How to Make Yard Work Easier

Few homeowners enjoy doing yard work. It can be tedious and, in the hottest days of summer, uncomfortable to say the least. And if you have to untangle your equipment every time, you may find yourself dreading yard work day. But it’s important to keep your curb in good shape, both while you live in your home and especially if you plan to sell at some point. Fortunately, we have a few tips to make yard work a little easier to manage.

Organize Your Shelves

Do you find yourself wasting time sifting through gardening tools, garage supplies, and old equipment you no longer use every time you go to do a little yard maintenance? Then you may need to start by organizing. Invest in some vertical shelves so you can see everything you need as soon as you step into the garage or shed. Next, separate tools based on their use: gardening tools here, car maintenance there, kids’ outdoor toys on their own shelf. You may want to use labels to make the organization even clearer. This will cut down on your time by precious minutes.

Utilize Modern Technology

Yard work has come a long way with modern tools and technology. No longer do you have to get on your knees with a spade and a bucket to pull weeds out of your garden. Now there are standing weeders that allow you to root out weeds effectively without so much as squatting. Raking and bagging leaves is much easier with open funnel bags. So if you’re looking for a way to make your yard work less tedious and stressful, maybe you simply need to look into more modern yard tools that can take much of the weight off yourself.

Use a Garden Cart

Rather than going back and forth for garden supplies, why not keep them all in a handy garden cart that you can take with you? You can find a garden cart with two or four wheels and a handle for easy transportation. Place all your gardening equipment inside, as well as new bulbs or plants that need to be relocated. When you’re finished, simply wheel it back inside your garage or shed near your shelves.

Dress the Part

Everyone knows that it’s important to dress practically when doing yard work. Your clothes should be comfortable, something that’s easy to wash and that you’re not precious about. But that doesn’t mean you have to put on your ugliest outfit. Wearing clothes that make you feel good can go a long way when it comes to changing your attitude. A favorite t-shirt or most comfortable pair of jeans may even make you look forward to doing yard work.

When you find your dream home, you want to make sure that it stays your dream home, both inside and out. Yard work may not be the most fun task, but it can be worth it for the neat finished product. Still looking for your dream home? Contact a College Station realtor today to help you find what you need within your budget.

July Activities and Events in Bryan-College Station

Summer is in full swing in Bryan-College Station, and that means summer athletics, days at the pool, and summer festivals. With the sun shining brightly and exciting holidays like the 4th of July coming up, it’s a great time to get outdoors and enjoy your new community. Looking for something to do? Here are a few July activities and events in Bryan College Station that we’re looking forward to:

4th of July Events

Fireworks! Barbeque! Live music and waving American flags! 4th of July is an exciting time in Bryan-College Station and there are several events that you can enjoy here. At the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on Texas A&M campus, there’s the “I Love America” celebration full of food truck vendors, rides and bounce houses for kids, and of course a grand fireworks show at the end of the night. If you’re an early riser, there’s also a 4th of July parade on Foxfire Drive beginning at 9am. At Century Square, you’ll find live music performances, or if you’re looking for something more traditional, you can head over to the Old Fashioned 4th of July in Heritage Park.

Music and Entertainment Events

Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy an outdoor music event late into the night, and Bryan-College Station has plenty to offer. At Lake Walk Park in Bryan, there’s the Eats & Beats series, including food trucks for refreshments and musical performances from acts like David Michael George and Hayden Haddock. First Friday in Downtown Bryan also offers live music in addition to the late hours for several downtown restaurants and shops. Looking for something indoors? Check out Singer/Songwriter Night for local, budding musicians at The Village Cafe every Thursday in Bryan. Looking for something that will entertain the kids? Check out Free Film Friday at the Queen House in Bryan.

Sports Events

Football may be a few months away, but you can enjoy summer sports in the meantime. In the heat of July, swim competitions are understandably the most prominent sporting events. In the Texas A&M Natatorium on July 12th, you can enjoy the 2019 Northwest Circuit Invitational and a week later, you can come back for the 2019 US Masters Swimming South Central Zone Championships. When the swimming competitions put you in the mood to go swimming yourself, you can check out any of these places to go swimming in Bryan-College Station. From July 20-27 at the Brazos Valley Expo, you can also catch the Texas 4-H Horse Show.

