Home & Garden Expo

FEBRUARY 14-15, 2015BRAZOS COUNTY EXPO CENTERwww.HomeExpoBCS.com

2 | Feb rua ry 13 , 20 15 HOME & GARDEN EXPO THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE

1901 Greenfield Plaza • Bryan, TX 77802 • Phone: 979.846.3751 • Fax: 979.260.9765 • Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

bcsrealtor.comView oVer 2400 Brazos Valleyproperties at our interactiVe

If you are thinking aboutbuilding, remodeling,redecorating, financial services,want to knowmore about what orhow to plant, water conservation,landscaping, vegetables and rosesor just love to dream, you can’t go

wrong by attending the Bryan-College StationHomeBuildersAssociation’s 36thAnnualHome&Garden Expo.Over 70 exhibitors will be

featuring the latest andmostinnovative products offered onthemarket today, covering allaspects of the home buildingand outdoor design world. Youwill see the trendiest andmostexciting indoor and outdoorproducts this area has to offer.Yes, there will be fun activitiesfor the kids, too! For the kids theHome&Garden Expowill have a

Botanical ArtContest, sombreromaking, petting zoo andinflatables located in the outdoorPavilion behind the ExhibitHall.Fun for everyone!Other popular aspects

of the show are the variousinformational seminars frommany presenters fromour greatcommunity, such as local buildersand theMasterGardeners (tojust name a few industries)throughout the weekend. Anyoneinterested in buying, remodeling,outdoor projects, landscaping orredecorating a home can get allthe information they need underone roof at theHome&GardenExpo this year. Speakers andvendors will also be available toanswer questions.All of this – plus some great

giveaways from a variety of

companies participating in theshow! Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Saturday, Feb. 14 and 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15.Admission is $5 for adults or $3for senior citizens, and childrenunder 12 are FREE. Tickets canbe purchased at the door and aregood for the whole weekend.What a deal!You can find loads of

information on our website, www.HomeExpoBCS.com, andwhileyou are at it, like us on Facebook.TheHome&Garden Expo

is brought to you by the Bryan-College StationHomeBuildersAssociation.TheBryan-CollegeStationHomeBuildersAssociation is a local professionaltrade organization, affiliated withthe TexasAssociation of Buildersand theNational Association

ofHomeBuilders, chartered in1967 to promote and protectthe building industry and itscustomers in BrazosCountyand its contiguous counties.TheBryan-College StationHomeBuilders Association is dedicatedto promote positive andresponsible growth in the homebuilding industry for themutualbenefit of its members and theseven counties it serves.Formore information, or any

questions, contact the Bryan/College StationHomeBuildersAssociation at (979) 696-0272or visit our website at www.bcsbuilders.org.

Randy Ripple, EXPOChairman

COmmERCE NatiONalBaNk

Chairman’smessage

Randy Ripple2015 Home & Garden expo CHairman

THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE HOME & GARDEN EXPO February 13, 2015 | 3

As the president of the BCSHomeBuilders Association, it is my pleasureto welcome you to the 2015Home andGarden Expo. This is the 36th annualshow, andwe feel that it will be one of ourvery best!This year’s showwill be open on

Saturday, February 14 (ValentinesDay– bring your sweetheart) from 9 a.m. to5p.m. and on Sunday February 15th from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets for adults are $5,seniors 65 years plus are $3, and kids under

12 are free. Your ticket is good for entry into the show all days! Checkout our website at www.HomeExpoBCS.com.TheHome andGarden ExpoCommittee has devoted countless

hours to continuously improve the expo. We have been collectinginput fromparticipants for the past several years and have used thedata tomake the expo amore family-friendly event. This year’scommittee ismade up of Randy Ripple, Chairman, JayConner ViceChairman,DawnBowers, Gene Joyce,Hugh Stearns, PamCemino,

