What Does Home Safety Look Like?

Your home, more than anywhere else, should be a safe place for you and your family. That’s why it’s so important to have a home inspection before buying a house, or before selling your home to another family. A home inspector will be able to point out any flaws in the structure or operation of the home that might affect the price of the home. But what exactly does home safety look like? Here are some factors you want to consider beyond what the home inspector might review.

Child Proofing

Not everyone has small children, but for those that do, child proofing is a must. Things that might seem harmless to you can be a serious threat for an infant. For instance, loose window cords could strangle a baby and stairs could spell disaster. Babies are curious and might think it looks fun to stick their fingers in a power outlet. Safety gates, outlet covers, and cordless blinds are good ideas to have when you have a small child. Any hazardous materials should be kept on a high shelf out of their reach, and cabinets should have childproof locks on them.

Fire Proofing

There should be smoke alarms in working order on every floor of the house as well as outside of bedrooms. Once a month, make sure these smoke alarms are in working order. It’s also important for you to know your escape route in the event that a fire does happen. What’s the safest exit? Where should you meet once everyone is out? Go over this plan at least twice a year, practicing it so you can visualize the practicality. If you live in a two-story home, you’ll also want to have a rescue ladder or fire escape, so those who are trapped upstairs and blocked off can still get out. Always use caution with space heaters, be on the lookout for frayed wires and other hazards to avoid fires in the first place.

Burglar Proofing

A home security system is a great way to keep out burglars. Many alarm systems will also alert the police that someone tried to break into your home, but the sound of the alarm itself is enough to deter most home invasions. Because noise can throw off any burglar, a dog might also be a good investment. Make sure your windows and doors are locked at the end of the night, and keep trees and bushes trimmed so that your yard is more visible and intruders have fewer places to hide. Motion sensor lights or timed lights for your home’s exterior can also help to burglar proof the home.

All of these tips don’t replace the usefulness of a home inspection but should supplement your findings from that home inspection. Once you find your dream home, after all, you want to make sure it’s protected, along with everyone who lives there. Talk to an experienced realtor in College Station today about scheduling a home inspection and other things you can do to ensure the home stays safe.

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

Moving With a Spouse or Partner

You have your idea of your perfect dream home. The love of your life has a different idea. You love your spouse or partner, and that’s why you’re moving with them, but different visions are bound to cause friction. You may see couples squabble all the time on reality TV house hunting shows, but there is a grain of truth to those hyped up conflicts. You’ll probably find yourselves disagreeing over location, must-haves, and even budget.

Here are a few ways to endure those disagreements without biting each other’s heads off and find a new home that works for both of you.

Communicate Your Visions

Before you start looking for houses, sit down at the kitchen table with a notepad and a couple glasses of wine. Each of you take turns writing down everything you want from this move. What do you want in a location? What do you want in our home? Underline or put a star beside the things that are most important to you. What do you have in mind for budget? Discuss each point as you go. Maybe your spouse likes the idea of living in the quiet outskirts, but your point about saving gas on the ride to work changes their perspective. Just make sure your mind is open to a changed perspective as well.

Once you’ve discussed, write down a new list of all the things you agree on. This is what you should prioritize when you talk to your real estate agent. You may still disagree on some points after you’ve talked, but laying it all out in the open will help to keep those disagreements peaceful.

Create a Grading Scale

What happens when you fall in love with one house that your spouse hates and they fall in love with another house that you’re not too keen on? In that case, a little objectivity is needed. Create a grading scale based on the things that are most important to both of you: let’s say budget, certain amenities, or impact on your lifestyle. After each house, you and your partner can grade each home in order to determine what really is the best fit for you. It can be hard to put your heart aside for the moment, but using this objective scale may help you to look at a house that didn’t make a stellar first impression in a new way.

Be Willing to Compromise

They like to have open space. You like to be right in the heart of the city. They want character, you want new appliances. Chances are, someone is going to have to compromise more than once, so you should prepare yourself for not getting everything you want exactly as you imagine it now. Be fair about compromise. If they gave up their perfect location for you, be willing to allow a little bit of character for them. No one should have to give up their vision completely, but you’ll each have to bend somewhat.

Talk to a Realtor

A realtor is a must even if you’re moving by yourself. However, when faced with the tricky navigation of finding the best home for both you and your partner, you want an expert. Your real estate agent has probably seen this before and knows how to help you come to a compromise that works for everyone.

