Ralph Janisch

When the price and terms are agreed upon, the earnest money check and a copy of the purchase agreement are usually taken to a neutral party.  This is often a title company, who researches the title of the property to be sure that there are no liens filed against it that would cloud your ownership.  While this is being done, in most cases you would apply formally for a mortgage (if you haven't done so already.)   Selecting your loan officer is an important thing as you will be in touch with them a lot for the next few weeks.  You may also wish to shop for the best possible rate on your loan.  Some mortgage companies charge interest paid in advance on the interest rates they quote you.  This is called a discount point.  Discount points make it possible to get a lower percentage rate over the life of your loan, but may require more money at closing.  There are always innovative finance plans, and you should discuss your goals with the loan officer.  Find one that you feel comfortable with and feel free to discuss what you do not understand.  Remember that you are spending a lot of money and the process should be as enjoyable as possible.  When you are making your application, the loan officer should be able to tell you very close to the penny what dollar amount you are going to need to move into your new home.  This amount should also be close to what you told your agent you wanted to invest.

After your loan officer has a chance to review your credit and loan application, he or she will be able to give you a reasonable idea about whether or not you can qualify for the loan. The loan officer effectively holds your home buying future in his or her hands.  Many loan officers are capable of helping you fix poor credit and other blights on your credit history if you are honest and up front with them.  You may have to write some letters of explanation but the process is generally painless.  It is helpful if you supply the loan officer with all the documents they need on the first visit.  It saves everyone involved with the transaction a lot of wear and tear and it saves you from having to run all over town.  If you have questions about your credit history or how much you can qualify for, a call to a loan officer can be time well spent before you go out and fall in love with a property.  The information gleaned from a simple call can make a difference in your buying experience!  There will be more information soon on this site.  If you have questions in the meantime, please feel free to ask.

If you want to have horses or lots of animals, you will be more comfortable having some wide open spaces around you. Neighbors are further and farther away and if you have a dog who barks all day, there is less chance that neighbors will be annoyed. Luckily there are an abundance of all kinds of neighborhoods all over the Houston area. This allows for people to choose their lifestyle and their neighborhoods. When you call a Real Estate company, you probably want to know the address of a property you saw advertised so you can just drive by. The Realtor who answers your call wants to help you find the property that best suits your needs. He or she has a knowledge of the area and what is available in various price ranges. They also have up to the minute technology at their fingertips to help you make the most of your shopping time. The search for property should be fun! You are shopping for your biggest asset, and you are planning to spend a lot of money. There are a lot of properties to choose from, and you should see enough of them to be sure you are getting just what you want. You will know when you have found the right one. It will sort of attach itself to your heart strings. Be sure that the person or people you decide to work with are willing to take the time to help you, and that they return your calls within a reasonable amount of time. As the transaction proceeds you will find that your nervous system needs nourishment. Having someone who communicates with you is extremely important. You need to know what is going on so that you will be able to plan for the next move. When the one desired property is located, it will be time to structure an offer. This is done by filling out and submitting an “Earnest Money Offer.” This document spells terms and conditions under which you are willing to purchase the property. It is sent to the listing agent with a copy of your earnest money check. For those of you who are wondering why there is money sent with the offer, please place yourself in the shoes of the seller for just a minute. Would you want to have your property removed from the market for a buyer who is not serious about the purchase? Probably not! Most people are careful with their hard earned money, hence when we are willing to put money with our offer, it is very likely that we will proceed with the transaction if the seller accepts your price and terms. How much negotiation will it take? It is hard to say since each transaction is totally unique, but the final agreement is based upon what you and the seller agree to do.

If you have ever considered buying Real Estate in Houston or Northwest Houston, you will recall things people have told you that the most important factor to consider is "Location, Location, Location." This is because it is the one thing you cannot change. It also will weigh on the appreciation value you will enjoy. If the location is bad when you start out, the chances are that it will be bad or possibly worse when you decide to sell.

Although this sounds like an easy thing to determine, sometimes we have to consider what areas are affordable. It is important that you find a location that makes you feel comfortable. So what criteria should you look for in a neighborhood?

Does it have well manicured yards and beautifully maintained homes? Will you be able to maintain your home in a similar manner? Are you comfortable with that feeling? Would you rather have a neighborhood where more creativity is shown? How about more space between you and your neighbor? Do you need to park an RV for part of the year? All of these are questions you need to ask yourself about your lifestyle. If you want for your home to appreciate at the highest rate, you probably need to find an area with an active homeowners association. Homeowners associations see that covenants and restrictions are upheld. It is a type of checks and balances to keep the values high. One of the things you will want to check on when you find an area that feels like home is whether the restrictions or covenants are in force or if they have expired. You will also want to read over the covenants to see that there will not be restrictions upon the life style you wish to live. If the covenants will not allow you to have a home office, and you were planning to work from home, it would be good to know before you move into a situation that will not work for you.

Watch for Part 2 of this article coming soon!

The Northwest area of Houston from FM1960 out through Tomball, Pinehurst, Magnolia, Rosehill and Waller and points further north is rich in the quality of wildlife and birds that all you nature lovers are sure to find quite desirable and thereby find this area to be a terrific place to live and grow your family. Apparently the Hwy 249 corridor is on the migratory path as the birds move north and south. My goodness just in our little backyard in Prestonwood Forest we have had Mexican ducks on several occasions, four different variety of dove, a goldfinch, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Sparrows, Blackcap Chickadees, Sparrows, common House Wrens and Finches. Plus we have had Armadillos, Possums, Coons, Skunks and even a wayward red nose Box Turtle who by the way seems to like our yard and periodically walks around out there.

Come and see! Northwest Houston is a fabulous place to live!

There are many things that will improve the chances of selling your home up here in Northwest Houston or really anywhere for that matter.  

These issues are timeless.  First and foremost you must have your property properly priced for your neighborhood and area. Overlook

this one issue and you're likely to sit on the market for a long time.

Next everything in and around the home has to be scrupulosly clean.  Get rid of cobwebs, clean the windows and make 

the whole place shine like a new penny.  Then we go through the house  with a critical eye just like a prospective buyer

will do and make a list of items that you need to tend.  THEN....

Just for you I have the AHS Home Staging Designation.  You get a lesson in how to stage your home to make

the best impression.  Rearrange furiture and remove any that is not essential.  Your home needs

to look lite and spacious.  You want your home to look as close to  Model Home as possible.  NEXT...

Pack up anything that is precious, valuable and breakable.

Remove any personal items and pare down the clutter and artwork.

Remember; You never have a second chance to make a good first impression.  Homes that are Staged just sell Faster!