Myke Leatham | Brazos County Realty
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The Secret of Selling Your Home for 15% More in Dallas, TX

So, you have decided to sell your home, and you want to sell it quick and for the most amount of money possible. The final sale price of your property is dependent on many different factors, but there are strategies that can help sell your home for more than what market value dictates. While there isn’t a specific secret of selling your home for 15% more in Dallas, TX, there are certain tips and tricks you can implement to boost the sales price and sell your home quick. 

Hire the Right Agent

The #1 secret of selling your home for 15% more in Dallas, TX is to hire the right agent. This is why it is so important to interview a couple of different agents and make sure that you hire the person that you think will do the best job in selling your home. If the agent is unresponsive, doesn’t market your property right, doesn’t negotiate well and isn’t well-versed in overseeing a transaction from start to finish then the deal could fall out of escrow or the buyer will end up getting a better deal while the seller loses money. We’re going to go over a couple of suggestions that could significantly boost the sales price of your home in this post, but if you’re working with the right agent, they will not only reiterate what we’ve written here but they will add to it. If you’re looking for a professional, experienced real estate agent to sell your Dallas, TX home please contact us to learn more about our team and how we can be of assistance. 

Price It Right

The best way to quickly sell your home for 15% more than what market value dictates is to price it right the first time you list it – this will make the property appeal to the maximum number of buyers. Pricing strategy is something that you will discuss at length with your real estate agent, and they will be responsible for guiding you during this process. Your agent should pull up comps in the area that show homes similar to yours that have sold within the last six months to a year and use that as a guide. Market trends will also play a role in pricing – if there is strong demand and low inventory then it is a seller’s market, which works in your favor. If the opposite is true – low demand and/or high inventory, then you may want to reconsider listing at this time if you are trying to achieve the highest sales price possible. 

Invest in Proper Marketing

The best way to sell your house for 15% more in Dallas, TX and to sell it quick is to make sure that your home has maximum exposure and reaches as many potential buyers as possible. Proper marketing will be the main responsibility of your real estate agent, but realistically it will be a joint effort. The first step to listing a home for sale is to prepare and stage it for professional photos. If the images in an online listing are dark and blurry, if they show clutter and disarray or if there are only a handful of images uploaded then it won’t be an attractive listing. Take the time to prepare your home for professional images by cleaning, decluttering, painting and fixing anything that needs to be fixed and maybe even consider staging – your agent will guide you through this process, so the property is perfect when it’s time to take photos. Your agent should also suggest putting together a video slideshow, or better yet a virtual tour that will allow buyers to explore the home before they schedule an in-person visit. Additionally, your agent should recommend some type of online advertising such as Facebook ads – there are certain marketing strategies that can be implemented so that your home is exposed to a specific demographic that is searching for a property just like yours. Marketing is the best way to make sure that your property stands out from the competition and is exposed to as many people as possible. 

First Impressions Matter

The first thing a buyer will see when they pull up to a property listed for sale is the front yard, which means that curb appeal is one of the most important areas to focus on before you list your home. Make sure that the grass is lush and trimmed, bushes are tidy, flowers are blooming and that the home looks great too. You will want to fix any major cracks, broken windows or frames, repaint the front door if necessary and anything else that will help increase the curb appeal of the home. Keep in mind that a home that is clean will be attractive to buyers, whereas a home that is dark, cluttered, sticky and dirty will turn them away before they even check out all of the bedrooms. The best way to get your home clean, spotless and looking its best is to hire a professional cleaning company. A professional company will make sure that your kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling clean and that every other corner of the home is shining. If you need to replace or professionally steam clean your carpets, we encourage you to get that done as well. Even though it may seem like you are spending a lot of money to prepare your home for sale this is one of those things where spending a little bit up front can really make a difference in the final sale price. 

Focus on Upgrades That Add Value

Many homeowners believe that the more upgrades they add to their home the faster it will sell and for a higher price – this is not always true. When renovating a home, you want to focus on upgrades that will make a difference when you’re ready to sell, and you also don’t want to over-upgrade to the point where your home is the most expensive in the neighborhood. If homes in your community are selling for $450,000 and you are trying to sell yours for over $600,000 because of all of the upgrades you invested in, you will fall short. The most important renovations that add value to your home include a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, energy-efficient windows, a new garage door, landscape design, minor exterior improvements and basic maintenance that ensure the home is in the best shape possible.

Take Advantage of Good Lighting

A bright and cheery home is more inviting to buyers, in comparison to dark and dreary properties that always have the curtains drawn. As silly as it may sound, lighting is one of the most important factors when selling a home, and we encourage our clients to take every step to maximize the lighting in a property. Did you know that apart from location, lighting in a home has been cited as the next most important “must-have” from buyers? If your home is positioned to receive natural light, then make sure to open up the blinds and curtains and clean the windows. If there is a lack of natural light, there are some steps to take that will help even the darkest corners of your home brighten up. Good artificial lighting can make a huge difference. Additionally, you can change the lampshades, increase the wattage of light bulbs, take down curtains and drapes and trim the bushes and trees outside your home to allow sunshine in. Small things like lighting can make a very significant difference in the sale of your home with little to zero money coming out of your pocket. 

Avoid Personal Touches

Keep in mind that when a buyer is walking through a home that is listed for sale, they are trying to picture their belongings and their life in this space. As you prepare for showings and open houses take the time to de-personalize your home and put away things like family photos, memorabilia collections and other keepsakes. Clearing away personal items will also help to declutter the home further, which will be really appealing to buyers. Your agent will guide you on what you should and shouldn’t put away, or you can hire a professional home stager to assist and maximize the full potential of your home.  

Deciding to sell your home is more than just hiring an agent, listing it for sale on the MLS and waiting for the offers to roll in. It takes a few weeks, sometimes a couple of months, to prepare your home so it’s ready to be sold and you may also have to come up with some out-of-pocket cash to ensure the property is in good shape. Whether you are selling your first home or you are an experienced buyer/seller, it’s always helpful to work with an experienced agent who has your best interest at heart and can support you through the process. To learn more about how to prepare your home for sale and how to sell your home for more please reach out to our team. We have more than 25 years of experience with Texas real estate and we look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs. 

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Freezing Weather to hit Brazos Valley — Thursday, February 11th thru Thursday, February 18th

The Brazos Valley is under a Winter Weather Advisory from THU (2/11/21) 9:39 AM CST until THU (2/18/21) 7:00 PM CST

Weather forecasters are predicting Freezing weather for the Brazos Valley starting on Thursday, February 11th, and going thru to Friday, February 19th when the low temperatures are expected to reach the mid 30’s.

Stay tuned to local weather updates: KBTX,

If traveling, please be especially careful when traveling on bridges and overpasses as they tend to cool faster than surrounding grounds and may become slick.

 

Prepare your homes & property against possible damage from these temperatures by following these simple guidelines.

