< PreviousFREE ESTIMATES 30 | Parade of Homes | 2020 Affordable Air & Heat: Quickly expanding HVAC company offers service from Galveston to Conroe PAID ADVERTISEMENT C omfortable, reliable and afford- able air conditioning and heat are commitments that are made each day at Affordable Air & Heat. Let Brent Ballard, owner of Affordable Air, and his team put years of experience and a personable staff to work for you. Be assured that no matter how small or large the job, Affordable Air & Heat will do their best to continue earning your business. All technicians are registered by the state as HVAC technicians/installers. Thanks to customers, Affordable Air & Heat is now the largest supplier and dealer of Heil Equipment in the Gulf Coast Region. Affordable Air and Heat offers free estimates for all consumers, no matter how large or small. Ballard has been working in the HVAC field since 1987. In 1995, he took his experience in the field and turned it into a business that has been steadily in- creasing over the past few years. In fact, the company recently acquired another, which increased their service area all the way up to Conroe. Growth came to this company because of their dedication to being the best option around, providing quality service and leaving a lasting im- pression on each and every client. Ballard has made sure that the new acquisition did not cost the customers, so you can still expect the convenience of 24/7 service calls. Affordable Air and Heat now has more than 15 employees to provide quality air and heat products and service, with plenty of reliable ser- vice vehicles to get them to your home or business in a timely manner. Affordable Air offers financing options if you’re in need of a new cooling or heating unit, and Ballard’s team is happy to help you understand what federal tax credits might apply to your situation. In addition to repairs, residential and com- mercial customers can take advantage of their heat load calculations, parts and labor warranty, extended warranty con- tracts on complete systems, increased energy and environmental efficiency and indoor air quality improvement. Start the conversation today by contacting Affordable Air & Heat at 409-925-8275, office@affordableairtx.com, www.afford- ableairtx.com or in person at 12920 FM 1764, Santa Fe. Brent Ballard2020 | Parade of Homes | 31 V acation rentals are a relatively new yet popular addition to the travel market. Such rentals, which are typically homes, apartments or condos rented by private citizens via websites such as Airbnb, pro- vide tourists with alternatives to hotels. The market research firm Technavio estimates the glob- al vacation rental market will grow at a rate of 7 percent between 2017 and 2021. In the United Kingdom, data from the Smarthosts Vaca- tion Rental Forum indicates holiday rentals are now the fastest-growing sector of tourism. Rentals may offer more space, additional amenities and more affordable prices than hotels. Families of- ten enjoy rental properties because they can provide a home-away-from home feel. Rentals also may feature fully functioning kitchens, allow- ing renters to prepare some if not all of their vacation meals themselves, saving them mon- ey on food and beverages. Even though vacation rentals are quite popular, and there are many book- ing resources that will put interested parties in touch with private renters or rental organizations, vacationers must recognize that booking and paying for a vacation rental is very different from booking hotels. The following are some tips for travelers to consider before booking their next vacation rentals. • Consider an aggregator site. Aggregator websites showcase properties from multiple rental sites on a sin- gle page so that renters can easily compare their options. • Read the fine print. Read all of the information about rentals carefully. Details like lack of parking or no cable service should not be ignored. • Look at reviews. Read all of the reviews of a property on sites such as TripAdvi- sor, Google, Yelp, and the vacation rental site itself. Pay attention to the important details on where the property may be lacking. • Do an online map search. Plug in the address on a satellite mapping site and see what is around the property. This will help renters deter- mine if the property really is “steps from the beach” or if those steps are actually miles. Mapping also helps identify restaurants, shopping and recreation in the area. • Verify rates and payment information carefully. Price quotes may differ from the final price when other “fees” are added on. Certain rentals may have cleaning fees or re- quire renters pay for cable or internet access. Determine all fees before booking a rental. Verify with the rental owners that credit cards are accept- ed. A credit card offers more protection against fraud than cash or personal checks. • Call the owner or manag- er. Speaking to the property owner or manager can give potential renters a feel for the person with whom they are doing business. If it’s diffi- cult to get in touch with the manager or owner, or if he or she doesn’t answer promptly, it may be best to look else- where. Rental properties should be properly vetted before travel- ers book their vacations. — Metro Creative Connection Tips when booking vacation rentalsTouching