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

The Pros and Cons of FHA Loans

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If you’re a first-time homebuyer, or if you haven’t owned a home in the last few years, you may be considering an FHA loan. An FHA loan is a type of loan that is available from many different lenders. It’s not a loan from the government. The biggest draw to an FHA loan is the small down payment. Here are some things about an FHA loan to consider.

The Advantages of an FHA Loan

Low down payment. FHA loans make home ownership easier. First of all, your down payment is lower than usual at just 3.5%. This can be a real help to people that can’t save up enough for a 10 or 20% down payment.

Less than perfect credit. Another advantage is that you can have a lower credit score when applying for an FHA loan. If you’ve been renting, you’ve spent a lot of extra money on housing so raising your credit score can be a challenge.

The Downsides

No fixer-uppers. If you get an FHA loan, the home needs to meet certain requirements. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but issues like broken windows or other safety issues may need to be repaired by the seller before you can buy the home. Some homeowners specify that they will not sell to someone with an FHA loan because something about the property doesn’t meet the criteria.

That doesn’t mean that all less than perfect houses are excluded. You can buy a home that needs a little work especially if the work is aesthetic.

Mortgage insurance. The Federal Housing Administration back FHA loans so that lenders won’t lose money if you default on your loan. That’s why it’s easier to get them, the banks have less to lose.

FHA loans are insured by the government, but the price of the insurance is passed on to you. It will often be added to your monthly payment which is already slightly higher because of the lower down payment.

If you have the money available for a higher down payment you may want to ask your lender what loans you qualify for. Your monthly payment could be lower with a conventional loan. If you don’t have the money for a larger down payment, an FHA loan might be the right thing for you. Talk to your lender to find out if you qualify.

An FHA loan can help you on your path to home ownership. Let your realtor know what kind of loan you’re approved for and she can help you find the right house. If the house needs work, your realtor will negotiate to get the work done so the house qualifies for your loan. No matter what kind of home loan you end up with, your realtor can work with you to help you find the right home for you and your family. The loan process may seem complicated, but this is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. So, it’s worth it to make the right choices.

7 Benefits of Homeownership

18008 Ranch House Rd, College Station, TX 77845

While most people know that renting doesn’t have a return on investment, there are other benefits to buying a home if you can. Renting can be a good option for people that are only going to stay in a community for a short time, but if you want to stick around, buying a home is a great idea. Here are some reasons to buy a home.

1) ROI and equity. It can’t be said enough that you can get a substantial return on investment when you buy a home. You can gain equity and get more money from selling than you spent buying the home.

2) Tax benefits. Even with tax reform being in the news, mortgage interest is tax deductible. The government encourages homeownership because it’s good for communities. Why not take advantage? In Texas, there’s a homestead exemption on property taxes that gives you a discount on property taxes for your home. If you rent a home, the owner will certainly pass the higher cost of property taxes on to you.

3) Stable housing costs. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the payment for your home can say the same for 30 years. When you rent, you never know what will happen when your lease is up for renewal. Prices almost never go down. As a homeowner, you have a consistent mortgage payment and even more predictable utility payments.

4) Control your living space. Do you like to paint or do you want to install upgrades? Those are things you can do as a homeowner. As a renter, you could end up paying big bucks if you alter the home you’re renting.

5) No more moving. As a renter, you don’t know when you might have to move. If the property comes under new ownership they might have different ideas for the property like condos or raised rent.

6) Social benefits. If you aren’t moving around a lot you can put roots down in the community. Your kids can have lifelong friends and you can form lasting relationships as well. Keeping your kids in the same schools allows for them to follow a consistent educational path as well.

7) Move on up. If you build equity in one home you can sell it and buy a newer and better home. You could also use the equity to buy a second home or pay off debts. Remember to always view your home as a long-term investment and take advantage of what you can get out of it.

While renting is a good option in some situations, owning a home has substantial benefits. It’s the largest investment you’ll make in your life so make sure you talk to your College Station realtor so she can help you make the right choice. A realtor can help you find the right home for your family and then help you down the line if you want to sell or buy another home. While putting down roots in your new community, include your realtor as one of your first friends in town.

How Properties Are Valued

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Unlike most of the things we buy, the value of real estate is generally a long-term investment. It’s important to know the fundamentals of real estate economics when you begin your search. This will help you find exactly what you are looking for much faster than just diving in. This is also why it’s important to work with a local realtor in College Station who knows the market and the properties, and can help you with these fundamentals.
Because of the time scales involved, an estimate of a property's value must take into consideration any governmental controls on the property (historical sites, ecological and environmental considerations, zoning, etc.), economic trends, and social trends that influence the four elements of value:

• Demand: The number of buyers looking for property on the market.
• Utility: (Use): The suitability of the property for the buyer’s needs.
• Supply: The number of properties available on the market.
• Transferability: The speed and ease of transferring ownership.

