Nature Tourism in the Coastal Bend

nature tourism north padre pxls (1)The Coastal Bend is one of the top tourism destinations in the State of Texas. This is in great part due to our region’s many historical, cultural, and coastal attractions. With the summer travel season underway, I would like to spend some time discussing the different components of the tourism industry in our region. Today, I want to share with you information about this important type of tourism as well as several unique nature-based attractions and activities found in our area.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department defines nature tourism as tourism based on the natural attractions in the area which may include activities such as birdwatching, stargazing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and visiting parks or wildlife habitats. As a coastal community, our area is home to a number of beaches, bays, and estuaries that are popular destinations for visitors to our area, including the Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park, and Goose Island State Park.

According to the National Park Service, the Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world and contains 70 miles of protected coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats. The park’s diverse ecosystem makes it a haven for different marine and wildlife, including the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, which is an endangered species. The Amos Rehabilitation Keep, also known as ARK, is a program at the University of Texas-Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas that works to help care for and rehabilitate our wildlife to ensure the successful release of as many animals as possible.

Meanwhile, Mustang Island State Park offers access to five miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico where visitors of all ages participate in activities such as swimming, kayaking, camping, and fishing. Additionally, Goose Island State Park in Aransas County provides camping, fishing, hiking, geocaching, boating, along with observing and taking photos of wildlife.

The Coastal Bend is also home to several parks and preserves that serve as a refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife. These habitats contribute to one of the best examples of nature-based activities driving visitors to our area: birdwatching. With over 215 species of birds spotted in the area, the Audubon Society has routinely named Nueces County and Aransas County as premier destinations for birdwatching in the country. Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Rockport-Fulton are part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, an online resource providing information about the best locations to spot birds and other wildlife.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments.

Capitol Office: 512-463-0672
District Office: 361-949-4603

250 Years of the American Dream: What Homeownership Still Means in 2026

beach america 250TH PXLSAs America celebrates its 250th birthday, one aspiration has remained constant across every generation: the dream of a place to call your own.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a nation was founded on the idea that people deserve the freedom to build a life on their own terms. It was a radical idea then. Today, it remains the beating heart of what draws families to Padre Island and every corner of this remarkable country.

Homeownership has never been just about square footage or market value. It is about where your children learn to ride their bikes. Where holiday dinners are made. Where you finally exhale at the end of a long week. It is, at its core, one of the most human things a person can do: plant a stake in the ground and say, this is ours.

“Throughout our history, homeownership has served as the place where families take root, build wealth, and invest in something larger than themselves: their community.”

That truth has not changed. What has changed is the market around it.

After several intense years defined by low inventory, rapid price increases, and buyers making decisions at a pace that felt anything but considered, the Texas housing market is gradually returning to a healthier rhythm. More homes are available. Buyers have room to breathe again. Sellers are working with serious, qualified purchasers who are making decisions based on value, not fear of missing out. It feels steadier, and that is a good thing for everyone.

Here on Padre Island, those shifts are visible and meaningful.

Our market has found a more natural balance. What has not changed, and what never truly changes along the Texas coast, is the simple fact that you cannot replicate location. The Gulf views. The boat access. The salt air and easy mornings. The sense that life moves at the pace you choose. These things do not depreciate or go out of style.

Coastal real estate has always shown a resilience that reflects something deeper than economics. People do not just want to own a home here. They want the life that comes with it. And that desire keeps this market grounded, even when broader conditions fluctuate.

“Markets rise and fall. Interest rates shift. But the desire to build something lasting, to have a home where memories are made and roots go deep, endures across every generation.”

As we move through the summer of 2026, there is genuine reason for optimism. Inventory has improved. Demand from buyers across Texas and beyond remains strong. And Padre Island continues to be one of the most sought-after coastal communities in the state, for good reason.

Two hundred and fifty years after this nation’s founding, the American Dream looks a little different for everyone who holds it. But for millions of families, it still begins the same way: with a key, a front door, and the quiet, powerful feeling of finally being home.

If this is the year that dream becomes yours, we would be honored to help you find it.