Lives… …ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AT A TIME Diane Moore 409-789-6330 Diane.Moore@garygreene.com Terry Rizzo 713-823-3248 terryrizzo@garygreene.com Lynn Sullivan Winget 409-795-7230 lynn.winget@garygreene.com Those of us at Better Homes and Gardens work together to represent our clients with integrity and professionalismJackie Leach Branch Manager Galveston NMLS 349259 Cell: 832-259-3565 4802 Woodrow Ave Rear Galveston, Texas 77551 NMLS1974067 Jackie.Leach@APMortgage.com I ntegrity, reliability and simplicity. Three terms that branch manag- er and senior loan officer Jackie Leach has found are truly valued over the course of her career with American Pacific Mortgage. A nationwide network of expertly trained lenders well-versed in residen- tial home buying requirements, Amer- ican Pacific Mortgage has developed a regional team to the coastal area — The Kelso Group. Developed with the goal of building a local team specializing in local client needs and markets with the same goal across all facets of the transaction, the group has grown to 10 offices in the Houston area, along with Leach’s Galveston branch. The Kelso Group’s mission is to con- tinuously operate from the core belief that exceeding expectations is the only way to do business, meaning that the group pledges to provide “unsurpassed customer service, leading edge technol- ogy and the most expert assistance pos- sible.” Thus delivering “the most inno- vative and creative mortgage financing solutions available.” With the backing of an established and successful mortgage company, Leach is able to take time with each client, determin- ing exactly what loan product is the most fitting to open the door to their dream home. The loan process can be complicated and drawn out without the right lender by your side. As an expert in residential mortgage lending, Leach can help maneu- ver the ins and outs of buying a home, explaining and personally advising clients throughout the entire process. Armed with a complete understanding of the product you choose can empower you to feel confident in your long-term decisions. From beginning to end, she will be there to guide you, ensuring you a point of contact and accessibility at any time, including after hours and weekends. Leach and her team understand you are more than just a number and strive to give every client the most personalized custom- er service, 24-hour underwriting review, on-time closings and direct table fundings, every time. The importance of meeting a closing date is key to all parties involved. Amer- ican Pacific Mortgage offers a guarantee close within 10 days, or a $1,000 lender credit toward closing costs when terms apply. Gulf Coast homeowners must pay spe- cial attention to the uniqueness of each island property, as well as variables — such as historic homes, flood and wind- storm insurance — that many lenders may not have any knowledge of. Leach brings more than 15 years of experience in the industry and, as a Gulf Coast lender, can ensure a seamless fi- nancing process from start to finish. She also remains a top producer for volume and units in the Houston/Galveston area year after year. Let Leach and her team of profession- als finance your dream and open the door to your new home. PAID ADVERTISEMENT Jackie Leach: Opening doors with American Pacific Mortgage Jackie Leach 2020 | Parade of Homes | 33designed to resist winds up to Cafe is a great place for dining, Fortified Beachtown is the only community in Texas built to Fortified Living per IBHS standards, currently designed to resist winds up to 150 mph. Town Center Beachtown’s Town Center houses the Creamery, Bike Shop, Porch Cafe and Community Pool. The Porch Cafe is a great place for dining, gathering and celebrating. A Walkable Community A 260-acre development nestled in an 800-acre nature preserve & lagoons. Master-planned by the firm of DPZ, creators of Seaside & Rosemary Beach. Architecture Inspired by Galveston’s timeless and historical Victorian architecture. The elegant and relaxed coastal interiors carefully reflect the exteriors of the homes and the environment. The only community on Galveston Island with non-driving and naturally growing beach 409.762.2222 beachtown.com Õ Beaches...Fortified Construction...Lifestyley f ct d This is Beachtown “Texas’ own Hamptons Equivalent”- The New York Times The most unique lifestyle on the Texas Coast with unmatched concierge service. Enjoy a pleasant dining experience and host your memorable events at the Porch porchcafe.com y f t d Future Town CenterSunrise Park Nature Preserve Sunrise Park Seaside Park Lots Bay & Park Views Building Small Cottages to Estate Beachfront Homes Take Advantage of the Historic Low-Interest Rate Select an Available Homesite Beachfront, Lagoon-Front, Promenade/Interior, Seaside/Park + Review a Customized Home Design Tailored to Your Design Preferences and Budget Our Town Architect, in-house Architects & construction team work together simultaneously on the design and specifications of the home + Enjoy a Streamlined Design/Build Experience that Reduces Build Time and Cost All homes are built to Fortified Living per IBHS standards. In most cases, homes are furniture-ready in under 12 months (15-18 months for beachfront homes due to use of concrete construction)409.762.2222 