Which Housing Style is Right for You?

There are many popular housing styles on the market today. Do you know which one you need? In choosing the style of your home, you have to consider things like family size, maintenance, and outdoor space needed to call your house your home. If you’re single and want low maintenance and all up-to-date appliances, a tall Victorian home might not make sense for you (though many Victorian homes are fully updated). If you have a family of six, a Craftsman bungalow or a cottage might feel a bit tight. Here are some housing styles you might come across in your home search.

Art Deco

Tall, smooth structures with flat roofs and a bold look, an art deco home is sure to make an impression. These homes have gone in and out of fashion since the 1920s, but there will always be home buyers who love those glossy finishes and spiral staircases. An art deco home is perfect for either a family or a professional who wants a home with flair.

Bungalow

Small, cozy, and affordable, bungalows are a popular choice for a first home. Bungalows vary in appearance from house to house and era to era, but they typically include: a porch, open floor plans, and low roofs. Bungalows are usually one story or one and a half stories, with one or two bedrooms, but they can on occasion be larger. Bungalows sometimes come with an upper loft (the “half story”) that can be converted into a bedroom, a studio, or a home office.

Contemporary

For a cutting edge home, a contemporary style might be right for you. Contemporary style homes try to challenge the status quo of housing styles, through bold architecture. Contemporary homes are often “greener” than older house styles, using energy efficient appliances, sustainable materials, and windows that fill the space with natural light.

Cape Cod & Colonial

These are some of the earliest housing styles in the country. Cape Cod homes were first built in the 1600s to mirror the housing styles in England at the time. They’re one story with gabled roofs, and basically have the look of the “default” first story home. Colonial homes branched off from Cape Cod homes, but are a bit wider and typically two stories.

Ranch Style

Ranch houses, or ramblers, characterized as low to the ground, wide houses with simple, open floor plans. Ranch style homes usually include a garage and a basement, the latter of which can be converted into an extra bedroom. Picture windows in the front and sliding glass doors in the backyard let the light and outdoor views into the home for the enjoyment of the homeowners. The space and simplicity makes them perfect homes for families and retirees alike. Ranch style houses can also appeal to young professionals or students who like the “retro” outward appearance.

Talk to your professional local realtor about these housing styles and more available in Bryan-College Station and the outer Brazos Valley. She can help you find a home that fits your needs as well as your style. 

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!

4 Landmarks & Historical Sites in Bryan-College Station

photo from: livability.com

College Station dates back to 1860 when the Houston and Texas Central Railway began to trek their path through East-Central Texas. With over 150 years to its name, it’s a city rich with history. People and events have affected the city in ways that residents can never forget. Here are some of the most notable landmarks that you might come across when you move to Bryan-College Station.

Aggieland Water Tower

The Aggieland Water Tower is located on the Texas A&M college campus, but it’s famous throughout the area. Standing at 185 feet tall and holds two million gallons of water, it replaced the old water tower which was demolished in 1975. The old water tower was the frequent venue for college dares and was frequently subject to graffiti. The tall structure that exists now has a much cleaner look, but it still serves to offer a warm “Welcome to Aggieland” to newcomers, students or otherwise.

Bonfire Memorial/Spirit Ring

photo from: asergeev.com

Also at the Texas A&M campus you can find the Spirit Ring and annual Bonfire Memorial, commemorating a tragedy that struck the campus 18 years ago. For 90 years, the massive bonfire was an Aggieland tradition. It was lit around Thanksgiving as a way to celebrate the holidays and the upcoming football games. In 1940, the school paper called it “the best event of the football season.”  Then in 1999, the 59ft bonfire collapsed during construction. 12 students were killed and 27 were injured. Pictures taken of the bonfire collapse were posted to the internet and viewed worldwide by over 29,000 users, quite impressive since at the time the internet was not as expansive as it is now. The bonfire was cancelled after that point, and in 2014, the school instead began to hold a bonfire memorial.

The central site of the bonfire memorial is the Spirit Ring, constructed on the site where the bonfire once stood.12 stone portals stand to commemorate the students who died, as well as 27 stones for the 27 students who were injured.

First Presbyterian Church

photo from fpcbryan.org

One of the oldest churches in Bryan, Texas, First Presbyterian Church was originally constructed in 1871 by members of the congregation. The Presbyterian synod praised the effort of the congregation in an essay, “The Way to Build a Church.” Though the church has been reconstructed over the years (most recently in 1966), it still stands on E 30th Street in Bryan, taking up the 1100 block.

