Aug. 18, 2007 - How to prepare for Hurricane Dean

Living in Galveston, Texas means that hurricanes are a reality.  I would like to offer some advice in an effort to make this reality one that  you can manage and handle if needed.  As we track the first hurricane this season due to hit the gulf we realize that preparing for a hurricane is mandatory.  Dean may or may not effect Galveston but we need to make sure that we are ready for ANY storm during this and every future hurricane season.  Hurricane season does not end until November so lets be prepared for each and every storm.  Please follow our simple tips in an effort to make sure your family is ready.  The sooner you prepare the less lines you have to wait in once we get advised of an official hurricane watch or warning. 

At the start of hurricane season please check your home for the following supplies.  Please restock them when needed. 

• Flashlights and batteries that are in working order.  Please make sure you have an ample supply of extra batteries on hand.  After a storm the city will need time to restart city services such as water and electricity.  Be sure you are prepared for the time you will be using supplies both during and after the storm.
• Water.  The government advises that you have 3 gallons of water per person but I advise that you stock up on as much bottles water as possible.  There really is no downside to overstocking water.  After hurricane season you can use the ample supply.  Bottled water is relatively inexpensive so make sure you have plenty.  If you have an infant please be sure to stock the water needed for formula.  Keep in mind that you will be using this water for hygiene as well as fluid.  If you have pets PLEASE make sure you keep their water supply in mind.
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries specifically for the radio.  The radio will become your source for news and advisories.  When the electricity is out you will need your radio for all important alerts and information.  I would advise having 2 radios just as an extra precaution.  You can never be over prepared during hurricane season.
• Medication.   Pharmacies will be packed with patients filling prescriptions once a hurricane is a possibility.  Watch the news very closely.  If you can please make sure all prescriptions are filled and up to date.  You want to do as much as possible in an effort to be ready if an evacuation in necessary.  Standing in line at the pharmacy could become a very long wait.  Please make sure you have all first aid and over the counter precautions in mind.  Be sure to have a ample first aid kit on hand.
• Locate all important personal information.  Gather this information in a file that is easy to carry with you in the event of evacuation.  Please include the following information that will need to be with you at all times.  Drivers license, social security cards for the entire family, proof or residency (electric bills or any household bill proving your address), wills, deeds, insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.  Take anything that you have your personal information on.
• Visit the city office in an effort to get an ID tag for your car showing residency.  Galveston will provide a sticker to residence (displayed on your vehicle) showing that they are allowed on the island after a hurricane.  You can visit our city office in advance and provide documentation showing that you are a Galvestonian.  The city is very specific regarding who can and cannot enter the island after a storm.  This is done for the residence protection.
• Can Opener and Canned Food.  Please make sure you have 2 can openers on hand along with ample canned food items. 
• Baby formula and baby supplies.  Diapers, medicine, anything you will need for an infant or toddler.  Leave no stone unturned.  It is always better to have more of what you may need.  As a mother of a 3 and a 5 year old I know that I can and will use these items in the future if I don't use them during a storm.
• Generators.  Have a generator on hand if possible.  If you do not have to evacuate a generator may be needed in an effort to protect your cold food items or run various components in your household.
• Pre-cut plywood or storm shutters.  I would recommend any  Galveston resident looking into the purchase of storm shutters.  These shutters will simply close when needed.  If you do not have storm shutters they you MUST pre-cut plywood (1/2 inch) for each of your windows.  Often debris or items such as tree branches can come through a window due to high winds.  Please be prepared.  A good idea would be to drill holes and make anchors so that you can install the plywood quickly before a storm or evacuation.

What to do in the event of an evacuation?????

The government will decide when an evacuation is necessary.  Please follow the above steps so that your evacuation will be speedy.  Many of the times listed above will also apply to you preparing for an evacuation.  Please bring the following items when you evacuate.  Having these items on hand ahead of time will make your evacuation efficient.

