Just like every loving mother is beautiful to her child, every home is beautiful if ‘LOVE’ is spoken within her walls.

It’s not just physical.  It’s safety, loyalty, love, comfort, kindness, and sacrifice that provide a haven for each of us. Home is where we long to be.

There is beauty all around, when there’s love at home.

A sweet home can be made in the most meager space or palatial mansion.  College Station homes can be found in every size and shape.  It’s what you fill it with that matters most.  This has nothing to do with furnishings or anything that  you can buy in a store.  It has everything to do with Love.

 

‘Let Myke Help You With Your HOMEwork!’
www.CollegeStationHomes.com

Brazos County Realty, LLC

979-693-0201

Everyone loves traditional Texas dishes, such as rich BBQ and tasty tacos, but Brazos County takes all the Texas favorites and adds to them an impressive variety of other flavors. The restaurants in this area serve an assortment of unique dishes that are inspired by countries around the world. If you are looking to mix up your usual routine and try a new spot in Brazos County, TX, consider stopping by one of these top-rated restaurants this weekend. 

Restaurant #1: Lamar & Niki’s Pit BBQ and Soul Food

Texas is known for its BBQ, so it should come as no surprise that this list is topped by a couple of outstanding BBQ joints. Our top choice for BBQ in the area is Lamar & Niki’s Pit BBQ and Soul Food. This southern-inspired BBQ joint blends traditional southern food with southwestern BBQ favorites to create a unique, amazing dining experience. 

From the moment you walk in the door, you will be greeted with southern hospitality. The friendly staff will go out of their way to make you feel like you are eating a home cooked meal. If you are looking to try something new, order the candied yams or the smothered chicken with cabbage. If you prefer to stick with something tried and true, you can not go wrong with the fried chicken, cornbread, or macaroni and cheese.

Restaurant #2: Fargo’s Pit BBQ

Fargo’s Pit BBQ is everything that Texas BBQ should be. This hole in the wall restaurant is locally owned and operated, but the amazing scents wafting out to the parking lot will draw you in. The meat is tender and falls apart easily. Favorites include the ribs, sausage, or brisket. Diners can choose between lean and regular brisket, allowing each patron to get exactly the BBQ experience they desire. Pair the meat with a couple of side dishes. Options include collard greens, seasoned baked beans, and cornbread. 

Restaurant #3: Madden’s Casual Gourmet

Madden’s Casual Gourmet is perfect for a celebratory dinner or a casual lunch with friends. If you are celebrating a formal affair, you might decide to start your meal with an appetizer. Locals recommend the crab avocado salad. This appetizer is served with homemade chips that perfectly compliment the tasty dip. The restaurant’s selection of main courses includes everything from pork chops and grilled beef tenderloin to seafood enchiladas and seabass. Afterwards, diners can enjoy a slice of delicious, creamy cheesecake or a dish of warm, blackberry bread pudding topped with cool vanilla ice cream. The attentive staff will make sure that everything is perfect, ensuring that your meal is a success and you will be eager to return for another visit.

Restaurant #4: Dat Dog

If you are looking for something a little more casual, stop by Dat Dog. As its name suggests, this chain restaurant specializes in hot dogs of all shapes and sizes. Locals love the Crawfish Etouffee dog, but you might also like to try a Guinness dog with sauerkraut. 

If you are not in the mood for a hot dog, there are plenty of other options. Try a Classic Dat Chick. These fried chicken tenders topped with a tasty sauce are popular with diners of all ages. Pair your meal with a basket of bacon ranch fries and you will have a quick, casual meal that will bring back fond childhood memories. 

Restaurant #5: First Watch

Another popular chain restaurant is First Watch. While most of the restaurants on this list are known for their lunch or dinner options, First Watch focuses on a delicious breakfast and brunch menu. Diners can choose from a selection of traditional breakfast options as well as some healthier specialty dishes, all of which are made with fresh ingredients. Try the Mexican style street hash or breakfast tacos if you are looking for a heartier dish. Others might like the acai bowl filled with a generous portion of fresh fruit. Any regular will tell you that the home fries are to die for, so if you are interested in perfectly crispy potato cubes, try the home fries paired with a couple of eggs and some fresh fruit. 

