Showcase faq's

Q. What is Showcase of Homes?

A. Showcase of Homes is a full service real estate brokerage firm offering a comprehensive "one-stop-shop" for homes in the Austin metro area. Utilizing our extensive computer database, we can obtain all the information a buyer needs before starting the search for a new or resale home. With "new" homes, we can access information on over 175 builders in over 250 subdivisions, price ranges, school district information, tax rates, and available "spec" inventory - including any builder discounts, close-out specials, or special promotions. With "resales", we give you a comparitive market analysis of all homes "for sale" and "sold" in a neighborhood before you make an offer on a home.

Q. Why do I need this service?

A. At Showcase of Homes, all the information you need to find a home is at your fingertips, eliminating the many hours you could spend sifting through newspaper ads or driving for endless miles on countless weekends and still not finding the right home! But even if you did find that perfect home, how do you know it is going to be built according to plan, using the appropriate standards and procedures? This is where our expertise and experience become invaluable as we continually track a new home through the construction stages, doing periodic inspections and walk-throughs, and reporting back to you on a timely basis.

Q. What does this service cost me?

A. This service cost you nothing, and in most cases will actually save you money. Whether we assist you in finding a better home, a better deal, a better interest rate, or simply save you time and effort, your home buying experience is made a whole lot easier at Showcase of Homes!

Q. Do you represent me or the seller?

A. Even though compensation for our services is paid by the "seller", in every home purchase we represent you, the "buyer" - this is called "buyer agency". This becomes a huge advantage to you in negotiating price, options, discount points, lot premiums, special financing, repairs, etc.

Q. How long does it take to find a home?

A. Using our unique system, it is not unusual to find a home in 1 or 2 days. After meeting with you and determining your general wants and/or needs, we can then concentrate on specific builders, price ranges, areas, etc., saving you a lot of time and effort. Instead of driving around in circles forever, you can now go directly to a specific location after work on a weekday or a weekend. We will gladly accompany you to all the "new home" communities, and make all the necessary arrangements/appointments with owners of "resale" homes.

Q. What if I decide I want a resale instead of new home?

A. As members of the Austin Multiple Listing Service, we have access to every home listed for sell in the Austin area. And in all but rare instances, we can still represent you in all negotiations, and still be paid by the seller.

Q. What if I have a home to sell before buying a new one?

A. Showcase of Homes has a "move-up" program that can be used with any homebuilder in Austin. We provide all the tools and services (Austin MLS, signs, brochures, lockboxes, newspaper ads, open houses, etc.) necessary to expedite the sell of your current home.

Q. Do I have to sign a "buyer agency" agreement ?

A. According to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), in order for me to legally represent you as a "buyer agent", you do. Otherwise, my fiduciary responsibility will remain with the "seller". There is "no charge" for this representation and my "Buyer Agency Agreement" makes this clear (I will gladly fax/email you a copy of this form if you so desire).