Protect Your Household and Family with the Right VPN

 

You hear too many stories of cyberbullying nowadays, and how it affects our children’s mental and eventually physical well-being. The sad truth is that’s only a small part of the dangers they face online. Even if you aren’t a parent yourself, there are many cyber threats that could affect your livelihood. Luckily, you can protect yourself against them with the right VPN, or Virtual Private Network.

If you’re looking up houses for sale in College Station or the nearby Bryan TX, I can’t recommend one enough. Here’s what a VPN is and how it will enhance your safety in this warm, small-town Texas community.

What Is a VPN?

Think of your online data (emails, passwords, bank accounts, etc.) as a shipment of cash. That’s definitely how valuable your data is to cyber criminals, and there are many ways in which they try to get their hands on it. Now, think of a VPN as the armored car that transports that cash between two banks (or other such secured locations, like retail companies).

Bank A is you, and Bank B is where your data is supposed to arrive. The armored car is the VPN’s encrypted tunnel through which that data passes towards its destination. For example, your email account and password reaching your provider’s servers safely. Obviously, those armored cars make return trips, so the data those websites send back to you is also safe from unwelcome eyes.

One of the main and most useful features of a VPN is its ability to hide your IP address, which can leak some fairly private info about you online, including:

  • Your city
  • Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Your ZIP code

This might seem unimportant, but to experienced cyberstalkers and identity thieves it could be just what they need to find your physical location. Maybe even credit card details if you tend to pay your bills online.

Why Your Home Needs the Right VPN

Any College Station real estate agent will tell you that the area has a low crime rate, and the inviting community shows exactly that. Look no further than the Aggieland restaurant scene and you will find a wholesome tale of Katrina survivors becoming community pillars – and serving good food to boot!

But online, it’s a different story. Everyone wishes this sense of warmth could extend there, but that simply isn’t the case. There are almost 5 billion Internet users at the moment, so there’s bound to be some bad apples in there.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop with cyberbullies and criminals. You may have heard that the FTC has been investigating Verizon, Comcast, AT&T, and a host of other ISPs. They believed the providers were selling their customers’ browsing and location data, which spells bad news for you and your children’s privacy.

Another example is the intrusive way online advertisers and social media giants use your IP address for location-based targeted advertising. Not only is it unnerving by itself, but we’ve seen a complex version of it used for more sinister purposes, like the infamous Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal.

Obviously, with the right VPN, this is no issue. Since your physical location is hidden and your data is protected against hackers and other online snoopers, you can enjoy the comfy Aggieland atmosphere in peace.

How to find the Right VPN

Your best bet is to see what online reviews are saying, but here are some quick pointers if you only have time to scan through one on your break:

  • Fast speeds – even if you don’t browse the Internet much, you certainly don’t want it to slow down to a crawl when you do.
  • Great customer support – reviews will most likely point out slow service or other red flags.
  • No-logs policy – ISPs are currently logging everything you do online, make sure your VPN provider isn’t doing the same!
  • Read the fine print on free trials and money-back guarantees – check for how much you can use the VPN to be eligible for your money back if it’s not to your liking.
  • Most importantly, use this tool to make sure your VPN actually works as advertised. A good quality VPN will have protections in place and never leak your IP address.

Having put up houses for sale in College Station and the surrounding areas for many years, I can tell you right now that being a realtor and taking care of family life doesn’t leave me with much free time. So naturally, I needed the quick ins and outs of finding a good VPN. Hopefully, my pointers will lead you in the right direction!

We want to make your stay in the area as stress-free as possible, so don’t hesitate to contact us today for the latest in College Station realty.

 

Brazos County Realty, LLC
Myke Leatham Broker/Owner
www.CollegeStationHomes.com
979-693-02001

15 Ways to Show Gratitude

15 POWERFUL WAYS TO SHOW GRATITUDE FOR OTHERS:  100’s of easy random acts of kindness ideas.

I’m truly thankful for the trust, and confidence my clients have entrusted in me at Brazos County Realty throughout this year in College Station, TX.

