Visit Different Kinds of Properties

Do you like the layouts of ranch homes or townhouses better? Will an open floor plan fit with your lifestyle? Seeing a home’s style and features in person can inform what you want in your next property. 

Take Notes

Whether you visit three or fifteen houses, the details of those properies will blur together. Take notes about what you like and don’t like about a home, and be sure to grab the listing sheet provided by the agent hosting the open house. That will usually feature photos and basic information for easy reference. 

Ask Questions

The real estate agent is there to help you learn about and love the house. Ask the host about the neighborhood, HVAC system, roof, plumbing—anything that will help you understand what you get at that price point. Remember: You’re doing research to determine what you want to buy.

Review Your Findings Soon

Don’t wait two weeks to revisit your notes. Carve out time after your tours or the following day to go over every property and its listing sheet. You will start to form an idea of what you want your property to be like.  

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Open houses can expose you to many different properties and narrow your home search. When you’re ready to find the property that meets your newly created requirements, talk to a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® knows your local market and will match you with the perfect property. Find one here. 

• REALTORS® offer expert guidance: They bring unmatched knowledge and experience to every step, helping you make informed decisions while managing details that could feel overwhelming.
• REALTORS® have reliable data: With up-to-date market analysis, REALTORS® help buyers pay the right price and sellers make competitive listings.
• REALTORS® streamline your search: From showings to paperwork, REALTORS® simplify your journey and save you time and energy.
• REALTORS® are skilled negotiators: They prioritize your best interests, leveraging their expertise to secure favorable terms.
• REALTORS® expand your opportunities: Whether it’s connecting you to trusted lenders or uncovering downpayment-assistance programs, REALTORS® have the resources to support you.

Visit texasrealestate.com/bringithome for more information about how valuable REALTORS® are no matter your real estate needs.

The National Association of REALTORS® published a guide to these listing options to help sellers like you understand all the ways you can display your home in the multiple listing service.

Don’t worry: A REALTOR® can assist you developing the marketing strategy that’s right for you. Find one here. 

Low Traffic

Are you limiting your exposure? Since most buyers sort listings by price and location, your home might not be showing up in search results when compared to other properties in the area.

Long Time on Market

A recently renovated kitchen or bathroom often increases the home’s value. However, if your home has been on the market for a while with no viable offers, that could be an indication that the upgrades don’t match the buyer’s expectations.

Homes Nearby Selling Faster

Buyers often compare several listings to find the best value before making a decision. Have you done a comparative market analysis to make sure you are remaining competitive?

Receiving Negative Feedback

Sentimental value can often be a driving force in setting the price of the home. To get a more realistic view of your home’s worth, learn how potential buyers perceive your property by paying attention to the feedback from showings.

Ensuring that your home is competitively priced is a crucial step in the selling process. Ask your REALTOR® to assess the current market and help you set the highest realistic price for your home.

Test the Budget 

You know all homeownership costs, but you can estimate how owning a home will affect your budget. A REALTOR® can help you determine how much you can afford, the potential mortgage payment you’d make, your local property taxes, and repair costs you might want to consider as a homeowner.

Check Your Credit

Before you apply for a loan, request a free credit report to find out what a lender would see. If your report has errors, you can correct them before they affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. And you might be able to take steps to improve your credit before purchasing a property. 

Create a Wish List

There’s probably not a home that will offer every single amenity you desire, but you should have a general idea of what you’re looking for. So while a home with fewer than two bathrooms may be non-negotiable, perhaps you’d see the potential in one with a smaller kitchen or a not-so-appealing exterior paint job.

It’s never too early to talk to a REALTOR® when you know you’re going to buy a home. A REALTOR® can answer your questions about the homebuying process and help you avoid surprises along the way.

Learn more about how fair housing affects you in your transactions with this consumer guide from the National Association of REALTORS®.

Do You Know the Targets?

It starts with a scammer posting a property for sale without the knowledge of the actual owner. These properties are often unoccupied or vacant—land, lots, second homes—where it’s easier to put up a fake for-sale sign and owners or residents won’t wonder about people stopping by to look at the property.

What’s the Setup?

The criminal, posing as a seller or listing agent, communicates primarily by email. Often, there is urgency on the seller’s side of the transaction—the seller needs cash quick or wants a fast closing. The property may be priced below market value. The criminals want you to ignore warning signs and focus on the great deal.

