What do Real Haven Realty REALTOR®s Do for Home Buyers? A REALTOR® does not simply help buyers in finding suitable properties, negotiating prices, and handling paperwork. They are there to guide buyers, offering expert advice and assistance at every stage – from the initial meeting to the final closing. At Real Haven Realty, we turn home visits into an art form, shedding light on the unique features and potential challenges of each property. This makes it easier for you to visualize your future home. When it comes to making an offer, we act as your negotiation expert, ensuring you get the best deal with meticulous attention to detail every step of the way.  Furthermore, we always aim to provide support to our Buyers throughout their Emotional Journey. Real Haven can also assist in navigating the mortgage process, providing straightforward guidance and personalized support for pre-approval and connecting you with reliable lenders. Our assistance goes beyond the purchase, advocating for you during inspections, ancillary services, and staying with you until you receive the keys – and even after. Expect ongoing advice and support as you settle in. At Real Haven Realty, we are more than just transaction facilitators; we strive to form lasting bonds and are committed to making your home-buying journey joyful and as stress-free as possible.

Real Haven Realty provides comprehensive buyer assistance for a seamless home-buying experience. From the moment we first meet a potential Buyer client, we are ready to serve, starting with:  The Pre-Search Process Scheduling a time to meet Buyers (either in person, or via a video or phone conference) Preparing Buyers Guide & Presentation Meeting with Buyers and discussing their objectives and expectations – which includes: Explaining Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships and the Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services form Discussing different types of financing options Providing information regarding trusted Mortgage Lenders Explaining importance of obtaining a Lender Pre-Approval Letter Providing an overview of current market conditions Explaining our Value to our clients Educating Buyers about local neighborhoods Discussing the Buyer’s criteria for their next home Explaining how school districts effect on home values Explaining about recording devices during showings and Providing a comprehensive overview of the home buying process, including: Reviewing a purchase contract and the typical points of negotiation and key sections such as: Title Policy Earnest Money & Option Fee requirements Option Period The importance of Surveys & Shortages in Area coverage Home Warranty Policy Non-Realty Items Objections Homeowners Associations Utility Districts Sellers Disclosures Preferred closing timeframe Concessions/Repairs Addendums Home inspection process   Typical closing costs and how they are paid Once we are back in the office, it’s time to get busy! Just a few of the tasks we perform for our buyers include: The Search Process  Setting up the Buyer(s) in our documentation management system Sending out the Buyer Representation Agreement and associated documents for the Buyer’s signature Acquiring a copy of the Buyer’s pre-qualification letter from the lender Setting up the Buyer’s Concierge Search using their specific criteria Reviewing and approving specific properties that meet the Buyer’s criteria for their review Following up with the Buyer’s to ensure the approved properties truly meet their criteria, and adjusting the search if necessary Scheduling showings based on the Buyer’s preferred properties, including: Gather showing instructions for each listing Send showing schedule to Buyers Follow-up with listing agents with any questions During showings, we: Look for & highlight possible issues with the property Highlight features that meet the Buyer’s stated criteria Gather Buyer feedback Create a floor plan map (if one doesn’t exist) for properties where the client has shown strong interest After showings, we: Provide feedback to the listing agents Keep records of all showings Follow-up with Buyers on any properties they particularly liked to see if they are ready to make an offer Regularly update Buyers when new listings hit the market Share knowledge & insight about homes (including sellers disclosure notes, HOA and Condo Assn. fees, flood plains, etc.), neighborhoods, schools and other community features Once our client has identified a home, or homes, they are thinking of purchasing, we perform a Comparative Market Analysis on the properties to help determine a competitive offer price.  