If you’re new to Bryan-College Station, July is the perfect time to get out and experience all that the community has to offer. Still looking for your new home in Bryan-College Station? Talk to a College Station realtor today to find your dream home and expertise on getting the best value for it. And keep an eye on our blog to learn about more events that Bryan-College Station has coming up throughout the year.

Summer Activities in College Station

Summer is a great time of year for College Station. With sunny weather, friendly surroundings, and plenty of activities to choose from, you’d almost have to try to find yourself bored here. But if you’re new to town, you might be wondering where to get started enjoying the summer this year. Talk to your College Station realtor about summer activities happening near your new home, or check out our list of favorite things to do in College Station this summer:

Visit Lake Bryan

Lake Bryan Park showcases, of course, the beautiful Lake Bryan, but is also described on their website as “an outdoor recreation oasis in the heart of Aggieland.” If it’s a peaceful summer getaway you want, this is the place to go. Open seven days a week, you can come here to sit by the pier or relax on the shore as the sun goes down, or you can venture into the water yourself, whether swimming or fishing. There’s also the Lakeside Icehouse serving food and refreshments so you can stay at the lake for as long as you like without going hungry. They even have live music performances, particularly during the summer.

Go Skating

Everyone loves the summer heat, but when it gets to be too much, you might look for a way to cool off. That’s why Spirit Ice Arena is here for you, even in the middle of summer. It’s a good place to take the kids while they’re out of school, or take yourself and friends when you’re nostalgic for winter. You can also take a special someone — or someone who might become a special someone — to Date Night, where they offer two-for-one admission every Thursday. It might not be a conventional summer activity, but it could be a breath of fresh air to make your summer more fun.

Check Out Some Live Music

What summer is complete without a few free concerts in the park? In College Station, that event is Starlight Music Series, an annual summer concert series so named because guests can spread out on a picnic blanket under the stars while they listen to the music acts that perform there. Still to come this year on June 8 is Grammy nominated Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, as well as guest Mi’chel Rose and Zydeco Players. This event usually takes place in May and early June, but it’s worth checking out every year if you have the chance.

Start the Aggieland Football Season

This event, fittingly, will signal the end of summer, but the first game will start before fall sets in. Aggieland football is a big draw to Bryan-College Station, and there are some die-hard fans in the city. So in September, head to Kyle Field where you can catch the first football game of the year and get excited for the rest of the season. This year, the first game versus Clemson will be on their turf, but the second game, against Lamar, will be on Kyle Field, the perfect place to cheer on the team.

Still looking for your perfect home in College Station as summer comes on? Don’t put it all on yourself. Contact a College Station realtor today to help you find the home of your dreams so you can start to enjoy all that College Station summers have to offer.

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.

Are You Ready For Your Open House

Open houses aren’t for every home seller, but if you have the right location and a housing market that works in your favor, it can be a great advantage when it comes to selling your house. Talk to a College Station realtor about whether or not an open house is the right choice for your listing. If so, however, it’s not a process you want to rush. How can you be sure that you’re ready for your open house? Follow these tips before you start to promote the big day.

Is Your Home Upgraded?

Before you even start listing your home, you should make sure you’ve repaired everything that needs to be repaired and made upgrades that will give you an edge in the market. Swap out your outdated kitchen and bathroom appliances for more modern ones. Invest in energy efficient windows and doors. Is your exterior paint fading? Time to repaint for a fresh look. Keep your lawn in trim shape and maybe add a few attractive features to boost your curb appeal.

Have You Staged Your Home?

Staging is an important step whether you plan open house or private viewings. It can also be a painful process for homeowners. Essentially, you have to remove the personal elements that made your house your own from view so that prospective buyers can see it not as your home but, hopefully, as their future home. Photos, toys and trinkets, and anything personal to your family should be removed. You may also have to rearrange your furniture to create a layout that appeals to more people, and may even need to remove some of your furniture for the time. If you have pets, you’ll want to keep them with friends or at a kennel for the day, and make sure to clean up any dander. Your realtor can help you determine what needs to stay and go when staging your home.

Have You Picked the Best Time?

Timing is everything when it comes to planning your open house. If potential buyers have to even consider taking time off work to view your house, there’s a good chance they’ll decide to skip it. The timing should be convenient to the most potential buyers. Sunday afternoon for about 2-4 hours is usually the most popular time. You also want to keep an eye on the weather. If it’s rainy or there’s some other adverse weather, you might have a smaller showing than you’d like. Better to have to reschedule for a fairer weather day than to stick to the original date and expect potential buyers to brave cold or stormy weather.

