Trusted Vendor Directory
A field guide to the professionals who help buyers and sellers get from “for sale” to “sold” — and everywhere in between.
Real estate is a team sport. Along the way, you’ll likely work with several specialists beyond your Listing Squirrel agent — some required by law or lender, others simply worth having in your corner. Below is a rundown of who they are, what they do, and when you’ll need them. Working with any specific vendor is always your choice; we’re happy to make introductions to professionals we know and trust, but you’re never required to use a particular company.
Financing & Money
Mortgage Lenders
Evaluate your finances, issue pre-qualification or pre-approval letters, and fund your home loan. Buyers should connect with a lender before house hunting — it clarifies your budget and shows sellers you’re serious. Shop rates and terms across more than one lender before committing.
Mortgage Brokers
Mortgage Brokers work with multiple lenders on your behalf to compare loan products and rates, rather than offering financing from a single institution. A useful option if you want more shopping done for you.
Homeowners Insurance Agents
Provide the insurance policy your lender will require before closing (and one you’ll want regardless). Get quotes early — insurance costs vary significantly by property, location, and coverage level, and can affect your overall budget.
Home Warranty Companies
Offer optional service contracts covering the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances after closing. Sometimes offered as a negotiating point between buyer and seller during a transaction.
Inspections & Due Diligence
Licensed Home Inspectors
Evaluate a property’s condition — roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more — and provide a written report during the option period. Their findings often drive repair negotiations, so buyers should choose an inspector carefully and attend the inspection if possible.
Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) / Termite Inspectors
Conduct a specialized inspection for termites and other wood-destroying pests, commonly required by lenders as a separate report from the general home inspection.
Land Surveyors
Prepare or update a property survey showing boundary lines, easements, and structures. Title companies and lenders often require a current survey; sellers sometimes have an existing one that can be updated rather than redone from scratch.
Appraisers
Provide an independent, lender-ordered estimate of a home’s market value to confirm it supports the loan amount. Appraisers are assigned by the lender rather than chosen directly by buyer or seller.
Closing & Legal
Title Companies
Research a property’s ownership history, issue title insurance, hold earnest money in escrow, and coordinate the closing itself. The Listing Squirrel frequently works with Independence Title, but the choice of title company always belongs to the buyer and seller.
Real Estate Attorneys
Advise on legal matters outside an agent’s scope — title issues, estate sales, contract disputes, or anything unusually complex. Not required for a typical Texas residential transaction, but valuable when a situation calls for it.
Mobile Notaries
Travel to a signer’s location — home, office, or elsewhere — to notarize closing documents. Especially useful for sellers who’ve already relocated or anyone who can’t make it to the title company in person.
HOA Management Companies
Issue the resale certificate and governing documents required when a property is part of a homeowners association, including dues, restrictions, and any pending assessments.
Presentation & Prep
Professional Photographers
Capture the listing photos that drive online interest — often the single biggest factor in getting buyers to click on a listing. The Listing Squirrel has a preferred photographer we recommend based on consistent results, though sellers are always free to use their own photos or another photographer.
Home Stagers
Arrange furniture and decor (or bring in rental pieces) to help a home show its best in photos and in person. Can range from a light consultation to a full furniture package.
House Cleaners
Handle deep cleaning before listing photos and showings begin, and move-out cleaning once the home is vacated for the next owner.
Landscapers & Lawn Care
Boost curb appeal before a listing goes live and keep the yard photo- and showing-ready throughout the marketing period.
Handyman & Repair Contractors
Handyman & Repair Contractors Take care of small pre-listing fixes or post-inspection repairs — anything from a leaky faucet to a cracked tile — without the overhead of a larger contractor.
General Contractors
Handle larger-scope repairs or renovations, whether that’s addressing a significant inspection finding or a buyer’s post-closing remodel plans.
Moving Day
Moving Companies
Pack, transport, and unload household belongings. Worth booking early, especially during peak moving season (spring and summer), when good movers get scheduled up fast.
Locksmiths
Rekey or replace locks after closing — a simple, inexpensive step every buyer should take once the home is officially theirs.
Storage Facilities
Bridge the gap when moving dates don’t line up perfectly, or when downsizing means not everything makes the trip to the new place.
Have a vendor you love working with, or need an introduction to one of ours?
Reach out to your Listing Squirrel agent
we’re always glad to connect you with people we trust.