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OCTOBER 20TH & 21ST SATURDAY 10AM-5PM • SUNDAY 12PM-5PM

Cover photo: FlagShip Custom Homes

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OFFICIAL

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www.gbvbuilders.org

LOOKING FOR A HOME LOAN? Contents You have questions? 3 6 9 11 12-13 14

We have answers!

Greetings from the GBVBA Before you move in: The new home walk-through Questions to ask when looking for the right builder Index of Homes Map of Homes Taking the guesswork out of financing your first home Display Advertising Manager Linda R. Brinkman Special Sections, Projects & Events Coordinator Kristi Lester

Publisher Crystal Dupré

Content Administrator/Designer Kelli Weber

CALL US NOW AT 979-260-2100.

Melanie N. Motley Vice President NMLS#510014

Melissa J. Keeling

Local bank. Local bankers.

NMLS#1671843

Originating Organization NMLS ID# 495002

Assistant Vice President

All loans subject to credit approval and collateral review. Rates, products, programs, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Underwriting terms and conditions apply. Some restrictions apply. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.

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Member FDIC

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Greetings from the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association BY DAVID DEUTSCH Chairman, Parade of Homes™ Committee, Southern Creek Homes Welcome once again to the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association 2018 Fall Parade of Homes ™. On behalf of all the members, I want to cordially invite you to attend our incredible two-day event to be held October 20th and 21st. Last year we had our largest Fall Parade ever and are excited about this year’s event. The success of our Parade of Homes ™ would not be possible without the support of the countless individuals who return each year

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to experience this spectacular event. This year we are proud to showcase 37 of the finest homes built by 23 very talented builders and numerous subcontractors, designers and architects. This great event showcases the finest work from the Brazos Valley’s best. Come and see the latest trends in new construction and interact with our local home builders. It is not to be missed. We are pleased to be bringing back our Parade of Homes ™ mobile

app called Parade Craze. This app can be viewed on your mobile device and will help guide and direct you to all the participating homes in the Parade. It will include photos, builder profiles and a section for comments. We are also adding to the app this year an opportunity for you to select your favorite features of each home. Look for the QR code to download the app in the October issue of Insite Magazine Parade of Homes™ Guide, the Oct. 19th edition of The Eagle, or The Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association website. Included on

Parade of Homes™

our association website gbvba.org is the same information you will find on the mobile app. The members of this association represent the best in the building industry. They understand that together we provide homes, not just houses, and serve an important role in our community. On behalf of the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association Parade of Homes™ Committee members, we would like to thank you in advance for taking time to visit each of the homes and personally meet our builders. We look forward to seeing you this year at The Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association 2018 Fall Parade of Homes ™.

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DID YOU

KnoW? Metro Creative Connection Outdoor remodels and landscaping projects can add valuable curb appeal to homes. The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Landscape Professionals agree that certain projects offer significant returns when selling a home. The NAR says these are the 10 most appealing outdoor features to buyers.

n n n n n n n n n n

Standard lawn care Overall landscape upgrade New patio New wood deck Softscaping Sod lawn Seed lawn Outdoor firepit Outdoor fireplace New pool

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR HOME HOUSING REHABILITATION

A no interest loan of up to $50,000 may be available to eligible owner-occupied homes in need of major home renovations. Up to $25,000 of the assistance may also be forgivable.

DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

This program oﬀers shared equity gap ﬁnancing of up to 30% of the sales price of a home in College Station for income-eligible households through a 0% interest, deferred loan.

RECONSTRUCTION

A no interest reconstruction loan of up to $150,000 may be available to eligible owner-occupied homes in substandard condition. Up to $40,000 of the assistance may also be forgivable.

MINOR REPAIR RE

A grant of up to $7,500 may be available for eligible owner-occupied homes in need of minor but necessary repairs.

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Before you move in: The new home walk-through Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association Before you go to settlement on your purchase of a newly constructed home, you and your builder will do a walk-through to conduct a final inspection. This walk-through provides an opportunity to spot items which may need to be corrected or adjusted, learn about the way your new home works and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Often, a builder will use the walkthrough to educate buyers about:

n The operation of the house’s components. n The buyer’s responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep. n Warranty coverage and procedures. n The larger community in which the home is located.

