Fall Fun in Rockport-Fulton!
October 8, 2010
Our Infamous Sea Queens
Sea Fair
Our Infamous Sea Queens
Hello Everyone!! Hope many of you are in Rockport this weekend…SeaFair is underway!!! Great fun, food, exhibits, boats, fantastic art, hopefully I’ll see you there! This marvelous festival is just another example of the many, many reasonsyou should live here!! Entertaining events going on year round! Click on the Chamber of Commerce link for more details.
Crab Races
Real Estate in Rockport-Fulton
To further encourage you folks out there who may be thinking about moving to Rockport/Fulton, the Feds have again created an incredibleincentive…interest rates are unbelievably low!!! Real estate investments here are a really smart thing to do…you and I know the markets will be coming back strong. I’m even reading about foreign investors coming in now to theUS to buy property. I suggest you not be a foreigner any more and come on down!
Crawfish and Gumbo Cookoff
Golf Carts in Fulton
If you choose to buy in FULTON, imagine the fun you’ll have because now it’s legal to cruise around our streets in a golf cart!! Kadi and I live on Fifth in Fulton, so I guess we’ll have to start looking for a cart!! Perhaps we could create some golf cart races, have a GC parade, prizes for the best golf cart décor. Any ideas?
So if you have been thinking about wanting to live in a safe location, with nice, cooling sea breezes, incredible fishing, lovely beaches, internationally-recognized artists, clever real estate agent, clean air, decent rainfall, mild temps, fresh seafood, some of the loveliest scenery on the planet, and really good prices for property, this is the place. If you’ve also thought that you might want to build a new cottage here (or how about the exciting modular homes available now??!!), take a look in the LINK BELOW…there you’ll find five vacant lots, in different locations, and abroad price range. Call me with any questions.
Here’s the LINK:http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=141485&k=J96XNdw
JIM WILLS, ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Rep)
A Texas Licensed Realtor®
Lynn Johnson Realty, Inc.
A Texas Licensed Corporate Broker
3210 Hwy 35 N., Fulton, TX 78358
Cell: 361.463.9820, Toll Free: 866.232.1876
blog: http://rockporttxcoastalrealestate.wordpress.com/
Fall is Just Around the Corner
August 27, 2010
- Copano Bay View Home MLS114457
Take a few minutes to read up on what’s happening in Real Estate at the Coast, tidbits on Jim’s English vacation, and upcoming events here in Rockport-Fulton!
ADV:
Dateline Paradise: Folks, don’t you pay too much attention to all the “doom and gloom” in the media about how terrible things are in the real estate market. In some parts of the country (including Rockport-Fulton!), things are doing fairly well, thank you. And the overall really good news in our Rockport-Fulton Coastal market is that year-to-date, meaning comparing the first seven months of this year to the first seven of 2009, our sales here are actually up 3%!! That’s positive news, and reflects what we have been saying all along…
This is an excellent time to buy property in Rockport-Fulton
Coastal Kitchen MLS114047
Coastal Kitchen MLS114047
• Our pricing is attractive (especially in relation to other coastal communities!).
• Interest rates are just about the lowest they have ever been.
• There’s a wonderful variety of homes, condos and lots to choose from.
• Our waterfront properties (on canals, bays) are spectacular!!
Perfect Coastal Home MLS114047
Perfect Coastal Home MLS114047
Investing is wise, and property can yield financial growth and the joys that a beautiful home provides. If you are in a position to do so, I suggest investing in…
Rockport-Fulton, named one of the top ten US coastal communities by Coastal Living Magazine for its
1. natural beauty
2. our healthy environment
3. cooling summer breezes
4. internationally famous art community
5. birding beyond belief
6. some of the finest salt water fishing in the nation
7. fresh sea food
8. great restaurants
9. clean beaches
10. tons of outdoor activities
11. reasonably-priced real estate
12. And, of course, yours truly on the scene to help you!
So, if you want to retire here, or pick out an adorable cottage for your second home, or need an affordable fish camp, or a vacant lot for your RV, or simply want to check out the place, call me any time; the call number for Jim is 361-463-9820. Here’s an example of a lovely home: http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=136253&k=xoIO
Glorious England in August
Kadi and I just returned from three weeks in England…visiting family in London (daughter, son-in-law, and three British grandsons!!)…incredible trip…museums, parks, train rides, exploring Ripley castle, witnessing firsthand the nightly Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, reveling in the beauty of an ancient fishing village on the cliffs of Runswick Bay, hiking on the Yorkshire moors at the edge of the North Sea, and, get this, we had to actually wear sweaters some days!! In August!!
