< Previous40 | Parade of Homes | 2020 StarFine Furniture & Mattress: Buying furniture can be fun, easy and affordable PAID ADVERTISEMENT S tarFine Furniture & Mattress knows that putting together the vision of your space can be an intimidating task that can lead to wrong-sized furniture and a frustrating experience. They are here to make buy- ing furniture fun and easy! StarFine is family owned, and they make caring about your experience and satisfac- tion their top priority. In 1907, David Goldhirsh immigrated to the United States. He landed in New York, and, after six years, moved to Galveston. He began working at M. M. Bleich’s corner grocery store. Seven years later, Mr. Bleich loaned David the money to start Star Furniture. The original Star Furniture was a “mom and pop” business, located at 414 25th Street in Galveston. The only other employees were David’s children, Simon and Frances. By 1941, business was booming, and Star Furniture moved to a three-story build- ing at 2424 Market Street. In 1944, Frances married Marvin J. Stein, and Marvin joined the business in 1946. Originally, he was “just going to take care of the store for a week,” while his father-in-law went on vacation. Marvin and Frances’ son, Ben Jay, proudly continues the family tradition of bringing quality furniture to Galveston County. His son, Jody, joined the business in 1997, and today he enthusi- astically serves as President of StarFine Furniture and Mattress. StarFine Furniture and Mattress is located right off Highway 45 on Broadway Avenue J in the quaint older area of Galveston Island. Ben Jay Stein retired from the dai- ly duties in 2016 and turned the reins over to his son, Jody Stein. Jody, together with his wife Kim, now represents the fourth generation of this family-owned and operated furniture and mattress store. Whether you are just visiting for the weekend, have a second home or live on Galveston Island year around, StarFine can outfit your space with the look and feel you desire with a unique look at a great price! They offer over one thou- sand items in store to browse through and try out. If you don’t find exactly what you are looking for, StarFine has hundreds of custom-order options and a free In-home design service to get your en- tire home looking just right! Their design team provides an exclusive complimentary design service that listens to your vision and provides inspired and easy options for you to choose from. They have professional interior designers on staff that have been in the business for more than 25 years and specialize in designing and decorating of homes, apartments, cottag- es, condos and more! The design process in- cludes identifying the room you want to redesign along with any items or furniture pieces you’d like to keep or colors you’d like to incor- porate as well as the size of your space and measure- ments. The design team then recommends the best options to create the perfect flow and function and draft up your new room with new pieces. If you have a definite style in mind already, then custom furniture may be the best op- tion for you. StarFine has that too! You may already have an idea of the perfect sofa, chair, sectional or recliner that you want for your home. Designing custom furniture allows you to select the style, size and color that’s just right for your space, your style and your budget. StarFine proudly features several custom design brands including Flexsteel, La-Z- Boy, and Palliser. Completely customizable lines of furniture allow you to select exciting fabrics, style, size and color. You also have the option to customize your own seat com- fort, leg color and much more on several of the collections. StarFine’s fabric selection includes pet friendly and kid friendly fabrics along with beautiful leathers and blends. Buying furniture should be a relaxing and fun experi- ence, and it is, at StarFine Furniture & Mattress! They are helpful, friendly and don’t do high-pressure sales, in fact, when you visit, they make you feel like part of the family. They carry an extensive collection of living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, mattresses, home office furniture, home accents and outdoor furniture. StarFine offers free de- livery, special no interest financing and storewide savings and have two conve- nient locations! Visit StarFine Furniture at 3727 Broadway Avenue in Galveston or at 3503 Gulf Freeway in Dickin- son or shop their store online at StarFineFurniture.com.StarFineFurniture.com Galveston Location 3727 Broadway Avenue, Galveston, TX 77550 409-762-7821 Dickinson Location 3503 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, TX 77539 281-678-8295 OPEN FOR SOCIALLY DISTANT SHOPPING Whether you are just visiting for the weekend, have a second