Operation of Home Components

receive a stack of instruction booklets all at once. It helps if someone takes the time to show you how to operate all of the kitchen appliances, heating and cooling systems, water heater and other features. Such an orientation is particularly useful because people often are so busy during a move that they have trouble finding time to carefully read instruction booklets.

When you buy a new appliance or piece of equipment, such as a printer Maintenance or a washing machine, you usually Responsibilities have to read the instructions before Part of your walk-through will you understand how to use all of the be learning about maintenance features. With a new house, you will and upkeep responsibilities. Most

new homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. However, such warranties do not cover problems that develop because of failure to perform required maintenance. Many builders provide a booklet explaining common upkeep responsibilities of new home owners and how to perform them. Should a warranted problem arise after you move in, the builder is likely to have a set of warranty service procedures to follow. Except in emergencies, requests for service should be in writing. This helps to ensure that everyone clearly

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Builder Visits During the Year Many builders schedule two visits during the first year — one near the beginning and the other near the end — to make necessary adjustments and to perform work of a non-emergency nature. Don’t expect a builder to rush out immediately for a problem such as a nail pop in your drywall. Such problems occur because of the natural settling of the house and are best addressed in one visit near the end of the first year.

Your Inspection Checklist Create a checklist when inspecting the house. The list should include everything that needs attention, and you and your builder should agree to a timetable for repairs. Builders prefer to remedy problems before you move in because it is easier to work in an empty house. Some items may have to be corrected after move-in. For

instance, if your walk-through is in the winter, your builder may have to delay landscaping adjustments until spring. It is important that you be thorough and observant during the walk-through. Examine all surfaces of counters, fixtures, floors and walls for possible damage carefully. Sometimes disputes arise because a buyer may discover a gouge in a counter top after move-in, and there is no way to prove whether it was caused by the builder’s workers or the buyer’s movers. Many builders ask their buyers to sign a form at the walk-through stating that all surfaces have been inspected and that there is no damage other than what has been noted on the walkthrough checklist. Ask a lot of questions during the walk-through and take notes on the answers. Don’t worry about asking too many questions. That is how you learn. It is important to view the walk-through as a positive learning experience that will enhance the enjoyment of your new home.

Metro Creative Connection

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DID YOU

KnoW?

Metro Creative Connection

According to Energy Star, the U.S. Department of Energy and Consumer Reports, homeowners who want to curb their energy consumption can consider upgrading, repairing or replacing the biggest energy consumers in their homes. The following appliances tend to consume the most energy in a typical home. n Heating & cooling unit: Nearly half of all energy used in a home is consumed by HVAC systems. Regularly inspecting and servicing the system can conserve energy and save money.

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n Water heater: Energy Star suggests replacing water heaters that are more than 10 years old. Also, washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy consumption. n Kitchen/laundry appliances: Trade in old appliances for new models, which are more energyefficient. For example, an Energy Star-rated refrigerator uses 50 percent less energy to run than a refrigerator manufactured 15 years ago. Innovations in laundry appliances also help make units more efficient without compromising on performance.

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Questions to ask when looking for the right builder Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association Though builders might generally use similar tools and materials when building homes, not all are alike when it comes to things like technique, training and customer service. Finding the right builder whose business approach aligns well with your personal preferences is essential to a pleasant home-building experience. The builder will be asking you plenty of questions during your initial meeting to discuss the home you envision. But the questions you ask the builder are equally important to determine if it’s going to be a positive partnership. Consider asking the builder about the following:

regarding budget and timing. Don’t forget the most telling question of them all: If they could do it all over, would they hire that builder again?

