Apartment Guide

ApartmentGuide Brazos Valley

Winter 2014

your housing search S TA R T S H E R E College Station Student Housing.com great locations to campus • on shuttle bus route • townhome floor plans available

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private bedrooms & bathrooms available • fully furnished apartments • designer interior finishes resort-style amenities • cable TV & internet included • individual leases • roommate matching available

A P P LY O N L I N E TO DAY renderings, amenities & utilities included are subject to change.

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Apartment Guide

Table of Contents The Callaway House

American Campus

2/3

The District on Luther

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U Centre at Northgate

DTI Properties

8/9

The Legacy at Traditions

11

Doux Chene Apartments

12

Equity Real Estate

15

North Point Crossing

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U Club Townhomes on Marion Pugh

To adver tise in the nex t Brazos Valley Apartment Guide, contact The Eagle at 979-731-4738.

Aggie Station

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Callaway Villas

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UPGRADED FLOORING AND 42” FLAT SCREEN TVS IN EVERY LIVING ROOM

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Apartment Guide

5 essential tips to turn your new house into a home Tips to remove big stress from your big move Moving brings great opportunities in the form of careers, social connections and new beginnings. However, the act of moving can create unnecessary stress and tension, which makes the process less than desirable. About 35 percent of Americans move every five years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which results in many people who are looking to simplify the process and turn their new house into a home.

Celebrity design expert and ADT spokesperson Sabrina Soto has the expert moving advice to make your house a home: * Review everything being packed: If you have items you won’t use or haven’t used in six months, put them aside. They are good candidates for selling at a garage sale, listing in online classified ads, donating to charity, or as a last-case scenario, throwing away.

Also, look for ways to reduce your load. Canned goods may still have shelf life, but evaluate whether it makes sense to move or donate - it’s likely the latter. The same goes for other items you can easily and inexpensively purchase at a discount store when you arrive at your destination. As you approach moving day, be sure to think twice before loading up at grocery or convenience stores.

As you take inventory of everything in your home, be sure to clean, organize and sort the remaining items so they can be packed quickly and then easily found when you arrive at your new home.

* Keep organized on moving day: Walk through the old home with your movers to identify how you’d like your items organized and packed. Let them know you want the house packed room by room, which will make it easier to unpack and place everything into your new house. If you have anything fragile, be sure to note how you’d like those items to be handled, saving you plenty of time and headaches in the long run.

If you’re planning to move yourself, it’s important to take precautions and protect your belongings while the truck is being loaded and unloaded. Have a team of trusted friends or family help you - the more sets of eyes, the easier it will be to keep track of your belongings. If you need to keep the truck parked overnight, back the vehicle up to a wall or garage door, which will make it difficult for someone to break in. * Make yourself a happy place: Choose one room in your new home to be the room you completely unpack and organize on the first day. This gives you a restful sanctuary where you can retreat, even if the rest of your items are still in boxes scattered among the other rooms for several days to come. * Document and share the transformation: Use your smartphone or camera to document the change of your new home as your items are unpacked and placed. This allows you to see how your hard work has paid off.

With these tips, you can streamline your move and make it less stressful for you and your family.

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* Get secured before you move: Feeling secure and in control is an important part of transforming a new house into a home. An ADT Pulse home security and automation system gives homeowners the ability to not only monitor their home’s security, but also control functions such as adjusting lights, unlocking doors and controlling thermostats - all with the touch of an app. Plus, it can start working for new homeowners on day one, whether using it to grant access to trusted contractors and technicians or receiving alerts when deliveries arrive at the front door.

In a new neighborhood and a new house, it will be a sigh of relief to know you’re in control both at home and while away.

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Ten Home Decor Trends for Your Rental (StatePoint) Just because you’re a renter doesn’t mean you need to settle for bland, boring décor. You can make more of your space in an inexpensive yet trendy way.

Don’t know where to start, don’t worry. Here are ten top home decor trends online real estate experts Homes.com and ForRent.com uncovered after surveying more than 140 home design experts across the country on the year’s biggest home trends.

• Do-it-Yourself: Do-it-yourself projects save money and allow you to incorporate personality into your decor. For example, distressing old headboards, hutches, benches, and other wood furniture can enrich a room’s appeal.

