Home & Garden Expo

FEBRUARY 14-15, 2015 BRAZOS COUNTY EXPO CENTER

www.HomeExpoBCS.com

Chairman’s message Randy Ripple

2015 Home & Garden expo CHairman

If you are thinking about building, remodeling, redecorating, financial services, want to know more about what or how to plant, water conservation, landscaping, vegetables and roses or just love to dream, you can’t go

wrong by attending the BryanCollege Station Home Builders Association’s 36th Annual Home & Garden Expo.

Over 70 exhibitors will be featuring the latest and most innovative products offered on the market today, covering all aspects of the home building and outdoor design world. You will see the trendiest and most exciting indoor and outdoor products this area has to offer.

Yes, there will be fun activities for the kids, too! For the kids the Home & Garden Expo will have a

Botanical Art Contest, sombrero making, petting zoo and inflatables located in the outdoor Pavilion behind the Exhibit Hall.

Fun for everyone!

Other popular aspects of the show are the various informational seminars from many presenters from our great community, such as local builders and the Master Gardeners (to just name a few industries) throughout the weekend. Anyone interested in buying, remodeling, outdoor projects, landscaping or redecorating a home can get all the information they need under one roof at the Home & Garden Expo this year. Speakers and vendors will also be available to answer questions.

All of this – plus some great giveaways from a variety of

View oVer 2400 Brazos Valley properties at our interactiVe

companies participating in the show! 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 $3 for senior citizens, and children under 12 are FREE. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are good for the whole weekend.

What a deal!

You can find loads of information on our website, www.

HomeExpoBCS.com, and while you are at it, like us on Facebook.

The Home & Garden Expo is brought to you by the BryanCollege Station Home Builders Association. The Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association is a local professional trade organization, affiliated with the Texas Association of Builders and the National Association

of Home Builders, chartered in 1967 to promote and protect the building industry and its customers in Brazos County and its contiguous counties. The Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association is dedicated to promote positive and responsible growth in the home building industry for the mutual benefit of its members and the seven counties it serves.

For more information, or any questions, contact the Bryan/ College Station Home Builders Association at (979) 696-0272 or visit our website at www. bcsbuilders.org.

Randy Ripple, EXPO Chairman COmmERCE NatiONal BaNk

bcsrealtor.com

1901 Greenfield Plaza • Bryan, TX 77802 • Phone: 979.846.3751 • Fax: 979.260.9765 • Email: mls@bcsrealtor.com or association@bcsrealtor.com 2 | Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

President’s message

As the president of the BCS Home Builders Association, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2015 Home and Garden Expo. This is the 36th annual show, and we feel that it will be one of our very best!

This year’s show will be open on Saturday, February 14 (Valentines Day John MagRudeR – bring your sweetheart) from 9 a.m. to president 2015 5p.m. and on Sunday February 15th from BCs HBa 10 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! Check out our website at www.HomeExpoBCS.com.

The Home and Garden Expo Committee has devoted countless hours to continuously improve the expo. We have been collecting input from participants for the past several years and have used the data to make the expo a more family-friendly event. This year’s committee is made up of Randy Ripple, Chairman, Jay Conner Vice Chairman, Dawn Bowers, Gene Joyce, Hugh Stearns, Pam Cemino,

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Crystal Keim, Kelly Milligan, and Joshua Zapalac.

With more than 70 exhibitors, this is an unprecedented opportunity for our attendees to meet and talk with exhibitors from every aspect of the housing and garden/landscaping industries. The exhibitors are available to answer your questions and we encourage you to stop by their booth to get information about their products and services.

This year we have activities for the young and not so old. We will have a Petting Zoo and the Junior Master Gardener’s will be having a Botanical Art Contest and sombrero making for the kids. Want to see some pretty cars, Sterling Auto will have several on display. Whether you 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 on making your home more energy efficient. There are different techniques to reduce your utility bill and ways to protect your home from the summer 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 remodelers and homebuilders, trends in flooring, counter tops and lighting, creating a wonderful outdoor living space and what you need to know if you are buying a home or selling your home.

The garden seminars will be top notch this year with the majority presented by members of the Brazos County Master Gardeners. Some of the topics include the top 20 plants for our region and 10 simple tips for a beautiful yard, high performing vegetables for your garden, plant and habitat ideas for your backyard and rainwater harvesting,

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

and a special seminar on roses from the owner of the Antique Rose Emporium.

