Joey's Blog

How scary is a Real Estate Contract?

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:04:13 -0700

Real Estate contracts are full of legal terms that can be difficult to understand. Be sure to ask before you sign - any misunderstanding may be costly to you in the future. I am here to help you with any real estate question you may have. Here are a few definitions that I think may be helpful when thinking about buying a home.

Adjustable-rate Mortgage (ARM) - A mortgage that does not have a fixed interest rate. Based on market conditions, the rate can increase or decrease, affecting your payment.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - This fee protects the lender against a loss if a borrower defaults on the loan and is added to the monthly mortgage payment. PMI is usually required if the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. VA, FHA, VA Guarenteed loans fall into this catagory. Payments can be reduced sometimes by over $200 a month if you are able to put 20% down.
Fixed-rate Loans - A mortgage that has a fixed interest rate throughout the life of the loan. Repayment terms are generally 15, 20, or 30 years. Payments stay the same unless refinancing is done.
Escrow - Monies or documents held by a neutral third party before closing on a property. It can also be an account held by the lender, usually set up to pay for taxes and insurance on their investment.
Loan Origination Fee - A fee charged be the lender for processing a loan. All lenders charge different amounts so it is always best to shop around, they will compete for your business.
Points - These fees are paid to the lender for the loan, usually in relation to the interest rate. One point is equal to 1% of the principal amount of a mortgage loan. You can "buy down" your interest rate to lower your monthly payment.
Lock-in - A written agreement setting a specific interest rate on a home loan. The lock-in is typically good for a specific time, usually 60 to 90 days.
Offer - When one person proposes a contract to another; if the other person accepts the offer, a binding contract is formed.

When buying a house in College Station you always need to make sure you are making the right decision when filling out a contract or offer on a house. Buyer's remorse is not something you want, I can make sure that doesn't happen.

Call me with all your Real Estate Contract Questions!

Joey Condon, Realtor

Rock Solid Real Estate!

Bryan/College Station Homeowner's Insurance Tips

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:42:19 -0700

The Insurance Information Institute warns against cutting your homeowner's insurance during hard economic times. Being under-insured can cost you more in the event you have to make a claim. Be wary of the following:

Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than the cost of rebuilding.
Selecting an insurance compnay by price alone.
Dropping flood insurance if in an area wher it is not required by the lender, but ther is a chance of flooding.
For renters, neglecting to purchase renter's insurance.

In most situations, Homeowner's Insurance is not an option, it's mandatory. Most lenders require insurance to be provided by the owner, and if the owner fails to provide what the lender wants, they can provide coverage but at a premium price for the owner. Please avoid that at all cost, insurance is expensive enough. What you can do to lower your insurance premium.

Policy discounts - check with your agentInstall additional smoke alarms and fire supression systems
Make sure your agent services your policy annually - they may find deductions that wer not there previously
Take a higher deductable out just like you would do for your auto insurance
Have a security company service your house with an alarms systems and break-in notification

Homeowners in Bryan and College Station take a moment, analyse your insurance needs and make the changes where needed.A standard policy covers the structure of the house, your personal belongings (with certain limitations), liability to others, and living expenses in the event your house is unlivable. Please contact your insurance agent and ask questions about what they offer, what discounts are out there that you may be able to take advantage of, and shop around!!! Bryan and College Station have a wealth of great insurance agents ready and willing to provide you with any and all the information you need to make an educated decision. Don't take a chance on being under-insured or without insurance, the consequenses are enormous. I am here to help every homeowner with all their real estate needs. Call me, I can help!!

Joey Condon, Realtor

College Hills Elementary, College Station, Tx.

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:43:24 -0700

[caption id="attachment_2897" align="aligncenter" width="297" caption="College Hills Elementary"][/caption] College Hills Elementary is one the many elementary schools in the Brazos Valley. I have two children currently attending, Hailey 9 and Hunter 7. They love the school and I am very impressed with the way the school is educating my children and wanted to share some information about the school so others will have a better idea of what College Station has to offer. College Station Schools - College Hills Elementary [caption id="attachment_2905" align="alignright" width="445" caption="Houston Association of Realtors Stats"][/caption]

Very diverse school community
Very experienced staff that take pride in their role as educators and child developers
Ranked 695 out of 3880 Texas Schools on School Digger
This is their first year in their new facility which provides a very secure environment for all who attend and work at the school
One of the lowest Student-Teacher ratio in the area

The campus is located very close to Thomas Park which is used quite frequently. The school uses it as a field trip for students to stretch their legs and give them a change of pace from their same day-to-day events. So, when looking for a great school to send your elementary aged future Aggie, look close to the A&M campus in a small community called College Hills!

