Creating Stellar Curb Appeal

1100 12th Man Cir

In the real estate world, having a beautiful property is the key to a successful sale. Experts agree that for a buyer to see the great potential of a property, it needs to have a stellar curb appeal.

Planning on selling your house? The following tips can help you create fantastic curb appeal.

Make the entry of your home its focal point
The front door is one of the first things that is noticed in a home. To make it shine, give it a blast of bright color with new paint. Install new fixtures, if necessary, or clean the existing ones with metal polish.

Give old hardware a makeover

Door knobs, house numbers, and wall-mounted mailboxes are great ways to add curb appeal quickly. These items appeal the most if the finish is appropriate to your home. Bronze-toned hardware pairs beautifully with a traditional home, while shinier finishes like nickel or chrome give a more modern feel.

Outdoor lighting

Landscape lighting can be a huge asset because they provide security, safety, as well as a tremendous aesthetic boost to your home. Accent lights can be put in trees or can illuminate a walking path, guiding the person to the front door. Even if you aren´t confident in your electrician skills, there are many ´´plug and play´´ solar options available.

Rejuvenate your flower beds

By pruning excess growth, weeding, planting new flowers, and adding colorful mulch, you can make your planter beds attractive. If the borders are old or outdated, consider an upgrade to stone or cast concrete, both of which will add to curb appeal.

Outdoor art

Make your yard a little boost by adding tasteful and weather-resistant outdoor art pieces. Choose tones that coordinate with your home´s color palette and existing features. Some ideas include birdbaths, wind chimes, metal pieces, or small fountains. If you choose a water sculpture, make sure to avoid areas where leaves can fall into it, opting instead for a vantage point where the sculpture impacts the eyes and ears of a visitor.

Refresh your home´s exterior

An outside facelift will quickly transform a tired-looking home into a house with great curb appeal. New Paint, siding, or trim details will keep your home looking its best. Rotting wood and cracked or faded paint are obvious defects that will downgrade your home´s look and will quickly turn away potential buyers. After any repairs, seek ways to create personality with colors, trim, or new shingles.

Dress up your Driveway

You can add flair to your driveway without spending money on a complete redo. If there are weeds sprouting from expansion joints, apply herbicide to kill them. Repair any cracks or stains, then give it a boost by installing flagstones or by staining the concrete a new color. If your driveway is too narrow, adding stones, bricks, or pavers to the sides of the driveway are great ways to widen it with pizzazz.

Upgrade railings

Porch railings can deteriorate if not treated correctly. If there are rotting wood members, replacing them to improve curb appeal. As with other components, make sure to use materials that are compatible with the look of your home.

By following these simple ideas, you can quickly revamp your home and attract more potential buyers. Ask your College Station realtor for more tips.

Common Mistakes People Make When

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Selling a home is not an easy job, which is why working with a local realtor is a good idea. They can help you navigate the market, make the most of your time, and money. Your local realtor can help you avoid these types of problems.

• Failure to Clear the Clutter/Depersonalizing You want buyers to imagine how they would use the space, and that means they need to see the space. Remove at least half of your things, and put them in storage. And take away most of the personal items. You might think that cross-stitch that says, “Home Sweet Home” your aunt gave you is sweet, but there are buyers who think it’s tacky.

• Asking Price Too High Your house may seem like it’s worth much more than it is. You have an emotional attachment, and memories there, but those don’t translate to market value. Your realtor can help you determine a competitive price for the market.

• Failure to Make Cosmetic Repairs Buyers should see a beautiful home when they walk in the door. That hand smudge your kid left on the door jamb, chipped paint, and dirty grout are things that make your house look like it was neglected. Fixes for these issues are easy, cheap, and make a big difference.

• Either Don’t Fix Problems or Fail to Disclose Them If you know there is a problem, disclose it early and save yourself hassle. Home inspections will reveal it anyway, so why waste time on the market and kill a deal? If possible fix problems. If not, be prepared to be haggled down on the price for at least the cost of the repairs.

• Not Knowing When to Seek Help Going it alone is tempting, but there are so many laws, profuse red tape, market fluctuations, and other factors that can quickly make selling your house a second full time job. You want someone who knows what they’re doing on your side, and that’s where your local realtor can help you.

• Remaining Emotionally Attached to Your Home Sellers should not be around during Open Houses and not take offense to negative feedback on their home from their prospective buyers. Learn from these interactions, and try to fix as many of the issues as possible.

• Skimping on Marketing Photography, video tour, home staging, etc.  A good realtor will help you take care of the marketing basics, but a seller should be willing to pay for extras if it helps sell their home faster. Think up some creative ways to really build some excitement, and get your house in front of as many buyers’ eyes as possible.

