BBB Tip: How to avoid purchasing fake tickets to events

December 5, 2022 By

As another Texas summer with record-breaking heat ends and the beginning of the Fall
season approaches, many people will be looking to get out and enjoy themselves at various
events across the state. Residents may be planning on watching their favorite sports team
compete this season or attending a concert featuring a famous musician. With the prices of
tickets to major events increasing and the ever-present threat of con artists capitalizing on
marketplace trends, BBB recommends consumers exercise caution when searching for and
purchasing tickets to their next event.

While most people know to be careful when purchasing tickets off a third-party website or
reseller, recent reports to BBB Scam Tracker show a concerning trend of scammers
disguising themselves as reputable ticket sellers when interacting with the victim. These
schemes often leverage the credibility of companies such as Ticketmaster to convince
victims to provide payment for tickets that are either fake, for the wrong event or priced
significantly higher than the going rate. Some may also advertise discounted tickets for
high-priced seats or sections, which turns out to be false once the tickets are received, or
the purchaser arrives at the venue.

In many worst-case scenarios, a consumer who is provided a fake ticket plans an entire
weekend around the event, including travel costs and a hotel room, only to be turned away
at the entrance. Victims may also find that the credit or debit card used to pay for the
tickets has a series of charges they do not recognize, resulting in them having to cancel the
card and dispute those transactions with their bank to varying degrees of success.
To help prevent fraudulent sellers from interrupting your event plans, Better Business
Bureau provides the following tips:

 Purchase directly from the venue whenever possible. Many consumers
automatically go to a secondary resale market to purchase tickets for an upcoming
event before first checking with the venue. Going directly to the venue may not only
save money but is also a way to ensure that a purchase is for a valid ticket. Venues
also often include what secondary resale organization they are listing their tickets on,
giving consumers an additional layer of protection from purchasing fake tickets.

 Consider your source. There is a significant difference between purchasing a ticket
from a professional ticket broker and a ticket scalper. While dealing with the latter
may result in obtaining valid tickets, the risk of encountering a scammer is
significantly greater. Always exercise caution when purchasing from sources that are
not members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) or Better Business
Bureau.

 Research the seller/broker. Brokers who are members of NATB offer a 200%
purchase guarantee on tickets, protecting consumers that use their services.
Visit NATB.org to confirm you are interacting with a NATB-member resale company.

 Check for website encryption. It is good practice to always check for the lock
symbol in the website address, indicating a secured system is enabled on the site.
BBB strongly recommends against giving any banking information to websites that
are not secured.

 Know the refund policy. Only purchase tickets from a ticket reseller that clearly
details the purchase terms. Avoid sellers who do not disclose where the seats are located or where purchasers can pick up tickets. If the deal seems “too good to be
true,” trust your instincts and thoroughly investigate the seller before purchasing
tickets.

 Use protected payment options. Debit or gift cards, mobile banking apps and
cash transactions are risky due to difficulties recovering money if the tickets are
fake. BBB recommends using credit cards for all online purchases due to the
additional protections they offer consumers to obtain a refund.

 Verify tickets. If you doubt the authenticity of a purchased ticket, present it to the
“Will Call” or customer service center of the event venue. They will inform you if it is
legitimate or explain how a legitimate ticket for their venue should look.

If you have been a victim of a fake ticket scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Information
provided could prevent another person from falling victim.
For more information about ticket scams, visit BBB.org.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, Corpus Christi Foreclosures, cybersecurity, home maintenance, Investment Property, Local Food, property taxes, realtors, Retail Tax

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – OCTOBER 2022

November 16, 2022 By

The Local Real Estate Market active listing median prices have risen to $410,000 this past month compared to last October at this time!
Corpus Christi Association of Realtors continues to show us the data that shows prices have jumped significantly to 32.6% in median price homes while inventory Has been rising 2.9 compared to 2.2 last year during the month of October.

Days on the market for sale have lessened to an average of 41 days on the market and the highest category for sales with 34.2% of all the sales was priced between $500,000 – $749,999. The market is still stable but edgy as the Holiday season is here, we are keeping our eyes on those mortgage rates and whether the FED will raise benchmark interest rates this month. CPI Data has shown inflation to be cooling off a bit, no telling how markets will react but rest assured our Island is still going through its boom with all the construction projects underway.

