Dec 29, 2022


 Beginning your house-hunting journey can be very exciting but it may also conjure up feelings of uncertainty. Creating a well thought-out checklist will help you to set realistic expectations both financially and personally and help to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Consider using these tips to add to your own house-hunting checklist.

Click her for full article.

Dec 5, 2022

Home For Sale Rockport, TX

 This property video tour is now on YouTube.
115 SANDHILL WOODS ROCKPORT, TX 78382 MLS #: R138542A
Stop over and visit my YouTube Channel and subscribe.
Enjoy Rockport-Fulton's laid-back lifestyle in this perfectly built garden home by Hogan Homes in Whistler's Cove! You'll love all the bells & whistles. This conveniently located neighborhood backs Tule Creek trails and ponds. Watch wildlife and sunsets or use as a pathway to the city's community pool and skate park. Super close to Memorial Park, post office & schools, minutes from restaurants, stores, and Rockport beach!
Call me to schedule a tour or for more information. 361-727-5478(LIST) 




Nov 25, 2022


 You’d be hard-pressed to find a homeowner who doesn’t love getting something for free. (It’s our favorite price!) If you’re longing for a décor refresh but are keeping a close eye on your budget these days, get creative and shop your home first. Save money, reduce waste, and use things you know you love? It’s a win-win-win.



Nov 23, 2022

 


OPEN HOUSE THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!

CLICK HERE FOR PROPERTY INFORMATION.

Oct 21, 2022

NEW LISTING 116 Oaktree Dr, ROCKPORT, TX 78382

 

NEW LISTING
116 Oaktree Dr, ROCKPORT, TX 78382
Get Details: CLICK HERE 116 OAKTREE
A traditional 3-2-2 well-built brick home on a lovely quiet street in Rockport Country Club with huge yard! This RCC home is perfectly located with easy access in and out of the neighborhood. It's close to shopping and restaurants, and just minutes from Fulton Harbor, Rockport beach, and downtown. Get your golf cart ready!
Contact me for more information. 361-727-5478(LIST)
 

 

Oct 10, 2022

5 Questions To Ask When Hiring a Listing Agent

 

When selling your home, hire a real estate agent with proven results and a record of sales in your area. Also, check references.
Here are a few questions to ask:
1. Are you familiar with my local town and neighborhood?
2. Can you tell me what selling features my home offers?
3. May I request a few references?
4. Will you hire a professional photographer to photograph my home?
5. Are you going to promote my property online, including on social media?
When you interview an agent consider the information received before making a decision. Contact me if you would like to discuss listing your home. 361-727-5478(LIST)

 

 

Aug 31, 2022

Buyers: You May Face Less Competition as Bidding Wars Ease

 

One of the top stories in recent real estate headlines was the intensity and frequency of bidding wars. With so many buyers looking to purchase a home and so few of them available for sale, fiercely competitive bidding wars became the norm during the pandemic – and it drove home prices up. If you tried to buy a house over the past two years, you probably experienced this firsthand and may have been outbid on several homes along the way.

But here’s the news you’ve been waiting for: data shows clear signs bidding wars are easing this year.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average number of offers on recently sold homes has declined considerably over the past few months (see graph below):

 


 

The graph shows homes were seeing a high of around five offers earlier this year. But the latest data shows that average was down to just shy of three offers per recently sold home. This shift is happening largely because rising mortgage rates moderated buyer demand and slowed home sales, resulting in a growing supply of homes on the market. Essentially, more choices for buyers.

What This Means for You

If you put your home search on pause because you were outbid last year or because you didn’t want to deal with the peak intensity of bidding wars, you can breathe a welcome sigh of relief. While it’s still a sellers’ market, an uptick in inventory gives you a window of opportunity to jump back in. You may still be competing with some buyers, but it likely won’t be anything like it was just a few short months ago.

Bottom Line

If you put your plans on pause because of intense bidding wars in recent years, it may be time to kick off your home search. Today, bidding wars are easing and that may mean less competition for you as a buyer. If you’re serious about buying a home or making a move, let’s connect to get started today.