Demand is fairly straightforward. When you are looking for property, you are part of the overall demand. If there are many buyers looking for the same kind of property in the same price range, the demand is high. If there are only a few people, or they are all looking for different kinds and price ranges, then demand is low. Your local realtor will be able to tell you more about the demand in the area.

Utility is also something your local realtor will speak with you about. Whether you are looking for a place to build your dream home, a starter home, or that perfect place you can really make your own, there are a lot of possibilities. Your realtor will make sure to get to know you and your needs so that you can find the best place for you.

Supply is in the same boat with demand. If there are a lot of sellers, but not many buyers, that can greatly affect price. The same is true for having many buyers, but few sellers. These things can fluctuate rapidly, so it is in your best interest to have someone who can keep an eye on all the variables that will affect your purchase. 

Your College Station realtor will be able to walk you through what is going on in the local market so that you can make an informed decision.

Transferability is also an extremely important aspect of the value of a property. Does the owner have the title free and clear? That is always a nice scenario. But there are issues that can arise if there are trusts or other restrictions on the property. It is vital to have someone knowledgeable at your side in order to make decisions about whether or not to make a bid on a property that may require jumping through a few hoops. 

Even if you are willing to jump through some hoops for the right property for you, you want to make sure that you see them all before you start jumping.

Featured Homes for Sale in College Station, TX

17334 Sioux Springs Dr

What’s the difference between a short sale and a foreclosure?

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When you’re looking for a new home you might consider buying short-sales and foreclosures.  The process for buying these houses is a little different than the usual process, but your realtor can help you navigate the twists and turns. Here’s some information to help you understand these topics.

Short Sales

A short sale happens when the seller and the involved lien holders are willing to sell a property for less than is owed on the property. In other words, the amount received from the sale will fall short of covering the debts owed to the lien holders. This may happen if the property value has declined or if the seller has fallen on hard times financially.

If you’re wanting a speedy transaction, a short sale may not be for you. Your qualified College Station realtor can negotiate the price of the property with the seller, but all price changes are subject to approval from what could be multiple lien holders.

Purchasing a short sale will be easier if you’re the only buyer. With multiple buyers involved the process can be even slower. See if your realtor can negotiate with the seller’s agent to ensure that your offer is the only one they will be considering. With that out of the way, the process may move slightly faster.

Foreclosures

A foreclosure means that a homeowner defaulted on their loan and now a bank owns the property outright. Often, these properties may need some TLC.  Foreclosures often have some overdue home repairs that the previous owners could not afford to make. If you can afford to make these repairs and you have the time to do so, you can consider buying a foreclosure.

One benefit that short sales and foreclosures have is that they tend to be priced lower than similar houses in the area. You could end up getting a very good deal.  However, you need to look at what you’re paying for before you make a decision. Getting a home inspection will help you decide if you can afford to do all of the maintenance the house may need after prolonged neglect. Not all foreclosures or short sales are in poor condition, but it is something to be prepared for.

In the case of a short sale and a foreclosure, it’s important to have a realtor help you navigate the buying process. Negotiating with banks can be a daunting process if you’re trying to do it alone.  Hire an experienced realtor to help you so that you can be sure you get the best possible deal and that you’re aware of all of the possible problems.

While the prices of short sales and foreclosures are tempting, they aren’t for everyone. They’re time-consuming and there are likely costs to repair the property. If this bothers you, consider a traditional sale. You can still get a good deal when dealing with a homeowner that isn’t in financial trouble. What’s even better is that those properties are more likely to be well cared for.  

Featured Homes for Sale in College Station, TX

17288 Indian Lakes Dr, College Station, TX

  17288 Indian Lakes Dr, College Station, TX

Best Communities for an Active Lifestyle

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If you like to stay active there are communities that may be perfectly suited to your needs. It’s not just a matter of finding a home near a park. Some communities have amenities that make it so you don’t have to leave your neighborhood to have some fun. What are the best places to live if you are in Brazos Valley and have an active lifestyle?  Here are some things to talk about with your College Station realtor.

