arggggghhhhhh! Electronics!

I've been particularly silent for far too long. I beg forgiveness. I kept trying to think of lovely and positive and uplifting things to write, but just couldn't come up with anything that wasn't too goopy or positive and bright enough. It was too much or too little. I guess I need to face facts and let you see what I really think. Watch out!
We're all aware the real estate market is in deep trouble at it's basest level. Lenders and Government. In much of the country sales haven't really rebounded, and have actually dropped in the last couple of months. I think it's due to people being overextended. Not really all that much, but JUST enough to not qualify for the tighter loan requirements. Or may be they're just worried and not wanting to borrow money. That I can understand. HOWEVER. Bright and happy news!
Just yesterday, with the help of ThinkBigWorkSmall.com I did learn that: If a household has decent credit and an income of only $55,000, they can qualify for as much as a $200,000 house under current FHA loan regulations. That means much of the country has housing available to buy! And people qualified to buy! The lowest interest rates ever and prices not skyrocketing on houses. What better time to buy?
Now, to my headline: Have you ever set up payments online and had them posted to pay on the wrong date? I recently (Just Monday, in fact.) opened a bill and saw I was past due. And I KNEW I'd paid it. But I couldn't find it anywhere scheduled to pay or paid on my bank website or the vendor site. So, I bit the bullet and paid it. SURPRISE! It paid (again!)the next day. I'll have no bill for some time- but an inconvenient amount of money was sucked from my checking account and I'll not be able to get it back; when I'd really like to have it now. Guess I really have to watch dates when I post bills to pay. 7/25 was my scheduled date, I thought. 8/25 is what I posted. Maybe it's time to go back to paying everything by check and trusting the USPS to get things where they should go in a timely manner. Maybe not.
There's been a ton of news about Galveston being dead thanks to an arrogant blogger at 24/Wall St. It's curious that he did so little research and made sweeping pronouncements about the cities he feels are "Dead". I'd like to thank him for stirring up a great deal of interest in Galveston. I'm sorry that he's responded to inquiries with personal attacks on those that have contacted him. I promise to not be hateful and say ugly things if you comment on this site.
I think I'll look and see if the other "Dead" cities noted his pronouncements.
So. Musings as far as I can go. Life is good. So- "work hard,have fun: make money" to you all!

Electronic age....

Seven AM on a glorious if slightly gloomy Friday. I just watched the ThinkBigWorkSmall webcast for the day. Making lemonade from lemons is always an appreciated message. I've spent the better part of the past few weeks setting and resetting my emails so one account feeds into a Gmail account. Some days it works for a few minutes, then stops completely. I'm just about to give up and face 2 email lists every day, all day. My phone gets them both, but I think I'll soon drop that feed, as it get's wayyy too confusing and hard to keep up with returning emails. Also, I have heavy thumbs when typing on a Blackberry keyboard and that gets annoying. Oh yeah, and I have to have my reading glasses on to really even see what I'm saying!
This weekend is ARTWALK Saturday night. I am looking forward to strolling around downtown and checking out a few shows. I know the rains will not be present. (I like thinking positively.) I haven't taken the time to join in at Artwalk in several months, so I think this week is the weekend.
Now, what's really up with real estate these days on the Island? It seems more active, especially on the West End. Here's a very brief overview:
West of the Seawall, in the Beach Communities, since April 1, there have been 97 sales closed with a median price of $253,000. The average price was quite a bit higher at $323,000. There were 6 sales over $900,000 and 8 sold for UNDER $100,000. I think that's showing some interest. In the same period of 2008, there were 120 closed sales with a median price of $325,000, and average of $394,000 and 9 over $900,000 with only 2 under $100,000. Not so bad for a slow economy and difficult lending situations, is it?
Speaking of beaches, here's a selection of decent Galveston beach reads- with a coffee table book or two thrown in.