 

PROTECTING PIPES

  • Insulate exposed pipes.  These are the pipes that come out of the ground and go into your house.  Wrap them with old towels and tape the towels in place.  You can also buy insulation that fits around the pipe.  It doesn’t fit perfectly around the joints.  You may want to wrap towels on any exposed areas just in case.
  • Keep the heat on.  If you will be gone for a few days, set the thermostat to at least 60 degrees.
  • Drip your outdoor water tap.  This keeps the water moving and moving water freezes slower than still water.
  • Drip an indoor water tap the farthest away from where the water comes into the house.  By doing this you are moving water through most of the pipes in the house.
  • Open the inside door to the garage to circulate warm air into that part of the house.  Many of us have the pipes installed through the garage wall and then into the house.  The garage is not heated so by opening the door and allowing heat to escape into the garage, the walls and pipes inside them remain a bit warmer.
  • Open cabinets below sinks if they are located on an outside wall.  By doing this, the warm air circulates through the cabinet and keeps that outside wall, where the pipes are located, a bit warmer than it would be if the cabinet were closed off from the warm air in the house.
  • Know where the water cut off is for your home.  In case of a frozen pipe, you will want to turn off the water to your home so that when the pipes thaw out your home will not be flooded.

PLANTS

  • Keep cold-sensitive plants covered.  At this point, if you haven’t covered them, don’t worry about it.  The spring and summer growth has probably already died off.  But keep that growth on there because that dead leaves and branches insulates the layers below and keeps them from being damaged by other freezes.
  • Cover fruit trees.  Some fruit trees have done OK with the weather so far.  But with the very cold temperatures, you may want to throw a sheet over the tree if you don’t see any damage.  If there is damage just let the tree be and cut off the dead limbs in the spring.  The tree will probably not bear fruit next year but it should survive.

PETS

  • Pets need to be inside!  That fur can only do so much when temps drop below 40 degrees!  If you have an outdoor only dog, make sure the doghouse is protected from the wind and has plenty of warm blankets for the pup to tunnel into.  Puppies and elderly dogs are more sensitive to the cold.  And dogs that are ill should definitely be treated to a warmer room during this cold snap.
  • Bang loudly on the car hood before starting it up if you park outside.  Outdoor cats sometimes crawl into engine compartments that are nice and warm from all that driving.  If you start up the car and the cat is in the engine, you could injure or kill the animal.  Give the cat a chance to escape.
  • Get out the sweater.  Short-haired dog breeds get cold quick!  So dress them up in a little coat or sweater to keep them from catching a cold.
  • Never leave dogs or cats in the car alone.  A car can act as a refrigerator, holding the cold in.  Just think how cold you are and how long the car takes to warm up, animals are feeling the same thing.
  • Active dogs need more food.  Animals burn more calories during the cold weather. So add a little something extra to the bowl.  Of course, you want to make sure they have fresh, unfrozen water.

WATER HEATERS

  • Insulate your water heater.  There are blankets that are specially made for water heaters sold at home improvement stores.  You can put the blankets on yourself; however, if applied wrong, you can damage your water heater, cause damage to your home, and sometimes void the warranty.  It is best to have a professional install these.  Water heaters are often outside, in the cold garage.  They lose some of the heat to the air and become less efficient during this time of year.
  • If water is turned off to the house due to a burst pipe, turn off the water heater.  You can burn out the elements by not having water in your water heater.  So it’s best just to turn it off until everything is fixed.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Bryan Community, College Station Community, Community, Disaster Relief, Information, Rentals, TAMU Housing, Things to do in Brazos County, Things to do in Brazos Valley, Things to do in Bryan, Things to do in College Station, TX Tagged With: Biocorridor, Brazos County, Brazos County Realty, Brazos Valley, Bryan, College Statio, Events Bryan, Events College Station, Freeze Warning, myke leatham, Research Valley, TAMU, tips, TX

City of College Station City Council Meeting

The City of College Station has been working towards adding a Restricted Occupancy Ordinance (ROO) into the neighborhood overlay ‘toolkit’ over the last year.  This would give neighborhoods the ability to put in place the restriction that properties in the neighborhood would not be allowed to have more than 2 unrelated individuals living in any house (owner-occupied or rental).  Only 50% (+1) approval by property owners would be required to put the ROO in place.  The city did a survey last year and that showed that 76.4% of respondents were against the ROO.  City Council proceeds forward, though, disregarding input from staff, residents, and property owners.

This proposed ordinance could adversely impact your client’s ability to use their properties in the future.  Even if there is a grandfathering element put into place, it could affect the sale of properties in the future.

The city will host a series of virtual public interest meetings over the next three weeks.  I have included the details you will need for those meetings.  We strongly encourage you to send that info to your clients, tenants, etc. 

Talking points for these meetings

The virtual meetings will be on February 8 (Tonight), February 16, and February 22, all at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please see the City Calendar for details and Zoom links. Registration is not required for the meetings. The online poll will go live on the evening of February 8 and will close on February 26.

All three meetings are open to the public and you may choose to attend one or more. They will contain identical content but be prepared for specific audiences including the real estate, investor, and development community (February 8), neighborhood groups and associations (February 16), and students (February 22). This three-prong public input approach is to allow for meaningful discussion among each group and for city staff to tailor the presentation and language to each target audiences’ familiarity with development terms and knowledge of zoning and city processes.

Each meeting will provide an overview of the proposed ROO and ask the public to consider three questions.

  • First, are you generally supportive or opposed to the creation of a ROO?
  • Second, if the ordinance is adopted, what would be the appropriate percentage of property owners needed to support the proposal and sign the petition?
  • Third, if the ordinance is adopted, what is an appropriate legacy clause (often called grandfathering) to address properties that have more than two unrelated persons living in a house at the time of a ROO’s adoption?

 

Information provided by the Bryan-College Station Regional Association of REALTORS®

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Filed Under: Blog, Brazos Valley Housing Market, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station Realtor, Community, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, Information, Investment properties in College Station, Market Conditions, Market Conditions, TAMU Housing Tagged With: BCRealty, Biocorridor, Brazos County, Brazos County housing, Brazos County Realty, Brazos Valley, Bryan, Bryan Realtor, bryan/college station realtor, College Statio, College Station, College Station Rentals, investor Market reports, Real Estate, Real estate investing, Research Valley, student housing, TAMU

The Old VS. New Way of Doing Business in Real Estate

Some things never change, but in the business of real estate much has evolved in the last decade. Even though the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is still the primary directory for listings, this used to be a published book whereas today it is all online. There are many changes to note between the old way vs. new way of doing business in real estate. In this blog post we’ll explore some of the main categories in the business that have seen major changes.

Earning Business

Real estate agents are known for going door-to-door and knocking on doors to connect with homeowners in an effort to earn new business. Other ways of boosting business include cold calling and sending out postcards with current listings, recently closed properties and market insights. Although these are still popular practices in certain cities, the method of earning business has significantly progressed and there are more options available to agents looking for new clients. Many agents are reaching out to clients electronically with email campaigns that can be tracked and provide insights like open rates, click through rates and valuable information that could result in a hot lead. Thanks to many advancements in technology prospecting can now be done in many different ways and real estate agents have more time to dedicate to their clients and closing deals. 

