Port Aransas Real Estate

Texas Economy Rolls On - Detailed In Updated Texaplex Video

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:52:10 -0700

David Winans of Better Homes and Gardens DFW follows up his popular 2008 Texaplex video with an update that reveals how the shifting US demographics and the Texas economy have The Lone Star State positioned for a bright future.

Just a few of the exciting facts you'll find in the new Texaplex video:

· Nearly half of all new jobs, since 2009, we’re created in Texas.

· The annual economic output of Texas exceeds 1 trillion dollars, and that number is climbing.

· If the entire 7 billion population of the world moved to Texas, there would be more than 1100 sq feet for every man, woman, and child on the planet. That’s 4.5% more space than what New York City dwellers are already used to.

In the 2010 census, Texas had over 25 million residents. But by 2030, Texas will grow to 40 million residents. That’s like unloading four jumbo jets every day—for the next 19 years, and no one has a return flight.

Watch this very informative video here.

Port Aransas - Summer 2011 - One For The Record Books

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:34:21 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - A recent article in the Port Aransas South Jetty Newspaper details the "Sizzling Summer" in Port Aransas as area businesses reported record numbers. Vacation rentals are up, sales tax receipts are up and new construction on residential development continues. The Texas economy and more specifically that of Port Aransas is performing exceptionally well, despite the somewhat dire news on a national level.

The complete article can be found at South Jetty Online.

Port Aransas, Texas

Five New 3 BR Townhomes Complete Pirates Bay Phase I

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:39:38 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Construction is underway on the five final townhomes in the first phase of The Cottages at Pirates Bay in Port Aransas. The new three bedroom, two bath units offer the popular features that have made this development a tremendous success. Coastal interiors with scored concrete floors, grainite counters, glass tile backsplash, wainscoting and stained wood ceilings just to name a few. Also included are impact/storm windows and doors. Priced at $204,900 and completed Dec 2011 - January 2012

Two of the units have already sold and only three units remain in Phase I. Low HOA fees and vacation rental revenue make these townhomes a popular choice.

Vacation Townhomes In Port Aransas - The Commons At Seashell Drive

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:51:35 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Enjoy island living near the beach in these attractively priced coastal townhomes. Units start at $225,000 and feature a large and open living, dining and kitchen area. The development features a large common area with a swimming pool, cabanas, grills and hammocks.

Located on S Eleventh Street in Port Aransas and a short bike ride to the beach. Enjoy all that Port A has to offer while making a sound investment. Learn more at The Commons at Seashell Village and check out our Youtube Channel for virtual tours.

The Commons - Port Aransas Texas

State approves funding for the Mustang Beach Airport in Port Aransas

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:49:51 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - The Texas Transportation Commission announced yesterday that approximately $690,000 was approved in the Setember meeting. These funds will be used for planned improvements which include replacing the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and engineer/design for pavement and lighting improvements.

Project costs will be funded through TxDOT's Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state's general aviation system and the City of Port Aransas.

Mustang Beach Airport Port Aransas

Port Aransas Chosen As Best Weekend Getaway By The Houston Press

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:01:13 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Port Aransas has been chosen as "Best Weekend Getaway" by the Houston Press. They noted that "The water is much prettier and greener than that of the Upper Coast, and there's both grit and family friendly fun in this Coastal Bend town less than four hours down the Southwest Freeway." Read the complete article at houstonpress.com. Earlier this year readers of the San Antonio Express News selected Port Aransas as their preferred weekend getaway.

Cinnamon Shore's Beach Bridal Show In Port Aransas, Texas

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:17:38 -0700

MUSTANG ISLAND, TEXAS; Sept. 26, 2011 –To showcase its wedding facilities, Cinnamon Shore, a picture-perfect seaside village featuring 1,200 feet of beachfront on Mustang Island, will host “Cinnamon Shore’s Beach Bridal Show” on Sun., Oct. 16, for prospective brides, wedding planners and vendors alike. The event, taking place at 5009 Hwy 361, from noon to 5 p.m., will be open to the public and free of charge!

