Parade of Homes

Bryan/College Station Home Builders Association

2011 Spring

Parade of Homes Saturday, April 30th • 12PM - 5PM Sunday, May 1st • 1PM - 6PM Saturday, May 7th • 12PM - 5PM Sunday, May 8th • 1PM - 6PM Free to the Public

Look for the Official Parade of Homes Yard Sign

OFFICIAL

Parade Home

A Special Publication of The Eagle

Parade of Homes Friday, April 29, 2011

SERVICE IS OUR STRENGTH. Commerce National Bank invites you to stop by today to find out what we can do for you. We provide mortgage lending with attention and understanding. We have several convenient locations and are proud to announce the opening of our newest location at 1198 William D. Fitch Parkway. We have time for your needs and the flexibility to customize our services around you. We are your friend, your neighbor and your banker.

• MULTIPLE INVESTORS = Rate and Product Options • IN-HOUSE UNDERWRITING = Speed in Processing

The Eagle • theeagle.com

• BRIDGE LOANS AVAILABLE • JUMBO FINANCING AVAILABLE

CALL US TODAY OR STOP BY OUR NEW FITCH LOCATION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR MORTGAGE OPTIONS!

Julie White Bennett 979.260.3169 jwhite@commercenb.com Now at our Fitch location!

Committed toYour Success

Andrea Luca 979.691.8490 aluca@commercenb.com Now at our Fitch location!

1221 University Drive East • 979.260.5982 3020 East 29th Street • 979.776.0819 1800 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, Suite A • 979.696.1425

2

commercenb.com

Now Open! 1198 William D. Fitch Parkway • 979.595.1652

Parade of Homes

2011 Spring

Parade of Homes

Stories found in the Official Program Guide for the Spring Parade of Homes.

04

Parade of Homes Map

HBA Presidents Letter

05

Sunny Day Upgrades

13

Best Improvements for Your Dollar

07

Grass-Free Landscapes

14

Top 10 Dream Home Features

08

Home Improvement

16

10-11

Friday, April 29, 2011

Maximize Your Outdoor Spaces

The Eagle • theeagle.com 3

Parade of Homes Friday, April 29, 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com 4

For outdoor living spaces, think high style and low maintenance

It’s the time of the year when spending as much time outdoors as possible becomes everyone’s lifestyle priority. But there’s only so much time that you can spend at the beach or on a restaurant patio - enjoying the season at home, in your own outdoor space, is ideal for so many reasons. You can relax, gather your friends and family, linger as long as you like with no restrictions on kids or pets joining the party.

There’s a difference between the modern outdoor space and what’s been the standard in the past. Today, a few stray folding chairs on the grass and burgers on a beatup old grill doesn’t quite cut it anymore. Outdoor spaces are increasingly viewed as extensions of a home’s interior - and just as worthy of careful designing and planning.

That doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune - one of the best ways to keep costs reasonable is to use materials that don’t require a lot of maintenance.

Your first step is creating the space. Your house has walls to define individual spaces without them, it would be impossible to decorate and maximize the functionality of an area. Think of your outdoor space in the same way. Though you won’t need walls, you can literally lay the foundation by adding a deck to your property. A deck provides a

space for seating, cooking and interaction that’s separate from the garden or the lawn, making it an ideal solution for creating the focal point of your outdoor living space.

To bring some decorative verve to your deck, add color and consistent style elements.

Rather than amassing a group of mismatched chairs, choose a suite of outdoor furniture to help create a more cohesive design statement that gives your space the look of a well-designed living room.

No matter what price you pay for the furniture, make sure that it’s weather and fade resistant - there are options that even stand up to being outdoors throughout the year. For extra protection, consider purchasing furniture covers that will keep the elements at bay.

Adding color is easy with planters filled with annuals - combine flowers, like vibrant tuberous begonias, and foliage, such as the variegated leaves of many coleus varieties, for interesting texture and color variation. There is an ever-expanding selection of planters that are made of foam, but which have the appearance of stone or pottery. Not only are they easier to move around, but they’re immune to the cracking that sometimes happens with extreme temperature fluctuations in winter.

