rentals.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Washer	- Dryer
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Keith McMullin

Port Aransas Realty

361.749.7500

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 15, 2009, 4:14am PDT

Listing: 301 E Avenue C, #3 - Port Aransas, TX

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:58:47 -0500

Keith McMullin | Port Aransas Realty | 361.749.7500

301 E Avenue C, Port Aransas, TX

NEW - Sunrise Cottages

4BR/2.5BA Condo

offered at $230,000

Year Built	2009
Sq Footage	1,380
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$142 per month

DESCRIPTION

Sunrise Cottages will build on many of the design features made popular in Twin Palms, Royal Palms and Village Walk: Detached homes with open kitchen/dining/living areas featuring polished concrete floors downstairs and wood floors throughout the second level. The inclusion of a one-car garage will also provide ample storage for fishing and beach gear. A screened front porch will will offer outdoor living space. The units surround a central swimming pool, pavilion and landscaped common area.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Hardwood floor
- Living room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Washer
- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Guest parking

- Swimming pool(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Walk Friendly Location

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5

Contact info:

Keith McMullin

Port Aransas Realty

361.749.7500

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 10, 2009, 10:32am PDT

Overnight Fire Destroys Six Homes In Port Aransas

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:15:10 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Firefighters from Port A and surrounding communities battled winds gusting over 25 mph as six homes were engulfed in flames. Several surrounding properties were severely damaged. The homes were located in the Private Marina Area of town adjacent to the Ship Channel.

Complete Coverage

Port Aransas South Jetty

Corpus Christi Caller Times

KIII - TV3

Photo Caller Times / Michelle Christenson

23rd Annual Harvest Moon Regatta This Weekend In Port Aransas

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:13:32 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - And they're off! The 23rd Annual Harvest Moon Regatta began this afternoon just off the Flagship Hotel Pier in Galveston. Over 200 boats have set sail for Port Aransas. It is always a beautiful sight to watch the arrivals at the harbor.

They will be joined by those opting to drive to the island for the MustangFest 2009. As the South Jetty Newspaper put it, "Mustang Island will live up to its name this weekend." The Ford Mustang festival will take place at the Island Moorings Yacht Club. The car show begins Saturday at 1:00.

Should be another great weekend to be in Port A.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Tony Amos & The Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) In Port Aransas

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:41:52 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Tony Amos has been caring for injured and ill animals since the early 80's. The Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) was started when, in the course of his research, Tony began to find sea turtles and aquatic birds on the beaches and in the local environment.

The ARK of today specializes in marine turtles and birds of the South Texas coast. The mission is to rescue and rehabilitate animals and return them to the wild.

Today's Edition of The Austin American Statesman features a story on Tony's work and the ARK in Port Aransas. Read the article in Statesman.com and watch a preview of the documentary "Leaving the ARK" which is being produced by an Austin filmmaker.

Our community and the island environment are a much better place as a result of Tony's tireless efforts.

Friends of the ARK

Port Aransas - Mustang Beach Airport Is Poised For Takeoff

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:04:50 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Three years of negotiations with the Texas General Land Office (GLO) have resulted in a lease agreement that will increase the size of the airport and allow for future improvements. The 45 year lease has options that extend to 85 years. Included in the terms are an additional 27 acres of property fronting State Hwy 361 just north of the airport.

The City Council voted unanimously to authorize the City Manger to enter into the lease with the GLO. Read the Port Aransas South Jetty Article "New Lease May Give City Airport New Life" for additional information.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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This Summer In Port Aransas Was One For The Record Books

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:19:21 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - All the signs point to this being the best Summer Season in Port A. Vacation rentals were at an all-time high. In fact, July occupancy levels in Port Aransas were up 11% over last year. Most local businesses beat record numbers from 2008.

There are a host of theories as to why Port A prospered this year. It was likely a combination of factors that brought record numbers to our beach town. In the coming weeks I will post details on vacation rental properties in Village Walk and Royal Sands. Homes generated $30k to $50k+ in gross rental revenue.

