COLLEGE STATION  – College Station was the only city in Texas to make Kiplinger’s list of top ten great cities for raising families.

The findings were based on job growth, healthy economies and vibrant local culture. Additional information such as areas already filled with families with children, quality of public schools, low crime rates, and amount of parks and recreation were then taken into consideration.

“Great public schools and low crime are not the only draws of this small Texas city,” said Kiplinger. “College Station has also seen steady wage growth and a low unemployment rate of 6.9 percent. Plus, there are plenty of cultural and athletic events at Texas A&M University, an interactive children’s museum, and dozens of parks and playgrounds on the shores of nearby Lake Bryan.”

Susan

979-764-2100

Century 21 Beal, Inc.

David F. Bottenfield
Broker/Owner Premier Properties
939 N. Augusta St.
Staunton, VA 24401
540-885-6708-Office,
540-480-4003-Cell
540-885-6637-Fax

This charming Bed and Breakfast hosted us for the 4 day trip in quintessential elegance. We could not have asked for a better host than David Bottenfield.
David Bottenfield, a long time Real Estate Broker and former Century 21 franchise owner, even took time to show us the old town and several of the old Civil War era buildings etc. I was FLOORED!!! David Bottenfield is easily one of the most knowledgeable Brokers about his market I’ve ever met! If you need an amazing place to stay, are planning a neat holiday, or want to talk about Staunton Real Estate call my new friend David Bottenfield! You’ll be glad you did.
I need to run now but more to come about David Bottenfield and whats going on in Staunton VA. Sorry Staunton, secrets out!

VintagePins

Rose held its grand opening July 24th.  Proprietress Rosemary Rodriguez can boast the most pollos (that’s chickens for you gringos) under one roof in the Brazos Valley.  She’s collected great Mid-Century furniture, retro clothing, and other fun decor.

Down the street there are the BV Decorative Center at 401 S Main, Earth Art at 209 S Main, Southern Grace Antiques at 102 S Main, and waaaay too many more great stops to mention.  Really you need to go get in your car and shop it!  We’re talking about a 15 minute trip downtown as opposed to 2 hours to Austin or 9 hours to New Orleans.

Get the full SoCo experience when you attend a First Friday (one coming up this Friday August 6th).  Sometimes I even pick up a New Orleans vibe, as I walk down the street with others, smelling the great food, hearing the music pouring out from Stafford Main or Revolution Cafe.  Who would have thought the City of Bryan would draw this funky urban artsy crowd?!?

Back to Rosemary at the Vintage Rose, her store hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10a-5p.  Start your shopping excursion at her bright yellow store and make your way down Main Street.  Finish off your evening at the new Lemon Wedge Restaurant.

What recommendations do you have for First Friday?  Restaurant reviews?  Leave a comment below…

Only a few more days of triple digits,

Cindy Seaton, REALTOR

(979) 422-9763

Options for buyers

The website TxHomeProgram.com shows a HUGE list of ideas that make the purchase of a home a reality.  Some of the measures are based on income while others focus on location. The one in Brazos County, for example, is a downpayment assistance plan for lower-income families.  A chart shows you how much income qualifies for a household of a certain size. In North Texas, the City of Dallas Mortgage Assistance is for first-time homebuyers only.

There is also a program search tool which will ask you questions about your financial status, how many people in your home, where you want to live, etc.  It will compile a list of programs for which you qualify.

Additionally, interest rates are extremely low right now. Like Clay Lee said in

his post from June 29th,

there are huge savings over the long term of the loan for those who lock in today.  On a $100,000 home and with a good credit score of 740, your interest rate could be 4.5%.  That is crazy low!!  Last year interest rates were up around 6.5%.  When Ace of Base was singing (1994) 9% was your rate for a mortgage.  And remember the 80s?  Pull out your parachute pants – those rates soared at 18%!  Makes my bangs stand up to think about it!

With a little digging and perseverance, homebuyers can still find great deals on the market.  Talk with me or other great agents at Century 21 Beal to see what is available.

What mortgage programs have you seen????   Leave a comment below to inspire other buyers!

Happy Thursday,

Cindy Seaton, REALTOR

(979) 422-9763

JULY

Jul 1-   U.S. Postage Stamp Day

Jul 2-   First Flight via Zeppelin (1900)

Jul 3-   Stay Out of the Sun Day

Jul 4-   Independence Day – Lou Gehrig Retires (1939)

Jul 5-   Workaholics’ Day

Jul 6-   Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day

Jul 7-   Father-Daughter Take a Walk Together Day

Jul 8-   Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama (SCUD) Day

Jul 9-   National Air Conditioning Appreciation Day

Jul 10- Don’t Step on a Bee Day

Jul 11- World Population Day

Jul 12- International Town Criers Day

Jul 13- Embrace Your Geekness Day

Jul 14- Tape Measure Patented (1868)

