From obtaining pre-approval to closing on the home, there is so much that goes into buying a house. When you add in waterfront to the mix, things just escalate. Lucky enough, there are real estate agents who specialize in waterfront homes and who know the ins and outs of this complex process. Here are 10 facts and tips about Texas waterfront homes you need to know before buying.

Choose an Agent Who is a Waterfront Specialist

A typical agent won’t have all of the knowledge of waterfront properties in your area to help you find the best deals, so it’s important that you work with a waterfront specialist. You may think you have found an exceptional deal on a home, but what you might not know is that there are underlying issues with the home that a typical agent would not know to look for. 

Look at the Property More than the Structure

Take a look at the property as a whole, not just the home. You may find that you love the home, but that the water is mucky at certain times of year, the view isn’t as good as it could be, or that you don’t have as much privacy as you’d like. Remember that you can change certain things about the home, but you cannot change the location of the house. So buy a property you love and not just a house you love.

Choose the Waterfront Property that Fits Your Lifestyle

You may find the ideal house for you, but it may be an hour away from all of the conveniences you are accustomed to. Focus on the activities you like to do and what you are passionate about and why you want to live on the water before you choose a property. You want to make sure that the waterfront property hits all of the boxes. 

Look into Obtaining a Loan Early

Waterfront properties typically come with a higher price tag than homes that are not waterfront meaning loans for these waterfront properties will fall into the jumbo mortgage category. Mortgage lenders will only consider very qualified buyers on loans of this caliber. Buyers should really start the loan process before they start looking for a waterfront home because it can take a lot longer to obtain this type of loan.

Make Sure the Structure Can Withstand Weather

Waterfront homes are exposed to more abuse from weather than the average home, which means you need to take extra measures to protect the home. You will need to invest in storm shutters and stainless-steel locks to avoid corrosion from moisture. 

Know that Insurance Will Be a Higher Cost

Make sure to look into home insurance on a waterfront home early on so that you know what kind of expense this will be. Your real estate agent and insurance professional will be able to give you a ballpark quote so that you know how much you will be spending on insurance on the home. 

Find Out What You Can Change on the Property

If there are things you’d like to change to a waterfront property, like adding a dock, you should start this process early to make sure that these kinds of changes or additions are allowed. Certain government agencies are really strict and tough to deal with, and you do not want to be purchasing a high-dollar waterfront home without having the guarantee that can make it your own. You should also find out what activities are allowed on the water as certain areas may have restrictions on jet skis, speedboats and other things. 

Talk to Neighbors

It can’t hurt to get the inside scoop on the neighborhood just by checking in with neighbors and seeing what they have to say. See if they enjoy living in the community and see if there are any issues with the property you are considering buying. The neighbors probably know more about the home and the property than you think. 

Look Into Utilities

Waterfront buyers who may be used to the convenience of living near the city may assume that electricity, an adequate septic system, clean water, cable and internet will be readily available at the property. This is not always the case and buyers should be prepared that bringing these services into remote areas can be expensive. You should look into getting utilities at the home before you buy it. 

Know the Responsibilities of Owning a Waterfront Home

As a waterfront homeowner, there are greater responsibilities you will have when it comes to maintaining your home. Review the conditions, covenants and restrictions and talk to your HOA’s management company. 

An experienced real estate agent will be able to vet a property and its history. You should examine the floodplain and its proximity to any structures located on the property by taking a close look at the history of development on the land. All of this info can be found via local government resources. Look at weather patterns and the impact of wind and flooding.

Understand Legalities

There are many legal issues that come with purchasing a waterfront property, which is why it is a good idea to work with a lawyer. One of the most important issues is how far the home extends toward the water. In certain cases, property lines can stop short of the water’s edge, which leaves a gap that could be zoned for public use like a roadway or a promenade. If your property does extend to the water’s edge, you could experience riparian rights, which means the rights to the water are shared equally amongst all of the homeowners of the property that extend to the water’s edge. 

It is really important that you consider whether or not you are buying waterfront property that extends to the edge as it can impact how you can use the water and interactions you may have with your neighbors.

Benefits of Living in a Waterfront Home

There are so many benefits to living in a waterfront home. The amazing views, the tranquil atmosphere and the breeze from the water are just a few of the great features you get to enjoy living waterfront. Not only those things, but you also get to enjoy all of the fun activities that come with living so close to the water.

• Peaceful Atmosphere

Waterfront homes are typically far from other homes, meaning you get a great level of privacy. There is also a lack of traffic noise, pollution and other unwanted disturbances. You can actually hear yourself think.

• Amazing Views

One of the top benefits of living waterfront are the amazing views you get from the home. Just imagine watching the sunrise and the sunset from your home as it rises and lowers into the water.

