College Station & Bryan's Real Estate Home Sales Blog

Realestate Recovery

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:45:52 -0700

The statistics for 2012 are in for up to the month of July from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center for the Bryan-College Station.
While the statistics are broad and can be confusing, the overall trend suggests that the real estate market is growing and recovering.
Overall real estate sales have been growing steadily between January and July.
This, however, is a general trend in real estate sales, so there is little hope that this growth will continue for the next several months.
But comparing monthly sales between the 2012 year-to-date and the previous two years suggests that an overall growth is in progress.
Overall sales for 2012 surpassed 2011 and 2010 during the monthly peaks, between May and July.
2011 sales also surpassed 2010 overall sales, showing a consistent yearly growth.
Number of sales is similar to overall sales, although the years tend to mix more frequently.
Meanwhile the types of homes selling suggest an interesting trend: as the average cost of sold homes has increased between 2010 and 2012.
The trend in costs is the lower the higher percentage of homes are selling.
There is little trend in the type of unit of real estate, however, since the amount of sold units appear proportional to the amount of that type of unit on the market.
Thus the overall trend suggests that the real estate market is growing and recovering.

Susan Hilton

Your REALTOR for Bryan College Station Foreclosures, Real estate training and investment.

Georgia Bulldogs Avoid the Aggies for 2012

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:35:23 -0700

The University of Georgia Bulldogs will not face off against the Texas A&M Aggies in the latter’s premiere season in the SEC. This, however, is no excuse to ignore that Georgia is, and has been, an elite program with the Southeastern Conference, and will remain to do so throughout the upcoming years of A&M’s assimilation.

           University of Georgia is in the Eastern Division of the SEC, one of the determining factors of their avoiding a confrontation with the rookie Aggies. They are one of the founding institutions of the SEC, joining the conference at its creation in 1932, and one of the most widely respected and competitive. With two consensus national championship titles under their belt for Georgia Bulldog Football, as well as three other titles from various national rankings, the Bulldogs have a strong history of success.

           Along with a rich athletic history, the school also has an ancient and rich academic history. Founded in 1785 as a Public Research Institution in Athens, Georgia, The U of G is the oldest university in the Southeastern conference by nine years. It is also one of multiple universities across the nation with a claim as the oldest public university in the entire nation.

           Curiously, the University of Georgia wasn’t constructed until 1799 when the Senatus Academicus voted to officially begin the university. It’s endurance through the American Civil war, though, and its consistent improvement to date being marked in the top eleven of “Up and Coming Schools” has marked the university as a persevering institution.

           University of Georgia is nationally ranked as public institution, classified as one of few “Public Ivy League” Universities. It is ranked 56th of all universities overall, both public and private, according to US News and World Report. Compared to Texas A&M’s ranking, U of G ranks just two spots ahead of the College Station institution, marking it as one of the higher ranked schools within the SEC.

           Within the University there are also shining colleges and programs. For instance, their school of Environment and Design for undergraduates in Landscape Architecture is currently ranked as the top program in the nation, and many of their graduate programs are ranked in the top fifty across the board, some as high as the top four. Internationally, the school has been ranked 386th according to QS World University Rankings.

           Besides their academic and athletic standings, the University is also famous for their campus in their home town known as Athens, Georgia. A relatively average sized town, Athens is more generally known for their unique and historical architecture. And within the University itself architectural themes range from Federal to Classical and Antebellum. The university itself is a major economical institution, with an overall budget of over $1 Billion per year, making it one of the largest employers in the entire state.

           Texas A&M is an equal economic stimulator, although in a state like Texas they don’t have quite the same claim to one of the largest employers in the state. And while their architecture might not be as antiquated, it is definitely vaster. A&M, with a campus of 5,200 acres, is one of the largest in the nation. Compared to Georgia’s campus of 615 acres, A&M is practically monstrous. Although TAMU’s enrollment is equally larger, with over 52,000 students enrolled in the fall of 2011. Georgia had only 35,520, which in all fairness still ranks them as one of the larger schools in the Conference.

           In athletics, the Georgia Bulldogs have won thirty-seven national championships and 130 Southeastern Conference Championships. Their football team in particular has won two national championships, a shared title in 1942 and then a consensus national championship in 1980. They also have an additional three national titles from poles between 1927 and 1968. Texas A&M, meanwhile, has won only one national championship (1939) and two other unrecognized national championships in 1917 and 1927.