Crystal Keim, KellyMilligan, and JoshuaZapalac.Withmore than 70 exhibitors, this is an unprecedented

opportunity for our attendees tomeet and talk with exhibitors fromevery aspect of the housing and garden/landscaping industries. Theexhibitors are available to answer your questions andwe encourageyou to stop by their booth to get information about their products andservices.This year we have activities for the young and not so old. Wewill

have a PettingZoo and the JuniorMasterGardener’s will be having aBotanical ArtContest and sombreromaking for the kids.Want to seesome pretty cars, SterlingAuto will have several on display.Whetheryou are looking to improve the inside or outside of your home,growing your own vegetables or thinking about building a new home,this is the place to be.As we all face increasing utility costs, there is a seminar onmaking

your homemore energy efficient.There are different techniquesto reduce your utility bill and ways to protect your home from thesummer heat and cold wet winters.There will be seminars on the protecting your biggest investment

from the roof top to the ground, a panel discussion with remodelersand homebuilders, trends in flooring, counter tops and lighting,creating a wonderful outdoor living space andwhat you need to knowif you are buying a home or selling your home.The garden seminars will be top notch this year with themajority

presented bymembers of the BrazosCountyMasterGardeners. Someof the topics include the top 20 plants for our region and 10 simpletips for a beautiful yard, high performing vegetables for your garden,plant and habitat ideas for your backyard and rainwater harvesting,

and a special seminar on roses from the owner of theAntique RoseEmporium.TheHome andGarden Expowould not be possible without the

support of our sponsors. I would like to thank Program InsuranceGroup for being our title sponsor this year. Other sponsors this yearinclude our PremiumSponsor: Brazos Valley Floor andDesign,KidsActivity Sponsor: Coufal Prater, Seminar Sponsors: SouthwestHomes and BrazosCountyAbstract.I would like to thank the exhibitors and presenters for participating

in this year’s expo. I am greatly appreciative for each of you that areattending the show. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, stress-freeexperience, for potential and current homeowners to learn about waysto improve their home and their living environment.TheHomeBuilderAssociation’s email address is below and I

encourage you to provide us with your feedback from the show. Weare always looking for ways tomake this an even better experiencefrom year to year. Let’s go enjoy the SHOW!

John magruder, BCSHBa President

maGRUDER HOmES

[email protected] Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association is

a not-for-profit trade association, affiliated with the TexasAssociation of Builders and the National Association ofHome Builders, chartered in 1967 to promote and protect thebuilding industry and its customers in Brazos County andits contiguous counties. Our mission is to cultivate a positivebusiness.

President’smessage

JohnMagRudeRpresident 2015

BCs HBa


Home Expo Seminar Schedule For 2015Saturday Feb 14, 2015

SEMINARS IN THE EASTBALLROOM

10 a.m.Rooftops and teRmitesProtecting your home from pests and weatherare big issues in our environment. This seminarwill teach you about roofing options and termitetreatments.

11 a.m.the essentials ofBuilding a homeThis seminar will guide you through someof the fundamental questions to be answeredwhen deciding to build a new home. Is a semi-custom or fully custom home best for you andyour family? How do you go about selectinga builder? What about financing? And what isthe process from start to finish? This seminarwill provide many answers for you, as well

as provide an opportunity to ask additionalquestions of area builders.

noontips foR a successfulRemodelingAre you considering a remodeling project?If you are, chances are that you have a lot ofquestions. This seminar will address issuesfrom financing and budgets to living throughthe process.Wewill discuss great new resourcesto help move you along. Great tips from thepros.

1 p.m.eneRgy-efficient homesfoR the BRazos ValleyBuilding science has come a long way in the last10 years. Whether you are wanting to make anexisting home more energy efficient or you arelooking to build a new home, you need to know

the fundamentals of what makes a home moreenergy efficient to lower your utility bills.

2 p.m.outdooR designMany studies have shown that being outdoorscreates happiness. Does your home havebeautiful and enjoyable spaces that invite yououtdoors? One of the most enjoyable and leastexpensive ways to expand your living space iswith patios. Learn from the pros what goes intoan excellent patio.

SEMINARS IN THEPAVILION

Presented by Brazos CountyMaster Gardeners

10 a.m.Want to Win “yaRd of themonth?”


B.A .G .S.“CITY SERVICE IN THE COUNTRY”

Rural Garbage Collection - Residential & ContainersBrazos Area Garbage Service

979.822.5826

Home Expo Seminar Schedule For 2015Saturday Feb 14, 2015

Pointers to make that possible will be presented byhorticulture professional, Charla Anthony, a BrazosCounty program assistant with the Texas A&MAgriLife Extension Service. Charla will reveal the20 best and most practical plants for your landscape,plus 10 simple steps to a beautiful yard. Find out howto get the most from your landscape with minimaleffort.

