Nathan Cook's Blog

5.34 Acres in Robertson County, TX...Franklin, TX

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:20:26 -0700

Want to restore old cars in privacy? Want to put some miles between you and the pavement? Want a lower tax bill? Then come home to 5.34 acres of your own! There is a 40' by 60' metal workshop ready to house your restoration projects. There is plenty of room to spread out, as this land has road frontage on two sides. Check out the stock tank if you like to fish!

Nathan Cook,

Broker Associate, Classic Realty Associates

3600 HWY 6 South, STE 100 College Station, TX 77845

(979) 324-8844 Direct Line www.nathan-cook.com

The Miracle on Pine Ridge*

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:49:34 -0700

When I visited with my friends after listing their home last August, I advised them that their sale might be a long and difficult one because of the age of their single wide mobile home. It was built in 1977. Looking around, I could see that many loving touches had been added over the 30 years they had been there together. They had even hired a contractor to put a 20' by 30' addition on their home. (*Street name changed for Privacy).

Their lot was park-like and beautiful–their emerald encompassed one and a half acres of lovely, country property. It gently sloped in an attractive manner. The green carpet stretched towards the boundaries, wistfully calling you back to those cool-grass-on-the-bare-feet moments of childhood.

Our correspondence at times was like the blizzard on the north forty, then other times like a hunter waiting all day in the blind... As the months of summer gave way to autumn, and those months morphed into winter and spring, there were times of discouragement for my seller friends.

Through it, though, was their strong faith that God would bring the right buyer in the right time. The listing period gracefully expired and that day found me leaving their home, with another extension to the listing. They had purchased an appraisal at my recommendation in July of last year before our August listing date. As the months rolled along, we made those necessary price adjustments, finally lowering it to match the appraised price from that July appraisal.

Then came the day for which we had long worked, prayed and waited. My seller called me, this time, stating that he had shown the property several times to this buyer and her extended family AND that she wanted to make an offer. He said that she had found the property online through the ad I had placed on Craig’s list–the amazing thing was that she lived on the main road not three miles away from Pine Ridge, but had never seen my sign!

We arranged to meet at my office to write the offer. It was like a family reunion, because the buyers actually knew my uncle (who lives locally) when he was in highschool those many years ago. My seller friends came to my office for the meeting, because they had already negotiated most of the terms and we were just formalizing it on paper.

Inspections created an interesting situation, but we were able to negotiate a settlement suitable to both parties. The buyer’s first loan would have been 10.44% through a credit union who did not require much paperwork. While we were visiting, the buyer said that she almost forgot...she had a rich friend who might be willing to loan her the money.

He was willing...so willing, fact, that he sent her a cashier’s check for the total amount that she requested. The title company drew up the papers for us and we closed on June 10, 2008–three hundred and ten days after listing the property. We saw the hand of God through the process, including when the seller himself found a provision of Texas State law which nullifies old Deeds of Trusts which have been paid off for more than four years (even those a Release was not recorded).

There was much rejoicing during those final moments of the closing process. I reminded my seller friend what he had told me years ago... “You know, you promised me your listing while standing on my front porch at home some years ago.” He said, “Yes, I did. I kept my word.”

Today, June 18, 2008, is a special day in the lives of my friends. They closed on their new home in East Texas at 10:30 this morning. It is only a half mile from her sister’s house in the same subdivision. They are now living their dream of being in the Piney Woods of Texas.

I am grateful that God did the impossible and brought a “cash” buyer for an otherwise “unsaleable” listing. Yes, it took much time and effort and prayer, but it was worth all that energy to be able to write “SOLD” across that file. My brother a Realtor here at Classic Realty, gave me much assistance as the co-listing agent. Similar to the Miracle at Dunkirk (on a much smaller scale), this was the...

....Miracle on Pine Ridge!

~Nathan

Nathan Cook, Realtor,

Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate

3600 HWY 6 South, STE 100

College Station, TX 77845

info@nathan-cook.com

979-324-8844 cell

Soffit Vents for Zero-Lot-Line Homes in Bryan, Texas.

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:15:42 -0700

Several weeks ago, during a routine home inspection of a new home in Bryan, Texas, the inspector told my first time home buyer client that the left side of the soffit did not have vent holes, like were present on the right hand side. It became an issue of concern to my buyer...why were the vents missing from the solid, Hardi plank soffit?

