My Growing Family: To Move or Not to Move
Many families choose to get settled into a new home before their baby arrives. Others move in the first year after baby come. Here are some questions asked by many young families looking for a bigger living space for their growing family.
(Q) My family is growing what things should I know about moving into a bigger home like how many people per bedroom is okay?
(A) How many people allowed depends on the size of the home. The typical number is two per bedroom but that can get a little more complicated when you have children. There are different laws for different states but most states will say that boys and girls cannot share a bedroom after a certain age. When you are leasing, you are required to list all the people that are residing in the apartment including children. Ask your Realtor to make sure you get the right size home for your growing family. http://law.onecle.com/texas/property/92.010.00.html
(Q) My child will be starting school. Can a Realtor help me relocate to the school district where I want my child to go to school?
(A) Simply put, yes. A Realtor can help you find a new home in whatever area you would like to transfer whether for school, work, shopping or any reason.
(Q) Should I buy a house or rent?
(A) That is a decision you and your family will have to make. A Realtor can’t make that decision for you. There is an upside and downside to either buying or renting. Buyers can argue that owning a bit of the American Dream gives them security that they can pass on to their children. However, that dream can be very expensive and financially limiting.
On the other hand, renters can have greater flexibility because it is simpler for renters to pull up stakes and move if the need arises. However, the money they pay each month helps the landlord’s financial security, not theirs. There are many tax advantages to owning your own home. Consult your CPA for more information about this.
(Q) How can a Realtor help me when moving to an apartment or rental home?
(A) Yes! A Realtor can help you find exactly what you are looking for; size price range, location, etc. Once you decide what you want in a new home, your Realtor will set up appointments for you to take a tour of homes that meet your needs. Once you make a decision on a home, the Realtor will help negotiate the contract on your behalf. By representing you, he will make sure your best interest is represented.
(Q) How can a Realtor help me when I am searching for a bigger home my growing family? Can’t I just do this alone? My hair-dresser said I don’t need a Realtor.
(A) First, why is your hair-dresser giving real estate advice? Do you ask your dentist for advice about your car’s transmission? You are better off using a Realtor than going it alone. A Realtor will be able to help you with the complexity of the real estate transaction, do a market analysis to make sure you as a buyer don’t offer too much. He will also be able to draw up the legal paperwork, work with title companies, do negotiations and also take you on walk-throughs. You can’t go into many homes for sale without a Realtor. It is a very good idea to find a Realtor you are comfortable with. If you go it alone and call each listing agent about homes you are interested in remember they are representing the seller, not you. Keep in mind they are hired by the person selling/renting the home. By finding your own agent you can be sure you have someone who is looking out for you and only you.
(Q) How much does it cost to hire a Realtor?
(A) When you are looking to buy or rent a home that is listed with a Realtor a commission is already figured into the price for both the listing agent and the selling agent, so there should be no out of pocket costs for using a Realtor to represent your best interest. For this reason it is a very good idea to find a Realtor you are comfortable with instead of going it alone. By having your own agent you can be sure you have someone who is looking out for you and your best interests.
(Q) Can I be my own agent and keep 3% of the sale?
(A) For newcomers to the real estate market, there can be confusion about who is responsible for paying the agents involved in the transaction. As a general rule, the seller pays both their own agent and the buyer’s agent and splits the commission with the buyer’s agent. When a seller signs a listing agreement with a real estate agent, they establish how much the agents will be paid. This commission split is called a “co-broke.”
Lack of an agent does not equal lowered commission. The seller and seller’s agent have a signed contract with a pre-determined commission agreement. Representing yourself instead of using a buyer’s agent usually doesn’t mean that the seller is paying a lower commission. It just means that the seller’s agent is collecting more money because they don’t have to co-broke. The seller’s agent gets to keep the full agreed-upon commission.
(Q) When I call a Realtor what will happen first?
(A) You will call and set up a consultation to go over all your specific needs. Your Realtor will ask if you are looking to rent or buy, if you want a house or an apartment, the size, location and any other needs you may have. After that he will build a profile for you so you can receive emails of homes that fit your needs. When you are ready to see those homes he will make all the necessary appointments and gather appropriate information so that you may see the inside of those homes. He can also connect you with a loan officer to get you pre-approved for a loan.
If you decide this is the Realtor you want to assist you, you will be given an Information about Broker Services Form and a Residential, Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement.
(Q) Can I have the same Realtor help me sell the home I am in and help me look for a new home?
(A) YES! Your Realtor can help you in both these matters. Again, your Realtor represents YOU. This will an advantage to you because your Realtor will have had the time to get to know you and your needs well to help you find the perfect home to bring your family many years of happiness.
(Q) I am ready to move. Who do you recommend and trust to help my family through this process?
(A) Fred Scrivner- RE/MAX Space Center
1150 Clear Lake CIty Blvd
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77062
Cell:(713) 478-1363
Business:(713) 478-1363
Fax:(281) 488-2264
