doing business with a realtor

Selling Your Home? How You Profit
By Working With a Realtor®

You’re selling your home and you make an appointment with a Realtor®. You’re impressed with the listing presentation and the agent asks if you want to contract with him or her. At this point you may be asking yourself, “Exactly what do I get for my money?” Following are just some of the wide array of services you may receive when you enlist the help of a real estate professional.

A realtor® can compile information

A realtor® can help you determine how much home you can afford. Often a realtor® can suggest ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods.

A realtor®, in addition to knowing the local money market, also can tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan.

A realtor® is already familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.

A realtor® can usually research your housing needs in advance through a Multiple Listing Service—even if you are relocating to another city.

A realtor® can help familiarize you with the closing process by explaining it in advance.

A realtor® shows you only those homes best suited to your needs—size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping and other personal preferences.

HOME | About Fort Bend Housing Guide | ADVERTISING | CONTACT US

Fort Bend Publishing Group 2009

An Official Publication of the
2010 Fort Bend Housing Guide

Finding the Right Location

The location of a home is perhaps the most important factor in the selection process. You may want to have two or three locations or neighborhoods in mind.

When looking at a home, it is wise to know as much as possible about the area. There are many ways of obtaining additional information about a particular location, including:

• Driving and walking through the area

• Inquiring at city hall and local library

• Asking questions of storekeepers and people on the street

Use the following list of attributes to compare different areas in which you are looking to
buy a home, as each will probably have specific advantages.

Community Services

• Police and fire protection

• Method of trash
collection, etc.

• Water supply and pressure

• Proximity to hospitals

Streets & Transportation

• Street maintenance and lighting

• Proximity to major roads or highways

• Convenience of public transportation

Personal

• Lifestyle of neighbors

• Privacy and safety

• Availability to recreational
facilities, parks, libraries, etc.

• Proximity to places of religious worship

Other

• Zoning protections

• Property taxes

• Unusual deed restrictions

• Expected future growth of area

Schools

• Quality of education

• Proximity to home

Environment

• Proximity to sources of noise, odor or
pollution

• Availability of recycling services

Shopping

• Proximity to grocery stores, drug stores, malls and department stores

Assessing a Home

Check it out carefully. New home or not so new, it pays to know what to look for in its structure, equipment and surroundings.

Though a final assessment can be made by an inspection service company, this checklist can serve as a reminder of some things you should look for in order to make a wise buying decision.

Structure of Home

• Foundation • Drainage

• Fireplace • Floors

• Walls • Attic

• Termite and Wood Rot

Equipment and Appliances

• Heating • Electrical

• Plumbing • Hot Water

• Appliances and System
Fixtures

Exterior and Grounds

• Exterior Walls and Garage

• Roof, Doors and Windows

• Lot and Landscaping

Buying a Home?
Work With a
realtor®

Buying a home calls for your informed decision based in part on the knowledge, judgement and guidance of a real estate broker or agent—particularly one who is a REALTOR®.

about your home in preparation for the listing. This information can include your home’s square footage, type of heating and cooling, proximity to schools, and so on.

A realtor® can estimate your property’s value, taking into account comparable sales in your area. This is done in order to help you establish the asking price.

A realtor® can prepare, coordinate and pay for advertising and marketing efforts for your home. This can include putting advertisements in the paper, conducting open houses, and placing a sign in front of the home.

A realtor® can screen prospective buyers so that only qualified buyers with serious intentions are shown your home.

A realtor® can list the property on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and work with other agents to let the maximum number of qualified buyers see your property.

A realtor® can write offers, placing the buyer’s deposit in escrow and taking care of other necessary documentation such as title reports.

A realtor® can advise you on aspects of the sales contract and deal with the buyer on various elements you may want to negotiate. This includes negotiating with the buyer on price, if necessary, in an effort to obtain the full value of your home.

A realtor® can help the buyer locate financing, arrange for home inspections and an appraisal, and other details in preparation for the closing.

A realtor® can accompany you to the closing or attend in your place.

Working with a REALTOR® can save you time, money and headaches. When you enter into a contract with an agent, you have the security of knowing that your agent is legally representing you and acting in your best interest throughout the property transaction.

Additionally, choosing to work with a real estate agent who’s a REALTOR® can give you added peace of mind.

As members of the national association of REALTORS®, REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and pledge to provide fair and ethical treatment to both buyers and sellers.