Archive for the 'Home Improvement & Design' Category

Pre-Sales Appraisal Services

Bryan, TX -- Looking for a second opinion on your home's value? Enlist the services of an objective, third party Appraiser. You will receive an accurate description of your home's features and a detailed analysis of the most recent and similar "comparable sales". [caption id="attachment_1872" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Appraisals from Seaton"]Appraisals from Kelly Seaton[/caption] "Having a recent appraisal of your home can be very useful at the negotiating table," said Kelly Seaton, owner of Verdad Valuation Services. When interested parties see an appraisal, an inspection, a survey, or a map of the home, these serve as additional tools that cut down on the time it takes to close. Seaton says Verdad Valuation can complete a residential appraisal in as little as one day if necessary, where a narrative appraisal for a rural property could take one week. It all depends on how much sales data is available and how much time is necessary to adequately research the survey, title, and sales of comparable properties. In addition to answering questions like "how much is my house worth", Seaton suggests a few other things to consider prior to listing your home. Certain upgrades

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Posted by Cindy Seaton | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Sprinkler System Required in a New Texas House? WHAT????

DId you know that we have a new International Residential Code (minimum standard for the building code followed in Texas) is going to require fire sprinklers in single and two family homes and townhomes for homes built after January 1, 2011?  When I first read this I thought they were referring to the sprinkler systems in the yard - NO WAY! This is talking about the INTERIOR of homes!  What did the National Association of Homebuilders (NAH) think? They were not in favor of the mandate. NAH said the additional cost and maintenance was not justified. Habitat for Humanity agreed! It is too costly! The National Fire Protection Association sponsored a study and reported this will increase costs from $.38 to $3.66 per square foot - averaging out at $1.61 per square foot increase.  There may be some insurance discounts but not enough to cover the expense - About the only good thing is that it is not retroactive!

Susan Hilton

Susan Hilton - Realtor & Sales Trainer for Century 21 Beal

Want to Search the Bryan/College

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Posted by Susan Hilton | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Whistling Straits Party Benefits Brazos Valley Food Bank and Hurricane Ike Relief Efforts

Thursday, September 25, a benefit was held at 5203 Whistling Straits in support of the Hurricane Ike relief efforts. Many local firms were willing to donate items to the silent auction, and all proceeds from the auction went to the Brazos Valley Food Bank, who helped to get the money into the right hands.

Some of the items donated were: An area rug from Aggieland Carpets, several pieces of artwork by Aggie artist Benjamin Knox, a bottle of wine from JJ Ruffino, a $100 gift card to The Republic from Wade Barkman, Kohler bath hardware, a prep sink and a lavatory sink all from Moore Supply, a lamp from Susan Tremont, an under-counter refrigerator from Factory Building Stores, a framed picture from Myra's Gallery and Custom Framing, a painting kit from Monarch, and French doors from Grand Door Co. to be stained by Rob Crowley.

Hors d'oeuvres were provided by The Republic and prepared on location by chef Brian Light. There was also a bar set up in the outdoor kitchen serving drinks all night. Procedes from the bar also went to the Hurricane Ike Relief fund.

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Posted by Clay Lee | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Texas A&M University Horticultural Gardens - Beautiful Flowers!

Have you stopped by the Texas A&M University Horticultural Gardens lately? It is beautiful!

The garden features stone pathways winding through stunning flowers.  Look a little further and see stunning sculptures.  Interested in water gardens with (more...)

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Posted by Susan Hilton | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Part Three in a Series on Pools - Annoying Algae

Pool funBRYAN, TX -- Most problems with swimming pools occur because of inadequate water maintenance. Yes Virginia I'm saying it's your fault...user error. When your schedule gets busy, it is hard to continue the weekly regimen. The algae grows and the water clouds over. The sides become stained and no one wants to go near the stink tank. (more...)

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Posted by Cindy Seaton | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Bryan-College Station Tx Need Financing for a Rehab Home?

Detroit Foreclosure House

So you found a rehab deal in Bryan or College Station, Tx. And with the renovation costs and the after repair value, this property will turn into a nice profit. You probably can even set a price that will make for a quick sale when the rehab is at completion. There is just one thing holding you back – finding the money to purchase it! In recent times, it was fairly easy. You would pick up your phone and call your local lender. Sure, the terms were steep, but the financing cost (more...)

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Posted by Linda Stribling | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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