home or live on Galveston Island year around, StarFine can outfit your space with the look and feel you desire with a unique look at a great price! We offer over one thousand items in store to browse through and try out. If you don’t find exactly what you are looking for, we have hundreds of custom-order options and a free in-home design service to get your entire home looking just right! BEST Brands. LOWEST Prices. GUARANTEED.16502 BAYFRONT JAMAICA BEACH, GALVESTON, TEXAS COVER PROPERTY For the most distinguished buyer pursuing an exclusive Galveston resort destination. Presenting 16502 Bayfront, sprawled over an acre, showcasing 270 degree picturesque water views. Originally the Jamaica Beach Marina, this prime location was completely transformed into the now-sophisticated private destination after an extensive 2-year renovation starting in 2011. A gated entry opens to manicured landscaping & expansive wrap-around decking adorned in chic Italian tile. On the main level, this Bayside compound offers a spacious great room garnished in designer wallpaper & ledge rock, an oversize open dining area -All overlooking pool & canal vistas. Tray ceilings with cove lighting. Stunning hand-scraped engineered Walnut flooring embellishes both levels. Showpiece gallery kitchen offers double islands, professional Wolf appliances, steamer & fryers, double dishwashers & subzero refrigerators. Media room. Elevator to each level. Each guest bedroom showcases water views, features built-ins, luxurious private bathrooms with Kohler fixtures, Thasos granite vanities, floor-to-ceiling tile. Seclusive 2nd level Master quarters with a private deck & 180-degree water views. Ledge rock accent wall. The luxurious Master bath offers a Roma Steam shower, beverage chiller, & a Toto Washlet. Off the Master we also find a generous-sized Office/ Study with double built-in workstations. The property is tucked away on the far North-side of the main channel leading to & from Jamaica Beach, providing for quick trips out to the Bay from its 2 boathouses & double jet-ski dock. Property lines extend out 30’ from the bulk-heads into the surrounding canals. Pre-Firm ground level spaces offer additional living areas to include a family room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, & a full bathroom. Screened-in porch, garage, & tackle room. Lush landscaped pool oasis with outdoor speakers & cool deck surfaces. Kelly Kelley • Broker/ Co-Owner • RE/MAX Leading Edge CPA, RSPS, CLHMS, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO Phone 281-794-9463 • Fax 803-947-0430 www.KellyKelley.com • Kelly@KellyKelley.com “Galveston Is My Home. Galveston is My Business.”SWEETWATER COVE Sweetwater Cove, located on beautiful Galveston Island, a desirable stretch of land only 50 miles southeast of Houston, boasts West Indies styled homes that seamlessly coexist within the vibrant surrounding nature. Location, Views, Design, and Infrastructure are the four ways in which this affluent and small by design community sets itself apart from the rest. Location is everything when it comes to p,urchasing a home. Many seek to find that rare gem nestled in a quiet and picturesque paradise, but also close in proximity to the shops and attractions of a city. Sweetwater Cove is that rare gem! Cradled within a 450+ acre nature preserve, managed by the Galveston Bay Foundation, and strategically positioned along the serene waters of West Bay, residents are immersed in a peaceful and natural setting. Sweetwater Cove is also only minutes away from everything Galveston has to offer. This vibrant city hosts frequent music, theater, and entertainment events that cater to audiences of all ages. Fine dining and casual fare - Galveston has it all! Enjoy fresh catch of the day at local restaurants, or venture into a new and exciting dining experience. Family fun is right around the corner with Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Moody Gardens, first class golf courses, and beaches less than eight miles away. In addition, travel on and off the island is a breeze with 1-45, a major Texas thoroughfare, only 7.5 miles away. With over 500 species of local and migrating birds, the Sweetwater area is already a popular bird watching destination for bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike. To encourage the bird’s migration to the island, and retain the beauty and safety of their sanctuary, there are no streets lights within the community. This means the birds above Sweetwater Cove sing sweeter and the stars shine brighter! Sustainable design and premier infrastructure also set Sweetwater Cove above other communities. With gated and private access to the community, residents feel safe to come and go as they please. Still keeping safety in mind, all