Even though our country isn’t perfect, I never fail to feel a sense of pride when I see our US flag blowing in the wind.     I haven’t been around Active Rain for about a year.   However when I saw the June contest was about Old Glory, I knew that I needed to make time to come back to Active Rain & to participate.   I have not been blogging much on Active Rain because I have been trying to rebuild my real estate business from scratch in  Corpus Christi, TX, a coastal city in South Texas.   As I looked through my pictures for flags, I was surprised to discover that the very first picture I took in Corpus Christi was at twilight.  I was trying to take a picture of the American flags that were lining Ocean Drive.    My first trip to Corpus Christi, TX was on November 10, 2020.   That was t... 06/25/2022

Flowers that Grow in Corpus Christi TexasSo many people moving to our beautiful City - Sparkling City by the SeaMost of the time when you move to a new area, you are unaware of what plants can be grown here and thrive.  Here are a few of my favorites for you to enjoy!Hibiscus - These come in several different colors, and some are singles and some are doubles.  I love the doubles the most, but have several singles.  My single blooms can grow up to 6 feet tall if i do not cut them back.  These do not require a lot of maintenance, but they do better if planted in the sunshine.  Plumeria - All you have to do is get a cutting from a plant and stick it in the ground and it will grow. They do not require much watering and will bloom almost all year long once they get started.  The yellow and w... 05/25/2022

Homes for Sale in Corpus Christi TX with Solar PanelsThere are currently 4 Homes for Sale in Corpus Christi Texas with Solar Panels.Home Owners are finding out with higher utility cost, the upgrade of Solar Panels to their homes is definitely worth the return on investment.  Here are the current homes for sale in Corpus Christi Texas that have solar Panels as of May 24, 2022.8021 Pavo Real St. Corpus Christi TX 78414  4/2/2  1,795 Sq. Ft. $344,9503929 Giants Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78414  4/3/2  2,319 Sq. Ft.  $385,0008201 Grand Canyon St. Corpus Christi, TX 78414  4/2.5/2  2,268 Sq. Ft.  $449,9002554 Balchuck Corpus Christi, TX 78415  4/3.5/3  4,397 Sq. Ft.  $824,999If you would like to receive an updated list of homes for sale in Corpus Christi Texas with Solar Panels call or text 361-... 05/24/2022

8021 Pavo Real - Energy Efficient Home for Sale in Corpus ChristiAre you looking for an Affordable Energy Efficient Home in Corpus Christi TX?  If so, you must check out 8021 Pavo Real Corpus Christi TX 78414.Not only was this Braselton home built with energy in mind, the current owners added Solar Panels 2 years ago, and have not paid a dime for electricity ever since.  In fact, their electric bill has a credit of over $200.  This Home is Rated Gold on the Energy Star Rating Scale.  The Home features a Gas Stove, Gas Water Heater, & Gas Heating System.  The Main Bedroom is a Larger than usual size with an Ensuite that has Separate Vanities, a Walk In Tiled Shower with Pebble Flooring and Dual Shower Heads.  The Closet is Extra Large and Has Built in Cabinetry that is Custom Designed fo... 05/17/2022

Beach Walk February 2, 2022Some days you just have to do it.  After all, it is in the middle of winter and the sun is shining.  It is not often we really have a winter in South Texas, but it does happen.  This is one of those years it is happening.Our weather has been in the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's.  Sometimes the sun is shining, and other days it is not.  On the days it is shining, you really have to take advantage of it, and that is what I did this morning.  If you live so close to the beach, you just have to do it!  It is a necessity.  There were lots of people enjoying the sunshine today.  The cold front is moving in tomorrow so you have to enjoy it while you can!This poor guy didn't make it from the high tide yesterday and the rough waves.  I am glad I got to get a picture of him... 02/02/2022

Investing in curb appeal can dramatically change the look of your home. The exterior of your home is like the cover of a book. It sets the stage for what is inside. Now you might wonder how you can improve your home’s curb appeal. To improve your Corpus Christi home's curb appeal, you can do some projects like improving the greenery, enhancing the exterior lighting, and making the windows more striking. There are several reasons to boost your property’s exteriors. One is for your enjoyment. Another is to increase its value. No matter your reason, adding curb appeal is an easy and affordable way to make your house look nicer. Read on to know the ways to improve your home’s curb appeal!How can I increase curb appeal in my house?Here are a few ways to increase the curb appeal in your house... 01/13/2022

