Jonathan's Blog

310 Laurel Bryan, TX 77801

2008-07-31T15:31:51Z

Great location very close to A & M campus. 2 bedrooms, one bath. Garage has been enclosed but is unfinished. Hardwood floors in both bedrooms, hall and living room. To be sold "as is" Shingled roof less than 10 years old, new plumbing drain line to sewer 8 years old, new water main from meter 1 year old, new central heat and air 2 years old with all new duct work and warranty. New bathroom fixtures, new paint throughout less than 2 years. Owner will consider offers.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor®

www.classicaljonathan.com

Wheelock, Capital of Texas?

2008-07-19T11:43:09Z

My broker, Trey, told me that the capital of Texas was originaly going to be at Wheelock TX, but that when the vote came in, Austin was choosen over Wheelock by one vote! Can you imagine if that had of happened? Also, the University of Texas was looking to locate there in Wheelock as well in the late 1830's. Eleazer Louis Ripley Wheelock was the founder of Wheelock, which actually was named after Eleazer's grandfather. His grandfather was the founder of Dartmouth college in Vermont. For more info on Wheelock, you can go to this link. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/WW/hlw29.html

I showed this house in Wheelock yesterday. Built in 1838, you can imagine that there is a lot of history surrounding it.

This was the slaves quarters, I believe. It was a really neat house with 5.76 Acres

1406 Lemon Tree College Station, TX 77840

2008-07-09T16:00:35Z

Location, Location, Location! Investors, looking for convenience to A & M? This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom is in excellent condition is less than a mile from campus on a secluded street. Priced to sell. Current lease is through May of 2009. Call me for details at 979-229-7875.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

7.87 Acres on Crosswinds Dr. in Bryan TX For sale

2008-07-07T10:05:02Z

Looking for land on which to build/locate your business? Then come check out this industrial acreage right across from Coulter Field in the heart of the East Brazos Industrial Park on Crosswind Dr. Has 7.87 Acres just off State Hwy 21 Call for details, Cell 979-229-7875.

When I was out at the property taking pictures, I came across this deer.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Free McCafe coffee from McDonalds in the Research Valley!

2008-07-01T12:46:01Z

For the coffee lovers out there in Aggieland, I have been told that McDonalds is giving away their specialty coffees until the end of this week. I would assume that this is for the Brazos county McDonalds. I know that the store at Rock Prairie and the bypass in College Station, TX is participating, because I just went there about 30 minutes ago and got a free McCafe iced mocha...strong but good!

Now, this is not being advertised, and you must ask for their free McCafe coffee, otherwise you will be charged. They also have mocha, latte, iced latte, cappuccino and some other types as well.

A picture of my empty cup! :)

Enjoyed!

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Cheap way of speeding up your computer!

2008-06-24T13:32:07Z

Wow, I just added 2gb of ram to my computer, so now I have 2.25gb from 512mb, and am I every pleased! It has sped up my whole computer for less than $50! So now, instead of waiting....and waiting.... and waiting on my computer, I just go from one program to another pretty much instantaneously as I work to sell real estate here in Bryan/College Station TX

If you are interested, I found the ram on www.newegg.com. This is a price comparision site that shows you which place has the best deals.

Tiger Woods wins again! Persistance though pain...

2008-06-16T16:55:04Z

I have never played a game of golf in my life, but I enjoy keeping up with a guy like Tiger Woods. Tiger was seeking his 14th majors win, all the while playing on a bad knee where he had surgery about two months ago. This is an incredible example to me of persistence even when the going gets tough! It took him 91 holes to win, but he finally did!

In real estate, here in Bryan and College Station TX, I find some parallels. To be successful, I have to have persistance and patience! Make that extra phone call, stay in touch with my sellers, call my buyers to see what they need, call the title companies, call the loan officers, call for inspections, call the surveyor, etc...

One deal that I am working on has been having some issues, so, I have had to make probably 35 or 40 phone calls/emails to get it to closing. Lord willing, it is looking more and more like it will go though tomorrow. Praise the Lord!

One of these days I will have to go play a round or two of golf!...

