Katy, Sugarland, Richmond, Memorial, Spring Branch and Cyfair
Finding Houston TX homes, property or real estate can be challenging at times. The real estate agent you work with could be one of your most valuable resources in buying and selling property. A professional realtor can help you determine your mortgage and loan needs, as well as, how much home you can afford. Allow me to can suggest ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods. In addition to knowing the local money market, contact me for information on what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan. As an experienced REALTOR®, I am already familiar with current real estate values, Houston TX taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your decision. Let me guide you through this sometimes challenging process and help to make your real estate experience a smooth and simple one.
Get the answers on home selling and buying. |
Q: | Do sellers have to disclose the terms of other offers? |
A: | According to experts, sellers do not have to disclose other offers |
Q: | What are some tips on negotiation? |
A: | The more you know about a seller's motivation, the stronger a negotiating position you are in. For example, a seller who must move quickly due to a job transfer may be amenable to a lower price with a speedy escrow. Other so-called "motivated sellers" include people going through a divorce or who have already purchased another home. Remember, that the listing price is what the seller would like to receive but is not necessarily what they will settle for. Before making an offer, check the recent sales prices of comparable homes in the neighborhood to see how the seller's asking price stacks up. Some experts discourage making deliberate low-ball offers. While such an offer can be presented, it can also sour the sale and discourage the seller from negotiating at all. |
Q: | How do I prepare the house for sale? |
A: | Making your home look as nice as possible may seem obvious. Apparently, it's not, because many sellers don't do much beyond vacuuming the living room rug and maybe cleaning the ring off the bathtub, says George Devine, in "For Sale by Owner," Nolo Press, Berkeley, Calif.; 1993. Short of spending a lot of money, Devine offers several steps people can take to make their home show better:
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Q: | How long do bankruptcies and foreclosures stay on a credit report? |
A: | Bankruptcies and foreclosures can remain on a credit report for seven to 10 years. Some lenders will consider a borrower earlier if they have reestablished good credit. The circumstances surrounding the bankruptcy can also influence a lender's decision. For example, if you went through a bankruptcy because your employer had financial difficulties, a lender may be more sympathetic. If, however, you went through bankruptcy because you overextended personal credit lines and lived beyond your means, the lender probably will be less inclined to be flexible. |
Q: | What do all of those real estate acronyms in the ads mean? |
A: | If you find yourself stumbling over weird acronyms in a real estate listing, don't be alarmed. There is method to the madness of this shorthand (which is mostly adopted by sellers to save money in advertising charges). Here are some abbreviations and the meaning of each, taken from a recent newspaper classified section: * assum. fin. -- assumable financing
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Copyright 1999 Inman News Features
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