As  important as it is  to verbally express gratitude,  it’s even better to SHOW gratitude to the people we work with, associate with, and especially our families who are closest to us.   Here’s some ideas that will make this Thanksgiving exceptional and one to remember.

1. MAIL A HANDWRITTEN NOTE OR LETTER TO SOMEONE

Snail mail seems to be a lost art form these days, yet everyone I know loves receiving mail that isn’t just bills. Tell that person what you love or admire about them in a written form and you’ll be sure to make their day!

2. GIVE HUGS – LOTS OF THEM!

You don’t have to be one of those people standing on the corner holding a “free hugs” sign, but do offer up more hugs and affection to those you love. Hugs have been proven to decrease stress levels in both people partaking – what a great way to reduce some stress for someone having a rough day!

3. DO A FAVOR FOR SOMEONE

Whether it’s dropping soup off to your sick friend, bringing coffee or treats to a neighbor just to brighten their day, or running an errand for someone. Simple favors like these can go a long way in showing others that you care about them, and doing these small favors will likely put you in a great mood as well. It always feels good to give to others!

4. PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT

Maybe this person is wavering in their abilities and questioning whether or not they are capable of completing something they might like to do. Be an encouragement to them and a cheerleader to help them in reaching their goals. Sometimes all it takes is someone else believing in us to help us make our dreams happen.

5. GIVE A GENUINE COMPLIMENT

If you appreciate how a friend of yours is always so uplifting to you and is a great positive influence in your life, tell them that!

6. SHARE YOUR SKILLS

If you are a master photographer, perhaps offer up your skills to a friend to take their family’s Christmas portrait this year. Or maybe you are excellent at writing resumes and you have a friend who is struggling to find work – offer up your talents, and I’m sure they will very much appreciate it!

7. CELEBRATE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS

When something wonderful happens for someone else, be happy for them and celebrate their accomplishments. Even if you might feel a bit of envy, push that to the side and focus instead of being happy for that person and celebrate all the hard work they did to achieve their goal. Celebrating for someone else feels a heck of a lot better than throwing yourself a pity party!

8. PERFORM A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Random acts of kindness are such a fun way to spread cheer and joy to others around us! I’m loving these ideas for 50 Easy Random Acts of Kindness from Frugal on the Prairie.

9. OFFER SUPPORT

If someone is going through a hard time, let them know you are there for them. Sometimes just knowing that others are thinking of us and are there with an open ear if we want to talk about it can make someone going through a rough time feel so much better.

10. TIP WELL FOR SERVICE

If your hairstylist gave you an awesome hair cut, or your waiter made your meal an extra pleasant experience, be sure to tip extra for that. What might only be a few extra dollars out of your pocket can really make the day of someone who relies on that income to make a living. Not only that, but it will make them feel good that you acknowledged their efforts!

11. BE FULLY PRESENT

Giving others our full attention and presence when we are with them is one of the greatest gifts we can give. It shows that we respect and care for them enough to give them our undivided attention.

12. PAY IT FORWARD TO A STRANGER

The next time you are getting coffee or a quick meal, try paying for someone behind you in line. A small gesture like this can really make waves of kindness, as that person will likely continue to pay it forward as well.

13. BE POSITIVE

Even when times are tough, it can help those struggling to be around someone else with a positive attitude. Positivity can be super contagious! Wouldn’t you rather spread that than negativity?

14. INVITE THEM TO DO SOMETHING YOU KNOW THEY’LL LOVE

Maybe they have been wanting to see a new movie that came out, or try out a restaurant but can’t find anyone to go with them. Invite them to go with you, even if it may not be your cup of tea. Your gesture will be appreciated and will show them how much you care for them.

15. SMILE OFTEN

Sometimes I think we can underestimate the power that a simple smile can bring to others. I know that when I’m having a rough day and even a stranger smiles at me while grocery shopping, it truly has the power to turn my entire day around. Just knowing that someone cared enough to brighten my day always puts me in a good mood.

How do you like to show gratitude for others? Which of these powerful ways to show gratitude for others is your favorite?