The Home and Garden Expo would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. I would like to thank Program Insurance Group for being our title sponsor this year. Other sponsors this year include our Premium Sponsor: Brazos Valley Floor and Design, Kids Activity Sponsor: Coufal Prater, Seminar Sponsors: Southwest Homes and Brazos County Abstract.

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 are attending the show. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, stress-free experience, for potential and current homeowners to learn about ways to improve their home and their living environment.

The Home Builder Association’s email address is below and I encourage you to provide us with your feedback from the show. We are always looking for ways to make this an even better experience from year to year. Let’s go enjoy the SHOW! John magruder, BCSHBa President maGRUDER HOmES info@bcsbuilders.org The Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association is a not-for-profit trade association, affiliated with the Texas Association of Builders and the National Association of Home Builders, chartered in 1967 to promote and protect the building industry and its customers in Brazos County and its contiguous counties. Our mission is to cultivate a positive business.

February 13, 2015 | 3

Home Expo Seminar Schedule For 2015 SEMINARS IN THE EAST BALLROOM 10 a.m.

Saturday Feb 14, 2015

as provide an opportunity to ask additional questions of area builders.

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

noon

2 p.m.

tips foR a successful Protecting your home from pests and weather Remodeling Rooftops and teRmites

are big issues in our environment. This seminar will teach you about roofing options and termite treatments.

11 a.m.

the essentials of Building a home

This seminar will guide you through some of the fundamental questions to be answered when deciding to build a new home. Is a semicustom or fully custom home best for you and your family? How do you go about selecting a builder? What about financing? And what is the process from start to finish? This seminar will provide many answers for you, as well

4 | Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

Are you considering a remodeling project?

If you are, chances are that you have a lot of questions. This seminar will address issues from financing and budgets to living through the process. We will discuss great new resources to help move you along. Great tips from the pros.

1 p.m.

eneRgy-efficient homes foR the BRazos Valley

Building science has come a long way in the last 10 years. Whether you are wanting to make an existing home more energy efficient or you are looking to build a new home, you need to know

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

outdooR design

Many studies have shown that being outdoors creates happiness. Does your home have beautiful and enjoyable spaces that invite you outdoors? One of the most enjoyable and least expensive ways to expand your living space is with patios. Learn from the pros what goes into an excellent patio.

SEMINARS IN THE PAVILION Presented by Brazos County Master Gardeners 10 a.m.

Want to Win “yaRd of the month?�

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Home Expo Seminar Schedule For 2015 Saturday Feb 14, 2015

Pointers to make that possible will be presented by horticulture professional, Charla Anthony, a Brazos County program assistant with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Charla will reveal the 20 best and most practical plants for your landscape, plus 10 simple steps to a beautiful yard. Find out how to get the most from your landscape with minimal effort.

11 a.m.

“things With Wings and flights of fancy”

Creative plant and habitat ideas that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your landscape. Butterflies and other pollinators are crucial to our environment and future food supplies. With Monarch butterfly numbers at an all-time low and other pollinators declining, as well, you can help. Provide habitats of creative plants that attract these winged beauties to your landscape.

This will be presented by Molly Harris, past president (2014) of the Brazos County Master Gardeners and a

passionate Master Naturalist.

noon

RainWateR haRVesting and WateR conseRVation

Much of the U.S. still remains in drought conditions and has been in this situation for the past few years. As cities in the drought areas go on watering restrictions and other means of water conservation, it begins to become clear that more needs to be done to preserve our water supplies. It’s not as difficult as you might think. Experts in the field will give you practical ways to get started conserving today.

1 p.m.

“Veggie tales, foR the WannaBe gaRdeneR”

Every year you plan to plant a vegetable garden, and suddenly the time has passed you by. Get the scoop from David McAden, Brazos County Master

Gardener, along with a list of high performing (but hard to find) varieties for this area. Many of these plants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplants, melons, plus herbs, ornamentals, natives and trees will be for sale at the annual Brazos County Master Gardener Plant Sale, March 28. David serves as cochair of the 2015 sale and a preview list of sale plants will be available at the presentation.

2 p.m.

“toy stoRy, a gaRdeneR’s toolBox”

Every gardener needs the right tools, and playing with them can bring back the joy of new toys. Fred Rapczyk, Brazos County Master Gardener and local nurseryman, will provide you with a list of must haves and nice to haves. This presentation will be an overview from hand tools to power tools that every gardener should know about.

