Galveston, TX

Casa Del Mar Condos in Galveston

As of this writing, there are approximately 22 condos for sale in the Casa Del Mar condo complex in Galveston. Casa Del Mar is located at 61st Street and Seawall Blvd. and is very popular with vacation rental as well as owners wanting a simple, uncomplicated beach get-a-way.

Recently, they have changed the way they bill for insurance and "H.O.A." fees, and it's caused a bit of confusion. The insurance rate "separately" is 1500.00 per year, per unit. The "H.O.A" fee's are 307.00 per month, per unit. This sounds like a lot.

The real issue is that the development has separated their insurance from their home owners association fees, which lowered the home owners association fees in the process by over 100.00. It basically works out to almost the same number, the insurance is just now billed 3 times per year at 375.00.

There are 276 units in all and 143 are in rental. Rental can be done through Casa Del Mar, or the owner can choose to put their unit into another companies vacation rental program. Each company charges slightly different fee's, so it's best to shop around.

Another note for putting your unit into rental...if you choose to use Casa Del Mar as your vacation rental company they do require that each unit be outfitted with the same furniture, carpeting, etc..and that can be an additional fee in order to put your unit into their program. Other companies may not do this, thereby saving the condo owner a considerable amount of money.

I work as a Buyer's Agent quite a bit, and I always try to post the lowest priced units on my site with the fee's associated. Pricing at can range from a low of $45K up to $90K+, depending on interior cosmetic differences, location in the building, etc..

This development is very popular because of it's great location near the beach with views from every unit, close proximity to activities in Galveston, as well it's pricing.

The grounds are very neat, there is new hardiplank siding and other remodeling done... it has 2 pools, one being heated. Casa Del Mar also has covered parking, elevators, ice machines, central laundry and also most are furnished when for sale.

For more questions on this, or other developments in Galveston, feel free to visit my website for more information. I'll be happy to help!

Galveston Texas Short-Sale's and Foreclosures

A lot of people ask me for foreclosure and short-sale properties...thinking they will, "get a good deal." That would seem to be common sense. In Galveston we have those properties, just like any other city, but we may not have the volume of listings that most people want.

There are advantages to shopping specifically for short-sales and foreclosures, as well as advantages to shopping for individually owned properties.

The advantages of a traditional, individually owned property that only needs the approval of the individual owner can sometimes mean faster, easier, even more effective negotiation on price than a short-sale or bank owned foreclosure property. Also, with an individually owned property the communication between selling and buying side can often times be easier and more efficient.

A few advantages to consider when buying a short-sale or foreclosure property in Galveston, Texas is the ability to sometimes get a lower price point originally, and the fact that most will need remodeling or repairs and that may allow for some negotiation on price.

In Galveston we have quite a bit of competetion in our market. Many "good deals" can be had on traditional/individually owned properties.

It's always good to remember that real estate is local. Every market is unique. Work with an experienced Realtor for the area, and be sure to explore all your possibilities.

Galveston's Beautiful Beaches and Wildlife

We have the most beautiful beaches in Galveston. Anyone can drive on our Seawall, park their car and in just a few steps will be walking in the sand.

Only an hour south of Houston, we are the chosen vacation and weekend playground for many in Texas that long for the sound of waves, the smell of salty air and the warm breeze.

As a Realtor in Galveston I share my views of life on the island through my photography.

Wonderful wildlife, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, gorgeous and ever-changing water that appears blue, sometimes green...sometimes flat and calm like a lake, sometimes full of white crashing waves.

Having a love of the island that you can share through photography to potential new residents or property owners gives them a glimpse into what it's like to truly live the "island life."

This Week's Events in Galveston:


Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009

The 2009 United Way Galveston Kickoff Luncheon and Hurricane Ike Volunteer Celebration, 12:00 noon-1:00pm, in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom at the Moody Gardens Hotel "A Salute to Galveston": Moody Mansion Museum, 2618 Broadway. Presented by the Treasure Ball Association September 5-13. "Revival and Reflections Opening Ceremony and Torch Relay," beginning at 5.30pm at Fort Crockett Park, 4700 Seawall Blvd.

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009

"A Salute to Galveston": Moody Mansion Museum, 2618 Broadway. Presented by the Treasure Ball Association September 5-13. Remembrance Concert: 6:30-8pm. Music by the Lance Aldridge Band. Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand. Throughout the concert, the multi-media presentation of Ike's wrath and destruction, as well as scenes of Galveston's rebirth and redevelopment will again be presented. The concert is free and open to the public.