One lucky bride-to-be will even win a wedding at Cinnamon Shore featuring free goods and services provided by the “Cinnamon Shore’s Beach Bridal Show” vendors and complimentary accommodations at Cinnamon Shore for the bride and groom on their wedding night.

At “Cinnamon Shore’s Beach Bridal Show”, brides-to-be will find everything they need to plan the perfect wedding—from the ceremony to the celebration. From catering to cakes and bouquets to bridesmaids’ dresses, everything one needs for getting hitched and wedded bliss will be on display. Most wedding vendors will be set up in booths at the Town Center, with food and cake vendors set up at Keira’s Pool and Clubhouse.

White tents complete with mock table settings will be displayed on the Great Lawn, and models wearing bridal gowns and tuxedos will wander throughout the property showing off the latest wedding styles. In addition, attendees will take self-guided tours of the mixed-use community to view all the options for indoor, outdoor and waterside weddings. Maps of the property will be available at the Town Center, and golf carts will be provided for those who require rides.

Throughout the property, there are numerous locations with breathtaking vistas that will handle weddings of various sizes. Waterside outdoor options include, of course, beach weddings, but there are also two fresh-water lakes and a tranquil infinity pool that provide beautiful backdrops. Outdoor ceremonies can be held at the Lake Colby Boardwalk and Fishing Pavilion or on the open, meticulously manicured Great Lawn--a one-acre expanse framed in by lush landscaping and stone pavers--while intimate indoor ceremonies can be held in Keira’s Pool Clubhouse or the C Bar Café, complete with kitchen facilities and space for dancing.

In addition, the Town Center makes for the ideal locale for weddings, particularly for receptions and dinners. Also, Cinnamon Shore can accommodate overnight guests in its many rental houses and condos (three residence minimum required), sleeping up to 14 people in the larger homes. Plus, Cinnamon Shore offers a two-night “Romantic Get-Away” package to start any romance off right, perhaps for an elopement. For more information, visit www.cinnamonshore.com. To learn about the bridal show, call (888) 893-0656.

Port Aransas Weddings

Travelscope Port Aransas - Set To Air On PBS In 500+ Markets

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:06:57 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, TX - The Emmy Award Winning Series Travelscope will showcase Port Aransas and Mustang Island in a new 30 minute episode. Join host Joseph Rosendo as he explores the natural beauty of the island and the surrounding waters.

The Travelscope crew enjoyed the many activities that make Port Aransas a favorite destination. They beautifully captured kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, beach cruising, exploring the offshore waters and taking in some of the famous Port A food and nightlife.

In the Travelscope blog "Livin' On Island Time - Port Aransas" Mr. Rosendo sums it up perfectly. "...it is probably one of the healthiest ecosystems in the country supporting hundreds of species of bird, animal and marine life. Couple these realities with my introduction to a Texas culture more spiritually in tune with the islands of the Caribbean than the skyscrapers of Dallas or Houston and you have one very happy traveler."

Check your local PBS schedule for the time and date as these vary by market. Be sure to set your DVR and prepare to drift into Island Time...

The Cottages At Pirates Bay - Port Aransas, Texas: New Units And Sales

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:58:47 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, Texas, Activity has been brisk in recent weeks at The Cottages At Pirates Bay in Port Aransas. Four new three-bedroom units are under construction with another five set to begin at the end of the month. Several of these new units are still available for sale. In addition to the new construction, all the existing Phase I units have been sold but the sales office / model home (Unit 118).

Buyers are discovering the incredible value and the cash flow opportunities that these popular vacation rentals can produce. The new three bedroom units are priced at $204,900 and comparable existing units will generate $35k+ in gross rental revenue this year. Based on all the recent activity, it appears to be a winning combination.

