Stock Trading Apps

June 24, 2021 By

In the aftermath of the GameStop stock saga, many would-be investors have turned to mobile stock trading apps to capitalize on market investments. According to MarketWatch, a Dow Jones & Co. investment resource that tracks marketplace trends, February downloads of mobile trading apps, such as Robinhood, E*Trade and Webull, reached an all-time high with expectations of continued growth.

While trading apps have made accessing and investing in the stock market easier than ever, participation always carries the potential for financial loss or gain. Before you invest with a stock trading app, be sure to follow these tips from your Better Business Bureau:

Educate yourself about stock markets.  The best way to succeed at mobile stock trading is to do your homework before you begin. Familiarize yourself with concepts like expense ratios, trading commissions, asset allocations, individual stocks, exchange-traded funds, and more.

Choose a reputable stock trading app. The trading app you choose is more than just a platform for trading; it is the company that will serve as your broker. Be sure that any company you are considering has a good reputation and is legally licensed with the appropriate government authorities.

Set a budget. Make sure you are in a good financial position to start trading. Since trading carries risks, you should never invest money you can’t afford to lose. Keep in mind that it is unwise to put more than 10 percent of your portfolio towards individual stocks, as this can expose your savings to too much volatility.

Practice by trading virtually. If you want to try the stock market, but aren’t ready to risk real money, try “virtual trading” first. Many online stockbrokers offer platforms where you can learn the ropes by buying and selling virtual stocks.

Watch out for scams and “hot tips.”  Keep an eye out for investment scams. Stick to brokers that are registered with the SEC and avoid anyone who uses high-pressure sales tactics or pyramid schemes. Sponsored ads and online forums promoting “fail-safe” stocks that are “guaranteed” to get you a huge profit for a small investment (if you act now!) are likely fake, or part of a racket designed to drive up the price of a stock temporarily. Don’t fall for this kind of “insider’s advice.”

For more information about investment scams and how to safely trade stocks via a mobile app, go to BBB.org

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Investment Property, Mortgages, Retail Tax

Hunter Delivers Legislative Wins for Coastal Bend

June 18, 2021 By

TWIA reform, suicide prevention, college funding make session successful.

Media Contact: Angie Flores at 361.695.2048

(CORPUS CHRISTI) – It will be more difficult for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) to raise insurance rates under legislation successfully pushed this year by State Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi. The protection against TWIA rate increases was one of many legislative victories that Rep. Hunter delivered for the Coastal Bend.

Rep. Hunter, who has long fought against TWIA rate increases, ensured language was included in Senate Bill 1448 requiring that two-thirds of the TWIA Board of Directors must vote to approve any rate increase, rather than a simple majority. Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1448 into law on May 26, making it effective September 1.

Coastal Bend business leaders joined Rep. Hunter at a Tuesday press conference to celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 1448.

“TWIA rates are already too high and it should not be easy for the TWIA Board to raise them further,” Rep. Hunter said. “We put together a bipartisan coalition in the Legislature to stand up to TWIA and support the coastal homeowners and businesses who must pay these high rates. These controls on TWIA rate increases will provide needed protections for property owners and our Coastal Bend economy.”

An experienced legislator who works well with members of both political parties, Rep. Hunter accomplished many of his legislative priorities throughout this year’s session, which lasted from January to May. Many of his top priorities emerged from meetings and conversations with residents of the Coastal Bend over the last several years.

For example, after a group of local students approached Rep. Hunter about an alarming increase in suicides, he formed a local task force to work on the issue. He passed House Bill 4074, which requires the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to create a subcommittee focused on suicide prevention through the use of data and by including suicide prevention efforts in the council’s behavioral health strategic plan. Rep. Hunter also successfully authored House Bill 3821, which requires the Texas Veterans Commission and the state Health and Human Services Commission to employ and train mental health professionals as part of the state’s mental health program for Veterans.

Rep. Hunter also organized a task force several years ago to focus on prevention human trafficking, and once again, feedback from the task force helped pave the way for legislative action. For example, the risks for human trafficking and exploitation are often high at sexually oriented businesses. Rep. Hunter was the House sponsor of Senate Bill 315, a new law raisingthe age of employment in sexually oriented businesses from 18 to 21 and prohibiting sexually oriented businesses from allowing minors on site. He also authored House Bill 3521, which redefines coercion as it relates to human trafficking offenses to include the performance or provision of labor or services.

“Meetings with community stakeholders over the last several years have informed and strengthened our work to prevent suicides and human trafficking,” Rep. Hunter said. “From law enforcement to students to mental health professionals and educators, the members of our task forces have helped shape legislative solutions in a positive way.”

