Susan Hilton College Station Real Estate
Realtor & Vice President of Sales of Bryan College Station Real Estate
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Archive for February, 2011
Saving Energy in Your Bryan College Station Home
February 28th, 2011 Categories: Neighborhoods, News
The average home in Bryan-College Station today consumes twice the amount of power and twice as many electrical outlets as a home in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Weather changes often have a significant impact on the increase in utility costs and regardless of what one may think there are ways to keep those bills steady year round. So….
- Check air conditioning system to make sure it is at the peak operating condition.
- Replace air filters often (at least once a month).
- Keep thermostat no higher than 78 degrees during summer months and 68 degrees during winter months.
- Install a thermostat that automatically adjusts temperature in order to save.
- During the summer be sure to do heat producing tasks (cooking, laundry, dish washing) in the early mornings or late evenings.
- Use microwave over oven if possible.
- Reset water heater between 110 and 120 degrees.
- Keep blinds and shades closed to reduce heat gain in summer and in summer open them to receive direct sunlight and heat.
- In kitchen, bath and laundry areas use exhaust fans. Read the rest of this entry »
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Choosing A Contractor In The Brazos Valley
February 28th, 2011 Categories: Home Improvement & Design
Before you choose a contractor to hire it is important to find out any and all information about their work as a contractor.
- Ask around with friends, family, coworkers etc. who have done similar jobs. If you want more information about a contractor try an internet search for the Home Builder’s Association. This will show you local publications that are connected with what your searching for.
- Find out what contractors passed the BBB test and call them to get bids for the job you are wanting done. Give the same detailed description of the job you are wanting to each contractor so they give the correct prices.
- Compare your bids. The lowest bid is not always the best bid! Some contractors use very poor quality materials so be sure to compare bids item by item.
- Read the contract carefully.
- Anything and everything a contractor says they will do get on paper. Do not rely on verbal promises.
- Get a receipt and make a copy of your check when the job is done.
Remember: Always put everything from the contracts in writing and never fully pay your contractors until all the work is done!
Susan Hilton
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How Has The Brazos Valley Been Affected By What Is Happening Nationwide
February 28th, 2011 Categories: Market Trends
It has been said that in order to help the housing market recover in The Brazos Valley we need at least 2% job growth. For Texas this is not bad because for the first time since May of 2006 we are seeing job growth and it is approaching 2%.
With the high job loss that has been occurring nationwide many believed The Brazos Valley would experience a great deal of loss too, and have an extreme effect on the housing market. Against the odds Bryan/College Station has grown each year even with the national recession.
According to the 2010 US Census, six states exceeded 1,000,000 in population growth. For the population increase for 2000-2010, Texas came in first with a 20.6% increase.
National Issues: Over the last few years the value of homes are heavily increasing and even doubling (especially one the west coast). This problem must turn around or no one will be able to afford a home. Regrettably homeowner’s house payments began to and still are increasing to high to where they could not make their payments. These people could not refinance or sell because they did not have enough equity in their homes and the market was beginning to correct. As a result of this situation there were many foreclosures.
Locally the situation was a bit different. Many people chose to act on the 0% down adjustable rate mortgages. Although many homeowners were able to sell or refinance their homes when loans began to reset because the Brazos Valley was not seeing the dramatic market corrections that other areas experienced.
The number of homes sold in Bryan-College Station in 2010 was down by -7.9% from 2009. The total sales volume in 2010 was also down slightly by -6.7% from 2009. The year of 2010 was a year to adjust. As one can see the results seen from 2009-2010 were not a big dip. The big difference seen was the amount of time a house stayed on the market.
Susan Hilton
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Lawn Mowers and Their Link to Air Pollution In The Brazos Valley
February 28th, 2011 Categories: Home Improvement & Design
Lawn mowers in Bryan-College Station and many other places are used to help keep our yards looking nice but according to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), engines used to maintain lawns and gardens make up 5 percent of U.S. air pollution.
The air pollution released by gasoline powered equipment is extreme. According to the EPA using a gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour produces the same amount of smog-forming hydrocarbons as driving a vehicle almost 200 miles.
Lawn mowers produce carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide, which all supply to the formation of ground-level ozone. It is expected for new rules concerning emissions from small engines to go into effect in the next year or two.
There are solutions to help this problem. Push or reel mowers, which start around $70. Electric and battery-powered mowers are another great alternative. Some electric mowers have cords and others are cordless. Corded mowers usually range from $150-$400. Cordless rechargeable mowers are powered by a removable-chargeable battery and can range from $200-$500.Cordless mowers have expanded in the recent years. Although they are sometimes more expensive it is a great way to go green and keep your neighbors happy with a quite lawn mower!
Susan Hilton
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