• Water sports

There are so many opportunities to get out on the water for boating, kayaking and fishing. You have easy access to these fun activities when you have a boat dock and live on the water.  If you have a boat, you can dock it just steps from your door. 

• Great investment

Waterfront homes in Texas account for a significant value in terms of investment. Waterfront properties are often hard to find and retain their value well. A waterfront property can also be used as a rental property should you choose to move away. 

• Health benefits

Spending time near the water can relieve so much stress. Just being away from the hustle and bustle of the city and being able to hear the water moving with the wind. The fresh air can do so much for one’s health. Think about how much more relaxed you will feel waking up to the serene water. 

The key to purchasing a waterfront home is to have the right partner by your side through the process. A trusted realtor can help you find the perfect home that is of quality. If you are new to purchasing a waterfront home, there is a lot of info you will need to know in order to make an informed decision about purchasing the home. An agent who is experienced in helping their clients purchase waterfront homes can ensure that the sale happens smoothly and that you have all of the info upfront.

Waterfront Living is Truly Unmatched

Waterfront living has so many advantages and offers a lifestyle that we know you will enjoy. Understanding the added elements of owning a waterfront home is important in order to make a wise financial decision in purchasing this kind of home. Waterfront homes in Texas are truly one of a kind and there are so many beautiful waterfront homes to choose from. 

The realtors at Myke Leatham can guide you to the perfect neighborhood with the perfect waterfront home for you in College Station. Contact us today to get started and take a look at our featured listings.

We’d like to formally welcome Amie Matejka to Brazos County Realty. Amie’s professional goals and ambition in the real estate industry are energizing to all she comes in contact with. We’re so excited to have her with us. Her past experience and years of service show a real love for people and the ability to perceive the needs of others. She’s fun to be with and a real asset to our company. Call Amie at (979) 255-9111 if you have questions about properties in the area.

Connect with her on Facebook.

College Station is a great kid-friendly city, which is why many families flock to this area. If you have little ones and you are looking for some simple summer activities to keep them occupied, College Station has plenty to offer from a blueberry farm to aquatic centers, there is so much to enjoy! 

Adamson Lagoon

The Adamson Lagoon is a mini water park located right in College Station and is a great time for everyone in the family. The lagoon features a large serpentine water slide, tadpole slide for really little ones, the stump slide, and water basketball and a lily pad walk. There is also an Olympic-size swimming pool for kids to enjoy wading in the water or diving. This is an enjoyable and fun place to cool off with the family in the summertime and will keep the kids having fun all day long. 

The Adamson Lagoon is located at 1900 Anderson in College Station. Visit the website here. 

Kingsbury Blueberry Farm

Give your kids the once in a lifetime experience of picking their own blueberries at the Kingsbury Blueberry Farm in nearby Caldwell. The blueberries are all grown organically and the farm offers over 100 bushes and four different kinds of blueberries to choose from. You and your family can bring your own containers, basket or buckets and then weigh it after it is full. The best time to pick blueberries is in the summer from June through July and farm owners encourage you to pick early in the day or later in the day because of the heat. If you want, you can also head out to the farm for an evening of picking blueberries to escape the heat.

Bryan Aquatic Center

The Bryan Aquatic Center features an Olympic-size pool that has a large 175-foot waterslide. There is also a small baby pool and two diving boards. It also has plenty of space for the entire family to enjoy being in the sun together. This is the perfect place for families with children of all ages. The pool is open all year long, so you can enjoy the Bryan Aquatic Center any time you want. 

The Bryan Aquatic Center is located at 3100 Oakridge Drive. Visit the website here. 

Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley

This is an interactive educational facility which features hands-on exhibits on theater, where kids can explore any role they wish. The children’s museum also has an exhibit on fitness and health and one that teaches youngsters about economics. The Sounds Around Town also lets children explore the world of music and in the Village Arts, kids can paint the Volkswagen Beetle and make other crafts. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 111 East 27^th Street. Visit the website here. 

George Bush Presidential Library

Located at Texas A&M University, the George Bush Presidential Library tells the story of our 41^st president George Bush. The museum offers artifacts like his Presidential Limousine, campaign memorabilia, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and Presidential Gifts of State. This is a great way to escape the heat with your little ones and help them experience a piece of U.S. history.

Lone Star Trapeze Academy

Take your kids to the Lone Star Trapeze Academy so they can fly through the air with the greatest of ease. At Lone Start Trapeze Academy in Bryan they can spend the day having a blast. No experience is needed and kids ages six and up can participate. 

Research Park

Located on the edge of the Texas A&M campus, Research Park has something for everyone to enjoy. There is an exceptional 18-hole disc golf course and an off-lease area full of cute pups. The grassy knoll is a great spot for having a picnic or reading a book in the shade of one of the large oak trees. There are so many ways to enjoy Research Park. 