           The bulldogs also have twelve Southeastern Conference Championships, their most recent in 2005. Texas A&M has won eighteen conference championships, although seventeen of them were at the Southwestern Conference, before the big twelve.

           These statistics, while impressive, are still not entirely representative of the Bulldogs’ recent football success. Since 2001 Georgia has won two SEC Championships and made four appearances, winning seven out of ten bowls (being bowl eligible every year since). Their overall winning record has been 106-36, impressive numbers in the arguably the most competitive conference in the nation.

           Georgia’s football rivalries include their archaic State competition with Georgia Tech, as well as rivalries with Auburn and Florida. Texas A&M, leaving their historic rivalry with the University of Texas, looks forward to engaging in new competitions with Southeastern Conference Universities. They will not, however, be playing the University of Georgia in the scheduled season. Perhaps, should both universities compete exceptionally well throughout the year, they will meet in a SEC Championship or, by mere luck, in a BCS Bowl Game.

Susan Hilton 979-764-2100

Century 21 Beal, Inc.

Bryan I.S.D. Gears Up

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:52:41 -0700

·         Bryan Independent School District and Texas A&M University desire to instill confidence in middle and high school students.
·         The two entities partnered together to create GEAR UP.
·         GEAR UP is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and seeks tosupport students from low income backgrounds, special education students, and students who are English Language Learners.
·         It teaches these students how to study hard andtakethe right courses to prepare them for college.
·         Students from Texas A&M University also work with students in the GEAR UP program and are able to relate to the students’ situations.
·         College Tips are available.
·         GEAR UP also offers numerous online resources for their participants.
·         For students who are interested in participating in summer programs, GEAR UP provides opportunities.
·         Online resources that help students prepare for college are available.
·         The program teaches students about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and how they can apply for it.
·         GEAR UP Provides a number of events for their participants.
Students can sign up totake college trips to several different colleges.
·         GEAR UP consists of bimonthly meetings for students that are held the first and third Wednesday of each month.
·         Students are also given the option to participate in a Student Leadership Team for each high school.

Susan Hilton (979)764-2100

CENTURY 21 Beal, Inc.

New College Station High School

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:02:54 -0700

· This fall, the new College Station High School opens its doors to freshmen and sophomores.

o It will be about the size of an average 3A high school.

·         The high school will offer junior and senior level courses for the freshmen and sophomore students who are interested and qualified to take upper level courses.
·         New staff will be equal to that at A&M Consolidated.
·         Areas of the city have been zoned by College Station ISD to determine which high school students will attend.
·         To account for increased traffic, construction on the surrounding roads is underway and scheduled to be completed this summer.
·         All extracurricular activities will be offered at the new high school with the exception of swimming.
·         Both high school gymnastic teams will practice together, but will perform as separate teams.
·         For the first two years of operation, there will be no varsity football at the new high school.

Susan Hilton (979) 764-2100

Pebble Creek Living

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:33:03 -0700

Pebble Creek is a neighborhood that has been firmly founded in the College Station area. It is new enough so that investors can be confident in the reliability of the subdivision, the HOA and the comfort of the property, but not so old that the homes are guaranteed to be falling apart. It houses one of three championship 18 hole golf courses within the Bryan/College Station area, being the only Country Club within a subdivision and linked with an HOA. The surrounding amenities, including close fire, police, and medical centers insure it’s safety as well as the outstanding record of the local elementary school, which has won multiple records for the performance of its educators and administrators. The land is also rather quaint, with elegant oak trees and trickling streems, lush green grass and a excellently maintained golf course housing lakes, ponds, and quiet forests. Not to mention it’s convenient location, just a few short miles from the center of downtown College Station and Bryan.

A&M New Biosecurity Center

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:34:18 -0700

Texas A&M was awarded a grant to implement a bio-security center in Bryan, College Station. This grant is the biggest thing to happen in Texas since NASA. But what is the purpose of this center? The center is meant to enhance the nation’s ability to react to biological attacks and pandemic outbreaks, such as the influenza. The center is meant to produce 50 million vaccines in four months in order to respond to such emergencies. The center is supposed to bring in 1,000 direct jobs and 6,000 indirect jobs, supposed to bring in 1.3 billion dollars in the first five years. It will bring in biotechnical business and research to Texas, creating a “third coast” for the industry and new jobs for our area. Center is to be located in Research Valley, a plot of land shared by Bryan and College Station. The magnitude of the potential for growth and prosperity in the real estate and commercial aspects of the Brazos Valley is enormous.

