< PreviousSINCE 1976 David Bowers, Realtor ® 409-763-2800 David@DavidBowers.com The House Company ...Still with a personal touch! Look for my Listings or Open Houses every Friday and the Weedeknd edition of The Daily News Professional Service for Home Buyers & Sellers! 3651 Foremast Drive $449,900 3/3/2 Lafitte’s Cove 5500 Ibis Drive $375,000 4/3/2 Fireplace & 2 dens 511 16th $379,500 2/2/1 Circa 1868 2122 Ave K $364,500 3/1.5/2 & 2 bed apart 2118 Ave K $325,000 3/1.5/2 plus 2 apartments 1727 Ball $359,000 East End Four-plex Circa 1880s 3826 Ave O 1/2 $299,750 3/2/1 Circa 1899 2115 Postoffice #4 $359,500 2nd floor condo with 2 car garage T he Galveston real es- tate market has never been as robust as it is today. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, people can not get on a cruise ship, and they are afraid to fly. But, they want to be on an island and Galveston is that island. The dynamics are exciting. The cute two-bedroom, two- bath cottages in mint condi- tion are getting $260-$300 a square foot at least. People like the idea of using it as a vacation rental when they are not in town. The vacation rental business is doing very well. Guests say it is safer, due to the pandemic, to stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. The large houses have tried to piggy-back on to the pricey cottage action, but it does not work that way. Several houses have closed in last couple of months in the $615,000-$695,000 range. However, several had been grossly overpriced and sold $100,000s less than initially listed. A couple of proper- ties sold substantially less than their last sale in the late 2016-first half of 2017, the last big house buying spree. Be careful in your pricing. Make sure what you want and the realities of the mar- ket are in alignment. Investment property, besides vacation rentals, is doing very well. Duplex- es, four-plexes and larger multi-family properties are very attractive investments, and these properties remain at 100 percent occupancy with sound management practices. Be prudent in your main- tenance of your property. Always get the proper certifi- cation on roof repairs. Make your curb appeal appealing. It is the first chance your property gets to wow a pro- spective buyer. I have sold real estate in Galveston for more than 31 years. From one end of the island to the other, this is a great place to call home and it is a great community to get involved in to always strive to make it better. For more information, contact David Bowers, of The House Company, at 409-763- 2800 or david@davidbowers. com. David Bowers: Vacation rentals are on the rise on Galveston Island, especially during pandemic PAID ADVERTISEMENT 10 | Parade of Homes | 20202020 | Parade of Homes | 11 O ur backyards are some of the best places to spend the summer months, especially if you’re prac- ticing social distancing and are tired of being cooped up indoors. Fortunately, it’s possible to trans- form your outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat. Bring the indoors out. We often hear about bringing the outdoors inside, but the reverse is also true when designing a luxurious extension of your home. Homey, lived-in touches can take your outdoor space from sterile and unfinished to cozy and inviting. Think patterned throw pillows, fluffy blankets for chilly evenings, outdoor rugs, colorful lanterns, and decorative accessories like painted terracotta pots or metal tins. Invest in comfy furniture. What’s the best part of your living or family room? Chances are it’s your comfortable couch or reclin- er. To recreate the same feeling, splurge on some soft furniture that will make you want to stay outside for hours reading a book or working remotely. It doesn’t have to break the bank either — you can DIY a cozy lounging bench with reclaimed wood and hand-sewn cushions with outdoor stuffing and fabric. Add a relaxing pool or spa. Water has a calming effect and is often linked to our favorite mem- ories at the cottage or on vacation. A pool or spa can help transport you somewhere far away without leaving your home. A pool can help you and the kids get some ex- ercise while swimming laps, while a spa can soothe tired muscles after a long day hunched over your laptop. To reduce energy costs and increase longevity, consider using Nudura insulated concrete forms, which provide superior insulation. ICF pools also can be custom-made to accommodate any design, making them a very versatile and efficient way to build pools. Go wild with greenery. Live plants can help you feel connect- ed with nature, and tending to them can help you feel relaxed yet productive during isolation. A vertical garden can add visual interest, while trees and shrubs can provide shade and character. Aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary offer pleasant scents and can spice up your cooking. And don’t be afraid to cut some flowers from your garden to place in vases or pots for beauti- ful finishing touches. — Metro Creative Connection Creating your own backyard oasisVacation Rentals & Real Estate Sales | sandnsea.com | 409.797.5500 EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES.Mary Ellen Smith ABR, E-PRO, GRI, RSPS, SFR, SRES, CMRS BROKER / OWNER / REALTOR P.O. BOX 2555 CRYSTAL BEACH, TEXAS 77650 (409) 457-1070 