Escape Room BCS

Escape the heat at the Escape Room in Bryan-College Station. This spot locks participants in a room with a group of people and then everyone works together to find clues and solve a series of riddles and puzzles that allows them to escape out of the room. This is a great spot for children to learn and be challenged that is also fun for adults too. 

Royalty Pecan Farms

Royalty Pecan Farms have been growing nuts for over three decades. Over 50 million pounds of pecans come from the state of Texas alone. On the Pecan farm tour, you will go with a guide on a tractor through the pecan tree groves and he will explain the process from the tree to the table. The tour is very informative and interesting and you get to sample the pecans in the gift shop at the end of the tour.

Visit Kyle Field

Kyle Field is where the magic happens at Texas A&M as it is the home of the Fightin’ Texas Aggies and the 12^th man. The state-of-the-art facility is so impressive that suites can sell for up to $12 million dollars. The Jumbotron at Kyle Field is 47 feet wide and shoots out fireworks every time a team scores. This is a fun experience for kids at the beginning of football season right when the summer ends. 

The Library Summer Reading Program

Get your kids reading at the Bryan-College Station Public Library by having them join the summer reading program. This will keep them out of the heat and offers book clubs, computer classes and other great events during the summer. This is a great option if your kids love to read. This can also help them get ahead on summer reading for school!

Grand Station Entertainment

Grand Station Entertainment is a fun-filled family spot with laser tag, mini golf and bowling. They also offer a banquet room to host parties and have a food court with delicious dining options. This air-conditioned fun zone is perfect for a hot summer day.

Lake Bryan Park

Lake Bryan Park is a place where you can fish, mountain bike, hike, swim or camp. If you have a boat, you can take your kids out for water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing. The Lakeside Icehouse offers drinks, food and live music as well. You will also have a great view of the sunset on the lake at the restaurant.

Jumping World Trampoline Park

This spot is full of exciting fun as it is filled with trampolines for kids to jump on. This is a great spot for kids to have fun and get a little exercise with their friends and their parents of course. They can spend the day inside and out of the heat while remaining active.

First Friday in Downtown Bryan

On the first Friday of every month, Downtown Bryan is a happening spot to be. You and your family can enjoy live music, talented street performers, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks or sit down to eat at one of the many delectable restaurants. This is an exciting event in Bryan that many families 

Spirit Ice Arena

Spend some time in the nice cool ice rink and take a few laps. You and your kids can also learn how to skate with a few lessons or watch the Aggie hockey team play. The Spirit Ice Arena also offers therapeutic classes for those with disabilities and skating birthday parties.

Royal Oaks Alpacas

Take your kids to spend the day with Alpacas. The Royal Oaks Alpaca farm offers alpacas for sale and boards them, but even if you aren’t an owner or a buyer, you can still come enjoy spending time with the more than 45 alpacas on site.

Bryan-College Station is the Ideal Place for Kids

When the kids are out of school, it can be tough to find things to entertain them in the summertime, but luckily in College Station there is no shortage of fun activities for kids to enjoy both inside and outside. You can take them to the park for a fun picnic or take them to pick out their very own blueberries. The possibilities are endless. 

Move to College Station – We Can Help!

If you are looking to make the move to the Bryan-College Station area, we can help you find the perfect home for you and your family. The area offers some of the best schools and there are plenty of exciting things to do for the whole family. Make sure to take your kids to a few of these places this summer – we know they will love it!

The realtors at Myke Leatham can guide you to the perfect neighborhood with the perfect home for you in College Station. Contact us today to get started and take a look at our featured listings.

Owning a home in your twenties is possible – it’s actually encouraged and highly commendable. With the right planning, you can say goodbye to renting and hello to homeownership. Renting can come with great benefits, but the fact of the matter is that renting is not helping you earn equity for your investment. Not only does renting require you to make a decision on whether to stay or move to another apartment, but there are also risks of the rent rate increasing. 

When you purchase a home, every payment you make is going toward paying off the mortgage and earning equity. On top of earning equity, owning a home allows you experience living in a neighborhood and making a home exactly what you want it to be with no restrictions. 

Here are some tips on how you can make home ownership in your twenties happen. 

Make the Decision on Where You’d Like to Live

Statistics show that millennials are getting married later and thus waiting longer to buy a home. If you are ready to make the leap to owning your home, the first step is to lock down exactly where you want to live. City, neighborhood, and school zone – all of it needs to be decided. The last thing you want to do is purchase a home and then decide later on that you don’t really want to spend 10 years to a lifetime in a particular area or neighborhood. Making home ownership in your twenties works only if you are willing to commit for at least 5 years. Make sure you have your 5-year plan set before planting roots and purchasing a home. 

