Is Now the Right Time to Buy A Home in Bryan-College Station?

There are several things to consider in finding a location for your new home, especially in this economy. It’s important to know not just the community and the types of homes available in the area, but the current housing market trends. Bryan-College Station is a wonderful community, with the conveniences of a college city and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of a small town. But is the market a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? What kind of homes can you expect to find on your house hunt? Here, we’ll answer everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right time to move to Bryan-College Station.

The Market

The housing market in Bryan-College Station has gone through several changes just in the last decade. In 2008-2012, it was considered a buyer’s market, which means the number of homes for sale had increased to the advantage of people who wanted to move to Bryan-College Station. However, as Bryan-College Station became a more up-and-coming place to live and homes were snatched up, the number of available homes for sale decreased. In 2013-2014, the number of homes for sale decreased while the amount of units (apartments and condos) for sale increased. By 2015, Bryan-College Station was officially a seller’s market, with available homes for sale decreased to the advantage of the seller. In 2016, however, the market started to even out and that carried through to 2017, creating a market ripe for both buyers and sellers.

Types of Homes Available and Where to Find Them

           

Market studies show the sale of units is still down from previous years, although total sales are up. The cost of apartments may be more competitive, especially in College Station itself, but it could be a great time to find a house. The price of housing is still rather competitive the closer buyers are to College Station and downtown Bryan. The close proximity to Texas A&M and several good elementary, middle, and high schools make this area a coveted place to live. For this reason, buyers who want to save money might want to ask their realtor about the outer Brazos Valley, especially buyers who like to purchase land as well as homes.

The Community

Bryan-College Station is the perfect community for individuals or families who enjoy the conveniences of a city but prefer a more laid back, small town atmosphere to live. College Station is known as the home of Texas A&M University and, of course, Aggies sports. During football season, Aggies fans from all over the country will flock to Kyle Stadium, “Home of the 12th Man.” Bryan-College Station has excellent schools, beautiful parks, shops, restaurants, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a terrific choice for students moving out on their own for the first time, families, and young professionals. Ask your experienced Bryan-College Station realtor for the latest information about the housing market and the best times to find your home in Bryan-College Station. We look forward to having you here. 

Home For Sale in College Station TX 

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

Finding the Perfect Home for Your Pet

Do you remember the story about the woman who called off her wedding because he told her she would have to give up her dog? It might seem silly to some, but not if you have a dog of your own. Our pets are precious to us. They’re part of the family. Pets are often a make-or-break factor when it comes to finding a new home. If the home isn’t right for your furry friend, it’s not right for you. Luckily, the right realtor can help you find a home that’s perfect for you and your pet.  Here are some things to keep in mind.

Is Your Pet an Indoor or Outdoor Pet?

This is the first question you should ask. Is your dog or cat used to spending more time outside or do they prefer the indoors? If you have an indoor pet, you only have to focus on the house itself. If your pet spends most of their time outdoors, or goes back and forth, however, you need to find a house that has a decent backyard and an enclosed fence. This raises more issues. If the house has a backyard, but not an enclosure, how much would it cost to put up a fence? How much maintenance will the yard require, and do you have time for that? What is the weather typically like in this area? These are all important to consider when searching for a home with a backyard for your dog.

What is Your Pet’s Energy Level?

Even if you have an indoor pet, consider their energy level. Are they more laid back, happy to just lie by the window or curl up for cuddles? Or do they like to run around and play? If you have a high energy pet, you’ll need to be able to give them enough exercise so they don’t take it out on your new home. If you have a cat, some toys or a scratch post may suffice. High energy dogs, however, require frequent walks. So, look at the neighborhood surrounding the house. Are there parks nearby where you can take the dog for a long romp? Do you have a sociable dog who loves to make friends with other dogs? Ask your realtor about the neighborhood and whether it’s a popular face for pets.

Will You Have an HOA?

An Homeowners Association can be appealing to homeowners who want to live in a certain type of neighborhood or have access to community amenities like pools and gyms. However, some HOAs have rules about pets. Some restrict the size or even breed of your dog. If you’re considering buying a property that comes with HOA fees, look carefully into any fees that might affect your pet. Have your realtor look into those policies as well, and discuss carefully whether you and your pet can live with those regulations.

