Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions
What’s the cost to have a buyer’s agent represent you?
There’s zero cost to have our team represent you as a buyer in a real estate transaction. It is very common that the seller and seller’s agent pay a commission to the buyer’s agent, meaning no commisions come out of pocket for you! So with that said, you can see just how valuable it is to have your interests as a buyer represented in the purchase of your next home.
In a seller’s market, why should I hire an agent?
A real estate agent is there to act on your behalf. As your agent, I will act as a buffer to take the spam out of your property showings and I will field calls that lead to nowhere saving you time and helping you find serious buyers who are ready to make an offer. I have an intimate knowledge of the neighborhoods and can help you with pricing your home and marketing it correctly. Your home will be added to the MLS so that a large number of buyers will have access to the property. I will also absorb the costs of advertising and marketing your home. I will help with all your negotiations to ensure a smooth process and will then handle the volumes of paperwork that follow a sale.
What is a MLS?
A multiple listing service is a computerized listing of the homes for sale in an area listed with a REALTOR®. Only REALTORS® are granted access to the MLS and can use it to find a house in a particular price range or area.
What if a house comes on the market and you are not immediately available to show it to me?
I have another member of my team, Annie, and can assure you that one of us would be available to show you a house at any time!
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are the expenses incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property.
What is the difference between a listing agent and a selling agent?
The listing agent mainly deals with the sellers and will list a property on multiple listing services.
The selling agent mainly deals with the homebuyers. This agent will sell the homes via the listing agents.
Can I back out of my contract with one buyer to accept a higher offer?
It would not be wise to try to back out of a contract because a purchase offer that is accepted is a legal contract that the buyer can seek legal remedies to enforce.
What is a contingency?
A contingency is a provision included in a sales contract stating that certain events must occur or certain conditions must be met before a closing and recording of the deed.
Can I buy a home and sell my current one at the same time?
Yes! This is where a “sale contingency” may need to be listed in your contract which I would be able assist in providing proper documentation.
How quickly can I close?
Typical escrow period involving financing is 30 to 45 days; however, cash deals have been known to close much quicker.
When is the best time to sell my home?
Every real estate market is different; therefore, the best time to sell a home will be different from real estate community to real estate community. However, in general, the spring months are the best time to be selling your home but selling in the winter has its advantages as well!
What is the first step in the home buying process?
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the first step you need to take. Feel free to reach out me to connect you with lenders I work with often and trust. This also streamlines the closing process and makes home buying even easier on you.