ask george & chuck
Dec. 8, 2008

Senior buyers, broken furnaces
Answers to real estate questions as appearing
in the Houston Chronicle

Dear George: I'm moving to Texas. I worry that I won't be able to find suitable housing, because my income is limited to my monthly Social Security check. Can you offer me any advice?

Answer: Contact a Texas REALTOR® who holds the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. REALTORS® who earn the SRES designation are well-equipped to handle the real estate needs of buyers and sellers such as you. Visit the SRES Web site to learn more about the deignation and to search by city for a list of Texas REALTORS® who hold the SRES designation.

Dear George: I am renting a 54-foot trailer with a broken furnace. I reported this condition to my landlord eight months ago, and he hired an HVAC company to repair it. However, the furnace needs to be replaced; the repairman said that there was a carbon monoxide leak that is not fixable. My landlord, who is also a Texas REALTOR®, informed me that he can't afford to replace the furnace and that I should use space heaters in each room. What are my options?

Answer: You have several options. Because your landlord is a Texas REALTOR®, you can call the Texas Association of REALTORS® at 800/873-9155 and ask to speak to someone about their Ombudsman Program. This free service helps consumers who have issues with a Texas REALTOR®. This call is a logical first step, although you might have a right to terminate your lease because your landlord has failed to provide safe and workable equipment in the premises.

You can also file a complaint against your landlord with the Texas Real Estate Commission, take your landlord to a justice of the peace court, seek mediation or arbitration services between yourself and your landlord, or hire an attorney to represent your interests. Start with the call to the Texas Association of REALTORS®. Many times, the Ombudsman Program enables consumers and Texas REALTORS® to find common ground.