 

Myke Leatham, Broker/Owner

Brazos County Realty in College Station, TX

979-693-0201

Home Maintenance in the Fall

Fall is finally here, which means winter is right around the corner. In the colder parts of the country, those winter months can reap costly damage if homeowners aren’t prepared. Below are some tips on fall home maintenance you should focus on this season.

1. Trees, Shrubs, & Garden

Falling tree limbs could be a major hazard in the winter, and fall is the perfect time to address them. A professional tree service will be able to examine the trees on your property for signs of failing health to help prevent tree loss, and prune correctly to avoid any branches falling off. Take extra care with any limbs that are growing close to the roof or power lines.

In the northern regions, fall is actually a great time to fertilize and reseed the lawn. Although the grass may appear to stop growing this time of year, its roots are actually growing deeper into the ground to prepare for the snowy months. Now is also a good time to prune any shrubs; after the leaves turn, a careful pruning will encourage healthy growth. When you’re finished, make sure to clean off your gardening tools before putting them in storage for winter.

2. Leaves

The changing leaves are synonymous with autumn, and can look beautiful covering the lawn. However, if not taken care of before the snow, those leaves can prevent growth in the spring. When large layers of leave get wet, then can become compact and suffocate the lawn beneath. This also facilitates an environment ripe for infestation and germs. By making sure to regularly rake the lawn, particularly before any snowfalls, you can help keep your lawn healthy for spring.

To make the job as easy as possible, put on some gardening gloves to protect your hands, use a lightweight rake, and scoop the piles into bags. However, you could also consider putting those leaves to good use in your garden. Leaves are rich in nutrients, and can be used for composting, insulating your garden, and enriching your soil. Just make sure to shred the leaves first. A leaf shredder will be most efficient, but a lawn mower will achieve the same results.

3. Gutters

All those leaves coming down can also clog your gutters and downspouts if left unchecked. When it rains, or the snow melts, clogged gutters will cause the water to pool which can cause damage to your siding or roof. It can also create ice dams To prevent this, make sure to regularly clean them out during the fall months. The drainage areas should be completely unblocked by leaves, twigs, or other debris.

For the roof, you’ll probably need to break out a ladder. Use extreme caution when doing this, or hire a professional if you’re unsure. And to save yourself headaches in the future, consider installing some gutter guards to prevent clogging.

4. Safety

Those of you that live in seasonally cold regions know how dangerous it can be just to walk to your front door when it’s icy out. To prepare, make a point in the fall to look for wobbly railings or loose stairs, and refasten or replace anything that doesn’t feel sturdy. Also take a look at your driveway and walkways- smooth surfaces make for much easier shoveling, so repair any cracks or consider repaving if needed.

If you’ve never checked for radon, fall is a good time to do so. As the weather gets colder, you’re more likely to keep the windows and doors shut more often- and trap radon in, which is very harmful at high levels. While you’re at it, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any batteries as needed. Finally, if you own a wood-burning fireplace, be sure to inspect and clean it before the cold weather sets in to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires.

5. Plumbing

An commonly known but easily forgotten rule is to shut off the water to your exterior faucets before temperatures drop below freezing and the pipes freeze and burst. In case the pipes do freeze, make sure you know where your shut-off valve is located. Any hoses should not only be drained, but also stored indoors before the winter- leaving them attached could cause water to back up in the pipes and freeze.

If you have an irrigation system, this will also need to be drained. Irrigation lines, even if buried, can freeze in the winter and leave you with busted pipes and sprinklers. The process to drain the system will differ depending on whether it is a manual or automatic valve, so research carefully.

6. Insulate

According to Energy.Gov, between 25% to 30% of residential heating use is due to heat loss through windows. To save on energy this winter, weatherstripping is an easy, low-cost solution. Apply the stripping around windows and door frames to seal the heat inside. Door sweeps can also help along the bottoms of drafty doors. For additional energy saving, grab some exterior caulk and take a trip around the exterior of the home to seal any cracks between the trim and siding.

Next, journey up to the attic to make sure the insulation is still in order. If installed correctly, the vapor barrier should be facing down; if it’s facing up, it will trap moisture and cause water damage. Also, make sure the insulation isn’t covering any vents, which could cause ice dams on the roof.

