02004 32 1 ebook by TREB Production

Clear Lake / Galveston HOME & LIFESTYLE GUIDE Volume 32, Issue 1

SELLING YOUR SMART HOME?

SEE INSIDE FOR SMART MARKETING STRATEGIES

RealEstateBook.com

Request FREE MAGAZINES online, or call 800-841-3401

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Listing Agent: John Pankiewicz, Realtor REALTY ASSOCIATES (M) 713.927.9791 john@SugarlandDreamHomes.com 12/21/15 5:28 PM

BAYOU REALTORS速

281-337-4557 1-800-999-4557 Text BAYOU to 85377 & view all available listings!

LE A

WATERFRONT

Call Ken Hufstetler 281-536-3265 Text P854452 to 85377 THE LAUREL HOUSE - 13 Bed Type B Assisted Living Facility close to Mainland Medical Ctr. Easy access to churches, pharmacies & shopping. Commgate# 2373384 $360,000

WATERFRONT

WATERVIEW

Call Robert Bragg 832-534-0625 Text P311403 to 85377 BEAUTIFUL HOME & POOL. Dickinson 3/2/2 w/FP, grand skylights, vaulted ceilings, pool overlooks bayou, 2 boat lifts, bulkhead, lush landscaping. MLS# 95497478 $350,000

Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 Text P824283 to 85377 LAKES OF BAY AREA. Dickinson 3/2.5/3 beauty features stone FP & breakfast bar, massive granite counters, abundant builtins/storage, high ceilings. MLS# 67796486 $345,000

Call Murlene Ware 281-734-1023 Text P117902 to 85377 STUNNING HOME 4/3/2 split plan w/ study. Grand entry, island kitchen, tray ceilings, crown molding, extended garage & lush landscaping. MLS# 86886345 $379,900

Call Ann Bragg 832-419-2777 Text P235784 to 85377 SPECTACULAR 4/3.5/3 in gated S/D. Quality features include double FPs, study, gamerm, island kitchen, scrnd porch w/outdoor kitchen, much more. MLS# 39953464 $600,000

Call Sherry Williams 713-858-4899 Text P808115 to 85377 GORGEOUS 4/3.5/2 w/many custom amenities. Open plan, spacious BRs, office, gamerm & media rm. Close to park & pool. MLS# 18747524 $294,000

Call Ann Bragg 832-419-2777 Text P218393 to 85377 ALMOST 1/2 ACRE. 3-4/2/2+. LG living area w/FP & bay window, wrap around deck, private deck off master. Garage big enough for a boat/workshop. MLS# 92654237 $175,000

Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 Text P875169 to 85377 PEACE & PRIVACY IN THE FOREST. Custom 3/2/2 w/abundant built-ins, 15 ft of glass doors w/woodland view, FP, high ceiling, oversized garage/ workshop. MLS# 35582932 $153,500

IN CK DI NS ON

Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 Text P697231 to 85377 OLD WORLD charm & tropical paradise rolled into one. Sprawling 6/3.5/2 w/ separate apt, office & workshop. Needs TLC but built by one of areas best known builders. MLS# 43116844 $209,000

NS ON

Call Robert Bragg 832-534-0625 Text T747681 to 85377 5 ACRES, excellent location w/well & septic, comfortable, bright & open 2 BR home, separate office space, & very LG barn. Horses welcome! MLS# 36947337 $240,000

DI C

NS ON

Call Mary Ann Hamilton 281-948-9528 Text P112351 to 85377 GORGEOUS GATED COMMUNITY in Clear Lake area. 3/3/2 w/granite counters, laminate flrs, interior elevator. Boatslips available. MLS# 48661196 $249,900

DI C

SA N

SO N

WATERFRONT

Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 Text P876070 to 85377 SUPER CLEAN AND COZY BUNGALOW. 3-2 w/huge carport/patio for entertaining. Scrnd in porch, huge utility/work rm, LG master/closet. New concrete street! MLS# 86765964 $78,000

www.bayourealtors.com 1613 FM 517 East, Dickinson 02004.32.1.002.Bayou.indd 1

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1113 W. Baker Road, Suite D

Donna Rather

713-553-3019

www.har.com/ anchorrealtyassocinc

Patricia Chapa

Se Habla Español

832-331-8700

Maria Cortes

832-597-5381

Veroncia Gaytan

832-262-3646

Terry Callenius

713-419-5089

Jose Rodriguez

281-796-2231

Rose Searcy

713-855-9207

Raquel Palomo

713-447-4095

54 21 :9 1 /ID LS

P624393

P335611

TERRY CALLENIUS 713-553-3019 VERY CUTE 4-2-2 on cul-de-sac st. 2 LG storage closets, carpet, tile/laminate flrs, island kitchen, granite tops, game rm & master on main. Fenced backyard. Must see to appreciate! $179,900

/ID

MARIA CORTES 832-597-5381 2 STORY w/3-2.5-2, game rm, formal dining + breakfast area. Fenced backyard w/covered patio. Well maintained.