Come Coast Awhile…

Call Us Today (361) 949-0101

The Month Of June Is Alzheimer’s And Brain Awareness Month

The month of June has been designated as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. When people think of being healthy, generally we think of our external physical health. However, officials with the Alzheimer’s Association want to remind everyone that mental health is just as important. Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month began as a way to bring attention to different brain diseases, educate communities about their effects, and provide support to those individuals and families struggling with this condition.

Brain disorders come in several forms. Dementia is the general term used to describe a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia as it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. This is because Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain, it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering things. However, serious memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.

People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. If you have noticed these symptoms with your loved ones, help is available. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great source of information and has many tools to help. You can visit their website here: https://www.alz.org/ They also have a 24-hour helpline that can be used to access reliable information and support. Their phone number is: 1-800-272-3900.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

   – State Representative Todd Hunter, District 3

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

 

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – MAY 2026

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for May 2026.

May 2026 continues to show a market that is finding balance while maintaining strong long term value on Padre Island.

The median home price in May was $395,000, down 6.7% from May 2025. While prices softened compared to last year, buyer activity improved. Closed sales increased 18.2%, with 26 homes sold compared to 22 during the same month last year. That increase in transactions suggests buyers are responding to improved affordability and greater opportunities in the market.

Inventory remains elevated, but it is moving in a positive direction. Months of inventory declined from 17.8 months last May to 15.2 months today. Active listings also decreased 15.2% year over year, falling to 396 homes on the market. Those trends indicate excess inventory is gradually being absorbed.

Homes are still taking longer to sell, averaging 167 days from listing to closing, which is 52 days longer than a year ago. Even so, market times improved from April, and the increase in closed sales suggests motivated buyers are continuing to make purchasing decisions.

One of the most interesting data points is where buyers are purchasing. The largest share of sales occurred in the $300,000 to $399,999 price range, accounting for 26.9% of all homes sold during May. This was the strongest performing price category on Padre Island, highlighting continued demand for moderately priced island properties that offer both lifestyle and value.

Taken together, the May numbers paint an encouraging picture. Buyers have more choices and negotiating power than they have had in years, while sellers continue to benefit from a market that remains active. With inventory trending lower, sales activity rising, and the strongest demand centered in the mid market price range, Padre Island appears to be entering the summer season with growing momentum and a healthier balance between buyers and sellers than we saw a year ago. May’s Consumer Price Index rose 4.2% from a year earlier, largely due to higher energy costs. Despite the increase, core inflation remained below 3%, which could help support housing demand if mortgage rates remain stable during the busy summer buying season.

Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties owner Cheri Sperling for all pre-sales. sperling@coastline-properties.com

Cheri Sperling is the owner of Coastline Properties with a dedicated team of agents specializing in residential listings, sales, and property management in the Padre Island Corpus Christi real estate market. Coastline’s team is the most knowledgeable real estate office on Padre Island. No pressure style, patience, and an intimate understanding of the local market. They go to work for you!

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi May 2026 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-corpus-christi-housing-report-may-2026

What HUD’s New Assistance Animal Guidance Means for Property Owners

Not long ago, a property owner asked us a question that’s becoming more common in real estate circles:

“With HUD changing its guidance, does this mean I no longer have to consider emotional support animals?”

The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.

HUD recently announced changes to how it will evaluate and enforce certain complaints involving assistance animals in housing. The announcement has generated a lot of discussion among landlords, property managers, investors, and tenants. Unfortunately, some of the online headlines have created more confusion than clarity. Before we get into the details, it’s important to understand one thing.

The Fair Housing Act has not changed.

Congress did not pass a new law. Property owners did not suddenly receive a new set of rights. What changed is HUD’s approach to enforcing existing regulations involving assistance animals. For years, one of the biggest challenges for landlords involved understanding the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal.

Most people are familiar with service animals. These are animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Examples include guiding someone with impaired vision, alerting an individual to a medical condition, or assisting with mobility. Emotional support animals are different. They provide comfort, companionship, and emotional benefits, but they are not necessarily trained to perform a specific disability related task.

That distinction is at the heart of HUD’s new guidance.

Under the agency’s updated position, greater emphasis is being placed on animals that have received specialized training to assist a person with a disability. HUD has indicated that its enforcement efforts will focus more heavily on those situations and less on cases involving untrained emotional support animals. For many property owners, that provides a little more clarity than existed before. At the same time, it would be a mistake to assume that emotional support animals are no longer relevant in housing decisions. They’re still very much part of the conversation.