HOA amenities

When you are looking for a house it’s good to also look at the neighborhood. A neighborhood with an HOA is likely to have amenities. Here in Central Texas, pools are a nice thing to have because of our long hot summers. Opting with a neighborhood pool means you won’t have to worry about maintenance or hiring someone to take care of your personal pool. An HOA swimming pool is close to home and usually restricted to HOA members. So it’s unlikely to be overcrowded unless someone gets permission for a party. 

Another amenity is fitness centers. While you may have some of your own fitness equipment, an HOA fitness center is likely to have more of what you need. By letting the HOA buy all of the equipment you are avoiding the cost of transforming one of the rooms in your home into a home gym. It’s always nice to have extra room in your home. 

Tennis/Basketball courts are another amenity that your HOA may have. This is especially good for families, you don’t have to go far to find a fun activity for yourself and the kids. 

City amenities

Cities often provide recreation areas. Living near a park is good, but not all parks are the same. Some have trails for jogging and biking and others may have amenities that your HOA doesn’t have. Also, parks can be a good place to be active with your family and pets, particularly dogs. 

Fitness facilities

If you are considering a gym membership, there are gyms all throughout Bryan-College Station. The neighborhood you really love may just be right next to the one you want. There are also places for other physical activities like rock climbing. Let your College Station realtor know what you’re looking for and she can help. 

Rural communities

Outside of the city, you can find a home with lots of land and quiet streets. While jogging in the city is fun, it’s also nice to have room to roam on your own land.  With more land, you can have a pool or install some of your own amenities. The privacy of a home in the country is an added benefit.  Also, the farther you are from the city, the more chances you’ll have to go hiking. Ask your realtor about parks with hiking trails. 

Whatever you’re looking for, make sure you talk to your College Station realtor so you can have help finding the right place for you. She can help you find the amenities you need close to home. Whether it’s HOA amenities, a public park, or fitness centers your realtor knows Brazos Valley better than anyone.

800 Bethpage Ct, College Station, TX 77845

4 Transportation Considerations For Your New Home

When most people are looking for a new home, they focus on things like price, home style and the type of home loan that they can get. While these are all very important considerations, it's also critical to take a close look at the location of the new home. Not only is it important to make sure that your new home is in a great neighborhood, it also needs to be in a good position in regards to transportation.

Whether you drive yourself to work or take public transportation, you need to be fully aware of the transportation options in a potential new home. You can ask your realtor in College Station, TX all about these considerations to get the answers that you need to make an informed purchase decision. Here are four of the things to ask your realtor if you're wondering about transportation at a new home.

1. What Is The Work Commute Like?

Let your realtor know where you work and what your schedule is like so that they can tell you about convenient routes to your workplace. Make sure to ask them about common traffic conditions and rush hour traffic if you will have to take a busy freeway or highway as part of your commute. You'll also want to know about the traffic conditions in your new neighborhood at the times you typically go to and come home from work.

If your realtor isn't sure about these traffic conditions, take a day off and drive through the neighborhood early in the morning and later in the evening to see what traffic is like at these times.

2. Is The Area Served By Public Transit?

If you regularly use public transportation, it's a good idea to ask your College Station realtor to find out if your new home will be conveniently located near public bus stops. Perhaps you are a one-car family but you are planning to look for a new job or have a child. If that's the case, then public transit can be a huge asset to you.

Even if you regularly drive, checking on public transportation is still a good idea. You never know when you might have a bout of car trouble and need to grab a public bus to make it to work on time.

3. Is The Home In A School Bus District?

If you have children or if you are planning to have them soon, you need to make sure that your new home is in the right school bus service area for the school district you want your child to attend. If you have your eye on a certain school district, the fact that your child can catch a bus to school is a big bonus for a particular address.

4. Is Walking Feasible?

Sometimes transportation isn't just about buses and cars. For example, you may want to know if your new neighborhood has light traffic to enable you to take a walk. You may also be interested to find out if the new home is within walking distance of useful places, such as parks or convenience stores.

Your realtor in College Station, TX can help you find out if a particular home will meet your transportation needs. 

Top 5 Tips to Selling Your Home Fast with a Realtor

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Anyone who wants to sell their house prefers a quick sale so they can get their money and be done with the whole transaction. Some families may not be able to move to a new home until their current home sells. If you’re in this situation, the best way to sell your home fast is to engage the services of a professional College Station, TX realtor. She’ll be able to help you through the process from start to finish. These five top tips I have provided below can help.

#1 – Be Honest and Direct With your College Station Realtor

Your realtor can help you better if she knows everything about the home, property and your goals for selling it. It’s important to reveal all paperwork for upgrades or renovations that have been done over the years.

