Marnie Greenwood, Luxury Houston Real Estate Agent is all about keeping real estate REAL! Below, she dives into her honest opinions on buying a home.

With 15+ years of experience in Houston across highly desirable neighborhoods from River Oaks to Memorial, Tanglewood, Briargrove and more… she’s seen it all.

Things Marnie would tell you as your buyer’s agent if she wasn’t afraid to hurt your feelings:

• Your dad is not an inspector. Your mom is not a decorator. As much as I love (and encourage!) buyers to consult their family before making a massive financial and life choice, all of the opinions can be overwhelming. As an expert that’s on your side and does real estate for a living, I’m committed to guiding you the best I can from understanding inspections to interior design. Plus, I have reliable connections in my industry that I can recommend to you for any concerns or wants that you’d like to explore further.
• Don’t buy a house with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Put a ring on it! Before you decide to buy together– it will save you a major legal troubles and fees, and possibly heartache.
• Being house poor to keep up with the Jones’ is a dumb idea. Buy what’s truly affordable without totally breaking the bank. And keep in mind, it’s not just the price tag on the house. Closing costs, taxes, furniture and more all add up quickly!
• If you’re not pre-approved, you have no idea what you can actually afford. Talk to a lender so you know exactly what’s realistic. That way we can tailor your search to exactly what fits you best from price to style without wasting any time. The best rule of thumb is your monthly payment should be less than 30% of your monthly income.
• If it’s too good to be true, there’s probably a *big* problem you’re not aware of. Everyone loves a deal but it’s important to be cautious and ALWAYS do inspections. General, hydrostatic, stucco, foundation, you name it! I’m here to help you navigate which you need. You don’t want to save a few bucks here and up with several thousand in repairs further down the line.
• You’re not just making a real estate investment. You’re investing in your family and lifestyle. This is more than a purely monetary decision if it’s the home your family is going to live in. Consider the space, the backyard, the location on the street and distance to your daily places… all of this plays a role in every day life. I want you to LOVE where you live and for it to truly be somewhere that you’re excited to call home.
• Location, Location, Location is the most important factor (most of the time). This factors into the above point. Not only do you want a location that’s ideal for you, but also desirable to potential buyers down the road. A quiet street tucked away but minutes from the action is something most people would value. Walking distance to shops, school, restaurants, etc is almost always a plus. A top-rated school district is fantastic for re-sale value. Don’t buy the best house in a not so great spot.

Was that too honest? Let me know your thoughts and questions! I would love to help you navigate Houston home buying with ease and transparency.

XX,

MG