Client Resources
Whether you're buying your first home or getting ready to sell, these guides and checklists will walk you through the process step by step. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you need it.
Home Buying 101
Understanding Your Budget
Before you start scrolling through listings, take a real look at your finances. Think about your monthly income, any debts you carry, what you've saved for a down payment, and what closing costs will look like. A good rule of thumb is to keep your total housing payment below 28 to 30% of your gross monthly income. Sitting down with a lender early gives you a clear number to work with and avoids surprises later.
Getting Pre-Approved
A pre-approval letter tells sellers you're serious and ready to go. A lender will review your credit, income, and employment to figure out how much they'll lend you. In Houston's market, where good homes can get multiple offers within days, having this in hand makes a real difference.
The Home Search
Once you know your budget, it's time to figure out your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Think about commute times, school zones, lot size, and neighborhood vibes. I'll set up MLS alerts so new listings that fit what you're looking for hit your inbox right away. We'll tour homes together, and I'll point out things photos don't show you: foundation concerns, drainage issues, and what's being developed nearby.
Making an Offer
When you find the right home, we put together a competitive offer based on comparable sales, current market conditions, and what we know about the seller's situation. Your offer includes the purchase price, earnest money deposit, proposed closing date, and any contingencies like financing or inspection. I'll negotiate on your behalf to get you the best terms while keeping things moving.
Inspections
Once your offer is accepted, a professional home inspection is your chance to catch any hidden problems. The inspector checks the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. In Houston, I also recommend a termite inspection and a separate foundation evaluation because of our clay soils. If anything significant comes up, we can renegotiate repairs or credits before you commit.
Closing Process
Closing day is the finish line. You'll review and sign your final loan documents, pay closing costs, and get the keys to your new home. In Texas, closing costs typically run 2 to 5% of the purchase price and cover title insurance, escrow fees, and lender charges. I'll coordinate with the title company, your lender, and the seller's agent to make sure every document is in order so everything goes smoothly.
Home Selling 101
Preparing Your Home
Buyers make snap judgments, so first impressions matter. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing every room so people can picture themselves living there. Take care of small fixes like leaky faucets, chipped paint, and squeaky doors. Those little things can make buyers nervous. Professional staging and a landscaping refresh can also go a long way toward getting more eyes on your listing and better offers.
Pricing Strategy
Getting the price right from day one is the single biggest factor in a successful sale. I put together a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) that looks at recent sales of similar homes in your area, current inventory, and market trends. Price too high and your home sits. Price it right and you create urgency, get more showings, and attract stronger offers.
Marketing Your Home
Every listing I represent gets professional photography, a video walkthrough, and digital ads across social media. Your home will be on the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and my own website. I also tap into my network of local agents and past clients to build interest before the listing even goes live.
Negotiating Offers
When offers come in, I look at the full picture. Not just the price, but the buyer's financing, contingencies, and proposed timeline. If you're in a multiple-offer situation, I'll walk you through each one and help you put together a counter that gets you the most money while keeping the deal on track.
The Closing Process
After accepting an offer, the transaction enters the escrow period. The buyer will conduct inspections and finalize their financing. I manage the timeline, coordinate repair negotiations, and ensure all contractual deadlines are met. On closing day, you sign the deed transfer, the title company disburses your proceeds, and the sale is complete. I stay available for any questions that arise even after the keys change hands.
Public Schools & Zoning
The Greater Houston area is served by dozens of independent school districts. Below is a brief overview of the four most popular districts my clients consider when choosing a neighborhood. School zoning boundaries can shift, so always verify current assignments before making a purchase decision.
Houston ISD
As the largest district in Texas, Houston ISD serves over 194,000 students across nearly 280 schools. The district is home to nationally recognized magnet programs in STEM, fine arts, and international studies. Key neighborhoods zoned to top-rated HISD campuses include the Heights, Bellaire, and Meyerland. Ratings vary widely by campus, so researching individual school performance data is essential.
Fort Bend ISD
Fort Bend ISD consistently ranks among the top large districts in the Houston metro. Serving communities like Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Richmond, the district is known for strong academics, diverse student populations, and well-funded extracurricular programs. Many Fort Bend campuses earn “A” ratings from the Texas Education Agency, making it a top choice for families prioritizing education.
Katy ISD
Katy ISD is one of the fastest-growing districts in the state, covering a large swath of west Houston and unincorporated Harris and Fort Bend counties. The district is renowned for its athletics programs, high graduation rates, and strong community involvement. Master-planned communities like Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, and Elyson are all zoned to highly-rated Katy ISD schools.
Cy-Fair ISD
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is the third-largest district in Texas and serves the rapidly expanding northwest Houston corridor. Neighborhoods in Cypress, Jersey Village, and Copperfield fall within Cy-Fair boundaries. The district offers career and technical education pathways, strong special education services, and numerous campuses that consistently meet or exceed state performance standards.
Utilities Checklist
Moving into a new home means setting up a handful of essential services. Use this checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. I recommend starting the transfer or sign-up process at least two weeks before your move-in date.
Electricity
Provider: Choose via Power to Choose (powertochoose.org). Texas has a deregulated electricity market, so you can compare rates from dozens of providers. I recommend locking in a fixed-rate plan so your monthly bill stays predictable.
Water
Provider: City of Houston Public Works or your local MUD (Municipal Utility District). Service is typically set up through your municipality's website. You'll usually pay a deposit that gets refunded after 12 months of on-time payments.
Gas
Provider: CenterPoint Energy handles natural gas delivery in the Houston area. You can start service online or by phone. Gas is commonly used for water heaters, stoves, and furnaces in Houston homes.
Sewer
Provider: Typically bundled with your water service through the city or MUD. If your property uses a septic system instead of municipal sewer, schedule an inspection and pumping within the first year of ownership.
Internet & Cable
Provider: Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, or Tachus depending on your address. Availability varies by neighborhood. Check coverage maps before closing to confirm the speeds you need are available at your new address.
Security System
Provider: ADT, Ring, Vivint, or SimpliSafe are popular options. If the previous owner had a monitored system, you may be able to transfer service. Smart doorbells and cameras are a great starting point if a full system isn't in the budget right now.
Homeowners Insurance
Provider: Shop quotes from at least three carriers. In the Houston area, flood insurance through FEMA’s NFIP or a private insurer is strongly recommended even if your property is not in a designated flood zone. Your lender may require it depending on the FEMA map.
Mail Forwarding
Provider: USPS Change of Address (moversguide.usps.com). Submit your forwarding request at least one week before moving. USPS will redirect first-class mail for up to 12 months, giving you time to update your address with banks, subscriptions, and government agencies.