It’s What’s on the Outside That Counts?

April 1st, 2012 categories: Uncategorized

I have always raised my children that it’s what’s on the inside that counts, not the outside; however when it comes to real estate, first impressions are everything!  Just think about it…would you buy a car that had a rebuilt engine and interior if the outside was completely beaten up or the paint was rusted?  Some might say yes because they could have it repainted, but they would want it cheap.  Most would pay more for a car with an amazing interior and pristine paint, and it would sell a lot quicker.  The same goes with homes.  Bottom line is that homes that are beautiful inside and out sell much faster than those without curb appeal!

This is the busiest time of the year in the real estate world, which is wonderful, but it also means that there is a ton of competition out there.  Many times I may show 10-20 homes in one day to one client, and sometimes they drive around and preview homes before we even go inside.  Many times a home gets passed up if the home doesn’t have great curb appeal.  It doesn’t  matter how adorable it is on the inside because my clients never make it inside.

When it comes time to list your home, you must separate yourself from your home and look at it as you were a buyer!  I have a few tips for you to make it a little easier for you!
Step 1…walk out on to the street and look at your home from the street level.  Look at it through the eyes of a buyer.  Is wooden garage door in dire need of new stain, is the paint chipping, how does the front door look?  Is the home warm and welcoming or does it look like it hasn’t been maintained in years?  If they think the outside is bad, they will assume that the inside is worse!  Paint is one of the easiest fixes.  Nothing makes a home look more inviting than freshly painted trim and doors,  newly stained shutters or garage door.

Step 2…look at the landscaping.  Is the grass green, are the hedges trimmed, is the lawn edged, and are there fresh flowers?  Nothing looks worse than a dead yard, over grown landscaping, or dead plants/flowers in the yard.  You can make the home look great with just a few minor adjustments.  Pull any weeds, trim the bushes, edge the yard, throw out some mulch, and grab a few new flowers for the flower beds.  You might even get some adorable pots and plant some flowers in them for the front entry!  You have no idea how different the same home can look with some easy landscaping touches.

Step 3…have an agent or an inspector look for things that might be potential problems in an inspection so you nip them in the bud before you ever have a buyer.  I am not saying that I am an inspector; however, I have been on enough inspections to know what things could show up on a report.  A few of these things are rotten wood, limbs touching the roof, broken window seals, and drainage issues.  Many of these things are easy fixes but can alarm potential buyers.  Have a realtor walk around and show you potential problems, or hire an inspector to do a pre-listing inspection to find anything that could be wrong with the home!  This may cost you a little money on the front end, but it could potentially save  a sale(and quite a bit of money) on the back end!!

Step 4…Look at the drive way and walkway.  Again, it’s all about first impressions.  If you have a low spot in your sidewalk that holds water, it can turn a little green and is just gross looking!  That is an easy fix with just a little bleach, and it makes a huge difference!  If the sidewalk or driveway is badly damaged, you might replace or repair it as this is the path that leads to your home!

Step 5…De-clutter and clean!  Wash all the windows inside and out, pick up any toys or old patio furniture that might be sitting in the front yard, and change all the light bulbs.  Make sure your walk way is clean and inviting, and even look at your home during the night to see how it appears at night.

The bottom line is that no matter how beautiful your home is inside, many may not have the chance to see that if they drive by and it looks as if someone may not even live there or doesn’t care!  The most important thing you can do is hire a professional to help you get your home ready to list and sell in the time you want for the money you want!

For this and other tips, give me, Farrah Spears, a call at 979-229-0919

 

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The Best Townhomes in College Station TX

February 6th, 2012 categories: Uncategorized

BuyAggieland.com is proud to announce a new partnership with Aggieland Properties www.aggieleasing.com and The Barracks Townhomes www.BarracksTownhomes.com

This partnership has produced the absolute best portfolio of Class A Student rental housing in Aggieland (College Station TX) AND some of the Best Real Estate investment opportunities on the planet!

Aggies, Check out www.aggieleasing.com

Investors, Check out some of these cash flow scenarios: www.barrackstownhomes.com

Call us anytime on our new hotline at 888-567-5757 or Text us at 313-Gig-Em-Ag

Thanks & Gig-Em’

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College Station smartest city in Texas!

November 29th, 2011 categories: Uncategorized

As an Aggie Realtor who works with clients all over the US, I constantly hear Aggie jokes, but who is laughing now?  We always talk about how we live in a bubble here in College Station, but did you know that bubble was filled with the smartest people in Texas?

