This agreement authorizes me to represent you, ensuring that your interests are prioritized and your information remains confidential. The terms of our agreement are clearly outlined to guarantee adherence to the highest standards, providing you with peace of mind. Signing a buyer’s representation agreement ensures that I’m working exclusively for you, protecting your best interests throughout the entire process. Without it, Texas law says I technically work for the seller. Let’s make sure we’re on the same team! The agreement is required before a showing since Aug 17, 2024.
If you're concerned about committing to a lengthy representation period, you have options to minimize your liability:
Request the TREC Short Form: Ask your Realtor for the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Short Form then specify a limited "Market Area," such as just the address of the property you’re scheduling to view. By doing this, the agreement is only attached to that specific property, reducing your obligation to that one transaction.
Terminate Anytime: If you're not satisfied with the Realtor you're working with, you can request to terminate the Buyer’s Representation Agreement at any time. Most agreements have a clause allowing you to cancel with notice, so you're not locked into a relationship that doesn’t meet your expectations.
This approach ensures you have flexibility and control over your home-buying process while still benefiting from professional representation.
Here is an example of the form if you want to request a showing with me: https://connect.lpt.com/public/psa/1884/1370E1D4-DC2B-5306-7FE158FE3DBF1A78
Good news! As a buyer, you typically don’t have to worry about paying for the real estate agent. The seller or builder usually covers that cost, so you get professional guidance without the extra expense. Isn’t that great?
The real estate agent's commission has always been negotiable, both before and after the recent law changes. Despite these changes, my fee remains the same. This means that while the specifics of who pays the commission can be discussed and agreed upon, the service and dedication I provide to guide you through your real estate journey are consistent and unwavering. Let's work together to ensure you receive the best possible outcome, regardless of who ultimately covers the commission.
If you ever feel the need to end our working relationship, just let me know. Most Realtors, including myself, understand and won’t force you to stay. It’s best to communicate this before entering into a contract on a home.
Absolutely! The builder’s sales consultant works for the builder, not for you. My job is to look out for your best interests, make sure you’re getting a fair deal, and ensure the process goes smoothly.
Most people think that if you’re building a home, there’s no need for a real estate agent, but that is FAR FROM TRUE! 🚫 You should absolutely not go to a builder and build a home without an agent! Why? Because you’ll likely end up overpaying for the home and miss out on extra incentives that you could get using an experienced agent like us. 🏡
One of the best parts? You don’t pay a real estate agent’s commission most of the time when you’re buying and building a home. That means you get FREE expert help with one of the largest investments most people make in their lives. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of that?! 💸
🏠 5 Things You Need to Know About New Construction Homes
🚶♂️ Don’t Go Alone!
Always bring your real estate agent when visiting a builder.
We can help secure incentives, money, and ensure a smooth process.
Pro Tip: Text or call me before your visit! 📞
🔍 The Sales Consultant Works for the Builder
They’re focused on protecting the builder’s interests.
We advocate for you—getting the best price, upgrades, and timeline. 🎯
💡 Not All Builders Are Created Equal
Some builders have pricey upgrades; others include them in the base price.
Share your budget and wish list, and we’ll find builders who fit your needs. 🛠️
🤝 Relationships Matter
We build strong ties with builder reps to make your experience better.
This means better prices, more incentives, and extra upgrades for you! 🏷️
📝 Being Involved Matters
We conduct weekly check-ins to keep track of your home’s progress.
Our goal is to prevent missed changes or delays. 🚧
Definitely! I have a network of fantastic agents across the country and even around the world. I’ll help find someone who fits your needs and check in along the way to make sure everything is going smoothly.
There are so many good reasons to get pre-approved before house hunting:
Falling in love with a home that’s out of your budget can be heartbreaking. Let’s avoid that.
You might miss out on your dream home while waiting for pre-approval. We need that letter to make a strong offer.
It gives you a clear idea of what your monthly payments will be and if they fit your budget.
When picking a lender, here’s what to focus on:
Reputation: A well-regarded lender can make your offer stand out.
Rates: Always shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Accessibility: Choose a lender who’s available when you need them, even outside of regular hours.
Transparency: Be aware of any hidden fees that could surprise you later.
Make sure to contact at least 2 lenders to get the best deal!
Absolutely! I’ve got a list of trusted professionals that I recommend to my clients. Please DM me for the list :)
Once you’ve submitted all the necessary documents, the pre-approval process usually takes about 24-72 hours. Some lenders might be faster, but it’s good to plan for this timeframe before starting your home search.
Pre-approvals are generally valid for about 90 days. After that, they need to be updated to reflect any changes in your financial situation. Check with your lender for specific details, as it can impact your credit score.
Yes, you can! You’re not locked in with the first lender who pre-approves you. If you find a better rate or fit elsewhere, it’s perfectly fine to switch. Just make sure you finalize your choice soon after going under contract.
Yes, there are many programs that offer down payment assistance, especially for first-time homebuyers, veterans, teachers, and more. I can connect you with one of my preferred lenders who can guide you through the options that best suit your needs.
The down payment amount can vary, but it is typically 3+%. If you’re eligible for certain programs, like VA or USDA or other specific loans, you might even be able to buy a home with no money down! Let’s talk to one of our lenders to see what works best for you.
The required credit score varies based on the type of loan and the lender’s criteria. I can introduce you to a trusted lender who can give you the most up-to-date information. If your score isn’t quite there yet, I can help you with a plan to improve it.
Credit Karma/Sesame gives a good general idea, but it’s not always completely accurate. It can be up to 40 points off from what a lender might see. Different lenders also use different scoring models, so don’t be surprised if your score looks different when they pull it.
If you’re concerned about flood zones, there are several ways to check based on the county you’re interested in. I’m here to help you find the right resources or connect you with local experts. In Houston, I always recommend flood insurance, even if you’re not in a designated flood zone.