Rep. Hunter’s legislative work this year also reflected the concerns of key Coastal Bend industries. For example, to support the beleaguered music industry after a very difficult year, Rep. Hunter helped pass Senate Bill 855 to crack down on those who try to illegally sell music online without the consent of the artists who created it. He also helped secure funding to continue the development of oyster mariculture, which Rep. Hunter brought to Texas with legislation he passed into law in 2019.

“We delivered victories for key sectors of our local economy,” Rep. Hunter said. “Those victories will impact the whole community by creating a stronger climate for economic activity.”

Rep. Hunter also helped the effort to fund numerous Coastal Bend educational institutions and tourist attractions in the two-year state budget, including:

n $130.9 million in total funding for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
n $34.7 million in total funding for Del Mar College
n $8.9 million for the University of Texas – Marine Science Institute
n $6.65 million for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Unmanned Aircraft Systems
n $500,000 for a grant to the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center

Finally, Rep. Hunter authored two new laws to improve beach safety. House Bill 3807, the Je’Sani Smith Act, requires cities, counties, and the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to add signs and lifeguards in certain areas to improve the safety of public beaches during the summer months. House Concurrent Resolution 46 designates April as Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the potential dangers of swimming in the ocean. The resolution calls for a public awareness campaign focused on beach safety each April.

Overall, Rep. Hunter declared the legislative session a success for residents of the Coastal Bend and pledged to continue prioritizing issues that matter to the people he represents.

“The issues that matter to the Coastal Bend are the ones that matter to me,” Rep. Hunter said. “I am proud of the legislation we passed on a range of important issues, and it would not have been possible without the input of so many people in our community.”

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About Rep. Todd Hunter
Todd Hunter is the state representative for Texas House District 32 in Nueces County. He is the Chairman of the House Redistricting Committee. He is also a member of the State Affairs Committee, which deals with significant matters of state policy, ranging from the administration of the state government to cybersecurity, and he sits on the International Relations & Economic Development Committee.

Political Ad Paid For By The Todd Hunter Campaign

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Eagle Ford Shale, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, Todd Hunter

Padre Island Housing Data May 2021

June 10, 2021 By

May 2021 Real Estate Housing Report just out!!

As of today, Padre Island has only 15 Waterfront homes listed For Sale.
From $489,900 to $3,200,000

1 – Listed for $489,900
3 – Listed in the $500,000 range
1 – Listed for $615,000
2 – Listed in the $700,000 range
1 – Listed for $874,900
1 – Listed for $989,500
6 – Listed for over $1,000,000
15 Waterfront Homes For Sale on Padre Island

The largest amount sold pricing was from $200,000 – $299,999 29.3%Sold The second amount sold pricing was from $300,000 – $399,999 22.4%Sold

See attached numbers.

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 May 2021 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-jan-2021

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, Real Time MLS, realtors Tagged With: , ,

WHY USE A LOCAL PADRE ISLAND REALTOR?

May 24, 2021 By

Local-Realtors-corpus-christi

WHY USE A LOCAL REALTOR?

This question probably prods every seller at one point or another…it’s your property, aren’t you the best suited to sell it? Perhaps. Then again, let me explain why maybe not. As a buyer, it’s just as critical to use a local Realtor. It comes down to the three Ts: Tools, Training, Transaction-Related Matters.

Tools:

Real estate agents have tools, and they don’t come in a box or on a belt. One of these tools is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is a system paid for by agents to showcase listings to all other agents. It also allows us to see and search every other property for sale, along with what’s closed, what’s under contract, etc…always in real time. Because the MLS dates back decades, it is trend and individual property history at our fingertips. It gives agents the unique ability to create a comparative market analysis on your property with the knowledge we have from recent closures. As a tight-knit community, we have a network of other agents and a network of title company experts who keep us up-to-date on changes to contracts and changes to the law. We are vested in the community where we live and work, and where you want to live or sell. We are familiar with the local market, building guidelines, and numerous specifications that our seaside area requires.

Training:

OK, it sounds like we’re running a marathon, but seriously, sometimes a real estate transaction feels like one! Real Estate Agents went to a school focused specifically on real estate and can help you navigate the (sometimes rough) terrain. Both a national and a state required exam must be passed to become licensed. Pricing, contract paperwork, real estate finance and law, these are all areas we’re proficient in and experts at. Likewise, we’re required to continue our education with a certain number of hours each year to ensure we stay informed and updated on the ever-changing regulations occurring in this industry. Also, not all real estate licensees are the same; only those who are members of the National Association of Realtors are properly called REALTORS and can proudly display that trademark on marketing and sales literature.

