Everyone dreams of being a homeowner one day – to have your own residence that is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle, upgraded and renovated to your unique design style and preferences and a place that just feels like home. This is the American dream! The path to homeownership is not clear cut and looks very different for everyone. Some people may choose to rent an apartment or a home for a long period of time until they save up the necessary funds for a down payment. Some people may purchase a home, renovate it and then sell it to make a profit – and then do the same time and time again as an extra source of income. No matter what it takes to get there, once you do own your own property – whether it’s a single-family residence, a condo, a town house or a plot of land where you will build your dream home – homeownership is worth the experience of getting there. 

If you are a first-time home buyer, you may be overwhelmed by the wide range of real estate options available to you. A market that allows you to have different housing options to choose from may leave you feeling confused as to which type of residence is the right choice. Each type of property – a single family residence, condominium and a townhome all have their own pros and cons. Buyers need to take various things into consideration before their make a decision – their budget, current and desired lifestyle, etc.  As you would with any other major purchase, it’s important to do extensive research and thoroughly understand the options that are available to you. When choosing the type of residence you would like to rent or buy it’s important to understand the differences between each option so you can make an informed choice that works best for you, your family and your lifestyle. We break down the different housing options available to you in Brazos County, TX – read on and contact us if you have questions or would like to chat more about the local real estate. 

College Station Condos

A condominium – or a condo, for short – is a unit that is located within a bigger structure, which could be a single-story development or a high-rise building. Condos can be similar to apartments, but the big difference is that you can buy a condominium, whereas apartments are just for rent. Of the three different types of housing options, condos require the least amount of maintenance. As a homeowner you will only be responsible to fix and take care of anything that is within the walls. Problems like peeling paint on the outside of the unit, a leaky roof or landscaping issues are the responsibility of the property manager or condo association to fix. Condominiums usually have a set homeowner’s association (HOA) fee that every owner is responsible for. This fee contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of the entire property. A condominium is a wonderful option for anyone who is looking to own a property with the least amount of maintenance. This type of property would be the best fit for single individuals, business-oriented tenants who travel a lot or older couples who don’t need a lot of space and don’t want to be bothered with work around the house. 

While condos allow you the freedom of not worrying about repairs and maintenance, being part of a homeowners or condo association does mean that you have to abide by other rules, which can be restrictive at times. You won’t be able to customize your unit any way that you please. Additionally, when you live in a condo complex you will be sharing walls with your neighbors as well as other amenities like a community center, pool, fitness center, elevators, etc. 

College Station Townhomes

A townhome is a narrow, multilevel residence that shares a wall with neighboring townhomes. The biggest difference between a condo and a townhome is that when you own a townhome you also own the land that the property is built on – this means that you may have a small front or back yard to enjoy at your leisure. A townhome could be the ideal first property for a first-time home buyer because it is a perfect compromise between a condo and a single-family residence. Similar to a condominium, a townhome doesn’t require as much maintenance as a house would, but similar to a home you will have more space, multi-levels and outdoor space for entertaining. College Station townhomes usually belong to an HOA as well, but you might have more autonomy when it comes to certain home improvements than you would in a condo complex. When you live in a townhome you have to get permission from the HOA if you want to do any kind of home upgrade or renovation like painting the exterior, changing up windows or doors and more. Condos and townhomes tend to be very similar and many people have a hard time understanding the difference, so here’s an easy breakdown to read through:

