Places to Go Swimming in Bryan-College Station With the Kids This Summer

Summer is here, and the kids are out of school. It can be a blessing as well as a challenge. It’s a great opportunity to spend quality time in your new home and community with your family, but you also want to make sure that your kids stay entertained so that they’re not going stircrazy at home. Swimming is a perfect summer activity that the whole family can enjoy, both at a pool or at a lake surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Bryan-College Station has several options to choose from, but here are a few of our favorites:

Lake Bryan

Lake Bryan is surrounded by a 125-acre park, so if you’re looking for a calm day to enjoy the flora and fauna of nature, this is the perfect place to go for a swim. It’s perfect for the whole family. Kids can go swimming or play on the beach, and adults who want to can take a boat out or jetski for something a little more exciting. You can even enjoy RV camping here with a reservation, so you can make a few days of fun in the sun and the water out of it. Of course, if you live locally, you can take a day trip whenever the weather and your summer schedule permits. You can also grab a meal at the Lakeside Icehouse nearby.

Bryan Aquatic Center

But if you’re looking for something a little more controlled and structured, check out Bryan Aquatic Center. The pool is heated year round so even in winter, you can still visit this spot, but it’s busiest in summer of course. There’s something for everyone here: an Olympic-sized pool, a massive swirling water slide, a kiddie pool, lap swimming, and two diving boards. It’s a popular spot during the summer, so this is also a great place for your kids to make friends — and maybe you’ll even be able to make friends with other parents yourself.

Adamson Lagoon

Can’t afford a tropical vacation this year? Stop by the tropical-themed Adamson Lagoon Pool, a mini-water park that might just have everything you need to cool down. Here you’ll find another Olympic-sized pool, water slides, “lily pads” and rafts for kids to play on, and a baby pool for the littlest ones. As a water park, they’re also fully equipped with a bathhouse where you can change and shower as well as concession stands to keep you refreshed.

Cindy Hallaran Pool

This College Station pool is smaller than the others, but an excellent option for new swimmers. 25 yards in length, this pool has a gentle decline of depth that, at the deepest, is just 4 feet. However, there’s a water slide, poolside amenities, and they even include a “Doggie Day” in August, where you can take even the furry members of your family to check out the pool.

Looking for a dream home in Bryan-College Station close to places where you can take the family swimming? Talk to a College Station realtor today about the perfect place for your moving wish list.

4 Ways to Get Involved in Your New Community

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Moving to a new place can be an exciting time, with so many new experiences before you. But it can also be intimidating, especially if you don’t know anyone in your new community. Taking the first step to meet people or to become more actively involved in your community is often met with no small amount of nerves, but just because it’s daunting doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here are a few ways to become more involved in your community, and possibly make connections along the way.

Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

This may feel a little old-fashioned in the digital age, but it’s still effective. Once you’ve moved in, go around and say hi to your neighbors. You can introduce yourself and tell them a little bit about your story — how you came to live in the area and what you do. Make sure not to be self-centered in your conversation. Ask them about themselves, as well. Don’t feel comfortable going door-to-door to introduce yourself to your neighbors? Consider using social networks like Meetup to find groups for people who are new in town.

Volunteer

We’ve discussed volunteering before in 4 Places to Volunteer in Bryan-College Station. Volunteering is a way to be a part of something good and to give back to the community, but it’s also a way to meet people and become more involved in your community. Find a cause that you’re passionate about, whether it’s child illiteracy or poverty or homelessness. From there you can find a place to volunteer in your community, and in doing so you may learn of other opportunities that interest you.

Take a Class

Another way to find your people in your new community is to take a class based on your interest. If you’re crafty, you can take a painting or a pottery class. If you’re interested in cooking, take a cooking class. Why not celebrate your home in a new place by trying something new, like learning to play a musical instrument or starting yoga? It’s up to you, but in choosing something that interests you, you’ll be able to find others that have something in common with you.

Start a Group

Struggling to find something that strikes your interest in the classes and groups available in your city? Why not start a group? It can be a gaming group or a creative writing group or a group for new parents to swap advice. It may be slow-going at first, without a built in community, but you can promote your group through social media or put up flyers in relevant stores or coffee shops. Even if you start with a small group, that’s still the beginning of getting involved in your community.

Getting involved in your community can be the best part of your adventure in your new home. But it starts, of course, with finding your dream home. For that, contact a College Station realtor today to help you find your dream home in the neighborhood of your dreams.

Where To Have a First Date in Bryan-College Station

Getting to know someone you’re interested in can be an exciting time, but it can also be a nerve wracking time. This is doubly true if you’re still new to the area of Bryan-College Station. Of course, you can probably find a restaurant or go check out a movie wherever you are, but you want to make a good impression, which often means coming up with a more creative date. For that, you need to know the area a little better. Here’s your guide to great date ideas that are specific to Bryan-College Station.

