Buyer Education

Not All Mortgage Professionals Are the Same. Here’s How to Pick the Right One. Buying a home is a big milestone, and choosing the right mortgage professional can make the entire process feel a lot smoother. But if you’ve never bought a home before, it’s easy to wonder: Should I go with a lender? Or a broker? And what’s the difference anyway? Let’s break it down and help you...

Thinking About Buying a Home This Year? Let’s Make It Happen. A new home is more than a big purchase, it’s a major life move. And if 2025 is the year you're ready to take that step, a little financial prep now can make a big difference later. Whether you're just getting started or already saving up, here are some smart ways to get your finances in shape before you start house hunting. 1. Know...

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Amarillo, TX Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but for many first-time homebuyers in Amarillo, TX, the process can feel overwhelming. From budgeting to pre-approval, understanding the basics of the Amarillo real estate market can help you move forward with confidence. To help you get started, here are five essential tips every first-time homebuyer should...

Thinking About Buying a Home? Here’s Where to Start. When you’re ready to start the homebuying process, one of the first questions that comes up is: Should I talk to a mortgage professional first, or connect with a real estate agent? The truth is, both play important roles. But the order you start with can make a big difference in how smooth (and stress-free) your journey feels. Let’s...

The NAR settled a lawsuit and it states: Going into effect August 17, 2024, a REALTOR® "working with" a buyer will be required to enter into a written agreement with the buyer PRIOR to touring a home, including both in-person and live virtual tours. This new rule and practice is required to be implemented as of August 17th, 2024 in order to stay in compliance with NAR!  A Buyer's Representation...

Offers can be exciting, but unless your potential buyer has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you may not really have a sale. Your real estate professional will try to determine a buyer’s financial status before you sign the contract. But it’s good for you to know what buyers with follow-through potential looks like. They are prequalified—or even better, preapproved—for a...

REALTORS® aren't just real estate agents. They're members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. When you're selling a home, here's what an agent who's a REALTOR® can do for you. Act as an expert guide. Selling a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. A knowledgeable real estate...

10 questions to help you find the real estate pro who's right for you How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? As in most professions, experience is no guarantee of skill. But much of what makes for a skilled real estate agent is learned on the job. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? This will indicate on how much...

Getting your house ready to sell makes the home selling process simpler. Use this checklist to prepare your house for sale before listing it with a real estate agent. If you're thinking about selling your house, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all there is to do. The good news is, making your home more appealing to prospective buyers doesn't have to be complicated. Taking care of a few quick items...

Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range. Consider: Comparable properties: A “comp” is what real estate professionals call home sales that can be reasonably used to help determine the price of your home. But just because you’re in the same neighborhood doesn’t mean that the houses will sell for the same amount. Your real estate...