Having a view from your deck is also important. If

Adding color is easy with planters filled with annuals - combine flowers, like vibrant tuberous begonias, and foliage, such as the variegated leaves of many coleus varieties, for interesting texture and color variation. .

you’re not in possession of a green thumb, it’s still possible to create an attractive backdrop that doesn’t demand too much attention from you. Flowering trees, like crabapples or plums, or shrubs, like hydrangeas or lilacs, offer two different looks with one plant. Look for varieties that have form and foliage just as appealing as the flowers, such as sand cherries, which have soft pink blossoms and glossy red leaves, and you’ll have a plant that you can enjoy with minimal maintenance.

Choosing perennial plants makes it easier to maintain your garden from year to year, and adding plants of varying heights, colors and textures creates visual interest.

Investing in your yard

and outdoor space is something that you’ll enjoy for years to come, but their value goes beyond your own use. The 2011 Husqvarna Global Garden Report showed that for every dollar invested in

landscaping, homeowners selling their houses see a $1.80 return. And with long-lasting, lowmaintenance amenities, you’ll be able to get that return even if you sell your home years from now.

SUMMER SPECIAL ®

The Sterling Manor Patio Fan Special Price - $89.95 Regular Price - $125.00

Exterior fan that can be used in damp or wet locations.

Tannery Bronze Finish

dealers lighting

An Employee Owned Company Corner S. College & Koenig Bryan • 775-1697

On behalf of the BryanCollege Station Home Builders Association, I want to welcome you to the 2011 Spring Parade of Homes™. Whether you’re in the market for a new home or just looking for ideas, the Parade of Homes™ is the place for you to discover exciting new trends in construction and home design.

This year’s participants include Bluestone Partners, Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation, Burton Creek Development, Cathey Development, CGM Home Builders, Inc., Charles Thomas Homes, Christie Heath Builders, L.P., Clay Kolby Homebuilding, Crowley Construction, Inc., Ed Froehling Builder, Inc., Formby Construction, Golden Homes, Inc., Grand Homes, Hamilton Homes, Ironstone Homes, LLC., JMV Custom Homes, Keys & Walsh Construction, KM Custom Homes, Inc., Magruder Homes, LP., Mariott Homes, Inc., New Vision Custom Homes, Inc., Pitcock & Croix, Raven Homes, Richmon Homes, Ron Lightsey, Inc., Schaefer Custom Homes, LLC., Stylecraft Builders, Inc., Tradition Homes, Traditions Real Estate Company, and Wootan Homes.

You can meet these builders in 23 of the finest subdivisions in the area including Austin’s Colony, Bentwood, Briar Meadows, Carter’s Crossing, Castle Rock, Castlegate, Creek Meadows Estates, Dove Crossing,

Edelweiss Gartens, Falls Creek, Field Creek Estates, Hidden Oaks Estates, Indian Lakes, Miramont, North Forest Estates, Park Village, Pebble Creek, Saddle Creek, Sendera, Spring Creek Town Homes, Summit Crossing, Traditions, and Woodlake.

We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy the Parade of Homes™.

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 environment in the building industry. We are committed to responsible growth by providing citizens with safe, quality and cost effective housing while promoting a positive economic future for the counties the association serves.

OCome PENVisitH OUSE Us During Parade Of Home Hours

Friday, April 29, 2011

By Randy French, President Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association

Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity to meet the builders personally and to learn how they can deliver to you the home of your dreams.

The 2011 Spring Parade of Homes™ will be held over two weekends. The first weekend will be April 30-May 1 and the second weekend will be May 7-8. The homes will be open from noon – 5 pm on each Saturday and from 1 – 6 pm on each Sunday. The event is free to the public. To view the homes, simply use the map in this publication which will direct you to the subdivision and house location. Follow the blue directional signs and look for the official red Parade of Homes™ sign which indicates that home is in the parade.

This year we have 38 homes on display from 30 of our association’s finest home builder members. These association members are committed to building homes and neighborhoods where you can enjoy the quality of life that is the trademark of the Bryan-College Station area.

Parade of Homes

Welcome to the 2011 Spring Parade of Homes™

SATURDAY 12AM��PM • SUNDAY 1PM�6PM The Eagle • theeagle.com

APRIL 30 - MAY -1 MAY 7 - MAY 8

! d e r i nsp

I t e G VISIT OUR NEW

DESIGN CENTER!