• Maintenance: Condos usually require the least amount of maintenance of all housing options. If you own a townhome then you will be responsible for the outdoor living space, yard area, the roof and the home’s exterior. 
• Cost: Townhomes are usually bigger than condos, which means that they may be more expensive to purchase. However, condo developments generally have higher monthly HOA dues since the association takes on the majority of the maintenance and upkeep. Townhomes typically have lower HOA fees, but if you move into a development that is older you may have to pay higher dues to ensure the common areas like the community pool or barbecue areas are updated and don’t look dirty and dated. 
• Amenities: Both condo and townhome developments offer similar amenities to residents, these may include a pool, fitness center, a dog run, security services and more. Some of the newer, more expensive developments may also offer dry cleaning services, dog walking, car washes and other luxurious amenities that are popular in big cities. 
• Location: There’s nothing more important than location when looking to buy a home, no matter what type of property you are looking into. Condos tend to be more centrally located in city centers and in high-rise buildings. Townhome neighborhoods need more land and space so they can be found in communities where you will also find plenty of single-family homes. Depending on your lifestyle, commute, work and personal preferences you will need to decide what’s more important to you when picking the right location and neighborhood. 
• HOA rules: In general, condominium HOAs tend to be more specific, or restrictive, for residents. This means that there are specific days and time of day that you can take out the trash, you may be limited on outdoor décor and what sits in front of your front door or patio area. Townhome communities also have rules that need to be followed, but you may have more freedom on what you can do with the exterior of the property. Before you buy a condo or townhome take the time to read through the HOA rules to make sure you’ll be able to stick to them. 

College Station Homes

When people talk about becoming homeowners, most are dreaming of a single-family residence, with a luscious grassy yard and a white picket fence. A single-family home can be a one-story or multiple story residence that has a basement, attic or both. It could sit on a small plot of land or your property could sprawl across acres of land for you to do with as you please – the sky is the limit when it comes to a single-family home. When you own a home, you have the freedom to do with it as you please – you can tear down the structure and rebuild, renovate and design it as you wish and enjoy your property to your full extent. That being said, homes require the most maintenance out of any residential option, if anything gets damaged, needs to be fixed or replaced, it is 100% your responsibility. 

There are various pros and cons to be a homeowner, and there are ups and downs to owning each specific type of residence. To ensure that you are making the right choice you have to consider your options, do your research, calculate your budget and go over your own list of wants and needs before you make a purchase. Working with a qualified and experienced real estate agent can help you learn more, get answers to your questions and professional assistance throughout the entire experience and purchase transaction if you find the perfect property. Take some time to explore our website for information on the incredible communities and neighborhoods in Brazos County, reviews on local restaurants, information about attractions and entertainment as well as a customized search option where you can look for your dream home. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you find the perfect home and assisting you through a seamless and successful transaction!

College Station Townhomes For Sale

Shopping for a luxury home can be a thrilling experience! Whether you are looking for an expansive mansion that overlooks the water, a massive home on a luscious golf course or a newly renovated modern condo in the best part of town, looking at luxury homes for sale is fun and offers a whole world of possibilities available only in the high-end market. As a buyer shopping for high end real estate in Brazos County, TX there are certain tips and strategies dedicated to the luxury market that are different from the typical home buying process. Familiarizing yourself with the real estate process, organizing your finances ahead of time and working with an experienced and professional real estate agent are all vital to enjoying a successful and stress-free purchase of a luxury property. 

Work with the Right Agent

First things first – when you are looking for luxury homes for sale, you need to make sure that you don’t work with just any agent, you want to find and hire the right real estate professional. What does this mean? It means you want someone with experience in the luxury market – past performance matters. The luxury market is different from any average home sale, there are different terms and conditions, financing is not the same and you want someone who can really look out for you and will help you buy the best house at the best price. Take the time to ask for referrals and interview different agents until you find the person you want to work with. A good agent will be able to provide testimonials from past clients, is familiar with the specific area and neighborhood that you are interested in, will be able to make recommendations based on your wants and needs, can help you find homes available for purchase that are not publicly advertised, will be able to tap into a wide network of colleagues to help find you the perfect home and so much more. Working with the right agent will save you time and money in the long run, and ideally will help you find your dream luxury home.

Be Smart About the Search

Searching for a luxury property is a little different from looking for a regular home that is listed for sale – there are many luxury homes that go unlisted to protect a seller’s privacy and they oftentimes sell off market. These are known as pocket listings and the only way to gain access to a pocket listing is to work with a real estate professional because that is the only way you will know it is available for purchase. Agents who sell pocket listings will send the information about the home to other agents who can bring potential buyers for private showings. When searching for luxury homes for sale you need look beyond a basic online search and work with an agent well known in the luxury space who can help you find the perfect property at the right price. Additionally, in the luxury market you have the freedom to be pickier about the amenities you are looking for – things like expansive views, bonus rooms, wine cellars, custom finishes, high end appliances and more are all highly desirable when it comes to expansive luxury properties. 

