Using A Realtor

Whether you are buying a home that has been in existence for 30 years, 30 days or a home that has not yet been built, you can save time and money by having a licensed Realtor® representing you and your interest.

Those who choose to buy or sell real estate without a licensed Realtor® do so at considerable risk.

Real estate market trends, laws and contracts are complex; and the impact of poor decisions can be devastating to a person or family´s finances.

Here are some of the things a Realtor® will offer you:

Negotiation
The most important difference between a Realtor® and a builder´s salesperson, for example, is that your Realtor® represents you-not the builder. In a study conducted by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, researchers found that the number one source of a Realtor´s business is referrals. This means that Realtors® want you to be satisfied with their service from the beginning of the search process, to the closing, and even 10 years after you have moved into the property. Realtors® have the experience and the objectivity to serve as an effective negotiator for you and your hard-earned dollar.

Estimation of Market Value
Evaluating the fair price of a new home can be difficult and requires the experience and expertise of someone who has worked with the real estate market for a period of time. A Realtor® also can provide crucial advice on new home´s resale value and negotiate appropriate builder upgrades to the property. Choosing one lot instead of another, for example could make the difference of thousands of dollars when you sell the property in the future.

Coordination of Inspections
Do not be misled into believing that simply because a home is new that it does not require inspections and may not have flaws. A Realtor® can help you determine which inspections are necessary and help determine, and negotiate correction of, problems with the property.

Knowledge of Financing Options
Because Realtors® work with a variety of clients, they may know about financing options that you have not discovered. Learning of various mortgage programs might help you find a better deal.

Education and Experience
In order to become licensed, or maintain licensure as, a Realtor®, a person must study college-level courses on real estate and the related areas of law, marketing and business. Realtors® continue to learn new ways to save you time and money through mandatory continuing education. Realtors® also are sworn to uphold a strict code of ethics regarding their professional behavior and service to you.

Exposure to the Total Market
When beginning your search, a Realtor® will help you look through a variety of sources to find the home that best fits your needs. If you are certain you want a new home, your Realtor® might begin by showing you houses that have been built in the last five years; then homes that have been build by builders but not yet occupied, called “spec or inventory” homes. Finally, your Realtor® will help you find local builders for possible homes that can be built from scratch. Your Realtor® will always seek to offer you the most appealing and negotiable options, and will help you work with the Greater Houston Area´s most reputable and knowledgeable builders.

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