!Galveston: A City on Stilts (General History: Texas)Galveston: A City on Stilts (General History: Texas)Galveston: A History of the Island (Chisholm Trail Series)GalvestonThe Galveston That Was (Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities)Galveston: A HistoryWalking Historic Galveston-A Guide to its NeighborhoodsGalveston Architecture GuidebookThe Alleys and Back Buildings of Galveston: An Architectural and Social History (Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities)The Prostitutes of Post Office Street (Sol Books Prose Series)

A busy month has passed

After living in Galveston now for what? Eight years this week I still am amazed by the bounty of things to do. Other than repairing aging houses, of course. Last weekend alone there were garden tours, sand castle competitions, political meetings, yard sales to benefit Mardi Gras Krewes. For the first time in several years I didn't see any gardens. I did see some "sand castles". Well, a couple of the exhibits had castle like structures...most did not. I was disappointed in both the concepts and commentary this year. I had hoped for scathing political commentary, but really got a number of I Pad refernces and some movie related constructions, but I'll confess I really didn't "get" many of the entries. I was cranky though, so maybe that colored my impressions. The beach, however, was packed at the waters edge. Lots of families. Several soccer games going on. Even a whole group on lawn chairs in the water along with their coolers. They were even pretty much dressed. Kind of strange I thought.
Tonite is the 2nd Beach Band Concert of the season at Sealy Pavilion....7:30. Last week I just wasn't ready to do one more thing that evening, so I skipped it. I think we'll ride our bikes over tonite though. It's a wonderful small town feel. You see tons of people you know and like, and the music is big band, marches, and sometimes even show tunes or movie themes. It's been going on every summer since 1928! That's a tradition. The Director is Frank Incaprera, who assumed the position after his father passed away. I think it will be lovely!

...Never cease to be amazed

In this morning's sales meeting at our Boulvevard Realty office in the Heights, I learned we've just ended our BIGGEST MONTH EVER! In the midst of a "recession". See? Things are looking up.
I also got to hear about the activities of many of our agents, and I am so proud of the successes that they're having. On the down side, it makes me feel I'm really not working up to my potential. Know that I'll be spending a great deal more time in Houston. I love my work, I'm good at it, and I need the opportunity I can find off the Island. Galveston is coming out of the doldrums, as well. Maybe not as quickly as other areas, but I know it will soon be humming with new activity. I'm getting lots of calls from people coming to the Island right now, but very few are ready to purchase, and many are needing a basic "Economic and Ethnic Diversity that is Galveston" class in order to even look for an apartment or house for lease.
I so love the Island and it's quirky nature, and I hope I manage to help others understand and appreciate it.
Hmmm. Homes Tour went well over the weekend. LWL, our weekly Monday lunch bunch had a very nice lunch this week at Float on the Seawall. We're trying to get through all the Seawall restaurants before the tourist onslaught. I had the simple Fish Tacos. Major YUM!
Oh yes, order tickets now for Taylor Holland's show about Ann Richards Money, Marbles, and Chalk at the Grand! http://www.thegrand.com/calendar.asp

Friday April 30th-May 2

There's always something to do in Galveston.
Tonight: GHF Homes Tour First Impressions Tour. Two bar openings. Sheryl Rozier meet and greet. and the Preview Party for the Unitarian Universalist "Attic Treasures Sale". Call me if you need details on any of it!
Tomorrow the Galveston Historical Foundation Historic Homes Tour. 10 fabulous houses. Tickets available: http://galvestonhistory.org/.
Wonder why I have so little time?

Wow! Working off line sort of works ok!