Do Your Due Diligence

Evaluating a luxury home is a more involved process than a typical home and something that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially since you are investing a good chunk of money into it. Elements of a luxury home like distinct, custom features and recent renovations hold much more weight than it would with a lower-end property. Once you open escrow make sure to do your due diligence with reliable and experienced inspectors and professionals. Take the time to schedule a detailed property tour, which can take a couple of hours to review things like architectural highlights and construction methods, neighborhood features and more. You should also visit the property you are interested in multiple times and at different times of the day so you can really get a feel for the home and the neighborhood. If you have to buy a luxury property sight unseen – which happens often in this market – do work with an agent who can visit the home for you and offer unbiased and honest information so you can make an informed decision.  

There’s Always Room to Negotiate

In the real estate industry, there is always room to negotiate, and that doesn’t necessarily mean bringing down the asking price. If a home is priced well and you can’t negotiate the price down, you can ask for credits after the home inspection, ask the seller to include certain furniture or items in the sale that were not originally included and more. If the luxury home you are interested in is actually listed on the MLS and it has been sitting on the market for a while, or if there have been a couple of price cuts, then you can definitely ask your agent to work hard to get you a really great deal – this can be easily achieved if your offer is realistic and the seller is extremely motivated. 

Be Financially Prepared

Strict lending restrictions have not affected high-end buyers as much as the general population and there are large banks (Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America) who will issue jumbo mortgages to qualified individuals. Similar to the average home, lenders will ask for a down payment of at least 15 to 20 percent, but in the high-end luxury market we often see buyers put down as much as 35 to 50 percent. Before you identify the luxury property you want to purchase be prepared in advance and get all your paperwork in order and your finances organized. You should work with a trusted mortgage broker or lender to receive a pre-approval letter that shows how much you are eligible to receive and how much house you can afford. Apart from the standard bank statements and tax returns for the last few years, you will probably also have to provide proof of funds to show that you are a qualified buyer and that you have the means to purchase a high-end property. You can expect to go through a more in-depth review of your finances than other buyers and you will also want to ensure that you have enough reserves to cover at least two years of your mortgage, property taxes, insurance and other home related costs. 

Be Smart About Who You Hire

Buying a luxury property is a hefty investment and it’s important to protect yourself and your money. This is why it is important to hire and work with the right people who will look out for your best interest, keep you informed and ultimately help you achieve your goal for a fair price. Starting with a good real estate agent, make sure you also work with a trustworthy lender, a respected financial planner, insurance broker, property inspector and any other professional you will need. If you need to include estate planners, tax advisors and attorneys make sure to get them involved in the process early on so they can guide you and offer assistance as necessary. 

Think About the Future

Last but not least, you always want to consider the resale value of a luxury property that you are interested in. It’s important to remember that even if you plan on spending a lifetime in your new home, it will eventually be up for sale again in the future and you want to be able to recoup your investment or profit from the sale. Whether you choose to sell the home, rent it out or leave it to family members it’s a good idea to think about what the home will be worth in the future and invest in additional features, upgrades and renovations to keep the home looking good and desirable for future buyers. 

Looking for luxury homes for sale and buying a high-end property is very different from a typical home sale, and the more prepared you are in advance the higher your chances are of enjoying a quick and easy buying experience. Time frames are different in the luxury market and it can often take between 30 and 60 days from start to finish. Wads of cash also doesn’t always guarantee that you will get what you want, and the actual home search strategy is different from the typical online MLS search. If you’re looking for luxury homes for sale in Bryan, TX or College Station, TX contact us so we can help you find the perfect property, in the right neighborhood and at the right price. We have more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry and throughout this time we’ve established strong connections with other agents and professionals. Contact us to let us know what you are looking for and how we can help you achieve your real estate goals and find the home of your dreams. 