One of the builder’s architect is a friend of mine, so I sent him a message asking about the missing ventilation holes. He sent me the following reply, “I'm glad you have a prospect for our house! The houses in [that subdivision] are not vented on the zero-lot-line side because of the building code. It has to be a one-hour fire-rated wall since it's on the lot line. That's why we can't have openings in the soffit.”

(Zero-Lot-Line lots are like they sound. The developer obtains permission from the City of Bryan to build a house right on the property line–typically the overhang drip line is right at the property. This is much less than the normal set-back requirement. The benefit to home buyers is that they will have less yard to maintain).

This explanation satisfied my client, so we moved one step closer to closing. My client is excited to be able to purchase the first home, which is also a brand new home. I saw the growing excitement of moving towards closing when we did the walk through. Congratulations are in order!

Among other types of home buyers, I enjoy working with first time buyers in Bryan and College Station, Texas. It is a pleasure to help them find that first home, to see the excitement in their eyes during the walk-through and then join them at the closing table.

~Nathan Cook, Realtor®
Broker Associate

Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate
3600 HWY 6 South, STE 100
College Station, TX 77845
979-324-8844 cell

Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate ...A Full Service Real Estate Company in College Station, Texas

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:54:34 -0700

As of late December 2007, we are blessed to now refer property management and leasing requests in-house. Realtor® Mary Derkowski, with many years of local experience in the Bryan/College Station Real Estate Market since 1983, has joined our firm as the Property Manager. She brought with her the hundreds of properties she currently manages.

Investors, homeowners, and multi-family property owners (current or prospective) are among those who can benefit from her years of experience as a property manager. She will do a good job for you when you, or someone you know, is in the market for a property manager.

If you are thinking about entering into the real estate investment arena in College Station, you may want to know about another benefit Mary offers. “She handles all owner communications, budgeting, and preparing pro forma/ budgets for existing and future property owners. She will work with [you] to project anticipated rental rate and determine operating costs on properties [you have] under consideration to purchase.” (Internal Memo).

She also takes care of maintenance requests, freeing owners from the day to day hassles of owning investment properties. Her qualified repair men take care of the issues for your tenants (subject to the management agreement). She deals with clients, tenants, and others in a professional, upbeat manner. We are glad to have her and her staff on board with our firm. Please let me know if you are interested, and I can refer you to her.

~Nathan Cook

Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate

A Full Service Real Estate Company offering

Premier Service

Parents Weekend at Texas A&M University College Station, Texas!

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:24:01 -0700

Welcome Parents! We're glad that you made the effort to come to the place which we call home -- Aggieland in the Brazos Valley. College Station welcomes you and so do we at Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate, your source for Aggie Student Homes!

As you may know, Parents' Weekend in Aggieland is a fun time where, "the students to express their gratitude to those whom have impacted their lives. This is done through a number of events that show the parents of Texas A&M the essence of the Aggie Family." Source : http://parentsweekend.tamu.edu

Here are some important times you may want to note.

"Parents' Weekend 2008 takes place on the weekend of April 11-13, 2008" in College Station Texas for Parents of Texas Aggies

"Important Times and Dates

Midnight Yell: April 11, Midnight, Kyle Field
MSC Variety Show: April 11, 7:30 pm, Rudder Auditorium
Bevo Burn BBQ: April 12, 11 am-2 pm, Duncan Field
Live Auction & Singing Cadets Concert: April 12, 7:30 pm, Rudder Auditorium
Aggie Moms' Boutique: April 11, 10 am- 4:30 pm, Reed Arena & April 12, 9 am- 5 pm, Reed Arena
All University Awards Ceremony: April 13, 9:30 am, Rudder Auditorium"

Source: http://parentsweekend.tamu.edu/?q=node/2

Our office is located at:

Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate

3600 HWY 6 South, STE 100

College Station, TX 77845

Phone 979-324-8844 cell

Feel free to give us a call or just come on in! Enjoy your stay!

