Best Real Estate Vendors in Houston

July 2011 update

This list was initially compiled in 2007, and it is severely outdated. Some vendors may no longer be in business, other worthy vendors are not listed. By the end of 2011, this list is likely to be completely redone, based on a brand new survey of Houston real estate community. Stay tuned.

WARNING: Please keep in mind that this is not “Michael Plaks list.” I do NOT endorse these vendors personally. In fact, I do not even know half of them! These vendors were nominated by Houston investors who subscribed to my 3,000-strong email list. Similarly, there are many other vendors who I would personally endorse but who are not listed below.

If you want to learn how this list was assembled or you want to add another reliable vendor to this list, please see the background information below. Otherwise, please contact these vendors – but at your own risk, of course. Again: these vendors are not endorsed by Michael Plaks.

• Deal makers: Realtors, lenders, inspectors, title companies
• Supporting actors: attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, mentors
• Contractors: GCs, plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC
• Suppliers: building materials, appliances

Deal makers: Realtors, lenders, inspectors, title companies

Supporting actors: attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, mentors

Contractors: general, plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC

Suppliers: building materials, appliances

Michael, how did you select these vendors?
I did not. This list was assembled in late 2006 – early 2007 as a “community service” project and entirely from community input. I sent emails to my more than 3,000 subscribers all of whom are local real estate investors. I asked to send me nominations for whoever they considered to be honest, competent, and reliable. If a particular vendor received at least 3 nominations (from 3 different investors of course) and no “blacklisting” demands – he made the list.

How did you filter out “bad” responses?
Perhaps, I did not, but I tried. I know most of the people who responded to my request, and I have no reason to believe any of them had mean intentions. No self-nominations were accepted. As far as “blacklisting”, if I received multiple negative responses towards the same person (which did happen) – I took it as a collective “no.” In cases of an isolated negative feedback, I contacted the “complainers”, and all of them agreed to withdraw their requests. I did the best I could to make the process fair.

Can I trust the vendors listed here?
You kidding me? Who can guarantee you this nowadays? You can be assured of two things only: these vendors did not pay me anything to get listed, and each of them was recommended by at least three local investors. Whether it is good enough for you – is your call.

Why there is only one vendor (or none) listed under category A?
Because nobody else met my conditions: three nominations and no blacklisting. I have many vendors in my database who received only two nominations and need one more to be included. Your vote can make this difference. Please email me!

How come this great vendor, Mr. X, is not listed?
One of the two reasons. Either he did not receive the required 3 nominations – or did receive multiple negative feedback. Also, couple vendors requested to not be listed because they are not taking new business. Neither of these three possibilities means that this is a bad vendor! “Not listed” does not really tell you anything. In fact, several of my friends who I will highly recommend if you ask me privately, did not make this list. As I said, this is not “Michael Plaks list.”

Can you add Mr. X to this list?
Possibly, and even likely. This list will be expanded as I receive more feedback. Please email me your nomination (but no self-nominations please). If this vendor already has two other votes – he will be in! Please help your favorite vendors by voting for them.