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College Station, TX Real Estate News

By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
 Event Name: Tarzan: Myth & MysteryDate: July 12th- October 29thLocation: Brazos Valley Museum of Natural HistoryTime: 10 a.m-5 p.m This exclusive exhibit showcases items from an extensive collection of Tarzan and Edgar Rice Burroughs memorabilia. Early publications, beautiful original artwork, rare books, and rarely seen film posters will be shown alongside stunning taxidermy animals from central Africa. Through this colorful and exciting exhibit, visitors can explore the natural settings of the Tarzan books, the life of author Edgar Rice Burroughs, the bold world of pulp art, Tarzan's international appeal, and other related topics.For more information about this event visit: www.visitaggieland.com
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
  The garage attached to your home doesn’t have to be a dull, dark and cluttered unusable space. Instead, modernize it by creating some space for added functionality, storage or even entertainment purposes. But if your garage is littered with boxes that should be in storage, dusty with spiderwebs and generally a space where you don’t like to spend time, use these tips to transform that dingy area of your home into a garage that’s organized and accessible with these how-to tips.   Tidy Up the Joint The first step in any home project starts with a little organization. If your garage is home to piled-high boxes, junk and clutter, it’s time to get organized. Choose a day where you can dedicate a few hours to this organizational project, like a Saturday or Sunday. Dig through all of your thi...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
The American economy has left the housing crisis and recession in the rear view and continues to work to repair the repercussions of the bubble. Here we are 8 years later asking the question, where does the market stand now? Below, we will review some statistics of the trends in home building, financing, increasing condo sales, and what it all means for the future.Since 2008, the slow economic climb back to pre-bubble has been strenuous on the housing market to say the least. However, data from Fortune.com shows people are eager to buy homes once again partially due to the increasing price of rental properties. While this is good news for the housing market, home builders and banks don’t seem to be eager to join in.    This reluctance could also be another effect of the crisis. Trends t...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
When selling a home you need to decide if you want to include appliances or not. Some buyers won’t purchase a home if they know appliances are not included. Either they deem it a necessity or don’t want to spend anymore money.Usually, any appliances that were built into the kitchen or have a cut out for them stay there. This typically means the oven and dishwasher. It’s often common to not have a microwave included in the kitchen. The fridge, washer, and dryer are included upon request since they are considered personal property. These are the most expensive appliances in the home, so sellers might want to take these with them. Some sellers might not part with some items due to sentimental value, like antiques. Light fixtures are often taken by the seller because they reflect their pers...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
What is title insurance?Title insurance is a type of indemnity insurance that protects you against financial loss in the case of defects in title to real property and from the invalidity of mortgage loans. Simply put, title insurance protects you and your property if there is a problem with the title that is not found during the initial title search. These problems to the title can include errors or omissions in deeds, mistakes in examining records, forgery, undisclosed heirs, and more.Title insurance, called an Owner’s Policy, only needs to be purchase once, at the time of closing and will continue to cover you for as long as you have interest in the property. Costs vary will vary depending on the value of the property and legal expenses will be covered if you find a problem.Why do you...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
 It is now mid summer which is harvest season and that means it's time for the 39th Annual Messina Hof’s Harvest Festival! This festival is several weeks long and each day is there is different activities than the prior day.       The festival mostly takes place at the main Bryan location, but also several weekends during the festival there will be events taking place the Fredericksburg and Grapevine locations. Bring the whole family out for some summer fun down at the winery!What: Messina Hof Harvest Festival 2016Where: Messina Hof Estate Winery (4545 Old Reliance Road Bryan,TX)When: Starting July 29th, 2016 - August 28th, 2016 Admission: Prices vary depending on events and locationsContact: Messina Hof Estate Winery (Bryan: 1-800-736-9463);               OR go online for more informat...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Violence happens occasionally, no matter the location. But homeowners associations can help by offering the security their neighborhood wants while avoiding common errors. Here’s what to look out for and what to avoid to keep your community safe. Not conducting a security surveyYou could invest thousands into a security system your community doesn’t even need. Instead, make your first course of action to conduct a security survey with prevention in mind. Hire a third party like a property manager or ask the HOA security committee to do a survey. If you’re not sure where to start, Echo Community Associations offers a robust checklist on everything from locks on mailboxes to opening fire doors. Check over your gates, common areas, intercoms and public areas and examine deadbolts and door ...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Tired of having to lower the price of your home because of the amount of time it’s been on the market? Wondering why your home hasn’t sold, or attracted potential buyers? Chances are you’re missing a very important piece of the selling process: home staging. By applying staging you could very well attract the wide variety of prospective buyers you’ve been missing and sell your home for the highest price in the least amount of time.What is Home Staging?Home staging is the process of “dressing” your home to be sold. Staging highlights the pros of your home, while at the same time downplaying its weaknesses. It focuses on using techniques that make your home look much bigger, brighter, and warmer. It also focuses on depersonalizing it; this is what allows homeowners to actually envision th...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