Now I'm really trying to use my laptop's software to write a blog entry while away from the internet. We'll see what happens.
Today is a stunningly beautiful day. Both in Houston and in Galveston. I'm surprised at how few people are out on the bike path across from the house I'm holding open right now.
This morning, I went out about 9 AM and started using the weed-eater to try and clean the yard's perimeter, around the trees and shrubs, and in those areas that the lawnmower really can't accomplish much. About and hour and a half was spent swinging the weedeater, trailing the very long extension cords behind me. I know it's made a difference, and I actually look forward to getting home and getting out the lawnmower to cut the large areas. Having two full city lots means more mowing than I've had to do since I was a child, and we mowed all the way down the street to the end of the property along the road, then along the fence, then inside the fence. Dad even had self propelled mowers in those days. I think he even bought a riding mower at one point. I hated mowing. I still pretty much loathe it, too. I don't know how I missed the mowing and gardening genes my folks had. But, then, maybe they weren't fond of the work, either. A neat yard and a productive garden seem to be worth the struggle. I know I am really that way about cleaning and laundry! It doesn't matter that I don't much care for it. I mean, I don't hate laundry....but I always have tons of stuff to do, and always seem to be doing stuff around the house. I never seem to get everything done and take time to sit down and so something else. There's always chores about the house. I may even sit down this evening in front of trash television and replace missing buttons on shirts and shorts. Those buttons have been needing replacement for months and months. Just one more thing that needs to be done.
Do you find your life like that? Always something needing to be done?

What an amazing world we're in!

Who knew that $5.00 would improve my life dramatically? Last week, while Tim was working in the living room, as the barcalounger is more comfortable and easier to get in to and out of while on crutches than his office chair, Martini jumped across the keyboard. Dog toenails can remove keys from laptop keyboards, did you know? With just a little search, I found a source for replacement keys- and today the new "e" arrived. Whoopee! I can write without special care to make sure there are actually "e"s in the words I've tried to write! Remember- the most commonly used letter in English is the "e". $5.00! Salvation!
 Another thing I noted today: refrigerator magnets are becoming less useful. I was offered a magnet from a stack at the Galveston Association of Realtors advertising out State meeting coming in September- and I realized magnets won't stick to stainless steel. So, in the long run, as a side effect of Ike and subsequently upgrading appliances, I no longer can use a magnet on the fridge. I am not alone.
Ah well. I suggest to my clients that when selling a house, the magnets should go into a drawer along with the party invitations, bills, and other personal things. Of course, the magnets make a kitchen look messier, even when organized. The bills and such are just too personal to be exhibited to strangers. I want them to see the house, not learn about my clients. Most people are curious. Sometimes blatantly snoopy. Go figure.
Now, to the real matter at hand: What's available on the market in Galveston?
The answer today? LOTS.
Today's search was for 3 bedroom houses with apartments in town. Today there are 22 on the GAR MLS. The range is from $149,000 to $699,900. Eighteen are under $350,000.In fact, you can get some real style in a historic property for under $250,000 with a separate apartment for the help, the mother-in-law, or like we do: the Houseguests.
That's waaay under $100 a sq ft. Such a deal. Call me and we'll look at some!
The alternate search I ran was for 4 bedroom and larger houses You can do very well here. Out of the many available, and I mean MANY, there were 18 appealing and ready to move in houses....and I stopped looking at $425,000. You've got the gamut from late Victorian through the 1930's for historic properties, and then 1950 to 1970's modern.
There's even a really stately house with  a "ballroom" across the front ( you could even live in the house as it is) for only $175,000. Four bedrooms, two baths and that rara avis: a two car garage! Nows the time to buy if you've got a sense of adventure and some cash. Nearly 4,000 sq foot of living space! Big yard. Great trees.
I'd buy it. Just for the facade and space.
So, now off to look at tax appraisals. I think there will be many contested valuations this year. It's hard to claim a house went up 20% in 20101 when there haven't been any sales of comparable properties in two years.

Back in the saddle...

