FAQs Archive - Houston Heights Realtor

Q: What should I expect once my home is under contract?

Once you’re under contract, the tasks come hard and fast! And real estate transactions are famous for their many pages of paperwork so it’s important to know what you’re signing. Let FIG guide you to a successful closing. Our agents are experts at negotiating, reviewing all documents, providing advice, and tackling the dozens of tasks to be completed before closing escrow so you don’t miss a single detail!

Q: How do you handle offers?

The best scenario for any seller is to have multiple offers on their home. When you are in a strong seller’s market, having a bidding war is not that uncommon. And keep in mind that sometimes the best offer isn’t the highest offer, especially if the highest bidder has a home sale contingency. That’s why it is crucial to speak with your FIG agent about how to deal with various offer scenarios. FIG will help you learn that there are many real estate contingencies that make one offer attractive over another.

Q: What will you be doing to sell my house?

FIG offers its clients a comprehensive real estate marketing plan to help sell their home quickly and for the most money. In addition to our exceptional internet site, FIG has a strong web presence in real estate social media across multiple platforms where we showcase our listings. We make sure the photography is exceptional and provide beautiful professional video tours. Targeted online advertising and in-person open houses will ensure your home is seen by the widest audience possible. FIG agents will work with you to ensure your home has the competitive edge it needs to stand out from the rest.

Q: What can I do to increase my home’s curb appeal?

Getting your home ready to sell is important so that when you finally open the doors to potential buyers, you are prepared to make a sale then and there. First impressions and appearance can make or break how much you’ll put in your pocket! FIG has an extensive checklist to help get your home show-ready with some home improvement ideas that provide maximum impact. FIG can also recommend licensed contractors to make any needed repairs, take great pictures, help with staging – whatever will put your home’s best foot forward.

Q: What is my home worth?

Determining the value of your home relies heavily on market knowledge and having your finger on the pulse of the local real estate market. There are simply too many factors to be aware of and too many shifting variables to track. Contact FIG to perform a comparative market analysis or “comps” to determine the fair market value of your home. This report will include data such as what has sold close to your property and competing properties for sale in the general price point. FIG knows that pricing a home to sell in a reasonable time frame and for the best possible price is both an art and a science!

Q: How quickly can I close?

In the Houston real estate market, typical closing or escrow periods are 30 to 45 days. This gives you enough time to do a thorough investigation on the property and get a loan completed. And yes, this due diligence counts!

Q: Should I get a home inspection?

While buyers often wonder if a home inspection is truly necessary, FIG unequivocally say yes, yes, and yes! A home inspector takes the weight off of your shoulders by looking into the condition of critical things such as the roof, electricity, heating and air, and plumbing. Ensuring these things work prevents you from paying to repair them in the future. If some things are not up to par, FIG will help you to negotiate with the seller to get those fixed before you sign the paperwork.

Q: How do I know if the property is a good deal?

While there’s no guarantee a certain home is a bargain and will appreciate, rest assured that with market research, you can keep surprises to a minimum. The best way to be properly informed is to have FIG check out “comps” (what similar properties are selling for in the area), and research whether those prices have been going up or down in the recent past. FIG can provide you with the information you need to stay abreast of the market!

Q: How do I know if my offer is competitive?

Factors such as market conditions, days on market, and the seller’s motivation make it difficult to predict how low a seller is willing to go. Fortunately, FIG’s years of experience and knowledge of the Houston real estate market have made us experts at submitting competitive offers. Plus, FIG can advise you of additional strategies to enhance an offer that will put you ahead of the competition!

Q: What home can I afford?

This is a critical step to figure out before you start shopping. You don’t want to fall in love with a house outside of your price range! FIG can recommend a number of trusted lenders for you to meet with and get pre-approved for a home loan. And as an added bonus, a pre-approval letter makes you much more attractive to sellers!