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Myths and Misconceptions
If you have ever looked for a home, you have received a lot of advice and heard a few horror stories. Most likely a well meaning acquaintance has passed along some ideas that aren’t particularly truthful. These are the most common misconceptions that agents are faced with frequently.
Myth #1 Working with multiple agents will help you find more home options faster.
All agents use the same MLS to look for properties that suit the buyer's criteria. Chances are multiple agents would show you the same set of listings multiple times. In addition, having multiple agents involved confuses loyalties and damages a relationship that is essentially based on trust. In a small market like South Padre Island, word of duplicity gets around quickly.
Myth #2 Going directly to the listing agent will save you money.
Listing agents are under contractual obligation to their sellers to get them the best price with the best terms. They are also obligated to keep any sensitive information to themselves. This includes facts like how negotiable the seller may be and what his bottom line really is. Listing agents may be in a position to negotiate their own commissions as they are enjoying both the list and sales side. However, I would not count on this generosity as part of your business plan. It is usually better to have someone fully representing your needs and interests on your side of the negotiating table.
Myth #3 Go to the busiest agent in town.
Many people choose to buy from the biggest name in the phone book rather than ask for recommendations or interview prospective agents. The busiest agent is very busy and, while success doesn’t come without customer service, they probably have long standing clients standing in line ahead of you. Choose an agent with the schedule, interest, and personality to devote time to your buying needs.
Myth #4 Realtors are just as bad as used car salesmen, so don’t tell them anything.
Clients sometimes prefer not to tell their agent their true price range, thinking that the agent will then only show them the most expensive listings. There usually aren’t enough listings on the MLS or enough hours in the day for active agents to play these games. Give your agent a true range and be clear about your needs. Realtors are trained professionals with licenses, government agencies, and the prospect of lawsuits constraining them. They don’t pawn off the lemon on the lot on an unsuspecting consumer, but they do need accurate information to find the correct property among the options.
Myth #5 Going directly to the seller will save money.
Some lucky people do get this to work out, but the vast majority are buying a property blind. Real estate agents have access to market comparables that help them see the true value of a property. They can advise you if you are overpaying. They can also put you in touch with professionals who can inspect for termites, structural damage, or title problems before an expensive mistake is made. Legal problems can also arise from botched negotiations or inappropriate contract paperwork. Let an agent accept the liability and do things right.
Wendy Hauschildt is responsible for marketing and design for Coastal Properties GMAC Real Estate and is also a contributing columnist for the Island Breeze newspaper on South Padre Island.
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Wendy Hauschildt is a licensed Texas Real Estate agent and columnist for South Padre Island's newspaper.
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| Home Buyer Must Haves – Today
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Number of Views: 12269
These days, buildings are trendy, kitchens are seriously trendy, baths can be elevated to high fashion, and ceilings are certainly cutting edge.
New buyers are demanding that their properties meet high design standards. And it is surprising where the décor fashions are popping up.
The first buyer must have – Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings are now the pinnacle of bad ceiling style. Smooth is in and acoustic popcorn spray is seriously out. This is odd as the new ceiling height expectations make popcorn texture barely visible. 9 – 11 foot ceilings are now the desirable norm. In addition, architecturally accented ceilings are favorable. Add a tray design, raised panel for lighting, or barrel ceiling for maximum trendiness.
The second buyer must have – Lighting
Florescent lights are officially a bad idea. Preferred lighting includes pendant lights, track lighting, and recessed lighting. Additional accent lights are a big deal as well. Buyers like to see under the counter halogens, over the cabinet lighting, or even lit glass cabinets. To combine trends, include accent lighting in your raised tray ceiling design. Bathroom lighting has grown up, too. A row of round vanity bulbs on a mirrored fixture won't meet with buyer enthusiasm. Look for stylized fixtures often flanking the mirror.
The third buyer must have – Bathrooms
A traditional vanity with faux marble top has been met with disdain in recent seasons. Tile top or granite has been better received. Bathroom sinks have changed, too. The pinnacle of trendiness are raised bowl sinks with faucets mounted in the wall above. They may be glass, porcelain, stone, or even wood. They are almost too pretty to spit toothpaste in. Fiberglass shower surrounds are out as well. Buyers prefer a tile or granite surround. Open showers without doors are a unique new trend. Of course, these must be cleverly designed to prevent flooding.
The fourth buyer must have – Flooring
On South Padre Island we don’t see a lot of carpet anymore. Living areas are definitely covered in a hard flooring. Tile, marble, travertine, bamboo, or hardwood are acceptable. Tile sizes have changed, too. Traditional 12 inch tiles are a thing of the past. Now 14 – 24 inch tiles have become the favorite. Colors are fairly neutral, but quality is a big consideration.
The fifth buyer must have – Architectural Elements
New builders have been getting creative. Otherwise vacant walls are now sporting elegant niches. Some may be deep enough for shelves, others are shallow lit spaces designed for displaying art. Door frames that used to be square are now soaring arches. Cathedral ceilings may make room for high sculpture storage, and accent windows are appearing everywhere.
Feeling less than trendy? These kind of specific changes may not be a remodel option for older, low ceiling properties with Hollywood baths and nicheless walls. But don’t be alarmed. Someday smooth ceilings will be sprayed with popcorn again, and owners of high ceilinged homes will be wondering why their electric bills are so high. These trends too shall pass.
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 Our Real Estate Advisor magazine is full of articles, real estate trends, and advice. Plus, it includes all the best listings for South Padre, Port Isabel, Laguna Vista, and the SPI Golf Course. Contact us to have a copy of the magazine mailed to you or click here to download a .pdf version.
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