I hear this question a lot and it's one of my very favorite to answer.

First of all, let me state that I know you guys are educated consumers and research the heck out of everything you come across. I know that you have access like never before to information about homes for sale, especially if you're shopping in my market, the Houston market, because of our fabulous website, www.har.com (Houston Association of Realtors). Did you know that this FREE service is provided to consumers through our local REALTOR association fees? Yes! We want you to have the information and know what's out there and what questions to ask! So here's my short, or maybe not so short, list of why Buyers need representation from a REALTOR.

* REALTORS know the contract forms, addenda, disclosures, amendments, settlement statements and other legal forms very well. We use them in our daily business and are constantly kept updated in changes/updates. When was the last time you took a class in Texas real estate laws/practice? REALTORS take mandatory continuing education classes to maintain our licenses -- including passing exams as mandated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

* REALTORS have the latest and greatest information about properties on the market. We know the who, what, when, where and why on the listings. Ever wondered what the current owners paid for it and when they purchased? We have the answer!

* REALTORS can negotiate on your behalf so that you don't have to. Let's face it - confrontation is hard and not everyone is up for that. REALTORS have extensive training and experience in negotiating and understand how the process works. This way, personality conflicts never get in the way of a sale. We are professionals negotiating a very important business transaction --- your home purchase!

* REALTORS have most likely seen more properties on the market than you care to see, saving you time, energy and ultimately money. Why look at everything on the market when you can only see the properties that most appeal to you? Your REALTOR will know the good from the bad and the ugly and discriminate for you.

* REALTORS services to Buyers are FREE! This is my favorite reason to promote because who doesn't love getting valuable services for FREE?Why are they free you ask??? Because those selling property know that it takes a team of professionals to get the transaction completed. Sellers work with cooperating REALTORS because they know that the buyers will be qualified, competent and better clients than those unrepresented. While TREC, nor any other agency, sets or regulates commission rates and splits, current Houston industry standard trends are that Sellers/New Construction Builders pay commission to Buyer's agent.

* REALTORS are there for you from the initial home search until. If something should go wrong, REALTORS can provide you with guidance and professional support along the way. My goal is to build a long-lasting relationship with my clients so that our communication doesn't end with the closing of your home.

* REALTORS can get your offer accepted. Think about it. If you're the Buyer with the agent with all the necessary paperwork together and your agent already notified the listing agent that an offer was coming by a qualified Buyer -- you're in! Sellers want to have confidence in the people who's offer they accept. If your offer is preceeded by a personal phone call, letter of introduction, perfectly prepared paperwork, you're in the lead even if you're offer needs tweaking. Sellers are more likely to work with a Buyer in coming to terms if they come represented because they know this Buyer is the real deal.

* REALTORS know everyone in the industry and can connect you with much needed professionals. Need a mortgage broker? I've got several on speed dial. Need a home inspector? Yep, I've got a couple of trusted favorites. Need a moving company? I have DISCOUNTS to numerous companies. Need to do some rennovation once the home is yours? I've got painters, carpenters, architects, landscapers, general contractors and more at my fingertips. Need a survey? I know the companies that specialize in your area. Need to know if there's termite infestation? I know who to call to inspect. Need help decorating your interior? Again, I know the pros. You get the picture. REALTORS are a one-stop-shop for all your home-related needs.

* REALTORS don't get paid until your purchase is closed and funded. Do you know of any other professionals that work without payment? I sure wish my hair stylist and housekeeper worked this way - Ha,ha! REALTORS don't get paid anything until your transaction is complete and you hold the keys to your new home. And in case you missed #5 -- our service is free to you as a Buyer so WHY WOULDN'T YOU ENLIST OUR EXPERTISE???

* REALTORS have the inside scoop on the neighborhoods you want to be in. Perhaps you want to live in neighborhood XYZ and find out about the homes listed for sale there. The pricing is attractive and there's a lot on the market. Without the inside knowledge of a REALTOR, you'll never know that families are fleeing the area like hot cakes because the taxes have increased dramatically year over year, the promised new schools have never been built, the HOA isn't maintaining the common areas as promised, it won't be annexed to the larger town as indicated, the special assessment that just passed won't benefit the homeowners and violent crime has risen 30% in the past 12 months. OK, so that's not a totally realistic scenario, but it's an example of the things that your REALTOR will investigate and inform you of when you're a Buyer.

If you're thinking of buying a home in the Houston area, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to assist you in finding your next home.

Shelley J. Naiser
Broker 

832-654-1262 Mobile
shelley@shelleynaiserproperties.com email