Ultraviolet Safety Month

July 3, 2023 By

July is designated as National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. According to the
American Cancer Society, individuals with a high level of exposure to UV rays from
the sun have an increased risk of skin cancer, which is the most prevalent type of
cancer in the country. It is important to note that despite these statistics, skin cancer is
also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and can be avoided by reducing one’s
exposure to UV radiation. As such, I would like to share some important information
on the necessary precautions to take in order to safeguard against the damaging effects
of UV radiation this summer as recommended by the United State Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS).

One of the most important ways to protect oneself from overexposure to UV
radiation is to understand the risks. While the sun emits UV rays no matter the season,
exposure is greatest during the summer months, which also coincides with a time of
increased outdoor activity for most people. As one of the most popular tourism
destinations in the state, this is especially true in our area as both locals and visitors
alike spend more time outside participating in recreational activities such as fishing,
kayaking and swimming. It is also important to note that the sun’s UV rays are
strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As such, HHS recommends seeking shade when
possible, during these hours to limit exposure.

Moreover, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
strength of the sun’s UV rays can vary from day to day due to many factors such as
changes in the weather. Limiting outdoor activity during days when the UV Index
forecast is high can also help reduce one’s chance of overexposure. You can check the
UV Index forecast to understand the exposure risks in our area daily by visiting Sun
Safety – The UV Index.

In addition to understanding your risk of exposure to UV radiation, another way
to reduce instances of skin cancer is by wearing protective clothing such as long-
sleeved shirts and pants. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also stated that UV
radiation is linked to many common vision issues such as cataracts. To protect against
damage from UV radiation, both the CDC and HHS recommend wearing broad-
brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.

According to American Cancer Society, wearing sunscreen is one of the most
important precautionary measures to take in avoiding overexposure to the sun’s
harmful UV rays. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends
generously applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to cover all exposed skin, which will
help protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The FDA
also recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) at a value of at
least 15. Sunscreen should be generously applied throughout the day, especially after
swimming and sweating.

This summer, I hope you will all join me in promoting UV safety by following
the recommendations outlined above. To learn more about the ways you can prevent
overexposure to UV radiation, please visit the HHS July UV Safety Month information
visit Fun and Breezy – Summer Safety Tips. To learn more about skin cancer,
including risk factors and early detection techniques, please visit American Cancer
Society.

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

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, hispanic chamber of commerce, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Hanna, Hurricane Relief, mustang island, North Padre Island Marina, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, port aransas, Todd Hunter

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – MAY 2023

June 19, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for May 2023. Our active listing median prices rose quite a bit the past month to $460,273 this past month which is 20.3% increase than where it was compared to last April at this time!
CCAR shows us the data that significantly rising for active listings by 73.8% with a total of 186 properties this past month while inventory Has risen at 4.2 compared to 1.9 last year during the month of May.

Days on the market for sale are declining from last month with an average of 60 days and the highest category for sales with 31.8% of all the sales being priced between $400,000 – $499,999. The market is heating up as we are moving into the summer. The Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI will be selling properties soon as constructions continues to boom on Padre island. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.1 percent in May, down from 0.4 percent in April, while the yearly rate rose 4 percent, compared to 4.9 percent in April, the lowest yearly inflation rate since March 2021. Federal Reserve officials left interest rates unchanged this past week, skipping an increase after raising rates 10 times in a row since March 2022. Still, policymakers predicted that they might need to raise rates two more times this year to keep driving inflation downward.

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 2023 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-may-2023

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island Marina, realtors, selling a home, Water Exchange Bridge, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI

Shred It for Sealife to Benefit Texas Sealife Center

June 3, 2023 By

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Coastal Financial and Padre Island Business Association (PIBA) are proud to announce their upcoming event, Shred It for Sealife, to benefit the Texas Sealife Center. This community shredding event and donation drive will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 9am to 12pm at Texas Sealife Center located at 14220 S Padre Island Dr.

A Shred-It truck will be on-site for individuals and businesses to dispose of their sensitive documents in a way that is secure and environmentally friendly. PIBA Ambassadors and volunteers will guide the public through the drop-off process. Donations of any amount are welcome and will go directly to the Texas Sealife Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and sick sea turtles and other marine animals.

