Real Estate Buying Tips

This page include a lot of Katy real estate buying tips, but my best tip is: Get the best real estate agent! I would love to help you buy a great home! I specialize in getting home buyers the RIGHT home in the RIGHT neighborhood at the RIGHT price. My clients love me (read testimonials) because they know I’ve got their back! I watch out for defective homes, over-priced homes, and homes that may be difficult to re-sell when the time comes. I focus on getting you a home that meets your current needs but also is (hopefully) a good long-term investment. I have received the Five-Star Real Estate Agent award for the past TEN years because of my client satisfaction ratings. Less than 1 percent of all the agents in the Houston-metro area receive this honor!

If you haven’t already, then send me your criteria for a house by filling out this online form,
so I can help you find the exact type of home you want.

Then you will get automated emails when new homes, that match your criteria, hit the market. My custom search is the most accurate search available! No search you have access to (on HAR, Zillow, Realtor, Homes, Redfin, etc.) is better than my search because my search is directly from the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) which is where all the other websites get their data. (The MLS gets it FIRST!) Plus, I can narrow down your search result to the school level (and more!) and filter out less-than-desirable areas for you to save you time and effort. Since I am the local area expert, I know which neighborhoods flood (for example) and can filter those out for you automatically. If you find that you need me to revise your search criteria, just send me a quick email and tell me what change needs to be made.

Here is some helpful information to get you started:

- Read what my clients say about me
- IMPORTANT! Why You Need Your Own Agent
- Information needed to set up the best custom home search available for you
- Sign up to download my Katy Neighborhoods Guide (my 200+ page Katy relocation guide)
- View videos of top Katy neighborhoods on my YouTube channel
- Learn about the importance of schools in your home search
- Read about Katy vs Sugar Land
- Learn about my other favorite area (Sugar Land TX)
- See Katy homes for sale sorted by neighborhood, price, school, etc.

I personally wrote all this info, photographed the neighborhoods, and put together the videos…this proves I’m a boots-on-the-ground local area expert. I don’t just work here…I live here! What other agent provides all this info?! As a Five-Star real estate agent I provide services that are way above and beyond what a typical real agent provides. (See a sample of the type of house report that I give my clients when they find a home they are thinking about purchasing. No agent in the world does this!)

Your home is probably your largest financial investment. Why wouldn’t you want a dedicated, Five-Star agent who is looking out for YOU?!

View My Videos About Home Buying

>> Go to my YouTube Channel

When You Are Ready to Tour Homes

When you are ready to tour some homes, then call/text me at 832-779-2890 so we can get you on the calendar and discuss exactly what will be the perfect home for you. As a Katy real estate agent (an expert!) I can narrow your focus and help you find the perfect neighborhood.

Or you can send me your perfect home criteria here: https://www.katyhomesforsaletx.com/katy-reports-guides/katy-home-search

Once I set up your custom search, then you will start getting home listings via email and you can mark them with Hearts to mark your favorites. A couple of days before our scheduled tour, I make appointments for your Favorite homes and print out the maps, home data, etc. for our tour. On the day of our tour we will meet at my office and then drive the area together so I can tell you about the area and point out various features while also touring homes. This is a great way to find your perfect home!

Helpful Articles About Home Buying

Katy Real Estate Market

Real Estate Terminology Buyer’s Market vs. Seller’s Market The real estate market is constantly changing. The way we determine the type of real estate market we’re in (Buyer’s Market vs. Seller’s Market) is based on the amount of Inventory (homes available for sale) currently available. Six months of inventory is usually ... [Read More]

Self-Guided Tour of Katy Texas

Some people want a self-guided tour of Katy Texas before looking at houses with a REALTOR, so I created this tour to show you around the area. You will start this tour at LaCenterra which is a great place to find a restaurant. Just click each address in the order ... [Read More]

Timeline for Planning a Home Purchase

Resale Homes Most people need help with the timeline for planning a home purchase, so here's my recommendation. Start with a Deadline. That's the date you absolutely have to be out of your current home/apartment. This Deadline may be the end of a lease or a move-out date for an ... [Read More]

Buyer Representation in Texas

The Agent Showing You Houses May Not Be Your Agent Many people think that if a real estate agent is showing them houses, that means the agent is their agent and looking out for their best interests. This is not the case in Texas, which is why the Texas Real ... [Read More]

Checklist of Steps for Buying a Home

This list is not comprehensive. There are a lot of steps that your REALTOR® takes care of behind-the-scenes. Call Sheila Cox for help at 832-779-2890 Buying a home is a serious legal commitment with important deadlines and possibly large financial losses if you do not meet your contractual deadlines (as established ... [Read More]

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent? Maybe I Can Do This Myself

"That's what I used to think! In fact, before I became a licensed real estate agent, I did several FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sales and THOUGHT I knew what I was doing. But if I had known then what I know now...I never would have risked it. Here's what ... [Read More]

