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. 

There are 50 developed parks in College Station with nature trails, pools, sports and community programs. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Texas has some of the best weather in the world and it would be a true shame not to spend time at one of the many parks in the great city of College Station. Here are the top 20 parks in College Station.

Bee Creek Park

Bee Creek Park is not located off a main road, making it a perfect park if you have small children who like to wander. Bee Creek offers two playgrounds – one for older kids and one for the younger crowd. The park also offers a volleyball court, picnic areas and a pavilion. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can also spend some time at the Adamson Lagoon. The park is located at 1900 Anderson off Southwest Parkway. The park features tennis courts, nature trails, recreational sports fields, sand volleyball, big playground, pool and pavilion. This is the perfect place for a family-friendly day outside. 

Brother’s Pond Park

This park truly has a dash of everything. This is a great park for young ones and older kids. This park offers the best swings and slides and also offers athletic fields, trails, a pond with friendly ducks, and playgrounds. The park is located at 3100 Rio Grande is a park that is never too busy enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Lick Creek Park

Located at 13600 East Rock Prairie, Lick Creek Park is the perfect place to take the family to go on a hike or go horseback riding. This park is also dog friendly and is a popular spot for pups to run and enjoy the sunshine. Another fun activity at Lick Creek Park is geocaching. If you are interested in a beautiful hiking atmosphere, this park is the best bet in College Station. Lick Creek is over 500 acres and offers wooded trails for jogging, biking, geocaching, benches, breathtaking scenery and horseback riding. 

Stephen C. Beachy Central Park

This two-mile long rubberized walking path along with the 10 acres of woods offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy strolling through this beautifully scenic area. This park is also known as Central Park and features baseball and softball fields, a football field, exercise machines, tennis and soccer fields, two stocked lakes and BBQ and fire pits. Stephen C. Beachy Central Park is also the site of the Christmas in the Park parade and festival. 

Brian Bachmann Community Park

The Brian Bachmann Community Park features:

• Four little league lighted baseball fields
• Two senior league lighted baseball fields
• Two adult lighted soccer fields
• Three youth soccer fields
• Two concession buildings
• Four lighted tennis courts
• Two lighted basketball courts
• A 75’ pool with a bathhouse 
• A skate park
• A picnic pavilion with a barbeque pit
• Kitchen and restroom facilities
• Playground
• Horseshoe pit
• Volleyball court

The park is located at 1600 Rock Prairie Road.

Pebble Creek Park

During the school year, Pebble Creek Park is used as a playground for students and playing field during school hours. The rest of the time, it is used as a city park and offers two playgrounds, ½ mile of walking trails, picnic shelters, baseball backstops, a basketball court, soccer field and a ¼ mile lighted jogging trail with rubber cushioning. The park is located at 401 Parkview Street. 

Richard Carter Park

This is College Station’s only historically significant park located at the site of the Richard Carter homestead at 1800 Brazoswood Drive. This park has an open play area, seating, indigenous plants, a historical market, a bronze statue by Albert Pedulla, and a discovery garden area featuring decks. 

Austin’s Colony Park

Austin’s Colony Park offers picnic tables, barbecue grills, a pavilion that seats up to 96 people, playgrounds, jogging and walking trails, soccer and football fields, covered tennis courts, sand volleyball court, baseball and softball backstops, horseshoes, disk golf, in-line hockey, archery range and outdoor classroom. This park is located at 2400 Austin’s Colony Parkway. 

Neal Park

This is the location of Bryan’s Recreation Center and is the first in-line hockey rink in town. The park features:

• Large picnic pavilion with barbecue grills
• Lighted sand volleyball court
• Lighted tennis court
• Community garden
• Restrooms
• Covered and lighted basketball court
• Several playgrounds with rubber surfacing
• Practice soccer and football fields
• Covered and lighted outdoor classroom amphitheater

The park is located at 600 W. 22^nd Street. 

Sam Rayburn School Park

Sam Rayburn School Park is a joint city and school park located next to Sam Rayburn Middle School. The park has eight lighted tennis courts, a lighted and covered basketball pavilion, soccer and football goals, practice baseball and softball backstops, a 1/3 mile walking and jogging trail, horseshoe pits, and picnic tables with barbecue grills. The Sam Rayburn School Park also has a playground and exercise area. The park is located at 1048 N. Earl Rudder Freeway. 

Sue Haswell Memorial Park

This park offers three large picnic pavilions, a swimming pool, picnic tables with barbecue grills, a large playground with rubber surfacing, and a 24-court horseshoe complex. This park is also the home of the Sandy Koufax/Pony Baseball League. The Sue Haswell Memorial Park is located at 1142 E. William Joel Bryan Parkway. 