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

Rural Garbage Collection - Residential & Containers Brazos Area Garbage Service 979.822.5826

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

February 13, 2015 | 5

Home Expo Seminar Schedule For 2015 Sunday Feb 15, 2015

SEMINARS IN THE EAST BALLROOM 11 a.m.

Giving your kitchen, bathroom, entertainment room or office a facelift has many different options. Looking at today’s counter top selections and back splashes gives you a glimpse of what is available to help you determine what works best for you and your family.

The average American family moves every five years.

That means that chances are you are considering buying or selling a home or that you soon will be. Come learn about home financing, as well as tips on buying and selling a home from local experts.

SEMINARS IN THE PAVILION Presented by Brazos County Master Gardeners 11 a.m.

Buying and selling a home

noon

selections – flooRing and lighting

Two of the most important design elements in a home are flooring and lighting. Come learn from the professionals about the many options available in today’s flooring and lighting selections.

1 p.m.

selections - counteR tops and Back splashes

Want to Win “yaRd of the month?”

Horticulture professional Charla Anthony, a Brazos County program assistant with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will provide pointers for your landscape to make that possible. Charla will reveal the 20 best and most practical plants for your landscape, plus 10 simple steps to a beautiful yard.

Find out how to get the most from your landscape with minimal effort.

noon

RainWateR haRVesting and WateR conseRVation

Much of the U.S. still remains in drought conditions and has been in this situation for the past few years. As cities in the drought areas go on watering restrictions and other means of water conservation, it begins to become clear that more needs to be done to preserve our water supplies. It’s not as difficult as you might think. Experts in the field will give you practical ways to get started conserving today.

1 p.m.

Roses: a paRody of life

The beauty of an elegant rose surrounded by evil thorns mimics life for many of us. But Mike Shoup, owner of the Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, Texas, is able to debunk the myth, emphasize the joy and ease the pain of growing roses. Mike, author of “Roses in the Southern Garden,” 2000 and “Empress of the Garden,” 2013, will offer his thoughts and expertise on selecting and growing roses.

Remodeling?

Renovating?

Moving?

Donate your furniture, appliances, building supplies and home décor to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

All store proceeds help build homes for local families in need.

Call for free pick up for large items.

(979) 822-7200 2211 Maloney Ave., Bryan www.restorebcs.org 6 | Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

SHOP or DONATE Tues-Sat 11:00-6:00 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Richmon Homes Best Home Builder 2012, 2013, 2014

From designing and building your new custom dream home to designing and renovating your existing home to look like new.

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

RICHARD PALASOTA

Richard and Monica Palasota give each customer individual service with unmatched quality and professionalism. That’s the way our familes have been doing business in the local area for over 100 years.

MONICA PALASOTA

Certified Pride in Everything We Do!

Custom Homes

We’re with you from Concept to Completion

Call 979-731-1134 • www.RichmonHomes.com • 161 N. Earl Rudder Freeway, Bryan TX 77802 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

February 13, 2015 | 7

exhibit hall booths Company

Product Category

Booth#

MLAW ENGINEERS

ENGINEERING SERVICES

56,59,60

ACME BRICK COMPANY

BRICK

26 & 27

MODERN AMENITY HOMES

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

88

AGGIELAND OVERHEAD DOOR AND FIREPLACES

GARAGE DOORS & FIREPLACES

MR. ELECTRIC OF BRYAN COLLEGE STATION

ELECTRICAL SERVICE AND REPAIR

46

ALCO SALES-HOME HARDWARE

HOME HARDWARE

NOVELLA DESIGNER HOMES

HOME BUILDER

69

ANCHOR FOUNDATION REPAIR

FOUNDATION REPAIR

NU AREA DESIGNS

48

ATMOS ENERGY

UTILITIY SERVICES

INTERIOR DESIGN WINDOW COVERING

AUDIO VIDEO

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

78 & 79

OAKWOOD CUSTOM HOMES GROUP.,LTD

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

41

BARKERS HEATING AND COOLING

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

30 & 31

BATTERIES PLUS

BATTERIES & MORE

32 & 33

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF SOUTH CENTRAL

GARAGE DOORS

99

BCR - BRAzOSLAND CLASSIC REALTY

REAL ESTATE SALES

58

PREMIER POOLS AND SPAS

SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION

74

BINGHAM CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

REMODELING, SOLAR, ENERGY

18

PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE CO.