Transaction-Related Matters:

This comes down to the meat and potatoes of it all, concerning the contract itself, to the negotiations, to possible repair work, to closing details, and every possible scenario in between. It also heavily involves our Code of Ethics – for over 100 years, this code ensures agents treat their clients professionally and ethically. These ethics are strictly enforced, and you know you will be working with a true professional who focuses on your needs and wants. Your agent is accountable for fulfilling their full “fiduciary responsibilities” to you (has your best interest in mind from finances to full disclosure to confidentiality).  Realtors are committed to treat all parties in a transaction honestly. An independent survey reported that 84% of home buyers would use the same Realtor again.

The best agent I know once told me, “You’ve done your job if you’ve made it look easy.” So I invite you to relax…have a lemonade…allow us to make the process appear as seamless as possible.

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, North Padre Island, Real Time MLS, realtors, Upper Padre Tagged With: ,

Padre Island Housing Data – March 2021

April 14, 2021 By

Priced Right properties are going like hotcakes!

Priced Right properties are going like hotcakes! As of TODAY there are only
17 waterfront homes on the market For Sale on Padre Island. Pricing ranges from $439,900 to $3,200,000. There are 39 condos For Sale on Padre Island.
Pricing ranges from $75,000 to $509,000. With properties selling at a record pace, buyers are frustrated with being outbid. Bidding wars are happening around the country. Supplies are limited. Mortgage rates have dropped and millions of millennials are entering their home-buying years.

People with dreams of owning a home could be in for a rude awakening. The spike is happening as a result of the pandemic, as more people work from home or near the coast. Should I buy a home? Should I sell my home? This is the million-dollar question.

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 March 2021 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-jan-2021

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

Social Media Scam Artists

April 6, 2021 By

 

Be wary of online messages

Do some research

Press for details

Report suspicious activity to Facebook.

Intro: Plenty of people who are connected to the internet are catching up with friends on social media or randomly surfing the web. Unfortunately, so are scammers. Here to offer tips on protecting yourself on social media is your Better Business Bureau.

How does this Scam Work?

There are several versions usually involving Facebook Messenger. A phony profile that seems like they are your friend shares an amazing deal with you. To benefit you need to select the link or share the deal. If you take part, you only have to pay a small processing fee.

In another version, the “friend” claims to be raising money for a charity to support emergency personnel, a food bank, or some other organization that has really been hit hard by the pandemic. They’ll push for a donation and yet, it sounds suspicious.

A third version is circulating where the “friend” believes their account has been ‘hacked’ and to friend them on a new request. Turns out, they were not hacked at all. The profile is publicly visible and copied by a cyber thief who then creates a new profile and is now sending out new friend requests to a bogus account.

BBB warns everyone before responding to such a request, check that the Facebook profile image is from who it says it is. Or, go the extra step and call, text, or email the friend to see if they really did send it to you.

 How do you protect yourself from Facebook Scams?

  • Be wary of online messages. A person may be trustworthy in real life, but online accounts can be hacked. Take a closer look before sharing, applying, or donating. Go to Give.org to verify a charity.
  • Do some research. If you can’t find a website, it’s most likely a fake. If you can find a website, look for contact information. No contact info is a red flag.
  • Press for details. Ask strategic questions without giving any personal information to confirm you are actually talking to someone you know.
  • Report suspicious activity to Facebook. You can report scammers to Facebook to help protect your real friends and family from a scam. You can reduce the risk of having your profile impersonated by tightening up your privacy settings and hiding your Friends list.

You can always find more information at bbb.org

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Isles POA, spring break, spring cleaning

Padre Island Housing Data – February 2021

March 16, 2021 By

It has been roughly a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, and more people than ever are buying residential real estate in vacation housing markets.

In a study of counties that have seen the largest uptick of homebuyers and subsequently, home value – the top 10 are all in either vacation destinations or relatively affordable areas of big cities. That’s in line with the country’s sweeping work-from-home mandates put in place last March, which allowed millions of people with the capital to buy a property realizing they could work – and live – anywhere.

A demand for second homes across the country has skyrocketed since last January. What remains to be seen is how the continued vaccine rollout and expected economic stimulus checks impacts the larger metro areas’ housing markets. With most people receiving immunizations from COVID-19, more workplaces opening up to their employees – in turn, drawing them back to the city to avoid commuting from suburbs and vacation areas such as Padre Island and Port Aransas.

Mortgage rates continue to increase as the economy improves with the labor market and vaccinations continuing to roll out and additional stimulus spending. Even as mortgage rates rise modestly, the housing market remains healthy on the brink of spring home-buying season.