Social Media

Social media has been an absolute game changer for real estate professionals. Back in the day an agent may have taken out an advertisement in a local paper or purchased a spot on a billboard or a bus bench. Even though some agents still swear by this type of marketing, social media provides an opportunity for real estate professionals to not only promote themselves and their business, but also to engage and interact with a community and their clients. Social media allows agents to be as public as they want to be by sharing personal information, videos and photos and giving clients an inside look at their lives. It also gives agents the power to offer market insight, expert knowledge and tips as well as to educate their followers on real estate information and trends. This is a great tool to establish market dominance and engage with buyers and sellers alike. The only challenge that has come up from social media is that it requires a significant time commitment to create content, manage social media pages and interact with an audience. Many real estate professionals have chosen to outsource this work to professional marketers and social media managers who assist with branding, strategy development, content creation and management. 

Reputation Management

As little as a few years ago, word of mouth was the primary source of receiving referrals for new business and clients. If a neighbor had an outstanding experience with a real estate agent, they would pass the information along to the rest of the community and to other friends and family members. These days, real estate agents have to ensure that their online reputation is spotless and measures up to high standards. A single bad review online could severely affect any future business opportunities. This is why it is more important than ever to ensure that clients are always satisfied with their agent. One way that agents are building their business and manage their reputation is by uploading testimonials from happy clients on social media pages, blogs and websites. 

Advertising & Promotions

Real estate professionals are in the business of sales, which inevitably means that they need to be really good at promoting the product that they are trying to sell. The most successful real estate agents become marketing geniuses – they need to earn business, grow their client base and promote their closings. These professionals understand that simply listing a property on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is not enough, they know how to properly price a listing and position it for maximum exposure. Agents will spend their own money on advertising a property online, mailing postcards, placing ads in newspapers, creating email campaigns, printing flyers and using social media to even further boost the exposure of their listings. Agents also spend money on professional staging and photography in order to present the property in the best way possible so that they can attract the largest number of buyers. Years ago, buyers would look through the local paper and circle homes for sale that they were interested in – if that were the only form of advertising used today, it’s safe to say the exposure of the listing would be extremely limited. In fact, some agents are so innovative in their marketing that it is not uncommon to find advertisements of a newly listed property in unexpected places like shopping malls, parking lots and even at airports. These new methods of advertising and promotion definitely beat the conventional ways of marketing properties through cold calls and door knocking, which are considered to be effective, but intrusive methods of building a business and winning over new clients. 

Communication with Buyers & Sellers

In the past, communication between clients and real estate agents may have been limited to phone calls. Today there are various methods of communication that can be utilized – including social media, text message, email campaigns and virtual video communication. There are many real estate agents who develop strong friendships with their clients, and the relationship between a client and an agent can become more informal and friendly. This means that communication with buyers and sellers has also changed. Many real estate professionals will use drip email campaigns to stay in touch with prospects and clients. This is a very efficient way of communicating and keeping clients informed with important real estate news and market trends. Additionally, real estate agents will also directly communicate with clients via text message in order to provide timely responses. Social media has also altered communication between agents and their clients – buyers and sellers can directly message an agent about something they have seen on the page, engage with photos on various platforms and digest all types of videos and other digital content 24/7. 

Transaction Management

You may be noticing a trend in this article – a lot of the ways that the business of real estate has changed is because of innovation in the industry and with advancements in technology and communication. This also means that the way a transaction is handled has also become more efficient and streamlined. For decades, a phone call has been the primary tool of the trade used in real estate, but now as more millennials and younger generations are buying homes, they prefer communication over text or email. Real estate professionals have had to figure out tools to use that will allow them to provide quick responses to their clients. This is also important in a hot market when many homes on the market receive multiple offers. There are certain applications like DocuSign that make it so much easier to streamline transaction management because it allows all legal documents to be signed on mobile devices, tablets or computers without having to travel with paperwork for physical signatures. 

Customer Service

Real estate is the business of assisting clients with buying and selling property, but there is so much more involved in every transaction than simply processing offers and paperwork. Buying or selling a home is an emotional experience, and it can be extremely stressful, which is why it has always been important for an agent to provide support, knowledge and the finest customer service to their clients as they guide them through every transaction. With the rise in social media and review websites, agents are putting even more emphasis on customer service in an effort to exceed client expectations and provide a smooth, stress-free experience. Clients will expect their agents to be a partner during the real estate process and to be available to answer questions and provide guidance at all times. The competition in the real estate industry is fierce and it is crucial for agents to be more than just market experts in order to build and sustain their business. 

As you can see, while some things stay the same or see slight evolution, other things have completely changed in the industry. Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has also forced the industry to further evolve – these days we’re seeing more virtual tours, meetings via Zoom or FaceTime and almost all paperwork is completed through DocuSign. Just like any other business, real estate has had to evolve with technology and the world and professional realtors are making the adjustments seamlessly without affecting their clients. If you would like to learn more about how our team at Brazos County Realty has adjusted our business, or about our featured properties please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you, working with you and making all of your real estate goals a reality!

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How to Buy Your Home in College Station, TX Without Overpaying

Buying a home is hands down the biggest financial investment that you will ever make – it may even be the biggest financial risk that you take. It’s important for first time homebuyers as well as seasoned investors to be diligent throughout the entire process of buying a new property to make sure that they are paying a fair price, or that they are knowingly overpaying and ok with it. When a buyer is emotionally invested in a property, they are more likely to pay more than the home is worth because they are willing to do whatever it takes to secure the home as their own. Any buyer is capable of making a mistake during the home buying process, but this mistake can end up costing a lot of money. In this blog post we’re going to go over some of the more common ways that end up causing buyers to pay too much for a home as well as how to buy your home in College Station, TX without overpaying. 

Common Buyer Mistakes

When you choose to buy a home, whether it’s for personal use or an investment, it’s important to negotiate a good and fair price. This will help you escape buyer’s remorse and also set you up for success if you choose to sell the property in a few years’ time. Here are some of the more common mistakes that buyers make:

  • Attending Too Many Open Houses

There is something about the frenzy of going to an open house that brings out a competitive nature in all of us, which makes it easy to end up overpaying and getting emotionally invested in a house. Instead of going to multiple open houses we encourage you to explore available properties online and schedule private showings for the ones that you are really interested in. 

  • Emotional Shopping

One of the more expensive mistakes a buyer can make is letting a seller know how much you love their home. Once you have expressed how you feel it can make it difficult to negotiate the price down because the seller knows how motivated you are. No matter how wonderful a home is and how you excited you are about it, keep it to yourself. 

  • Skipping Inspections

Even brand-new homes will sometimes have issues that need to be fixed, which is why it’s so important to schedule proper inspections. Unless you are buying a home “as-is” there is no reason to skip an inspection. You may think you’re getting a great deal on a perfect home only to find out later that it needs expensive and extensive work. 

  • Taking Their Time to Make a Decision

Good properties sell fast, so once you’ve made up your mind about a specific property let your realtor know ASAP and be prepared to move quickly. If you find the perfect home today but don’t submit an offer until tomorrow, you may already be too late. 

  • Feeling Pressured to Make a Decision

On the other hand, even though it’s important to move quickly, if you have decided that this home is the one, if something does not feel right don’t feel pressured to make a quick deal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to negotiate – the goal is to get the best property for a fair price. The best way to get a good deal is to be prepared for some serious negotiations and to trust your agent to do it for you. 

