A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending Be Green in Bryan's Greening Your Home 101 workshop, upstairs at the Bryan Public Library. Taught by Mary Strauss, the City of Bryan's Sustainability Program Coordinator, the workshop provided ten realistic, helpful suggestions that will help our environment and save you money.
I'm about to throw a lot of links at you. Most go to information located on BeGreenInBryan.com, which is a site worth visiting. On that site, if you click on the symbols on the left side of the page for a wealth of information on each subject.
Ten things YOU can do in the home to help our environment and save money.
Stop accepting or using plastic grocery bags. We throw away 100 billion polyurethane bags annually. Despite appearances, these bags are so cheap that they offer nothing to break down, and actually end up in landfills. If you have extras, the Brazos Valley Farmer's Market is happy to take and reuse them.
Reduce, Reuse & Recycle - On average, American consumers purchase 500 million beverage bottles and cans every day. Only one in three get recycled. Bryan's drop-off recycling center is located in the Wal-mart parking lot. You don't even need to get out of your car!
Rid your home of pesticides - Over 80% of human contact with pesticides occurs indoors. 90% of those tested had traces of 5-16 pesticides in their bodies. Check out http://beyondpesticieds.org.
Green the Garden - Use compost instead of synthetic fertilizers. The Bryan Compost Facility sells compost for $21/ton and mulch is FREE! Concentrate on native plants and perennials. You can find a selection at the Brazos Valley Farmer's Market.
Turn off lights and unplug appliances when possible. Reduce phantom power or energy vampires - Up to 40% of the power used by home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Standby power consists of 10% of our total power consumption.
Replace standard light bulbs with CFL's and LED's - CFL's use 50%-80% less energy and last up to ten times longer. Some LED's have a 60,000 hour useful life.
Look for EnergyStar Appliances - These appliances use 2-10 less power than their conventional conterparts. Check out http://energystar.gov.
Replace household cleaners - Over 90% of reported poisonings occur at home, with the leading reported cause being household cleaners. Many chemicals found in household cleaners are known carcinogens. Natural alternatives are in most stores. Why? They are more economical, biodegradable and more healthy for you!
Now, some of these suggestions are easier said then done, but the point is to work on what you can, when you can, and keep moving in a more sustainable direction.
To help us along the way, Mary had the back of the room set up as an organic household cleaner factory, complete with ingredients, fragrances and delivery systems. We got to see and feel how to make these very inexpensive cleaners, and knew what to look for when shopping.
I give the City of Bryan credit for having Mary on board. She is an expert in her field, and charged with several different tasks, all benefiting both the environment and our pocketbooks.
This workshop was the third in a series of five for 2009. I missed the first two, Rainwater Harvesting 101 and Worm Composting 101. There are two more:
During the winter months, finding good photographs to use in marketing a property becomes a frustrating task. Even my best photographer has problems with exterior shots because the surroundings are brown, grey and pale blue; the colors of winter.
Those who follow me on twitter or facebook know that I've been banging the drum for two weeks, hoping that folks will take a moment to grab a camera, step outside, and take a few exterior photos of their home while the grass is still green and there are leaves on our trees. Don't forget the backyard.
Our time to do this here in the Brazos Valley is very limited, and it's already too late in many parts of the United States, unless you are after "that fall look."
If there is ANY possibility you will be selling your home, ANY possibility, PLEASE TAKE PICTURES! Even if you have no intention of marketing your home in the near future, take some photos anyway. You never know when they might come in handy.
Busy? No camera? I'll be out and about with our good camera (as I always am), and I'd be happy to swing by and take a few exterior shots for you. Just call, text (979-574-0626) or email sam@samwhiteproperties.com .
(Click an underlined title to see the appropriate chart.)
Dear clients,
Ouch. The season ends, and although it could have been much worse, it wasn't pretty.
We started behind, as many sellers kept homes off the market, peaked low, and we've begun the historical fall slide.
Those who listed their homes saw days on market and price comparable to 2007 & 2008. Basically, if your agent priced your home correctly, it sold.
Sellers who kept homes off the market, or worse, priced their home out of the market, didn't do very well.
Total Monthly Sales peaked in June
After peaking in June, Total Monthly Sales began their annual "fall" a month early this summer. August sales were off $8 million, or 15%, from both 2007 & 2008 at just over $44 million.
Historically, sales free-fall this time of year, with average September sales in the $20 million range. They hover there until the small bump we get (hopefully) in December.
After peaking in July at 303, Units Sold are off 18% for August at 249. This graph will also nosedive, hopefully leveling off above 100 before the Christmas bump.
Prices = Good News
Our Average Single-Family Sales Price was up over $10,000 from July, at $176,772, which is $13,000 over 2007 and $3,000 short of 2008. This graph declines as we move into the winter, although at a much gentler rate.
Average Days on the Market in the norm
After surpassing 2007 & 2008 numbers in July, Average Days on the Market are closely bracketed in August at 108.
