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.

Taking on House Painting DIY

You’ve closed on your dream house, and it’s now yours to do with as you will. But even the perfect house for your family might need a fresh coat of paint. You can hire professional painters to do the job, but many homeowners opt to take on house painting themselves in order to save money on the cost of labor. Fortunately, house painting is a DIY project you can take on fairly easily. There are, of course, missteps that can be made, as well as tips that can make things a little easier.

Paint Before or After Moving In?

Some homeowners prefer to paint before they move in. This gives the paint time to dry and clears the overpowering smell from the house before your family actually starts to live there. However, some interior design professionals warn against this, as you want to be sure that your paint color goes with the colors of your furniture and home decor. If you know how you’re going to fill a room, you may be able to take pictures of your furniture and decor with you when picking out your paint color. This is a choice that has advantages and disadvantages on both sides, so it’s really up to you.

Paint On Dry Weather Days

Yes, this still applies when talking about interior house painting. On humid days, that humidity can get into your home and cause paint to drip or dry more slowly than you’d like. If you can’t get around painting on a humid day, you may want to use a dehumidifier to make sure that it affects your interior walls as little as possible. On the bright side, slow drying paint due to humidity will give you an opportunity to fix any mistakes you may have made or spots you may have missed. But ideally, a dry day is best for painting.

Take Your Time With Prep

Most people know that you can’t simply paint a new coat of paint over the old paint and consider the job done. First, you have to apply primer for a more neutral coat that won’t interfere with the new color you’ve chosen. But before you apply primer, you also have to prep the walls. Are there any spots with cracks or peeling paint? Sand the walls first to smooth out these areas, and rinse to clean it before applying primer. If you don’t take care of the issues with the current paint job first, those same peeling and cracking spots will appear on your new paint job. This is also a good time to start taping the boundaries of your wall so you know where not to paint.

Pour Paint Cans Into One Large Bucket

Even when you buy several cans of the same color, the vibrancy of that color might be a little different from can to can. Many homeowners start with one can of paint only to find when they open the next can and begin to paint that the color on their wall doesn’t quite match. You can get around this problem by pouring all the cans of paint you bought into a bucket — 5 gallons is usually a safe size — and mixing the content. From there, you can paint with a consistent color.

One of the best things about home ownership is that you have the ability to make the house your own, truly turning it into your dream home. But to find the right house in the first place, contact a College Station realtor today.

Best Parks and Playgrounds in Bryan-College Station

As temperatures begin to drop and the leaves on the trees start to change colors and fall, it’s the perfect time of year to visit the parks of Bryan-College Station. Whether you like to go to the park yourself to read a book or feed the birds or whether you prefer to take the whole family, there are beautiful parks to choose from. These parks can be ideal for weekend plans or even a place to stop after school.

Bee Creek Park

Bee Creek Park is great for any age. If you’re a single professional and you like a place to jog or hike, Bee Creek Park has paved walking paths as well as more natural trails following a peaceful stream. There’s a playground for kids, as well as a water fountain that runs during the summer. Here you can bike or sit on a bench and catch up on homework. You may even spy rabbits and birds while you’re there. Bee Creek Park is easy to reach, and their walking trails stretch all the way to Lemontree Park.

Veterans Park and Athletic Complex

Looking for something a little more athletic? At Veterans Park, you’ll find a baseball or softball field as well as a soccer field. It’s a great place to watch amateur soccer or find a little league team for your kid. There are also walking trails for those who like to get in their workout while exploring nature. But that’s not all Veterans Park has to offer. There’s also a pavilion to stop and eat lunch and a playground for the kids. As the name indicates, you’ll find many veteran memorials scattered throughout the park, including World War II memorials and Vietnam War memorials.

Lemontree Park

Lemontree park is an ideal friendly, neighborhood sort of park. It’s calm and quiet, full of greenery, and connects easily to Bee Creek Park. However, you can be sure the kids won’t be bored, either. There’s a baseball diamond and a basketball court for sports enthusiasts young and old. There’s a small playground for little ones, as well. With so much nature around, Lemontree Park looks especially beautiful as the leaves start to change in the fall.

Lick Creek Park

This park is a jogger’s ideal. There are over 4.5 miles of trails, going through wooded areas and over bridges as well as through the main green of the park. You’ll get a mixture of elevation changes, hills and valleys, running through Lick Creek Park, as well as passing by quiet neighborhoods in College Station. You can also see wildlife like rabbits, birds, deer, and even frogs. Birders in particular love this park because of the wide variety of species that gather here.

