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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.

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Brazos Valley Housing Market, Bryan Community, Bryan Housing market, Bryan MLS, buying a house, buying and selling real estate, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, College Station rentals, Community, Community Calendar, First-time buyer, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, house hunting, Housing Resources, Investment properties in College Station, Luxury Homes, Market Conditions, Market Conditions, realtor.com, Student properties, TAMU Housing, TX, Zillow

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

 

 

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Brazos Valley Housing Market, Bryan Community, Bryan Housing market, Bryan MLS, buying a house, buying and selling real estate, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, Community, First-time buyer, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, Housing Resources, Investment properties in College Station, Land Listings, Luxury Homes, Market Conditions, Market Conditions, realtor.com, TAMU Housing, Zillow Tagged With: BCRealty, BCS housing market, Brazos Valley, Bryan College Station Monthly Home Statistics, bryan/college station realtor, College Station, College Station homes, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, College Station TX Realtor, Housing prices in College Station, Housing Resources, MLS Residential Data Survey, Most accurate info on properties for sale or lease in College Station and Bryan

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.

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

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Blog, Brazos Valley Housing Market, Bryan Community, Bryan Housing market, Bryan MLS, buying a house, buying and selling real estate, College Station Community, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, College Station rentals, Community, Community Calendar, Disaster Relief, First-time buyer, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, house hunting, Housing Resources, Humor is the best medicine, Investment properties in College Station, Luxury Homes, Market Conditions, Market Conditions, Multi Family, Student properties

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.

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Blog, Brazos Valley Housing Market, Bryan Community, Bryan Housing market, Bryan MLS, buying a house, buying and selling real estate, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, College Station rentals, Community Calendar, Disaster Relief, First-time buyer, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, house hunting, Housing Resources, Humor is the best medicine, Information, Investment properties in College Station, Luxury Homes, Market Conditions, Market Conditions, properties for lease in College Station, realtor.com, Rentals, Student properties, TAMU Housing, Zillow

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.

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Blog, Bryan Housing market, Bryan MLS, buying a house, buying and selling real estate, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, College Station rentals, Community, Disaster Relief, First-time buyer, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, house hunting, Housing Resources, Investment properties in College Station, Luxury Homes, Multi Family, Student properties, TAMU Housing, Zillow

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

 

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Blog, Brazos Valley Housing Market, Bryan Community, Bryan Housing market, Bryan MLS, buying a house, buying and selling real estate, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, Community, First-time buyer, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, house hunting, Housing Resources, Investment properties in College Station, Luxury Homes, Multi Family, realtor.com, Student properties, Zillow Tagged With: Brazos County Realty, Bryan College Station Monthly Home Statistics, bryan/college station realtor, Buying and selling, College Station housing, College Station Real Estate Listings, college station rental homes, First-time buyer, Homes.com, House, House for Sale close to TAMU, house hunting, Housing prices in College Station, Housing Resources, Luxury Real Estate, MLS Residential Data Survey, Most accurate info on properties for sale or lease in College Station and Bryan, myke leatham, Real Estate, Real estate investing, realtor, realtor.com, Residential Sales Data, Texas A&M Real Estate Center, Trulia, Zillow

College Station is 6th Fastest Growing in America

College Station, TX Ranked #6 among the fastest growing cities in the nation!

WASHINGTON (WalletHub) – ​​​Four Texas cities have snagged spots on WalletHub’s list of 2018’s fastest-growing cities in America.

​Midland​ and Pearland ranked second and third​​​, respectively. ​McKinney came in fifth, and College Station followed in sixth.

​The four cities were also the top ​fastest-growing mid size cities on the list. Frisco and Round Rock​​ were the ninth and tenth.

Austin was the fastest-growing large city.

​​​​Frisco, McKinney, and Pearland​ tied for first in the highest population​ growth category. Other cities tying for first were ​Enterprise, Nev.; ​​Lehigh Acres, Fla.; ​​​and Meridian, Idaho.

Frisco and McKinney were also first in highest job growth, tying with Meridian, Idaho;​​ Lake Charles, La.; ​Fort Myers, Fla.; and ​St. George, Utah.

