What Does Home Safety Look Like?

Your home, more than anywhere else, should be a safe place for you and your family. That’s why it’s so important to have a home inspection before buying a house, or before selling your home to another family. A home inspector will be able to point out any flaws in the structure or operation of the home that might affect the price of the home. But what exactly does home safety look like? Here are some factors you want to consider beyond what the home inspector might review.

Child Proofing

Not everyone has small children, but for those that do, child proofing is a must. Things that might seem harmless to you can be a serious threat for an infant. For instance, loose window cords could strangle a baby and stairs could spell disaster. Babies are curious and might think it looks fun to stick their fingers in a power outlet. Safety gates, outlet covers, and cordless blinds are good ideas to have when you have a small child. Any hazardous materials should be kept on a high shelf out of their reach, and cabinets should have childproof locks on them.

Fire Proofing

There should be smoke alarms in working order on every floor of the house as well as outside of bedrooms. Once a month, make sure these smoke alarms are in working order. It’s also important for you to know your escape route in the event that a fire does happen. What’s the safest exit? Where should you meet once everyone is out? Go over this plan at least twice a year, practicing it so you can visualize the practicality. If you live in a two-story home, you’ll also want to have a rescue ladder or fire escape, so those who are trapped upstairs and blocked off can still get out. Always use caution with space heaters, be on the lookout for frayed wires and other hazards to avoid fires in the first place.

Burglar Proofing

A home security system is a great way to keep out burglars. Many alarm systems will also alert the police that someone tried to break into your home, but the sound of the alarm itself is enough to deter most home invasions. Because noise can throw off any burglar, a dog might also be a good investment. Make sure your windows and doors are locked at the end of the night, and keep trees and bushes trimmed so that your yard is more visible and intruders have fewer places to hide. Motion sensor lights or timed lights for your home’s exterior can also help to burglar proof the home.

All of these tips don’t replace the usefulness of a home inspection but should supplement your findings from that home inspection. Once you find your dream home, after all, you want to make sure it’s protected, along with everyone who lives there. Talk to an experienced realtor in College Station today about scheduling a home inspection and other things you can do to ensure the home stays safe.

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

How to Make a Small Kitchen Work

You found a home that’s almost perfect. It has as many bedrooms as you need with an extra for a guest room. It’s in your favorite neighborhood. Your whole family loves it. There’s only one problem. The kitchen is a bit cramped.

A small kitchen probably isn’t a reason to say no to your dream house, but it can be a frustrating thing to live with. However, by optimizing your space, you can fit everything into your kitchen and still have room to breathe. Here are a few ways to make a small kitchen livable, especially if you cook regularly.

Drawers

If you want to make your small kitchen more workable and spacious, don’t rely on cabinets, cupboards and pantries. Instead, make the most use of drawers — and if you don’t have enough drawers, maybe that can be your first remodeling project. Because drawers stay flat against the cabinet, they give you more space to move around the room. Because drawers are lower, they’re easier to reach without having to stretch. It also helps your kitchen to look neater overall.

Vertical Storage

Vertical storage will quickly become your best friend when you need to make the most of a small kitchen. It takes up less space and may even help the room to feel taller. Add a few floating shelves over the kitchen sink or buy a narrow but tall cabinet that can be pressed against the wall between other appliances.

Backsplash

Your kitchen backsplash is an excellent aesthetic feature that protects the wall from spills and splashes, but it can do more than that. Consider a magnetic backplash or a stainless steel pegboard. Through this, you can hang spoons, knives, and other utensils on the backsplash, saving you on storage space, and even adding a cozy charm to your backsplash.

Kitchen Table Alternatives

Maybe you don’t have room for a kitchen table or an island, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have any dining space. Consider turning a small portion of the counter into a mini bar with a couple of stools set up there. Another option that’s growing in popularity is folding tables. These tables are built against the wall, and when you’re finished eating, they can fold flat against the wall. They’re handy for the chef, as well, because folding tables can double as counter space. You may also be able to add a pull-out addition to your countertop for a little extra counter and dining space.

Magnetic Spice Tins

Magnetic spice containers are a great option for someone who needs to save space in their small kitchen. Not only are they adorable, round with glass tops to show the spice itself, but they open up a world of spice rack alternatives. Maybe you can stick them to your refrigerator, or to your stainless steel backsplash. You can hang a magnetic chalkboard to the side of your cabinets and label the name of each spice below the tin in chalk.

Don’t let a small kitchen hold you back from the house of your dreams. If you use your space wisely, the kitchen may become as beloved to you as the rest of the house. And if you’re still looking for your dream home, talk to an experienced College Station realtor about the best finds in the neighborhoods you love.

