FAQ

There are several websites you can use. The most popular is Zillow.com. However, I highly recommend har.com. The difference between har.com and zillow.com is that HAR is directly linked to our local MLS. When a Realtor changes the status of a listing, adds a new listing, or a listing is sold, HAR automatically updates the website for you to see that change within seconds while Zillow and other platforms take days to make the change. If you are only relying on another site, you may miss a new listing or you may become frustrated to find out that a home you were interested in has already gone under contract.

In general the Houston market has become a balanced market all across the region. HOWEVER, there are several areas such as The Woodlands that are still a seller market because of highly desired the area is. I highly recommend checking out my blog posts with Market Updates for more information on specific neighborhoods.

This is the most common question I hear. My honest answer is that the time is "good " when it is good for you. This is a very personal question. My personal story: I had to rent a home for my kids and myself after my divorce. This is very common, but I didn't want to be stuck in the rental trap for too long. I met with a lender to go over all of my finances and to learn what I needed to do to be ready to buy. 1 year later, I had my credit in good shape and a down payment ready to go. I am self-employed, so my interest rate was high, but for me, it was time to buy to give my kids the stability they deserved. I found our home, toured it 3 times, had inspections, and closed on the property within 30 days. I don't love my interest rate, but I LOVE my home. I am currently paying extra on my principal every month and will be refinancing for a better interest rate soon. Biggest advice: DON'T MAKE YOUR DECISIONS BASED ON THE SCARY MEDIA. MAKE THIS DECISION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

The home buying process usually takes 30 days + however long you make it. From the time you find a house and have your offer accepted, we usually need 30 days to close on the property and truly make it yours. The 30 days are needed so the lender and title company can do all of the paperwork needed. So, if you want to start looking 3 -6 months in advance this is usually a good time frame. REMEMBER: If you are in a lease, time your home buying well so you don't have to pay your rent and monthly mortgage payment at the same time. Ask me about my trick to avoid this!

Yes! I am self employed and I did it on my own as a self employed single mom. I am an open book about my story to home ownership as a single mom. Let's talk!

Affordability is one of the reasons people are moving to Houston! When I moved here from Chicago, I was shocked that I could buy a house twice in size. We went from a 1,700 sq ft home in Chicago to a 3,400 sq ft home in Spring TX for the same price. Use my mortgage calculator to help guide you. 

Closing costs vary depending on:

- your lender, financing situation (cash has less closing costs)

- did you need a new survey?

- who is paying for HOA if there is an HOA?

- who is paying for title insurance?

- the inspection costs

- appraisal costs

The best way to calculate is to ask me for my "Buyer estimated closing costs" on the property you are interested in. I can send directly to you.

Short answer - A pre-qualification means the lender has done an initial look at your financial information and qualified you as a ready buyer while a pre-approval means they have gone beyond that initial look and started to send you to the underwriter. A pre-approval is stronger and shows that you are not just a qualified buyer but you are a strong buyer who can close quickly because you are so prepared. 

Your monthly mortgage will be your principal, interest, taxes, and escrow (if you choose to have an escrow account). Your escrow account will cover your property taxes at the end of the year for you if you have an escrow account. Your mortgage payment and escrow account WILL NOT COVER YOUR HOA PAYMENT. YOUR HOA PAYMENT FOR THE YEAR MUST BE PAID DIRECTLY BY YOU.