• Water.  Lots of water.  Ample water for you and all of your family members.  Dogs, Cats and any pet apply to this rule.  Please over plan when it comes to water.
• Medications.  You may have a long ride and once you get to your destination you will need your medications.  Calling a pharmacy for a medication transfer will not be possible since your local pharmacy will be closed.  Bring a first aid kit along with over the counter medications.  You never know when this will be needed on your trip.  
• Sleeping bags, covers, pillows.  Bring all sleeping supplies for the trip and for comfort when you arrive at your destination.  This is a mandatory issue since your trip will be long in the event of mass evacuation.
• Flashlights and batteries.  Anything needed for car maintenance during your trip.  Extra gas and oil.  Please be sure to have your car in excellent condition at all times during hurricane season.  Have your oil and tires checked on a regular basis.
• Have your gas tank filled at all times during a hurricane watch or warning.  Not a bad idea to have extra gas on hand.
• Maps and a specific plan for your evacuation destination.  Call family members or friends in advance to arrange for a surprise trip during hurricane season.  Provide all your family and friends with your specific plans and phone numbers.  Make sure you map out alternate route in the event of road closures or clogging.
• Pet Food.  Of course your pets.  Please don't leave them behind unless forced to do so.
• Baby formula or diapers.  Any baby medications or supplies.
• Bring the personal information file that you have arranged to take with you in the event of an evacuation.

This blog in not meant to scare anyone.  It is meant to help you prepare.  As a real estate agent in Galveston I am always asked about hurricanes.  I think they deter many possible residence because often we are not educated about what to do when facing a storm.  I have lived in Galveston all my life.  My family has lived through, and of course survived two major hurricanes (plus many tropical storms).  They were prepared and you should be to.  Make sure you have flood and windstorm insurance if you own property in Galveston, Texas.  I am often asked if it is hard to obtain this coverage due to the possibility of a hurricane.  The answer is no.  Insurance is based on your credit and your personal information so obtaining coverage will depend on the applicant.  Home owners in Galveston have had this coverage for years and will continue to do so.

Be prepared for any storm during hurricane season.  Your advanced preparation will save you headache and time when and if it is needed during hurricane advisories.  Living in Galveston is a pleasure.  Dealing with hurricanes are a fact.  A fact that is manageable if you are prepared.

Thanks for your time.
Christina Stevens

Aug. 17, 2007 - Thanks to Realtown

I just wanted to say thank you to Realtown for featuring our blog about Galveston Texas real estate.  We appreciate you putting our city and our real estate market in the spotlight.

Galveston is working hard to become an amazing city with even more option they we already offer.  We have seen a study increase in home prices over the years.  Our tourism economy is up and continuing to grow.  We hope you take the time to consider Galveston, Texas for either a main residence or a second home. 

Thanks for your time,

Christina Stevens

Aug. 13, 2007 - How to hire a real estate agent

As a Realtor I obviously deal with fellow agents on a daily basis.  Since becoming an agent I have had many experiences that make me reflect on how I choose to live my life as an agent.  I would like to offer a bit of guidance for anyone hiring a real estate agent.  I think an outline explaining what most customers look for in an agent is sometimes necessary to guide an individual through the process of choosing the right person for their needs.  Here are just a few key point to consider when hiring a real estate agent.

1)  Interview more then one agent.  Choose an individual that works well with your personality.  You will be working with this person through what can be some very serious negotiations.  Make sure you find the right fit.  Don't just settle on the first agent you come across.  Referrals from friends and family are always helpful but sometimes the agent they used may not be the agent you should use.  We obviously love referrals but I feel we should work for each and every client.  Sometimes personalities just don't mesh well.  A real estate transaction is a long process.  You will develop a relationship with your agent that can last for months, even years.

2)  Find a real estate agent that will return your calls in a reasonable time frame.  Most agents will do this but I have come across a few complaints in my time period.  I have also had experiences with agents that have not returned my inquires while in a contract with the party they represent.  Please do understand that calling an agent at 11:00 at night is often not acceptable.  Find out what the agents guidelines are when you interview them.  Do they return calls at a specific time each day?  Do they prefer all correspondence to be both via email and by phone.  I often prefer both since I have a specific written request for help.  I can look back at this document throughout the transaction always referring to it at any time needed.  I try to always be of assistance to any party interested in buying or selling.  I don't have set times for inquires but I do leave details if I am not going to be available.  As an agent I expect to work weekend and evenings.  If I have a previous obligation I explain this to my clients.  I feel they deserve this explanation since often I am dealing with their most precious investment. 