• Choosing the Wrong Time to Sell Sellers need to consider market conditions (is it a buyer's market or seller/s market?), capital gains tax implications, financial situation, etc. before listing their home. Even a matter of a few weeks can make a lot of difference these days. Your local realtor can help you choose the right time.

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

5302 Riviera Ct, College Station, TX

Renting or Buying – What’s right for you?

3577 Sagamore Dr, College Station, TX

There’s no simple answer as to whether you should rent or buy your next home. The answer largely depends on your income and your plans for the near and distant future. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Bryan/College Station here are some things that you can consider before making your decision.

First, consider whether you’re in a financial position to buy a home there are home buying calculators online that can help you get an idea of whether you’re in good financial shape. 

Personal needs

Are you looking for a home you can stay in long-term or are you wanting a home that you can move away from in a short time?  Renting gives you the ability to pack up and leave as soon as the lease is up.  Homeowners often need to sell or rent out their homes if they decide to move away. So, being a renter means you can move much more easily, but you don’t have the same stability. 

Homeowners have more stability because they determine what happens to their property. As a renter, you have no say in whether the property is under new management or ownership. If the landlord sells the property, you may not even be able to renew your current lease. Landlords can increase your rent or even decide they would rather turn their rental units into condos. That means with flexibility there may be a little risk. 

Is renting always a waste of money?

Your money isn’t always wasted. While you generally pay more for rent than you would for a mortgage of the same space, you do get some bonuses. When you rent a home, the owner takes care of maintenance. That means if the water heater or air-conditioner go out, you won’t have a large unexpected expense. Also, renting can come with bonuses like a clean pool and other amenities. 

However, you will be paying for everything you get when you rent. All of the services provided are included in your monthly payment.  Even if you don’t use all of the amenities, you are paying for them. Make sure the community where you decide to rent your home has amenities you want to use. That goes for homebuyers with an HOA, as well.  Then you can get your money’s worth. 

Are houses too much of a hassle?

Not usually. Not only do you have a lower payment making maintenance issues more affordable, but you have options to help you deal with any unexpected maintenance problems that may arise. Home warranties can help. If you’re worried about sudden repair expenses a home warranty may ease your fears. If you’re worried about lawn maintenance, consider a condo or hire a service.

Whether you decide to buy or rent is up to you and your budget. There is a lot of personal preference involved in the decision. Sometimes the responsibility of owning property may seem like too much.  Other times the freedom to make the changes you want to the property, like painting your child’s room pink, are worth any possible future maintenance the home needs. If you need help understanding real estate, ask your realtor for advice. Your realtor can help you find the right community for you. 

Finding a pet-friendly community

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Pets are important members of our households. Not just from an animal rights perspective, but from a human perspective. Just think of how miserable they can make us when they aren’t happy. If you have a howling Siberian husky, a tiny Chihuahua, a cat or even something more exotic, there are things you need to take into consideration before you move into a new neighborhood. 

HOA restrictions that can affect your pet

Most HOAs are fine with people owning pets. However, if you have an odd pet like a chicken, you may not be within HOA guidelines. Some HOAs restrict livestock animals even if the town you’re in allows them. 

Another issue may be the height of the fences. If you have a dog like a husky, look at the size of the fences in the neighborhood.  6-foot-tall fences are the minimum for a Siberian husky and similar escape artists. 

Are there restrictions on noise from pets?  Even in a condominium with a small dog, you may have some issues with your HOA. If your walls are thin and your dog cries when you leave, he could be driving your neighbors crazy. Neighbors irritated by your dog won’t always feel comfortable telling you about it, they may go straight to the HOA if the HOA has restrictions on noise. 

Even cats have some restrictions. Some owners like to let their cats have some outdoor play time. Unlike dogs, it’s almost impossible to keep cats in your yard. HOA’s often don’t like pets roaming the street and neither do city governments. If you want your animal to roam, it might be better to get some acreage in Brazos Valley rather than a home in a neighborhood in Bryan/College Station. 

However, an HOA could actually help pet owners. 

Pet-friendly communities.

Communities that are really pet-friendly are those where there are good places to walk your dog. Is there a nearby park?  Neighborhoods near parks are great for pets especially if they have plenty of trash receptacles for when your dog decides to leave a little present behind. 

Pet-friendly communities will also have fewer restrictions on pets and may let you have a fence taller than 6-feet. 