Many of us brokers have seen it all before, Coastline has been weathering the conditions of different markets since 1995. Our market is very unique and the word over the bridge and up North is “Padre Island is on the move.” There is more dirt turning on our little sandbar right now than we have seen in decades, exciting times ahead for residents.

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 October 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-september-2022

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, Mortgages, North Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home

BBB Tip: Donating wisely during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 24, 2022 By

Every October, countries worldwide observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, focused on
increasing support and awareness of the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), breast cancer is the most common
cancer affecting women in the United States. In Texas, more than 19,000 new breast cancer
cases were diagnosed in 2019.

While medical advancements have continued to increase the survivability of those suffering
from breast cancer in high-income countries to a five-year survival rate of 90%, inequalities
in early detection, access and quality of care have resulted in a 66% survival rate in India
and a 40% rate in South Africa, according to the World Health Organization. Much work
remains to advance research efforts to find a cure and increase survivability worldwide, and
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to raise funds for the cause.

There are countless ways to contribute, and consumers help raise millions of dollars each
year, often by purchasing “pink ribbon” items. Many donors also contribute directly to a
charity focused on breast cancer. However, just because a charity is advertising that
proceeds benefit breast cancer research or awareness does not automatically mean you are
donating wisely. When deciding which charity to donate to, be sure to ask critical questions
such as:

 How much money goes to breast cancer programs and services?
 What breast cancer programs or services are supported by the organization?
 Is the money being used for breast cancer awareness, treatment or research?

If awareness, what are the efforts made to raise awareness, and to what effect? If
research, what aspects of breast cancer are being researched, and how are the
findings contributing to ending breast cancer? What is the charity doing to assist the
medical professionals treating those who have breast cancer?
BBB recommends exercising caution when choosing a charity to support and offers the
following tips from BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance:

Shop smart. Some companies donate a portion of the sale of specific items designated with
pink ribbons or packaging. When shopping for “pink ribbon” items, see if the promotion is
transparent about which charity it will benefit and how much of the purchase will be
donated. Watch out for vague claims of proceeds benefiting unspecified charities.

Check the charity. Charities accredited with BBB Wise Giving Alliance meet the 20 BBB
Charity Standards. If you are considering donating to a charity that is unfamiliar to you, go
to Give.org to view its charity report or find trustworthy organizations. When researching a
charity, pay close attention to its name, as some questionable charities may use names
similar to those of established organizations.

Participate carefully. Some charities host fundraising events in addition to marketing
promotions. If this interests you, gather all the important information before signing up. Is
there a participation fee or are you required to sign up a minimum number of sponsors? Is
the event being hosted in person or virtual? Always research the charity or group organizing
the event before you register.

Take action. If your preferred charity is not holding any events or promotions during
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, contact them directly to see how you can volunteer or
donate on your own time. Every type of contribution helps!
To view charity reports and find more wise giving tips, visit Give.org.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, property taxes, Scam Alert, windstorm insurance

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2022

October 14, 2022 By

The Local Real Estate Market active listing median prices have risen to $409,450 this past month compared to last September at this time!
Corpus Christi Association of Realtors continues to show us the data that shows prices up 11.6% in median price homes while inventory Has been rising 2.7 compared to 2.0 last year during the month of September.

Days on the market for sale have risen to an average of 49 days on the market and the highest category for sales with 24.2% of all the sales was priced between $500,000 – $749,999. The market is stable but cooling off quite a bit now as we head toward the holidays, we are keeping our eyes on those mortgage rates and whether the FED will raise benchmark interest rates in their November 2022 meeting.

Many of us brokers have seen it all before, Coastline has been weathering the conditions of different markets since 1995. Our market is very unique and the word over the bridge and up North is “Padre Island is on the move.” There is more dirt turning on our little sandbar right now than we have seen in decades, exciting times ahead for residents.

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 September 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-september-2022

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, Investment Property, Mortgages, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – AUGUST 2022

September 19, 2022 By
The housing market on Padre Island this year is like sitting in the shade in August; slightly cooler but still fairly warm. We are seeing some slowdown and some increase in new listings. We saw listed homes reducing – even before the Labor Day holiday this year.

It is true, that homes are starting to take a little longer to sell, and of course, that means sellers reducing their asking price. The pandemic led to a surge in demand as so many Texans wanted larger homes and more space. Millennial buyers also entered the market. The lower interest rates several months back enticed buyers into the market. We also saw a lot of activity in new home construction but also a lot of remodeling. Normally you see one or the other….not both at the same time.

