4 Steps to Changing Your Address When You Move

Moving is an involved process, and it seems like there are dozens of minor details that have to be juggled in the process. Among all the other elements, the idea of having to change your address can seem frustrating. It’s even more frustrating considering the amount of bills you receive regularly, checks from work, and other relevant pieces of mail. Where do you start, and how can you be sure that you caught everything? That’s why we’ve provided a step-by-step process to make sure your change of address goes as smoothly as you hope the move itself will.

Start Early

As soon as you know your move-in date, start planning your change of address. Make a list of everyone you’ll need to notify: the post office, tax agencies, employers, banks, social security if it applies. Of course, if you still have a month or so to go before the move, you don’t want to change your address too soon — otherwise your bills will reach the new address before you do. However, knowing how long you have will offer you the exact timeline in which to change your address.

Change Online Profiles

Changing your address is easier now than ever. We live so much of our lives online, and even when you have paper billing, many organizations such as banks or utility companies, have websites on which you probably have an account. Your address is stored in these online accounts often, and you can easily go in and edit it. No need to leave your house and it takes only moments. If you’re unable to edit your profile, you can always call the company and have them edit your address from their end.

Notify the Post Office

If you’re worried about missing anything, this is one of the most important steps. If you fill out a change of address with the post office, anything billed to your old address will be forwarded to your new address for the first twelve months. By then, all of your mail should have settled into your new address and you’ll know if anyone is still mistakenly sending mail to your old address. Again, it’s better to do this early, though not too early. 1-2 weeks before moving is your best bet to make sure you catch all your mail.

Tell Friends and Family

In the social media age, it’s likely that your friends and family will know that you’re planning to move. However, they might not know how soon or your exact address. Make sure you let everyone know your new address — at least everyone that you want to keep in touch with. You don’t want to miss wedding invitations or even an old fashioned letter if your friends are so inclined.

Want to make sure you didn’t miss anything when changing your address? Go over your process with your experienced College Station realtor. They’ve been through this all before and can help you ensure that you’re good to go before your move.

3 Things to Consider Before Finding Your Dream Home in College Station

Even though the process of moving can be, at times, overwhelming, the moment when you decide to move can be exciting. You feel motivated and hopeful about starting the next chapter of your life, sometimes in a new city with new friends and opportunities. However, don’t neglect the smaller details in your excitement. Take some time to consider exactly the kind of home you want, and where you’d be willing to compromise, before you start your house search.

Wants and Needs

One of the first things your College Station realtor might ask is what you need in your dream home and what you’d like. These are two separate lists. Needs are usually essentials: how many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need for your family to live comfortably? What kind of appliances do you need for your lifestyle? Any particular locations or accessibility issues? Your wish list should be the things you want, but can do without if absolutely necessary. Maybe you’d love to have a fireplace, or you’ve dreamed of having a gas stove, but you can live with an electric stove if you find a place that has everything else. Make sure you prioritize strategically and understand the difference between your wants and needs.

Location

If you’re new to the area, it’s a good idea to do a little research on local neighborhoods, but your realtor will also be able to provide you with plenty of information there. Your location can be incredibly important, both to the kinds of homes you’ll be looking at as well as your current situation in life. For instance, if you have young kids, you may want to be close to local schools. If you work downtown, you might want to cut down on your commute. If you’re a retiree, maybe you want to live in a quieter part of town or somewhere close to a golf course or other leisure activities. Are you looking for a family home or an apartment? Your location will factor into the kinds of homes you find as well.

Realtors

Finally, don’t forget to consider what you want in a realtor. While it’s legally possible to buy a new home without a realtor, it’s really not advisable, as your realtor is your agent to ensure that you get a fair deal and find the home that works best for you. The ideal realtor should be local to the area in which you’re searching for a home, with plenty of experience there so that they have personal knowledge of neighborhoods, schools, and the local housing market. You want someone with experience and a great reputation, so that you know they have your back throughout the buying process. Whatever other considerations you might have before your big move, your realtor will be able to help you with them.

