Truth about the Option Period in a Real Estate Contract!

Did you know?

Did you know the standard contract for buying a home in Texas contains a clause for an Option Period?

The Option Period is the time during which the buyer can cancel the contract for any reason, without penalties. A buyer pays for the option period, usually a small amount of $100 and for a standard of 10 days. During this 10 days, the buyer can run inspections and negotiate any repairs with the seller. If an agreement cannot be made, the buyer can back out of the contract with only losing the $100. If the buyer does purchase the property, the $100 is credited to them at closing.

One thing that many realtors, buyers and sellers often question is when the option period starts. A contract is executed and binding when both parties agree and have both signed the contract. This is considered the executed date which is written into the contract above the sellers and buyers signatures. The option period starts the next day.

Example: If a buyer and seller agree and sign on November 20, 2025, the option period would start on November 21, 2025 and end at midnight on November 30, 2025.

An option period is the best money a buyer can spend when purchasing a home!

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – OCTOBER 2025

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for October 2025.

Our active listing median prices have risen the past month to $451,500 which is actually a 18.4% decrease from where it was compared to last October at this time! CCAR shows us the data that has increased for active listings to 21.8% with a total of 385 properties this past month compared to October 2024 while inventory rose to 14.2 compared to 11.3 last year at this time.

Days on the market has declined this past month with an average of 139 days and the highest categories for sales with 26.7% of all the sales being priced between $500,000 – $749,999.

The BUYER’s market continues, they are some fantastic deals out there right now! Give us a call and you so we can show you what living on Padre Island is all about.

Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties Agent Ms. Amber Spicak at their office for all pre-sales. amber@coastline-properties.com

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

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi October 2025 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-corpus-christi-housing-report-september-2025

National Diabetes Awareness Month

Every year the month of November is recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness regarding the disease since millions of Americans live with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 37.3 million Americans have diabetes. Additionally, 96 million people are categorized as pre-diabetic which is a condition where glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered diabetes. This is an important month to learn about diabetes due to the high number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes.

The objective of Diabetes Awareness Month is to increase public knowledge of diabetes. There are two types of diabetes. The first is Type 1 which accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes and is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is generally thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and an immune system disorder that affects insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are generally required to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and take insulin daily to survive. The other form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops over time and occurs when the body becomes insulin resistant, meaning it is unable to process insulin properly.

Currently, there is no cure for diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes can be manageable and, in some instances, preventable. According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 diabetes can be managed by taking prescription medicines, following a healthy eating plan, reducing tobacco use, and exercising to ensure blood sugar levels are kept within a healthy range. Similarly, those who are pre-diabetic or who are at a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can delay or even prevent the onset of the disease by making changes towards living a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about diabetes, please visit the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org.

Additionally, you visit the Texas Department of State Health Services to learn more about treatments for diabetes https://www.dshs.texas.gov/txdiabetes/.

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

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

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

Fresh Paint Still Sells Homes Better Than Almost Anything Else

Every home tells a story. But before buyers ever listen, they look.

And what they notice first isn’t the new hardware, the upgraded fixtures, or even the landscaping. It’s the walls.

A new coat of paint still beats almost any other home improvement when it comes to getting a property ready to sell. A Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate survey found that three out of four real estate agents believe repainting adds the most value before a sale, sometimes boosting a home’s worth by as much as 10 percent.

Josh McGrath, broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central, puts it simply: if you have a thousand dollars to spend, spend it on paint.

“It’s the most cost-effective upgrade,” he says. “You can cover the most space for the least money. Even if you paint the walls the same color, it feels new again. The dents and dings are gone. The space feels cared for.”

That’s what buyers notice. Not just the color, but the freshness.

A freshly painted home signals something deeper. It tells buyers the owners paid attention. It suggests a house that has been maintained, not just decorated. Even the scent of new paint can make a showing feel cleaner and more inviting, setting the tone before buyers notice anything else.


The Psychology of Color

Real estate agents see it every day. Color changes how people feel the moment they step inside a home.

In the same survey, red topped the list of dealbreakers. Too bold, too loud, too much energy for a space meant to feel calm. “Red has subliminal messaging,” McGrath says. “It means stop, it means caution. Great for a restaurant, not for a living room.”

Other bold shades like orange, neon, or deep purple made buyers uneasy too. The colors might express personality, but in real estate, personality takes a back seat to possibility.

That’s why neutrals still lead the market. Whites, grays, and beiges continue to dominate, with new blends like Sherwin-Williams’ Worldly Gray, a soft mix of beige and gray, bridging the gap between warm and cool tones.

Neutrals invite imagination. They don’t demand attention; they hold space for it. A freshly painted blank wall helps buyers envision their furniture, art, and life. That quiet psychological effect can mean the difference between a showing and a sale.


