Things To Do In Houston... Astros Game!

David J. Moore ABR, GRI, SRS, MSP... WHAT does this alphabet soup mean to ME???

David J. Moore ABR, GRI, SRS, MSP... WHAT does this alphabet soup mean to ME???

 

ABR, GRI, SRS, MSP - what does all this alphabet soup mean to you? When you see initials like these behind a REALTOR�'s name, it means that this person is a committed professional, not content just to take the courses needed to get and maintain a real estate license, but determined to improve his or her professional skills. They have devoted time to attending advanced educational courses and taking examinations to earn these designations.

ABR
Accredited Buyer Representative - denotes a Sales Associate who is qualified to provide buyer representation and is familiar with buyer brokerage and buyer agency issues. Requires a 12 hour course, active membership in REBAC, and at least five documented transactions during the previous 18th month period where the Sales Associate acted as a buyer's representative. Awarded by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC).

GRI
Graduate, REALTOR� Institute-  is a nationally professional real estate designation. This designation may only be earned after successfully completing a rigorous educational program that includes 92 hours of live course instruction from a statewide faculty selected because of extensive experience in their own areas of expertise. This designation is available only to members of the local, state and National Association of REALTORS�.

   SRS

Seller Representative Specialist - This designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.

       MRP

Military Relocation Professional  -NAR's (National Association Of Realtors)  Military Relocation Professional certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support.

 

Houston Relocation...See how easy it is! Watch here!

Why You Need an Agent when Buying from a Builder

If you are purchasing a Houston home from a home builder, you might think that you don’t need a Houston real estate agent. However, a home buyer can be at a big disadvantage if they don’t use a real estate agent and just go directly through the builder.

The real estate agent’s job in this type of transaction is to represent the buyer and assist them throughout the transaction. The agent’s responsibility is to get the buyer the most value possible and to also make the home buyer aware of things the salesperson may certainly not bring to your attention.

You may currently be working with the builder representative at the model home, but that representative is not a real estate agent working for you. They are a salesperson for the builder working toward the best interest of the builder.

When you work directly with a builder, you will be responsible for negotiating. As a Houston home buyer, you may be unaware of what incentives are typical, alternative financing, who pays for what, what upgrades should cost, etc. Real estate agents negotiate on a daily basis. They know what questions they should ask on behalf of the buyer that the buyer may not even think about.

Real estate agents are licensed and governed by strict laws and a code of ethics. Good agents have the motivation to work in your best interest as a home buyer because they also rely on your referrals and repeat business, which is a powerful incentive for providing the highest level of service.

Have someone in your corner when working with a home builder, and hire a reputable real estate agent when building a home. Keep in mind that there may also be some value added incentives a Realtor can offer to you such as rebates or paying for your title policy.

 If you have further questions please contact us. 

Houston Neighborhoods... Memorial Park / Washington Corridor

              

Like many major cities, Houston is defined by its neighborhoods.  There are many Houston neighborhoods with which to get familiar. One popular area where you will find a fresh-faced crowd of people is the Washington Corridor. Here you will find an eclectic mix of luxurious lounges, wine bars and some of the most-loved restaurants in the city. This well-trafficked corridor is an ideal place to meet up with friends for a game or to start a fun night on the town. The strip which stretches east from Memorial Park to Downtown, recently experienced a resurgence, as dilapidated properties were torn down and replaced with townhouses, mixed-use developments and high-energy hot spots. After the sun goes down, catch a seat on The Wave—Houston’s first ‘jitney’ shuttle in more than 15 years. The taxi-bus concept enables riders to enjoy a fixed-route, fixed-rate shuttle within the Washington Avenue District, Midtown and the Heights. 

Memorial Park is a 1502- acre city park that has something for everyone! Located on Memorial Drive and near I-10 & the 610 Loop. Memorial park received its name because much of the park is located on the grounds of a World War I military facility and it commemorates World War I soldiers. It's a great place to bring your family (or just yourself) to get away from the Houston hustle and bustle. Joggers, skaters, hikers & bikers enjoy the wooded trails filled with beauty and wildlife. If you're not into running, bring a picnic basket and enjoy a nice afternoon on the playgrounds where people watching is always fun and never ending. The park has facilities for baseball, sand volleyball, one of the city's premiere golf courses, fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool that on a hot summer day is a must to take advantage of! It is also home to the Houston Arboretum, which has daily tours and a great museum at the entrance of the facility. It's a great park filled with anything you'd ever want!  

Whether you live here or not, the Washington Corridor & Memorial Park area is definitely a must see!