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About Me
Formally a resident in Downtown and presently a resident in the West University area, it is a pleasure to represent my clients with the purchase and sale of Lofts, HiRises, Townhomes/Condos & Single Family homes in the Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, River Oaks, Memorial Park/Camp Logan, Museum District, Medical Center, West University & Bellaire areas.
Being a home buyer/seller, and going through the process several times, gives me understanding and passion to help new home buyers, as well as experienced home buyers, through the process from contract to closing. I'm committed to taking the time and attention you need with this very important buying/selling decision. I'll help you purchase, lease or sell your home as though it were my own.
I stay up to date with the latest technology. Using "Docusign", most paper work (contracts, amendments, etc) can be signed and submitted electronically keeping faxes or scanned documents to a minimum.
Using Microsoft Outlook calendar, I keep everyone involved in a transaction updated with an electronic "activity report" which includes attached transaction documents and contact information for all parties.
Contact me today and request your own customized MLS "Gateway". What is a "Gateway"? A "Gateway" is a website created just for you that includes a property search tailored to the criteria you desire in your new home. Every day, new and updated property listings that meet your criteria, are added to your Gateway. You will automatically be notified of these new or updated listings. You can then save listings to categories, i.e. "favorite", "possibility", "not interested", etc., as well as leave notes with each listing which I can monitor and reply to.
One of the greatest compliments a client once gave me is, "you not only follow up but you follow through!"
I truly do "Love What I Do!"
NOTE: The Testimonial dates shown below are dates they were entered on my profile page and not necessarily the date they were written.
Being a home buyer/seller, and going through the process several times, gives me understanding and passion to help new home buyers, as well as experienced home buyers, through the process from contract to closing. I'm committed to taking the time and attention you need with this very important buying/selling decision. I'll help you purchase, lease or sell your home as though it were my own.
I stay up to date with the latest technology. Using "Docusign", most paper work (contracts, amendments, etc) can be signed and submitted electronically keeping faxes or scanned documents to a minimum.
Using Microsoft Outlook calendar, I keep everyone involved in a transaction updated with an electronic "activity report" which includes attached transaction documents and contact information for all parties.
Contact me today and request your own customized MLS "Gateway". What is a "Gateway"? A "Gateway" is a website created just for you that includes a property search tailored to the criteria you desire in your new home. Every day, new and updated property listings that meet your criteria, are added to your Gateway. You will automatically be notified of these new or updated listings. You can then save listings to categories, i.e. "favorite", "possibility", "not interested", etc., as well as leave notes with each listing which I can monitor and reply to.
One of the greatest compliments a client once gave me is, "you not only follow up but you follow through!"
I truly do "Love What I Do!"
NOTE: The Testimonial dates shown below are dates they were entered on my profile page and not necessarily the date they were written.
Testimonials
"Joan went beyond duty and made us feel she was looking out for our interest at all times. Where we were ingnorant of the process, thank God Joan was not. Joan, we love you and appreciate all you did for us. We also love our new home!"
Woods- Copperfield Fri Aug 15
Woods- Copperfield Fri Aug 15
"Joan, I can't tell you enough how absolutely amazing you are! I could not have asked for a better Realtor! You went above and beyond your call of duty, and you were very patient with me and my mortgage company. I know you will have many successes in your career because you give all that you have to it. I could not have done it without you! Thank you!"
J. Jacob- Galleria Fri Aug 15
J. Jacob- Galleria Fri Aug 15
"We feel that you provided a complete picture of the market and concur that in our collective years (which amount to quite a few) we have not worked with anyone who exhibited your professionalism and just plain ability to get down to the nitty gritty in a brief period of time. Thanks for your good work. You not only follow up but you follow through!"
JK Fri Aug 15
JK Fri Aug 15
"It was a great experience working with Joan. She was always on top of things and made us feel very comfortable as first time home buyers. She was very professional and also a lot of fun at the same time.""
Hammans-Houston, Copperfield Area Fri Aug 15
Hammans-Houston, Copperfield Area Fri Aug 15
"WHAT DID YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WORKING WITH ME?---
"You didn't make me feel stupid because I was so clueless-you helped me understand everything and gave great advice." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LOOKING BACK ON THE TRANSACTION, WHAT STANDS OUT MOST IN YOUR MIND? ---
"Your patience and flexibility- I really felt like you cared about me as a person, not just a "customer".
Thank you so much for everything! I really love the place I ended up buying.""
M. Herb- Galleria Fri Aug 15
M. Herb- Galleria Fri Aug 15
"Joan came recommended to us by one of her prior clients. She was professional and attentive to what we were looking for and was very good at maintaining contact with us, as well as with the seller. A problem that arose during the transaction was handled by Joan very professionally and we appreciate her advocacy role on our behalf. Joan is wonderful to work with and I will recommend her to my friends and associates."
Francis'- Downtown Fri Aug 15
Francis'- Downtown Fri Aug 15
"WHAT DID YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WORKING WITH ME? ---
"I really felt you were on my side, you were looking out for my best interests, and that you cared about the outcome. --->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LOOKING BACK ON THE TRANSACTION, WHAT STANDS OUT MOST IN YOUR MIND?
