Note: This post is a slightly-edited article – the first in a series from Tom – which originally appeared in the Galveston County Daily News. As the new president of Galveston Association of Realtors, Tom’s weekly column will highlight interesting topics related to Galveston Real Estate, homes for sale in Galveston county, as well as island living.

galveston-island-livingHappy New Year! It’s a time for New Year’s resolutions and new beginnings. You may be happy with where you live, and if you live on Galveston Island, there there is plenty to love about this special place. Perhaps you are in the market for a new home, a larger place for your growing family or maybe you are downsizing because you are empty nesters, or are in the market for a holiday/weekend home or one as an investment property. If so, you have come to the right place!

Galveston Island and the county as a whole have so many wonderful places to live. We are blessed with great neighborhoods, beaches and bays and, of course, historic homes that are the envy of many. Moving can be a stressful time for some, but it is also an exciting time as it is a good opportunity to think about how you want to live your life for the coming weeks, months, and years.

Do you want to live in a historic home, or is a beachfront condo more your style? Are you an outdoors person, or do you want to live in the heart of the action? Your home is not only your castle, but it helps to set the scene for how you live your life. Do you want to be a part of a neighborhood association, or are you looking for an urban community? Too often our real estate choices can be focused on how many bedrooms or bathrooms, or the price per square foot.

As the newly elected president of the Galveston Association of Realtors, I want you to think about what you want from your real estate, especially if it is to be your primary residence. Where you live determines who you see each day and how you live your life. When you open your curtains in the morning, what do you want to see? Your home literally, determines your outlook on life.

I would encourage you to work with a Galveston Association of Realtors real estate agent to help you answer these questions. We not only know about prices, zoning requirements and other technical details, we also know neighborhoods, schools, and communities and can help you make informed decisions about your home and your lifestyle.

Swimming, sailing, fishing, bird watching or just walking on the beach are wonderful treasures to enjoy here on the coast. We also have great local theater and music, as well as fantastics events such as Dickens on The Strand, the Historic Homes Tours, Mardi Gras, Lone Star Rally. We are home to fantastic bars, restaurants and much more.

In my column this year, I want to celebrate all the treasures that make our life on the Gulf Coast so rich. I hope you enjoy it and I hope it helps you find what you love about Galveston because those of us lucky enough to live by the sea are lucky enough!

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