Once your house is staged and upgraded and the date is set, time to start printing out flyers with pictures of your house, posting social media events, and spreading the news. Of course, your realtor will be your best resource when it comes to marketing your open house and the listing in general. Talk to a College Station realtor today to get ready for your open house.

4 Things to Know About College Station Before You Move

When planning a move anywhere, it’s a good idea to do your research, especially if you haven’t spent much time there in the past. Even if you have relatives that live in the area and you’ve visited once or twice, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with the culture, the amenities, and what you can expect from your new home.

College Station is a wonderful place to move, whether for work or simply a change of scene. The home of Texas A&M University, there’s enough to do that things won’t get boring, but it remains laid back and friendly compared to larger cities. Here are a few things to know about College Station before you move.

Bryan? College Station? Both?

Once you move to College Station, you may start to hear the term “Bryan-College Station” or simply BCS. Bryan and College Station are technically separate neighboring cities, but they’re often lumped together to form one greater area. Those in Bryan often enjoy watching football games at College Station’s Kyle Field, and those in College Station will often stop over to Bryan for the farmers market or to see what’s going on downtown.

First Friday

Speaking of Bryan, one thing you’ll want to check out when you move to College Station is First Friday in downtown Bryan. Throughout the year, downtown Bryan is a center of culture and charm, full of cute cafes, restaurants, and shops. On the First Friday of every month, the streets are closed after hours and open to a night of live music, art, and an excellent opportunity to get to know your neighbors and local businesses. You may not need to go every month, but this can be a great way to help you get to know your new home.

Transportation

There is public transportation in College Station, but it may not be the best decision to rely on it, depending on where you live. Most of the public transportation is centered downtown or in the college area, and the city and surrounding area are rather spread out. Most residents of College Station rely on their on personal vehicle. However, if you want to save gas during the work week or reduce your carbon footprint and you’re able to take the bus, this can be a great option.

Nightlife

College Station is ultimately a college town, so if you like to go out at night, you’ll find something for you here. There are a number of great restaurants, bars, and clubs in the heart of the city and students or young, single professionals often enjoy the Northgate District as well. However, College Station is home to a number of families, as well, and you’ll be sure to find family friendly amenities as well. The city offers a nice blend for a variety of demographics.

Want to learn more about College Station before your move? Make sure you have an experienced realtor from College Station who can tell you everything you need to know about the area. The more you know before you move, the sooner the city will start to feel like home.

Making Friends In a New City

Moving to a new city can be exciting, an opportunity to start life fresh and meet new and interesting people. The problem is that meeting new people can sometimes prove a challenge. Without a social circle, new cities can feel isolating and small. Whether before you move or after, it’s good to look at the resources the city has available to you when it comes to making connections. This may vary from city to city, but here are a few standards to keep in mind.

Use Your Built In Connections

Rarely do people move to a new city on a whim. Maybe you have an aunt or uncle who lives in the area, or an old friend from college. Maybe you’re moving for work, and you’ll have a new circle of coworkers. Whatever the case may be, if you want to make friends in your new home, it’s best to start with the familiar and move outward. If a group of coworkers goes out for drinks after the day and invites you to go, go with them. Ask a friend or family member where they would recommend going to meet new people. Soon as you take in more experiences, you’ll be able to branch out more and more.

Play to Your Interests

Meetup is a website that allows you to search for groups in your area based on common interests. For instance, if you’re a book lover, you might be able to find a book club. If you’re more interested in gaming, you can find a group dedicated to board games or video games. You can find groups dedicated to sports or trivia or simply a mixer of people interested in meeting others in the city. After all, the point isn’t just to meet people in your city. It’s to form actual connections, and what better way to do that than find people who are interested in the same things you’re interested in?

Check Out Local Events

It can be tempting to stay home when you’re in a city where you don’t know anyone. After all, settling in with Netflix and a bowl of pasta is more or less free. But if you want to make friends in your city, you really have to be willing to leave your bubble. Fortunately, social media platforms like Facebook have features dedicated to showcasing local events. If you’re on a budget, you can find events that are cheap or free. You can even, like Meetup, search for a specific kind of event in your city. You may also be able to look into local newspapers or magazines, or even online articles that list potential activities to enjoy in your new city. This is not only a good way to make friends in your new city but to become better acquainted with your city.