• Go Vertical: Nothing perks up a room like a fresh coat of paint. If your rental property prohibits painting, use temporary techniques to create a gorgeous visual landscape, such as your own artwork.

• Fall in Love with Floral: Make your apartment pop with floral patterns. If that’s overwhelming, keep it subtle with an accent pillow in the den or bedroom.

• Mix It Up with Metals: Metallic shades are not just for appliance finishes. A great alternative to color, they can be used as accents, picture frames, vases, pillows -- essentially anything you’re inspired to give a unique look.

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• Brighten Up: If your space is looking dull, brighten it up with a splash of color. Whether it’s the smallest objects or an entire wall, color accents can drastically change a room’s appearance, giving it that pop you’ve been looking for. This year, it’s all about purple -- Radiant Orchid, the Pantone color of the year, to be exact.

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• Organize: The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to organization. Storage bins and labels in the pantry keep snacks, condiments and other food items separate and easily accessible. A command center at the front of your home should include a place to keep keys, mail, sunglasses and the other things you need most.

• Bring the Outside In: Plants add gorgeous depth and texture to a home. Incorporate different shapes, sizes, and colors for visual appeal.

• Classic and Contemporary: If you lean towards a more contemporary style, include vintage pieces for an ultra-updated appearance. These elements create contrast for a unique look Apartment Guide

1729 Briarcrest, Bryan, TX 77802 Publisher Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing Ron Prince Display Advertising Manager Linda Brinkman Creative Services Manager Jim Bob McKown Special Projects Editor Shauna Lewis Special Section Coordinator Erika Liesman Publication Designer Aaron Beagle To advertise in our next Apartment Guide, please call: Geoff Moore @ 979.731.4741

-- plus, you can find a lot of classic pieces for great prices at thrift stores.

• Luxurious Lighting: Sometimes rentals can be less-thanluminous. Add temporary decorative light fixtures so you aren’t left in the dark.

• Play with Textures: Don’t buy all your furnishings from the same place. Instead, mix and match different textures and styles to create an intriguing atmosphere, rather than the cold, uniformed feel of a furniture store.

For additional decorating tips, visit the Idea Gallery at Homes.com. If you have your own décor ideas, use #HomeMoments to share them on Twitter.

There’s no place like home, so take it from the pros -- it’s worth the effort to make your rental property a great space.

Top 10 Tips Every Renter Should Know The number of U.S. renters has expanded significantly since the burst of the housing bubble, and renters now represent 34 percent of all households, according to government statistics. Meanwhile, rents climbed 3.2 percent last year.

Now that the rental market has gotten more crowded, the better prepared you are, the more likely you are to secure the property you desire. The real estate experts at Homes.com, along with partner ForRent. com, have created a comprehensive checklist for stress-free renting: • Preparation: For a smooth approval process, be prepared with a completed rental application, written references from a previous property owner or employer, and an apartment hunting checklist to remember everything from fees to appliances.

• Budget: No more than 25 to 30 percent of income should be spent on housing, say experts. Create a budget that considers extras like your commute and lifestyle amenities. Confirm who bears responsibility for utilities and maintenance, as costs can vary by lease.

• Amenities: Many amenities will be enticing, so be honest about what’s essential to you. Compromise may result in finding a home in a better location.

• Location: Use free search features on real estate sites like Homes.

UTILITIES ELECTRICITY

Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) 979-821-5700 or 877-363-7448 www.btutilities.com College Station Utilities 979-764-3535 or 800-849-6623 www.cstx.gov/indexaspx?page=2004

NATURAL GAS

Atmos Energy 1-888-322-8667 www.atmosenergy.com

TELEPHONE

Verizon Residential 979-846-1271 Business 1-800-483-5400 Embarq (Navasota) 800-788-3500

WATER

City of College Station 979-764-3535 or 800-849-6623 www.cstx.gov/indexaspx?page=2004 Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) 979-821-5700 or 877-363-7448 www.btutilities.com

• Walk-through: Do a walk-through of the entire space before signing any paperwork, ensuring all faucets and appliances work. Open cabinets and closets, and be aware of issues that need to be taken care of prior to moving in.

• Review the lease: Understand all lease terms before signing. Pay attention to details such as termination. Ask the leasing agent or property owner plenty of questions to make sure you have a solid understanding.