#2 – Always Start at the Right Price

You’ll want the highest price possible when you sell your home, but be realistic. Do some research online to see what nearby houses have sold for. The realtor's experience, her knowledge of the general area and knowing the details of your home and property will help her determine the best price that can lead to a fast sale.

Starting at a lower price that suits the market usually results in a faster home sale than starting high and negotiating.

#3 – Invest Money Where Buyers Look First

Older homes may sell more quickly with some updates or renovations. This is especially true for kitchens and bathrooms. Other things you might want to consider investing money in are up-to-date flooring, paint for the walls, and appliances or fixtures.

If you don’t want to invest any money prior to the sale of your home, I think you should be aware that the price will have to come down in most cases. For example, if potential buyers see a pink tub from the 1970s, they’ll want a discount so they can afford to buy a newer tub.

#4 – Clean Up and Clear Out

Clean up and clear out the house as much as possible. Buyers need to be able to see the rooms, not the things in them. Clutter and personal items make it difficult for them to imagine living in the house.

If you wish to sell your home quickly, make everything as empty as possible. This provides your realtor the opportunity to stage the house with attractive decor items if a potential buyer is coming to look.

#5 – Make the House Easy to Show Well

Besides clearing everything out and keeping everything clean, make your house easy to show in other ways. Make sure curtains, blinds, or shades can open for natural lighting. Always be on hand if your College Station, TX realtor calls and wants to show your house to someone interested in buying. The easier you make it to get house shoppers through the door, the more likely you are to sell your home quickly.

As a realtor, my goal is to help you sell your home as quickly as possible. Honesty, strategic pricing and accepting professional advice from your realtor will often provide the fast sell you want. 

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!

Home Buyers - 5 Things You Should Bring to an Open House

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You want to find the perfect home to buy with the help of your College Station, TX realtor. Part of the process includes visiting several open houses to check out properties in the area you want to live in. This is not only a great idea for looking at particular homes but also for getting a feel for the neighborhoods. While some people go to an open house just for curiosity’s sake, serious shoppers should prepare.

Here is a list of five things I think you should bring to every open house you attend:

1 – A Smart List of Questions

Do some homework for each property before you attend an open house. Jot down a list of intelligent questions to ask that aren’t covered somewhere else. Although, agents usually give out a data sheet of the home’s details when you walk through the door, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions of the real estate agent hosting the open house.

2 – A Tape Measure and a Notebook

While the total dimensions of each room should be listed in an info sheet, some areas may need measuring to see if your furniture will fit. You shouldn’t spend two hours crawling around the house measuring each doorway and windowsill; however, it’s perfectly acceptable to measure and make notes about closet size, door clearance, and ceiling height. A small notebook or a notes feature on your smartphone can be very useful for remembering details.

3 – A Camera-Equipped Phone or a Digital Camera

Taking pictures of things that weren’t included in the real estate listing might be a good idea. However, I recommend that you always ask permission to take photos or video before you do so. This is especially important if the homeowner is still residing there.

4 – Comfortable Shoes and Appropriate Clothing

An open house requires walking around the property and climbing up and down stairs. You might even get down on the floor to look at things. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t reveal too much as you bend and stretch. Let me suggest that you leave the ripped jeans and joke T-shirts at home, though.

5 – Good Listening Skills

Not only should you listen to the realtor hosting the open house, the other people viewing it may give you some interesting information as well. You can gauge their interest and try to figure out if they’re going to make an offer or not. Also, they might have some details about the neighborhood that you’re unaware of. For example, if you hear another viewer talk about a barking dog or nonstop basketball in the street, it can help you make your decision about the property.

Real estate open houses provide the opportunity to really experience a property. You can imagine living in a house much better when you’re walking around in it than if you only view photos on a computer screen. With the proper planning, tools, and a bit of investigative work, you can make an open house much more helpful when it comes time for finding your dream home.

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!

Stay or Go? What Fixtures Come With the Home You Buy?

When you visit open houses or your College Station, TX realtor takes you to view homes, most will have some furniture and décor inside. The houses may be staged to look their absolute best so you can imagine living in them if you choose to buy. 

It’s important to remember that many of the things you see will not be sold with the house. Most people understand that the furniture, vases and art on the walls are not part of the property, but they might be surprised to learn that there are other things that may be gone when they close on the house, get the keys and walk inside after the purchase.