Aug 30, 2022

Home For Sale: 105 PECAN HARBOR ST ROCKPORT, TX 78382

 MLS #: R138002A
List Price: $275,00   105 PECAN HARBOR ST ROCKPORT, TX 78382
 

 
Adorable cottage in Captain's Bay with all the upgrades you wished for! Enter into the lovely living area with unique architecture details and vaulted ceiling, an open floor plan with upgraded kitchen and dining area, huge breakfast bar and lots of great low E-vinyl windows for natural light with plantation shutters. Granite counters, 42" tall cabinets, coastal neutral colors inside and out and tile flooring through out all main areas to add to the easy lifestyle & efficiency. Den/office can fit extra guests. The back screened porch is the perfect place to chill and watch birds in your garden. The extended patio making the yard easy to maintain, perfect to grill and entertain, shaded by wind swept live oaks and a back gate leads you to the peaceful greenbelt behind the fence, a treasure along with trails and pond this community offers! Spectacular location in Rockport minutes to shops, restaurants and bays and easy access to the highway to commute to Corpus or to Port A for a fun day!

Property Details. Take a look https://myre.io/0VB5ME4Yk1Di

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

Aug 29, 2022

What Would a Recession Mean for the Housing Market?


If you’re wondering what a potential recession could mean for the housing market, here’s what history tells us.
In four of the last six recessions, home prices actually appreciated, only falling during the early 90s and the housing crash in 2008. Mortgage rates, though, declined during each of the previous recessions.
If you have questions about buying or selling a home in today’s market, let’s connect.



 

Aug 24, 2022

What Sellers Need To Know in Today’s Housing Market

 


What Sellers Need To Know in Today’s Housing Market | MyKCM

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard about the housing market slowing down in recent months. While it’s still a sellers’ market, the peak frenzy the market saw over the past two years has cooled some. If you’re asking yourself if you’ve missed your chance to sell your house and make a move, the good news is you haven’t – motivated buyers are still out there. But you do need to price your house right for today’s market. Here’s why.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

Homes priced right are selling very quickly, but homes priced too high are deterring prospective buyers.”

It’s true buyer demand has slowed over the past few months as higher mortgage rates made it more expensive to buy a home. The result is fewer bidding wars and less competition among buyers (see visual below):

What Sellers Need To Know in Today’s Housing Market | MyKCM

But don’t forget – that’s compared to the severely overheated market we saw over the past two years. According to the latest Confidence Index from NAR:

“. . . 39% of homes sold above list price, down from 51% a month ago and 50% a year ago.”

While this is a slower pace than even one month ago, serious buyers are still actively in the market, and they’re buying homes that are priced right. In fact, the Confidence Index also notes the average home is selling in just 14 days.

If you’re aiming to sell your house, be sure you’re working with your agent to price it for today’s housing market. As buyer demand softens, it’s important to understand this isn’t the same market as last year. It’s not even the same market as just a few months ago. But it is still a sellers’ market.

If you’re ready to sell your house, seek the advice of a real estate professional. In some cases, you’ll need to adjust your expectations accordingly to meet the market where it is today. Selma Hepp, Interim Lead, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains what’s happening and what it means when you sell:

Signs of a broader slowdown in the housing market are evident, . . . This is in line with our previous expectations and given the notable cooling of buyer demand due to higher mortgage rates. . . . Nevertheless, buyers still remain interested, which is keeping the market competitive — particularly for attractive homes that are properly priced.”

Bottom Line

While the housing market has cooled from its overheated frenzy, it’s still a sellers’ market. Let’s connect so you understand what’s happening with buyer demand and home prices in our local area as you get ready to enter the market.

Aug 22, 2022

3 Tips for Buying a Home Today

 

3 Tips for Buying a Home Today

3 Tips for Buying a Home Today | MyKCM

If you put off your home search at any point over the past two years, you may want to consider picking it back up based on today’s housing market conditions. Recent data shows the supply of homes for sale is increasing, giving buyers like you additional options.

But it’s important to keep in mind that while inventory is improving, it’s still a sellers’ market. And that means you need to be prepared as you set out on your home search. Here are three tips for buying the home of your dreams today.

1. Understand How Mortgage Rates Impact Your Homebuying Power

Mortgage rates have increased significantly this year, and over the past few weeks, they’ve been fluctuating quite a bit. It’s important to stay up to date on what’s happening with rates and understand how they can impact your purchasing power when you’re thinking of buying a home. The chart below can help.

Let’s say your budget allows for a monthly mortgage payment in the $2,100-$2,200 range. The green in the chart indicates a payment within or below that range, while the red is a payment that exceeds it.

3 Tips for Buying a Home Today | MyKCM

As the chart shows, even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your monthly payments. If rates rise, you could exceed your budget unless you pursue a lower home loan amount. If rates fall, your purchasing power may increase, which could give you additional options for your search.

2. Be Open to Exploring Different Options During Your Search

The supply of homes for sale is improving, which gives you more homes to choose from. But historically, supply is still low. That means as you search for homes, if you still don’t find something that meets your needs, it may be worth expanding your search.