The important thing is to know the restrictions before you buy. Ask your realtor how to find the HOA documents before you buy. Sometimes, though, they’re available online. A quick search for the name of the neighborhood, the city, and “homeowners’ association” can often help you find the right place. There are a lot of great HOAs here in Bryan/College Station, so don’t let the fact that there is an HOA turn you away from buying in one. The benefits are often worth the dues. 

HOAs that keep your pet safe

When HOAs have rules on roaming animals, that isn’t always a bad thing for pet owners. For example, some cats like to go into their backyards briefly to snack on some grass or to lay in the sun before going right back inside. If there is a free roaming cat that climbs into your backyard, a fight could ensue leaving your cat injured. HOAs that have rules against letting cats roam can help prevent this to an extent. 

Also, dogs roaming around when you take your dog out for a walk could be a danger to your pet. Strict rules on pet control are good for everyone. 

As for noise, if you have the loud pet, it’s good to know when it’s bothering.  your neighbors. Most of us have likely been kept awake at night by a loud animal. 

Keep your animals safe by finding the right community for you. 

Home Inspections – They Can Save You Money

You’ve found a beautiful home and you’re ready to dive right in. Is it worth it to get it inspected?  It’s worth considering. Your home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. You want to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.  Home inspections aren’t just for buyers. Some sellers choose to get their homes inspected as well. Here are some of the basics about home inspection.

How much do home inspections cost?  Do I need one for a newer home?

A typical home inspection will likely cost you less than $500 here in Bryan/College Station but it depends on the square footage and the inspector. The buyer normally pays for the inspection. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) even suggests getting a brand-new home inspected before buying.

What is the benefit of an inspection?

The inspector will look at the central heat and air and the condition of the structure including the roof and foundation. The inspector will also check things like the insulation, electrical panels, and plumbing. By finding any flaws in the house now, you could be saving yourself trouble later. It’s always better to know what you’re getting into.

If the inspector finds problems, should I look for a different house?

The ASHI says there is no perfect house. You just have a list of issues that the inspector found. The seller may be willing to fix some of the problems or negotiate a lower price. Other problems are minor enough that they may not need to be fixed right away. It’s good to have the list and be aware of the issues when you move in so that you can fix them when you get around to it.

If you’re looking for move-in ready and there are serious problems discovered by the inspector, you may want to walk away. It just depends on if the seller can get it fixed in a reasonable amount of time. If the seller won’t fix the problems, moving on is an option.

The house was in good condition, didn’t I waste my money?

Now you know the house is in good condition because a professional gave you that assurance. A purchase as large as a house isn’t something you want to gamble on. You may have been able to see signs that it was a well-built house, but professional inspectors know what to look for to be sure. 

Are home inspections only for buyers?

Most sellers don’t get their homes inspected, but there are benefits if you decide you want to try it. Home inspections are a good idea if you are about to put your home on the market and don’t want any unpleasant surprises.  You can find out if you need to fix any problems before the “For Sale” sign goes up.  This will give you a strong position with buyers and give you confidence when their inspectors come around.

There are some amazing home inspectors in the Bryan/College Station area. Having a realtor can help you navigate the entire buying and selling process. That includes finding a great inspector. If you need help buying or selling a home in Aggieland, give us a call.

What Not To Do When Shopping For A New Home

Shopping for a new home in College Station can be a very busy time in your life. Applying for a mortgage, hiring a moving service and packing up your belongings can be very time-consuming. However, even when you are busy, it's important to keep a few things in mind as you shop for a new home.

There are some common mistakes that many people make when they are shopping for a new home. Making these mistakes is understandable because the moving process is so busy and stressful. However, a bit of careful planning and attention can keep you from making these common errors.

As you look for a new home with the help of your College Station realtor, watch out for these things that you shouldn't do during the home shopping process.

Rushing Into A Deal

As time goes on during the home shopping process, many homeowners will want to close a deal quickly. After all, it can take months or even longer to be approved for a home loan and to sort out all the small details that a move entails.

This timeframe might lead some homeowners to be tempted to rush into a deal for the first house that looks like a good choice. However, rushing this step of the process can get you into a difficult situation. Take a deep breath and try to stay as patient as possible as you talk with your College Station realtor about finding a home that meets your needs and is within your budget range. A little patience goes a long way and a better choice might be right around the corner.

Too Much Negotiation

A bit of negotiation is par for the course when you're shopping for a home. Most homeowners and realtors will want to come to an agreement on a home price that is agreeable for the seller. You might also have to negotiate about things like home inspections, renovations and repairs. Whether you love the negotiation process or dread it, make sure you aren't wasting your time.

Simply put, some home sellers will just be too hard to please. If you are spending weeks and weeks negotiating over the final cost and details of a home sale, remember that you have the ability to move on. If it seems like a home seller won't budge, it might be time to start looking at other properties. Remember, the more time that you spend in negotiations, the less likely you may be to find a great deal in the same area on a similar home.