What Works When Staging

When staging a home, the right color combinations don’t just make a space look better. They make it easier for buyers to imagine living there.

The BHGRE survey found these palettes stand out:

  • Beige and soft green — timeless and natural

  • White and gray — clean and modern

  • Navy and white — bold yet balanced

  • Black and gold or taupe and teal — elegant accents for higher-end listings

Even when homeowners aren’t changing colors, they half repaint just to refresh. The logic is simple: buyers expect homes to feel as new as possible.

“Think about buying a pre-owned car,” McGrath says. “You expect it to be detailed, clean, looking nice, smelling fresh. Paint does that for a house.”


The Quiet Power of Renewal

Whether you’re selling or staying, repainting every few years keeps a home feeling alive. “Life leaves marks on the walls,” McGrath says. “A fresh coat of paint brings it back.”

In the end, paint isn’t just color. It’s care made visible. It’s the sign of a homeowner who understands the small details that make a big impression.

And when buyers walk through the door, that’s what sells.

What Happens to Real Estate When the Government Shuts Down

When the federal government closes, real estate feels it first.

Behind every sale, mortgage, or permit are government-backed systems that make homeownership possible. Flood insurance, FHA and VA loans, rural housing programs, and federal verifications all rely on staff and systems that stop or slow when Washington grinds to a halt.

On a recent episode of The Advocacy Scoop, NAR’s Shannon McGahn and Patrick Newton explained what really happens during a shutdown and how REALTORS® help keep the market steady when uncertainty rises.


A Modern Habit Washington Cannot Shake

Government shutdowns were not always part of the American budget cycle. Before the 1970s, if Congress failed to pass spending bills, federal agencies kept operating, assuming new funding would arrive soon. That changed in 1980 when a Justice Department ruling made it illegal for agencies to spend money without congressional approval.

Since then, shutdowns have become a regular feature of politics. McGahn called it “a reality, not a new one, but a consistent one.”

When Congress fails to pass all twelve annual appropriations bills, parts of the government lose legal authority to operate. To avoid this, short-term fixes known as continuing resolutions are sometimes used to buy time. But when those expire, the shutdown begins.


The Real Estate Ripple Effect

Few industries depend more on the federal government than real estate. Housing transactions are heavily regulated and insured, and that means any disruption quickly reaches buyers and sellers.

“Even if some functions continue, uncertainty slows deals,” McGahn said. “That is why we talk directly with lawmakers. Behind every delayed form or policy renewal is a family waiting to move.”

During a shutdown, the Federal Housing Administration, which insures about 15 percent of U.S. mortgages, faces reduced staffing. Loan processing slows, affecting first-time and lower-income buyers most. VA loans usually continue, but veterans often see delays in eligibility checks or customer service. Rural housing loans through the USDA stop entirely, halting transactions in many smaller communities.

The National Flood Insurance Program is another major concern. It has been kept alive through short-term extensions since 2017, often tied to broader spending bills. When the government closes, its authorization lapses unless Congress acts. Without it, tens of thousands of home closings in flood zones could stall, threatening roughly 1,400 transactions every day.

Existing policies remain valid for 30 days and can be transferred to new owners, but uncertainty spreads quickly. “It is not that everything stops on day one,” McGahn said. “But the longer a lapse lasts, the harder it becomes for people to close on their homes.”


Builders, Renters, and Confidence

The impact extends beyond buyers. Builders and developers face delays when they need federal permits or environmental reviews. HUD rental assistance payments can be held up, leaving housing providers waiting for funds. FHA condo approvals slow down, which affects new supply and development.

Even short shutdowns cause bottlenecks. Longer ones can ripple through markets for months, changing mortgage rates and shaking investor confidence.

Consumer confidence is often the hardest to protect. “Come and use this government program, but the government is shut down,” McGahn said. “That is a hard sell.”


REALTORS® as Advocates

NAR’s advocacy team prepares for these moments long before they happen. When shutdowns threaten, they launch immediate outreach to Congress through the Federal Political Coordinator network, mobilizing members across every district. Within 48 hours of this shutdown, NAR reached 70 percent of lawmakers to explain how the closures affect homebuyers and local economies.

That outreach has sparked bipartisan attention. Lawmakers from both parties have voiced support for keeping critical housing programs open. Behind the scenes, NAR continues meeting with White House officials and housing regulators to keep the focus on one goal: protecting access to homeownership.

Because when Washington closes its doors, the housing market still turns, and REALTORS® still show up for the people trying to move their lives forward.

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2025

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for September 2025.