“We are excited to partner with Padre Island Business Association to host this event for the community.” Said Keith Clark, President of Coastal Financial. “Identity theft is a growing concern for my clients and many people, and we want to provide a safe and convenient way for them to dispose of their sensitive documents while also protecting the environment and supporting the efforts of the Texas Sealife Center. We hope to make Shred-It for Sealife an annual event and invite everyone in the community to participate.” Mr. Clark will also match the first $500 in donations.

What to Bring: Paper documents you’d like securely shred. Up to 5 containers (file boxes or equivalent) per person. Items NOT allowed: stiff metal, hanging folders, plastic bags, electronic devices, or items that will jam the shredder. You can contact the Coastal Financial office at (361) 949-3330 for more details.

Coastal Financial, LLC

Keith R. Clark, FA
14933 S Padre Island Dr
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
(361) 949-3330
keith.clark1@lpl.com

Filed Under: Charities, Hurricane Relief, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Restaurants, Retail Tax, spring break, Water Exchange Bridge

2023 Home Improvement Tips

May 25, 2023 By

Create a Budget.  Most home improvement projects end up being over budget by 10%. To avoid costly surprises during the process of improving your home, be sure to reserve 10-15% of your budget to cover unknown expenses.

Get Multiple Estimates.  It’s important to meet with at least three contractors and request detailed estimates in writing from each. Be sure to walk with them through your home to show them the exact project for the most accurate estimate.

Contact References.  One of the most important steps in the home improvement process is contacting a contractor’s references. The best way to avoid disappointing or unfinished work in your home is to contact references and ask if the contractor performed quality work on time and within budget. Did any issues arise, and if so, how were they taken care of?

Check With BBB.  Always search for a contractor or home improvement business at bbb.org to find out important business information, read reviews or complaints, and make sure they’re a legitimate business. Don’t forget to check the licenses and registration status of any contractor you hire to do work in your home.

Review the Contract.  Make sure the contract is written, dated, and signed by both you and the contractor. Be sure the contractor provides the start date and the date of “substantial completion.” The contract must provide a detailed description of the work to be done and materials involved. Laws vary between states so be sure to review what is legally required to be in your contract per your state.

Verify Insurance.  Ask for the contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage sheet proving the insurance is in place, as well as the coverage page for the Commercial General Liability policy (CGL). Request that the contractor add you as an additional insured on the policy to protect you if a worker injures himself on your property.

Check the Permits.  Always check to make sure the contractor has obtained all building, plumbing and electrical permits required. If a contractor avoids pulling the permits himself, this is a major red flag.

Stay Up-To-Date.  If any changes arise that involve an increase in cost or change in work, ask the contractor for a “change order” to fill out and sign. It should provide the original contract price, a detailed description of the new work, its cost, and the updated total, signed and dated by both parties.

Red Flags

Door-to-Door Contractors.  If a contractor appears on your doorstep and claims they are doing work in your neighborhood or they have “extra materials,” it’s best to decline any offer for work. Reliable businesses will give you time to do your research before committing.

Pulling Permits.  If a contractor asks that you pull the permit for your home improvement project, it may be a red flag that the contractor isn’t properly bonded and insured. Legitimate contractors are responsible for getting all required permits for the job.

Payment Upfront.  If a contractor asks for payment upfront, this is a major red flag. Never pay a contractor in cash, use a credit card or check. A trustworthy contractor should accept a payment plan of one-third upfront, one-third halfway through completion, and one-third when the project has been successfully completed.

Using a Lender.  If a contractor pressures you into using his preferred lender, this is typically a red flag. If you need to take a loan out to pay for the project, research lenders on your own and be sure to review interest fees, terms of agreement, and more.

Inaccessible. If you can’t verify the contractor’s contact information, location, or credentials, this is a major red flag. You should be able to find information online about the contractor, his business, and his contact information.

Article Published via Better Business Bureau 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, Local Schools, North Padre Island, Scam Alert, selling a home, windstorm insurance

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – APRIL 2023

May 15, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for April 2023. Our active listing median prices dipped slightly the past month to $390,000 this past month which is 0.8% less than where it was compared to last April at this time!
CCAR shows us the data that significantly rising for active listings by 62.8% with a total of 166 properties this past month while inventory Has risen at 3.6 compared to 1.8 last year during the month of April.