Homes now are taking a little longer to sell. The elephant in the room will be what it will take to get inflation back in order. Typically, the more one fights inflation, the more likely you are to go into recession. Consumer confidence is slowing things down which is reflected in our housing sales. We have weathered downturns and crashes before. Even with the home price growth this past year we’ve experienced, we’re still relatively more affordable than the other coasts. August was a decent month on Padre Island. I believe the reduced price levels we’re at now are more reflective of where they’re going to be for a while.

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 July 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

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

TIPS FOR WHEN A HOMEOWNER PASSES AWAY

September 16, 2022 By

The home changes hands.  It could pass to a surviving spouse or child whose name is on the deed, or be bequeathed to the family as part of the homeowner’s estate.  Often  times, the family simply wants to sell the property.

  1. Talk to the Executor:  The deceased homeowner’s will should name an executor.  Only that person can make financial decisions for the estate, including setting the asking price.
  2. If No Will….if the homeowner died without a will, the estate may go to probate court.  The purpose of court involvement is to protect the rights of the family, those entitle to receive property, and the creditors of the deceased person’s estate, according to the Texas Bar Association.  State law governs who inherits what if the estate has no will.
  3. Bill to Pay?….The estate is required to pay outstanding debts.  The executor must make sure the estate has enough money to cover them.  Texas is one of nine community property states, meaning relatives may be required to pay off the deceased person’s debt.  One will want to make sure there is nothing preventing the sale of the property.

It is stressful to handle the paperwork and make decisions while mourning.  Always be understanding and sympathetic.

~ Cheri Sperling, Owner Coastline Properties

 

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

STAY COOL MY FRIENDS

August 27, 2022 By

Helter swelter, you could fry an egg on the sidewalk! Eat the egg, but don’t BE the egg. If you follow these 10 tips, you may actually find that there are ways to enjoy the dog days of summer. Our bodies, moods, and bills take a toll during the scorching summer heat, but don’t let the temperature and humidity keep you from the beach, outdoor entertaining, and boating. Stay cool, my comPADREs.

  1. Clothing is your friend. It seems instinctual to remove as many items as possible without fear of an arrest. However, loose, long garments made from natural and breathable fibers will actually keep you cooler than bearing it all. The shade from the clothing protects the body, and the loose fit allows air flow to evaporate sweat.
  2. Accessories are not your friend. You’re still cute without your statement metallic necklace and fun hoop earrings. These are sun magnets and could actually burn you. Furthermore, if you’re able to pull your hair off your neck, opt for that flouncy pony tail or bun. You want that breeze on your neckline (pressure point, which we’ll get to later). Sunglasses ARE an acceptable and encouraged accessory.
  3. As are hats. It’s believed that roughly 20% of our blood supply flows to our faces. Simply covering your head can lower the heat to the rest of your body. Hats, bandanas, and hooded tops can make all the difference. Dust off that floppy beach hat you wear only on vacation – it’s functional AND adorable!
  4. On the topic of fashion, light colors are better than dark. White, beige, and light pastels reflect the sun and keep you cooler, whereas its darker counterpart absorbs heat. Welcome, your new go-to trend for this season’s garb. Be bold, try mint!
  5. Speaking of herbs and trends…do as the traditional herbalists do and reach for those mint body washes, lotions, and oils. They have a cool and calming effect that when eaten or used on the skin can help fight the heat. See? I have given you the reason you’ve been searching for to slurp down that mint julep. Try dabbing a bit of spearmint or peppermint oil on your neck or chest for a quick burst of cooling sensation.
  6. AFTER your mint julep, get busy hydrating. This is possibly the No. 1 preventive measure you can take to stay cool. Drink as much water as your belly can handle. Your body actually won’t tell you that you’re thirsty until it’s too late, as thirst will usually come late in the dehydration process. Be proactive in your hydration. Don’t love water? Try lemonade, sports drinks, coconut water, or munch on some watermelon!
  7. That’s right, eating can help, too. Aside from the obvious choice snacks that are high in water concentrate such as cucumber, celery, lettuce and strawberries, a less obvious but surprisingly effective alternative is spicy food! I know, it seems counterintuitive to want to sip a bowl of hot chili, but studies show that eating spicy foods can cool the body by making you sweat and therefore lowering your internal temperature. Whip up a nice curry chicken salad or jalapeño guacamole and let your mouth do the work.
  8. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Protecting your skin does more than preventing you from premature aging, sun poisoning, and even skin cancer. Our intensely strong South Texan sun can burn even the most experienced sun worshipers in 20 minutes. Sunburns impact your body’s ability to cool itself down, therefore increasing your risk for dehydration. If you’re not on the sunscreen bandwagon, try an SPF 15. Anything is better than nothing.
  9. Cool your pulse points. These are the points on your body where you can easily feel your pulse – the skin is often thinner there and your blood vessels are closer to the surface. Cooling your blood helps cool your entire body. Tip: Keep a cup of water nearby to dab on the body’s cooling points: temples, wrists, knees, ankles, thighs and elbows.
  10. Seek shade. This may seem obvious, but compared to direct sun, shade can make the temperature up to 15 degrees cooler! There is a huge difference between an unbearable 100° and a lovely 85°. Can’t find shade? Make your own! Bring an umbrella to the beach, put a sail shade over your pool, or put an awning over your patio. If you can find some shade and a nice breeze (don’t have a hard time finding wind here!) you are sittin’ pretty.
Filed Under: corpus christi, North Padre Island, North Padre Island Beaches, padre island events