December 2021 Housing Reports N Padre Island Corpus Christi TXThe housing numbers are in for December 2020 for the N Padre Island Housing Market in Corpus Christi TX.  The Median Sales Price is up by 16.5% compared to December 2020.  Active listings are down by 32.1% with 95 Active listings in December 2021.  The number of days properties are on the market is 90 days from listing to closing making this 8 days less than December 2020.  There are currently 1.7 Months of Inventory.  The Median Sales Price is $367,000.Closed Sales are down by 10% with only 54 in December 2021 - This is mostly due to the low inventory.  There are still lots of buyers looking, just waiting for the right property to come on the market.  The Price Distribution is as follows:$100K - $199K = 7.6%$200K - $299K = 2... 01/11/2022

Litter Critter Bulky Trash Pick Up Sat. Jan. 8, 2022 on the IslandIt is that time of Year for N Padre Island. The Litter Critter City event to get rid of trash, brush and bulky items on the Island this Saturday, Jan 8, at the Padre Bali County Park, near Bob Hall Pier, in the Briscoe King Pavilion parking lot, from 9am-2pm (last loads 2pm, closes at 3pm). These events happen several times a year and this one is coming up so you don't want to miss it! Mark Your Calendars so you can take advantage of this City Service. There is no Commercial Hauling and you need to be prepared to off load your items.For a complete list of items click here https://news.cctexas.com/news/corpus-christi-litter-critter-event-scheduled-for-island-district-4This is a Free Event for the Community. Thanks to the C... 01/05/2022

The Power to Choose Your Electric CompanyThat is just one of the cool things about our area.  There are Lots of people moving to Corpus Christi Texas and one of the questions I get asked over and over again is "Who do you have electric with?"  Most people, even the ones coming from other areas of Texas have not had this option.  We get to choose our electric provider.  Here is a great link to go to when trying to determine which company to use.  https://powertochoose.org/This site makes it so easy, with step by step instructions on how to find what utility providers are in the zip code you are moving to.  After you apply your zip code, several options will show up including:Price Per KilowattTermsRateEarly termination FeesPlan DetailsCompany RatingEtc.It is a little confusing at first, ... 12/15/2021

North Padre Island Waterfront Homes Update Week of December 14, 2021Photo taken looking down one of the canals on a beautiful December day!There are currently 25 Waterfront homes for sale on N Padre Island in Corpus Christi Texas.  They are as follows:15318 Bounty Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 3/2/2   $506,90013818 Jolly Roger St. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 3/2/2  $559,99513814 Doubloon St. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 3/2/2  $589,90013522 Carlos Fifth Ct. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 3/3/2  $620,00013830 Topsail Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 3/2/2  $645,00014338 Dorsal Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 2/2/2  $650,00013826 Gunwale Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 3/2/2  $667,00013606 Moro Corpus Christi, TX 78418  - 4/3/3  $695,90015326 Bowsprit Ct. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - 4/2.5/2  $719,00014134 P... 12/14/2021

Listed, Written Up and Sold Less than 30 days9529 Lovebird Corpus Christi TX 78418I just love it when things come together.  One of my precious clients sold their house & needed to be out within 20 days.  Thankfully they got it done and closed on their new house 7 days later.I honestly don't know how this lender pulled this transaction off.  After all, there was the Thanksgiving Holiday in between. The lender got the entire transaction done in 12 business days!  That is fast!I listed this home on November 4th, had an accepted offer on the 10th, then closed on the 30th!  The new buyers are so thankful they offered on it, and it is now their home!  Things they loved most about this home was the beautiful water views, the private lake behind the home, the amazing kitchen and cozy fireplace... 12/04/2021

Enjoying Island Life Hook Line and SinkerThis is my better half James Andrew.  He has been working non stop for the past 7 years I would say. He is finally taking some time and enjoying all the things our little island has to offer - and it is also for my benefit. He loves to fish, and he is on a mission when he does go.  Here is one trip he took recently down to the Padre Island National Seashore. Here is a picture of his catch!  All I can say is, it was good and tasty!I just wanted to share a post about him and the beauty of our area. If you are ever in Corpus Christi Texas, don't miss going to the Padre Island National Seashore.  There is driving for miles & miles and it is so beautiful, quiet and peaceful. 11/28/2021