If a home has flooded before, the seller is required to disclose it. I’ll make sure we review the seller’s disclosures carefully. You can also check with an insurance agent, but keep in mind that if there’s no claim on record, it doesn’t necessarily mean the home hasn’t flooded.
There are several online tools you can use to check crime rates. Remember, every area will have some reports, so it’s all about finding where you feel safe. I suggest doing these steps:
👥 Talk to the Locals! - Get the inside scoop from your potential new neighbors. 🗣️
💻 Ask on Social Media! - Connect with locals online for their perspectives. 📱
🚗 Drive Around at Different Times! - Observe the area during various times of the day. 🌅🌃
🕵️♂️ Research Crime Reports! - Check out crime stats to gauge safety. 🔍
📊 Use Online Tools! - Utilize websites like City Protect and ADT Interactive Crime Map. 🌐
Here are some websites you can use to research crime levels in a neighborhood:
City Protect – Public Safety Reports
ADT Interactive Crime Map
City of Conroe Crime Mapping
Lexis Nexis – Community Crime Map
🛑 Check for Registered Offenders! - Look up sex offenders in the area before making a decision. 🚫
Below are some resources to research sex offenders in a neighborhood:
Family Watchdog – Sex Offender Search
Harris County Sex Offender Search
National Sex Offender Search
Texas Sex Offender Registry – FAQ
✔️ Do Your Due Diligence! - Safety and comfort matter just as much as location. 🛡️
If you’re focused on finding the right school for your kids, I can help you get detailed reports on any school you’re interested in. You can also visit greatschools.org or check out school ratings on HAR.com.
Here you can find school reports compiled by The Texas Tribune. Most of the data is sourced from the Texas Education Agency’s annual Texas Academic Performance Report. The links are arranged by high schools and categorized by school districts. You can find information about the average teacher tenure, SAT/ACT scores, college readiness scores, & demographics. It is our intention to ensure that all of our clients have access to the information that they need to make decisions about what is best for their families.
ALDINE ISD
Carver H S For Applied Tech/Engine
ALIEF ISD
Alief Early College High School
CONROE ISD
CYPRESS ISD
DEER PARK ISD
FORT BEND ISD
GALENA PARK ISD
Galena Park Isd Career & Technical
HOUSTON ISD
Challenge Early College High School
East Early College High School
Energized For Stem Academy Southea
Energized For Stem Academy Southwe
Houston Academy For International
Houston Math Science And Technolog
Kinder H S For Performing And Visu
Middle College H S At Hcc Fraga
Middle College H S At Hcc Gulfton
North Houston Early College High School
South Early College High School
KATY ISD
KLEIN ISD
MAGNOLIA ISD
MONTGOMERY ISD
NEW WAVERLY ISD
PASADENA ISD
PEARLAND ISD
Robert Turner College And Career H
SHELDON ISD
SPRING ISD
SPLENDORA ISD
TOMBALL ISD
WALLER ISD
WILLIS ISD
A home appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the market value of the property you want to buy. It’s done by a third-party appraiser hired by your lender to ensure the home is worth the amount you’re borrowing. It’s a crucial step in the buying process.
If the home doesn’t appraise for the purchase price, we have a few options: ask the seller to lower the price, pay the difference yourself, negotiate a split, or walk away. I’ll guide you through whichever option makes the most sense for your situation.
Yes, it’s totally okay! My goal is to find you the best home that fits within your budget. If you prefer the monthly payments on a lower-priced home, I’m here to help you find the best options in that range.
🕒 Typically 72 hours: This allows us to discuss pricing, stage your home, take photos, and upload everything to our MLS.
🚀 Need it faster? We can expedite the process to meet your timeline.
🛠️ Need more time? We can take it slow and help you get everything in order at your pace.
No, Zillow uses a broad algorithm that pulls comps from a wide radius, often leading to inaccurate home values. They don’t account for unique finishes, upgrades, or the nuances of different neighborhoods. That’s where we come in—our local expertise ensures your home is priced right, giving it the best chance to sell quickly and for top dollar!
A listing agreement is crucial because it clearly outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and agreements between you and your real estate agent, ensuring a smooth sale process. This gives you access to our unique marketing tools, strategies, and dedicated service. It also provides confidentiality and assurance that we’ll act in your best interests, transitioning you from a customer to a client.
The answer is sometimes!
🏠 If you’ve been protesting your taxes yearly:
Your tax appraised value should be significantly lower than your home’s actual market value.
📈 If you haven’t been protesting:
Your tax value might be close to the true market value, especially if it’s been rising with the neighborhood.
For future reference, reach out to us during tax protest season. We can help you argue those values down and save on your taxes!
Our fee depends on your specific home and the customized marketing plan we create for you. Contact us for more details, and we’ll be happy to discuss it further!
A home appraisal is a crucial step in the home buying process. The buyer’s lender sends an appraiser to determine the home’s value based on recent comparable sales. This is important because:
🏷️ Contract Clause: If the home doesn’t appraise for the agreed price, the buyer can usually exit the contract.
🏦 FHA Loans: If the buyer is using an FHA loan, the appraisal value sticks with your home for 6 months. This means you couldn’t sell for more than that value to another FHA buyer during that time.
An accurate appraisal is key to ensuring a smooth transaction!
If a home doesn’t meet appraisal, you have several options:
Adjust the Price: The buyer can request that you lower the contract price to match the appraised value.
Buyer Pays the Difference: The buyer might agree to cover the difference between the appraised value and the contract price.
Split the Difference: You and the buyer might negotiate to share the difference.
Risk Walkaway: The buyer might choose to walk away from the deal and start over.
Depending on the situation, we’ll guide you on the best option and negotiate on your behalf!