Quick tip: College Station is one of the most amazing places to call home. We live here and love it and we know you will, too! If you are ready to find a great home, you will find plenty of options in the College Station/Bryan area. 

Get Your Credit In Line

If you’re in your twenties, you may have low or no credit at all (or you may have pristine credit!), which can make it difficult to secure a mortgage. If you have no credit, you can try opening a credit card with a small limit and just pay off the balance every month to build credit history. If you have established credit, be sure to check your credit report to see your score and ensure that you don’t have any false reports. Keep your credit balances below 30 percent and pay off the balances on time so you don’t have any derogatory marks on your credit report. Take a look at your credit score from the three major credit bureaus, as your score can be different for each. 

Determine Your Budget

How much can you really afford to spend on a home? And keep in mind – what you qualify for, may not be how much you should borrow for your mortgage. After you have decided where you want to live, and you’ve taken the steps to get your credit all in line, you should really look at your finances and determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. 

You really can’t start looking for a home until you know how much you can spend. Do your homework and obtain pre-approvals for a mortgage. The Internet can be your best friend when looking to get pre-approved. There are certain websites you can use to play with numbers and see how much your monthly payment could be depending on interest rate and how much money you put down. You can also gain pre-qualification with any lender, whether it be the bank you use for your everyday banking or with home lenders like LendingHome, etc.

Another item you need to take note of is the type of loan you want to take out. Many first-time homebuyers can qualify for an FHA loan and only put down 3.5 percent – having a lower down payment, which can help break down certain barriers to homeownership. Another option is a 203k-mortgage loan to help pay for renovations on a fixer upper home as well as traditional options such as a 15-year or 30-year mortgage. Keep in mind the recent changes to the tax plan may have affected options for certain homebuyers. Do some research and determine what kind of mortgage will work best for you. 

Save, Save & Save Some More

Now that you know how much you can afford to pay for a mortgage, you need to figure out how to pay the down payment. If you don’t have a large savings or a gift from a family member, you need to work on saving and trimming your budget. Sit down and go through your monthly bank statements and see what you can cut out. Do you really need that fancy gym membership? Can you skip Starbucks and have coffee at home? Locate areas in which you can save and use that extra money to build up for your down payment. Another thing you may consider doing is asking for a raise. Anything helps!

Utilize Down Payment Assistance

Research down payment assistance and grant programs. Certain cities will offer down payment assistance like $15,000 grants for first-time homebuyers who purchased foreclosures in specific neighborhoods. This process requires a hefty amount of paperwork, but in return you receive down payment assistance. This is a soft loan, which means it is forgive a bit each year. You can use the assistance for a down payment, principal or both. 

Finding Your Perfect Home

Now for the fun part – finding your dream home! First, as a first-time homebuyer in your twenties, you will definitely want to the help of a professional real estate agent who knows both the market and the home buying process. A real estate agent can negotiate on your behalf and help you land the home of your dreams at the price you can afford. One of the biggest steps in finding your perfect home is performing due diligence. Once you find a few home options you’d like to explore further, schedule a showing with your real estate agent. On top of looking at the home, you should get a real feel for the neighborhood. Drive by the homes during the day, at night and both in the morning and afternoon during rush hour. 

Spend time in the neighborhood, attend a neighborhood association meeting, talk to a few neighbors to see how they like living there. Read articles and news about the area – really use Google to learn as much as you can. Attending a neighborhood association meeting can help you learn about events, projects and so much more that your real estate agent may not even know about. Eliminate any surprises by doing your research.

Know Your Budget & Stick to It

This is one of the most crucial steps to buying a home in your twenties. If you have a low salary, big student loan payments, and other variables affecting your budget, you need to make sure that you are making realistic decisions when purchasing a home. This isn’t a forever home – this is a starter home. Factor in your mortgage, taxes, fees, insurance and maintenance and upkeep into the home buying budget. Also, just because you are approved for a $200,000 home, does not mean you should purchase a $200,000 home. 

Your realtor can be a guide in helping determine how much home you can afford, as they know every expense that comes with home buying. Realtors also have a special touch and great negotiating skills so if a home is a tad bit above your budget, you can tap into your realtor’s skills and try to negotiate for a lower price. 

Ready to Buy Your First Home? Consider College Station

Buying a home in your twenties is a huge accomplishment and we hope these tips will help you along your journey to home ownership. Determining your budget, working on your credit score and performing due diligence on neighborhoods all while working with a professional realtor will help make the home buying process a breeze. The realtors at Myke Leatham are resident experts in the College Station area and can help you every step of the way in buying your home. 

