Frequently Asked Questions

Technically, no, but having a skilled agent can save you time, stress, and money. Agents have access to exclusive listings, market insights, and negotiation expertise to help you find the perfect home while avoiding common pitfalls.

Pre-qualification gives you an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow, while pre-approval is a more thorough process that includes credit checks and income verification. Sellers typically prefer buyers who are pre-approved.

Down payments vary depending on your loan type. Conventional loans typically require 5-20%, while FHA loans may require as little as 3.5%. Some VA or USDA loans may offer 0% down payment options.

We always say the first, most important step when you're serious about buying a home is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval letter from a lender will provide you with the most important tool in your home buying toolkit. However, beforehand - when you're still considering taking the leap - start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you like? Your home should fit the way you live, with enough space and features that appeal to the whole family.

The number of houses you look at is entirely up to you - we'll show you as many homes as it takes to find the perfect one. The pandemic has made virtual showings the new norm and allows you the ability to see homes without leaving your couch or traveling. Even before that, searching online for homes, video walk-throughs, 3D tours and professional photos made things much easier. However, you can't beat seeing the home in person and getting a feel for it, imagining yourself there and learning about the area.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your lifetime so having second thoughts is ok - these things happen. We've experienced it firsthand. However, It's important to know that if you decide to back out of a home purchase after going under contract, you could forfeit the earnest money you've provided which is 1-2% of the sales price of the home.

Yes, this is common, but it requires careful planning. Options like contingent offers, bridge loans, or temporary housing can help you navigate both transactions smoothly.

Maximizing space by decluttering. Getting your home inspection, repairs, increasing curb appeal are all things to consider when preparing to sell your home. If you'd like a more detailed guide on getting your home ready, take a look at our article, "4 Tips to For A Higher Home Appraisal"

Pricing your home competitively requires a market analysis of recent comparable sales (comps), an understanding of current market conditions, and factoring in your home’s unique features. An experienced agent can help you set the right price to attract buyers and maximize your return.

Staging isn’t mandatory, but it can make a big difference. Homes that are staged often sell faster and for more money because they help buyers visualize the space and its potential.

Once you figure in 45-60 days between pending and the actual close date, your home may sell as quickly as two months after you place it on the market. Depending on local market factors and your price point, some homes will sell quicker than others but planning for 1 to 2 months from listing to closing will help alleviate stress.

If your home isn’t selling, it may be due to factors like pricing, market conditions, or presentation. Adjusting the price, updating the listing photos, or making minor improvements can help attract more interest.

As a home seller, Getting a pre-sale home inspection can't hurt it could help you get the best price for your home and help in negotiations by being aware of and addressing any major issues that could affect an offer. A home buyer will typically pay for their inspection of a home. As a home buyer, If you are going to finance your home with an FHA or VA loan, home inspections are required. Inspections aren't necessary for other mortgage programs however, we recommend them because they can reveal defects that aren't easy to detect.

Earnest money is Market value is the price a home would likely sell for in the current market, based on buyer demand, comparable sales, and property features. Assessed value is the value determined by the local tax assessor for property tax purposes. It’s often lower than the market value and may not reflect the home’s true selling price.

Earnest money is a deposit you put down to show the seller you’re serious about purchasing their home. It’s typically 1-3% of the purchase price and is held in escrow. You may get it back if the deal falls through due to contingencies like failed inspections or financing. If you back out of the deal for other reasons, the seller may keep the deposit.

When a house goes into escrow, a neutral third party (the escrow company) holds funds and documents while the buyer and seller complete the transaction. During escrow: The buyer secures financing and completes inspections. The seller provides necessary disclosures and resolves any agreed-upon repairs. Once all conditions are met, the escrow company releases funds, and ownership is transferred to the buyer.

Closing costs include fees for services like loan origination, title insurance, inspections, and appraisals. Buyers and sellers both pay certain closing costs, but the buyer typically covers more. These costs are usually 2-5% of the purchase price.

A contingency is a condition that must be met for a real estate contract to be finalized. Common contingencies include home inspections, appraisals, and financing approval.

A buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes for sale than buyers, giving buyers more negotiation power. A seller’s market happens when demand outpaces supply, leading to higher prices and faster sales.