Galveston Realtors are looking out for you

This article was originally published in The Galveston County Daily News on 1/5 as part of my weekly 2019 column.

Hi, Robert Zahn here, the 2019 President of the first Association of Realtors in Texas: the Galveston Association of Realtors. We are the oldest association in Texas, but we are not the largest association. You may guess which one is.

So, why hire a Galveston Realtor? Specialists: we know Bolivar, the Island, and Galveston County better than anyone from outside the area. As we live and work in the Coastal area, we are far more aware of the necessary documentation and disclosures for our properties than neighboring agents. We have greater experience and resources when it comes to the insurances needed. And we are far more likely to understand the local zoning, historical district and conservation district rules, regulations, and boundaries. Many of us also belong to the larger Houston Association of Realtors, but belonging to GAR identifies us as having a strong commitment to knowing the most about our region.

There is also something else about the GAR that you do not know. The Texas Association of Realtors is comprised of 16 regions. Houston is Region 14 and Galveston, along with Brazoria and Matagorda counties belong to Region 10. That means, GAR is politically important to the entire Texas Gulf Coast. Of the 16 regions, only four share the same Gulf-related issues, and our voice is important and well-recognized when discussing matters such as windstorm and flood insurance, beach access, and even climate change strategies. So besides being experts in the specific issues for the Galveston area, we are a vital part of the strongest political action organization in the state of Texas.

A Galveston Realtor is looking out for your interest in both an individual and collective way. As we enter a new year, there is a very important discussion of ways to prevent the destruction of the coast and its many assets from storm surges. The Galveston Association will be studying the various proposals for the coastal spine and its variants. We will be most vocal when it comes to protecting property rights, from the Bolivar Peninsula to Matagorda Bay. We need to protect our beaches, homes, and environment. As Galveston Realtors, we are a vital part of the fabric of this community and we work hard to ensure that it continues to attract new members and serve those already invested in our unique and wonderful area.

When considering buying a house on the Island, on Bolivar, or north into the county, you will want to consider things unique to this area. With few exceptions, as experienced during Ike and Harvey, we live in a flood-prone area. Have you considered the cost of living in one? In order to obtain a mortgage, if you are in a designated flood zone, you will need flood insurance. FEMA administers flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program. Your Galveston Realtor will be able to help you understand the requirements you must follow and the options for doing so.

Some areas do not require flood insurance and there are even some areas where it isn't even available. There may be other insurance coverage available, but it may not meet the specifications of your chosen lender. And then there's wind insurance. Since 1971, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has provided wind and hail coverage for 14 counties along the coast and portions of Harris County. If your prior experience with insurance was a homeowners' policy, you may be in for a surprise: here it merely covers fire, theft and liability, not flood or wind damage. Be sure to ask your Galveston Realtor about these things as you begin your search.

A Galveston agent can help you compare properties effectively. Every house, every street, is different. How do you compare West End beach communities to Bolivar neighborhoods? How do you value Bay front properties and compare them to canal side living in Bayou Vista or Tiki Island? What's the difference between the East End Historical District and the Lost Bayou Historical District? Your Galveston Realtor can help you navigate these questions and many more. Shop local and work with a GAR member agent. We look forward to serving you.