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

Benefits of New Construction

There’s something appealing about buying an entirely new home. No one else has lived there before, which allows you and your family to put your own stamp on it. While a great existing home can be found if you don’t have time to wait for a new construction, sometimes the best way to find your dream home is to have it built for you and your family from the beginning. Here are just a few of the many benefits of moving into a new construction home.

Customization

Perhaps the favorite benefit for homeowners considering new construction is that you don’t have to worry about compromising with a new construction. The builder will take your specifications as to what the home should look like. That means all your kitchen and bathroom needs, your color palette, and any other customization options will be entirely up to you. When you walk into your new home for the first time, it should be everything you hoped because it was designed with you in mind.

Everything is Up to Date

Often when searching for existing homes, you’ll have to contend with out of date appliances or layouts. The house itself may be less expensive than a new construction, but you may need to pay for updates in order to make it comfortable for your family. New constructions, however, tend to use new appliances and open layouts that are much more on trend and easier to move around. New construction homes also tend to use more energy efficient technology, so you’ll be able to save on the cost of energy bills.

Warranty

All new homes come with a warranty, which allows you some peace of mind as to the construction of the home. This warranty may come through the builder or through an independent company that works for the builder. There are different types of warranties available, and before making your decision you should find out what kind of warranty is available to you in purchasing a particular new home.

Fire Safety

The more we learn and the more technology advances, the more fire safety features become available. Just like your new construction home is likely to be more energy efficient with up-to-date appliances, it’s also likely to be more fire safe. There may be fire retardant in the carpeting or insulation or hardwired smoke detectors with back-up batteries in case the power goes out as opposed to standard battery operated smoke detectors. The newer the home is, the more likely it will be to protect you and your family from fires.

There’s nothing a place feel quite like home as knowing that your family is the first to ever live there. New construction homes may not be an option for everyone depending on your budget and your timeframe, but if you have time for a new construction, it’s certainly worth the wait. If that sounds right for you, talk to an experienced realtor in Brazos Valley about new construction options and how to start the process of building your dream home.

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! Sarah Miller, Associate RE/MAX BRYAN COLLEGE STATION 3030 University Dr East Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845 License #: 500065

4th of July in Brazos Valley

Summer is here, and before you know it, 4rth of July will be here as well. That means it’s time for barbecue, hanging out on the lawn with friends and family, and of course, fireworks. Although residential fireworks aren’t legal within Bryan-College Station city limits, you can stop by the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum for the big firework show. And fireworks aren’t the only thing to enjoy on 4th of July in Brazos Valley. Here are a few of the events you can enjoy for the big day next month.

“I Love America” Celebration

Every July 4th at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, you can gather in the lawn for the 4th of July “I Love America.” Celebration Concert and firework show. Starting that morning, the museum opens with free admission. In the evening, concession stands gather and bounce houses and games show up for the kids’ amusement. At 8:35, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra begins the concert, followed by a firework show at 9:30. Of all the firework events in College Station, this is the big one to see.

Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

For over 30 years, the Brazos Heritage Society has put on a 4th of July celebration that evokes the past. There’s a flag raising, patriotic readings, a children’s parade, live music, and plenty of refreshments. It’s located right in the middle of the Eastside Historical District of Bryan, at 30th and Hutchins. This is a festival for early bird celebrators, and those who like to remember the history of their 4th of July celebrations.

Fireworks On the Brazos

Another fireworks festival occurs at Washington on the Brazos and runs from 10am to 10pm. There’s fireworks at 9:30pm, but it’s so much more than that. Throughout the day, you can enjoy free ice cream from Blue Bell, live music from country music artists, and enjoy plenty of food and craft vendors. There’s even a shuttle running starting in the afternoon to take people to and from the park.

Patriotic Picnic

Maybe for you, 4th of July is less about the fireworks and more about the fireworks and more about the food. If that’s the case, the patriotic picnic at First Baptist in Bryan might be for you. The picnic starts at 5:30pm and includes a concert for the community’s entertainment. Like the other events, this is free and open to the public.

If you’re new to Brazos Valley, attending one of the many 4th of July festivals throughout the area can be a great way to get to know the area. Even if you’re just visiting and looking for a place to possibly live later, celebrating the 4th of July with us will help you to see what this area truly has to offer. Here, you’ll find a friendly, enthusiastic community, great food and music, and a day of fun for the family. If you’re here looking for a new home, or just moving in, around 4th of July, ask your realtor what 4th of July celebrations are going on near you.

