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Hi, I think that my H will be landing the job in Houston and our home will be put on the market as soon as the offer is made. Think this will happen in Early to Mid Feb and he'd start April 1. So I'll be here trying to sell our home.

Submitting his resume in late Nov has been a great catalyst for me to start doing the little punch list stuff so that I'm not overwhelmed when we do go on the market. Thus far I've spackled nail holes and sanded, recaulked around windows inside that showed small cracks. Next week, I'm going to have several of my extra gallons of paints shaken up and ready to touch up the walls here and there. It's just us two, so we don't have a whole lot of decluttering. I'm just so excited to get out of the area we are living and to Houston! So excited that I've been a voyeur on Realtor dot com. I've found some really interesting properties but know that it is a long shot that they will be on the market if we transfer. I'd read where REL has previewed homes that she'd gotten excited about only to view it in person and walk out. I'm curious how often this happens to other Agents? They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I tend to fall in love with the landscape and backyards and then I'm let down seeing the updates in some of the Kitchens and Baths. I'm pretty handy and my H can fix anything..so I'm trying to find a well maintained home no more than 20 years old. I've found some really nice homes that are in the 179k range that have amazing potential and in the scope of things would be a tremendous investment down the road. How cool to have a mortgage on under 100k with the interest rates so low! New homes with less square footage are in the 250 range, which is the most I'd really even want to spend.

here is the investment property I think has great potential. I'd tear out the tile floor and replace with slate, as well as take up all carpet and replace with hardwoods perhaps...what do y'all think

http://www.realtor.com/realest...-65705?cid=EML300204

A pool is a must in the summer in Houston...here is another one I like.

http://www.realtor.com/realest...-89164?cid=EML300209

I'm so jumping the gun...my H says I'm going to jinx him

last one: http://www.realtor.com/realest...-08381?cid=EML300209

i'll update status in a week or so. We should know something by the end of Jan

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rubyruby,

rubyruby, Go for it - I love that you are so excited about the next chapter of your lives. Keep de-cluttering, fixing what you can on your own and have fun imagining where your next home will be. Keep ua posted ~ what a fun time in your life!

rubyruby, Will keep my fingers crossed for H's job.

I like houses 2 & 3 much better than house 1. My question - why such big houes? If it is just the 2 of you why 4 & 5 bedrooms?

Also, as you mentioned, money is cheap right now. If you have an investment account that pays 4% or more why not borrow more and bank more of the profit from the sale of your home?

Nice houses - but #1 looks so bad, there would be alot more money needed to bring it up to the level of the others, and if the obvious things are bad, what about the care of the systems, plumbing, etc.... and that pool..... that is just nasty.... . I would focus on selling your house, because those suckers never seem to be worth what we think they are, so I would really be focused on them - but you do know that you seem to have a bunch of great options in Houston!!!

Charming, Debiifl, Idaho...thanks for the yammer.
I think house 1, though way more square footage has amazing potential (we will have guest/family visit for holidays and this would house has the bedrooms and everyone will be comfortable. Also, MILaw could very well be a full time resident down the road. Anyhoo I guess I see a diamond in the rough with the amazing price. The pool is yuck, but I think it has been neglected and can be restored to a splendid retreat. I had emailed the agent regarding this one, but have yet to hear back as to what "repairs" are needed. It's in a good neighborhood and my thinking is, put 20k into it and update the floors, kitchen, carpet and I'm sure the baths. I have good elbows and lots of grease! Houses of similar size in that area are going for 250k.

The other two are nice indeed.

Charming, I love your positive outlook on the sale of our home. Profit, wow wouldn't that be nice. We will take a 30-40k hit. If we come out with 80k of the 110k we put down, we'll be happy. We also purchased the empty lot next door for a steal at 23k, we've had several builders stop us in the yard and ask if we would sell. Originally it was for sale for 46k. It's paid off! The sale of the lot will hopefully help offset some of our loss on our home. Our hood was 60% when we moved here in 07, we are now at 95%. Houses are selling fast and under contract before completion!

One thing that my H and I are in agreement on is that We sure don't want to ever be "house poor". A lot of people are house poor...we live below our means!

Debi, you are right....I will focus on getting ready to go on the market. Regardless of the outcome, our home will be free of little things that are easy to put off. I still gotta look...and dream though! I've never been "one" with my current home. I think when that is the case it's easy to just ignore the little fixes that you could do in 5 minutes. G U I L T Y!

