Dear readers,But for graduation, this is probably the busiest week in Aggieland.First, this Friday is the annual match-up between the Aggies and the little school down the road. The Aggies aren't having the best football season, but that doesn't take away enthusiasm for this game. You never know when good ole' Aggie luck will prevail.On a sadder note, it was at 0242 on November 18th 1999 (early tomorrow morning) that the bonfire stack under construction on the Texas A&M campus collapsed and killed 11 students and 1 graduate. Since that time, Texas A&M University has not sanctioned a student bonfire.Several off-campus bonfires have burned in recent years. Usually constructed on private property, these stacks don't quite measure up to the 75 foot plus bonfires of old, but they serve the s... 11/16/2007

Buying a student condo can be a great investment in College Station.  Among the benefits are the increase in equity during the time your student lives there and the learning experience for your student.  Watching you complete the purchase can teach them valuable information about real estate transactions.How do you ensure a successful purchase, one in which the student is happy, you are happy and you are enroute to a gain during the years you own the property?The first secret is to find an agent VERY familiar with all the condo and townhome projects around town and will familiarize you.  All of them have their upsides and downsides and you need an agent that will discuss the pros and cons of each complex and educate you to what is available, and what has traditionally made good equity l... 11/16/2007

Dear readers,This is the weekend of the third annual Maroon and White Ball (www.maroonandwhiteball.com).This year the ball is being held at the new Brazos County Expo Center, which is a great new facility. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Saturday and the cook-off lasts until 7 pm.What cook off? The calf fry cook off of course. Featured music includes Pat Green, Cory Morrow and Billie Joe Shaver.Tickets are $20 and available at the MSC Box Office, Traditions Bookstores and Cavender's.Have a safe time!Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 11/16/2007

Dear readers,What great weather we are having here in College Station, Texas.One event in the Brazos Valley this weekend is Worldfest (www.brazosvalleyworldfest.org). This year Worldfest will be held on Saturday, November 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m in "Historic Downtown Bryan."Worldfest features culture displays and demonstrations, international cuisine, along with vendors with items from around the world. There will even be a Kid's Village in and around the Brazos Valley Children's Museum.The mission of the event is to "promote and celebrate the international diversity and heritage in the Brazos valley.My family looks forward to seeing you there.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 11/16/2007

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.  I... 11/15/2007

Careers worth having-  Is your career worth having?  When you look at what you have done is it something you are proud of or is it something that is not quite where you want it to be?  Who is going to help you make it great or even legendary?Businesses worth owning- If you had to sell your business today, what would it be worth?  What is it worth to you now?  Do you enjoy it oe has it become something that you just do?  Lives worth living-Is your life truely worth having?  What I mean is are you making a difference?  When all is said and down did you make a difference?  Will your family say your made thier difference?  It is a hard question, however it is and can be worth having.Till Next Time,Matt Ratcliffe 11/15/2007

When was the last time you opened the door for someone?When was the last time you told someone that it will be alright?When was the last time you helped a fellow agent with a buyer or seller need?When will you make a difference in someones life?Why do the needs of others always seem to come last?Go out and make a difference to someone today!Be that hero! That Friend! That Wife! That Husband! That Parent!Give it a shot today to make a difference now!Till Next TimeMatt Ratcliffe 11/15/2007

Dear readers,Today is the day that I spend some early morning time in the garage, preparing the recyclables. Here in College Station, Texas we have to separate our plastics, bottles (only clear and brown), aluminum & steel cans, and newspaper. Each category goes into its own plastic bag (provided by the City of College Station) and then out on the curb.Our friends in larger cities have it easier. In San Antonio, my relatives put everything into a blue bin and drag it out to the curb. Residents don't have to sort or put items into bags. In Austin, friends put their items in large blue bins with wheels, which are almost as large as the city's garbage cans (hint, hint).At least we have curbside recycling here in College Station. Our sister city, Bryan, doesn't offer curbside recycling at a... 11/13/2007

Dear readers,Thomas DeFrank, who is a graduate of the Texas A&M journalism program (now defunct) and former editor of the Battalion, will discuss his latest book about late President Gerald Ford during a lecture today at Texas A&M. DeFrank will speak at 5pm at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.The book, entitled Write it When I'm Gone, is based on years of private interviews with the former president.DeFrank has covered Washington politics since the Johnson administration and is currently the Washington bureau chief for the New York Daily News.Tickets are required, but the event is free. Tickets are available at The Eagle, the MSC Box Office, KBTX TV, WTAW Radio and the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitor's Bureau.Have a great Tuesday!Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWh... 11/12/2007

Are at a Tipping Point? may be, if so then tip this puppy over! Where can over 57,453 agents, and affiliates from different companies, franchises, and independents get together and talk shop.  It sounds like...Active-Rain.com.  What a great tool we have made this website into.  Every blog, every picture and yes every comment counts.  This is another example of a group of professional business minded folks to come together and share what works or does not.  If you know someone from your area that is not a Rainer then enlighten (invite) them.  Thanks for setting this up guys!Till Next Time,Matt Ratcliffe  11/12/2007