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

Kitchen Trends of 2018

One of the first ways to make your new house feel like home is to put your stamp on the kitchen. On the other hand, updating your kitchen before you sell your home can be an excellent way to add value to it. But to do so successfully in either case, you’ll want to look at the trends of the year. You might only find a handful of trends you enjoy, or you might remember trends of the past that you liked better, but it’s always good to have a frame of reference.

Granite is Gone

Once upon a time, this was on the wish list of every new homebuyer. Granite countertops were as trendy as it got, and no one seemed interested in accepting any substitutes. This trend would last for several years, but it seems it’s finally on its way out. Instead, homeowners tend to look towards marble — and even better, quartz. Both are higher end counter surfaces, but quartz is significantly lower maintenance than granite and marble and it lasts longer, so in the end, it’s worth a better value.

Two-Tone Color Schemes

Similarly, until recently all-white kitchens were very much in vogue. All-white kitchens gave the room a cleaner, airier look, and held more of the natural sunlight from the window. However, it can be tricky to make all the whites in the room match, and all-white kitchens require more cleaning. They can also look, well, a little dull. So instead, two-toned kitchens are becoming more popular, usually incorporating a deeper, darker color against white. Black and white, navy and white, or deep green and white kitchens are a massive trend of 2018.

Kitchen Islands That Do More

Kitchen islands have long been the focal point of kitchens. Sometimes, with the help of surrounding stools, they can even serve as your dining table. But homebuyers now are looking for kitchen islands that serve as more than just a place to gather. Because kitchen storage has long been a problem that has plagued home cooks, kitchen islands have started to offer more storage options. Some kitchen islands even have an oven attached. The more function, the better — and the more value for your home, of course.

Flooring

Common sense dictates that a kitchen should have a smooth floor. It’s easier move around and much easier to clean. (Can you imagine the nightmare that might exist with a kitchen over carpet?) Hardwood floors are usually the favorite, but ceramic tile is gaining in popularity. Both are low maintenance options, and these days, ceramic tile can even be made to look like wood. But for those looking for a budget option, linoleum is probably still the way to go, and good linoleum can be made to look like either wood or tile.

A new kitchen can give your entire home a new feel, whether you plan to live in it for years or put it on the market next month. In the latter case, trust a local real estate agent to help you stage your home and get the most out of your sale.

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

5 Hidden Gems of Bryan-College Station

Some of the best parts of Bryan-College Station are fairly obvious. Downtown Bryan has historic charm and plenty of quirky shops and restaurants. The college, the sports arenas, and city hall are all easy to find. But look a little deeper and you’ll find even more BCS gems, even if they’re not at the top of the “things to do” list. Here are some local favorites:

Amico Nave

Amico Nave is a local restaurant that’s a little hidden away from the center of everything, but locals who know of it swear by it. In fact, lifestyle blogger Payton Sartain says, “You MUST try Amico Nave if you live here.” Amico Nave is a Sicilian restaurant, but it’s not bound to traditional Sicilian recipes. Here you can try their pesto chicken or vodka sauce pizza, lasagna Tony Salvaggio or Norwegian salmon. They also have a delicious plate of shrimp and grits.

Old Bryan Marketplace

Downtown and historic Bryan are famous spots for shopping, but Old Bryan Marketplace is a little more lowkey. However, if you’re looking for something quirky and offbeat, this is the place to go. This marketplace has a little of everything: furniture, baby clothes, stationery, and eclectic fashion. Even the building itself has character, a 22,000 square-foot structure originally built in 1908 with pine hardwood floors, bricked archways and fireplaces.

Tower Point

Most who are new to College Station expect to find all the action around the college, but if you’re looking for a real local experience, it’s Tower Point. Here you can find H-E-B, Chick-Fil-A, office buildings and an abundance of other beloved shops and restaurants. You may be able to find some great homes and apartments in this area, as well.

Rooftop Garden

This hidden gem, on the other hand, is located on the college campus. At the top of the George P. Mitchell Physics Building, you can find the only rooftop garden on campus, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Garden. Not only is this a serene place to get away, study, or hang out with friends, but it showcases a number of native Texas plants. You may even spy some butterflies while you’re up there.

Wednesday Farmers Market at Lake Walk

Looking for some local produce, culture, and maybe live music? Then check out the farmers market at Lake Walk Pavilion and Plaza in Bryan on Wednesday nights. It’s not the only farmers market in Bryan-College Station, but  because it takes place on Wednesday nights, it can be overlooked. If you can make it out, you can find food from Napa Flats and anything from eggs to jams and jellies to candles.

Bryan-College Station is a community with a lot of local flavor. Even if you’ve lived here for a few years, you may still be able to find new gems that surprise you. And if you’re new to the community, there’s that much more to explore. Ask your local realtor about the best hidden gems in the city, and the best homes you can find close by.

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