Well, we finally did it! We bought the beachfront property as an investment property! This was something that I had desired to do for many years. When the market turned into a buyer's market, we knew the time was right.We used a 1031 Exchange to complete the deal and have found this type of transaction to be a fantastic way to buy and sell investment properties. But, to do these exchanges successfully, there are several important points to know: Understanding the real estate market in the area you are selling and in the area you are buying is critical. Location is still king when it comes to real estate. For investment properties, understanding the type of business, the area, and the property's visibility are all important considerations. It is crucial to understand how the 1031 Exchang... 11/04/2025

Why Is the Water in Galveston, TX Always Brown?I think this is one of the most asked questions people ask me the first time they visit the Galveston Gulf Coast:“Why isn’t the water here blue like Florida or the Caribbean?”It’s a fair question — and the answer is both simple and fascinating. The truth is, the Galveston brown water look has nothing to do with pollution or neglect. It’s all about nature, geography, and a few powerful rivers that constantly reshape our shoreline.The Real Reason for Galveston’s Brown WaterThe short answer: sediment — tiny particles of silt, sand, and clay floating in the water. On the Texas Gulf Coast, here’s why that sediment stays put: Sediment from the Mississippi RiverThe Mississippi River drains 31 states and carries millions of tons of sediment into th... 08/11/2025

Galveston, Texas, offers the perfect blend of coastal charm, rich history, and modern entertainment, making it a coveted destination for homeowners, renters, and investors alike. If you're searching for a property that promises both income potential and an unbeatable lifestyle, look no further than this exceptional 4-plex, 1623 Avenue N 1/2, Galveston, TX 77550, located just blocks from the beach! Get more property details and photos here.Prime Investment Property with Excellent Cash Flow PotentialThis well-maintained 4-plex is designed to deliver diverse rental opportunities, with four unique units to suit a variety of tenant needs: Upstairs Unit: A spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout, currently vacant and ready for immediate showings. Garage Apartment: A cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit of... 01/21/2025

As summer comes to a close, is it time to think about selling your vacation home? Based on recent data and expert opinions, its something you may want to consider. According to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), vacation home sales are up 57.2% year-over-year for January-April 2021.If you've taken your last vacation this summer, here are reasons you should consider selling your vacation home this year.1. Remote work continues to drive demand for vacation homes.As the report from NAR says, based on continuously evolving work needs, there could be more interest in your second home than you think:In 2020, across all nine divisions, the fraction of the workforce that work from home is typically higher in the vacation home counties than in the non-vacation home countie... 09/03/2021

Veteran’s Home Loans for Galveston Texas!!If you are reading this, you or a family member have likely served in our military.  First off, we would like to say a sincere “Thank You” for your service!  We recognize that not only do our Veterans sacrifice by serving, but their families do as well-, and we owe you all a debt of gratitude!One of the best benefits Veterans and their families receive due to their service to our great country is the VA home loan benefits.  We are going to outline just a few of these significant benefits in this article for you.Here are some of the major benefits you may receive by using your VA home loan benefits:*100% financing available- one of the very few loans available with no down payment!*Lower rates available than most loan programs- which saves you mo... 04/19/2021

Being a Galveston Texas First Time Homebuyer makes you have to consider your options before you buy. The first thing you will need to consider is what your long-term goals are with being a home owner and how your goals fit in with that plan. One goal could be to stop paying rent that just increases after every lease you renew.Buying your own home first is one of the happiest times of your life! However, a lot of paperwork and time goes into it and finding a lender with great reviews will ease much of the stress. But, the satisfaction you get from your first home closing is something you will never forget! The benefits of being a Galveston Texas First Time Homebuyer greatly outweighs renting for the following reasons:          Greater privacy.          Homes typically increase in value t... 03/23/2021

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using Galveston Texas FHA 203k Rehab Loans.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA (a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.This loan... 03/02/2021

We are excited to let you know that we have invested in a new technology called Homebot to be your free personal guide through your home-buying journey.Homebot is a monthly financial dashboard that enables you to maximize the most of your home-buying search.When you sign up you will receive a regular email called the “Homebot Market Report”- a customized interactive guide with critical information to help you buy smart. Homebot offers buyers the ability to search for homes in your area at no cost to you.What will the Homebot Market Report do for you?     Explore neighborhoods and cities nationwide to find the best market to match your goals     Use current market temperatures to guide your buying strategy     Estimate how much home you can afford at today's interest rates     See how mu... 02/09/2021

We are excited to let you know that we have invested in a new technology called Homebot to be your free personal guide through your home-buying journey.Homebot is a monthly financial dashboard that enables you to maximize the most of your home-buying search.When you sign up you will receive a regular email called the “Homebot Market Report”- a customized interactive guide with critical information to help you buy smart. Homebot offers buyers the ability to search for homes in your area at no cost to you.What will the Homebot Market Report do for you?     Explore neighborhoods and cities nationwide to find the best market to match your goals     Use current market temperatures to guide your buying strategy     Estimate how much home you can afford at today's interest rates     See how mu... 12/30/2020