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Live music at the Arkitex Studio in Downtown Bryan, TX

2008-06-04T16:21:29Z

I have been asked by the Arkitex Studio at 308 N. Bryan Ave. to play my classical guitar this Friday at 5:30 to 7:30pm for their "First Fridays" of the month. There will also be original art by Dick Davison.

The "First Friday" is a program by a local "association created to revitalize and maintain the commercial and aesthetic viability of the historic business district of Downtown Bryan" For more information go to www.downtownbryan.com In other words, one the first Friday of the month, local downtown businesses stay open later into the evening so people can come by and hear come live music, or eat dinner, or maybe participate in an informational time with a guest speaker, or whatever the business dreams up for a little entertainment!

When I am not busy selling real estate in Bryan/College Station, I enjoy diggin' out the ol' guitar and picking a tune or two! So for those that are interested and would like, this is an "open house" and so come on down and enjoy the show.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

3016 Jennifer Dr. College Station, TX

2008-05-27T17:08:54Z

I am working with Kay Perry as a team here in College Station, TX. We call ourselves "The Results Team!" So far, the results that we have achieved? 100% of our listings have sold!

I was at the Dallas Arboretem over the weekend playing my classical guitar at my cousin's wedding. When I check my email this morning, I had a pleasant surprise awaiting me, an email from Kay saying that she had got another listing for us in the mean time! Here it is:

Lots of space for the money. Large living room, spacious kitchen/dining room. Master bedroom is a good size. Wonderful for Aggie parents.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Dallas Arboretum and classical guitar

2008-05-27T13:30:59Z

I played my Classical guitar at the Dallas Arboretum on Sunday for my cousin's wedding...it is a beautiful place!

Some of my siblings before the wedding enjoying the shade, where it was probably 90 instead of 95

My aunt Diana and I before the wedding with our violin and guitar.

The view of the wedding from my seat.

Dallas Arboretum

My dad and I in front of the waterfall

My cousin Ross and niece Elizabeth

One of the highlights of the trip was, as I was traveling to Ross' house near Dallas, we were passed by 15 to 18 motorcyclists. One of the guys had the BRIGHT idea to ride a wheelie for about a mile going about 60 mph down the 3 lane highway. Needless to say, I didn't try to pass them!

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Bad and good experience on eBay/Paypal

2008-05-22T15:31:50Z

I made the mistake the other day of bidding on an auction on eBay where the seller didn't have any feedback and had just joined within the last week of posting the auction. I sent a message before bidding to see what response I would get from him, he responded, and I bid and won the auction for about $80.

I payed for the item with Paypal. Time passed and the seller didn't ship the item. Also, I didn't get any response to my 3 messages that I sent to the seller. So, I filed a complaint with Paypal, then turned that complaint into a claim. Paypal looked into the situation and decided in my favor!

So, this morning when I looked at my bank account online, the money had been returned to my account. I have to give a big AAA+++ to Paypal for their prompt response to my silly mistake. I praise the Lord for how this turned out as well. Next time I will have learned my lesson, don't submit a bid on eBay unless the seller has a lot of positive feedback!

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Texas tax-free weekend!

2008-05-20T10:20:31Z

For those of us here in Bryan/College Station Texas that are familiar with the tax-free weekend for school supplies, Texas is rolling out a new deal for energy efficient appliances! According to Susan Combs, TX Comptroller of Public Accounts, http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_836/ Memorial day weekend could possible be the perfect time for a new refrigerator or washer to go along with the new house you are buying. Or as a selling point to get your house sold, you might want to include some new appliances bought this weekend. Items included in the tax free status are:

Air conditioners under 6k
Washing machines (but not dryers)
Ceiling fans
Dishwashers
Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
Refrigerators under 2k

The sale starts at 12:01am Saturday the 24th and ends 11:59pm Monday the 26th. For an item to qualify, it must have the Energy Star logo. Also, there is no limit on how much you can buy! Enjoy the savings!