Upcoming Rockport-Fulton Events
Hummingbird Festival, September
Our famous Hummingbird Festival is just around the corner in September…you MUST be here for that!! Check out these websites for helpful info. And let’s check out Rockport while you are here.
Seafare in October!
Food, fun, music and art under the big tents by the beach. Click the Rockport-Fulton link for details.
December Holiday Fun
Plan ahead for all the December Holiday fun in Rockport-Fulton: festivals, parades, tours of historic homes!
www.rockporthummingbird.org
http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM
www.rockport-fulton.org
Y’all come
JIM WILLS, ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)
A Texas Licensed Realtor®
Lynn Johnson Realty, Inc.
A Texas Licensed Corporate Broker
3210 Hwy 35 N., Fulton, TX 78358
Cell: 361.463.9820 Toll Free: 866.232.1876
blog: http://rockporttxcoastalrealestate.wordpress.com/
Summertime at the Coast
July 16, 2010
Near Cove Harbor
Rockport-Fulton, Texas
A Summer Play Date
Today, Kadi and I played all morning visiting friends and the baby sea birds at the beach.
We drove the quick ten minutes out to Cove Harbor and House of Boats where our pals Tim and Linda were just about to cast off. Their most recent boat, Bohemian, was ready for its first cruise in our local waters. Tim bought Bohemian in Houston earlier this summer.
Tim and Linda ready to sail!
Shopping
Then we drove through town and popped into 4 the Birds, a great little downtown shop dedicated to birds and nature. They’ve got adorable things…many hand-painted by the owner. Our pal Michelle, who used to be on staff at Moon Dog’s restaurant, works there now. She is SUNSHINE! We bought a small stuffed toy: a pink flamingo wearing flip flops and a beach hat, for grandaughter Cassidy.
Jim at 4 the Birds!
George, Ron and Joe take a break!
Waterfront Artisans Workshop
We drove on down the main street and stopped to visit our favorite local artisan, Ron Blue. It’s fun to go in his store/workshop and see him and his pals building amazing handmade furniture. Ron is also a favorite of locals AND visitors with his incredibly creative, and refreshing take on coastal furnishings.
Ron's Coastal Chaise Lounge
Cutie Pie Safe
Coastal Etagere by Ron
Sea Birds
Finally we went to the beach to see how the baby sea birds were growing.
"You kids are getting too big for free lunch!"
Yikes! These baby sea gulls are almost as big as mama and papa.
Tall Ships Captivate: Sail SouthTexas 2010
Tall Ships at Ingleside
Hope many of you were able to attend this magnificent event over the Fourth of July weekend at Naval Station Ingleside. Four of the world’s most beautiful TALL SHIPS were lined up at the Ingleside dock for an international celebration of liberty, sailing and friendship. The ships arrived a day late due to Hurricane Alex, but each made it safely into port. There was a ship arrival viewing party, self-guided tours, fireworks, food and drink tents, and International Pavilion Stage with live entertainment, etc.
And, of course, the real stars of the show were the Capitan Miranda from Uruguay, the Cuauhtemoc from Mexico, the USCGC Eagle from the US, and the Esmeralda from Chile!! To see them all lined up with their flags flying was an amazing site. It must have been a vision that anyone would have seen in the 19th Century at any American port…huge tall ships, with masts almost touching the sky! There were thousands of fans on the Sunday I attended, and waiting lines to go aboard. It was certainly worth the wait.
The cadets on each ship were dashing in their national uniforms, very friendly, and I greeted them on deck with a salute and “Bienvenidos a Tejas”!!
ADVERTISING
Rockport Texas Real Estate News and Properties
Yesterday the Corpus Christi Caller Times headlined an article that said: “Mortgage rates hit new low: 4.57%”. May I say that is amazing. And may I say it would seem to me that it might be a serious mistake if you don’t buy property here NOW…what a perfect time. There are AMAZING homes available, at great prices. In the link below I’ll share with you information on three homes…one will be ideal for you.
SPECTACULAR COPANO BAY PROPERTY…..
1. 5971 FM 1781, without question one of the most beautiful homes on the entire Gulf of Mexico coastline…magnificent modern home and private treehouse guest house on two secluded acres, located on a high bluff above Copano Bay, with heavenly views!! SEE PICTURES BELOW!