Days on the market for sale are increasing from last month with an average of 88 days and the highest category for sales with 36.0% of all the sales being priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is staying quite strong as we move closer to summer. The consumer price index rose 4.9% in April 2023, the smallest increase in two years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday in a monthly inflation report. The FED still showing signs of inflation continue to slow down if not holding steady. The Summer Housing market is right around the corner, and we are anticipating an extremely busy season.

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 2023 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-february-2023

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, home maintenance, Investment Property, Mortgages, Padre Island Business Association, Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club, realtors, selling a home, Water Exchange Bridge, Whitecap Development Project, windstorm insurance

National Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2, 2023 By

Each year, May is designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month. This
awareness month began to educate communities about mental health conditions and provide
support along with resources to those individuals living with mental illness. Millions across the
country are affected by mental illness each year. According to the Texas Statewide Behavioral
Health Coordinating Council, over 3.3 million adults in Texas are living with a mental illness.
Furthermore, more than half of the adults in Texas who need mental health treatment do not
receive any. Unfortunately, children are affected by mental illness as well. According to the
Texas Health & Human Services Commission, one out of four children will have a mental illness
during childhood. Therefore, breaking down the stigma attached to mental illness through
education and outreach is a key goal of National Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental illness is a
condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. Mental health conditions
are far more common and come in many different forms. As a result of this, it is important to
look for common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents. To learn more about the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and find more
information about mental health conditions, please visit SAMHSA. For more resources please
visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. For more mental health resources in
Texas, visit Mental Health Texas.

In Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) contracts with Local Mental
Health Authorities (LMHAs) across the state to provide mental health services to communities.
The Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities delivers mental health services
to those who live in Nueces County. You can learn more by visiting https://www.ncmhid.org/.
Additionally, you can visit the Coastal Plains Community Center, which provides mental health
services in Aransas County.
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 Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, North Padre Island Marina, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

Scam Alert: Home title fraud

April 27, 2023 By

Home title fraud happens when someone obtains the title to your property and changes ownership from your information to theirs.  The scary part is, you may not even realize it has happened until it’s too late.

How the Scam Works:

Scammers will choose a house, sometimes a second home, rental or vacant house. They then gather your personal information from the internet or elsewhere, and take over your identity to assume the role of property owner or claim to represent you.  They file the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership of your property to themselves, using forged signatures and fake identification. They then sell the home or borrow against the equity.  You might not even know this has happened until a lender starts to send letters of foreclosure on your home due to failure to make payments.

Protect Yourself Against This Scam:

  • Be careful with your personal information. Treat your personal information like the valuable commodity it is. Make sure you shred any documents that have your bank account information, Social Security/Social Insurance number, or other personal information. Be suspicious of any unsolicited communication asking for personal information.
  • Check your credit reports regularly for unauthorized inquiries and accounts. In the U.S., you have the right to check your credit report with each of the three major credit bureaus once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only free crediting reporting service authorized by the Federal Trade Commission. Space these checks out across the year, and you will know fairly quickly if something is wrong. In Canada, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides information on requesting a free credit report.
  • Look for unexplained withdrawals, charges, and accounts. Review your bank account and credit card statements regularly. Look for unfamiliar charges, accounts, or withdrawals. Know when your bills are due; one tip-off for identity theft is when you stop receiving certain bills. This can happen because scammers have changed the address associated with your bank account or credit card. If bills don’t arrive on time, follow up with your creditors. Debt collectors may call you about debts that aren’t yours. You can also set up automatic alerts on your accounts so you are notified every time a transaction is made.
  • Check with your local recorder of deeds. Look for deeds that you or anyone representing you did not prepare or sign, periodically.  Make sure they have the correct mailing address for you.  Some counties provide consumer notification services any time a document is recorded on your property.

If your identity has been stolen:

  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you create an ID theft report, if your ID is stolen. This report will help you deal with the credit reporting agencies and companies that extended credit to the identity thief using your name. First, report the crime to the FTC and print a copy of the details. Contact FTC at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or Identitytheft.gov.
  • File a report with local law enforcement. Keep all records of your case, police reports and supporting documents; these may be needed by credit card companies or banks to prove innocence.
  • File a report with the FBI: Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov.
  • Place a “fraud alert” or “freeze” on your credit reports.Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Let them know you’ve been a victim of identity theft and ask questions—including what protection is provided and if there are any costs—to determine whether a fraud alert or freeze is best for your situation.
  • Notify all credit grantors and financial institutions.Check the status on existing accounts, as they may have been jeopardized. Find out if there is any unauthorized activity or new accounts have been fraudulently opened in your name. You may be advised to close some or all of your accounts. Create new passwords and change your PINs.