11 a.m.“things With Wings andflights of fancy”Creative plant and habitat ideas that attract butterfliesand hummingbirds to your landscape. Butterflies andother pollinators are crucial to our environment andfuture food supplies.WithMonarch butterfly numbersat an all-time low and other pollinators declining, aswell, you can help. Provide habitats of creative plantsthat attract these winged beauties to your landscape.This will be presented byMolly Harris, past president(2014) of the Brazos County Master Gardeners and a

passionate Master Naturalist.

noonRainWateR haRVesting andWateR conseRVationMuch of the U.S. still remains in drought conditionsand has been in this situation for the past few years.Ascities in the drought areas go on watering restrictionsand other means of water conservation, it begins tobecome clear that more needs to be done to preserveour water supplies. It’s not as difficult as you mightthink. Experts in the field will give you practicalways to get started conserving today.

1 p.m.“Veggie tales, foR theWannaBe gaRdeneR”Every year you plan to plant a vegetable garden,and suddenly the time has passed you by. Get thescoop from David McAden, Brazos County Master

Gardener, along with a list of high performing (buthard to find) varieties for this area. Many of theseplants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplants,melons, plus herbs, ornamentals, natives and treeswill be for sale at the annual Brazos County MasterGardener Plant Sale, March 28. David serves as co-chair of the 2015 sale and a preview list of sale plantswill be available at the presentation.

2 p.m.“toy stoRy, a gaRdeneR’stoolBox”Every gardener needs the right tools, and playingwith them can bring back the joy of new toys. FredRapczyk, Brazos County Master Gardener and localnurseryman, will provide you with a list of musthaves and nice to haves. This presentation will be anoverview from hand tools to power tools that everygardener should know about.


Remodeling?Renovating?Moving?

Donate your furniture,appliances, building supplies

and home décor to theHabitat for Humanity ReStore.

All store proceeds help buildhomes for local families in need.

Call for free pick up forlarge items.

(979) 822-7200

2211 Maloney Ave., Bryanwww.restorebcs.org

SHOP or DONATETues-Sat 11:00-6:00

Home Expo Seminar Schedule For 2015Sunday Feb 15, 2015

SEMINARS IN THE EASTBALLROOM

11 a.m.Buying and selling a homeThe average American family moves every five years.Thatmeans that chances are you are considering buyingor selling a home or that you soon will be. Come learnabout home financing, as well as tips on buying andselling a home from local experts.noonselections – flooRing andlightingTwo of the most important design elements in ahome are flooring and lighting. Come learn from theprofessionals about the many options available intoday’s flooring and lighting selections.1 p.m.selections - counteR tops andBack splashes

Giving your kitchen, bathroom, entertainment room oroffice a facelift has many different options. Lookingat today’s counter top selections and back splashesgives you a glimpse of what is available to help youdetermine what works best for you and your family.

SEMINARS IN THE PAVILIONPresented by Brazos County

Master Gardeners11 a.m.Want to Win “yaRd of themonth?”Horticulture professional Charla Anthony, a BrazosCounty program assistant with the Texas A&MAgriLife Extension Service, will provide pointersfor your landscape to make that possible. Charla willreveal the 20 best and most practical plants for yourlandscape, plus 10 simple steps to a beautiful yard.Find out how to get the most from your landscape withminimal effort.

noonRainWateR haRVesting andWateR conseRVationMuch of the U.S. still remains in drought conditionsand has been in this situation for the past few years. Ascities in the drought areas go on watering restrictionsand other means of water conservation, it begins tobecome clear that more needs to be done to preserveour water supplies. It’s not as difficult as you mightthink. Experts in the field will give you practical waysto get started conserving today.1 p.m.Roses: a paRody of lifeThe beauty of an elegant rose surrounded by evil thornsmimics life for many of us. But Mike Shoup, owner ofthe Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, Texas,is able to debunk the myth, emphasize the joy and easethe pain of growing roses. Mike, author of “Rosesin the Southern Garden,” 2000 and “Empress of theGarden,” 2013, will offer his thoughts and expertise onselecting and growing roses.


Call 979-731-1134 • www.RichmonHomes.com • 161 N. Earl Rudder Freeway, Bryan TX 77802

R i c h m o n H o m e s

Visit us at Both #101 to see all the new and Innovative Home BuildingIdeals we learned at the 2015 NAHB International Builders Show

Certified Pride in Everything We Do!

Richard and Monica Palasota give each customerindividual service with unmatched quality and

professionalism. That’s the way our familes have beendoing business in the local area for over 100 years.