Moving to College Station is exciting, but it’s also a major decision. Talk to yourrealtor about any questions you might have today.

4 Reasons Buying is Cheaper than Renting in the Long Run

Often, when it comes down to the choice of renting or buying a home, people opt to rent. It’s simply “cheaper,” at least in the short term. And while certainly there are people who might struggle to be able to afford buying a hoe, the truth is that renting is only cheaper in the short term. In fact, a recent report from Trulia showed that buying a home is 26.3% cheaper than renting in 98 out of 100 metro areas in the United States. In certain areas of Texas, it’s actually 30% cheaper to buy your home than it is to rent.

Mortgage Payments vs. Monthly Rent

In both the cases of renting and buying, you will have to make monthly payments. However, monthly mortgage payments are finite and cover the cost of the house which you already own. Even if you rent the same home for over 30 years, you will still have to pay rent — monthly rent is infinite so long as you live in the house. Additionally, your mortgage loan is based on the lender’s review of your credit and finances, and there’s a little room for flexibility. In the case of rent, on the other hand, it’s difficult to choose an “income-based” plan. What you see is what you get, and in some cases, the landlord may even be able to raise the rent.

Buying Offers More Stability

One of the downsides to renting is that you’re essentially at the mercy of your landlord. If you don’t pay on time, they can legally evict you. However, even if you make every payment on time, ultimately you’re living in a property that someone else owns. They might decide to sell it or to move into it themselves. Going back to the point about renting the same home for 30 years, the reason that’s such an unheard of number is because of the natural instability of renting a home. So chances are, if you rent, you’ll have to move around and the cost of moving itself can be quite expensive. On the other hand, when you buy a home, it’s yours — unless you fall so far behind on mortgage payment that it would be seized by the bank. You can stay there for as long as you choose.

Buying Offers a Bigger ROI

When you rent a home and decide to move, you may be able to get your deposit back, but that’s about the only return on investment you’ll find. You don’t get to enjoy any increased home value, though your landlord might. However, when you buy a home, that’s an investment. You can upgrade it and boost your home value, so that when you move, you’re able to sell it for more money than you originally bought it. Keep an eye on the changing housing market, however, especially the appreciation and depreciation of the value of homes in your neighborhood.

Buying Offers Tax Benefits

Buying a home means you’re subject to property taxes, but mortgage debt and other property taxes can be itemized as tax deductions to help you save come tax time. In many areas, making energy efficient upgrades will also allow you some tax benefit. Again, when you rent a home, that’s all out of your hands.

See the big picture when it comes to buying your home? Next, talk to a College Stationrealtor about finding the perfect home both for now and for an investment in the long-term.

Top 4 Bryan-College Station Breweries

If you want a good idea of the local flavor of your new home, one place to look is local breweries. Bryan-College Station locals take pride in their breweries. Often, it’s more than simply the place where the beer is made. It’s a place to gather with friends or family over a burger and a unique draft beer. Beer enthusiasts may even be able to take a tour to see what goes into the brewing process. There are several breweries in BCS, but if you’re interested in exploring them, here’s where we think you should start.

New Republic Brewing

If you want to start a tour of College Station’s breweries, this is the best place to start. It’s the oldest brewery in town, going back to 2010. You may have already seen some of their brews in local stores. They have quirky, characteristic names like Dammit Jim, a hoppy amber ale, and Whipsaw Double IPA. The friendly owner, Dean, is usually available when you visit this brewery and willing to give a tour of the brewery.

Blackwater Draw Brewing

This charming microbrewery and brewpub can be found in downtown Bryan, though it’s a little further away from the crowd. It’s worth the search, however. They don’t have a large selection of beers, but the selection they have is all refreshing and delightfully crafted. With finished wood tables and counters, ambient lighting, and even barrels positioned as seats, this brewery isn’t just a good place to get a drink — it’s a place to hang out.