When you move to College Station, you’ll find a friendly community with an active nightlife and weekend activities to suit anyone’s interests. Talk to your College Station realtor today about not only finding the best home for you but making yourself at home in your community.

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. 

3 Tips to Make the Most of Your Kitchen Remodel

If you’re looking to renovate an area of your home, the kitchen is a great place to start. For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. The kitchen is not just a place to cook meals and pack lunches, it’s a family gathering spot for every occasion. A kitchen remodel can seem like an intimidating project to start, but it doesn’t need to be! Follow these 3 tips to make the most out of your kitchen remodel.

Make it Functional 

When it comes time to plan out the design for your kitchen remodel, don’t forget to focus on functionality. This may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. After your remodel you should love the look of your kitchen, but you should also have a new-found appreciation for cooking and being in the space.

Consider what your family needs are before beginning the remodel. Do you what a breakfast nook for the kids to sit at and work on homework while you prepare meals? Are you constantly running out of cabinet or counter space? Make a list of the things that don’t function well in your current kitchen and share that list with your contractor. You’ll be amazed at the way a good contractor can transform a space to make it not only look better, but work better as well.

Use Versatile Materials and Colors

One of the biggest trends in kitchen remodels right now is a modern and neutral look. This trend is not only beautiful, it’s also very versatile. Remodels are expensive, but choosing materials and colors that can work for you in the future as your style and tastes change can be a big money saver down the road. This doesn’t mean your entire kitchen needs to be white and gray, but choosing flooring and cabinets that will easily compliment other design choices is a good idea. Changing paint color or décor in the future will give your kitchen a whole new look and feel without having to redo the cabinets and flooring if you follow this advice. If you’re going to be selling your home in the future, this tip is a great way to ensure any and every type of buyer will love the look of the kitchen.

Be Open to Suggestions

While you’re meeting with and getting a quote from different contractors, listen to what they have to say about your plans and ideas. Some ideas you have in your mind may not look the same once completed and the contractor may even have better ideas you hadn’t thought of yet! You want to be sure you love the outcome of your remodel, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and bounce different ideas around before you settle on a plan. The last thing you want is to think of things you wish you had done differently after the remodel is completed, take your time planning with your contractor to make sure you love the final result.

The Dos and Don’ts of Moving Long Distance

Moving to a different home within your city is one thing. Moving to an all new city, or even a new state or country, is a different challenge altogether. It can be an exciting adventure but also a taxing journey. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when you’re moving long distance — both things to do an things not to do. Here are a few of our tips:

DO Start Packing Early

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. The earlier you start to pack, the less trouble it will be. Give yourself plenty of time to pack your things and organize them in the right boxes. You can get boxes from a local liquor store, a friend, or even from work. The cost of the move will be expensive enough. If you can take care of your packing yourself, you’ll be grateful for the savings. And if you can do most of your packing before the big day, you’ll save yourself pounds of stress.

DON’T Take Everything With You

Again, moving is expensive enough, and the more you move with you, the more time and money the trip will cost. And the truth is, you probably don’t need to take everything with you. Now is a great time to start decluttering. Host a yard sale to get rid of old or unwanted items. Decide what furniture you want to take with you and what you can replace when you get to the new location.

DO Take an Inventory of Your Home

The longer the move, the more chance that things could get lost along the way. That’s why it’s important to take an inventory of everything you’re taking with you. In fact, your inventory helps not just in terms of security but also organization while you’re unpacking. Label each box with a number and keep a list that says what exactly is in which box. Once you get to your new place, you’ll be relieved to be able to know exactly where everything is.

DON’T Do it Alone

This is true for every step of the process, not just the actual move. Often homebuyers or sellers think that it will be easier to buy or sell a home solo rather than hiring a real estate agent. But if you want to really get the best deal and have your interests be truly represented, you need the help of an expert realtor. The same goes for moving. Moving is always a hassle done alone, but if you’re moving cross country, it’s nearly impossible. Whether you accept the help of friends or a long distance mover, it’s better if you rely on others to help you get everything settled into your new home.

If you’re moving to Bryan-College Station from far away, welcome. You’ll love the friendly, laid back atmosphere, enthusiastic sporting events and excellent schools and parks. Talk to a Bryan-College Station realtor about finding the perfect home in your new location.

