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.

What’s Negotiable? The Basics Of Real Estate Negotiation For Buyers And Sellers

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When it comes to buying or selling a home, there’s more to negotiate than just the selling price. Buyers and sellers need to be aware of their options. An experienced realtor can provide guidance, but the decisions are up to you.

What you can negotiate

Here are four areas other than price that allow for negotiation:

·        Closing costs

Because this process is expensive for everyone, the buyer may ask the seller to pay some of the closing costs depending on what their lender allows. This may increase the selling price so the seller doesn’t actually pay anything out of pocket.

·        Needed repairs

Unless the seller specifies that the home is being sold as-is, this is another are that leaves room for negotiation.

·        Home warranties

Even a home that looks good after an inspection can have some issues with the A/C or plumbing later on. Many buyers want a home warranty as an extra layer of protection after they buy. Some sellers offer home warranties, but it’s not unusual for a buyer to ask for one.

·        Appliances and Furniture

While dishwashers and stoves are normally part of the package, things like refrigerators, washers, and dryers are not. In fact, the buyer may even want to keep some furniture items.  This could increase the sale price, but it could also be a way for the seller to make concessions without having to lower their price.

The process of negotiating

Who has the advantage in the negotiations often depends on the market. In a seller’s market, the seller doesn’t have to do a lot of negotiating to get their house sold. They can go with whatever buyer gives them the best offer. In a buyer’s market, if a seller doesn’t give a little to the buyer’s demands, the buyer could just move on to another home.

The buyer and seller can both benefit by being represented by realtors. Their realtors will understand the contracts and negotiations.  Also, your realtor can let you know how friendly the market is to negotiating from your side. In Brazos Valley, you need a realtor that can tell you what the market is like by area. A house in Bryan and a house in College Station may look the same on a website, but a realtor can give you the full picture based on local markets.

A U.S. News & World Report article that gives negotiating tips for homebuyers is an enlightening read for both sides. One thing that stands out is the recommendation to have a real estate agent help you through the process. The article points out that just because it’s easy to find home listings online, that doesn’t mean you should go it alone. A realtor is an asset.

There is always a little room for negotiation on both sides. A local realtor can help you make an offer or decide if an offer is acceptable based on the market. Whether you’re buying or selling you can get through this process with expert help from a local realtor.

Important Services Checklist For Your Next Move

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As you move into your new home in the College Station area, you'll have plenty of things to remember. You'll need to pack up all of your belongings, hire a reputable moving company and figure out how you are going to get all of your things into your new home. Along the way, you'll have to sort items carefully and mark them so that they don't get lost. Making detailed checklists is a great way to keep track of which items belong where.

While you're sorting things out and making your lists, you'll want to take careful notes about home services and utilities that you'll need to take care of when you move. If you forget some of these things,you could add a lot of stress and frustration to your move. Here are some of the services you should add to your checklist when you find a new home with the help of your realtor in College Station, TX.

Power and Electricity

This is one of the most important utilities to turn on in your new home but you might be surprised at how often people forget about this. If you're moving a short distance, you may be able to simply switch over your electricity service from your current provider to your new address. However, if you're moving to a different county or state, you might have to sign up with a brand new provider.

Talk to your College Station realtor to find out which companies provide power service in the area to which you are moving.

Internet and Wi-Fi

A reliable Internet connection is almost a necessity these days. Without a Wi-Fi hotspot, you won't be able to keep up with email and social media in your new home. If you don't get this service activation scheduled right away when you move, you could be without Internet for days or over a week. This can affect your social life as well as your work responsibilities.

There are usually only one or two Internet service providers in any given area but you can still do some comparison shopping. Check out ISPs in your area to get the best deal and schedule service activation on the day of your move.

Water and Utilities

If you're moving into a pre-owned home, it is probably already set up for water service. However, you may still have to call the local utility company to have a new account set up or to have the account transferred to your name.

This can take several days or over a week so it's best to add it to your checklist to get it scheduled ahead of time. If possible, talk to the previous owners about their water usage and the price of their monthly bills to avoid sticker shock when you move in.

No one can remember all of the things that are necessary to finish when you are moving into a new home. Make it easy on yourself and go over this checklist with the realtor in College Station, TX so that you don't forget these important items. 

3 Tips For Retirees Looking To Downsize Their Home

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College Station is a great place to live for people in all stages of life. Many people who have recently retired can find good deals on smaller homes when they are looking to downsize their living space.