​Pharr had the ​​highest poverty rate decrease in Texas. It tied with ​​​Lake Charles, La.; Fort Myers, Fla.; Compton, Calif.; ​Port St. Lucie, Fla.; ​​and Victorville, Calf.

​​​WalletHub asked Real Estate Center Chief Economist Dr. Jim Gaines to chime in on ​the biggest challenges for rapidly growing cities.

“Local government(s) generally cannot keep pace with fast population growth in providing necessary public goods and services,” said Dr. Gaines. “Everything from water/sewer capacity, roads and transportation infrastructure, police/fire/EMS services, schools, and virtually every other service typically lag behind the increased demand for facilities and services. The faster growth occurs, the harder it is for local government to keep pace. It also may not help that current residents may not really want the growth, not want to foster the growth, and especially may not want to pay for the growth.

“The result is that not only are fiscal problems revealed – unwillingness to support higher tax rates or increased bonded indebtedness – but also local philosophical and political attitudes either for or against the growth.”

​The rest of the top ten fastest-growing cities rankings are: No. 1 ​Fort Myers, Fla.; No. 4 ​Bend, Ore.; ​​No. 7 Lehigh Acre​s, Fla.; No. 8 ​Mount Pleasant, S.C.; No. 9 ​​Enterprise, Nev.; and No. 10 Irvine, Calif.​

A couple ‘not so well known facts: 

1.      Interest rates are projected to increase at least 3 times in 2019 with at least one more by December of 2018!   If you’re thinking of purchasing a house in College Station in, you’d better do it fast.  Small interest percentages can increase your mortgage payment significantly.  

2.     Land costs are still increasing.  A typical lot can cost $50,000+ which means homes being built are approximately $300,000 today. 

3.     If you’re thinking about building, it will cost you approximately $6000 through the city of College Station for impact fees. 

4.     There is currently a labor shortage which means if you’re building your dream home in College Station or Bryan, it will take 8-10 months vs 6 months previously.  Plan for it to take a little longer.  

5.      Approximately 4000 people are moving to the College Station and Bryan areas each year.  College Station is no longer considered a small town, but a metropolitan area according to Dr. Gains of the Texas A&M Real Estate Center. 

6.     Dr. Gains reported this morning to local real estate brokers  that Texas has more oil than Russia!  Who knew, right?

 

College Station City Recognition and Rankings    In recent years, the College Station-Bryan area has received many prestigious national recognitions and rankings in a variety of economic and social categories. Here are our rankings since 2009

Brazos County Realty tries to provide community information on a regular basis.  When you’re thinking about making a move to College Station, investing in Bryan-College Station, or would like to consider the area as your new home, CollegeStationHomes.com has what you need and can help you in ALL things real estate related.  Available housing in College Station MLS.  Pick up the phone and give us a call 979-693-0201.  Let us Help you with your HOMEwork!

Myke Leatham Broker/Owner

 

Brazos county Realty, LLC

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Filed Under: Blog, Bryan Community, Bryan Housing market, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, Community, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, Housing Resources, Investment properties in College Station, Land Listings, Luxury Homes, Market Conditions, Market Conditions, Multi Family, Rentals, Student properties, TAMU Housing

The good life in College Sation

 

Come and enjoy the good life, Texas style, in Brazos County. Home to more than 190,000 people, this multicultural county is chock-full of charm and culture with a sports and entertainment scene that is impossible to ignore. The Texas A&M University has fueled this counties economic growth. The university has given the city of College Station the title of the most educated in the state of Texas, and the 11th most educated city in the country and ranked as the second best city to do business in by Forbes Magazine, making it an excellent home for would-be entrepreneurs.  Here’s a great list of Bryan/College Station resources.

Brazos County is an economic hotspot.

Major roads and highways criss cross through, making every corner easy to find and  accessible. The Easterwood Airport connects to Houston and Dallas. Growing at record paces with new schools, housing developments, restaurants and shopping, with easy commerce to all major surrounding cities.  The Bryan/College Station area would appear to be ‘Boom Town Central’.  But not without it’s growing pains.  New home construction, new roads, shopping, and new development on all sides with room to grow.  Ongoing Road construction slows things down temporarily.