/ID

:8 1

REALTOR®

Owned & Managed By Donna Rather

ANCHOR R E A LT Y

Anchor Realty Assoc., Inc. 281-427-4747

P489738

P736283 ROSE SEARCY 713-855-9207 GORGEOUS 4-3-2 w/2306 SF on LG Shady Lot in quiet N’hood. Custom w/open plan, Silestone c-tops & Fridge. $204,500 3

MARIA CORTES 832-597-5381 7 UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX With (6) 1 BR(1) 3 BR. Tenants pay their own utilities. Call for more info. $159,900

43 58

:27 ID

/ID

te/ Ga

P833749

P294084

RAQUEL PALOMO 703-447-40925 (11231AR) 3-2-2, Split BRs, Formal Dining & Living, Open Flr Plan, Master BA w/Shower & Fenced Backyard great for BBQ’s!

MARIA CORTES 832-597-5381 GREAT INVESTMENTMENT PROPERTY. Many Possibilities! Bldg includes cooking equipment, appliances & furniture.

mm Co

G PENDIN

LS /ID

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL!!! Text AnchorRealty to 85377 & View All Availab le Listings!

P865520

P624393 MARIA CORTES 832-597-5381 10430 PINE MEADOWS - 3 - 2.5 - 2 Large gameroom, dining area plus brakfast area, covered patio, fenced back yard. $167,900

/ID

:81

18 76 4

ROSE SEARCY 713-855-9207 514 EVERGREEN - 3 - 2 - 2 updated bath & kitchen, stainless appliances. Many upgrades. $139,900

P865521

ROSE SEARCY 713-855-9207 4903 WOODFORD - 3 - 2 - 1 Open concept, tile foors, carpet bedrooms, covered patio, fenced back yard. $129,500

Text the Property Codes to 85377 to View More Photos & Information!

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Luxury Palisade P

Fabulous European Design w Offered at $587,000

Cover Home

Your Pool and Ocean Balcony View at Condo BC410Palisade Palms Condominium.

John Pankiewicz, Realtor REALTY ASSOCIATES 1223 Antoine Dr Houston, TX 713-927-9791 John@SugarLandDreamHomes.com PosterMyWall.com 02004.32.1.004.005.CondoFlyerSpread.indd 1

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e Palms Condo

Galveston, Texas

n with Custom Features

Ultra Lux European Designer double balcony plan on 4th floor. Gorgeous sunset views of Gulf & on South side & cruise ship bay view on North side. Huge balcony facing Gulf allows for grilling & entertaining Concierge service. Many designer upgrades include granite, ceramic floors throughout, custom lighting, built in surround sound system, custom wood doors with glass panels, designer glass wash basins. Japanese soaking tub. Huge secluded beach with private walkway, fitness center, library, game room, tennis courts & more!

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Consider These Factors When Buying an Investment Home Whether your new home is an investment or intended for personal use, there are a few key factors that you should consider for the best possible outcome. Here are some important considerations to take into account as you search for your new home.

Location.

Tax Benefits.

Visit the area you’re interested in multiple times at different periods of the day before making a decision on that specific locale. Be familiar with the area as well as the features and amenities that your potential community has to offer.

If you rent out your home fewer than 15 days during the tax year, you are still allowed to take the deductions for the interest and taxes. On the other hand, if you rent out the home for 15 days or more during the year, you must report all rental receipts to the IRS as income, but you can also deduct operating expenses such as utilities, repairs, insurance and management fees against that income.

Purchase & Maintenance Costs. Add up and evaluate all costs associated with buying and maintaining your new home. This will give you an idea of what to expect down the road.

Rental Income. Is this an investment property? Do NOT depend solely on rental income to pay your bills. Remember, you’ll also be handing over money to pay for cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and possibly management fees.