First Friday

With friendly charm and a wide variety of shops and restaurants, downtown Bryan can make for an excellent date venue in general. However, if you want to really wow your date, check out First Friday. On the first Friday of each month around 5:30, downtown Bryan transforms. Street musicians start to play, artists show off their work, and local shops keep their doors open later. Around 8pm, the Palace Theatre has a live music show, so if your date is interested in art or music, this could be the perfect event for a date. You can do it all here, grabbing a bite to eat at a restaurant or from one of the street vendors, and then wandering around seeing the town. It can help you get to know both your date and the city of Bryan.

Picnic In the Park

A picnic in the park is a classic, and College Station has a number of parks to choose from. Central Park has both beautiful greenery and a tranquil pond that’s perfect for either fishing or simply enjoying the view. Around the holidays, Christmas lights go up, and it can be a nice stop after dinner to bring along a bottle of wine and dessert. Do you both have pets? Consider bringing your dogs with you to the University Dog Park. Lick Creek Park offers splendid views of nature, and you can get in some hiking while you’re there.

Take a Class

If you’re looking for a truly interesting first date that offers you a chance to get to know each other and to improve your own skills, think about taking a class together. You can learn to paint pottery at U-Paint-It or learn to cook together at Cook N Grow. Dance classes are always great for a budding romance, and you can find a number of different types of dance classes, from ballroom dancing to swing dance or even hip-hop. If you’re both health and fitness nuts, you could also consider taking a yoga class together.

College Station is a great place to find a fresh start, whether in your home, your community, or your love life. It starts, of course, with finding the right home.  For that, you need the help of an expert realtor who’s well-acquainted with the area and can help you find a home you can truly fall in love with.

How to Find the Best Moving Company for Your Move

Anyone who’s moved before will tell you it’s a hassle. The boxes, the loading, the unloading, all of it is very stressful. One way to take some of the load off yourself during the process is to hire a professional moving company. With professional movers, all you have to worry about is the packing and unpacking. That sounds a lot less stressful than doing everything yourself, doesn’t it? Before hiring a moving company, it’s important to know what to look for, and what to run from. Here are a few tips to help you make sure the moving company you choose is the best one for the job.

Experience is Key

When you’re hiring someone to move all of your things, you need to be able to trust their ability to do the job. Ask about the experience level of the company and the movers they employ. Don’t be afraid to call references and check reviews online before hiring a company. You need to be able to trust the company you hire and that means hiring someone with plenty of experience.

What if Something Goes Wrong? 

Before hiring a company, take a look at what type of liability coverage they offer you in case of a mistake or accident that results in your property being damaged. Accidents and damage to property shouldn’t happen, but it could, you need to know you’re covered if it does. Some companies will cover the full cost of a damaged item during a move, while others may only cover part of the cost. Finding a company that offers the best coverage possible will put your mind at ease on the big moving day.

Think About What You’re Moving

Before hiring a company, ask them if there’s any items they don’t move. Some companies may not carry TV’s or other specialty items and if that’s the case you’ll need to plan accordingly. If you find a company you like, but they don’t move certain items, decide if that’s something you can handle moving yourself.

If you’re moving into an area with steep stairs or tight spaces be sure to tell the company that upfront so they can be prepared. There should be no surprises or miscommunication on the moving day so make sure they know and understand what you’re moving and where you’re moving it.

Talk to the Competition

Although the first company you talk to might seem like the perfect one, take some time to keep looking before you hire them. Talking to the competition and other moving companies in the area will give you a better idea of pricing, liability coverage, and time frames to be expected before settling on any one company. While the first company you talked to may end up being the best choice, at least you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you checked all the options. A great company should be able to tell you what sets them apart from the competition. 

4 Places To Volunteer in Bryan-College Station

Volunteering is more than just a way to give back, although that’s an excellent reason to volunteer. It’s also a way to get involved in your community. If you’re new to Bryan-College Station, volunteering can help you become more familiar with the culture, the people, and the city in general.

So for residents new and old looking for ways to volunteer, here are some of our favorite organizations.

Bryan Animal Center

This is both an adoption facility and an animal center that aims to reunite runaway pets with their owners. Besides the need for volunteers to keep the shelter clean, they also host events throughout the area which require volunteers.  It’s hard to volunteer at this shelter and resist the urge to adopt every furry little friend you see, but if you can resist, Bryan Animal Center is a great place to start. To volunteer, you can fill out a volunteer form at the City of Bryan’s website.

Brazos Valley Food Bank

When we think of volunteering, we often think — and rightly so — of lending a hand to those less fortunate. If that’s your aim, Brazos Valley Food Bank may be the place to go. They work to end hunger in Brazos Valley through mobile food banks, senior outreach, nutrition education, and children’s programs. As a nonprofit, many of their helpers are volunteers, everyday residents like you. Check out their website to get involved.