Carnegie Public Library

Carnegie Public Library is more than just a library. Since its establishment in 1903, it’s been a hub of culture and civics in Bryan. It was established by the Mutual Improvement Club, later renamed the Women’s Club, and particularly two women: Lucy Miley Brandon and Rose Fountain Howell. It got its name, however, from a grant provided by famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie in the construction of the library. The auditorium hosted many civic events for the city, including two reunions of Hood’s Texas Brigade Association.

Bryan-College Station has a proud, richly preserved history. Why not make the area part of your history? If you’re interested in moving to Bryan-College Station, contact a local real estate agent to help introduce you to the best of the area’s history, as well as the right homes for your needs and your budget. 

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!

Why You Need to Be Pre-Approved Before You Make an Offer On Your Dream Home

One of the biggest mistakes a new homebuyer can make is to wait until they find their new house to be pre-approved for a mortgage. It’s an easy error. It seems like something that comes at the end of the process, and you have enough to worry about while you’re still searching for a new home. They might even go so far as to get pre-qualified for a mortgage beforehand, but not pre-approved. However, as easy as this mistake is to make, it could be costly in the end. It might even cost you your dream home.

Pre-Qualified is Not Pre-Approved

Pre-qualification is just the first step in the mortgage process. This is the first consultation with the bank discussing your finances and giving you a general idea of the mortgages for which you may be qualified. It’s also not as thorough as a the pre-approval process. Most pre-qualification analysis does not look into your credit report, which will factor highly into your likelihood to be approved for a mortgage.

Pre-approval, on the other hand, is more in depth. You have to officially apply for the mortgage and provide proof of your financials and credit rating. After that’s done, your lender can tell you more specifically what they should be able to offer in terms of a mortgage: your interest rate and a conditional written agreement specifying the amount of mortgage for which you’re approved. The number you see in your pre-approval may differ from the number you expected after your pre-qualification, so it’s important not to make any decisions until you’re pre-approved.

Your Pre-Approval Letter Determines Your Budget

Once you’ve received your pre-approval, you know what price range you’re looking for. You can give your realtor that information to help you find a home within your budget. While you might be able to determine an estimated budget before you’re pre-approved, it’s not recommended. The last thing you want is to make an offer on the house you’ve fallen in love with, wait for financing to come back only to find out that you don’t have enough money. If you’re pre-approved already, you know exactly what to expect from the beginning.

Pre-Approval Gives You An Edge With Your Offer

Pre-approval makes a great impression on the seller, as it allows them to see that you’re serious and you have all your ducks in a row. It also gives you an advantage with your offer with respect to time. Waiting for financing to come through can hold up the application process, and if the seller has another potential buyer who is already financed, it’s just good sense to give the house to the latter.

As with anything else, it’s better to go in prepared. Make sure you have all the information you need about financing, and pass that information along to your Brazos Valley realtor, so she can use it to help you find the home of your dreams. 

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!

5 Places Eat in Bryan-College Station

If you’re planning to move to Bryan-College Station for the first time, you probably have several questions about the area. What are the neighborhoods like? What’s the cost of living? What is there to do around town? One of the most prevalent questions on the minds of new residents is: where are the best places to eat? Even if you eat in 29 days out of the month, you’ll still want to treat yourself to a night out occasionally. Fortunately, there are several restaurants to choose from in Bryan College Station, for foodies of all varieties.

Fuego Tortilla Grill

If you’ve ever craved breakfast tacos or a late night chips and salsa, Fuego Tortilla Grill is the place to go. It’s open all hours between Tuesday at 6am and Monday at 4am serving tacos, carnitas, briskets and covering your basic Mexican and Southwestern food needs. They even have gluten-free and vegetarian options. It’s an excellent casual dining experience for the family, or a place to end the night on the town. Did I mention the breakfast tacos are served all day?

Hullabaloo Diner

Hullabaloo Diner is your old-fashioned American diner with tile floors and stools lining the metal countertops. It’s one of the few registered diners in Texas, in fact. If you’re looking for classic summer comfort food, like biscuits and gravy, patty melts, or their famous Train Wreck fries, Hullabaloo is your go-to eatery. It’s also a good place to get brunch with the family, and the kids will love the retro, historical design of the place. Hours are Wednesday - Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 9am-2pm, and closed Monday and Tuesday.

