Apartment Guide

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Great locations—walk to class Fully furnished apartments & townhomes Amenities for a fit & healthy lifestyle Academically-oriented environments Professional, on-site management & maintenance Individual liability leases Roommate matching available Apartment Guide

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American Campus

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City of College Station

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Cherry Street Howdy

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Alpha-Omega

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Hawthorne at Traditions

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Equity Real Estate

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To advertise in the next Brazos Valley Apartment Guide, contact The Eagle at 979-731-4738.

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Transform spaces into cozy retreats metro creative connection

Cool weather often drives people to spend more hours indoors than they do during the warmer months. Autumn is a time to winterize gardens, put away lawn furniture and prepare for the holiday season. Autumn also provides the perfect opportunity to begin home interior projects.

Many people decide to redecorate their homes to reflect each season. When temperatures change, it’s time to transition from the light colors and breezy fabrics symbolic of summer to thicker, darker materials that evoke coziness.

With some inspiration and a little know-how, any homeowner or apartment dweller can cozy up a space in time for fall and winter.

• Invest in area rugs.

While wood floors can look beautiful and work well with many different design styles, wood can feel chilly underfoot. Thick area rugs add warmth to a room and can help it look more lived-in. Area rugs also help a room appear more cohesive, coordinating with other colors in a space and providing a visual border.

with grooves and ridges can add dimension to a room as well. Even a lampshade made of an unusual fabric, such as a waffle-patterned material, can add a little depth and warmth to a space.

• Reevaluate your lighting.

Lighting a space is more than just flipping on a switch. Finding the right balance of lighting fixtures can instantly transform the feel of a room. Create more warmth and a cozy feel by switching out bulbs from cooler shades to warmer ones & those that give off yellow and pink hues rather than cool blues. Accent lighting helps establish a comfortable space for curling up and reading a good book. Spot lighting, such as fixtures that are trained on artwork or inside of a curio or china cabinet, also can set a more welcoming mood.

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• Install a bookshelf and start a book collection • Practice layering in Piles and stacked .books can add warmth to any space. Books evoke the hallowed halls rooms.

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An affordable and relatively easy way to make a room seem more cozy is to layer fabrics and other accents. Layers can include throws and blankets. Remove place mats from the dining room table and use them on accent tables or an ottoman in the living room. Table runners also can add a splash of color to the top of bedroom dressers.

• Play with texture.

Look for fabrics that boast texture and can add a tactile feel to spaces.

When used on throw pillows or small accents, faux fur can create that cozy cabin feel. Draperies made from nubby fabrics or those Apartment Guide

of schools and quiet nooks in the library. Fill shelves with books interspersed with additional design accents, and you will instantly make a room feel more inviting.

• Choose dark paint.

Do not feel nervous about incorporating deeper shades in rooms. Dark colors give rooms a more enclosed feel than lighter colors, and that can create a warm and cozy feeling. This works particularly well in larger spaces that feel vast and empty. If you’re scared to paint all of your walls, try a darker shade below a chair rail or just paint one accent wall.

• Add architectural elements.

Think about adding rich moldings to crown the ceilings or to frame doorways. If you have the space for a nook, create a window seat beneath a picture window or add a bench and cushions in a corner for a nice escape spot.

Use the colder weather as an opportunity to reinvent some of the rooms in your home. With paint, texture, fabric, lighting and more, rooms can be quickly transformed into cozy respites from the cold.

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Pointers for apartment dwellers who want pets metro creative connection

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Animal lovers who want to welcome pets in their homes may be hesitant to do so while renting. Some might not want to pay additional fees on top of their normal security deposits, while others may fear that pets will cause damage to homes their owners don’t own, leading to potentially costly repairs down the road. Renters should know that it’s both possible and even common for people who rent to have pets.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 72 percent of American families who rent their homes have pets. While it might take a little extra work to find pet-friendly apartments, the lasting rewards of pet ownership could outweigh any brief hurdles renters may have to clear as they search for pet-friendly living arrangements.

Animal lovers who rent but want pets may need to move out of their current apartments before they can welcome pets into their families. As that process begins, renters can take steps to ensure they find a place both they and their future pets will find welcoming.

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• Start your apartment search earlier than you otherwise might.

