Common Home Buyer Questions

  • One of the first steps of buying a home is getting pre-approval for a mortgage. Pre-approval will give you an idea of how much you can afford and will also show sellers that you are a more serious buyer.

    Note: Pre-qualification is not the same as pre-approval

  • The typical timeline is 40-50 days to close on a home.

  • Typically, the seller pays the buyer’s agent commission.

  • 20% down can help avoid mortgage insurance costs, but it is not required.

    Conventional loan - 3-15% minimum down payment

    FHA Loan - 3.5% minimum down payment

    VA & USDA - zero down

  • Most lenders require a FICO score of 620+.

Common Home Seller Questions

  • Realtors are experts on market trends, will know how to price/market your home to sell, is a master at negotiations and contracts and much more!

    See Our Full Blog Post

  • Generally, the best time of year to sell your home is in the spring time. This is when most potential buyers are actively searching for homes, as well as when the weather is more favorable for house hunting. Additionally, the market is usually more competitive during the spring, which can lead to higher offers. You can also take advantage of the fact that the holidays are over, so people are more likely to be looking for a new home. However, if you need to sell your home quickly, the best time of year to do so is the winter. Since there is less competition, you may be able to get a better deal in a shorter amount of time.

  • It really depends on your budget and the condition of your home. Generally speaking, it can be a good idea to make some renovations before selling your home as it can help to increase the value of the home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. However, it's important to weigh the cost of the renovations against the potential increase in the sale price of the home. If you don't have the budget for major renovations, you may want to focus on smaller and more affordable updates, such as painting walls, refinishing floors, and decluttering. Good luck with your decision!

  • The real estate market is always shifting! Contact us today and we will get you relevant market information, such as average days-on-market for the county you live in or a FREE valuation of your home.

  • The timeline for selling a home depends on a variety of factors, including the condition of the home, the market, and the price. Generally, homes in good condition that are priced correctly can sell within 2-3 months, however it is not uncommon for it to take longer in a slower market.

  • Closing costs vary from state to state and will also depend on the type of loan and other factors. Typical closing costs generally include title insurance, lender fees, property taxes, transfer taxes, and attorney fees. Speak with your real estate agent or lender to get an estimate of closing costs for your transaction.