Texas Laws on Brokerage Services & Dual Agency

Does My Real Estate Agent Represent Me or the Seller? When I bought my first house in the mid 1990s, Texas was kind of a "Buyer Beware" state. In fact, a home Buyer could spend weeks looking for a home with a real estate agent, telling her secret information (like ... [Read More]

What To Look for In a Katy Real Estate Agent

What To Look for In a Katy Real Estate Agent Want to know how to hire the best Katy real estate agent? See below! NOTE: Many of these items are specific to Texas agents. ___ Did your agent give you the "Information About Brokerage Services" notice that is legally required by the ... [Read More]

Sheila Cox – Katy Real Estate Agent – Reviews & More

Client Reviews Here's what clients have to say about Sheila Cox, Katy real estate agent... About Sheila Cox - Katy Real Estate Agent Winner of Five-Star Real Estate Agent eleven years in a row and featured in “Texas Monthly” magazine. Five-star rating with the Houston Association of REALTORS - HAR (based on ... [Read More]

Who Pays Real Estate Commissions in Texas?

Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in Texas? One of the questions that I'm frequently asked is, "Who pays the real estate commission in Texas for a real estate transaction?" That's a good question! Here's the answer. Please not that the sales commission is NEGOTIATED (not always 6%) between the ... [Read More]

Texas Home Buying Process

Preliminary Phase: Can You Afford a Home? If you are buying a home in Texas, then you need to learn about the home buying process, which may be different than other states. One thing to consider is that before you even begin the process of searching for a home, you ... [Read More]

Costs To Buy a Home in Texas

Do You Know What It Costs To Buy a Home in Texas? It’s one thing to want to own your own home…it’s another to be able to afford one. Here is a run-down of estimated costs to buy a home in Texas you must consider... Understanding Down Payments and ... [Read More]

Why You Need a PreApproval Letter & How to Apply for a Home Loan

Items Needed To Apply for a Home Loan Applying for a home loan these days is not for the "weak at heart"! It is a pain-in-the-neck process no matter how much money you have or which lender you choose. So mentally prepare yourself for a hassle, and you won't be ... [Read More]

Katy Flood Zones

People moving to the Katy area are often concerned about Katy flood zones. The good news is that, for the most part and with a few exceptions, most Katy neighborhoods are located out of Special Flood Areas. There are a few areas that are in 500-year Floodplain (yellow zone) and ... [Read More]

Option Period and Fees in Texas Real Estate

In Texas, you can buy an "option period" (usually 10 days) from the seller for $200-$300 that gives you the irrevocable privilege to back out of the sales contract for any reason, and still receive your 1 percent earnest money back. (During this time, the Seller cannot back out of ... [Read More]

Home Inspections for Buyers

Please know that a home inspection is one of the most important parts of buying a home. But it can be overwhelming trying to find a reputable inspector who you can trust. I provide all my buyer clients with a list of licensed home inspectors in the area to make ... [Read More]

Pricing a Home Correctly

Pricing a home is more complicated than simply comparing the list price to the sales price. Clients often ask me how much they should pay for a home, and I tell them, “It depends on how much it’s worth!” For example, if a house is listed at $450,000 and you ... [Read More]

Beware of Internet Real Estate Statistics

The bottom line: No one knows an area better than a local, experienced real estate agent. Don't gamble your biggest investment on automated Internet data. It's Not All About the ZIP Code...Or Shouldn't Be I love the Internet and I'm an information junkie, but I am constantly amazed at how ... [Read More]

About Appraisals and What To Do When One Comes in Low

The Problem Regarding Real Estate Appraisals One troublesome aspect of home buying and selling is how to handle low real estate appraisals. A real estate appraisal is an estimate of the market value of a piece of real estate based upon a variety of factors. In the definition above, notice the word ESTIMATE. If ... [Read More]

Home Warranties

When you purchase a resale home, you can purchase a home warranty (a.k.a., Residential Service Contract or RSV) that will protect you against most ordinary flaws and breakdowns for at least the first year of occupancy. The warranty may be offered by either the Seller, as part of the overall ... [Read More]

Buying New vs. Resale Home

One question that I get a lot is, "What's recommended: buying new vs resale home?" A new home is one that has never been lived in while an existing home has been lived in by a previous owner. There are Pros and Cons either way that you should consider. Here ... [Read More]

What to Expect When You Buy a New Construction Home

So you have put a contract to buy a new construction home with a builder and you can't wait to move in. Buying a home is exciting, especially if you are a first-time home buyer, but buying a brand new home that has never been lived in doesn't mean the ... [Read More]

Katy New Construction Homes for Sale (from home builder)

Many people moving to the Houston area decide they want to live in Katy or Sugar Land because of the great schools. However, they are often surprised to find out that there is very limited new construction in these areas, especially Sugar Land. Sugar Land is completely land-locked by Houston, ... [Read More]

What Is a Real Estate “Closing”?

