Does it increase, decrease or have no impact on the value from an appraisal standpoint? Do they make the home more or less desirable from a buyer standpoint? Any idea as to what percent of the initial investment can a homeowner expect to receive when a home is sold with solar panels?

Hi Cathie,Thats a really smart question and one that doesnt have a one-size-fits-all answer, but heres what I can tell you from real-world experience:From an appraisal standpoint, solar panels can absolutely add value but how much depends on a few key things: whether the system is owned or leased, the age and efficiency of the system, utility savings in your area, and what comparable homes nearby have. Appraisers will typically give more value to owned systems than leased ones, since buyers assume full benefit without additional obligations.From a buyer perspective, solar can be a selling point, especially with rising utility costs and increasing awareness of long-term energy savings. That said, some buyers are still hesitant about leased systems or long-term financing agreements, so transparency in how the system is structured is key.As for return on investment: most studies show homeowners recover anywhere from 5070 of the cost of an owned solar system at resale and possibly more in markets with higher electricity rates or energy-conscious buyers. In other words, its rarely dollar-for-dollar, but it can increase appeal and shorten time on market if marketed correctly.If you're thinking about selling (or installing), Id be happy to run some comps and help you get a more specific idea based on your home, your neighborhood, and current buyer behavior.Peter n'KoloAppropos Real Estatepeter@approposre.com713-393-7194

Please share with me your favorite CRM and why.

It\'s so many on the market at this time, but keep in mind the history backing the one of your choice. Please learn how to use it once you get it! \n\nThanks\nAnthony Taylor Realty

Looking to rent this summer. Just wondering, since I am not from Houston originally.

Hello!\n\nThe broker\'s fee is negotiable. However, just like anything else, you get what you pay for. Are you wanting to lease or sell the home?

Hello! We are relocating soon and have never used a realtor for the rental process, but because we\'re out of state-- we have a few concerns. We don\'t want to rent sight unseen, and pictures can only do so much! Is enlisting a realtor the appropriate step to take in looking for someone to find/help us navigate spaces that make sense for our family without us physically being able to be there? We expect to come in for a maximum of 3 days in September to come check out what we can based on websites, but we\'re worried about the tight-turnaround. Does a realtor help with looking at rentals (within reason) without the renters there, or is it something we really need to physically be there for? I\'m not even sure if I\'m asking the right questions...

Welcome to Houston! As a long time resident and agent, I speak from experience, you and your family will LOVE all that our community has to offer! \nNo doubt, it is daunting to contemplate any move to a new city, even more so on a tight timeframe. However, it can be done with assistance.\nIn order to be succesful, you need a client centric agent who takes the time to determine your family\'s needs, tailor her search effort to those needs and be willing to work just a little harder.\nI am that agent! Put me to work for you today!\n\nAt your service!\nCathie Bortz\nRealtor\nBHGRE Gary Greene\n281-744-4879\nCathie.Bortz@garygreene.com

Hello, I\'m selling my home and now school has started, I understand that this process will take a lot longer than expected.

Hello,\n\nBased on your question, I get the sense that you are working with an agent but are concerned that the sale of your home will be delayed because school is back in session. Certainly, the commencement of school has an impact on the pool of potential buyers. However, not all buyers are tied to the school year. \nHas your agent had a conversation with you as to how his/her marketing will change now that the busy season is over? If not, I recommend you ask that question post haste and get a concrete plan.\nThat being said, if your home is:\n* in pristine condition\n* priced correctly\n* showcased with professional pictures\n* staged and shows well\n* promoted correctly\nincentives are not needed to motivate buyers. They will be knocking down your door!\nMy recommendation is to talk with your agent and ask, of the equation above, what is missing? He/she should be able to pinpoint what needs to be tweaked especially given that the selling landscape is different.\nIf the above does not work, feel free to contact me and can dig into my bag of tricks for other suggestions.\n\nAt YOUR service!\nCathie Bortz\nBHGRE Gary Greene\n281-744-4879\nCathie.Bortz@garygreene.com\n