Padre Island Ready For Spring Break 2022

March 6, 2022 By

Thousands Expected to Visit Area Attractions and Beaches March 5 to March 20

Thousands of visitors are expected to visit area attractions and beaches over Spring Break 2022, according to the city of Corpus Christi.
The Gulf beaches will be patrolled by lifeguards in mobile units. To be mindful of surf and rip current conditions, visitors should watch and follow the flag warning system. All Gulf beach access roads are marked with flags.
From Zahn Road to Newport Pass, a lane for emergency vehicles will be built on the Gulf coastline.
For underage drinking and DWI enforcement, the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) will set up an Island command center and deploy patrol units on the beach.

Aquarius Street and other critical intersections along Park Road 22, such as Whitecap Boulevard, Commodores Drive, and State Highway, will be monitored by the CCPD. Motorists are urged to leave early for their trip because delays are possible.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has restored the I-37 northbound Labonte Park exit ramp, removing the requirement for a northbound diversion to get to the park.
The SH 358 (South Padre Island Drive) Ramp Reversal Project will stop lane closures for Spring Break in an effort to decrease traffic congestion during the holiday.

The Port Aransas ferry operations will operate at full capacity and are prepared to respond to any surge in late-night traffic. For the latest information and wait times, visit https://twitter.com/PortA_Ferry.

City parks, swimming pools (Collier Pool and Natatorium) will be open with free admission.

Stay connected by visiting Facebook @citygov and Twitter @cityofcc.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, corpus christi, Holiday Parties, spring break, spring cleaning, Water Exchange Bridge

Top workplace trends for 2022

February 25, 2022 By

BBB Business Tip: 

Small business owners understand better than anyone the impact that COVID-19 has had on the daily workplace. In an instant, millions of jobs went remote in 2020, and remote working continued to be the norm in 2021. When offices and businesses began to reopen, the Great Resignation of 2021 occurred. Many employees chose to remain at home or move to new cities, leaving business owners to fill in the gaps as best as possible.

So, what will 2022 bring to the workplace? Here are some of the trends that are expected to define the daily workplace in the coming year and beyond.

Hybrid or remote work

Even though many Americans have been vaccinated against COVID-19, many businesses continue with a remote or hybrid approach to work whenever possible. According to WeWork, approximately four out of five C-suite executives approve of employees splitting time between the office and remote work, and for a good reason. Location-agnostic work has allowed employees greater freedom and control when balancing multiple responsibilities. Remote work means saving money on overhead costs for business owners, from office space to coffee supplies.

With the stress of the pandemic and a high rate of burnout wearing on the workforce, some companies may let their employees continue to log in from home in 2022. Others may experiment with a hybrid framework that brings workers into the office a couple of days a week.

Focus on centralized communication

Work teams are now distributed across different time zones and continents, making centralized communication essential. With instant messaging, email and other forms of communication popping up all day, some workers may be experiencing communication overload. Focusing on centralized communication can cut through the noise and increase productivity.

A survey by ReportLinker shows that workers feel pressured to respond to instant messaging, which disrupts their workflow. When instant messaging became the primary way to communicate at work, this pressure became even more apparent. Centralized communication through email or more sophisticated software and video tools can resolve this conflict.

According to a recent McKinsey report, connected employees experience a 20-25% increase in productivity, which is done through the implementation of social tools that enhance communication and collaboration.

Prioritizing workplace wellbeing

It’s hard to define workplace wellbeing when many employees work remotely. Now, the kitchen table often doubles as an office place. Sitting in uncomfortable furniture, extending work hours and removing the boundary between work and home can place undue stress on workers’ personal and professional lives.

Addressing workplace wellness in your small business includes keeping workers comfortable and productive while working remotely. It also involves enforcing the importance of work-life balance.

A 2021 Wellable Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report reveals that 88% of employers invest more in mental health initiatives. The survey also enumerates other ways companies are investing in workplace wellness, whether that workplace is a home, an office or a retail store:

  • Telemedicine – 87% of employers
  • Stress management/resilience – 81% of employers
  • Meditation and mindfulness – 69% of employers

These results indicate that employers have recognized the need to support employees in traditional workplaces and their homes. Workplace wellness will remain critical in 2022, and watch for more programs geared towards wellness and how it relates to recruitment and retention to emerge in the coming years.

