Duck Haven

• Large one-acre-plus lots
• Underground utility services
• Proximity to Texas A&M University
• Award-winning College Station schools (Greens Prairie Elementary, Cottage Grove, College Station Middles School and College Station High School)
• Park with playground and sports court
• Walking trails with access to the park, pond and picnic areas
• Architectural control guidelines
• Incredible design with high quality materials
• Various floor plans to choose from
• And more!

Since this community is designed to enhance the quality of life for everyone, including local wildlife there are very strict deed restrictions in place to protect the real estate for future generations. Some of these protections include:

• An HOA (Homeowners Association) and an Architectural Control Committee that ensure compliances and the harmony of external color, design, materials, landscaping and overall appearance
• A minimum home size of 1,800 square feet
• 75% masonry materials to be used in construction
• No duplexes, apartments, manufactured housing or mobile homes are permitted in the community
• Fence construction needs to be approved by the Architectural Control Committee

If you are ready to embark on the journey of buying a home in Duck Haven, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information and to check out the latest homes listed for sale in the community. 

Once you’ve selected your dream home in College Station, TX and your offer has been accepted, the most important step during the escrow process is to conduct a comprehensive inspection. A home inspection is an all-encompassing exam of the condition of the property and this is an important investment that can help you avoid a very costly mistake if you purchase a home that is in need of serious or major repairs. Even if a home looks absolutely perfect on the outside, an experienced home inspector may find issues lurking in the walls, the foundation or elsewhere beneath the cosmetic outside appearance. 

A certified home inspector is a professional who will conduct the inspection of your home during the escrow period, and we would be happy to refer you to professionals who we have worked with year after year that are experienced and trustworthy. Some of the things that the inspector will look at include electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, insulation and structural features throughout the property. The inspector is looking for weaknesses in the home that are not visible to the untrained eye, and this process is extremely important so that you as a buyer can confidently complete on the biggest purchase and financial investment you will make. 

The home inspector will begin by doing a general inspection of the home – they will look at: 

• HVAC system, including central air conditioning
• Interior plumbing and electrical wiring
• Roof
• Attic, including any visible insulation
• Walls, ceiling and floor
• Windows and doors
• Foundation of the home
• Basement
• Any structural components
• Any appliances installed throughout the home 
• Basic check for structural damage from termites
• And anything else you may want them to take a look at

The initial inspection can take anywhere from two to five hours, it all depends on the size of the home, where it is located and the level of expertise of the inspector. We highly recommend that you attend the inspection of your future home as it can be a valuable educational opportunity, and it could end up being a negotiation bargaining chip to get credits from the seller or a price reduction if there are many necessary repairs. The buyer typically pays for the home inspection, and the cost of the inspection also depends on the size of the home, but it can be between $200-$500, or more. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will take some time to compile the notes and prepare a full report on the findings. The inspector can then recommend additional professional inspections for specific areas or items within the home. This may include a professional roof inspection, pool, plumbing, HVAC or other.

If additional inspection is recommended, then you will want to work with a professional that specializes in the industry of the necessary repairs. For example, if the general inspector recommends additional roof inspections, you will want to work with a certified roof expert. Some additional inspections that are well worth the cost include – radon, termites, asbestos, lead piping or paint and mold. Often times your general inspector may recommend these in addition to his inspection, but if not, we would recommend you invest in these anyway. 

Our team would be happy to recommend qualified inspectors that we have worked with in the past, but if you choose to locate and hire a different inspector, we have some tips for you. Finding a good inspector can be tricky – even licensed inspectors may lack experience, training and continuing education that is important to keep up to date in their industry. It’s always wise to ask friends, family and real estate experts for recommendations, chances are that the people who know you wouldn’t recommend someone who would do a poor or lazy job. 

Look for a home inspector as soon as your offer is accepted, depending on the contingency period outlined in the contract you may only have a week or two to complete the inspection. You will also want to make sure that you can back out, or cancel the transaction, if the inspection repair finds enormous repairs or damage to the home. 

When looking for an inspector in College Station, TX you will want to check the credentials of the candidates you are considering hiring. You will want the inspector you work with to have a certification from at least one of the major professional associations. Take your time interviewing your potential inspector and ask all of the questions you want answers to. Some important questions to ask include how long the inspection will take, when you can expect a complete written report with photographs, if you can accompany the inspector to the home and what happens if the inspector misses an issue within the home. 

Last, but not least, once you’ve chosen an inspector you want to work with, it’s always a good idea to check out what others are saying about them. Look up reviews and testimonials on websites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. 

Buying a home is a big investment and financial risk, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time and do everything you can to protect that investment. The properties in Duck Haven are truly spectacular and we are sure you’ll find a wonderful place to call home. You are also really going to enjoy the wide range of amenities offered, as well as the incredible location surrounded by greenery and wildlife. A great benefit to living in the Duck Haven Estates is that you get to enjoy a quiet and relaxing lifestyle surrounded by nature, but you are also located close to incredible city amenities, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, culture and more. 

If you have any questions about buying a home in Duck Haven, or if you’re ready to take the next step to securing your dream home in College Station, TX then please contact us so we can help out. We are a dedicated team of real estate professionals and we can assist you through every step of the buying or selling process, including referring you to incredible home inspectors to work with. We look forward to working with you and welcoming you the neighborhood!