Brazos Valley Brewery

This brewery is a little bit out of the way, in the same county as Bryan-College Station, but actually located in the town of Brenham. However, Brazos Valley Brewery oozes local flavor, and their beer selection is worth the visit. They’re the creators of the 7 Spanish Angels Coffee Ale, a collaboration with Independence Coffee Company, as well as the Aggieland football inspired brew, 13th Can. They have a patio open on weekend afternoons and evenings where you can enjoy a brew on tap with friends. You can also take a tour upon request.

Hullabaloo Brew Co.

Hullabaloo started incredibly local, just a small family brewery in College Station. Since 2011, they’ve established retail locations in College Station, Brenham, Wellborn, and Bryan. In College Station, you can enjoy dinner and a good brew at Hullabaloo Diner. They serve both beer and wine and even present a live music festival in the autumn to complement their fantastic flavors. This brewery and its retail locations have just about everything a College Station beer enthusiast or foodie could hope for.

These are just a few of the breweries that College Station has to offer, and the breweries in College Station are just a tip of the iceberg of our local gastronomy. The best way to get to know the food and drink scene in College Station is to head out and explore it for yourself. Talk to your College Station realtor about more local breweries and restaurants around your dream home.

4 Things to Know About College Station Before You Move

When planning a move anywhere, it’s a good idea to do your research, especially if you haven’t spent much time there in the past. Even if you have relatives that live in the area and you’ve visited once or twice, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with the culture, the amenities, and what you can expect from your new home.

College Station is a wonderful place to move, whether for work or simply a change of scene. The home of Texas A&M University, there’s enough to do that things won’t get boring, but it remains laid back and friendly compared to larger cities. Here are a few things to know about College Station before you move.

Bryan? College Station? Both?

Once you move to College Station, you may start to hear the term “Bryan-College Station” or simply BCS. Bryan and College Station are technically separate neighboring cities, but they’re often lumped together to form one greater area. Those in Bryan often enjoy watching football games at College Station’s Kyle Field, and those in College Station will often stop over to Bryan for the farmers market or to see what’s going on downtown.

First Friday

Speaking of Bryan, one thing you’ll want to check out when you move to College Station is First Friday in downtown Bryan. Throughout the year, downtown Bryan is a center of culture and charm, full of cute cafes, restaurants, and shops. On the First Friday of every month, the streets are closed after hours and open to a night of live music, art, and an excellent opportunity to get to know your neighbors and local businesses. You may not need to go every month, but this can be a great way to help you get to know your new home.

Transportation

There is public transportation in College Station, but it may not be the best decision to rely on it, depending on where you live. Most of the public transportation is centered downtown or in the college area, and the city and surrounding area are rather spread out. Most residents of College Station rely on their on personal vehicle. However, if you want to save gas during the work week or reduce your carbon footprint and you’re able to take the bus, this can be a great option.

Nightlife

College Station is ultimately a college town, so if you like to go out at night, you’ll find something for you here. There are a number of great restaurants, bars, and clubs in the heart of the city and students or young, single professionals often enjoy the Northgate District as well. However, College Station is home to a number of families, as well, and you’ll be sure to find family friendly amenities as well. The city offers a nice blend for a variety of demographics.

Want to learn more about College Station before your move? Make sure you have an experienced realtor from College Station who can tell you everything you need to know about the area. The more you know before you move, the sooner the city will start to feel like home.

4 Things to Consider When Estimating Moving Costs

No one planning to move thinks that the cost will be easy. It’s one of the most dreaded aspects of moving, and the reason that moving can take months or years to plan. But when you’re planning to move, it’s best to have as clear an idea as possible of what the move will cost so you can budget accordingly. In fact, if your estimate has to skew one way or the other, it’s better to assume moving will cost more than it actually will. That said, the cost of your move varies based on a few different factors. Here are a few things to consider that will have an effect on your particular moving costs:

Distance and Location

One of the factors that will most impact the cost of actually moving is the distance. If you’re moving to a new neighborhood within your city, the mileage for the moving company will be reasonably low. If you’re moving across the country, on the other hand, your moving costs will be significant purely on the basis of traveling from point A to point B. Consider, also, the actual neighborhood into which you move. If you’re moving into the heart of the city, you’re more likely to have an expensive move, whereas affordable neighborhoods on the outskirts will allow you to save a little more.