Work Experience

You will want to find a builder with extensive experience building homes similar to the one you want. Ask to see examples of floor plans and designs they’ve Communication Style done before to ensure their company can deliver what Many builders will do their best to accommodate you need. your communication preferences. But it’s always best to establish expectations as early as possible. The frequency (weekly, monthly, as-needed, etc.) and References Any high-quality builder should be ready to provide method (phone, text, email) of how you communicate you with several names and phone numbers of satisfied early on with each other is something that will set the customers. If they can’t, consider that a red flag and tone throughout the whole building process. For more information about how to find the right walk away. When reaching out to those former clients, ask about how well the builder followed through on the builder to create your dream home, visit our online initial plans, and if the builder met their expectations directory at www.gbvbuilders.org.

T H E B RYA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E Parade

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Building Quality that Stands the Test of Time

ny homebuilder can advertise quality and craftsmanship, but it takes the hard earned reputation of a company like Borski Homes building for 2 generations and 53 consecutive years of building experience, to really make a name for yourself in this industry.

As a family owned and operated company, we know the value of a good name. This is why we personally attend to each home we build and choose only the finest craftsmen and materials available. We strive to provide the newest and most innovative products that meet the highest standards...ours. At Borski Homes, we are ready and willing to work closely with you and / or your architect to make sure your custom home is the home you’ve always dreamed of. If a custom home is in your future, let us show you why Borski homeowners are our best advertising.

Donald Borski ‘80

Danny Borski ‘77

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Builder 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

See Map on page 12-13

Kolby Homes Raven Homes Reece Homes FlagShip Custom Homes Glenn Thomas Homes Pitman Custom Homes Reece Homes Magruder Homes Ambit Homes Glenn Thomas Homes Omega Builders Kaleo Homes David Weekley Homes Kinsmen Homes Mariott Homes Blackstone Homes Stylecraft Builders Oakwood Custom Homes Hall Homes Heath Townsend Homes RNL Homes RNL Homes Reece Homes Magruder Homes Ridgewood Custom Homes Pitman Custom Homes Raven Homes Magruder Homes Mariott Homes Mariott Homes Chestnut Ridge Homes New Vision Custom Homes Magruder Homes FlagShip Custom Homes Pitman Custom Homes Blackstone Homes Southern Creek Homes

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Anderson Iola Bryan College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station Bryan Bryan Bryan Bryan Bryan Bryan Bryan College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station College Station Bryan

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Taking the guesswork out of financing your first home National Association of Home Builders

top of the financing process. You need to decide how much to spend on your home and which type of mortgage will work Homeownership rates among young best for you, as well as understand the adults continues to grow as millennials settlement process. begin to return to the housing market. In fact, the number of millennials buying Be Realistic About What homes grew the most of any age group You Can Afford in 2017, according to the Census Bureau. Figure out what you can comfortably And since millenials are mostly first- pay on a monthly basis. Write down all time home buyers, they are also facing your monthly expenses including loan the the abundant amount of paperwork payments, utilities, insurance, credit involved in the home financing process. cards and don’t forget food, clothing and Fortunately, with advanced entertainment expenditures. preparation and a personalized to-do When determining the monthly list, new home buyers can easily stay on payment that’s within your reach,

remember that in addition to the monthly principal and interest, you will also be paying into escrows for property taxes, hazard insurance and possibly mortgage insurance or a home owners or condominium association assessment. Many real estate-focused websites have mortgage calculators that are a great way to figure out what your monthly payments would be based on current interest rates and down payment amounts.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free housing counseling and seminars. Housing counselors can help you determine if a loan you are looking at is right for you. You can find more information by visiting hud.gov or calling HUD’s interactive voice system at (800) 569-4287.

Pre-Qualify for Your Home Mortgage

To ensure the financing process goes smoothly, buyers should consider preAttend a first-time home buying qualifying for a mortgage and having a seminar or talk to a housing counselor. financing commitment in place before

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shopping for a new home. Buyers also may find that some home builders have arranged favorable financing for their customers or offer financial incentives. Preapproval also enables you to quickly make an offer when you find a home, and is attractive to sellers who are considering multiple offers. A lender’s pre-approval would still be subject to a final verification of your credit and a satisfactory appraisal. It’s important not to rush this process and it’s smart to interview several lenders before deciding the right mortgage for your situation. Qualifying for a mortgage and saving for a downpayment remain primary obstacles to homeownership. To address these issues, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer low-downpayment mortgage programs geared primarily toward the first-time home buyer market. These lenders currently offer mortgages with

3% downpayments, allowing more creditworthy borrowers who lack the funds for a large downpayment to obtain a home mortgage.