81

BLACKSTONE HANDCRAFTED HOMES

HOME BUILDER

42

PROGRAM INSURANCE GROUP

INSURANCE (BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL)

BRANCH BANKING & TRUST

BANKING/MORTGAGE LENDING

100

QUINN WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION

REMODELING/HOME BUILDING

BRAzOS VALLEY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION

NON PROFIT LOCAL GOV.

94

RAIN DROP HARVESTING SOLUTIONS

WATER CONSERVATION/ HARVESTING

BRAzOS VALLEY FLOOR AND DESIGN

FLOORING/LIGHTING

54 & 55

RENEWAL BY ANDERSON

WINDOWS & DOORS

44

BRAzOS VALLEY LANDSCAPE

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

RICHMON HOMES

HOME BUILDER

101

BRAzOS VALLEY SPRAY FOAM & ROOFING

ROCK-CRETE

FOAM INSULATION

97

SPRAY FOAM & ROOFING

RV STATION

MOTOR HOMES

BTU

UTILITY SERVICES

36 & 37

SCHULTE ROOFING

ROOFING

86 & 89

BUDGET BLINDS OF COLLEGE STATION

WINDOW TREATMENTS

64 & 65

SCOTTS LAWN SERVICE

LAWN SERVICE

24 & 25

SHARP PROPANE

PROPANE & ACCESSORIES

40

BUILT GREEN CUSTOM HOMES

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

75 & 76

SOUTHWEST HOMES

HOME BUILDER

80

COLLEGE STATION UTILITIES

UTILITIY SERVICES

92 & 93

STEARNS DESIGN-BUILD

BUILDER/REMODELER

57

COMMERCE NATIONAL BANK

BANKING

SUNSHINE FUN POOLS

POOLS AND SPAS

COUFAL-PRATER EQUIPMENT, LTD.

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

SUNSPACE TEXAS COMPANY

SUNROOMS

66

CUTCO CUTLERY

KITCHEN UTENSILS

19

TEXAS PROPANE

PROPANE & ACCESSORIES

49

D & M FLAGPOLES AND FLAGS

FLAGS & FLAG POLES

PAV 9

THE EAGLE OF BCS

NEWSPAPER

34

DISCOUNT BEDDING

LINENS/BEDDING

45

THE HOME CENTER

BUILDING MATERIALS

96

ECOzAPP

PEST CONTROL

TILSON HOMES

HOME BUILDER

47

GIRL SCOUTS

YOUTH CLUB

TITAN SECURITY

SECURITY SYSTEMS

17

KITCHEN CRAFT

COOKWARE

VANGUARD ENHANCED CONCRETE

DECORATIVE CONCRETE

95

LONE STAR PATIO AND OUTDOOR LIVING

PATIO/BACKYARD STRUCTURES

72 & 73

VIKING FLOOR

FLOORING

63

LEMONADE DAY BCS

YOUTH PROGRAM

PAV

WC TRACTOR

EQUIPMENT DEALER

82 & 83

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

WINDHAM CONSTRUCTION

REMODELING

67 & 68

MALEK

STERLING MOTORS

AUTOMOBILES

Outside

8 | Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

16 70 & 71 PAV 11&12 43

PAV 1 & 2 85

61 PAV 13 - 18

90 & 91 104 102 & 103

84

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

52 & 53 77 PAV 8

Outside

50 & 51

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

February 13, 2015 | 9

Add value to your home

with these renovations

Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home.

Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeowners’ investments than others. The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up for sale.

Invest in your kitchen.

Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving a home. Residents tend to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, but a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the home is in good shape. It’s possible to recoup between 60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel investment,

especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest of your home.

Homeowners should know that a deluxe renovation may not be necessary, as relatively moderate improvements can create a whole new look for a kitchen.

Look to paint.

One of the least expensive improvement materials, but one that has a significant impact, is paint. Neutral, modern colors can easily liven up any space. If you paint with low-VOC paint, you also can advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desireable these days.

Put in another bathroom.

Multiple bathrooms are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped with more than one bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom can be tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space away from another room. Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that

half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space, while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a stand-up shower or bathtub.

Renovate the HVAC system.

Aesthetic improvements aren’t the only ones that add value to a home. Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that can last for years. Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors with more energy efficient options, also are smart bets.

Add illumination to rooms.

A dark home is a dreary home.