Hyperfocus on employee retention

As a business owner, you are likely wondering if the Great Resignation will continue in 2022. To keep their employees on board, many companies are focusing more on retention efforts. These efforts are essential, as 73% of surveyed workers were considering quitting their jobs, according to Joblist, underlining the importance of understanding what motivates workers and how to keep them satisfied to avoid losing them to the competition.

Some ways companies can revitalize their retention strategies include:

  • Implement or continue using performance reviews to give and solicit feedback
  • Implement career development strategies, including succession plans for employees looking to grow in their current role
  • Encourage employees to take time off to recharge

Human resources personnel and small business owners can also directly ask employees what would make their work or workplace more inviting.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are more critical than ever, with approximately 79% of companies planning to increase their DEI budgets in 2022, per a Traliant report. Companies that emphasize inclusivity and innovation make every employee feel respected and valued. According to a recent Glassdoor survey, 76% of job searchers want diversity in the workplace.

Inclusivity efforts may require you to honestly assess where your organization currently stands. Then, you can create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that your current and future workers will value.

Keep up with current trends with help from BBB

Keeping workers productive and healthy in the office, warehouse, or at home is just one of the ways small businesses can keep up with the latest trends in 2022. Furthermore, businesses can prevent communication overload by centralizing communication, and they can improve employee retention by providing clear career development paths. Following these trends can improve morale and help small businesses recruit new team members in the coming year.

In addition to following these workplace trends in 2022, it’s also helpful to understand the trends that will drive small business growth in the coming year and beyond.

For more business tips to make the most out of 2022, visit BBB.org/SmallBusiness.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, Local Food, Packery Channel, Restaurants, Scam Alert, spring break

Padre Island Housing Data – January 2022

February 13, 2022 By

The Local Real Estate Market has started the year off in a positive direction with prices!
As we monitor the market closely…The 2 notable areas to watch are the amount of inventory nearing lows, and a standard 30-year rate fixed mortgage up a little over 1% from last month as we eagerly await the FED’s decision by end of the 1st quarter regarding tapering and its possible impact on market conditions.

Days on the market for sale have decreased to an average of 68 days on the market. 39% of all the sales in January were priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The Median Price of homes has risen substantially by 23.6% to a price of $370,000. The market is certainly holding steady and it’s still a decent time to list your home with inventory still quite low and the spring buyers are already out looking.

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 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 January 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-jan-2022

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, Local Schools, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home

It’s 2022, but what’s in? New vs. Existing Homes

February 5, 2022 By

Padre Island Corpus Christi

….started developing in the 70’s, and with numerous projects including a new water exchange bridge and a marina, the island is becoming the most valuable real estate in the city. It seems like building your dream home has been on the upward trend. But what are the advantages of an existing home? A buyer has one of two options: Embrace the new or embrace the existing. Here are some variables that outline the pros of each!

Character and Uniqueness

New: Build the character that you want! Do you like the bay windows of a Victorian, the half-timbering of a Tudor, and a central chimney of a Colonial home? You have the liberty to mix and match!

Existing: You get true history, vintage hardware, and maybe a hidden crawl space! Personality shines through, as this house is less likely to look like your neighbors.

Bang for your buck

New: If you’re building, you can choose which materials to splurge on, and where to cut costs. Go for brick on the exterior, but laminate floors on the interior. If a huge crystal chandelier in your entry reigns supreme, consider offsetting your must-haves with less expensive detailing in other areas.

Existing: You can often get a larger, older home for less per square foot than you might pay in a new home. Looking to gain a little profit? Flip it!

Quality Craftsmanship

New: Builders have fine-tuned their skills and in a timely manner! The average 3-bedroom house can go up in about 4-5 months. Here, you can get efficiency, and have it done quickly.

Existing: In years past, craftsmanship was an art and materials are more likely to be the real deal: Brick, hardwood floors, custom molding.