Lovely Front of Copano Bay House
Copano Bay House View
- Copano Bay House Living Room
2. 100 Poquito, perfectly maintained, wonderfully designed 3/2/2 on almost ½ acre, centrally located, chef’s kitchen, salt water pool, pad for boat, RV, affordably priced; lot is completely shaded with lovely live oaks; very cozy, very attractive!!
3. 288 Kingfish, “Island-style” 2 bedroom in Holiday Beach, completely upgraded throughout, decks overlooking lovely tidal estuary, fenced yard, perfect coastal hideaway, and year-round “neighbors” like black skimmers, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, gulls, huge variety of ducks, and even occasional whooping cranes!!
Copy & Paste this link to these homes into your URL:
http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=128687&k=incZTg
Call anytime for information about our wonderful little enclave on two beautiful bays; the living here is easy, and we have a fairly mild summer climate. This past week when it was 103 in Central Park, it was 89 in Rockport!! Come walk on our beautiful beach. And then check out our heavenly night skies…..you can still see the Milky Way here!!
JIM WILLS, ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)
A Texas Licensed Realtor®
Lynn Johnson Realty, Inc.
A Texas Licensed Corporate Broker
3210 Hwy 35 N., Fulton, TX 78358
Cell: 361.463.9820, Toll Free: 866.232.1876
blog: http://rockporttxcoastalrealestate.wordpress.com/
Lovely May Days in Rockport-Fulton
May 7, 2010
Birds behind Kingfish Stilt House
LIFE AT THE WATER’S EDGE!!!
New waterfront listings:
2516 Bayhouse
In the LINK below you’ll see info on two rather special waterfront properties; 2516 Bayhouse is my daughter’s beautiful 3/2 condo, an upstairs flat; it is an END unit, so it has water views on THREE SIDES (Canoe Lake, Little Bay, and the Channel connecting them). Comes fully furnished, including lovely coastal art work, is located right in the center of everything, and includes a nice boat slip! New tile roof. HOA fee includes water, cable TV, rubbish collection, pool maintenance (3), etc. Great place to retire, also great investment (good rental history); Call for details.
288 Kingfish
The second property at 288 Kingfish is one of the most remarkable in the Coastal Bend; it’s a lovely 2/2 cottage, 
Island-style (pilings), completely remodeled and upgraded, and, best of all, it’s located on what amounts to a “private” tidal estuary or wetlands right off the back deck!! Bird watching like you’ve never seen before, a perfect place to launch your kayaks too (estuary connects to Holiday Beach canals!!
Both of these are priced really well; check out this link; we have the very best values for waterfront property in the US…Coastal Living Magazine rates our little enclave in the top ten coastal communities for retirement, second homes, full-time living!! Here’s your link: http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=118010&k=BUGSHq
NEWS AND COASTAL VIEWS
Rockport Urgent Care Center Breaks Ground
Construction will begin soon and Aransas County residents will have an emergency care facility by next fall. According to Dr. John McNeill who’s with the project, “We’ll be able to stabilize just about anything.” This is wonderful news since we have relied on the hospital in nearby (10 minutes drive) Aransas Pass for their ER care.
Tall Ship Parade July 4th
Don’t forget the Tall Ship Parade coming to Ingleside on 4th July; tall ships from all over North and South America; this will remind you of Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin in
”Master and Commander” (surely you’ve read all 17 historical novels from Patrick Obrian!!?? Here are your links to this incredible event; get on the water:
www.caller.com/news/2010/feb/09/tall-ships-sail-into-ingleside-july-1-5/
www.sailsouthtexas2010.com
You missed the Nautical Flea Market!
You just missed the annual and fabulous Rockport Yacht Club Nautical Flea Market!! Where were you? I bought two incredible tropical shirts for $6!! See! There were great fundraisers too, for our local aquarium, etc. So much stuff for your boat, your décor, your hole in the water, your peace of mind!!
More about local Real Estate…
Have you seen all the good news about the improving US economy, increased sales of existing homes, new jobs being created? So let me repeat, it’s a great time to buy real estate in Rockport/Fulton. Extensive inventory, wide price selections, wonderfully low interest rates, several lenders I know with very helpful programs (call me about a mortgage broker who can finance almost any home, and one Corpus Christi bank’s special programs for “professionals” wanting to buy homes with “jumbo loans”, great interest rates, even 100% financing!!). How about this…sales of existing homes in our local market are up over 40% from last year!! Come join the fun and opportunities!!
If you need a “moving checklist”, let me know.