You know those pesky problems that have been bugging you for years? The one’s you hope will magically fix themselves if you continue to ignore them? Well I’m here to tell you, DON’T ignore them; these problems will not go away in time and they will only end up causing you bigger problems in the future. It’s better to fix problems as they happen, so they don’t keep building up and costing you more money than is necessary. Here’s a list of six problems that shouldn’t be ignored and why.1. Roofing ProblemsThis seems like a no brainer when it comes to home improvements because who wants a leaky, falling apart roof? Well it can be pricy to replace/fix a roof which is what scares people away at first, but it’s definitely something worth your money. Try and save some money by catching the mino...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Fourth of July in Bryan/College Station  Spending your 4th of July in the Bryan/College Station area?  Celebrate your patriotism, and check out these awesome events that will make sure to keep your day full of fun & fireworks!What: 56th Annual I Love America 4th of July Celebration Where: George Bush LibraryWhen: 9:30am - 10:15pm    The George Bush Library and the College Station Noon Lions Club present the 56th Annual 4th of July Celebration, with free games, rides, live entertainment and fireworks show! The museum has free entry from 9:30am to 8:00pm. For more information, visit bush41.orgWhat: Fireworks on the Brazos Where: Washington-On-The-BrazosWhen: 10am-10pm    The annual Fireworks on the Brazos will feature a free music concert from 7-9pm featuring the Cody Bryan Band. HEB will...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Whether you are looking to buy a new house or wanting to sell your current property, choosing the right agent is a big decision. So what exactly should you look for and how can you know if they will help you get the most out of your property or find the home you’ve always dreamed of?Communication Is KeyFirst off, you should make sure that the person you are going to be working with communicates well with you from the start. You will want to make sure your agent is someone you can get in touch with, and speak to, easily. Do they respond promptly or do they seem to be trying to balance too many things at once? Do they seem to have your best interest in mind? You want someone who can see your vision, help you adjust to changes, and will work with you through any problems you might face. Ma...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Looking to sell your home? Be sure to be aware of these 3 biggest selling mistakes to make sure that your home sells as quickly as possible.Overpricing the HomeThis is the biggest mistake that sellers can make when trying to sell their homes. Get with a real estate agent, and they can help suggest prices for the home by comparing them to similar ones already on the market. Overpricing to get people to ‘bite’ is a big mistake and portrays the seller as not being serious about the sale.Find out what your home is currently valued in today’s market!Showing AvailabilityWhen selling a home, sellers need to understand that their daily routine will change. Buyers may want to come to the home at times that are not always convenient for the seller, so sellers need to be flexible. The best way to ...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Thinking about taking on a project and wondering whether you should do it yourself or hire a pro? Check our our pro’s and con’s to doing it yourself and hiring a professional! Do It YourselfPro’s: Do it yourself projects can be fun and easy! If you are taking on a DIY project you will most likely save more money than you would if you hired someone. People also enjoy the feeling of completing the project, and possess a sense of accomplishment when they show it off to friends. DIY projects give you the experience and confidence to take on more challenging projects in the future. Con’s: DIY projects generally take more time than if you hired a professional. Most people work on DIY project when they have the time to, and this leads to the product taking longer to finish than it would have i...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Real estate is one of the most reliable investments with the biggest ROI, if you get the right property in the right location with the right house. So any smart homebuyer knows the home inspection is key in spotting troubles before investing to ensure that you’re not getting sucked into a money pit.Owning a home comes with unforeseen expenses that are bound to arise. From flooding to roofing issues, things need to be repaired, replaced and maintained. But getting a good home inspection and knowing the right questions to ask is an art form that can save you from a decade of headaches and getting stuck with or even upside down in, a home that wasn’t worth the asking price. Here’s your guide to doing your due diligence and making every effort to get the highest possible return on your inve...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
As we impatiently wait for the fresh, warm air to arrive, we begin to prepare our homes for spring season. Here are a few tips to help you better prepare your home for spring.YardWith winter season coming to an end, an easy way to start preparing your yard for spring season is to rake areas that have excess leaves and remains from winter season. You also want to ensure that your lawn mower is working correctly in case you need to make any repairs. If weather permits, you can also begin to water your yard. Remember: water only once a week, but water deep.LandscapeLandscape cleaning has finally arrived for gardeners! If your lawn was healthy prior to winter season, the less work you will have to do to prepare for spring. Cold winter nights can leave some unwanted damage to your landscape,...
