Joey Condon
Realtor®
Read my blog below
Buying Real Estate Category
2010 Lights on in Downtown Bryan
December 1st, 2010 Categories: Buying Real Estate, Kids, Family & Personal Stuff
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas especially in Downtown Bryan! My family and I went to the annual “Lights on in Downtown Bryan” where all the lights in the entire downtown area were lit simultaneously!
There were many different musical groups and choir performances, a visit by Kaboom, and a countdown to the big flip of the switch! Many businesses were serving hot chocolate and the businesses in downtown were decorated for the season! It is so nice to live in and sell homes in a community that still holds old fashion celebrations like “Lights on”! There will be a wonderful First Friday’s this Friday complete with carriage rides, musical entertainment, and other special events!
For more information on real estate and other activities in the Bryan/College Station give Farrah a call at 979-229-0919!
Farrah B Spears
979-229-0919
| Discussion: No Comments »
Forest Ridge College Station Super Principal
November 17th, 2010 Categories: Buying Real Estate, Kids, Family & Personal Stuff
Last night I was privileged to attend a PTO fundraiser at Barnes and Noble Book Store for Forest Ridge Elementary where my daughter attends school! It was a wonderful fundraiser for our school with Barnes and Noble donating a portion of the night’s sales to Forest Ridge.
There were activities for the children and we enjoyed story time with our principal, Terresa Katt, who read a story about a llama. College Station ISD is so fortunate to have principals and teachers who will take time out of their very busy lives to spend time with our children and help raise money for our wonderful schools!
Mrs. Katt is known all around our community as being one of the most giving and caring principals around. She puts her students first and will do anything for them. Whether it is reading to the students at a fundraiser, judging a pie contest at our fall festival, or kissing a pig(which she will do Friday), Mrs. Katt is always ready to do anything for the wonderful students of Forest Ridge and College Station ISD! Stay tuned for my next entry and video of the kissing of the pig on Friday!!
Thank you Mrs. Katt and Barnes and Noble for a wonderful evening for the Forest Ridge students!
For all your real estate needs, call Farrah Spears at 979-229-0919
| Discussion: No Comments »
Pro-Max Foundation Repair in Bryan College Station
November 1st, 2010 Categories: Buying Real Estate
The founder of Brazos Valley Solutions LLC, Walter (Walt) Childers is highly 
educated in the construction industry and currently holds a license as a Professional Inspector by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Walt has inspected over 9,500 foundations and has 35 years general construction experience Read the rest of this entry »
| Discussion: No Comments »
Home Warranty – Do I Really Need One?
October 23rd, 2010 Categories: Buying Real Estate
Do you really need a home warranty? OK it isn’t really a home warranty. It is a Home Protection Plan. They can’t call it a warranty because they aren’t really giving a warranty on everything – they are just helping with some things… Legal Issues require strange wording. I have a warranty on my car and insurance too…
But, do you need to purchase a Home Protection Plan for your home when you purchase? Is it really worth Read the rest of this entry »
| Discussion: No Comments »
Walking into the World of Short Sales & Foreclosures of Bryan College Station Alone?
October 17th, 2010 Categories: Buying Real Estate
Don’t be like this woman in Coronado walking into the unknown world of Short Sales & Foreclosures all alone. If you are behind on your house payments in Bryan College Station call me and let me help!
Read the rest of this entry »
| Discussion: No Comments »
2010 Holidays October – Which Ones Will You Celebrate?
October 8th, 2010 Categories: Buying Real Estate
How many 2010 holidays can there really be? Have you ever wanted to take a day off and didn’t know what to use as an excuse? NOW YOU KNOW!!! Each month on the first of the month I’ll post the “Holidays/Excuses” for the month. So… Happy _________ Day!
October
Oct 1- Lee’s National Denim Day
Oct 2- World Card Making Day
Oct 3- Alternative Fuel Day
Oct 4- Improve Your Office Day
Oct 5- World Teachers Day Read the rest of this entry »
| Discussion: No Comments »
How scary is a Real Estate Contract?
June 14th, 2010 Categories: 1, Buying Real Estate, Real Estate Contracts
Real Estate contracts are full of legal terms that can be difficult to understand. Be sure to ask before you sign – any misunderstanding may be costly to you in the future.
I am here to help you with any real estate question you may have. Here are a few definitions that I think may be helpful when thinking about buying a home.
-
Adjustable-rate Mortgage (ARM) – A mortgage that does not have a fixed interest rate. Based on market conditions, the rate can increase or decrease, affecting your payment.