Susan Hilton

Century 21 Beal, INC

979-764-2100

Rights of HOA's

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:16:23 -0700

Living in Texas under HOAs is not always a pleasant experience for the 20% of homeowners falling under that category. For instance, one homeowner in Atlanta laments his inability to install Solar Panels on the roof of his house due to HOA ruling. U.S. and state court systems have time after time enforced HOA control… until recently. New rights have been granted to Texas property owners under HOAs. The first of these rights allows homeowners to install solar energy devices on their property without the interference of HOA authority. A similar right allows property owners to install roof panels that are wind/hail resistant or energy efficient in any way. Property owners can also install rain water harvesting devices. Homeowners are also now allowed to display certain religious symbols at the entrance of their property. And, of course, the new Texas rights declare the HOAs cannot prevent homeowners from flying a U.S., Texas, or military flag.

Susan Hilton

Century 21 Beal, INC

979-764-2100

Independence Day in Aggieland

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:13:21 -0700

Independence Day in Aggieland came a few days before the rest of the nation: the Aggies celebrated it on July 1st of this year.
July 1st marked the date that A&M officially entered the Southeastern Conference.
Hundreds gathered outside of Kyle Field to commemorate the occasion, including President Bowin Loftin and Head Football Coach Sumlin.
Several attendees were quoted expressing their enthusiasm for entering the SEC, claiming they are to become a part of an elite conference.
President Loftin also expressed his relief and excitement in a quote with Fox reporters, claiming it feels nice “to be home.”
The Southeastern Conference is arguably the most competitive athletic conference in the nation, and the Aggies’ history with teams in the SEC is not exactly promising.
Throughout the years, especially recent years, the Aggies have a losing record against all SEC schools.
However, there is promise in A&M’s past performance against some of the higher ranked universities.
Regardless, the Aggies still show excitement about their entrance into the SEC.
Though whether or not this will become a new A&M tradition, it is too early to tell: That will most likely depend upon their performance in the elite conference for the upcoming years.

Susan Hilton

Century 21 Beal, INC

979-764-2100

Gators in College Station?

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 10:57:09 -0700

University of Florida is one of the most nationally known universities, what with their national titles, Gatorade, and Tim Tebow. However, they are strikingly similar in many ways, including academics, campus and enrollment size. Both Universities have similar (if not identical) national university rankings. Both universities are ranked in the top 10 for single-campus size, A&M being 6th with Florida right behind them at 7th. Both schools are founded in similar cities and around the same time. Both universities are founded as land, sea, and space grant research universities. They do differ, however, in football. Florida, with their 3 national universities and three Heisman winners, eight SEC championship titles, and almost 40 bowl appearances severely overshadow Texas A&M. However, both have very similar stadiums in size and intimidation ranking. Florida plays at Texas A&M for the Aggie’s second game of their first season in the SEC.

For information on how to join us in your own beautiful College Station home, please call Susan Hilton at 979-764-2100

College Station up in Forbes Ranking!

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:15:50 -0700

College Station was recently ranked 6th in a Forbes List of Best Small Places for Business and Careers, marking a continuation of a popular trend recognizing College Station’s prosperity.
Forbes Magazine is internationally renowned for its lists and authenticity.
Even in the more subjective rankings, readers can be assured that their data and information is credible and unbiased.
The list College Station was ranked in was for Best Small Places for Business and Careers, being surrounded by a bunch of unfamiliar small towns (perhaps suggesting the authenticity of the rankings?).
The post listed other information about College Station, like population, unemployment rates, job growth, education percentage, and etcetera.
With city homes averaging around $117,000 College Station presents itself as an ideal city for affordable and comfortable real estate.
Even college students manage renting homes at rates competitive with some of the cheaper apartment complexes.
College Station also ranked high in other Forbes lists.
However, for locals or aggie graduates, these rankings only understate what they already know (which is that College Station is the greatest city to ever exist in the history of mankind). Don’t worry, I didn’t actually write that pat in parenthesis.

