By 
Television makes real estate look glamorous and seamless. People go to a coffee shop and talk. They look at three homes. A real estate agent makes a few phone calls. The seller accepts the offer, maybe after a little negotiating. Buyers are in the home, they knock down a few walls and POOF! Within minutes of the show, and a subtitle that says “6 months later”, the home is completely remodeled/decorated to their exact taste! There is usually a party, children are laughing and playing, and of course, everyone is in matching outfits. The fact is that this is not everyone’s reality of realty.
The television shows about buying and selling a home do not really put the spotlight on the part AFTER the offer gets accepted. Paperwork, reports, quotes, documents, do not get highlighted on these television shows. This is where I believe that some people get tricked about real estate. Some people think that once your offer is accepted, the fairy tale happy ending will quickly occur. The fairy tale ending of becoming a homeowner is possible! I will help you through this process, along with several other crucial people along the way: lender, inspector, escrow agent, etc.
To avoid being tricked by real estate, please consider the following:
READ
People want to provide you the information in order for you to make an educated decision about real estate. I understand that some of these documents may seem like they are written in a foreign language. But that is where experts can come in, do their job to EDUCATE you. Before you sign ANYTHING… READ!
Read about the features of the home. Read all disclosures. Read the contract. Read your inspection report. Read over all lender documents. Read over the Home Owners Association Documents. Read the quotes, the estimates, your appraisal, the title commitment, survey, real estate documents, etc. Read over the Home Owners Association Documents. READ READ READ
ASK QUESTIONS
The only stupid questions are the questions are not asked. Do not assume anything! So after you have read over everything, if there is something you don’t understand… ASK! If there is something you need more clarification on… ASK! I will be able to help educate, guide you to the expert, and aide in providing more information so you do understand. I want to help you. My broker wants to help you. Your lender, inspector, escrow agent, surveyor, etc. wants to help Y-O-U!!!
RESEARCH
Research utility providers, school districts, home warranty companies, homeowner insurance companies. Also research commute times, property taxes, mortgages, inspectors, roofing companies, contractors, etc. I can help guide to the source, provide vendors who I have used, my clients have used, and my brokerage has used. But YOU need to pick the best ____ for Y-O-U!
COMMUNICATE
Be honest from the beginning! What is the best form of communication for you? What are important home features that you need? What is your monthly payment need to stay around? Does your credit need help? What is your schedule like?
I understand, some of this seems overwhelming. But the more you read, ask questions, research, and communicate BEFORE you start looking for a home, the better. I can help you along the way! You are not in this alone. If your dream is to become a homeowner, then you have a full team of supporters who will help you!
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