Sweetwater Cove lots have a land elevation of 4.25 to 7.25 feet above sea level. In addition, all bay lots have a newly installed bulkhead complete with a 50-year warranty. With only 60 homesites available, the close proximity to town, breathtaking views of West Bay’s calm waters, the sights and sounds of nature at its best, and top tier infrastructure and design, it is no surprise that Sweetwater Cove is the most sought- after new community on Galveston Island. Buy or build in Sweetwater Cove, and commit to the tranquility of island life.S pend any time in Galveston, and you’ll probably notice various con- dominium developments sprinkled across the island. Galveston condos offer a variety of lifestyle choices, from luxury beachfront developments to converted lofts downtown, and may be an attrac- tive option for both primary and vaca- tion-home buyers. Understanding the basics of condo ownership is the first step in deciding if a Galveston condo is right for you. Ownership in a condominium differs from that of a detached, single-family home in that you receive title to the space within your unit’s walls. Own- ership of the common elements of the property, such as roofs, elevators, park- ing areas, land and recreational facilities, is shared with the other owners, and you receive a percentage interest in those shared elements. Condo owners usually are required to pay an association fee, a portion of which may be used to cover the cost of maintenance, repairs and upgrades for the common areas. Expenses like insur- ance on the building and common utili- ties, such as water or cable TV, also may be covered by the association fee. Most, if not all, of the annual expenses incurred by the condomini- um development are paid for with association fees. Is a Galveston condo right for you? If you prefer to spend your weekends having fun rather than main- taining your yard and property, a condo may be a good option. If your desire for onsite recreational facilities, like a pool or fitness center, exceed your budget or available space for those items, then a Galveston condo may be right for you. On the other hand, condominium associations often enact rules and re- strictions you agree to follow when you become an owner. Regulations, like use and pet restrictions, may not fit with your ownership goals or lifestyle. Simi- larly, if relinquishing authority over the day-to-day operations of the property to management company personnel or fel- low owners doesn’t fit your personality, a condo may not be a good fit. Condo communities have personali- ties, too, and finding the one that best suits you is key to an enjoyable living experience. A successful condo search should start with a list of the ownership and lifestyle characteristics that are most important to you. Using resources like GalvestonCondoLiving.com to research pricing, location, amenities and restric- tions will help you identify the proper- ties that meet your needs. When you’re ready, a Galveston real estate agent familiar with the condo market can help narrow down the list of properties to find the one that’s right for you. Cynthia Wander with the Galveston Condo Living Group of eXp Realty has more than 12 years’ experience matching owners with the right Galveston con- do for them, and she can help you too! Reach her by phone at 409-789-7613 or email Cynthia@GalvestonSales.com. The Galveston Condo Living Group: Your guide to the Galveston condo lifestyle PAID ADVERTISEMENT 44 | Parade of Homes | 2020SECURE MORTGAGE COMPANY NMLS #70160 409.771.1316 or 713.355.9999 Fax sfinkel@securemortgagecompany.com SUSANA FINKEL Mortgage Loan Originator, MLO 628242 2500 West Loop South, Suite 250 Houston, Texas 77027 2020 | Parade of Homes | 45 PAID ADVERTISEMENT S usana Finkel of Secure Mortgage Compa- ny’s Galveston office continues to see changes in the shifting, ever evolving mortgage and real estate in- dustries. With more than 35 years of experience in these indus- tries, change is nothing new to Finkel. Galveston County’s diverse population offers unique opportunities for Secure Mortgage Company to provide a variety of lending services, including programs for manufactured homes, VA, USDA and FHA zero down programs, construction loan programs as well as multiple conventional and FHA pro- grams, including renovation loans, bank statement loans and programs for those that just missed the conventional guidelines. Schedule a free consultation with Finkel, and she will assess your credit report, calculate your debt to income ratio, check for adequate assets and, if necessary, provide tips to improve these items to create a favorable lending environment, putting you on the path to home ownership. “Because the industry is currently experiencing an inventory shortage, as