Important Changes for Homebuyers and Sellers

New updates will affect your homebuying or selling journey:

Buyer representation agreements must be signed before touring homes.

REALTORS® will require buyers to sign a written representation agreement before touring properties to ensure compensation is understood and agreed upon before beginning the real estate process.

Your REALTOR® will work with you to understand how they are compensated.

Offers of compensation for buyer's brokers will no longer be published in a real estate database called the multiple listing service (MLS). Work with your REALTOR® to explore what compensation models are available for a tailored buying or selling experience.

These updates are designed to provide a clear, transparent real estate process. To navigate these changes smoothly, consider working with a professional. Click below to find a REALTOR® who can guide you every step of the way.

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Find a REALTOR®

Discover the Advantages of Working with a REALTOR®

A REALTOR® is the knowledgeable professional who can help you reach your real estate goals. Explore the key benefits of having a REALTOR® by your side for a successful homebuying or selling experience.

Expert Guidance

REALTORS® have a deep understanding of the market to provide you valuable insights throughout the homebuying or selling process. REALTORS offer objective advice and unwavering support, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way and helping you navigate the dozens of details required to bring a complex real estate transaction to a successful close.

Access to Reliable Research

REALTORS® use detailed market analyses from the most accurate data available to provide you the information you need to price your home or make an offer.

Efficient Home Search

REALTORS® can help streamline the home search process by identifying properties that meet your family’s needs and budget, arranging viewings, and guiding you on pricing and affordability to save you time and effort.

Skilled Negotiation

With extensive market knowledge, REALTORS® negotiate effectively to achieve favorable terms and outcomes, advocating for your best interests.

Unlocked Opportunities

REALTORS® can help connect you with the resources you need, including down-payment programs and financing professionals.

Process Management for Sellers

REALTORS® ensure a smooth process from listing to closing, navigating the complexities of forms, disclosures, strategic marketing efforts, and everything in between to prevent delays and costly mistakes.

For a journey guided by knowledge and precision, trust a Texas REALTOR® to navigate the complexities with you. Start your experience today.

Smart Strategies for Buying or Selling Your Home

Whether you’re aiming to save money on a purchase or maximize profit on a sale, these tips can help you succeed.

Tips for Buying a Home

Clarify Your Goals

Make a list of your goals and priorities, including the location, type, features, and age of home that is right for you.

Know What You Can Afford

Though many buyers put down 20% or more, there are many types of loans and programs you may qualify for to help buy a home. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will help you better understand your budget. Your REALTOR® may be aware of resources that can help.

Make an Offer

When you find a home that feels right, your REALTOR® can assist with contracts, negotiations, and inspections, supporting you every step of the way.

Secure Financing

Unless paying cash, you will need to secure a loan. Lenders will likely require an appraisal and physical survey to verify that your property is worth the cost of the loan.

Close the Deal

After weeks or months of research, you’ll likely complete your transaction at a title company, where you’ll sign the necessary documents to finalize your purchase and get the keys to your new home.

Visit our Advice for Buyers page for more details.

Tips for Selling a Home

Determine Your Priorities

Tell your trusted real estate professional about any timelines or budgetary guidelines you may have.

Set the Right Price

Work with your REALTOR® to determine a competitive price. Their thorough market analysis ensures you consider all relevant data. Many factors determine your home’s value, including property condition and nearby comparable sales.

Stage Your Home

Enhance your home’s appeal with staging tips from your REALTOR®, including cleaning, decluttering, and minor repairs. This helps potential buyers see your home’s full potential. Be mindful that not all remodeling projects yield dividends.

Market Effectively

Your REALTOR® can help you showcase your home with high-quality photos and listings across multiple platforms, maximizing exposure.

Negotiate Offers

When offers come in, your REALTOR® can help with negotiations to get you the best deal possible. The best offer works with your timetable and terms. Your REALTOR® also can help you navigate multiple offers. While sometimes the first offer is the best offer, many factors can come into play. Your REALTOR® will help consider whether that first offer meets your goals and what might happen if you reject it without other offers in hand.

Visit our Advice for Sellers page for more details.

About Us / Info

This page is dedicated to educating you about important changes to the real estate process that came into effect starting August 17, 2024. As the implementation date approaches, check back for updated information and additional resources to help you stay informed and prepared.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or simply interested in understanding the evolving real estate landscape, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need.

About Texas REALTORS®

With more than 150,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocate for REALTORS® and private property rights in Texas.