College Station is home to so many amazing opportunities, from the incredible golf courses, dining options, shopping destinations and of course the coveted Texas A&M main campus. Living in College Station is a dream – you can nestle into a cottage-style home or settle into a home that is waterfront. College Station features fun amenities including museums, the George Bush Presidential Library, Lake Sommerville, Opas, A&M Football at Kyle Field, and plenty of restaurants, shopping, camping, golf and so much more. 

The realtors at Myke Leatham can guide you to the perfect neighborhood with the perfect home for you in College Station. Contact us today to get started and take a look at our featured listings. 

Buying a fixer upper can be both exciting and a lot of work, but there are certainly great fixer upper options in College Station if you are willing to put in a little elbow grease. Your dream home may just need a little updating and renovating to truly shine. Before you decide to purchase a fixer upper, you need to examine both the home along with the repairs and “love” the home may need to bring it up to par for your wants and needs. Let’s explore 10 for buying a fixer upper in College Station. 

Establish a Timeline

Renovating a fixer upper means lots of time, so you need to ensure that the repairs needed will fit with the timeline you have to move into the home. If you are planning to do a lot of the renovations yourself, be prepared to spend time painting, sanding and putting in long hours on the weekends. Keep in mind that if you need the repairs done by a certain time, like if your current apartment has a lease that expires or if you sold your home and the new owners are moving in on a certain date, you will need to ensure that you stick to timeline so you don’t encounter situations that are hard to get out of. 

Determine What Needs to Be Fixed

Make a detailed list of every single thing you’d like to change or update in the home. Determine what needs to be fixed right away and what can be done at a later date if you don’t have the budget to do all at once. It’s one case if the home needs cosmetic updates like replacing cabinets and floors, but it’s another if there are structural issues. Cosmetic changes can usually be done on your own. 

Really Think About Structural Issues

Structural problems like foundation, the roof or drainage systems can cost a fortune to fix. A wise tip is to have an inspector come out and inspect the home’s structure and major fixes. The last thing you want to do is purchase a home, only to find out that the foundation has severe cracks. If the home is in need of a lot of structural repairs and the cost of the home will not offset the amount you’ll spend fixing these issues, you may want to reconsider buying that particular home. 

Determine Where You Will Live During Renovations

If you have another place to stay during the renovation period, a fixer upper can be a great opportunity. If you need to immediately move into the house, renovating can pose issues – especially if the home is in need of major updating. If the home isn’t livable right off the bat, keep in mind that you may need to stay in a hotel or at a friend’s for an extended time period while you make repairs and upgrades. 

Know When to Hire a Contractor

You need to know when you need a contractor for the work and you need to hire the right contractor for the job. A contractor should do big renovation projects, especially if you are not knowledgeable on construction. Ask friends and family who they have used, do a quick Google search and read reviews. Interview at least three contractors before choosing which will work on your home. Ask them for references and examples and photos of their previous jobs. Never take a contractor at their word without having any examples. Get estimates, plans and timelines in writing before hiring them. Also, read through the entire contract before signing. 

Be Honest About Your Budget

Is renovating a home truly in your budget? Can you do the renovations the right way without having to cut corners? The fixer uppers in College Station can turn out to be some of the most beautiful and impeccable homes, but it takes time, money and effort to get them to that point. If you are struggling to locate money for the down payment, you may not be making the wisest decision in purchasing a fixer upper home. Even if you do have money set aside for the down payment and repairs, remember, there are always surprises that pop up inevitably so you’ll also want to budget for unexpected issues. Luckily, there are financing options available that can help alleviate this financial burden of renovating a fixer upper. 

Consider Applying for an FHA 203(k) Loan

If you are purchasing a fixer upper, you should highly consider applying for an FHA 203(k) loan, which covers the cost of the home along with any repairs the home needs. You will need to make a down payment of 3.5 percent of the home’s estimated value after the renovations are complete. There are two types of FHA 203(k) loans: the standard loan, which is for homes that require structural repairs, and the streamline, which is for houses that need non-structural repairs. 

Consider Your Support Team

One of the many tips we want to give our potential fixer upper buyers is to make sure that you have a solid support system to help you along the process. Having an experienced realtor alongside you when purchasing the fixer upper can be a game changer. The realtors at Myke Leatham can help you every step of the way when purchasing a fixer upper in College Station. Along with an experienced realtor, you also want to make sure your friends and family will be there to support this project. If the project gets stressful, you’ll be thankful you have a strong support system to help you de-stress. 

Have Reasonable Expectations

Plenty of people love to binge watch HGTV, which can be fun, but also very misleading when it comes to home renovations – both with the cost and timeline aspects. Be reasonable when it comes to the end result. Don’t expect a major renovation to be done in a couple of months. Also, don’t expect to perform a major renovation without a few bumps along the way affecting your wallet and your projected completion date. You have to be realistic about things going wrong and be prepared when they do. Don’t get in the state of mind that your renovation project will be an HGTV show success with few barriers – you may encounter a couple of issues, but with the right contractor and support system you will be so pleased with your fixer upper after it’s renovated.

