Whew! Its hot outside!

Sometimes it isn’t what you paid for your vacation home, it is what it costs you to own your home.

Here in Texas, 2009 was the hottest summer in years. In Austin, it was the hottest summer in 155 years, dating back to 1854. This was also the warmest June-August ever at San Antonio and Del Rio. And, it was the hottest August on record at Corpus Christi.¹

If ever there were a summer to head to the beach to cool off, it was 2009. And if ever there were a summer to break the record for energy consumption and test your electricity budget, this was it.

At The Commons we have a secret weapon to controlling energy costs. Our walls are built with ICF, Insulated Concrete Forms. The exterior walls and the walls between units are 10 inches thick with 6 inches of concrete inside held by 2 inches of insulation on either side. This proven, green building technique has a direct impact on energy costs and on the owner’s bottom line.

The Commons Utilities Costs

For The Commons homeowner, our data tells us that for eight months of the year you can expect your electricity costs to average about $50 per month. During the four months of summer heat, you might average around $100 per month if you keep the thermostat steady and ask the kids to keep the door shut as we did in unit 304, the unit we use ourselves. And even if you have renters who tend to turn the thermostat down and not pay attention to open doors, you are not likely to average more than $150 per month in the summer months. Our data indicates annual electricity cost of $800-$1100 per year or an average of $80 per month.

Come visit us at The Commons in Port Aransas, Texas. Our energy efficient vacation homes will save you money. Enjoy the Texas beaches and the summer sun, just remember to close the door behind you!

¹ http://capitalclimate.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-official-austin-smashes-155-year.html

Find out about current investment opportunities in Port Aransas

Are you seeking higher returns on your money than you would expect with low interest certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, savings accounts, bonds, the stock market, or your retirement account?

Investing in coastal rental properties in a resort destination can be extremely profitable. If you are interested in finding out more about current opportunities, please contact:

Linda Johnson, Agent
lindajohnson@wesellporta.com
(361) 749-6603

Coastal Investing has Huge Upside

First you want to protect your investment, and buying in a coastal environment you want to insure you are buying real estate that will withstand the harsh coastal environment, while reducing your energy and insurance costs of holding the investment. The Commons in Port Aransas is built with ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) which are made to withstand 200mph winds and provide energy efficiency with thick insulated concrete walls.

Personally Enjoy the Investment You’ve Made

The second major consideration is where will you want to vacation and what will be your best value proposition. Beach properties never lose their value. It is good to choose a location close to the beach, without having to pay the premium for direct beachfront property. Your property should have a large pool, and be easy for you and your family, or rental families to enjoy. The Commons was built with all of these factors in mind. It is located a few blocks from the beach, and is designed with a courtyard design around a large pool. The three bedroom two and a half bath design accommodates most groups and families. In addition, the design of several units together as a courtyard around the main feature of a pool makes for a perfect design for gatherings of large families or groups.

Can You Think of Anything Better Than Beach Life?

Finally, staying at The Commons is just plain fun. The downstairs living area is an open design so that you can enjoy a glass of wine with the chef, while the kids play a game of Clue at the dining room table and everyone else sits in the living room watching Hannah Montana or checking stock quotes on their laptop with The Commons free wireless internet. Upstairs separate bedrooms offer a quiet place to nap, or you can go outside and try out the hammocks. You can sit on the front patio enjoying the gulf breeze under palm trees while overlooking the oversize swimming pool. All units have their own patios so you can visit with your neighbors or not. Large groups or families love The Commons because there are so many choices to be together, or not. Our units are next door to each other, but separated by concrete walls so you can be next door, and not hear a thing from unit to unit.

The Commons is Pet Friendly

And don’t forget to bring your pup, because The Commons is pet friendly and pets are welcome. Our easy care stained concrete floors means Fido won’t be in the doghouse for spilling his water bowl.

Come join us at The Commons. We know you will love it as much as we do. Finally, an investment that you can enjoy!

Growing Demand for Retirement Property in Texas

Texas has become the second most popular state to retire to, and the baby boom retirement inflow has just begun. The baby boom represents 76 million Americans, approximately 28% of the U.S. population. Of this population, 55% say they will move upon retirements – Source. Baby boomers will be looking for the best lifestyle for their money and Texas offers many benefits. Texas offers a low cost of living, a great climate, affordable housing and no state income tax!

Enjoy Coastal Living in Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas and Mustang Island offer retirees the dream of days spent walking on the beach, fishing in the bay, golfing, and a slower pace to enjoy friends and leisure. For generations of Texans, summers were spent on the beaches at Port Aransas, and as they retire, they dream of returning. For those locating from the colder climates, Texas beaches offer a dream destination.

The Real Estate Climate in Port Aransas on the Texas Coast

The crown jewel of the Texas coast is Mustang Island, one of the longest barrier islands in the world offering 18 miles of wonderful sandy beaches. At the tip of this island is the small fishing town of Port Aransas, which is home to some of the best fishing and birding on the Texas Gulf Coast. The beaches, the birding, the kayaking and fishing have made Port Aransas a destination for generations of Texans. This environment makes the perfect location for investment in rental or second home real estate.

An investment in rental or second home property in Port Aransas, Texas is a solid investment. From 1995 to 2007, the average Condo Sales Price increased 19% a year, and the average home sales price increased 16% a year. And even though the last few years have been difficult for real estate in general, the demographics of the Texas Coast, Mustang Island and Port Aransas support a continued increase in the flow of people wanting to buy investment or second home real estate in Port Aransas.

