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 Texas Real Estate Commission before showing you houses? Can your agent effectively explain it?
___ Did your agent provide all the other necessary disclosures, notices, and the Buyer’s Representation Agreement to you before showing you houses? Be careful! You don’t want to find out after-the-fact that your agent actually represents the Seller.
___ Can your agent effectively explain the HOA maintenance fees, MUD and LID taxes, compliance certificate requirements, amenities, property tax rates, school performance ratings, and other important information for the neighborhoods you are looking at?
___ Does your agent know how to provide you with an accurate CMA (price analysis) on a home before you make an offer? Is he or she committed to helping you get the right price or does the agent just want you to buy the highest priced home you can afford? (See “How to Price a Home Correctly“)
___ Does your agent point out possible defects of homes when you tour them or does your agent always seem to overlook the obvious problems of a home and try to convince you that they don’t matter? (Check my client satisfaction rating.)
___ Does your agent actually show you homes or does he or she expect you to drive the neighborhood on your own and then contact the listing agent directly to let you see the house? A dedicated agent wants to be with you every step of the way.
___ Has your agent set up a customized automatic home search for you that is pulled directly form the local MLS? Or are you still trying to find homes on your own using the limited online search Websites available in your area? These programs (such as Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and Homes.com) can be outdated very quickly showing contract-pending homes as “active.”
___ Does your agent use an online paperwork system where you can e-sign documents instead of having to fax and scan them (which is sometimes challenging and time-consuming)? What if your spouse is still back home in another state or country? You need to be able to e-sign!
___ Does your agent work to negotiate a residential service contract (aka, home warranty) in the deal or provide one for you to protect you from too many future home repairs?
___ Does your agent have at least a 4.5 star client satisfaction rating with the local board of area Realtors? What’s your agent’s YELP rating, Homes.com endorsements, Angie’s List reviews, and so on?
___ Does your agent have 20 years experience? (Trick question.) IT DOESN’T NECESSARILY MATTER! There are terrible agents with 30+ years of experience who even have a broker’s license. And there are outstanding agents with only a couple of years experience. Time does not equal quality in this business. Time cannot guarantee attitude, dedication, integrity, intelligence, or commitment to customer service. Check their satisfaction rating...this is a free service for all members of the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). If your agent hasn’t signed up, maybe they have something to hide.
“If you’re not sure whether you need a real estate agent or not, please take a look at Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to help you decide.”
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Need Help Buying or Selling a Home in Katy?
Buying or selling a home is a major financial decision. You deserve an experienced local Realtor who knows the Katy-area neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, flood risks, market conditions, and all the little details that can make a BIG difference in your decision.
I’ve been helping Katy-area home buyers and sellers since 2009, and I’ve been recognized as a Five Star Realtor every year since 2010. More importantly, I’ll give you my frank opinion, point out things you may not know to investigate, and look out for YOUR best interests throughout the entire transaction.
Sheila Cox, Five Star Realtor since 2010 and creator of this entire website (KatyHomesForSaleTX.com) so you have proof she’s a local expert. 🙂
Why Work With Sheila?I’m not going to sell you on a house or neighborhood just because it’s beautiful, popular, or new. My job is to help you make a smart real estate decision. That means looking beyond the listing photos and helping you evaluate things like school zoning, flood risk, property taxes, resale considerations, neighborhood differences, inspections, repairs, contract deadlines, and the dozens of other details that can affect your purchase or sale. Sometimes the most valuable thing I can tell you is, “I wouldn’t buy this house.” Please read the list of my value-added services for home buyers |
Free Guides & Reports – What to Know Before You Buy
Use my free guides and reports to learn more about Katy neighborhoods, schools, new construction, market conditions, home buying, and other things you should understand before making a move.
Client Reviews of Sheila
Want to know what it’s like to work with me? Here’s what my past clients have to say.