Read more about housing scams in BBB’s Scam Alert on Foreclosure Rescue Scams.

If you encounter a scam, we ask that you report it to our BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/scamtracker, and you can learn more about common scams at BBB.org/scamtips.

Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts.

Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.

Better Business Bureau Serving Acadiana contributed to this article.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi jobs, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, windstorm insurance

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – MARCH 2023

April 14, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for March 2023. Our active listing median prices continue to rise the past month to $425,000 this past month which is 7.3& above where it was compared to last March at this time!
CCAR shows us the data that significantly rising for active listings by 54.6% with a total of 153 properties this past month while inventory Has risen at 3.1 compared to 1.8 last year during the month of March.

Days on the market for sale are steady from last month with an average of 79 days and the highest category for sales with 34.0% of all the sales being priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is keeping pace as we move deeper into Spring. The consumer price index eased to 5% in March 2023 on an annual basis, down from 6% in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation report. The FED still showing signs of inflation that is slowing a bit now. The Spring Housing market is well underway, and we are anticipating a very busy season.

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 2023 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-february-2023

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home, spring cleaning, Whitecap Development Project

Happy Easter 2023

April 6, 2023 By

As Easter is upon us, it is a time for reflection and renewal. At Coastline Properties would like to take a moment to wish all of our valued clients and their families a very Happy Easter!

The Easter holiday holds special significance for many of us. It is a time to celebrate the promise of new beginnings, to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and to spend time with loved ones.

In the spirit of the season, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of our clients for entrusting us with their real estate needs. We feel privileged to be a part of your home buying and selling journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the years to come.

We also recognize that the past year has been challenging for many of us, and we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and trust in our team. We are committed to providing the highest level of service, expertise, and guidance to help you achieve your real estate goals, no matter what challenges may arise.

As we celebrate this joyous occasion, we hope that you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful Easter filled with love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings. May the beauty and hope of the season bring you peace, happiness, and many blessings.

Thank you again for choosing Coastline Properties as your trusted partner in all of your real estate endeavors. We wish you all a Happy Easter!

Filed Under: Holiday Parties, Local Food, padre island events, realtors, Restaurants, spring break, spring cleaning

April Brings Attention to Autism

April 1, 2023 By

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Awareness months are helpful because they
bring public attention to issues facing many of our friends and families and autism is no
different. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the medical term for
Autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is described as a group of developmental
disabilities which can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

The National Institute of Mental Health further characterizes ASD as:
 Ongoing social problems that include difficulty communicating and interacting with
others
 Repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or activities
 Symptoms that typically are recognized during early childhood
 Symptoms that hurt the individual’s ability to function socially, at school or work, or
other areas of life

Further explanation of these characteristics can be found at
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
It is important to note that individuals diagnosed with ASD differ in their learning, thinking, and
problem-solving abilities. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide
variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. ASD occurs in all ethnic,
racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services
can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function.
There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is generally accepted
that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in
the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism compared to in neurotypical children.

Researchers do not know the exact cause of autism but are investigating a number of
theories, including the links among heredity, genetics, and medical problems.
In many families, there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting
the theory that the disorder has a genetic basis. While no one gene has been identified as causing
autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that children with autism
may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a susceptibility to autism,
but researchers have not yet identified a single “trigger” that causes autism to develop. However,
ASD can usually be diagnosed by the age of two.

There are a variety of organizations that provide helpful resources and information
regarding ASD. One organization is the Autism Society which was founded in 1965 by Bernard
Rimland, Ph. D, whose own son was diagnosed with ASD. Since its formation the Autism
Society has grown from a handful of parents to having local and state affiliate offices in nearly
all 50 states. These offices are connected through a network that enables the Autism Society to
share resources like referral services and education/awareness programs.

The Autism Society is dedicated to its role of increasing public awareness about ASD,
which includes the day to day challenges faced by individuals, families and professionals
affected by ASD. If you would like to learn more about the Autism Society you can go to
www.autism-society.org. Another organization that serves as a resource for ASD is Autism Now.
You can go to their website at www.autismnow.org to learn more.

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

Filed Under: Charities, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Packery Channel, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge
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