Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I prepare my house before selling it?

First impressions matter in business, but especially in real estate. Anyone walking through a house or touring it virtually will be looking for ways to pass or negotiate down on the price. Homeowners must make sure that the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system all work properly. Each room should look clean and decluttered with no overt damage insight.

2. Should I order a home inspection?

Getting a pre-sale home inspected is never a bad idea, especially to get the best price for your home. Some homebuyers will feel uncomfortable purchasing a house without seeing a home inspection. Many will often hire their own inspector. It is better to be safe than sorry.

3. How long will it take to sell my home?

Once the house is on the market, it may take anywhere from four to six weeks to sell. However, if the market is fairly hot, a seller could see their house off the market within a week. On the flip side, if there is a lull in the market or issues arise such as negotiation, lack of exposure, or house conditions then the property can sit on the market for months.

4. What is the selling price of my home?

The selling price of a house fluctuates depending on multiple factors. The most common ones are the neighborhood and what similar-sized houses are being sold for. Also, look at the age and condition. Do major repairs need to be done? If so, that might lower the property. Again, the market matters. Like everything else, home prices vary depending on supply and demand. Your job as a realtor is to best inform your clients about these different factors and accurately list their house. 

5. Is there a reason my home’s assessed value differs compared to the market value?

A public tax assessor gives the assessed value for a property. This assessment typically occurs yearly for taxation purposes. The fair market value is an agreed-upon price between a willing buyer and seller. There is usually a difference between the assessed value and the market value. For homeowners, the assessed value is a double-edged sword. Because, if their annual assessed value increases then their yearly taxes will also be raised. On the flip side, when selling a house it can help boost its market value.

6. What is an agent’s commission fee?

In a real estate transaction, the agent is usually paid by the seller via commission as opposed to a flat free. Typically, a real estate commission fee is 5–6% of the home’s final sale price.

7. Are real estate prices negotiable?

Yes, almost everything in real estate is negotiable. Typically, there is a difference between a home’s list price and how much it actually sells for. The current market’s saturation will determine how much wiggle room there is for negotiation.

8. Should I sell my current property before buying a new one?

This is a tricky question, and the answer primarily depends on one’s funds and ability to find temporary housing. If a client needs more equity to purchase a new home or meet a mortgage plan, then it is best to sell one’s current home before purchasing their next one. That said, they will most likely need temporary housing at a friend or relatives, or by arranging a short-term rental elsewhere.

10. Should I do a home inspection?

Yes. Either, order a home inspection for your client or have them order one. A home inspection is one of the most vital steps when purchasing a property. A professional inspector has a keen eye for how well the house has been taken care of. The inspectors can comment on structural and cosmetic issues, along with any local code issues. Moreover, a home inspector will help you better determine the home’s value.

11. Should I do a final walk-through?

A final walk-through is not required but highly recommended. Final walk-throughs give buyers a chance to make sure nothing has changed since their initial inspection or previous visits. In addition, if repairs were requested as part of the sale offer then a follow-up visit ensures all repairs are done according to the agreement and contract.

12. How does earnest money work?

Earnest money is similar to a deposit when renting a place. It is made in good faith to demonstrate to the seller that the buyer’s offer is legitimate. As a real estate agent, you should ask your client for the earnest money as a deposit in the form of a check or cash. The amount is usually 1-2% of the selling price and essentially takes the property off the market. The money also gives the buyer extra time to conduct a title search, get an inspection and property appraisal, and financing.

13. How many houses should I view before purchasing one?

The number of houses to view can depend greatly. However, it is much easier today to connect and see houses online by taking virtual tours or seeing detailed photographs. Therefore, you can view as many properties as you desire. Once a list is narrowed down; you can visit properties for physical inspection.

14. What happens if I decide to back out of buying a house?

If you develop cold feet about a property that is okay, know that you will have to forfeit the earnest money, which again, is around 1–2% of the home’s sale price.

15. What is a mortgage and how does it work?

A mortgage is a type of loan to finance a property. The majority of people are not wealthy enough to purchase a house in total. Thus, a mortgage serves as a secure loan that comes with a fixed interest rate and is paid off between 15 and 30 years. If need be, you can refinance your mortgage and payments in the future.

16. What is the process of using an escrow entail?

An escrow is a term that refers to a neutral third party hired to handle the exchange of money, property transactions, and related documents. The escrow holds the money and documents in trust until all terms and conditions of the sale are satisfied. When depositing the earnest money, it is wise to use an escrow account.