We are excited to let you know that we have invested in a new technology called Homebot to be your free personal guide through your home-buying journey.Homebot is a monthly financial dashboard that enables you to maximize the most of your home-buying search.When you sign up you will receive a regular email called the “Homebot Market Report”- a customized interactive guide with critical information to help you buy smart. Homebot offers buyers the ability to search for homes in your area at no cost to you.What will the Homebot Market Report do for you?     Explore neighborhoods and cities nationwide to find the best market to match your goals     Use current market temperatures to guide your buying strategy     Estimate how much home you can afford at today's interest rates     See how mu... 12/21/2020

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using Galveston Texas FHA 203k Renovation Loans.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA (a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.This... 12/03/2020

Being a First Time Homebuyer in Galveston Texas makes you have to consider your options before you buy. The first thing you will need to consider is what your long-term goals are with being a home owner and how your goals fit in with that plan. One goal could be to stop paying rent that just increases after every lease you renew.Buying your own home first is one of the happiest times of your life! However, a lot of paperwork and time goes into it and finding a lender with great reviews will ease much of the stress. But, the satisfaction you get from your first home closing is something you will never forget! The benefits of being a First Time Homebuyer in Galveston Texas greatly outweighs renting for the following reasons:          Greater privacy.          Homes typically increase in v... 09/17/2020

Veterans now have access to a new VA renovation loan to refurbish or remodel their homes.  This loan program is available for new home purchases as well as for remodeling homes currently owned by the veteran.  It is estimated that over 50% of homes nationally are 40 years or older, and in the current housing market many homes are in need of updating, addressing deferred maintenance, or improving the energy efficiency of homes to lower utility costs.VA loan benefits include the following unique advantages:  a.  up to 100% financing, b.  no mortgage insurance, c.  up to $ 35,000 in renovation funds escrowed, d.  all renovations must be completed within 60 days of closing, e.  you can close on a purchase or refinance in the “as is” condition, f. you can borrow against the future value of t... 08/21/2020

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using FHA 203k Renovation Loans in Galveston Texas.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA (a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.T... 04/21/2020

There are many benefits to a VA home loan. It’s important to know how these loans can help you. First, thank you for your service to our country. According to the Mortgage reports, VA loans stand apart for its combination of low rates, lenient underwriting, and secondary benefits. These are 10 Galveston Texas VA loan benefits in 2020. These are:        No down payment on a VA loan        No mortgage insurance        VA loans have a government guarantee        Your ability to shop and compare VA loans        VA loans don’t allow a prepayment penalty        They come in many varieties        It’s easier to qualify for a VA loan        VA loan closing costs are lower        The VA loan offers funding fee flexibility    VA loans are assumable Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair... 03/16/2020

Being a Galveston TX First Time Homebuyer makes you have to consider your options before you buy. The first thing you will need to consider is what your long-term goals are with being a home owner and how your goals fit in with that plan. One goal could be to stop paying rent that just increases after every lease you renew.Buying your own home first is one of the happiest times of your life! However, a lot of paperwork and time goes into it and finding a lender with great reviews will ease much of the stress. But, the satisfaction you get from your first home closing is something you will never forget! The benefits of being a Galveston TX First Time Homebuyer greatly outweighs renting for the following reasons:          Greater privacy.          Homes typically increase in value the old... 03/05/2020

There are many benefits to a VA home loan. It’s important to know how these loans can help you. First, thank you for your service to our country. According to the Mortgage reports, VA loans stand apart for its combination of low rates, lenient underwriting, and secondary benefits. These are 10 Galveston TX VA loan benefits in 2019. These are:        No down payment on a VA loan        No mortgage insurance        VA loans have a government guarantee        Your ability to shop and compare VA loans        VA loans don’t allow a prepayment penalty        They come in many varieties        It’s easier to qualify for a VA loan        VA loan closing costs are lower        The VA loan offers funding fee flexibility    VA loans are assumable Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, ... 02/04/2020

Being a First Time Homebuyer in Galveston Texas makes you have to consider your options before you buy. The first thing you will need to consider is what your long-term goals are with being a home owner and how your goals fit in with that plan. One goal could be to stop paying rent that just increases after every lease you renew.Buying your own home first is one of the happiest times of your life! However, a lot of paperwork and time goes into it and finding a lender with great reviews will ease much of the stress. But, the satisfaction you get from your first home closing is something you will never forget! The benefits of being a First Time Homebuyer in Galveston Texas greatly outweighs renting for the following reasons:          Greater privacy.          Homes typically increase in v... 10/25/2019

Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using Galveston Texas FHA 203k Renovation Loans.Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA (a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.However, this loan program doesn't allow for "luxury items" in your home such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or other accessories. Although, you can repaint, replace flooring and appliances, add a room to an existing structure (which can add to value tremendously as you increase the square feet of your home) as well as remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.This... 09/24/2019

Veterans now have access to a new VA renovation loan to refurbish or remodel their homes.  This loan program is available for new home purchases as well as for remodeling homes currently owned by the veteran.  It is estimated that over 50% of homes nationally are 40 years or older, and in the current housing market many homes are in need of updating, addressing deferred maintenance, or improving the energy efficiency of homes to lower utility costs.VA loan benefits include the following unique advantages:  a.  up to 100% financing, b.  no mortgage insurance, c.  up to $ 35,000 in renovation funds escrowed, d.  all renovations must be completed within 60 days of closing, e.  you can close on a purchase or refinance in the “as is” condition, f. you can borrow against the future value of t... 09/13/2019