"Y'all come again, you hear? "

~Nathan Cook, Realtor

City of College Station Real Estate for Sale

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:31:06 -0800

Today’s Home Buyers in College Station, Texas, who are perusing the real estate and homes for sale, can expect to find a diverse offering. There are many great homes on the market at this time. The current inventory ranges from one bedroom one bathroom condos to luxury homes in south College Station, with list prices in excess of 1.2 million dollars. Whether you are looking for an economical first time home, a time-saving condo or townhome, upscale housing, or luxury living, there is a choice for you.

In our market, prepare to find single family starter homes in the $100k plus range. At the moment, there are seven homes for less than $100,000.00. This does not count the sixteen condos and 6 town homes in a similar price range. There are more options for those whose budget allows for a higher monthly payment.

Overall, you can expect to pay in the $80.00 to $120.00+ per square foot range for housing in College Station, Texas, depending on what and where you buy.

We are proud to be the Home of Texas A&M University. Driving down University Drive in College Station, you can see that many different nationalities are represented here. As a Realtor, I am glad to be of service to Texans, Americans, and folks from all over the world.

What is the current state of real estate in College Station? Now is a great time to buy a home if you are considering to purchase. Some houses are still on the market from last year, so home sellers may be interested in making a deal. Reminds me of what one of my clients authorized me to say, “Please present all offers!”

If you are new to College Station, here’s a warm “Howdy!” to you! Welcome to Aggieland!

Nathan Cook, Realtor

For all of your City of College Station Real Estate Needs contact Nathan Cook, Realtor, Classic GMAC Real Estate in College Station, TX.

Serving College Station Real Estate Home buyers and home sellers.

The City of Bryan Homebuyer Assistance Program

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:49:16 -0800

The words were music to our ears, “Yes, we still have some money we can use for them, since they contacted me earlier.” This is what Mary Lou said while speaking with her on behalf of my clients recently. She was favorable towards working with them since they were within the guidelines for the program.

Here is what the City says about this beneficial program, “The City of Bryan Community Development may provide eligible persons up to $7500 in funds for down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible home ...” (City of Bryan Home Buyer Assistance).

The cool thing is that this is a forgivable debt, the longer you stay, the less you repay. This allows those who fit within the income range to be able to purchase a home sooner than they otherwise might be able to purchase.

My first time home buying clients are looking forward to moving into their new home, to transition from renting to owning, from mowing a landlord’s yard to mowing their own yard.

Isn’t this part of the American dream?

For help with your City of Bryan Homebuyer Assistance program needs, please contact Nathan Cook at 979-324-8844.

H1-B Visa Holders May Buy Real Estate in College Station, Texas

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:29:28 -0800

To continue the saga, my Russian e-mail correspondent’s next question was whether or not he could buy real property while holding an H1-b Visa (employer sponsored visa). With the fair housing laws playing in my mind, I checked with legal counsel for confirmation. The official answer is yes, an H1-b Visa will certainly work for identification (for that matter, so would a visitor’s visa). Therefore, as long as he qualifies, that Russian may purchase real estate here in College Station.

He will be glad to know....Moscow is nine hours ahead of us, so he may get the response today, or he could wake up and read it tomorrow before tomorrow’s sun dawns on our Nation. Wonder how it would be to travel to another country to make a living...? Of his choice of countries, America, the Land of Opportunity is the BEST choice!

Am grateful to be an American, which is “One Nation Under God”,

-Nathan Cook, Realtor

Russian investors: for your real estate needs in College Station, Texas, visit College Station properties.

Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate

International Investors eyeing College Station Texas Real Estate

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:29:17 -0800

The e-mail notifying me that he signed my guest book arrived on Monday. He had visited my website some hours earlier. In responding to his e-mail, it was apparent that the location was unusual. It said “...@mail.ru.” A quick Google search reveal that ".ru" is Russian internet provider.

A reason that “Russia” caught my attention, is that I sold a home to a first time home buyer from Russia, who had a charming accent. In the e-mail response back to him, I casually asked if he were using a Russian provider. He responded back that he would like to know “more of his countrymen.” Am finding out that he is not in the United States...!

Am in the process of corresponding with him. We will see what he wants to do about purchasing real estate for sale in College Station Texas. One question he had was if property owners have to hold United States citizenship. From our real estate principles class, we remember we cannot discriminate on the basis of national origin...etc.