Corpus Christi is a city in Texas known as the Sparkling City by the Sea. As expected, this city packs various activities that you and your loved ones will appreciate. Homes near Corpus Christi have everything you need for a fantastic family getaway. Whether you're a retiree or a growing family, Corpus Christi, with its sunny environment, beautiful beaches, exciting events, and thriving real estate market, has something to offer everyone.If you’ve received your PCS transfer to Corpus Christi, TX, you should contact Elizabeth Straessle, the best real estate agent you can count on. I understand the stress and hassle of moving can be tiresome and agitating. You'll have to start packing, processing documentation, and much more. Well, I'm not here to add burden, but I'm here to make you feel... 10/15/2021

Veteran’s Home Loans for Palo Alto TexasIf 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 mon... 09/27/2021

On a Monday or Saturday afternoon, you  probably don't want to find yourself stuck behind Pete in the line at the grocery store.    Pete is a broad shouldered  cowboy that looks like he could be a bouncer at a night club.    Although Pete has owned a gym, he has never owned a restaurant.   However, he is certainly capable of planning, shopping and preparing home cooked meals that can be served on the tailgate of his truck.    The day before I met him, his basket would have been full of enough groceries to feed over 100 people fajita salads.  (He called them chiplote salads but most of his guests did not know what a chip lots salad was.)     His basket was filled  with chicken and pork, seasonings, tortillas, lettuce, shredded cheese, onions, big tubs of sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, chi... 07/31/2021

Port Aransas, TX Community and Real Estate InformationResidential leases in Port Aransas are a great way to get a place to live in the region. This neighborhood has a plethora of resort-style facilities, gorgeous beaches, and overall high quality of life. These homes are perfect for short-term and long-term transitory inhabitants wanting to spend their vacation in the region since they have full access to the beach and other business enterprises. However, some purchasers are unable to purchase houses in the region due to a lack of funds. Residential leases are made accessible in the region as a solution. These periods often last six to twelve months, providing inhabitants ample opportunity to invest for the future. And the majority of the time, they buy the houses. Condominiums, flats, ... 07/16/2021

Port Aransas, TX Community and Real Estate InformationCommercial leases in Port Aransas are distinct from residential leases for the reason that they are intended for companies rather than people. Port Aransas is regarded to be economically prosperous as a whole. It has a number of resorts, restaurants, and other business facilities that function admirably, particularly during the summer and winter months when the area's visitor flow is higher than typical. The neighborhood provides a variety of business options due to the various commercial premises available for leasing. These are commercial premises that entrepreneurs may rent to run their businesses, making it easier to get started. The amount, kind, and location of commercial leases in Port Aransas varies. The majority of the comme... 07/15/2021

Port Aransas, TX Community and Real Estate InformationPre-construction homes in Port Aransas are residential properties that have not yet been completed but are on the market. Port Aransas is a wonderful neighborhood on Mustang Island that focuses on leisure, entertainment, nature appreciation, and providing inhabitants with a vacation-like living. Pre-construction homes are frequently pre-sold, which implies they are sold before the final form of the house has been built. Condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes are among the pre-construction properties for sale in Port Aransas. The architectural styles of these homes include Colonial, Contemporary, Beach House, and Modern. The blending of these designs gives the properties a modern and contemporary feel. Pre-construction cond... 07/15/2021

Port Aransas, TX Community and Real Estate InformationLots and lands in Port Aransas may be located all around the community. Port Aransas Beach, Corpus Christi Bay, Aransas Bay, and Red Fish Bay are all beautiful places to visit in this town. Because of the government' tremendous effort to prevent the town's commercialization, it nevertheless manages to retain its purity as a tourist destination. The community's concentration on allowing the natural bodies of water and rock formations shine is part of what makes it magnificent. The region has struck the perfect balance between entertaining and being unspoiled, which only adds to its beauty. In Port Aransas, there are several lots and lands for sale. The majority of the lots and lands for sale in Port Aransas are near the ocean, which i... 07/15/2021

Port Aransas, TX Community and Real Estate InformationTownhomes in Port Aransas are a great option for living because they are well-kept and easily accessible to homeowners. A lovely neighborhood like Port Aransas has a wide range of housing options, with townhouses being one of the most popular. The region is home to around 60,000 people, with many of them owning a townhouse. These dwellings are multi-story structures connected to one or two common walls on one side and another property on the other. However, because these houses have their own entrances, they are properly attached single-family residences. A group of townhouses will frequently have similar designs to identify them as belonging to the same community, and a Homeowners' Association will nearly always help. The beach and ... 07/15/2021