3 Must-Know Points About Home Inspectors

Whether you're hiring an inspector to examine a home you want to buy or to preemptively find any hidden defects in a home you want to sell, there are three key things you need to know.

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If you're looking to hire an inspector for a home you want to buy or you're selling your home and you want to find out about any hidden problems you need to fix before putting your home on the market, there are three key things you should know:

1. You choose your own home inspector. Your real estate agent can recommend one to you or you can find one your own. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors must complete an approved home inspection program, complete a written exam, demonstrate experience and competency as an inspector, and adhere to the NAHI Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Inspectors will point out adverse or potentially dangerous conditions in a home—not cosmetic flaws.

2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions—not cosmetic flaws. An inspector will point out things that either need to be repaired or pose potential safety issues on the property. They won't comment on any cosmetic items if they don't impair the home's integrity and they don't do destructive testing.

3. Home inspection reports include only the basics. Inspections should cover the home's exterior and things like steps, porches, decks, chimneys, roofs, windows, doors, and other similar items. Inside the home, they'll look at attics, electrical components, plumbing, central heating and air, and crawlspaces and attics as applicable. They'll also report on the working order of things like faucets and whether they're leaking, as well as garage doors to see whether they're working. They might also point out termite damage and suggest a separate pest inspection. The final report should be concise and easy to understand.

If you need a referral for a great home inspector or you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Houston area, don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I'd love to help you out!

Debunking Some Common Real Estate Myths

There is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to real estate and how a Realtor operates. We’re here to clear the air.

Selling in the greater Houston area? Get a market analysis report

Purchasing in the greater Houston area? Get full MLS access

The world of real estate is full of misunderstandings and misconceptions. Today we are debunking some of the most common real estate myths we hear from clients regularly. Here they are:

1. Agents want you to pay a higher sale price so they can get a higher commission. Realtors are professionals, so when they ask you to pay close to, at, or even above list price, it’s because they know the property is worth that much. In today’s market that has such low inventory, some homes are only on the market for a few days. A lot of times, these homes will sell over asking price if they are receiving multiple offers. Give your professional trust and know they are going to do their part.

A strong agent is worth their commission.

2. Listing my home at a lower commission will increase the profits from my sale. Like many things in life, you get what you pay for with a Realtor. When you hire a professional, don’t focus on their commission first.You want to hire someone for the experience they bring to the table, the negotiation skills they have, and their track record of helping people sell homes. Top agents don’t discount their commission for a simple reason. If they are willing to discount themselves, how willing are they going to be to discount your asking price? A strong agent that knows how to market your home has confidence in themselves and their abilities. You don’t necessarily make more money with a lower commission because you’re getting a worse agent most of the time.

3. Realtors get kickbacks from lenders and inspectors. Not only is this not true, in some cases it is illegal. In certain states, it’s against the law for lenders, inspectors, or other individuals to give kickbacks to Realtors. When you get a recommendation from your Realtor, it’s likely they have already worked with, had success with, and established a working relationship with your Realtor.

These are just a few of the myths we hear all the time. Next time, we’ll be back to cover even more of them. Until then, if you have any questions for me at all, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!

How to Get Your Offer Accepted

Multiple offer situations are becoming more and more common here in Texas. I’ve got some advice to share with you that will help you get the home you want if you find yourself in a situation like this as a buyer. 

Selling in the greater Houston area? Get a market analysis report

Purchasing in the greater Houston area? Get full MLS access

Don’t wait to see what other people are going to offer. In a multiple offer situation, the seller has a ton of options. They can counter every offer, reject every offer, or accept one right off the bat. Go with your gut and put your offer in right away.

To make your offer stand out among others, there is a lot you can do. One thing would be offering a good sales price. A lot of times I tell people that if they really like a house, they need to put their best foot forward. That goes with earnest money too. Put down a minimum of 1% to show the buyer you are serious. Another thing you can do is shorten the number of days in your option/inspection period. Sellers will know you are more serious if you ask for five days as opposed to seven or 10. 

"Put your best foot forward if you like the home."

A qualified professional will be able to help you make your offer desirable in additional ways. They can advise you on what kinds of terms to offer in regards to the sale price, earnest money, option fees, closing costs, asking for a survey or not, and many other aspects of the contract. A good agent will research and ask the listing agent questions ahead of time to make sure the offer you present is the most desirable. 

If you have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to ask. I am always here to take your call or respond to your email. I look forward to hearing from you.