We will see what he does in the process. In the meantime, it is nice to know that College Station, which is home to the Fightin’ Texas Aggies (Texas A&M University), is attracting international attention.

-Nathan Cook

Serving investors in College Station, Texas. For more information on the College Station market, click here!

College Station Texas Home Buyers Benefit from New Property Surveys

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:14:05 -0800

When home buying clients in Bryan / College Station, Texas ask me whether or not they should get a new survey, I give them their options. They can utilize the seller’s old survey, typically saving $460.00 plus tax, or they can get a new one.

THE PRO’s: for reusing the old survey. It saves time–sometimes surveyors are backed up about a week or more here in Bryan, Texas, and it saves money–these days, $460.00 will fill the gas tank about nine times, right?

THE CON’s: If the seller’s surveyor made a mistake, there is very little recourse for the buyers since they did not hire that surveyor.

They can choose to utilize a seller’s old survey (inheriting any and all potential mistakes on it) or they can obtain a new survey through a local, reputable surveyor. The choice is up to them.

If they decide to buy a new one, I schedule the work for them. If they opt to reuse the old one, I ask them to sign a waiver for the file.

Yes, the survey decision, whether old or new, is just a tiny detail, but remember the poem...?

“For want of a nail, a shoe was lost,”
“For want of a shoe, a horse was lost,”
“For want of a horse, a battle was lost,”
“For want of a battle, a kingdom was lost,”
“And all for want of a horseshoe nail.”

Nathan Cook, REALTOR®

Serving home buyers and home sellers in Bryan/College Station, Texas through Classic Realty/GMAC Real Estate

What To Say In Place of...I TOLD You So!

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:46:53 -0800

My client figured that the lender’s inspection of the home for sale which he was purchasing near College Station, Texas was adequate. He was going through the Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation (BVAHC) a couple of years ago. The consultant was quite helpful to my buyer, and showed him the best option to finance his home purchase.

(It was fun to interact with that consultant, for he has an active sense of humor–once, when an email I sent him was inexplicably delayed for six hours, he asked me if I was using the Pony Express to deliver my emails. We had a good laugh over that one)!

My buyer purchased an older home near Bryan, Texas. Though advised otherwise, he elected to sign a waiver of inspection for my file. The home was built on pier and beam. It had wood siding, painted white. Plainly stated, it was an older home for sale, with some issues.

The lender’s inspector wrote a few items needing repair on the inspection report. (I do not think this “inspector” was licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission–he was an employee of BVAHC). Though re-piping the hot water heater was addressed in the report, what was NOT noted, was that age had deteriorated the unit.

Some time after closing, I got an email from the buyer to the effect that he wished he hired a licensed inspector (as was recommended to him--he referenced that fact), because he just purchased a new water heater.

A licensed inspector most likely would have noticed the poor condition of the water heater, so we could have negotiated with the seller. My buyer was out hundreds of dollars...but I could not say, “I TOLD YOU SO...!”

Just curious...what would you have told him?

Nathan Cook Realtor®

Serving home buyer and home sellers in Bryan / College Station, Texas

Homes for Sale in Bryan / College Station, Texas Benefit from Paragraph 23

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:52:37 -0800

Homes for sale in the Bryan / College Station, Texas market–that is to say, home buyers and home sellers– benefit from the termination option period found in paragraph 23 of the promulgated Texas Association of Realtors contract form #1601. This paragraph gives home buyers a “try it before you buy it” type of advantage.

Here in Bryan / College Station, we typically see between 7 to 10 days in this termination option period [unrestricted right to terminate for ANY reason]. This gives home buyers time to have inspectors come to the home and examine it with an unbiased, professionally eye. Inspectors are not emotionally involved in the purchase, and are able to impartially judge the home against a state-issued standard.

Home Buyers are benefited by having a written report from the inspector. This gives them further negotiating room with the seller. This provides written documentation of the condition prior to purchase. For example, the residential service contract companies are more likely to fix HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) issues after closing if you have a clean inspection report prior to the closing date.

Home Sellers are benefited since buyers are more willing to sign an earnest money check and purchase offer when they know, that by also submitting a termination option check–usually in the $50.00 to $100.00 plus range–with the offer, they can terminate for any reason during their option period.