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

12140 Post Oak Ln Bryan, TX 77807

2008-05-15T13:25:30Z

Horse lovers/4-H enthusiasts looking for a getaway in the country? This ideal 3 bedroom 2 bathroom manufactured home is in immaculate condition, built in 2007. On 6 beautiful acres with a pond for livestock and 2 stall barn for horses. Wood laminate flooring though out the house. The raised ceiling creates openness with the great floorplan. 5 ton A/C unit gives plenty of cold air for the hot Summertime! Appliances negotiable. Close to Bryan/College Station, TX Call for details. 979-229-7875.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Preparation is key to success in Classical Guitar and Real Estate

2008-05-06T10:41:34Z

I found out last Tuesday that I would be playing my classical guitar on Thursday for a group of ~1,000 people at a conference that I was attending! Needless to say, that is not much time to prepare. So, I decide to play "What a Friend We have in Jesus", a hymn arrangement that wasn't too hard, and that I could polish up in a short amount of time. The piece went well and I wasn't nervous until the last chord!

In Real Estate, being prepared to answer a seller's objections, like, "How much commission do you charge?" or "I want to think about it." is crucial to being successful. So, my brokers have had some of us agents role-play in our weekly agent meeting. I am grateful that I have two great brokers here in College Station, TX, that have been giving me the language that I need to answer these objections, so that I am not nervous when a buyer or a seller has a question.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonthan.com

6607 CR 108 Iola TX House for sale

2008-04-22T14:03:04Z

Looking for some peace and quiet? Come check out this immaculate 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home with 1.275 Acres. Just blocks from TEA's "Superior" Award winning Iola school. Ceramic tile throughout most of the house, with carpet in the bedrooms. Spacious 15' x 15' Master bedroom, with jacuzzi type tub in the master bathroom. Great floor plan. Also, has a slab for a two car garage. Storage shed in the backyard.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

The Historic Landmark LaSalle Hotel in Bryan TX

2008-04-18T17:39:06Z

For those of you who are familiar with downtown Bryan TX, one of the features that will stand out to you is the LaSalle Hotel. This seven-story, historic landmark hotel was built in 1928.

Recently, I was asked to play my classical style guitar for a gentleman's seventieth birthday party at the LaSalle. So, on Sunday the beautiful sounding strings of my hand-made guitar will be echoing in the reception room for a couple of hours...should be fun!

I greatly enjoy bringing joy to other people though the ability to play the guitar that God has given to me..."HE teaches my hands..." Psalms 18:34

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Take a step backward, and get......perspective!

2008-04-16T09:23:52Z

Recently I was playing Table tennis with my brother Nekoda, we were having a good 'ol time, until he started beating me about as much as I was beating him! Normally, I don't have this problem, so I took a step backward to see if I could figure out what went wrong. Then it dawned on me...I had fixed the problem! I fixed it by taking a literal step back from the table while I was playing. This gave me more time to react to the spins that Nekoda was giving me. Consequently, I started winning pretty much all of the games!

In Real Estate, this "taking a step backward" can be a good thing as well. Sometimes you have to stop being so busy and take the time to see the BIG picture, get some perspective...how am I spending my time, is this profitable for my bottom line, will this get me a listing? Or am I just doing "Wheel Estate", like showing NON-qualified buyers around all day? Are the objections (curving ping-pong balls) that buyers and sellers throwing at me, making me lose the game of Real Estate?

As I learn more, I really enjoy working here in College Station/Bryan TX finding that perfect home for my buyer, or helping my sellers market their homes...very rewarding!

Jonathan Cook

Realtor

http://www.classicaljonathan.com/

Oh, the joys of Real Estate!

2008-04-08T16:18:12Z

I recently got a listing at 420 Manuel Dr. in College Station, TX. I put up the sign and everything was going along fine until....

I went out to the house to check on things earlier today. When I got there, I looked around a little, and thought, "something doesn't seem right with this picture" Then I realized that the sign was missing! I found the sign laying on the ground...it looked like it had been in a fight and got the wrong end of the deal!

Oh well, guess I will have to put up another sign later today! Thankfully, this duplex is already under Option Contract, so, pretty soon, I will be putting up a "sold" sign on this listing.....That truly is one of the joys of Real Estate.

Jugglers...otherwise know as Realtors!

