Overview of Neighborhoods

We want your first day to be fun and informative. This is the perfect time for an overview of the neighborhoods that are the best fit for your price range, school needs, commute to work, etc. We always consider both new and resale homes, unless you have a strong preference for one or the other. We will help you to evaluate each property from all angles.

Working Over the Internet

If you are like most of our clients, you've done some home shopping on the Internet. If you have made some selections, don't hesitate to let us know. We will behappy to include them.

If you need help, we can suggest areas that meet your needs. Ask us to have automatic emails sent to your of new listings as soon as they become available.

If you are already in Austin, you may prefer to drive by homes before we make an appointment to see the inside. The auto emails will give you immediate notification of new listings. You will get these faster and more consistently than going through a public database. In some situations, it may be necessary to act quickly.

Building a home or buying new construction.

Many of our clients choose to build a home or buy a home under construction. We can work with large volume builders or small custom builders. With our experience in building and remodeling, we are especially qualified to help you with this process.

We will share all the information we have about local builders. It is important to work with an established builder with financial stability. It is worth taking the extra time to interview the builder's past clients and see his/her work.

Most large builders provide their own company contracts for the purchase of their homes. These contracts are not written by the Texas Real Estate Commission. It would be a good idea to have a real estate attorney review your contract. This is most important on a a large, complex transaction. The more time you spend up front, understanding every detail, the better the outcome will be.

A Building Checklist:

• Always put everything in writing.
• Expect it to take more time than predicted.
• Talk with the builder's past clients and see examples the builder's homes.
• Review the builder's model and ask questions about which parts are not included in the base price.
• Read a copy of the builder's warranty.
• Let the builder know that your will have your own inspector during construction.
• Will you make your contract contingent on the sale of your home? If so, is your deposit refundable if your home does not sell?
• Ask who will be paying for the policy of title insurance.
• Does the builder offer incentives for using a particular loan or title company?
• What are the real estate taxes and HOA dues for the neighborhood?
• How the property will be be conveyed? General or special warranty deed?
• What is the builder's policy toward changes made during construction?
• How will upgrades be paid?
• Does the builder require deposits prior to starting construction?
• Remember, if the builder owns the lot, you do not have title to the real estate. If you do not have title to the property, do not pay for the house until it is complete. You may put down a deposit, and pay in advance for upgrades. Pay for the home when it is complete, and the deed is signed over to you at the closing table.
• An option is to buy the lot from the builder, and the sign a contract with him to build your house. In this case, you would pay the builder in stages, as the home is completed.
• View our Building Green in Austin page!

Buyer Representation

As your agent, we will represent your interests throughout the process of finding, negotiating and closing on your home. Although we will represent your interests, the seller's agent pays our fees. You can expect:

• Loyalty to you as a client.
• Disclosure to you of any information that might affect your decisions.
• Confidentiality.
• Integrity in dealing with you and others on your behalf.
• Professional capability, education and knowledge.
• Time and attention to your needs.

Intermediary Relationship

If you select a home listed by anyone in our company, Coldwell Banker United Realtors, this creates an "intermediary relationship."

These are the guidelines for handling the intermediary transaction:

• The agent may not disclose that the seller will accept a lower price, or that the buyer will pay a higher price than each has proposed in writing.
• The agent may not disclose any confidential information regarding the buyer or seller, unless the information relates to the condition of the property.
• The agent must treat all parties fairly and comply with the Texas Real Estate License Act.

If the home you select is listed by another agent within the Coldwell Banker Company, the listing agent will provide advice and opinions to the seller during negotiations. We, will offer advice and opinions to you.

If you choose a home that we personally have listed, we may communicate with both you and the seller to facilitate a transaction, but may not give advice during negotiations to either party. We can communicate factual information to both parties. We can help to facilitate the purchase, but cannot advocate the advantage of one party over the other. Both parties give up representation of their interests.

If you have questions about the intermediary relationship, let's discuss them thoroughly.