I see I haven't said a word since my starting to tell about Stingaree Restaurant on Bolivar Penninsula. Nursing duties at home have sort of precluded my writing any, and you wouldn't even want to see my whining. I'm not even going to review what I said then.
Flotsam and Jetsam and I made it across Bolivar Roads on the Ferry after a fairly short wait . The drive through Crystal Beach was still rather shocking. All the trees which had obscured the views were gone, along with so many of the houses. However, all along the way were many many signs advertising builders. Just not very many building starts. I guess the buyout of beachfront houses will start soon, and then maybe building will increase. Or maybe it's going to be quite a while before the Redneck Riviera gets repopulated with vacation homes.
I was thrilled to see the Oyster Jubilee was still available, even at the first of April, but I refrained from the 42 oysters in so many ways. I opted for a half dozen raw and then a plate of the first quality French Grilled Oysters. My companions had French Gilled and also the Catfish Lunch Special. SO much food! Such quality! Such a reasonable price! I love going there. I think it's by far the best Seafood available in the County if not the region. The challenge is getting there, and that might add to it's savor. Maybe not. I know if I could just run over there for lunch, my dining out expenses would be far higher than they are on a regular basis.
Three weeks ago today began Tim's Hip Replacement Adventure, and I may never be the same. I now know Memorial Hermann  Medical Center pretty well. And where to park. And what to order at the cafeteria. The gift shop isn't much, sadly. I usually find cool things at hospital gift shops...this one not. Or maybe I've gotten past the shopping instinct. I have way too much stuff, even post Ike.
Arghh. Work is calling. Last night late I searched and searched for option for lease properties. Everyone seems to want something that isn't available. So my job has become yet more challenging as I focus more on leasing. If you can't buy a house, you still need a place to live!

Oh My Goodness!

I see I've been amazingly silent since the 22nd. I apologise. It has been an enormously complicated and unpleasnant time in many ways. My partner went in a week ago yesterday for a hip resurfacing. So it was a very long week, starting with running to Houston- a five hour surgery- and returning to Houston to visit him while he was in excruciating pain. I confess. I skipped Thursday, the day after the surgery. I am so glad that I did. That's when he discovered his epidural wasn't working. So as he screamed, they discovered that they couldn't get him up to start walking as planned. So instead of his being sent home, ambulatory and with pain under control, they had to keep him until late Sunday. So I commuted Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And, of course, worked every day as well. He's now doing much better, but I'm failing as cook, housekeeper, nurse, and maybe even Realtor. It's hard to keep it all juggled.
I did spend a glorious afternoon, with my lovely clients, who shall be referred to as "Flotsam and Jetsam". Flotsam chided me today that she'd prefer her Secret Spy name used. The three of us headed to Bolivar to have a late-ish lunch at Stingaree, which I think is the best Seafood restaurant in Galveston County. It is such a labor to get to it that it is a rare event. Sitting in the line for the ferry for half an hour was really kind of nice- we chatted and enjoyed the breezes. The ride across was just fine- I took them up on the upper deck to see the view and enjoy the breeze. The drive across the barren Ike washed penninsula was even now, disconcerting. The tree and buildings which had previously been there, were for the most part gone. Everything looks so different.
- continued in the morning- it's after 11 and I'm failing fast.

breaking the silence...