What Are the Red Flags?

Once you have a purchase agreement, the criminal then directs you or your agent to use the “seller’s” preferred title company for the closing. The introductions and wiring instructions are all provided via email. Usually, the title company isn’t local to the property being purchased. Once you send your funds to the bogus title company, the money is gone.

How Can You Avoid Being a Victim?

Pay attention to detail and validate what you’re told. Ask the seller for identification. Does he provide it or stall? Does it match the owner’s information on the appraisal district website? Independently verify the title company’s information. Does the title company’s website use the same email address conventions and URL that you’re getting in emails from the seller? Are the messages and links secure? A real title company would not send wiring instructions by email without additional precautions.

Your REALTOR® can help you with this and the many other steps required for a successful transaction.

There Is No Standard Compensation

There are no rules that set the amount brokers charge. Each brokerage independently decides what to charge and what services to provide. Some brokers charge a commission, while others charge a flat fee, hourly fee, or fees for specific tasks.

Just like when you hire a lawyer, car mechanic, or architect, you get to shop around for the real estate brokerage that best suits you—the one that provides the services you want for a price you are willing to pay.

Some brokers may choose to negotiate fees and services with clients, while others may decide not to. It is an independent business decision up to each broker.

Expect a Written Agreement (Even if Just Looking)

Business relationships work best when all parties are on the same page. Whether you’re buying or selling, you and your REALTOR® will sign a written agreement that spells out what services the broker will provide and how you will be charged. Even if you’re just looking and a broker agrees to show you homes for no charge, you should expect a written agreement noting those details.

Cooperative Compensation Is an Option

Selling brokers are not required to share their compensation with the buyer’s broker (a process referred to as cooperative compensation). However, many homesellers and listing brokers do offer cooperative compensation to help market the home. Why? Most mortgage lenders don’t allow broker compensation to be added to home loans, and many buyers do not have the financial ability to pay their buyer’s broker out of pocket on top of the other costs of buying a home. Cooperative compensation can make a home more affordable to a greater number of buyers.

Your REALTOR® is the professional who can make your next move as smooth as possible. REALTORS® have the knowledge and skills to help you make informed decisions and reach your real estate goals.

Who has access to that type of information? Your REALTOR®. Just as important, your REALTOR® can help you understand what the numbers and trends mean for you.

Relevant Data For Your Transaction

REALTORS® can pull the most recent sales in a neighborhood to help buyers and sellers know market conditions. They can show you what prices and rents have been doing over time to inform your decisions. REALTORS® can show you the big picture—is it a buyer’s market in your area?—and the hyperlocal picture—what are properties on that street selling for?

Accurate And Reliable

An internet search will give you plenty of sites claiming to provide home prices in an area, the number of properties sold, days on market, housing inventory, etc. But how do you know if those numbers are accurate or recent? Thankfully, your REALTOR® has access to the most accurate, reliable data. Plus, your REALTOR® will filter out the noise, showing only what matters to you and your goal.

Interpreted For Your Situation

Not only can REALTORS® provide the data, but they can also explain how it affects your transaction. It doesn’t do any good to know what a property sold for if you don’t know if that should affect the price of your listing or your offer for that house. Factors such as precise location, home features, and condition all affect what a home is worth.

Work with a REALTOR® so you understand your market and avoid big mistakes when you buy, sell, or lease property.

Does your home make a good first impression?

A broken fence, overgrown yard, or rusted porch railing can make your home appear run down. Spend time removing clutter, fixing eye sores, cleaning the windows, or replacing damaged screens to make the home more inviting.

Do you need to replace the flooring?

Adding new carpet or wood flooring can provide a good return on investment if there is a lot of wear and tear. However, if it’s in decent shape, replacing flooring to put in something that the new owner may switch out might not be cost-effective. If needed, refinish the hardwood or professionally clean the carpet to give it new life.

Is it necessary to paint?

Fixing faded, scuffed, or peeling paint can make the house’s exterior look newer. It’s also a good idea to paint over bright colors that may turn off buyers. Choose a standard, neutral color to lighten up the space.

Are renovations worth it?

Depending on the age and design, you may not need a complete kitchen or bath remodel. But if you started a project, you should finish it. An unfinished project can affect the home’s selling price and may limit potential buyers to someone looking for a fixer-upper.

Contact a REALTOR® for advice on improving your property value and getting the most out of your home sale.