7. HVAC

If you have window air conditioning units, fall is the time to take those down. If that’s not possible, use an insulating wrap to cover the exterior of the unit to prevent drafts. For central units, it’s not necessary to wrap the entire unit for the winter- doing so can actually cause condensation, which could corrode the unit. However, it is smart to place a piece of plywood on top of the unit for protection from falling icicles in the winter.

Now for your furnace or heating system. Make sure to replace the filters before you start using it regularly. This is something homeowners should do every 2-3 months regardless, but if you’re behind on the maintenance, now is the time. The system should also be inspected and cleaned by a licensed HVAC technician- this is important to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and ensure peak performance through the winter.

January 2019 – COLLEGE STATION / BRYAN HOME SALES

Bryan / College Station Home Sales Statistics Monthly Report

This includes Bryan Texas homes for sale.  College Station Homes for sale.  All Single Family properties which have sold in the Brazos County in the month of January 2019.  Active properties currently for sale in the Bryan College Station, TX area

January 2019 Update:

Single-family homes closed:         143

Average sales price: $239,979

Sold Dollar volume $34,317,000

Average days on market (DOM): 121

Total number of active residential listings:        1,265

Total number of new listings:     522

Total number of Pending listings:    189

 

Housing Reports Housing Reports

 

For Housing Reports for the entire Brazos Valley (Brazos and surrounding Counties) visit my post: January 2019 Home Sales Housing reports for the Brazos Valley

 

Myke Leatham, Broker
Brazos County Realty, LLC
13464 I and GN Rd,
College Station, TX  77845
http://www.CollegeStationHomes.com
Office:  979-693-0201
Email:  [email protected]

Source: Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors

College Station, TX housing market

For the fourth consecutive year according to RECON, the Texas housing market broke records in home sales and median price, according to a Texas Realtors report. However, home price and sales increases are slowing down.  Link to College Station Homes for the best community information for Bryan and College Station, TX.

February 26, 2019

Texas sixth nationally in property taxes

​​​​WASHINGTON (WalletHub

) – ​Texas has the sixth-highest property tax rate in the country, reports WalletHub.

The Lone Star State tied with Vermont with a 1.83 percent effective real estate tax rate. The annual tax on a median-priced Texas home ($151,500) is $2,775. ​

Vermont’s annual tax on a median-priced home ($220,600) is $4,040.

Texas is among seven states that do not have an income tax. It is also among 24 (including the District of Columbia) that do not have a vehicle tax.

New Jersey has the highest effective real estate tax rate at 2.44 percent. A homeowner would pay $7,840 in taxes each year on a median-priced Garden State home ($321,100).

The rest of the top five are Illinois, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Wisconsin​.

Hawaii has the lowest effective real estate tax rate. Residents would pay $1,529 annually on a median-priced Hawaiian home ($563,900).

Other states with the lowest annual property taxes are Alabama, Louisiana, and Colorado and District of Columbia (tied).

For more on Texas real estate taxes, ​read “Texas Tax Conundrum

” by Real Estate Center Research Economist Dr. Charles Gilliland.

Brazos County Realty would like to thank the Real Estate Center for providing  important information about the Texas housing market.  Investors still anxiously watch the College Station housing market.  Retirees recognize College Station homes their perfect choice for buying a luxury property.  College Station and Bryan Texas, home of Texas A&M is not your average place to live.  It’s a highly educated community centrally located between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.  When you’d like the grand tour, pick up the phone and call 979-693-0201 or take a peak at our phenomenal College Station community  and check out available housing and land in any price range. 1st time home buyers are welcome too.  We’re here to help with all your housing and real estate needs.

It will be our pleasure to help you with your HOMEwork!

Myke Leatham, Broker/Owner

College Station Realtor
Brazos County Realty

 

 

Keeping Children Safe Online

The internet is such an omnipresent part of modern life that it comes as second nature to our children. While many of us are still getting to grips with the online world, children are born into it.

This can be a great thing. If a curious child has a question, the answer is only ever a Google search away. Naturally, however, this is not always a good thing. Anything that can be used for good can also be exploited – especially where children are concerned. There is a fine line between innocence and naivety.