Adding light can mean including more overhead and accent lighting.

Under-cabinet task lighting is a nice touch. Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or west-facing windows.

Put a deck addition outdoors.

Outdoor living spaces have become more desireable, especially as the “staycation” has grown in popularity. Decks and patios can

make backyards more appealing.

The scope of your investment will depend on the size of the deck and design. Doing the work yourself can cut the cost of decks in half, but only if you have the specific tools or experience to tackle such a project.

Improve curb appeal.

Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge homes by their exteriors.

Completely renovated interiors may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because of a less attractive exterior. Classy, subtle changes, like well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can work wonders. An inviting front door and well-lit entryway also add curb appeal to a home.

Before making improvements, homeowners should determine if a given project will provide a solid return on their investment.

Finding space to install an extra bathroom in a home can be a worthwhile investment.

Visit Our Booth At

The Home Expo Show This Weekend!

Southwest Homes From LIVABLE SHELL TO COMPLETE!

• No Down • 100% Financing

• We Will Work with Your Budget!

• Please Compare Our Price, Financing and Quality

Voted Best Home Builder …in the Brazos Valley 2 Years Running SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION

1532 Baker Street, Bryan | 979-822-6055 • fax 779-3991 | txsouthwesthomes.com 1 0 | Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Re lia nc e O ld

Dr .

ston

r. eD

Mitchell Elementary School

v er

nb err

to schools, Rudder High, Sam Rayburn Middle and Mitchell Elementary Schools are all within

FM Allen Academy

Boonville Rd D r.

trails, parks, convenience to shopping and access

Kroger

st

also appreciate the greenbelts, walking/jogging

re

planned subdivision with wooded home sites will

11

79

.

Dr

Sam Rayburn Middle School

k

y

Homeowners seeking the comfort of a master

B ul l

ee Cr r e i ng

r Th o

over 400 homes on 200 acres in a prime location.

wy rF de ud rl R Ea

Greenbrier residential community is planned for

James Earl Rudder High School

Ri

Situated between Miramont Country Club Community and Austin’s Colony, Greenbrier is just off FM 1179 at Thornberry in Bryan.

Rd

Choose Your Lot. Choose Your Builder.

rc Bria

Miramont Country Club

Target

cycling distance.

Contact Steve Arden, Realtor 979-229-7275 or steve@stevearden.com for more information.

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

February 13, 2015 | 11

What to look for in an

investment ProPerty

Historically, the appreciation rate for real estate is very strong. Even when the housing market declines, long-term investors in real estate can rest easy knowing that property values tend to rebound rather quickly, rewarding patient investors in the process.

Looking at real estate as a long-term investment is just one way approach a potential investment property. The following are a few additional considerations prospective investors should contemplate before buying an investment property.

LOCATION Many people are familiar with the real estate industry axiom, “location, location, location!” When buying an investment property, location is everything. A great location should outweigh your own personal feelings about the home, especially if you do not intend to live at the property.

You will likely define a great location for an investment property differently than you would a property you intend to live in, so don’t let your own desires in a home cloud your judgement when choosing an investment property.

Properties in safe neighborhoods that boast good schools and offer easy access to public transportation tend to make great investment properties.

DéCOR Décor 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 carry much weight. When viewing a property, try to imagine how much it might appeal to prospective tenants. Quirky properties typically do not appeal to as many prospective tenants as properties whose décor are similar to other homes in the area. Though you might find a tenant who prefers properties with unique interiors, a property that appeals to as many prospective tenants as possible often makes for a better investment and a lot less stress when the time comes to find tenants.

CONDITION The condition of the property also must be considered before buying an investment property. Some investors want a fixer-upper, while others prefer turnkey properties that won’t require any elbow grease. The former type of property likely won’t cost as much as a fully renovated property, but those cost savings might be lost when it’s time to renovate. Find a property that’s in the type of condition you’re comfortable with. If you decide to go with a fixer-upper, learn the cost of your potential projects before submitting an offer.

COST Real estate makes a great investment, but don’t go overboard when buying an investment property. Before making an offer on a property, research rents in the area and the cost of insurance in that particular neighborhood.

You want a property that essentially pays for itself, so make sure the rent you’re likely to collect is enough to cover your monthly costs, including the mortgage on the property, insurance and the costs associated with managing and maintaining the property.

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

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.

o & G a rd e n Ex p 2 0 1 5 S p e c i a l O f fe r e m o !