Appliances

In general, any appliance that is built into the house stays with it. This usually includes ovens and stoves, built-in microwaves and dishwashers. Refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers may also stay behind, but I urge you to ask to make sure.

Even if you are told that appliances are included in the sale, you may not necessarily get the appliances you see. The high-end stainless steel kitchen set may be replaced by less expensive options, so I encourage you to always read the fine print and ask questions.

Fixtures and Hardware

Things like light fixtures, sink faucets and flat screen TV mounting brackets may or may not be included in the sale. That beautiful chandelier in the hall, the electric sconces in the bedroom and the stained glass pendant light in the kitchen could be taken by the people who are selling the house. Likewise, while sinks and bathtubs need to have faucets, they do not necessarily have to be the fancy ones on display.

If you want to keep any of these things, ask if they are included in the sale. If a family plans to remove some, you might be able to negotiate a price and buy them before they take out their screwdrivers.

Building Materials

Everything that is essentially part of the house or property should stay during the sale. This includes things like floor tiles, crown molding, fence posts and rails and ceiling medallions. Although you should check the MLS sheet to make sure before finalizing the purchase, it is pretty safe to assume that the previous owner is not going to rip up the kitchen floor to take the tile with him.

Furniture and Décor

On the other hand, you should assume that all freestanding personal property goes with the previous owner. This includes all furniture, throw and area rugs, art on the walls, lamps and all decorations. It may also include window treatments such as shades, blinds and curtains; although, whatever is on the windows is the most likely to be left behind. Again, ask your realtor if such things are included or if you can negotiate to buy them while you’re buying the house.

Your College Station, TX realtor should lead you through the entire process and reveal everything so there are no surprises or questions once you finally close on your new home. Then you can move in with a positive attitude and not feel shocked or disappointed because you assumed something would be included in the sale and it wasn’t.

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!

5 Great Ideas for an Extra Bedroom When Buying a New Home

During your hunt for a new home, an expert realtor in College Station, TX or another city may present you with a list of possible properties to view that match many of the features you want. If you are interested in a specific number of bedrooms for your family but a couple of the houses have an extra one, you might be tempted to cross them off your list. If the price is still within reach, however, I would like for you to think about the benefits an extra bedroom may have.

1 – Future Child's Room

If you’re not finished building your family, that extra bedroom will come in very handy in the future. Even if the plan is to have your kids share a room, that might not be the best solution for their personalities. Gender and age difference are two other things that may make sharing difficult.

2 – Guest Bedroom

People with large families, aging parents or plenty of old friends may appreciate having a full-time guest bedroom in their house. There will never be any discussion about staying in hotel rooms when people visit. Also, you will not have to worry about them sleeping in a public area where they may feel uncomfortable or that they are in the way.

3 – Home Office

Many people take their work home from the office these days. A dedicated room with one or more desks, filing cabinets and bookshelves can help you stay focused amid the bustle of family life. You also might want to start a home-based business or do some freelancing on the Internet. Having that extra room can allow some privacy and a quiet place to get a project done.

4 – Craft or Hobby Room

If any member of the family enjoys a particular craft or hobby, that extra bedroom can be turned into a room dedicated to projects. This is ideal for things like sewing, model railroads or painting. If you do not need or want an entire room for a particular pastime, the kids in the family would love to have a place where they can go and create with various art supplies on their own. This also helps you keep the rest of the house clean and tidy.

5 – Expansion!

You began your real estate hunt for a new house with particular ideas in mind. If a certain number of bedrooms suits your family and no changes are in store, it still doesn’t mean you should automatically ignore a nice house with an extra bedroom. With a small budget and a reputable contractor, you might be able to remove the wall between the extra bedroom and an existing one to create a beautiful master suite.

House hunters know what they want and know what suits their family the best, but sometimes a bit of creativity can provide an even greater solution than you first thought. If your College Station, TX realtor has a house in your price range with four bedrooms instead of three, there are many possibilities that can still make that the perfect home for you.

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!

12 Things to Overlook When You’re Looking for a Home

5318 Congressional Dr

As a realtor in Bryan, Texas and College Station, Texas, I have helped many others like you. I understand when you see colors and décor you don’t like when you view a home. Trust me, these are minor problems to fix as you will see below. If you like the layout of the home, don’t let trivial issues get between you and your dream home.

Ugly Paint Colors

Paint color is the least of your worries. Walls can be easily repainted to your taste in a very small amount of time. Repainting the walls is fast work if you do it before moving the furniture in.