Home Value

If you own a home already, chances are you’ll sell it before you move. The price you receive for selling that home will impact what you can spend on your new home, so your home value can be an important factor when it comes to your moving costs. This is why many homeowners planning to sell their home will take steps to update their home, boost their curb appeal, or stage it in an appealing way before moving, in hopes of receiving a greater ROI.

Size of the New Home

Are you moving into a studio apartment or a 3-story family home? This will make a difference not just in the cost of buying the home, but the cost to furnish and, to an extension, the cost of the movers. If you’re moving into a family home, for example, you’ll probably have more furniture and belongings that will need to be loaded into the moving truck, whereas a studio apartment is a smaller space and calls for more minimal living.

Moving Method

Many homeowners prefer to hire a moving company, and there are good reasons for this. It can take much of the stress off of the homeowner in terms of packing and moving. However, if you’re moving on a budget, know that hiring a moving company isn’t the only answer. You may be able to avoid the costs of a moving company if you have a friend who has a truck, but the further away you plan to move, the trickier it might be to arrange a ride for free. You can also consider renting a truck yourself, which will cost but not as much as hiring a moving company.

When trying to estimate your moving costs and develop a realistic budget, it helps to talk to someone who’s an expert in the area of buying and selling homes and can ensure that you get the best deal for your budget. Talk to an experienced, College Station realtor about what to expect from your moving costs today.

Making Friends In a New City

Moving to a new city can be exciting, an opportunity to start life fresh and meet new and interesting people. The problem is that meeting new people can sometimes prove a challenge. Without a social circle, new cities can feel isolating and small. Whether before you move or after, it’s good to look at the resources the city has available to you when it comes to making connections. This may vary from city to city, but here are a few standards to keep in mind.

Use Your Built In Connections

Rarely do people move to a new city on a whim. Maybe you have an aunt or uncle who lives in the area, or an old friend from college. Maybe you’re moving for work, and you’ll have a new circle of coworkers. Whatever the case may be, if you want to make friends in your new home, it’s best to start with the familiar and move outward. If a group of coworkers goes out for drinks after the day and invites you to go, go with them. Ask a friend or family member where they would recommend going to meet new people. Soon as you take in more experiences, you’ll be able to branch out more and more.

Play to Your Interests

Meetup is a website that allows you to search for groups in your area based on common interests. For instance, if you’re a book lover, you might be able to find a book club. If you’re more interested in gaming, you can find a group dedicated to board games or video games. You can find groups dedicated to sports or trivia or simply a mixer of people interested in meeting others in the city. After all, the point isn’t just to meet people in your city. It’s to form actual connections, and what better way to do that than find people who are interested in the same things you’re interested in?

Check Out Local Events

It can be tempting to stay home when you’re in a city where you don’t know anyone. After all, settling in with Netflix and a bowl of pasta is more or less free. But if you want to make friends in your city, you really have to be willing to leave your bubble. Fortunately, social media platforms like Facebook have features dedicated to showcasing local events. If you’re on a budget, you can find events that are cheap or free. You can even, like Meetup, search for a specific kind of event in your city. You may also be able to look into local newspapers or magazines, or even online articles that list potential activities to enjoy in your new city. This is not only a good way to make friends in your new city but to become better acquainted with your city.

When you move to College Station, you’ll find a friendly community with an active nightlife and weekend activities to suit anyone’s interests. Talk to your College Station realtor today about not only finding the best home for you but making yourself at home in your community.