MONICA PALASOTARICHARD PALASOTA

From designing and building your new customdream home to designing and renovating your

existing home to look like new.Best Home Builder2012, 2013, 2014

We’re with you from Concept to Completion

Custom Homes


exhibit hall boothsCompany Product Category Booth#

ACME BRICKCOMPANY BRICK 26& 27

AGGIELANDOVERHEADDOORAND FIREPLACES

GARAGE DOORS& FIREPLACES 16

ALCO SALES-HOMEHARDWARE HOMEHARDWARE 70& 71

ANCHOR FOUNDATIONREPAIR FOUNDATION REPAIR PAV 11&12

ATMOS ENERGY UTILITIY SERVICES 43

AUDIOVIDEO HOME ENTERTAINMENT 78& 79

BARKERSHEATINGANDCOOLING HEATING&AIRCONDITIONING 30& 31

BATTERIES PLUS BATTERIES &MORE 32& 33

BCR - BRAzOSLANDCLASSIC REALTY REAL ESTATE SALES 58

BINGHAMCONSTRUCTION&REMODELING

REMODELING,SOLAR, ENERGY 18

BLACKSTONEHANDCRAFTEDHOMES HOME BUILDER 42

BRANCHBANKING&TRUST BANKING/MORTGAGELENDING 100

BRAzOS VALLEYGROUNDWATERCONSERVATION NON PROFIT LOCAL GOV. 94

BRAzOS VALLEY FLOORANDDESIGN FLOORING/LIGHTING 54& 55

BRAzOS VALLEY LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR PAV 1&2

BRAzOS VALLEY SPRAY FOAM&ROOFING SPRAY FOAM&ROOFING 85

BTU UTILITY SERVICES 36& 37

BUDGET BLINDSOF COLLEGE STA-TION WINDOWTREATMENTS 64& 65

BUILTGREENCUSTOMHOMES CUSTOMHOME BUILDER 75& 76

COLLEGE STATIONUTILITIES UTILITIY SERVICES 92& 93

COMMERCENATIONAL BANK BANKING 61

COUFAL-PRATER EQUIPMENT, LTD. OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT PAV 13 - 18

CUTCOCUTLERY KITCHENUTENSILS 19

D&MFLAGPOLES AND FLAGS FLAGS & FLAG POLES PAV 9

DISCOUNTBEDDING LINENS/BEDDING 45

ECOzAPP PEST CONTROL 90& 91

GIRL SCOUTS YOUTH CLUB 104

KITCHENCRAFT COOKWARE 102& 103

LONE STAR PATIO ANDOUTDOOR LIVING

PATIO/BACKYARDSTRUCTURES 72& 73

LEMONADEDAY BCS YOUTH PROGRAM PAV

MALEK HEATING&AIRCONDITIONING 84

MLAWENGINEERS ENGINEERING SERVICES 56,59,60

MODERNAMENITYHOMES CUSTOMHOME BUILDER 88

MR. ELECTRICOF BRYANCOLLEGE STATION

ELECTRICAL SERVICEAND REPAIR 46

NOVELLADESIGNERHOMES HOME BUILDER 69

NUAREADESIGNS INTERIOR DESIGNWINDOWCOVERING 48

OAKWOODCUSTOMHOMESGROUP.,LTD CUSTOMHOME BUILDER 41

OVERHEADDOORCOMPANYOF SOUTHCENTRAL GARAGE DOORS 99

PREMIER POOLS AND SPAS SWIMMING POOLCONSTRUCTION 74

PRIMARY RESIDENTIALMORTGAGE RESIDENTIALMORTGAGE CO. 81

PROGRAM INSURANCEGROUP INSURANCE (BUSINESS& COMMERCIAL) 52& 53

QUINNWILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION REMODELING/HOMEBUILDING 77