Restaurant #6: Mad Taco

While Texas as a whole is known for its BBQ, South Texas is known for its tacos. Mad Taco, however, is a twist on the traditional Tex-Mex tacos. Their most popular special is the beef short rib taco topped with a tasty sauce. Other favorites include the braised pork taco and the carne guisada. Mad Taco’s menu also features several vegetarian options, including an avocado pizza, a bean and cheese taco, and a mushroom taco. This varied menu caters to adults and kids of all ages, so stop by soon to try out one of their delicious tacos. 

Restaurant #7: Ronin

If it is American or Southern food that you are craving, stop by Ronin. The menu includes gluten-free, vegetarian, and even vegan options for dinner. Call ahead to request a specific dish to be prepared in a gluten-free environment. Because of their attention to detail, this restaurant is great for groups of people with diverse tastes or complex food allergies. The food here is all farm fresh, with reasonable prices and delicious, carefully crafted dishes. This locally owned restaurant has a fascinating history, so stop by to learn more about Ronin’s origins. 

Restaurant #8: Kluay Kluay Thai Restaurant

If you want to get away from heavy, fried food, try out the area’s   Thai restaurant: Kluay Kluay Thai Restaurant. Locals recommend the spicy yellow curry or the chicken basil fried rice. Pair your meal with a glass of Thai iced coffee, a bowl of soup, or a crispy spring roll. Finish your meal with a piece of guava candy. This spot is open for lunch or dinner, so stop by today to give it a try.

Restaurant #9: The Remnant From Nawlins

If you are craving Cajun food, The Remnant from Nawlins is the place to go. This restaurant is known for its daily catfish specials, fried shrimp, jambalaya, and macaroni and cheese. Locals find that the crawfish here are priced comparably to or even lower than other restaurants in the area. Everything here is cooked fresh to order. This means that customers sometimes have to wait a while for their food to come out of the kitchen, but you will be glad you stuck around once you have the opportunity to taste the amazing Cajun food served at The Remnant from Nawlins.

Restaurant #10: Nam Cafe

On the other end of the ethnic spectrum, you will find the Nam Cafe. This Vietnamese inspired restaurant is a favorite spot for the area’s college students. Nam Cafe’s pho dishes are known for their hearty portions, rich flavors, and a great selection of toppings. The sizzling beef is perfectly seasoned and cut into bite-sized pieces that make it easy to eat. The shaken tofu is great as a small plate or as an appetizer to share. The crispy tofu comes served with rice, making it a unique, reasonably filling option with which to start your meal. 

Restaurant #11: Porters Dining and Butcher

Porters Dining and Butcher offers a wide variety of dishes, meaning that there is something here for everyone. Small children, vegetarians, or picky eaters can enjoy a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich. More adventurous eaters might like the taco salad or quail legs paired with the cornbread muffins. The wine menu is extensive, so you can easily pair your dinner with a glass of wine that compliments the meal. This spot has a college vibe that matches the surrounding area. It is perfect for celebrating birthdays or graduations with the family. 

Restaurant #12: Casa do Brasil

Stop by Casa do Brasil for another ethnic experience that you will not want to miss. This restaurant offers an all you can eat meat option, so make sure you come hungry. Try traditional favorites like the parmesan pork, skirt steak, or garlic steak and then mix it up with sweet treats like the candied bacon. Pair your dinner with a plate from the salad bar and then finish off your evening with a delicious dessert such as the creme brulee. 