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By James Murr, www.cortiersrealestate.com
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Just as we learned in the previous blog about blinds, there are also valance and sundry types of curtains.  We’ve picked out the most popular ones and will explain their types and benefits.Ascot Valances are a pointed design hung from a standard or a continental rod link to a standard curtain rod. You can use two rods to hang a double row of valances for a fuller look, just make sure to stagger the pointed ends of the ascots.Curtains are made of lighter material and tend to make the home feel cozier. There are three basic styles of curtains: panels, café, and tier. Some companies offer machine washable curtains which makes it easy to minimize the dust in your home. Washable curtains are an excellent option for those suffering from indoor allergies.Draperies are made of heavier weight fa...
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By Tom and Stephanie Hansson, Hansson and Hansson Real Estate Team
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Birthday celebrations are fun events for everyone.  There's cake.  There's balloons.  What's not to like?  This Friday, our College Station community honors the lives of George and Barbara Bush with the College Station 92nd Bush Birthday Celebration at the presidential library.  Everyone is a guest here.What: College Station 92nd Bush Birthday CelebrationWhere: George Bush Presidential Library & Museum (1000 George Bush Dr W)When: Friday, June 10th, 2016 11am to 3pmAdmission: FREE with price of museum admissionContact: George Bush Library & Museum (979) 691-4014 or via emailCollege Station 92nd Bush Birthday CelebrationTomorrow, Mrs. Bush turns 91.  President Bush's 92nd birthday is on Sunday.  The library is combining the two for the College Station 92nd Bush Birthday Celebration on Fr...
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By Tom and Stephanie Hansson, Hansson and Hansson Real Estate Team
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Spring is just about done.  In a few weeks, it will officially be summer.  It doesn't seem like summer yet, though, with all the rain and clouds we've been experiencing.  The College Station Smith Dairy Queens Garage Sale 2016 takes place this weekend, come rain or shine.  Any shopping you do here will be for a good cause.What: College Station Smith Dairy Queens Garage Sale 2016Where: Scott & White Clinic-Rock Prairie (800 Scott & White Dr)When: Saturday, June 4th, 8am to 2pmAdmission: FREEContact: Morgan Berger, Smith Dairy Queens emailCollege Station Smith Dairy Queens Garage Sale 2016The Smith Dairy Queens started out as a small cafe called Smitty's Grill with only counter service in 1947.  As of 2016, there are now 39 Dairy Queen stores under the Smith family ownership in the centra...
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By Tom and Stephanie Hansson, Hansson and Hansson Real Estate Team
(Cortiers Real Estate)
Memorial Day is just six days away.  What better way to honor those that gave their lives for your freedom than to give something back to the community?  At the 2016 College Station Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and Garage Sale, you can have your (pan)cake and eat it, too. What: 2016 College Station Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and Garage SaleWhere: Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-Day Saints (2815 Welsh Ave)When: Monday, May 30th, 8am to 10amCost: $5/person or $20/familyContact: LDS Church (979) 690-78722016 College Station Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and Garage SaleThe 2016 College Station Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and Garage Sale will start off with a special flag ceremony at 8am.  One of our local veterans will say a few words to commemorate this special day and acknowled...
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By Tom and Stephanie Hansson, Hansson and Hansson Real Estate Team
(Cortiers Real Estate)
There's nothing quite as relaxing as good food, great company and smooth jazz.  You can find all of that at the 2016 College Station First Sunday Jazz Jam.  But if you miss this Sunday's jam, that's OK.  There will be another one next month.What: 2016 College Station First Sunday Jazz JamWhere: Luigi's Patio Ristorante (3975 State Hwy 6 S)When: 1st Sunday of Every MonthContact: Luigi's Patio Ristorante (979) 693-2742 or via online contact form2016 College Station First Sunday Jazz JamAll 2016 College Station First Sunday Jazz Jams take place at Luigi's Patio Ristorante.  This family-owned Italian-style restaurant has been a local favorite since it first opened its doors in 2007.  Diners will relish the sinfully delicious Italian food while listening to beautiful music.  You can choose t...
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