Dear readers,Wow. Trunks for Treats, which we held in the parking lot of the College Station Keller Williams office last night, was a great success. Turnout is estimated at just under 1,000, and we raised some money for a local cause, the Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan College Station.There were kids of all ages at the affair, with some really great costumes. Participants enjoyed the moonwalks, pony rides, pizza, popcorn and other goodies.Many thanks to all of our sponsors. We'll be listing them in a blog later today.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 11/01/2007

Hi Everyone,I just want to put out a quick reminder for those with children that Keller Williams Brazos Valley will hold our first annual Trunks for Treats, from 5:50 to 9:30pm tonight, in the parking lot in front of our offices.Our offices are located at 701 University Drive East, Suite 405, which is just across the street from the Hilton College Station.There will be lots of free, safe candy, $1 pony rides, pizza slices and cola, and moonwalks. Proceeds will benefit the Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan College Station.Please call me at 979.574.0626 if you have questions or need directions.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 10/31/2007

11)  By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!10)  You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next yar!9)  Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days around the Holidays!8)  January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until spring to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture that market!7)  Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!6) Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than... 10/30/2007

Dear readers,Do you ever feel that as a consumer, you just don't have a chance? Are there no consequences for companies that promise good service and don't comply?You may have read my blog yesterday about losing access to my Websites hosted by IPOWER during the course of last weekend. To recap, one of my hosted sites was to autorenew last weekend. Monday morning my e-mail was bouncing and my Websites were unavailable.Long story short, I spent 1 hour and 57 minutes on hold yesterday (my phone told me so), before a nice man came on the line, apologized, confirmed my card information, and said there was no reason why the site didn't auto-renew. He PROMISED me that the site would be up within a couple of hours.Needless to say as of last night, and now this morning, it still isn't working. S... 10/30/2007

Dear readers,Don't forget to attend the Texas Renaissance Festival during this great fall weather. Since 1974 the Texas Renaissance Festival has been bringing entertainment to the Brazos Valley. The festival is open on Saturdays and Sundays through November 25th, 0900-Dusk. The drive to Plantersville is quick and pleasant.There are just a few weekends left. For futher information go to www.texrenfest.com. Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com   10/29/2007

KELLER WILLIAMS TECHNOLOGY! Each Keller Williams Office prides itself on offering the latest in technology. From software to computers to websites to training, it is our goal to lead the industry into the 21st century. All Keller Williams agents have the ability to create and maintain their own website on the national KW site. These sites complete with hosting, have been created by our own Technology Consortium at a cost to each agent of $10 per month! Complete technology training is also available through the consortium site. Please feel free to visit these sites created nationally, regionally or locally as tools for our agents: E-Agentc Intranet Guest Tour click here Keller Williams Realty Regional SiteNorth Texas Region Productity Website Keller Williams Realty National Site Our Loca... 10/29/2007

Dear readers,You never know, this is the Internet age.We have misplaced one of our Tuxedo Cats. We live on Ember Glow, in Chimney Hill, and he has been gone for a week. Here is his photo:He is soft, young, and missed. If you have any information, please call me at 979.574.0626.Thanks.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 10/28/2007

Hi readers,Well, the Aggies were outscored by our competition from Kansas last night. It was a home game here in College Station, and the town and stadium were full.One of the things that make this school special is how we take a loss. Its not easy, mind you. Football is BIG here, but Aggies are sportsmen, and they treat their guests well.Restaurants are CRAZY here on game weekends, even after being outscored. We were out last night after the game, and although the tone was slightly subdued, life went on.Parents love being with their kids, and a lot of positive energy is generated here on game weekends despite problems on the football field.I hope your weekend was positive.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 10/28/2007

