Home Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

August 22, 2020 By

As one of the nation’s leading disaster relief organizations, the American Red Cross responds to thousands of disasters each year. While many might associate the organization’s outreach efforts with major catastrophic events such as hurricanes and wildfires, the American Red Cross reports that home fires represent approximately 90 percent of its disaster response efforts. In fact, home fires represent one of the biggest disaster threats to families in the United States. Fires kill more Americans each year than all-natural disasters combined, and affect people from all backgrounds and geographic locations. Given these startling statistics, the American Red Cross suggests tips, aimed at reducing deaths and injuries resulting from home fires by 25%. As such, I would like to share some simple steps you can take to protect your family and home in the event of a home fire.

The American Red Cross has created a Home Fire Campaign to help families prepare for a home fire. The American Red Cross recommends taking the following steps in protecting your home:

  • Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Purchase smoke alarms here.
  • Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
  • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home
  • Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
  • Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire” to alert everyone that they must get out.
  • Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
  • Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire

Also, it is important to develop and practice home fire escape plans with your family. If you need help in developing your unique plan, the American Red Cross has made fire escape plan worksheets available on its website https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html.

It is important to check fire alarms every month to make certain they are working properly in the event of a fire and the batteries do not need to be replaced. When smoke alarms fail to operate correctly, it is generally due to missing, disconnected or depleted batteries. It is important to note smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years from the manufacturer’s date listed on the back of the alarm. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes where there is no smoke alarm or no working smoke alarm, which is why this is so important.

In addition to following the American Red Cross’ tips to plan for fire safety, I would encourage you to take the time to read more information about the different ways you can protect your home from a fire. This includes keeping flammable objects a safe distance from items that get hot, such as heaters and stoves, never leaving a candle unattended, and learning about safe cooking methods. To read more about the different ways you can protect your home and family from fires, please visit the American Red Cross website https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html. The National Fire Protection Association also has information on fire, electrical and related hazards at https://www.nfpa.org/.

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. 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 32

 

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

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, Local Food, property taxes, Todd Hunter

Padre Island Housing Report – July 2020

August 8, 2020 By

The end of July, the median sale price on homes was 311,500 which is an increase of10.3% over last month here on Padre Island compared to last year at this time.

New land development projects continue to increase with the completion of  Starbucks Coffee house at the development near the JFK causeway bridge called packery pointe. Also coming is a new development at Marker 37 than will bring a real fun coastal flair to the area.

Days on the market for sale has decreased to an average of 81 days on the market. 23.1% of all the sales in July were priced between $300,000 – $399,999. Closed Sales were up a whopping 50% in the month of July. The market is a soaring right now, there are some great bargains out there and with the interest rates holding low now is your chance to upgrade to that home you have been waiting for!

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 2020 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

 


padre-island-housing-report-july-2020

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, mustang island, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, Real Time MLS, selling a home

DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER – Hurricane Hanna

July 25, 2020 By

(note: Tropical Storm Hanna is now Hurricane Hanna, but was a Tropical Storm when the order was written)

County of Nueces

BARBARA CANALES
County Judge
Nueces County Courthouse, Room 303
901 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401-3697

Read the full document here:  Declaration of Local Disaster 2020-07-24pdf

ORDER BY NUECES COUNTY JUDGE

DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER

WHEREAS, the County of Nueces on the 24th day of July 2020 will suffer a threat of imminent disaster, injury, loss of life or property resulting from flooding from Tropical Storm Hanna; and

WHEREAS, the County Judge of Nueces County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE OF NUECES COUNTY:

  1. That a local state of disaster is hereby declared for Nueces County pursuant to §418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.
  2. Pursuant to §418.108(b) of the Government Code, the state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration unless  continued, or renewed, by the CommissionersCourt of Nueces County.
  3. Pursuant to §418.108(c) of the Government Code, this declaration of a local state of disaster shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk.
  4. Pursuant to §418.108(d) of the Government Code, this declaration of a local state of disaster activates the County emergency management plan.
  5. That this proclamation shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.

DULY ORDERED ON THIS THE 24th DAY OF JULY 2020.

