Buying | Real Estate Articles & Blog – Don Dunning

Tag Archives: Buying

The changing world of choosing an agent

By Don Dunning | July 20, 2010

According to an online real estate article, the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), with 23,000 members, recently “pulled the plug” on a web-based application that allowed consumers to view which agents had the greatest number of listings and/or transactions in a given neighborhood or Zip code. This happened shortly after it was introduced because HAR was overwhelmed by angry communications from its members.

Reading this, you may be thinking that the mediocre or weak agents were trying to prevent progress. Why else would there be such an outcry over a new system designed to provide useful information to the public?

After over 30 years in the business, I understand what is behind the uproar and it gives me an opportunity to revisit this topic.

New, Last-Minute Credit Check of Home Buyers

By Don Dunning | May 22, 2010

I have always counseled my buyers to be careful not to take on additional debt, or to even apply for more credit, right before they purchase a home or during the escrow period. This is because banks use ratios of borrowers’ debt to income to grant or refuse loans. In an effort to tighten up […]

Living near a school: things to consider

By Don Dunning | April 5, 2010

Buying a home close to a school can be wonderful or a huge mistake. It depends on the exact proximity of the house to the school, the school’s size, and the administration’s policies regarding neighborhood relations. The agents listing or selling the home often are unaware of the actual or potential problems, which is all the more reason for you to personally investigate before committing.

Too many buyers settle for frogs

By Don Dunning | February 21, 2010

Looking to buy a house is like trying to find a mate; you have to be willing to go through a lot of frogs before you find your prince or princess. Despite numerous changes in the business, one thing has remained constant – too many buyers in this area, either out of frustration or pressure to purchase, settle for much less house than they could have had, or buy a good house, but at too high a price.

Condo Buying Checklist

By Don Dunning | March 22, 2003

There are many differences between buying a condominium and a single-family home. Condo buyers must consider these items before committing themselves.