Jul 15- Gummi Worm Day

Jul 16- Hot Dog Night

Jul 17- Disneyland Openend (1955)

Jul 18- National Ice Cream Day

Jul 19- National Get Out fo the Doghouse Day

Jul 20- First Lunar Landing (1969)

Jul 21- Legal Drinking Age Day

Jul 22- Maple Syrup Day

Jul 23- Gorgeous Grandma Day

Jul 24- National Day of the Cowboy

Jul 25- Thread the Needle Day

Jul 26- Take Your Dog to Work Day

Jul 27- Walk on Stilts Day

Jul 28- The Great War (WWI) Began (1914)

Jul 29- Rain Day

Jul 30- National Cheesecake Day

Jul 31- Harry Potter Author, J.K. Rowling, Born (1965)

January 2010 Holidays

February 2010 Holidays

Susan Hilton

CENTURY 21 Beal, Inc.

979-764-2100

Real Estate for Bryan College Station!

Call 979-764-2121 and hear information on ANY property for sale in the Brazos Valley.

http://www.theeagle.com/am/A-amp-amp-M-prof-advances-infection-detection

Truly Amazing!

Starting off the school year is A&M football.  No other place in the country is quite like Kyle Field on a game day.  For starters, the Aggie band marches from the Southside of campus all the way to Kyle Field to kick off the festivities.  Hundreds of fans gather each home game day to follow the march.  Additionally, tailgating draws massive crowds that set up everywhere from the Bonfire area to Reed arena.  These die hard Aggie fans start the festivities early in anticipation of the excitement that takes place on Kyle Field.  Once one enters Kyle Field for the game, they are in a different world entirely.  Student fans will stand the entire game in support of the team, all the while joining in the cheers that the yell leaders on the field lead.  It is a huge celebration filled with team spirit, traditions, and camaraderie that one must experience to fully appreciate.

Aggie basketball and baseball are no less exciting – filled with their own traditions, unique cheers and fan games. The Texas A&M male and female swimming and diving teams constantly deliver,  providing their growing fan base with numerous wins each year at the NCAA championships.

Another event sports fans cannot miss is Aggie track.  Our male and female teams were the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Champions.  Their hard work earned 38 All-America accolades, and their hard work is sure to continue to impress and entertain.

Getting tickets to these events is as simple as heading to the Zone at Kyle Field, or going online: http://www.12thmanfoundation.com/tickets/ticketbox.asp Group tickets may be purchased, season or single tickets are available, and there are even discount football season seats in the beloved “Flyover Zone.” (These are located above row 20 in the 500 level in The Zone; not only do you get a fantastic view of the field and 12th Man TV, but also an unparalleled view of the flyovers before the games.)

So if you are considering relocation to College Station, this is just one of the many attractions to take in in our beautiful community.  Continue to check back daily for more updates to my Physician’s Relocation services.  For more information on our community, schools, events, and spectacular real estate, please contact me for expert advice!

Clay Lee – Realtor

Century 21 Beal, Inc.

(979) 255-1839

clay@century21bcs.com

Timeless Service, Quality, and Experience Guaranteed

________________________________________________________

With so much going on in College Station, both with the University events and many community group events, it is easy to find pleasurable activities right here in town.  However, the optimal location makes a weekend road trip or a flight to anywhere in the world an incredibly feasible option.  If you are considering relocation to our lovely community, consider how important location is!  Check back for my next articles on events, parks, TAMU sports, museums, and other world-class attractions to enjoy in College Station/Bryan.

If you are interested in discussing relocation, College Station real estate specifically, or simply need basic information or advice, feel free to contact me at (979) 255-1839.

Clay Lee – Realtor  

Century 21 Beal, Inc.

(979) 255-1839

clay@century21bcs.com

Timeless Service, Quality, and Experience Guaranteed

________________________________________________________

SO here comes the  CSISD  to the rescue!  Working with Wilton’s Office Works, a locally-owned and operated provider of office supplies, furniture and services, College Station schools’ PTOs (Parent Teacher Organizations) are offering pre-packed school supply kits!  They include everything your kid needs according to the official CSISD school supply list and will be delivered to the child’s classroom for Meet the Teacher Night or the first day of school. The school supplies will be packaged in a keepsake box with a handle, and you can keep the box and use it for keeping memories throughout the school year.

Participating elementary schools include Pebble Creek, Rock Prairie, South Knoll, College Hills, Creek View, Southwood Valley, and Forest Ridge.  What’s easier than writing a check, for less money than it takes to drive around town hunting everything on the list?  For more information, or to find out if your school is taking part i this helpful fundraiser, contact your school’s PTO or Kathy at Wilton’s, (970)268-0062.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Home?

Give me a call! 979-218-2235

Raylene Lewis– “A House-Sold Name!”

www.buyincollegestation.com