Now that our buyer(s) have selected a process, It’s time to make an offer! Once again, we ensure each step Is fully explained and handled with a focus on details, including: The Offer Process  Discussing & determining the offer amount, which is based on: Comparative Market Analysis data Property inclusions & exclusions What the seller will pay for (title policy, survey, HOA transfer & certification fees, home warranty policy, etc.) Whether it is a multi-offer situation Amount of concessions needed (for down-payment assistance, commission coverage, etc.) Other factors. Preparing sales contract & associated addenda and disclosures Updating Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter (if needed) Discussing loan objection deadlines Choosing a closing date V erifying listing data is correct Preparing contract for Buyers’ signatures S ending signed contract and associated documents to Listing Agent Following-up with Listing Agent and facilitating negotiation and resolution of objections Making any necessary changes and resubmitting documents to Listing Agent for Seller’s signatures Executing Sales Contract & Disclosures  Once we have an accepted offer, there are more tasks to handle, and in this, Time is of the Essence, so It’s Important to note key dates on both the Realtor and Buyer calendar. The Contract Process Option Period (between 5-10 days): Send Executed Contract to the Title/Escrow Company & Lender (cc: Buyer) Coordinate payment of Earnest Money & Option Fee (within 3 days)  Get & save Receipted copy of Contract Obtain copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers (if not already obtained) Obtain a copy of HOA Bylaws  Coordinate Inspections with Buyers Meet Inspector at Property  Review Home Inspection with Buyers Negotiate Inspection Objections Get all agreed upon repair items and concessions in writing Execute Amendment for Repairs/Concessions (alternately, we may Extend Option Period or Terminate Contract by 5pm on the last day of the Option Period) Pending Period (between 25-45 days): Verify any existing Lease Agreements  Check in with Lender to verify Loan status Explain property Appraisal process Check on the Appraisal date Negotiate any unsatisfactory Appraisal results Explain Home Warranty options & ensure Buyer’s inform Title of their choice  Discuss transferable warranties Estimate expected utility usage costs Confirm water source and status  Coordinate closing times & location Make sure all documents are fully signed Verify Title company has everything needed  Remind Buyers to schedule utilities Ensure Buyers have Binder for homeowners Insurance Make sure all parties are notified of Closing time Closing Period (3-5 days prior to Closing and Closing day): Receive and review closing documents (no less than 3 days before Close) Confirm repairs have been made by Sellers Perform final walk-through with Buyers Resolve any last minute issues Attend Closing with Buyers Give keys and accessories to Buyers and CELEBRATE!

Why a Home Inspection Matters When Buying a Home in Houston & Austin In Texas, a home inspection is a critical step in protecting your interests as a buyer. With unique climate conditions and fast-moving markets like Houston and Austin, understanding a property’s condition early—within the contract’s option period—can make all the difference. Home Inspections & Texas Contracts Most Texas real estate contracts include an Option Period, which allows buyers time to conduct inspections and evaluate the property before fully committing. During this time, buyers may: Obtain a professional home inspection Review the inspector’s findings in detail  Negotiate repairs, credits, or price adjustments Terminate the contract if the property does not meet expectations Once the option period expires, a buyer’s ability to renegotiate or exit the contract becomes far more limited—making timely inspections essential. Protecting Your Investment in a High-Heat, High-Humidity Climate Houston and Austin’s extreme heat and humidity can accelerate wear on key systems. Inspections commonly identify: HVAC systems that are aging, improperly sized, or underperforming Insufficient insulation or ventilation leading to higher energy costs Moisture intrusion, mold risk, or wood deterioration Roofing materials showing premature heat-related damage  Understanding these issues during the option period allows buyers to make informed decisions before proceeding. Flood Risk & Drainage Considerations Flooding and drainage concerns are a reality in many Texas neighborhoods. A home inspection can help uncover: Signs of past or ongoing water intrusion Poor grading or drainage that directs water toward the home Foundation movement related to expansive Texas soils  Improper drainage systems or installation These findings are especially important when paired with seller disclosures and flood zone information. Important Even for New Construction New construction homes in rapidly growing markets are not immune to issues. Texas inspections often reveal: Incomplete or rushed workmanship Improper HVAC or ductwork installation Grading and drainage problems that may not appear until heavy rain Items missed during final builder walkthroughs Buyers are also encouraged to schedule a one-year warranty inspection before the builder’s warranty expires to address covered items in time. Informed Negotiations & Confident Decisions Inspection reports provide leverage and clarity. With the right guidance, buyers can: Request repairs or seller concessions Adjust pricing based on condition Move forward with confidence—or walk away when necessary Why Buyers Choose Real Haven Realty At Real Haven Realty, we guide our clients through every step of the Texas inspection process—from coordinating trusted inspectors to helping interpret reports and navigate negotiations within contract timelines. Our goal is to protect your interests and ensure there are no surprises after closing. Ready to Buy with Confidence? Whether you’re purchasing a resale home, new construction, or investment property in Houston or Austin, Real Haven Realty is here to advocate for you. Contact Real Haven Realty today to start your home search with clarity, confidence, and expert guidance—every step of the way.