• Renters insurance: Your personal belongings aren’t necessarily covered by the property owner’s insurance policy. Renters insurance covers you and your belongings in most instances of theft and damage, and protects you from anyone claiming to have been injured in your rental due to your negligence. The average cost for renters insurance is about $12 per month to cover $30,000 worth of property, according to Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

• Security deposits: Take pictures the day you move in and the day you move out. Document repairs and modifications made while you’re living there. When your lease ends, insist on a final walk-through with the leasing staff or property owner. Know the terms of your lease.

• Use space efficiently: Use temporary décor ideas to turn your rental into a home, making you feel renewed and unique without making significant changes or spending a fortune.

More tips for renters can be found at www.Homes.com.

Welcome to Bryan/College Station. Here are some important phone numbers and Web sites to help your transition to life in Aggieland.

Wellborn Special Utility District 979-690-9799 www.wellbornsud.com

CABLE SERVICE

Suddenlink 4114 E. 29th St. – Bryan 979-846-22296 www.suddenlink.com

AUTOMOBILE INFO DRIVER’S LICENSE

Newcomers have 30 days after establishing residency to apply for a Texas driver’s license.

Applicants (18 and older) will be required to provide proof of identity, social security number, Texas vehicle registration and proof of liability insurance on all vehicles owned. Applicants must complete required forms and pay required fee.

With a valid, out-of-state driver’s license, only an eye exam or statement of visual acuity from an eye specialist is required.

Driver’s License Office 1003 N. Earl Rudder Fwy. 979-776-3110 www.texasonline.com

• Search outside the box: Extend your search to single-family homes and townhomes. There are deals to uncover, especially if you’re splitting rent. Also, review for-sale listings. Some people may be willing to rent instead.

TAGS/REGISTRATION

Newcomers have 30 days after establishing residency to purchase Texas license tags. To purchase license tags you will need to have you vehicle inspected. You will need to have you car registered before applying for a Texas driver’s license.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles handles vehicle tags.

Offices are open Mon.-Fri. from 8am-5pm.

For Information: 979-361-4473 300 E William J. Bryan Pkwy. www.txdps.state.tx.us

GOVERNMENT BRYAN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 300 S. Texas Ave. 979-209-5000 www.bryantx.gov

COLLEGE STATION CITY HALL 1101 Texas Ave. 979-764-3509 www.cstx.gov

VOTER REGISTRATION 300 E. William J. Bryan Pkwy.

Bryan, TX 77803 979-361-4470

TAXES

Brazos County Tax Office 979-361-4470

INFO SOURCES BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 715 University Dr. E – College Station 800-777-8292 or 979-260-9898 www.visitaggieland.com

BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 4001 E. 29th St., Ste. 175 – Bryan 979-260-5200 www.bcschamber.org

BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 1905 Greenfield Plaza – Bryan 979-846-3751 www.bcsrealtor.com

Winter 2014

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Howdy!

com to easily search for rentals by zip code. You’ll ensure you don’t miss your dream home in your dream neighborhood.

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DTI

PROPERTIES WWW.DTIPROPERTIES.COM

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Amenities

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• Spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms floor plans • FREE cable with HBO and high speed internet • Excellent customer service • Newly renovated with wood floors, ceramic tile, granite counter tops • Sparkling Swimming Pool and Hot Tub • Fireplace • Sand Volleyball Court • Basketball Court • Tennis Court Apartment Guide

• Patios / Balconies • Washer/ Dryer Connections • On Shuttle Bus Route *Amenities vary by property

• Arbor Square (979) 693-3701 • College Main (979) 846-2089 • The Gables (979) 693-1188 • Huntington (979) 693-8922 • Oak Forest (979) 775-9000

• Parkway Circle (979) 696-6909 • Radstone (979) 696-1848 • Scandia (979) 693-6505 • Villa West (979) 822-7772 • Walden Pond (979) 696-5777

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FREE INTERNET

FREE CABLE

Winter 2014

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Take the hassle out of moving your boxes to a new home Americans are on the move. More than 35 million Americans moved last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. While relocating to a new place is exciting, it also brings its own set of worries, with packing and unpacking topping the list of stressors. With careful planning and organizing, your move can be more celebratory than stressful - just follow these tips.