  • Bidding Wars

Bidding wars are common in seller’s markets when there is more demand than there is inventory. Sometimes, a seller’s real estate agent will try to scare hesitant buyers into a deal by threatening to pass off the home to another potential buyer. In bidding wars no one wins, because whoever ends up buying the home also ends up overpaying. 

  • Forgetting About Hidden Costs

Remember that there is more to your new home than the initial price tag – there are closing costs, mortgage insurance, appraisal fees, inspection fees, taxes, title insurance and so much more. All of these additional fees add up to the total amount that will be coming out of your pocket, so be diligent to escape expensive surprises. 

How to Buy a Home Without Overpaying in College Station, TX

If you have found your dream home and you can afford it, you may not care if it’s overpriced. On the other hand – no one likes the feeling of buyer’s remorse, especially in big transactions like buying a home. The best way to avoid buyer’s remorse is to avoid overpaying – below we have listed a few tips to help you avoid overpaying on a home in College Station, TX.

  • Work with an Agent

Working with an experienced real estate professional offers numerous benefits – one of which is that they will guide you through the sales process and help you avoid overpaying for a property. A real estate agent can help you find a property, negotiate with the seller’s agent on your behalf, draft up documents and run the transaction from start to finish so that you don’t have to worry about missing a signature or a deadline. When it comes to big decisions like buying a home, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals who have your best interest at heart. 

  • Dig Deep into the Comps

Comps are very important in real estate – this is a report put together by your real estate agent showing other homes in the area that have sold recently. Comps are comprised of properties that are similar in size and floor plan, bedroom and bathroom combination, lot size and upgrades. A comp report is a powerful tool that will give you an idea of what a fair price looks like for a house in the neighborhood you are interested in. 

  • Demand an Appraisal

Most transactions will always include an appraisal contingency – this is an important part of the sales process that is usually required by lenders and completed by a qualified appraiser to ensure that the property is worth the price you are agreeing to pay for it. If the appraisal shows a number below the sale price, then you may reconsider your purchase because it will make it harder to get loan approval and you will have to come up with a bigger down payment. 

  • Interview Different Lenders

You interview different real estate professionals before you choose who to work with and you should do the same with mortgage lenders. This is also a place where you can cut down the amount you pay for the house over the life of a loan, so it’s important to compare rates and closing costs between at least two different lenders. 

  • Be Realistic

Overpaying does not mean that you should expect to always strike an amazing deal on a home. There are definitely incredible opportunities in real estate where you can purchase a property below market value, but that does not mean that a home sold at a fair price is a bad deal. A fair price is what you are comfortable paying for a home that you love that is also properly valued in comparison to other homes in the area. If a home is priced right it will sell quickly, and if you can get it for the sales price without entering into a bidding war then you are paying a fair price. 

  • Shop Off Season

Spring tends to be the hottest seasons in real estate. If you are looking to avoid bidding wars and overpriced homes, we suggest waiting until the spring buying season dies down or holding off until the winter months when you are more likely to run into highly motivated sellers who price their homes to sell quickly.

Today’s world and real estate market is fast paced and ruthless, which means that you can’t afford to learn your lessons through trial and error. We hope that the information we have shared in this blog post has been educational and helpful and that it will help you be a savvy buyer. Our team at Brazos County Realty has helped countless buyers find their dream homes while saving them money at the same time. We have also worked with numerous sellers and guided them through the sometimes-daunting process of selling their property for a fair price.

Buying a house is the biggest financial transaction most of us will ever make, and no matter what the price is, paying too much for a home is never a good deal. Being armed with information and working with an experienced realtor whose main goal is to look out for you is the best way to protect yourself from overpaying for a home. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about real estate in Bryan College Station or if we can be of any assistance for your real estate needs. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you soon. 

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Happy Holidays from Brazos County Realty & Upcoming Holiday events in Bryan/College Station, Texas for 2020

December 2020 Myke Leatham and everyone at Brazos County Realty would like to wish everyone a “Happy Holidays!” and hope to be of service to you in 2021!

 

 

 

Christmas in the ParkChristmas 2020

December 4 & 5, 2020 from 6 to 10 pm

Drive through Stephen C. Beachy Central Park Dec. 4 and 5 from 6-10 p.m. to enjoy more than one million lights, wave to Santa, drop off a wish list in the North Pole mailbox, grab an arts and crafts bag, get cookies and hot cocoa mix., adopt a Holiday Parks Pal, and view a traditional living nativity scene. more…

Admission is FREE!

Vehicles should enter from Krenek Tap Road and exit by taking a right onto Highway 6 Frontage Road. Recreation Drive will be closed from 3-11 p.m. on event days, and parking will not be allowed in the park.

 

Christmas 2020December First Friday

Friday, December 4, 2020, at 5 pm

First Friday happens all day long, and it gets a lot merrier every December!

It’s the perfect time to cross some gifts off those holiday shopping lists, so come visit your favorite shops!
Gift cards make great gifts too, and restaurants throughout Downtown Bryan will be open late!

For more information visit the Downtown Bryan website.

 

Christmas Classics At The MuseumChristmas 2020

December 4, 2020, 7-9 pm

Join the Museum of the American G.I. this December for Christmas Classics at the Museum! Watch vintage Christmas movies while enjoying the museum’s collections. Enjoy Christmas classics on Friday, Dec 4, 11 & 18 from 7 – 9 PM and Children’s classics on Sunday, Dec 8, 15 &22 from 2-4 pm. Bring a mask and popcorn while we enjoy a movie 6 feet together this holiday season!
Schedule for Christmas Classics:
Dec. 4th: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
See the full schedule of movies

 

 

 

Jingle on the Green

Sunday, December 6, 2020, 3-6 pm

Kick-off the holidays at Century Square on Sunday, December 6 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM with Jingle on The Green. Come out for free photos with Santa, Christmas music, special booths and activities from the Century Square restaurants, hot chocolate station, and holiday promotions!

Please bookmark this page and check back!  We will update the blog as we find more 2020 Holiday Events for the Brazos Valley to share with you!

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Filed Under: Blog, Bryan Community, Christmas, College Station Community, Community Calendar, Holiday Events, Things to do in Brazos County, Things to do in Brazos Valley, Things to do in Bryan, Things to do in College Station, TX Tagged With: Bryan, Christmas, College Station, Holiday Events, Things to Do

The Pros and Cons of Renting

To rent or to buy, that is the question. We all need to have a roof over our heads and a safe space to call home, but home can mean many different things – it can be a townhome, a condominium, an apartment or a single-family residence. All of these different types of properties can be rented or owned and there are various pros and cons to consider for both options. There’s no clear answer to whether renting or owning a property is a better option, and that’s because the best choice is the one that fits your current needs and lifestyle best. For example, a young college student with a busy schedule of schoolwork, extracurricular activities and a part-time job doesn’t have the time or mindshare to worry about being a homeowner, which means that renting an apartment alone or a house with roommates is a better option. On the other hand, a family of four with solid and reliable income might choose to buy and own a home instead of renting. While there are various pros and cons of renting and owning it ultimately comes down to your personal needs, your goals and your financial situation. 

In this post we’re going to explore and take a deep dive into the pros and cons of renting – our goal is to provide current and relevant information and education so that you can make an informed decision for your unique situation. If you need additional guidance and support or you have questions about renting or buying a home in College Station, we strongly encourage you to contact us so we can discuss your needs and help you. 