The best way to find a home that suits both you and your pet is to find a realtor who knows the area by heart. She can tell you all the options for you and the furry members of your family, and show you the best homes and neighborhoods for your pet. Call your Bryan-College Station realtor today to the best move for you and your pet.

Home For Sale in College Station TX 

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

Autumn in Brazos Valley, Texas

Brazos Valley is a beautiful area year round, from the Texas A&M college campus to any of our parks and tree-covered walking paths. In autumn, though, as the leaves change on the Texas red oaks and Chinese Pistachio trees, it’s a striking sight to behold. There are a number of festivals, sporting events, and reasons to get out and explore College Station and the surrounding area this fall. Here’s everything you can expect about Brazos Valley as fall nears

Weather

Summer might be ending, but this is still Texas. The warm weather takes a while to give way to true fall temperatures. Average highs in September are still in the 90s for the most part, dipping down to the low 80s towards the end of the month. Even night time temperatures are likely to stay in the high 70s for most of the month. It will be November before highs in the 70s and 60s will become the norm. Expect clear skies in September, though, and a break from the humidity. Through most of September, the leaves on the trees will remain green, but in October you can start to see the colorful beginnings of fall foliage.

Festivals and Events

As the heat starts to become less overbearing, residents of College Station and the surrounding Brazos Valley start finding more reasons for fun activities outdoors. September offers events for a variety of interests. There’s the Kolache Festival in Caldwell on September 9 for pastry lovers, including a Bake Show and Kolache Eating Contest. Market on the Green farmer’s market on the college green at Texas A&M is September 18 and the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild Annual Quilt Show is September 22-23. Perhaps most popular is the Texas Reds Steak & Grape festival in downtown Bryan, running from September 22-24. Over 40 wineries and breweries will be present this year, along with craft vendors, artists, and live music. This year, Grammy nominated Deana Carter will be there to play for festival attendants.

 School Year

September is a busy time for College Station, as school starts back up from the elementary schools to the popular Texas A&M. The return of out-of-state students means that the population swells in late August and September, but it also means the return of the much-loved Aggie sports teams. The first Aggies football game this year will be September 9 against Nicholls University at Clayton Williams, Jr. Alumni station. September is also a great time to refresh your kids’ book collection, and the Children’s Museum of Brazos Valley is happy to assist. They’ll hold a Book Swap on September 2nd. Bring your old books and go home with new books. What’s not to love about that?

Are you planning a move to Brazos Valley this fall? Your local experienced realtor is happy to help you settle in. She knows the area by heart and can tell you everything to expect about autumn in beautiful, lively central Texas. Contact her today, and you can make it out here before the leaves start to fall.

Home For Sale in College Station TX

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

What is There To Do in Bryan-College Station?

Bryan-College Station, Texas has the perfect combination: the activity and culture of a big city with the laid back, friendly atmosphere of a small town. Known as the home of Texas A&M, College Station has excellent schools, nightlife, parks, and activities for the whole family. You may be relaxed in Bryan-College Station, but you won’t be bored. If you’re new to the area, here is a guide of things to do in Bryan-College Station:

Fun for the Family

Bryan-College Station is full of beautiful parks for the whole family to enjoy, including the family pets. Morris “Buzz” Hamilton Park is a clean dog park with three separate sections: one for small dogs, one for large dogs, and one common area. Tanglewood Park will be fun for both kids and adults, with two playgrounds and sprinklers as well as multiple tennis courts and picnic pavilions. Besides the parks, there’s the Children’s Museum of Brazos Valley for a day of fun and learning and Grand Station Entertainment, which offers summer deals for “Kids Bowl Free,” “Family and Friends” or “Teen Tuesdays.”

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture aren’t hard to find in Bryan-College Station, if you know where to look. Texas A&M OPAS performs live music, dance, and theatre for the entire Brazos Valley. There’s also Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, performing in the fall and spring seasons at Rudder Theatre Complex. Grand Stafford Theatre with its 400-person capacity frequently hosts concerts in a historic downtown Bryan building. There are also a plethora of art galleries, libraries, and museums to be enjoyed by art and history buffs.

