April 2015

The 2015 Texas Remodel Valuation Report was just released and for the second year in a row, functional remodeling projects were more profitable than upscale remodels and additions.

According to the report, the most profitable remodeling projects were those that increased a home’s curb appeal.  The top five projects in most markets were:

1. Steel Entry Door Replacement

2. Garage Door Replacement

3. Stone Veneer Accents

4. Window Replacements

5. Roofing Replacements

Other profitable projects included basement remodels, wooden deck additions and Backup Power Generators.

The least profitable according to the report were:

1. Upscale Projects

2. Sunroom Additions

3. Home Office Remodels

As we enter headstrong into the second quarter of 2015, let me use some of PhD statistical experience and expound on the current housing situation as recorded nationally - Existing-home sales jumped in March to their highest annual rate in 18 months! According to the National Association of Realtors, “Sales have increased year-over-year for six consecutive months and are now 10.4 percent above a year ago; moreover, March's sales increase was the largest monthly increase since December 2010 (6.2%).” This sales growth is most likely due to buyer confidence and low interest rates (NAR, April 22, 2015).

So how does the national housing trend compare with the Brazos Valley Real Estate Market?

From February 2015 to March 2015, the number of real estate

In the market for a new home?  Or just curious of the up and coming neighborhoods in College Station?  These five neighborhoods are on the Hot List for College Station living!  Take a look as to what each of these communities have to offer, that are making them the most sought-after in the area. 

 
Photo Source: Castlegate II Aquatic Center

Castlegate II 

Located in the heart of South College Station, Castlegate II consists of 202 acres and has over 640 homes. Homeowners seeking uniqueness, quality, and value will find the perfect lot in this neighborhood. Residents enjoy luxurious amenities such as a resort style pool and outdoor fitness park with jogging trails.  Outdoor kitchens and cabanas, parks, green belts, and a beautiful lake stocked for

Pristine two-story custom Magruder home located on a 1.34 acre corner lot in the much desired Indian Lakes subdivision. This 4 bed 4.5 bath home has hand scraped hard wood floors throughout living, formal dining and walk ways. This amazing property is the builder's personal home, so from the layout to cabinetry, to the upgrades and fixtures no expense was spared. The kitchen also features high vaulted ceilings, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, double oven, huge walk-in pantry, island, two sinks and much more. Also amazing finishes like bull nose corners, ceramic title floors, tankless water heaters, crown molding throughout, arch ways, french doors, pop ceilings, and much more.

For sell by owner is a popular way to go.  "Properties are selling like hotcakes", as Terrence Murphy would say.  With properties selling in a few days with multiple offers in some cases, who needs to pay a possible 6% commission to a Realtor?  If you feel confident you can get the job done and sell your property yourself, STOP, and ask yourself these few questions:

• Do you have the extra time between working and family activities to sell your property?
• Can you get the price right?
• Can you market your property on several platforms in a timely manner with an eye catching marketing scheme?
• How will you market to a mass of buyers without access to the MLS?
• Are you ready to work with a buyer's agent?

TIME

Your time is valuable.

Aggieland awaits the arrival of the new premier urban mixed-use development, Century Square.  Stationed across University Drive from the Texas A&M University campus, and walking distance from Northgate District, it will have an ideal location to accommodate the entire community.

Over 200,000 sq.ft. will be dedicated to retail, office space, restaurant and entertainment space, as well as two hotels, an apartment complex, and parking garage.

Midway Construction, a Houston-based real estate investment and development firm, stated Century Square recieved it’s name from Texas A&M being founded 100 years after our nation won it’s independence.  Midway’s goal for the project was to create a venue that people would drive from out of town for, and looks

This immaculate, one-of-a-kind Kirby Fleming customed designed home has an extremely versatile floor plan will be a great family home or fabulous for entertaining on the weekends.  Magnificent cook's kitchen, formal dining, butler's pantry, bright open concept living area, three fireplaces, and a three car garage.  The outdoor living space tops 780 square feet and boasts a built-in barbecue and a sparkling pool with spa.  Located in the prestigious gated community, University Preserve, which is within walking distance to highly acclaimed College Hills Elementary, and biking distance to Texas A&M University.

This custom home will not last long in this market!

Here’s why you should hire a buyer’s agent to help.

Get the inside track.
Houses are selling quickly – by the time you see a house on a real estate website, it could have already had numerous showings and could possibly be under contract. A buyer’s agent can set you up to receive new listings that meet your criteria the minute they hit the market.

In addition, real estate offices with numerous agents will share information in-house about upcoming listings and buyers’ agents in those offices will often have an opportunity to show these homes to their buyers before they hit the market.

Negotiate Better.
Multiple offer situations are starting to be the norm in the current market. Due to low inventory and high demand, most sellers are receiving

Many people are choosing to purchase investment properties in Bryan/College Station due to the economic growth that the area is currently experiencing and the security of rental rates that 55,000 Aggies provide landlords. Rental investments can be financially rewarding and a great business plan for many individuals. Paying attention to the following points can help secure that the purchase and leasing process is stress free for the investor and that the rental property will not sit vacant, but will always have tenants at the highest rent rate of the current market.

• First, investors should choose their Realtor wisely. Real estate investors should be certain that their agent not only understands the sales market of the area but also has adequate

Montgomery, Texas, welcomes Bluejack National, a world-class private golf course club and community, designed by Tiger Woods Design.  This development will be the first 18-hole championship golf course in the U.S. that will be designed by Tiger Woods and his team.

Tiger's goal was to utilize his experience playing on international courses to provide an unmatched experience for all golfers.  He aims for his design to challenge experienced players, yet be fair and playable for the less experienced. 

The Bluejack National Clubhouse plans include amenities such as a restaurant, coffee house, resort-style swimming pool, children’s playground, spa and fitness center, tennis courts, fruit orchards, and gardens.  It will also feature amenities to