RAINDROPHARVESTINGSOLUTIONS

WATER CONSERVATION/HARVESTING PAV 8

RENEWAL BY ANDERSON WINDOWS&DOORS 44

RICHMONHOMES HOME BUILDER 101

ROCK-CRETE FOAM INSULATION 97

RV STATION MOTORHOMES Outside

SCHULTE ROOFING ROOFING 86& 89

SCOTTS LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE 24& 25

SHARP PROPANE PROPANE&ACCESSORIES 40

SOUTHWESTHOMES HOME BUILDER 80

STEARNSDESIGN-BUILD BUILDER/REMODELER 57

SUNSHINE FUN POOLS POOLS AND SPAS 50& 51

SUNSPACE TEXAS COMPANY SUNROOMS 66

TEXAS PROPANE PROPANE&ACCESSORIES 49

THE EAGLEOF BCS NEWSPAPER 34

THEHOMECENTER BUILDINGMATERIALS 96

TILSONHOMES HOME BUILDER 47

TITAN SECURITY SECURITY SYSTEMS 17

VANGUARD ENHANCEDCONCRETE DECORATIVE CONCRETE 95

VIKING FLOOR FLOORING 63

WCTRACTOR EQUIPMENTDEALER 82& 83

WINDHAMCONSTRUCTION REMODELING 67& 68

STERLINGMOTORS AUTOMOBILES Outside


The Home Expo Show ThisWeekend!

From LIVABLE SHELLTO COMPLETE!

1532 Baker Street, Bryan | 979-822-6055 • fax 779-3991 | txsouthwesthomes.com

Southwest Homes

Voted Best Home Builder…in the Brazos Valley 2 Years Running

• No Down• 100% Financing

•WeWill Work with Your Budget!• Please Compare Our Price, Financing and Quality

Visit Our Booth At

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION

Homeowners chooserenovation projects for a varietyof reasons. Althoughmanyimprovements aremade to increasefunctionality and comfort of ahome, several others are seen asworthwhile investments.Theseinvestments can add up to a higherresale value when the time comesto sell a home.Certain projects have a history

of providing a greater return onhomeowners’ investments thanothers.The following renovationtips can add beauty to your homeand generate great returns whenyou put the home up for sale.Invest in your kitchen.

Kitchen remodels are a safe betwhen it comes to puttingmoneyinto improving a home. Residentstend to spend a great deal of timein the kitchen, but a dated, poorlyfunctioning kitchen can detractfrom the value of a home, evenif the rest of the home is in goodshape. It’s possible to recoupbetween 60 and 120 percent ofyour kitchen remodel investment,

especially if the kitchenmatchesup well with the rest of your home.Homeowners should know thata deluxe renovationmay not benecessary, as relativelymoderateimprovements can create a wholenew look for a kitchen.Look to paint.

One of the least expensiveimprovementmaterials, but onethat has a significant impact, ispaint. Neutral, modern colors caneasily liven up any space. If youpaint with low-VOCpaint, youalso can advertise an eco-friendlyhome, which is very desireablethese days.Put in another bathroom.

Multiple bathrooms are anattractive selling point, particularlyin older homes thatmay not havebeen equippedwithmore thanone bathroom. Finding extraspace for a bathroom can be tricky,but consider closets, areas understairs or even taking some spaceaway from another room. Popularhome-improvement televisionchannelHGTV advises that

half-bathrooms require at least 18square feet of space, while full bathsneed 30 to 35 square feet for astand-up shower or bathtub.Renovate the HVAC system.

Aesthetic improvements aren’tthe only ones that add value toa home.Many home buyers areeager to purchase a home that hasa new heating and cooling system,as buyers understand that furnacesand air conditioning units aresubstantial investments that canlast for years.Other improvements,such as adding attic insulation orreplacing older windows and doorswithmore energy efficient options,also are smart bets.Add illumination to rooms.

Adark home is a dreary home.Adding light canmean includingmore overhead and accent lighting.Under-cabinet task lighting is anice touch. Inclusion of skylightsand sun tubes can bring naturallight into rooms thatmay not havesouth- or west-facing windows.Put a deck addition

outdoors.Outdoor living spaces havebecomemore desireable, especiallyas the “staycation” has grown inpopularity. Decks and patios can

make backyardsmore appealing.The scope of your investment willdepend on the size of the deck anddesign. Doing the work yourselfcan cut the cost of decks in half, butonly if you have the specific tools orexperience to tackle such a project.Improve curb appeal.

Adding attractive landscapingand freshening up the entrywayto a home can add considerablevalue to your home, as buyersjudge homes by their exteriors.Completely renovated interiorsmay never be seen if buyers passup your home because of a lessattractive exterior. Classy, subtlechanges, like well-placed shrubberyand a green lawn, can workwonders. An inviting front doorandwell-lit entryway also add curbappeal to a home.Beforemaking improvements,

homeowners should determine ifa given project will provide a solidreturn on their investment.

Add value to your homewith these renovations

Finding space to installan extra bathroom in a

home can be a worthwhileinvestment.