Date: 7/24/2020

BARBARA CANALES

Nueces County Judge

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, corpus christi, corpus christi city council, Hurricane Hanna, Hurricane Relief

Real Estate on Padre Island

July 20, 2020 By

Do you know what a SELLER’S MARKET is?  It occurs when demand exceeds supply, or there are more buyers seeking to purchase properties than there are available properties on the market. This often leads to multiple buyers interested in a single property, resulting in bidding wars.

In a SELLERS’S MARKET, properties priced well and look good, don’t stay listed for too long.  Many properties sell in just weeks

For much of the last decade, the real estate market has been….well, not really in the greatest shape.  Home sellers have had to do everything short of staging a three-ring circus in the front yard in order to attract buyers and throwing in their firstborn child to seal the deal.

Over the course of the past few months, though, there’s been quite the turnaround, to the point wherein many parts of the country we’re now in what is known as a ‘true’ SELLER’S MARKET.

The drop in interest rates, which allows more people to qualify to buy homes, or to afford more expensive homes has been a major factor.

The BEST way to make sure you’re taking full advantage of a SELLER’S MARKET is to work with an experienced local REALTOR. Your REALTOR will help you know just how high you can price a property, and what offers are worth a second look.

Homeowners, the real estate market on Padre Island is HOT and now is a great time to sell.  Interest rates are low and there are more buyers than inventory. Let us help you find your perfect gem!

~ Cheri Sperling

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, New Homes Padre Island, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home

Padre Island Housing Report – June 2020

July 15, 2020 By

Homeowners, the real estate market on Padre Island is HOT and now is a great time to sell. Interest rates are low and there are more buyer’s than inventory.

We are still seeing lots of willing, and able and ready buyers, the market is moving fast as we head into the deep of summer with the temperatures outside are sizzling in the upper 90’s.

We are well into Hurricane Season so it’s always good to prepare for these times by keeping the items you need handy along with a checklist in the event of the need for evacuation on our Lil ol sandbar.

Many buyers increased their online looking of properties using virtual tools. Good real estate professionals stepped up offerings of 3D and virtual tours online as well as video walkthroughs in real-time to interested buyers. Real estate professionals would visit the properties and walk around the property over a live video chat with their interested buyer.

We are practicing all the social distancing, masking, and hygiene requirements in and out of our office as we navigate these challenging times. We are committed to protecting all our clients and helping them with all their 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 June 2020 Data (Click Pic below for PDF)


padre-island-housing-report-april-2020

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

BE PREPARED: FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS

July 5, 2020 By

Despite forbearance programs set in place to relieve mortgage tensions during the COVID-19 Pandemic, it’s a commonality that all US economic recessions have in common: An eventual spike in home foreclosures.

But what about those in the fortunate opposing position? A “good deal” is hard to ignore! So if you find yourself interested in raising your paddle, below are some tips and tricks to what foreclosure auctions are all about.

1. Bring the funds with you. This must be in the form of cash or a cashier’s check.

No personal checks, pre-approval letter, or nana’s famous carrot cake. These won’t cut it.

Because you pay directly on the spot upon winning, you don’t want to overpay as it will take approximately 30 days to get that refund. Instead, if you’re coming with a cashier’s check, come with multiple denominations so that you can add them together to create the appropriate amount. Also, have them made out to you so you can deposit the leftover checks back into your bank account. If you win, you simply sign them over.

If, however, you are in an online auction, you have a bit longer to come up with the funds.

*Some companies charge a percentage of the final sales price as a buyer’s fee. Be sure to ask about this, or read the fine print.

2. Do your research: Foreclosures are sold “AS IS, WHERE IS, NO PROMISE OF ANYTHING.”

There is no guarantee of a clear title, functioning plumbing, electrical, structural issues, etc. You must do your due diligence to make sure you know what you may be purchasing. Liens on properties are public record and can be found online or at the local courthouse. Do not skip this step!

3. Opening bid does not necessarily mean you can get the property at that price.

This number is normally set by the foreclosing lender, and it is usually the assessed loan amount owed to the lender. Sometimes, the opening bid is simply an estimated minimum by law that includes only taxes delinquent on the date of judgment, or a number that the creditor believes will spark interest. This minimum bid can be just a tool to get the bidding ball rolling  – but if the bids do not reach the creditor’s bottom line, then the property will not sell and will go back to the creditor to do with it what they choose.

