Buying a Home the Right Way

Picking the “right home” is usually achieved through a process of elimination. Finding appropriate ways to narrow your list is vital to your success. Currently, there are over 26,000 single family homes available for sale in the Houston MLS. Few people have the time or the inclination to look at hundreds of properties, much less thousands.

In the spirit of “keeping it real,” we recommend that you complete the following 2 steps before going any further with your home search.

Regarding Price Range: You may already have a price range in mind. However, underwriting guidelines, loan terms and interest rates are constantly in flux. Unless you are a CASH Buyer, your price range needs to be confirmed by at least one professional Loan Officer. Please speak to one of out recommended lenders.

Regarding Neighborhood Selection: Your geographic and demographic preferences are important when you set out to find your “dream home.” However, the process of dream realization must include the understanding that location affects price. Your maximum price constraints will often eliminate areas that would otherwise be among your top geographic picks. Finding the “right home” will usually depend on your willingness to accept certain compromises. You cannot buy a twenty dollar bill for $10. Please use the Neighborhood Finder to select neighborhoods that are likely to be affordable for you.

Common Concerns (A to Z)

The following “common concerns” are important to many buyers but they might not be relevant concerns for you. Please review them with an open mind, and be sure to let your agent know if any of these issues are important to you.

Schools

Even if you do not have school age children, you may want to find out whatever you can about the schools in your target neighborhood(s). Odds are high that you will eventually need to sell your home. When that time comes, the resale value and marketability of your home may be affected by area schools.

Mortgage Resources

Use the links below to get up to speed on current mortgage rates and trends. Don’t assume you qualify for the lowest posted rates unless you have excellent credit, strong income and a healthy bank account.

Loan Pre-Approval

Armed with the information gathered above, you are now prepared to search for homes that fit your search criteria. Before we schedule showings for you, please get a pre-approval letter from one of our recommended lenders.

Information About Brokerage Services

Texas law requires us to provide you with information about brokerage services. Please download and review the TREC form No. OP-K (TAR-2501).

Right-click and save: Information About Brokerage Services

Home Search Tools (A to Z)

Attorneys

After you have identified a property that you want to purchase, you may want to consult a real estate attorney to assist you with legal matters related to the transaction. If you decide that you need an attorney during the contract process, the local real estate attorneys listed below are highly recommended. Please be wary of discussing real estate matters with attorneys who do not specialize in Texas real estate law. You wouldn’t discuss brain surgery with your podiatrist, would you?

Home Inspections

As soon as you have a home under contract you will want to hire professional inspectors to perform the usual inspections.

Hazard Insurance

Shopping for Hazard Insurance (Fire Insurance and Flood Insurance) is a vital “next step” in the progression from contract to closing.

Home Warranty

Most Residential Purchase Contracts allow the Buyer to select a Home Warranty Company. The Seller will usually cover the cost of a 1-year Warranty up to an amount specified in the Contract. If a Buyer wants additional coverage beyond the amount specified, then the overage will be collected from the Buyer at closing. The Warranty providers listed below are just a few of the many options available.

For more information or to schedule a showing, call Tim at 832-212-3304

North Houston Homes

Real Estate Information for North Houston and Spring

Buyers