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.

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.