beachtown.com Õ “When my wife and I decided to build a beach house, we looked at most of the new develop- ments in Galveston. Once we found Beachtown and looked at their houses and community, it was obvious that it was a cut above anything else. We bought the lots and started to design our home. From start to completion, Beachtown’s builder went beyond my expectations. The quality of construction to the professionalism of their employees, our experience was 100% positive. The building team was a pleasure to work with and always made sure we were 100% satisfied as well. I would highly recommend building your dream beach house in Beachtown.” – Ryan and Debby, Beachtown Homeowners View from the Lagoon Lot Promenade Lots Beachfront Lots es1510 Beachtown Drive 4 Bedroom | 3 Bath | Bunk Gallery | Upside-Down Plan| Lagoon-Front | Short Walk to the Beach Sunset Passage Townhomes 3 Bedroom | 3 Bath | Promenade| Upside-Down Plan| Short Walk to the Beach 260-acre development, which offers a respite from city life. With more than one mile of non-driving and natu rally growing beach and miles of lagoon-front, Beachtown also is nestled in an 800-acre nature preserve. Ocean air. Planned by the creators of Florida’s friendly Seaside, Rosemary, and Alys Beach developments, Beachtown is genuinely a walkable sanctuary that fosters a sense of community. While the area may feel secluded, it is minutes away from a major university hospital, University of Texas Medical Branch; the oldest opera house in Texas, Gal veston’s charming historic district, and the closest yachting facility to open water on this part of the Texas coast. A community for generations Hurricanes are still on the minds of many as the sea son is about to end. Beachtown is a responsibly built community that not only addresses how to sustain a healthy environment but also how to best face the unpredictable forces of nature. The coast lying along this development is beach on the island. cate dune system, lined with lush vegetation, act as an environmentally friendly and effective line of defense against storm surges. While no one can challenge nature during its most devastating moments, respon sibly designed buildings can create a feasible balance between structural and economic well-being. Beach town boasts of being maintain Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s View of the BayView of the Gulf Great Room Porch Great Room Bedroom Porch 409.762.2222 beachtown.com ÕA Hidden Oasis With the impact that COVID-19 has had on society, many are seeking healthier and safer environments to call home. A hidden oasis located on the eastern tip of Galveston Island, Beachtown, may be just that safe haven. It is only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Houston! Take I-45, make no turns until you arrive at this 260-acre development, which offers a respite from city life. With more than one mile of non-driving and natu- rally growing beach and miles of lagoon-front, Beachtown also is nestled in an 800-acre nature preserve. Ocean lovers are at arm’s length from dipping in the sea, and both pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a breath of fresh air. Planned by the creators of Florida’s friendly Seaside, Rosemary, and Alys Beach developments, Beachtown is genuinely a walkable sanctuary that fosters a sense of community. While the area may feel secluded, it is minutes away from a major university hospital, University of Texas Medical Branch; the oldest opera house in Texas, Gal- veston’s charming historic district, and the closest yachting facility to open water on this part of the Texas coast. A community for generations Hurricanes are still on the minds of many as the sea- son is about to end. Beachtown is a responsibly built community that not only addresses how to sustain a healthy environment but also how to best face the unpredictable forces of nature. The coast lying along this development is the only growing and non-driving beach on the island. These growing beaches and intri- cate dune system, lined with lush vegetation, act as an environmentally friendly and effective line of defense against storm surges. While no one can challenge nature during its most devastating moments, respon- sibly designed buildings can create a feasible balance between structural and economic well-being. Beach- town boasts of being the only community in Texas to maintain Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s Fortified Construction Standards for safer living, resisting winds up to 150 mph. To learn more about Fortified Construction Standards at Beachtown, visit www.beachtown.com/fortified-buildings and see how this community has fared in recent hurricanes. This unique coastal community offers a great selec- tion of homes, from small cottages and townhomes to estate size beachfront homes. With the historic low-interest rates, choose your desired lot from a selection of a variety of homesites, which come with a charming conceptual design and start the journey to become part of Beachtown. The state of Texas boasts of having hundreds of miles of beaches. But in Beachtown, it is not just the beach ; It is the community, the lifestyle, the nature, the concierge services, and the proximity to amenities that one can only find in a big city. - By Miguel Alvarez & Liz DavisNext >