Whew. Last week was busier than the previous week for me. I'm glad for a relatively quiet day to catch up. Maybe even on folding and putting away laundry! Anyway, I was very interested to preview a ton of houses last week. It's amazing, though that there are so few houses of substantial restoration available for sale in the 250-380K range. There are actually some spectacular houses on the market which need a complete renovation and restoration- wiring/roofs/foundation/plumbing....not to mention finish out, in that price range and above. There are, however, a ton of small liveable houses which are available under $150,000. I just wish cute and charming were applicable to their description. It makes it hard showing the city and neighborhoods to prospective buyers. But, as I'm from the "If life hands you lemons, make lemonade" school of Pollyanish claptrap, guess what I'm going to do? I'm going to find interested buyers and match them with houses! ANd have fun while doing so.
My recent stint of working at the Opera House has come to an end. The season of needing Wardrobe Workers is done for a while. I enjoyed it greatly.
I am always amazed to discover links and relationships in the people I meet. When Montana Rep was here, I worked with people trained by my first Director and teacher at Emporia, the late Jim Kriley. (He hated me. I was scared of him.) With Hairspray, I worked with a woman whose husband I had worked with in Dallas, as well as a friend of my friend and former classmate from Texas Woman's University, Stacie Johnsen. This past weekend I was able to work with a company for which 2 old friends work for, and discovered one of the singers was a man I worked with many years before- and he's close friends with a woman I grew up with!
The same thing has happened thanks to the Real Estate business. Last week I worked with a man who was once a roommate of a dear man I'd worked with in Fort Worth at a flower shop. Our mutual friend vanished into southeast Texas years and years ago. He's now back home in Australia, and thanks to an applicant for a leased property, we're back in touch!  SMALL. WORLD.
On a sad note, a friend called Saturday with the news that he's got a bizarre and likely easily cured cancer. My dear friend Christy Jump passed away Saturday night. Tim goes in for a new Hip on Wednesday. I'd bet I spend more time musing online and less running around when he gets home Friday!

I may try to take Monday off.

Last week was an astonishing week. Thursday I made sure to attend the homes preview tour of the Galveston Multiple Listing Service, which is held every Thursday at 8:30. A quick preview of the 15 houses took until about 11 AM. The rest of the day was just as busy.
Friday I was honored to be invited by Bill Baldwin, the owner and broker of Boulevard Realty to attend a 7 AM breakfast honoring the top 25 Realtors and Real Estate Teams of Houston. It was at the fabulous Houstonian Hotel and Spa- which, of course, is about 65 miles away, or about an hour and a half drive, even starting at 5:45 AM. You would have been proud of me: bathed,shaved, brushed, perfumed and discreetly suited (with a TIE!) by 5:30 in the morning.  The coffee was superb, the fresh berries and yogurt were a perfect start. The croissant was crisp. Yum.It still took much of the morning, and in spite of having a Blackberry, I really cannot do all that I need to do for my career while driving to and from big doings in Houston.
Then, Saturday, of course, when I could least afford the time, I agreed to take a dressing call for the National Tour of Hairspray. So, yesterday was a doozie- starting at 6AM to unpack the show. Two performances and then a load out. It came to about 18 hours of work, not counting the Real Estate related calls and emails in my down time.
I enjoyed today's open house at 802 Omar, in Woodland Heights. It's a plushly redone little bungalow from the 1930's. It has been added onto in a very thoughtful way adding a deck and Master Suite at the back of the house. I'll confess, at $450,000 for a moderate three bedroom/three bath house, I'd like to see a better kitchen- more storage and maybe upgraded counters- and, I'd much prefer a gas range.

But, really and truly, you can hardly beat the neighborhood or location. I was also quite happy to see the owners have a taste for Laurell K Hamilton novels as well as Janet Evanovich and Charlaine Harris. I thought those were kind of a secret sin sort of read. Trashy. Just what I like!

Who ever knew?

Just a short note while waiting at the Galveston Ballet to learn the Noble's Dance. I'm writing this on the "crackberry" as I'm here rather than at home watching City Council. I've been cast this time as The Mayor so instead of just being stage furniture, I will really have to dance!
Tuesday was another long round of Dickinson houses, and there were two really outstanding properties. Most were rather innocuous, and a couple were truly sad. Overpriced and under cared for.
I guess we've decided to build. How else the right floor plan and finishes in the right neighborhood? Who expected that too?

Another interesting week....

Sunday was spent with a delightful couple looking for a house in the Dickinson/North Galveston County area. We saw a charming 1948 vintage house in the Dickinson city proper, surrounded by almost a full acre with towering pines.