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) – This fee protects the lender against a loss if a borrower defaults on the loan and is added to the monthly mortgage payment. PMI is usually required if the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. VA, FHA, VA Guarenteed loans fall into this catagory. Payments can be reduced sometimes by over $200 a month if you are able to put 20% down.
- Fixed-rate Loans – A mortgage that has a fixed interest rate throughout the life of the loan. Repayment terms are generally 15, 20, or 30 years. Payments stay the same unless refinancing is done.
- Escrow – Monies or documents held by a neutral third party before closing on a property. It can also be an account held by the lender, usually set up to pay for taxes and insurance on their investment.
- Loan Origination Fee – A fee charged be the lender for processing a loan. All lenders charge different amounts so it is always best to shop around, they will compete for your business.
- Points – These fees are paid to the lender for the loan, usually in relation to the interest rate. One point is equal to 1% of the principal amount of a mortgage loan. You can “buy down” your interest rate to lower your monthly payment.
- Lock-in - A written agreement setting a specific interest rate on a home loan. The lock-in is typically good for a specific time, usually 60 to 90 days.
- Offer – When one person proposes a contract to another; if the other person accepts the offer, a binding contract is formed.
When buying a house in College Station you always need to make sure you are making the right decision when filling out a contract or offer on a house. Buyer’s remorse is not something you want, I can make sure that doesn’t happen.
Call me with all your Real Estate Contract Questions!
Joey Condon, Realtor
Rock Solid Real Estate!
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
First Impressions count when selling a house in Bryan/College Station!
September 29th, 2009 Categories: 1, Buying Real Estate, Home Improvement & Design
Everyone knows that “first impressions count” when meeting new people, when interviewing for a job, really for doing just about anything!! Selling your house also falls into that cliche. The market has spawned a buyer that has the opportunity to be very picky and they are unforgiving! To be able to stand out from all the rest, sellers are being forced to pay closer attention to detail and make sure their I’s are dotted and their T’s are crossed.
What should sellers do to give that first impression that will hold buyer’s attention long enough for them to see the true value of their home?
- Touch up paint on windows, trim and doors is a must do project
- Clean the windows inside and out
- Clean masonry & porches
- Use landscape lights on side walks and driveways
- Keep gutters and downspouts in good condition and cleaned out. Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation
- Use seasonal flags and plants for decoration
- Keep grass mowed and edging trimmed
- Cut overhanging branches away from the house, this helps with inspections also
When selling your home in Bryan/College Station, Tx. make sure you pay close attention to details. Even the smallest oversight can turn that buyer around and lead them out the door to another house. Hire a professional, like the agents at Century 21 Beal, Inc. to provide you with the advice to maximize your chances of selling your home. The Bryan real estate market and the College Station real estate market has changed with most other markets, and sellers need to reevaluate their strategy for selling. The first time home buyer is very frugal and wants a good deal when purchasing real estate. You can’t blame him – I am looking for a good deal too!
Joey Condon – Rock Solid Real Estate
| Discussion: 7 Comments »
College Station Water – Where Does It Come From?
July 3rd, 2009 Categories: Buying Real Estate
Do you ever wonder where the College Station water you drink comes from? 
College Station’s water is ground water from deep wells in Simsboro Sand about 3,000 feet down. The water is pumped from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.
Is the water hot or cold when it comes up? Would you believe that the temperature for the water is 118 degrees Fahrenheit? The cooling towers at the Sandy Point Pump Station help reduce the temperature down to 85 degrees.
From the Sandy Point Pump Station the water travels about 13 miles to the Dowling Road Pump Station. At this Pump Station chlorine is added to disinfect and have fluoride added. The storage tanks at Dowling Road hold about 8 million Read the rest of this entry »
| Discussion: No Comments »
Hear About Any College Station Home on Your Phone NOW!!!
June 26th, 2009 Categories: Buying Real Estate
Inquiring Minds Want to Know…
Have you ever been driving around a Bryan or College Station neighborhood and wanted to know how much a house is selling for but you didn’t want to “bother” the agent or they weren’t there when you called?
WE HAVE THE ANSWER!!!
Call 979-764-2121 and enter the street number and you can HEAR information about that house. ANY PHONE – ANY TIME!
If a Bryan College Station home is available for sale in the MLS YOU CAN HEAR IT! It doesn’t matter if Century 21 has it listed for sale or Coldwell Banker or Remax or ANYONE!
Questions? Ideas?
Call me!
Susan Hilton
979-764-2100
| Discussion: No Comments »