Many long time visitors know that October, November and December are perfect in Port Aransas. The weather is great, the crowds are smaller and you can claim a stretch of beach all for yourself.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Port Aransas Golf Course In Austin American Statesman Travel Section

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:15:45 -0500

_{PORT ARANSAS, Texas – Earlier this month I posted “Austin Sports Writer Enjoys Links Golf In Port Aransas” when Kevin Robbins wrote about the course. The Newport Dunes course in Port Aransas is featured In today’s Travel Section of the Austin American Statesman.}

_{I fancied the true links-golf experience. Deserved it, even. After all, a true links experience was what I was about to have on, of all places, the Coastal Bend of Texas.}

_{I remember my first drive down Texas 361 and my earliest impression of this untamed stretch of Mustang Island. The year was 2004. I'd been to Scotland the previous fall. With ancient seaside links such as Royal Troon and Prestwick and Western Gailes as my reference points, I considered the dunes on the island — their silhouette on the horizon, their native bushes and hay — almost identical to the distinct contours of the Ayrshire Coast.}

_{Read An Ode to the Scottish links land – in Texas}

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Mustang Island Real Estate 101 - Update

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:25:50 -0500

In May 2008, before the demise of Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, AIG and a host of banks, I posted “Mustang Island Real Estate 101.” The article provided an overview of this coastal Texas real estate market. At that time, much of the U.S. was already reeling while our market remained stable. That is still largely the case in September 2009 as described in “Mustang Island Real Estate 101 Update.”

Photo by Mark Creighton

Mustang Island Real Estate 101 - Update

While much of the country continues to suffer through a difficult housing market, the Gulf Coast City of Port Aransas continues to be a popular choice for vacation and second home buyers. Most of the real estate buyers in Port Aransas call San Antonio, Austin, Houston or Dallas home. Port Aransas has always been a mecca for Texans looking for a beach or fishing escape. The secret is slowly getting out and coastal enthusiasts from across the nation are discovering Mustang Island.

The Texas economy has proven to be remarkably resilient. Buyers from large and small inland Texas communities are the lifeblood of the Mustang Island real estate market. Even those that once only considered Florida or other U.S. beach destinations are opting for Port Aransas and Mustang Island.

The town of Port Aransas (Port A as the locals call it) is the center of the Mustang Island community. Mustang Island is an 18 mile barrier island running parallel to mainland Texas north of Padre Island, with Corpus Christi Bay to the West and the Gulf of Mexico to the East. The northern end of the island is connected to the mainland by a ferry system run by the Texas Department of Transportation. The trip is free of charge and takes only three minutes to cross to the mainland. On the southern end, the JFK Causeway connects the island with mainland Corpus Christi.

Because of this, Port Aransas is as accessible as it is beautiful. With a life of its own and a lot of character, this peaceful beach community has miles and miles of unspoiled beaches lapped by gentle waves. Port Aransas is an area of immense natural beauty that (combined with the opportunity for a sound real estate investment) is becoming especially popular with Baby Boomers. The island is perfect for people looking for a laid back coastal lifestyle different from the one offered by tall-and-glittering condominiums elsewhere in the U.S. To many, Port Aransas is the kind of place described in a Jimmy Buffett song.

The Port Aransas Housing Market

Texas housing markets are some of the most stable in the nation. Because of this, the state has been able to avoid “the popping of the real estate bubble” which has been occurring in growing communities all over the country. Texas homes have resisted the drastic downward trends in pricing suffered in other U.S. states. Instead, many Texas communities are showing modest growth during a time of national economic malaise.

Port Aransas is one of these communities and offers some of the best value in coastal property in the U.S. While much of the Gulf Coast is dotted with towering condos, Port Aransas is an attractive option for those looking for a more peaceful environment (or just a sound investment) in a beachfront home or condo.

Why is Port Aransas a growing community? Part of the reason is that Mustang Island boasts a large portion of the total Texas coastline available for development. Of the 375 miles that make up the Texas coast, 293 miles are unavailable for development, 56 miles are fully developed, and 26 are available for development. Many of those 26 miles lie on Mustang Island.