Earl Rudder Fwy

OldReliance R

d

Boonville Rd

MitchellElementarySchool

MiramontCountry Club

James EarlRudder

High School

SamRayburnMiddleSchool

Bull inger Creek

Dr.

RiverstoneDr.

Briarc

rest

Dr.

AllenAcademy

FM1179

Kroger

Target

Thornberry

Dr.Choose Your Lot.

Choose Your Builder.

Greenbrier residential community is planned for

over 400 homes on 200 acres in a prime location.

Homeowners seeking the comfort of a master

planned subdivision with wooded home sites will

also appreciate the greenbelts, walking/jogging

trails, parks, convenience to shopping and access

to schools, Rudder High, Sam Rayburn Middle

and Mitchell Elementary Schools are all within

cycling distance.

Situated betweenMiramont CountryClub Community and Austin’sColony, Greenbrier is just offFM 1179 atThornberry in Bryan.

Contact Steve Arden, Realtor979-229-7275 or [email protected] more information.

1 2 | Feb rua ry 13 , 20 15 HOME & GARDEN EXPO THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STAT ION EAGLE

When you need your roof repaired or replaced, because of age, wear,leaks, wind damage or hail, you want a qualified roofer who will give

you a fully warranted roof that will last years.

Contact us today to schedule your FREE Evaluation!

www.americaschoiceroofers.com855.569.7663 or 979.776.5292

Let America’s Choice RoofingInstall Your Most Important

Shield Of Protection.

4301 Alexis Ct • College Station, TX 77845

Helps lower attic temperatures to reduce electrical usage. ReportedKW savings of 12% - 18%. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER ROOF. MUST BE

PRESENTED AT TIME OF SALE. OFFER VALID THRU 4.30.15.

BUY 1Solar Powered Attic Fan

GET 1 FREE

Home & Garden Expo 2015 Special Offer!

CONTACT:979.635.4800

[email protected]@reece-homes.comwww.reece-homes.cominfo@reece-homes.comwww.reece-homes.com

Historically, the appreciation rate for real estate is verystrong. Even when the housingmarket declines, long-terminvestors in real estate can rest easy knowing that propertyvalues tend to rebound rather quickly, rewarding patientinvestors in the process.

Looking at real estate as a long-term investment is just oneway approach a potential investment property.The followingare a few additional considerations prospective investorsshould contemplate before buying an investment property.

LOCATIONMany people are familiar with the real estate industry

axiom, “location, location, location!”When buying aninvestment property, location is everything. A great locationshould outweigh your own personal feelings about thehome, especially if you do not intend to live at the property.Youwill likely define a great location for an investmentproperty differently than youwould a property you intendto live in, so don’t let your own desires in a home cloudyour judgement when choosing an investment property.Properties in safe neighborhoods that boast good schoolsand offer easy access to public transportation tend tomakegreat investment properties.

DéCORDécor is another thing to consider when looking for

an investment property. If you don’t plan to reside in the

property, your opinion of the décor should not carrymuchweight.When viewing a property, try to imagine howmuchitmight appeal to prospective tenants.Quirky propertiestypically do not appeal to asmany prospective tenants asproperties whose décor are similar to other homes in thearea.Though youmight find a tenant who prefers propertieswith unique interiors, a property that appeals to asmanyprospective tenants as possible oftenmakes for a betterinvestment and a lot less stress when the time comes to findtenants.

CONDITIONThecondition of the property alsomust be considered

before buying an investment property. Some investors want afixer-upper, while others prefer turnkey properties that won’trequire any elbow grease.The former type of property likelywon’t cost asmuch as a fully renovated property, but thosecost savingsmight be lost when it’s time to renovate. Find aproperty that’s in the type of condition you’re comfortablewith. If you decide to gowith a fixer-upper, learn the cost ofyour potential projects before submitting an offer.

COSTReal estatemakes a great investment, but don’t go

overboard when buying an investment property. Beforemaking an offer on a property, research rents in the areaand the cost of insurance in that particular neighborhood.Youwant a property that essentially pays for itself, somakesure the rent you’re likely to collect is enough to cover yourmonthly costs, including themortgage on the property,insurance and the costs associated withmanaging andmaintaining the property.

Real estate investors often reap great rewards when sellingtheir properties. But it’s still important for potential investorsto consider a host of factors before investing in a property.

What to look for in an

investmentProPerty


Apatch of dead grass on an otherwise lush lawn can bea frustrating eyesore for homeowners.Whether lawn careis your passion or just something you do tomaintain thevalue of your home, dead grass can be exasperating.