Rental Potential. Assess and research the potential of renting out your new home. Emotions aside, pick an investment home that will appeal to the largest target market and remember that money factors and demand tend to vary and fluctuate, depending on the economy’s state at the time. Also, find out if your homeowners’ association allows you to rent out a property in addition to using it for your own vacation needs.

This home buying tip brought to you by:

Rose O’Brobinak 281-224-7388 obrobinakr@gmail.com

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Now Leasing This new development is convenient to 146 and 518. Space available now ranges from 1,375 to as large as 3,000 sq.ft.

Features: • ac-heating systems • convenient parking • Owner pays for water and CAM • office Call to view now as space is leasing fast!

Rose O’Drobinak Logos Real Estate 281-224-7388 odrobinakr@gmail.com

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Be Smart about Marketing a Smart Home Are you selling a smart home? When marketing this type of residence, it’s important that you focus less on every tiny detail and focus more on the home’s features that will attract a larger audience. How do you know which features are most appealing to homebuyers? Believe it or not, the most popular features are not the newest and most technologically advanced. Rather, they are basic necessities like security, heating, cooling, and lighting.

1. Smart Security This is absolutely one of the most popular smart home features among consumers. For homeowners who travel a lot or want to monitor their home while they’re away, this is a great feature that is in high demand. It makes residents feel safe and secure. Also, if you forgot to lock the doors or set the alarm before leaving the house, this smart technology can take care of that, too.

2. Smart Lighting and Temperature Control With this smart feature, homeowners can now pull the plug on high-energy bills. Whether you forgot to adjust the temperature before going out of town, or if you left the lights on before leaving for work, smart homes allow its residents remote access to all these controls. The Nest Thermostat, for example, programs itself based on the homeowner’s specific preferences and can easily be controlled from a smart phone or tablet.

3. Smart Home Emergency Alerts This popular feature in smart homes will send warnings of emergencies like fire, burglary and carbon monoxide poisoning, which gives you more time to react and keep your loved ones safe. All in real-time, you will be notified the instant an alarm goes off, whether it be the security alarm or smoke detector. You can even view live feed from your smart phone, showing exactly where in your home that the alarm was set off.

By marketing smart homes smartly, you will have an easier time selling your home to the right buyer. Always remember to market what is most important to homeowners, not every bell and whistle that comes with the property. Be a smart seller!

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BE PART OF A WINNING TRADITION

Become an Independent Distributor with The Real Estate Book! For over, 35 years, The Real Estate Book has been connecting home buyers and sellers through locally distributed magazines and online products in hundreds of markets across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.

Why Real Estate Book? Be your own boss Control your future Flexible schedule Home based business opportunity

Opportunities are available in select markets. For more information, contact Patrick McGroder at 855-556-7544

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thisoldhouse.com | MarthaStewart.com

Restoring

Your Windows’ Sparkle Our home is full of intricacies that make it beautiful as a whole. One piece of the house that can really make a difference in curb appeal is your windows. Did you know that a home’s windows should be cleaned on the outside at least twice a year? Often, this task gets neglected because of the lack of know-how on what cleaner to use, what tools are best, or when to hire a professional to do the dirty work for you. We are here to guide you along in making your windows shine.

Choosing the

Set a date and

Which cleaner

time. Like we stated above, set aside a day at least twice a year to tackle the task of cleaning your windows. We suggest picking dates in the spring and fall when temperatures are more mild and it also keeps the cleanings evenly spaced.

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right tools. In actuality, the best tools to choose are closer to what the pros use. Soft bristle brushes, squeegees, natural sponges, or chamois towels all work great and don’t do any damage.

to use. The grocery store cleaning aisle offers multiple options for cleaners when it comes to windows. Often times, these are over the top. What works best is sitting right next to your sink or in your pantry: the tried and true dish soap or vinegar. When using dish soap, just a squirt will do the job mixed in a bucket of warm water.

he how-to. Scrape away debris from the panes using your soft bristled brush. Wet your sponge with the cleaner you’ve chosen and loosen up any dirt. Next, use a pre-soaked squeegee to swipe downward in even strokes, overlapping the first stroke with the second and so forth.

Get help. If

your windows are too high or this process seems too tedious, then hire a professional. A professional window cleaner will ensure a higher quality job and keep you safe from uncomfortable heights.