The City of College Station is ranked by The Business Journals as the brainiest city in Texas among those with populations between 50,000 and 100,000. Some 28 percent of College Station residents hold a bachelor’s degree and another 28.23 percent have a graduate or professional degree. A lot of this has to do with Texas A&M faculty as well as so many Aggies staying here after graduation!

The Business Journals ranked 483 mid-sized U.S. cities using 2009 U.S. Census Data. The rankings were based on the percentage of population with each level of educational attainment.  Not only were we #1 in Texas, but College Station ranked No. 31 nationally.

So, next time someone makes an Aggie joke, make sure and let them know that they are actually making fun of the smartest city in all of Texas!

 

 

 

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Aggieland let’s help keep our neighbors warm this winter!

November 22nd, 2011 categories: Uncategorized

The saying that Bryan/College Station is in a bubble is pretty true to an extent.  While the rest of the country has high unemployment rates, lower retail sales, and a housing crunch, Bryan/College Station is an area that trends better than a majority of the country!  I have sold more homes this year than I did last year, so I know that we aren’t hurting too bad in B/CS!

Unfortunately a lot of times we don’t realize that there are those in our community who don’t know where their next warm meal will come from, where they will sleep, or if their children will be warm enough this winter!  We don’t see it a lot, but it does exist more than you could even imagine!

This year, my kids and I decided that we would like to help those who are less fortunate than the majority of us in Bryan/College Station. We have started a coat/blanket drive in Castlegate with the donations going to the Twin City Mission!  What started as a small project has taken flight.  My daughter and I printed out about 100 fliers and asked a few of her friends to help us pass them out in our subdivision!  The kids have all gotten so into it that it has amazed me!  They just light up when people ask about how to donate!  Now it is on the Castlegate website and on Facebook!

It’s very simple if you want to get involved!  We are taking donations at 2445 Newark Circle today from 4-6 and tomorrow 9-11 am!  All you have to do is drive up to the curb and we’ll grab them from you.  If that time isn’t convenient, you can call me at 979-229-0919 and we can pick them up.  You can also drop them by the Century 21, Beal offices located at 404 H University Drive East at your leisure.

The kids are waiting to take your Coats and Blankets to give to the less fortunate!

We have a lot to be thankful for Aggieland, so let’s get out there and make this winter a little warmer for our Brazos Valley Neighbors!

For more information, give Farrah Spears a call at 979-229-0919

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Castlegate II opening in South College Station

November 15th, 2011 categories: Uncategorized

When I am out there showing properties in Bryan/College Station, I hear tons of rumors and ideas about growth in our community.  Lately there have been many rumors about what is going on towards the back of Castlegate in south College Station.  Since I sell a lot of homes in south College Station as well as living there myself, I wanted to get the real scoop so I could be knowledgeable when my clients ask me about what is going on in  Castlegate.  I went straight to the horses’ mouths, and interviewed Wallace and Dusty Phillips of Castlegate Communities to find out more about the new development!

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For more information about Castlegate and any home in Bryan/College Station, give me, Farrah Spears, a call at 979-229-0919.

Farrah Spears

979-229-0919

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Aggieland Boot Campaign Has Begun

November 14th, 2011 categories: Uncategorized

It is here, Aggieland!  The Boot Campaign Starts today! I do it with my boots on, and you should too!  Starting today, stop by the Century 21, Beal office located at 404 H University Drive East, show your student ID and pick up your free “I do it with my boots on” maroon t-shirt to be worn at the game Saturday, November 19th!  What better way to support our troops past and present, than to wear your maroon “I do it with my boots on” t-shirt to the game!  Hope to see you there!

For all your real estate needs, Call Farrah B Spears at 979-229-0919

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Aggieland Get Your Boots on and Support Our Troops!

November 11th, 2011 categories: Uncategorized

Today is Veteran’s Day, which is a day that makes us all reflect on the sacrifices our troops past, current, and future have made for our freedom!  We are so blessed to live in a country where we are free all because of the selflessness of those who have chosen to serve.  Today is a good day for me to announce my participation in the Boot Campaign. The Boot Campaign is a grassroots initiative started by five women from Texas known as the Boot Girls. The campaign provides an easy and tangible way for Americans to show appreciation for troops (both past and present), raise awareness of the challenges they face upon return and donate funds to charities supporting their transition home. Proceeds from boot sales are donated to partner charities, who assist returning veterans and active troops dealing with emotional, mental and physical issues.