Tiffany Park

The exciting Tiffany Park offers a splash pad, picnic tables with barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, lighted sand volleyball court, tennis courts, covered and lighted basketball court, several baseball and softball practice backstops and soccer goals and more than one mile of paved walking paths. Tiffany Park is located at 3980 Copperfield Drive. 

Villa West Park

Villa West Park offers plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy:

• Tennis courts
• Large picnic pavilion
• Covered and lighted basketball court
• Lighted sand volleyball court
• Horseshoe pits
• Two covered playgrounds
• Covered and lighted outdoor classroom amphitheater
• Practice basketball and softball backstops
• Soccer goals
• ½ mile of paved walking and jogging paths

You can visit the Villa West Park at 2050 W. Villa Maria Road.

Brison Park

Brison Park is a hidden gem in the Southside Historic District of College Station. The park is mall, but is always full of beautiful songbirds. This along with the stunning backdrop of old oak trees and the serene creek make this the perfect outdoor escape for you and your family. This is also just a short walk away from Northpoint Crossing. 

Research Park

The park is only two and a half miles from Northpoint Crossing and was established by the Texas A&U University in 1982. Research Park truly has something for everyone including a lot of great picnic backdrops, ponds full of a variety of fish and a waterfall. Make sure to head out to Research Park for a fun summer picnic and enjoy birdwatching. There is also an onsite 18-hole disc golf course. 

Lake Bryan

Lake Bryan offers plenty of grassy areas to spend time at and to relax waterside under the cool shade of the mature oak trees. There are plenty of barbecue grills to picnic with hot dogs, hamburgers and anything else you crave. It’s also fun to set up a blanket by the shoreline of the water. 

Sugarloaf College Station

Start the summer solstice the right way with an early hike up College Station’s sole “mountain” and then lay out a picnic blanket and watch the amazing Texas sunset. Sugarloaf Mountain is the perfect spot for stargazing and watching the sunrise.

Tanglewood Park

This is a family favorite park and offers shaded pavilions, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables, and multiple playgrounds. Tanglewood Park also have splash pads to keep little ones cooled off and entertained for hours so that you can enjoy a nice book in the shade. 

King Oaks

King Oaks is not your traditional park, but offers gently rolling terrain and tall oak trees. There are walking trails that wind through this masterplan. The community offers a wide array of acreage home sites and plenty of amenities including a fishing pond, pool, pavilion and nature preserve. 

University Park

University is a four-acre dog park and is fenced-in with an off-leash park with areas for both small and large dogs. There are also swimming ponds, an agility obstacle course, wash and hydration station and nearby is a playground, walking and jogging loop and a picnic pavilion. This one of the most popular dog parks in College Station and your furry friend with love to spend the day here.

College Station is full of green space and features so many different parks for you and your family to enjoy. From jogging and walking trails to swimming pools and all kinds of sports fields and courts, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy at any of the over 50 parks in College Station. The parks and recreation in the area are one of the many reasons why College Station is a great place to call home. 

For starters, the saying is true, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Just because it’s on Zillow, doesn’t mean it’s true. Buying and selling homes it not something that most of us do every day, unless of course you are a real estate agent.

In most cases, you may do this one every 10 years, or even just once in an entire lifetime. Despite how little we frequent the real estate market, when it comes to real estate, we claim to know it all: how it works, what to do and how to do it.

So for all the stories we have heard and all the things we have been told, there are a number of myths that circular about how real estate actual works and so here are 5 real estate myths and reasons why you should not believe them.

As technology continues to improve and change the way homes are bought and sold, this information becomes more readily available so let’s stop believing everything we read on the internet about real estate because it might be hurting your chances of buying or selling at the right price.

Myths

Myth #1: List your home for more than you expect to get

This is not true at all. Listing your home for too high of a price may actually end up getting you a lower price than what you initially sought out. Why? Because most shoppers don’t even look at homes that are priced above their average market value. Sure, you could always lower the price if no one bites but if the home has already been on the market for two to three weeks, things might start to look fishy.

If you live in a growing market, like San Francisco, try pricing your home for less than you’d expect to get. This way, the buyers will drive the price up themselves. Just don’t try this if your home is located in a declining market, the outcome might not be as positive.