BCS Habitat for Humanity

Let’s say you just found and moved into your dream home. Maybe you just fixed it up. While the momentum is rolling, why not volunteer with Bryan-College Station’s Habitat for Humanity? Habitat for Humanity is well known nationally — even internationally — for building homes for those in need. However, if you’re not much of a builder, there are other ways to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity. They can also use clerks at their ReStore, committee members, and translators. Visit their website to learn more about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

Experience Bryan-College Station

Have you really fallen in love with Aggieland since you moved here? Share that love with others! Experience Bryan-College Station knows that BCS has so much to offer as a destination, and they’re dedicated to showing off our over 30 attractions, like the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the Brazos Valley African American Museum. Because football is such a major draw for Bryan-College Station, often Experience BCS volunteers get exclusive access to major sporting events. Apply to be a volunteer at Experience BCS’s website.

Bryan-College Station has a thriving, giving community, and there’s no better way to fall in love with it than to volunteer with these or other organizations in the area. Of course, the first step to getting involved in this community is to find your perfect Bryan-College Station home. For that, you need an experienced realtor who knows and loves this region. She can help you find the right home. How you choose to get involved in the community after that is up to you.

House for Sale in College Station

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable sale of your home. Call Sarah Miller at 979-255-1904 for your real estate needs in Bryan-College Station and the entire Brazos Valley! Sarah Miller, Associate RE/MAX BRYAN COLLEGE STATION 3030 University Dr East Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845 License #: 500065

3 Tips for a Front Lawn that Stands Out

Whether you’re settling into a new home or preparing to list your old home, you want your lawn to make a statement. If you’re moving in, a great lawn will help the place feel more like home and will create a more inviting first impression for visitors. It also helps to extend your living by creating an appealing outdoor space to enjoy with friends and family. If you’re moving out, your front lawn goes a long way to boosting your curb appeal and drawing the attention of homebuyers.

So how do you cultivate that perfect lawn for your home? Here are a few of our tips:

Water Before Dawn

The sweet spot when it comes to lawn irrigation is between 3 and 5am. Irrigate too early and your lawn could be too wet, causing mold, mushrooms, and fungus. Irrigate after dawn and the steam could damage your grass. Fortunately, with advancements in technology, you don’t have to wake up between 3 and 5am in order to water the lawn. Many sprinklers come with timers for just that purpose. Set your sprinkler to water the lawn before dawn, and you won’t even have to think about it.

Adjust the Soil

Before you start a garden or any elaborate landscaping, you’ll want to test the soil of your lawn. Get a soil kit and test the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The neutral pH for your lawn is 7. If the number is less than 7, it’s too acidic, while a number greater than 7 is too alkaline. However, if you want to start a vegetable garden, you’ll want your lawn to be slightly on the acidic side, about 6.5. What can you do to get the pH level you want? Sulfur, iron sulfate, or organic materials such as peat moss, can lower high pH levels, while pulverized lime is often used on acidic soil. Fertilizing the soil in autumn will also help ensure that it stays prime for your landscaping plans.

Add Some Color

Some of the color of your curb appeal can be done through the front door or trim of the house, and that certainly makes a pleasing impression. However, you can also add color to your lawn. Plant a flower bed or a vegetable garden. Perennial flowers are the most popular choice here, so you can keep the color year round. Others prefer succulent gardens, which offer some color but also require much less maintenance. You can even paint the front door to match the color in your lawn for a more cohesive aesthetic. Man-made lawn decorations here and there can also enhance the color of your lawn.

While it’s a great idea to give the front lawn a makeover whether you’re moving in or moving out, keep in mind that you have different purposes for each case. If you’re moving in, you want to really make a stamp on your lawn. Make choices that suit your taste and make you happy. If you’re moving out, however, try to follow popular lawn trends and stay neutral so as to please the next owner of the house. And if you need more tips to stage your home before the big move, talk to a realtor.

House for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable sale of your home. Call Sarah Miller at 979-255-1904 for your real estate needs in Bryan-College Station and the entire Brazos Valley! Sarah Miller, Associate RE/MAX BRYAN COLLEGE STATION 3030 University Dr East Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845 License #: 500065

Kitchen Trends of 2018

One of the first ways to make your new house feel like home is to put your stamp on the kitchen. On the other hand, updating your kitchen before you sell your home can be an excellent way to add value to it. But to do so successfully in either case, you’ll want to look at the trends of the year. You might only find a handful of trends you enjoy, or you might remember trends of the past that you liked better, but it’s always good to have a frame of reference.

Granite is Gone

Once upon a time, this was on the wish list of every new homebuyer. Granite countertops were as trendy as it got, and no one seemed interested in accepting any substitutes. This trend would last for several years, but it seems it’s finally on its way out. Instead, homeowners tend to look towards marble — and even better, quartz. Both are higher end counter surfaces, but quartz is significantly lower maintenance than granite and marble and it lasts longer, so in the end, it’s worth a better value.

Two-Tone Color Schemes

Similarly, until recently all-white kitchens were very much in vogue. All-white kitchens gave the room a cleaner, airier look, and held more of the natural sunlight from the window. However, it can be tricky to make all the whites in the room match, and all-white kitchens require more cleaning. They can also look, well, a little dull. So instead, two-toned kitchens are becoming more popular, usually incorporating a deeper, darker color against white. Black and white, navy and white, or deep green and white kitchens are a massive trend of 2018.

