Hi, this is Jordan Schilleci, broker and real estate agent at Jo & Co. Today, I wanted to walk you through what it is like to buy a house right now in Baytown, Texas, if you decide to work with us.
➪ Schedule a call at https://byjoandco.com/call or email us at [email protected]
You might have noticed I said “us.” I am referring to my husband, Edward, and myself. We are what one would call a boutique or independent brokerage, which means we are family-owned and operated. Our goal isn’t just to be like other husband-and-wife teams but your true dream team.
I was the first of us to get our real estate license, and a couple of years later, Edward followed. A year or so after that, I was able to retire him from the oil and gas industry, and we have been raising kids, fighting crime, and selling real estate together ever since.
My superpowers include my love for my clients, negotiation skills in multiple offer situations, vast knowledge of the Houston Suburbs, patience, and writing skills. I love to write, hence this blog with its thousands of posts.
Edward’s superpowers are all things manly, including electrical knowledge and home improvement experience. I am a little biased, so I would like to add his wardrobe to the list, but he probably wouldn’t approve. Lol. Together, we have learned so much about the numbers side of the business: financing, negotiating, investing, and tax rates. We consider ourselves your secret weapon when buying, selling, or investing in Baytown and the surrounding area.
➪ Schedule a call at https://byjoandco.com/call or email us at [email protected]
I assume you came here because you are curious about the steps in the home-buying process in Baytown, Texas.
What it is like to buy a house in Baytown, Texas with Jo & Co. by your side…
Most of our clients are relocation clients, but we also love helping locals.
So, the first step in the process is usually a phone call. We have this handy link to schedule a call with us. Here is that link: http://byjoandco/call. Every call is done by me, Jordan, and usually Edward is in the background. He is my favorite person to lean on.
During this phone call we listen to your whole story, while I take notes. I listen to your wants, your needs, and your dreams. You tell us your desired budget and location requests. We then do a deep dive (this is internal and takes seconds lol) between our past experiences, our market knowledge, and couple that with available inventory, and help you map what neighborhoods or cities would best suit your needs.
If you aren’t sure where you want to live, I ask you two things:
1. What do you want your life to look like when you are not working?
2. What are your priorities? (Work commute, schools, walking distance to xyz, etc.)
After the phone call, you can expect an email from me. I typically recap some of the things we talked about. I might send you some links to neighborhoods and homes I think you might like. I also like to send you the contact information of my favorite lender, which is the next step if you are financing.
I will also set you up on new home e-alerts. These emails arrive daily in your inbox with any new listings that match the requirements we established during our phone call. I do have my website, http://search.byjoandco.com, that you might have already signed up for, but these special emails come from HAR. HAR is our local MLS and database. It is unique because I can send you coming soon listings through here. These agent-provided HAR e-alerts are the only way to view coming soon listings (or I can send you a link and get you registered to search through them yourself).
Another great feature of these emails is that you can “heart” any of the homes in the portal, and I will be able to see which are your favorites. Favoriting a home allows us not to lose the ones we want to make a priority when it comes to feet-on-the-ground house hunting (the fun stuff).
Then, you will want to get preapproved or provide me with your proof of funds. I know some amazing people in the industry, and I will be sure to recommend one or two to you for all your financing needs.
The next step after starting the preapproval process would be signing a document that has been around since the 1980s called a Buyer Representation Agreement, but due to recent changes in real estate law, it's now required for all potential buyers to sign a buyer representation agreement before viewing any homes. This agreement ensures that you and I are on the same page regarding our professional relationship and the services I'll provide. It also protects your interests by formally establishing that I'm working on your behalf to find the best home and deal for you. This step is designed to clarify our roles and responsibilities upfront so you can have peace of mind as we move forward in the home-buying process.
This document addresses the fee for having me (a real estate agent) represent you during your real estate transaction, similar to how a lawyer would represent you in a lawsuit, but I am easier to get ahold of, a lot more honest, you don’t pay me by the minute, and you don’t have to pay me a retainer. Lol. I have your best interests at heart, and what matters to you matters to me. Or should I say us? Edward and I really cannot wait to serve you.
Our fee is 3%. Most sellers are willing to cover all 3%, but due to some information that has circulated, there will be some sellers who don’t think this is their responsibility. Since we live in America, they are allowed to have that thought and right, so if we come across a home that doesn’t cover the agent fee, I will let you know, and we will factor that into your offer if you choose to purchase that home.
Once we have your preapproval and the buyer representation agreement is signed, we can start house hunting.
House hunting, also known as seeing homes, can be done in person or virtually. At Jo & Co., we are experts at both. Almost 50% of our clients have purchased their homes virtually. If you choose to go this route, we will film high-definition videos of each home and upload them to a private link so that you can view them as your schedule allows, as many times as you wish. If you have certain things that concern you, we can address those in each video (primary bedroom must be x by x, or the garage needs to fit a particular vehicle, what year the air conditioning unit is, etc.). We are super honest in our videos and super TMI (too much information).
Once you find the perfect home, Edward and I will craft the perfect offer.
If you have never purchased a home in Texas before or you are a first-time home buyer, no worries. We will be with you every step of the way, walking you through the process and pointing out what you need to be made aware of. Our goal is to make the whole process as stress-free as possible, and with the right team behind you, this is very possible. We recommend using a local lender, and you can learn why by clicking here.
The sellers might not accept the first offer we write. If that is the case, we will enter into negotiations. You need to decide how much you love or want this home. Some clients decide to have a “plan B” home and ask me to write an offer on their backup option if the first one doesn't seem feasible or the sellers don't seem reasonable.
But know we will not give up. We will help you find your perfect home in the perfect neighborhood.
Once you go under contract on a home, we will continue to guide you through the closing process, and when we get to this point, you will also have the title company and lender assisting with keeping the wheels on the track.
There are so many amazing neighborhoods in Baytown that you might consider calling home. Edward and I would love to help you find the perfect one for you.
If you are interested in the next step, we recommend you schedule a call with us.
What's Next?
➪ Schedule a call at https://byjoandco.com/call or email us at [email protected]
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://byjoandco.com/youtube
• Navigate our Blog: https://byjoandco.com/categories-to-help-you-navigate-the-blog/
• Ready to find your dream home? Search, http://search.byjoandco.com
• Browse our Ebooks and Relocation Guides: http://byjoandco.com/ebooks
Looking to Learn More About Baytown, Texas?
Check out these other blog posts:
• Best Neighborhoods in Baytown, Texas for Families – Blog Post Link
• Baytown's Best Neighborhoods Defined By The Best Schools – Blog Post Link
• Jo & Co. Maps – Blog Post Link
• The Neighborhoods of Baytown, TX – Blog Post Link
➪ Still have questions? Schedule a call! I look forward to hearing your story and helping you! – Link to Schedule a Call
Thank You!
I hope you have found this blog post super helpful. At Jo & Co., our goal isn't just to be your realtor but your resource. When you are ready, we would be honored to assist you.
Cheers, Jordan Marie & Edward
Who We Are?
A husband and wife real estate team in the Greater Houston Suburbs. We specialize in all things real estate. We love helping families, couples, and individuals relocate, buy, and sell. We have nine years of experience, and what matters to you matters to us. We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable, honest, patient, and reliable.
➪ Schedule a call at https://byjoandco.com/call or email us at [email protected]