The Pros of Renting

The “American Dream” dictates that homeownership is the ultimate goal – and while being a homeowner is something that most people strive for, it may not be the best option for everyone. If you are someone who enjoys traveling a lot, moves around for work or you simply can’t stay in one place for too long then owning a property is not right for you. In general, renting is ideal for people who are in need of a short-term home. If you are planning on staying in one place for less than five years, then renting is the way to go. Check out some of the top benefits and pros of renting versus owning a home.

  • Flexibility & Freedom

When you are renting a home, apartment or condo then you can easily pick up and move whenever you want to. Even though you will have a lease in place, if you want to break it early there are ways to lessen the penalties and work your way out of it if you wanted to. Breaking a lease early is significantly easier than going through the process of selling your home. Most lease agreements are put in place for 12 months and after that you could negotiate to sign a six-month lease, or even go month-to-month – this is something you will have to work out with your landlord or the property management company the landlord works with.

  • Low Maintenance & Little Responsibility

When you rent a property, you are responsible for keeping it clean and damage-free, which would be the same as owning your own home. The difference is that if something major breaks and needs to be fixed – like the roof, HVAC system, plumbing issues, etc. – these are the responsibility of the landlord or property management company. As a renter all you have to do if you are experiencing issues with your property, no matter what the problem is, is to contact your landlord and ask them to fix it. 

  • The Ability to Save Money 

One of the major pros of renting versus buying is that you know exactly how much you will need to pay every month. You are not responsible for maintenance costs like a gardener or pool cleaning service, no additional taxes or fees, certain utilities may be included in your rent and there are no surprise costs. Additionally, rent is significantly lower than a mortgage and you are not responsible for homeowner’s insurance or property taxes. All of this means that you can budget and save your money so that when you are ready to buy a home you will be mentally and financially prepared. 

The Cons of Renting

As you can see, renting provides a lot of freedom – freedom to move and the opportunity to save your money. While this set up might be ideal for many people, it’s also not the best option for everyone. Let’s take a look at what some of the downsides to renting are.

  • You Don’t Build Equity

When you buy a property you immediately begin building equity and your money is being invested in a way that will hopefully bring you a decent return in the future if you choose to sell it. And if you don’t ever sell then you will have the benefit of owning a home and not carry any debt, or if you find yourself in need of a loan you can borrow from your home. The monthly payments you make towards your home are not an expense, but rather you are paying down the debt you owe on your loan. 

  • No Customization & Personalization

Most landlords will not give you the option to paint the walls, change the flooring or otherwise alter the rental property in any way apart from hanging pictures and art on the walls. The only way you might be able to personalize a rental is if you ask for permission from the landlord and agree to restore it back to what it looked like before you made any changes before you move out. When you own a property, you have the freedom to design it as you wish and also alter the design, color and lay out as often as you want to. Although renovations can get expensive, if you do it right then you will be adding value to and investing in your home.

  • No Tax Benefits

As a homeowner you get to take advantage of certain tax deductions that can give you a decent break and even a return. As a renter you don’t have the opportunity to claim these deductions. 

  • Bad Landlords

The good thing about renting a property is that you can turn over any major issues and complaints to the landlord and they will have to fix it or deal with it one way or another. On the other hand, the world is full of bad landlords and your health, safety and happiness as a tenant can be very dependent on this individual. Some landlords may not respond to your concerns or take too long to fix issues or manage repairs. If you feel that your landlord is taking advantage or not meeting expectations make sure to look into what your rights are as a renter and tenant. 

  • Various Restrictions

When you live in a rental – whether it’s a house or an apartment – you have the follow the rules of the landlord or those set forth by building management. These may include noise restrictions, a limit on guests, no pets or other rules that you have to agree to. 

  • Payments Never End

We mentioned that as a renter you don’t build any equity, but the other thing you have to remember is that your rent payments will never stop. Even though 30 years is a very long time to pay off a mortgage, if you stay consistent you will eventually pay off your home and no longer have to make those payments. As a renter you won’t get relief from monthly payments – even when you retire you will have to keep paying your landlord for as long as you occupy the space. Additionally, your rent can and most likely will rise year after year. 

There are various pros and cons to being a homeowner as well, but whether you choose to rent or buy a property simply depends on your unique financial situation and your lifestyle. We encourage you to take a look at the current available rental properties on our website or if you can’t find something that catches your eye then please contact us so we can help you find the perfect rental to fit your needs. Our team has more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry and we’ve assisted clients ranging from first time home buyers, veteran sellers as well as experienced investors. If owning a home is not something that is right for you, but you’re interested in learning how to invest in real estate we can help you out and get you set up for success as an investor. We look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and earning your business. 

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Covid Energy Saving tips

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been spending a lot more time cooped up inside. This has resulted in higher spending on gas and electricity, particularly during the height of lockdown.

With small pockets across the country being asked to return to their homes again, now is as good a time as any to begin prepping for any future quarantine periods. Check out our useful COVID-specific energy-saving advice to learn how to keep your bills down.

Let’s all do our part to help our neighbors and our communities.     There’s so much we can do.  Let’s start at home.  Look around and see how we can save money by conserving energy.  When you’re ready, ‘Let Myke Help You With Your HOMEwork!  Brazos County Realty is in the same place located at  13464 I and Gn Rd, College Station, TX  77845.  Our website is www.CollegeStationHomes.com or www.AggieRealEstate.com  We’ve been helping people come and go from the Brazos and surrounding counties and invest for their future for 24 years now, and we’re pretty good at it!  We sincerely thank you for letting us be a part of your lives and we wish y’all the best through these trying times.   Here’s some information to help you save some money at home.  Call anytime if you need me.

Myke Leatham

979-693-0201
Broker/Owner

1. Use a smart power strip

Did you know, the average household is said to waste as many as 7,374 hours of electricity every year when a device is left on standby?

Stuck at home, we’re bound to be using our electronic devices more often. Whether that’s while you work, or just because you’re binging the latest Netflix hit. It’s natural to leave the likes of laptops, phones, televisions, routers and even printers turned on in the background.  An A&M engineer once said that appliances plugged into the wall still suck energy even when not in use, so ‘Unplug It’ According to my experience, most electrical devices use electricity even if they are switched off – also known as “phantom” load. If you’re not going to unplug the toaster and blender for example, instead, use a Single Port Adapter for the Outlet with an On/Off Switch.

A smart power strip is the perfect way to combat these lost minutes. This device lets you choose what you want to keep on or turn off at any given time. That means you can easily prioritise what you do and don’t want to keep running.

2. Try to structure your day

Setting a schedule for your day may not feel like it will have much of an impact on your energy consumption, but you might be surprised. It’s easy to work longer hours than normal when working from home. Setting a time when you turn all your devices off won’t just be good for your work-life balance, but will help you cut down on energy too.

If you’re struggling to work out how you can manage your own time, consider:

  • Setting up a separate workspace that’s away from everything else in your house
  • Creating a specific hour-by-hour routine, giving you time without devices
  • Making your schedule clear to the rest of your household, so they know not to disturb you at certain times
Thermostat

3. Set streaming guidelines

Streaming is a great way to wind down, but it can be easy to lose track of time. This won’t only affect your energy bills, but can also make your internet slower – not exactly what you need when you’re trying to chat to work colleagues.

