Frequently Asked Questions whe Suggested Reading

Q.  Why use a Realtor® when selling your home?

A.  Agents are more likely to sell the home than the homeowner.  In fact, 90% of homes that are sold in the U.S. are sold by real estate agents and only 10 percent are sold by homeowners. Agent-listed homes sell faster, the home-selling process is streamlined and the time and effort spent on marketing, showing the property, and negotiating the contract is absorbed by your Realtor®.  Finally your agent will coordinate all the details of the transaction, such as appraisal, financing, inspections and any repairs, through the pending and processing period to the actual closing of the property.

Q.  Is a Realtor® willing to discount his/her commission?

A.  This is a question that you need to address up front with your Realtor®.  The Texas Real Estate Commission does not allow commission price fixing, fees are negotiable.

Q.  How can I find out what homes are selling for in my area?

A.  When you work with a Realtor®, he/she can show you what the neighborhood values are, talk about recent sales, and the feel of the market for specific trends.  Your Realtor® will be able to provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)

Q.  What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

A.  A CMA uses information available through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to estimate the range of value of a property based on the actions of buyers and sellers in the marketplace.  CMA’s are used to estimate market value by evaluating Solds, Failed to Sell, Pending Sales, and Comparative Active Listings.  Your Realtor® will help you determine the pricing and marketing strategies for your home based on the CMA done for your property.

Q.  What is a Seller’s Disclosure Notice?

A.  The State of Texas has mandated that homeowners provide a Seller’s Disclosure Notice to Buyers.  Homeowners are now responsible for full disclosure of items that could affect a buyer’s decision to purchase.  Simply put, if there is or has been a problem or repair and you know it, then you must disclose it to the buyer.  The form must be updated should changes arise throughout the listing period.