Kitchen Islands That Do More

Kitchen islands have long been the focal point of kitchens. Sometimes, with the help of surrounding stools, they can even serve as your dining table. But homebuyers now are looking for kitchen islands that serve as more than just a place to gather. Because kitchen storage has long been a problem that has plagued home cooks, kitchen islands have started to offer more storage options. Some kitchen islands even have an oven attached. The more function, the better — and the more value for your home, of course.

Flooring

Common sense dictates that a kitchen should have a smooth floor. It’s easier move around and much easier to clean. (Can you imagine the nightmare that might exist with a kitchen over carpet?) Hardwood floors are usually the favorite, but ceramic tile is gaining in popularity. Both are low maintenance options, and these days, ceramic tile can even be made to look like wood. But for those looking for a budget option, linoleum is probably still the way to go, and good linoleum can be made to look like either wood or tile.

A new kitchen can give your entire home a new feel, whether you plan to live in it for years or put it on the market next month. In the latter case, trust a local real estate agent to help you stage your home and get the most out of your sale.

House for Sale in College Station 

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable sale of your home. Call Sarah Miller at 979-255-1904 for your real estate needs in Bryan-College Station and the entire Brazos Valley! Sarah Miller, Associate RE/MAX BRYAN COLLEGE STATION 3030 University Dr East Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845 License #: 500065

5 Hidden Gems of Bryan-College Station

Some of the best parts of Bryan-College Station are fairly obvious. Downtown Bryan has historic charm and plenty of quirky shops and restaurants. The college, the sports arenas, and city hall are all easy to find. But look a little deeper and you’ll find even more BCS gems, even if they’re not at the top of the “things to do” list. Here are some local favorites:

Amico Nave

Amico Nave is a local restaurant that’s a little hidden away from the center of everything, but locals who know of it swear by it. In fact, lifestyle blogger Payton Sartain says, “You MUST try Amico Nave if you live here.” Amico Nave is a Sicilian restaurant, but it’s not bound to traditional Sicilian recipes. Here you can try their pesto chicken or vodka sauce pizza, lasagna Tony Salvaggio or Norwegian salmon. They also have a delicious plate of shrimp and grits.

Old Bryan Marketplace

Downtown and historic Bryan are famous spots for shopping, but Old Bryan Marketplace is a little more lowkey. However, if you’re looking for something quirky and offbeat, this is the place to go. This marketplace has a little of everything: furniture, baby clothes, stationery, and eclectic fashion. Even the building itself has character, a 22,000 square-foot structure originally built in 1908 with pine hardwood floors, bricked archways and fireplaces.

Tower Point

Most who are new to College Station expect to find all the action around the college, but if you’re looking for a real local experience, it’s Tower Point. Here you can find H-E-B, Chick-Fil-A, office buildings and an abundance of other beloved shops and restaurants. You may be able to find some great homes and apartments in this area, as well.

Rooftop Garden

This hidden gem, on the other hand, is located on the college campus. At the top of the George P. Mitchell Physics Building, you can find the only rooftop garden on campus, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Garden. Not only is this a serene place to get away, study, or hang out with friends, but it showcases a number of native Texas plants. You may even spy some butterflies while you’re up there.

Wednesday Farmers Market at Lake Walk

Looking for some local produce, culture, and maybe live music? Then check out the farmers market at Lake Walk Pavilion and Plaza in Bryan on Wednesday nights. It’s not the only farmers market in Bryan-College Station, but  because it takes place on Wednesday nights, it can be overlooked. If you can make it out, you can find food from Napa Flats and anything from eggs to jams and jellies to candles.

Bryan-College Station is a community with a lot of local flavor. Even if you’ve lived here for a few years, you may still be able to find new gems that surprise you. And if you’re new to the community, there’s that much more to explore. Ask your local realtor about the best hidden gems in the city, and the best homes you can find close by.

House for Sale in College Station

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable sale of your home. Call Sarah Miller at 979-255-1904 for your real estate needs in Bryan-College Station and the entire Brazos Valley! Sarah Miller, Associate RE/MAX BRYAN COLLEGE STATION 3030 University Dr East Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845 License #: 500065

Tips to Choose a Great Realtor

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Finding someone you trust to help you through the process of buying or selling a home is very important. Here are some qualities you’ll find in a great realtor in College Station, TX. 

Pick a Winner

A hard-working, go-getter of an agent is good, which is why it´s a great idea to meet realtors out in their working environment, and not in their offices. A good realtor doesn´t spend much time sitting behind a desk.

Select a Realtor with the Right Credentials

Local knowledge is particularly critical - especially in Brazos Valley, TX. A knowledgeable agent is one of the most important components when buying a home especially if it’s your first time. They should have experience and should be able to guide you through the complexities of the process including lender info that you will have to provide. The loan process has become much more demanding and complex in recent years.

