Gameday Center Plans Put on Hold

Gameday Center was to be a luxury home away from home for alumni and fans battling the hotel crunch here in Bryan/College Station.

The multi-level building was to have many units, all fairly small, but within easy walking distance of football games, baseball games, soccer games and the traditions that hold us all together, such as graduation, elephant walk, First Yell and a host of other beautiful get togethers.

Early interest was high, but fell after alumni realized that lesser expensive options were available.

If you've found yourself in that Gameday crunch talk to me about alternatives for your Aggieland stays.

Recently I sold a condo to a young attorney from Houston who had initially went with Gameday. We were able to find a 2 bedroom/1 bath with over 1000 square feet and within walking distance of the University for a mere 62K, thousands less than she was looking at for Gameday. Sure the property isn't quite as luxurious, but it's cute and clean and inexpensive. The HOA fees are only $70 a month and cover lawn and exterior maintenace.

Other options that way include four plexes and apartments that could be revamped and make excellent rental properties.

Don't think that your second home in Aggieland has to break the bank...there are other solutions!

Aggieland First Time Buyers Make 2007 Your Year!

Real estate for me is more like a calling rather than just a profession. The pleasure I get by handing first time buyers their keys is one of the biggest thrills of my life. I've had the pleasure this year of working with three families, who, through different circumstances never grew up in a home of their own. Either it was apartment living, mobile homes, or relatives homes that their families stayed in. There is no satisfaction greater than finding these people, and working with them to help their dreams become a reality.

First time homebuyers are often nervous or afraid of rejection when it comes to buying a home. Nervous because they might make a mistake and afraid of rejection because they are concerned no lender would want to touch them. I've had people with perfect credit walk into my office worried that they would never get approved for a loan.

The way to calm your nerves about making a mistake is simple. Choose a Realtor that you believe will work hard for you, not just the commission that the seller pays. Find one that will go out of their way to educate you about the process and negotiate hard for you. Go ahead and interview agents. Many years ago when I got into real estate a very wise person told me that you don't make money when you sell a home, but rather, when you buy it. This is how I would want your agent to negotiate for you, as if every penny counts.

The way to calm your fear of rejection on credit issues is to talk to your Realtor or financing source. I have a team of people that can help. Anything from credit cleansing to advising you how long to wait to avoid negative items on your credit and some unique programs that can lower the interest rate. Don't worry about no money down or any issues. Talk to a good financing source or a Realtor first and let them tell you what can be done. Saving for the perfect downpayment can set you back. If you save $2000 a year, but the average home price is rising 3% per year and you look at a $150K home, the next year that same house is worth $154,500 and you've saved $2000 towards the down payment. At that rate you can't afford to save.

Make 2007 the year you get into a house of your own!!!!