Buyers Resources

If you are in the market for a new home Neuhaus Realty Group is here to help. If you are a first time buyer or a veteran, check out the side bar for information to help you make the right move. Things are always changing in the market and Neuhaus Realty Group is committed to keeping you informed.

Finding the neighborhood that’s right for you

Finding the right neighborhood can be a challenge, so begin by creating a checklist of the features that are important to you. Consider nearby parks, schools, close proximity to shopping, restaurants and places of employment, a low-crime rate, and well-maintained homes. Maybe you’d prefer an older, more established neighborhood than a new development. Whatever your preferences, write them down and rank them in order of importance. This goes a long way in helping you narrow your search.

Once you know what type of neighborhood you’re looking for, get out there and find it. The best way to get a feel for a neighborhood is to walk it. Try doing this at different times of the day. Take note of the condition of the homes, the yards, the sidewalks, and the street. Pay attention to the people who live in the area. If you see someone, stop and ask questions. Find out what they like and dislike about living there. If you are relocating to a new city, you might even consider subscribing to the community paper.

Your Texas REALTOR® can be a great asset to you when choosing the perfect neighborhood. They work in the field everyday and can share their knowledge of the area, the schools, and the potential resale value.

Finding the right REALTOR®

If you are considering purchasing a home, don’t make the mistake of forgoing the services of a trained professional. A Texas REALTOR® will guide you through every stage—from helping you determine how much home you can afford to choosing a lender and loan product that works for you. Finding the REALTOR® who meets your needs could require a little work. Take some time to interview several and make sure you are comfortable with your decision. Here are some questions you may want to ask.

* Does the real estate professional work in and have knowledge in the area you are looking to buy?
* How long has the agent been in the business?
* Can the agent provide you with a list of client references?
* Does that agent hold any designations or accreditations?
* How will the agent communicate with you as new listings come up and, once an offer has been accepted, throughout the transaction?
* Is the agent a Texas REALTOR®?

Texas REALTORS® are committed to making the homebuying process simple and painless and getting you into the right home. Finding the REALTOR® who meets your needs is key to a successful transaction.

Seller Resources

If you are in the market to sell your home Neuhaus Realty Group is here to help. If you are looking for a Realtor too sell your next home let Neuhaus Realty Group by that Realtor. Check out some of the resources in the side bar that will help you sell your home. Things are always changing in the market and Neuhaus Realty Group is committed to keeping you informed.

Any time’s a good time

“Now’s not the best time … can we set something up for later?”—these are words that a buyer and his agent do not want to hear when they’re out looking for a property.

As a home seller, you retain the right to require appointments and to show the house on your schedule. It’s a good idea, though, to either always be ready or not make such restrictions on the home’s accessibility. If your home is not readily available to show, you’re decreasing the number of potential buyers that see it, and the chances of that home being sold diminish.

To avoid surprise visits, some sellers don’t allow a yard sign or a lockbox. Again, this is within their rights, but the easier the home can be shown, the better the chance for it to sell quickly.

If you have special circumstances that call for some advanced notice, like a disabled individual or an infant in the home, scheduling all showings may be a preferred option for you. Let your listing agent know ... conditions like “By Appointment Only” can be specified in the MLS and will be respected.

Everyone likes privacy and a degree of control. Just know that the easier it is to show your home the more likely you are to find a buyer.

Taking down the FSBO sign

You’ve tried to sell your home by yourself and gotten nothing but the periodic low-ball offer and an occasional case of heartburn. It’s time to turn to a professional—someone with experience and a plan—so you decide to hire a REALTOR® to list and market your home. But are you getting the service you expect? Be sure that your REALTOR® is a good match for you by conducting an informal interview.

The first question you may want to ask a REALTOR® is, “Why hasn’t my house sold?” Not only will you get professional insight, but you also can use the answer to gauge the Realtor’s personality, expertise, and knowledge of the local market.

After that question, start with the following list and build on it.

1. How long have you been selling real estate? Find out how much experience this REALTOR® has, not just how long she has been in the business. Also, ask if your REALTOR® has any designations, certifications, or other areas of expertise, as this may be indicative of a higher level of knowledge, dedication, and professionalism.
2. Do you have references? Beware of someone with no references or references only from family members.
3. What services will you provide? Make sure you understand the nature of your business relationship. Review the listing agreement. Know for sure what you’re paying for and how you will pay for it.
4. How will you communicate with me? In today’s connected world, instant communications are becoming increasingly important and can be the difference between an offer and a near miss. Whether you expect to be contacted by phone, text message, e-mail, or instant message, make sure you and your prospective Realtor are in sync on how—and how often—you will be in contact.
5. What is your marketing plan for my property? What is your online presence? Where do you advertise? How quickly do you follow up on leads?
6. What are some current market statistics? What is the average time on the market for this area? For your listings? What is your ratio for sales price to listing price?

Finally, ask that agent if she is a REALTOR®? You may be surprised to learn that not all real estate agents are. Only those who subscribe to a strict code of ethics may call themselves REALTORS®.

When you enter into any business agreement, all parties benefit by going through a simple Q&A process. Don’t be shy about asking—this is a huge transaction, so get your questions answered and find the best person for the job.