While all realtors are versed in the law relating to real estate, not all of them communicate well. Find a realtor that will answer your questions and help you understand the process. A realtor that is aloof may not be a realtor for very long. Experienced realtors communicate well.

Make sure you work with a licensed realtor. All realtors have to go through extensive training and testing in order to work in their field. Other people may say they can help you through the process, but that doesn’t make them qualified.

Also, find a realtor that has experience in the kind of transaction you’re looking for. Whether it’s renting, buying, or selling, choosing an experienced realtor to help you is the best idea. Everyone has to start somewhere, but that doesn’t mean they have to start with your sale.

Do your Homework
Does your realtor have an online presence? Do they list houses online? If not, this might not be the best agent for you. In this computer age, home listings should be available electronically.

Take a Look at Current Listings

When listing in today's market, all listings from small to big should have professional looking photos - this is the first sign of a professional realtor who understands today's market. Nowadays almost all potential buyers begin the search for a new home online, typically at one of the major real estate websites like realtor.com, Zillow, and Trulia.

Market analysis has shown that the average user spends a total of 26 minutes browsing Realtor.com, with the majority of that time spent looking through listing photos. Such behavior has made it possible or a buyer to sift through tens, if not hundreds of listings each time they visit a site. Having that in mind, it should be obvious that a strong, professional photo presence draws more viewers, which in turn translates to more showings when compared to listings without professional photography.

An agent doesn´t have to be a photographer but should be able to know the difference between a good photo and a not so good (or downright bad) photo, avoiding using poor quality images in his/her listings.

9 Problem Areas Often Found in Home Inspections

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you’re buying a new home, a home inspection is an important part of the process. Do your research to find a licensed home inspector.  You can also get some tips from your realtor. Your College Station realtor will be able to help you because her clients have worked with many local inspectors. 

No house is perfect. Some issues found during the inspection are no big deal, while others could cost a lot to fix. Knowing the difference is important. When an inspection turns up a problem, make sure to get as many details as possible. If necessary, you might want to get a repair estimate or two in order to make sure you know what you are getting into.  Some repairs can be delayed while others are more pressing concerns. 

These are some of the most common problem areas:

1. Roofing: issues with roofing may be caused by improper installation, age, and wear, or storm damage. These can range from a minor repair of a few shingles to needing a new roof. 

2. Water heater/Plumbing: Whether it’s a problem with the water heater itself, or the area it sits in not being up to code, this one can vary in how much time and money will be needed to fix it.  

3. HVAC: It could be air flow, simply needing a new air filter, code violations, combustion issues, as well as other issues may arise. Some are very cheap and easy to fix. 

4. Electrical: This can be anything from a single DIY outlet project a former owner has undertaken, or it can be a larger issue that should be given attention. Also, the circuit breaker panel may be out of date and not up to current code.  

5. Foundation: As with any other issue, you need to get as many details as possible. Your inspector may recommend that the foundations be evaluated by a professional. Repair costs can be anywhere from $500 to over $10,000. 

6. Appliances: It’s important that every appliance that is coming with the house be checked to make sure it’s in working order. It’s also a good idea to ask if they are under warranty.

7. Walls, floors, ceilings, and windows can have many minor defects that aren’t a big concern. But there are other issues that might warrant further investigation. Windows and doors should be checked for a good seal. It’s also important to look for signs of rotting wood and termite damage.

8. Environmental issues: Mold, lead-based paint, radon, and asbestos are all concerning, Your inspector may suggest that it be evaluated by a professional to see how extensive the problem, if any, really is. 

9. Drainage: You want to make sure that any property you purchase can handle a little rain. You might not see a problem yourself when you see the property during a hot Texas summer, but your inspector will. Water damage is expensive to repair, so having an inspector find signs of a potential problem could save you money in the future.

Buying a home may be the largest investment you ever make, so making sure you have all the facts ahead of time is vital. If you’re still concerned after the inspection that something may go wrong, you may be able to negotiate for a home warranty or buy one yourself. That way your real estate investment will have additional protection. 

Featured Homes for Sale in Bryan, TX

4303 Willowick Drive, Bryan, TX 77802

4303 Willowick Drive, Bryan, TX 77802

4 Common Real Estate Myths

4303 Willowick Dr

Every trade has its own myths surrounding it, but in real estate, myths can cost you money. Here are some ideas you may have come across or believed yourself. Take a look at these myths and see how believing them could be detrimental to your next real estate transaction. 

Myth #1: Selling a home without the help of an agent will save you money.

“For Sale By Owner” properties can actually lose money. The reason is that the owners selling the property are not often well versed in real estate transactions. With the help of a realtor a lot of costly mistakes could be avoided. For example, you may not know how to negotiate the best price fro your home. Simply overpricing it to allow room for negotiation could leave your house sitting on the market for months longer than you can afford. 

Myth #2: Price your property above its value to leave room for negotiation.