This is especially difficult if you’re part of a larger household. Setting a few rules is a great way to keep on top of your screen-time, while lowering costs.

Looking for more tips to slash your energy use on streaming? Here some other ways you could cut back costs:

  • Use low-powered devices. Instead of streaming a show on your television, consider watching it on a more energy efficient device like a laptop or tablet.
  • Change screen settings. You can turn down the brightness and volume of your device to save on power. Streaming at a lower resolution will also help, though this may affect your viewing experience.

4. Be smart with your radiators

As the weather gets cooler, you might be tempted to keep your heating running through the day. However, this could make a huge difference to your energy usage.

If you’re feeling the chill, why not try heating only the rooms being worked in? Simply turn the off the valves on all the radiators in unused rooms. That way, you can beat the chill with minimum impact to your bills.

5. Try to make the most of natural light

If you’re spending more time working from home, it’s likely you’ll have the lights switched on more than usual. But you don’t always need electricity to get the best lighting.

Make the most of natural light in your home by setting up your office in the room that gets the most daylight. Open the blinds and curtains and let the sunshine in. You’d be surprised how quickly your eyes can adjust to natural light, even if it seems a bit dim at first.

Also be sure to turn off the lights in any rooms which you aren’t using. Daylight is free, after all.

Consider adding a solar tube

Sun tubes bring natural light into your home in ways artificial light sources cannot and can be added anywhere there is 6 meters or less between your ceiling and your roof.
As the seasons change, the tube captures daylight and efficiently illuminates indoor spaces.  Solar tubes are amazing in underlit spaces and especially  interior rooms without windows.   there are a lot of different solar tube companies out there and they are relatively easy to install.   (One of the best investments I’ve made…love mine. ‘Myke’)

6. Swap to energy-saving bulbs

If you do have to turn the lights on, particularly after the clocks go back, make sure you’re using energy-saving bulbs. Both Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are more efficient than halogen lights with LEDs being the most efficient of all. Replacing a halogen light bulb with an LED of the same brightness could save you up to $1.25/month per bulb, depending on your utility company.  Count the bulbs in your house.   That really adds up over time.

You may not want to replace all your bulbs at the same time, particularly as they now last so much longer. So why not swap the bulbs in the rooms that you spend the most time in first – whether that’s because you’re working from home or because you’re not out and about so much in the evenings – and replace the others as they wear out.

And remember, just flicking off the light switch every time you leave a room is an easy money saver.

7. Use timers and dimmers

Using timer and dimmer devices will have a positive effect not only during lockdown, but once the pandemic is over. You can set these devices to sync up with your lights and other electronics, allowing them to turn off automatically.

8. Use a laptop at home

Working from home has become the norm for a lot of people during lockdown. If this is you, you’re probably using either a laptop or desktop during that time – though you should know, one is a lot more efficient than the other.

Your laptop will use just 75 kWh per year, while a desktop can eat up as much as 194 kWh. What’s more, using a laptop will also give you the freedom to work wherever you want in the house.

But while you’re spending even more time at home it’s important not to forget the simple basics.

Basic energy-saving tips

Simple fixes to your daily habits can have a huge impact on the amount you save on energy every year, even once the pandemic is over. Keep reading to discover some easy changes you can make to save on your next bill.

1. Don’t boil water in a pan

It might seem logical to boil water in the same pan you’re going to use for cooking. And while it might feel like you’re being cost-effective, the opposite is actually true. The average kettle is about 80% efficient, while boiling water on the stovetop is only 70%. Plus, the kettle is also a much quicker way to get your water bubbling.  How many times have you boiled water in a pot, then walked away and layed down to take a nap and forgotten about it? By the time you remember it’s because the smoke detector has gone off and if you don’t catch it, you could burn the house down!  It’s not just a waste of energy, it’s dangerous.  The  smell seams to stay in the walls for ever!  Use a kettle that whistles when it comes to a boil to avoid mistakes like that.

2. Opt for a shower, not a bath

According to the Energy Saving Trust, if everyone in a family of four swapped one bath a week for a five-minute shower, it could save up to $24 a year on their gas bill. Consider changing your shower head to an eco-version, too. If you do, a family of four can save around $99.00 a year on gas (and $152 on water if they have a meter).

3. Wash everything at 150 Degrees

Today’s washing detergents are very effective at 30 degrees, so try to avoid washing laundry on a higher setting. Wait until you have a full load too – that saves on water as well as energy. Just make sure you aren’t going to have any colours which run or fabrics which get damaged. Use an eco-wash setting if you can, as this will save on your bills in the long term. If someone in your home has contracted coronavirus you may want to wash their towels, bedlinen and so on separately from the rest of your washing, at 60 degrees. You should also avoid shaking these clothes before you put them in the machine.

4. Use a line to dry

This isn’t something you see that often anymore. It goes without saying that using the natural power of the elements will have a big impact on cutting costs. Tumble dryers use up a lot of energy, so try to avoid them as much as you can.  Did you know that your clothes will last longer and hold their shape better if you hang them to dry instead of throwing them in the dryer?  It’s true.  Everytime you pull lint out of the dryer, that’s your clothes wearing out!  Your clothes won’t ball up if you hang them up to dry.  When you pay a lot of money for a garment…if you must…let it spin in the dryer first than hang damp, but hang it up to dry. Drip dry is the best in the shower.

5. Take control of your heating

The Energy Saving Trust suggests that turning down your thermostat by just one degree could save around $75 per year. Why not give it a go and see how much you save?

Also, check whether heat could be leaving your home through gaps. Thick curtains, draught excluders, and even a piece of putty in a small gap around a window will help keep the heat in. And it goes without saying – don’t leave windows and doors open if it’s not warmer outside than in.  If you can see daylight anywhere around any of your doors, you’re paying too much on your utilities!  You’re losing heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.  You need a little self adhesive weather stripping.  Don’t procrastinate.  You can purchase it on Amazon and have it tomorrow.  It just takes a minute to install and it will save you money.

6. Optimise your fridge space

If your fridge gets dusty in the back  it can struggle to function at full capacity. Make sure to regularly pull it out and clean off the coils with a vacuum to optimise its performance.

Putting warm food in the freezer is another big nono.  It takes a lot more energy for your freezer to retain its temperature when you stack it with food that’s still warm. Let your leftovers cool before you stash them away.

Smart meter

7. Use your head while you wash things

Don’t wash things up under a running tap. Fill the sink with as much as is required for the level of washing  you have. If it’s just a few plates and cups, a third to a half of the sink is all that’s required. You could also avoid running excess water for rinsing.  Wait till your finished washing than rinse all at once.

Using a dishwasher? Put it on a timer and  turn it on some time in the middle of the night when it’s not peak usage in the city.  Better yet, if there’s just a few things, wash it by hand.

8. Monitor your energy use

Energy companies tend to use local data to estimate how much gas and electricity you’re using. While these are often close to reality, it’s impossible for them to be completely right every time.

By checking your own meters on a monthly basis, you’ll be able to make sure you only pay for the energy that you’re actually using.