Dear readers,There was relatively good news about College Station Real Estate in the business section of this morning's Eagle, our local paper. According to Karr Ingham, who compiles a monthly economic index for The Eagle, new home construction spiked in August, after declining for several months. Overall new home construction is still down 7% for the year.According to The Eagle, Jim Gaines, who is a research economist at Texas A&M's Real Estate Center, calls the local housing market "stable." The average price of homes sold in College Station and Bryan is up almost 12% from last year, indicating the market is still strong.According to Mark Doutzer, the Real Estate Center's chief economist, homebuilding across Texas needs to decline approximately 25% to prevent a long-term decline in th... 10/28/2007

Dear readers,For football excitement and action, don't forget that the Texas A&M Aggies are playing the Kansas University Jayhawks at Kyle Field in College Station today (Saturday, October 27) at 6pm CDT. The game will be carried on ESPN2.Kansas at 7-0 and 3-0 and nationally ranked, is expected to give the Aggies, 6-2 and 3-1, a run for the money. The Aggies beat KU last year 21-18, but did not hold the lead until the final minute.For those driving to the game today, and games everywhere, take care and have fun.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteProperties.com 10/27/2007

I had an appointment last night to show a home to some very serious buyers, so serious, that they wanted to put a contract on something by Monday.  It was about 530pm and I turned on the national news and it happened to be Katie Couric, I watched as I was getting ready and putting my shoes, they started in on how bad the housing industry was, and the number of foreclosures, blah, blah !!, And I am thinking to myself, here we go again, when are they going to get tired?  The day before  it was all about the California fires, and I don't mean this to belittle the situation for all the Californians effected by it, but it took up the whole show.  Now that the situation is getting better for California, the news media has to go find something to fill the slot.  Of coarse what better item, The... 10/27/2007

Dear readers,If you haven't been to downtown Bryan in a while, its worth the visit. My wife Sondra and I were there last night (Friday) for a photo shoot, and found the area alive and well.Anchored by the revamped LaSalle Hotel, downtown Bryan was bustling with restaurant goers and shoppers. Nearly all of the fine restaurants downtown had customers waiting outside in the great fall weather, and many of the area's unique shops were open for business.We finally settled on Doe's Eat Place, and had fantastic steaks. Other restaurants in the area include the Square One Bistro, Maddens's Casual Gourmet, Los Nortenos, Papa Perez, and Cafe Capri.Look for more detailed posts on all to do in Downtown Bryan in coming posts.Blue skies,Sam Whitewww.SamWhiteRealty.com 10/27/2007

Dear readers,Yesterday evening my wife, Sondra, and I were pleased to attend the sixth annual George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. The award was presented before an enthusiastic crowd of over 3,000 Aggies at Texas A&M University's Reed Arena. The honor is designed to pay homage to its namesake, highlight the achievements of the recipient and encourage the public to take on similar challenges, according to the Bush Presidential Library Foundation. Former winners are Rev. Billy Graham, former German chancellor Helmet Kohl, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Sen. Edward Kennedy, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. In his acceptance speech, Gates called upon the thousands of Aggies before him to step forward and commit to public service. "If America is to be a bea... 10/27/2007

Dear readers,Join us on All Hallow's Eve for Keller Williams's First Annual Trunks for Treats bash. The event will take place in our large parking lot in front of our offices at 701 University Dr. East in College Station, also known as the Chimney Hill Shopping Center next to the Hilton College Station.Designed to provide a safe place for children of all ages to Trick or Treat, the event will feature jumpy houses, pony rides, pizza and soft drinks, as well as lots of candy distributed from the decorated automobile trunks of our agents.Although admission is free, there will be small charges for pizza and pony rides, all to benefit the Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan/College Station. It's all part of the Keller Williams Philosophy of giving back to the community.For more information,... 10/27/2007