Select super supplies

It’s no secret that high-caliber products produce the best results, so be sure to select good quality supplies to save you hassle, time and money during the moving process. When it comes to your valuables and your memories, don’t take risks - start with new, clean and sturdy boxes rather than relying on old, reused boxes. Make sure you have a variety of sizes

on-hand.

When sealing boxes, something as simple - and frustrating - as losing the tape end on your packaging tape can waste time and cause unneeded stress. Choose a quality packaging tape, like Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape, which offers Frustration Free technology. This makes it easy to start with every use and ensures you never lose the tape end. EZ Start packaging tape is available in clear, as well as a variety of fun prints, meaning it’s also great for organizing. Use it to colorcode your boxes, assigning a different print to each room.

Organize, don’t agonize

Packing isn’t just about putting your belongings in boxes and heading on your way. Getting organized at both ends of your move will save you, and anyone helping you, time and hassle once everything arrives to its new destination.

Before you pack, think about the must-have items you need to function on a daily basis to ensure you have them within reach. And, create a survival kit of items you’ll need for your first night - this way, you won’t be forced to unpack everything at once.

On top of your physical belongings, don’t forget to organize the things that make your home and life function.

Fill out change of address forms early, and keep track of any important bills or paperwork that can’t be lost. Know who to contact to turn off utilities at your old location and how to turn them on when you move into your new place.

If you already know how you’d like furniture arranged at your new place, create diagrams and written instructions for those helping you unpack. Foresight here will help get your home looking “homey” much faster and prevent helpers from guessing where each item should go.

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Have help on hand

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While relocating is exciting, it also means a lot of heavy lifting. There’s no need to go it alone. Recruit friends and family to help with packing and unloading on moving day - often the promise of pizza and snacks is the only reward necessary for a hard day’s work. If you want professional assistance, hire a reputable moving company.

Make it easier on helpers by packing boxes smartly. Large boxes with heavy items are difficult to move and have a much greater chance of being dropped, damaging the valuables inside. Instead of cramming many items into one box, pack heavier items, like books, CDs and dishes, in small boxes; light Apartment Guide

items, like pillows, drapes, clothes and linens, in bigger ones. For extra protection for easy-to-break belongings, have some Bubble Wrap cushioning nearby. Bubble Wrap comes in an array of sizes and formats to help safeguard delicate items. Wrap items bubble-side in for best results.

Finally, for ease of organization, clearly label boxes so you know where they go when you arrive. And, consider keeping a detailed list of contents to help keep track of your belongings.

Your Invitation to the

Luxury 1, 2, & 3 Bedroom Apartments

8085 Atlas Pear Dr. Bryan, TX 77807 (888) 804-6140 The Eagle | w w w.theeagle.com

While no move will ever be completely stress-free, organization, some assistance and the right tools can help alleviate many common moving frustrations. For more moving tips or for information about Duck brand’s line of packaging, mailing and moving supplies, visit DuckBrand. com.

www.legacyattraditions.com

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Apartment Guide

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Ideas on restoring secondhand furniture Men and women furnish their homes and apartments in various ways. For some, home furnishings are an extension of their personalities, while others prioritize budget over style when furnishing their domiciles.

- 1/2-inch batting

Secondhand furniture has long been used to furnish homes and apartments. While young people working with tight budgets and living in their first apartments might be the most likely to rely on secondhand furniture, such items are not exclusive to recent college graduates and young professionals.

Homeowners with a love of antiques or those who simply can’t resist thrift store bargains also are likely to lean on secondhand furniture.

- 5/32-inch welt cord

Used furnishings range from expensive high-end antiques to bargain bin chairs and couches found in thrift stores or purchased online. Pricey antiques often come fully restored, but that still leaves legions of shoppers who need to bring their secondhand furnishings back to life. The following are a few ways to do just that.