Want to be reminded, when “house hunting”, that you MUST DO THESE?
-check your credit
-work with an accredited buyer’s agent (like JIM!!); 61% of buyers do!!
-shop for best loan for you, not necessarily lowest rate
-check out lender and get pre-approved (lenders scrutinizing more now)
-check out the neighborhood (Jim helps with that)
-review your home inspections and attend final walkthrough
-carefully review all closing documents
I get lots of questions about “staging” or preparing one’s home for selling; here’s a very helpful link on the subject: http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=49496
There’s a move afoot to have the Feds oversee windstorm insurance; hurry up!! This would create a more stable market; will keep you apprised.
Watch for Paradise Key in the July Issue of Southern Living Magazine Our local and very popular restaurant, Paradise Key, located at Key Allegro Marina, will be featured in the July issue of Southern Living Magazine!! How bout them apples!!
Jen Named Citizen of the Year Have you seen the link in my previous blogs to the sterling musical performance of Jen Jones and Jake Rubinowitz? Turns out Jen has been named the Citizen of the Year in Aransas Pass!! Well deserved tribute!! You should take in some of the events at her historic theater, TheRialto (music, drama, art).
Whooping Cranes Don’t forget to check in with the Aransas Project, to see what you can do to help save our Whooping Cranes (info@thearansasproject.org)
Our Award-Winning AIRPORT Our modest but proud Aransas County Airport just picked up an award for the “2010 Most Improved Airport”!! So bring your Lear and zoom on in…I’ll pick you up.
Wednesday Afternoons at Key Allegro Marina
British Grandsons and their Volcano Vacation Did you hear about the fun and adventures my three British grandsons had while here for three weeks? All the regular attractions, of course…beach time, swimming, camping out in Uncle Hawk’s living room, riding his scooter, shooting beer cans with my Daisy Red Ryder BB gun, visiting Lone Star Trains in San Antonio (incredible store!!), aquarium, Kadi’s homemade pizza, etc.
BUT, Mr. Volcano erupted, daughter Emily’s flights were postponed, and we got to enjoy the lads another week! AND, Channel 3 TV News out of Corpus Christi got wind of this, interviewed the boys and Emily, and featured them on the Evening News!
The boys were really funny, and, they talked a lot on camera about how they loved being “stranded” in Rockport, and how they loved Whataburgers and “drive throughs” (don’t have any in England). The Whataburger staff heard that, and came to Rockport the next day to buy the boys lunch! Wow! Not to be outdone, the Rockport Pilot’s Norma Martinez interviewed Emily and my lads on the Rockport beach, and put them on the front page with fab photos!!
Still not to be outdone, fabulous friend Susan Curtis, local teacher, arranged for the two older boys (Max and Sam) to attend Live Oak Elementary for a day!! They had a blast, and had their pictures taken on a school bus (don’t have those either in England!).
Get Harmonized: Live in Rockport/Fulton
There you have it, and remember, as my guru Alan Watts said way back in the 50s, don’t get too regulated or driven by machines (iPhones, computers?), or abstractions…come get harmonized with the great biological rhythms and beauty of nature; come be a part of Rockport/Fulton!!
JIM WILLS, ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Rep)
361-463-9820
http://rockporttxcoastalrealestate.wordpress.com
Lynn Johnson Realty, INC
The Wildflowers and Brits are on their way.
March 20, 2010
Kadi and I are getting all excited about the arrival this week of our daughter and British/Texan grandsons. MaxSamJack are an incredible 8,6,2 trio. The newest guy, Jack is a red head and there are rumors that he has a terrible-two temper to match. Maybe that’s only when he’s cutting new teeth!
Despite their British accents the boys are all Texan when they come to their mama’s home state. Did you know that Rockport-Fulton and Corpus have lots to offer children on vacation?
Lady Lex seen from Art Museum cafe
We will take them to the aircraft carrier Lexington for yet another crawl through all her decks and passageways. We’ll visit the Texas State Aquarium and the big beach at Port Aransas. We’ll gather hermit crabs on our own Blue Wave beach and visit our hometown aquarium. Oh and lots, lots more! I’ll tell you about all the fun in the next post!
Rockport-Fulton Real Estate News
Be sure and check out the LINK at the end of the blog…if you are interested in real estate here, I have featured a few possibilities for you.