The Republic

The Republic is a “fine-drinking steakhouse” for a meal that’s a little more upscale. Besides a number of steak entrees, they have oysters, calamari, lobster bisque, and crawfish and shrimp etouffee, just to name a few. Their wine list has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The Republic is a wonderful place for upscale wining and dining, and they even have two private dining rooms for a special event, with seating for 50 guests each. Hours are Monday - Saturday from 5pm-10pm, with the bar open Monday - Saturday from 5pm - 12am. You do have to make a reservation ahead of time.

Carney’s Pub and Grill

For pub food and, well, pub drinks, Carney’s Pub and Grill is an option. Their menu offers tacos, salads, sandwiches, chicken wings, as well as shareable appetizers. Carney’s is a great place to shoot pool and  grab a beer after work, but they also offer soft drinks for non-alcoholic options. It’s located in Bryan Station about a mile away from Texas A&M. You can’t miss the big, neon sign. Hours are 3pm-2am Tuesday - Saturday and 3-10pm on Sunday and Monday. If you’re there for food, though, the kitchen closes at 10pm every night.

Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen

Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen is known for great pizza, made from scratch, and a patio for outdoor dining. If you choose to sit indoors, you have open views to the trademark wood-fire oven. They also serve pasta and several high cuisine appetizers, desserts, and have an excellent drink menu. Napa Flats is another option for dining in style, but it has a more open, airy atmosphere.

These are just a few of the delicious dining options available to you in Bryan-College Station. Your experienced, local realtor can also help you find more restaurants and the available homes nearby, as well as grocery stores for the nights you dine in. 

Land 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!

What Makes College Station Such a Great Retirement Destination

J. Wayne Stark Galleries

When you think of College Station, Texas, you probably think of students from Texas A&M. You might think of the friendly, laid back city with its excellent schools and parks as a great place to raise a family. What you might not realize is the appeal of College Station to retirees. In 2013, USA Today ranked College Station as the 4th best “unknown” retirement destination in the United States. The city has much to offer retirees: affordable living, friendly neighbors, great parks, sports. Here are some of the reasons to make College Station your retirement destination.

Recreation and Entertainment

College Station takes great pride in their beautiful parks. Whether you just want to take a stroll, sit on a park bench and enjoy nature, or find a new place to play golf, the city has you covered. But there are plenty of recreation options in College Station that don’t include the parks, like Zumba classes, yoga, and live theatre. You can see Broadway acclaimed shows at the University’s MSC OPAS theatre. There are also local theatre and live music events, including the Brazos Valley Troupe community theatre. But when it comes to entertainment, many come to College Station for the famous Aggieland football. Become a season ticket holder at Aggie Stadium, and you can enjoy all the home games in person yourself.

A Variety of Affordable Neighborhoods

If you like living in the city where all the activity is, you can find a place in College Station. If, on the other hand, you prefer the peace and quiet of the suburbs, there are still a number of neighborhoods in Bryan-College Station to suit you. If you want a spacious yard, you can find that easily in the Brazos Valley area. Wherever you choose to live, cost of living is reasonable and helped by the low tax rate of the area and lack of state income taxes. Whatever your tastes, College Station has a place for you without breaking the bank.

Jobs

Many retirees aren’t quite ready to just quit working altogether. You may want to seek out a part-time job, even in your retirement, and College Station is a great place to do so. The unemployment rate in College Station is just 3.9%, below the national average, and over the next 10 years, job growth is expected to increase by over 40%. Retirees can easily find a part-time job to keep themselves occupied and get to know their new community.

Rest assured that finding a home here won’t be a hassle with the help of a local expert realtor. Your realtor can help you find the perfect house for your retirement in the right community and within reasonable distance of the amenities that interest you. College Station is both an active and laid back city, with a low crime rate, friendly neighbors, and beautiful Texas scenery. Whatever your reason for retiring in College Station, we’re happy you’re here. 

Land 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!

3 Myths About Realtors Debunked

When you hear someone talk about realtors, there’s often a suspicious connotation. The stereotype is that realtors are rich, successful tycoons who want to get richer by swindling unsuspecting home buyers. It’s for this reason that so many buyers believe it would be better to find their new home without a realtor. However, the stereotype is little more than just that...a misguided representation of the industry as a whole. The expertise of a local College Station realtor is invaluable in finding a home, especially if you’re new to the area. A skilled realtor isn’t out there to strong arm you so that they can make a sale. They prefer to make their commission by helping you find the right home for yourself and your family.

