Expert: Connie Wildasinn-Broker,GRI,Realtor® - 12/20/2010

Question
QUESTION: What are the important factors in buying a home? Where can i find a good realtor? We already got the pre approval. How ever we need to know what market is good for us in the long run ? what factors can help me decide if market where the house is located is going to be good few years down the road?
ALso do you know some good realtors n houston, tx? And some good websites where we can look at houses ?

ANSWER: Hi Gary,

Congratulations on getting approved to buy!  As you know prices are way down from the peek years in 2006 & 2007... and the market will rise again... but no one has a crystal ball on when or how much..

Many different factors go into the purchase of a personal residence... don't look at that as the investment option... investments are investments and they are a completely different animal from your primary...

If you need a good referral agent let me know what you are looking for, type single family, condo, etc so I can line you up with a realtor that does business in that areana..

The major factors to buying a home, do you see yourself for a decade owning that property? can you afford the payments even in worse times, could I rent the property if I had to leave due to illness, lifestyle change, etc... the ultimate realtor you align with should be savoy of the market, know their craft and be able to guide you without regard to the commission... but to build a long term relationship with...

Hope this answered some of your questions... e-mail me if you'd like a referral... good luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, Thank you Connie.

We are actually looking for a house like Coventry homes or meritage homes in the spring or Cypress area in texas. between 210k and 260K price range and has to be two story. I can fluctuate with the prices. Based on the factors you just wrote, I am looking for a realtor or builder in the area , the one who is savoy of the market , know their craft and be able to guide us without regard to the commission.. exact same things what you said ..:). Please let me know if you have a good referral agent in mind .. Thank you .. Gary .

Answer
Hi Gary,

I can help you on the re-sale end of buying... purchase from a builder is altogether different.

Builders mainly do in-house sales, you can check in with a realtor but then you are on your own... and Texas is very (I call it) gun slinger... the laws are set up to the builder not the buyer... so please beware!!!! read your contracts and know your contingencies (usually very little)

On the Re-sale end... I can help you with Spring?and Cypress... get me zips and I'll find you a realtor who know their craft...

keep in mind new doesn't always mean better.. get inspections on all components to the home... know the area neighborhood, and what is trending around... Don't plan on a killing, prices have been chiseled down pretty low...may have a tad of room to go... but at least here in Calif... it is a feeding frenzy to most of the good deals.. and cash is king...