501 Industrial Blvd. Bryan • In the Brazos County Industrial Park • 979-695-2432 • www.kmc.net

5

Parade of Homes

E R E

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Friday, April 29, 2011

A Gated Acre, Upscale Homesite Community

1722 Broadmoor Drive, Suite 212 Bryan, Texas 77802

(979) 774-2900

6

improve, rather than move, you may be wondering what renovations are likely to give you the best balance of enhanced resale value and immediate enjoyment.

Here are five home improvements - from budget-friendly to big budget - that provide noteworthy return on investment (ROI) in terms of increased value and improved enjoyment:

1. Skylights

You can lower your electric bill by installing skylights that will reduce

dependency on artificial light and fill your home with natural light. In terms of positive energy, the mental and physical health effects of exposure to natural light are well documented. They’re also an effective privacy preserver for bathrooms where you might not want a wall window. Skylight and sun tunnels (skylights that use reflective tubes to bring sunlight into rooms without direct roof access) not only enhance the energy efficiency of your home, they just may make you feel better about living there.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Homeowners renovate for two basic reasons: money and fun. Or, more precisely, they undertake home improvements to improve their home’s resale value or their enjoyment of their house. The best home improvements, however, are ones that deliver on both objectives.

Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. If you’ll be among the many homeowners opting to

Parade of Homes

Best home improvements for your renovation dollars

2. Decks

3. Kitchens

It makes sense that the room where most families spend the bulk of their time would be a popular remodel - and one that pays off big in terms of value and comfort. Even a minor kitchen remodel - costing about $21,000 - will return about 78 percent of its value on resale, according to Remodeling Magazine. A major kitchen job, costing around $57,200, will recoup about $41,200, or 72 percent.

4. Baths

Venting skylights in the kitchen provide a decorating flair along with fresh air and natural light.

Whether you’re tackling a major job that involves knocking out walls and changing fixtures, or just making cosmetic improvements like upgrading faucets and

Bedroom skylights offer privacy plus natural light with an ever-changing view of the sky both night and day. repainting, remodeling a bathroom goes straight to the heart of our craving for comfort. Americans view their baths as far more than a place to get clean and take care of other necessities. Even if you’re not creating a home spa, improving the bathroom is sure to boost your home’s resale value and increase your satisfaction with the room. Remodeling Magazine says the average bathroom remodel costs around $16,100 and returns up to 71 percent of that cost at the time of sale.

5. Basement/attic remodel

With more families staying put in the homes they have, rather than moving up to larger homes,

many Americans are looking for ways to expand their living space while staying in place. Attic and basement remodels are great ways to add usable, livable space at a fraction of the cost of building an addition.

The lingering effects of the Great Recession have multiple generations living together under one roof again, and many of these families create bedrooms, bathrooms or even family rooms in unfinished attic or basement space. Everyone appreciates the extra room, and attic renovations and basement remodeling yield resale returns of 83 percent and 75 percent, respectively, according to the Cost vs.Value Report.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Whether you go for wood or composite, adding a deck is a great way to boost resale value, expand your living space and up your enjoyment of your home environment. On average, homeowners who add a wood deck can expect to recoup more than 80 percent of its cost when it comes time to sell, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. Composite deck additions return about 71 percent at the time of resale.

7

Top

Parade of Homes

10

Dream Home Features

Take a look at the most popular wish list in 2011 from Nudura, a leading firm in building technology: 1. Curb appeal. Home exterior, driveway, and landscaping must attract admiring attention.

2. Concrete and natural stone, rather than wood framing and brick. These homes (nudura.com) are not only beautiful, they are stonger, more sound resistant, and far more energy efficient than wood frames and brick.

3. Maximum energy efficient throughout from top to bottom.

4. Solar panels in the roof to generate a personal energy source.

5. A large, designer kitchen with natural stone countertops and futuristic appliances, cabinetry and waterworks.

6. Natural hardwood flooring like Brazilian cherry and sustainable bamboo.

7. A sunroom, a front porch, and a backyard finished patio.

8. Vessel sinks, or freestanding bowls above the bathroom countertop, accompanied by wall-mounted faucets.

9. Bedroom walk out or balcony.

10. Designer bathtubs and walk-in shower with marble tile, a seating bench and rainfall showerhead.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Friday, April 29, 2011

If you were given a chance to design a dream home, what features would you choose first?

