Is oceanfront property an investment of a lifetime? Does location really matter? Can real-estate save your very soul? Can you teach me how to dance real slow? What do “The Donald” or “Roosevelt” know anyway?

"It's tangible, it's solid, it's beautiful. It's artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate. Well, real estate is always good, as far as I'm concerned."
Donald Trump - Real Estate - Investing

Why would anyone in their right mind purchase real estate on Mustang Island, when they can buy a 600 square foot condo in Key West, Florida for only a million dollars? Value you say. You mean to tell me that the upside of a beachfront development lot or home on Mustang Island has far greater potential for appreciation than the condo? Of course it does. Look at what Roosevelt had to say:

"Every person who invests in well-selected real estate in a growing section of a prosperous community adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth."
- Theodore Roosevelt

Value
Therein lays the secret of Mustang Island. The potential for creating a basis for wealth or in these inflationary times protecting acquired wealth. To slide a few clichés past you I point out “they are not making any more coastal real estate” and “better get it while you can before it’s all gone”. I don’t even have to tell you the outrageous difference in price between Florida, California and Texas Coastal properties for you to realize the potential for appreciation on the Texas Coast.

I must at this time inform you that my lawyers insist that I not tell you or sell you real estate on the basis of it having an investment potential. So, the baby boomers are not flocking to the coasts, a hurricane may indeed make ‘new Coastal property’ and it don’t rain in Indianapolis in the summertime. You have to ask yourself a question “what idiot ever bought a piece of real estate and didn’t expect some sort of return on investment?”

Apparently, they are all lawyers. Notice my gratuitous cheap shot at lawyers. Value and expected appreciation are valid reasons to purchase real estate whether I tell you or my lawyers don’t tell you or you figure it out for yourself.

Vacation/Second Homes
The proximity to Austin, Houston and San Antonio make Mustang Island property a no brainer decision for the vacation or second home as they are called by some. People have been buying, building and renting beach property for vacations for over a hundred years in a steady progression that has lead to increased value since it became fashionable to have a house in the Hamptons.

If you can’t understand the pleasure of a vacation on the pristine natural beaches of Mustang Island then words from me on the subject will be of little value.

Rental Property
Vacation rentals on the coast do well and it is no big secret. Many lease the long term and short term. In any event those who elect to rent their properties are generally rewarded with either income or at least money to offset to payments.

Retirement Home/Residence
Yes some folks really do live in paradise year round. Most are retirees but more and more people residing on the coast have business interest’s right there and their home is their primary residence.

Investment
There are those who buy property solely to make a profit. These people and groups of investors are well aware that if they determine that a market is an emerging hot spot that they can get in early and get out at a profit, sometimes a substantial profit. These are the people of pre-construction deals and pre-development lot purchasers. They are well versed in developer’s names, reputations and the location of population shifts (Baby Boomers etc.) as well as employment opportunities that may drive real estate higher.

Now that we have covered some reasons people buy coastal property, let’s see if we can
figure out why now is a good time to purchase property on Mustang Island in particular and the Texas coast in general.

1. LOW INTEREST RATES. Mortgage rates have returned to near-record lows, reducing monthly payments substantially.

2. COMPETITIVE PRICES. Prices are attractive in today’s slower markets and may rise again when the housing cycle turns up.

3. ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Today’s new homes are designed to save you money on your monthly utility bills, and increasingly incorporate exciting new green technologies. Would it not be better to purchase a new home with all the bells and whistles rather than trying to update an old one?

4. Pre-construction or development deals. How do I find these type deals? The simple answer is you call a realtor who is well versed in Texas Coastal properties and well known to Texas coastal developers, a realtor like Alice Donahue. Ask her what deals are available or if none are to your liking at this time have her place you on her list of interested people and sign up at her main website for her monthly newsletter.

Well folks that is enough listings (I get paid by the word). If you want to see them all just Click here . When your viewing Alice’s new construction site if you look at the top you will see numerous coastal communities. You can click there to view new construction anywhere on the Texas coast. Click here.

Well it has been fun. I will see you all next time and please leave any comments or questions below.
PS: Don’t rat me out to the lawyers but you are well advised to call Alice’s office and ask about some pre-construction high rise deals out there somewhere. Remember if asked “It was a little bird not me that let the cat out of the bag.”