These are just a few of the parks that Bryan-College Station has to offer. If you’re moving here for the first time, talk to your College Station realtor about neighborhoods and homes close to the right parks, whether for the family or simply for a morning run.

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

Christmas Caroling in Texas

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Even though Bryan College Station isn’t known for it’s white Christmases, we still know how to celebrate as if we did. Gathering the family, friends and neighbors to go caroling can be a lot of fun. Take along thermoses filled with hot apple cider, have bags full of cookies and candy canes and take to the streets to sing songs of the season.

While Christmas caroling can be fun for all, it’s important to remember some important planning and safety tips. After all, it’s easier to have fun if everyone is safe and sound. Here are some tips to ensure that everyone has a fun time in your  neighborhood.

·         Make sure that at least some people in your group know a good selection of Christmas songs. Even though you can provide the words and music, it’s always a good idea to make sure that someone knows the tune and harmony well.

·         Make sure that everyone knows to bring hats, scarves and mittens to stay warm. It’s a bonus if you can coordinate colors, so as to look cohesive and festive.

·         Have your carolers hold candles or lanterns. This will help set the mood and also provide light so cars and bicyclists see the carolers.

·         Be sure that someone is in charge of warm drinks and snacks. Having a warm thermos of hot chocolate or cider will set the mood and keep people warm.

·         Only knock on home who have lights on and Christmas décor. People without lights on often don’t want to be bothered, and won’t appreciate the carols.

·         Be sure that if children are in the group to keep the distance short enough that they will not tire out. Grumpy, tired children are no fun to take Christmas caroling.

Whether you’re young or old, be sure to follow the above tips for a safe and fun caroling experience. You don’t need snow to have a festive holiday season. Get out there and sing your favorite holiday carol.

Featured Homes for Sale in College Station, TX

Your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station, Sarah Miller, 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 realtors that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in  BryanCollege Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Your New Home

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Bed bugs love to thrive in areas that are hot, so of course, Central Texas fits that description pretty well. However, they are ways to prevent bed bugs from entering the new home you just bought.

Bed bugs can be identified by their color and shape. They are reddish-brown in color and are flat and oval. The majority of the time, they hide close to the bed, but they have been known to spread to other areas of the room. It is important to note that some bugs found on beds are not bed bugs.

Bed bugs get into your home a number of different ways.  The most common way is through moving or from traveling. You can easily bring these critters into your home if you have been somewhere that had bed bugs. This means that you can get them if your belongings were stored somewhere that had beds bugs during your move. They bury inside your moving boxes and could take up residence in your new Bryan College Station dream home. 

To prevent these pesky bed bugs from entering your home, inspect all your items before putting them away. This is especially true with mattresses and furniture.  Check the crevices, behind molding, as well as other embellishments. 

If you bring in any used furniture into your home that you purchase after you move in, be sure that you inspect it carefully for signs of the bugs or its fecal matter. Also, if you go on vacation, be sure to inspect your accommodations before bringing in your luggage. Many people forget to do this in the excitement and the little hitchhikers make their way into your home.

You are settling into your new home and the last thing you want is unwanted critters in your bed. Following these few tips will ensure you and your new home stay bed bug free! 

Featured Homes For Sale Bryan, TX

Your RE/MAX realtor bryan-college station, Sarah Miller, 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 realtors that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in  BryanCollege Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904.

Home Maintenance Tips : Basic Household Practices

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Home sales in Central Texas are on the rise and with that, more and more people are moving to the area as the job market is also recovering. Although selling homes in Bryan College Station is getting easier over the last few years, a few inside maintenance tips will keep your listings looking fresh and attractive to buyers.

Don’t forget the housekeeping: It seems like there’s more dust in the south than anywhere else and it gets on everything. A simple cleaning of surfaces will give potential buyers the best impression. Don’t forget the cobwebs in the upper corners or the window sills which often make the house look like it’s been on the market longer than it actually has.

Keep light bulbs refreshed: I know this seems silly but buyers love to turn on lights in almost every room they enter. While on the subject of lighting, outdated lighting fixtures can be easily replaced with standard fixtures that are cheap and give a standard look.

Replace anything that may be broken: From single floor tiles to plumbing fixtures, it can be easy to find a few broken things around the house. This means that unfortunately your potential clients will find them too. Replacing a bathroom faucet or a broken floor tile is not only cheap and easy; it can pay dividends with better sales.

Most home maintenance tasks are pretty easy and if performed regularly will add value and fetch a better sale price for any listing not to mention the good impression it gives potential clients.

Featured Homes in Bryan,Texas

Your  RE/MAX realtor bryan tx, Sarah Miller, 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 realtors that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in  BryanCollege Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904.