Myth #2: You will get a better deal without a real estate agent

This is completely false and contrary to popular belief, a sure way to get yourself in an uncomfortable situation. A real estate agent knows the market, they know how to sell and how to close. They have done this a time or two and know well how to avoid common mistakes that you are likely completely unaware of. Be smart and sell or buy the right way, with a knowledge and professional real estate agent. After all, you are only ever going to do this once maybe twice, might as well do it right.

Myth #3: The market will always go up 

In recent years, homeowners and sellers have experienced a period of increasing home values, but this is not always the case. Thinking back to 2007, this type of decline can always make its return. Real estate prices can indeed fall, the hope is that they come back and rise higher than before.

Myth #4: Renovate before you sell 

It is very common to be told to renovate your kitchen or bathroom before you sell, “it will increase the value” but this is not always true. A major renovation right before it is time to sell could backfire and end up costing you a whole lot more than you bargained for. It might also turn out that your prospective buyer has completely different taste than you and will want to redo the renovation right away. In most cases, you are better off just adjusting your price accordingly and saving yourself the time, month and headache.

Myth #5: All MLS properties show up online 

Homes rarely sell to buyers who attend open houses. With the popularity of the internet these days, most of the vetting is done online, not in person, but everything on the market isn’t always available online. First off, your agent must allow you to see the properties he/she chooses through the MLS portal but even then, they might not have access to all the properties. There are properties sold off-market as well. So check all your sources to make sure you are checking out all the options in your price range.

All in all, the home buying or selling process is not an easy one to navigate. Do your research, plan ahead and find a real estate agent you can trust to help you navigate the waters of real estate, hopefully we have help debunk some of the myths that have been circling to help you in your home buying or selling process.

If you have questions about College Station Homes or would like to learn more about the area, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.

So you’re heading to College Station, Texas and looking for some insight. Well, for starters, it shouldn’t be hard to guess that College Station is indeed a college town. The name may or may not have given it away. Regardless of if you are a student or not, College Station is an exciting place to live, but I am sure you already know that.

College Station is home to one of the largest universities in the country and the biggest in the state, Texas A&M, which caters to roughly 60,000 students year round. Needless to say, with so many students roaming around there’s always things to see and a lot to do for everyone to stay entertained, both students and non-students alike.

All that said, there’s always countless unknowns spinning around your head as the move gets closer: Where do I get this? Where can I find that? What if my power shuts down? What if I need to go to the hospital? Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of 20 online resources for people moving to College Station, Texas.


20 Online Resources for You

Where to Live

There are tons of options in College Station for both rental and purchasing. If you are looking for a rental, you are in luck because rent prices in College Station are going down. If you are looking to buy a home in College Station, don’t forget about HOA. Most people think that HOA’s are only for condos, but that’s not always the case. Read up on 10 things to know about HOA before you buy in College Station.

Restaurants

Since Texas A&M is in the heart of College Station, there’s no doubt this city flourishes around the student population and its need. There are countless restaurants, clubs and bars to be found all in and around the heart of College Station. Here is a list of the 45 best places to eat in College Station according to Spoon University.

Nightlife

If you are more of a night owl, then Northgate District is where you want to be. The Northgate District is located directly across the Texas A&M campus, so it’s a great place to live if you are looking for easy access to the local clubs and bars. This area is also home to some of the best luxury apartments in the whole area. Looking for somewhere to go out? Here’s a list of the top 10 nightlife places in College Station according to Yelp.

Transportation

Given the size of College Station, Texas most residents find personal vehicles to be the best and most reliable form of transportation. The city does provide public transportation but given the size, it’s complicated and unreliable. Getting a car is your best bet.

Weather Resources

The weather in College Station, Texas ranges from the low 50’s to the high 90’s depending on the time of year. March to May tend to be the cooler months while the temperatures rise in June, July and August. In the case of extreme inclement weather, here are some resources to keep you up-to-date and prepared for all that mother nature throws your way:

• National Hurricane Center (NHC)
• National Weather Service (NWS)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA)
• National Weather Service — Houston Office

Medical Resources

Everyone hopes that nothing will ever happen to them, but sometimes life has other plans and it’s always good to be prepared. In the case that tragedy strikes, here are some resources to get you help and keep you safe when needed:

• Brazos County Health Department
• Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
• University Emergency Medical Services
• Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Law Enforcement Contacts
It is always smart to stay out of trouble, but when things just don’t go as planned or when you need some professional help, here are some law enforcement contacts to reference. Don’t forget in the case of an immediate emergency, Dial 911.