Communities on Mustang Island

There are many planned communities built and being built on Mustang Island. These range from modest condominiums and town homes to entire planned communities complete with marinas, golf courses, parks, shopping and restaurants. The overall economy has slowed the construction starts for some of the planned projects, but many are moving forward with success.

Cinnamon Shore

Cinnamon Shore is a 64-acre planned community which began construction in the spring of 2007. Upon completion, this master planned community will feature about 240 single-family homes, 275 housing units, and 1,100 feet of coast line. The development is designed around the idea of beautiful architecture and pedestrian friendly streets, as well as having only a minimal impact on the environment around it. Southern Living Magazine chose Cinnamon Shore as the location for their 2009 “Tarpon Run” Idea House.

Royal Sands

Established in 2003, Royal Sands is a 32 acre Mustang Island beachfront community consisting of 90 home sites. The development features family and adult pools, birding ponds, protected dune areas and a beach walk over. Royal Sands provides onsite management, security and maintenance support for vacation rentals. 2009 vacation rental revenues are well over 2008 levels.

Newport Beach and Golf

The Arnold Palmer Signature course opened in October 2008 and has already earned critical acclaim on a national level. The Newport Beach and Golf master planned community is planned around the concept of a European port city. At the heart of this community will be the Town Center Marina, surrounded by residential villages with luxury homes, hotels, shops, a marina, and waterfront cafes. Three local builders will begin construction on Mediterranean style town homes in the coming months.

The Palmilla

Developers Koontz McCombs waterfront Palmilla resort will be situated on 30 acres of land and will consist of 94 home sites. The community will feature a mile of bulkhead walkways, floating boat docks and a resort style pool. Updated construction timelines have not been announced.

Village Walk

Village Walk, located in the heart of Port Aransas, consists of 98 homes and opened for occupancy in 2007. This community is made up of coastal cottage style homes, with gated access, gulf views, pools and tropical landscaping, all only two minutes from the beach. The second and final phase is underway.

Mustang Island Real Estate

The one area of the local market that has seen significant price erosion is in unimproved land and residential lots. In fact, many price points have returned to 2004 levels. A large inventory and slower sales have driven down prices. It appears that most vacation and second home buyers prefer to purchase new and existing homes and condos rather than build.

The real estate market on Mustang Island is ever changing. For updated information on these developments or to search the MLS network for all the current real estate listings visit Port Aransas MLS.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Austin Sports Writer Enjoys Links Golf In Port Aransas

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:31:04 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - In his August 30th blog post on Statesman.com, Kevin Robbins recounts "Six hours on 150 pretty special acres on the Gulf of Mexico." The Newport Dunes Golf course has been receiving rave reviews since it opened last year. A few excerpts of Kevin's blog are below:

I spent six hours on 150 pretty special acres on the Gulf of Mexico, at an American golf course as close to true links that I’ve seen since Bandon Dunes. Newport Dunes, a par-71 Arnold Palmer design on Mustang Island, opened a year ago to reviews favorable enough that I begged the newspaper for a travel assignment.

It works as a novel experience for the newcomer to links golf and, I would suspect, it works as a more-than-serviceable replacement until the links connoisseur makes his annual pilgrimage to Machrihanish or Western Gailes. A lot of American courses attempt to borrow the links idea, in name or in style. Newport Dunes didn’t borrow anything. It had it to begin with.

Read - Newport Dunes: A glimmer of links golf on the coast of Texas

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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New Coastal Cottages In Port Aransas Priced At $225k

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:13:25 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Construction on Sunrise Cottages will begin in October and will be completed in time for the Spring 2010 Season. Port Aransas Coastal Homes (Nick Lorette) will be the builder for the 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1,380 sq ft cottages.

The Cottages will build on many of the design features made popular in Twin Palms, Royal Palms and Village Walk: Detached homes with open kitchen/dining/living areas featuring polished concrete floors downstairs and wood floors throughout the second level. The inclusion of a one-car garage will also provide ample storage for fishing and beach gear. A screened front porch will will offer comfortable outdoor living space. The units surround a central swimming pool, pavilion and landscaped common area.

After decades of custom home building in Austin, Nick says that he enjoys creating coastal cottages that fit the needs of today's buyers. "When you come to Port A, you want a comfortable place with a coastal look and feel that requires little, to no maintenance."