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009

"A Salute to Galveston": Moody Mansion Museum, 2618 Broadway. Presented by the Treasure Ball Association September 5-13. Remembrance Concert: 6:30-8pm. Music by the Galveston Beach Band. Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand. Throughout the concert, the multi-media presentation of Ike's wrath and destruction, as well as scenes of Galveston's rebirth and redevelopment will again be presented. The concert is free and open to the public.

Friday, Sept. 11, 2009

City of Galveston-sponsored "Revival and Reflections" events continue on Friday, Sept.11 with a

"A Salute to Galveston": Moody Mansion Museum, 2618 Broadway. Presented by the Treasure Ball Association September 5-13. 25th & Market Street Revival & Street Party: 25th & Market, 6pm - 10pm. Featuring food, music, and raffles to raise money for replanting of Galveston's trees. Remembrance Concert: 6:30pm-8pm. Music by Chameleon. Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand. Throughout the concert, the multi-media presentation of Ike's wrath and destruction, as well as scenes of Galveston's rebirth and redevelopment will again be presented. The concert is free and open to the public. Opening of the "Ike" Quilt Exhibit and Poetry Readings: at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice, from 7:00-9:00 pm.

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009

Saturday, Sept.12 will feature a full-day of "Revival and Reflections" activities that will include a solemn ceremony and documentary showings on the eve of the first of anniversary of Hurricane Ike. In addition, throughout the day a variety of ancillary events are planned to commemorate Ike's one year anniversary.

The Mostyn Law Firm Galveston Rebirth Race - 5K Run/Walk. 8:30am. Hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation. Register at www.galvestonhistory.org. Galveston Island State Park Open House: 10:00am-1:00pm at 14528 Stewart Road. "A Salute to Galveston": Moody Mansion Museum, 2618 Broadway. Presented by the Treasure Ball Association September 5-13. "Warbird Flights and Scenic Air Tours: An Aerial Celebration of Galveston:" 9am-5pm. Lone Star Flight Museum (near Moody Gardens.) "Making Tracks to Recovery:" - 10am - 1pm. Galveston Railroad Museum will feature mini-train rides and museum tours. 25th & Strand. Artist Studio Tours/Beachtown Open House Photo Exhibit: - 1:00pm -5:00pm. Beachtown, East Beach Drive. . Presented by the Artist Homestead Galveston Island and sponsored by the Galveston Historical Foundation. "Celebrate of Endurance" YMCA Benefit: - 3pm - midnight. The event will be held at Crazy Oaks, 12410 Stewart Road. "Revival and Reflections" Closing Ceremony: begins at 6pm at Saengerfest Park, 23rd & Strand, with activities throughout the downtown historic district. There will also be a "Shine a Light" Remembrance Walk from Saengerfest Park to The Grand 1894 Opera House. The torch will then be extinguished at The Grand for the final time. "Ike: The Documentary" and "The Great 1900 Storm" presentations: Beginning at 6pm at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. The last showing of "Ike: The Documentary" will begin at 9:30pm. The Ninth Annual Paws Gala: "Meowling Bros and Barkum and Bailey Circus:" - Beginning at 7pm at The Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort. Benefits Galveston Humane Society. "Celebration of Determination" Fireworks Display - Beginning at 9:30pm at 29th & Seawall Boulevard.

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009

The 6-day "Revival and Reflections" events, ceremonies, and commemorations marking the first anniversary of Hurricane Ike conclude Sunday, Sept. 13 with several events:

Sunrise Service: Stewart Beach Park Pavilion at 7:00am "A Salute to Galveston": Moody Mansion Museum, 2618 Broadway. Presented by the Treasure Ball Association September 5-13. "One in a Million Jesse Tree Fundraising Campaign:" - Beginning at 1pm at 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard. Citywide "Neighborhood Reconnect 2009" festivities planned and coordinated by individual neighborhoods throughout Galveston Galveston Symphony Pops Concert: 7:00pm, Moody Gardens Hotel Ballroom. Admission is free to the public.

Galveston is celebrating surviving IKE and the progress our city has made in one year. If you came to Galveston right now and had not been here MANY times (or live here) you could not tell we had a MAJOR hurricane. Businesses are open, the homes are repaired, and life is back to normal. In fact, Galveston may be better off than it was before the storm! Many upgrades have resulted from the storm and I can attest to that... Our office is brand new, 61st st has many new fascias on buildings, and the homes around my house are redone on the inside and out. Galveston has improved on its storm preparedness and contingencies and did a great job during IKE. Galveston's future is in our hands as we look at way to mitigate storms damage by IKE Dikes or seawall extensions. There will be many celebrations/parades/events on Galveston island this week and weekend so feel free to come down and celebrate with us as we look forward and ahead to the future of Galveston!