Unattractive Wallpaper Design

This isn’t a problem either. You can easily replace unsightly wallpaper with new wallpaper or cover it completely with paint or wall coverings such as chair railing, ornamental molding, millwork or decorative paneling.

Worn, Stained or Outdated Carpet

Replace ugly carpet with new carpet or other modern flooring options. This is another easy replacement that can be completed before moving the furniture into your new home.

Outdated Kitchen Appliances

Having new items is part of the excitement of buying a home. Appliances have to be replaced after a period of time anyway, so make room in your budget to buy new appliances if that’s all that’s standing between you and happiness.

Bad Smells

Unfortunately, people aren’t always aware that their homes have accumulated odors over time. Fortunately, that bad smell usually follows the previous owners when they move their personal items out. If any stench does stay behind, a good old-fashioned deep cleaning will make the house smell better.

Curb Appeal

Just because the current owners don’t have a knack for exterior design doesn’t mean you can’t fix the yard and exterior the way you want it to look. Planting flowers and trees in spots where you will enjoy them, and giving the exterior trim a fresh coat of paint will add instant outdoor charm without breaking the bank.

Popcorn Textured Ceilings

Yes, this stuff is annoying. However, you can have it scraped off by a ceiling specialist before you move in or cover it with designer ceiling tiles, wood ceiling planks or other flattering ceiling covering.

Lack of Privacy from Neighbors

So, you don’t like prying eyes? Hedges or a privacy fence can provide the barrier of privacy you desire.

Window Coverings

Again, part of the fun of buying a home is having new items to put in it. Replace undesirable window coverings with your own stylish curtains and designer curtain rods.

Rooms Being Used for Odd Reasons

This shouldn’t be of any concern. Once you buy the house, you can use the rooms for whatever you want to use them for.

Personal Items All Over the House

The current family’s items will be gone when you move in. Mentally replace the items you see with your own personal items as you walk through the house.

Sellers Hang Around During the Showing

Ignore them and tour the house as if they aren’t home. Discuss problems you see or concerns you have with the realtor as you would if the owners weren’t in the house.

I hope that, now, you realize that buying a home that is being lived in doesn’t have as many setbacks as you may have originally thought. This actually creates an opportunity for you to personalize the home in ways you may not have considered otherwise.

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!

Protect Your New Home With Security Tips and Security Systems

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Moving to a new home is an experience filled with both excitement and stress. It can also be an invitation for burglars and thieves to scope out your belongings and see if your house should be on their target list. A College Station realtor worked hard to find the perfect property for you and your family. Now it is up to you to protect it from break-ins.

Basic Tips to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Burglars
Thieves go for easy targets when they can find them. There are several basic things you can do in and around your new Texas home to convince criminals to pass by.

1 – Do not provide cover with crowded landscaping. The more bushes and trees right around your house, the easier it is for a burglar to sneak up to the house, inside and then out again without detection.

2 – Do not advertise your valuables. This can be as easy as putting your expensive bicycle in the garage the instant you get home. If you purchase a new TV or computer, do not leave the box sitting at the curb and let everyone know there is something worth stealing inside.

3 – Lock everything up. This is a basic tip, but some homeowners forget to check all points of entry. Interior garage doors and porch doors should stay locked unless in use. Secure all windows and sliding glass doors as well.

4 – Never let the house appear empty. User timers for turning on and off lights if you will be gone overnight. This can be used to play a radio or TV as well. If your family is going on vacation, stop mail and newspaper delivery and ask a trusted neighbor to put out the trash cans on time.

Choosing the Right Security System for Your New Home

There are plenty of home security companies that operate in the College Station and Bryan, TX area. Careful consideration and research must be done if you want to find the right company for your needs. Consider some of these benefits and options that might give you more peace of mind.

1 – Go wireless with full or partial home automation. There are security and home management systems you can work from the office or halfway around the world using a convenient smartphone app. Close and lock doors, turn off lights and get real-time video of various parts of your home and property to make sure everything is okay while you are away.

2 – Alarms must be connected to people who can get help immediately. Security system companies should have a large number of employees ready to route your alarm to the emergency operators in your town. This helps the police get on scene before the burglars make off with your valuables.

3 – Audible alarms and motion sensor lights can help scare away would-be robbers before they get through a window or door.

4 – Criminals look for the easiest target when deciding which house to burgle. Simply displaying a security company's sign or sticker on your house can help deter trouble. Thieves will not risk breaking into a home with an alarm system when the house next door has none.