Homebuyer’s demand is strong, and for homeowners who have not refinanced but are looking to do so, they have not yet lost the opportunity. Cash-out refi’s have exploded. Many economists expect home prices to keep growing.

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 February 2021 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-jan-2021

Filed Under: realtors, selling a home, spring cleaning

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SELLER’S DISCLOSURE FORM

March 6, 2021 By

what-you-need-to-know-about-mortgages

This one form, filled out by the seller of a property, is more important than you may have realized. I compare it to a hard hat at a construction site. Seems overly precautious until a large piece of material falls from above and suddenly you’re awfully glad you had that protection!

In 1993, this form became mandatory, exclaiming that “Texans would be bound to truth in selling their homes…is designed to protect Realtors from the burgeoning number of ‘failure to disclosure’ lawsuits…the bill would require sellers to complete a disclosure form detailing the condition of the house, property and certain equipment within the house.”

What is it?

This statement is a disclosure of the condition of the property in compliance with the seller Disclosure Act. This statement is a disclosure of the condition and information concerning the property, known by the seller. Unless otherwise advised, the seller does not possess any expertise in construction, architecture, engineering, foundation, roof, or any other specific area related to the construction or condition of the improvements on the property or the land. This statement is not a warranty of any kind by the seller and is not a substitute for any inspections or warranties the buyer may wish to obtain. NOTE: For sale my owners are also legally required to provide this form.

Can your agent help you fill it out?

No. As Realtors, this would infringe on our duties to abide by the National Association of Realtors “Code of Ethics and standards of practice.” We are not lawyers and cannot give any advice or interpret any law regarding what the form says or means. If there are any questions, sellers need to consult an attorney.

Both TAR and TREC have a seller’s disclosure notice. Which to use?

Both forms are in compliance with the law. With that said, the TAR form is far preferred. It asks more questions, is far more thorough, is easier to fill out, spells out specific safety hazards the TREC form does not, is more useful for buyers and is designed to serve as a better risk-reduction tool for sellers. It is in your best interest as the seller to ask your agent to provide you with the TAR form.

Who is exempt from filling this form out?

There are 11 exceptions, but the most common are:

  • A builder of a new home
  • A trustee or executor of an estate
  • The lender after foreclosing on a property
  • Duplex owners

Even though these types of sellers (and a few others) are not required to provide a disclosure notice, they still must disclose any known material defects. Requirements of Section 5.008, all sellers have an obligation to disclose known defects about the property. Failure to do so exposes them to liability under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act or other civil laws.

What about previous death in the property?

The statute does not require disclosure of deaths by natural causes, suicide, or accidents unrelated to the condition of the property.

Previous Inspection Reports

If a seller bought the home within the past 4 years OR if a seller receives a copy of an inspection report from a buyer but the contract with that buyer falls through, the seller and brokers should consider sharing the report and they have a duty to disclose any known material defects. Possession of a prior inspection report may be evidence of the seller’s or broker’s knowledge of a known defect, although no law requires that the report must be provided.

Consequences When Sellers Don’t Disclose

A seller who doesn’t disclose known defects can be sued by the buyer after the defect is discovered. As a seller, you don’t want to look back after closing!

If a court finds the seller responsible, they may be required to:

  • Repairs and other damages resulting from the undisclosed defect
  • Pay the buyer’s attorney’s fees and costs of the lawsuit
  • Take back the house if the court invalidates or rescinds the sale
  • Punishment for punitive damages of failure to disclose defects

 

A surprise birthday party is fun…a surprise moldy house is not! Use of this form may result in fewer surprises to the buyer after closing and less liability for the agents and the seller(s). Don’t make your home sale any more challenging than need be. A seller’s accurate and honest disclosure is worth it.

Filed Under: buying a home, New Homes Padre Island, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home

Representative Todd Hunter Questions Grid Operators for Accountability

February 26, 2021 By

Press Release Sent Out on Behalf of State Representative Todd Hunter February 18, 2021

todd-hunter-press-release-ercot-2

Filed Under: Todd Hunter

Padre Island Housing Report January 2021

February 20, 2021 By

Market is still super hot as we head into 2021!
Low inventory, bidding wars, and with continued low interest rates this looks to be another stellar year for home buyers, investors and sellers alike!

Days on the market for sale has decreased to an average of 69 days on the market. 29.3% of all the sales in November were priced between $200,000 – $299,999. The market is certainly remaining strong and it’s a great time to find that dream home you have been waiting for or cash out that equity. We are here to serve all your real estate needs.

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 2021 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

 


padre-island-housing-report-jan-2021

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Mortgages, North Padre Island, Real Time MLS, realtors
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