Questions to Ask Your Realtor In a Changing Market

There are few decisions as significant as buying or selling a home, and when it comes to luxury real estate, you want to make sure you have a qualified realtor by your side. As the market continues to evolve, it's important to work with a realtor who can navigate the ever-changing landscape. Asking your realtor these questions will help you to better understand their level of expertise and compatibility with you and your needs. Purchasing a home is a significant decision with many phases, so be sure to cover these key points to make sure you’re in good hands throughout the whole process:

If you're looking for high-end real estate, you want an agent who specializes in luxury homes. Properties on the market range from starter homes for young families to modern, spacious houses. Your realtor should be well-versed in homes that match your budget. If you’re seeking a property equipped with amenities and features that luxury buyers expect, such as gourmet kitchens and top-of-the-line appliances, a luxury real estate agent is the way to go.

When you're ready to buy or sell a luxury property, you'll want to ask your realtor how much experience they have in the business. The median length is eight years, giving plenty of time to learn the ins and outs of the market, build a trusted network, and hone effective negotiation techniques. Well-connected realtors who have had time to foster their relationships in real estate may be able to connect you with other professionals you might need down the line, such as mortgage brokers, appraisers, general contractors, etc. With an experienced agent by your side, you can rest assured that your property transaction will go smoothly.

Luxury real estate buyers can expect the home-buying process to take anywhere from one to four and a half months. According to Texas Realtors’ 2021 Texas Luxury Home Sales Report, from January to October 2021, high-end properties in the state spent an average of 55 days on the market. Throughout the search for their dream home, potential buyers will work with their realtor to schedule property viewings, make an offer on a home, and go through the inspection and negotiation process. Once a contract is finalized, it typically takes between 14 to 60 days to close on the property. However, these timelines can vary depending on the area in which you are purchasing a home.

It is important to work with a luxury real estate agent who is familiar with the local market and can provide you with an accurate estimate of how long it will take to purchase a home. However, if your potential agent typically takes longer than six months, you may want to be cautious. In luxury real estate, time is of the essence, and you want to be sure that your agent is working efficiently to find you the perfect property.

When you're searching for a luxury real estate agent in Texas, you want an experienced professional who will guide you through the process of finding and buying your dream home. But how can you tell if an agent is too busy to give you the attention you deserve? The answer lies in understanding the difference between attentive, personalized service and the number of clients.

A luxury real estate agent typically works with a smaller number of clients than a traditional realtor. This allows the agent to provide a higher level of focus to each client. Because luxury property transactions are usually more complex than traditional home sales, it's important to have an agent who can devote the necessary time and attention to your purchase. Luxury real estate agents typically work with no more than ten clients at a time. This ensures that each client receives the individualized service they deserve.

 

According to the National Association of Realtors, the domestic median was 12 “residential transaction sides” in 2019. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the median number of houses sold was 12. There are two sides to closing every real estate deal: one for the buyer’s realtor and one for the seller’s realtor. Agents representing both the buyer and the seller would add two sides to their tally, though you likely wouldn’t want to work with an agent who is representing both sides. Using a simpler lens, an average realtor tends to sell anywhere between two to ten homes annually, and these figures may be smaller in the case of luxury real estate since these agents typically work with a smaller number of clients than a traditional realtor.

Luxury real estate in Houston is plentiful and varied. You can find luxury homes in all parts of the city, from the downtown high-rises to the suburban gated communities. The key is to find a location that fits your lifestyle. If you want to avoid a long commute to work, you may want to look for a home closer to the city center. Your agent could help you look for neighborhoods that are close to major business districts or highways. If you have children, you'll want to be sure to choose a neighborhood near schools that offer quality education. A qualified realtor will be knowledgeable about school district ratings. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, you'll want to make sure that you choose an area that suits your lifestyle.

Another factor to keep in mind is that Houston is a busy city, and noise pollution can be a problem in some areas. If peace is important to you, make sure to choose a relatively quiet neighborhood. With so many factors to consider, working with a luxury real estate agent can be extremely beneficial. A qualified agent will have intimate knowledge of Houston's market and can help you find the perfect property for your needs.

 

 

With 15 years of experience in buying and selling luxury properties, Natasha Valasek is well-positioned to guide you in your search for your dream home. Over her career, she has earned the title of The Women's Council of Realtors Entrepreneur of the Year, as well as been selected as the President of The Women's Council of Realtors in 2016. If you want to work with a top real estate agent in Houston, Clear Lake, or Friendswood, Texas, contact Natasha Valasek today.