FAQs

FOR BUYERS

  • Getting a mortgage pre-approval is where everything begins. It tells you exactly what you can spend, signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer, and puts you in a position to move quickly when the right home comes along. Pre-approvals are typically valid for 30 to 90 days, so the timing matters - you want to have it in hand when you're genuinely ready to start viewing homes, not months ahead of that.

  • A pre-approval is a lender's preliminary assessment of your financial situation, including your income, credit history, debt load, and employment history, that results in a conditional commitment to lend you up to a specific amount. It's not a guarantee of final mortgage approval, but it gives you and your agent a clear, realistic budget to work within. Think of it as your official starting point.

  • It's strongly recommended. Without one, placing a competitive offer is nearly impossible, and in a market where well-priced homes move quickly, being unprepared can mean losing a home you genuinely wanted. Sellers put significant effort into preparing their homes for showings, and arriving as a confirmed, pre-approved buyer is a matter of both strategy and respect.

  • Working with a realtor as a buyer costs you nothing. Seller-paid commission covers that. What you will want to budget for beyond your purchase price: a home inspection (approximately $350 to $500), legal fees for title transfer and mortgage management (approximately $3,000), and any immediate updates or repairs you'd like to make once you're in. Home insurance and ongoing utility costs are worth factoring in as well before you land on your number.

  • A good realtor does considerably more than open doors and write offers. They listen carefully to understand what you actually want, not just what you've listed on paper. They know the market well enough to tell you when something is priced right, when it isn't, and why that matters to your decision. They prepare you for every step before it arrives so nothing feels like a surprise. They negotiate on your behalf with both data and composure. And they tell you the truth, even when it's not what you were hoping to hear.

    Above all, your realtor should make you feel genuinely supported throughout a process that can feel overwhelming. You should never feel rushed, pressured, or uninformed. If you do, that's useful information.

  • Closing costs are the expenses paid at the end of a real estate transaction, separate from your down payment. For buyers, these typically include legal fees, title insurance, and any adjustments for prepaid property taxes or utilities. Your lawyer will provide a detailed breakdown before closing so there are no surprises.

  • A comparative market analysis is the most accurate way to understand your home's current value. I look at recent sales and active listings in your area, then adjust for what makes your home distinct: its condition, finishes, layout, location, and any updates you've made. This isn't a number pulled from an algorithm. It's a documented, experience-backed assessment that gives you something you can actually make decisions from.

  • There are typically a few upfront costs worth planning for, including any repairs or touch-ups that will strengthen your home's presentation and professional photography if needed. Realtor fees and legal fees are both paid upon closing, not upfront. My honest advice: don't choose your realtor based on who charges less. Choose the person whose strategy, honesty, and expertise you trust to get you the best possible outcome, because the difference in outcome is almost always worth more than the difference in commission.

  • You can, but the data suggests most people who try end up listing with an agent anyway. Effective real estate marketing and negotiation is considerably more than photos and a listing. It involves pricing strategy, buyer psychology, network access, offer management, and legal paperwork. A well-represented sale typically yields a stronger outcome than an unrepresented one, and the process is significantly less stressful when someone experienced is managing it alongside you.

  • As a seller, your closing costs typically include your realtor's commission, legal fees to discharge your mortgage and transfer title, and any repairs or conditions agreed upon during negotiations. In some cases, property tax adjustments are also settled at closing depending on where you are in the billing cycle. Your lawyer will walk you through the exact figures before you sign anything, but having a general sense of these costs ahead of time helps you price and plan with a clearer picture of your actual net proceeds.

  • As a seller, your closing costs typically include your realtor's commission, legal fees to discharge your mortgage and transfer title, and any repairs or conditions agreed upon during negotiations. In some cases, property tax adjustments are also settled at closing depending on where you are in the billing cycle. Your lawyer will walk you through the exact figures before you sign anything, but having a general sense of these costs ahead of time helps you price and plan with a clearer picture of your actual net proceeds.

FOR SELLERS

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