It’s important that we keep our children safe online. Thankfully, even though the internet can appear to resemble a lawless Wild West at times, there are a number of steps that we can take to do just this. Check out the great links at the bottom.

Important Conversations to Have With Our Children

Some children may take the internet for granted, not understanding the risks found throughout the online world. Ensure that you explain the dangers of the internet to your children.

There are three particularly pivotal pieces of advice that must be imparted to our children.

·         Not everybody online is who they claim to be. The internet hosts a great many people pretending to be somebody else. This may just be for fun, or it could have a more sinister intent. Online Sense provides useful advice on how to identify an online predator. If you have any reason to believe that your child is at risk of exploitation online, report the behavior to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.

·         Everything posted on the internet is permanent. Your child will need to understand that the internet never forgets. Just take a look at various instances of social media posts coming back to haunt public figures in recent times. Our Children, a division of the national PTA, explains this is in greater detail. Explain to you child that they must always think carefully before posting anything on the internet.

·         The internet is filled with amateur detectives. Children need to understand that even the most innocuous piece of information can reveal their identity. Kids Health offers child-friendly advice on how to choose an online identity that cannot be traced. If information surrounding your child’s identity falls into the wrong hands, their address or personal contact details could follow. This will obviously result in their safety being compromised.

General Online Safety Advice and Resources

There is no shortage of information and guidance on how to keep children safe online. There are also a number of charities and private companies working tirelessly in this area. For more information on how to keep children safe online, take a look at some of these resources.

·         Enough is Enough is a charity dedicated to preventing children from gaining access to online pornography and other harmful material.

·         NetSmartz provides child-friendly advice on how to use the internet safely.

·         Web Wise Kids offers personal accounts of compromised internet safety, and general advice for staying safe.

·         The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team discusses the dangers that could appear to children online. It’s a dry read, but an important one.

·         Wired Safety is a densely populated site dedicated to all elements of online safety for children. TeenAngels is operated by the same team, and will appeal to older children.

·         Common Sense Media review various applications, websites and forms of media, explaining whether they are safe for children.

Safety on Social Media

When parents think of social media, they usually consider the Big Three networking sites.

·         Facebook has a community guideline policy in place, which largely keeps children safe. Most interactions will also take place on a public wall, which you can monitor. The site also has a private messenger facility similar to email, but this can be disabled.

·         Instagram is entirely picture-based, and does not have a private messaging facility. This means that you will be able to see all of your child’s interactions, and keep an eye on them.

·         Twitter is a tougher site to keep on top of. Many young people use Twitter to communicate, and they even attempt with their favorite celebrities on the platform. To keep your child safe, you can mute particular words from appearing in their feed, and block certain accounts from interacting with – or even seeing – your child’s profile. Also explain that somebody in the public eye should have a blue tick by their name. This is called verification.

There are new social media sites cropping up every day, however. Some of the other popular sites and apps that should be approached with caution include:

·         What’sApp is a text messaging platform that’s very popular with young people, as it enables picture messages to be exchanged for free. What’sApp messages can be encrypted, and easily hidden. It’s inadvisable for any child younger than a teen has access to What’sApp, and even then, it should be monitored.

·         Snapchat is potentially hugely dangerous.This is a social media platform that enables pictures to be sent to users, which are then deleted almost immediately. If somebody knows your child’s Snapchat username, they can send them a message of whatever they wish. TeenSafe sheds more light onto the dangers of Snapchat.

·         Kik is a new private messagingapp that is becoming increasingly popular. According to Common Sense Media, it is very unsafe for vulnerable people. The British website Net Aware appears to back up this view, claiming that the site leaves children exposed to a high risk of sexual exploitation and above average risk of bullying, violence and criminal activity.

When monitoring your child’s messages, it may initially look like a foreign language that you do not speak. The internet comes with its own long list of shorthand acronyms. Smart Words compiles a list of these. Some of them are truly terrifying to a parent. Learn them well, and understand what your children are saying online – and just as importantly, what people are saying to them.