Desirable Location

New: You have options! Keep in mind, acting fast is important as there are fewer and fewer lots to buy, or houses to renovate or demolish. With the right vision and plan, you can have the location of your dreams.

Existing: More times than not, the fabulous locations were snatched up a long time ago. Location, location, location. You’ve heard it a thousand times. But that’s because it’s important! Here on Padre Island, the first homes built probably have the best views and the biggest lots.

Test of Time

New: You don’t have to wonder how previous owners treated the property. If you maintain your home and property, it is probably going to last you a very long time. The ball is in your courtyard!

Existing: If the home is still standing, something was done right! This goes hand in hand with the craftsmanship. If properly built, that house will last to see many generations play capture the flag and to host decades of turkey dinners.

Landscaping

New: You have a blank canvas! Plant the trees, bushes, and flowers that you want to see grow over the years. Prefer the maintenance-free kind of yard? Rock out with a rock garden.

Existing: Mature landscaping can be a huge advantage to buyers and sellers. It takes many years for trees to grow big! The older the home, the bigger the trees. They provide privacy, shade, curb appeal, and heck, they can even increase the value of the home!

Grandfather Clauses

New: Your home will be up-to-date with all the most recent requirements.

Existing: When a new zoning ordinance or code comes into effect, these older homes will likely be granted a grandfather clause, meaning they are not in violation of the law. For instance, you may be given a grandfathered rate of flood insurance in a place where the risk of flood has since increased. Always ask about grandfather clauses on an older property – you may be pleasantly surprised by what advantages you have over your neighbors!

There is so much to consider, and lots of options awaiting you on Padre Island. Best of luck in your adventures!

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, North Padre Island Beaches, Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi Tagged With: ,

3 Things To Think About Before You Sell

January 15, 2022 By

It’s exciting to put your house on the market. It can also be nerve-wracking. How do you make sense of all the options and decisions? There are a few things to bear in mind:

Is it Time and Money Well Spent?

Be aware that you may not be able to recoup all of your remodeling costs when you sell your home with a remodeled 1970’s style bathroom for exampe. Some remodeling decisions, such as using out-of-style materials, make it more difficult to sell a home. Other improvements may be required to attract any reasonable offers. Additional considerations include the condition of surrounding homes for sale, the home’s price range, and whether current market conditions favor buyers or sellers.

What Benefits Every Household

It pays to keep your home clean, uncluttered, appealing, and free of small annoyances, regardless of its size, age, price, or location. A fresh coat of paint and a few potted plants go a long way toward making a good first impression. Sticking doors, an overgrown yard, or dripping faucets, on the other hand, can turn buyers off before they ever give your property a chance.

Don’t Mistake the Importance of This

Your asking price is perhaps the most crucial issue. A figure that is too high may discourage offers and leave the property unsold, while a number that is too low may create a bidding battle that drives offers higher than you ever imagined. Elements outside your control may also dictate price, such as market conditions and time constraints to sell.

Your REALTOR® is the trusted professional who can guide you through the entire process of selling your home.

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, realtors, rentals, selling a home, spring cleaning

Padre Island Housing Data – Dec 2021

January 11, 2022 By

WHAT DO SUPPLY AND DEMAND TELL US ABOUT TODAY’S HOUSING MARKET?

There’s a well-known economic theory – the law of supply and demand. Elevated demand persisted as homes averaged roughly one month on the market and after multiple offers coming in. When demand for an item is high, prices rise. When the supply of the item increases, prices fall. Of course, when demand is VERY HIGH and supply is VERY LOW, prices can rise significantly.

If you’re waiting to enter the market because you’re expecting prices to drop, you may end up paying more in the long run. Even if price increases occur at a slower rate this coming year, prices are still projected to rise. That means the property of your dreams will likely cost even more in 2022.
The bottom line is, high demand and very low supply on Padre Island are what’s driving property prices in today’s real estate market. And while prices may increase at a slower pace in the coming months, experts still expect them to rise.

If you’re a potential real estate buyer, connect with your trusted REALTOR today to discuss what that could mean for you if you wait even longer. It’s a seller’s market and they feel if you don’t buy their property, the next one will.