Sports

Often called “Aggieland” for the famed Texas A&M football team, sports are a big deal in Bryan-College Station. You can get tickets to see a game at Kyle Field or golf at one of BCS’s beautiful golf courses. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming in BCS, and Lake Bryan is a great destination for a camping or fishing trip.

Nightlife

For those who like to kick back and have fun in the evening, there are plenty of excellent bars and clubs in Bryan-College Station. The Cowboy Club, James Studio 59, and the Fox Hole Lounge all have dancing as well as refreshments, but each has their own unique vibe: the Cowboy Club tends to play country music, while James Studio 59 focuses on R&B. Fox Hole Lounge is a popular hangout for veterans. You can take dance classes with your special someone (or just for yourself) at Mambos Salsa Dancing. Or you can go to Carney’s Pub or Margie’s Bar and Grill for a laid back bar experience and a bite to eat.

When looking for a home in Bryan-College Station, talk with an experienced realtor who knows the area by heart. She can show you the best places to go whatever your interests are, and the homes you can find close by. She can even show you homes in the surrounding Brazos Valley if at the end of the day, you like to put a bit of space between yourself and the city life. Call your Bryan-College Station realtor today to discuss the areas best for you.

Home F0r 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!

The Best Areas in Bryan-College Station to Raise a Family

The combined cities of Bryan and College Station make an excellent place to raise a family. The college city has great schools and the conveniences of a big city, but the friendly, laid back feeling of a small town community. The scenery and parks are beautiful, and there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. It’s no wonder that Bryan-College Station was ranked in the top three places to live. Here are some areas to consider when searching for your home in Bryan-College Station.

Creek Meadows

 In Creek Meadows, you can find homes between 1,100 and 2,000 square feet, plenty of room for the whole family. This subdivision has a laid back, safe feeling to it, but that’s not to say the kids will be bored. There’s plenty to do in Creek Meadows, including a recreational area with a pool, basketball court, fields for playing, and a perfect place for a picnic. There’s plenty of beautiful scenery for the parents to enjoy, as well. Greenbelt trails run all throughout the neighborhood perfect for jogging, biking, or just taking a leisurely school. Best of all are the schools. Creek Meadows is in the same zone as some of the best schools in town, including Greens Prairie Elementary, College Station Middle School, and A&M Consolidated High School.

Village of Indian Lakes

If your family enjoys the outdoors and likes to have space to stretch out, consider the Village of Indian Lakes for your new home. Homes in this neighborhood typically have 1-3 acres, so your kids will have plenty of room to run around outside and play. You’ll find beautiful trees, streams, and lakes here, and there are a number of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a pool, tennis court, hiking, and equestrian trails for horseback riding. This is just outside of college station but an easy drive back into the city. Even if you don’t choose Indian Lakes for your main home, it might make an excellent getaway for the weekend.

Bryan

Bryan is the place to go for the small town, know-all-your-neighbors vibe. It’s grown somewhat since joining with College Station, but it’s still a laid back retreat from city life and a nice, calm place to raise the kids. Bryan is also not lacking in culture and diversity. Downtown Bryan is known for its quaint independent coffee shops, galleries, and antique shops. At night, it’s a great place to find farmer’s markets, festivals, theatre, and live music.  Both public and private schools in this area are all excellent.

If you’re moving to Bryan-College Station for the first time, we’re happy to offer you a big Texas welcome. Whatever neighborhood you choose, you’ll be met with friendly neighbors, beautiful scenery, and plenty of nightlife and outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. Talk to an experienced realtor that knows the area for more information about the best neighborhoods in the area for the whole family.

Home For Sale in College Station TX

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

Must See Attractions in Bryan College Station

Bryan College Station gives you the small town feel while giving the vibrancy of the city. Shopping, museums, and entertainment are all close by.

Living in Bryan College Station and the surrounding Brazos Valley means you’ll be around to visit and experience the many attractions the city has to offer.

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Stop here and commemorate the 41^rd president of the United States. It is one of the top destinations Texas, located at Texas A&M University. The museum offers exhibitions and documents available for research, all of which document the life, leadership, and service of former President Bush.

Hours are Monday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday noon - 5:00 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Brazos Valley African American Museum

This museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of African Americans. It was opened in 1999 and was the first of its kind to recognize African Americans in the area. School groups and families are welcomed to visit to learn about and view black art and artifacts.

