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Galveston, TX Real Estate News

By BILL CHERRY, Broker & Wealth Coach
(Bill Cherry, Realtor)
A few years before Patty and I left Galveston Island for Dallas, I sold my company offices in Galveston, in the Island's resort-second home community, and the one in the Museum District of Houston.I primarily needed a breather from managing people and paying bills, so I became a sole practitioner.  I thought you'd like to see the sign that hung under the canope of the four story 19th Century building where I moved my office.Note the name of the company.  I figured that in order to add an employee or agent, I'd have to spend the money to change the name.  That was all of the assurance I needed to make sure I thought about it good and hard.
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By BILL CHERRY, Broker & Wealth Coach
(Bill Cherry, Realtor)
Even though it's been a rainy cold weekend here in Dallas, joining you in the coffee shop gazebo across from the park for our regular Sunday after church visit is still a great way to start the week.I woke up this morning thinking about Galveston, an island off of the coast of Texas where I was born and spent the majority of my life. As Easter approaches, so do the sun drenched beaches, the smell of the salty Gulf of Mexico waters and sand mixed with the odor of Coppertone sun tan lotion.  That all suits me just fine because to be totally honest, I'm a shorts and t-shirt sort of guy.  I'd rather be trapping crabs, walking the shores in the moonlight to gig flounders, and sailing the pungent gulf waters than just about anything.Along with the onset of spring comes fresh red snapper and f...
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By Christina Strommen Stevens, Galveston Texas Realtor, Vacation home expert
(Southwest Realty Advisors LLC)
 The Galveston Island Trolley has been a staple of our city since I was a child.  I fondly remember my rides on this historical landmark.  The Trolley travels through UTMB (which is located on the East end of the island), the Strand, and to the North side of Galveston.  The Trolley become part of Galveston's culture in 1988.  It is operated by Galveston's transit service.  For more information please visit the Galveston Trolley, or call using the information I provided below.  To find out more about Galveston please visit http://www.galveston4sale.com.Galveston Island Trolley214 29th StGalveston, TX 77550(409) 765-7992
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By Christina Strommen Stevens, Galveston Texas Realtor, Vacation home expert
(Southwest Realty Advisors LLC)
Please visit www.Galveston4sale.com to find more great photos of life in Galveston, Texas.
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
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...J...
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
Sea Isle is a great family retreat that has enjoyed years of growth. Sea Isle is a mixed neighborhood with new and old homes, homes of all sizes, and homes of all shapes. But it works.  When I visited clients on the last 4th of July we had a blast meeting other families and driving around on the golf carts. The local restaurant had karaoke and everyone was out and about. Homes have appreciated here significantly in the last few years and are currently holding steady. The homes range from dry land to canal to beach. Prices range from 120k to near one million. Whether you are looking for a retirement community or just for a second home Sea Isle might be just what you're looking for...  ...Sea Isle real estate
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
 Playa San Luis is a premier neighborhood on the island. You will never find too many homes for sale in the area. The last time I looked there were two. The beaches have appeal in Playa San Luis because they are accreting. This means the beaches get bigger each year. The area has many dune walk overs and prohibits vehicular traffic so the beaches are a safer place.  Playa San Luis also has large easements that allow homes away from the beach great beach views. Ryson Real Estate and Vacation Rentals have a small 2 bedroom that was very popular in our rental pool. Even though it was 10 homes back from the beach it did over $27,000 in income. The market here is very firm and ranges in price from $330k- over 1 million. It has the potential for custom builds also and the lots start in the $9...
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
Pointe west is a great development poised to capitalize on Galveston's surge in second homes and vacation rentals. The community is based around a community center with work out facilities, pool, bar, restaurant, and much more. Pointe West Galveston also features large park lands, lazy river, pedestrian and gold cart trails, and "private" beach. The market is sluggish for homes and condos in Pointe West, but rentals are doing great. I just talked to a few owners who had great rental incomes. One owner had over $30,000 on his condo, and another have over $50,000 on his beach house.  Now is the time to buy as some owners want out and are sacrificing price for a fast sale. Both homes and condos are available; condos and in the low 200's and a beachfront home can be bought for under 600k. ....
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By Christina Strommen Stevens, Galveston Texas Realtor, Vacation home expert
(Southwest Realty Advisors LLC)
One of Galveston islands favorite treats is the Old Fashioned Candy Factory.  Any sweet lover will find this stop a necessity  when they visit our island.  Located in the historical Strand District, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is wonderful.  Many cruise patrons, tourists, and especially the locals frequent this adorable family must.  My personal favorite is the hot fudge sundae.  In addition to custom made sundaes you can choose from to many candy varieties to count.  One side of the "sweet spot" is devoted to ice cream varieties and flavors while the other is strictly for the candy and chocolate connoisseur.  As a child I remember taking school field trips to the factory.  We all got to pick out treats and have ice cream.  It makes for a wonderful family/ childhood memory.  He...
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By Christina Strommen Stevens, Galveston Texas Realtor, Vacation home expert
(Southwest Realty Advisors LLC)
I had the pleasure of taking a few moments just to enjoy the weekend.  Here is a photo from our weekend fun in Galveston and Clear Lake.This particular picture was taken while enjoying Crawfish at Fish Tails on 25th and Seawall.  Our kids love the view and we enjoy the food.  There is nothing better then having a nice afternoon, watching the ocean waves, and enjoying a few pounds of Crawfish.  You should try it.  Learn more about Galveston, Texas by visiting www.Galveston4sale.com. 
