Kenya Burrell is a top-producing Realtor and the owner of K Burrell Properties. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Houston Association of Realtors Executive Committee as the 2014 Secretary/Treasurer, and is 1st Vice Chair for the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC). In this article, she offers some insider tips to first-time buyers having to deal with a strong seller’s market.
Burrell is a sixth generation Texan, and native Houstonian. She has been actively involved in real estate for 13 years, with a focus in residential real estate, new home construction and sales/marketing management. Burrell recalls first getting into the business: “A good friend encouraged me to earn my real estate license. Since I’ve always been interested in helping people I took this advice and earned my license in 2001.”
Houston is one of the most competitive real estate markets in America and definitely not an easy one in which to survive as a Realtor. When asked how she consistently outperformed other Realtors in her area, Burrell was very complimentary. “The dynamics of our market are ever-changing. With the world becoming a smaller place, the influence of technology and an uber-informed clientele, the way we do business has changed.” She continues, “Agents in Houston are very savvy and are adapting to these changes. While technology definitely plays a huge role, I strive to be more consumer-centric, and focus on the buyer/seller experience.”
For some time now, the Houston market has been a challenging one – especially for first-time home buyers. “Houston is experiencing a strong seller’s market,” Burrell explains. “This means that there is limited supply of properties available in the market and buyers are facing higher prices and less time to make decisions.”
While this may sound somewhat daunting, Burrell does have a number of short, simple suggestions for first-time (and even more experienced) home buyers. “Start your home search on the HAR (Houston Association of Realtors) website. This is the leading website for real estate in Texas and their content is updated every 15 minutes.” With a smile Burrell adds, “But beware. It is addictive.”
Burrell also recommends that buyers consult a lender early in the process and get pre-approved for a loan so they can determine the amount of home that they can afford. She adds, “If you are new to the area drive around and pinpoint where you want to live. Drive through the neighborhood at night and on the weekends to get a better feel for it under different circumstances.”
Burrell also makes a good, albeit tough observation. “In this market, understand that multiple offers on a property is more common than not.” She explains, “Not everyone will receive a trophy so be prepared for a rejected offer. It’s not personal and it’s not the end of the world. There is a property for you. It just takes a little more time and patience in this market.”
Wise words indeed.
Saving her best and perhaps most inspiring advice for last, Burrell enthusiastically reminds consumers, “The fundamentals of buying a home haven’t changed. Work with an informed Realtor, get pre-approved, add a little patience and the American dream is a reality!”
Burrell is one of Houston’s leading and most trusted Realtors. She has been featured on Fox News Houston, ABC 13 News Houston, Fox News, the New York Times and Forbes.com. Anyone wishing to learn more about Kenya Burrell or her services may reach her at: http://www.har.com/kenyaburrell or Text/Talk: (713) 628-8383.