One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve seen since this announcement is the belief that landlords can now automatically deny any request involving an emotional support animal. That’s not what HUD said, and it’s not how prudent property owners should approach the issue. Housing laws are rarely black and white. Court decisions, state laws, local regulations, and the facts of each situation all play a role. What works in one case may not apply in another.

HUD’s recent guidance suggests that untrained emotional support animals may no longer receive the same level of federal enforcement protection that existed under prior HUD policies. As a result, property owners should consult legal counsel before determining whether pet fees, deposits, or other pet-related policies apply in a particular situation.

That’s why experienced property owners continue to follow the same basic principles they’ve always followed.

Review each request individually.

Maintain clear documentation.

Apply policies consistently.

When questions arise, seek legal guidance before making a final decision.

For property owners here in the Coastal Bend, this issue is especially relevant. Many investors own rental homes, waterfront condominiums, townhomes, and long term rental properties throughout Corpus Christi and Padre Island. Accommodation requests involving assistance animals are not uncommon, and understanding the rules helps everyone avoid unnecessary disputes.

At Coastline Properties, we believe informed property owners make better decisions. Whether you’re purchasing an investment property, managing a rental home, or evaluating changing housing regulations, staying educated is one of the best ways to protect your investment and avoid costly mistakes.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Property owners with specific questions regarding fair housing compliance should consult a qualified attorney.

Puppy Scams Cost Families Thousands Across Texas

A new puppy should bring joy, but for many Texans it has brought costly disappointment instead. Better Business Bureau Heart of Texas is warning consumers after more than 35 puppy scam reports were submitted to BBB Scam Tracker from December 2025 through February 2026, totaling more than $31,000 in reported losses.

Pet scams usually start with an online ad from someone claiming to be a breeder who says the puppy must be shipped. After the initial payment, a supposed shipping company demands extra fees for insurance, vaccines or other delays. The charges continue if the buyer pays, and in the end, the puppy never arrives because it never existed.

Scammers rely on emotional manipulation, and high demand breeds. Yorkies, Dachshunds, and French Bulldogs are frequently advertised because scammers know consumers are willing to pay premium prices.

Scam Tracker Reports:

Corpus Christi, TX
“The description was for a brown puppy. After we moved, we got messages and my friend sent the initial $50 down payment. Then they harassed her for the rest of the payment before pickup when she refused, the listing was taken off of craigslist …and they refused to return money.”

Midland, TX
“Website advertised Newfoundland puppies for sale. The initial payment was $500 + $150 shipping cost. $50 dollars was sent via Zell payment system, vendor stated they were taking it to the transport service that evening. Started getting suspicious because we were only going to be charged $150, so the website was researched, and that’s when it was discovered to be a scam.”

San Antonio, TX
“Wanted to purchase a Boston Terrier puppy from this person on Facebook. The scammer said he had what we were looking for and asked for a deposit. I used the deposit by way of a couple gift cards. The scammer gave us an address to go pick up the puppy. The address was not her address. The people at the address never heard of her. Reported to our bank to try to stop pay.”

Red flags to watch for:

• The breeder refuses to meet in person or allow pickup
• The entire transaction is handled through email or text
• Payment is requested through wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency
• Additional shipping fees continue to appear after the initial payment
• Threats or urgent pressure tactics are used

Where to report:

Consumers who encounter a pet scam can report it to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB Scam Tracker and learn more about avoiding common red flags.

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – APRIL 2026

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for April 2026.

The April 2026 Padre Island Housing Report shows a market that is slower, but still showing real strength. The median price is up 6.2% compared to April 2025, reaching $438,000. That matters. Even with fewer closed sales, Padre Island property values are still holding and moving upward.

Closed sales are down 19.4%, with 25 homes sold in April. Active listings are also down 15.2%, with 379 homes on the market. That tells us this is not simply a flood of inventory. The market is moving more carefully, with buyers taking longer and sellers needing to be more strategic. Homes are taking 178 total days from listing to closing, which is 81 days longer than April 2025. That means pricing, presentation, and patience matter more in 2026. The encouraging part is inventory has improved from 16.3 months last April to 14.8 months this April. That is still a high supply level, but it is moving in the right direction.