Found the Right House?

Let Stacy Make It a Home.

Stacy Dent

Stacy Dent Vice President 979.680.5557 sdent@firstvictoria.com

You’ve searched long and hard to find your dream home, now it’s time to make sure you have the right home mortgage team to make that dream come true. t t t

College Station

t

410 Southwest Parkway E

t

FHA Loans In-House Mortgages with Local Servicing New Construction Loans Home Improvement Loans

t t t

Conventional Loans Farm and Ranch Loans Home Equity Loans

the oldest independent bank in texas

8

www.firstvictoria.com

Parade of Homes

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Eagle • theeagle.com

9

Parade of Homes

Parade of Homes

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Look for the Official Parade of Homes Yard Sign

OFFICIAL

Parade Home 10

1

JMV Custom Homes

Austin's Colony

2907 Ascot

2

BV Affordable Housing Corporation

Falls Creek Ranch

3900 Vail Lane

3

Burton Creek Development

Briar Meadows

2115 Ella Lane

4

Raven Homes

Hidden Oaks Estates

7757 Hidden Trail

5

KM Custom Homes, Inc.

Field Creek Estates

7488 Field Creek Estates

6

Ironstone Homes, LLC

Villas at Miraloma

5036 Portofino Drive

7

Richmon Homes

Miramont

3306 Altura Court

8

Grand Homes

Park Village

5307 Jupiter Hills

9

Ron Lightsey, Inc.

Summit Crossing

3806 Silver Thorne

10

Traditions Real Estate Company

Traditions

3202 Laurel Trace Court

11

Keys & Walsh Construction

Traditions

3211 Laurel Trace Court

12

Cathey Development

Carter's Crossing

2187 Chestnut Oak Circle

13

Bluestone Partners, LLC

North Forest Estates

8410 Justin Avenue

14

Ed Froehling Builder, Inc.

Dove Crossing

900 Dove Landing

15

Tradition Homes

Edelweiss Gartens

3914 Lienz Lane

16

Charles Thomas Homes

Edelweiss Gartens

3909 Incourt Lane

17

New Vision Custom Homes, Inc.

Spring Creek Town Homes

4314 Whispering Creek Court

18

New Vision Custom Homes, Inc.

Spring Creek Town Homes

4218 Candace Court

19

KM Custom Homes, Inc.

Castle Rock

4000 Rocky Vista

20

New Vision Custom Homes, Inc.

Castle Rock

4259 Hollow Stone Drive

21

Magruder Homes, LP

Castle Rock

4245 Rock Bend Drive

22

Formby Construction

Castle Rock

4238 Rock Bend

23

CGM Home Builders, Inc.

Villages at Indian Lakes

17600 Senaca Springs

24

Golden Homes, Inc.

Indian Lakes

17192 Pawnee Crossing

25

Mariott Homes, Inc.

Pebble Creek

5021 Augusta Circle

26

Mariott Homes, Inc.

Pebble Creek

5159 Stonewater Loop

27

Mariott Homes, Inc.

Pebble Creek

5305 Woodall Court

28

Hamilton Homes

Pebble Creek

5301 Jupiter Hills Court

29

Schaefer Custom Homes, LLC

Pebble Creek

5302 Jupiter Hills Court

30

Clay Kolby Homebuilding

Pebble Creek

5307 Jupiter Hills

31

New Vision Custom Homes, Inc.

Castlegate

2202 Carlisle Court

32

Golden Homes, Inc.

Castlegate

2460 Stone Castle

33

Stylecraft Builders, Inc.