Construction has begun on four new 3BR Townhomes in Port Aransas

The lagoon pool at Pirates Bay

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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KENS 5 TV San Antonio - Great Day SA Takes A Road Trip To Port A

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:58:06 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, TX - This week the crew from Great Day SA at KENS 5 in San Antonio visited Port A on a one-day road trip. The video shows them enjoying the beach, surf fishing, dining, shopping, dolphin watching and taking a tour of the 1,200 nature preserve and the UT Marine Science Institute. They did all of this for under $200 including gas. Port A was also recently selected as the favorite weekend getaway by San Antonio Express News readers. Enjoy the Port A video.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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If You Live In Texas, You Are Going To Love This Article In Forbes...

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:50:37 -0700

The Next Big Boom Towns In The U.S. - Number 1,4,5,7 are in the Lone Star State. Read the complete article in Forbes

Port Aransas, TX - Café to Open in Cinnamon Shore Town Center, in July

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:12:46 -0700

MUSTANG ISLAND, TEXAS; June 30, 2011 – Construction is almost complete on the Town Center Café, the first restaurant at the Cinnamon Shore mixed-use community on Mustang Island, and a grand opening is tentatively scheduled for mid-July. The opening will mark a major milestone for Cinnamon Shore, the first wholly master-planned New Urbanism development on Texas’s Coastal Bend featuring a close-knit, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with modern-day conveniences. It will be the first finished piece of commercial property in the community, and it serves as the start of the developer’s vision of a town center replete with convenient shops, charming restaurants, workspaces and gathering places coming to fruition.

With design and décor that is very similar to the adjacent homes, the Café fits in perfectly with Cinnamon Shore’s distinctive architectural vernacular. Boasting white washed wood plank walls, blue floors and a soaring ceiling, the Café evokes a sense of tranquility while reminding one of the 1,200 feet of beachfront on which the community was built.

Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., during peak season, the Café, located at 165 Social Circle, will feature a variety of organic gourmet coffees, artisan level espresso, fresh-baked pastries, assorted piled-high Panini sandwiches, frozen fruit smoothies and a full premium bar featuring microbrewery beer, an extensive wine list and super premium liquor. In addition, the Café will boast the Coastal Bend’s only fresh made Italian gelato and sorbetto, crafted locally by David Bendett, proprietor.

Catering to residents and guests alike, the Café is geared toward feeding the entire family for the whole day. From warm cinnamon rolls and muffins for breakfast to thick turkey, tuna or tomato basil Panini sandwiches (just to name a few) for lunch and dinner to refreshing after-dinner drinks and desserts (coffee and cocktails for the adults and Italian gelato for the kids), the Café has dining covered for the day. And for those on the go, the Café offers a boxed lunch including a sandwich, chips, pastry and drink for approximately $8—great for a picnic on the beach or to accompany a game of golf on the neighboring Newport Dunes Links course.

Of all the tasty treats at the Café, perhaps the most mentionable is the Italian gelato. According to Bendett, “Gelato has been around for over 400 years, contains 2/3 less fat than ice cream and tastes way better. Fruit based flavors (sorbetto) have no dairy in them, making them even healthier.”

Bendett, who also owns the Coffee Waves shops in Port Aransas and Corpus Christi, attended gelato school in Baltimore, Md., where he learned to make gelato from a small family-owned Italian company. He makes Italian Gelato just as they do in Italy and uses the most up-to-date modern equipment available to ensure the highest consistency and quality. All gelato served at the Café will be made fresh just a few miles down the road at Coffee Waves Port Aransas.
Bendett says that, aside from his two Coffee Waves shops, no one else sells fresh made gelato on the Coastal Bend. He says, “This unique product is just one of the things that makes the Café a one-of-a-kind business, setting the standard for coffee shops all the way to Houston and San Antonio.”