Have Several Inspectors Look at the House

Home inspectors are knowledgeable and have ample experience in evaluating the health of a home. Having a few inspectors look at the home can help you ensure that no major issues are missed. You will feel more at ease knowing that you are purchasing a fixer upper that does not need in-depth renovations to serious parts of the home such as the foundation and roof. If the home does have foundation or roof issues, you should consult with a contractor to determine just how severe the damage will be and how long the repairs will take along with the cost. If the cost and time it will take to repair these issues are major, you may want to keep looking. 

Bonus Tip:

To really get the most bang for your buck, if you are looking to buy a fixer upper, you want to purchase the worst home on the block. The worst home on the block will have a good price tag and once it has been renovated and fixed up, you can earn a serious return on the investment. The high price of comps in the neighborhood will have a positive effect on the home’s resale value. 

The expert’s rule of thumb is that you should spend 20-25% less than what the property in good condition would be in the neighborhood or area. Do some research and look at the price per square foot and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Depending on what needs renovating and how much the renovations cost, this percentage can change. 

Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Fixer Upper in College Station

Our team of realtors at Myke Leatham can help you locate the ideal fixer upper in the Bryan/College Station area. We can help guide you through every step of the home buying process and help you find a home that will be sure to offer a great return on the investment if you choose to sell the home down the road. We know how exciting and difficult purchasing a renovating a fixer upper can be and we want to help you make the process as easy and fun as possible.

We love College Station and all the fun dining, shops and entertainment spots in the area, including the exciting Texas A&M University main campus. Contact us today to schedule a showing of one of the many fixer upper homes available in the area. 

Some things never change, but fortunately in the real estate world a lot has evolved in the way business is done. It used to be that MLS published listings in a book and there was no such thing as an online listing. Today, instead of cold calling, we cold-email. These are just a few of the things that have changed in doing business in real estate. Let’s take a deep dive into all the ways the business of real estate has changed over time.

Agents Don’t Prospect By Telephone as Often

Many agents are not choosing to pick up the phone and cold call anymore, they are instead reaching out via email. This has helped improve the process of cold calling because prospects can return an email at their leisure rather than having to catch someone at the right time by calling. Real estate agents can spend less time on the phone and more time closing deals all thanks to the wonderful system of emailing. Prospecting can also be done via email campaigns, which can also be tracked to see results such as open rates and click through rates, which can help agents weed out cold leads. 

Communication is Automated

Many agents are using drip email campaigns to stay in contact with prospects and clients. This is an efficient way to stay on top of communication, but it may also hinder true relationship building because automated communication limits face-to-face communication. Because consumers demand immediate responses to communication, the real estate industry is being pushed to automate these communication processes in order to provide timely responses. In the past, there was no communicating with prospects and clients via text messaging or social media, but now these are highly utilized forms of communicating and fewer and fewer agents and consumers are making actual phone calls. 

There is More Available Information

With the internet, consumers can now find all the information they could ever want, making it harder for real estate agents to prove their value because they have to find a value add that cannot be found on the internet. The interpretation of this information is what the real estate agent must now use as leverage for sales pitches. Real estate investors can now see all of the information on a home online and take virtual tours and put in an offer without ever stepping foot in the home. The Internet has truly changed the way real estate works by allowing for consumers to gather information with the help of a realtor. Remember – just because the consumer has the information doesn’t mean that they have the tools to make the best financial decision.

Real Estate Agents Have Become Marketers

The most successful real estate agents have become their own marketing machines. They know how to properly price and position listings for maximum exposure. Real estate agents can no longer just list a property; they must market the listing. Any agent can list a property on MLS, but successful real estate agents know how to market. Agents are now creating email drip campaigns to send out to prospects and clients, creating home flyers and utilizing social media to help boost the exposure of their listings. LinkedIn is a prime platform for marketing both properties and agents themselves as it allows them to post relevant articles and give commentary to establish a strong digital presence. 

Transactions Are Being Done Over Text

With so many millennials buying homes, the way transactions are being done is changing. For decades, a phone call has been a real estate agent’s primary tool of the trade, but now consumers prefer to handle transactions via text rather than phone calls. It isn’t just this younger generation that prefers text either; older generations are also beginning to prefer to handle communication via email, text and social media. With this change in how transactions are being handled, realtors need to establish a mode of communication that works best for the buyer so that they can receive quick responses. Apps such as DocuSign are also making it easier to streamline the process because all legal documents can be signed on mobile devices without having to deal with all of the hefty paperwork like in the past. 