CrystalBeachBroker@att.net CrystalBeachResortProperties.com MaryEllenSmith.com Beautiful 4 Beds, 3 Full Baths, 2,209 Sqft. Lot. Perfect for family and/or rental revenue, this home sleeps 18 comfortably and is currently on a rental program as “Just One More Day”. Use the cargo lift on the street side of the house and covered stairs on the beachside. Inside a wall of windows enables you to view the Gulf of Mexico and the sandy beaches. Beach access is simple and short. Just a 1 or 2 minute walk or golf cart ride and you can enjoy a wide, family friendly beach for the day. $776.000 710 Johnson CrawfordME Realty: Bolivar - the laid-back side of the upper Gulf Coast PAID ADVERTISEMENT W hen asked how he is, a coastal Realtor colleague answers “Just another day in paradise.” That is how many coastal dwell- ers, week- enders and visitors feel as they soak up coastal living in Galves- ton County. Whether you have or want a home on the beach, on the bay or in downtown, when you come over the causeway from the mainland you know that home is near. There are a lot of great things to do in Galveston, and I love to go to Galveston and then back to Bolivar. Bolivar residents feel that same joy and pride wheth- er they come over the High Island bridge from the east or take the ferry cruise from Galveston from the west. The approximate 28 miles of Bolivar beach profiles the southern border and the In- traCoastal and East Galveston Bay outline the north side. Bolivar Peninsula is the laid- back side of Galveston Coun- ty’s Gulf Coast. It consists of small communities, like High Island, Gilchrist, Caplen, Port Bolivar and — the biggest — Crystal Beach. Each has a different vibe. We are little and laid back, but we have gift shops, dollar stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, restau- rants and The Big Store (So named because it big and has a huge variety from fresh meats to hardware and much more). We have hardware/ lumber yards, a Chamber of Commerce, a tourist center, a bank, bars and lots of church- es. In other words, we really have everything you need to enjoy life during these trou- bled times. And, if you really need to go to Galveston, and it is one of those times when it has a long line, park your car in the ferry parking lot, walk on, enjoy the view and the dolphins and call a ride share in Galveston. It is almost like being in the big city but only better. I am telling you all this because buying a home, no matter whether it is your primary, secondary, weekend retreat or rental investment, is more than buying the struc- ture; it is also the community, the life style and the people. And speaking of the peo- ple, you need to know about the Crab Festival, Mardi Gras parade, Christmas parade, golf cart parades, golf tour- naments and fishing tourna- ments. Some events may be gone this year, but they will be back. They are too much a part of life on Bolivar. Bolivar Peninsula has prop- erties in all price ranges and locations. We have beachside, beachfront, bayfront, bay- side and interior properties. A large percentage of our homes have been built in the last 20 years, and more are being built every day. Because of demand, the in- ventory has been low. This is all the more reason to enlist a local agent to help you find that dream home. A Realtor knows flood and wind insurance, which subdi- visions have vehicular access to the beach and which do not, which subdivisions allow rentals and which do not. And the list goes on. There are many knowl- edgeable, capable and friendly Realtors on Bolivar. Call one to see if there is a property for you on Bolivar. I am one of those that live here (since 1983), work here (owned a business since 1983 and a Realtor since 1995) who would be happy to help. I can be reached at 409- 457-1070 and crystalbeach broker@att.net. But, remem- ber, if not me, call one of my fellow Realtors in Crystal Beach and come check out the laid-back Side of the Gal- veston County Gulf Coast. Mary Ellen Smith 2020 | Parade of Homes | 1516 | Parade of Homes | 2020 J.A. Weldon John Weldon • 409-737-2731 johnweldon1962@outlook.com “Customize Your Home” Backyard Projects Siding & WindowsRemodeling/Renovations Custom Beach Homes jcroofinggalveston.com • 409-750-8043 8610 Seawall Blvd. #105, Galveston, TX 77554 BENEFITS OF ROOFING PANELS: • Outstanding Durability / Extended Roof Life • Commercial Grade Steel and Aluminum • 12’ to 20” Coverage Per Panel • TDI Approved • Hail Resistant – UL2218 Class 4 Rated • Zero Exposed Fasteners • Interlocking Panels Provide A Smooth, Uniformed Look • Energy Efficient • Wide Range of Designer Colors • Environment Friendly • Virtually Maintenance Free JC R oofing Galveston’s #1 Roofer est. 1996 METAL AND COMPOSITE SHINGLE SPECIALIST Free Estimate call today! C OVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expect- ing to see lasting impacts on ev- erything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Houses over apartments: Many people who live in con- dos or apartments do so to be closer to the action — work, entertainment and shops — and never planned on spend- ing much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again. Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t nec- essarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce. Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balco- nies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, sooth- ing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furni- ture to create a much-needed escape. Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. Home office space: Busi- ness experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creat- ing a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonom- ic chairs and desks will see a major boost. Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. — Metro Creative Connection How home design trends are evolving for social distancing3 Broads & A Broom has celebrated its eighth summer season on beautiful Galveston Island. Es- tablished in 2013, within their first few months of business, these local ladies moved into their current location at 3802 Cove View Blvd, just west of the seawall, where the busi- ness has bloomed into one of the community’s leading service providers. Owners Jennifer Meyers and Ivey Gonzalez were both born and raised in Galveston, so they know first-hand the effort it takes to clean homes that come across sandy feet, Texas weather and pets. 3 Broads has set the bar high within the industry by helping rental owners maintain 5-star ratings and helping home owners take great pride and care of their largest investment. Over the past few years, this company has grown leaps and bounds, and the ladies’ success- es are attributed to their one simple philosophy of “clean the way you would want your home to be cleaned.” 3 Broads is focused on providing high-quality service, dependability, communication and overall customer satis- faction. The primary goal is to build lasting relationships not only with clients, but also within the community. Since the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic, 3 Broads has ensured that only EPA-approved products are used to help fight the virus and keep clients safe. In addi- tion, 3 Broads takes every pre- caution, including daily staff temperature checks, gloves, as needed, and always wearing masks when home owners are present. They provide a fresh, sparkling and clean home, as well as piece of mind during troublesome times. 3 Broads & A Broom is bonded and insured, and it only employs the best of the best after performing back- ground checks. This local company is proud to have two full-time certified house- keeping technicians on staff. In addition to providing quality care for residential homes, vacation rental proper- ties and high-end construction cleaning, they have been ac- tive within the community by being a Lassie League Sponsor, collecting and contributing to Blue Santa, donating annu- ally to the Galveston Island Humane Society, the Galves- ton County Food Bank as well as making donations to help local veterans. References, reviews and more found at www.broadsn brooms.com. Visit the office, 3802 Cove View Blvd, or call 409-497-4941 for information. 3 Broads & A Broom: Keeping your home spotless all year long PAID ADVERTISEMENT 2020 | Parade of Homes | 17GOT BIG PLANS? Subject to membership eligibility. Rates and terms determined by borrower’s credit qualifications. For a complete list of rates and terms, visit us online at www.AMOCOfcu.org. NMLS ID: 408167 AMOCOfcu.org/real-estate-loans Apply online today! 800.231.6053 | AMOCOfcu.org Whether you're looking to buy or refinance, or wanting to make home improvements like putting in a new swimming pool, look no further than AMOCO for your real estate needs. • 1st and 2nd lien home equity loans • Minimum loan amount of $25,000 • Fixed rates and terms up to 30 years • Competitive low loan rates • FHA and VA • Conventional loans HOME EQUITY LOANMORTGAGE LOAN POOL LOAN • No origination fee • Up to $75,000 max loan amount • Fixed rates and terms up to 15 yearsAMOCO Federal Credit Union: Helping members finance their dream home PAID ADVERTISEMENT W hether it’s a purchase or a refi- nance, don’t trust a stranger with your largest investment. Choose a financial institution with experienced mortgage representatives who will work closely with you every step of the way. Everyone’s financial posi- tion is different, so no one loan will fit everyone’s needs. That is why AMOCO offers a variety of real estate loan products with competitive rates. From new home loans and refinancing, to buying a va- cation home, AMOCO’s real estate department isn’t one to disappoint. “The best part of our job is helping members realize their dream of homeownership, seeing the finished product of their new in-ground swim- ming pool or newly remod- eled home,” said Michelle Still, manager of the Real Estate Department. “Plus, our service doesn’t end after the loan is booked. We take pride in delivering exceptional ser- vice in good times and bad, including times of a global pandemic.” If you’re in the market to buy a home, make improve- ments to your existing home, or put in a new swimming pool, look no further than AMOCO for your real estate needs. Their personalized service has earned them the title of Best Mortgage Company in Galveston County for eight years. Contact AMOCO’s Real Estate department today to help you get the home you’ve always wanted. Call the Real Estate department at 800-231- 6053 or visit www.AMOCO fcu.org for more information. 2020 | Parade of Homes | 19Next >