There are plenty of reasons for retirees to consider moving into a smaller home. They may not have the need for extra room now that their children have moved out and they may be looking for a less costly home if they are transitioning to life on a fixed income.

Here are three important tips for retirees to consider when they are shopping for a smaller home with the help of their realtor in College Station, TX.

1. Find A Good Location

Location is one of the most important considerations for anyone looking to move into a smaller home. People who have lived in the same location for many years may be very accustomed to their neighborhood and nearby services like shopping centers and restaurants.

When a person who has recently retired is looking to downsize their living space, it's important to do some research to make sure that their new property is close to the stores and locations that they are accustomed to. Talking to a real estate agent, speaking with residents of the new neighborhood and doing some research online are all great ways to find out more about a new location.

2. Watch Out For Extra Expenses

Many people who want to downsize their living space are considering the cost of living as a major factor in their decision. Moving to a smaller home is a great way to save money but it's very important to pay attention to other costs associated with moving.

Home owners who have lived in the same house for many years will likely have a lot of possessions and items to move. When moving into a smaller home, there may not be room for all these items. There are costs associated with hiring movers to transport these items as well as costs for renting a storage space for items that can't be moved into the new home due to limited space. Watch out for these costs to avoid an unpleasant surprise when downsizing.

3. Focus On Your Goals

When many people retire, they have a different set of goals than first-time home buyers. For example, retirees may want to find a quiet neighborhood that is not located next to busy streets or loud neighbors.

They may also want a home that gives them the opportunity to pursue new hobbies now that they are no longer working full-time. For example, homes with backyard gardens or space for entertaining guests may be very attractive to retirees. Discuss these goals with your College Station realtor to zero in on properties that are most likely to give you the opportunity to pursue your new goals and interests.

Retirement should be a time to enjoy a new style of living. By following these tips and having discussions with a trusted realtor, downsizing to a smaller home can be a truly enjoyable experience. 

Top 5 Local Attractions That Make Bryan-College Station A Great Place To Live

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If you recently decided to move to the Bryan-College Station area, you're definitely not alone. Plenty of people have made this area home because of its wide variety of local attractions. It seems that no matter what kind of entertainment you're seeking or what type of hobbies that you have, there's something for you in this area.

That's just one of the reasons that so many people buy new homes in Bryan and College Station, TX. There is a great local housing market with growing neighborhoods situated close to local attractions. If you find a home that you love in this area, you'll never run out of entertaining things to do.

#1 – Texas A&M Campus

Whether you're a student, an alumnus, a family member of a student or just a visitor, the campus of Texas A&M is one of the top destinations in Bryan and College Station. The campus is home to a wide variety of fascinating events and attractions.

Visit art galleries on campus to see displays of student artwork or stop by the campus theatres to see dramatic productions and musical performances. The campus is also home to student projects that are available to the public and many educators, artists and authors come to the campus to give speeches and presentations of their work. If you live in this area, you'll find plenty to see on campus.

#2 – Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley

This fantastic children's museum is a great place for you and your young ones. Children can have a hands-on, up-close experience with a variety of amazing installations and displays. For example, there are musical displays, a space exploration exhibit and even a tree fort!

If you have children, or are planning to have them, they'll have plenty to do here.

#3 – George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

If you're interested in history or politics at all, this museum will be a great destination for you. It is home to 43 million political documents, a museum filled with artifacts and memorabilia about the life and political service of President George W. Bush. You'll be able to spend hours in this museum exploring the many fascinating pieces of American history here.

#4 – Historic Downtown Bryan

If you love shopping, vintage designs and fine dining, then you'll find plenty to love about downtown Bryan. There is something to find here for any taste and any adventurous spirit. There are many fine dining and casual dining restaurants that are perfect for dinner dates or group outings. After dinner, take a stroll through the historic downtown area to admire the buildings and stop into a cafe or an antique store to complete the evening.

#5 – Kyle Field

Here in Texas, we like our football big and loud. Kyle Field is the place to go to watch the most exciting football games in the area. Whether it's a home game or a visiting team that you're rooting for, you'll find all the sights and sounds of big-time football excitement here.

Buying a new home in Bryan and College Station, TX is a smart move. You'll find affordable housing, a booming real estate market, friendly locals and plenty of entertainment. Talk to your realtor in Bryan, TX today to find out more. 

Decorating Tips for Small Homes

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Decorating a small home will take a big more compromise that a large home. With a small home, you want to use items that can do two duties. It is imperative to avoid clutter when you have a small home, as it will add to making the home feel even smaller. Follow a few tips to make your small square footage home appear larger than life.

