Investing in Texas Real Estate: 4 Questions to Ask a Service before Hiring Them

Texas is a great place to invest in real estate. Whether looking for a vacation home, a rental property, or a permanent residence, there are many options available.

However, before hiring anyone to help you with your investment, it is important to ask them some questions. This blog post will discuss four questions a person should ask any real estate service before hiring them.

1) How Long Have They Been in the Real Estate Business?

Texas comprises 142 million acres of private farms, ranches, and forests, leading the nation in land area devoted to privately owned working lands. Hence, there are many real estate services to choose from.

A company that’s been around for a while will likely have weathered different market conditions and the experience needed to help one make the best investment decisions.

You want to ensure you’re hiring a team with experience. Ask how long they’ve worked in such a market and what kind of experience they have.

Some ways to check a company’s experience are to look for how long they’ve been in business, whether or not the Better Business Bureau accredits them, and what their clients have to say about them.

Client reviews will give information like:

• How the company works with its clients
• If they’re responsive to questions and concerns
• The level of customer service they provide
• If they’re able to deliver on their promises.

2) What Kind of Properties Do They Sell?

A real estate company’s property type can make a big difference in the service quality.

Some of the best properties one can find include:

• Commercially zoned land
• Agricultural land
• Ranchland
•  Rural residential properties

If you’re looking for a particular property type, ensure that the company you’re considering is equipped to sell it.

Every property will have different regulations and restrictions, so you want to ensure that the company is familiar with the area in which you’re interested. For example, lakefront properties will have different zoning restrictions, which include:

• Minimum lot size
• Setbacks from the water’s edge
• Building height limits

To avoid legal complications, you must find a knowledgeable company.

3) Do they Carry a License, and Have They Been Screened?

The last thing you wish is to call someone who isn’t qualified or, worse, not licensed. So make sure that the service you’re hiring carries the proper licenses and has been screened. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re in good hands.

Realtors in Texas should be members of the Texas Association of Realtors, which requires them to adhere to a strict code of ethics. Furthermore, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires all real estate agents in Texas to be licensed.

4) What Are Your Charges?

Estate brokers typically charge a commission that is a percentage of the sales price, so it’s important to ask how much they charge and what services are included in that fee. Some agents charge a flat fee, but this is less common. In addition, be sure to ask about any other fees associated with the sale, such as marketing or administrative fees.

Conclusion

Whether a first-time investor or a seasoned pro, it’s important to do your research before hiring a real estate service. You can ensure you get the best possible advice and representation by asking questions.