Upcoming Rockport-Fulton Events
WINE TASTING FESTIVAL
Here comes that REALLY POPULAR annual event at the Texas Maritime Museum that will draw you back and back!!! This highly successful fundraiser for the museum is coming up on 29-30 May, from 4-11pm each day. The wine, food, décor, entertainment and, of course, the immensely interesting museum will make you very happy and want to join the museum; www.texasmaritimemuseum.org Rent this great condo for the happy wine-drinking weekend. It’s an end unit with water views on three sides! http://www.vrbo/95333
FLYING CLOUDS
And don’t forget that the Fourth of July celebrations on the Coastal Bend this year will be focused around the navy base at Ingleside. Tall Ships from all around North and South America will be sailing into the port for several days…can you imagine how glorious that will be, what a spectacular event; I’m hoping to be on a boat with friends when these Flying Clouds enter the ship channel!! Check with the Ingleside Chamber for info about tours, volunteers needed, etc.
WHOOPING CRANES
And don’t forget that our precious local “natural wonders” that mean so much to us and all of our visitors are now threatened by past droughts and a reduced fresh water flow in the rivers from the Hill Country. If you want to keep up with what’s being done to try and save this species, check out: www.thearansasproject.org.
Pink Whoopers? No, Roseate Spoonbills
WWII MILITARY AIRCRAFT IN ROCKPORT!!!!!!!!
What’s better than seeing them in movies of WWII? Why, the real thing!! And can you believe, a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, P-51 Mustang and vintage helicopter will be at the Aransas County Airport, beginning Monday!! DO NOT MISS THIS!! And if you’ve got a few hundred bucks in your pocket, you can even purchase a ride aboard one of the beauties!!! What a rare opportunity. Airport, 361-790-0141.
ADV
Rockport-Fulton Real Estate News
In the LINK BELOW you’ll see references to a magnificent bayfront home
on Copano Ridge with a 400 ft pier and large dock area, and lovely upgrades to every room (and EVERY ROOM has a first-rateVIEW of Copano Bay!!). Plus there’s a selection of vacant lots for those of you who might be interested in building you own coastal cottage. They include a huge canal-front lot on Peet’s Bend, a tree-covered corner lot right in the heart of the town on Timberlane Loop, and another big corner lot at the intersection of two local highways that would be IDEAL for a business location!!
Remember too that it’s such a great time to be investing in real estate in Rockport/Fulton; interest rates are incredibly low, our local property values have remained healthy in the midst of the recession, there is an attractive inventory of homes, condos and lots available, you will be a healthier and happier person living here, you’ll develop great friendships here, and, best of all, you’ll get to deal with me!! Here’s your LINK to HAPPINESS: http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=112103&k=AMC9r
JIM WILLS, ABR (“Accredited Buyer’s Rep”)
A Texas Licensed Realtor®
Lynn Johnson Realty, Inc.
A Texas Licensed Corporate Broker
3210 Hwy 35 N., Fulton, TX 78358
Cell: 361.463.9820, Toll Free: 866.232.1876
Sunny Spring Days!
February 27, 2010
If you are retiring, or wanting a second home, or looking for that first home, there are many, many terrific opportunities here…bayfronts, canal homes, residential beauties in the Country Club, Little Bay Shores, or Harbor Oaks; RV lots, lots for new homes, lots for businesses. Here’s a couple of links to listings that include a café at Cove Harbor, residential and business lots, a waterfront lot, a fab condo, an incredible Copano Bay home, a medium-priced 3/2, and a garden home in a gated community. Something for everyone!! (for more listings click my company Lynn Johnson Realty, Inc. under links next to this post.)
For the properties listed above, paste this link in your url: http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=108527&k=VUOo
Coastal Living Magazine declares that Rockport is one of the top 10 coastal communities to live in!! And we have the ONLY Blue Wave Beach in Texas…so there!!! HERE!!
ANNUAL OYSTERFEST THIS WEEKEND MARCH 4-7
HOW MANY CAN YOU EAT??! The Fulton VFD hopes lots!! Yep, it’s time for the 31st annual OYSTERFEST !! Come down for incredible food, live entertainment, our famous coastal art, crafts, parade, and a carnival!! T’is a fundraiser for the Fire Dept. Hope to see you here!! Here’s a link to R-F’s Chamber website for information on all the goings on:
-www.rockport-fulton.org.
BROWN BAG LECTURE AT THE TEXAS MARITIME MUSEUM
If you stay over till Monday, 8th March, you can check out the “brown bag” lecture at our Texas Maritime Museum, and then come wish me a happy birthday (still crazy at 68!!). Here’s the TMM link:
www.texasmaritimemuseum.org.; if you need a fab condo to stay in, my daughter’s waterfront unit is available; call 361-727-2311, ask for 2516 Bayhouse (discount).