If you don’t already have a smart meter, it might be worth investing in one. These cut out the middle man, ensuring you get an accurate reading throughout the year without having to check yourself.

9. Manage your energy smarter

Smart thermostats such as Nest and Hive, give you maximum flexibility when it comes to managing your heating. You can even control your heating when you’re out, using your smartphone, tablet or laptop.  They turn themselves down automatically when there’s no movement in the house and back up again when people are active.  At night they can be programed to your perfect temperature.  You are in control.

Smart appliances, lights and plugs can also be programmed to switch off at particular times or when you leave the house, saving you money.

10. Make long-term investments

If you’re not planning to move in the near future, it may be worth looking at more long-term energy-saving solutions. Solar panels could be  cost effective for you in the long run.

You might save a considerable amount on your electricity bill each year, and more by earning money for energy you generate then sell back to the grid. Re-insulating your home is another good investment, as is replacing your heater if it’s getting old.  Did you know that on an older home you can blow additional insulation into your attic and Lowes will give you the machine for FREE with a 10 bag minimum.  It usually takes 2 people.  One person on the ground and one person in the attic with the hose.  It’s a relatively simple process. Click the link to see how to add your own insulation to your attic.  Cooler months are perfect in Texas for adding to the R-Factor to lower your utility bills.  If you live in an older home, chances are your attic insulation has compacted and isn’t as effective as it used to be.  Just blow in a little bit more fluffy insulation to lower your utility bills.  It just takes a few hours.

When you replace your household appliances make sure you choose the most energy efficient ones. See which appliances are the most expensive to run.

11. Compare energy suppliers

Hopefully, some of our energy-saving tips will make a difference in your home. But don’t sit back and accept what you’re paying for your energy, especially if your supplier has recently increased their prices. Just dig out your latest energy bill,  start a quote with us and we’ll tell you if you could save by switching to another provider. And if clean energy matters to you, you can even see which suppliers have green energy credentials.

Peter Earl

From the Energy team

Thank you Peter for providing so much great information.
Myke

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How to Avoid Rental Scams

Searching for a rental property should be a fun experience – even if it is a little stressful, there’s still joy in the experience of looking at different condos, homes and apartments while picturing your life and how your furniture will fit within the new space. Unfortunately, rental scams can very quickly transform a positive experience into a real nightmare. Although most rental listings are legitimate, it is very important for renters to learn how to avoid rental scams and protect themselves from fraud. The best way to do this is to learn how to spot listings that are fraudulent and stay far, far away from them. Younger renters who are not experienced in looking into properties are more susceptible to falling victim to rental scams and fraud – they are also more likely to lose money in these situations. 

Rental scams are looking to accomplish one thing – to steal your money. They will try to encourage you to send a check for a security deposit or move-in fee without ever giving you the opportunity to view and tour the property, and they will keep your money without ever intending to rent out to you. Rental fraud occurs when a person claims to be a landlord, or a property manager and they try to rent out a unit or property that doesn’t actually exist or is not one that they have access to. When renters are on the hunt for properties to rent, they usually share various sensitive information for background and credit checks. Access to this type of information and bank accounts can easily put vulnerable renters in fraudulent situations. Understanding the most common types of rental scams is the best way to avoid them – here are some of the most typical situations to keep an eye out for so you can stay away from them:

  • Already leased property: A real or fake landlord will attempt to collect application fees or a security deposit for a rental that has already been leased out. 
  • Bait-and-Switch: The scammer will advertise one property but the one that is actually available is completely different. The scammer will attempt to collect a deposit or get a lease signed before allowing you to tour the property.
  • The Rental Doesn’t Exist: A scam artist will make up an advertisement or listing for a place that does not exist and will try to attract renters by advertising low prices significantly below market value.
  • Property Not as Advertised: The listing will feature an actual rental unit but will embellish information about features and amenities that are offered in order to collect a higher rent. The leasing agent will attempt to get a renter to sign the lease agreement and submit a deposit before they notice that the advertised amenities are actually missing. 
  • Hijacked Listing: A fake landlord will post a listing or advertisement for a real rental property but will change the contact information. Homes that are actually listed for sale will be listed as rentals in this common rental scam. 

Make note that in these common rental scams, the scammers will use real listings and change them around to fit their needs – this is why it’s hard to spot a fake from a real listing. The best way to determine whether it’s a scam is to take the time to visit a property in person. Here are some tips to help you figure out if a rental listing is a scam or real:

  • If the landlord is not willing to meet you in person then it’s not a good sign. Some common excuses include telling you that they are out of town, they are in the military or they don’t live in the area. A good landlord will always take the time to meet you, because they will want to get to know you just as much if they decide to rent out their property to you. 
  • If a landlord is insisting that you move in immediately, without ever seeing the unit then it is probably a scam. It’s very easy for someone to fake an online listing, so it’s important that you visit the property to make sure that it is really available. If the landlord tries to get you to inspect the property by walking around the outside at your convenience, then it is most likely a scam. 
  • An obvious sign of a rental scam is if they are asking you to pay rent or a security deposit before you sign the lease. As a potential renter you should never be asked to hand over a large sum of money before seeing a property and signing a lease agreement. You may be asked to pay for application fees that are usually collected to cover the cost of background checks, but first month’s rent or a deposit is not required as part of the application process. Don’t ever mail or wire money to a person, especially if you have not signed a lease. There have been instances where the scammer lives overseas and will ask you to forward money in return for the keys – this is something that you should be very suspicious over. Another dangerous situation is being asked to wire money to someone who you have only spoken to online, in which case you should immediately cease communication and report the listing as fraudulent. 
  • If you come across a listing with a price that seems to good to be true, it probably is. A property that is priced significantly below market value should immediately be treated as a major red flag – many times an owner could use this type of listing to lure in potential renters, encourage them to act fast and sign a lease before it’s gone, then switch the option to a more costly unit. The best way to determine if a property is listed at a fair rent is to research other comparable units or properties and speak with a real estate specialist who can guide you through the process and offer professional expertise and advice. 
  • Be aware of rental listings that are full of typos, poor grammar, excessive punctuation and many other errors. Landlords that are serious about renting out their property to a qualified candidate will take the time to put together a professional listing, complete with high resolution pictures, details about amenities and features and various other helpful information. A poor listing is likely to have been put together by a scammer. 
  • As a tenant, you will want to rent from a landlord that is responsive, available and professional. If a landlord does not require a rental application and credit check, or any other typical screening items then you should feel suspicious. 
  • A landlord or property manager that asks you to sign a lease that is not complete does not have your best interest in mind. If you sign an incomplete lease agreement it allows the landlord to change it whenever and any way they want without letting you know, which leaves you very vulnerable. Be diligent when going through your lease and make sure there are no blank spaces, vague writing or incomplete sentences. If you are unsure whether a lease agreement is legitimate or not don’t hesitate to get in touch with a lawyer or real estate professional to help you read through it. 

If you do happen to fall victim to a fraudulent rental listing, here are some steps to follow:

  • Contact the local authorities – if the person is located, they will be prosecuted, and you may be able to recover any money that was lost. 
  • Contact the listing website where you found the rental and make sure it is taken down.
  • Report this to the Federal Trade Commission – they are responsible for protecting consumers. 
  • File a complaint with the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) – this is a government agency that makes it easy for people to report crime that takes place on the internet. They work with the FBI and other local authorities to manage and solve crime like rental listing scams. 