well as raising interest rates, it is im- portant for buyers to be well qualified and able to compete in multiple offer situations,” Finkel said. Strong roots in the commu- nity, expertise in her field and a commitment to business has made Finkel a leader in the lending industry. Contact Susana Finkel at 409-771-1316 or sfinkel@ securemortgagecompany.com. Susana Finkel: A leader in lending industry Susana FinkelJOIN US! If your split is more than 80/20If your split is more than 80/20 If your CAP is higher than $10,000 If your CAP is higher than $10,000 Call John Buchanan for more information 832-969-4352Call John Buchanan for more information 832-969-4352 First 10 Clients to List with Us ReceiveFirst 10 Clients to List with Us Receive BIG DISCOUNTSBIG DISCOUNTS 2325 BROADWAY – GALVESTON – 409-632-7077 J LA Realty Galveston has arrived! JLA Realty Galveston is excited to announce the company has opened its doors! The office is located at 2325 Broadway, and you can’t miss their beautiful sign. You might be asking who is JLA Realty? JLA stand for the broker/owner’s name: John Lesley Altic. John was working with another realty company, and he knew things were about to change in the realty market. John left his company and began a new concept in 2011, working from his garage with a few ambitious agents who also were looking for a change. In 2014, JLA Realty opened its first office with 22 agents, and, let me tell you, the com- pany has not stopped growing. JLA Realty now has 19 offic- es, with Galveston being the newest office in the family. JLA Realty now has more than 1,000 agents and will continue to grow. This year JLA Realty broke into the top 20 realty companies in the state of Texas. The Galveston office is run by John Buchanan, Manager/ Realtor, with more than 20 years of experience in the real estate field. John has been a multi-million-dollar producer every year since he started in real estate. John is a resident of the island and loves the com- munity. John knows and understands how Galveston is special and unique in so many ways. JLA Galveston is very invested in becoming part of the culture of Galves- ton Island by giving back to the community. JLA Realty is new on the island, but the company has already hit the island running! JLA realty employees just completed a beach sweep/beach clean-up. “We wanted the community of Galveston to know we are here and are going to be a vital part of the community,” John said. COVID-19 has impacted the office’s grand opening. The Grand Opening will be re- scheduled for a later date, and everyone is invited. For now, JLA’s doors are open, and the company is ready to do business. “Since we can’t have a grand opening, we are offer- ing a grand opening special,” John said. “We are looking for our first 10 homes to be listed by JLA Realty Galveston. We are offering a special listing discount to kick off the open- ing, so please give us a call!” For more information or to list a home, call John Buchan- an at 832-969-4352 or call the office at 409-632-7077. JLA Realty Galveston: Open for business and ready to invest in Galveston PAID ADVERTISEMENT 46 | Parade of Homes | 2020Gay Fundling 409-761-0585 Joel Johnson 409-256-5659 Mary Ellis 409-939-8623 Becky Dundee 409-939-5995 Julie Jones 512-344-9626 Billy Hill 409-771-8211 Sylvia Barrett 404-944-6698 Charlene Patterson 832-275-9383 Terry Custer 409-539-9769 Debra Monford 281-630-2703 Valerie McKenzie 409-599-2717 DJ Snow 936-537-0121 Woody Green 409-789-2279 Gregory Rodriguez 457-7380 16602 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston • 409-737-2020 galvestonislandre.com 2020 | Parade of Homes | 47 Galveston Island Real Estate: A local real estate company with deep roots PAID ADVERTISEMENT J amaica Beach is home to Gay Fundling, owner of Galveston Island Real Estate. Gay has lived here on the west end of Galveston Is- land since 1964. She attended Ball High School and married her high school sweetheart, Jim, in 1973. Here they raised their two boys, Josh and Ian. Gay Fundling is a name familiar to many people on the island. In 1969, she began working as a receptionist and rental agent. She obtained her real estate license in 1982 and her broker’s license in 2007. The build- ing which houses Galveston Island Real Estate was built in the 1950s and is located at 16602 San Luis Pass Road. The build- ing has been destroyed and restored after many storms hit the island and, despite the makeovers, still stands today. Galveston Island Real Estate is currently home to 13 real estate agents. Since her brokerage is not a franchise, she is able to retain her own identity, without getting lost in the shuffle. Thus, she is able to provide personal support to her agents along with the opportunity to work in a fantastic