Pre-sale activity has been strong as six of the ten units are reserved. The four remaining units will be listed in MLS this week at the pre-sale price of $225k. One of the reasons that the cottages have been so well received is that they are zoned to allow short-term vacation rental. Based on comparable properties, they could produce $20k in annual rental revenue.

Six Of The Ten Cottages Are Already Reserved

Sunrise Cottages - 301 East Avenue C At Tenth Street In Port Aransas

The 1st Floor Features An Open Kitchen/Dining/Living Area

The 2nd Floor Features A Comfortable Master Suite Plus 3 Bedrooms And A Bathroom

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Three Texas Boaters Missing For A Week Rescued At Sea

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:29:25 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas — AP reports that three Texas boaters missing for a week were reunited with their families early Sunday after they were found alive, sitting on top of their capsized catamaran 180 miles from land, the Coast Guard said.

The crew of the Affordable Fantasy spotted the men Saturday night off Port Aransas and rescued them from their 23-foot catamaran, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Renee Aiello. A Coast Guard boat met them and brought them back to land, where EMS crews were waiting for them. They declined medical attention.

The three were reported missing Aug. 22 after they left Matagorda, about 90 miles southwest of Houston, on a fishing trip and never returned. Port Aransas is about 130 miles from Matagorda.

"They probably stayed with the boat for almost eight days," said Aiello, who did not have any other details about what happened to the men during the week they were missing.

They were identified as Curtis Hall, 28, of Palacios; Tressel Hawkins, 43, of Markham; and James Phillips, 30, of Blessing, who owned the boat.

The Coast Guard had called off its search Friday after scouring 86,000 square miles of water without finding them.

KIII TV3 covered the story this morning...

Vacation Home Ownership In Port Aransas - Doing Your Homework

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:23:39 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Perhaps you are back at work and daydreaming about "Starting a new life in the palm trees" as Jimmy Buffett puts it. You hop online and start researching everything there is to know about condos and homes in Port Aransas. Hopefully that is what lead you here.

In the past ten days, I've written a series of posts to help provide an overview of "Vacation Home Ownership In Port Aransas." Here they are in case you missed them:

In this final post of the ten-day series, I'll point out some online information resources that are helpful for research and Doing Your Homework.

I hope that you have bookmarked/saved the Port Aransas Real Estate Blog. I try to provide useful information on local news, events and the real estate market. I often hear from readers with follow up questions. If I can offer any information, please feel free to post a comment, send an email or give me a call.

It was only a few years ago, that Port Aransas was not part of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). That has changed as more people get information online. The enhanced MLS Search available at Texas Island Properties offers helpful features that make it easy to search, find and track condos, homes and lots. Many users benefit from automated email alerts that they set up to notify them of new listings.

The Port Aransas South Jetty is the weekly newspaper that has been serving the community for decades. The paper is published every Thursday and offers a wealth of local info. Subscriptions are available for print and online versions. And now, you can follow them on Twitter.

The City Of Port Aransas website provides information on City departments, facilities, ordinances and official notices. The most popular pages are the Port A Ferry Cams that show the lines at the ferry landings.

The foremost online authority for Port A information is Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce website. They offer a complete list of places to stay, eat, shop and have fun. The Business Directory can be quite helpful to find local contacts for a variety of services.

About Port Aransas Realty - Established in 1986, Port Aransas Realty, Inc. has two locations and a team of 17 real estate professionals specializing in residential and commercial properties in the Port Aransas, Mustang and Padre Island, Texas markets.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Vacation Home Ownership In Port Aransas - The Big Picture

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:12:20 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - The question on everyone's mind is whether or not now is the right time to buy. Will prices go lower? Will mortgage rates go down? There is one undeniable truth. Nobody knows where the bottom of a market is, until it has passed. Trying to time the market is exceedingly difficult.

The Port Aransas real estate market continues to outperform most other markets. Prices have come down in some cases, but condos and homes have not seen the sharp declines experienced in other communities. Many properties continue to appreciate. The only segment that is undergoing a market correction would be in residential lots and unimproved land.

