Greg Nino Houston Texas

Too many agents assume that because they've been in business 20 years that they "should" yield more referrals. They also assume they have to impress less when they go on a listing appointment, as if the sellers should simply "know" how awesome & intelligent they are.

Some seasoned Realtor's cut corners, cherry pick and are likely to avoid first time buyers!

I closed a buyer a couple of years ago that told me the LISTING AGENT said she only worked with sellers! Guess what? The buyer's were young, first timers, and looking for 100% financing. I guarantee you the listing agent was like... "oh heck no, too much trouble." This REALLY offended the buyers! I pulled the listing agents stats - she was lying! No surprise.

Is your agent "off" on the weekends? Is there office closed?

Not only did they buy this house, but now I have a client for life! They have since bought a restaurant and referred me TWO LISTINGS in the last 2 years!

Cherry Pick? All the time! I know of "seasoned" agents in my market that choose to only show in the immediate area! WHAT? You lazy turds! Get off your cans & go earn some money! GET TO WORK!

It seems that MANY listing agents feel the need to offer less at their listing appointments. As if - they're above the "drill". Just because you KNOW A LOT doesn't mean you should show up with a primadonna attitude. Your resume does NOT always speak for itself in this business. You have to earn your business, every single day in this industry.

I've been in first gear for almost five years & have no intention of throwing it in neutral. It's an eat or be eaten industry. Anything less isn't benefiting a client. That's just my opinion. :)

Greg Nino is your RE/MAX West & Northwest Houston Real Estate expert. Available 24/7, because you deserve the best.

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I was watching the news tonight when I heard about a failed bill that was attempting to be passed right here in my home town, Houston.

Apparently our lawmakers were attempting to provide a $3,000 credit to first time buyers on their home purchase. The money would be used to help pay down your debt so your credit score would be "high enough" to qualify for a loan. WHAT?

Where was this money supossed to come from? You guessed it, our all mighty tax dollars. Actually it was supposed to come from the City Housing Department, same thing.

The deal is now "dead." The $400,000 allocated for the project will now be set aside for the Hurricane Ike Relief Fund.

Don't get me started about FEMA, or the so called "relief fund!"

What if this debt was "irresponsible debt?" What would three grand accomplish anyway?! It's not enough to make a significant difference if you ask me!

Do you consider this a form of welfare?

Greg Nino is your RE/MAX West & Northwest Houston Expert. Available 24/7, because you deserve the best!

When you go to the doctor you hope the expert whose about to cut you open & save your life is both qualified and licensed to do so. You also are assuming he’s using the best tools possible for the task at hand, and no less. When you buy a home it only makes sense to get the BEST possible home inspector that you can find. Using a buddy, relative or friend to “eye-ball” the home is an awful and potentially dangerous idea.

Too often buyers tend to nickel & dime the process in hopes of getting a “great deal.” Truth is, buying or selling a home is one of the largest purchases we will ever make in our life. Don’t be a ding-dong when inspecting your next home. Recently I worked with one of my sellers where the buyer’s agent held inspections on one of my listings. The buyer’s chose to use a former neighbor who was a retired auto mechanic and “really good handyman.” This is about as ignorant as me hiring a dentist to fix my roof leak. Not only are you putting your relationship at risk, but you are leaving room to miss important issues when inspecting a home. Current licensed inspectors are familiar with current property code and many other details that a good ol’ boy is very likely to miss. Besides, if Cousin Carl misses something who are going to sue?

My current inspector has about 4,000 inspections under his belt. He has all the gizmos, gadgets and tools necessary to ensure he doesn’t miss a thing. Every “T” is crossed and every “I” is dotted. 12.5 cents for every square foot or $275 bucks minimum. That’s a pretty simple synopsis of what a quality and experienced home inspector cost these days.

When you bring Uncle Johnny or know it all Nick your also going to find that they feel overly compelled to say things to justify their existence. Not only are they not up to speed on current items, they simply do not have the day in and out experiences as a full-time licensed inspector. How do you think a seller will handle your repair request? No they won’t laugh, but they are very likely to not adhere to your request as a buyer – plain and simple. After all – you’re using a buddy. And your faith in him means very little to a listing agent and homeowner!

"Do it right, or don’t do it at all" – that’s my motto. I hope you will do the same when buying your next home.

* Greg Nino is your West & Northwest Houston Real Estate expert. From Cinco Ranch to Spring & everything in between. Available 24/7 because you deserve the best!

I disagree with it. Folks of different cultures have asked me when listing their home if I thought it would be "best" to remove all the personal pictures. The same people say they "heard" on TV or read on line that you should ALWAYS remove the family portraits. And it's not just people of culture, it's more than half my sellers who ask if this is a good practice or idea.

I think it's an awful concept.

A home is your castle. It's supposed to be filled with happiness & love. If your photo's are excessive, then yes consider removing some, but not all.

If you have a life size portrait of you swinging a golf club, then yes remove that too, especially if your single. You'll look like a weirdo.

But baby pictures or pictures of you and your Dad hiking in the Alps should stay...

For the record, no buyer I've ever showed really cared. It's always been floor plan, price, lot location, schools, home quality and it's care.

What's YOUR opinion?

*Greg Nino is your West & Northwest Houston Real Estate Expert!

Our local association www.HAR.com has recently created a new system that is absolutely FREE for its members. Everybody wins. Agents can add a sign rider to their listings that reads: Call 713-Greg Nino.

Potential buyers will see the rider, call the number and very much like (Talking House) be able to hear a pre recorded message with details of the home. Even better, consumers will be given the opportunity while listening to be connected to the listing agent during the same call. The phone number is automatically saved & logged to your Lead Management system on the HAR.com website.

The sign rider can be purchased at all 4 HAR locations and the service is available for immediate use. For more information call 713-629-1900.

*Greg Nino is your West & Northwest Houston RE/MAX professional.