Come and join us and live in a beautiful Bryan or College Station Home! 979-764-2100

Garage Sale Day

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:43:07 -0700

To have a successful garage sale, follow the few simple tips below:
• Gather up inventory
• Investigate the area
• Set the date
• Throw out the leftovers
• Promote, present and publicize
• Prepare and price items
• Arrange the area
• Engage your customers on the big day
• When it’s all said and done (after the sale)

College Station Homes for Sale

979-764-2100

Taking it for Granite

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:43:07 -0700

Granite countertops are a top-quality option for your home. As a rock, granite is extremely dense. It is difficult to damage. It is an abundant resource on our earth’s surface, and because of its abundance, it is affordable. An individual installing a new granite countertop into their home might pay $3,000-$3,500 for a slab of 70 square feet and three centimeters thick. Granite countertops are easy to clean and easily maintained. The durability offers years of top quality countertops that seem to never age. The abundance of crystal in the rock allows for a large variety of swirls, specks, colors and patterns due to the veining in the rock. Granite countertops hold no more bacteria than any other kind of countertop.In fact, granite protects against mold and mildew on your kitchen counters. Granite is also heat resistant. Granite countertops offer a higher resale value for your home.

If you have any questions feel free to call Susan Hilton. She is Bryan College Station, Texas' real estate and forclosure specialist. 979-764-2100

How to Price and Sell your Home

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:07:28 -0700

It is imperative that you take a step back and logically assess your property when you decide to sell your home. A real estate agent can help you determine a fair value for your home up front by suggesting a listing price. Overpricing and underpricing are both dangerous. In order to make this decision, it’s important that you educate yourself. You may consider getting an appraisal of your home. Pricing it right initially will make your home an attractive offer to a large pool of buyers as soon as it hits the market. Ask your real estate agent to run a comparative market analysis for your home. Net proceeds can also be calculated by a real estate agent.
Don’t make a typical mistake. Don’t look desperate to sell. Be open about letting buyers into your home. Think logically and don’t let emotions get in the way. Fix ‘er up! Be sure to inform the buyer of property flaws. Don’t try to sell your home without a real estate agent. Trust what your agent tells you.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help Call! 979-764-2100

Ecudation College Station

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:19:13 -0700

With the value of education constantly rising, more and more emphasis is placed on the schools a child attends. Money magazine named College Station, TX the most educated city in the state. Texas A&M has an accredited educational program and student teachers often infiltrate the Bryan, College Station schools. In Bryan, College Station, the school a child attends is determined based on the zone his or her family lives in. There are very many kids in the twin cities, and the schools in the area have achieved a high level of success. Not only do students in the district score very highly on their TAKS tests and other tests, but the district website boasts that over one fourth of all students are in Advanced Placement (AP) classes which allow them to test at the end of the year to attempt and get college credit for classes. After school programs are at their peak in the Bryan and College Station area schools. The after school program in College Station is called The Kids Klub and emphasizes enrichment and recreation for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. Kids Klub partners with College Station Parks and Recreation and College Station Independent School District Community Education. Other after school programs involve educational, gymnastic, and one on one tutoring in the Bryan, College Station area. Powersports is one of the other alternatives to after school education. The cities are great places to raise a family and a safe, learning environment for children of all ages.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL 979-764-2100

A&M and Missouri join SEC

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:34:07 -0700

When Texas A&M left the Big 12 there were mixed responses. Not only were they leaving behind a history with the Big 12 and a traditional rivalry with UT, they were also leaving the universities of the state of Texas offended and hurt. UT still refuses to schedule future athletic competitions. The University of Missouri also left the Big 12 with Texas A&M to join the SEC, making A&M’s departure slightly easier. However, Missouri is much less likely to succeed athletically then A&M due to their small budget. But apart from athletics, Missouri looks to bring a rich history to the SEC with them, as well as original traditions independent of their football teams. So together, A&M and Missouri will be joining the intimidating SEC, ready to make a statement.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL 979-764-2100

Move Easy

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:31:44 -0700

Take care of your address change well in advance. Make one big to-do list for moving preparation and moving day. Start planning what you want the rooms in your new house to look like. If you plan to use professional movers, don’t forget to call in advance and set up a day that works for you and for them. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and relatives in town to help you out with packing or hauling boxes. Clean and prepare your new place so it is in the best condition possible. Moving companies can deliver boxes to you on moving day or ahead of time if you call ahead. It’s helpful to designate a color for each of the rooms in your new home and use stickers to correspond with the boxes that need to go into that room. Make sure you keep like items together when the boxes are being packed. Utilize wastebaskets and suitcases in your home by packing into them as well. If you are responsible for cleaning your old home, remember to leave behind a small cleaning kit so you won’t have to dig for cleaning supplies in all of your moving boxes. You will want to keep any valuable possessions with you on moving day.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help please call 979-764-2100.

