House-Hunting Tips to Avoid

While that might seem mighty convenient, it's not in your best interests. The real estate agent at anopen housemost likely represents the seller.

That means they're obligated to work in that person's best interest. If you start blabbing about how you're pre-approved for $285,000, but you'd rather offer $260,000, you'll compromise your negotiating position.

As a buyer, you should contract with a buyer's agent who works onyourbehalf. They'll understand your wants and needs, counsel you based on your budget and priorities, and advise you through the negotiating process.

I'll Rely On an Online Home-Value Estimator.

Google home-value estimator and you'll get pages of tools that promise you a free estimate of home value. Plug the address into the tool, some algorithms do their thing, and in seconds you know what a house is worth.

But unless that algorithm's been poking around the basement with a flashlight, it's a ballpark figure at best.

Home valuation is both art and science. There are nuances within house and market that an online estimator just can't see. What if the seller made major renovations last year? Or what if houses rarely turn over in the neighborhood, so there's not enough data to work with online?

Your agent knows current market conditions and the inventory of homes in the market -- all of which help you make a nuanced offer.

Use these fun tools as a guide, but don't take them to the bank.

Call Chekiter Esther 281-794-8703 for more information. You'll be glad you did!