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 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 December 2021 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-dec-2021

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, rentals

Prep For The Cold?

December 27, 2021 By

BREAKING NEWS: Winter is upon us. “So what” you say? We live in S. Texas – it’s always warm, sunny, driveway drinks and pool parties weather around here. MYTH. We can and do get freezes! Who remembers last February? That was pretty extra and as atypical as it was, history CAN repeat itself.

I know we’re all tempted to start purchasing heat lamps and tents for our palms and delicate landscaping, but if you are among the majority who have children, pets, or anything with a heartbeat living under your roof, it’s best to learn from last year’s unfortunately scary and chilly events that to be prepared for inside is the best thing you can do.

Here are the top 5 ways to plan ahead to alleviate some of the discomforts of inclement weather.

  1. GENERATOR – get one. Any one. Small one, big one, an automatic one, propane tank one, whole-home, portable…red one, blue one, get one, run run. You will not want the precious food (or beer) in your fridge to spoil, and you want to be able to at least turn on a small-space portable heater. IF your fridge isn’t going to run on the generator you have, pull out what’s important to you and put it outside! You have a FREE freezer on your patio.
  2. PIPE INSULATION – remember having no water? Or worse yet, no water AND a burst line? Head to your favorite hardware store and grab some pipe insulation. Know where your main water line is and make sure you have enough insulation (or in a clutch situation, blanket and lots of duct tape) to wrap it. Let your faucets drip slowly to keep that water moving, and it is less likely to freeze. In the unfortunate event of a burst, turn them off immediately.
  3. HEAT SOURCE – if you failed to grab that generator, have a backup plan! If you have a fireplace, stockpile wood (and keep the flue closed when not in use!). Gas cooktops? Make sure you have a lighter to spark that bad boy up. If you followed rule #2, you’ll have water to boil for noodles, baby bottles, sponge bath…and while I give you a moment to get your mind out of the gutter…clear THEM, too! If there is debris in them, that melting ice could drip into your attic. Make sure your doors and windows have tight seals to keep drafts out.
  4. CHARGERS – have your battery packs ALL juiced up so you do not end up with a dead cell phone and no way to communicate with the outside world. Or no way to keep yourself entertained…Netflix never sounded so good. Furthermore, have a full tank of gas in your car in the event you DO need to charge your devices from there!
  5. STOCK UP – on weighted blankets, board games, books, wool socks, candles, beef jerky (a personal favorite but any non-perishable protein of your preference!), water (and wine…), flashlights and batteries, first-aid kit, and perhaps make an extra effort at making nice with your neighbors. Sometimes they’re the real saviors with a hot pot of coffee or a quick shower.

I repeat: we CAN and DO freeze! Stick to this top 5 list first, and pray we can save it all for 2072.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, buying a home, Hurricane Aide, Investment Property, New Homes Padre Island, selling a home, spring cleaning, windstorm insurance

Padre Island Housing Data – November 2021

December 17, 2021 By

The Local Real Estate Market is still going strong as we turn the corner into 2022!
Low inventory, consistent low interest rates that are still holding right now until the first quarter of 2022, where will see a likely small rate hike according the recent FED meeting.

Days on the market for sale has decreased to an average of 33 days on the market. 48.8% of all the sales in November were priced between $300,000 – $499,999. Median Price of homes has risen slightly by 10.8% to a price of $384,000. The market is certainly holding steady and it’s a still a phenomenal time to list your home with inventory nearing it’s lowest point of the year with increased buyers looking for their dream homes.

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 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 November 2021 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-oct-2021

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, Mortgages, Padre Isles POA, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home

Great Tips for Holiday House Hunting

December 3, 2021 By

holiday-house-hunting

This time of year typically marks the unofficial time people begin thinking about the holidays. After Halloween, time seems to speed up and before we know it the holiday parties, charity functions and the like set in for familes. Real estate activity during the holiday season is typically discouraged because of the challenges posed on both sides of a transaction.

For sellers, there is the inconvenience of having to keep the home clean; leaving on a moment’s notice for showings; and limiting holiday entertaining. For buyers, there may be limited access to houses if sellers place showing restrictions due to personal schedules and commitments.