Home Insurance and what You Need to Know

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:11:35 -0700

·When you are shopping for a new home, there are many small and large decisions and details to be worked out in the process.
·Typical threats to your home include things such as fire, lightning, wind and hail, freezing of plumbing, smoke, theft, explosion, and falling objects.
·There are certain things you should look for in your coverage to protect you against dangers such as these.
·There are some vital questions to consider before you decide which insurance company is right for you and can provide you with the protection you want for your home.
·There are some frequently asked questions.
·Q: How do I save money on my homeowner’s insurance? A: A higher deductible is one way to save money or you could choose to insure both your car and your home through the same insurance company and qualifying for discounts.
·Q: If my policy includes “replacement cost;” does that mean that my policy will pay to rebuild my home? A: Replacement cost typically means that the insurance company will cover the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home without charging a deduction for depreciation.
·Q: After filing a claim, is it necessary that I work with the insurance company’s contractors? A: Selecting a repair company may be a process that varies from insurance company to insurance company.
·Q: Is flood insurance included in a homeowner’s policy? A: Usually, homeowner’s policies do not provide coverage for flood damages.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help

New Regulations for Homeowners Associations

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:26:30 -0700

Homeowners Associations in Texas have been mostly unregulated by the state government until recently with the passing of new bills through the legislature. A large percentage of Texas property owners are affected by HOAs, thus these new regulations are going to affect many homeowners. HOAs are generally set up by real estate developers to market and create an appealing environment for homeowners in which they can control the rules and projects of their own neighborhood. However, without regulation these programs can be selective and unfair. Thus the involvement of the State will help to create an equal environment for all homeowners under the influence of HOAs. The new laws have set up regulations pertaining to meetings, elections, and directors. They also have changed the method that HOAs record documentation by requiring certain rules and bylaws be submitted to the county and ensuring homeowners have access to all books and records of the HOA. The state has also stepped in to protect homeowners from foreclosure by unregulated HOA authority. While these new developments are surely creating extra work and red tape for HOAs to work with, they are also creating a more fair and equal environment for homeowners.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help

House Prepping

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 06:54:04 -0700

There are a variety of things that you can do to make your home even more appealing to buyers. Buyers are eager. Sprucing up your home by doing a bit of summer cleaning will make it irresistible. It is not difficult to follow a few easy steps to set your home in order. Here are several ideas that could be included on your checklist: Clean your ceiling fans. Be sure that you launder or vacuum any curtains you may have in your home. Dust the rest of your home. Vacuum furniture. Clean pillows in your home. Clear out cobwebs. Clean the windows. Organize and purge your home of junk. In order to go the extra mile, and set a refreshing mood in your home, here are a couple of other ideas: Light a few candles. Put a Glade plug-in in one of your outlets. Put unsweetened lemonade powder in your dishwasher soap dispenser. Cut up a few fresh lemons and drop them into your disposal. Open your windows. Pick up some flowers.
·There are a variety of things that you can do to make your home even more appealing to buyers.
·Buyers are eager.
·Sprucing up your home by doing a bit of summer cleaning will make it irresistible.
·It is not difficult to follow a few easy steps to set your home in order.
·Here are several ideas that could be included on your checklist:
·Clean your ceiling fans.
·Be sure that you launder or vacuum any curtains you may have in your home.
·Dust the rest of your home.
·Vacuum furniture.
·Clean pillows in your home.
·Clear out cobwebs.
·Clean the windows.
·Organize and purge your home of junk.
·In order to go the extra mile, and set a refreshing mood in your home, here are a couple of other ideas:
·Light a few candles.
·Put a Glade plug-in in one of your outlets.
·Put unsweetened lemonade powder in your dishwasher soap dispenser.
·Cut up a few fresh lemons and drop them into your disposal.
·Open your windows.
·Pick up some flowers.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL! 979-219-3970

Brazos Valley Disaster City

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:15:13 -0700

In College Station, Texas there is a region that lay completely obliterated
It is called ‘Disaster City’ and is a training site for hundreds of rescue workers across the state
Opened in 1997, Disaster City was a response to terrorists attacks that occurred in Oklahoma and New York city in 1993 and 1995
Since its premiere the number or respondents trained at disaster city has grown incredibly, and they couldn’t be positioned in a better site
Disaster City’s set is designed by engineers to look like actual calamities that have befallen people
Volunteers act as victims and makeup artists work to make injuries as real as possible
The whole scene is like a Hollywood set: only, for the respondents it is very, very real
But the results of this setting are clear and beneficial
Respondents to both Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 trained by Disaster City admitted to being well prepared and more capable of performing their duty effectively thanks to their training
So long as this continues, Disaster City will remain broken down