• Brazos County Sheriff’s Office
• Brazos County Constables Department
• Bryan Police Department
• College Station Police Department
• University Police Department

Other resources

• International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
• American Red Cross
• Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII)
• Texas A&M University Integrated Center for Homeland Security
• Texas A&M University Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center
• Volunteer Center of the Brazos Valley

Now that you have got a better idea of what to expect from College Station, Texas and are equipped with a great list of online resources, you can move forward with your move with a little more peace of mind. If you have questions about College Station Homes or would like to learn more about the area, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.

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You may think like many people do that because you’re buying a single family home that you don’t have to worry about an HOA but that’s not so. Although homeowners’ associations are more commonly associated with condos, when you buy in College Station, there’s a good chance you may wind up with an HOA to answer to. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

What is an HOA?

A homeowner’s association is literally what it sounds like – it’s a group of homeowners who get together to create laws to govern a certain set of properties within a community. All HOAs have CCRs or Covenant, Conditions, and Restrictions; guidelines that residents have to abide by or they could get kicked out of their homes.

Depending on the type of person you are and the type of HOA that manages your community, you may find your HOA unreasonable, too intrusive, with many even dictating how long you can have overnight guests. So even though you own the property, your castle is your castle in so far as your CCR will allow you to go.

5 Benefits of an HOA 

That begs the question, why would anyone want to buy a house where they have to answer to an HOA about whether or not they can install a swimming pool or put up holiday decorations. For the same reason you buy a home anywhere – because you fell in love with the house.

Before you buy a house or condo in a particular community, find out if it is governed by an HOA and if so, find out what kind of HOA they are. Here are the 5 main benefits you should look for in your neighborhood’s HOA.

#1:  Well-Kept Grounds and Facilities

Part of the fees you’ll pay to the HOA every month is dedicated to the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds. The average HOA fee can be as low as $150 per month or as high as $350.

Drive around the properties governed by your prospective HOA. Are the grounds well-kept? Is there litter or dog feces everywhere? Get out of the car and walk around to get a really good feel for how well your HOA will maintain the property.

#2: 24-Hour Security Patrolling the Community 

Many HOA communities are gated but just as many are not. It may be a group of homes that on the outside would appear to have nothing in common as single family homes but could be governed by the same HOA.

How well are the premises secured? Is there a gate with a patrol officer at the entry? Is the community patrolled mostly by cameras and not by foot/car patrol or vice versa? The best security will do both as well as 24 hour security and surveillance. Check back at different hours and days of the week as you’re deciding whether or not to buy to see if the grounds are consistently well protected and not only for show during the day.

#3: Proactive and Responsive Maintenance and Repairs

Anyone who has ever lived in an apartment knows how frustrating it can be to deal with an unresponsive maintenance staff. For your fees you should expect prompt repairs and maintenance, not just to your unit or home, but to the grounds as a whole.

When you drive around, are there neighborhood lights that are out? Are signs defaced or broken? These can be tell-tell signs that your HOA’s maintenance and repair team is not very responsive.

#4: Great Community Perks and Amenities

Not everyone who belongs to an HOA is a joiner but if you are, one of the big benefits of an HOA is the community perks and amenities. A home governed by an HOA will likely have a community park and the HOA often hosts several community-wide events each year.

What are the community perks like? What kind of amenities does the HOA provide to residents? However importantly you rank these things, they should factor into your decision about whether or not to buy a home in College Station with an HOA.

#5: HOA Fees Pay for Free Cable or Wi-Fi

Many HOAs will give you extras for your monthly fees like free cable and Wi-Fi. You will find some that have special discounts with local vendors like gyms, restaurants, and grocery stores too.

Does the HOA offer freebies that you would actually use? Are they worth a particularly high monthly HOA fee?

5 Things to Look for in an HOA

Besides knowing what benefits to look for, when buying in an HOA there are certain features and actions of your board that should guide your decision. When weighing all of the benefits, make sure to weigh them against these 5 equally important things to look for in an HOA.

#1: Positive/Healthy Financial Statements – The HOA has to make financial records available to prospective tenants but few think to ask for them. Make sure that your prospective HOA is forthcoming with their financial statements and that your fees are well managed.

#2: Reasonable CCR (Restrictions) – When you join an HOA you have to agree to the CCR which is basically a formal document detailing community guidelines and restrictions. Some of the typical things that are limited or forbidden by HOAs include pets, painting or making renovations to interiors and or exteriors, parking, types of visitors or lengths of stay permitted by guests, etc.

You can ask for a copy of the HOA’s CCR before you decide to buy. You should do that and see if there are any restrictions that you cannot live with beforehand.