Greater Emphasis on Customer Service

With the Internet comes the opportunity for clients to write reviews about their experience working with the agent, which means that realtors need to put a greater emphasis on customer service. Clients expect realtors to be their partner during the process of buying or selling their home and want their realtor to be able to answer any and all questions. The competition is fierce for realtors so it is crucial that they are the market experts. 

Social Media is a Game Changer

Social media has truly changed the real estate game because it provides an opportunity for agents to interact with buyers and prospects more efficiently. This also presents unique challenges because it is an added time commitment. Agents now have to ensure that they are engaging with buyers on social media to help make them feel like they are a part of their business. Social media is a great way to offer insight and market knowledge to connections, peers and prospects and to help establish market dominance. 

Real Estate Agents Can Accomplish More

Technology has allowed real estate agents to do so much more. Smartphones allow agents to now provide information and status updates, set schedules for open houses and showings and so much more while out in the field. Agents are no longer chained to their desks or a computer; they just need a device that has Internet access. Due to mobile activity skyrocketing, real estate agencies are investing in technology and tools that support agents with online marketing strategies. 

Other technological advances assisting real estate agents include:

• Cloud-based info storage security
• Improved functionality utilizing enterprise software
• More reliable communication applications
• Greater coverage and lower costs for high-speed internet access, cell service, and Wi-Fi
• Online marketplaces that coordinate connections between agents, brokers, sellers, buyers, renters, and investors

Homes are Selling Faster

The home buying and selling processes are moving faster because now consumers are having their first “showing” on the Internet rather than in person. Now, real estate agents aren’t wasting time taking buyers to homes that they have not seen yet and it is cutting down a lot of the time spent trying to narrow down the options. In the past, agents have had to spend time taking buyers to lots of homes and showings just to be able to cross those homes off the list. The Internet is accelerating the process and helping agents close more deals in shorter time periods. 

Renting is Becoming More Popular

Consumers are more open to renting homes due to the roller coaster of values home are seeing. Down payment requirements are deterring younger generations from purchasing homes and changing the real estate market as a whole. More multifamily units are being built and this is affecting the prices of homes on the market. 

Reputation Management is Crucial

Decades ago, word of mouth was one of the easiest ways to gain new business, but now real estate agents have to ensure that their reputation online is of the utmost standards. One bad review could affect future business. This is why it is so important for agents to make sure that their clients are satisfied with their work. Another way to manage reputation is to utilize testimonials and showcase them on the agents’ blogs and websites. 

The old way of doing real estate is no more. Technology has overcome almost every aspect of this business by streamlining processes, changing the way we communicate and helping to provide ways for agents the work outside of the office. While agents are utilizing the new ways of doing business in real estate and thankfully being able to avoid the dreaded cold calling via telephone, technology is also putting more on their place. Social media has added a new element to the game as consumers often look at social media to help them determine which agents to work with and expect to communicate with agents via these platforms. 

Let Us Help You Buy Or Sell Your Home in College Station

Thinking of buying or selling a home? Do you just want to know what your home’s current market value is? Myke Leatham looks forward to lending you our market expertise with no obligation, or we can schedule a home evaluation. We want the entire home buying or selling process to be enjoyable and easy. We are committed to ensuring that all of your real estate needs are met. Browse the website to check out listings, find tips on buying and selling homes and just to learn about the amazing area of College Station and why we love to call the city home. 

College Station is an exciting city to call home and offers some of the most exquisite real estate available. The luxury waterfront homes in the area are nothing short of spectacular with countless high-end amenities and features that can’t be beat, not to mention the expansive views that these waterfront homes offer residents. 

We love College Station because of its homey feel and all of the exciting attractions, including the incredible Texas A&M campus where some of the best memories are made. Living in a waterfront home in the area only escalates the incredible lifestyle you can live. If you are in search of a waterfront home in College Station, here are five things you should look for. 

Look for the Best Views

When you buy a waterfront home, you are buying more than just the home. You should keep in mind that you are also gaining stunning views, easy access to the water, frontage along the water, serene privacy and a variety of other perks. There is no price you can place on a beautiful view of the water, but you will be paying for these additional waterfront perks. 

The best part about purchasing a home on the water in College Station is that you gain an amazing home and a location that offers so many benefits that you get to enjoy every single day. Many of the waterfront homes in College Station feature floor to ceiling windows offering expansive views of the water that is breathtaking in the morning when the sun rises and in the evenings when the sun sets. 

Look for the Right Flood Insurance

Depending on how close the home is to the water and the type of financing, you may be required to purchase a flood insurance police on the home. Flood insurance will cover the repairs of damages caused by flooding and it is important to note that certain waterfront homes are at higher risk for a potential flood than others. These homes will have a higher flood insurance policy rate, which is why you need to understand flood insurance and the costs that accompany it. Your insurance agent and real estate agent can help you determine the cost of flood insurance on a property. 