I have seen homes for sale in Bryan / College Station, Texas go under contract, then have the contract terminate for reasons such as foundation, termites, etc... One reason the home buyer has a slight negotiating advantage in this process is that once a home seller knows of the condition, it must be disclosed to the next buyer. BUT, there is normally negotiating room from the buyer, too.

-Nathan Cook, REALTOR ®

Homes for Sale in Bryan / College Station, Texas

College Station, Texas: Home to President George H. W. Bush’s Library

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:46:34 -0800

Tomorrow–November 10, 2007– will mark 10 years and four days since the “Who’s Who” of American Politics and world leaders gathered with former President George H. W. Bush and his wife, Barbara Bush at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum for opening day celebrations Texas style. Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas is home to this prestigious wealth of knowledge and artifacts from his presidency.

The past ten years have been good ones for the Library. It has been my privilege to tour the Museum some three or four times with my family and to attend special events, like 4th of July celebrations. (The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra got rained out after performing their opening numbers July 4th, 2007) Tomorrow’s gala promises to be quite entertaining. Our local newspaper, The Eagle, whose home is in Bryan, Texas, wrote the following editorial “We can't wait to see 'new' Bush museum” to give details of the upcoming event.

While the White House is not for sale, contrary to Internet rumors, and while this former President’s house in College Station, Texas is not for sale [well, he actually has a private apartment at or near the Library], there will be an opportunity to see him and Mrs. Bush tomorrow at the event. It promises to be an exciting time!

Stand on your tiptoes, look over the crowd. Listen! Can you hear the train whistle...? Here they come–Former President and Mrs. Bush have arrived! Welcome them as they step off the train and come home to AGGIELAND in College Station, Texas. “Whoop!”

–Nathan Cook, REALTOR®

Serving home buyers and home sellers in Bryan / College Station, Texas

Double Ceremony–Closed and Wedded: First Time Home Buyers in Bryan, Texas!

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:44:56 -0800

"Nathan was an excellent agent and a complete professional. However, he also made the effort to remind us of the fact that shopping for a home is less about business & money and more about finding a great home for my fiancee and I to start our new marriage." -D.H.

This kind testimonial came from an engaged couple who were first time home buyers. They had been referred to me by a friend in the real estate business. Through the process, I got to know them on a personal level. In fact, one time, the bride-to-be was kind enough to bring a plate of spaghetti wrapped in foil when the three of us met at my real estate office one evening in the home buying process. We toured multiple homes for sale in Bryan /College Station, Texas until we found the perfect one.

It came to light during the inspection period that the air conditioning system in the home had failed. The gracious home seller told us that when she met us at the door. They replaced the system in the home. Turns out that it was a good thing she was treated professionally during the home buying process, because she later became the managing receptionist for our family chiropractor, who offices in Bryan, Texas. (Imagine my pleasant surprise upon seeing her behind the counter)!

It was my pleasure to get to know these young buyers as we helped them find and purchase their first home in Bryan, Texas. After closing, I met his mother, who had come to help them paint the house. To top it off, they kindly invited me to their wedding some months later. It was a pleasurable feeling to see them walk the aisle after we had sat at the closing table together.

As REALTORS®, we have opportunities to impact families and home buyers as they search for their very own. “Home, Sweet Home”. It is a blessing when our business relationships extend into personal friendships as well. I met them during their engagement [the story of how the Lord brought them together was quite touching] helped them purchase their first home, then congratulated them as newly-weds.

Serve your clients well, and they may introduce you to future generations as their REALTOR®! You could even become the Grandkids’ REALTOR®!

-Nathan Cook, REALTOR®

Homes for Sale in College Station, Texas Are Safer Because...

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:42:12 -0800

Last night was the last evening of our College Station, Texas Citizens’ Police Academy. It is essentially an extended tour (ten Tuesday nights) of the Police Department. Different officers form the presentation team, with a first and second session each evening. It was a very interesting experience. Our graduation will be next Tuesday evening in College Station.

Peace officers, as a group, have fascinated me for a long time. Most of them are great assets to our communities. They are men and women under authority. Looking at the uniformed Sargent M. and his casually dressed, gun and badge toting associate, Officer K., last night at the Academy, I realized how much trust has been placed upon their –and many other–capable shoulders. After all, who else is authorized to carry a holstered gun? In an earlier session, we were told that their uniformed presence, plus verbal commands is sufficient to handle 95% of their calls.

