When thinking of the responsibilities of real estate agents, our awareness of their impact can be limited to when we buy or sell a property. Outside of that very specific process, reaching out to an experienced real estate brokerage for aid can seem beyond their purview. Heather Fordham is eager to debunk this misconception to ensure each of her clients can take full advantage of the expertise and skill of her and the other agents at New Heights Group.

The team not only helps their clients buy and sell high-quality homes but can act as advisors for any issue regarding Houston real estate, becoming invaluable consultants that could save time and unnecessary effort. By expanding our understanding of the services available, clients can feel less alone when questions or conflicts arise surrounding their homes, including those involving property taxes, renovations, rental opportunities, and a shift in finances.

Texas real estate is experiencing a major uptick in property taxes, leading some newer residents to be baffled and more than a little frustrated. The frustration is understandable. Texas is famous for not having any state property taxes, allowing local governments such as the county and the city to send the bill to homeowners. However, the property tax rate has risen to an average of 1.60%, standing nearly 60% above the average 0.99% property tax from the rest of the United States.

The property tax is usually set by the appraisal district once they’ve evaluated your property. So what if the appraisal is set above a rational amount? In comes an agent. According to Texas law, you, as the homeowner, can file Form 50-162, Appointment of Agent for Property Tax Matters, to appoint an agent to file a Notice of Protest and advocate your dispute with the Appraisal Review Board. When faced with the Kafkan nightmare of local government procedures, having someone who knows how to handle property tax disputes out of a keen understanding of the real estate markets and Texas property laws will ease the stress.

Real estate agents see more homes in a day than we see in a year. Quality brokers have their finger on the pulse of what housing trends are up and coming for homes in Houston. The desire to have a trendy home with all the latest renovations is natural. We like having a home that looks fabulous while also maintaining comfort. This is why consulting a real estate agent will always pay off.

When considering renovations, contractors and interior designers are the more conventional choice. However, real estate agents offer a well-rounded perspective on the process, from the construction to market value to trends and execution. Marking the trends requires an elite knowledge of the market as well as being able to discern which trend is evergreen and which will have a lasting benefit for future home valuation.

Take your agent on a tour of the home, pointing out what you would want to renovate and where so they can provide valuable insight and the long-term impact. Not all renovations are alike. Some are easy spruce-ups, such as changing the paint to brighten a space, and some are structural changes, like renovating a bathroom into a stunning oasis. No matter the decision, running your plans past an agent can help connect to a larger picture regarding home valuation.

Homeownership isn’t for everyone. However, those who are looking for a house may experience a sense of guilt for not jumping at the chance to purchase one of the homes for sale in Houston. Sometimes, your options can feel pigeonholed. Therefore, allowing yourself time to collect the advice of an agent can help clarify the options. Yes, some real estate brokers will steamroll you into buying a home. However, a truly good agent recognizes when it comes to something as personal and life-changing as moving into a new home is not a one-size-fits-all experience. You, your family, and your finances are unique, requiring detailed care.

Heather Fordham has the utmost respect for her clients, eager to listen and offer tailored solutions. Renting may be the perfect solution for finding a home. As a renter, there is less pressure, and you can widen your options in your property search since there are some homes classified as “only available for rent,” with more properties amenable to renting as an option. An agent should be candid about the market, your finances, and the options available to you and your lifestyle.

Life happens. If we’ve learned anything in the last five years, it is that our worlds can flip on a dime. If you’ve lost your job and your mortgage is unaffordable, don’t hesitate to call your agent and lender. There is no shame in reaching out to figure out the proper adjustment to your mortgage payments. A loan modification is a viable solution for those who do not necessarily want to replace the current loan but aid in adjusting the length of the loan and switch from an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed-rate loan.

Sometimes, you can re-finance and get a lower interest rate needs, allowing for greater flexibility without running finances into the ground. There will be closing fees attached to refinancing, but they can be added to your loan. At the end of the day, whether this is a temporary or more lasting situation, the ability to reevaluate your mortgage payments under the watchful guidance of an experienced agent who has your best interest in mind will remove some of the overhanging pressure.

Being honest with whatever adjustments are needed also aids in your overall financial health. Readjusting your loan to a more comfortable amount compared to risking foreclosure will have two very different effects on your credit and financial stability. Agents exist to help ease the burden of the unknown regarding real estate. Even if they sold you the house three years ago, lean into the opportunity for insight and guidance.

Real estate agents are an untapped resource. Don't miss out on the opportunity to receive guidance and direction from one of the agents at the New Heights Group. Allow one of the agents in our team to be your advisor, discovering all the things your realtor can do for you!