TALL SHIP CELEBRATION JULY 4
Book accommodations now! July 4 is a big deal on the coast. Adding to the fun is A HUGE celebration coming to Naval Station Ingleside over the 4th July to commemorate the independence of both North and South America!! Several TALL SHIPS will be sailing into the harbor. It will be a five-day festival, featuring “Flying Clouds” from Mexico, South American countries, and the US. The US Coast Guard ship Eagle will be there. Here’s a link that will bring you “up over the transom” with great information: www.caller.com/news/2010/feb/09/tall-ships-sail-into-ingleside-july-1-5/.
And if you are interested in getting involved with this spectacular event, perhaps as a volunteer, call Jan Hart, Ingleside Eco. Development, at: 361-776-2906. This event is being funded primarily by the Port of Corpus Christi and the Buc Days Commission.
INCREDIBLE ART
If you are a lover of fine wildlife art (like I am), and if you can get to Corpus Christi before 21st March, you can see some of the finest art of wild America ever created. The collection comes from the National Museum of Wildlife Art at Yellowstone (Jackson Hole, Wyoming), and features, among several incredible artists, Robert Bateman (my very favorite!!), Catlin, Bierstadt, Audubon, Ullberg, and Kuhn. I was mesmerized by the show, and went back for a second look. While you are there, you can also enjoy super fine food at the museum’s “Dobson Café”, which overlooks beautiful Corpus Christi Bay! Check out the photos taken from the café and nearby balcony. Have you ever seen such beauty! This museum is really special. Another Coastal Bend feature for you!!
www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org.
WE HAVE MUSIC!!
(PS, another Art Center reception coming on 6th March; here’s the link:
www.rockportartscenter.com
MORE EVENTS…
-Garden Club Whooping Crane Tour, on board the Skimmer, 15th March, 361-790-7775;
And to help protect the Whoopers: http://thearansasproject.org/
-Rockport Yacht Club annual Nautical Flea Market, 1-2nd May; one of my very favorite events; I’ve bought and sold cool stuff at this event; it’s a blast!! You can donate items to the RYC (fundraiser), 361-205-6757, or rent a booth to sell your nautical “stuff”!!!
ADV
We are certainly aware that the real estate market has taken its blows over the past year, and that qualifying for home loans is a little more involved nowadays; there’s increased scrutiny, which is a good thing. BUT, I also can convey to you that here in our little backwater, this lovely, rare, even precious enclave called Rockport-Fulton, sales of homes, lots and commercial properties are happening!! With rainy, cold weather subsiding, bright sunny days returning, “spring is in the air”, and there are some really fine buys here. And we have highly skilled mortgage brokers and lenders who can help you achieve your dreams.
www.lynnjohnsonrealty.com
Call any time: Jim Wills, 361-463-9820…let’s talk!!
JIM WILLS, ABR ("Accredited Buyer's Rep")
A Texas Licensed RealtorR
Lynn Johnson Realty, Inc.
A Texas Licensed Corporate Broker
3210 Hwy 35 N., Fulton, TX 78358
Cell: 361.463.9820, Toll Free: 866.232.1876
blog: http://rockporttxcoastalrealestate.wordpress.com/
A Cure for January Blahs!
January 24, 2010
The coast is a cure for ANYTHING but especially the January Blahs!
Roseatte Spoonbills at Sunday Lunch
Don’t forget that one of our very favorite TV personalities with family ties to Rockport will be here on Monday, 1st February…that will be STEVE LYONS, PhD, the well-known hurricane specialist on the Weather Channel. Dr Lyons, affectionately known around here as “Woody”, will be back for an encore presentation at our fabulous Texas Maritime Museum at Rockport Harbor; the time is 1800 hours, and the topic will be: “Impact from a Strong Hurricane”. This is obviously a topic we all are interested in, so put this important date on your calendar. NOTE: in order to attend, you will need to be a member of the museum, and you SHOULD be anyway! So here’s the link to take care of that important piece of business: www.texasmaritimemuseum.org.
Other important news affecting things at our harbor…all of the necessary funding has been arranged to move forward with Rockport’s new Bay Education Center, which will house exhibits of the federally designated Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The final funds needed for the Center came from the Texas Land Commissioner’s office (Jerry Patterson, thank you!!). The Reserve boasts more than 200,000 acres of wetlands, uplands, and marine environments. And as you know, it is the critical habitat for wildlife such as the endangered whooping cranes.