Overspending

We all want to live in the perfect home but the search for that home might get us to spend beyond our means. Before you begin shopping for a home, write up a detailed budget with the help of your College Station realtor so that you can pinpoint exactly how much you can spend. Don't forget to factor in the costs of hiring a moving company, a home inspector and a rental at a storage facility.

Decide on what is absolutely essential for your to have in your new home. Extravagant features and lavish decorations are great but they aren't necessary for you to find the right home for your needs. Keep your budget firmly in mind and communicate with your realtor to find a home that is affordable for you.

If you pay careful attention to these common errors when shopping for a new home, you can improve your chances of finding a property that will be right for you for many years to come. 

Jaw dropping ranch just a short drive from B/CS

Jaw dropping ranch just a short drive from B/CS. This 45 acre property has everything you could dream of for your family (& extended family!). The main home boasts its custom features from the ground up. The interior rock work, the theatre room, cathedral ceilings and exposed beams, and the large wrap around porch are sure to wow (just to name a few!). Lets not forget the customized Rainbow Playsystems playground salt water swimming pool with rock inclosed water slide & beach area. The nearly 1200 sq. ft. guest home has 2 bedrooms with J&J bathroom, full kitchen with an open layout to breakfast room and large living room. There is a 1000 sq ft custom built apartment down by the barn with all the same fabulous features you have come to expect from this property: granite countertops, wood flooring, 9" crown molding. I have been saving the best for last: 1400 sq ft. cabin overlooking the 2.5 acre pond. 2 bedrooms, 1 VERY large bathroom with an open kitchen to breakfast room and living room. And with a view like that you will appreciate the 855 sq ft deck. And did I mention there is a custom built Rockin J barn equipped with a utility room and bathroom! 10 acre coastal hay pasture. 800 square bales per cutting average; three cuttings per year. This property is sure to meet every need! There are many more pictures to see, please email me if you would see more.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3.5

Square Ft: 4,565

County Name: Robertson

Home Buying Strategy for Millennials

Image Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Whether in College Station, Texas, Bryan, Texas or anywhere else, buying a home relies primarily on finding the right location and saving for a down payment. Buying a home is cheaper than renting - by different margins depending on your location. However, saving for a down payment and finding a house in the right location doesn’t seem achievable for many millennials like yourself who have recently graduated from college and are starting new careers. That’s why I have created this home buying strategy list for you.

Low Interest Rates

Interest rates continue to remain low. So, it just makes sense to take advantage of the home buying opportunity while loan pay-back is more affordable.

Loan Options

Better deals are often available for first time home buyers. Meet with loan officers from a few reputable banks, credit unions or other lenders in your area to find out all the options available to first time home buyers. Some options require little to no down payment at all! However, weigh all options carefully as what you don’t pay down will require additional monthly interest payments. In other words, any down payment you make is interest free, and you will pay interest only on the remaining balance. So, the more you pay down, the less interest you will have to pay. Also, compare lenders’ loan fees and closing costs. 

Credit Scores

Consult with loan officers as soon as possible in case you need to improve your credit rating. If your FICO score is less than satisfactory, follow advice to improve that as quickly as possible.

Meet with Your Realtor

Contact your realtor once you are pre-qualified for a loan. A real estate agent is important to the home buying process for many reasons. She knows the other realtors in the region, understands the buying process and knows how to handle problems that may arise.

Be Patient

When you finally start house hunting, be patient. Finding the right home in the right location may take time. Another issue you may run into during your search is information overload. Don’t be overwhelmed by this. Your realtor can put things into perspective for you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. 
Buying your first home doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right strategy and a helpful realtor are all part of finding your dream home.  Good luck!

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Mariott Real Estate is dedicated to serving our clients with honesty, integrity, and quality customer service. Our goal is to serve our clients with the utmost respect and professionalism to guarantee their home buying or selling process is a smooth, joyful, and positive experience. Let our knowledge and expertise of Bryan/College Station enrich your real estate needs.

10 Quick Tips that will Help You Sell Your House Fast

With an average of 1200 homes for sale in College Station, TX and Bryan, TX, I want to give you a few tips that will help you sell your house fast. Making sure your house stands out in the crowd will make the difference between selling fast and waiting several months for the right buyer to come along. 