It is a buyer's market with a large inventory. On Mustang Island, there are currently 290 condos & townhomes, 124 detached homes and 282 lots on the market (MLS 8/22/09). 30-Year fixed rate mortgages are still in the historically low range at just under 5.25% Let's take a look at The Big Picture.

Supply

They're not making any more coastline. Why is Port Aransas a growing community? Part of the reason is that Mustang Island boasts a large portion of the total Texas coastline available for development. Of the 375 miles that make up the Texas coast, 293 miles are unavailable for development, 56 miles are fully developed, and 26 miles are available for development. Many of those 26 miles lie on Mustang Island.

Demand

All the long-term trends show that the population of Texas will grow significantly. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M published "Looming Boom - Texas Through 2030" which shows the population to grow by ten million people, from about 23 million in 2005 to 33 million by 2030, a 43.5 percent increase. A June 2009 article in the Austin Business Journal illustrates the projected robust growth in the Texas major metropolitan areas. Released earlier this year, "The Texaplex" sums up these forecasts in an impressive video that is a must see.

The increasing Texas population coincides with a growing number of baby boomers planning their retirement. There are countless studies indicating that it is the desire of many to retire to the coast. I hear and read this trend daily in phone conversations and emails from prospective buyers. Most are trying to get a foothold in the local market with retirement still on the horizon.

Timing

Mortgage rates are low, inventory is plentiful and long-term trends are frankly a bit overwhelming. This may not be the right time for some, but it sure looks good when you consider The Big Picture. If you missed any of these recent posts, you might want to check out: Why Port A? Condos And Homes What Are The Costs? and stay tuned for more information.

Take a little time and explore Port A

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Listing: 349 Royal Dunes - Port Aransas, Texas

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:26:13 -0500

Keith McMullin | Port Aransas Realty | 361.749.7500

349 Royal Dunes, Port Aransas, TX

Royal Sands on Mustang Island

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $399,900

Year Built	2003
Sq Footage	2,012
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,400 sqft
HOA/Maint	$100 per month

DESCRIPTION

Royal Sands On Mustang Island - Great 4 BR 3.5 BA open floor plan coastal home with strong rental income. The home also features a separate guest suite. Enjoy Gulf views from the covered deck. Royal Sands is an established beachfront community on Mustan g Island. Royal Sands features family and adult pools, birding ponds, protected dune areas and a walk over to the beach. Onsite management, security and maintenance provide excellent vacation rental income opportunities (Trending to $47k in 2009).

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Guest parking

- Swimming pool(s)

- Gated property

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Beach Boardwalk

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Keith McMullin

Port Aransas Realty

361.749.7500

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 21, 2009, 7:12am PDT

Port Aransas Schools Earn Highest State Rating

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:46:51 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - A recent article in the Port A South Jetty Newspaper summed it up quite well, "E is for Exemplary."

The Texas Education Agency ratings for the 2008-09 school year released Friday, July 31, revealed that the Port Aransas ISD, H.G. Olsen Elementary and Port Aransas High School were rated exemplary, the highest level possible, and Brundrett Middle School was rated recognized, the second highest rating.

The article is available at PortASouthJetty.com and details on the State Accountability Rating System are available here. Kudos to the faculty and students.

Vacation Home Ownership In Port Aransas - What Are The Costs?

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:10:20 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - The purchase of a second home or condo on the coast has many of the same mechanics as buying a primary residence in an inland community. However, there are additional costs and some important considerations.

Financing

Despite what you may have heard in the news, there are plenty of lenders eager to loan money to qualified buyers. That remains true for the purchase of vacation properties as well. Loans for detached, single-family homes are more readily available. Some lenders do not participate in condotel loans. However, there are plenty that do. It is important to note that the terms will differ and it is advisable to do your homework in advance.

Speaking of doing things in advance, one of the most important things a potential buyer should do is to get pre-qualified for a loan. This does two things: It helps define an appropriate spending limit and it also increases your bargaining power with sellers. A contract/offer from a pre-qualified buyer carries more clout.