The “Whoopers” are super critical to our local economy, as well as being very beloved to all of us who love nature, and want to see this remarkable species thrive. So, you might enjoy checking out another link coming up, because it will refer you to something called THE ARANSAS PROJECT, designed to insure our bays always receive the proper balance of fresh and salt waters required for the survival of the Whooping Cranes and other species. Even our local fisheries are dependent on this “balance”, so I urge you to check out the info at this site: www.thearansasproject.org.
ANOTHER REMINDER OF SOMETHING SPECIAL!!!!! Tall ships from all over North and South America will be in Ingleside on 1st to 4th July!!! Incredible!!
ADV
Here is the link to two remarkable listings in Rockport (if you have problems with the link, paste it into your URL) Be sure and call me 361 463 9820 with any questions:
http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=103627&k=jQemrSZE
ON THE WATER AT COPANO BAY
Looking back from the Pier
At 118 Copano Ridge Road you’ll find one of the loveliest bay front homes in the Coastal Bend, located right on Copano Bay; it features 3/2/2, beautifully upgraded rooms, a 400 ft pier and dock, and magnificent views of the bay from EVERY ROOM!!!
RESTAURANT FOR SALE And for those of you who might be interested in the restaurant business, you can now buy JD’S COVE HARBOR CAFÉ in South Rockport, right at Cove Harbor, for an incredible price!! JD and Jennifer have upgraded this building with all new interior, new kitchen, new furnishings, new fresh-seafood menu, and a growing, devoted batch of patrons who love the place…including me and all my boating buddies!!
Jim
3210 Hwy 35 N
PO Box 2282
cell phone 361- 463-9820
Toll Free 866-232-1876
Happy New Year from the Texas Riviera!
January 8, 2010
Check out the latest (and we hope alluring!!) videos below. You’ll find Kadi’s “travel log” shot from her Mustang convertible, as well as suggestions on great buys in property around here!! The new video is a minute or two of the beautiful Corpus Christi waterfront. You may remember that Corpus is our lovely neighboring city just 35 minutes away.
GOINGS ON AT THE TEXAS MARITIME MUSEUM
If you are not a member of our local and highly acclaimed Texas Maritime Museum, you might want to join! Here’s an example of the great lectures and events coming up. On Monday, 1st Feb, at 1800 hrs, Dr Steve Lyons with the Weather Channel will be here to talk about hurricanes and other breezy issues!! And the museum has a great nautical-themed library, fantastic exhibits, etc. Family membership is only $35/year!! Get with it! www.texasmaritimemuseum.org
TALL SHIP PARADE
And while on the nautical theme, another great “Life at the Water’s Edge” event comes up in late June and July…the city of Ingleside will sponsor a HUGE event…it’s a TALL SHIP PARADE, as part of a US and Latin American birthday celebration! Tall ships from Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil Venezuela, Spain and Portugal will come gliding in to Naval Station Ingleside in late June and stay through the 4th July. Public tours and lots of entertainment will be featured. Put this in your calendar!! Bring your boat!!
COMMUNITY NEWS
A design for our new Rockport “Community Center”, a “gathering place”, was presented recently by the project architect to city council; the new facility will be located adjacent to the Community Aquatic and Skate Park on Stadium Drive. Gathering Place will include a multi-purpose fitness center, meeting rooms, a youth-oriented social/game room and locker rooms. City council will be meeting soon to discuss moving ahead with actual plans and bids for construction.
ADV
It seems like efforts by the Feds to stabilize the housing market are paying off. Sales of existing homes nationally surged in late ’09 to the highest levels in nearly three years, spurred by federal subsidies (and a tax rebate for first-time buyers), and a massive Federal Reserve push to keep interest rates down!!
All this great stuff is happening here!! We certainly have great opportunities for you to consider…excellent mortgage rates, lots of inventory, great pricing, and, of course, one of the loveliest, healthiest and happiest locations to live in the entire US!!! Believe it!! Why, even Coastal Living Magazine says so. And so do I. And so will you!!
FOUR LOTS
In the first LINK below, for example, you will see featured four lots that would make ideal locations for a new coastal cottage for you; one might even be the perfect place for a business!