Restaurant #13: All the King’s Men

All the King’s Men is another BBQ place that should be on your list of new restaurants to try in Brazos County, TX. Its atmosphere is unassuming, but the food here will surpass all expectations. If you like pork, try the candied pork belly tips. You can sample them alone or with one of the incredible sauces for a culinary experience you will not soon forget. Another favorite dish is the brisket. Try it with your choice of sides. We recommend the Havarti Grits, the Gouda Mac and Cheese, or the Dill Potato Salad. These combinations of flavors ensure that you will begin planning your next visit soon.

To learn more about the things to do or see in College Station or Brazos County, TX, browse our website. If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the area, contact one of our team members today. 

Ready for Move In

Check out this cute house for sale at  4006 Running Brook Ct, College Station, TX 77845, Bryan College Station

MLS 18011632

HAR MLS 46364102

4 Beds/2.5 Baths/2 Car garage

Year built 2014

2092 Sq ft

Lot size 9013 (0.21 ac)

Price: $300,000

Call Myke Leatham to view 979-693-0201

With the growing popularity of reality shows centered around flipping houses, you might be wondering how you can get in on this “easy money.” Like most things in life, becoming a successful house flipper requires careful planning, a stable financial backing, and a well thought out allocation of resources. While the television shows make it look easy, there are countless pitfalls that will need to be avoided along the way. Before you start flipping houses, make sure you understand what you are getting involved in and what common mistakes you should be careful to avoid.

The general premise behind these house flipping shows is that the investors purchase a property that they feel is undervalued, make some repairs, fix it up, and sell it for a huge profit. While this is sometimes possible, it is misleading to think that this is the way that flipping houses always works out. You need to be prepared for unexpected difficulties, issues with financing, or a delayed sale of the home. While sometimes these issues are unavoidable, many of the common mistakes can be avoided with plenty of advanced planning and research. Make sure that you understand the pros and cons of flipping houses before you take out another mortgage for a project house.

#1 Factor to Consider: What Kind of Projects Are You Willing to Tackle? 

House flipping projects come in all shapes and sizes. Before you even consider purchasing a house to flip, you will need to decide what kind of home improvement projects you are willing to take on.

For the most part, house flipping projects can be placed into one of four categories. Each category strikes its own balance of risk vs. reward, so you will need to decide early on what your tolerance for risk will be. You will also need to decide how much money you are willing to put into your investment. In an ideal world, you would always recoup your initial investment when you sell the home. However, any experienced investor knows that the best case scenario is not always going to happen.

The least labor-intensive house flipping projects will involve mostly cosmetic improvements. Some people, including those without a construction background, would probably prefer to invest in this type of home. The cosmetic improvements involved in these renovations could be things like giving it a new coat of paint, replacing the flooring, installing new light fixtures, or revamping the landscaping. For the most part, these are homes that are undervalued for whatever reason. Cosmetic improvements can go a long way towards increasing their value. The goal is to purchase them at a low price and then fix them up so that they can quickly be sold again. You will need to target the right demographic of buyers and boost the home’s curb appeal as much as possible – without spending too much in the process.

A mid-level house flip might involve some larger projects, such as replacing major appliances, cabinets, or countertops. The bathrooms and the kitchen are often some of the most outdated spaces in a home. That means that these can often be a good place to make some major improvements that will quickly boost the value of the home. Bathroom remodels are very common with these types of home renovations. Make sure that you are choosing countertops, tiles, and fixtures that are appropriate for the value of the home. A nicer home in a more upscale neighborhood will need higher-end fixtures than a comparable home in an average neighborhood.