Overall, Padre Island looks like a market working through a slower cycle while still protecting long term value. Prices are up, inventory is easing, and the island remains a place people want to own. April 2026 CPI data showed inflation heating back up, with consumer prices rising 3.8% year over year and 0.6% for the month. Much of the increase was driven by higher energy costs, especially gasoline, while core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose 2.8% annually.

Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties owner Cheri Sperling for all pre-sales. sperling@coastline-properties.com

Cheri Sperling is the owner of Coastline Properties with a dedicated team of agents specializing in residential listings, sales, and property management in the Padre Island Corpus Christi real estate market. Coastline’s team is the most knowledgeable real estate office on Padre Island. No pressure style, patience, and an intimate understanding of the local market. They go to work for you!

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi April 2026 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-corpus-christi-housing-report-april-2026

2026 Home Improvement Tips

Create a Budget.  Most home improvement projects end up being over budget by 10%. To avoid costly surprises during the process of improving your home, be sure to reserve 10-15% of your budget to cover unknown expenses.

Get Multiple Estimates.  It’s important to meet with at least three contractors and request detailed estimates in writing from each. Be sure to walk with them through your home to show them the exact project for the most accurate estimate.

Contact References.  One of the most important steps in the home improvement process is contacting a contractor’s references. The best way to avoid disappointing or unfinished work in your home is to contact references and ask if the contractor performed quality work on time and within budget. Did any issues arise, and if so, how were they taken care of?

Check With BBB.  Always search for a contractor or home improvement business at bbb.org to find out important business information, read reviews or complaints, and make sure they’re a legitimate business. Don’t forget to check the licenses and registration status of any contractor you hire to do work in your home.

Review the Contract.  Make sure the contract is written, dated, and signed by both you and the contractor. Be sure the contractor provides the start date and the date of “substantial completion.” The contract must provide a detailed description of the work to be done and materials involved. Laws vary between states so be sure to review what is legally required to be in your contract per your state.

Verify Insurance.  Ask for the contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage sheet proving the insurance is in place, as well as the coverage page for the Commercial General Liability policy (CGL). Request that the contractor add you as an additional insured on the policy to protect you if a worker injures himself on your property.

Check the Permits.  Always check to make sure the contractor has obtained all building, plumbing and electrical permits required. If a contractor avoids pulling the permits himself, this is a major red flag.

Stay Up-To-Date.  If any changes arise that involve an increase in cost or change in work, ask the contractor for a “change order” to fill out and sign. It should provide the original contract price, a detailed description of the new work, its cost, and the updated total, signed and dated by both parties.

Red Flags

Door-to-Door Contractors.  If a contractor appears on your doorstep and claims they are doing work in your neighborhood or they have “extra materials,” it’s best to decline any offer for work. Reliable businesses will give you time to do your research before committing.

Pulling Permits.  If a contractor asks that you pull the permit for your home improvement project, it may be a red flag that the contractor isn’t properly bonded and insured. Legitimate contractors are responsible for getting all required permits for the job.

Payment Upfront.  If a contractor asks for payment upfront, this is a major red flag. Never pay a contractor in cash, use a credit card or check. A trustworthy contractor should accept a payment plan of one-third upfront, one-third halfway through completion, and one-third when the project has been successfully completed.

Using a Lender.  If a contractor pressures you into using his preferred lender, this is typically a red flag. If you need to take a loan out to pay for the project, research lenders on your own and be sure to review interest fees, terms of agreement, and more.

Inaccessible. If you can’t verify the contractor’s contact information, location, or credentials, this is a major red flag. You should be able to find information online about the contractor, his business, and his contact information.

Article Published via Better Business Bureau 

Scam Alert: Home title fraud

Home title fraud happens when someone obtains the title to your property and changes ownership from your information to theirs.  The scary part is, you may not even realize it has happened until it’s too late.

How the Scam Works:

Scammers will choose a house, sometimes a second home, rental or vacant house. They then gather your personal information from the internet or elsewhere, and take over your identity to assume the role of property owner or claim to represent you.  They file the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership of your property to themselves, using forged signatures and fake identification. They then sell the home or borrow against the equity.  You might not even know this has happened until a lender starts to send letters of foreclosure on your home due to failure to make payments.