Dear readers,I want to take a moment to thank Bryan, College Station and the Brazos Valley for turning out for the Buddy Walk last Sunday at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheatre.Over 2,000 participants walked to promote Down Syndrome awareness in the year's largest fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan/College Station.I'd also like to thank our sponsors, who donated time and merchandise to our effort. A list of sponsors can be found at http://www.downsyndromeofbcs.com/sponsors.html. Finally, if you are looking for a safe, Halloween activity for your kids this year, Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley will be having our first annual Trunks for Treats Halloween night at the Chimney Hill Shopping Center, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. There will be pony rides, jumping castles, pizza and K... 10/23/2007

Dear readers,Last weekend the Big State Festival was held at the Texas World Speedway, just south of College Station, Texas. With over 50 country and western bands performing, including Willie Nelson, crowds for the three-day event topped 30,000.Besides at one time being the fastest track in the world, the Texas World Speedway was made famous in 1974 by hosting Willie Nelson's Second Annual 4th of July Picnic, which drew up to 50,000 fans. The speedway makes a great fall venue.Remarkable about the festival is the fact that over the course of three days, there were only four complaints and six arrests. Of the arrests, the majority were for public intoxication (surprise),  and marijuana possession (dude). Of the four complaints, three involved theft and one came from the nearest subdivisi... 10/16/2007

I can only say this was an event to attend. With an all star line up. Some of the stars that played at the Big State Event were 50 of the biggest music personalities  many of which are music legends among the all-star line up that played on 5 separate stages were  Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Lynyrd Skynyrd, College Stations own Lyle Lovett, Trace Adkins,Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allen, Los Lonely Boys, Miranda Lambert, Kevin Fowler, Leon Russell, Billy Joe Shaver, and many more music artist.Texas World Speedway, about 5 miles south of College Station, Texas on Highway 6. There    SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE  Petting Zoo Kids Stage ,Music, Food Court, BBQ Showdown, race car driving, RV & Tent Camping. Thousands of people from all over attended.  This was the first yea... 10/14/2007

 Warning: Don't read this if you're hungry.  That is of course if you don't live in Bryan/College Station Texas!  If you do or are seriously contemplating it, then listen up. Today we'll talk chicken.J        Bryan/College Station (BCS) has a wide selection of fantastic diners, restaurants and delis. In a short drive down the main drag Texas Ave. you will have a cornucopia of great food from which to choose such as: On the Border's Fajita Chicken Queso, Mexican fondue with Jack cheese and mesquite-grilled chicken, roasted poblano peppers and sautéed onions served with fresh tortillas; or how about Outback Steakhouse's Queensland Chicken ‘N Shrimp seasoned and grilled, over fettuccine with a parmesan cream sauce; Applebee's Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad Pecan-crusted chicken, mandarin oran... 10/08/2007

6 Golf Courses in B/CS Traditions, Pebble Creek, Bryan Golf Course, Briarcrest Country Club, Miramont Country Club, and Texas A&M Golf Course.  Check back often for listings of Restaurants, Shopping, Entertainment, Transportation and Recreation in the B/CS area as well as The Research Valley which is also knows as The Brazos Valley.  I will have Historical as well as informational data on the area.  If you have any questions or suggestions please don't hesitate to contact me and I will be glad to assist you and your future neighbors.  10/05/2007

If you are wanting to get involved in the Brazos County  community here is a list of organizations that may be of interest to you.Non-Profit OrganizationsARC of Bryan/College StationArts Council of Brazos ValleyBrazos Valley Alzheimer's AssociationBrazos Valley Sports FoundationBrazos Valley Symphony Society and OrchestraBryan Community DevelopmentBryan/College Station Chamber of CommerceChildren's Miracle NetworkChildreNiños Bilingual Education Cowboys With A CauseGeorge Bush Presidential Library & MuseumGreater East Texas Servicing Corp.Hospice Brazos ValleyInternational Association of Business Communicators- Brazos Valley Martin Luther Homes Of Texas, Inc.Pregnancy OutreachSpina Bifida Association of Bryan-College Station St. Joseph FoundationTexas A&M Flying Club Texas A&M Foundatio... 10/05/2007