The added on extension of the house was almost a small ballroom- well, 3 couples could dance with lots of room to spare. And it was about $170, 000 for over 2000 square ft of charm. There was a great fireplace. But, the back hall/Master suite like area was kind of odd and immediately adjacent to the kitchen. Still a whole lot of house and land convenient to a freeway for a reasonable amount of money. We also looked at new construction by BayWay Homes. Quite nice houses in a pleasant subdivion. And with a generous price reduction in the last week. For a house with a warranty and all new construction under $170,000 for over 1700 sq feet, I can well understand the appeal. Then again, I'm so not a new neighborhood sort of person. My youngest house was the same age I am. I've chosen established neighborhoods all along, with a real variety of neighbors and a deep sense of place. I guess that's why I've chosen the Island.  Today I got to work with another couple looking for something entirely different in the same general area. We got to see what seemed to be a hunting lodge in the woods off Deats Road with a stunning yet small living room with soaring ceiling and a starkly contemporary staircase to the second floor bedroom and bath.

We also found an appealing recently built cottage in the country with a great deck and hot tub as well as a large outbuilding set up as a game room and guest house. It makes me look forward to tomorrows foray back into Dickinson and League City to see what else one can find for under $150,000 for a 3 bedroom house with 2 baths. There are really some well priced and intriguing houses to see. Wish me luck!

West End Real Estate may be looking up....

This week, I've been focusing on higher end properties on Galveston's Beach Communities. As of today, since September 1, 2009 (Just over 6 months of sales) 18 properties have changed hands over $500,000. Three properties were over $1,000,000. That's a pretty good volume with the economy being somewhat challenging. Remember, I think understatement is sometimes better. Granted, there are yet 63 properties on the market on the West End priced at $500,000 or greater, but that's just 18 months of stock at this rate. In the same period of 2007, 24 properties changed hands, over $500,000, 2 of which were over $1,000,000. Looking at what was on the market for sale, surprisingly there were again 63 unsold properties. In 2007 the average time on the market was 140 days, this year, 212 days. It's definately slower, but that may have something to do with the challenges of borrowing money and obtaining a mortgage. Two years ago you could virtually sign your name and buy a house. Today: not so easy. The lenders are trying desperately NOT to let you have access to money in spite of the government bailout.
In summary: sales aren't so bad in the higher range of beach houses. And that's better news than I'm hearing on the evening news.
More later. It's been a busy day.

The week has blown by! Way to much going on to convince myself to sit and muse for your benefit. This is very much like a Buddhist Practice: Easy to begin, easy to do, and very difficult to continue. There's been a great deal of real estate activity this week. Many calls inquiring about properties, many emails, quite a few showings, and even some negotiations! With the weather improving, so it also appears that the general outlook is improving.
My week is going to end with a bang. Working today prepping for the weekend. Tim's neice and a friend coming in late tonight from snow bound Ohio for a wedding on Saturday at the Hotel Galvez, so we're having some sort of lavish dinner tomorrow night (note to self: plan lavish dinner menu). Saturday, I've the honor of working at The Grand 1894 Opera House with Porgy and Bess. It's not quite a vacation day as I'll be working on Sunday plans on my breaks and free time, when not prepping and dressing the show. Sunday will be great fun with clients from the Netherland Antilles in the afternoon and then perhaps a Birthday dinner for a friend. Oh yeah, and I need to make sure that the guest room is ready. I know the sheets are fresh, I've been working on polishing the floor...guess I'd better scoot to ready for my first appointment this morning in an hour. I'll come back and review the week in real estate on Galveston Island.

OK. So maybe I was a little premature

As I noted earlier, I planned to preview 5 houses under $100,000. I actually went up to $105,000. The top three, not surprisingly, were indeed the 3 most expensive. Here are the top three in ascending order by price:

 This house is charming- with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, a full city lot, fenced. The roof, wiring, and plumbing are all replaced within the last 5 years. The Central Heat and air was put in at the same time. It's really cute. It however, is next to an small apartment building which might prove annoying. I sold it several years ago right after it was redone by some clients of mine. Another agent in my office has the listing ay $99,000. I didn't even know she had it listed until today. At this price the seller won't get all his money back. It's well priced for a serious consideration.