A real estate “Closing” is where you and I meet with some or all of the following individuals: the Seller, the Seller’s agent, a representative from the lending institution and a representative from the title company, in order to transfer the property title to you. The purchase agreement or contract you ... [Read More]

Home Owner’s Insurance

Helpful info: 12 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs

Check out rating info:

Consumer Reports (basic article 2009)
J.D. Powers’ Reports

Rates may vary dramatically…get multiple quotes!

Debbie Godbee
Leavitt Group
832-886-5544
debbie-godbee@leavitt.com
https://www.leavitt.com/tx-select/office/sugar-land-4655-sweetwater-blvd-suite-250

Amica Mutual Insurance Company
800-242-6422
www.amica.com

Mike Whitsitt
Goosehead Insurance
281-915-3808
https://www.goosehead.com/agents/tx/sugar-land/mike-whitsitt/

Charles E. Osburn
Charles Osburn Insurance Agency
281-453-0177
https://www.charlesosburninsurance.com/services/homeowners-insurance/

Real Estate Attorneys

Timothy P. Alcorn, Alcorn Law Firm Phone: 281.705.0453

Brian Middleton, Middleton Law Firm PLLC Phone: (713) 680-3296

Franklin Holcomb, Franklin Holcomb Law Office Phone: (713) 236-7728

Gary Pate Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, LLP Phone: (713) 632-1708

Local Moving Companies

Navarre-Cajun Moving, Inc. 281-431-2819 http://www.navarre-cajunmovers.com

OneSource Moving 713-620-8097 http://www.onesourcemoving.com

One Movers Network 713-429-1375 http://www.onemoversnetwork.com

FREE GUIDES & REPORTS

Click Image to Download a Guide or Report

katy real estate guide — *Guide: Best Places to Live in Katy*

katy market report — *Katy Real Estate Market Report*

katy flood report — *Information About Katy Flood Zones & Maps*

katy new construction homes — *Katy’s Best New Construction Neighborhoods*

View Helpful Videos on My YouTube Channel

If You Think This Website is Great, Wait ’till You Get Me As Your Agent!

Candid Advice—I promise to give you candid advice on all homes and areas so you can make the best decisions. I won’t ignore potential defects that can cost you money, or effect your resale value, in the future. My job is to protect you from defective homes as much as possible while helping you make a sound financial investment. (Read client testimonials)

Local Area Expertise—This isn’t just my business…it’s where I work and live (for 20 years) so I really know the area. I will help you narrow your options and find the best neighborhood for you based on your specifications. For long-term resale value, the neighborhood you choose is just as important as the home you buy. (Download my Ultimate Katy Guide)

Great Data—I will give you the most in-depth data you have ever seen…to help you make the wisest decisions. This includes a professional CMA when you are ready to purchase a specific home…so you don’t pay too much. Plus, my proprietary House Report (see sample) includes the data and information you need to ensure that you are making great home purchase. (Also see Pricing a Home Correctly)

Best Home Searches—Yes, you can search on your own, but no other home search available can filter down to the school level…and filter out the subdivisions that may be known to flood. Tell me exactly what you want, and I can narrow down your options better than any search you have access to. (Request a Custom Search)

Easier Process—Moving your family (and possibly changing jobs) is stressful enough. I’m your transaction manager and will guide you, step-by-step, through the process so you never miss an important deadline. I assist with inspections, repair negotiations, home warranties, HOA compliance inspections, hazard insurance, surveys, appraisals, title commitment, home warranties, title company, and more. (View helpful videos on my YouTube channel)

Video Walkthroughs—If you or your spouse lives out of the state or country, then you will enjoy my detailed video walkthroughs. I have sold multiple homes to out-of-area clients “sight unseen” by providing High Definition video walkthroughs of potential homes. My videos show front and back yards, closets, pantries, laundry rooms, and garage…as well as the entire home. (Sample)

Network of Experts—My network of experts can make your transition to the area as smooth as possible. Need a painter, electrician, mover, insurance company, etc.? I can help!

Connect With Sheila

How I Work to Protect You

My job isn’t “just” helping you find a house to buy…I’m helping you buy a home. There are over 100 tasks that I perform for you during the purchasing process. I’m looking out for you every step of the way and keeping my eye on the listing agent, the seller, the builder (if applicable), the lender, the inspector, and the title company. I’m on your side because I’m YOUR agent. I help with price analysis and negotiations, legal paperwork, inspections, repair negotiations, home warranties, HOA compliance inspections, hazard insurance, surveys, appraisals, title commitment, home warranties, and more. I have the expertise to help solve complicated problems that often occur in the process. Real estate is a huge financial and legal commitment. Don’t you deserve to have a Five-Star real estate agent on your side?

Please read:

⇒ Does My Agent Really Represent Me?

⇒ How Real Estate Commissions Are Paid