3) Ethics.  Please find an ethical agent.  Don't use an agent that will lead you into a purchase.  This is your decision.  Often you look to us for guidance that we are not allowed to provide.  You ask us what we think you should offer (we give you comps and then you decide).  You ask us what we think you should sell for (again this is what comps are for).  Our duty is to educate you not to make a decision for you.  Any agents that does in violating the laws.  An example that is simple would be when you are purchasing a home and need an inspection.  Most of us do not hire home inspectors on a daily basis so you naturally ask you agent who they would  recommend.  My answer would be to give you 3 parties that can and will do the job.  I would not give you the name of an inspector that I know has done a terrible job for a client in the past yet it is not my job to choose the party that you will be employing.  We can have no influence over these types of decisions.  Another great example would be picking a title company.   Again it is our job to advise you of your options not make the decision for you.  Many of you could really care less and to be honest most title companies are great yet this is ultimately your decision 100%.

4) Commissions are always negotiable, not set. Ask the agent you are interviewing what they are charging you for the sale of your home.  Most buyers representation is free.  If they say the standard is 6% then they are making a statement that is not true (there brokerage may however have a minimum that they cannot go under).  We have no commission standards since this practice is against the law.  Tell the agent what you feel you would like to pay them.  They may or may not work for that price.  Please remember that they do have to offer a buyers agent commission (typically 3% yet again it is not set) since the majority of sales require a payment for the buyers side.  Most homes are sold by a buyers agent that represents the buyer.  The buyer and their agent have located your property due to your agents successful marketing plan.  

I hope anyone who reads this will seriously consider  several interviews before hiring an agent.  Need a third party to help you interview???  Have us refer you to an agent that is qualified.  We can set up interviews and remain a fixture in the process throughout your transaction.  We work in real estate nationwide but practice in 3 main markets.  This blog is displayed under our Galveston Tx real estate website.  We also practice in San Antonio, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Please feel free to add what you expect out of your real estate agent.  Add any experiences that may be helpful to other like yourself.  Would love for fellow agents to contribute as well.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Stevens

Aug. 13, 2007 - Galveston Seawall Parking Debate

For many years a debate has been sparking controversy in Galveston, Texas.  Should we have to pay to park on our beloved Seawall?  This issue is a constant in our local paper.  For YEARS this has been a topic of discussion.

Our seawall is a great place for locals and tourists.  The local point of view is obvious.  Why should we have to pay when we live here and pay taxes in our community?  Locals use their seawall daily for running, walking, etc.  This would cost a fortune for many residents. 

The flip side is that we could use to money to create a more attractive seawall.  We could incorporate showers and bathrooms right at the seawall (many argue this is not reasonably possible).  We could offer locals a pass that could be purchased for a reasonable price.

I am not really sure how I feel regarding this issue.  I think both sides have wonderful points.  I think it could be both a benefit to the city and an annoyance to our current residences. 

What do you think?  How would you feel if this was your community?  Other areas in our country are faced with local parking issues that we have never experienced.  Would love to hear various opinions.  Any decision that involves Galveston's growth both physically and financially effects Galveston Tx real estate.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Stevens

Aug. 11, 2007 - August fun in Galveston, Texas

Just an overview of what you may find interesting in Galveston, Texas this August 2007.

August 18, 2007, Radio Disney Sand castle building competition  The competition will be held at Stewart beach on the 18th of August.  This Disney themed competition is for children ages 4 to 15.   Registration is at 12:30, sand castle building starts at 1:00 and stops at 3:00.  Judging will follow immediately at 3:00.  A great opportunity for you to have some family fun at the beach.

August 18, 2007, Cafe Madrid Opening  Benefiting the Galveston Historical Foundations educational program.  experience the opening of Cafe Madrid  with a live Jazz band, a cash bar, and tapas which is Spanish influenced appetizers.  The party is from 6:00 to 9:00 on August 18, 2007.  tickets are $30 and need to be reserved through the Galveston Historical Foundation.  Please call them at 409-765-7834

August 25, 2007, Galveston Art Walk  This is an exquisite experience designed for any art patron over the age of 18.  The Galveston art walk is a wine stroll through our historical downtown district.  The art walking is in the process of expanding throughout the city.  The art walk is not a street festival yet an experience located  in galleries and non profit art spaces.  Galveston, Island is rich in art and culture.  In addition to art you will enjoy antiques, various retail, etc.  You may also view original works of art on "other walls" such as restaurants and retail shops.  Most offering refreshments and extended hours.   This makes our art walk experience very unique.  The art walk was created by the Galveston Arts center.  This is their largest project occurring roughly every 6 weeks.