This house is a really cute high raised shotgun cottage directly on Broadway and listed at $103,500. The lot it's on is only 22 foot wide, but even then there's room on both sides to walk and there's even grass growing. There are 2 bedrooms and a bath off the kitchen. There's no tub, but how many of us prefer a shower? It looks as if it's someone's vacation cottage, and with the layout it works well for that, but it is a bit awkward for a full time residence. Maybe someone single or a couple who deal well with closeness would find this attractive. No central heat or air, but a wonderful deck in back to get the breezes. Definitely worth a look for a weekend get-a-way.

This photo doesn't say much about the house. Just a block and a half from the beach it really has a lot to offer. Listed over 6 months ago, it's come down to $104,900. It looks as if someone's Grandparents have lived here. The rooms are small, but it has two real bedrooms, a largish central hall with bath, and a Garage! There's even a nicely maintained little patio off the back. The block is really good. The neighbors across the street are good and kind and sweet and take exceptional care of their compound. There are palms and exotic cactus in the small, well kept yard. It really could be move in ready if you're used to visiting older relatives. Otherwise, you could live here and figure out your best upgrades over time.

Honestly, I couldn't go into one house, because I remembered it's layout and disrepair too well- and have always thought the block was too "iffy". My last house to preview hasn't even been surveyed or seperated from the parent house next door. That can be done, and yes, it is priced best and on the best block of the 5, but that is a complicated and time consuming matter to get through planning and zoning. In an Historic District there are a few more steps than just asking for a set back variance. Maybe I'll get there tomorrow and see what I think. There are rumours of an offer on it in the works, as well.

If any houses here appeal, you may always go to my website: RobertZahnGalveston.com and run a search for yourself. You can access both the Houston and Galveston Multiple Listing Service websites there.

I think it's time to get excited-

I am updated via e-mail everytime a new listing comes on the market within a certain price range. Right this moment, there are at least 5 houses under $100,000 on decent blocks in fun neighborhoods close to the beach and downtown. Gosh darn it, now I've created work for myself. I'm going to have to go preview those houses tomorrow after, I guess, the 12 houses scheduled for the Galveston MLS Tour. It looks as if now is the time to start watching the listings carefully if you're interested in buying in Galveston. Granted, the houses aren't large and showy at that sort of pricing, but they look appealing, and might be the right vacation spot or first home in Galveston. Maybe I can find the right deal for you tomorrow. Check back and I'll post some of what I've found.

Sorry for the silence, but a guy's got to work.....

I know that's no excuse for not blogging: once you start it you are supposed to continue it. REGULARLY! I was, however, fairly busy the last few days. The Grand 1894 Opera House (http://www.thegrand.com/) hosted the Montana Repertory Theatre's production of Leading Ladies for one performance on Friday Night. As I still maintain my IATSE Wardrobe card, I was able to work with them Friday, so not postings then. I also had the opportunity to meet Holland Taylor, a charming and talented actor. You likely know her currently in Two and a Half Men. She was here to preview the Theatre for her upcoming One Woman Show about Ann Richards. Working backstage is a great deal of fun, and I've been doing it for quite a long time. Geez. I have two degrees in Theatre, so it's nice to have the chance every now and then to work in my original craft. Saturday was spent working on Real Estate as well as cleaning a rental property- lots more cleaning to do, too. Yesterday I spent in Houston with a spectacular open house in  Montrose, prior to showing properties in Galveston in the early evening. Should you need a majestic, clean lined house with just over 4,000 sq ft and 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths- this is for you: 1230 W Drew. Under $1,000,000 and looking every bit of the asking price of $979,900. The kitchen and open living areas look out onto the very private yard and patio, which also has room for a nice sized pool. The Master Suite at the back of the house is immense, with a fabulous closet system in the dressing room. It was a great deal of fun chatting with the many gawkers and a few serious home shoppers.  Then back to the island to look at sweet little redone houses in Fish Village. There are days I whine a bit, but doing what I do for a living can be so incredibly fun and rewarding! So, now you know what I've been up to. I'll find a nice house to post for your amusement later this evening...let's see if I can find a really lovely house at a really good price!