4. Purchasing an occupied foreclosure.

If the owner does not vacate the property after the foreclosure sale, as the new owner, YOU must give them a formal notice to move out. If they do not, you have the right to bring on an eviction lawsuit. If the person occupying the property is a tenant of the former owner, a different form of action must be taken. There are certain laws that actually protect these types of tenants. It all comes back to doing your research before you purchase so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

5. If you’re the one bidding, you’re the one buying.

There is an exception: By signing a Power of Attorney, you may appoint a representative to bid on your behalf. Sometimes, auction companies may offer live remote bidding by telephone through an auction representative or have live Internet bidding capabilities. There are options if you are unable to attend an auction.

6. If the auction begins at 10 am, be there at 9:30 am.

Auctions in Texas are the first Tuesday of every month, on the south side of the County Courthouse. The auction may only last 10 minutes total, so be timely, or you may miss the whole thing!

With that said, Texas law requires a three-hour window from the time given on the auction notice and when the auction actually takes place.

If foreclosures are something that interests you, final words of advice would be: Save your money, do your research, and don’t be late. Happy bidding!

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Corpus Christi Foreclosures, Mortgages, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors

Hurricane Season 2020

June 25, 2020 By

Hurricane season began June 1, and forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting above-normal hurricane activity in 2020, which means there could be three to six major hurricanes this year. With towns along the coast, Texas may face the storms head-on.

Hurricane season brings not only climate concerns but scammers as well. In the home repair business, “storm chasers” are untrustworthy contractors that travel to areas impacted by severe weather and go door to door offering to repair damage for low prices. Then, after receiving payment upfront, these storm chasers either leave without starting the projects or only partially complete it.

Along with the usual concerns associated with hurricane season, 2020 brings a new challenge in the form of COVID-19. NOAA warns that the pandemic can affect your ability to prepare for incoming hurricanes. Use these tips from the National Weather Service (NWS) and your Better Business Bureau to prepare for hurricane season and storm chasers:

  • Check your insurance policy. Checking your insurance before a storm hits can save you time and stress later. Contact your insurance agent to review what your policy covers and if you need more coverage. You should also take a detailed inventory of items in your home to make any necessary claims process more efficient.
  • Create a disaster kit. In the event of a severe hurricane, power may be lost, or roads shut down. Create a kit with bottled water, flashlights, batteries and nonperishable foods. Make sure your kit includes supplies for pets and infants, as well as prescription medications. Visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at ready.gov/kit for a full list of disaster kit supplies.
  • Prepare your home. Minimize damage by tying or weighing down any items that could get blown away in strong winds. Cover windows and doors with impact-resistant shutters. You should also prepare an evacuation plan with your family in the event you need to leave your home.
  • Watch for storm chasers. After a storm hits and damage has been assessed, be wary of contractors going door to door in your area. Storm chasers often use high-pressure tactics, like offering a great deal that is only available that day. Ask any contractor that comes to your door for references or visit BBB.org to find trustworthy businesses to repair damage to your home or property.
  • Plan ahead. Because of COVID-19, supplies may be low and evacuation plans may need to be adjusted. The sooner you begin preparing for hurricane season, the easier it will be to handle the aftermath.

You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it! Visit BBB.org to find trustworthy contractors and go to weather.gov/safety/hurricane for more on hurricane safety.

Filed Under: corpus christi city council, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, windstorm insurance

CARES Small Business Relief

June 5, 2020 By

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law with the intent of helping those financially impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses, such as local restaurants and retailers, have struggled due to consumers spending increased time at home. In addition to relief for American workers, employees, and families, the CARES Act provides assistance to small businesses.
While Texas has begun allowing businesses to reopen, the road to recovery will still take time. If your small business is looking to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the CARES Act, here’s the information to keep in mind:

• Paycheck Protection Program. This program provides small businesses with loans to fund employee payments, including benefits, for up to eight weeks. Certain nonprofits can also apply, and funds can be used for paying rent, utilities, and interest on mortgages. Qualifying businesses can also convert the loans to grants, meaning the money will not have to be repaid.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). All businesses with fewer than 500 employees (or more than 500 for certain industries) are eligible to apply for EIDLs. This loan advance can provide up to $10,000 for successful applications, which does not have to be paid back. If your business submits a successful application, the funds will be available within days.