H

BUY 1 Solar Powered Attic Fan GET 1 FREE

Helps lower attic temperatures to reduce electrical usage. Reported KW savings of 12% - 18%. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER ROOF. MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF SALE. OFFER VALID THRU 4.30.15.

Let America’s Choice Roofing Install Your Most Important Shield Of Protection.

Contact us today to schedule your FREE Evaluation!

www.americaschoiceroofers.com CONTACT: 979.635.4800 info@reece-homes.com www.reece-homes.com 1 2 | Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

855.569.7663 or 979.776.5292

4301 Alexis Ct • College Station, TX 77845 HOME & GARDEN EXPO

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

How to repair

dead grass

A patch of dead grass on an otherwise lush lawn can be a frustrating eyesore for homeowners. Whether lawn care is your passion or just something you do to maintain the value of your home, dead grass can be exasperating.

But as unsightly as dead grass can be, addressing it and restoring the dead patches can be somewhat simple.

Before you can restore grass, however, you must first identify the source of the problem. Grass often dies because of urine damage, which is typically characterized by a dead spot surrounded by otherwise green grass. Grub infestation might be at fault when dead grass appears, and such an infestation often produces patches of light brown grass that are scattered throughout the lawn. It’s also possible that dead grass is a result of human error. If your lawn was overfertilized, then patches of gray-green grass may appear. Fungal disease is another common culprit behind dead grass, and such disease can manifest itself in different ways. Once you have identified why the grass is dead, which may require the help of a professional, then you can begin to treat your lawn.

URINE DAMAGE Urine 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 pet may move on to another spot. But if you quickly notice a dead spot due to urine damage, you can train the animal to urinate elsewhere, limiting the damage it causes. When repairing the grass, dig a hole that’s roughly four inches deep and fill it with fresh soil until it’s level with the soil

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

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

INSECT DAMAGE Addressing dead spots caused by insect damage can be a little more complicated, and some homeowners may prefer to hire a professional. If you want to handle the problem on your own, apply pesticide to the affected areas so the insects behind the problem are killed. Once the insects are no more, cut the grass, raking the affected area to remove the dead grass and any additional debris.

Scatter grass seed over the affected areas and then apply an appropriate fertilizer and water immediately.

Professionals may know just the right fertilizer for your lawn, so even if you want to go it alone, visit a local lawn care center to ask for advice about addressing your particular problem.

FERTILIzER DAMAGE Fertilizer damage can also prove difficult to address, as applying fresh seeds too soon can kill any freshly growing seedlings. So grass that has been damaged by overfertilization must first be allowed to fully die. Once that has happened, the grass can be cut and any remaining debris or dead grass can be removed. Seed can then be scattered, and you can even add some additional soil before laying down an appropriate amount of fertilizer and watering the lawn immediately. If you don’t trust yourself to use fertilizer correctly, then hire a professional to do the job for you. This will cost a little more, but you likely won’t wake up to more dead patches of grass down the road.

Dead grass can be unsightly and turn an otherwise lush lawn into a patchy eyesore. But addressing dead grass can be easy and can quickly restore a lawn to its green grandeur.

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

February 13, 2015 | 13

1729 Briarcrest Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher• Crystal Dupré

www.ravenhomes.net Tom Allen 979.229.4382

Display Advertising Manager • Linda Brinkman 979.731.4719 • linda.brinkman@theeagle.com Special Projects Coordinator • Erika Liesman Creative Services Manager • Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706 • jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects Editor • Shauna Lewis Lead Artist/ Section Designer • Courtney Lewellen www.theeagle.com

Let’s make your dream come true!

Residential & Commercial Services • Title Insurance Real Estate Closings • Escrow

www.ltc-bc.com 1450 Copperfield Parkway • CS

979.776.3600 1 4 | Fe b r u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 1 5

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

HOME & GARDEN EXPO

February 13, 2015 | 15

LOCAL BANK. LOCAL DECISIONS. 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!

B/CS Eagle/Copyright Š 2015. All Rights Reserved. 2/15

MARK O. LIGHTSEY

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

979.260.4149

Local bank. Local bankers.

mlightsey@banktbt.com NMLS ID#642661

www.banktbt.com

DANA O. ECKHART

VICE PRESIDENT

979.260.5105

deckhart@banktbt.com NMLS ID#394255

Member FDIC

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 #495002