Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Will A Large Home Really Suit Your Needs?


Image credit: lmphot/123rf Stock Photo

Many families in Bryan College Station are moving into a new home because they need more space. Their first home may have been a starter home, and now with more kids, everyone needs to be more comfortable and keep their sanity. But how much larger of a home do you really need? Just because you can afford it, does not mean you will be that much more comfortable. Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing the largest home in the block.

What Is the Commute Like?

One thing you will soon discover is that the larger the home, the longer your commute time may be. Large homes are distanced from the city because homeowners want to relax. They don’t want to be close to the hustle and bustle. So figure out how long your commute to work, family, and shopping plazas will be when deciding on your new home. The long drive and increased gas expense may not be worth it.

What Is The Community Like?

If you have children, living in a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable Bryan College Station, TX community may be a high priority on your list. Even with a large yard for them to play in, how close are they to neighboring children? Is there a park in the area they can walk to safely or that you feel like driving them to? Are there malls and candy stores they can get to without your assistance?


A larger home may be nicer, but sometimes the additional responsibilities are not worth it. A larger home also means more cleaning and maintenance responsibilities. You and your family may decide that a home only a step up is best for you.  



Featured Homes 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 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 Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Tips on Organizing Your New Closet before the Big Move




It happens to the best of us; we move into a new home completely unorganized. We walk around for weeks trying to determine what box the kids jackets are in, where are the ties, and how did you mix up your shoes like that? You can make it easy to organize your closet before your big move though.

Clear Out Your Closet

First, take everything out. While packing, sort your items: short sleeves, sweaters, slacks, ties, blouses, and so on. So when you are unpacking, everything is right where it should be and you can place it up with ease.

Get Rid Of Old Items You Won’t Wear/Use

  • Donations – Donate the items you no longer want to a charity in Brian College Station, TX. They will appreciate the clothing and even eyeglass donation and you can put the receipt with your tax information for the following year.
  • Friends – Has a friend been eyeing your blouse or sweater? Give it away if you know you are not going to wear it often enough to keep.
  • Recycle Centers – We use our closets to store old items, pushing them far in the back in a bag or box. Pull those items out such as old razors, metal hangers, and old jewelry and send them off to the appropriate recycling center.
  • Sell items – The retro look is back in. However, if it doesn’t suit your tastes and you have out of style clothing, have a yard sale, use Craigslist to sell online, or find a consignment store in Central Texas.

So, following the above tips will not only make it easy to organize your new closets, but you will have much less to pack, making for a lighter move. Selling and donating can also help put cash in your pocket as well – a win-win for all.


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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.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Protecting Your Family in Your New Home



Even the safest neighborhoods in Bryan College Station have some form of crime. Don’t make it easy to be a target to an unwanted home visitor. Here are a few steps to keep your family safe in your new home.

Install a Security System

A security system for your home is a great idea, whether you are at home most of the time or not. Put careful consideration into the type of system you will need and not just the best on the market. You may even consider having multiple types of systems. For example, you can deter a break-in by installing motion detectors throughout your yard or a loud alarm system. There are all kinds of do-it-yourself systems you can purchase or have a reputable security technician in Brian College Station, TX come to your home and install it for you.

Lock Your Windows and Doors When You Are Not Alert

Keeping your windows open while performing a quick run to the store or letting fresh air throughout your home at night is not a good idea. You are inviting potential burglars into your home. By the time you arrive back home, they will be long gone and you have no clue they were even there. So lock up when you are not on the alert.

Take Precautions When You Are Away on Vacations

When you leave for vacation, let a close and trusted neighbor know. They can get your mail or newspapers while you are away. Having mail or newspapers pile up just screams, “unattended home right here” to a burglar who could be casing the neighborhood. If no one is able to do that, put a temporary hold on all mail.

Just these few tips will help keep your family and your new some safe and secure year round. Brian College Station is a great place to raise your family, but you should always be prepared for that one bad apple.

Featured Homes for Sale 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 realtors that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904.


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Easy Tips on Dog Proofing your New Backyard



Moving to a new home in Bryan College Station, TX is exciting for everyone, even your family pet. One excellent part about this area of Central Texas is the spacious yards and beautiful weather for Fido to enjoy. Therefore, when you are moving into a new home, he’ll have the space he needs to exercise, have fun, and relax. If the prior owners did not have a pet, you may need to make a few changes so everyone is happy and living stress free.

Fence In Your Yard

Not all homes will have a fenced in area for pets. It’s important to have one, so they don’t run off and get lost, especially in a new neighborhood. Some fencing is inexpensive and beautiful. The larger your dog, the more sturdy you would want your fence to be.