Finding Homes For Sale in Bryan or College Station

It’s a common goal of many Americans to purchase a home.  Different people have different reasons for home purchases.  Some need the space.  Some like the feeling of stability.  Some want to have a yard where their kids can play.  The motives are virtually endless.  No matter what motivation you might have for purchasing a home, the first thing you have to do is find a home to purchase.  Finding homes for sale in Bryan or College Station can be done in a few simple steps.
The most traditional way of finding a home for sale by owner is through yard signs.  This method also takes a lot of time, especially if you are looking for homes in several different neighborhoods.  The benefit of finding a for same by owner home in this way is that you see the home immediately.  Based on the outside appearance, you can quickly decide to keep it on your list of possibilities or decide it is not the right home for you and continue looking.
If you already have some neighborhoods in mind, you can drive through them looking for signs in yards or streetlamps.  In many cases, the for sale by owner seller has attached fact sheets about the home to the yard sign.  In this case, you can easily take a fact sheet for future reference.  When there is no fact sheet for a particular home, you can write down the address of the home and contact information for the seller.  Also jot down some identifying information so you will remember the home.
The classified ad section in your local newspaper is another place that you can peruse to find for sale by owner homes.  Sunday papers are the best since more people advertise for sale by owner homes on that day.  As you are reading the advertisements, use a highlighter or marker to indicate the homes that you would like to know more about.  The advertisement should have a contact number that you can use to inquire about the home.
For sale by owner websites are increasingly used by homeowners to sell their homes.  One of the most popular of these sites is FSBO.com.  Through this website, you can find listings of for sale by owner homes in the area that you are looking to buy – even if it is not in your immediate neighborhood.  You can find similar for sale by owner websites by using an internet search engine to search for the phrase “for sale by owner”.
Finally, home magazines are a source you can use to find for sale by owner homes.  These free magazines are often located in the grocery store.  The good thing about home magazines is that they often include a color picture of the home.  This photograph gives you a better look at the home, allowing you to decide earlier in the process if it is a home you would like to know more about.
The most successful home search uses several of these methods simultaneously.

For more listings of homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, ask Sarah Miller and you will get the best value for your money.

Preparing Your Home For Show

When you decide it is time to sell your home, it is imperative that you cover all bases adequately. Your home should be in excellent condition and ready to be shown to potential buyers. It is not difficult to prepare your  home for show but it does require proper planning and a little bit of work on your part to ensure success.
The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see so it is very important to make sure it is clean and attractive. “Curb appeal,” or the way your home looks from the outside, is what attracts potential buyers so if you spruce it up a bit, they will want to view the inside of home.
A neatly manicured and well-kept lawn implicitly signifies a well maintained home. You should make a weekly habit of cutting your lawn while your home is on display for sale. Be sure to rake leaves and to sweep the sidewalks on the weekends when your house is to be shown. If you have shrubs and or trees, remove debris and dead limbs to make them more presentable. It is a nice touch to plant extra flowers for color or to add potted flowers to lighten up the landscaping.
If fences are in ill repair or need work, repair them and touch them up with stain or with paint. Put away lawn equipment, children’s’ toys, and any other outdoor items. Keep large pets with neighbors so they do not interfere with the showing of your home.
The inside of your home is next on the list to make presentable for showing. It has been proven that people buy homes that appear spacious, clean, and solid. Dark colors and clutter turn off most buyers, this means you must get rid of everything that you can possibly live without. A good rule of thumb is this, if you cannot see your baseboard, the room is probably very cluttered.
To get rid of unnecessary things you may have, you may donate them to a charity or have a garage sale. The larger items that you must keep can be placed in storage. If you will be painting your interior, use white or an off-white paint. You should also replace your light bulbs with brighter, higher wattage bulbs. Again, the look you are going for is bright and spacious. Be sure to clean everything thoroughly including carpets and mirrored surfaces.
Clean the oven and all appliances and be sure to polish any chrome fixtures. Be especially particular about ridding your home of any odors such as from smoke or from pets. Fix any loose doorknobs, repair any broken windowpanes or leaky windowsills. Be sure any light fixtures are secure and in good repair. Also, be sure to repair any leaky pipes and to reapply caulk as needed.
These general tips will get you started on preparing your home for show. It is a good practice to view the home as though you are the buyer and to be particularly hard on yourself so a potential buyer won’t have to be. If you are worried that you may overlook something, it won’t hurt to get a friend or neighbor to do a walk thru of the home and to critique your efforts. This will ensure a complete and thorough preparation and will boost the appeal of your home.
 For other tips on marketing your home for sale, please contact Sarah Miller