The most difficult houses to flip are those that involve structural damage. Homes with significant structural damage are often marked down significantly due to the impending cost of repairs. These homes will typically not pass a traditional home inspection, with one or more factors causing major red flags. While these are the houses that can bring in the most profit, they are also accompanied by the most risk. This type of project should not be attempted by novice house flippers. In fact, it can be difficult to accurately assess the costs and labor that might be involved without a background in construction. If you choose to purchase a home with structural issues, make sure you get a thorough home inspection ahead of time. The more information you can gather on the home, the better you will understand the work involved to get it ready to sell again.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the fourth type of house flipping project. In some cases, a buyer might not choose to make any changes at all to a home. Instead, they buy it and simply plan to hold the home for an undetermined amount of time. This is most commonly done in rapidly appreciating markets. Buyers purchase the home as an investment, hoping to sell the home for a much higher price in a few years. In the right market, this strategy can work well, but it does carry a fair amount of risk. The home may not appreciate as anticipated, leaving the new owner stuck with a property that they do not necessarily want. Or worse, the property values might decrease, leaving them underwater on the home. If you are planning to purchase a property in a rapidly appreciating area, make sure you have the funds to pay the mortgage in the event that you can not garner a quick resale.

#2 Factor to Consider: Are You Prepared to Hold the Property Long Term?

In fact, any home flip can end with a property that is slow to sell. While there are steps that you can take to make your property as appealing as possible, unanticipated factors or a dip in the local market can leave you with a property that takes weeks, months, or even years to sell. An experienced house flipper will be prepared for this possibility, with a plan in place to pay the mortgage long term even if the house does not sell as quickly as anticipated. 

#3 Factor to Consider: Have You Done Your Research?

While even the best-planned house flip can end with your house sitting on the market indefinitely, some home purchases are much better investments than others. Make sure that you have done all of your research before committing to a home. Do you understand the market trends in the area? Do you understand the work that the home will need to bring it up to the standards of the neighborhood? Do you know how much these repairs and renovations will cost? Are you sure that you will recoup your investment when the home sells? 

Any experienced contractor will tell you that home improvement projects often end up being more expensive than originally anticipated. Make sure that you have plenty of cash reserves and a buffer in your profit margin before you commit to a home purchase.

#4 Factor to Consider: You Might Need a Bigger Down Payment.

Getting approved for financing on a primary residence is fairly straightforward. Getting approved for financing on an investment property can be more difficult. Even with good credit, many banks will require a 25% down payment on a home that will not be your primary residence.

Through certain lenders, it is possible to purchase these homes with a smaller down payment. These lenders, often called hard-money lenders, will give you a short-term mortgage that is based on the assessed value of the property. However, these lenders will often charge higher interest rates. It is not uncommon to see short-term mortgages with 10% or even 15% interest. While this can be a good option in some cases, the higher interest charges can quickly eat into your profit margin if you end up owning the home for more than a year. Make sure you have the cash to back your goals before you get involved in flipping houses.

#5 Factor to Consider: How Does the Home Compare to Others in the Neighborhood?

When looking for a primary residence, the common advice is to not purchase the nicest house in the neighborhood. You typically want to purchase an average house in a nice neighborhood rather than a nice house in an average neighborhood. This advice also applies to properties that you could potentially flip. You are more likely to recoup your investment if you can find a run down home in a nice neighborhood than if you find a similarly priced home in a cheaper neighborhood. 

The bottom line when it comes to flipping houses is that you need to do your research ahead of time and you need to have money in the bank before, during, and after the purchase of the home. Only you can decide if the risks outweigh the benefits.

If you are interested in buying an investment property in Brazos County, TX, contact my team today. We have extensive experience working with buyers and sellers in the area and we will be happy to give you advice that is tailored to your unique situation.

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

Choose an Agent Who is a Waterfront Specialist

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

Look at the Property More than the Structure

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

Choose the Waterfront Property that Fits Your Lifestyle

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

Look into Obtaining a Loan Early

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

Make Sure the Structure Can Withstand Weather

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

Know that Insurance Will Be a Higher Cost

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

Find Out What You Can Change on the Property

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

Talk to Neighbors

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

Look Into Utilities

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

Know the Responsibilities of Owning a Waterfront Home

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

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

Understand Legalities

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

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

Benefits of Living in a Waterfront Home

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

• Peaceful Atmosphere

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

• Amazing Views

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

• Water sports

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

• Great investment

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

• Health benefits

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

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

Waterfront Living is Truly Unmatched

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

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