Their mantra is…”When They Come Back, We Give Back!”  What better way to say thank you to our troops this Veteran’s day than sporting a pair of boots just like theirs? So join in the growing chorus of musicians, entertainers, athletes and other celebrities and get YOUR boots on!  I laced up my boots in support and and next week,  November 14-19th,  you can support the campaign in various ways!

1. If you are a student, stop by my office at 404 H University Drive East(beside Cenare and across University Drive from the FOX and Hound) and show your student id for your FREE “I do it with my boots on” T-shirt to be worn at the game on November 19th. My office is open Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30.

2.  Stop by the photo booth in front of the giant Aggie Ring on game day(November 19th) and join the national Boot Campaign facebook movement. *Surprise Aggie celebs will be there!

3. Head to the Shiner sponsored tailgate outside Reed Arena for FREE BEER!  (must have your valid drivers license and your Boot Campaign tee shirt on!)

What better way to say thanks this Veteran’s day than to Walk a Mile in Their Boots and support our troops!   Click on the link to find out more about this year’s Aggieland Boot Campaign! http://www.bootcampaign.com/aggie.html or give me, Farrah Spears, a call at 979-229-0919!  Thanks again Veterans!  God Bless America!

For all your real estate needs, call Farrah B Spears at 979-229-0919

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New Home Inspection Technology in Bryan/College Station

November 3rd, 2011 categories: Uncategorized

Today I learned something new concerning home inspections.  Clifton Cobbs of Sun Star Real Estate Inspections trained myself and some other Century 21, Beal agents about a new technology for home inspections using infared devices.  These infared inspections can detect areas where air is penetrating a home or leaking out of a home as well as water detection in walls, ceilings, or floors.  Watch the video to learn more and see a demonstration, or for more information on infared inspections, call Clifton at 832-594-0281

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For this and all real estate tips, call me, Farrah Spears at 979-229-0919

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Important Bryan/College Station Phone Numbers

August 18th, 2011 categories: Uncategorized

 

Utilities:

Electricity 

  •  Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU)                                                                          
  • 979-821-5700 or 877-363-7448
  • www.btutilities.com
  • College Station Utilities
  • 979-764-3535 or 800-849-6623
  • www.cstx.gov/indexaspx?page=2004

Natural Gas

Telephone

  • Verizon
  • Residential 1-800-483-4000 or Business 1-800-483-5400
  • Embarq (Navasota)
  • 800-788-3500

Water

Cable Service

Automobile Information:

Driver’s License - After someone has established residency they have 30 days to apply for a Texas driver’s license. If the applicant is 18 years or older they will be required to provide proof of identity, social security number, Texas vehicle registration and proof of liability insurnace on all behichles owned. All applicants are required to complete necessary forms and pay required fees. 

 Tags/Registration – When someone is new to Texas they are allowed 30 days after establishing residency to purchase Texas license tags. In order to purchase Texas license tags you must have your vehicle inspected. You must have you vehicle registered before applying for a Texas driver’s license. 

  • Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is in charge of vehicle tags
  • Office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
  • 979-361-4473
  • 300 E William J. Bryan Pkwy
  • www.txdps.state.tx.us

Government:

  • Bryan Administrative Offices
  • 300 S. Texas Ave.
  • 979-209-5000
  • www.bryantx.gov
  • College Station City Hall
  • 1101 Texas Ave.
  • 979-764-3509
  • www.cstx.gov
  • Voter Registration
  • 300 E. William J. Bryan Pkwy.
  • Bryan, TX 77803
  • 979-361-4470
  • Taxes
  • Brazos County Tax Office
  • 979-361-4470

 Information Sources:

  • Bryan – College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • 715 University Dr. E – College Station
  • 800-777-8292 or 979-260-9898
  • www.visitaggieland.com
  • Bryan – College Station Chamber of Commerce
  • 4001 E. 29th St., Ste. 175 – Bryan
  • 979-260-5200
  • www.bcschamber.org
  • Bryan – College Station Regional Association of Realtors
  • 1905 Greenfield Plaza – Bryan
  • 979-846-3751
  • www.bcsrealtor.com

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Foreclosure Financing for Fannie Mae Properties in Brazos County

November 25th, 2010 categories: Uncategorized

homepathFannie Mae foreclosures in the Brazos County become available for sale under a First Look Program which is designed to put homeowners in the home to help stabilize neighborhoods and so that homeowners do not have to compete with investors.   During the First Look Marketing Period a property can only be sold to a qualified buyer. The First Look Marketing Period is 15 days after Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Susan Hilton | Currently No Comments »

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