Expert guidance for buyers, sellers, and property owners — every step of the way    

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

BUYING

Whether you're purchasing your first home or expanding your real estate portfolio, our agents are here to guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.
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How do I know if I'm ready to buy a home?

You're ready to buy when you have a stable income, a manageable debt-to-income ratio, a sufficient down payment saved, and a solid credit score. Our agents will walk you through a full financial readiness assessment before you begin your search.

How much do I need for a down payment?

Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3–20%, while FHA loans can go as low as 3.5%. VA and USDA loans may require zero down for qualified buyers. We'll connect you with trusted lenders to explore all your options.

What is a buyer's agent and do I need one?

A buyer's agent represents your interests exclusively throughout the home purchase process — from searching and negotiations to contract review and closing. In most transactions, the seller pays the buyer's agent commission, so this representation typically costs you nothing out of pocket.

What should I look for during a home showing?

Beyond aesthetics, pay close attention to the roof age, HVAC condition, water heater age, signs of water damage, foundation integrity, and electrical panel. Your Rone & Associates agent will guide you through each showing with a trained eye for issues that matter.

How long does the home buying process take?

Once under contract, most closings occur within 30–45 days. The full buying process — from pre-approval to closing — can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the market and how quickly you find the right property.

What is earnest money and how much should I offer?

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit submitted with your offer to demonstrate serious intent. In most markets, 1–3% of the purchase price is standard. This amount is typically applied toward your down payment or closing costs at closing. Your agent will advise you on the appropriate amount based on local market conditions.

What are closing costs and how much should I expect?

Closing costs typically range from 2–5% of the purchase price and cover items such as lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, inspection, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Your lender is required to provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of your application.

Do I need a home inspection?

A home inspection is strongly recommended. It is not required by law, but it provides an independent, professional assessment of the property's condition. The findings can be used to negotiate repairs, a price reduction, or buyer credits — or simply to make an informed decision before proceeding.

What happens if my offer is rejected?

A rejected offer is not the end of the road. Sellers may reject, counter, or simply not respond within a deadline. Your agent will analyze the situation — whether to revise your offer, move on, or remain available should the seller's circumstances change — and guide you strategically toward your goal.

Should I get pre-approved before starting my home search?

Absolutely. Pre-approval is one of the most important steps you can take before searching. It defines your budget, strengthens your offers in the eyes of sellers, and ensures there are no financing surprises later in the process. We have trusted lending partners ready to assist you.

SELLING

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make. Our team combines market expertise with a luxury-level marketing approach to maximize your outcome.
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How do you determine the listing price for my home?

We conduct a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), evaluating recent sales of comparable homes in your area, current market conditions, and your property's unique features. Our goal is to price your home strategically to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

What can I do to prepare my home for sale?

First impressions matter enormously. We recommend decluttering, deep cleaning, addressing minor repairs, and considering light staging. Our agents will provide a customized pre-listing checklist during your initial consultation to help you present your home at its finest.

How long will it take to sell my home?

Days on market vary based on pricing, condition, location, and current inventory levels. With our premium marketing approach — professional photography, targeted digital campaigns, and broad MLS exposure — well-priced homes in good condition often attract offers within the first two weeks.

Do I need to be present for showings?

It is actually preferred that sellers are not present during showings. Buyers tend to feel more comfortable exploring and discussing the home openly. We handle all showing coordination and provide you with timely feedback after each visit.

What are my costs when selling a home?

Typical seller costs include real estate commissions, title insurance, any agreed-upon repairs from the buyer's inspection, prorated property taxes, and potential HOA transfer fees. We'll provide a full net sheet estimate before you list so there are no surprises at the closing table.

Can I sell my home while still living in it?

Absolutely — the majority of sellers do. We work around your schedule for showings, keep disruptions to a minimum, and advise you on how to present a lived-in home at its very best throughout the listing period.

What disclosures am I required to make as a seller in Texas?

Texas law requires sellers to complete a Seller's Disclosure Notice, which covers known material defects, the condition of major systems, and other issues that may affect the property's value or desirability. Your agent will guide you through this process to ensure full compliance and protect you from future liability.

Should I make repairs before listing, or sell as-is?

The answer depends on the scope of needed repairs, your timeline, and local market conditions. Strategic updates — fresh paint, updated fixtures, minor repairs — often yield a strong return. Larger renovations may not be worth the time or cost. Your agent will provide honest guidance on what makes financial sense for your specific situation.

How do I evaluate an offer on my home?

Price is just one factor. We evaluate the buyer's financing (cash vs. financed), the strength of their pre-approval, proposed closing date, contingencies, and any requests for seller concessions. Our agents will help you compare all offers holistically and negotiate the best possible terms.

What happens if the buyer's inspection finds problems?

After a buyer's inspection, they may request repairs, a price reduction, or closing cost credits. You are not obligated to agree to every request. Your agent will help you negotiate a fair resolution — whether that means addressing key items, offering a concession, or in some cases, standing firm on the current terms.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Owning rental property should be rewarding, not overwhelming. Our property management team handles every detail so you can enjoy the returns without the day-to-day demands.
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What types of properties do you manage?

We manage single-family residences, townhomes, condominiums, and small multi-family properties. Whether you own one rental or a growing portfolio, we provide the same caliber of attentive, professional service across every property type.

How do you screen potential tenants?

Our screening process includes credit history review, employment and income verification, rental history checks, and criminal background screening — all conducted in compliance with Fair Housing laws. Our goal is to place reliable, long-term tenants who treat your property as their own.

How and when will I receive my owner disbursements?

Owner disbursements are processed monthly, following rent collection and deduction of any applicable management fees or approved maintenance expenses. You'll receive a detailed statement with every disbursement and have 24/7 access to your owner portal for real-time visibility.

What happens if a tenant doesn't pay rent?

We follow a firm, legally compliant process immediately upon non-payment — beginning with formal written notices and escalating as required under Texas law. If eviction becomes necessary, we coordinate the legal process on your behalf to minimize lost revenue and vacancy time.

How do you handle maintenance requests?

Tenants submit maintenance requests through our management system, which notifies our team immediately. We triage by urgency, coordinate with trusted licensed contractors, and keep both you and your tenant informed throughout the process. You approve any repair costs above your pre-set threshold.

What are your property management fees?

Our fee structure is transparent and competitive. Management fees are typically a percentage of monthly rent collected, with additional one-time fees for tenant placement. We will walk you through our full fee schedule during your complimentary consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Can I still access my property when you are managing it?

Yes — you retain full ownership and access rights to your property. We simply ask that all access during a tenancy follows proper notice requirements under Texas law (typically 24 hours) to protect you from any legal liability and to maintain a professional relationship with your tenant.

How do you handle lease renewals?

We proactively reach out to tenants prior to lease expiration to gauge renewal interest. If renewing, we assess current market rents and recommend any appropriate rent adjustments. All renewal agreements are handled on your behalf, keeping your property occupied and your income uninterrupted.

  Our team is ready to provide the answers and guidance you deserve  

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