New Listings up sharply in June, then subside
Last month I reported "new listings jumped drastically again in July, up 25% from May's record low," but it appears I lied.
Revised numbers for July reveal New Listings in a steep descent after peaking in June. It is obvious that many sellers kept properties off the market this summer.
There were 295 New Listings in August, down 33% from 442 in 2008.
The folks who did list their house, properly priced, sold it on time and for their asking price. You can't sell a property that's not on the market.
What does "properly priced" mean?
My properties sell quickly and at the top of their price bracket because I price them properly before I put them on the market. Period.
My properties aren't discounted.
The goal is for the buyer's agent to tell their client, "Sam's priced this property just above the market, and we should make an offer."
No matter how much you think of your home, you can't sell it if you don't get any offers.
Buyers -
Don't forget, the U.S. Government is offering an $8,000 buyer's credit for only a few more days! Call me or your mortgage broker.
Mortgage loans are available for qualified borrowers, and if you aren't qualified now, we can help you on the path to home ownership.
Bryan & College Station market information is updated daily at MarketReports.SamWhiteRealty.com. There, you'll find links to opinions, charts and statistics.
For links to Brazos Valley events and "happenings," as well as real estate articles from local and state media, visit my facebook fan page, facebook.SamWhiteRealty.com.
Bryan and College Station's real estate market ground through the month of July, not really getting better, and thankfully not much worse.
Click an underlined title to see the appropriate chart.
Total Monthly Sales still remain below 2008
Total Monthly Sales were down only slightly from June, almost equaling the dip of 2007at $49.8 million, which is down 17% from 2008's record $61.8 million.
Units Sold climbed three units over June at 303, which also equals the area's 2007 number. We'll hope we see this chart peaking in August.
Prices are off slightly
Again, the Average Single-Family Sales Price seems to be following 2007 statistics, losing $5,000 from June's price of $168,909, or about 2%. 2009 prices are down around 6% from prices one year ago.
Average Days on the Market a long-week slower than 2008
Average Days on the Market are up 3 over June, and it taking 9 days longer to sell a property this year versus 2008.
New Listings up sharply in June and July
New Listings jumped drastically again in July, up 25% from May's record low, as sellers realized the market was still relatively strong, and they raced to get properties on the market late. August will tell us whether the market punished them for their tardiness.
You can't sell a property that's not on the market. Listen to your Realtor.
It is STILL a Good time to become a homeowner
Although Bryan and College Station real estate values have remained steady thus far; it's still a great time to buy. Our inventory is good, values are stable and the U.S. Government is offering an $8,000 buyer's credit. Mortgage loans are available for qualified borrowers, and if you aren't qualified now, we can help you on the path to home ownership.
The good news from the June 2009 Bryan / College Station residential statistics is that there are no surprises. Most indexes remain below 2008-2009 figures, but trending in the right direction.
Total Monthly Sales remain below 2008, but climbing
June Total Monthly Sales increased 11% over May at $50.9 million, which is down 17% from 2008's record $61.8 million.
Units Sold climbed 12% over May, from 266 to 300, and are only 2% below 308 units in 2008. Both of these charts are climbing, and should continue the climb through July.
Prices are holding their own
The Average Single-Family Sales Price dropped 1% from May to $168,909, and is 2.9% below 2007-2008. 2008 actually saw higher prices in August and September, while 2007 was slightly lower.
Average Days on the Market remain low and steady
Homes sold one day faster last month, with Average Days on the Market in June on par with 2007 at 112 days. Homes sold slightly faster in 2008, with and ADOM of 105.
New Listings up sharply in June
After missing the usual May bump, New Listings in June jumped 21% to almost tie June 2007 at 403 units. May new listings were down 32% from 2008 as sellers remained out of the market, but many sellers have realized that with the end of the season fast approaching, that you can't sell a property that's not on the market.
Good time to become a homeowner
Although Bryan and College Station real estate values have remained steady thus far; it's still a great time to buy. Our inventory is good, values are stable and the U.S. Government is offering an $8,000 buyer's credit. Mortgage loans are available for qualified borrowers, and if you aren't qualified now, we can help you on the path to home ownership.
The listing of the week this week is in Bryan's Austin's Estates; a rural neighborhood inside the Bryan city limits near Messina Hof Winery and Coulter Airfield.
(Click image for live map)
This well-maintained custom home is located in a quiet, rural neighborhood just 19 minutes from the Texas A&M campus.
The kitchen features Kent Moore ash cabinets with sliding drawers and a large pantry. There is a bright breakfast area in the kitchen, as well as a formal dining area and study.
The great, open floor-plan and partially covered back patio make entertaining easy. The home features lots of built-in shelves and storage, as well as a full-masonry fireplace with cedar mantle.
You can stay up to date on the latest College Station real estate market reports at my market report Website, MarketReports.SamWhiteRealty.com. We also post links relating to College Station & Bryan real estate and economic reports at facebook.SamWhiteRealty.com.