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$345,000

t n o fr r e t a w s e m o h $585,000

LAKES OF BAY AREA. Dickinson 3/2.5/3 beauty features stone FP & breakfast bar, massive granite counters, abundant builtins/ storage, high ceilings. MLS# 67796486 $345,000 Bayou Realtors® 281.337.4557 1.800.999.4557

$249,900

SHOREACRES WATERFRONT - Small town & the best kept secret on Galveston Bay. Catch fabulous sunrises, sailing regattas & ships from faraway places from LG 2nd flr balcony or almost endless wall of glass living area in charming 3/4 BR & 2.5 BA w/4C garage home. Constructed w/concrete pillars & wood Edmonson & Associates, Inc flrs. Truly a ‘’BRcommunity’’ quietly tucked next to Houston Yacht Club. 281.326.5544 norman@edmonson-realtor.com $585,000

$999,000

GORGEOUS GATED COMMUNITY in Clear Lake area. 3/3/2 w/ granite counters, laminate flrs, interior elevator. Boatslips available. MLS# 48661196 $249,900 Bayou Realtors® 281.337.4557 1.800.999.4557

WATERFRONT! 125 ft on Galveston Bay! Coastal living at it’s finest. Many windows & doors to capture the view. Separate guest home w/1 BR, kitchenette & huge living. Outstanding in every way! Call 281- 326-5544 Evenings 713-817-8911 MLS# 26994766 Edmonson & Associates, Inc 281.326.5544 norman@edmonson-realtor.com

$99,900

$350,000

BEAUTIFUL HOME & POOL. Dickinson 3/2/2 w/FP, grand skylights, vaulted ceilings, pool overlooks bayou, 2 boat lifts, bulkhead, lush landscaping. MLS# 95497478 $350,000 Bayou Realtors® 281.337.4557 1.800.999.4557

WATERFRONT - Seabrook’s Back Bay. Great view of Galveston Bay. Enjoy living on the coast & all Seabrook has to offer! Miles of Hike/Bike trails & 15 parks. Great price for waterfront property. Call 281-326-5544 Evenings 713-817-8911 MLS# 79705744 Edmonson & Associates, Inc 281.326.5544 norman@edmonson-realtor.com

TEXT PROPERTY CODES TO 85377 FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFORMATION! 02004.32.1.011.Waterfront.indd 1

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Source: SFGate.com, HouseLogic.com

Your Kitchen Cabinets: To Upkeep, Overhaul, or Uproot?

They are used everyday, have much weight to bear, and are crucial for organization. What is it, you may ask? The answer is simple – your kitchen cabinets. These cabinets are the main focal point in your kitchen and more than likely take up the most wall space than any other permanent fixture in the home. They are also one of the more expensive items to replace when remodeling. But what to do when your kitchen cabinets are looking drab and dull? The Upkeep: Maintain the Original Look If you love your cabinets just the way they are, then proper maintenance and cleaning can keep them beautiful. Wipe up splatters and spills right away so the food substance does not get the chance to harden. If there are already some hard to scrub places, opt for gentle cleaners. Something as simple as equal parts vinegar and water will be gentle enough to scrub away debris. For the more stubborn of food goo, try letting undiluted vinegar sit for a few minutes and then scrape it away with a nonabrasive brush or sponge. The Overhaul: Get Creative When you own your home, there are no limits to your creativity! A crucial step in this DIY process is to label all hardware, doors, and drawers so you can reset your house quickly when you’re finished. Choose your favorite color and paint your cabinets for a new, clean look. Feeling particularly bold? Think of stencils, contact paper, vinyl lettering – the sky’s the limit! Try using tape to create your own designs and to keep the lines cleaner. Cabinets do not always have to be a single color either. Some folks go two-toned to add depth. Spray paint your hinges and replace your drawer pulls to finish the look.

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Go Pro Perhaps creativity isn’t in your repertoire? No problem. There are various kinds of companies offering options such as professional staining, painting, or refacing. Cabinet refacing is a less expensive method than replacing your entire cabinet set. There are several different approaches to the art. Firstly, rigid thermofoil, or RTF, is a plastic coating over a fiberboard, which is both durable and affordable. Secondly, laminate is a more known material, offering hundreds of different designs to fit any fancy. Finally, real wood veneers are the most expensive of the three, but also offer a beautiful real wood look and can be stained to your liking. The Uproot: The Remodel Option Of course, with all three of these above stated routes, there’s no cure for structure. If your cabinets are lacking the structural integrity to bear their burdens, then they have to go. It’s a major safety issue, not to mention expensive, if any or all of them were to come tumbling down. Giving them a facelift won’t do anything but make the danger beautiful. Also, with refacing or painting, there is no solution for a bad kitchen design. If the kitchen cabinets aren’t placed well in the first place, then a remodel is a great option to ensure that this well used room is at it’s peak functionality. With careful consideration for which option is best for you, your kitchen will stay beautiful and functional for many happy years to come!