Thanks to the Texas A&M Research Center we can get some great snapshots into our market.  Please note that all areas in Byran or College Station could be in either market, buyers or sellers.  What defines the buyer's market is the number of home on the market divided by the sold inventory on a monthly basis.  I think we are in transition in the Brazos Valley.  It appears homes in the upper end are will into a buyers market while the homes under $200,000 maybe in transition from Seller to buyer's market.  What this really tells us is that our market is still one of the few markets that has weathered the economic storms that the national news talks about daily.  Will it change, of course it will, it never stays the same for long.Till Next TimeMatt Ratcliffe 11/12/2007

When was the last time you raised the fact that you were a REALTOR vs a Real Estate agent in your listing approach?  I hope it is every time you list a home or work with a buyer.  As REALTORs we adhere to a Code of Ethics that the Real Estate agent does not have too.  Let me ask a simple question:  Are we our own worse enemy when it comes to presenting ourselves to our clients?  I think we are sometimes.  When was the last MCE 15 course that your broker you work for taken?  They may be grandfathered out of it so they do not do it.  Are the people you are working for continuing to get better at what they do?  We owe it our clients to be the best choice for them. You owe it yourself to be in business with the people who keep learning.Till Next Time!Matt Ratcliffe 11/12/2007

Until I thought about it I was building the wealth of others. If you are not careful, every time you put a sale together, place a sign, advertise a property, or close an escrow, you could actually be building the company's business more than your own.Most companies secretly would like to charge you even more money and are always looking for ways to control or own a relationship with your customer. This may be particularly true of several of the national franchise systems. In fact, the royalties you pay just may be funding your own demise.Companies whose training focuses on the company image and whose promotions focus on attracting the customers to themselves are actually trying to build their own business, not yours. Is that in your best interest?At Keller Williams, we believe the compa... 11/12/2007

I know what a question, however it must be asked in a time were a lot of outside the box thinking is taking place.  What I mean to say, are we marketing us or the client?  If all your ads say look at me, then what is it you are marketing.  The Seller wants his house marketed, not the agent.  It may be that you have to do both to attract the buyer for the house you have listed.  The method that worked for me was to talk about the property to the point that the buyer had to call me to see the property right now.  We talk about marketing all the time, let your clients know why you are doing it that way.  Keep them in the loop.Till Next TimeMatt Ratcliffe 11/12/2007

Here it is...The final cut for all you Trunk and Treaters... We had a blast doing the event and look to next year as another chance to make a difference. What difference did we make, here is your list: 1) Safe Candy for the children 2) Safe location 3) The best thing is that we helped five children get thier camp this fall. We Gave our proceeds to the Down Syndrome Foundation of Byran College Station, Texas. Till Next Time... Boooooo to you....Don't be afraid! Matt Ratcliffe Team Leader 11/12/2007

I know it is not real estate but it might be a concern if your car has problems on where to take it. I just have to do a shout out to the guys at University Tire and Auto.  They have had my car in their shop and did outstanding work on it.  They were fair about the price.  They gave me good advice it is a great honor to know that if I need car service again, that they are just a call away.   Way to go guys!  They are local folks keeping it real everytime you go there!Till next time,Matt Ratcliffe 11/12/2007

Remember the gold days?  Anyone could get a loan if they could qualify for the payment.  I know what your thinking, they still can get a loan if the qualify for the payment.  The thing that has changed is the secondary market has quietly closed their doors.  Sub Prime, 0 move-n, seller contributions.  It can still be down; however your client will need to have money in the bank.  I here by March 2008 all 0 down will be gone unless you are a Veteran.  Welcome back the standards:  FHA, VA and Conventional, reminds me of the 80's and early 90's before sub-prime.Till Next TimeMatt Ratcliffe 11/12/2007

Veterans DayThis is the day that we must pause and remember what and who has gone before us.  I knew my grandfather for a little while.  He packed chutes in the Air Force during WWII.  He wanted to fly but had a hearing issue that kept him grounded, however he did his part.  When you think it through there were a lot of folks behind the men and on the frontlines.  Whether you fought or packed cutes I salute you for all you are doing for my family's freedom.Till Next Time,Matt Ratcliffe 11/12/2007

We had another great class at Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley today.  I always need a refresher from time to time and today I got that from Jeff Bird and Doug Eastland.  They came down from Waco Texas this morning so give us some pointers.  Thanks guys for all you do and we look forward to more great classes and content from up north.  It is always nice to know KWR is willing to help any agent.Till next time,Matt Ratcliffe  11/12/2007

Dear readers,Well, here's to another week of summer in the Brazos Valley. Its Nov. 12 and we are in for another week of highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. Basically, its Hawaii weather without the ocean.Doing numbers in my head, I think we save about $50 every week the ac/heater isn't running. I was looking forward to the cooler weather, but we do have some good Indian Summers here in College Station, Texas.Blue fall skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 11/12/2007