We make it our priority to provide critical assistance by guiding you through the homebuying process from start to finish!
•We can provide objective information about each property.
•We can help you negotiate.
•We can help you determine your buying power.
•We can provide guidance during the evaluation of the property.
•We can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
PLEASE VIEW THE ABOUT US LINK
Q2 - HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM READY TO BUY A HOME?
A2 - You can find out by asking yourself some questions:
•Do I have a steady source of income (usually a job)? Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3 years? Is my income reliable
•Do I have a good record of paying my bills?
•Do I have a few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?
•Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional costs?
If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you are probably ready to buy your own home.
Q3 - HOW DO I BEGIN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A HOME
A3 - CONTACT US AT 713-502-0996 OR BY EMAIL AND WE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE HOME BUYING PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH
Q4 - HOW DOES PURCHASING A HOME COMPARE WITH RENTING
Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity. And that's an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax breaks that assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities- like insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep- which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are worth it.
A4 - The two don't really compare at all. The one advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for housing.
Q5 - WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING ON A COMMUNITY?
A5- Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? More than anything, you want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable in. The realtors at Houstonsbestnewhomes.com, will listen in detail to what is most important for you in a home and a neighborhood. We will only show you properties that match your criteria!
Q6- HOW CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON THE PROPERTY TAX LIABILITY?
A6 - The total amount of the previous year's property taxes is usually included in the listing information. If it's not, ask the seller for a tax receipt or contact the local assessor's off ice. Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures may be approximate.
Q7 - HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND LOCAL SCHOOLS?
A7 - The realtors at Houstonsbestnewhomes.com have an extensive base with practically all of the builders in Houston and the surrounding areas. We can provide our buyers with this information.
Q8 - HOW MANY HOMES SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING ONE?
A8- There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. We want you to be happy with your investment. Some buyers may want to see 3-5 homes. Some buyers it is love at first sight. We pride ourselves in communication. It will help avoid wasting your time and ours.
Q9 - DO I REALLY NEED HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE?
A9 - Yes. A paid homeowner's insurance policy (or a paid receipt for one) is required at closing, so arrangements will have to be made prior to that day. Plus, involving the insurance agent early in the home buying process can save you money. Insurance agents are a great resource for information on home safety and they can give tips on how to keep insurance premiums low.
Q10 - WHAT IS EARNEST MONEY? HOW MUCH SHOULD I SET ASIDE?
A10 - Earnest money is money put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. Builders typically ask for $500-$2000. The earnest money becomes part of your down payment or closing costs. If the offer is rejected or your loan is not approved, your money is returned to you. If you back out of a deal, you may forfeit the entire amount.
Q11- SHOULD I GET PREQUALIFIED BEFORE I LOOK FOR A HOME?
A11- Getting prequalified for your mortgage is an important step before you shop for a home. It tells you how much home you can buy and makes applying for your mortgage easier. A mortgage prequalification can also give you additional leverage with the builder in negotiating the best possible deal! You may contact us and we can assist you in getting prequalified. You may also get prequalified through your banking institution. If you are interested in grant programs or other downpayment assistance, please click on the link on the home page for first time buyers.
Q12- HOW ARE PRE-QUALIFYING AND PRE-APPROVAL DIFFERENT?
A12- Pre-qualification is an informal way to see how much you maybe able to borrow. You can be 'pre-qualified' over the phone with no paperwork by telling a lender your income, your long-term debts, and how large a down payment you can afford. Without any obligation, this helps you arrive at a ballpark figure of the amount you may have available to spend on a house.
Pre-approval is a lender's actual commitment to lend to you. It involves assembling the financial records and going through a preliminary approval process. Pre-approval gives you a definite idea of what you can afford and shows builders that you are serious about buying.
Q13- WHAT MAKES UP CLOSING COST?
A13- There may be closing cost customary or unique to a certain locality, but closing cost are usually made up of the following:
Q14- WHAT DO I GET AT CLOSING?
A14- Settlement Statement, HUD-1 Form (itemizes services provided and the fees charged; it is filled out by the closing agent and must be given to you at or before closing)
Truth-in-Lending Statement
Mortgage Note
Mortgage or Deed of Trust
Binding Sales Contract
Keys to your new home !!!!
Attorney's or escrow fees (Yours and your lender's if applicable)
Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)
Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)
Loan Origination fee (covers lenders administrative cost)
Recording fees
Survey fee
First premium of mortgage Insurance (if applicable)
Title Insurance (yours and lender's)
Loan discount points
First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
Paid receipt for homeowner's insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable)
Any documentation preparation fees
In most cases, if you use the builder's lender, the builder will cover part of these costs. Some builders offer ZERO MOVE IN! 