Padre Island Housing Report – July 2022

August 15, 2022 By

The Local Real Estate Market active listings have moved up to 29.3% the past month compared to last July at this time!
Corpus Christi Association of Realtors continues to show us the data that leans toward Prices slightly lowering by 5.9% in median price homes while months of inventory Has been rising the past month.

Days on the market for sale have lowered to an average of 41 days on the market. 35.6% of all the sales in March were priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The Median Price of homes has fallen by 5.9% to a price of $363,000 compared to the same month in 2021. The market is stable but cooling a bit as we head toward Labor Day, eyes will be on the fed as they will make another rate decision by end of next month and this could easily influence the buyers out there to make their decisions before summer’s end.

Many of us brokers have seen it all before, Coastline has been weathering the conditions of different markets since 1995. It’s a good time to get prepared and if you are a homeowner currently as we are now in Hurricane Season, it’s a great time to make sure your insurance and plans are in order for a potentially big season of storms ahead according to NOAA.

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 July 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-july-2022

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, Water Exchange Bridge

BBB Business Tip: 7 ways small business owners can cope with inflation

August 5, 2022 By

U.S. consumers are experiencing the most significant 12-month increase in prices since
1981, and many small business owners are feeling the pressure. With the inflation rate
hovering around 8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Consumer Price Index,
many small business owners are experiencing increased costs to conduct business and
shrinking profit margins. Desperate to remain profitable, entrepreneurs are looking at how
they can cut costs or raise prices without scaring off their customers.
High inflation rates are driven mainly by significant increases in food, shelter and gas prices.
Increased energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages add to a business
owner’s expenses. With so many cost increases, what can small businesses do? BBB
recommends the following to minimize the impact of inflation on your business.
Ways your small business can cope with inflation.

  1. Reduce your expenses. Be intentional about where your business is spending its
    money. This means reviewing your current spending and determining if it aligns with
    your strategy. If employees are wasting office supplies or delivery drivers are taking
    the scenic route, address the issue. Be sure to assess the revenue being brought in
    by your online advertising strategy and make adjustments if it isn’t providing value.
  2. Stock up on necessary supplies. If there are items you know you’ll use in the
    year ahead, buy as much as you can now. You may get bulk discounts, and you can
    minimize the impact of future price increases. Stocking up on supplies will allow you
    to avoid passing on increased costs to your customers in case prices continue to
    grow.
  3. Have multiple suppliers. Having one supplier for every item your company needs
    makes sourcing simple and helps develop strong relationships with vendors.
    However, if you have numerous suppliers, you’ll have options if one can’t get you
    what you need or their prices increase.
  4. Evaluate your products and services. Identify what products and services are the
    most profitable. Remember that consumers might be open to lower-priced options to
    maintain their own budget. They also may be interested in paying more for items
    and services that make a stressful time more manageable. Consider temporarily
    cutting services or expenses to better focus on what generates the best results.
  5. Raise prices wisely. If you must raise your prices to compensate for inflation, do
    so wisely. Don’t increase your prices so much that it causes many of your customers
    to purchase from your competitors. Instead, raise your prices just enough to offset
    the impact of inflation and ensure that you can keep your small business profitable.
    Also, don’t be sneaky about pricing by resorting to drip pricing or hidden fees.
    Instead, be transparent. Let customers know about the increase and help them
    understand why.
  6. Prioritize customer service. When consumers know you care about their
    satisfaction, they’re more likely to do business with you, even if you must raise
    prices. Don’t skimp on service by being understaffed. If you don’t have the budget
    for a full-time employee, look into freelancers and part-time staff.
  7. Use technology. Artificial intelligence, automation and self-serve customer options
    can reduce costs and take pressure off existing staff in an already tight labor market.
    Take the time to research technology that you could implement in your business to
    help reduce costs and maximize efficiency.
Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, chamber of commerce, hispanic chamber of commerce, home maintenance, Investment Property, padre island events, Real Time MLS, rentals, spring cleaning