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

4 Ways to Cut Costs When Moving

It’s a hard fact to avoid: moving is expensive. Even if your realtor helps you get your new home for something below the asking price, even after you sell your old home, you still have movers to consider, as well as possibly remodeling, redecorating, or new furnishings. You have to think about finances carefully when moving, which is why so many homeowners look for ways to cut costs during their move.

Some have help, like a friend who owns a truck or a free couch from an aunt or uncle. Friends and family can be great resources, but what if you don’t have that? Here are a few other ways you can cut costs when moving.

Move in the Fall

...Or winter or early spring, for that matter. Peak moving season for most moving companies is May through August. Demand is high so scheduling can be tricky and costs tend to be high. Alternatively, moving in a time when demand is much lower will allow you more freedom of scheduling and the benefit of potential savings and sales. If you want to optimize your moving savings, you should try moving in the middle of the week, as well, and particularly in the middle of the month. It’s the least likely time to move, so you’re most likely to save.

Get Multiple Quotes

Some homeowners choose to simply go with the first mover that they get a quote from, but if you’re interested in saving money, don’t rush into a decision. It’s best to get multiple quotes from movers. Find out how much they’ll charge, and what else they offer. Take notes so you can compare the best value for the best cost. It can be easy to fall into the trap of hiring the cheapest mover, but the cheapest mover is not always the best, so make sure you’re looking at reviews and overall value.

Pack By Yourself And Hire a Driver

Most moving companies outsource drivers to transport your belongings from your old place to your new home. But you can save some of the costs by hiring a U-haul driver directly. Of course, you may lose out on some of the benefits that come with moving companies, particularly packing. Some moving companies provide packing boxes and even help you pack, but you pay for that. Instead, consider grabbing spare boxes from a local liquor store or from friends and coworkers. You can pack on your own for free and hire a driver to take you the rest of the way.

Save Your Receipts

Did you know you might be able to deduct moving expenses from your taxes? If you move because of a new job or a new location for your job, or any other work related expense, you can claim the cost of moving on your federal taxes. So it’s important to make sure you save your paperwork and present it to your accountant at the end of the year. You can learn more about moving deductions from TurboTax or by talking to your accountant.

Moving doesn’t have to be as stressful and expensive as it seams if you know the right resources. When buying or selling your home, an experienced College Station realtor can be an invaluable resource.

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 Ways to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

When homebuyers go on the house hunt for the first time without knowing what to expect, they may find that a year or so later they’re left to face their buyer remorse. Often, first time homebuyers are eager to find the perfect home, the one they have in their heads, and when they find it, they’ll bend over backwards to secure it. When you do so, you may find that you end up paying more than you can afford or missing glaring issues with the home. This buyer’s remorse can be avoided, however, if you’re careful to know what to expect and what’s important beforehand.

Make a Wants and Needs List

When you’re searching for your first home, there’s probably a whole host of things you would love to have in your home. But chances are, there’s a much smaller list of things you need in your first home. Do you need that fireplace, or do you need an extra bedroom for a growing family? Do you need a gas stove or do you need a laundry hook-up? There’s nothing wrong with seeking out your wants, but make sure your needs take priority and that you don’t settle for a home that has plenty of wants — but few of your needs.

Be Prepared to Wait

The housing market is always precarious and competitive. If you have a picture in your head of starting your house hunt and closing on the home of your dream within a week or two, you’re going to have to adjust your expectations. It’s great to see a house and click with it, but be prepared that you may have to take part in a bidding war — or even multiple bidding wars — before you finally find a home you can close on. And even when your offer is accepted, then you have to wait on the bank.That doesn’t mean your dream home isn’t out there or that you can’t close on it, but it’s always better to be prepared for the long haul.

Hire a Realtor

As you’re starting out on the house hunt, you may be tempted to skip hiring a realtor. You may have heard misconceptions from friends and family about realtors that paint them as someone only out for a commission, trying to get you to pay as much as you can for a home. In reality, realtors are very careful to represent their clients well, because word-of-mouth greatly impacts their livelihood. In actuality, not having a realtor can put you at a disadvantage when it comes to knowing the community and negotiating the price. Without a realtor, it’s easy to be taken advantage of.

That doesn’t mean you should hire just any realtor. Make sure you interview more than one. You want someone experienced, with a successful track record, as well as someone who knows and loves the area of Bryan-College Station.

If you have more questions about avoiding buyer’s remorse, talk to your College Station realtor. They can make sure you buy a home that you don’t just love now, but continue to love as time goes on.