Castlegate

2431 Newark Circle

34

Crowley Custom Homes

Woodlake

16735 Calumet Trail

35

Schaefer Custom Homes, LLC

Estates at Creek Meadows

15720 Buffalo Creek Loop

36

Pitcock & Croix

Bentwood

17796 La Posada Circle

37

Wootan Homes

Sendera

182725 Windmill Court

38

Christie Heath Builders

Saddle Creek

17496 Creek Crossing

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Falls Creek Ranch

Address

Friday, April 29, 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

Plan your Parade weekend with our interactive map, online at www.shopbrazos.com/paradeofhomes

Subdivision

Parade of Homes

2011 Spring

Map # Builder

11

12

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Friday, April 29, 2011

Parade of Homes

A solar water heating system, plus natural light from a bathroom skylight, provides energy efficiency and privacy.

Android version from the Android Marketplace.

Energy-efficient water heating Just as the sun warms a swimming pool in summer, you can draw on its power to heat water for your home use. Low-profile rooftop solar panels and a EnergyStarqualified solar water heating system use the sun’s energy to heat water and help trim your waterheating bill.

Solar water heating also directly benefits the environment.

A solar water heating system can help lower your family’s carbon footprint by reducing power usage without any greenhouse gas emission. Using solar thermal power to heat water not only lowers the cost of heating water, it can also reduce the high nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions that frequent burner startups cause.

For additional information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, nfrc. org or efficientwindows.org.

Solar power has been called the only truly clean energy because using it emits no greenhouse gases.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

passive ventilation for your home; other forms, such as exhaust fans, require electricity to vent stale inside air. The natural chimney effect of modern no-leak skylights vents volatile organic compounds (VOCs), humidity, odors and stale air from the home while allowing fresh air back in. On rainy days, an automatic sensor will close the venting skylight when the rain starts falling. These units also provide privacy, especially in baths and bedrooms.

You can even bring the power of the sun into rooms without direct roof access through sun tunnel tubular skylights. A new flat-glass style provides the advantages of a sun tunnel, but replaces the domelike roof profile with a sleek, lowprofile roof glass.

“Modern skylights can be installed in as little time as a day by a trained professional,” says Ross Vandermark, national product manager of skylight manufacturer Velux. “Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, creating a natural light-filled environment, but they’re also environmentally friendly in many ways. If you’re having trouble envisioning a skylight in your home, the Velux Skylight Planner app can help you visualize how the improvement will look.” You can download the free iPhone app from iTunes or the

Friday, April 29, 2011

Bright sun and abundant green - is that what comes to mind when you think of summer?

The season of sunny skies and green outdoors has arrived. Why not take advantage of warm weather sun to “green” your home with improvements that deliver environmental, economic, emotional and physical health benefits?

Solar power has been called the only truly clean energy because using it emits no greenhouse gases.

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to harness the power of the sun for your home and without the need for the big, unattractive solar panels that symbolized the solar power of bygone eras.

You can use the power of the sun to create a bright, welcoming environment in your home - and save on energy bills at the same time. By installing EnergyStarqualified skylights, you can brighten your home with light from above, even on cloudy days when natural light can reduce your need for electric lights.

Enhance your skylights with blinds or shades for even more control of natural light entering your home. And the accessories, as well as the units themselves, can be operated by remote control.

Skylights can also provide

Parade of Homes

‘Green’ your indoor environment with these sunny-day upgrades

13

Parade of Homes Friday, April 29, 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Grass-Free Landscaping a Viable Alternative Many homeowners equate a beautiful landscape to rolling acres of pristine lawn.

But changes in the climate and widespread seasonal restrictions on water use each year could change the way people think about outfitting their yards.

There are many reasons people choose to forgo grass and opt for different ornamental elements in their yards. Cost is one factor. While grass seed is relatively inexpensive, the upkeep, including mowing, fertilizing, re-seeding, and watering, requires a significant investment of both time and money. Many homeowners choose to lay down sod to create a beautiful lawn, an expensive option for homeowners with vast landscapes.

The environment is another reason homeowners look for grass alternatives.

Grass requires a lot of upkeep, much of which is not environmentally friendly.

For example, maintaining a pristine lawn requires the use of a gas-powered mower and oftentimes the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Seeking alternatives to grass can be friendly on both the wallet and the environment.

Grass-Free Landscaping Alternatives

For those who are ready to say goodbye to grass, there are many alternatives.

• Ground cover: Homeowners who still desire the look of green can choose among different types of ground cover that will quickly fill in the landscape.