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE MOST COMMON CHALLENGES IN A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION

July 27, 2022 By

Those of you who have ever been a seller or a buyer in a real estate transaction likely know firsthand that the process can often be riddled with twists and turns. It is the job of your real estate professional to not only talk you through it all, but to bare the brunt of the stress for you by navigating the trenches on your behalf. Here is some advice for both buyers and sellers on what to expect of these three most common challenges.

Price

It’s no secret that sellers want the most for their property, and buyers would prefer a great deal.

Buyers: It can be fun to fantasize that the waterfront, east facing, fingtertip property in mint condition with a pool exists for pennies on the dollar. But, being unrealistic will only hurt your search and waste your time. Stick strictly to your budget and work with your top 3 must-haves. Then, be fair with an offer given the comps your agent can pull for you. This way you’re being fair to both yourself and the seller.

Sellers: Sit down with your agent and have the lengthy discussion that may be necessary to price your property properly. Compare past sales, run net sheets, look at all the numbers and know where you need to be to not only attract the most buyers, but to get what you need out of it. This will be helpful during negotiations as you’ll already know your bottom line.

Home Inspection

Inspections are the buyer’s way of performing due diligence on the property to know exactly what they’re getting in to. Inspections mark any and all deficiencies with the subject property, most importantly the ones concerning the “bones” (foundation, pipes, roof, etc), major systems (HVAC, plumbing, etc) and appliances. The buyer is permitted to make any desired repair requests of the seller after the inspection. If the parties cannot come to an agreement, the buyer is entitled to exercise their right to terminate during the time period prescribed and walk away from the deal without losing their Earnest Money Deposit.

Buyers: More often than not, you’re purchasing a previously owned home. Systems will very well be near their expected useful life, yet still functioning as intended. It can be unrealistic to expect a seller to replace said system. Be sure to ask that they do provide a very comprehensive residential warranty in exchange. New construction is more expensive for a reason.

Sellers: If something simply doesn’t work or is broken, it shows good faith to fix it or offer the buyer a comparable credit. Most inspectors will find the same deficiencies, so it’s in your best interest to work hard to compromise with a current buyer instead of letting a deal go and risk facing the same problem(s) with all future purchasers.

Financing and Appraisals

All the puzzle pieces have to fall in place for a borrower to secure a loan in time to close. Over the years, banks have significantly increased the paperwork requirements and scrutiny on buyers, and recent changes by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) have changed the protocols between lenders and settlement agents. These cause difficulties for both parties. If a mortgage is involved, the bank must also complete an appraisal of the home. A satisfactory appraisal substantiates the agreed upon purchase price of the home. If the bank determines that the home’s value is less than the agreed upon purchase price, this can create problems. Without financing, there’s no deal and if there’s no deal, Earnest Money Deposit may be at risk.

Buyers: Refer to your agent for a local lender who is responsive and has a good reputation. Your pre-approval should be based on a detailed review of your financial accounts and include a credit check. Services offering “immediate” approvals that don’t require documentation should be avoided. Finally, do your homework while you’re searching for properties so that you’re ready to select your lender within a day or two of going under contract. When you find a property you love, ask your lender to prepare a few estimate sheets so you’re comfortable with the numbers and the type of loan that works best.

Sellers: Have your agent check in weekly with the buyer’s agent on how the loan process is coming along. You can even ask that they call the loan officer themselves and ask questions about what they have reviewed. Either way, you want confirmation that the lender is accessible and proactive with the file. An unresponsive lender makes life tough on the buyer and could cause possible delays, which is stressful on all. It happens, but constant communication will ensure there are no surprises and then even delays don’t seem as scary if everyone is informed on how the loan is moving along.

Having the knowledge that challenges will exist when buying or selling a home can make a world of difference.  You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control how you react to them.

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, realtors
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