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!

The Top 5 Businesses or Services to Locate Fast After Moving

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Researching the location of your new home carefully before choosing which one to buy is important. This process often includes finding local schools, hospitals and employment opportunities but can leave out some of the other businesses or services that are also helpful. After going through the stress of packing all your belongings from your old home and moving to the new one your College Station, TX realtor helped you find, there are five major places to locate fast.

1 – A Local Bank That Fulfills All Your Needs

If you bank with a national chain, you will probably be able to find a location in or around the College Station and Bryan, TX area. If you are changing banks, it is important to shop around and find one with the best account for you. Speed is important because you need to have access to your money quickly after moving.

2 – The Best Supermarket or Grocery Store For Your Budget
There might be multiple supermarkets in the area around your new home, but some may be less than ideal while others may be out of your price range. Some basic research and looking at online sales circulars can help you decide which will become your weekly stop for groceries.

3 – A Reputable Vehicle Mechanic or Service Center

When your car breaks down, you need it fixed quickly. The last thing you want is to be stuck taking your vehicle to any old mechanic without knowing if you will get a good deal or proper repairs. Internet reviews from people who have used local service centers or mechanics can help you identify a good one that you can trust.

4 – The Safest and Most Enjoyable Parks

Whether you have children that would like to visit a playground or you just want to take a jog along a wooded path, it is a great idea to find a safe park quickly after moving. In the College Station, TX area there are more than a dozen parks to choose from. Each one has different amenities such as picnic pavilions, sports fields and nature paths.

5 – An Awesome Pizza Delivery or Takeout Restaurant

After moving to your dream Texas home, you will need to eat before you unpack the dishes and utensils. Many families enjoy take-out or delivery their first few nights in a new place. Finding the best pizza or take-out can be a process that stretches over many weeks, but reviews and recommendations can help.

As your family settles into the house first presented by your College Station, TX realtor, there will be more discoveries about the community as the days go by. To get started on the right foot and make the moving process as stress-free as possible, it is important to find these businesses and services as soon as possible after claiming your new home.

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!

Great Decorations for a Texas BBQ Housewarming Party

What better way to introduce your friends and family to your new home in the Brazos Valley than with a Texas BBQ housewarming party? After looking at many properties with your College Station, TX realtor, you have finally decided on the perfect house to live in with your family. Of course, you want to share this with people you know and also invite your new neighbors to the fun. Great food and drinks are essential, but the decorations you choose for your Texas-style shindig are equally important.

Consider these three options for Texas BBQ housewarming party decorating themes:

Patriotic Red, White and Blue With a Texas Flare

Texans have big hearts and a lot of pride in their state and the great USA. You can't go wrong with red, white and blue decorations for a Texas BBQ housewarming party, especially if it is being held near July 4th. Add even more Texas style by using large stars in most of the decorating.

Specific ideas include red and white checked tablecloths, Texas flag toothpicks to stick in the finger food or cupcakes, star-shaped light garlands and anything that mentions one of the great Texas sports teams or College Station's own Texas A&M University.

Down Home Cowboy and Country

A home-style barbecue housewarming party is the perfect place to display decorations with country charm and cowboy style. Think rustic, old-fashioned and the wild, wild west. This decoration style for a get-together can overlap with the patriotic theme somewhat.

Along with the checked or cow print tablecloths, use bandannas for napkins and old lanterns for lighting instead of candles or electric lights. Also, consider using plastic cowboy boots as vases for wildflowers and place them in the center of the tables. Give every guest an inexpensive cowboy hat to wear. Different tables can be identified with a painted board sign saying "Saloon" for the drinks area and "Chuck Wagon" for the food table.

Tex-Mex Southwestern Style

If you want your new Texas home's barbecue party to have a south-of-the-border flare, you might like to decorate with a Tex-Mex or Southwestern style. Instead of red, white and blue, think bright, multi-colored serape cloth on the tables with fake cacti decorations in the middle. Other fun options to include are painted maracas, straw sombreros and strings of chili peppers. You can even find chili pepper shaped lights to hang from the trees surrounding your party spot.

No matter what style of decoration you choose for your Texas BBQ housewarming party, be sure to have plenty of great food and drinks on hand. Texas is quite serious about their barbecuing skills, so if you have recently moved from another area of the country, it might be a great idea to get tips from the locals or even hire a specialist. After all, you want to make the best impression on your new neighbors since you will be living in your College Station or Bryan, TX home for many years to come.

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!