On Demand In-Person or Video Home Showings

See the home of your dreams on your time.

Book A Showing
Down Payment Assistance Options

Check if a home qualifies for down payment assistance.

View Assistance Options
Know What Neighborhood Fits Your Vibe

Where you live is more than the home you buy. Take this survey to quickly understand what type of neighborhood fits your lifestyle.

Take The Survey
Sell your home quickly and save thousands in the process.

Our pre-listing services help homeowners save money on their home sale through preparation. Planning ahead will help your home stand out and give you leverage to get the best deal on the sale. Learn more about how you can save thousands by using our services.

Get Started
Free Home Search

Find your perfect home with our free home search.

Search Now

Testimonials

Socially Responsible, Conscious & Compliant
We remove the social and financial barriers many consumers experience, and eliminate intentional and unintentional prejudice.
What is the true condition of your home?

Get an investor-grade home inspection so you can better estimate the true condition and value of your home.

What is your home currently worth?

Get a FREE, Premium Automated Valuation Model (AVM) for your property so you can better estimate the true value of your home.

Ask Us Anything!

More Transparency. We help home buyers understand the entire process to improve confidence moving through it.

Book time to speak to local expert

Get the help you need by talking to one of our local experts.

Unwrapping the Gifts of a Buyer's Agent

As the holidays are upon us, we at HomeTraq are reflecting on a year filled of significant change in the real estate landscape.   The recent federal jury ruling against the National Association of Realtors has sent ripples through the industry, bringing to light practices that have not been as buyer-friendly as they have been presented over the years. As we bid farewell to this transformative year, HomeTraq, a trailblazing technology startup specializing in no-commitment, on-demand home tours, is here to....

Unwrap the 3 simple truths about real estate transactions:

1. Forced Commitments are Not Consumer Friendly.  
Forcing consumers to sign Buyers Agency Agreements to simply tour for sale homes is not buyer-focused by any means. HomeTraq boldly declares that the era of compelling buyers to sign binding agreements before even stepping foot in a potential home is outdated and counterproductive. This practice has been a barrier for many buyers, deterring them from exploring available homes freely. We believe in empowering buyers with the freedom to tour homes without unnecessary commitments.

2. Conflicts of Interest are Clear & Present.  
Alternatively, forcing consumers to coordinate home tours directly with the listing agent is not buyer-friendly either, and more concerning it creates a complete conflict of interest challenging the fiduciary responsibility and duty of agents.The potential conflict of interest when buyers coordinate tours and questions directly with listing agents is alarming.  A buyer's agent should act as a dedicated advocate for the buyer's interests, free from conflicting allegiances. This declaration sheds light on the importance of maintaining the fiduciary duty of agents to ensure a fair and transparent real estate process.

3. Commitment is a Two-Way Street.  
When a consumer is ready to make a commitment to work with a specific real estate agent, a Buyer’s Agency Agreement is vital to detail what services consumers are provided and what the buyer agent receives in compensation from their client.  Clarity in commitments should be complimented with clarity in compensation. When a buyer is ready to engage a specific real estate agent, a Buyer's Agency Agreement becomes crucial. This agreement establishes clarity on services provided and the compensation structure, fostering a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship.


The services provided by a buyer's agent have never been performed for free.  The real estate industry, however, has long perpetuated the notion that buyers' agency comes without a cost to the homebuyer.  In response, the recent legal developments are begging the question... What does a buyer's agent actually do in a real estate transaction?  With this in mind, HomeTraq is here to unwrap another set of presents...

The 9 gifts of a buyer's agent:

1. Representation and Advocacy. 
A buyer's agent serves as a steadfast representative, communicating and advocating for the buyer's needs with all parties involved in the home purchase process, including seller’s agents, mortgage lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and title representatives.

2. Finding Home Matches. 
Through various channels, including text, email, phone calls, and online home search portals, a buyer's agent suggests homes and neighborhoods that may align with the buyer's needs and preferences.

3. Tour Coordination. 
Takes the lead in coordinating and scheduling home tours for properties that match the buyer's interests and needs.

4. Facilitating Additional Service Providers.
Educates, coordinates, introduces, and facilitates additional service providers necessary for a successful home purchase, such as mortgage lenders, title companies, attorneys, home insurance providers, inspectors, contractors, municipal inspectors, and appraisers.

