Sarah Miller - Broker Associate

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Christmas Decorating Tips

Image credit: anterovium / 123RF Stock Photo

Here in Central Texas we do things big, and Christmas decorating is no exception. There’s no need to wait until after Thanksgiving, start after Halloween!

There are some Christmas decorating tips, to ensure that you to will have a big Texas Christmas.

· Add color to your front door. Rather than stick with a boring white front door, add a wreath with colorful accents and bows.

· Use Christmas lanterns to add holiday cheer and light to your front walkway or porch.

· Display an Advent wreath to countdown until Christmas.

· Use lights and greenery to decorate staircases, railings and mantels.

· Wrap indoor and outdoor columns with garlands and lights.

· Use colors that match your décor. For example, if your living room is done in beiges and yellows, use gold and white to decorate your tree and living areas.

· Put out holiday themed throw pillows and blankets.

· Use cascading ribbons on your tree to create a unique, different tree design.

· Use fruit and greenery to make table centerpieces.

· Make your own stockings from burlap, fleece or other affordable textiles.

· Wrap gifts in paper that matches your décor and color scheme.

· Use extra ornaments to decorate. Put them in glass cylinders, bowls or arrange on mantel.

· Use winter flowers to decorate your mantel, tables and entryway.

· Stick with the same color theme throughout the house.

· Use a different wrapping paper for every family member; this alleviates the need for gift tags.

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.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Christmas Caroling in Texas

Image credit: lenm / 123RF Stock Photo

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

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Holiday Decorating Tips

The stores and roads in College Station are always packed with shoppers around the holidays. With all the time shopping, the last thing that usually gets done is the decorating of the home. These elegant and stylish decorating ideas will help make your new home look festive and stylish for the holidays.

Lavish lighting- You can create a lavish lighting appeal in your home with the addition of overhead lighting with a soft, warm glow. Combine this lighting with white garland or a décor of natural cedar and you have an opulent appeal. The lighting can be obtained from a white Christmas bulb or a soft delicate candle.

Whimsical frosting- Just when you thought that icing was only for cookies, creating a palette of white and grey can make any room in your home look like a winter wonderland. Frosty décor will give your home texture and warmth.

Heavy metal- No we are not talking about music here. We are talking about creating a holiday spread for your home which is filled with glitz and glamour. It is as simple as decorating your mantel with an array of silver, gold and white ornaments. You can also use this look for the top of your kitchen counters.

Contemporary minimalism: As the saying goes, less is always more. Just by picking out a few select important pieces that make a statement and placing those in strategically places around your home combines with your seasonal decorations and you will have a look of charm and warmth to your home.

While College Station is already well known for being picturesque, these holiday decorating tips can help your new home look like the best one on the block.

Featured Homes for Sale in Bryan, TX

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Things To Remember When Moving In The Fall

Image credit: totalpics / 123RF Stock Photo

Moving at any time of the year can be a hassle. It can be even more of a hassle if you move in the fall and you have a family that includes school aged children. Here are some things you will need to remember when you are moving into a new home in Central Texas or even Bryan College Station, Texas.

If you move from one school district to another in the fall you will have the added stress of helping your children get settled into a new school at a time when the other students have just gotten settled. Keep in mind that if you are moving to new school districts in the fall your children will have to catch up to the other students. Make sure that as soon as you move into your new home you create a quiet spot for your children to do their homework. While you are still get settled in your new home you will want to make sure your children have stability, especially when starting a new school.

Also keep in mind that if you are moving in the fall you will want to be unpacked and set up before the busy holiday season begins. This means you need to make your move as organized as possible so that you can properly prepare for the upcoming holidays. Make sure your new home is conducive to holiday visitors and can accommodate holiday meals in your kitchen.

Featured Homes for Sale College Station, TX

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Creating The Perfect Fall Outdoor Décor

Image credit: sborisov / 123RF Stock Photo

Fall is a time many people enjoy because it is a transition between hot weather and cold weather that can be very refreshing. Decorating the outside of one’s house, a backyard, porch or patio in fall décor can be a fun and relaxing thing to do. Here are some tips on how to create the perfect outdoor décor for the fall season.

When decorating outside for the fall you will want to think about the color and texture of the décor items you use. Keeping symmetry in mind will also help you create the perfect fall outdoor décor. Be mindful of how your décor will look both up close and at a distance. This way anyone who passes by your house will see your outdoor décor as well as you will see it from the comfort of your own home. One of the easiest things to do is choose a beautiful fall wreath to put on your front door. Hanging baskets hung on your porch can also make for lovely fall décor. You can even take potted flowers and use them as an outdoor centerpiece on a deck or patio. As long as you use some creativity and plants that bloom in the fall you will be able to create a beautiful style for the outside of your home.

Decorating for the fall is especially important if you have recently bought a new home in Bryan College Station, Texas or anywhere throughout Central Texas.

Featured Homes for Sale in College Station

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Always be Prepared for Emergencies

Image credit: maxxyustas / 123RF Stock Photo

When purchasing your dream home in Bryan College Station, you may fear the thought of natural disasters – as all homeowners do. Well, Central Texas is known for having its share of bad weather every now and then. The good news is that most of this weather is predictable, so you can plan for anything that Mother Nature heads your way.

Living in Bryan College Station, you are bound to see some severe thunderstorms with ground lightening and high winds. While they may be exciting to watch, you should also be prepared for one. Most of the thunderstorms in the area will happen in the afternoon. You need to stay clear of windows in case the winds blows debris into it. To avoid potential fire and shock hazards from lightning strikes, unplug all appliances and do not use the phone until the storm is over.

Flash floods do occur in Central Texas. Even six inches of water has the force to knock over an adult. If you are in your vehicle during a flash flood, do not drive through roadways that are flooded since the roadbed may no longer be intact. Also, work out an evacuation plan with your family, should a flood occur. In addition, don’t forget about making sure to keep current on your homeowner’s insurance.

The entire state of Texas sees the most tornados than any other state. In fact, it sees an average of 125 tornadoes each year. In Central Texas, spring and summer are thought of as “tornado season.” In addition, tornadoes can occur at any time of the day, but they most often happen from mid-afternoon to mid-evening. When a tornado does occur, seek shelter in your basement or if you do not have one, go to an interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Bathrooms are great shelters since the plumbing provides additional sturdiness to the walls. If you have time, you can also drag a mattress to place on top of you and your family to help shield any falling debris.

If you are buying a new home in the area, these tips will help you be prepared for any weather emergency. Every new and seasoned homeowner has concerns about what Mother Nature may bring their way, but when you know you are ready, much of that fear goes away.

Featured Homes for Sale in College Station, TX

Thursday, October 17, 2013

How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Your New Home

Image credit: lantapix / 123RF Stock Photo

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