Clover, low-growing evergreen plants and ivy are some of the more popular ground cover alternatives. * Rocks: Decorative rocks intermingled with native plants can add dimension and color to the yard. Once rocks are placed, there is little upkeep except for pulling the errant weeds.

• Mulch: A less expensive alternative to rocks is mulch.

Mulch is available in different colors and types and can even be created by a homeowner by chipping trimmed branches from trees in the yard. It helps lock water into landscaping beds, decreasing the need for frequent watering.

• Water features: Think about installing a pond in the yard that can be bordered with stones and mulch.

This will take up a good amount of space and can create a natural habitat for wildlife and even some lowmaintenance pond fish.

• Concrete or patio stones: Although they’re not allnatural materials, patios can take up areas normally consumed by the lawn and create expansive outdoor entertaining areas. It will require an initial investment of the patio material, but once installed, patios don’t require significant maintenance. Homeowners

can offset the concrete jungle feel by placing plenty of potted plants and container foliage around the perimeter.

• Decking: Another alternative to concrete and

stones is a wood or composite material deck. Again, this structure will increase outdoor living space and won’t require the level of routine maintenance needed to keep a lush lawn.

Grass-free alternatives, such as ground cover mixed with patio stones, can be an option for homeowners looking for less upkeep.

Boyd Ready Mix, Inc.

Our Quality will get You.. Our Service will Keep You!

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

14

Locally Owned & Operated Office: 979-778-5199 Fax: 979-778-5363

Parade of Homes Friday, April 29, 2011

LoCaL Bank.

LoCaL BankeRS. enHanCing LoCaL LiVing.

BUiLDing? BUying? ReFinanCing? ReMoDeLing?

Interest rates and home prices have never been better! If you’re in the market for building or buying a new home or thinking of refinancing your home, we can help. From building a new pool, adding a deck or outdoor kitchen, expanding your square footage or fixing up what you have - we can help!

New Construction Lending

Joe Salvato, SVp New Construction Lending

James nail, Banking officer

Home Equity Home Improvements

Melanie Motley, Vp Home Loans Refinancing

Cal Mcneill, SVp New Construction Lending

Brian Bowers, Vp New Construction Lending

nora thompson, SVp New Construction Lending

Local bank. Local bankers. www.banktbt.com

Member FDIC

Hwy 21

3400 Highway 21 East Bryan, Texas 77808 (979) 260-2145

CoLLege Station

2305 Texas Avenue South College Station, Texas 77840 (979) 260-2138

w. ViLLa MaRia

1920 W. Villa Maria Road, Suite 202 Bryan, Texas 77807 (979) 779-1920

BRiaRCReSt

1712 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 260-2134

CoRpoRate

1716 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 400 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 260-2100

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.

B/CS Eagle/Copyright © 2011. All Rights Reserved. 4/11

terry Rowan, SVp

The Eagle • theeagle.com

CaLL US toDay! (979) 260-2100

15

Parade of Homes Friday, April 29, 2011

When budgeting demands cut back on life’s little extravagances, it’s a disappointing but acceptable change. Cutting things out of the budget, like home improvement projects, might seem reasonable in the short term, but it’s a bad decision in the long run. Taking on those projects might seem like an expensive proposition, but with smart solutions, like renting tools, taking proper care of your home is well within your budget.

Protect your most important investment

Your home is your largest investment and no matter how the housing market fluctuates, you don’t want to neglect maintenance and upkeep around the house. Taking the time to do projects will not only ensure the safety of your family, but it will also ensure your financial

security for years to come.

Investing energy and money into fixing little problems, like a crack in your home’s foundation, will prevent larger problems down the road.

Simple projects to refresh the look of your home, like a fresh coat of paint or a little landscaping work, will not only make your home feel more warm and inviting, but it will also yield a large return on investment when it comes to resale value. The “green” movement might offer ideas for other projects. By making your home more energy efficient, you can reduce bills and add value for the future, should you want to put your home on the market.

Improve your house without increasing your bills Although many home

improvement projects can be simple, they often require tools that most people don’t commonly have. This is when it makes sense to visit your local rental store. Since you will most likely only need the tools or equipment once, renting is a more cost-effective solution than buying new or hiring a handyman.