Joey Condon - Realtor

Rock Solid Real Estate

Homes in College Station - Aggie Real Estate

Upside Down Housing Market?!?!?!?

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:28:25 -0700

Have you ever wondered if the market you live in is upside down or not? Well, here in Bryan/College Station, we are definitely not upside down!! Thousands and thousands of people across the U.S. currently have an upside down mortgage. You are "upside down", and have negative equity if the value of your home is less than what you owe on your mortgage. Bryan homes and College Station homes are appreciating every year, and we were not hit as hard as some markets when considering sales price and volume of homes sold. Our market has shown a 2% increase in home sold so far this year and property values are holding strong. Housing Stats click here! What does that mean to buyers and sellers? Well, buyers can feel secure that the property they are purchasing is holding value and as the U.S. Housing Market recovers, their property will likely increase in value even more. Sellers can expect to be able to get a higher sales price for their home in a market that is gaining rather than a market that is declining. Call me, Joey Condon, for a professional Buyer Orientation, or to interview me to sell your home or investment property.

For a quick way to search for property click below!!

www.bcsrocksolidrealestate.com

First Impressions count when selling a house in Bryan/College Station!

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:30:54 -0700

Everyone knows that "first impressions count" when meeting new people, when interviewing for a job, really for doing just about anything!! Selling your house also falls into that cliche. The market has spawned a buyer that has the opportunity to be very picky and they are unforgiving! To be able to stand out from all the rest, sellers are being forced to pay closer attention to detail and make sure their I's are dotted and their T's are crossed. What should sellers do to give that first impression that will hold buyer's attention long enough for them to see the true value of their home?

Touch up paint on windows, trim and doors is a must do project
Clean the windows inside and out
Clean masonry & porches
Use landscape lights on side walks and driveways
Keep gutters and downspouts in good condition and cleaned out. Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation
Use seasonal flags and plants for decoration
Keep grass mowed and edging trimmed
Cut overhanging branches away from the house, this helps with inspections also

When selling your home in Bryan/College Station, Tx. make sure you pay close attention to details. Even the smallest oversight can turn that buyer around and lead them out the door to another house. Hire a professional, like the agents at Century 21 Beal, Inc. to provide you with the advice to maximize your chances of selling your home. The Bryan real estate market and the College Station real estate market has changed with most other markets, and sellers need to reevaluate their strategy for selling. The first time home buyer is very frugal and wants a good deal when purchasing real estate. You can't blame him - I am looking for a good deal too! Joey Condon - Rock Solid Real Estate

Vote!!! Brazos Valley!!! Vote!!!

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:34:23 -0700

Don't forget to register to vote!! Today is the deadline to register to vote. Voting is the most patriotic duty and freedom we have so go out and take advantage of it. This year the candidates are so diverse that we need every voice to be heard, so remember that you have to register to vote before your voice can be heard. If you don't know where or when to register or to vote click here: VOTE TEXAS</a

Selling in a "Buyers' Market"

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:57:58 -0700

Our market has turned!! It is now a buyers' market and the buyers are excited to be at an advantage. Even if the buyers' market will not last long in our area. Sellers need to be aware that the buyers' agents know this and they will be negotiating with that in mind. Here is some advice for sellers in our market to assist their agent with negotiating with the buyers' agent. Beside price, the best way to sell your home in a down market is to:

Hire an aggressive agent who shows you a plan for selling your house - and make sure they follow through.
Give your house a facelift with new paint and repairs.
List it online with such sites as eBay and Craigslist.
Offer to pay the buyer's closing costs.
And finally, take any reasonable offer.

Lenders have tightened the reigns on buyers so the seller has to be a little more flexible and open to looking at every offer that is presented by buyers. "Lenders have really tightened up their lending criteria and this is where sellers have to become more imaginative and creative," said Delores Conway of University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. So, Sellers in the College Station real estate market remember to listen to the great listing agent you hired to assist you with the sale of your home and be open to any and all recommendations they have to offer. We have been doing this for many years and we know how to sell. Contact me with any questions you might have on selling in the Bryan/College Station area or questions about Real Estate in College Station or Bryan.