Many landlords do not accept pets, so expect the search for a pet-friendly apartment to be more involved than it would be if you did not intend to get a pet. As a result, start your search earlier than you have in the past, giving yourself as much time as possible to find a pet-friendly Apartment Guide

apartment that also meets your other needs. Local animal shelters may keep a list of pet-friendly properties, or you can contact local realtors who can help you find buildings that allow pets. The earlier you begin your search, the more time you will give yourself to find a place that has everything you need. If you delay your search, you may have to settle for a place that’s pet-friendly but fails to meet your other criteria.

• Get it in writing.

Before signing a lease, read it carefully to make sure it clearly spells out that you are allowed to have a pet. Read any restrictions regarding the type of pet and the size of pet you’re allowed to have.

For example, many landlords who allow dogs will only allow dogs up to a certain weight. If you have your heart set on a Great Dane, then an apartment that only allows dogs that weigh 25 pounds or less won’t be a good fit. Read the terms regarding pets carefully so you know exactly what you can and cannot have and exactly how much you will have to pay to bring pets into your new home.

If there are no terms regarding pets in

the lease, ask that specific terms be added before you sign. Doing so will protect you down the road should the landlord discover any pet-related damage when you move out.

• Do your homework.

If you have never before owned a pet, then speak with a local veterinarian regarding your work schedule, your living arrangements and your expectations as a pet owner. The HSUS notes that problems with housing are the leading reason pets end up homeless.

While no pet owner envisions taking their pets to a shelter and giving the animals up for adoption, such scenarios play out every day. By speaking with vets and local pet professionals, you can adopt the right pet for you and your apartment, greatly reducing the chances that you will be forced to give the pet up in the future.

Animal lovers who rent their homes can still welcome pets into their families.

For more pointers on renting and pet ownership, visit the HSUS at www. humanesociety.org.

Howdy!

UTILITIES ELECTRICITY

Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) 979-821-5700 or 877-363-7448 www.btutilities.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

College Station Utilities 979-764-3535 or 800-849-6623 www.cstx.gov/indexaspx?page=2004

AUTOMOBILE INFO

NATURAL GAS

DRIVER’S LICENSE

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

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.

WATER

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

Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU)

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

City of College Station 979-764-3535 or 800-849-6623 www.cstx.gov/indexaspx?page=2004

979-821-5700 or 877-363-7448 www.btutilities.com

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

aPartMents • Houses DuPLexes • FourPLexes conDos/townHoMes www.alphaomegaproperties.com 979.774.7820 • 979.774.7328 (FAX) 2600 E VillA MAriA • BryAn Fall 2016

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Leasing • saLes • ProPerty ManageMent

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Ten Home Décor Trends for Your Rental metro creative connection

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 10 top home decor trends online that 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 dècor. 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:

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

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• 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.

Apartment Guide

• 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.

• 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 toward a more

contemporary style, include vintage pieces for an ultra-updated appearance.

These elements create contrast for a unique look -- 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.

H

awthorne at Traditions is a new luxury apartment community nestled within the prestigious Traditions Golf Community.

Our community offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes with upgraded interiors that include modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, washer & dryer sets included, over-sized garden tubs, spacious closets and so much more. Residents of Hawthorne at Traditions can take advantage of our resortstyle swimming pool with hot tub and outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace with seating, putting green, 24-Hour fitness center, billiard room and an exceptional clubhouse all surrounded by lush, beautiful hill country landscaping. Contact us today and come Live the Difference at Hawthorne at Traditions!

8085 aTLaS PeaR dR • BRyan • 979.219.7952 • www.HawTHORneaTTRadiTiOnS.COm

Property Amenities

Unparalled Personal Touches

• State of the art fitness center

• Black appliances

• Business center

• Laminate wood floors/carpet/tile

• Coffee bar

• Ceiling fans

• Conference center

• Crown molding

• Resort style swimming pool

• Garage and carports (additional fee)

• Limited access gate

• Professional management staff

• Full size washer and dryer in every home

2015

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ark Hudson Place apartments promise some of the finest amenities available in this area. Our spacious, attractive apartment homes offer unparalleled personal touches, including laminate wood flooring, track lighting in the kitchen and dining area, over-sized garden tubs and washer and dryer sets in every home. Whether you choose to use our on-site business center or simply relax by the resort-style swimming pool with cabanas you are sure to discover the key to a new level of luxury at Park Hudson Place. Contact us and come Live the Difference today!

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• 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms luxury floorplans

4050 PendLeTOn dR • BRyan • 979.776.0417 • www.PaRkHudSOnaPTS.COm Fall 2016

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