Frequently Asked Questions
Buyer FAQ
1. Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home?
No, but having a buyer’s agent gives you expert guidance, negotiation skills, and market insight and education throughout your Buying journey.
2. How much home can I afford?
This depends on your income, debts, credit score, and down payment. A lender can pre-approve you to give a clear budget range. We have a list of preferred vendors that we have worked on deals with clients in the past. You may choose to work with whomever you please, we ask that you do your due diligence anyone you choose to work with.,
3. What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an estimate; pre-approval is a verified loan amount and carries more weight with sellers. Your lender can go over these difference as well as needed.
4. How much do I need for a down payment?
It can range from 0–20% depending on the loan type. Some programs allow low or no down payment. There are multiple financing options as well as down payment assistance programs that your lender can offer. That is why we stress the importance of reaching out to a lender concurrently with us so you have a clear understanding of your financial ability and purchasing power.
5. What other costs should I expect besides the purchase price?
Closing costs, down payment, insurance, earnest money inspections, appraisal fees, moving costs, and future maintenance.
6. How long does the buying process take?
Once you have an executed contract it can take anywhere from 30-90 days to closing, depending on financing and inspections.
7. What happens after I make an offer?
The seller can accept, reject, or counter. Once accepted, inspections, appraisal, and loan processing begin.
9. What is a home inspection, and do I need one?
A professional inspection checks the property’s condition. It’s highly recommended to avoid costly surprises.
10. What does “closing” mean?
Closing is when paperwork is finalized, all contingencies are met, if any, , funds are transferred, and you officially receive the keys. CONGRATULATIONS
11. How competitive is the market right now?
Market conditions vary by location. Your agent can explain whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market.
13. What credit score do I need to buy a home?
Some loans accept scores as low as the 580–620 range, though higher scores usually get better rates. This also varies from lender to lender.
14. Should I buy now or wait?
This depends on your financial readiness, lifestyle needs, and market conditions—not just interest rates. Schedule a consultation and lets discuss your options.
Seller FAQ
1. Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home?
You can sell on your own, but an agent helps with pricing, marketing, negotiations, paperwork, and protecting your best interests. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options and get to know our team.
2. How do I know what my home is worth?
A comparative market analysis (CMA) looks at recent sales, current listings, and market trends to determine a competitive price. We can create a CMA for you should you move forward with our services. We want you to know what your home is worth before listing.
3. How should I prepare my home for sale?
Clean, declutter, make minor repairs, and consider staging to highlight your home’s best features. If this is a newly rehabbed project, staging allows for buyers to visual all that the property has to offer. Sometime its hard to look at blank canvas and immediately know what piece should go where, that can be a downfall for buyers.
4. When is the best time to sell my home?
Spring and summer are traditionally strong, but the best time depends on your local market and personal goals. Properties are sold all year round, it also depends on your financial situation of when to list your property.
5. How long will it take to sell my home?
This varies by price, condition, and market demand. Some homes sell in days; others take weeks or months. Once we are reatined and create a CMA we can discuss more about the timeframe of selling your home. Also, listing a property too high can deter a lot of people from viewing your property.
6. What are closing costs for sellers?
Typical costs include agent commissions, title fees, escrow fees, prorated taxes, mortgage payoffs, and any agreed-upon repairs or credits. We will discuss this as well to help you understand your bottom line.
7. How are showings handled?
Showings are scheduled through your agent, often via lockbox or appointment, with notice when possible. Depending on the property we also hold Open Houses with a Lender on-site for instant pre-approvals.
8. Should I make repairs before listing?
Minor repairs can help attract buyers and reduce negotiation issues. Major repairs depend on cost vs. return.
9. What happens once I receive an offer?
You can accept, counter, or reject. Your agent will help evaluate price, terms, and buyer strength.
10. What is a home inspection from a seller’s perspective?
The buyer inspects the property and may request repairs or credits based on findings.
11. What if the appraisal comes in low?
Options include renegotiating the price, disputing the appraisal, or having the buyer bring more cash.
12. Do I need to disclose defects?
Yes. Sellers are legally required to disclose known material defects to avoid future liability.
13. Can I sell my home “as-is”?
Yes, but you still must disclose known issues. “As-is” doesn’t prevent buyers from negotiating.