Given the fact that College Station, TX is the second fastest growing city in the U.S., the time to sell is now while so many people are looking for houses to buy in our beautiful region. Texas A&M University graduates are lending to the population boom as they are looking for nice houses after getting jobs in the area after graduation. Relocating families who are being drawn in by the area’s attractive features - warm climate, numerous public parks, great employment opportunities, safe communities, highly ranked public schools and quality healthcare – are contributing to the population spike as well. As an immense number of new businesses continue to develop across the region, more people will follow. So let’s get your house ready for a quick sell.

1. Over 90% of buyers begin their house search online. Be sure everything is tidy and encourage several pictures to be taken of your house inside and out. More pictures uploaded to home selling sites improves house sells.

2. Always allow your home to be shown so as many people as possible will see it. By limiting the viewing times and days, you may lose a potential buyer. You should also leave the house when prospective buyers are brought by to view it.

3. Start packing! Not only will you have a head start when your house sells, but packing away unnecessary clutter and personal items such as collectibles and family photos will make the home look as spacious as possible. Try to remove at least half of the content from closets, cabinets, drawers and garages. Store everything off-site if possible, have a garage sell or donate to charities. With less clutter, buyers can envision their own items in your house.

4. Rid your home of any bad odors. A friend who doesn’t live in your house should be able to tell you if you have been successful during a quick visit. Don’t overpower visitors with masking fragrances. Giving the house a good cleaning – and keeping it clean - should make the house smell welcoming.

5. Potential buyers are looking at several homes with many common attributes, so try to make your home stand out above all others. In most cases, clean and uncluttered stand out the most. But adding something like a small vase of flowers will provide the inviting atmosphere that will be remembered when the time comes for buyers to make a decision.

6. Houses with more light sell quickly. Pull back drapes, open the blinds and clean the windows so natural sunlight can stream in. Add higher wattage bulbs in rooms with low light to improve viewing quality.

7. Opt for an inexpensive, quick house facelift such as fresh, neutral paint on the walls, cleaning the drapes, updating cabinet hardware or adding fresh mulch to the flower garden instead of pricey upgrades.

8. Have your home in prime condition by fixing items like leaky faucets and squeaky doors before your house is viewed.

9. Turn up the outdoor charm. Curb appeal sells many homes. A few colorful flowers, inexpensive bushes, a well-manicured lawn and clean driveway can make a big impression before house hunters even walk through your front door.

10. Go viral. With advice from your agent, a YouTube video of your house while talking about your favorite memories in the house and favorite places to visit nearby may be a helpful selling tool. Also, consider posting your listing on Facebook. 

With so many people moving to College Station, TX and Bryan, TX, the time is right for selling your home. Following these tips should help you sell fast so you can start looking for your new dream home.

Featured Home for Sale in College Station, TX

Mariott Real Estate is dedicated to serving our clients with honesty, integrity, and quality customer service. Our goal is to serve our clients with the utmost respect and professionalism to guarantee their home buying or selling process is a smooth, joyful, and positive experience. Let our knowledge and expertise of Bryan/College Station enrich your real estate needs.

4 bedroom 3 bath home - Classic Homes by Mariott

Another beautiful home brought to you by Classic Homes by Mariott. This one story home is located in the popular neighborhood of Castlegate II. This Tuscan style home features all the upgraded amenities and quality of work that you have come to expect in a Mariott Home! If you like custom cabinets, tile showers, and granite counter tops throughout then this is the home for you. No expense was spared on energy efficiency as this home features Foam insulation in the rafters, blown in insulation in the walls, & upgraded Carrier 16 SEER HVAC equipment. Come see this custom today and experience quality!

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Square Ft: 3,113

County Name: Brazos

Charming 4 bedroom 3 bath home

Another great floor plan by Classic Homes by Mariott. You will find the open floor plan charming & exposed beams in the living room eye catching! This darling home offers four spacious bedrooms with wonderful bathroom lay outs. You will also find this home boasting energy efficiency. You will appreciate the foam insulation in the rafters & Carrier 16 SEER multi-speed HVAC equipment. **Please note that price increase reflects upgrade to foam insulation in the rafters & Carrier 16 SEER multi-speed HVAC equipment.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Square Ft: 2,733

County Name: Brazos

Beautiful 5 Bedroom Custom Home in South College Station

Step into another beautiful custom home brought to you by Classic Homes by Mariott! If energy efficiency is important to you, then this is the home for you! This extremely energy efficient home features foam insulation in the rafters, blown in insulation in the walls, and upgraded 16 Seer Carrier HVAC equipment. The large gourmet kitchen overlooks the fireplace in the family room. This custom home features custom cabinets, granite counter tops, & tile showers throughout. With a study, formal dining room, & over-sized game room, this custom home has all the space you need in one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in South College Station!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4

Square Ft: 3,827

County Name: Brazos