At one point or another, most of us have rented a property – whether that’s an apartment, a condo, a townhome or a house. Renting is a wonderful way to test out a new neighborhood before you decide to buy a home, it helps save money for a down payment on your dream home and it’s a great option for those who are taking their time to find the perfect house. Deciding to rent or buy is an intimidating question, an emotional decision and it’s really not a question that has a right or wrong answer, because there are so many moving parts and factors that go into it. With that being said, there are numerous beautiful available rental homes in Brazos County, TX. 

When looking for a home to rent, you’ll be pleased at the wide range of options to choose from. You can really find exactly what you’re looking for based on your specific search parameters – narrow down your search by size, mix of bedrooms and bathrooms, neighborhood, price, design and décor and you can even find rentals that are fully furnished so you won’t have to worry about buying new items or moving your existing furniture. 

There are definite pros and cons to renting a home, just as there are to owning a home. Both options offer advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to look at all the pros and cons and to do your own research so you can make a well-informed decision that what will work best for you and your family right now and in the future. Let’s take a look at the good and bad of both owning and renting a property and then we will share some information with you on available rental homes in Bryan and College Station, TX as well as the steps you need to take to find and secure the right rental property for your needs. 

Pros & Cons of Renting a Home

The biggest advantage of renting a home is that it gives you so much flexibility – especially if you’re not ready to permanently settle down. There are various scenarios where you may need to relocate, whether it’s a new job, a new school for your kids or needing to be closer to family. Renting a home typically doesn’t require a long-term commitment, depending on the landlord, which means that it is the best option for someone who doesn’t plan on staying in one place for a long time. Most rentals will require a one-year lease, similar to an apartment, and after the year the landlord will either ask for another year, or you can negotiate an additional six-month lease, or pay month by month. 

If you are moving to a new area or relocating from out of state, a short-term rental may be the best option for you as you get to know your new surroundings. Renting a home is a great way to get a good feel for the area, learn about the community and figure out where exactly you will want to live long-term once you are ready to buy a property. The great thing about renting a home is that you can try out different neighborhoods to make sure they’ll be a good fit for you. If you happen to be in a year-long rental, but find your dream home before the year is up, you can always help your landlord find a different tenant to sub-lease from you so that you don’t have to be responsible for a mortgage and monthly rent. 

It is much easier to move out of a property that you are renting versus one that you own, because there isn’t added pressure of finding a buyer and ensuring that you get the right price for the home. Unless you are moving out before your lease is up, finding a new tenant is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord, and you typically don’t have to give more than a 30-day notice, depending on what was agreed upon in the lease agreement. 

As a tenant in a rental home you are not responsible for paying for homeowners’ insurance, earthquake, fire or other disaster insurance and you won’t have to worry about paying property taxes, which can save you a significant amount of money. We strongly suggest investing in a good rental insurance policy, which is often require by some landlords, but other than that you are not responsible for insuring the home or any maintenance that may be required on the structure. As a renter, depending upon the contract you sign, you may not be responsible for home maintenance – the landlord has to take care of any issues that arise. If the toilet backs up, a pipe bursts or if an appliance stops working all you have to do is contact the landlord and they will work with the appropriate professional to ensure that it is fixed in a timely manner. 

Pros and Cons of Owning a Home

Unlike renters, homeowners can build up a significant amount of equity over time. Every time you pay down your mortgage that means you own a little bit more of the property, and any additions, upgrades or renovations can increase the value of the property, which means that if you sell it for more than you bought it then chances are that you would make a good profit. Additionally, homeowners may qualify for several tax benefits like federal tax deductions and homestead exemptions. You can typically deduct your property taxes and the interest you pay on your mortgage, which can reduce your overall tax burden. These are benefits that are not available to those who are renters. 

