Where do I start to buy a home?

You can start with a Realtor like me, or a mortgage lender. Usually the Realtor has some great and trusted referrals for you.

What does a Realtor do for me?

Realtors help guide you through the process. From finding a lender, to finding the home, to helping with paperwork, inspections, and a lot more. We try to remove the stress from the home buyer process.

I am a First Time Buyer, are there programs to help me with downpayment?

There are programs to help, some have a catch to them though. Talk to your Realtor about your situation so the can guide you through the process.

How much is my down payment?

Down payment is usually 3.5% and up and will depend on the type of loan, your credit, and other variables the Lender will help with.

Can I get the seller to pay all my closing cost?

Closing cost, or Title Cost are usually less than $1000. There are other fees needed when buying a home, such as your first year of insurance and money in escrow to pay next years insurance and taxes. Sellers can contribute to your closing cost, just be up front with your Realtor and Lender on your needs and they will guide you through.

How much do I have to pay a Realtor to help me buy a home?

In most cases in Texas, the seller will pay Listing Broker a fee. The Listing Broker will split that with the Buying Broker (your agent) and not cost you anything. Discuss fees with your agent to be clear on any additional fees they may charge you. This is outlined in a Buyers Representation Agreement.

How long does it take to buy a home before I can move in?

The process once you have found a home and are under contract with the seller is usually 4-6 weeks.

When should I start talking to a Realtor?

As soon as you are thinking about buying a home. Even if you are a year out. The Realtor can help get you started and get you connected with a lender right away. This way if there are any credit issues or other items that need to be address, you have plenty of time to address them.

Why do I need to get pre-approved or pre-qualified if I have not found a house yet?

The short answer, this shows the seller and Realtor you are serious about buying a home. It also helps the Realtor find you the homes that meet the loan requirements you are approved for.

What is an Open House?

An Open House is an opportunity to view the home with or without a Realtor. Many times you will be asked to sign in as Realtors like to keep track of who came and went so the seller is aware. This also allows the Realtor to follow up with your or your Realtor with any additional information you may have needed about the home. It is also a great way to meet Realtors and interview them if you are in the process of finding a Realtor.

Do I need a Realtor if I am buying a New Home?

Yes! The Realtor will be your advocate during the build process. The person in the sales office works for the builder, and most builders are happy to pay the Brokers Fee to have a represented client.

BUYERS

Buying a home is about more than just bedrooms and bathrooms; it also involves deciding what lifestyle choices matter most to you. Are great schools important? Are you looking for the shortest commute time possible? Do you want to walk to neighborhood shops and restaurants? Move-in ready or fixer upper? You can start your home search here by viewing all active listings in your targeted areas.

Here's how we can help:

First, download a copy of our Home Buying guide that outlines the time-frames and initial cost.

WE KNOW THE AREA. Since we actually LIVE here, we know everything there is to know about our beautiful communities, from the best schools and amenities, to shopping, dining and recreation. Want to know more? Just ask!

THE BEST HOME SEARCH AROUND. OwnYourParadise.com offers buyers access to all currently listed properties for sale in Houston, Galveston and surrounding areas, which means you have all the same information Realtors do. Which means you can search EVERYWHERE in the area for ALL types of properties: homes, condos, new construction, retirement - whatever you are looking for. Additionally detailed Property Search tools allow you to find homes by the criteria that matters most to you, like price, subdivision, views, or new construction.

WE ACT FAST SO YOU CAN TOO. Not only is our site super fast and geared to work efficiently on any platform, but our updates and notifications are super speedy as well. We don't want buyers to miss out on their dream home, so when you register on our site we create a customized search based on properties you have already looked at online. From that moment on, automatic email updates will notify you of new homes on the market that meet your criteria; or price or status changes of homes you have already expressed interest in.

WE WANT YOUR APPROVAL. Knowing how much house you can afford is a huge advantage in your home search. Obtaining lender pre-approval helps you to narrow your search to homes that fit your budget and shows sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer. Need recommendations for experienced, reputable lenders? We can help!

WE'RE HERE TO HELP.Contact us any time for information about our communities, the home buying process or to schedule a tour of any property you find on this site.

Home is just a click away.

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BUYERS

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