But as unsightly as dead grass can be, addressing itand restoring the dead patches can be somewhat simple.Before you can restore grass, however, youmust firstidentify the source of the problem.Grass often diesbecause of urine damage, which is typically characterizedby a dead spot surrounded by otherwise green grass. Grubinfestationmight be at fault when dead grass appears, andsuch an infestation often produces patches of light browngrass that are scattered throughout the lawn. It’s alsopossible that dead grass is a result of human error. If yourlawnwas overfertilized, then patches of gray-green grassmay appear. Fungal disease is another common culpritbehind dead grass, and such disease canmanifest itself indifferent ways.Once you have identified why the grass isdead, which may require the help of a professional, thenyou can begin to treat your lawn.

URINEDAMAGEUrine damage is often limited to a particular area of

the grass where your family pet routinely relieves itself.Once a particular patch of grass has worn down, the petmaymove on to another spot. But if you quickly notice adead spot due to urine damage, you can train the animalto urinate elsewhere, limiting the damage it causes.Whenrepairing the grass, dig a hole that’s roughly four inchesdeep and fill it with fresh soil until it’s level with the soil

surrounding the dead patch.Then you can sprinkle seedon top of the freshly laid soil and water the spot.

INSECTDAMAGEAddressing dead spots caused by insect damage can

be a littlemore complicated, and some homeownersmay prefer to hire a professional. If you want to handlethe problem on your own, apply pesticide to the affectedareas so the insects behind the problem are killed.Oncethe insects are nomore, cut the grass, raking the affectedarea to remove the dead grass and any additional debris.Scatter grass seed over the affected areas and thenapply an appropriate fertilizer andwater immediately.Professionalsmay know just the right fertilizer for yourlawn, so even if you want to go it alone, visit a local lawncare center to ask for advice about addressing yourparticular problem.

FERTILIzERDAMAGEFertilizer damage can also prove difficult to address,

as applying fresh seeds too soon can kill any freshlygrowing seedlings. So grass that has been damaged byoverfertilizationmust first be allowed to fully die.Oncethat has happened, the grass can be cut and any remainingdebris or dead grass can be removed. Seed can then bescattered, and you can even add some additional soilbefore laying down an appropriate amount of fertilizerandwatering the lawn immediately. If you don’t trustyourself to use fertilizer correctly, then hire a professionalto do the job for you.This will cost a littlemore, but youlikely won’t wake up tomore dead patches of grass downthe road.Dead grass can be unsightly and turn an otherwise

lush lawn into a patchy eyesore. But addressing dead grasscan be easy and can quickly restore a lawn to its greengrandeur.

How to repair

dead grass


Let’s make your dream come true!

www.ravenhomes.net Tom Allen 979.229.4382

Residential & Commercial Services • Title InsuranceReal Estate Closings • Escrow

www.ltc-bc.com1450 Copperfield Parkway • CS

979.776.3600

1729 Briarcrest Bryan, Texas 77802

Publisher• Crystal Dupré

Display Advertising Manager • Linda Brinkman979.731.4719 • [email protected]

Special Projects Coordinator • Erika Liesman

Creative Services Manager • Jim Bob McKown979.731.4706 • [email protected]

Special Projects Editor • Shauna Lewis

Lead Artist/ Section Designer • Courtney Lewellen

www.theeagle.com

Member FDIC

LOCAL BANK.LOCAL DECISIONS.

www.banktbt.com

Local bank. Local bankers.

There is a Difference When Banking Local.When it comes to understanding this community, no one comes close to

our experienced team of bankers. If you are looking for a new home loan,

there is a difference when you bank locally. Loan approvals and other key

decisions are made by people who live in our community, have face-to-face

relationships with our customers, and understand our local needs. Dana

and Mark are committed to helping you secure the home loan that best fits

your needs. Call Dana or Mark today!

DANA O. ECKHARTVICE PRESIDENT979.260.5105

[email protected] ID#394255

All loans subject to credit approval and collateral review. Rates, products, and programs subject to change without notice. Payments on loans with variable rates may increase after closing. Originating Organization NMLS ID #495002B/CSEagle/C

opyright©2015.A

llRights

Reserved.2/15

MARK O. LIGHTSEYASSISTANT VICE [email protected] ID#642661

Home & Garden Expo

Documents

Transcript of Home & Garden Expo