• Business tax changes. Under the CARES Act, certain changes were made for business taxes. These changes include eligibility for employee retention tax credits, delaying payroll tax payments, claiming corporate alternative minimum tax credits, and more. Consult your business’ tax consultant to see which changes apply to your business. If you do not have a consultant, go to BBB.org to find trustworthy tax professionals.

• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). FFCRA makes changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and sick leave for businesses and their employees. Covered employers must provide up to 80 hours of paid leave to all employees unable to work due to personal quarantine or COVID-19 symptoms. Up to 80 hours at two-thirds of the regular pay rate are provided to those unable to work while caring for a relative due to COVID-19. You can visit the Department of Labor’s website to learn more details about FFCRA.

Small businesses are the heart of communities across America. Encouraging those in your life to shop and eat at small businesses is a great way to stimulate local economies, but the CARES Act strives to provide extra protection for business owners and their employees. Visit the Small Business Administration at SBA.gov to learn more about what CARES can do for your business, and go to BBB.org to search for trustworthy small businesses in your area.

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, Hurricane Aide

Padre Island Housing Report – April 2020

May 21, 2020 By

Sellers Are Holding Eager Buyers Back as State Reopens:

This pandemic doesn’t appear to be spooking some potential homebuyers away. Sporting masks and gloves, they’re beginning to preview homes in person. BUT it is home sellers who may be keeping them back, from what we’re seeing.

We’ve started finding buyers ready, willing, and able, and some sellers have been the ones who have pulled their properties, changed their minds – at this time.

Yes, you can see April new listings plunged through the week of May 2nd. It seems the number of properties on the market had kind of paused.

Many buyers increased their online looking of properties using virtual tools. Good real estate professionals stepped up offerings of 3D and virtual tours online as well as video walkthroughs in real-time to interested buyers. Real estate professionals would visit the properties and walk around the property over a live video chat with their interested buyer.

But, we believe as states start to reopen more so, more homebuyers may be wanting to see those properties in-person. They are willing to take proper steps to wear masks and definitely social distancing. Times are changing folks – and your true professionals are ready for you.

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 April 2020 Data (Click Pic below for PDF)


padre-island-housing-report-april-2020

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, COVID-19 Virus, Mortgages, realtors, selling a home

TWIA News 2020

May 6, 2020 By

did-you-know-pxbyTWIA NEWS…….

Windstorm Certificates of Compliance (WPI-8’s & WPI-8-Cs) are an important eligibility requirement for TWIA as well as some private insurance companies. The process for coastal property owners to certify completed structural improvements will change next month. The process to certify new and ongoing improvements will not change.

WHAT’S CHANGING?

Beginning June 1, 2020, the windstorm certification process, the process that produces a Certificate of Compliance (WP1-8), will be administered solely by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). At that time:

  • TWIA will stop accepting applications for Certificates of Compliance for completed improvements. • May 31, 2020 is the last day TWIA will accept applications for Certificates of Compliance. Paper applications mailed to TWIA must be postmarked on or before that date for them to be processed by TWIA. • TDI will begin issuing Certificates of Compliance for completed improvements. TOI will continue to issue Certificates of Compliance for new and ongoing improvements.

This change and effective date are required by legislation passed in 2019 by the Texas Legislature (Senate Bill 615 and House Bill 1900). HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT PROPERTY OWNERS? TD1 already administers the Windstorm Inspection Program and is a regulatory agency. Consolidating the certification process and TD1 will:

  • Reduce property owner confusion on where to obtain a Certificate of Compliance. • Provide additional oversight to the certification process for completed improvements.

Make all future Certificates of Compliance searchable on the TDI online database. Property owners with a Certificate of Compliance issued by TWIA (WPI-8-C) can contact TWIA for a copy.

WILL TWIA CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE (WPI-8-C) STILL BE VALID AFTER JUNE 1?

Yes. Certificate of Compliance issued by TWIA will remain valid and property owners will not have to recertify those same structures to remain eligible for TWIA insurance, unless they update the structures after being certified.

QUESTIONS?

To learn more, please read these frequently asked questions, available on the TWIA website. One may also visit Changes at TWIA webpage for additional details about this and other legislative changes affecting TWIA.

 

Filed Under: home maintenance, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Mortgages, North Padre Island, property taxes, realtors, selling a home, windstorm insurance Tagged With:
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