It seems logical that since real estate transactions often involve negotiations, you should price your property in anticipation of a buyer asking you to lower the price. The problem with this is that buyers are cautious with their money. When they see several internet listings of properly priced homes, they might not even bother to look at your home to begin negotiations. 
Pricing your house correctly will make the buyers more likely to show up and take an interest. 

Myth #3: Find the perfect house and then get pre-approved for a loan

One of the first steps in the search for a new home is getting a pre-approval for a loan. Why?  Because you need to know exactly how much you’ll be able to spend on your new home. It would be terrible to fall in love with a home only to find out you can’t buy it. Sure, you can have a house in mind and ask the bank if you can have a loan for a house in that price range, but don’t wait until you’ve made your mind up to buy a certain house. You may end up heartbroken. 

Myth #4: Realtors will say anything to get a sale.

Realtors have to follow strict rules and regulations in order to keep their license. Before becoming a licensed realtor, every realtor has to learn ethics and the rules and regulations that dictate real estate transactions and their behavior. 

Also, realtors get much of their business by word of mouth. If they go around making people angry, they won’t stay in business for long. So, they have every reason to be honest and straightforward with you.  That way you can tell your friends and family all about your wonderful realtor whenever one of them wants to buy or sell a home. 

How To Keep Your Home Cool In Texas

Image Credit:   Sira Anamwong

If you want to buy a new home in Bryan or College Station, TX, you will be spending many summers in the Texas heat. If you're a Texas native, you are probably already familiar with just how scorching the summers here can be. If you're moving here from another state, especially from a Northern state, you might be in for a surprise when April turns into May!

Of course, Texas has much more to offer than high summer temperatures. In fact, we Texans like to think that it's just about the nicest place you could ever live! If you're interested in finding a home through a realtor in College Station, TX, then you'll need to know these key tips for keeping your new home cool during the Texas summer and throughout the year.

Invest In Fans

Here in Texas, we love our fans! Whether they are ceiling fans, box fans, oscillating fans or hand fans, you will learn to appreciate them too. Of course, one of the best ways to beat the summertime heat is to make sure that your new home comes installed with a top of the line air conditioning system in working order. Unfortunately, even if you have a newer, efficient A/C model, running your air conditioner on full blast will drive up your utility bills significantly.

Give your A/C a boost by investing in some durable, affordable oscillating fans. Here in Texas, it's common to see a ceiling fan in every room of the house. Ask you local Bryan, TX realtor if a property has ceiling fans installed in each room. If not, or if you like to keep it extra cool, some oscillating fans can really help out. They'll keep you much cooler while only using a small amount of electricity so your bill isn't affected too much.

Check Your Insulation

Whether you are buying a new home in Bryan or College Station or if you are having a new home built, you need to make sure that your insulation is up to date and installed properly. Talk to your realtor about getting in touch with the company that installed or repaired the installation.

This is especially important if you are moving into a home that is more than ten years old. Over time, insulation can start to wear down and deliver poor performance. Bad insulation means that your home won't be able to trap cool air in the summertime, meaning that your air conditioning will have to work overtime.

Get Outside

Texans are well know for their love of the outdoors during the summer months. If you have a pool in your backyard, you've already got a great excuse to get outside and beat the heat. If you don't have a pool, don't worry. Bryan and College Station are home to some great public pools and you can chill out there. Don't forget your sunblock and head outside with your kids, your friends and your family.

Whether you are going to the beach or to a cool, quiet library, there are many ways to escape the heat. While you're outside, make sure to turn off your A/C at home. This will help to keep your utility costs down while you are away.

You can find out more information about how to keep your new home cool by talking to your friendly realtor in Bryan and College Station, TX. 

The Secret To A Stress-Free Move-In Experience

Image Credit -  Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee

The day to move in to your new home is finally here! With the help of your realtor in College Station, you have finally found the right property. Now you just have to move in and enjoy your new home.

How you handle this experience can mean the difference between a stress-free move or extra frustration. It's no secret that moving can be a stressful time. However, there are some steps that you can take to alleviate stress as you start this new chapter in your life. Try the following tips to keep your move easy, quick and frustration-free.

Plan Ahead

There really is no substitute for a great plan. Just like a football team has a plan for every play, you need a solid plan for your move. It's best to begin by thinking carefully about what you will need for the big day. A few key things you will need include a moving truck, plenty of boxes, cushioning for packing fragile items and some helping hands to assist with loading and unloading.

You can plan ahead by scheduling to pick up a moving truck the day before your move. It also helps to carefully label or mark moving boxes with bright tape. This will help you coordinate which boxes to take to each room in your new house. Make sure that you carefully walk through your new home before you move in. Talk with your roommates, spouse or family about which items should go where. Take careful notes as you go through these conversations. When it's time to move, you will have detailed notes and a plan in mind to guide you.

Schedule Plenty of Time

A guaranteed way to make your move-in experience more stressful is to try to get everything done in one day. Even if you are moving to a one-bedroom apartment and you have just a few pieces of furniture, trying to rush will really stress you out. Make sure you request some time off work or schedule your move over a holiday weekend so that you have some extra time.