"Your effort, always going the extra mile""
C. Peterson - Downtown, East Side Fri Aug 15
C. Peterson - Downtown, East Side Fri Aug 15
"WHAT DID YOU LIIKE BEST ABOUT WORKING WITH ME?***
"You were very patient and understanding. I felt I could talk with you about anything. You made me very comfortable." --->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LOOKING BACK ON THE TRANSACTION, WHAT STANDS OUT MOST IN YOUR MIND?---
"You just kept showing me homes and never complained about my lack of commitment....You did great! I was very pleased with your patience, understanding, and ability to choose homes you knew I would like.""
A. Rhodes- Midtown Fri Aug 15
A. Rhodes- Midtown Fri Aug 15
"WHAT MADE YOU SELECT ME AS YOUR REALTOR? ---
"Initially, a recommendation. But Joan's professionalism- and patience - were deciding factors." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING WITH ME?---
"Beyond (mentioned)above, your willingness to work with me- and do it all online!" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LOOKING BACK ON THE TRANSACTION, WHAT STANDS OUT MOST IN YOUR MIND?---
"Your professionalism, knowledge & patience.""
M. Czeczot - West U Townhome Listing Fri Aug 15
M. Czeczot - West U Townhome Listing Fri Aug 15
My Q&A
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Joan Long's Questions (0)
Joan Long's Answers (3)
Joan Long answered:
As already stated by many other Realtors here, you are only obligated to use a particular Realtor if you have signed a buyer's agreement with that agent. The agent who indicated to you that you were "legally required to use her as an intermediary" should have told you that if you CHOSE to use her, you would have to sign an intermediary agreement. This would have been correct. However, you were in no way legally required to use her simply because she showed you her listing. It is in your best interest and is highly recommended that you be represented by an agent who is knowledgeable of the market you are looking in. Someone who can provide accurate comps which will guide your offer as well as all information needed that will take you through a smooth closing. If you have not already found and agent, feel free to check out my website. If you think I may fit the market area of your interest, I'd be happy to represent you.
Joan Long answered:
Although I am not a lender, working with buyers throughout the years has educated me a great deal about the loan process. I'm happy to share what I've learned.
Over the past several years, conventional loans were so attractive with 100% financing, etc., that FHA loans were not needed as much and had taken a "back burner". Over the past few months, FHA loans are gaining popularity once again.
Generally, the most apparent difference is that FHA requires less money down. In some cases as little as 3%. Also, FHA likes to know that the home you are buying is in good condition. Therefore, it may be hard to get an FHA loan on a home that needs lots of work. FHA underwriting conditions may seem more strict than a conventional loan, i.e. a leaner paper trail of your money in and money out,
However, with all the foreclosures coming to light over the past several months, conventional loan conditions seem to be just as strict and in some cases more so than FHA. Generally, in today's market, conventional lenders are requiring 10-20% down, depending on your credit. You may be able to find an investor that will take 5% down with excellent credit.
It's my experience that PMI is required with less than 20% down on a conventional loan. As for PMI on FHA loans, I'm not certain however, I'd venture to say that it would apply the same as conventional. I would be happy to verify that for you should you'd like to inquire with me further.
"I Love What I Do!"
Joan Long, Realtor http://www.joanlong.com
Over the past several years, conventional loans were so attractive with 100% financing, etc., that FHA loans were not needed as much and had taken a "back burner". Over the past few months, FHA loans are gaining popularity once again.
Generally, the most apparent difference is that FHA requires less money down. In some cases as little as 3%. Also, FHA likes to know that the home you are buying is in good condition. Therefore, it may be hard to get an FHA loan on a home that needs lots of work. FHA underwriting conditions may seem more strict than a conventional loan, i.e. a leaner paper trail of your money in and money out,
However, with all the foreclosures coming to light over the past several months, conventional loan conditions seem to be just as strict and in some cases more so than FHA. Generally, in today's market, conventional lenders are requiring 10-20% down, depending on your credit. You may be able to find an investor that will take 5% down with excellent credit.
It's my experience that PMI is required with less than 20% down on a conventional loan. As for PMI on FHA loans, I'm not certain however, I'd venture to say that it would apply the same as conventional. I would be happy to verify that for you should you'd like to inquire with me further.
"I Love What I Do!"
Joan Long, Realtor http://www.joanlong.com
Joan Long answered:
Hello Amy. The HPD crime statistic website is a great tool for researching a neighborhood. I'm including the link below for your reference.
Regards,
Joan http://www.joanlong.com
Regards,
Joan http://www.joanlong.com
Specialties
Houston Texas Realtor specializing in Townhomes, Condos, Lofts, HiRises and Single Family homes in the Houston Urban districts which include Downtown, Midtown, Inner Loop, Heights & Galleria Areas.
Experience
Latest:
Realtor for Member of HAR,TAR,NAR
Actively representing buyers and sellers in residential real estate since 2001.
April 2001—present
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