However there are some advantages and  other considerations that both sides should keep in mind.

Buyers will find fewer homes on the market, but the homes that are available have highly motivated sellers. This may provide a better negotiating climate, and there is less likely to be the type of competition for homes you see during high season. In turn, sellers will find equally motivated buyers, and may find that offers and closings move more quickly.  What this means is, bargains and negotiations are plentiful this time of year if you are working with a savvy real estate agent in corpus christi.

Holiday sellers should curb large plans to entertain, have family & friends stay over, or do excessive decorating. Focus on showing off the features of your home that will appeal to a buyer – not your family decorations and holiday traditions.  It sounds like a less attractive holiday, but the dividends will more than pay for themselves.  Remember to always keep a mindset of a buyer in mind.  Have a Happy and healthy holiday season!

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, Holiday Parties, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, padre island events, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home

8 Surprising Facts About Identity Theft

November 19, 2021 By

BBB Tips:

Communication, work, school, shopping and even doctor’s visits have undergone massive digital transformations in the past year. Identity thieves are evolving right alongside us to better exploit victims in an increasingly digital world. The result is a sharp rise in both the number of fraud incidents and the amount of money lost ($712 billion in 2020 according to the Aite Group).

Check out these eight facts illustrating the scale of the identity theft crisis. Then, assess your risk and craft a plan to protect your identity.

  1. Fraud and identity theft rose by 45% from 2019 to 2020.

Life changed dramatically last year. Confusion over the COVID-19 pandemic collided with rapid transitions to remote work and learning. At the same time, many consumers lost jobs and loved ones. Together, these factors contributed to a sharp rise in scams, fraud and identity theft–nearly doubling the number of identity theft reports consumers submitted to the FTC in 2019.

  1. 29% of all reports submitted to the FTC were about identity theft.

Consumers nationwide submitted 1.4 million reports of identity theft to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network. Identity theft was the most reported incident, topping common scam types like impostor and online purchase scams.

  1. Reports of thieves taking over accounts have increased 72% since 2019.

As more services shift online, consumers’ private information shifts as well. One consequence is a rise in data breaches for businesses and account takeovers for consumers. A study by Javelin Strategy & Research discovered that not only are account takeovers growing, they also have a higher risk of financial loss.

  1. Millennials are now the most common target for identity theft.

Consumers between the ages of 30 to 39 made up the largest share of reported identity theft victims in 2020, and they remain the most common reporters of identity theft so far this year as well.

  1. 23,651 identity theft incidents affected people below the age of 19.

Unfortunately, children aren’t safe from identity theft, and it often takes longer to recognize identity theft has occurred when victims are young. Some thieves may even get away with the scheme for years before they’re caught, so it’s never too early to monitor a credit report.

  1. Social media users are 30% more likely to fall victim to identity theft.

Thieves can learn tons of valuable information about their potential victims just by glancing at social media. Even taking a Facebook quiz can increase your exposure to identity theft by collecting information that helps thieves hack into your accounts. Plus, thieves frequently contact victims through social media.

  1. Most consumers underestimate their risk for identity theft.

An Experian survey discovered most consumers don’t really believe they’re at risk for identity theft. Consumers don’t fully grasp the size of their digital footprint. Others feel poor credit makes them unattractive to thieves. In reality, sharing personal information on social media, using a public wi-fi network and even sharing login information with friends and family can increase your chances of falling victim.

  1. Identity theft has lasting emotional effects on victims.

Identity theft takes a major toll on victims’ mental health. Repairing accounts, requesting refunds and enhancing privacy safeguards can cause stress, fatigue and even depression. The emotional effects can impact work, school and relationships, and past victims are more likely to experience identity theft again.

Identity theft is a major risk to anyone with a paper trail or a digital footprint. In other words, everyone has some level of risk. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself. Ensure you practice good digital hygiene by following BBB’s guide to data privacy.

If you have been a victim of identity theft, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and to BBB Scam Tracker.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Padre Island Business Association, property taxes, Restaurants, Scam Alert, selling a home
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