Protect Yourself Against This Scam:

  • Be careful with your personal information. Treat your personal information like the valuable commodity it is. Make sure you shred any documents that have your bank account information, Social Security/Social Insurance number, or other personal information. Be suspicious of any unsolicited communication asking for personal information.
  • Check your credit reports regularly for unauthorized inquiries and accounts. In the U.S., you have the right to check your credit report with each of the three major credit bureaus once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only free crediting reporting service authorized by the Federal Trade Commission. Space these checks out across the year, and you will know fairly quickly if something is wrong. In Canada, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides information on requesting a free credit report.
  • Look for unexplained withdrawals, charges, and accounts. Review your bank account and credit card statements regularly. Look for unfamiliar charges, accounts, or withdrawals. Know when your bills are due; one tip-off for identity theft is when you stop receiving certain bills. This can happen because scammers have changed the address associated with your bank account or credit card. If bills don’t arrive on time, follow up with your creditors. Debt collectors may call you about debts that aren’t yours. You can also set up automatic alerts on your accounts so you are notified every time a transaction is made.
  • Check with your local recorder of deeds. Look for deeds that you or anyone representing you did not prepare or sign, periodically.  Make sure they have the correct mailing address for you.  Some counties provide consumer notification services any time a document is recorded on your property.

If your identity has been stolen:

  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you create an ID theft report, if your ID is stolen. This report will help you deal with the credit reporting agencies and companies that extended credit to the identity thief using your name. First, report the crime to the FTC and print a copy of the details. Contact FTC at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or Identitytheft.gov.
  • File a report with local law enforcement. Keep all records of your case, police reports and supporting documents; these may be needed by credit card companies or banks to prove innocence.
  • File a report with the FBI: Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov.
  • Place a “fraud alert” or “freeze” on your credit reports.Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Let them know you’ve been a victim of identity theft and ask questions—including what protection is provided and if there are any costs—to determine whether a fraud alert or freeze is best for your situation.
  • Notify all credit grantors and financial institutions.Check the status on existing accounts, as they may have been jeopardized. Find out if there is any unauthorized activity or new accounts have been fraudulently opened in your name. You may be advised to close some or all of your accounts. Create new passwords and change your PINs.

Read more about housing scams in BBB’s Scam Alert on Foreclosure Rescue Scams.

If you encounter a scam, we ask that you report it to our BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/scamtracker, and you can learn more about common scams at BBB.org/scamtips.

Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts.

Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.

Better Business Bureau Serving Acadiana contributed to this article.

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – MARCH 2026

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for March 2026.

The March 2026 housing report for Padre Island paints a steady and encouraging picture. The median home price came in at $401,734, up 5.7 percent from this time last year, which shows continued growth without things getting out of control. At the same time, active listings dropped 8.5 percent, with 377 homes on the market, so inventory is still moving. Closed sales were also up 4.4 percent, which tells you buyers are still stepping in and making deals happen. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, with total days on market at 131, about 40 days more than last year. That shift gives buyers more breathing room while still allowing sellers to hold strong on pricing when their home is positioned well.

Inventory levels are sitting at 14.5 months, almost unchanged from last year, which puts the market in a more balanced position. Buyers have more options and a little more leverage, while sellers are still benefiting from price appreciation and serious demand. In a market like this, buyers and sellers both feel a bit more at ease, and that usually leads to cleaner deals and more confident decisions. When you zoom out, recent Consumer Price Index data shows inflation easing into the low 3 percent range year over year. That helps relieve some pressure on interest rates and makes affordability a little more manageable. Put it all together, and Padre Island continues to show itself as a steady and attractive market with a solid path ahead.

Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties owner Cheri Sperling for all pre-sales. sperling@coastline-properties.com

Cheri Sperling is the owner of Coastline Properties with a dedicated team of agents specializing in residential listings, sales, and property management in the Padre Island Corpus Christi real estate market. Coastline’s team is the most knowledgeable real estate office on Padre Island. No pressure style, patience, and an intimate understanding of the local market. They go to work for you!

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi February 2026 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

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