A recent article from the Washington Post highlights a few things buyers can consider today. It encourages opening yourself up to more areas. For example, if there’s a location you’ve previously ruled out (like a particular town, for example) it may be worth taking another look.

And if you’re able to, opening your search up to include other housing types, like newly built homes, condominiums, or townhomes can further increase your pool of options. Even as the inventory of homes for sale improves today, finding ways to cast a wider net during your search could help you find a hidden gem.

3. Work with a Local Real Estate Professional for Expert Guidance

Ultimately, you need to be prepared when you set out to buy a home. Jeff Ostrowski, Senior Mortgage Reporter for Bankrate, explains:

“Taking the leap to homeownership can provide a feeling of pride while boosting your long-term financial outlook, if you go in well-prepared and with your eyes open.”

No matter where you’re at in your homeownership journey, the best way to make sure you’re set up for success is to work with a real estate professional. If you’re just starting your search, a real estate professional can help you understand your local market and search for available homes. And when it’s time to make an offer, they’ll be an expert advisor and negotiator to help yours stand out above the rest.

Bottom Line

Strategically planning your home search by understanding today’s mortgage rates, casting a wide net, and building a team of experts can be the keys to finding the home of your dreams. To make sure you have expert advice each step of the way, let’s connect.

Aug 15, 2022

The desire to own a home is still strong today. Homeownership Rate Is Growing - By Neli Spurrell

 The U.S. Homeownership Rate Is Growing

The desire to own a home is still strong today. In fact, according to the Census, the U.S. homeownership rate is on the rise. To illustrate the increase, the graph below shows the homeownership rate over the last year:
That data shows more than half of the U.S. population live in a home they own, and the percentage is growing with time.
If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, here are just a few reasons why so many people see the value of homeownership.
Call me if you are ready to enter into homeownership.
  
 

Why Are More People Becoming Homeowners?

There are several benefits to owning your home. A significant one, especially when inflation is high like it is today, is that homeownership can help protect you from rising costs. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“In the 1970s, when inflation was running around 10%, home prices were rising at approximately the same rate. Renters actually have a harder time in inflationary periods, because rents tend to rise along with inflation, whereas mortgage payments stay the same for homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages.”

When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can lock in what’s likely your biggest monthly expense – your housing payment – for the duration of that loan, often 15-30 years.

That gives you a predictable monthly housing expense that can benefit you in the short term, but you’ll also gain equity over time as your home appreciates in value and you make your monthly mortgage payment.

And with that growing equity, your net worth will increase as well. In fact, the latest data from NAR shows the median household net worth of a homeowner is roughly $300,000, while the median net worth of renters is only about $8,000. That means a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times that of a renter.

The desire to own a home is still strong today. In fact, according to the Census, the U.S. homeownership rate is on the rise. To illustrate the increase, the graph below shows the homeownership rate over the last year:

That data shows more than half of the U.S. population live in a home they own, and the percentage is growing with time.

If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, here are just a few reasons why so many people see the value of homeownership.

Why Are More People Becoming Homeowners?

There are several benefits to owning your home. A significant one, especially when inflation is high like it is today, is that homeownership can help protect you from rising costs. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“In the 1970s, when inflation was running around 10%, home prices were rising at approximately the same rate. Renters actually have a harder time in inflationary periods, because rents tend to rise along with inflation, whereas mortgage payments stay the same for homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages.”

The U.S. Homeownership Rate Is Growing | MyKCM

Bottom Line

The U.S. homeownership rate is growing. If you’re ready to purchase the home of your dreams, let’s connect so you can begin the homebuying process today.

Why Experts Say the Housing Market Won’t Crash [INFOGRAPHIC] 
 
Call me with any questions about homeownership. 
 

Aug 8, 2022

902 N TERRY ST ROCKPORT, TX 78382

  This incredible opportunity to live work and play on 3 corner lots with majestic coastal live oaks and garden! Pergola with shade for BBQ & kids playground. Ranch brick style main home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 living areas, the large one with built-ins and fireplace, great media room and a screened porch with a hidden built in oven for extra holidays baking. There is a converted room in the garage perfect for home-office, studio or you could convert it back to a garage. The shop building is ready for your workshop, has a RV hookup and an apartment in the back with a kitchen, dining-living area, bedroom and bath with a window unit A/C could be good rental income potential. Located minutes from Rockport beach and downtown. Plenty parking for your extra guests, toys and boat!

 


 

Jul 29, 2022

Tips to give your home a beautiful refresh without breaking the bank.