Certain waterfront homes will require an HOA fee. These are all costs that you need to consider when purchasing a stunning home on the water, but trust us – these costs are minimal when compared to all of the exciting benefits you receive. 

Look for the Numbers Behind the Cost of Extra Maintenance

All homeownership comes with maintenance needs, but waterfront homes have different maintenance responsibilities that need to be taken care of. The most obvious maintenance of a waterfront home is the frontage of the property. If the home is located on a body of water that tends to have rough waters, there is a possibility that a home’s break wall or docks will be destroyed. Waterfront properties are prone to damage caused by weather with higher risk than homes not located waterfront. Other maintenance that waterfront homes require include:

• Dock maintenance
• Siding maintenance
• Roof maintenance
• Deck maintenance

Waterfront properties are also subject to additional regulations and codes and there are strict regulations on shoreline development. If you have future plans to build or remodel on the lot, perform a thorough feasibility analysis given the city and shoreline regulations. New construction cannot be built closer to the water than current construction and this is something to keep in mind. 

If this is your first waterfront home, you should consult with your real estate agent on every single item you need to know about when purchasing a waterfront property. The team at Myke Leatham has extensive experience in waterfront properties in College Station and can help guide you to every single piece of information you need to make an informed decision.

Look for the Right Inspections Needed

Water can create huge issues for a home and since a waterfront home is located near or on the water, you need to ensure that the inspector make sure there aren’t any water intrusion problems with the home. It is possible there may not be any issues with water in the home, the small expense of a home inspection is well worth the peace of mind that you will have knowing the home isn’t damaged. Another waterfront inspection you should look for is a septic inspection. If the home is not hooked up to public sewers, which many waterfront homes are not, it is important to have a septic inspection done. 

Look for Locals to Give Insight on the Area & Neighborhood

Waterfront communities in College Station are very tight-knit and residents are all extremely friendly. A great tip for finding the perfect waterfront home is to talk to some of the local residents to find the ideal neighborhood for you and your family. If you are in the market for a waterfront home, a quick conversation with a neighbor can help you gain insight into potential issues in the area and also the benefits of calling the area or neighborhood home. 

You never know – one of these locals may be your future neighbor and it can’t hurt to have a friendly face down the street when you are new to the neighborhood. Other than speaking with locals, you can also do a quick search online of the community to see what comments are being made about the area. 

Tips for Purchasing a Waterfront Home

Focus on the Property More than the Home

You know what they say, “location, location, location.” This is even more important when purchasing waterfront property because the ratio of land value to total property value is typically higher in waterfront properties. You can always renovate and update your home, but you can never change its location. Consider the following when purchasing a waterfront property:

• Views – Like mentioned earlier, the greatest perk of living in a waterfront home is the view. Understand if your view is protected by CC&Rs or view easements. If there are any view-obstructing buildings or trees, you may want to reconsider purchasing that particular home.
• Proximity to the water – If the home is not directly waterfront, you will need to assess how you’ll access the water. 
• Privacy – Living on the water comes with many perks, but keep in mind that the larger your waterfront frontage is, the more privacy you will have from neighbors.
• Topography – Is the home on a level lot or on a steep slope? The access to the water is much easier if the home is on a level lot. Many waterfront lots are steep and can be hard to get up and down to, which will impact the value of the property. 

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Waterfront Home

Living on the water comes with many things to consider such as the boating traffic in front of the home, whether there is a busy channel or a nearby fishing spot where boaters gather. Also take a look at other homes in the neighborhood – are they well maintained? Does your neighbor own a boat that blocks part of your view? If you are interested in shared waterfront, be thorough in your understanding of the ownerships and rights you have. Certain shared waterfront homes have specifically deeded boat slips, though many others share a community dock. 

Enjoying the Waterfront Lifestyle

The direct and private access to the water that you have living in a waterfront home is one of the biggest draws to these types of homes. Living in a waterfront home is truly a lifestyle. From the brisk fall nights by the water to the stunning sunrises in the summer, there are so many things to love about living in a waterfront home in College Station. Owning a waterfront property in College Station is a life-long dream and it comes with an exceptional lifestyle. Not only is College Station one of the best places to live in Texas, but also when you choose to purchase a home on the water, you are truly choosing an oasis as your home. 

Let Us Help You Buy Your Dream Waterfront Home in College Station

Thinking of buying or selling a home? Do you just want to know what your home’s current market value is? The team at Myke Leatham looks forward to lending you our market expertise with no obligation, or we can schedule a home evaluation. We want the entire home buying or selling process to be enjoyable and easy. 

We are committed to ensuring that all of your real estate needs are met. Browse the website to check out listings, find tips on buying and selling homes and just to learn about the amazing area of College Station and why we love to call the city home.