Buyer Information

Buyers, get a free guide from us. 

This 36-page booklet has always been a long-time favorite with consumers, REBAC’s Home Buyer’s Toolkit has been updated with new content and a fresh appearance. 

Packed with information to aid firsttime and repeat buyers alike, the Home Buyer’s Toolkit takes consumers through 10 key steps for completing a successful transaction, including:

Updated to reflect today’s market dynamics and promote the value of using an ABR®, the new edition includes: 

> Expanded discussion of buyer representation—what it is, why it’s important, and how to go about finding and choosing an Accredited Buyer’s Representative. Also, the role of an ABR® and the value one brings to a transaction is discussed throughout the booklet, in conjunction with key steps in the home buying process.

 > Financial considerations are given additional coverage, with a stronger emphasis on examining a buyer’s current financial picture, the full cost of home ownership, researching lenders, and securing preapprovals early in the buying process. The steps involved in obtaining a mortgage are also discussed in greater detail. 

> Negotiating tips, beginning with what a buyer should say and do whenever they come in contact with another agent, such as attending open houses on their own. Guidance is also offered on contingencies, disclosures, counteroffers and more.

 The Home Buyer's Toolkit is offerered exclusively by REBAC members. Download the sample toolkit. 

The Buying Process   

The economy greatly affects the price of a home.  As you know, the real estate market has slowed.  There are many factors that have contibuted to the current market.  But, for you the time could not be any better to buy a home.  Prices are lower than they have been in years.  Mortgage rates are the lowest or near lowest ever.  It is truly a buyer's market.  THE TIME IS NOW!  Read more...

How NAR Represents Consumers’ Interests From educating consumers about the housing market to supporting private property rights, NAR enables more Americans to achieve and protect the dream of homeownership. NAR Reaffirms Pledge to Every American's Fair Housing Right > Read about more issues we're working on  > Why Use a REALTOR® Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise of a REALTOR® in the sales process. And only REALTORS®, who are members of the National Association of REALTORS®, follow a time-tested Code of Ethics, where other real estate licensees may not. Learn what the Code of Ethics means for consumers  > More reasons why it’s better to use a REALTOR® > Help Buying or Selling a Home Want to educate yourself on the finer points of buying or selling a home? NAR and your local REALTOR® can help. Feature: Preparing for Homeownership   Guide to Buying vs. Renting > Find a REALTOR®  > Learn more about how a REALTOR® can help  >   FEATURED CONTENT Play NAR’s Member-Supported Television and Radio Ads The ads highlight the importance of choosing a REALTOR® when buying or selling a home, cover the honesty and integrity REALTORS® bring to the process, and illustrate why it's better to use a REALTOR® than try to sell yourself. Play the television commercials  > Play the radio commercials  > Guide to Buying vs. Renting The guide contains statistics and studies on home owners and renters as well as financing options and tips. Read more  > NAR Defends the Mortgage Interest Deduction NAR stands in opposition to the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform, which may recommend converting this century-long deduction into a tax credit. Reducing the tax benefits of homeownership could endanger property values.  Read more  >

Mineral Rights - Issues

Minerals, Surface Rights and Royalty Payments by Judon Fambrough, Senior Lecturer and Attorney At Law
Geology.com, Basic information about mineral, surface, oil and gas rights
The Handbook of Texas Online, history of mineral rights

Water Rights - Issues

Rights to Surface Water in Texas by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Wind Rights - Issues

Blowin In The Wind, by Judon Fambrough, reprint from Tierra Grande, the Real Estate Center Journal