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 are more hot spots, each with its own unique beauty.

Nancy Donley, with The Townhomes at The Moorings at Mustang Island in Port Aransas, said that all the homes they sell are second homes. "Some people in our community have purchased two, one for living and one for investment,” said Donley. "There is one family that purchased one to live in and one for their grandchildren.”

Brett Bohn, with Key Allegro Real Estate in the coastal community of Rockport, said the area boasts a strong market with sales comparable to last year. Second-home developments include La Salle Estate Townhomes, which come complete with elevator options and 2,300-3,100 square-foot floor plans starting at $400,000.

Representatives with Caracol, a master-planned community on the Intracoastal Waterway at Port O'Connor, will be at the Expo with information on this serene area that boasts unspoiled marshlands and pristine estuaries that harbor rare, beautiful birds and wildlife.

At Port O'Connor, 95 percent of the residences are second homes. "Sitting only two miles from the Gulf of Mexico, we have great bay fishing, an Intracoastal beach, friendly people and the largest Fourth of July fireworks display on the Texas Coast,” said Leah Griffin president of the Port O'Connor Chamber of Commerce.

"Galveston is attractive to a wide range of buyers due to its diversity of cultures and opportunities,” said Kelly Kelley, manager of Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors Galveston. "Where else can you fish in the morning, tour historical homes in the afternoon, and catch a Broadway show that same evening, all within 20 minutes of each other?” Kelley said there is no end in sight for Galveston's growth.

The Texas Hill Country, which Gaines calls "our substitute for the mountains,” is a great second-home destination.

The private community of Cordillera Ranch near Boerne attracts buyers with its natural beauty. The ranch is positioned so that residents are tucked away in a quiet community but are not far from the night life and shopping of San Antonio or the chic boutiques, cafes and galleries of Boerne.

Amy Zeller, with Marina Village at Lakeway on Austin's Lake Travis, said many people are catching on to the Austin area as a second-home location. "It's gorgeous here in the Hill Country - lots of beautiful trees, lakes and a warm climate,” said Zeller.

Other offerings at the Expo from the Texas Hill Country lake areas include properties at Horseshoe Bay, Lake LBJ and Canyon Lake.

In addition to the hottest second-home properties in Texas, the Escapes Second-Home Expo will 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.

GETAWAY-GIVEAWAYS!
Attendees can register for a chance to win one of the outstanding Getaway packages! Sponsors include: Horseshoe Bay & Resort (Texas Hill Country), Rancho Santana (Managua), Reserva Conchal (Costa Rica); Bear Mountain Resort (Canada), Brookfield Homes Hawaii and Continental Airlines.

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS
In addition to Gaines, other speakers include: Mitch Creekmore, co-author of "Cashing in on a Second Home in Mexico” and executive VP, Stewart International; Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of The Travel Channel; Steve Dering, pioneer of the Equity Residence Club concept, fractional ownership; Christine Karpinski, author of "How to Rend Vacation Properties by Owner” and more! For the complete lineup of speakers, go to 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.
For information on becoming an exhibitor, e-mail Tony@EscapesExpo.com.