Geez. Sometimes I hate numbers.

Let's talk Real Estate for a moment.
We all know last year was pretty much a wash when it comes to sales- so I thought I'd go back to 2008 and compare it to the current reporting for the year to date. In 2008, 66 properties, townhouse/condo and single family freestanding houses combined sold on the Island, East End, 41; West End 25, between Jan 1 and Feb 18th. The economy was in better shape and there were no Ike damaged properties.
This year there have been 45 closed sales: 23, East, and 22, West. Conclusion: sales aren't so good. I did the whole evaluation by type, average, and median on area and price per square foot. Yechh.
Here's what I think is important (I won't post the numbers as they are a bit painful.) Comparing 2008 and 2010 year to date, we are down roughly a third in volume of sales and median sales prices over the entire Island. It's almost impossible to pinpoint why.
It's still so much better than much of the country.
We currently have a huge supply of houses and condos on the market- 629 in the East End and 338 in the West End. If you've got your funding in place, now might be the time to find a good deal. Not great. But good. Be sure and talk with your favorite Realtor or Lender before getting too far along, though.

Salvation and Destruction

To the title of this post.
This morning about 10 AM a sweet 1,000 sq ft Victorian cottage at 2115 M 1/2 began it's journey west to a new location at 31st and Q. The Galveston Historical Foundation found a new home for it, the house having fallen during Ike. This house is being saved and given a new life- with plans to make it "Green". There's even a wind turbine planned, so it can pretty much be off the electrical grid.  http://www.Galvestonhistory.org should have details on the plan for it's new life. At the same time, I drove down Broadway to my appointment and saw the lovely Broadmoor Apartments at 29th being knocked down. According to the 2007 Heritage at Risk List:

 The 1920s-era Broadmoor Apartment Building on Broadway is noteworthy for its unusual architectural program and mission-style brick architecture: as an apartment building it seems more suited to the west side of Manhattan than to Galveston, but if saved it could offer re-use as retail or office space. Currently up for sale and facing an unsure future, it has been vacant for more than 30 years and is in desperate need of immediate attention.

 :
 Well, I know the roof was all but gone and the estimated building reconstruction costs were extraordinary, but it's a shame that we've pulled down one more bit of history on a street which has lost so much already. I guess you save what you can and live with your losses. Kind of like the Ike flooded East End: we've lost the urban forest we had, and are learning to live with sun loving plants...there are worse things.
Image and quotation Courtesy of GalvestonHistory.org.

Today's shiniest penny!

Classic Jamaica Beach 2/2 Beach Community Cottage 1332 sq ft $118,000 Not beachfront, but, oh so close. On the market 2 days. Let's see how long it lasts!

Ash Wednesday. The beginning.

As today is the start of Lent, consider this part of my Lenten Observance. Galveston put on quite a show over the last two weekends culminating in the last parade last night. The Krewe of Aquaris presented the 16th Annual "We end what we begin" parade at 6:30. Galveston, being an odd city with lots of social people, was out in force on Postoffice Street. We had 2 parties on Postoffice to attend, and didn't make it from one to the other. We threw beads and caught beads. I made sure the marching bands and drill teams got the ones I caught. Then of course, it was off to the the 3rd Coast on Seawall for drinks and pizza. Home by 10something. Reading blogs and about blogging since about 7 am this morning. My goal is to help you understand what a warm and lovely place this little Island is. What makes us tick. Why we live here. I will also provide information about the Galveston Real Estate Market and houses I have previewed. My friend and teacher Karen Derr always asks "What's the shiny penny?" I intend to find the most interesting properties and post them for you as they show up on the market.
This may prove an interesting experiment- I hope you find something about it appealing. We'll see as the days go on.