It's much less stressful to move into your new house at a comfortable and relaxed pace. If you're rushing and trying to race the clock, you'll set yourself up for frustration. Always give yourself plenty of time to get the job done.

Hire Some Helping Hands

If you want your move to go off without a hitch, don't go it alone! Moving by yourself will only get you a sore back and extra stress. If you can, hire a reputable local moving company to assist you. They will cost extra but the additional help can be invaluable.

If a moving company is out of your budget range, it's time to call up some friends and family. They may not be as experienced as professional movers but nearly anyone can help to carry boxes and arrange furniture. By bringing in friends and family, you can save money on professional movers and repay everyone with a backyard barbecue in your new home!

Focus On The Positive Change

Remember, moving is a good thing! Don't let the stress of moving overwhelm you. Make sure that you take some time to look forward to all the birthdays, holidays and special events that you will enjoy in your new home. This is a time for excitement and positive change. Take the time to embrace the occasion.

Your College Station, TX realtor can also help you take the stress out of moving. Don't forget to ask them for advice and tips!

The Secret To A Stress-Free Move-In Experience

Image Credit -  Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee

The day to move in to your new home is finally here! With the help of your realtor in College Station, you have finally found the right property. Now you just have to move in and enjoy your new home.

How you handle this experience can mean the difference between a stress-free move or extra frustration. It's no secret that moving can be a stressful time. However, there are some steps that you can take to alleviate stress as you start this new chapter in your life. Try the following tips to keep your move easy, quick and frustration-free.

Plan Ahead

There really is no substitute for a great plan. Just like a football team has a plan for every play, you need a solid plan for your move. It's best to begin by thinking carefully about what you will need for the big day. A few key things you will need include a moving truck, plenty of boxes, cushioning for packing fragile items and some helping hands to assist with loading and unloading.

You can plan ahead by scheduling to pick up a moving truck the day before your move. It also helps to carefully label or mark moving boxes with bright tape. This will help you coordinate which boxes to take to each room in your new house. Make sure that you carefully walk through your new home before you move in. Talk with your roommates, spouse or family about which items should go where. Take careful notes as you go through these conversations. When it's time to move, you will have detailed notes and a plan in mind to guide you.

Schedule Plenty of Time

A guaranteed way to make your move-in experience more stressful is to try to get everything done in one day. Even if you are moving to a one-bedroom apartment and you have just a few pieces of furniture, trying to rush will really stress you out. Make sure you request some time off work or schedule your move over a holiday weekend so that you have some extra time.

It's much less stressful to move into your new house at a comfortable and relaxed pace. If you're rushing and trying to race the clock, you'll set yourself up for frustration. Always give yourself plenty of time to get the job done.

Hire Some Helping Hands

If you want your move to go off without a hitch, don't go it alone! Moving by yourself will only get you a sore back and extra stress. If you can, hire a reputable local moving company to assist you. They will cost extra but the additional help can be invaluable.

If a moving company is out of your budget range, it's time to call up some friends and family. They may not be as experienced as professional movers but nearly anyone can help to carry boxes and arrange furniture. By bringing in friends and family, you can save money on professional movers and repay everyone with a backyard barbecue in your new home!

Focus On The Positive Change

Remember, moving is a good thing! Don't let the stress of moving overwhelm you. Make sure that you take some time to look forward to all the birthdays, holidays and special events that you will enjoy in your new home. This is a time for excitement and positive change. Take the time to embrace the occasion.

Your College Station, TX realtor can also help you take the stress out of moving. Don't forget to ask them for advice and tips!

10 Tips to Spruce Up an Old Wooden Deck

Image credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Your College Station realtor may find you the ultimate dream house with a great location and fabulous interior. It has great curb appeal and everything you ever wanted, but when you walk to the backyard, you find that the previous owners did not maintain the deck very well. Do not pass the house up when you can spruce up the old wooden deck in an affordable fashion.

Affordable Construction Projects to Improve an Old Deck

1 – Refinish the Wood

The largest and possibly most expensive way to update the deck is hiring a professional to sand it down and refinish it completely. This process can make an old deck look completely new so it might be worth the cost.

2 – Remove or Replace Railings
Many older decks had heavy railings all the way around even when they weren't needed. Consider removing railings on low decks and extending the stairs. New, more stylish railing may be a great idea too.

3 – Replace Damaged or Rotting Boards

For appearance and safety's sake, all deck boards that are squishy, warped or broken should be removed and replaced.

4 – Extend the Deck

If the old deck is too small for your purposes or does not match the house's size, hire a professional deck builder to extend it so the newer deck part integrates well with the old.

5 – Add a Gazebo or Pergola

For entertaining or just relaxing in the warm Texas summers, a gazebo or pergola offers shade and a spark of interest for an older deck.


Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Professional Deck Projects

5 – Power Washing

Homeowners can rent a power-washing machine and, with proper regard to safety, clean all the debris, moss and even some stains off the old deck boards. This should be done before applying and waterproofing or other treatments.

