Texas real estate

“A mistake that many people make when working with a real estate agent is the belief that they need to stick with the agent once they have contacted them. While it can be more difficult to get out of a contract with a real estate agent that is helping you sell your home, you are under no obligation to work with just one real estate agent when you are looking for a home to purchase. In fact, unless you have hired a buyer’s agent to help you find your home, you are perfectly within your rights to contact multiple real estate agents in order to find one that suits your needs and that you feel comfortable with.

If you have hired the agent to help you sell your home or if you have entered into a buyer’s agreement, getting out of your agreement can be a bit trickier. Nonetheless, it is possible.

Signs that You Should Part Ways With Your Real Estate Agent

Sometimes, you simply won’t see eye to eye with your real estate agent. If this is the case, you might need to part ways. Aside from small differences in views, you might find that you and the real estate agent simply cannot get on the same page at all. This can be a very frustrating and time-consuming experience – and it is completely unnecessary. More than likely, there is a real estate agent out there that will understand your needs and that will be more than happy to help you find what you are looking for.

If you find that you are raising your voice when talking to your real estate agent, you are probably in a bad situation. If you find yourself calling your agent bad names when you refer to him or her or if you are experiencing negative thoughts about your agent, it is time to start looking for a new agent. Similarly, if you find yourself avoiding your agent’s calls or if your agent is not calling you back, you likely have a bad relationship and it would be better for both of you to part ways.

Getting Out of Your Agreements

If you have entered into a contract with your real estate agent, you should try to end the contract based on mutual consent. If the agent refuses to bow out gracefully, you might need to request the help of a lawyer. Ideally, before you ever signed the contract, you should have checked on the agent’s policies for canceling the contract. Most reputable real estate agents will allow you to end the contract if you are unhappy with their services.

If you have entered into a listing agreement, you can ask the real estate agent to cancel the listing. If he or she refuses, contact the grocer and request a cancellation. If the broker will not cancel the listing, you can at least ask for a different agent. In most cases, however, the broker will allow you to get out of the listing because refusal to do so can scar his or her reputation. If the broker continues to refuse, let him or her know that you will be contacting a real estate lawyer for termination assistance. In many cases, just the threat of a lawyer is enough to get the broker to back down. “

By: Eric Bramlett

The Greater Houston Partnership recently released an overview of the Houston, Texas economy – marking a bright spot during the midst of turmoil in the US economy has experienced in the third quarter of 2007.

As nationwide problems with sub-prime mortgages continue to make front page news and have been depressing stocks of major financial organizations, Houston area residents question: how is the Houston area market faring? Much better than many other parts of the US is the answer, thanks in part to strong oil prices, a robust and diversified job market and a housing market that is still continuing to make advancements. In addition, Houston area real estate continues to be a good investment option with strong job growth and a fast-growing economy.

Houston Economy

While during the 1980′s the Houston area economy was pre-dominantly reliant upon the energy industry, currently the energy sector contributes for about 40% of the region’s GDP. Today, the Houston economy is based on a broad spectrum of industries including: Oil and gas exploration, basic petroleum refining, petrochemical production, Medical research, health care delivery and high-technology (computer, aerospace, environmental, etc.) The Houston economy is highly diversified, with over 50% of the workforce employed in sectors that are marginally, if at all, affected by changing energy prices.

The most widely followed series on the Houston economy is the establishment employment data, released each month along with the unemployment rate. The Houston economy is good and rental rates are expected to increase. The Houston economy is particularly tied to trade. The Houston economy is global in reach with its world renowned energy business, medical center, sea port, and the NASA Space Center.

Houston Texas Real Estate Statistics

The Houston Texas Real Estate market has also been experiencing gains, while much of the rest of the US has been suffering. This is thanks in part to the good balance between supply and demand and the near absence of the speculative excess in real estate prices that were seen on both coasts of the US over the past 10 years. The number of Houston home sales pending at the end of July 2007 and expected to close within 30 days was up 8.1% from a year earlier – a good sign for the market.

Houston Area Real Estate Investment Opportunities

Within the $80,000 to $150,000 real estate market, Houston’s MLS system shows moderate weakness for the second half of 2007, terming the decline “clearly the result of the mortgage and lending issues.”

Specific Houston Area Neighborhoods have seen price declines and additional inventory on the market for homes of this type. Savvy Houston real estate investors have begun to buy additional distressed and foreclosed homes at attractive NPV’s and cap rates. They are taking advantage of distress in the sub-prime sector (e.g. good buying opportunities), while realizing that strong regional job growth rates are providing for increased rental and housing demand. This mix can create an attractive real estate investment portfolio for people looking to generate recurring cash flow within this market.

For a free listing of attractive Houston-area, real estate investment options, please contact Paige Martin or visit http://www.houstonproperties.com.

By: Paige Martin