FAQ
Questions about buying and selling in Houston
Straight answers to what buyers, sellers and relocating families ask us most. If yours is not here, just ask.
Buying
Down payments, option periods, new builds
What the Texas contract actually does.
Read the answers →
Our area
MUD, PID, schools and flood zones
The Houston-specific things nobody warns you about.
Read the answers →
Selling
Pricing, prep and what it costs
Including the net sheet before you list.
Read the answers →
Where can I see every home for sale?
HAR.com carries the full Houston MLS. Our team search link shows the same live inventory every agent in the market sees, updated throughout the day. We do not run a slower copy of it on this site.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Conventional loans can start near 3 percent, FHA near 3.5 percent, and VA loans can require nothing down for eligible buyers. Your credit, debt and the property all affect it — a local lender can price it in one conversation.
What is the option period?
In Texas, you can pay a negotiated option fee for the right to terminate the contract for any reason within a set number of days. It is when inspections happen and when repairs get negotiated.
Do I need my own agent for new construction?
The builder’s representative works for the builder. Bringing your own agent costs you nothing extra in almost every case, and gives you someone reviewing the contract, upgrade pricing and warranty terms on your side. Register us on your first visit.
What are MUD and PID taxes?
Many master-planned communities near Cypress and Katy sit inside a Municipal Utility District or Public Improvement District that funds water and infrastructure. It adds to your tax rate, and two homes at the same price can differ by hundreds a month because of it.
Option period
Earnest money
MUD & PID
Homestead exemption
Flood zone
Net sheet
Option period
Earnest money
MUD & PID
Homestead exemption
Flood zone
Net sheet
What is my home worth?
An honest answer needs a look at the home and at closed sales in your section. Online estimates do not know about your updates, your lot or your elevation. Request a valuation and we will show you the comparables behind the number.
What should I fix before listing?
Usually less than people expect. Paint, deep cleaning, decluttering and obvious deferred maintenance carry most of the return. We will tell you plainly when a renovation will not pay for itself.
What does it cost to sell?
Commission is negotiable and agreed in writing up front. Beyond that, expect title and closing fees, any negotiated repairs and prorated taxes. We prepare a net sheet so you see the estimated number before you list.
Can I buy and sell at the same time?
Yes. We coordinate the timing, and where needed we structure a leaseback or a contingency so you are not without a home between closings.
Our area & team
A little about where we work
01
Four counties
Cypress and Katy are home, and we work throughout Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Waller counties.
See communities →
02
Since 2018
Gebora Realty Team was founded in 2018 and has worked these markets ever since.
Read reviews →
03
Same person throughout
We keep the team small on purpose. The people you meet first are the people who take you to closing.
Meet the team →
Where do you work?
Cypress and Katy are home, and we work throughout Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Waller counties — including Bridgeland, Towne Lake, Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, Elyson, Fairfield, Waller, Hockley and Northwest Houston.
Will I work with the same person the whole time?
Yes. We keep the team small on purpose. The people you meet first are the people who take you to closing.
Can you tell me which neighborhood is best?
We can tell you about price bands, tax rates, commute times, build-out stage and resale depth, and we will point you to the school district’s own boundary tool. Under fair housing law we do not steer clients toward or away from areas based on protected characteristics.
Do you help people relocating from out of state?
Regularly. We tour homes on video, plan efficient discovery trips and walk you through Texas-specific items like homestead exemption, property tax and flood zones.
Reviews
Still deciding? Read these
Published on Google and in HAR.com client-experience surveys.
★★★★★
HAR.com
Ashley did a superb job. She was quick to return calls, texts, and emails. She answered my questions thoroughly. She has the heart of a teacher. She was also extremely patient as I figured out what I truly wanted.
S
Sarah B
Buyer
★★★★★
HAR.com
I highly recommend Ashley. She handled my 10,000 questions promptly and never complained once! She made the process of selling our home painless!
P
Peter F
Seller
★★★★★
HAR.com
Kaci goes above and beyond to be one step ahead, and always responds within the hour or often times immediately. He’s very flexible with location. Despite living far from the homes we viewed he was always on time to showings. He repeatedly provided important information about all the homes we were interested in — roof age, flood damage, sellers disclosure — without us having to ask for anything. Kaci has been my family’s REALTOR of choice for several years now, and will continue to be because of his unmatched service.
M
Maria a
Buyer
★★★★★
Google
As a renter in my 30’s who knows nothing about what I needed to do to prepare for home ownership, I can say I’m incredibly relieved there are folks out there who make it simple. Ashley and Kaci take away the complicated processes and steps so I can understand better AND will even handle a lot of the tedious tasks for you. They have always been available for my many misc. questions. They’re also very good at telling you the tough news in a way that doesn’t leave me feeling ashamed regarding credit, loans, down payment etc. and guide you to get to where you need to be.
L
Lanie Vanek
★★★★★
Google
Gebora team is thoroughly professional, most importantly addressing every concern and need. These are people that really listen and formulate solutions. I recommend them if you expect the help you need to make the big decisions.
J
Julie T Davis
★★★★★
HAR.com
Kaci and Ashley from Gebora Realty are top notch, two of the best. From the beginning to end, they were always in contact with us providing insight, assistance, whatever was needed to not only sell our home, but to navigate the purchase of our new home. I highly recommend the two of them to anyone in the market for a home or attempting to sell theirs.
B
Bobby a
Seller
70 completed client surveys, rated 5/5. See all on HAR.com
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