Reasons why Investing in Texas Real Estate is a Smart Move

The advantages of investing in real estate are many. Real estate is a great hedge against inflation. Rental properties can appreciate in value as inflation increases. Inflation is also rent friendly in that rents will increase with inflation while the mortgage payments on your property typically remain stable. The best news is real estate can be rented out, allowing someone else to pay for the costs of owning the real estate and gradually paying down any loans on the property.

Real Estate Prices are Rising in Texas

The Price of Texas homes had steadily increased over the last few decades. Between 1979 and 2005, the average home price appreciation in Texas increased 3-5.5% a year. http://recenter.tamu.edu/pdf/1762.pdf

This home price appreciation results in an improvement in the equity for the owner increasing the return on the real estate investment. Using financing through mortgages, an investor is able to increase the leverage of their money.

So now that you have decided to invest in real estate, and it is clear that an investment on the Texas coast, specifically Mustang Island or Port Aransas is a great way to go, how do you decide what to choose?

The Texas Economy Holds Strong

The economy in Texas has fared well in the recent economic downturn leaving a strong economy for coastal vacationers and second-home buyers.

The four major Texas cities of Austin, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston continuously make the list of cities that have fared best. All four cities won the top spots for Forbes “Best Cities for Jobs” in April of 2009 with Austin ranked number one followed by Houston as 2nd, San Antonio as 3rd, Fort Worth as 4th and Dallas as 5th.

With Dallas and Houston in the Forbes list of Top 10 cities for Job Growth in 2009, it is clear that the Texas economy is strong and provides a solid base for the growth of the Texas coast vacation rental market. All of these four cities are within driving distance of Port Aransas and Mustang Island making this location a perfect weekend or vacation getaway.

Long-Term Growth Trends in Texas and the Gulf Coast

The growth of Texas is a long-term trend. A recent report by the Texas A&M Real Estate center, demonstrates the data to show how the next quarter century in Texas will be driven by population and job growth and that by 2030, the state is expected to add 13.6 million people, the equivalent of adding another Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Corpus Christi combined.

What is important to realize is that the population of Texas will grow, but the available 367 miles of Texas coastline will not! That is one of the key factors in considering an investment in Texas coastal real estate and investment in either beach vacation rental or second home property.

Townhome Island Living near Old Town and the Beach.

Attractive pre-construction prices from $215,000 to $219,000

Fishing with friends
Walks on the beach
Cookouts and lemonade stands

• Huge commons area
• Large 20′ x 35′ heated pool
• 2 cabanas and grill areas with private gathering spaces
• A short walk to the beach

Easy living
Green building
Solid and lasting

• All units 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms with den
• High wind resistance engineered to meet Cat 5 wind rating
• Perimeter of each unit of insulated concrete (ICF)
• Quiet low-noise living spaces with low energy usage

The Commons at Seashell Drive – A place to enjoy with family and friends

For sales, please contact Linda Johnson, Agent
lindajohnson@wesellporta.com
(361) 749-6603

For Vacation Rentals please contact Starkey Properties
www.starkeyproperties.com
(361) 749-3591

Vacation Getaway to Sun and Fun

Its summer here all round the year… breezy and fresh. If you want to get off your front porch at The Commons there are a lot of things to do

The Coast

As a beach community on the Texas coast, Port Aransas enjoys a climate that allows for year round enjoyment. The broad sandy beaches of Port Aransas may be the first thing people think of  but the fishing, birding, kayaking [both ocean and bayside], golf on an Arnold Palmer designed links course, and good food all keep bringing people back year after year.

Getting out on the water couldn’t be easier – Dolphin encounters, sunset cruises, fishing charters, kayak adventures and just plain old wave jumping keep people coming back.

Getting Outdoors

Swimming in the ocean or pool, biking on the beach for miles, lounging in a hammock, visiting Winton’s Candies for an old-fashioned candy fix, eating a Thunderbird at Café Phoenix, having guacamole made tableside at La Playa, buying fresh caught shrimp off the PollyAnna  — you won’t lack for things to do!

Going into Town

Getting around town can be by car, trolley, beach buggy, bike or foot. The trolley can be flagged down just outside The Commons on 11^th, and taken on a circular loop around town The trolley is quite a bargain at $.25 a ride! Beach buggies and bikes are available for rent from various places in town, and are a fun way to see and be seen. View the Trolly Schedule

Grab Your Binoculars

Birding is year round on Mustang Island, with the excitement increasing during peak migration seasons. Port Aransas has created several birding centers, and there are weekly guided birding tours at the Leona Belle Turnbull Birding Center. List of birds to see in Port Aransas are available in the Port Aransas Visitor Center.  Some folks prefer boat watching, and head to the ship channel for the best viewing of huge oil tankers, cargo ships, fishing boats, sail boats and pleasure boats. View nations flags here.

Education

The UT Marine Science Institute recently opened the Wetlands Education Center to help people understand Mustang Island’s ecosystem. There are self guided tours that explain how sand dunes protect a barrier island, why salt marshes are so ecologically productive, and help identify sand dune and salt marsh vegetation.

Additional Vacation Activities

Check out another source for finding fun here.

Further afield are other fun choices – you can help with turtle release on North Padre , visit the Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium  with a stop at Snoopy’s Pier for a fried fish fix along the way.

Local newspaper is found here