Map for Art Walk

Look for more blogs regarding life in Galveston, Texas.  Please visit our site for more information about Galveston and Galveston, Tx real estate.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Stevens

Aug. 5, 2007 - Why Galveston is home to me.

Galveston, Texas is a wonderful place to live.  We have so much to offer the home owner or any visitor.  We really are an inviting place to be.

I grew up in Galveston.  Currently I am sitting at our home in San Antonio staring out at a beautiful sky.  This got me to thinking.  What would I do if I was in Galveston right now?  The possibilities are endless.  Would I be at the beach or would I be fishing out in the bay?  Would I settle for a day offshore with my husband and son?  I wanted to start a daily blog regarding  some great activities when visiting Galveston, Texas.  The attractions that I have grown to love.   I want to feature aspects of the island for either the family, single or new couple in love. 

Today I would like to focus on what most will consider the number one attraction regarding Galveston, Texas.  The beach.  As a Realtor in Galveston the majority of our second time home buyers are purchasing Galveston real estate for the golden opportunity to live at the beach.  Homeowners are retiring to the island while so work on the island.

Our island is lined with 32 miles of beach. Many surfers come to the island each day.  You will see a variety of different activities taking place at our beach.  Hang gliding, jet skiing, pier fishing and much more.   Visit East Beach where you can experience concerts and much more throughout the summer.  Rent a nice umbrella and some chairs as you experience the afternoon drift by.  We love the beach.  Our kids grab a $2.00 beach pail and have the very best time possible.  They get to see nature at its finest.  My husband grabs his surf board and we make it a day.  This could be the number one reason why I love to call Galveston my home.

Galveston, Texas constructed  a 10 mile Seawall after the Great Storm of the 1900's (more on this in a later post).  Our Seawall is primarily to protect us from storm surge.  It has done so since it's construction.  The seawall has become much more then a protection mechanism.  It has become the focal point of our island.  Early morning comes around and we see runners, bikers, and walkers taking advantage of our island beauty.  They can exercise on the Seawall while enjoying the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Often I walked the Seawall with my sister in the late afternoon.  We could see porpoises gliding in the surf while watching fishing boats take anchor near by.  Our Seawall is filed with rollerblading, dog walking, surrey riding, and more as the day progresses.  Children are running down the Seawall and entering the beach for an afternoon of play.  Some people just park along the Seawall to take in the oceans beauty.  The Seawall is lined with what we call wall art (see photo above) depicting marine life and scripts from our ocean world.  Many piers are located off the Seawall.   We have several fishing piers where anyone can try their hand at the next "big one".  We also have surf shops located in a few piers off the Seawall.  The Seawall is also lined with some of the best hotels, shopping, and restaurants in Texas.  The Seawall is absolutely amazing.  I recently had the privilege of spending  time on the beaches of California.  While Venice and Huntington were amazing they did not have the Seawall.  Yes they had a strip that you could walk or ride down but our seawall is elevated for the perfect view.   We have everything you need to enjoy your summer days.  I just don't ever feel at home on any beach without this magnificent attraction.

Thanks for your time.  Please feel free to visit our Galveston site for more information on Galveston, Galveston, Tx real estate and much more. 

Christina Stevens

Aug. 2, 2007 - www.Galveston4sale.com welcomes you to our new blog.

Hello and welcome to www.galveston4sale.com newest blog.

We blog in many different spots on the internet.  This will be the newest of our blogs.  We feel blogging is a great way to tell others about Galveston, Texas.  Not only do we talk about our real estate market but we discuss Galveston, the surrounding area, and so much more.

My husband and I both grew up on the island.  I was raised in Galveston.  He lived about 25 minutes up the road in Clear Lake.  He spent his days fishing and surfing.  He attended Texas A&M located on the island.  In recent years he has been employed as an offshore fishing guide.  Our love for the island is very deep.  We have moved out of state on several occasions only to realize how much we truly missed our home. 

Galveston is a true beach paradise.  We have exceptional food, attractions, cruises, fishing, shopping and so much more.  We have some beautiful resorts surrounded by an island of magnificent homes.  We have beach homes, bay homes, and historical houses throughout the island.

Our prices are considerably affordable in comparison to California and Florida. Investors can purchase a home for a vacation rental.  We have many possibilities for the home owner.

A visit to Galveston is definitely worth your time.  Visit www.galveston4sale.com on more information regarding Galveston. 

Thank you for your time.

Christina Stevens

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