loca- tion, right across the street from the beach entrance. In 2008, Gay expanded her brokerage by opening a satellite office at 4480 Seawall Blvd. in midtown, in order to be able to reach out to more people in town. She holds a firm belief that her tremendous success and growth stems from being so active in the community. “I pride myself in getting to know as many people as I can on the island,” Gay said. Gay’s expertise lies not only in the complete knowledge of the real estate world, but also in her friendly and positive approach to life. Her clients find her won- derful to work with, and her friends and neighbors rely on her for her sage advice and wisdom on all aspects of island living. Galveston Island Real Estate specializes in resort, residential, commercial and his- toric properties in one of the most sought after, ever-growing locations on the Gulf Coast. Investors, second home ‘escap- ees’ and full-time homeowners all blend together in the affordable and enviable environment that is Galveston. With its beachside villas, bayside bungalows, Victo- rian mansions and modern seaside condos, Galveston creates a highly desirable menu of properties. Visit the company website at www.galvestonislandre.com to learn more about Gay’s company, her agents and the properties she represents. She can be reached at 409-761-0585 or gay@galves tonre.com. Whether you were Born on the Island (BOI), or are an Islander by Choice (IBC), “We invite you to be our neighbor and find out how good the ‘good life’ can be.” There has never been a better time to come to the island! Gay FundlingPLUMBING SERVICE MPL 38505TACLA 00094687E 48 | Parade of Homes | 2020 P recision Plumbing Service Heating and Air has been in business for 23 years. Perry O’Bryan is a third gener- ation plumber. Precision Plumbing has been a family business on Galveston Is- land for six years. Servicing all of Galveston County and surrounding areas, Preci- sion Plumbing prides itself on quality of repair and fantastic customer service. Whether you need a simple faucet installation, complete HVAC system, electrical system or a sewer line replacement, the com- pany offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing, HVAC and elec- trical services to meet your needs. Precision continually strives to exceed expectations by ensuring that each client receives the very best service. Precision strives to exceed expectations by ensuring that all work is completed to the high- est standards. Employees will provide you with a thorough consultation to explain all of your available options, so that you can choose the scope or work that’s right for your home or business. Precision Plumbing is the finest on the island. For more information, give them a call at 409-373-3778. Precision Plumbing Service Heating and Air: The finest on the island822 6th Street North, Texas City, TX 77590 409-939-8095 FOR LEASEFOR SALEFOR SALE FOR SALEFOR SALEFOR SALE Fannie Mae Foreclosure 1406 Lotus Drive | Tiki Island3329 Avenue O | Galveston11836 14th Street | Santa Fe2328 32nd Avenue N | Texas City 1902 Linda Lane | Pasadena418 Sandstone Creek Lane | Dickinson514 Oak Road | Kemah I t all started 33 plus years ago. Lois Ann Haney Tempelton, Donna Newding and Sheri Williams were working together at Coldwell Banker and Re/MAX. In November 1997, they ventured out on their own to start HomeTown Properties and the rest is history. Today, they are a thriving real estate company named Home- Town Properties that is all about helping clients buy, sell, build and lease residential and commercial properties. The agents and brokers of HomeTown Properties have accumulated over 140 years of experience and will offer you their expertise in all areas of real estate. The agents understand your needs and will be with you through the entire process. If you want to sell your home, they will provide a market analysis and answer any and all questions for you. If you are buying, they can assist you with arranging financing and obtaining home warranties. Using their MLS membership, they can locate your dream home for you quickly. Owners Donna Newding and Sheri Williams both list and sell properties all over Galveston County. Sheri specializes in Fan- nie Mae Properties, Donna runs the Property Management Com- pany side and Lois Ann Haney Tempelton is the broker. HomeTown Properties has many active agents including Wanda Ables, Sherry Boyd and Duane Cole. Located at 822 6th Street N. in Texas City, the office is right on the corner of Ninth Street (Palmer Hwy) and 6th Street. If you are looking to buy or sell lease or build, give HomeTown Properties a call at 409-948-0990. HomeTown Properties: Helping clients buy, sell and lease in their own home town PAID ADVERTISEMENT 2020 | Parade of Homes | 49Next >