Debi, you hit the nail on the head about "worth what we think they are" My H is truly in fairy land in thinking we will get back what we put into this crib. But, I think I finally gave him a dose of reality when I told him " He'd be without me in tx for 4, 6 months if we priced this house on his emotions" I look at this house as a product, that I intend to market well....and get on down the road quick!

Thanks again for chiming in and I appreciate feedback!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rubyruby,

If it helps, I checked out the Riviera Dr house on another website and it is much more attractive from the street.

I would be concerned about HVAC, roof, and other systems. It is priced about right for the neighborhood so I would be concerned about having to put too much into it.

I would suggest strongly that when your husband gets the word I would start looking for a buyer's rep in your new community.

Awe..Thanks for doing that Charming! And thanks for the info regarding the price being on target for the area! You're right, not sure if i'd want us to sink in a bunch of money on HVAC/plumbing or big ticket items. Thanks lady!

I like this one too:
http://www.realtor.com/realest...X_77379_M80560-08381

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rubyruby,

Hi Ruby- Welcome to the boards.. I don't believe we've chatted. I'm with charming on house choices 2 then 3.... in that order is my opinion.

You really need a good buyers' agent in the Houston area. Don't make the mistake of calling the all the different listing agents..then you will get ten agents calling you back.

You are certainly welcome to PM me or Charming and one of us can help point you in the right direction, if you'd like.

However make sure H secures the job first..before making any moves including interviewing agents...on both ends.

This is exciting! Good luck to you!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: real estate lady,

As I look again at #3.. I think too many power lines around the pool area.

Any chance your husband could negotiate a relocation package, Ruby? They might purchase your existing home (at its appraised value) and reimburse you for any selling expenses. In addition, a relo package often includes temporary housing during your home search and reimbursement of buying expenses for your new home.

Great advice from everyone WRT the various homes. Definitely agree that you should find a buyer's agent and avoid contacting multiple listing agents.

It's obvious how excited you are about this potential move. One thing - I would caution you about moving too quickly when purchasing a new home in an unfamiliar location. It doesn't hurt to rent for up to a year and learn the ins and outs of the various neighborhoods.

During that time, you can also get the inside scoop from your dh's coworkers and other new friends. In addition, you can insure that your husband's employment is stable and he is happy in his new position before you commit to a new area. Just something to consider -

All JMHO and good luck to both you and your husband!

Hi ladies! REL, you've responded to me on a few occasions and I always value your input and Charmings. I've been on this entire HGTV message board forum a Looooooong time!

Not interviewing multiple agents...and it's all good that the one that I'd contacted thru email didn't respond. negative brownie point. But I let it be known that it was a possibility.

BearCat, we'd have a complete paid relocation package with company. Your preaching to the choir regarding taking our time to get familiar with the hoods. We so jumped the gun moving here from Atlanta....had we waited and gotten comfy with the area we'd not moved in this n'hood..nice, but again--I have never been at peace with this home. And, if we'd waited six months we'd have gotten this house for 30k lower. We bought at the top of the bubble. So hind sight is 20 20!

now, listen to this: I've not signed with the realtor that helped us to buy this house. But, i'd given her a heads up that it was a possibility that this move could transpire and the scoop in general. She'd emailed me today, she was showing the house next door that is for sale. They are empty nesters and agent told them about our home possibly going on market. The wife wanted to look. My husband, superstitious as he is, said no, but they could look thru the windows and go in the backyard. INTEREST PEAKED and the wife loved house and wowed by the backyard at what she saw. So...this brings me to a major question that my H and I just asked to each other: Would I need to list with a different agent? Or could my old realtor represent the buyer...and us not just have an agent and be buy owner? or would we need to get an agent. If the house has not been listed and we have a buyer...could we just sell buy owner? What would the protocol oncommission for the realtor that we used but is representing another party? Edumakate me please! y'all rock and I so appreciate your wisdom and knowledge and expertise!

Call a different Realtor..or even "the" Broker of an office.. for a general short education on "Agency law" in "YOUR" state. You'll get answers. Then go from there.

Shall do REL! thank you.

A second to REL's post. Each state has their own laws and preferences for "agency".

Dual representation here. Okay!