Mirrors and Clear Surfaces

One decorating trick that works well for a small home is to get clear surfaces or glass furniture. If you have a small home, a mirrored wall can reflect light and open up the space a little more. In a cozy living room, use a glass coffee and end tables. The clear surface will not appear to take up any space, while allowing you the chance to have all the furniture that you need.

Take Advantage of Hidden Storage

Hidden storage space will be your best friend in a small home. Ottomans are a great way to store items in the living room. Place extra blankets, books, and other materials inside of the ottoman for easy use in the living room. In a bedroom, use storage boxes to place materials under the bed. This will keep clutter from forming in eye space, while allowing you to store everything that you need in an efficient manner.

Think Clean and Clear in Bathrooms

To open up space in a bathroom, install completely clear walled showers. This will open up the space for your bathroom. Keep all material underneath cabinets, only leaving out necessities such as towels. Roll towels inside of a basket and keep these on a counter. A hamper and wastebasket should be the only other accessories that take up any floor space in a smaller bathroom. Leave out some scrubs or candles to make the bathroom feel more spa like.

Featured Home for Rent in Bryan, TX 

 

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

Moving in July

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So, you decided to move out of your house and you can’t find one friend or family member to answer their phone and help you. It’s not a coincidence; they know you’re moving in and that you chose to do it in the hot month of July in Central Texas. Therefore, the chances of them being available to help you load a rental truck any time before September, are slim.  Do not panic though; there are creative ways of getting this daunting task done on your own if needed.

Being ahead of the game and getting things in order before the big day can be a plus for you and for anyone you are planning to have help you. If you know you are moving July 10th, start packing around June 10th. Give yourself time to get all the little things packed and organized as much as possible before the move date. This strategy will make it easier to convince potential moving help that they are not walking into a disaster zone. In addition, if you hire a Brazos Valley moving company, you will have everything organized for them cutting down the man-hours.

Besides the unforgiving Bryan College Station heat you’ll find in July, you will also have to be mindful of chance the for rain and thunderstorms. Heat is one thing, but having all your things drenched because you were not aware of the rain coming, is something different all together. Stay informed on the weather in your area for your moving day. Being one-step ahead will keep the possibility of a surprise springing up on you.

Having to move is usually unpleasant for anyone, but you can make this periodic experience as painless as possible if you just apply some common sense to your move. Your preparedness and the willingness to get organized will allow you to focus less on the physical act of moving and more on the great adventure ahead of your in your new home. 

Featured Home for Rent 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 and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes for rent in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904

Tips for Having a Safe 4th of July Celebration

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 It’s that time of year when the swimming pools are full,  the barbeque pit is hot, and most outside activities are  fair game. During this season, we also celebrate one  of the most important holidays for our country’s history,  our Independence Day. While paying your respects to  those that made our freedom and independence  possible, the last thing you want is for unsafe behavior  to turn the celebration into an unfortunate tragedy.  Therefore, here are some basic tips to ensure you and  those around you have a problem free time this 4th of  July.

 One thing to remember if your celebration is going to  involve children is, they do not have the ability to see  things like fireworks and an uncovered pool as  potential hazards. If setting fireworks off is legal in your  area, always remember the children must be  supervised if handling them and they must be old  enough to ignite them safely. When it comes to pools,  never leave the underage kids out back with an uncovered pool while the adults head inside. These two basic precautions, when overlooked are responsible for countless accidents and in many cases fatalities.

Another thing to keep in mind during you 4th of July celebration is that this holiday has been shown to have a large number of impaired drivers on the road. If you are planning to take the family to a fireworks display or anywhere for that matter, remember to observe the vehicles around you to ensure they are not driving erratically or showing signs of being driven by an intoxicated driver.

Sometimes we get so caught up in taking precautions for ourselves that we forget about our four legged family members that could be hurt in an unsafe 4th of July celebration. Just remember, if you pets are not familiar with the loud sounds of fireworks going off, they could get startled and do something out of character, like run from the loud noise toward the street. Also, remember not to let the animal help themselves to the food you might be having. Many foods we enjoy are poisons to dogs and cats. Remembering these few simple tips will keep your Independence Day celebration accident and disaster free.

Featured Home for Rent 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 and fast sell on your house. She is one of the RE/MAX Bryan-College Station Realtor that has a long list of the finest homes for rent in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904