The Scoop on Real Estate from Austin's Most Patient Realtor.

                                              
                           (Realtor) Vicki Goldsberry
                          "Austin's most patient Realtor".                                                           

 
 
 
 
 
Being a Realtor means that you're always a great party guest. After all, almost everyone has some interest in real estate.  And after twelve years in the business, I always have stories to tell.  But right now, in this complicated market when we're engulfed and often swept away by change, the gravity of real estate transactions figures even more significantly in people's lives.
 
Buying real estate for any purpose is serious business.  Since my nickname is "Austin's Most Patient Realtor," you know that I advocate and understand the importance of the decision-making process.  With record low mortgage rates, abundant inventory, and improved list prices, many buyers are courageously venturing into the market.  Hooray!  Without a doubt, this is absolutely a great time to buy. 
 
No doubt you've employed the amazing tool of the internet to research properties... you are prequalified with a resourceful and responsible lender...you're working with an experienced and enthusiastic agent who can advise you on subtleties of the properties and nuances of the process... and now, finally,  you've located that one property that works for you. This one fits your parameters and your budget; even better, this house/mansion/condo/hogan/yurt triggers that emotional response in you.  You're all about this one. 
 
So now that you've fallen in love, it's time for due diligence:
 
Get a professional inspection by a licensed home inspector.
 
Yes, I mean it.  Really.  Yes, seriously.
 
I know, I can hear you telling me that you've bought and sold a dozen houses before.  I understand that your brother is a carpenter and has built houses and he will come look for you.  Sometimes you might tell me that you can save money by skipping this part of the process.  You have a friend who does a lot of repair work and he's going to look it over for you.  Maybe your architect is going to give her opinion.
 
I don't care.  I've heard it all before.  I still say:  Read my lips:  GET A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION BY A LICENSED HOME INSPECTOR.
 
You can get the down and dirty nuts and bolts at this link
http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg311
 
Field Guide to Home Inspections, sponsored by the National Association of Realtors. 
 
As a Realtor, let me give you three simple and compelling reasons to hire an inspector.
 
1.  Information
 
An inspector is trained to look for both the good and the bad, in a systematic fashion.  The reporting the inspector provides is concise and thorough.  You will definitely learn more than you would from your buddy the honey-do man.  Your buddy may be a great repair person (if so, I want his name and number!).  But the beauty of a professional home inspection lies in its organization, attention to detail, and completeness.  The inspector will be able to explain every aspect of the inspection of property to you... and you have documentation in writing.  Which leads me to ....
 
2.  Credibility
 
Believe me, a report from a licensed home inspector on a standardized form, with comments added for more explanation and understanding, carries far more weight than "what your neighbor said to you that you told your agent who communicated it to the listing agent who told her client the seller"...   A licensed home inspector is a professional who stands by his word and can fully explain his observations and reports.  A licensed home inspector answers to his clients past, present, and future.  A licensed home inspector must be expert in his profession, but also adept in communication.  And credible communication is key to ....
 
3.  Negotiating Power
 
When I analyze an inspection report for a buyer, I highlight concerns of safety first, function second, form third. With inspection report in hand, I can negotiate for my client based on fact, with corroborating evidence.  With the confidence that comes from the information provided by a licensed home inspector, I can negotiate with fervor, tempered by realism.  A licensed home inspector works for the buyer, but ultimately, he works for the truth.  When all parties know the unbiased facts, reason prevails and the transaction can unfold, rewarding you with your very own castle. 
Really. 
 
Let a Realtor make the process easier for you... and hire a licensed home inspector as part of the process. 
 
About Vicki: 
 
Vicki Goldsberry has been licensed and affiliated with the Westlake office of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, since October 1997,  and specializes in selling and locating unique properties for unique people.  She looked at over 800 houses when she bought hers, and is known as Austin's Most Patient Realtor. With significant expertise in the luxury home market, she is a skilled public speaker and eloquent spokesperson, as well as a creative and entertaining performance poet. You may contact her at realtor@austin.rr.com