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Escapes! Second-Home Expo, First of Its Kind in the U.S., to Showcase Second-Home Destinations
HOUSTON-(Business Wire)-March 27, 2008 - Texas - with its diverse landscapes ranging from the pastoral Texas Hill Country to the breezy beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast - is attracting retirees, vacation-home buyers and investors at a spectacular pace.
Dr. James Gaines, research economist at Texas A&M University's Real Estate Center, said that a boom is coming that "will be sparked with the retiring baby boomers who have the finances, ability and desire to purchase second homes."
And it appears that all the talk about the nation's unstable housing market does not apply as heavily to Texas or to those looking for a retirement or vacation home. According to Gaines, these buyers are normally in a different financial situation and have different needs when it comes to home buying.
"The market for second homes is good in Texas and interest rates are still low," Gaines said. Texas has much of what people want — "water, good weather and views. Those are the elements that attract people to second-home locations."
The Lone Star State is thriving economically. It is the new hot spot for retirement, according to a recent study using U.S. Census data. Texas, formerly the No. 4 retirement destination in the U.S., has now leapt past Arizona and California to the No. 2 spot. Florida is still No. 1, but Texas is gaining.
The Escapes Second-Home Expo, April 19 & 20 in The Woodlands, Texas, features a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Gaines, and exhibitors representing the hottest second-home properties in Texas. This includes those in the Texas Hill Country and all along the booming Texas Gulf Coast.
One exhibitor, Dennis Franke, developer of beachfront community The Shores of South Padre, on the Texas coast near Mexico, is building condos and homes that he expects will sell and rent quickly.
"South Padre Island has the finest beaches in Texas," said Franke. "The water is clear and the climate is mild. Here, you definitely know you are on an island. We have an impressive skyline and a nice, relaxing feel."
The Shores of South Padre offers a boutique downtown, brick streets and access to the marina from many parts of the residential area. Franke said the homes start at $750,000. "Our community is helping shape the future of South Padre Island."
Moving north along the Texas Gulf Coast, other hot spots, each with its unique beauty, are the Port Aransas/Mustang Island area, the arts-oriented community of Rockport, the Port O'Connor Intracoastal Waterway and the historic community of Galveston.
The Texas Hill Country, which Gaines calls "our substitute for the mountains," offers great second-home destinations. Areas around Austin, Boerne and San Antonio are rich with the natural beauty of rolling hills, trees and lakes, including Lake Travis, Horseshoe Bay, Lake LBJ and Canyon Lake.
The Escapes Second-Home Expo will also feature outstanding destinations in Colorado, New Mexico, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, the Caribbean and more! For a complete list of exhibitors, go to EscapesExpo.com.
Other speakers include Mitch Creekmore, co-author of "Cashing in on a Second Home in Mexico" and executive VP, Stewart International Title, and Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of The Travel Channel. For a complete list of speakers and seminar schedule visit EscapesExpo.com.
The Escapes! Second-Home Expo venue:
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 19-20, 2008
Hours: Saturday, 9a.m. - 6p.m.; Sunday 10a.m. - 6p.m.
Pre-purchased tickets are $10 online at EscapesExpo.com; $12 at the door. Ticket admits one adult for one day of the Expo. Two-day passes available. For detailed information on seminar times, list of exhibitors, hotel accommodations and area attractions, visit EscapesExpo.com.
PRESS PASSES
Representatives of media outlets with plans to cover the ESCAPES! SECOND-HOME EXPO are welcome to request complimentary media passes. Contact:
Susan Love Fitts
936-597-8825
susanlovefitts@consolidated.net
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