Property Tax

In the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Ad Valorem/property taxes on vacation properties do not qualify for the homestead exemptions that are applied to a primary residence. In Port Aransas, a good assumption to calculate a "ball park" amount for annual taxes on any given property is to use 2% of the sales price. This will of course change over time, but this serves as a good starting point.

Insurance

Hurricanes are a fact of life for those of us that live and own property on the coast. Here are two important things to remember: Insure your property and get out of the way. There are three insurance policies that are required by lenders and appropriate for all island property owners: homeowners, windstorm and flood.

Inland property owners are familiar with homeowners insurance. These are typically broad coverage policies that offer protection for the dwelling, possessions and personal liability.

Insurance for windstorm coverage can be costly, but it is of critical importance. In Texas, coverage is typically provided by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). These supplementary policies cover Gulf Coast property owners in the event of catastrophic loss resulting from wind and/or hail.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by FEMA. Flood damage is not typically covered by a homeowners policy. Coverage through the NFIP is relatively affordable with policies on most properties costing $500 or less per year.

Condo Insurance

Generally speaking, Home Owner Association (HOA) fees in a condominium development include coverage for general liability, windstorm and flood. In most cases, owners only need to consider additional coverage for contents and furnishings.

Have Questions...Get Answers

Although some of these subjects may seem a bit foreign, they are all quite common for those of us in a coastal real estate market. Remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question. If the team at Port Aransas Realty can answer any questions or be of any assistance, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Vacation Home Ownership In Port Aransas - Condos and Homes

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:29:45 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - While much of the country continues to suffer through a difficult housing market, the Gulf Coast City of Port Aransas continues to be a popular choice for vacation and second home buyers. Most of the real estate buyers in "Port A" call San Antonio, Austin, Houston or Dallas home.

The Texas economy has proven to be remarkably resilient. Buyers from large and small inland Texas communities are the lifeblood of the Mustang Island real estate market. The trends in 2009 have seen some price decreases for condos and homes with residential lots being the only segment of the market to experience major pricing reductions.

One option that makes vacation home ownership in Port Aransas quite attractive is the ability generate rental income when the property is not being enjoyed for personal use. This has perhaps never been more true than this Summer Rental Season. Port A has experienced record crowds as many Texans have apparently opted for "Staycations" rather than more elaborate trips out-of-state. After Labor Day I will be posting details on rental income, but suffice it to say that some properties have seen gross rental revenue over $50k in 2009.

Renting out a second home is not for everybody and many prefer to keep their condo or home solely for personal use. Port Aransas has zoning which creates quiet residential neighborhoods where vacation rental is not permitted. However, much of Port A is zoned to allow vacation rentals for homes and condos.

Waterfront condos are always a popular option. After all, when most people come to the coast they want a front row seat. Mustang Island has a wide variety of condos that range from modest efficiencies to penthouse suites and everything in between. As you move away from the water, the pricing generally declines. There is a large selection with 288 condos currently on the market (MLS 8/16/09).

Port Royal Condominiums on Mustang Island (Prices start at $200k)

"I want a house on the beach" is a common statement for local Realtors to hear. Often, that is how the dialog in a property search begins. Another popular choice for waterfront homes are the luxurious canal front homes in Island Moorings which features a marina and is located adjacent to the Mustang Beach Airport. Port A has a large number of homes that are located in beachfront developments that offer community pools and access to the beach with a boardwalk over the dunes (Royal Sands, Cinnamon Shore, etc).

An increasingly popular choice for homes in Port Aransas is a bit of a hybrid. Developments such as Village Walk, Royal Palms and Twin Palms feature detached single-family homes and cottages in a zero lot line setting. These properties typically offer amenities generally associated with homes (enclosed garage, fenced yard, etc) and include the benefits of community pools, palapas and other common elements. Construction will begin in the coming weeks on another one of these developments when Sunrise Cottages gets underway on Tenth Street.

Village Walk Homes In Port Aransas (Prices start at $239k)

If you are trying to find your little piece of paradise, we are here to assist you. Port Aransas Realty has two locations and a team of 17 professionals. You may opt to begin your search by browsing the Port Aransas MLS. Upcoming installments in this series will include information on insurance, financing and other commonly asked questions. Stay Tuned! If you missed it, check out Part One - Why Port A?