Things to do in Bryan and College Station

With scenic views and majestic natural treasures, its beauty cannot be underrated. It’s vibrant and entertaining as it is stunning. Sport fans fill Kyle Field, and Reed Arena. Miramont & Traditions Country Clubs are the place to be for golf, while those who enjoy fishing can relax at Lake Bryan. Young ones have fun at the Children’s Museum, where they can make an appointment to hold birthday parties. The Brazos County Arboretum and the MSC Forsyth Center Galleries are other points of interest that are fun for the whole family.  Enjoy theatre productions through Opas.  Community sports through parks and recreation throughout the year for every age.

Who to call

The quality of life in this lovely community is above par where the climate is very desirable and has  two growing seasons. If you need a College Station realtor or are considering a move to the College Station/Bryan area in the  future, ‘Let Myke help you with your HOMEwork!’ If you would like more community or housing information don’t hesitate to call Myke Leatham, Broker/Owner of Brazos County Realty   Here’s access to the entire local Bryan/College Station TX MLS Search  and your very own portal.

Some things you’ll find at the Aggie Real Estate site:

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Brazos Valley Housing Market, Bryan Community, Bryan Housing market, Bryan MLS, College Station Community, College Station housing market, College Station MLS, College Station Realtor, Community, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, Housing Resources, Investment properties in College Station, Land Listings, Luxury Homes, Market Conditions, Market Conditions, Multi Family, TAMU Housing

What you Should Know About Home Inspections

What you Should Know About Home Inspections

You want to know as much as possible about the property you’re buying—it’s a big investment. Hiring a home inspector is a great way to learn more about the condition of your potential home.

What’s a Home Inspection?

It’s a visual examination of a house’s structure and systems by a trained inspector.

What Does a Home Inspection Cover?

The inspector usually looks at the foundation, roof, attic, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and any attached decks or porches. He will also inspect the electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems.

Keep in mind that the inspector examines only what is visible and accessible. He’s not moving appliances or climbing onto a steeply pitched roof. He will report cracks in a wall but won’t be able to examine a slab foundation underneath wall-to-wall carpet or hardwood floors. Your inspector may find an issue that you would like inspected by a specialist, such as a structural engineer or plumber.

Does the Inspector Repair Defects?

No. The inspector’s job is to report the condition of various parts of a home. For example, the inspector may report that the water meter still runs when nothing in the house is using water, which could indicate a leak. However, you need to call a plumber to investigate the problem.

Does Anyone Regulate Home Inspectors?

Yes. Home inspectors are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Inspectors are required to use a common form and follow certain standards of practice.

A Texas REALTOR® can help with the timing of your inspection and next steps, once you get the results.

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Filed Under: 1st time home buyer education, Blog, Brazos Valley Housing Market, Bryan Community, College Station Community, home for sale Bryan, home for sale College Station, Homes for sale, Housing Resources, Information, Luxury Homes

Your personal MLS Portal for Active listings in BCS

Hi,

Here’s a direct link to MLS Listings in the Bryan and College Station area. This multiple listing service is area specific to the Brazos and all surrounding counties and includes your personal portal to everything including your personal notes, maps, subdivisions, crime, schools, bus info, Texas A&M, and All Active listings in the MLS. This includes Rural Land, Multi Family, Homes for sale, Commercial, College Station Single Family, Bryan single family, Condos, College Station Rentals, and more.

We make sure you’re not wasting your time on properties that sold years ago but were never removed from the internet.  Trust that our data is Up To Date.

Check it out.

Why search areas you’re not interested in? We do the work so you won’t have to.  this is your personal MLS Portal for Active listings in B/CS

Call us and we’ll give you the Grand Tour of all properties you’re interested in.

 

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College Station Homes

13464 I and GN Rd.
College Station, Texas 77845
Phone: 979-693-0201
Email: homes@AggieRealEstate.com

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