Financing Options for Veterans If you are a military veteran, make sure you explore the special financing options available to you through the VA Home Loan program. While you would still apply for the mortgage through a private lender, the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which can mean more more favorable terms and lower monthly payments. For more information, visit benefits. va.gov/homeloans. After taking these steps to get your financing in order, finding your first home will be a much more enjoyable experience. For more information to help ease the first-time home-buying stress, visit www.gbvbuilders.org online directory for mortgage lenders in our area.

Metro Creative Connection

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How to build your home bar liquors and gaining some mixology best served in requisite glassware and expertise, hosts can impress and prepared with the right equipment. A home bar will benefit from a muddler, Many people enjoy opening their entertain their guests. jigger, cocktail shaker, strainer, ice cube homes to friends or family. In fact, trays, and bar spoon. Glassware can according to the National Eating Trends Establish a bar setup survey and custom research by the NPD Home bars can range from rolling include short glasses, tall glasses and group, in 2016 the average person ate 38 carts to built-in wet bars to a single wine glasses with stems. Martini glasses meals at other people’s homes. tray of items. Space in a home will provide a chic look and are practical Knowing how to cook, set the mood dictate the kind of bar homeowners can for those who prefer cosmopolitans and and entertain is increasingly important have. Rolling bar carts are popular and martinis. for many homeowners. Installing and versatile, and they can be kept stationary outfitting a home bar can provide guests or rolled in and out of a room as needed. Fill it with spirits with the features of a night out, only If a bar cart is open, organization is key, No bar is complete without alcohol without the crowds or bar tabs that come as you don’t want it to look unkempt. and mixers. Homeowners can buy the at the end of the night. A home bar is a A full-blown wet bar will require types of spirits they love and complete place where hosts and their guests can more construction, including plumbing their bars with the basics for mixing. gather and enjoy great conversation. and electricity if you need outlets for When stocking a bar, keep in mind that Such a spot also can serve as a plugging in appliances. Wet bars are everything does not have to be top-shelf. neighborhood hangout – a smart choice ideal in dens, renovated garages and Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whiskey for those who want to indulge safely and finished basements. are some of the more popular spirits. not have to drive home afterward. Simple syrup, fresh fruit, club soda, cola, Creating a home bar need not be a Stock up on equipment and bitters are examples of versatile difficult project. By investing in basic A new home bar requires barware mixers. equipment, stocking up on preferred and glassware. Various drinks are Entertaining guru Martha Stewart Metro Creative Connection

says to have enough supplies on hand for guests. Expect each person to have three drinks (requiring three glasses), use a pound of ice, and three cocktail napkins per two-hour party. Don’t forget to also have nonalcoholic items on hand for those who don’t imbibe.

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Defining hardscape and how to use it Metro Creative Connection Curb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the National Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home. Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping. Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape. These features can include everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders. Introducing

paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs. DIY landscape designers can heed certain tips to make the most of hardscape features on their properties.

Choose materials. As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.

Choose a theme. The right style allows hardscaping

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and softscaping materials to work together. For example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal. The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project wil be cohesive.

sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.

Consult a professional.

While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, large-scale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come. Think about the purpose. Hardscaping should blend with the Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel nature around it and take its cues from can mitigate trouble areas that don’t the surrounding environment. This can grow grass or plant life well. Retaining help softscaping and hardscaping work walls hold back soil in yards with as one.