I do not know about you, but I feel safer in Kyle Field watching the Aggies play, knowing there are uniformed officers on alert, standing in the stadium. At one game this year (they WON, by the way! Whoop!), I saw officers from five jurisdictions present. Officers from Bryan PD, College Station PD, Brazos County Sheriff’s Department, Texas A&M University Police, and Texas Highway Department made up the team.

Even this morning, driving through a residential neighborhood, I saw a College Station PD Car and officer, probably on patrol. There are three homes for sale on the corners of one intersection. Those College Station home sellers can rest more easily day and night knowing our Police Department is professionally trained, experienced, and is working day and night to ensure the safety of their homes on the market. The Lord gives safety and He uses local authorities to keep the peace.

My night patrol ride along was extremely fascinating and a lot of fun. I joined Lieutenant L. about 10:40 p.m. in early October. He took me on patrol until he was assigned to transport prisoners from the CSPD to the Brazos County Sheriff’s Department. When we went back to the break room, officers were taking a break. One was eating what might be called “supper” at five a.m., after having been on duty since 10:00 p.m. I never knew that BBQ could smell so good that early in the morning, but after having been up all night, I was ready to join her...

~Nathan Cook, REALTOR®

Serving home sellers in Bryan / College Station, Texas

Two “Weddings” for a First Time Home Buyer in Bryan, Texas

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:07:14 -0800

Some years ago, my client, Peter*, a single man in his late thirties, who had never married, came to the closing table to sign papers to purchase his first home in Bryan, Texas. Immediately, I noticed and commented on his business suit. I asked him, “What’s the occasion, Peter?” He calmly replied, “I’m getting married. Today, I’m getting married to this house for thirty years.” I appreciated his humor, for I knew that as a first time home buyer, he and I had worked together to overcome the challenges. (*Names changed).

We viewed the home he purchased the day after it came on the market. When I called the listing REALTOR®, there were already two offers on the table, but she said she could not present the offers to the seller until the next day, so yes, show the home. He fell in love with the home, so he offered more than the asking price and wanted the seller to include the appliances. Home inspections later showed that the foundation had almost no movement, which is surprising for homes built in Brazos County, Texas because of the clay soils present here.

Turns out the home seller respected the offer that Peter made. By the time it was said and done, the listing agent had turned away the fifth and maybe sixth purchase offer. My client’s offer had the best terms for the seller, who was moving to New York. He was thrilled with his first home.

His cat loved his new home, too. The quiet residential neighborhood was a great place for the kitty to thrive. Though Peter loved his home, he still desired a “Mrs. Peter.” The day came when he invited me to his real wedding ceremony, where his bride was wearing white, instead of “red brick” I witnessed his joy in walking the aisle to claim Sherry* as his wife. She was in her early thirties and had never married either. The Lord brought them together “late” in life. The wedding ceremony went smoothly.

Peter is still happily “married” to both of them. He loves his wife and appreciates his home. I was privileged to witness his wedding about a year after his home purchase. I must say, he looked much happier on his real wedding day than at closing.. Come to think of it, his bride did too. It may be “Home, Sweet Home” but last time I checked, bricks and mortar have trouble smiling, and windows do not wink.

Peter is a client to remember.

Nathan Cook, REALTOR®

Serving first time home buyers in Bryan / College Station Texas.

Opening More Doors on Homes for Sale in College Station, Texas

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 09:48:42 -0800

In thinking about home and family, home sellers often may overlook the front entry door. Familiarity may cause them to think of other things when they see the door. Rest assured, though, when potential buyers come to their home for the first time, this is one of the first things they might study as they are waiting for the door to be opened. Along these lines, it may behoove or benefit home sellers to consider the door sheltering their family from life beyond their front porch. When visiting friends, do you ever notice their front door?

What types of doors make an instant good impression upon you? Perhaps ones with windows, cut glass, carved wood, arched, or ones with decorative, brass accents? There are many types of doors available these days. Finding just the right one for the entry, if you feel a change is in order, may give their home greater curb appeal. Also, you may want home sellers to think about the door casing and trim as well.

