Realtors have access to all of the homes on the market. You can work with one agent under a Buyer Representation agreement and receive advice and opinions, usually at no cost to the buyer. In fact, with someone in your corner helping with negotiations, you can save thousands. They provide you with accurate information in an ever-changing market and help navigate the vast array of documents and legal procedures.

A REALTOR® is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. This means that he or she must uphold the standards of the association and its code of ethics. Realtors also have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

In Texas, all real estate agents are licensed as either a Broker or a Salesperson. All agents with a “Salesperson” license must be sponsored by a Broker who is responsible for all their authorized business activities. At Stovall, REALTORS®, the Broker does not compete against the agents, but works with them to achieve the goals of their clients.

A buyer’s agent works for the buyer and is able to give advice and opinions to the buyer, and assistance with negotiation. A listing agent works for the seller and gives them advice, opinions, and assistance with negotiation. Our agents can represent either buyers or sellers, or in some cases both as an “intermediary.”

Value is not always determined by a dollar sign but is often determined by personal preference. Thus, both older and newer homes can be better in value depending on a person’s expectations for a home, lifestyle, etc. Both older and newer homes will require work, but the work will likely fall into different categories. For example, an older home may require a new hot water heater or repairs, whereas a new home may require landscaping or finishing touches. When it comes to resale value, newer homes typically take longer to appreciate, and your competition may be other new construction. An older home in a good neighborhood may be able to be improved and build equity.

This is usually a conditional clause in a sales contract requiring certain events to take place for the entire contract to be valid, such as the sale of another property.

Closing costs are expenses incurred by both buyers and sellers in the process of transferring ownership of properties.

An MLS is an online, computerized listing of homes for sale in an area listed with a REALTOR®. Agents are granted access to the MLS to find houses based on search criteria. Our agents are a part of the NTREIS MLS.

Homeowners associations are commonly found in subdivisions, gated communities and other types of planned developments such as townhouses and condominiums. They typically include a monthly or annual fee. HOAs are in charge of upkeep for communal areas in addition to enforcing set rules all residents are expected to follow.

Being prequalified means you may potentially receive a loan of the amount stated. This may happen assuming that all information you’ve provided the bank is accurate and truthful. A preapproval means you’ve undergone an extensive financial background check. This check includes your credit history, tax returns and employment verification. It means the lender is willing to give you a loan.

Title insurance protects the lender and buyer against any potential losses incurred from disputes over the title of a property.