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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