The best way to avoid a rental scam is to make sure that you insist on seeing the unit in person and meet with the landlord before you move forward with submitting an application or surrendering any type of payment. Similar to a job interview, you are evaluating the property and the landlord to make sure that it will be a good fit for you. While it’s important for you to love the place you will call home it’s also important that you get along with your landlord. 

If you are looking for rental properties in Bryan College Station, make sure to check out our rental listings and see if something catches your eye. If you have any questions about rental information, renting in the area, listing a property for rent, more tips on how to avoid rental scams or need general real estate guidance please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

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Property Management Tips for Any Landlord

Owning an investment property brings you one step closer to collecting passive income and building wealth for yourself and your family. Whether you choose to own a single-family home, a condo, a townhome or a multi-family residence with a varying range of apartments, you will be responsible for this property. This means that as the owner you are responsible for fixing anything that is damaged, anything that needs to be repaired or replaced, ensure that the grounds are well-kept and that your tenants are taken care of. Owning an investment property is a big responsibility – many landlords will choose to take on property management by themselves and only seek assistance from qualified plumbers, electricians and other professionals or handymen as necessary. Others will choose to hire a property management company that will take care of the property from top to bottom, including maintenance, tenant complaints and issues, collecting rent, marketing the property when there are vacancies, etc. 

Whether you are a first-time landlord or an experienced investor with an impressive portfolio, we’ve compiled a list of property management tips for any landlord. Being prepared can help you avoid common mistakes so you can focus on taking care of your investment and building up your net worth. 

Research, Research, Research

Before you even begin thinking about becoming a landlord, it’s very important to do your research and understand the demand of the market. Do you have what it takes to be a landlord? Do you have the time to dedicate to managing your tenants and property? Here are some questions to ask yourself before you take the plunge into being a property manager for your investment property:

  • How much money is required for a down payment on the property you are interested in?
  • Is the area where the property is located considered to be desirable?
  • Are rents in the area appreciating?
  • How much can you charge for rent?
  • What are the rent control laws and policies in the area?
  • Is this a fixer-upper property and what will it take to renovate it? Is it worth it?

Run It Like a Business

You need to treat your investment property as a business – even if it’s hard to do at first, you will need to separate business from emotions. It’s not uncommon to encounter a tenant who is struggling to pay rent, but it’s important to put boundaries in place for things like late fees so that paying rent late doesn’t become a bad habit. Think about it this way – you have to pay the mortgage and bills on the property on time no matter what, so it’s important that you hold your tenants accountable for their rent. As a landlord, you should consult with a team of experts who can advise you on dealing with difficult situations – this can include lawyers, accountants, insurance agents and other property owners. 

Additionally, you will want to treat your tenants with kindness and respect so you can maintain a good reputation. Put practices in place that will keep your tenants satisfied so that in turn they won’t give you any more trouble than necessary. For example, ensure that you have reliable maintenance staff on hand that can respond to requests and emergency repairs on call. Similar to any other businesses, if you are not trustworthy and professional towards your tenants they won’t stick around. 

Lastly, discover new ways to increase your income beyond raising the rent on your tenants. If you properly researched the property before you made your investment, the value should appreciate, and you should be able to increase rent in the future. However, in the meantime you can think about different ways to collect income on the property, some ideas may include:

  • Installing a vending machine in a common area
  • Renting out storage space
  • Offering paid laundry services on site
  • Renting out additional parking or storage space to tenants
  • Leasing a billboard if you have the room for it on a larger building 

Get Insurance

There are so many different types of insurance policies in place to protect you and your assets. Fire, earthquake, flood and other disaster plans will keep your property safe in case of an emergency; homeowner’s insurance will reimburse you for any losses you experience or if you need to repair anything as a result of damage from a disaster. As a landlord you need to protect yourself from any potential liability by purchasing insurance. Depending on the laws and requirements of your state, you may also consider requiring your tenants to carry renter’s insurance as well. 

Learn How to Manage a Property

Being a good, successful landlord goes beyond filling vacancies and collecting rent. In order to thrive it’s important to learn how to effectively manage your property. 

  • You need to have a basic understanding of landlord and tenant rights, including rules about security deposits, notice laws, inspections, licenses and other procedures to ensure that you are fully informed and running your property within state law. 
  • Determine how you want to collect rent from your tenants – will you be collecting in person or do you prefer to use an online system? Although many tenants will opt to pay with checks and cash, it can create a complex situation if a check bounces and accepting cash can also be dangerous. An online payment system is an easy, safe and efficient way to collect rent and ensure that you avoid risky situations. 
  • Stay organized by saving copies of all records and paperwork that affects your property. This includes receipts for anything you have purchased, invoices for service and repair work, vendor contracts, etc. You can digitally scan paperwork so you can organize it on your computer and easily search for it next time you need it. Many property management companies will handle lease agreements, payments, maintenance requests and more online so they always have a digital paper trail to refer to.
  • Make sure to work with an experienced accountant that can help you keep your expenses organized, advise you on how to pay yourself and tell you what you need to file for taxes. 
  • Be professional by setting office hours that tell your tenants what days and times you are available. Even if you live onsite, it’s important to put this boundary in place so you’re not being approached by tenants 24/7. You should also have a plan in place in case of an emergency so your tenants can be taken care of as soon as possible. 
  • Decide if you are going to accept tenants with pets. Pet-friendly apartments are difficult to come by, so you can really stand out and quickly fill vacancies if you allow cats and dogs into your investment property. Although pets can be a liability, you can charge extra pet rent as well as a separate pet deposit to cover any damage that may be inflicted by the animals. Most tenants will gladly pay for the extra rent and deposit since there are so few options for pet-friendly properties. 

Sell a Lifestyle Experience

In order to make your investment property profitable, you will need to fill any vacancies that pop up. Your best shot at quickly filling vacancies is to make the property and unit(s) comfortable and desirable so that potential tenants can envision their life in this new home. Basic upkeep of the grounds is necessary because similar to buying a home, first impressions on curb appeal make a big difference. Ensure that the property is clean, gardening is maintained, and the common areas are welcoming. When it comes to individual units in a multi-family property make sure that you refresh the paint when tenants move out, do a deep clean, that the unit smells good and that old appliances are repaired and/or replaced. If your goal is to charge top dollar for rent, then you may want to invest in updating the property with hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and other desirable upgrades. 

There’s no better teacher than experience, and as you continue to build your real estate portfolio and acquire more investment properties you will become an expert landlord. Renting out a property and working with tenants can be a challenging business, and the best way to enjoy a smooth experience as a landlord is to educate yourself in advance, be knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate and work with professionals who can support you when you need it. Last, but not least, it’s also important to acknowledge when it’s time to hand the work over to professionals – there are countless outstanding property management companies that can take over the work so you can focus your energy on your other priorities without having to worry about your investment property. Our team at Brazos County Realty would be thrilled to assist with all of your real estate needs – including helping you fill vacancies in your rental properties. Please contact us to learn more about our team, our experience and if you have any questions about investing in real estate and being a landlord in Bryan College Station – we look forward to hearing from you. 

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