Post updates as they slowly transpire at this juncture...being it a wait and see game now. Again, I appreciate all of y'alls input and good suggestions/expertise. All good on Earth and in Heaven at this moment. May the universe smile upon us always!
ruby

Dual is legal here also but highly discouraged. Remember in most instances the agent is working for the seller. (I know in your instance they would be originally working for the buyer.) But the agent has their hands tied in getting the best deal for either.

She probably knows exactly how much the buyer is able to pay and how much they want your house. She will know how badly you will need to find a buyer and how much you are willing to give in negotiations. But she cannot discuss any of this with either party - her hands are tied. If I'm working as the buyer's agent and the listing agent lets info about the seller or the property slip - I will be all over that info trying to determine how it benefits my buyer and I will be discussing it with my buyer. But if I'm working both sides of the transaction I'm basically a paper pusher.

At best when ready to list and these folks are still interested, discuss designated agency.

Thanks Charming for the i info on dual representation and sharing some experiences!!!.


so the game begins....Hurry Up and Wait..........and we wait for the interview, then we hurry up and wait............for the offer. Hmffffff. If only I had a crystal ball that worked!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rubyruby,

Also before you actually list, you can sign a 2 day listing for this agent to show you house to the one party, if they make an offer you are done.
I like dual agency, but to each his own.
Interview several agents before you buy one.

rubyruby, Although I posted earlier in a positive fashion about your enthusiasm for your potential move, I think it is time to dial back the plans and go back to square one ~ getting your current home ready for sale without regard for listings, choosing agents and such. Then, if your DH does get the new position, you will be ready to move instead of wasting time on "what if's."

Idaho,

Thanks for the post. Just so you know, I have started getting my house pristine and ready for the market. As per my original post, It's just my husband and I and we don't have much decluttering to do. It's just touching up paint and recaulking around windows inside and our shower. Our home has been well maintained both outside and inside. So in the scope of things it's just small little deep cleaning things and touch up. Oh and the ceiling will need to be painted in the great room. My Husband fell through while doing some wiring (was professionally sheetrocked and patched. But I have no problem having people walk through my home today if need be.

Miesha: Good tip on the 2 day listing for showings!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rubyruby,

Ruby has posted pics of her property (outside) either on these boards or on another. I can atest that it is VERY well kept up! In fact, I would say it is in "show shape" at all times! She has done some amazing things with a blank slate!

Hey there Ruby...actually - an agent doesn't have to prepare all that MLS paperwork for a 2 day listing. If your state is anything like my state there are all kinds of addendums that are part of the listing agreement these days.

A simple "showing agreement" should work...along these lines.
should _____"Buyers Name"___ presents an "acceptable"offer within seven days through __"_name of Realtor's office"_
then we "your name" will pay "x" percent commission upon closing of transaction to Realtors office. This agreement terminates after seven days, if there is no meeting of the minds between parties during this time frame.
~~
Personally I wouldn't show it before H get the job in writing. Maybe best just to wait all that out, and once you list it the Realtor could show it.

Charming - Dual agency is illegal here.

Ha...Thanks Old Karen!

That's exactly what we're going to do. Just found out the interview will be on next Wednesday. Now everyone...say Houston prayers and send us good juju!

Good juju to you guys!

rubyruby...I am sending lots of good juju to you! We recently made a big move and will soon be moving into our new house. Have you considered a new build?

Thanks for the info REL! Hubby is in Houston and getting ready to walk into the interview.

Thanks for good juju! CJO, We've not really considered building...but it is a viable option. I'd bookmarked a few custom home builders a few weeks ago. We would really like a pool...and most of the homes I've looked at have already put in the expense of a pool and we would capitalize! More to come!

Update: not much to tell as far as our knowing about job. But, on a good note...I've taken care of all the punchlist projects and it's liberating regardless of what the outcome. I've got my baseboards sparkling, walls touched up. It's looking great. Not that is was ever looking like a pigsty, but all the little annoying stuff that just gets put off is done. I also spoke with the realtor and discussed the showing of the home before it's actually listed. She thought it would be in our best interest. I found out that if the interested party were to buy a home it would NOT be on contigency and they are ready to buy, but have a second home in which to reside (newly married empty nester couple). Their criteria fits our home perfectly. 2 car plus detached one car garage/workshop and open floorplan/master on main and looking in our price range. So, the wife is coming to walk through the house on next Wednesday. This is to keep interest..or not...and if so, her husband will come check it out over next weekend. So, we have a bird in the bush...hope to have two in the hand! ))))

Sounds like you are totally on top of the selling aspect ~ so did DH get the job or will it be some time before you learn? Deep breath ~ enjoy where you are now. The future has an ability to arrive without notice so just enjoy life as it is today ~ I guarantee that it will change faster than you can!