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featured

KITCHENS $587,000

John Pankiewicz

713-927-9791 john@SugarlandDreamHomes.com

COVER HOME! LUXURY PALISADE PALMS CONDO! Ultra lux & fabulous with a custom European design. Huge secluded beach with private walkway!

Text P755533 to 85377

$600,000

Bayou Realtors速 281-337-4557

SPECTACULAR 4/3.5/3 in gated subdivision. Quality features include double FPs, study, gameroom, island kitchen, screened porch w/outdoor kitchen & so much more.

Text P235784 to 85377

$585,000

Edmonsong Associates LNC. 281-326-5544 norman@edmonson-realtor.com

SHOREACRES WATERFRONT HOME tucked next to Houston Yacht Club! Enjoy the fabulous views of the sunrises, sailing regattas, ships, along w/the endless wall of glass living area in this charming 3/4 BR & 2.5 BA treasure.

Text P774640 to 85377 TEXT PROPERTY CODES TO 85377 FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFORMATION! 02004.32.1.013.FeaturedKitchen.indd 1

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April Goodson

Account Manager Direct: 770.824.3038 Email: AGoodson@RealEstateBook.com

Blog.RealEstateBook.com “All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

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HAPPY

NEW YEARS from

CLEAR LAKE/GALVESTON, TX

TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT: April Goodson at 770-824-3038 or AGoodson@RealEstateBook.com

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Text EDMONSON to 85377 & view all available listings!

Text P774640 to 85377

Text P569724 to 85377 OLD SEABROOK - Single family home, duplex or small business! Walk to waterfront park on 2nd street. Come enjoy all Seabrook has to offer w/parks, hike & bike trails & small town feel! $49,900 Call 281326-5544 Evenings 281-474-9692 MLS# 53940645

Text P698295 to 85377 WATERFRONT! 125 ft on Galveston Bay! Coastal living at it’s finest. Many windows & doors to capture the view. Separate guest home w/1 BR, kitchenette & huge living. Outstanding in every way! Call 281326-5544 Evenings 713-817-8911 MLS# 26994766

Text P764063 to 85377 WATERFRONT - Seabrook’s Back Bay. Great view of Galveston Bay. Enjoy living on the coast & all Seabrook has to offer! Miles of Hike/ Bike trails & 15 parks. Great price for waterfront property. Call 281326-5544 Evenings 713-817-8911 MLS# 79705744

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SHOREACRES WATERFRONT - This small town is the best kept secret on Galveston Bay. 30 min from downtown Houston or Galveston, 45 from Bush & 20 from Hobby. Catch fabulous sunrises, sailing regattas & ships from faraway places from LG 2nd flr balcony or almost endless wall of glass living area in charming 3/4 BR, 2.5 BA, 4C garage waterfront home. Constructed w/concrete pillars & wood flrs throughout. Truly a ‘’bedroom community’’ quietly tucked next to Houston Yacht Club. $585,000 Call 281-326-5544 Evenings 713-899-5859 MLS# 18041068

Text T460280 to 85377 SANTA FE-CLEARED 9.4 ACRES Near the corner of 646 & 1764 in Santa Fe. No easements or pipelines. Fast growing area. $950,000 Call 281-326-5544 Evenings 281-474-9692 MLS# 86983422

Text P299798 to 85377 KEMAH OAKS-4 BR home.Huge gamerm up. Hardi-plank exterior siding. Fresh interior paint. Kitchen w/granite counters. FP. 3 BRs w/ laminate flrs. Huge backyard. $235,000 Call 281- 326-5544 Evenings 713-817-8911 MLS# 92803774

Text P606724 to 85377 KIRBY LAKES - 4 BR, 2.5 BA home. Both formals. Kitchen w/granite & black appliances. 2-sided FP. LG master suite features whirlpool tub & separate shower & big closet. Gamerm. Call 281-326-5544 Evenings 713-899-5859 MLS# 10314346

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