Island Realtor

Short Sale Tips

2011-02-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Realtors seem to have a genetic predisposition toward- or away from- short sales. There are some truths: they can take a long time to close, the foreclosure department can work behind the scenes to squash a deal, and lenders can be frustrating to deal with. BUT- short sales are a fact of life, and if we truly want to help our clients, we need to learn to deal with them. I'm looking for any opportunity to help people in real estate and establish strong relationships. That's why I worked to get my SFR designation- short sale/foreclosure resource. I am helping people that don't know where else to turn, don't have time to chase down lender reps, and are just plain scared of losing their homes, having their credit score torpedoed, and dealing with the other issues that got them in the fix in the first place. Tip: don't wait until you've missed four or five payments to contact a realtor. If you miss ONE payment, get on the horn-- because the bank is tracking you! Many times just talking with the lender creates some credibility for working out your problems- don't create an emergency and expect someone else to bail you out. Any thoughts on this issue??

Housing Market PreCursor?

2011-02-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

National press noted new job creation is edging up, which is a major indicator of economic health. Although there are many still out of work, and the hiring criteria tend to favor those currently employed, the trend is encouraging for my market, residential housing. People will follow that old pyramid of needs, by taking care of survival matters, first(getting a job for food money), then improving shelter and self esteem(housing!) Got my fingers crossed for continued improvement!

Yacht Sales Slowing Down?

2011-01-21T13:57:00.003-08:00

Just saw a sad article about mega-buck folks unable to peddle their status symbols. Boo-Hoo! Where does it say money equals common sense? Buy two big boats, keep one while the other is building, then sell the old one to wanna-be's? How about waiting it out in a Motel 6? Too many out of work, out of house, out of hope to care much about the trials of the well-offs!

Float Your Boat on Padre Island!

2010-07-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Many folks ask about water access when I'm showing them homes on Padre Island, just East of Corpus Christi Texas. They feel if they don't buy on the waterfront, they'll have trouble launching a boat to waterski or go fishing. Not so!

there are seven boat launch ramps on our island, available to anyone living here. Most are just two or three blocks away from any home you choose. somnetimes I'll even walk to the ramp with clients considering a home to check it out!

I really like living on the Island- it's laid back, the beach is always there, and people are very friendly! What do you like about your neighborhood?

Help Fight MS!

2008-12-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Pete Rides to Fight MS!

This is my (sort of) training log, getting ready for the April 19th MS150 Houston-Austin Ride. Feel free to add on, encourage, or comment!

Island Market Today

2008-12-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hey, out there! Just trying this blog site to see if I can get any participation! I'm in my 5th year practicing on the Island, and I'd love talking to you about what's going on out here-- and I'd be glad to exchange referrals with you! Who knows- maybe you'll get busy and not have time to schlep out here-- let's work something out! I'm not hot to show property on the West side, and I don't get to King's Crossing often, but I'd like to know someone who does!

Right now there are over 250 waterfront properties for sale-- what a great time for a qualified buyer to invest! Especially since interest rates just dipped to 5%--that's right-- 5% ! Let's work together and save time, and make money!

Pete