Gaming and Video Content Online

Many young people now access all of their entertainment online. Streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu have replaced hard copy media such as DVDs for most teenagers.

That can make it easier for children to access material that you would rather they didn’t, even with adult filter blocks in place. Would you really be comfortable with your tween watching Game of Thrones, or Orange is the New Black? Techwiser explains how set parental controls on your video streaming sites.

In addition to this, you should also keep an eye on video upload sites that your child may be using. YouTube is commonplace, but there are many others that you may not be familiar with. Check if your child is watching live streams of video games on Twitch, for example. It may sound like pulling teeth to you, but children and teens love it!

On the subject of video games, many young people play online with strangers. Monitor your child while they do this, and ensure they are not spending too much time online. Popular blog The Dadcade shares insights on how to keep your child safe while they play games online.

Blocking Content on the Internet

If you are concerned about what your child is looking at online, you can block particular sites. Your child may need to use Wikipedia for their homework, for example, but why would they need to look at an adult dating site?

·         Techwalla explains how to block particular searches in Google and other popular search engines.

·         Tech Radar lists the many and varied pieces of software that parents can use to monitor and block sites that their children may be accessing.

·         Clean Browsing offers general advice on blocking adult content from your internet browser.

Cyber Bullying

Many children struggle with bullying online. This can be a very serious problem, as in the modern age of smartphones and tablets there can be no escape from targeted harassment. There are a number of resources dedicated to helping your recognize, and prevent, cyber bullying. These include:

·         Cyberbully.org is a charity that works tirelessly to put a stop to this harmful behavior.

·         CyberBullyHelp is a site dedicated to offering advice on this problem.

·         The Cyberbulling Research Center breaks down research on patterns and behaviors that surround online harassment.

·         That’s Not Cool is a site that specializes in informing children as to what is appropriate behavior on the internet.

.         Test your CyberBullying Preparedness with this quiz.

 

If your child complains about being bullied on the internet, take it seriously. It’s not as simple as just not going online. The web is too commonplace for this.

Useful Links

Please see below for a summary of the links that we have discussed throughout this article.

·         Common Sense Media – www.commonsensemedia.org

·         Cyberbully – www.cyberbully.org

·         CyberBullyHelp – www.cyberbullyhelp.com

·         Cyberbullying Research Center – www.cyberbullying.org

·         The Dadcade – www.thedadcade.com

·         Enough is Enough – www.enough.org

·         Kids Health – www.kidshealth.org

·         Natl Center of Missing and Exploited Children – www.missingkids.org

·         NetSmartz – www.netsmartz.org

·         Online Sense – www.onlinesense.org

·         Our Children – www.ptaourchildren.org

·         Smart Words – www.smart-words.org

·         TeenSafe – www.teensafe.com

·         Teen Angels – www.teenangels.org

·         That’s Not Cool – www.thatsnotcool.com

·         US Computer Emergency Readiness Team – www.us-cert.gov

·         Web Wise Kids – www.webwisekids.org

·         Wired Safety – www.wiredsafety.com

Moving tips to make your life so much easier

Moving doesn’t have to be such a mess. Take a look at the 100’s of tips with Pinterest boards I’ve put together for you to minimize the discomfort of moving. Things will be so organized that you won’t have to hunt for anything when you get to your new location.

Follow this link to see how to move and pack like a pro.

Start your move off right. Call Myke Leatham, Brazos County Realty to help you through the entire process. She has years of experience with more than 1000 homes SOLD. If Myke can’t sell your home, NO ONE CAN! ‘Let Myke Help You With Your HOMEwork!’

Check out our website at www.CollegeStationHomes.com. Experience counts when you’re selling one of the biggest investments of your life.

Call Brazos County Realty: 979-693-0201

College Station Real Estate: We sell in the Brazos and all surrounding counties. See up to date listings in the entire Bryan College Station MLS and the Houston MLS.

Home Foundation Issues and what to look for

Home Foundations Issues to Consider when Buying a House

Lighted Beige House

When buying a home, most people consider factors like location, space, condition, and price. Very few home buyers think of the state of the foundation of the home. This is not surprising since buyers are not knowledgeable about the technicalities of home construction. Most are simply interested in finding a place that is comfortable and safe for the family.