Here are 3 statements you may have heard about realtors in the past.

Realtors Will Say Anything To Make a Sale

While there are dishonest people in every profession, this is completely untrue for the majority of realtors. Reputation is everything in the real estate business. Most realtors receive new clients by referral, whether word of mouth or reviews left online. If a realtor has a history of dealing poorly with clients, that kind of news will spread to other homebuyers and drive away business. Because of this, realtors generally hold themselves to a strict ethical code. If you’re unsure whether a realtor is trustworthy, check their reviews online before you hire them. If they tend to lie and cheat, their reviews will reflect that.

You’ll Get a Better Deal If You Buy Directly Through the Listing Agent

Many buyers believe this because it saves them the trouble of finding a realtor and it saves the seller the trouble of having to pay a commission to two agents instead of one. This is false, however. Most sellers have a set commission already in mind, whether there are two agents or one. If the buyer has their own seller, the commission will be split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, that’s all. It could also get you into trouble, because the listing agent is vouching for the seller’s best interests, not the buyers. Having your own agent will level the playing field in this regard.

All Realtors Are The Same

Wrong again. A realtor that’s been in the area for years will offer a completely different perspective from a realtor who has been in the area for three months. Someone with expertise and experience in the area can tell you where to find the best parks and places to eat, where to find arts, sports, and good schools in the area. There’s also the matter of quality of service. Some realtors have a better understanding of their customers or of certain areas than others. Here again, it’s a good idea to look at reviews before making any decisions about which realtor to hire.

A great realtor will not only show you the best homes to fit your needs, but they’ll champion for you to help you get the best deal. Of course it’s all business, but at the end of the day, the best thing for a realtor’s business is for you to leave satisfied and tell your friends about their exceptional service. 

Land 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!

What Kind of Home Do You Need?

Are you a young professional or do you have a large family? Do you love to entertain or do you want your home to be an escape from the rat race of the city? Can you afford a house or is a two bedroom apartment with a roommate more within your budget? Any pets? Whatever your situation, Bryan-College Station has something for you. The college city has the amenities and conveniences of a city with the laid back, friendly feeling of a small town. You can even find a home in Brazos Valley outside of BCS for an even quieter atmosphere. It all comes down to the kind of home you need.

Apartment

Apartments are the cheapest option, and they’re convenient for young professionals: just enough room to live comfortably and save money while you’re at it. You’ll find more apartments closer to the city, typically, so if you’re a student or you work in downtown Bryan or College Station, but don’t want a long commute, an apartment might be the best choice for you. Apartments are especially convenient if you take public transportation. On the other hand, if you’re a young couple that wants to start a family, you may find that an apartment will quickly become crowded. This is also not the best option if your pets need space to run around, since you won’t have your own fenced in backyard. Even if you have an indoor pet, make sure you pay close attention to the building’s rules about pets. Some buildings only allow cats, while others allow cats and dogs but only dogs of a certain size.

Townhouse or Condo

A townhouse or condo is a perfect compromise for someone who needs more space than an apartment but can’t afford or doesn’t yet have the need for a family home. A townhouse is a single family home, usually two stories but sometimes three stories, attached by a common wall to another identical single family home. With a townhouse, you typically have your own yard and a bit more space to move around, but it’s still more affordable than buying a house. A condo, or condominium, is a living unit within a larger complex of living units all in the same structure. It’s similar to apartment living, but you have more space and own your own living space, which means you have more freedom when it comes to pets and decorating (although you will likely be part of an HOA). Condos include community amenities like gyms, pools, and roof access, while townhouses allow more independence. 

House

If you can afford a house, it’s the best option possible. A house allows you the freedom to have up to four pets (by city ordinance), to decorate or renovate as you please, and there’s plenty of room to entertain or have guests over. A house can be convenient for a young professional or family. Houses are the most expensive option, and the closer you are to city conveniences, the more a house will cost. If you work in Bryan-College Station, it may be helpful to find a home in Brazos Valley outside of the city limits to save on cash. Whatever your preference, it helps to talk to an experienced realtor who knows the area by heart. She can find you a home that suits your needs for your particular situation, and she can find you the best deals on the home you need.

There’s no doubt, Bryan-College Station has the home you need. Call your realtor today to find it. 

Home For Sale in College Station TX 

Sarah Miller, yor 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!