2/2 CONDO ON THE WETLANDS AND BAY IN CAPE VELERO
And in the second LINK below there’s a 2/2 condo, townhouse-style, out in the Cape Velero area, that comes fully furnished, and has incredible views of what have to be the loveliest WETLANDS in the Coastal Bend. On the two mile drive out Cape Velero Drive, you’ll see vast wetlands on both sides. I’ve spotted recently there: whooping crane, sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, about 10 species of ducks, and endless varieties of shore birds. Very quiet, remote and natural area!! Call me with any questions. You need to be here!! Here are your links to copy and paste in your URL:
http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=101855&k=D2itebW8
http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=101856&k=P1xUpAY
JIM WILLS
A Texas Licensed Realtor®
Lynn Johnson Realty, Inc.
A Texas Licensed Corporate Broker
3210 Hwy 35 N., Fulton, TX 78358
361.463.9820, Toll Free: 866.232.1876
blog: http://rockporttxcoastalrealestate.wordpress.com/
Jim Wills
Jim and Maui visitor, Cassidy Rose, grandaughter
More Rockport-Fulton Holiday Fun!
December 16, 2009
Hello all you Rockport Lovers! Be sure and check out our new VIDEO TOURS of Rockport at the end of the post…(Kadi is nuts about her new Flip cam!) you’ll see our gorgeous bays, coastal cottages, local wildlife, and hear her commentary as she tempts you to come be a part of our incredible waterfront community!
If you missed it, the annual “Holiday Symphony by the Sea” this past Sunday was spectacular! Wonderful music provided by the Corpus Christi Symphony and the Rockport-Fulton High School Choir at the Martha Luigi Auditorium. There was something for everyone…classical selections from Vivaldi, the extremely beautiful Mother Goose Suite from Ravel (my very favorite composer), the prayer from Hansel and Gretel, a Christmas Rhapsody arranged by the brilliant Henry Mancini, and then one marvelous holiday medley after another (Christmas and Hanukah favorites). That’s when the fun really began, because we in the audience got to sing along!!
You see, even though we are in a secret little backwater, we have really classy things going on here all the time. Great music, very famous art festivals year-round (remember, Coastal Living Magazine rates Rockport as one of the 10 best coastal communities to live in in the U.S., due in large part to our local art scene!!). And big city life is just 25 minutes away in Corpus Christi!
Let’s talk about some other reasons to live here: how about your health and happiness??!! There’s the benefits of NO traffic, far less noise, reduced pollution, really interesting, fun people and, best of all, great natural beauty to keep you content!
ADV
If you are interested in building your own coastal cottage here, take a look at the four (4) lots in the LINK below. There’s possibilities for residential and commercial, and one (on Peet’s Bend), is on a lovely canal near Copano Bay. Call with any questions: Jim Wills, 361-463-9820. Copy and paste the link into the url:
http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=392&i=99991&k=j4mAO
Holidays by the Bays
December 10, 2009
Hello Rockport Lovers!!
Here comes more great news and ideas about our beautiful backwater. And don’t forget, if you want to see lovely photos and a video about Paradise, check out my online blog at: www.rockporttxcoastalrealestate.wordpress.com
T’is the season to be jolly and involved in all the great activities here…Christmas is happening, don’t miss the annual Historic Homes Christmas Tour, 11-12 December…it’s an opportunity to learn about the area’s heritage, tour lovely homes with period-costumed docents and explore the amazing architecture locally, ending with caroling at the beautiful Fulton Mansion at 1830 hrs.
And my very favorite event of the season is the annual Holiday Symphony by the Sea at the Martha Luigi Auditorium at the high school. This is an incredible event! You’ll be singing and dancing all day.
There are other numerous events here over the holidays….a summary can be found at our Chamber website: www.rockport-fulton.org.
ADV
Our Texas Real Estate Center at Texas A&M continues to report that prospects for a good recovery from the recession we’re in look good in Texas; RECON recently even quoted Forbes Magazine saying the same basic things about our local situation. To repeat my own claims, it’s a great time to be buying real estate in Rockport/Fulton because:
-interest rates are incredibly low!
-this is THE place to live and/or invest in property
-there are lots of fabulous properties available here at very affordable prices
-you’ll be able to come by and visit with me occasionally!
Incidentally, I will be officially listing a really lovely BAYFRONT home with a 400 ft pier (on Copano Bay) next month, and you can see photos of this beauty at my online site at the top. Let me know if you are interested, and I’ll be able to share some info with you.
Heavenly Pier!
Copano Bay side of home
Flutterby Garden
Front of house
Pier and Copano Bay view
Copano Bay Master with a View
Guest bath downstairs
Copano Bay Master with a View