However, the foundation is an important factor to consider when buying a home. The foundation makes up the base of the home. It provides the basic support and structure. If you want a property that is stable and will last longer, you have to make sure that the foundation is lasting. Any defect or damage to the foundation can be a major problem. While a leaking ceiling or old electrical wires can be changed, problems with the foundation can be quite serious and can also be very costly to repair.

That is why you should always check home foundations before making a final decision. Here are some tips from the experts of Granite Foundation Repair, a professional repair company in Dallas, on home foundation comparisons and what to look for when purchasing a home:

  1. Do not underestimate the damage.

In general, homes with a foundation problem are sold for 25% less than the original price. In most cases, the cost to repair the foundation can be about 10% of the cost of the home. While you may think you are getting a bargain, you need to know exactly how severe the foundation is and what specific foundation issues you will have to deal with eventually.

A minor crack in the gutter may not sound like a big deal, but an uneven entrance door or a basement that is leaking are major defects that can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. In some cases, the entire home foundation may have to be redone. In such cases, the repair cost can easily go over $100,000. Reconstruction of a home foundation is not an easy undertaking and takes a significant amount of time and money. You need to be sure of the extent of damage before you jump into this.

  1. Get the home professionally inspected
Person Writing on Paper on Top of Table

Always get a home professionally inspected no matter how great it looks. Make sure you get a professional engineer to do it because you need someone who can assess the walls, ceiling, basement, and other structural parts of the house to ensure that the foundation is intact.

  1. This is not your DIY project

Some home buyers think they are getting a home with a foundation problem for peanuts and they will, in turn, save money by fixing the cracks and leaks on their own. But you have to know that a home with foundation problems is not going to be your next DIY project.

No matter how skilled you are at repairing a car, painting, or laying down the tiles, this is not something you should dabble in. Even a small crack needs attention from a structural engineer to ensure that there are no other problems. That is why when you hear the words ‘minor’ faults, keep in mind that no matter how minor if it’s a foundation problem, you should not be the one doing the repairs yourself.

  1. Fix the problems if you want your home insured

To get the home insured you will need to show proof to the insurance company that the home was fixed by a professional. Otherwise, your home will never get insured.

  1. Don’t sign prematurely on the dotted line.
Signature Line on Printer Paper

When you buy a home without a thorough professional inspection and later discover it has a foundation problem, it may be too late to sue the previous buyer. That is why you need to make sure that you are aware of everything related to the property before you sign anything.

In general, getting money to fix a home with a foundation problem can be difficult. Most government loans, banks, and private lenders are not eager to lend money for such a project.

  1. Seller options
Man Wearing White Hard Hat Leaning on Table With Sketch Plans

In many cases, a home seller who knows the home has foundation problem will be eager to make deals and offer you options. The homeowner may get the home fixed before the sale. But, you need to ensure that the repair has been done by an independent professional. You also need to get it checked and verify if the issue has been fixed by hiring your own specialist. Or, the owner may offer you a major reduction in prices, but unless you know what the problem is, don’t accept the offer. You need to know what you’re getting into.

  1. Resale

Homes with foundation problems tend to have a lower resale value even if you have fixed those issues. Keep this mind when making such a decision to sell or buy a home with foundation issues.

When buying a home, it is important to have it evaluated and ensure that it does not have any foundation problems. If it does, and if you still intend to purchase it, make sure you understand the extent of damage and whether you can afford to fix those issues or not.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE SALE OF A HOUSE?

If you’re uncertain about an item, ask your REALTOR® about non-realty items.

SELLERS
If you want to exclude items from the sale—a dining room chandelier, for example—the contract includes a place for that. Have your Texas REALTOR®help you properly document your intent.

BUYERS
You can request items that aren’t included in the contract stay behind. Do you want the patio furniture? Your REALTOR® will use a different form, Non-Realty Items Addendum, to put your request in writing.