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Fueling an indoor or outdoor wood-burning fire requires plenty of wood. That means having ample firewood at the ready and, perhaps more importantly, keeping that wood dry. Storing wood so it remains dry and ready to use can involve different strategies. For starters, it is important to keep firewood off the ground. Wood that comes in contact with soil creates a natural habitat for organisms that consume wood, including insects, bacteria and fungi. A basic woodstoring structure can keep wood off of the floor. It’s also important to know whether your wood is green or currently wet. To burn efficiently, firewood needs to be dry. Wet wood needs ample circulation to dry out, and green wood (wood that has been

recently cut) needs time to dry out and become seasoned. Therefore, people should resist the urge to completely cover wood piles; otherwise, air cannot reach the wood. Circulation is important for dry, seasoned wood. A tarp that covers the top of the wood and allows rain water to cascade down but still enables breezes to blow through the firewood is ideal. Moisture will also be able to escape, and the tarp will keep the majority of the wood dry in the process. Similarly, stack the wood away from a wall or other surface, even if that is another stack of wood. This will also facilitate air circulation. While most people store dried wood outside, if there is room in a shed, move the wood inside. Just be sure the building has good air circulation, and be aware that firewood creates a good habitat for rodents and other pests.

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Employ staging to impress buyers Metro Creative Connection Homeowners must consider a variety of factors when putting their homes on the market. One of the more important things to remember is the benefits of making a strong first impression on prospective buyers. That’s why many homeowners rely on staging when selling their homes. Staging requires more than just clearing out clutter or baking a batch of cookies to create a welcoming aroma. Staging helps potential buyers visualize the potential of a home and see themselves owning and living in the property. While homeowners can effectively stage their own homes, sometimes it is well worth the investment to call in a professional designer or stager. Stagers often work their magic on vacant properties or those that have been sitting on the market awhile. A stager conducts careful research into the market of a particular area and learns about the neighborhood before deciding how to appeal to likely buyers. For example, when staging a coastal home, a stager may go with nautical themes and create the impression of a relaxing and

laid-back property for entertaining by the beach. Certain rules should be followed when staging a home. Furniture, decor and other amenities in the home should not detract from the house itself. Instead, such items should complement the architecture and feel of the space. Here are some additional staging suggestions. n Remove personal effects. Homeowners are urged to replace personal photographs with neutral artwork and remove other decorative items that reflect their personalities. As an example, an avid

outdoorsman probably will want to remove hunting trophies. The goal is to help buyers see themselves in the home, and that can be difficult if existing residents’ personal effects are everywhere. n Put away nonessential items. Staging helps homeowners create dream spaces. Coffeemakers, backpacks hanging on the wall and dishes in the drainboard may be part of daily living, but they can make it hard for buyers to see a home’s potential. Store such items before holding an open house. n Maximize lighting. Whenever possible, take down or open window treatments to display architectural moldings and let in as much natural light as possible. n Opt for neutral colors and furnishings. Use neutral taupe and gray paint to keep homes prime for buyers. Homeowners who have more eclectic or colorful tastes can put their items in storage and rent neutral furnishings until the home sells. Staging can improve the chances that a house sells quickly. Staging helps potential buyers see themselves in the space without distractions from the previous owners’ decorating or belongings.

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Standing water is a common sight at many homes after a strong rain. and the water they leave behind can still be harmful. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, standing water is a breeding ground for various microorganisms. When those microorganisms become airborne, they can be inhaled by men, women and children, potentially triggering allergic reactions. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that studies have indicated that female mosquitoes

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like to lay their eggs in water that collects or is stored in manmade containers. If it rains and water covers mosquito eggs, the eggs can hatch and become adults in roughly one week. The CDC advises men and women to protect themselves from mosquitoes by walking their properties once per week, turning over, scrubbing and covering any containers that hold or may hold water. Vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, buckets, and pool covers are just a handful of the items that can make attractive places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.

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allworth good the things are wait Mission Ranch Coming Soon

Why move just anywhere when you can live in the heart of Aggieland! Mission Ranch, College Station’s newest Master-Planned Community, offers an unprecedented lifestyle. Not to mention, it’s just minutes from Kyle Field, bringing the excitement of game day to your back yard.

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