The biggest pro of being a homeowner is that you have creative freedom over your property when it comes to decorating, spearheading renovations and DIY projects and any additional home improvement decisions that may arise. You can paint any color you choose to, update your kitchen with new appliances, turn your basement into an entertainment room, expand your patio – the sky is the limit and you don’t have to ask for permission from anyone before you begin a new project. If you are thinking of expanding or adding more square footage to the home, you will need to get the proper building permits from the city, but that’s the only permission you will need. 

As a homeowner you are more likely to spend a longer period of time in your home, which means that you will eventually become a part of the local community. You can join a local neighborhood association, take part in block parties, work with local business and essentially put down roots and become friendly with your neighbors. As a renter, you are less likely to be an active community member since you may move within a year or two. 

When it comes to the cons of being a homeowner, they’re mostly tied to finances. The upfront cost of buying a home is significant – you have to make sure you have enough money for the down payment and closing costs, which means you could end up spending more than 20% of the purchase price. Once you own your home you will also be responsible for covering the cost of any maintenance and repair work that will inevitably come up over the years. This cost will vary year over year, but there are many things around a home that require upkeep and regular maintenance, like the yard, the HVAC system, gutters, etc. Not to mention that if your home comes with a pool you may consider hiring a pool specialist to help clean the pool and maintain the equipment. The biggest gamble of homeownership is the potential for financial loss. Although homeownership typically builds equity over time, the real estate market fluctuates on a regular basis and there are times when home values can decrease during a down market, which means that you risk a financial loss if you wanted to sell during a down market. If you are buying your “forever” home where you intend to spend the rest of your days, then you won’t have to worry about the property depreciating in value, but if you are buying a starter home or a property you would like to fix up and sell, then you have to be vigilant and pay attention to the state of the market so you can make moves when the time is right. 

Whether you choose to purchase or rent a home, our team would be happy to assist with your real estate needs. We can show all of the available rental homes in the Brazos County, TX neighborhoods and help you find the perfect property to call home. If you have any questions about the rental process or if you would like more information about available properties for rent or purchase then please contact us – we look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

There are so many things to consider when looking to buy a new home – how big of a home are you looking for, how much are you willing to spend, how much can you afford to spend, do you want a fixer upper or a move-in ready home, where exactly do you want your new home to be located, how many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want or need, etc.? The list of questions goes on and on, and we cover many of these questions and topics on our blog where we provide insight and guidance to first time home buyers as well as experienced buyers and sellers who are looking for additional information. Here we’d like to discuss the best way to pick where you want your new home to be located. In College Station and Bryan, TX you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of neighborhoods, communities and locations where you can find prime real estate – whether you’re looking to invest or own. If you prefer seclusion and privacy away from the hustle and bustle of city living there are numerous communities located in the luscious greenery and mountains, if you are interested in lakeside living we can help you find beautiful luxury waterfront properties, and if you looking for stunning golf course homes for sale we’d be happy to show you what’s currently available. 

There are various pros and cons to living by the water, on a golf course, in the mountains, in the suburbs or in the city. Ultimately your decision will come down to what your interests are, your budget, your personality and the type of lifestyle you are looking to enjoy in your new home. In this post we’re going to discuss the pros and cons of golf course homes for sale in College Station and Bryan, TX and share some insight on what it’s like to live on a golf course!

If you are an avid golfer, you have surely thought about how incredible it would be to wake up early on a bright weekend morning, enjoy a cup of coffee on your patio overlooking a perfectly manicured fairway before you jump into your own golf cart on your driveway and head down to your first tee. This can actually be your reality if you live in a golf course community! You won’t have to fight traffic to make sure you don’t miss your tee time, if you forget any equipment you can quickly drive back to your house to pick it up and if you get tired halfway through a round of golf you can just pack up and head home without feeling like you wasted a day at the course. You can just pick back up the following day or weekend. 

There are so many wonderful advantages to living on a golf course or in a golf course community – from high property values, luxury community amenities, top notch golf right at your fingertips and so much more. There are however also some downsides to living on a golf course, as there is with anything. When you live on a golf course you are subject to certain cons like stray golf balls crashing through your window from inexperienced players. Here are a couple of pros and cons to consider when looking for golf course homes for sale in College Station or Bryan, TX. 