5. Market Guidance. 
Provides crucial guidance on current market trends, offer contingencies, and contract clauses that influence the attractiveness of purchase offers.

6. Contract Facilitation.
Structures, drafts, and coordinates the facilitation of contracts and paperwork to successfully submit the purchase offer to buy a home.

7. Negotiation Skills.
Negotiates and communicates with the seller’s representative during the contract offer and negotiation phase to ultimately facilitate acceptance from all parties involved.

8. Concession Navigation.
Negotiates and navigates potential seller and buyer concessions and requirements arising from the home inspection and discovery process.

9. Closing Assistance.
Assists and coordinates the closing process to ensure a smooth transition from offer acceptance to homeownership.


The federal jury ruling against the National Association of Realtors has stirred discomfort in the industry.  While the upheaval may be challenging, it appears to level the playing field, providing much-needed clarity into the financial aspects of a real estate transaction. As we unwrap the true gifts of a buyer's agent this holiday season, HomeTraq stands committed to transparency, empowering buyers with freedom, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships that enrich the real estate experience for all. In the spirit of the season, may the truth about real estate transactions bring joy and enlightenment to buyers and sellers alike.



Thanksgiving Tribute to Home Sweet Home

Home, where our hearts find solace and warmth. It is a sanctuary for both oneself and our loved ones.  In a sometimes cold and lonely world, the embrace of a snug abode, adorned with thoughtful decor, can offer us reassurance and comfort.  Yet, our desire to find a better home or better place to live often makes it easy to overlook the many reasons to be grateful for our current one... 

Cultivating gratitude for our homes can elevate our perspective and enrich our lives.  Here are 10 reasons to be thankful for your home:

  1. Shelter During Difficult Times: In times of adversity, a home becomes a refuge, providing solace during personal crises. The comfort of having a place to retreat to in times of emotional upheaval is a source of reassurance.

  2. Celebration of Happiness: Your home is a witness to life's challenges, providing a secure space to build memories and celebrate happiness. It shelters not just from the elements but also stands as a testimony to personal growth.

  3. Memory-Making Space: Homes serve as the backdrop for cherished memories, from holidays to family gatherings. They provide a canvas for traditions and lasting moments, offering a reservoir of joy during challenging times.

  4. Family Building: Homes are where families are built, laughter is shared, sunrises are witnessed, and moments of relaxation are savored. Each nook and cranny deserves to be revered as a sacred space.

  5. Personal Support System: The home stands as a personal support system, offering protection and comfort. Returning to it daily reinforces a sense of safety and support, making it an integral part of one's life.

  6. Source of Stability: Homes bestow both physical and mental strength, serving as havens during challenging times. Whether seeking respite from work-related stress or finding comfort in times of illness or loss, a familiar and comfortable home is invaluable.

  7. Thankful for the Good:  Even if you believe your home is just in "mediocre condition", focus on the features which currently require no immediate renovation or repair.  Things can happen at anytime which require lots of money and stress to repair.  Acknowledge if your are in a fortunate period and appreciate the stability and absence of unexpected stress.

  8. Expression of Personality: Your home is a canvas for the expression of your personality, a realm free from judgment. Unlike the scrutiny that may accompany unconventional personal style choices, your home allows you to design with unabashed authenticity. Homes afford the liberty to reflect personal tastes, values, and routines without external judgment. 

  9. Stress-Free Zone: Beyond the stresses of daily life, your home provides a refuge where you can cast off the burdens of the day upon crossing the threshold.

  10. Safe Sanctuary: A home is a safe retreat where one can reset, find solace, and embrace peace amid life's challenges. Whether navigating difficulties or reveling in positive phases, your home is a personal sanctuary that welcomes you at the end of each day.


Expressing gratitude to your home is essential.  While your home is not a living being which has feelings, you are.  When you take time to reflect on the good things which your home provides, you will find calmness and peace in your life.  Greet it daily, show appreciation, and consider these practices:

  1. Journaling: Express gratitude through journaling, describing what your home means to you. Share anecdotes and display pictures of meaningful moments.

  2. Appreciate Everyday Items: Challenge yourself to appreciate the value of everyday items by imagining their absence. Reflect on the impact on your life and the relief upon realizing their presence.

  3. Practice Awareness: Take daily moments to notice and appreciate aspects of your home, from furniture arrangements to the aroma of cooking. Acknowledge the unique haven you've created for yourself.