6 – Get a Moss and Mildew Treatment

Kill off any mildew and prevent the growth of more with a chemical treatment that can be brushed on with a sponge mop or similar. This will do more to prevent future damage than other options.

7 – Add Lattice or Built-In Decorations

Some small construction projects are perfect for fans of do-it-yourself. Adding lattice under the deck railings only takes proper measuring, cutting and a few nails. Building a sturdy rectangular box shape can create a built-in planter or a bench to sit on.


Decorator Accents to Bring New Life to an Old Deck

8 – Improve Seating Areas

Worn out patio furniture on an old deck will not encourage people to enjoy the backyard. Invest in new furniture or at least new cushions. Include just enough seating to handle everyone without making the deck look crowded.

9 – Add Planters and Flower Pots

Bring the garden closer by making container gardens for the corners of the deck, putting pots of fragrant herbs on the edges of the stairs, climbing vines up the pergola or hanging colorful flowering plants from the house overhang.

10 – Create Shade With Umbrellas or Awnings

Install a large roller awning to your house that can be stretched across the width of the deck to provide shade. This not only makes the deck more useful in the summer heat, it also makes any unattractive characteristics of the deck less noticeable.

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable sale of your home. Call Sarah Miller at 979-255-1904 for your real estate needs in Bryan-College Station and the entire Brazos Valley!

Winterizing your New Home

Image courtesy of gubgib at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you purchased your new home in the Brazos Valley this spring or summer, no one probably mentioned you will need to winterize it before the colder temps hit. If your house is not properly prepared, it could lead to costly headaches like burst pipes, fallen gutters and more. With a little work, you can avoid any winter weather issues.

Winterizing Task #1 – Clean and Protect your Gutters
Be sure you clean out all your gutters thoroughly. Clogged gutters will hold water and when it freezes, it can become too heavy and make the gutters rip away from the house. Also, any icicles caused by water spilling over from the gutters and freezing may look pretty, but can be very dangerous if they break off and hit someone. Once they are cleaned out, install gutter protectors to keep the leaves and debris out.

Winterizing Task #2 – New Filters
Replacing you air conditioner system's filter will ensure your home will stay properly heated during the colder days and night. Properly heated homes can usually avoid nasty issues like broken pipes and extremely high electricity bills.

Winterizing Task #3 – Insulate the Windows and Get Draft Guards
This can be done with a few rolls of window film and a few guards. This too will help the home retain heat.

Winterizing Task #4 – Reverse Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a switch on them so in the winter months they can turn in the opposite direction. Why is this needed? This will help to push the heat sitting on the ceiling to be pushed downward. This is a great way to evenly heat your home and is a budget saver as well.

Winterizing Task #5 – Insulate Pipes
Before freezing temperatures hit, you will want to be sure your pipes are protected from freezing. The easiest way to do this is to buy some pipe insulation from a hardware store.  Simply cut it to fit your outside exposed pipes and faucets.

These simple tasks can save you several hundreds of dollars and several unneeded headaches by having to deal with broken pipes, injuries from fallen icicles, or replacing your home's gutters. Winters in Brazos Valley are not as harsh as they are in other parts of the country, but they can be just bitterly cold enough to cause their share of property damage for those unprepared for them.

Featured Home for Sale in Bryan, TX

 

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes in College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

Gardening in Central Texas

Image courtesy of Stoonn@FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gardening in Central Texas can be a challenge, but if you know the right plants and techniques, you will have a beautiful yard in Central Texas. 

General Tips
It is important to know the amount of light and water each plant needs. Not providing the plant with an adequate amount or giving it too much of either water or sunlight is a sure way to kill it.

You should enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or shredded leaves. The Texas soil is clay with a high pH, which are not ideal growing conditions for plants.

Plant in the fall during the rain or right after. Do not pack down the soil when planting and don’t mix plants that have different sun and water needs in the same beds.

Cover all bare areas with mulch after planting. This will give the plant protection from the hot sun and bite of winter as well as help prevent weeds.

Flowers
Central Texas has a mild climate that allows for flowers to bloom all year as long as you know which ones to plant and how to properly care for them. The best planting time and water and sun requirements vary by plant. Ask your garden center where you purchase your flowers if you aren't sure of these important details. Lantanas, alyssum, ruellia, salvias, and roses are a few flowers that grow well in Central Texas.

Trees
Trees should be planted in late fall or winter to help them develop their root system and establish growing before it has to withstand the heat of a Central Texas summer. A few trees that do well in Central Texas are apple, peach, sumac, and magnolia.

Having a beautifully landscaped yard in Central Texas is possible with the right care and knowledge. Planting in the correct season with proper methods and making sure the plants receive all the sun and water they need will counteract the difficult conditions of the Central Texas sun and soil.

Featured Homes for Sale in Bryan, TX 

 

Sarah Miller, your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station can help you discover a lot of great tips for making a profitable and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904