Resources for Buyers

Determine your budget. Before starting your home search, it’s important that you determine a realistic budget. Unsure where to begin? Take a look at our rough estimate of home expenses and test out the mortgage calculator below.
Research potential mortgage brokers and find the best fit for your needs. Every individual's situation is unique, so the type of lender needed will vary for different buyers. As your realtors, we will advise you on how to identify and select the proper mortgage company or bank to handle your loan. We’ll even provide excellent referrals for individuals in need of non-traditional lending sources. We have several preferred lenders we can recommend to suit your needs.
Get a pre-approval letter from your lender. This is extremely important, as in today’s market, an offer is not taken seriously or given merit without a pre-approval letter from a reputable source. This letter shows that the lender has already pre-approved you for a specified loan amount and lets the seller know that an offer is serious.

The clock starts on your option period. Day 1 of the contract timeline begins the day after the contract is executed. All deadline dates will count from this date and be presented to the buyer to ensure deadlines are met. We will stay in constant contact with all parties to the transaction to keep everything on schedule and make sure the closing goes smoothly.
Deliver earnest money and option fee. Earnest money is a deposit held by the title company until closing as a sign of good faith to fully execute the contract. It is generally 1% of the purchase price of the home and will be credited towards the purchase at closing. An option fee is money paid for an option period, a specified number of days which allows the buyer to terminate the contract for any reason. You will have inspections performed on the property during the option period. Remember, the option fee and duration are negotiable, and as your agents, we will guide you in determining a fair amount for both.
Perform home inspections. Once you have entered into a contract to purchase a home, you will want to hire professionals to inspect the mechanical and structural systems of the property. We often offer recommendations for the best of the best in Houston, but ultimately it’s your decision who to choose. These inspections are generally performed within the option period and any resulting repairs or credits must be negotiated within this time period as well.
Prepare any necessary amendments. The contract may need to be amended at any point before closing. Repairs, credits, changes to the sales price, and/or changes to the closing date may all arise from discoveries during inspections and receipt of additional documents such as seller disclosures, surveys, homeowner association rules, etc. As your realtors, we will prepare and review the appropriate amendments with you to address any changes in the contract.
Approve survey. The title company will have a survey done of the property. The survey is a comprehensive investigation and evaluation of significant factors affecting and influencing boundary locations, ownership lines, rights of way and easements within or immediately surrounding a certain lot, parcel or quantity of real estate. Results of the survey must be reviewed and accepted or objected to within the time period specified in the contract.
Order an appraisal of the property. Any time there is financing involved, the bank or mortgage company will order an appraisal validating the value of the home. The value must meet the lender’s requirements (generally that it covers the value of the loan) in order for the loan to be funded.

Resources for Buyers

Steps for Purchasing

Mortgage Calculator

Want To Know More About The Home Buying Process?

Homeowner Costs Example

Moving Checklist

Interested in a Complimentary Comparative Market Analysis of The Value of Your Home?

Resources for Buyers

Steps for Purchasing

Get Your Finances in Order

Find Quality Representation

Pull the Trigger!

Do Your Due Diligence

Welcome Home!

Mortgage Calculator

Want To Know More About The Home Buying Process?

Homeowner Costs Example

Moving Checklist

Two Months Before Your Move

A Month Before The Move

Two Weeks Before Your Move

The Week of Your Move

The Day Before Your Move

Moving Day!

Interested in a Complimentary Comparative Market Analysis of The Value of Your Home?