*There may be exceptions
Certain items stay or go depending on whether they’re permanently installed and built-in. Freestanding clothes washers and dryers go with the seller, but built-in units would likely stay. A grill on wheels on the patio leaves, but one that’s encased in stone as part of outdoor kitchen stays put. Three factors determine if something is permanently installed and built-in:

• How is the item attached? Will the property be damaged by its removal?
• Is the item customized or standard for the property?
• Was the installation intended to be permanent or temporary?
Stove
Wall-to-wall carpeting
Ceiling fan
Television wall mount
Chandelier
Window shutters
Smoke detectors
Curtains/drapes and rods
Blinds and window shades
Garage door opener
Shrubbery and landscaping
Window air conditioning
unit

GOES WITH
THE SELLER

Table lamp
Television
Potted plant
Bed
Couch
Dining room table
Area rug
Lawn mower
Hammock
Patio grill*
Bookcase*
Washer and dryer*
Paintings and decorations

STAYS WITH
THE PROPERTY
Contracts commonly used in Texas
home sales state that the house,
fixtures, improvements, and
accessories are part of the sale. Here
are examples of what stays and goes

 

If you’re uncertain about an item, ask your REALTOR® at Brazos County Realty. 

 

Let us help you with your HOMEwork! 

We’re located in the Bryan/College Station TX  and Texas A&M area.  We’re Aggieland!  We can show you any property listed by any agent or agency within the Bryan College Station MLS.  We are also members of the Houston Association of Realtors.

Myke Leatham, Broker/Owner

 

Rents climb in 93% of the nation’s biggest cities, with demand still outpacing supply

Here’s a rent report with data compiled from actual rents charged in the 252 largest US cities. Although nationwide rent prices remained relatively flat M-o-M, we are still seeing a strong 3.3% increase Y-o-Y in October. The national average, which clocked in at $1,420 last month, is $45 higher than in October 2017.

“A new trend is reversing recent years’ statistics, with demand now outpacing new supply. This is especially true in secondary cities and workforce housing,” says Doug Ressler, senior analyst at Yardi Matrix.

You can check out the rents by city or state in the interactive table at the end of the report. Here are the main highlights for large, mid-size and small markets:

  • Renter Mega-Hubs: With rent increases close to 8% Y-o-Y, Phoenix and Las Vegas outperform the largest renter hubs. Rent growth picks up speed in three major Florida markets: Orlando (6.9%), Jacksonville (6.8%) and Tampa (5.8%).
  • Large cities: Rents in Los Angeles went up by 6.5% over the year, while San Francisco and San Jose both recorded a 4.7% increase. At the same time, Queens (-0.9%) and Houston (1.8%) registered some of the slowest growing rents in October.
  • Mid-size cities: Mesa is in the lead with an 8.7% rent hike Y-o-Y, followed by Sacramento (6.2%) and Long Beach (5.8%). At the other end of the spectrum, rents inched up by 1.5% in New Orleans and Lexington.
  • Small cities including College Station, TX: Rents in Midland and Odessa remain virtually the same compared to September, with significant Y-o-Y increases of 23.3% and 25.2%, respectively. On the other hand, Central Texas rents decreased by 0.4% in Waco and 1.6% in College Station.

If you want to see how your city fared rent-wise, you can read the full report here.  

We advertise  College Station and Bryan rental properties for lease as they come available at www.CollegeStationHomes.com
Looking forward to Helping you with your HOMEwork!

Myke Leatham, Broker/Owner
Brazos County Realty, LLC
Office:  979-693-0201

 

Thank you Iona for sharing this information with Brazos County Realty, LLC.  This information is important to our investors and parents of students who want to take advantage of the College Station rental market or who have already purchased College Station real estate.

About our data and methodology
The reports from RENTCafe.com are based on data that comes from Yardi Matrix, an apartment information service and a sister division of RENTCafé. Data is compiled from actual rents charged in market-rated apartment communities of 50 units and larger in over 130 markets across the US. This allows us to create an accurate representation of what renters are expected to pay for rent in apartment communities across the country, unlike reports based on listings (i.e., asking prices) only.


Ioana Popovici
Communications Specialist | RENTCafé
[email protected] | www.rentcafe.com



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