Archive for the 'Real Estate News' Category

Contingency Contracts: Friend or Foe?

In the world of real estate, there are few things more intimidating than the dreaded contingency contract. Though they can be confusing at times, I assure you contingency contracts are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, they can be quite beneficial to both the buyer and the seller when used correctly. Let's begin by discussing exactly what a contingency contract is.  A  contingency contract is what you use to buy a new home when you need the equity from your current house to make the purchase. It is exactly the same as a standard contract except for the fact that it includes an addendum for the sale of another property by the buyer. For that reason, we will focus on the content of the addendum for this article. It is important to note, however, that ALL parts of the contract can affect the seller's willingness to accept an offer. The first question many people have is , "When can I submit a contingency offer?" The answer: Whenever you want. Will a knowledgeable seller take a contingency offer before your current house is under contract to sale? Probably not. For that reason, it is important that your first priority is getting your current house under...

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Posted by Robin Petty | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Amazing New Discovery Made at Texas A&M University

Take a look at the amazing research taking place right here in College Station. This article from The Eagle shows off the world-class university right in our own back yard.  This could potentially save the lives of thousands! http://www.theeagle.com/am/A-amp-amp-M-prof-advances-infection-detection Truly Amazing!

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Posted by Robin Petty | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

How Do I Sell My House FAST? (Step 5)

At last, we have reached the final step of the process! Let us begin by reviewing the previous steps. The First, and most important step, is to contact a Realtor. Simply doing this can save you the trouble of having to worry about the following four steps. If you insist on continuing alone, you must then CLEAN your house, PRICE your house, and STAGE your house properly to ensure it sells in the optimal amount of time. The final step in the process is often the most difficult. This is not because sellers are not motivated, but simply that they don't always have the correct tools to get the job done properly. This step is ADVERTISING. Advertising a house for sale is largely a numbers game. By that, I mean that the more people who see your property, the better. In order to advertise effectively, you must look at how consumers find houses for sale. A large percentage of home buyers contact Realtors to help them find a home. Realtors use a system called MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, to market their listings to other Realtors and potential buyers. This is yet another reason why it is important to speak with a...

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Posted by Robin Petty | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

NAR Directors Pass Sexual-Orientation Protections

The National Association of Realtors held a scheduled meeting on May 15th in Washington D.C.  During this meeting, the Board of Directors passed a change to Article 10 of the NAR Code of Ethics barring REALTORS® from denying equal professional services on the basis of sexual orientation or from discriminating against any person on the basis of sexual orientation. (more...)

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Posted by Clay Lee | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Summer Utilities Savings Solutions

Get ready to save energy in your home this summer to beat the Texas heat and lower utility bills! Here is your guide to becoming a smarter, more energy-efficient homeowner this summer. Since almost half of the energy used in homes goes toward cooling (or heating), here are three simple ways to reduce those costs. First, set thermostats to an appropriate temperature. For instance, when no one is home, thermostats should be raised to prevent the cooling units from running constantly. This can be done easily through a programmable thermostat. Second, install ceiling fans in bedrooms and large living areas. Lastly, make sure that air filters are being replaced periodically. This not only brings down energy costs, but also, cleans the air in your home to prevent things such as bacteria and pollutants from circulating in the air. (more...)

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Posted by Madeline Stiles | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Flood Plain Maps Brazos County

    Sometimes, when a hurricane or tropical storm is big enough, some cities and areas have to evacuate their homes and find shelter elsewhere. Evacuation is an intimidating task, having to pack everything necessary for the family to survive in such a short amount of time is never easy.     Luckily, Bryan/College Station is far enough inland that storms and hurricanes don't usually force us to evacuate. However, Bryan/College Station is in a perfect position to accommodate people who do have to evacuate-- it's far enough inland, making it safe, but it's also not too (more...)

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Posted by Susan Hilton | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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