Raylene Lewis

I recently sold a subdivision lot that I had purchased back in 2002 and it was time to designate a property for a 1031 exchange. As my husband has always wanted property for "Family Time" aka - so he can go hunting and fishing (just kidding honey) I have been on a land hunt for the last month.

I feel that I am a good Realtor when It comes to Residential Housing, but when it came to Farm and Ranch land, I knew nothing. I tried referring myself to someone else -- someone who specialized in Farm and Ranch land.

But I found 2 problems with that Tactic. 1) Most Farm and Ranch Realtors only sell their own listings because they tend to be far apart from one another and there are too many things to "know" about each listing. 2) I like to be in control.

I have fretted and worried about my land purchase as much as a First Time Home Buyer. I analyzed and re-analyzed land prices and the area, negotiated hard and worried more...What If I paid too Much, What if I missed Something? What If this was the wrong decision for my family? What if they Took the Offer, What if they Didn't?

I have spent the last month learning about different soils, grasses, trees, and landscapes -- what areas in Texas you are likely to find: sandy loam, rock, iron ore, Bahia, coastal, pine, hardwoods and the list goes on and on.

For the first time ever I have a true concept of where Limestone, Freestone, Anderson, Angelina, Walker, Edwards, Austin, Houston. McLennan, Cherokee and Rusk Counties are.

I understand what it means when a re-plant has been done and what land that has been clear-cut looks like. I have a better understanding of what dangers to look for.

I could go on and on, but the point is that searching for land myself has really resulted in me taking my own Farm and Ranch Land 101 class and I feel it has made me into a better Realtor.

And the End Result?! My broker finally said, "Raylene, just Buy it or Don't. You are making yourself crazy." She was right of course. I was my own worst client.

I now have Under Contract 270 acres of a rolling landscape that backs up to a river and is 65% wooded pine with occasional hardwoods, a natural spring fed tank that is full of fish, and land that is full of Deer and Hogs; with bob cats, beaver, and a panther to boot! Was it a good buy? Only time will tell, but my husband and I love it, and as the Buyer, I'd say this was just what I was looking for.

And On a Special Note: I've learned a little more about small town life and how things other places are done a little differently. The Listing agent of the property I purchased was also the Town Mayor, The Fire Chief, the Deacon of his church, and a Realtor. What an Experience!

www.buyincollegestation.com

Well, here it goes, my first attempt at a Me-Me. Thank you to Sondra Meyer for Tagging me!

I am a Realtor, Mother and Wife.

I care about my family, other people and animals.

I think about lots of different things at the same time.

I smell like Flower by Kenzo I hope. :D

I'm scared of roaches and spiders.

I have a home, two wonderful children, a teacup schnauzer and a loving husband.

I fear something will happen to my Sister, Mother, Husband or Kiddos.

I can hardly wait for my family's Disney cruise in Nov.

I just do what I can.

I forget to enjoy every minute of every day.

I want to be a successful Realtor, Mother and Wife.

I wish I had more business right now.

I hate it when people don't work together.

I feel stressed when my office "Under Contract" board is blank.

I don't always make the right decisions.

I can usually be found on my computer or phone.

I miss my little dog Tigger.

I search for what item is next on the to do list.

I always try my best.

I am not pessimistic.

I read in my spare time.

I regret not holding my babies longer when they were little.

I love my family.

I believe in God.

I dance in the rain.

I sing when no one can hear me.

I hear my children playing in the background.

I write to provide information to others.

I listen when people are talking to me.

I lose when it comes to avoiding sweets.

I never watch much TV.

I'm happy going on camping trips and playing outside with my family.

I win at living my life successfully.

I'm tagging Susan Hilton, Chris Horton and C-Tann Starr.

Sondra Meyer's Me-Me http://activerain.com/blogsview/667372/Road-trip-to-Notre

www.buyincollegestation.com

The Brazos Valley Speed Demons, a local soccer team that is part of the Brazos Valley Futbol Club, recently triumphed in their tournament against the Houston teams. The Boys played 2 hours away and the support and enthusiasms that accompanied the team was wonderful and definitely contributed to the win. The Speed Demons played 4 games to clench the tournament; with the first two games played in the pouring rain.

The first game was won 7-1 with the score being 7-0 in the second game and 6-0 in the third. All the players worked really hard and played as a team. When it was time to face the last team for the Championship, the opposing team was very aggressive.

There was a lot of pushing and shoving, and the Speed Demons stepped up to the plate, played very hard, and fought fire with fire against the other team's aggressive play. The championship game was a hard win with the final score being 3 to 2.

Congratulations Speed Demons! We Are All Very Proud of You!!! A Big Thanks to All The Parents for Their Support!!! And a BIG GOOD LUCK to The Speed Demons as they head off for the Labor Day weekend tournament.

www.buyincollegestation.com

Information On Home Buying and Selling

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My family and I were driving around East Texas looking for land this weekend, about an hour outside of College Station, when we passed by the office building of a company that tows cars. My four year old immediately started yelling "Mommy! Mommy, Look! It's Tow Mater!" Tow Mater is a character from the Disney Pixar film "Cars." My husband did a loop around and we pulled over to take these pictures. Pretty creative, I thought, It looks just like him!

Kyler was concerned since Mater would not talk to him, but I told him that he was busy guarding all the cars in the wrecking yard. While we were there, 3 cars pulled up behind us to take pictures too. No matter what you are doing, try to not be so busy getting from one place to another that you miss appreciating the things around you.

I have really enjoyed looking for Ranch land with my family, just because of all the great quality time we have been able to spend together. We are making some great memories and discovering all sorts of fun places, just a stone's throw away from home!

www.buyincollegestation.com

Articles on Home Buying

Articles on Home Selling

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When you are ready to sell your Bryan, College Station home, and it is time to place your property on the market, the goal will be to achieve the best possible sales price and sell your property in the time-frame that best meets your needs. We are often told when meeting other people for the first time, that the first impression is the most important. This same philosophy is true with houses as well.

Nothing is more important than the first impression a Buyer will receive when they take their first look at a home. As a Seller, there are two opportunities to provide a buyer with a first impression. The first opportunity is when the Buyer views photos are advertising the home on the Internet. The second is when the Buyer sees home for the first time.

There are several things you can do make sure your property will provide Buyers with a successful first impression. It is a good idea to start with the exterior front of the home. After all, that is the very first thing every prospective buyer will see. Below is a check list to help you get the exterior of your home ready to be placed on the market.

• If you have a Sprinkler System, check to make sure all heads are working properly and the entire yard is being watered.
• Make sure the Landscaping is in good condition: mow and edge the yard, weed flower beds and add fresh flowers and mulch as necessary, remove all dead tree branches and shrubbery, and be sure to hide all outdoor toys and lawn equipment.
• Check the Fence and be sure to replace all rotting boards, and paint or stain it if necessary.
• Look at the Driveway. Check for oily or greasy spots and try not to have vehicles parked in the driveway while the home is being shown.
• Inspect the Garage Doors and make sure they are in good working order. Also make sure the doors do not need to be painted or stained.
• Take a good look at the Roof from the front yard. Make sure all eaves and gutters are clear of leaves. If you see any loose or missing shingles have them replaced. If the roof is stained with mildew, you might want to consider having it professionally cleaned.
• Review the Exterior Trim, Gables, Soffit, Fascia, and Mailbox to see if any painting needs to be done.
• Most importantly, look at the Front Entrance of the home. Make sure the front door is clean and painted or stained if necessary. Check to insure the doorbell and all outside lights are operating properly.

Happy Selling!

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