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL! 979-219-3970

Art in the Brazos Valley

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 07:07:01 -0700

College Station offers a variety of galleries, centers, and museums. Benjamin Knox is a well-known, local artist who sets himself apart by capturing the spirit of College Station and the spirit of Aggieland in his paintings, drawings, and photographs. The permanent collection at the J. Wayne Stark University Center Galleries passes each historic piece of art through a rigorous process of evaluation before it is allowed into the gallery and serves to expand students’ academic education. MSC Forsyth Center Galleries is home to many beautiful glass collections. The Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center is a museum that is dedicated to the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. The Texas A&M Sports Museum is the nation’s only all-sports museum funded primarily by former athletes. The Texas Gallery offers permanent exhibits of works from regional and Texas artists. The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History hosts tours, classes, and lectures for schools and children. The Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley contains many historical and genealogical collections. The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley is a creative outlet opportunity for young children.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL! 979-219-3970

Zillow run down

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:16:53 -0700

Industries are gradually switching over to online sales and information distribution
Zillow is leading the market for online real-estate evaluation
Zillow has over 4 million homes listed, and is a source for potential buyers and sellers of real-estate to post and exchange information, as well as find reviews on real-estate agents and get help from any questions about the site or search
Zillow has everything from buying and selling to renting, leasing, financing and remodeling, and reviews to back it all up
Divides up their search engine in a similar manner as Google, first narrowing down the search by location, and then by houses for sale, rent, recently sold, and “make me move” catagory
Information for houses varies from the price and square footage, to descriptions of the neighborhood and the estimated mortgage
Zillow is comparable to WebMD in that it is just a starting point, not actually a full means to purchase a house
Real-estate agents are still necessary to get complete information and in order to inspect houses yourself, etc.
Zillow is still a great place to begin your search, and can provide insight on where to begin and what to expect when looking to purchase a house

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help –

CALL! 979-219-3970

Texas A&M New Rivalry with LSU

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:11:45 -0700

After the 2011 Cotton Bowl, LSU and Texas A&M have recognized one another as heavy competitors. And now, with the shift of A&M to the SEC, there are talks of the two teams meeting for an annual thanksgiving showdown. This would not only spur SEC revenue and publicity, but it would also provide a smooth means for Texas A&M to assimilate and contribute to the SEC competitive environment. Football, however, is not the only means of comparison between universities, and a review of the two schools history, traditions, mascots, colors, etc. can help provide a better ground on which to examine the two potential rivals (see statistics in article). While both are old and large schools and rich with culture and tradition, it is A&M that is excited about the movement into the SEC where they will have opportunities to make new traditions and start new adventures.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help –

CALL! 979-219-3970

Lemonade Day!

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:15:53 -0700

Many lemonade stands were sprinkled around Bryan/College Station this past week. Sunday May 6 was Lemonade Day in 31 cities across America and Canada, including Bryan and College Station. Kids marked locations on a map. The goal is to prepare children to be empowered future citizens. On Lemonade Day, children are allowed to keep all of the money that they make and are encouraged by adults to spend some of their money, save some of it, and share some of it with others less fortunate. Lemonade Day teaches kids a very special and specific set of skills from financial literacy and economics, to college readiness and career, to life skills and personal development, and of course academics. Lemonade Day sponsors and partners include many businesses and individuals in the area. If you like to help out with and work with children, then you may want to consider becoming a volunteer for Lemonade Day.

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL! 979-219-3970

Copper Theft Brazos Valley

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:45:51 -0700

Copper theft is a new factor home and business owners need to consider when constructing new buildings.
Growing use and need for copper in modern industries have led to higher values of the metal.
Copper is popular primarily due to its electrical conductivity, as well as its artistic appeal.
Despite a low weight to value ratio, it is still a common target for thieves, who can access it easily through commercial air conditioning units.
Copper theft is costing the nation over a billion dollars a year.
To prevent the threat of thievery, home and business builders should help to increase awareness of copper theft.
Increased diligence will lead to catching perpetrators in the act and preventing thousands of dollars in home repairs.
Using a copper-clad steel wiring will also help to relieve copper theft, since it has a lower scrap metal value, while performing all the same functions as regular copper wire

PS – Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL! 979-219-3970