#3: Limited HOA Fee Increases – Once you buy in an HOA and agree to the fees, over time, those fees may steadily increase. In fact, some HOAs include regular fee increases. However, they should be minimal. Ask about any major increases for residential projects in the near future that are anticipated so that you know exactly what you’ll be out each month and prepared for big hikes later on.

#4: Legal Track Record of HOA – Some HOAs are so nitpicky that they find themselves in court all of the time being sued by residents who were ejected for rule violations or to kick residents out for violating rules. How often is that happening and how often is the HOA in the wrong?

#5: Reputation of the HOA – Bad HOA boards tend to earn a bad reputation in the community. Instead of finding out the hard way after you’ve already signed the deed, take a walk around your prospective community and talk to the neighbors about the HOA – go outside of the community even to get an outsider’s opinion. 

Some College Station Neighborhood HOAs

Your prospective College Station home may be in an HOA community. Here we have two online sources that will help you identify and learn more about HOAs in College Station. The first is the Neighborhood Partnership Program; a community-wide program aimed at positive community building.

There they maintain a comprehensive database of all of the different homeowners associations in the area. You can get all kinds of information about planned projects, upcoming hearings, and community events.

We also have the HOA Partners who manage a broad selection of HOA communities in College Station. Here you can find budget summaries, CCRs, and financial statements for HOAs associated with HOA Partners.

Emerald Forest HOA – Single Family Subdivision

Emerald Forest is a good example of an HOA that governs single family homes within a particular subdivision. Their website spells out many of the restrictions imposed by the HOA and includes a tenant portal for paying HOA dues. Select the documents tab to take a look at phase maps, deed restrictions, meeting minutes, HOA by-laws, and more.

The Traditions – Highly Restrictive with Championship Golf Courses

The Traditions is an example of why people are willing to put up with sometimes unreasonable restrictions in order to live in a certain community. The Traditions is a private community with its own championship level golf club. Members have to abide by a 69 page CCR with dozens of deed restrictions.

Spring Meadows – Single Family Homes with a Park

Spring Meadows is one of those HOA communities that work to foster a community environment. In order to see their 34 page CCR and deed restrictions you have to have a member login. Your CCR is mailed to you once you buy. If you are thinking about moving here, ask them for those details up front.

Castle Gate (and Castle Gate II)

A second phase of this development is going up, but Caste Gate is governed by a 31 page CCR. They are also members of the HOA partners so you can get detailed information about their CCR, financials, and budgets going back several years from the HOA Partners website.

2/1/18

New Businesses :
Auto Zone – Towerpoint
Bahama Bucks- Bryan
Berryhill Century Square
Big’s Wine and Spirits
Bourbon & BBQ will be opening in Downtown Bryan over next to the Queen
Burger MOJO next to Embassy Suites
Caliber Collision Center – Caprock Crossing
CapRock ER by the Bryan Target
Casa Do Brazil – Caprock Crossing
Chick Fil A – 2818 & Villa Maria
Chick Fil A – Jones Crossing Development
Christland Church – The old Fitness Dome
Dunkin’ Donuts
Freddy’s Frozen Custard Fitch, next to Taco Bell
French Fry Heaven – Century Square
Gringo’s – South College Station
HEB Shopping Center – Welborn & 2818
Hooter’s Boonville Shopping Center Area
Hyatt House – Bryan near Cracker Barrel
Jersey Mikes Subs
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Lidl Grocery Store – Villa Maria & 2818
Mercedes/BMW Dealership – Hwy 6 College Station
Nam Cafe – by The Rise
Oakmont Community – 400 acres is planned for East Bryan
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – 1600 University (S&W)
Porters Steakhouse – Century Square
Ronin Cooking @ Ice House on Main
Royal Touch Laundry – next to Layne’s on Wellborn
Ruggles Century Square
RX Pizza – Caprock
Starbucks – Tower Point
Studio Movie Grill – Century Square
Super 8 motel Bryan
Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe – Century Square
The Angry Elephant Bar ‘N Grill
The Shops At Brazos Valley – south of the Target shopping center
Tru By Hilton Hotel – Bryan
Tru Fit Athletic Clubs – Old Kroger building at Texas and Southwest Pkwy
Tru Fit Athletic Clubs – Target Center Bryan
Urban Air
Walk Ons Sport Bar
Whataburger – Corner of SW Pkwy and Wellborn Rd
Yoga District Holistic Spa
Z Bar & Bistro – old Loupot’s building, Northgate

Thank you Robert Young for sharing this information.  Our community is growing in a wonderful way.

Myke Leatham