Austin/Round Rock Trends

Austin Real Estate - Trulia

Dripping Springs/Wimberley Trends

Dripping Springs Real Estate - Trulia

Your First Home

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Frequently Asked Questions

The REALTOR occupation is probably one of the most commonly misunderstood occupations around.  To help those who are not familiar with this service, I have put together some of the most common questions I regurlarly get asked.  If you happen to think of others, please feel free to contact me, so that I may help. 

  • How much does it cost to use you when I am looking for a home?
    I don't charge anything to my clients when I represent them as a buyer's agent.
  • So if I don't have to pay you, are there any costs up front when purchasing a home?
    Yes.  Each situation is different.  With each contract, you should offer some money up front (earnest money) which is usually 1% of the sales price.  You will receive this money back at the closing table.  Also, there is usually a smaller amount offered for the option to back out (usually about 1% of the earnest money).  You will also pay an inspector (the avg is around $400) if you use one, and also an appraiser.  There are several closing costs that can also be negotiated between the buyer and seller (which I help with).  I have had many clients get the keys at closing along with a check.
  • Why should I use you to help me find a home, when I can just call the sign in a front yard?
    The sign in the front yard of a home for sale is the agent's who represents the seller.
    This agent's full responsibility is to his client (the homeowner), and he will do whatever it takes to sell his clients home for full price.  I also have access to many homes you may not be able to find, such as REO (Real Estate Owned), Foreclosures, FSBO (For Sale by Owners),and pocket listings(homes not listed anywhere).
  • Since your broker is Keller Williams, can you show me homes offered by other brokers?
    Yes.  Being a REALTOR®, I use the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) which allows me access to ALL homes that are listed, no matter who the broker is.
  • How come I have to use just one REALTOR®?
    REALTORs® represent the clients that they are working for.  Using several REALTORs®, not only is detremental to your relationship (slowing down the process and understanding of your needs), but it would be like getting a new lawyer each day during your trial, it isn't beneficial to you.
  • Why do some agents have the ® after the word REALTOR and others don't.
    The title REALTOR® only pertains to those individual who are licensced by NAR(National Association of REALTORs®), which demands that we pay strict attention to the laws and code of ethics set in place to do such business.  Other individuals have no authorities that they must answer to, nor have they had formal education.
  • What exactly can you do that I couldn't do myself.
    My services include, but are not limited to:  Helping you get a loan; Helping you get insurance; Searching for homes that fit the exact criteria you are looking for; Giving full access to see each home inside and out; Giving detailed information on communities, neighborhoods, and property values; Helping you make an educated offer for the home and get specific repairs completed if needed; Negotiating the contract; All  communication between agents, title co., lenders, appraisers, surveyors, inspectors; and on-going information once you have aquired the property. I also have access to many homes you may not be able to find, such as REO (Real Estate Owned), Foreclosures, FSBO (For Sale by Owners),and pocket listings(homes not listed anywhere).
  • What makes you different than other agents?
    Any agent can plug some info into a computer and spit out results.  I get to know my clients wants, needs, tastes, and personality.  I sincerely try to be an integral part so that once the transaction is complete, you can call me for anything, real estate or not.  I look at each client as a new person in my life, not a paycheck.  I have kept my staff small because I enjoy helping my clients one on one, instead of just sending them down the line to some other guy you never initially meant to use in the first place.  If you are someone who is not interested in having a good time, or actually having someone help you to make the best decision on such a big choice, I know several boring, too busy, suit wearing agents that would love another quick paycheck.