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By Ryson Vacation Rentals
(Ryson Real Estate)
     Scuba Diving is a great way to spend your time while you are on vacation. Here in Galveston, Texas there are quite a few charter boats that will happily cater to your bubble blowing needs.      Some of the favored hotspots near Galveston are the Liberty Ships, the Offshore Drilling Rigs, and the Flower Gardens National Marine Preserve. Underwater activities you can engage in depend on which site or sites you choose. For example, since the Flower Gardens is a marine preserve, you cannot fish, collect shells or animals, spearfish, or feed any of the animals there. Also you cannot drop anchor within the preserve's boundaries. However, within the preserve you can explore all of the Flower Gardens as well as a large part of the Stetson Bank. You can also photograph the reefs, and animal...
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
The Club of the Isle condos are, in our opinion, a great buy. The reasons are :1. great prices2. It is a true resort with Spa3. Putt- putt Golf4. high rental income ($2000/mo for 1 bedroom, $2800 for 2 bedrooms)5. quality finishes We have sold 4 units there and each buyer is more than satisfied with their purchase! Don't miss this chance to own at a nice new Galveston condo complex. Prices range from $110,000 to $300,000 with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom plans...  Club of the Isle condos
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
Galveston has much to offer as far as full time homes go, but what if you want a boat but don't want to live way west? Havre lafitte may be exactly what your looking for. The neighborhood has only a few entrances and is set up like a traditional neighborhood. However, many of the homes here have water access and boat dock. The homes are mostly all full time residences unlike West Galveston Island where over 50% are second homes. This area is close to everything and is just off at Stewart Road near Moody Gardens. Havre Lafitte also features a boat launch for owners. Prices are a bit higher than the surrounding area because of the water access but they remain very reasonable for lake front homes with deep water access.
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
Campeche Shores has alot to offer. The units are dramatic and custom. They range from 1200 sqft to over 2000sqft, offer elevators, some have bay views, all have granite and stainless steel appliances, and much more. The townhomes come together in rows or they can be completely seperate- and are just like buying a single family home. They offer ammenites such as golf trails, bay views, and a large lighted pier- just perfect for bird watching. In fact, I have shot pictures of over 10 types of birds myself. This neigborhood has new and resales availiable. Don't miss Campeche Shores Galveston when you visit the island on your next home shopping trip.
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
Cedar Lawn has long been a great Galveston neighborhood. Unique to the Island, it is one of only a few "enclosed" areas. Typically Galveston's neighborhood are just different streets and fade into one another. However, Cedar lawn has only one way in and one way out. The architecture is as unique as the neighborhood. The homes vary from small to HUGE, quaint to elaborate, some have garage apartments, while others have pools or green houses. The oak lined streets are very private and have a safe "small town" feel. It is a close knit community and would work for many types of families. Don't miss cedar lawn on your next Galveston house hunt!
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
Evia Galveston is an amazing Island destination. The neighborhood lies behind the protection of the Galveston seawall allowing Slab foundation construction. This is very unique for the island. The community is a traditional design and features a "town center", coffee shop, nature area, and is right across the street from a golf course. The home and town homes have a classic or Victorian look but are all new construction and very nice. This community is one of the nicest on the island and has a lot of character. For more info on Evia Galveston call Ryson Real Estate at 409-740-1600
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By Christina Strommen Stevens, Galveston Texas Realtor, Vacation home expert
(Southwest Realty Advisors LLC)
Welcome to the celebration as we start Galveston's Mardi Gras Festivities.  This is the 97th annual celebration for Galveston Island.  The festivities were started back in1867.For 12 days we have a ton of fun celebrating with many parades, balls, and just plain fun.The first weekend of the event is January 26th and 27th.  The highlight of this weekend is our parade down the historical Galveston Seawall.  Personally this is my favorite parade.  I think this parade is great because the crowds are not as large.  In addition the parade happens right on the beach.  What more could you ask for.The following weekend is the big party taking place on February 2nd.  This parade moved down 25th and into the historical Strand district.  I participated in both events when I was involved with Treasur...
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By Christina Strommen Stevens, Galveston Texas Realtor, Vacation home expert
(Southwest Realty Advisors LLC)
As an agent I have the opportunity to tell you about all the reasons why you should purchase a home in Galveston.  After all this is my job right?As a person I want to tell you why I think you should learn about Galveston from a visitors point of view.  You can always buy a house but what you need is the passion and love most of us Galvestonians have.I grew up in Galveston.  My family has history on this island.  My brother runs the company my parents started almost 40 years ago.  I want future Galvestonians to feel like they are coming home before calling me to possibly buy or even rent a home.  We all have reasons for moving.  Take this from girl a who has lived in 4 states over the last 5 year.  I commute now between Galveston and San Antonio.  It is a ton of work but I am happy to f...
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By Jason Keeling
(Ryson Real Estate)
Galveston:    Galveston Texas is a great place to live, whether it be full time or only part time. After living in Galveston for 8 years you can start to get used to all that this little Island has to offer. However, I made it my goal to rediscover Galveston and all it has to offer. Here is a little of what I came up with:    Galveston history: Moody Mansion Bishops palace Trube castle    Entertainment:  Moody Gardens  Schlitterbahn water park Galveston Stewart beach  Seawall Galveston opera house The Strand    Museums:    Galveston train museum Galveston history museum Lone Star flight museum Ocean Star Offshore Drilling rig museum The beach east beach stewart beach seawall west beach San Luis pass   more to come.... I will link each of these to an article on the information listed...
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