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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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