- black breathable fabric for the underside of furniture

* Upgrade old upholstery. Old chairs and couches tend to have ample wear and tear. But such items are still useful as long as their bones are still sturdy, even if cushions have flattened out and fabric is suffering from tears or stains. Reupholstering old furniture can turn inexpensive but worn down older items into seemingly brand new pieces at a fraction of the cost of new furniture. According to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, the following supplies are necessary to successfully reupholster furniture: - needle-nose pliers - camera or notepaper and pencil - marking pen - scissors - staple gun and staples, 3/8- or 5/16-inch

- straight pins - sewing machine - upholstery-weight thread - tack strips - fabric glue, optional - upholstery tacks or nailhead trim, optional Reupholstering furniture can be a tedious process, and one novices might want to leave to the professionals. The cost of reupholstering secondhand furniture bought at a garage sale, thrift store or private seller online is likely still less expensive than buying a new piece, so you might still make out in the long run. If reupholstering proves too expensive but the furniture still has ample and comfortable cushioning, consider employing a slip cover to hide stained or torn upholstery. Slip covers are typically inexpensive, and they can be purchased in various colors. * Wash away years of wear and tear. Restoring secondhand furniture can sometimes be as easy as washing away years of wear and tear. Old chests of drawers, dressers or armoires might just need a good scrubbing to look as good as new. Before cleaning older furniture, remove the old wax with a stripper bought at a hardware store. Old coats of wax can prevent cleaners from reaching the surface of the furniture, so they must be removed for cleaning products to be effective. When cleaning old furniture, it’s a good idea to solicit advice from antique dealers, who can help you avoid damaging the piece even further. A small amount of dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water can be used to gently clean old wax off of furniture.

When applying such a mixture, be careful to avoid soaking the item or letting the mixture pool on its surface. Work slowly, gradually cleaning small areas one by one and wiping them down with a damp cloth to ensure wax and other residue has vanished completely. Once the item has been thoroughly cleaned and been given ample time to dry, you can apply a new coat of wax.

Older furniture can be both practical and chic, and there are many ways to bring such items back to life without breaking the bank.

Winter 2014

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* Embrace your inner Picasso. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward stylizing secondhand furniture. Items that have been through a lot before making it to your home may benefit from some sanding before receiving a fresh coat of paint. Once items have been sanded, smoothed and cleaned, apply some primer before dusting off your paintbrush. Primer makes it easier for the fresh coat of paint to bond to the furniture, making it less likely that the new coat will chip or crack in the months to come. After applying primer, the painting can commence. Two to three coats should be sufficient to give the item a fresh new look. Allow the item to dry for several hours before showing it off and putting it to good use.

- upholstery fabric (chairs typically require 5 yards)

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Northgate Lofts, 702 Gaytha, 979-268-8620 Crossing, 410 Texas Avenue, 979-703-6449

Forest, 1210 Westridge Ct., 979-775-9000 Circle, 401 Southwest Parkway, 979-696-6909

at Northgate, 717 University Drive, 979-260-7473 Loop Townhomes, 1200 Spring Loop, 979-268-8620

Cottages of College Station, 1400 Harvey Mitchell

18. The

District on Luther, 601 Luther Street W. 866.557.0070

19. The

Gables, 401 University Oaks Blvd, 979-693-1188

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Centre at Northgate, Opening Fall, 2014

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Club Townhomes, 801 Marion Pugh Dr., 979-703-1923

23. University

Square, 313 Lincoln Ave., 979-693-2720

24. Villa West, 3500 Finfeather, 979-822-7772 25. Walden

818 FM 2

26. Wilde

With the following companies for all your essential needs!

Bryan Texas Utilities ............(979) 821-5700 College Station Utilities ......(979) 764-3535 Verizon ..................................(800) 483-4000

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Suddenlink ...........................(877) 694-9474 Atmos Energy.......................(800) 460-3030 The Eagle ..............................(979) 776-2345

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Pond, 1331 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S, 979-696-5777

Oak, 1800 Wilde Oak, 979-268-8620

GET CONNECTED

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Laurel Ridge, 801 Spring Loop, 979-846-2976

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20. The Legacy at Traditions, 8085 Atlas Pear Dr., 888-804-6140

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Apartment Guide

Huntington, 1907 Dartmouth Dr, 979-693-8922

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Pkwy S, 979.703.1865

AIRIE ROCK PR

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Galleria Townhomes, 1600 Barak Ln, 979-268-8620

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Doux Chene, 2101 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy., 979-693-1906

13. Redstone, 1301 Barthelow Dr, 979-696-1848

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College Main, 4302 College Main St, 979-846-2089

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Callaway Villas, 305 Marion Pugh Dr, 979-695-2300

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APARTMENT GUIDE 2014 BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION MAP LOCATION INFORMATION

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