Hey Idaho...his interview went well and we found out that the other two candidates backed out. So as my husband says "he's the prettiest puppy in an ugly litter" lol. Not sure when we will hear anything. I think the companies HR dept wants the manager to interview more than just one person. So we're in our holding pattern. Yes, we shall enjoy the moments.

I have another question for you realtors: Would you be annoyed or put off if a client presented you with a sheet of paper with selling points of upgrades that have been done. It's another husband "issue". He thinks we should have a list put together for the realtor (if we go on the market of course) so she can educate potential buyers. I understand where he is coming from but I'm not so sure about this. But I agree she should be aware of things that we've done that set our home apart from competition. Just curious as to what y'alls take is on this. thanks.

A great Realtor will ask for a walk through your home asking about upgrades and making notes of it-- before you both sit down at a table to fill out the listing paperwork.

This features list which includes updates and upgrades becomes a "selling point" of the marketing plan and displayed as a handout with a copy of the listing, as well as part of the copy written in remarks for the buyer to read in the MLS. Photograhers as well are asked to take pictures of upgrades including new central heating and air system, fireplaces,specialized woodwork,granite and backsplashes, appliances, etc. Many of us nickname features.. "grabbers"--items in the house that can "grab" attention...
and truly help sell the property. We have our own crazy language.

So "this list" is part of the program. If you have a listing interview with a Realtor, and they head straight to the table...call another Realtor.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: real estate lady,

I would hope that a good realtor would take note of upgrade and "grabbers" as you say. I was wondering if we were to have this info already written up and in fingertips would it put you off as an agent? Would we come off as being pushy? Thats what I am getting at I suppose.

When we sold our house, we had a detailed xcel spreadsheet that had all the upgrades we had done, all maintenance, and the dates of each of those. Our realtor appreciated it alot, because then she didn't have to dig out the details, and everything was at her fingertips when she needed it. So - I would absolutely put all that together and give it to your realtor. They would be crazy if they didn't appreciate it....

Personally, I believe it's fine to provide your upgrade list to the realtor when you walk through the property - usually prior to determining the price and completing the listing paperwork. Your realtor will decide if it's appropriate to highlight certain upgrades in the listing notes.

WRT buyers, it comes down to pricing, IMHO. If you price your property appropriately for the market, you'll realize that many or most upgrades (unfortunately) do not justify a higher selling price. OTOH, if your price is too high, using your upgrade list as a buyer handout may be seen as pushy, IMHO.

A good realtor will consider your list and the home's features when preparing the listing and will decide whether or not to use your list (or an edited version) for buyer showings. It also may be used as a realtor reference and/or provided to interested parties after 2nd/3rd showings if they have questions, before or after submitting an offer.

It's all JMHO and best of luck to you, ruby!

P.S. Would a relocation company purchase the home at its appraised value and possibly save you some time and trouble?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BearCat49,

Yes give your input on upgrades..or prepare a list. If A/C heating, roof, etc.-- dates installed are great...especially if newer.

Believe me it is truly appreciated.

Thanks cyber friends for the feedback. Bearcat, unfortunately the company would not buy the home...they would if he was one tier higher on the management chain. But they will completely move us so that is good.

Got the list together! Thanks again, ruby

OKay! Update: Best Valentine's day EVER===>Hubby got the Job offer...pending a 20 year background check..but...Hello Houston!

The couple came to the house yesterday with the realtor and looked around for over an hour. Feedback from realtor: They "loved the house" and to please keep them updated on the job status! And there ya have it....Things are falling into place the way the universe intended. We are thrilled....Zone 9 zone 9 zone 9....whooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

thanks for everybody's support and feedback!

Congrats Ruby!

I left you a message over on Natural Yard...and I'll try to remind you again after you have found a house there...so keep us up-to-date on the situation once you get there! ((thumbs up))

Ruby, Couldn't be happier for you and your DH! Sometimes the stars do align!

Keep us posted re the sale and the search for the new home in TEXAS!

Congrats, Ruby! Yes, please keep us posted.