Convinced and ready to buy? Search all College Station and Bryan real homes listed with any broker at Search.SamWhiteRealty.com.
Blue skies,
Sam White SamWhiteRealty.com 979-446-0031 direct office 979-574-0626 cell
All of a sudden its summer time. The Aggies graduated. The first summer session at Texas A&M & Blinn is underway. Bryan & College Station schools are out, and oh, its getting hot.
We've been very busy, and this is the fist time I've had a moment to update my blog and newsletter. I'm going to hit on a few quick things, and write more about each as June progresses.
First, April College Station home statistics are available on my market reports Web page, http://MarketReports.SamWhiteRealty.com. Truly, the numbers aren't pretty, but fortunately, the arrow on the graph is pointed up. I'll visit more about market conditions later in the month, but let me quickly say that my business is up over the last two years, with active and successful buyers and sellers.
Young buyers should consider the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit being offered by our Federal Government. There is also a new program available to help buyers get that money up front. For details, visit my news page at http://facebook.SamWhiteRealty.com. You don't have to be a member of facebook to view articles and links posted there. You can also find more information about the buying process at http://buyer.SamWhiteRealty.com.
Student housing activity remains good, but don't wait to put your student property on the market. For general tips for sellers, visit http://seller.SamWhiteRealty.com.
Of course, you can search all properties in the Bryan / College Station Multiple Listing service at http://search.SamWhiteRealty.com.
On a lighter note, tomorrow is the first Friday in June and time to head to downtown Bryan for their usual festivities plus Art Step. It's fun, satisfying (food & drink) and really accents our sense of community. We always hit the Village Cafe and Art979, as well as the Frame Gallery, where I think John Flynn will be hawking What's the Buzz Coffee. All of the details are posted on http://facebook.SamWhiteRealty.com.
Locally, don't forget that College Station water rates are up, and you could get doused watering your lawn this summer. Monitor your consumption. Also, there are several more RED LIGHT CAMERAS operating in town. Turning right on red will get you unless you really come to a complete stop. I encourage everyone in our community to be active and vote.
This weekend, June 17-19, is special to Aggies and their parents as they come together for Texas A&M University's 2009 Parents' Weekend. There are many great activities. I'll post a schedule at the end of this blog.
Also, he Dixie Chicken is busy today, as many Texas A&M Seniors (whoop!) received their rings this week, and they are flocking to The Chicken to dunk them.
It's an exciting time for everyone. The spring semester is almost over, Aggie Muster is coming up on April 21st, and graduation is just around the corner.
We are looking forward to meeting the families who have appointments with us this weekend. There is a great selection of homes, town homes and condominiums on the market right now. Many are priced to sell.
We have two Websites set up for students and parents looking for Aggie housing:
With parents' weekend coming up in a few days, I want to spend some time talking about College Station condominiums. I've chosen two examples, Fox Run Condos and Woodsman Condos.
Fox Run is known locally as a safe, relatively new upscale complex, located on Luther Street between Wellborn Rd and Harvey Mitchell Parkway. The complex features 2 bedroom/2 bath units located on the ground floor, priced in the $120k range, as well as 3 bedroom/3 bath units located on the second level which are priced in the $140k-$150k range. There is a pool and volleyball courts. The complex is gated, and each unit has an individual security system. For more information and photos, see FoxRunCondo.com.
Woodsman Condominuims, which were constructed in the early 1980's, are located on Longmire Drive in Southwood Valley. These units, built in a Hill Country style with wood siding and real rock, have two distinct floor plans. Both plans feature 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms, with one being slightly larger with vaulted ceilings in the living area. Although this complex doesn't feature a pool, there is covered parking for each unit, which is valuable in College Station during the warmer months. For more information and photos, see WoodsmanCondo.com.
Looking for something different? We can help! Use these links for further information, or contact me directly at 979.574.0626.
Spring has sprung in our college town and thoughts are already turning to graduation and the coming academic year. One spring event that students and residents look forward to is Texas A&M University's Parents Weekend.
Parent's Weekend festivities will be held April 17-19 this year, with a long list of activities for Aggies and Aggie parents. They include:
Parents' Weekend is also a great time for residents to show off the College Station community, and is a busy time for the local real estate industry. The student housing market has already picked up, and we are looking forward to meeting many Aggies this spring and summer.
Sometimes it makes more since to buy a home for your student, versus throwing money at rent for four years. We've built special Websites for students and parents considering investing in their future. See:
One of the misconceptions that we spend a lot of time talking about refer to local market conditions. College Station market conditions are not like the remainder of the United States. For up-to-date local market conditions visit MarketReports.SamWhiteRealty.com.
Musings about life and real estate in College Station and the Brazos Valley. Subjects include College Station and Aggieland real estate, Brazos Valley and College Station real estate market conditions, College Station and Bryan events, and comments and stories about flying and sailing.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
The spring semester is almost over, Aggie Muster is coming up on April 21st, and graduation is just around the corner.
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