Our active listing median prices have lowered the past month to $435,000 which is actually a flat 0% increase from where it was compared to last September at this time! CCAR shows us the data that has increased for active listings to 30.8% with a total of 408 properties this past month compared to September 2024 while inventory rose to 15.0 compared to 11.4 last year at this time.

Days on the market has declined this past month with an average of 142 days and the highest categories for sales with 29.6% of all the sales being priced between $400,000 – $499,999.

In September 2025, Padre Island had a 15.0 month supply of properties FOR SALE. The BUYER’s market continues, they are some fantastic deals out there right now! Give us a call and you so we can show you what living on Padre Island is all about.

Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties Agent Ms. Amber Spicak at their office for all pre-sales. amber@coastline-properties.com

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

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi September 2025 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-corpus-christi-housing-report-september-2025

Breast Cancer Awareness 2025

Each year, the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Spearheaded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this annual initiative serves to raise
awareness about breast cancer and offer support to those impacted by the disease. The National
Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 297,790 new cases of breast cancer in 2024. Breast
cancer is also the second most common cancer in women behind skin cancer. Furthermore, 1 in 8
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Given these statistics, I would like to use this
week’s article to share information about breast cancer risks and warning signs as well as the
important role cancer screenings and early detection play in fighting the disease.

Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells grow in the tissue of the breast. These cells
sometimes form into a tumor, which can be felt as a new lump or mass in the breast. While this
new lump, along with other unusual changes, may indicate the presence of cancerous cells,
breast cancer does not always present physical symptoms in the earliest stages of the disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, however, cancer found at an early stage – when it is
small and has not spread – is easier to treat. For this reason, screening exams, such as
mammograms, are key to finding cancers before they start to cause symptoms, known as early
detection.

Breast cancer screenings are recommended for all women beginning after the age of 40.
However, individuals with a higher risk of the disease may need to be screened earlier and more
often. There are several key factors that are used in determining a person’s risk level of
developing breast cancer, such as age, ethnicity, and family history. While some men, especially

those with a genetic history of the disease, have a risk of breast cancer, women represent 99
percent of all breast cancer cases and have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than men.
In addition to this, the American Cancer Society states that lifestyle also plays an important role in
determining a person’s risk level. These factors can include weight, alcohol and tobacco use,
physical activity level and diet.

To learn more about this important awareness month, you can visit the National Breast
Cancer Foundation website here: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org . More information about
the National Cancer Institute’s research can be found here: https://www.cancer.gov .
Additionally, for information about the different symptoms and risk factors for breast cancer,
please review the American Cancer Society’s guide here: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-
cancer/about/what-is-breast-cancer.html

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

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

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

September 2025 -Suicide Prevention Month

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages 10-34. In addition to this, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Along with this, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46 percent of all people who lose their lives through suicide had been diagnosed with a mental illness. The purpose of Suicide Prevention Month is to promote suicide prevention awareness and to spread knowledge about resources available for those who struggle with mental illness. Suicide Prevention Month is important because this month is dedicated for people to come together and discuss suicide which can be a difficult topic to speak about.

Although historically there has been a stigma surrounding the topic of suicide, it is important for people to discuss. Taking part in open conversations about suicide lessens the stigma around suicide which leads to people who are struggling to reach out and ask for help. According to Suicide Prevention Lifeline, people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts feel relief when people ask them about their mental health. Furthermore, discussing mental health can reduce suicidal thoughts.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide rates have increased 35 percent since 1999. Due to increasing suicide rates, it is important to be aware of the signs of struggling mental health since suicide is preventable. Some of the warning signs for suicide include new behaviors such as increased use of drugs or alcohol, extreme mood swings, talking about being a burden to others, and withdrawing or isolating themselves. While these signs cannot predict whether a person will attempt suicide, knowing the signs and reaching out to a person who is struggling can make a positive impact in their life.

For more information about Suicide Prevention Month, please visit Suicide Prevention Resource Center. https://www.sprc.org/

Along with this, Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a wonderful resource to learn more about suicide, the warning signs, and risk factors. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Additionally, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn more about mental illness and suicide. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month.

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

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

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

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – AUGUST 2025

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for August 2025.

Our active listing median prices have risen the past month to $449,950 which is actually a 9.3% decrease from where it was compared to last August at this time! CCAR shows us the data that has increased for active listings to 34.8% with a total of 430 properties this past month compared to August 2024 while inventory rose to 16.1 compared to 11.5 last year at this time.

Days on the market has declined this past month with an average of 87 days and the highest categories for sales with 33.3% of all the sales being priced between $400,000 – $499,999. The August 2025 U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed an annual increase of 2.9%, up from the previous month’s 2.7% and the fastest pace of inflation since January. Month-over-month, the “all items” index rose 0.4%. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.3% in August and 3.1% over the past year

In August 2025, Padre Island had a 16.1 month supply of properties FOR SALE. The BUYER’s market continues, they are some fantastic deals out there right now!

Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties Agent Ms. Amber Spicak at their office for all pre-sales. amber@coastline-properties.com

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

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi August 2025 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-corpus-christi-housing-report-august-2025

The Ripple Effect of Real Estate in Corpus Christi, Texas

Can a Successful Real Estate Transaction Strengthen the Corpus Christi Community?

When most people think about buying or selling a home, the focus is usually on square footage, price, and the negotiation at hand. But real estate is rarely just about bricks and mortar. In a city like Corpus Christi, where neighborhoods carry unique histories and families often stay rooted for generations, every transaction can also become an opportunity to build something larger: a stronger, more connected community.


The Ripple Effect in Corpus Christi

A home sale is never an isolated event. Each deal sets off a chain reaction that reaches far beyond the closing table. Local inspectors, appraisers, contractors, title companies, movers, interior designers, and landscapers all feel the impact. According to the National Association of Home Builders, building a single-family home supports about three full-time jobs for an entire year. Even resales pump money into the economy as buyers invest in improvements, furnishings, and services.

In Corpus Christi, where many buyers are drawn to coastal living, waterfront homes, and new developments on the Southside and Padre Island, this ripple effect is easy to see. A family’s decision to purchase a home near the bay might mean work for local dock builders, marine supply stores, and fishing outfitters. A sale in an established neighborhood can inspire remodeling projects that give small tradespeople steady business. Every transaction recirculates dollars close to home, strengthening the local economy and helping small businesses thrive.


Real Estate as a Force for Good

More real estate professionals in Corpus Christi are starting to see their role as bigger than simply guiding clients through contracts. They are finding ways to use their work to lift up local causes and deepen the sense of connection that defines this coastal city. Coastline Properties has been contributing to our local events, charities and causes for 2 decades now. We feel blessed to live here and we want to set a new standard for contribution in our community.

Some brokerages now dedicate part of their commissions to community programs. Imagine a portion of each sale helping fund scholarships at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, supporting sea turtle rescue initiatives on Padre Island, or underwriting youth sports programs that keep kids engaged and active. Other teams host client appreciation events that double as fundraisers, shining a light on nonprofits that protect local beaches, support arts programs, or preserve South Texas history.

These efforts do more than provide financial support. They reinforce the idea that real estate is woven into the fabric of community life. Buyers and sellers begin to see their move not just as a transaction but as a contribution to the city they love.


Why Community Involvement Matters

Strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built through relationships, shared values, and a willingness to invest in the common good. For real estate professionals, being active in Corpus Christi’s civic life pays dividends in trust and credibility.

A broker who volunteers at a beach cleanup or sponsors a local Little League team is not just advertising. They are showing clients they care about the same things the community cares about: safe neighborhoods, thriving schools, and a vibrant coastal lifestyle. When people make life-changing financial decisions, they look for professionals who are not only skilled but also grounded, accessible, and genuinely invested in the area’s future.

Active participation also gives brokers sharper insight into the city’s dynamics. By being involved in community events, they stay in touch with local concerns, from downtown revitalization to floodplain management to discussions about coastal development. This perspective is invaluable when advising clients on where to buy, what neighborhoods are rising in popularity, and how long-term trends may shape property values in the Corpus Christi real estate market.


Meeting Today’s Clients Where They Are

Clients increasingly prefer to work with companies that “do good.” Whether it is sustainability initiatives, charitable partnerships, or neighborhood involvement, buyers and sellers want their choices to align with their values. This is especially true in Corpus Christi, where the natural environment and local culture are part of what makes the region special.

By choosing brokers who reinvest in the community, clients are not only securing technical expertise. They are partnering with professionals who see beyond the commission check. They are choosing someone who understands the rhythm of the city, values its people, and is willing to put skin in the game for the greater good.

For buyers searching Corpus Christi homes for sale or investors looking into Padre Island real estate, this kind of local knowledge and involvement is often the deciding factor. People want agents who are deeply connected to the South Texas real estate market and committed to keeping the community strong. This is why Coastline Properties is always contributing and sponsoring local events in our area, we believe in investing in our community by raising a new standard of service for all.


The Bottom Line

So, can a successful real estate transaction be a win for the community? In Corpus Christi, the answer is yes when there is intention behind it. A closing is not just the end of a deal; it can also be the beginning of impact. Whether through local hiring, charitable giving, or partnerships with nonprofits, every sale has the potential to leave something lasting.

Real estate here is not just about properties near the bay, homes on Padre Island, or houses tucked into quiet subdivisions. It is about people and the shared sense of place that makes Corpus Christi feel like home. When each transaction feeds into the broader community, the city as a whole becomes stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.