Cindy Seaton

BRYAN, TX — Interested in buying a home in the Brazos Valley? Open House

2306 Yosemite Dr

weekend officially kicks of the spring selling season. Annually, sales and purchases pick up this time of year. So here’s your chance at a sneak preview from 1-4p on this coming Sunday.

The Eagle newspaper will insert a HUGE advertisement for Century 21, Beal showing all the open homes with a handy map. Before you head out your front door and into ours, here’s a few pointers:

1. Know what you can afford. Check out a lender Thursday or Friday to see what you are qualified for. None of this “I think I can…” We want responsible consumers to make fiscally sound decisions. I can recommend a lender in our area if you need a suggestion.

2. Take those stars out of your eyes. Sure it’s fun to day dream of your perfect abode. But when you come back down to earth, re-read step number one.

3. There are only 3 hours to get from house to house. That means you can probably see 6 homes total, maybe 8 if a few are in the same neighborhood. So wake up early, read your morning paper before you go to church, and plan a route.

4. If you know of anyone shopping for a home under $110k, send ‘em my direction. I have an immaculate home that will be open in north Bryan — 2306 Yosemite!

Brave the weather, drive safely, and y’all come see some Open Houses!

Happy Easter!

Cindy Seaton, REALTOR

HOUSTON — The Houston Chronicle reported this morning that the median price

Homes sales

per square foot for homes sold in PARTS of the Houston area actually dropped in 2008. Increases were seen in parts of The Woodlands, the Inner Loop, Memorial and southwest Houston outside the 610 Loop.

Not the end of the world, just a minor adjustment with the economy. This study was conducted by Crawford Realty Advisors’ Evert Crawford, in conjunction with the University of Houston’s Institute for Regional Forecasting. There is a great presentation of the facts behind this research at The Houston Chronicle.

Just another proof of our regional economy holding up well in the decline of our national economy…

Happy Easter,

Cindy Seaton, REALTOR

BRYAN, TX — Older homes with eclectic features and vintage bathrooms set the Country Club Estates apart. Located off of Villa Maria and Old College Avenue, homes in Zone B01 were built in the 1940s and 50s. The solid wood floors, gigantic windows, and large lots with mature trees give this neighborhood character.

With a two-mile commute to A&M University, you could drive home in less than seven minutes. The central location offers home owners convenient grocery shopping to H.E.B. or downtown Bryan for entertainment. Click here for a detailed list of stores and restaurants in the area.

If you’re not home schooling the children, St. Michael’s Academy is a few blocks away. This is the best private school in the Brazos Valley. A strong classical education fortifies students in a well-rounded liberal arts college preparation.

Some might argue that older homes have their peculiarities - strange plumbing, drafty windows, eccentric neighbors…But I say it puts the spice in life. Tell us your experiences with an older home - leave comments below. For curiosities about this community or others in the region, call me for the skinny.

Kind regards,

Cindy Seaton

BTW — Raylene Lewis just so happens to have a house on the market in Country Club Estates at 305 Tee Drive, Bryan 77801.

February 19th, 2009 categories: Community Events

COLLEGE STATION, TX — The Community Chamber Concerts presents a second free concert this month, Thursday February 26th at 7p in Rudder Theatre on the campus of A&M University.

International artists who visit our area through this program usually go on to Houston or Austin and perform in large venues that charge $30-$50 for admission. But our Friends of the Chamber Music secure performances by donations through a support group and national grants.

This is an awesome opportunity to experience audio art in an informal, non-intimidating, and FREE atmosphere. For introducing children to the arts, I cannot think of a better platform. There is no pressure to remain the entire concert if the bambinos are restless. In many cases, like the past Friday the 13th, performing artists hold a master class with young musicians, teaching and guiding our local youth to better techniques.

Make a point of visiting the Friends of Chamber Music’s beautiful website - definite eye candy. Bill Kerr, chamber board member, hosts the site as a friendly volunteer and does a fabulous job.

Supporting the arts,

Cindy Seaton, REALTOR

February 15th, 2009 categories: Commercial real estate, Investment Property, Land & Rural, Market Trends

BRYAN, TX — So your property value drops in a shrinking economy. What can

you do? Make sure that your tax value is decreasing, as well. Brazos County mails out estimates for the year 2009 in June. That’s four months away, you exclaim. Yes, plenty of time to investigate your property’s current market value and to prepare your tax appeal, I say.

Your case for a request to lower the property’s value is not simply based on your feelings about higher taxes. You’ve heard Benjamin Franklin say it - in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes. So don’t be shocked to find yourself in a recession and asked to pay higher property taxes this year.

There are several options when appealing your tax value. One is to hire representation. You could pay a licensed property tax consultant to analyze the tax records, perform an appraisal of your property, and represent you before the county appraisal district review board.

Another option is for you to do the research yourself and represent yourself at the hearing. As a property owner, you will still need an appraisal from an expert to enter evidence in your hearing. Kelly Seaton with Verdad Valuation Services

can provide you with that appraisal.

You may view your county tax information at the appraisal district, 1673 Briarcrest Drive. Request to see your complete record. Note the comparable properties on the record card. See why the tax district thinks your property is worth more.

When you file for your appeal, pay attention to the deadlines and remember to show up for your hearing! Take all of your documentation from the appraisal and your notes. You may want to practice your testimony ahead of the scheduled hearing. The burden of proof is on the property owner - you have to give facts as to why your property is not worth the assessed amount. Facts, not feelings.

If at any point in the process you have questions call your REALTOR for advice and information. Hopefully a bit of research and persistence will decrease your property tax value and possibly your monthly mortgage.

Kind regards,

Cindy Seaton, REALTOR

P.S. Some lenders may only credit your tax escrow for future increases(reserves the bank holds to pay your annual tax bill) and keep your monthly payments the same. Reserve the celebration until you know all the deets from your mortgage company.