2008-02-29T14:50:12Z

As I am becoming more familiar with my job as a real estate agent here in College Station, TX, I am realizing how much like juggling my job is. If it is not one thing, it is another...what with driving down the road, talking on the phone, writing down info. Or in the office, ending one conversation on your cell phone only to have to answer the office phone or respond to the myriad of emails. Quite the challenge but fun!

PS By the way, I actually can juggle three objects for about 15 to 20 seconds :)

Buyers beware...Things not to do before you purchase a home

2008-02-21T17:21:18Z

I have been working with a young couple that wanted to buy a house here in Bryan College Station, TX. When they talked to the loan officer to get pre-approved, it came up that they recently bought a new car last month. This might have been okay except that the car dealer wound up pulling their credit score over a dozen times. As a result their credit score suffered.

The car is actually for a relative that is paying them cash, which in turn, they use to make the payment. Unfortunately, the loan officer has to have twelve months worth of cancel checks before this issue will be cleared up.

So, for any buyers thinking about buying a home, please do NOT buy a car right before you try to buy a house, it might just ruin your day!

Cute 2 bed/1 bath home in Bryan TX - price reduced

2008-02-20T12:50:02Z

Cute 2 bed, 1 bath house, great for first-time home buyers or for the investor looking to expand his or her portfolio! Comes with a barbecue grill, and a hot tub. New paint, carpet, and wood laminate flooring. Potenial site for second bathroom. Appliances included. Contact agent Jonathan Cook for more details. 979-229-7875.

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

http://www.classicaljonathan.com/

No pain? No gain in guitar and real estate!

2008-02-14T11:15:11Z

I am continually being amazed by my guitar students' excuses for not practicing. And then they wonder "why am I not getting better, faster?" Some find the strings of the guitar to hurt their fingers as they play, others get too busy with "homework", while another student said, "my friends came over, so I went and played with them". Anything to get out of practice.

It is the same in Real Estate, if you don't put in the calls, follow-up with people, and do what you say you will do. How can you expect to get ahead in the real estate game! Hear at Classic Realty in College Station, TX I have two great brokers that have been training me to persevere. I don't know how much I have progressed but I am working at it, and really enjoy my job. To me having a positive attitude is essential. Real estate and guitar playing are great jobs!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Augustin Barrios and the Classical guitar

2008-02-12T14:52:25Z

One of my favorite composers for the classical guitar is Augustin Barrios. Barrios was born in 1885 in Paraguay, he was a phenomenal guitarist every bit as good as his contemporary "El Maestro" Andres Segovia. Currently when I am not helping people buy and sell homes here in College Station/Bryan, TX, I am learning a piece that Barrios wrote called the "Primavera-vals" (waltz) it has a very beautiful melody.

For those that might be interested in hearing his music, I would recommend buying David Russell's recording of Barrios' music, or John William's, either one is absolutely gorgeous. You should be able to find it in a google search.

Regards,

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

http://www.classicaljonathan.com/

Table Tennis - Great fun!

2008-02-11T14:16:49Z

One of my favorite hobbies is Table Tennis, commonly known as ping-pong. I really enjoy playing my brother Nekoda, we will go and duke it out for a good ten games or more, at least once a week if not two or three times! So far, I have normally been getting the best of the match-ups, but I am sure there is probably coming a time where he will be winning more than I :( In the mean time, I will enjoy the slight edge that I have on him right now. :)

One thing I wish I could do is to play competitively with a league or something like that, so eventually that is one of my goals here in College Station, TX. I guess I need to look around and see if anyone has started something like that.

Regards,

Jonathan Cook

The Classical Realtor

www.classicaljonathan.com

Brazos Barbershoppers & Classical guitar

2008-02-05T15:31:24Z

Hearing the wonderful tones of the Barbershop quartet wafting through the air as I was preparing to play my classical guitar was a great experience! The occasion? A suprise 50th and 1/2 birthday party at one of the local houses here in College Station!

The Barbershopers are my singing buddies on Tuesday nights when we meet to pratice. In case you have never heard a Barbershop quartet sing, most of them are quite the characters.

I definitely had an enjoyable evening, with the quartet, and playing my guitar for a couple of hours as back-ground music for the party.

Jonathan Cook