With over 90 different gelato and sorbetto flavors rotating on a weekly basis, Café customers will never be bored of the sweet confection. Some flavors will be kept in stock constantly, due to popular demand, including: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Butterfinger, Stratiatella, Mint Chocolate Chip, Fruits of the Forest, Strawberry, NSA Strawberry, Raspberry, Mango, Coconut, Pineapple, Strawberries and Cream, Chocolate Chip, Rocky Road, Heath Bar, Chocolate, NSA Chocolate, Pistachio, Nutella, Hazelnut and Tiramisu. Special flavors include: Root Beer Float, Banana Cream Pie, Monkey Tail (strawberry, banana and chocolate chip), Kiwi, Raspberry Chocolate, Dulce de Leche, Cotton Candy and many, many more. In fact, for a limited time, a special cinnamon flavor will be created especially for the Café grand opening. (Don’t miss your free sample!)

Cuisine brings a community together, as the Café will at Cinnamon Shore, offering a calendar of events on a monthly basis and serving as a social hotspot. Bendett plans on hosting wine tasting nights, martini madness nights, live music every weekend, special concerts in the town square and so much more, including a major Folk Festival in 2012.

Bendett says that while his Coffee Waves shops already offer an alternative to the “fast food” coffee chains by offering the highest-quality coffee for the “serious coffee snob”, the Café will raise the bar and take everything to the next level. Bendett reports, “The Café is a cool concept and a standout product. It sets an even higher standard for the area’s dining options, while offering something for everyone.”

To learn more about the Café at Cinnamon Shore, visitwww.cinnamonshore.com or call (361) 749-0704. For more information about real estate purchases and rentals at Cinnamon Shore, visit www.cinnamonshore.com or call (888) 893-0656.

Texas SandFest 2011 in Port Aransas

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:45:44 -0700

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - The largest master sandsculpting event in the U.S. takes place April 15-17 on the beach in Port A. The 15th Annual event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

SandFest has grown to become one of the largest events of the year. Come check out the amazing sand art, live music, food, arts and crafts. Fun for the whole family.

For more information and a calendar of events, visit online.

Cinnamon Shore In Port Aransas Continues To Prosper

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 11:37:53 -0800

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - New construction and steady sales levels continue at Cinnamon Shore on Mustang Island. 2011 should be another big year. Construction is underway on the Town Center with a variety of commercial enterprises arriving this Spring/Summer.

Home and condo sales have been strong and new spec homes are currently under construction. A complete inventory list is available here. Part of their succsss has been the top-notch amenities offered to residents. Swimming pools, lakes, dune crossovers, a fitness center and new concierge services help make Cinnamon Shore a winning development.

Cinnamon Shore Street Scene

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise

Keith McMullin, Port Aransas Real Estate (Port Aransas Realty, Inc) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:59:30 -0800

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Two recent articles in national publications support what is occuring in the Port Aransas real estate market. "Market for Vacation Homes Is on the Rise" reports the Wall Street Journal earlier this month.

The vacation home market on the Texas Gulf Coast is closely tied to the economic conditions of Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. The relative stability in these markets has prevented the extreme highs and lows seen elsewhere in the US (Florida, California, Nevada, etc).

Although the article "Real Estate: Finally a Good Investment?" in Smart Money (1/18/11) is geared towards the residential market rather than vacation homes, the logic holds true in both cases. Interest rates are still at or near historic lows and the long term prospects for inflation are likely. Typically, real estate performs well during inflation.

Investment income from short-term vacation rentals has been steadily increasing in Port Aransas. There are a number of theories as to why more and more people are opting for a family vacation on the Texas Coast. For most Texans, it is a short drive from home. Travelers can avoid the headaches associated with air travel (TSA pat downs, baggage fees, layovers, etc). The "Staycation" concept which keeps people close to home while getting away is another popular theory.

As a result, numerous condos and homes produce $30k to $50k+ in annual gross rental revenue. This can go a long way in covering expenses. What many prospects and buyers are saying is quite simple. They are looking for a sound investment that they can enjoy with their family.

If the trend from late 2010 and early 2011 is any indication, this could be a strong year for sales in Port Aransas and elsewhere along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Port Aransas / Mustang Island