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Port Aransas Brewing Company Earns Recognition From Texas Monthly

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:15:32 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - In the August 2009 edition of Texas Monthly Magazine, a hungry team of intrepid explorers set out to find the 50 best burgers in Texas. Their quest lead them to Port Aransas and more specifically to the Port Aransas Brewing Company.

Their very own "Stopher Burger" landed at number 44 in the statewide burger search. KIII TV 3 from Corpus Christi covered the story with a live, on-location broadcast earlier this week (Video).

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Vacation Home Ownership In Port Aransas - Why Port A?

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:54:56 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - I love my job. Selling real estate is one thing, but showing people how they can enjoy a laid-back, island lifestyle that is only a few hours from home and a world away from life in the big city...well, that's the fun part. Over the next couple of weeks there will be a series of posts that will seek to answer the FAQ of Vacation Home Ownership in Port Aransas.

Part One asks a simple question "Why Port A?" The subtitle could also read something like "So you think you want a place on the beach and you can't decide between South Padre Island, Galveston or Port Aransas."

The Texas Gulf Coast offers something for everyone. Having grown up in Houston, I have been to Galveston on countless occasions and love the historical aspects of this majestic coastal city. There are conflicting census numbers, but the population is somewhere near 60,000. The Strand is a Texas treasure. Galveston earned the legacy of being "The Texas Gulf Coast" a generation ago. Galveston has much to offer and has rebounded from hurricane Ike.

South Padre Island (SPI) means beach vacation and spring break to many. SPI is the Texas Riviera. The offshore currents provide SPI with arguably the prettiest water on the Texas Coast. Years ago SPI set out to be a full-scale travel destination. The hotels and condos are frequently packed with visitors from the US and Mexico. Like Port Aransas, the City of SPI has a small population that rapidly expands during tourist season.

Well of course, I am biased. Port Aransas (Port A) is in my opinion the best little beach town in Texas. On an almost weekly basis, I hear from someone that is visiting Port A for the first time in many years. Port A has been a "sleepy little fishing village" and while that it still true, it is not as sleepy or as little as it once was.

If you haven't been to Port A in a few years, it has changed a little. There is a new Arnold Palmer golf course and some new places to stay and even more great places for breakfast, lunch and dinner. More importantly, what has not changed is that there is not a Starbucks, McDonald's, Walmart, Taco Bell or Red Lobster. Instead, Port A offers a great selection of "mom and pop" cafes, diners, restaurants and stores.

Located on Mustang Island, Port Aransas offers miles of unspoiled beaches with beautiful dunes and abundant wildlife. If you are a regular visitor on this site, than you know quite a bit about Port A. If not, stay tuned and you might also want to visit the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce.

There is a Texas beach town to accommodate every taste. To many, Port A is the kind of place best described in a Jimmy Buffett song.

The next installment will focus on Port Aransas condos and homes.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Port Aransas Condo Rentals By CCMS

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:36:06 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - If you are planning a trip to the best little beach town in Texas and need to find the perfect place to lay your head, check out the accommodations at CCMS.

Condominium Consulting Management and Services, Inc (CCMS) incorporated in 1984. They are the largest condo management company on Mustang Island. If you are searching for Port Aransas condo rentals, you will undoubtedly find one of their many properties.

Popular condos such as: The Aransas Princess, Sandcastle, Sandpiper, La Mirage and many more are professionally managed by CCMS. The CCMS website makes it easy to book a place to stay in Port A. It also allows you to take a virtual tour of the condos. First-time Port A vacationers will appreciate all the visitor information with area activities and attractions.

Port Aransas Featured In Houston Chronicle Travel Section

Keith McMullin, Broker/Realtor (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:28:36 -0500

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - As the Summer Season starts to wind down, there is still time for a vacation on the Texas Coast. A recent story in the Travel Section of the Houston Chronicle made a great suggestion...

"If you're looking for a laid-back place to spend a weekend by the waves, look no further than Port Aransas."

For more information, read the story at Chron.com and visit the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce online for places to stay and play.