Hubby is in Singapore for a couple weeks. Got his application and release for background check sent back to the company. We should know something by next Friday.

I'm still being a voyeur on Realtor.com...two of the three homes I'd linked in earlier post have been sold and I'm not seeing a whole bunch of new listings that make my heart thump.

We are going to rent for a few months to get the lay of the land. I just am not thrilled about storing furniture and having to deal with moving twice. I've been looking at homes for rent...some are so nice. So, I ask another real estate question. What have you as an agent seen as the reason for these 2500 to 5k rental properties to not just be listed for sale? A few that I've looked at are perfect (don't particularly want to pay over 2k for renting, but it would solve storage issues. What say you good folks?

Depends on the local market and who is paying the bills. It think if you are going to go to the trouble of setting up housekeeping in a rental house you might take much longer than planned. Plus, at least in my local area most agencies want a 12 month lease.

I have had buyers who are building and sold their homes before the new one was ready put all the stuff in storage and rent a furnished condo for several months. Not only does that speed up your looking and increases your desire to find a house you also do not have to pack and unpack twice.

Rent like buying is determined by the local market. Sounds like you are looking at some more upscale neighborhoods. The reason people in that range are not selling they either probably paid too much and are underwater and want to hold off on selling until the market comes back some.

that makes perfect sense Charming. Thanks!

We have condos here with a minimum of 3 months. Lower than that stay timeframe runs the rental up..and falls into the vacation rental category. Check condo docs in the areas you are looking into and see what the minimum time is. Most Realtors have access to these docs, or you could call the condo assn.

Thanks REL! I'll do this for sure!

Congratulations!!!! If you're going to be storing your furniture (which we did - HATED IT!!!! - double handling caused breakage), take a look at VRBO. We needed rentals for an unknown period, so we actually did 2 different VRBO rentals which turned out great. I really learned 2 different areas of Central/Gulf Coast Florida, and had the opportunity to meet lots of people in advance of moving into our house. I had all contractors lined up to hit the house the day we closed. I'm just really excited for you, and will be waiting to hear your next step.....

I actually looked at VRBO a few days ago..and this is a definite option.

In a perfect world Hubby would be put up in corporate housing or his accomodations would be taken care of until we find something. In a perfect world, I would fly in and stay for a week/over a weekend and start the process of home searching. Do this over the course of lets say one month. Assuming my house is A: under contract and or on the Market....nothing would have to be packed up and moved until we've sold and even then we could rent back to whomever buys this house. So in the scope of things, it could be seamless. I'm not dwelling on this nor shall I start. I just wanted to prepare myself for options. Thanks for the info. Still Waiting on the background clearence. HOpe we will know friday

Still waiting

I ran into my (unofficial) realtor and asked her if we still had the interest of the couple or if we'd lost them. We lost them I guess if they had wanted this house bad enough, they would have hung tight. Oh well, things happen for a reason.

Remember Realtors are faced everyday with the possibility
of losing a buyer client to circumstance.The buyer can easily walk into an Open House or Builders' model without their Realtor, thus risking the Realtor sale. As a result of this experience throughout real estate careers, Realtors are quick to gear in in the clients needs, timing, and find that special home for their buyers asap.
Important that you keep that horse in front of the cart, which is exactly what you are doing. Interview three agents and then decide which Realtor you feel is most qualified to represent you. Congratulations for staying on "track".

Officially listing our house on the market next wednesday March 27th! Hubby will start work in Houston April 29th. I will be taking the 9 hour drive with him and spend a few days before flying back to Memphis.

So there ya have it! I am a bit disparaged that all the homes that made my heart go pitter patter are either sold or option pending. The Market is good in Houston and houses get snatched up quick. Exxon has relocated it's corporate campus in Spring tx and it's really had a major economic effect on the suburbs near and around North Houston.

We may just have to find a 1/2 acre lot and build. Now y'all, start sending out good JUJU to the Real Estate gods!!!!
smiling here
ruby!

Congrats gal!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are going to build, let me know. I have a few things that are pet peeves of mine that most builders/contractors don't do.
And I've been looking at the plans that have been in our Sunday papers lately...there are some really, really stupid things done...like have a pantry door open away from the kitchen areas, etc....one was even around a corner when it could easily have been in the kitchen area.
Another plan...the only bathroom downstairs was in the master suite...you had to go thru the master bedroom to get to it. DUMB!