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

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

Benefits of New Construction

There’s something appealing about buying an entirely new home. No one else has lived there before, which allows you and your family to put your own stamp on it. While a great existing home can be found if you don’t have time to wait for a new construction, sometimes the best way to find your dream home is to have it built for you and your family from the beginning. Here are just a few of the many benefits of moving into a new construction home.

Customization

Perhaps the favorite benefit for homeowners considering new construction is that you don’t have to worry about compromising with a new construction. The builder will take your specifications as to what the home should look like. That means all your kitchen and bathroom needs, your color palette, and any other customization options will be entirely up to you. When you walk into your new home for the first time, it should be everything you hoped because it was designed with you in mind.

Everything is Up to Date

Often when searching for existing homes, you’ll have to contend with out of date appliances or layouts. The house itself may be less expensive than a new construction, but you may need to pay for updates in order to make it comfortable for your family. New constructions, however, tend to use new appliances and open layouts that are much more on trend and easier to move around. New construction homes also tend to use more energy efficient technology, so you’ll be able to save on the cost of energy bills.

Warranty

All new homes come with a warranty, which allows you some peace of mind as to the construction of the home. This warranty may come through the builder or through an independent company that works for the builder. There are different types of warranties available, and before making your decision you should find out what kind of warranty is available to you in purchasing a particular new home.

Fire Safety

The more we learn and the more technology advances, the more fire safety features become available. Just like your new construction home is likely to be more energy efficient with up-to-date appliances, it’s also likely to be more fire safe. There may be fire retardant in the carpeting or insulation or hardwired smoke detectors with back-up batteries in case the power goes out as opposed to standard battery operated smoke detectors. The newer the home is, the more likely it will be to protect you and your family from fires.

There’s nothing a place feel quite like home as knowing that your family is the first to ever live there. New construction homes may not be an option for everyone depending on your budget and your timeframe, but if you have time for a new construction, it’s certainly worth the wait. If that sounds right for you, talk to an experienced realtor in Brazos Valley about new construction options and how to start the process of building your dream home.

Home 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

4th of July in Brazos Valley

Summer is here, and before you know it, 4rth of July will be here as well. That means it’s time for barbecue, hanging out on the lawn with friends and family, and of course, fireworks. Although residential fireworks aren’t legal within Bryan-College Station city limits, you can stop by the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum for the big firework show. And fireworks aren’t the only thing to enjoy on 4th of July in Brazos Valley. Here are a few of the events you can enjoy for the big day next month.

“I Love America” Celebration

Every July 4th at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, you can gather in the lawn for the 4th of July “I Love America.” Celebration Concert and firework show. Starting that morning, the museum opens with free admission. In the evening, concession stands gather and bounce houses and games show up for the kids’ amusement. At 8:35, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra begins the concert, followed by a firework show at 9:30. Of all the firework events in College Station, this is the big one to see.

Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

For over 30 years, the Brazos Heritage Society has put on a 4th of July celebration that evokes the past. There’s a flag raising, patriotic readings, a children’s parade, live music, and plenty of refreshments. It’s located right in the middle of the Eastside Historical District of Bryan, at 30th and Hutchins. This is a festival for early bird celebrators, and those who like to remember the history of their 4th of July celebrations.

Fireworks On the Brazos

Another fireworks festival occurs at Washington on the Brazos and runs from 10am to 10pm. There’s fireworks at 9:30pm, but it’s so much more than that. Throughout the day, you can enjoy free ice cream from Blue Bell, live music from country music artists, and enjoy plenty of food and craft vendors. There’s even a shuttle running starting in the afternoon to take people to and from the park.

Patriotic Picnic

Maybe for you, 4th of July is less about the fireworks and more about the fireworks and more about the food. If that’s the case, the patriotic picnic at First Baptist in Bryan might be for you. The picnic starts at 5:30pm and includes a concert for the community’s entertainment. Like the other events, this is free and open to the public.

If you’re new to Brazos Valley, attending one of the many 4th of July festivals throughout the area can be a great way to get to know the area. Even if you’re just visiting and looking for a place to possibly live later, celebrating the 4th of July with us will help you to see what this area truly has to offer. Here, you’ll find a friendly, enthusiastic community, great food and music, and a day of fun for the family. If you’re here looking for a new home, or just moving in, around 4th of July, ask your realtor what 4th of July celebrations are going on near 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

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