 

New video up on my channel!
Tips to give your home a beautiful refresh without breaking the bank.
Check it out! Please subscribe. https://youtu.be/8XpdsnyY-ok

Jun 29, 2022

103 Teresa Ln in Rockport Texas - Home for Sale


103 TERESA LN ROCKPORT, TX 78382
MLS #: R137537
Super well cared for home on 2 LOTS in country style living of Lamar Point Preserve community located near Big Tree-Goose Island State Park. Lovely front porch for you to sit an enjoy watching the whooping cranes flying by in the winter mornings and a huge covered back patio for BBQ & entertaining guests looking over a majestic centennial live oak tree in backyard hosting hummingbirds in the fall....Huge size living room open to the Kitchen with granite counter tops, spacious pantry, breakfast bar for extra sitting and stainless appliances. Main bedroom suite with duo sinks, separated shower and garden tub. Convenient located just minutes from public boat launches to go BAY fishing or kayaking. Make this jewel your Rockport Home!

Jun 17, 2022

429 N Walker Rd Rockport TX Neli Spurrell Realtor


WELCOME TO 429 N WALKER IN ROCKPORT TX!
A gated drive welcomes you home to this lovely ranch style home on 2.7 acres with sparkling swimming pool. 

Jun 15, 2022

 

Is the Housing Market Correcting?

Is the Housing Market Correcting? | MyKCM

If you're following the news, all of the headlines about conditions in the current housing market may leave you with more questions than answers. Is the boom over? Is the market crashing or correcting? Here’s what you need to know.

The housing market is moderating compared to the last two years, but what everyone needs to remember is that the past two years were record-breaking in nearly every way. Record-low mortgage rates and millennials reaching peak homebuying years led to an influx of buyer demand. At the same time, there weren’t enough homes available to purchase thanks to many years of underbuilding and sellers who held off on listing their homes due to the health crisis.

This combination led to record-high demand and record-low supply, and that wasn’t going to be sustainable for the long term. The latest data shows early signs of a shift back to the market pace seen in the years leading up to the pandemic – not a crash nor a correction. As realtor.com says:

The housing market is at a turning point. . . . We’re starting to see signs of a new direction, . . .”

Home Showings Then and Now

The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the traffic of home showings according to agents and brokers. It’s a good indication of buyer demand. Here’s a look at that data going back to 2019 (see graph below):

Is the Housing Market Correcting? | MyKCM

The 2019 numbers give a good baseline of pre-pandemic demand (shown in gray). As the graph indicates, home showings skyrocketed during the pandemic (shown in blue). And while current buyer demand has begun to moderate slightly based on the latest data (shown in green), showings are still above 2019 levels.

And since 2019 was such a strong year for the housing market, this helps show that the market isn’t crashing – it’s just at a turning point that’s moving back toward more pre-pandemic levels.

Existing Home Sales Then and Now

Headlines are also talking about how existing home sales are declining, but perspective matters. Here’s a look at existing home sales going all the way back to 2019 using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) (see graph below):

Is the Housing Market Correcting? | MyKCM

Again, a similar story emerges. The pandemic numbers (shown in blue) beat the more typical year of 2019 home sales (shown in gray). And according to the latest projections for 2022 (shown in green), the market is on pace to close this year with more home sales than 2019 as well.

It’s important to compare today not to the abnormal pandemic years, but to the most recent normal year to show the current housing market is still strong. First American sums it up like this:

“. . . today’s housing market looks a lot like the 2019 housing market, which was the strongest housing market in a decade at the time.”

Bottom Line

If recent headlines are generating any concerns, look at a more typical year for perspective. The current market is not a crash or correction. It’s just a turning point toward more typical, pre-pandemic levels. Let’s connect if you have any questions about our local market and what it means for you when you buy or sell this year.

~Source:Keep Current Matters

Jun 7, 2022

3901 Hwy 35 N Fulton, TX 78358

Property Site: https://tour.corelistingmachine.com/home/VW8THV/3901-Hwy-35-N-Fulton-TX-137505
Amazing 6.5 Acres of prime location in Fulton(Rockport) for development with over 733 ft of HWY 35 Business frontage, a corner lot with small pond, mature wind swept oaks and a second road access! City water and sewer available. Blocks from Fulton fishing pier and Harbor, restaurants and minutes from Rockport Beach, downtown and all the reasons to invest in this bayside community!
Bathrooms: 0.00
Price: $1,000,000

For more information about this property, please contact Nelida Spurrell at 214-597-8751 or nelidaspurrell@yahoo.com. You can also text 7448981 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: https://nelispurrell.propertiesbyspearsandco.com


MLS ID: 137505