Here in College Station, Texas, homes' curb appeal may be enhanced by having an attractive front door. As we know, some home buyers take the curb appeal of the home into their purchase considerations. An impressive entry door could be the deciding factor to cause home buyers to see that the home has the pizazz necessary to satisfy their tastes.

Counseling your clients to spend a hour on a weekend touching up the appearance of the door unit may pay them--and you--dividends later. In fact, it may be a good idea to pressure wash the exterior of the entire house when preparing it for sale–if it needs to be freshened. This may be key in opening the door of a good sale for you. Happy Selling!

Texas Realtors Helping Neighbors: Vote Proposition 6 Nov. 6th!

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:14:37 -0700

Please join me and the Texas Association of Realtors in supporting the passage of Proposition 6 on the Texas ballot Tuesday, Nov. 6th.

Would you like to know a way to help your neighbor keep more of his or her hard-earned money? I am talking about Proposition 6, which will appear on the Texas Constitutional Amendment Election on November 6th.

Passage of Proposition 6 will allow small business owners, who use their personal vehicle in the production of income, to stop paying ad valorem [according to the value] taxes on their personal vehicle when they use it for business use. In some cases, this could be a savings of $600 or more per year!

Proposition 6 states, "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation one motor vehicle owned by an individual and used in the course of the owner's occupation or profession and also for personal activities of the owner."   [For more information, please visit my source– www.voteforprop6.org].

If Proposition 6 fails:

    ● Music teachers who drive their car to students' homes...
    ● Independent cosmetics salespeople and insurance agents...
    ● Small-business owners who use their personal cars in the course of their business...
    ● Independent plumbers, electricians, carpenters, handymen and others in the home-repair industry...

             ...will have to keep paying this tax!


Hope you are able to vote!   Proposition 6 is just one of sixteen amendments proposed to change to the Texas Constitution. (We are also deciding whether or not to issue bonds up to the amounts of $6.75 billion dollars...). Now is a good time to voice your opinion at the polls!

Remember to Vote 6 on the 6th!

Emotionally Presenting Your Buyers’ Purchase Offer

Nathan Cook (BCR (Brazosland Classic Realty)) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:21:13 -0700

We have all been asked. You have heard the familiar pitch. Let me paint the scene for you– Smiling, uniformed Girl Scouts are standing at the entrance of department stores. As you walk into the store, they ask you in their most appealing manner, “Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?” Who can resist? Because of their emotional appeal, backed by a quality product (those famous mint cookies–yum!), they successfully sell a LOT of cookies this old fashioned way.

In fact, the emotional appeal in front of a department store is how two, blue-eyed, white kittens found their way to our country home over fourteen years ago. Smiling faces. Loveable kittens. An emotional sale. Then PRESTO, two new fluffy beings bringing joy to hearts!

We have also heard the phrase “People buy on emotions”. As Realtors, we know that home buying is an emotional decision. (There are always exceptions). People love to feel safe and comfortable. When they start placing the furniture mentally, you know you are getting close to helping them achieve their dreams. “Mr. and Mrs. Buyer, let’s go to the office to write an offer...”

But what happens when the buyers “JUST LOVE” the house and decide to make an offer less than the asking price? How do you successfully present their offer to the listing agent? Apply the Girls Scouts approach to emotionally sell your buyers to the sellers.

I have found a thoughtful letter, introducing the buyers to the seller, does a lot to personalize and humanize your buyers. You know their story, so why not use it to their advantage?

If the seller knew that they are teachers, and have only have “X” dollars to spend (as is the case with current clients of mine), she just might be willing to accept an offer 7% less than the asking price AND be willing to accommodate repair requests. Turns out she is a teacher too, and identified with them as people. She read their story in my letter.

If the seller knew that they were a family with seven children, who need to make every penny count (as was the case with clients a while back), they just might be willing to accept an offer 5% less than the asking price AND concede to over $4,500.00 in repairs. That family has since increased to nine children and are happy in their large country home. The sellers read their story in my letter.

As Realtors, we are charged with the responsibility to promote our clients’ best interest. Perhaps a well written letter would influence the sellers to act favorably towards your clients. What better way to help folks realize the American dream than to document their story in a personal letter to the sellers? Who knows, they might become friends in the process!