Inside Houston Real Estate

Ep 54 Contract Contingencies Explained

In this episode of Inside Houston Real Estate, hosts Mark Zachary of Next Step Home Loans and Craig Carter with RE/MAX Integrity break down the most important contingencies in the Texas contract process—and why they matter. We cover: * Financing, appraisal, and inspection contingencies * Option period timelines and common mistakes * How contingencies protect buyers and sellers * When waiving contingencies makes sense—and when it doesn't If you're writing, reviewing, or negotiating a contract in Texas, this episode helps you avoid surprises and protect your position from offer to closing. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Ep 53 Choosing the Right Mortgage Lender: What Really Matters

In this episode of Inside Houston Real Estate, hosts Mark Zachary of Next Step Home Loans and Craig Carter with RE/MAX Integrity break down how buyers can confidently choose the right mortgage lender—before it's too late. We cover: The difference between banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers Why rate isn't the only number that matters Red flags to watch for before you apply Questions every buyer should ask before committing Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and choose a lender who can actually get you to the closing table—on time and on terms that work for you. 🎙️ Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Ep 52 Listener Questions - What are the Realtor Fees in Texas and what Buyers & Sellers Need to Know📝

In this listener-question episode of Inside Houston Real Estate, we tackle one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions in Texas real estate: What are realtor fees in Texas, and who pays them? Hosts Mark Zachary of Next Step Home Loans and Craig Carter with RE/MAX Integrity break down the typical commission structures in Texas, How fees are negotiated (yes, they are negotiable). They also break down what buyers vs. sellers should expect and how realtor compensation impacts pricing, offers, and net proceeds Whether you're buying, selling, or just trying to understand the numbers behind the transaction, this episode clears up the confusion—no fluff, just straight talk. 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Ep 51 The Role of the Listing Agent Explained

In this episode of Inside Houston Real Estate, hosts Craig Carter and Mark Zachery answer listener questions about the role of the listing agent in today's Houston real estate market. They break down what a listing agent actually does for sellers, how listing agents market homes, negotiate offers, and protect their client's best interests throughout the transaction. Craig and Mark also explain how the listing agent works with buyers' agents, common misconceptions sellers have, and what homeowners should expect when choosing the right agent to sell their home. This episode is a must-listen for Houston homeowners, sellers, and buyers looking to better understand how real estate agents operate and how to get the most value from a home sale.

Ep 50Houston Home Buying Q&A: Earnest Money and Financial Mistakes to Avoid

In this episode of Inside Houston Real Estate, Craig and Mark answer listener questions about earnest money, down payments, closing costs, and other important financial topics every home buyer needs to understand. Learn how earnest money works in Texas, how much you should offer, what happens if a real estate contract is canceled, and how these costs impact your home purchase in the Houston real estate market. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or preparing to move up, this episode provides expert insight into buying a home, avoiding costly mistakes, and navigating today's Houston housing market with confidence.