Little League Excellence!!

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:27:47 -0700

Some days you might get the feeling that life is strangling you and you feel weighed down. I know I do especially now that I have two new residents at my house, I recently won custody of my two children, Hailey and Hunter. This life changing event has caused a few stressful moments so far, but one I have felt most is the loss of TV time, but I love it. So, if you're feeling like you need a lift, I have a pick-me-up for you. If your kids are in Little League this may be a perfect time to show them this also!! http://www.heraldleaderphoto.com/2008/05/31/

Great Community in College Station!! Meadow Creek in Aggieland!

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:11:57 -0700

Meadow Creek!!

College Station's newest community located in Wellborn and is a short commute to the College Station and Bryan area. The community has a number of school choices; Forest Ridge Elementary, Cypress Grove Intermediate, College Station Middle, and A&M Consolidated High School. Convenient 10 minute drive from anything you could need in the community. The community is being built by Main Street Homes and from a Realtor's point of view, a great builder who caters to the client and their product holds resale value.



Great recreation for the family to enjoy and value added to any community is the community pool!

Kids will love the park that is located beside to pool for convenience of parents!

Homes are starting to resale and new ones are going up daily all over the Bryan and College Station area, Aggieland. Call me with any questions or comments about any property in the Aggieland area and I will be happy to find your new home in the College Station and Bryan area!

Does College Station and Bryan need Protecting?

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:49:42 -0700

College Station and Bryan homes may need protecting.

I was up early one morning and decided to watch TV. I found a home improvement show called Michael Holligan and saw an interesting video (CLICK THE PICTURE FOR VIDEO). The video talks about a newer roofing system that consists of 4 foot shingles made of steel and an asphalt covering is placed over it. It is said to be able to withstand up to 125mph winds with 2 inch hail and not be damaged. We dont have much of that here in College Station or Bryan, but it would be great to fortify my house with that type of strength. Every year there is a severe storm with high winds here in the Brazos Valley. I think this is a great option for new construction in our area just for the insurance benefit.

From the video and their web site you can see that there are a number of differnet styles and colors to choose from so when building think about the roof in a different manner and decide if this is right for you.

Below is a close up view of the shingle.

Call me with any questions or comments you might have!!

Tankless Water Heaters -- Are they a benefit?

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:42:10 -0700

Every home should have a tankless waterheater and if you are building a new home, it is the perfect time to talk to the builder and tell him/her that you want to be part of saving the environment and saving money $$$!!

What are the benefits?

When the faucet is not running water is not being heated, no electricity being used.
Water heaters can be placed close to outlets so water usage goes down because the hot water has less distance to travel.
No extra room in the house for the tank style water heater has to be built so the extra space can be used for living.
No huge tank to store the hot water and no reheating the water in the tank when if cools.

What are the slight draw backs?

Initial cost of installation is slightly more expensive, but savings eat up the extra cost.
Possible location regulations that require the tankless to be on an exterior wall if using a gas heater.
Jealousy from the neighbors with the added money in your pocket each month.

These are just a few of the reasons to use a tankless water heater. Some of the builders in the Bryan/College Station area are using these systems for their new construction so check out the builders in our area when interested in building in the Brazos Valley.

For more information about building in Bryan/College Station or if you want info about tankless water heaters please feel free to contact ME Joey Condon @ joeyc@century21bcs.com

Craftsmen in the Brazos Valley

Joey Condon (Century 21 Beal, Inc.) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:40:21 -0700

The Brazos Valley has a diverse culture with an unlimited supply of talented men and women who don't always get recognized. I have a relative who has a great talent and hobby that I am very impressed with and believe you will be also. This craftsman started out making knives from lawn mower blades when I was about 12 years old. He taught me the basics of knife making and I completed a few not so great examples of a 12 year old's ability. I spent weekends visiting and saw his talent grow and flourish into works of art that sold in Austin for upwards of $500 per blade. WOW! He then started wood turning and after a few tool removals from the ceiling in his workshop he mastered the art of woodworking, at least in my bias opinion. He is my Brother, Danny Condon Jr., with wife Louise and kids, Alex and Lynn, he turns out some very interesting works of art.

If you like the work email me and I can put you in touch with the craftsman!!