Quality of Life

Living in a golf course community comes with some pretty distinct advantages like low levels of criminal activity, stable property values, proximity to fine dining and entertainment and more. One of the top benefits to consider is the higher level of property value, quality of the home and the high demand for this type of real estate. Golf course homes for sale typically feature beautiful architecture, fine finishes, luxury amenities and the most incredible sprawling views of the perfectly maintained grounds. Some homes may have views of luscious trees, lakes, fountains and other specific locations around and near the golf course that are preferable and available at a premium price. When living on a golf course you can enjoy the prestige of living in an upscale development where the quality of life is superb, and the golf is next to none. 

Unlimited Golf

This is probably obvious but living in a golf course community gives you up close access to unlimited golf and any related activities and amenities. For an avid golfer living on or near a golf course means that you can play as little or as much golf as you want, and you can also invite your friends for weekend golf games whenever you would like. 

Privacy

If you are living in or near a golf course, it does mean that you don’t have to deal with looking straight into a neighbor’s unkempt backyard and you can enjoy more privacy than you would in a traditional community. However, depending on where on the fairway your home is located, you may have to deal with stray balls in your backyard, or even going through your window every now and then. The downside of this is that most golf communities don’t offer much to homeowners for broken windows or trespassing from golfers looking for their stray balls. One way to avoid this is to consider the location of the home along the fairway. 

Life on a golf course means you can also enjoy quiet mornings free from traffic noises, honking cars, alarms and other city sounds. On the other hand, you may hear lawn mowers cleaning up the course in the morning, golf carts passing throughout the day and some colorful language from players as they perfect their game. This can also be prevented before you buy by working with a good home inspector who will watch for these kinds of issues and let you know. 

Things to Take into Consideration

While life on a golf course may seem like idyllic perfection to some, there are definitely some downsides and cons to take into consideration before making the decision to buy a golf course home. Any home that is built on a golf course is subject to some wayward shots, whether it’s a player practicing a shot or completely missing a hole. This means that your property may be littered with golf balls, or a shot may make it through your bedroom window at any moment. It also means that players may try to come onto your property looking for a stray ball. 

While the landscaping and expansive views of the fairway are one of the best parts about living on a golf course, it also means that there will be exposure to certain chemicals and pesticides that are necessary for maintaining the land. A golf course requires more grooming than just watering and mowing. Golf courses utilize weed killers, fertilizer and pesticides that are applied on a regular basis to keep the grounds beautiful and to keep certain bugs and insects away. 

Most golf courses are also part of an HOA (Homeowners Association), whether you consider this a pro, or a con is up to you. HOAs put specific guidelines and regulations in place to ensure that the community meets certain standards. While most residents find an HOA to be helpful, there are some people who may feel that these rules take away certain freedoms when it comes to landscaping, painting and other additions they may want to make to their properties. If you are not sure if this is something that you would like, make sure to read any fine print ahead of time and make sure that you will be ok with following the rules, as well as paying the monthly or annual HOA dues

As it is with any real estate purchase, buying a golf course home for sale comes with various risks and rewards. Golf course homes have obvious pitfalls, but the benefits far outweigh any negative drawbacks, especially if you consider yourself to be an avid golfer. The golf course homes for sale in College Station and Bryan, TX are part of master planned communities that offer a multitude of other amenities like biking and walking trails, tennis facilities, spas, swimming pools and state of the art fitness studios. 

If you are ready to look for a stunning golf course home for sale in the Bryan College Station, TX area, then please connect with our team today so we can help you find the home of your dreams. There are many steps to take throughout the real estate process, and we’re here to make sure that your transaction runs smoothly from start to finish. We also pride ourselves on maintaining our relationships with our clients and providing excellent service after the sale because homeownership is an ongoing process and we’re happy to offer referrals and assistance whenever and wherever necessary. We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you find the perfect golf course home, lakefront property or luxury residence for you and your family, we are here to help with all of your real estate needs!