Stocked with pressure washers to clean off your siding or deck, jackhammers to tear out an uneven front walk and concrete polishers to give your garage floor a new finish, your nearby rental store is like the ultimate workshop - filled with professional grade tools. Your local rental professionals will make sure you get the right tools for your job, and they will teach you how to properly use the equipment you need.

BIG DREAMS START HERE. At City Bank Mortgage, we have a clear understanding that our services are essentially about your family’s future. We’ll strive to exceed your expectations while making the home buying process as smooth as possible. Call us today for your free pre-qualification.

“

Extraordinarily positive experience.

The City Bank Team was totally impressive.

They communicate well, they deliver in

“

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Home improvement, simplified: Even small projects have a big impact

record time, and they’re always pleasant to

work with, even under stress. THANK YOU!

SEE LOAN OFFICERS

Brenda Williams and Robin Hicks.

· FHA Loans

· Conventional Loans

· Refinancing

APPLY ONLINE AT

www.citybankmortgage-bcs.com

· VA Loans

For a limited time, City Bank Mortgage will pay

*APR-Annual Percentage Rate. Maximum loan amounts and other restrictions may apply. Ask for details. Some products may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. All rights reserved. © 2011 City Bank Texas. 0429IJN12747

16

- A.P.

305 Arguello Drive College Station, Texas 979-846-7844

Age Restricted Retirement Community In Aggieland Homes from the 160’s to the 240’s

Parade of Homes

Exciting

Friday, April 29, 2011

Briar Meadows Creek Phase IV

Call: (979) 450-5950

Close to shopping, dining, and entertainment, Including historic Downtown Bryan, new Kroger, and Premiere Cinema

Briar Meadows Locations:

Walking Trails for the Active Adult

www.BriarMeadows.com

For townhome information contact Jason Bienski at (979) 219-5555.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

For More Information

Age restricted for Permanent Residents over 50 years of age Deed Restricted Single Family, Town Homes, and Patio Homes Free Trial Membership to Briarcrest Country Club Close to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center The Only Retirement Community in Aggieland

17

Parade of Homes

2011 Spring

Parade of Homes

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Eagle would like to thank the following businesses for participating in the Official Program Guide for the Spring Parade of Homes.

18

Commerce National Bank

02

Jim Wilson

2D Homes

03

Publisher

Dealers Lighting

04

Ron Lee

Kent Moore Cabinets

05

Burton Creek Development LTD

06

Director of Sales & Marketing

First Victoria/The Lee Group

08

KM Custom Homes, INC

09

Display Advertising Manager

Pebble Creek Country Club

12

Jim Bob McKown

Habitat For Humanity

13

Creative Services Manager

Boyd Ready Mix, INC

14

Billy Mau

The Bank & Trust

15

Special Projects Editor

City Bank Mortgage

16

Chad Whisenant

Burton Creek Development LTD

17

Classified Sales Supervisor

REMAX B/CS

19

Sal Velasco

B/CS Realtor Association

Back

Joanne Patranella

BVHomeFinder.com Your Source for Brazos Valley Real Estate.

Section Designer

Get the free mobile app at http:/ /gettag.mobi

Broker®/Agent RE/MAX B/CS

Parade of Homes

Tom Rike (979) 224-4616 www.TOMRIKE.com

View All MLS Listings 24 Hours A Day!

Complete!

15708 TIMBER CREEK • $289,900 - Complete!

15703 BUFFALO CREEK • $319,900 – Shovel Ready!

15705 BUFFALO CREEK • $299,900 – Shovel Ready!

15706 TIMBER CREEK • $329,900 – Shovel Ready!

Friday, April 29, 2011

15705 BUFFALO CREEK • $289,900 –

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Seller Paid Closing Cost! ($5,600 PER PRIME LENDING)

$5,000 Buyer Gift!

FOR APPLIANCES OR FURNITURE

The Estates at

Creek Meadows Directions: West on Greens Prairie Road, Straight Greens Prairie Trail, Left Timber Creek

™

19

Parade of Homes The Eagle • theeagle.com

Friday, April 29, 2011

bcsrealtor.com

20

Find Your new Address At ours View over 1800 Brazos Valley properties at our all-new, interactive bcsrealtor.com.