Have a Pet Friendly Garden

This would be another area to consider placing a small picket fence of some sort around. Dogs are quite curious and can get into your plants and flowers. Also, be careful of the types of plants you have in your new backyard. Some are toxic to animals, and even if fenced off, you may want to have them removed.

Have a Designated Bathroom Area

Since you are in a new home, you have a bit of retraining to do for your pet. You can’t always get them out for a walk, so put extra consideration and time into training them on where to go to relieve themselves in your yard. You don’t want to come out for a family gathering to a not so nice surprise.

Make the Yard Comfortable For Your Dog

Finally, make sure there is a shady area for your dog to relax and cool off. Keep an area outdoors where they can access clean water as well. During the long hot summer months, this will be imperative so your furry friend does not get overheated.


These four simple tips will keep “Fido” happy and healthy while he enjoys the Central Texas weather. Plus, you will bees comfortable letting them enjoy their outside time knowing your pet will remain securely in his new yard.

Featured Homes for Sale in College Station, TX

For more details about this property click here.

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 realtors that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Tips for Keeping Bathroom Towels Fresh



There is nothing better than smelling fresh scented towels. Occasionally, you may run across a stale smelling towel. That smell is actually bacteria brewing. As a homeowner, no one wants their guests to dry his or her face with a towel that smells like wet dog. In College Station, the weather is usually warm, which can boost odor causing bacteria growth. Here are a few tips on keeping fresh bathroom towels.

  1. Ring your bathroom towels out well and always hang up to dry. Never place them into a hamper damp.
  2. Use a fresh towel every three or four days to prevent dead skin cells from building up on them.
  3. Wash your towels after you have bleached your whites. This ensures your machine is sterilized and it helps to freshen your towels.
  4. When washing, wash in small loads using the hot water setting. Give your towels room to get the suds through and rinse well. Add a good booster to your wash such as Oxi-Clean. You can also add a cup of vinegar to help neutralize odors.
  5. If you have a favorite scented laundry detergent such as Mountain Breeze, Fresh Linen, or Lavender, use the same scented liquid fabric softener and fabric sheets to really infuse the smell through your towels.
  6. Thoroughly dry your towels. If your towels have just a hint of moisture, the bacteria can start to grow and that is where the stale smell starts to develop.
  7. Swap your towels out. Place your freshly washed towels behind your older ones. This prevents you from using the same towels repeatedly and extends the life of them since they aren’t washed as much.
  8. Add fabric sheets in your towel area and in between towels you won’t be using – such as a guest towel set.

You want your new home to feel perfect for you and your guests. Following these simple tips is just one-step closer to perfection. Having fresh towels will be doubly true if you moved to College Station to have your own pool, as the towels will be used constantly, because many pools are used year round.


Featured Homes for Sale in College Station, TX

For more details about this property click here.

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 realtors that has a long list of the finest homes for sale in Bryan/College Station, Call her today at 979-255-1904.


Saturday, January 18, 2014

Spring Moving Tips



Moving in the spring in the College Station area has many advantages such as mild temperatures and you can find moving companies are less expensive, because not many homeowners are moving in the spring. In addition, that is also the downside. It’s usually raining in the spring. So, check the weather report. Try to move on a day when it may not rain. However, the rain can’t get you down, if you follow these tips.

Pack Your Winter Items First
You will not need them right away. This makes it easy to move your clothes into your closets and bedroom drawers. Mark your boxes properly, preferably in waterproof containers, and your movers can store them immediately in the garage or attic. That is less to track through your new home.

Protect Your Belongings
Hopefully, you kept your plastic for your mattress. Movers usually use blankets to wrap couches and tables. If you can, get some type of shrink or plastic wrap and wrap all of your important items. If not, many movers can do this for a fee. Make sure to contact them ahead of time so they can prepare time wise. Wrapping all your items keeps them dry and prevents mold.

Setup a Landing Place
Instead of walking constantly back through the home and dripping water or damaging carpets, set up a landing place in your new home. Once it’s packed, the workers can take off their shoes or put on booties and continue on through the home.

Protect Your Flooring
Collect old carpeting, cardboard, tarps, or plywood. You can line your floor with these items. This way, when the movers walk through, you are not damaging your floors.

Take Breaks
We usually hate to see movers take breaks – they are on the clock! However, if it’s raining, it won’t hurt to offer a few warm drinks, water, and a mild snack. They are uncomfortable and wet. You want them to be as comfortable as possible while moving your precious furniture and in the ever changing College Station weather, it can go from cool and raining to hot and muggy within hours.

Featured Homes for Sale in 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 19, 2013

Christmas Decorating Tips


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.