Hours are Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History

The Brazos Valley Museum of National History displays and documents the animals, plants, minerals, and human activity in of the Brazos Valley from the past to the present. Exhibits include fossils, sculptures, and taxidermy.

Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.

Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley

Exhibits in the Children’s museum are interactive and hands-on which allow for learning and discovery. Experience and explore space, music, nutrition and more. Events like Storybook Saturday and Free Sunday’s at the museum are offered monthly.

Summer hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday- closed.

Normal hours are Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday.

Texas A & M University

The school that gave the city its nickname Aggieland. Attend one of the school’s football games and make sure to include joining one of the best tailgates in Texas. The university also offers several galleries and museums. Schedule a full campus tour to get a better sense of the Aggie tradition and its roots in Bryan College Station

Historic Downtown Bryan

A stroll through Historic Downtown Bryan will reveal many establishments for shopping and dining. Every first Friday of the month around 5:30 p.m. residents are invited to Downtown Bryan for a free event complete with street performers, artists, and food vendors.

The sense of community and tradition add to the reasons Bryan College Station is the right city for you. With shopping, dining, and entertainment so close by, you’ll always have something to do.

Create lasting memories with your family. Connect with your College Station realtor to find the right home for you in Bryan College Station or in the surrounding Brazos Valley.

Home For Sale in College Station TX

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

First Time Home Buyers in Bryan-College Station

College city conveniences with a neighborly, small town feel, Bryan-College Station is an excellent place to find your first home. Cost of living in these twin cities is nearly 4% lower than the national average and the cities combined ranked ranked third in Forbes’ top ten small cities for jobs. Whether you recently graduated from Texas A&M or you decided to get a home of your own in the area or you just felt Texas calling you, here are some things to consider when searching for your first home:

What do you hope to get out of your first home?

Chances are, your first home won’t be your last home, whether in College Station or elsewhere. Your housing needs will change as your life changes, so try not to think of it as being married to the home you’ll buy forever. Think about what you need right now. Not a wishlist of amenities you would like, although that’s helpful, too, but a general idea of your necessities.

Are you a young professional with an active social life? Recently graduated from college? It might make more sense for you to live in the heart of the city, where there’s more to do. Is it just you or you and a significant other, or do you want this to be a home where you can start a family? Will you have guests over often enough that you can use an extra bedroom? These are all things to consider when it comes to the size and location of your home.

What can you afford?

Be realistic about this, and then set your budget a little lower, because you never know when unexpected costs will make you go over budget. Compare the costs from different neighborhoods. If your budget is on the smaller side, you might want to consider living in the Brazos Valley area outside of the city, and just driving into the city when necessary. You can buy a fixer upper at a more reasonable cost than a move-in ready home, but remember that the renovations will cost time and money, as well. It also might be worth it to look into a Down Payment Assistance Program and see if you qualify for financial assistance in buying your first home.

Do you want to be part of a Homeowners Association (HOA)?

I’ve covered this in an early blog post, but really, it comes down to personal preference. If you like to live in a nice, neat neighborhood, it might be worth the extra cost. If you prefer to just focus on your house and let everyone else worry about theirs, you probably don’t need an HOA. Not all HOAs are the same, so if you do decide to go with an HOA, make sure you find one that’s right for you.

Do you need a home inspection before buying?

Unless you are a professional home inspector and therefore capable of performing your own home inspection, yes, you do. Remember, you’re going to be living in this house hopefully for a few years, at least. Little quirks that might not seem like a big deal or might be downplayed by the current owner could become quite the irritation as time goes on. A home inspector will thoroughly examine the house for code compliance and tell you exactly what you’re getting into before you make the purchase.

Do you need a realtor?

Yes, and an experienced realtor at that. A realtor is an expert in the neighborhood and the best equipped person for finding your home needs within your budget. She also extensive knowledge in the surrounding neighborhoods you might not have considered but might fit your needs. Finally, she can go to bat for you with the homeowner to get the best deal on your future home.

Remember, you may purchase a handful of homes in your lifetime, but realtors makes a career out of finding the perfect homes for their clients. Call your Bryan-College Station realtor today to hear all about the parks and restaurants waiting for you in the perfect city for your first home.  

Home For Sale in College Station TX

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