Urgent Help Needed on Where to Buy at 300k In W or SW Houston Area (Austin: appointed, power lines)

[BEVH]

Ok to start over. My prior occupation was starting out as a Realtor in CA then I moved up to Director of Relocation Services for a major Real Estate Firm. I left that job to join the corporate community.

When I trained agents they were told to, first invite the customer to the office, show them maps of the area, listings they would see, discuss amenities of each area, listen to the customers needs and wants, set up a specific schedule for showings and not be running from one area to the other back to the other area, know every location (by previewing the properties in advance) and know how to get there; not discuss what they are making on the deal, not to ever mention commission. If they were stellar they got more referral opportunities. My agents got rave reviews and did not have complaints like the one I have.

I meant do not want to move here by meaning a Realtor can destroy a persons desire to see areas by not knowing what the heck they are doing. A Realtor never knows what stress a customer is under and they should make it an enjoyable experience instead of adding more relocation related stress to a consumer.

I firmly believe customer service has gone out the window. When I started this house hunt, a Realtor advised me (even though she knew my window of house hunting) that she could only work with me 3 hours a day and some days none. Another one that I requested to be reassigned, said she had closings and could not help. This relocation department knew my tight schedule and it appears they could have cared less. Do you not think this put me and probably others treated like me in a less than happy mood to move to a new area.

I am just disgusted at this point with the service level of Realtors and firms in this market. It is not CA that is certain because out there our relocation Realtors know to provide service and that is what is lacking in all areas of commercial business' these days.

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by BEVH

Ok to start over. My prior occupation was starting out as a Realtor in CA then I moved up to Director of Relocation Services for a major Real Estate Firm. I left that job to join the corporate community.

When I trained agents they were told to, first invite the customer to the office, show them maps of the area, listings they would see, discuss amenities of each area, listen to the customers needs and wants, set up a specific schedule for showings and not be running from one area to the other back to the other area, know every location (by previewing the properties in advance) and know how to get there; not discuss what they are making on the deal, not to ever mention commission. If they were stellar they got more referral opportunities. My agents got rave reviews and did not have complaints like the one I have.

I meant do not want to move here by meaning a Realtor can destroy a persons desire to see areas by not knowing what the heck they are doing. A Realtor never knows what stress a customer is under and they should make it an enjoyable experience instead of adding more relocation related stress to a consumer.

I firmly believe customer service has gone out the window. When I started this house hunt, a Realtor advised me (even though she knew my window of house hunting) that she could only work with me 3 hours a day and some days none. Another one that I requested to be reassigned, said she had closings and could not help. This relocation department knew my tight schedule and it appears they could have cared less. Do you not think this put me and probably others treated like me in a less than happy mood to move to a new area.

I am just disgusted at this point with the service level of Realtors and firms in this market. It is not CA that is certain because out there our relocation Realtors know to provide service and that is what is lacking in all areas of commercial business' these days.

It makes it even harder to have an incompetent Realtor if you know what a good one should be doing. My family has hired Realtors in multiple states and we've never ended up happy. The experienced ones were arrogant and patronizing and the inexperienced ones were confused and confusing. Every time I asked one of the new ones a question, she would reply, "I don't know but I will ask my broker and if we get it wrong, we have errors and omissions insurance to cover our mistakes." Not confidence inspiring!

I hope that you have better luck today.

This is a terrific area in which to live and once you have your house and new job, hopefully all the relocation stress will have been worth it.

[EasilyAmused]

I think you get better service from smaller, local agencies versus national, big ones.

I'd take Greenwood King, Martha Turner, Heritage any day of the week over Coldwell Banker, Prudential, Centry 21 etc .

I've never,ever had a problem. If my agent couldn't take me because she had a closing her assistant would. In parts of Houston, a house can go in a matter of hours so time is important.

[usc619]

Sounds like more drama, yawn zzzzzzzzzzz.

[Kappinator]

Originally Posted by BEVH

I have seen builder incentives of 40 to 60K off on inventory homes. Due to that I have upped my price to 300K anticipating going out at 240-260 Should I be buying in Cinco or elsewhere? Once again I want trees and I have no school age kids, will not use the amenities, This is my "box house " and I want something nice and will add a pool or buy at 280 with a pool. I will work at the 6 and 59.

I know buy in master planned is what everyone does but I am single and just want near great restaurants, shopping etc. Like the Cinco shopping area. Just concerned I should buy elsewhere. I am also open to some rural area or a nice patio/cluster home with a lot big enough for a pool.
I am so confused after looking at the following areas and not certain if they are where I should be.

Lake Olympia
Cinco Ranch
New Territory
Greatwood
Sienna Plantation
Pecan Grove
First Colony

I will be writing contract in next 2 days and need some input from you guys that live in those areas.

Thanks in advance for your help.

I've read your posts regarding the horrible customer service: it was painful. So, did you make an offer on a house? Did that relo dept come through for you?

[chris_ut]

Originally Posted by BEVH

I am just disgusted at this point with the service level of Realtors and firms in this market. It is not CA that is certain because out there our relocation Realtors know to provide service and that is what is lacking in all areas of commercial business' these days.

So you worked with one Realtor who was an idiot and now your ready to write off Houston and Houston Realtors in general?

[gold dust]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

So you worked with one Realtor who was an idiot and now your ready to write off Houston and Houston Realtors in general?

I think she was/is frustrated and just letting off some steam.... I can understand where she is coming from.... Good luck BEVH! Things have a tendency to work out the way they are supposed to ...

[cla]

Originally Posted by BEVH

I have too many pets to rent.

Maybe too many pets to buy? Most HOA's have a limit on pets. Cinco's is 2 pets (doesn't include caged animals)

Section 4. Animals and Pets. No animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept on any portion of the Properties, except that dogs, cats, or other usual and common household pets, not to exceed a total of two (2) pets, may be permitted in a Unit. The foregoing limitation on number of pets shall not apply to hamsters, small birds, fish or other constantly caged animals, nor shall it apply to require the removal of any litter born to a permitted pet prior to the time that the animals in such litter are three (3) months old. However, those pets which are permitted to roam free, or, in the sole discretion of the Association, endanger the health, make objectionable noise, or constitute a nuisance or inconvenience to the Owners of other Units or the owner of any portion of the Properties shall be removed upon request of the Board. If the owner fails to honor such request, the pet may be removed by the Board. No pets shall be kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose. Dogs shall at all times whenever they are outside a Unit be confined on a leash held by a responsible person.

[Topaz]

I wonder if BEVH will come back to tell us where she decided to buy?

[Houston456]

Originally Posted by Topaz

My family has hired Realtors in multiple states and we've never ended up happy. The experienced ones were arrogant and patronizing and the inexperienced ones were confused and confusing.

Topaz, that was a perfect summary in very few words.