  4. Reflect on Memories: Reflect on the journey that led you to your home, recalling the circumstances and people involved. Documenting these memories allows you to appreciate your progress and unexpected outcomes.

  5. Upgrade Your Home: Invest time in upgrading your home, whether through new furniture, fresh paint, or landscaping. The act of enhancing your living space fosters a deeper sense of gratitude.


Importance of a Real Estate Buyer's Agent: Recent Lawsuits Sheds Light

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, it's crucial for homebuyers to have a trusted advocate by their side throughout the home buying process. The recent $1.78 billion verdict in the Sitzer/Burnett v. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) class-action lawsuit focuses on unfair "cooperative compensation" practices in real estate, but it also brings light to the significance of the duties performed by agents involved in the real estate transaction. 

This lawsuit begs the question, why does a homebuyer even need a buyer's agent?   Here are some reasons why a real estate agent representing a homebuyer plays a critical role in ensuring that the buyer's best interests are protected:


The Listing Agent Represents the Seller, Not the Buyer:  One of the most fundamental reasons for enlisting the services of a buyer's agent is the inherent conflict of interest in real estate transactions. Listing agents, affiliated with the seller, are primarily focused on securing the highest possible price for the property they represent. This means that when a prospective buyer approaches a property, attends an open house, or expresses interest in a listing, the listing agent's primary duty is to the seller. They're not looking out for the buyer's best interests whatsoever.

The potential consequences of relying solely on listing agents is a huge concern in the real estate industry right now, as there are many lawsuits now being filed which challenge the status quo of how the real estate industry has operated for over 100 years.  While lacking real solutions to some long-term problems, these cases highlight the industry's need for transparency and unbiased representation. 


Buyers Need Their Own Advocate to Navigate the Home Buying Process:  The home buying process can be a complex, daunting, and sometimes an extremely overwhelming journey. From property selection and negotiation to inspections and closing, numerous steps require careful consideration. A buyer's agent serves as an advocate, offering expert guidance every step of the way. They bring experience, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to ensure buyers make informed decisions.

These lawsuits have the potential to rewrite the entire structure of the real estate industry in the United States, by lowering the cost of moving homes by reducing commissions, but at the same time underscores the importance of homebuyers having an advocate in the real estate transaction. This case serves as a reminder of the need for unbiased representation, especially when significant financial investments are at stake. 



Contractual Commitments Effect Service Levels:  Once a consumer signs a commitment (Buyer's Agency Commitment) to work with a real estate agent, it's essential to understand the legal binding nature of the agreement.  Committing via a signed representation agreement with a real estate agent truly can be perceived as a "double-edged" sword.  While many agents are committed to serving the interests of their clients as best they can throughout the home buying and selling process, there are instances where expedited service levels taper off once a contractual commitment is signed.  This happens because the agent may perceive they no longer have to go "above and beyond" to earn their clients business, simply because the commitment has already been executed.  In such cases, it's essential for all parties to remember that the buyer has the power to make what choices are in their best interest.  Buyer's Agency Commitments in most cases can be voided by request of the buyer, but often only happens in extreme cases of malpractice.


The Financial Commitment to Hire a Real Estate Agent is Substantial:  Typically, the home seller pays their listing agent via their listing agreement, then the listing agent splits the commission with the buyer’s agent. Traditionally, that works out to a 5%-7% commission split roughly evenly between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.  While the primary focus of the pending lawsuits is on the commission and costs associated with buying a selling a home, it's essential that buyers and sellers alike know, they have the ability to ensure their interests are well-represented.  Additionally, as the lawsuits claim, the commissions paid to real estate agents are negotiable, despite what may perceived as industry standard practices. 


These Lawsuits Serve as a Reminder of the Critical Role Buyer's Agents Play in the Real Estate Transaction: The listing agent primarily represents the seller's interests, and a buyer's agent is essential to ensure the buyer's best interests are protected throughout the process.  While contractual commitments exist, it's important to remember that both the buyers and sellers have the power to make decisions that align with their goals. 


Trying to further understand how these lawsuits may help you make better decisions in the real estate buying journey?

How do you find a real estate agent you can trust?

Are you curious about why visiting open houses are not in your best interest?


Mid America Regional Information Systems, Inc. Information from Third Parties, Deemed Reliable but Not Verified.
Equal Housing Opportunity HomeTraq © 2024