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.