Mary Wassef

Hi Jorge! In Houston, the market varies greatly between neighborhood and price points. Overall, we are in a pretty balanced market that is not leaning wildly toward either sellers or buyers. Whether now is the right time to sell depends on both the market in your neighborhood and your personal goals. I recommend looking at a few key indicators: Inventory levels: How many homes are currently on the market in your area and how long are they taking to sell? Additionally what is the absorption rate - would it take 30 days or six months to absorb the inventory that is currently available? Lower inventory generally means less competition and can favor sellers, while higher inventory gives buyers more choices. Days on market: How quickly are homes selling in your area? If well-priced homes are selling quickly, buyer demand is typically strong. Price trends: Are home values rising, stable, or declining? Real estate is highly local, so neighborhood-level trends are often more important than national, state or city statistics. Interest rates: Mortgage rates affect affordability and buyer demand. Even small changes in rates can impact the number of active buyers in the market. I am finding this to be less and less of a factor as people have settled into the reality of the interest rates we have today. Condition and competition: How does your home compare to other properties currently available? A well-maintained home can often outperform the broader market. There isn't one "perfect" time to sell. Homes sell successfully in every market. The key is understanding your local conditions, pricing strategically, and having a marketing plan that positions your home effectively against the competition. After more than 20 years in Houston real estate, I've found that the best time to sell is often when your personal goals align with market opportunities. A professional market analysis can help you understand current value, buyer demand, and what you could realistically expect in today's market. Let me know if I can be of assistance!

A friend of mine in another state recently came to me with this same question. I have been a Realtor for over 20 years, and a Broker for over fifteen years. so I have seen this situation more than a few times! I agree that the first step is a conversation with your Realtor. There is sometimes a breakdown in communication. There may be marketing conditions that are an issue or it could be there is a pricing problem or perhaps there are improvements that can be made to the property that may attract more buyers. If you determine after that conversation that you are not happy with the performance of your Realtor, I suggest calling the Broker. In most states, the listing belongs to the Broker, so they have the ability to step in to assist or possibly move the listing to another Realtor. I wish you the very best in resolving this and I hope your home sells successfully and soon!

Hi Lin! My first suggestion is to find a great Realtor in your area and ask her who her top three lenders are. She will know lenders who have performed for her other clients, they will probably be local and you can count on them wanting to stay in her good-graces, so lenders typically bend over backwards for clients that are sent to them through Realtors. For most first-time homebuyers, the biggest mistake is focusing exclusively on the interest rate. Of course, the rate matters, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. I've seen buyers choose a lender with a slightly lower rate only to run into communication issues, missed deadlines, or unexpected fees later in the process. When comparing lenders, I recommend looking at four things: First, compare the total cost of the loan, including lender fees, points, and closing costs. Sometimes a lower rate comes with higher upfront costs. Second, evaluate responsiveness and customer service. Your lender will play a critical role throughout the transaction, and you'll want someone who communicates clearly and can answer questions quickly. Third, make sure the lender offers loan programs that fit your situation. Depending on your finances, a conventional, FHA, VA, or other specialized program (teacher, doctor, attorney, military) may be a better fit than simply choosing the lowest advertised rate. Finally, ask about their track record for closing on time. In a competitive market, a lender's ability to perform can make a significant difference. My advice is to speak with at least three lenders and request written loan estimates so you're comparing apples to apples. Ask each lender to explain not only the interest rate, but also the monthly payment, cash required to close, and total loan costs. After more than 20 years helping buyers navigate the home-buying process, I've found that the best lender is often the one who combines competitive pricing with strong communication and reliable execution. A smooth transaction is worth a great deal, especially when you're purchasing your first home.

Hi Carmen! Without realizing they are even doing it, many people have made their decision before they walk in the door. In my over 20 years of working with buyers, I have seen people fall in love before walking in the door and they are often forgiving of shortcomings inside the house. I have also seen people walk into a beautiful home that is neglected on the outside, and they just cannot fall in love with the home, My recommendation is always to address any paint that is necessary on the front of the home - even if you can't do the rest of the house - window trim, front door and railings can go a long way to make a house feel freshers. Make sure front porch is clean and inviting. A little landscaping and some potted plants make a place feel loved and inviting. A new door knob on the front door can also be an inexpensive way to make a home feel elevated.

Hi Carmen! I always recommend that my clients, when selling, concentrate first on the exterior of the home. Often people make their decision before they have walked through the front door. So I recommend exterior paint touch up - especially on the front of the house. If there is peeling paint, you certainly want to address that. the front door looking great is an inexpensive update that goes a long way - fresh paint or stain and a new handle set. Landscaping is also important. your listing agent will be leading with a picture of the front of your home, so you want it to draw people in. Ince through the door, I think paint and lighting are your two most important updates. Best of luck Carmen! I hope you get what you are hoping for out of the sale of your home.