Hi Michael. That\'s a good question. As has already been addressed you need to find someone who knows the Loop and those areas. It really is a different market than say The Woodlands or the Energy Corridor. Now, I want to add not every agent is going to be comfortable working with you as the \"go between\" but the right agent will. It can make the transaction a little more frustrating for your father, as well as the agent, because communication is a large part of narrowing in to exactly what the buyer is needing/wanting so the agent can find \"the one\". So, going into the process it will be good to keep in mind that patience will be key. I\'ve worked with clients located out of town on job assignments or relocating who could not view the properties before they were under contract. Having a family member here such as yourself who knows what to look for and to be their eyes will help tremendously. Speaking from experience, you should also try to find an agent who can be available at a time your father can be on the phone with you as you tour properties. Sending photos and doing a live walk through tour, such as via Facetime, to capture questions about layout and finishes or the neighborhood will help your father feel more comfortable making the decision remotely.

Generally I just answer Hello. Now if it''s someone in my phone so I see who is calling I can tailor it to them. Which is why I input any agent, client, lead, title company person etc that I am working with.

The best option is always to get the information from the listing agent. Check to see if any documents have been loaded on the property with the seller''s signature and name such as the Seller''s Disclosure. And, as has been stated check Realist. I also check the HCAD''s website to cross check that.

Welcome to the industry! As Kimberly said Facebook has a ton of great, helpful groups and sources for articles. Inman is good, and I also like the HAR / TAR / NAR magazines that are mailed out monthly. They all have some good information, but the HAR one will have locally relevant news as well as upcoming activities, classes and events as well as articles by the board to keep you up to date on what''s happening. That one always gets read cover to cover as soon as it arrives!

Hi.

The first thing to know is that commissions are always negotiable when you are choosing who to work with. However, most brokers have an office policy that states how much a listing with their firm should be for. As the previous answers have shown, most offices ask for an amount equal to one month's rent, which is divided between the broker listing the property and the broker who brings the tenant.

If you have any more questions I'm happy to help!

Tawnya Marney, REALTOR
Champions Real Estate Group
2323 S. Voss Rd. Ste 120
Houston TX 77057
cell: 281-687-7486
office: 713-785-6666
tlmarney@outlook.com

Hi Elizabeth.

I checked the available inventory meeting your criteria and I can see why you feel it's a difficult search trying to find something to meet your budget. If you're not currently working with a Realtor give me a call. I would like to find out a little more about what you need, to see if we can find something for you.

Tawnya Marney
REALTOR, Champions Real Estate Group
cell - 281-687-7486
tlmarney@outlook.com

Hi Gwen.

As Janet said you cannot find an expired property as a consumer. Your REALTOR would have to locate the information for you. HAR's website allows you to search for currently listed homes with "Find a Home" or previously sold properties with "Home Values". However the exact sales price will not be listed, only a range. Your REALTOR can get you the exact price.

If you need any more information I'd love to help.

Tawnya Marney
Champions Real Estate Group
m 281-687-7486
t_marney@hotmail.com

Personally going green to me is about lifestyle and making sure everything I do, own and contribute to society is minimal impact. To explain - going green means lowering my personal carbon footprint so I'd choose to shop locally for regionally sourced goods. Nothing trucked in from overseas that had tons of fossil fuels spent to get it to me!

In a home it means making sure to have it constructed from materials that are recycled, low VOC, energy efficient and from sustainable sources. Bamboo floors instead of traditional hardwoods and using recycled denim insulation are both good examples.

Another 'green' thing to do is reduce the amount of paper used. I'm a huge fan of using ZipForms and an electronic signature service since real estate contracts can be so many pages long. It's great to help the trees!

I'm very interested in taking the class and getting the certification. purchased a new build home personally, I know from experience that there are things different from purchasing an existing home to know. Issues working with a builder, stages and inspections of an under construction house, and the design selection process are just a few examples. I'll take the class so I can better educate my buyers on the process.

Hi. I'm assuming you mean when searching for homes on HAR.com what "new constr" means? You're right, it is for newly constructed homes. The "Unfinished - Under construction" description means that the house has not been completed by the builder. The year built of 2012 on the listing you linked refers to when the construction was started. It may not be complete yet for many reasons.