Common Real Estate Questions

Q. How long will it take for my home to sell?

It depends on price, condition, and season — but a well-prepared, accurately priced home here typically draws serious interest within the first couple of weeks. The most motivated buyers watch for new listings, which is why those early days carry the most weight. I'll set a realistic, data-backed timeline up front and keep you posted on activity throughout. Once an offer is accepted, expect a 30–45 day closing.

Q. How do you determine the right asking price?

I build a full Comparative Market Analysis from recent comparable sales, the homes you're competing against, and live buyer demand — never guesswork. Then we set a strategy together, weighing your goals, timeline, and how aggressively to position. You'll see the data behind every recommendation, and the final number is always your call.

Q. Should I make repairs or updates before listing?

Some yes, some no — and knowing the difference is where I'll save you money. We'll walk the home together and flag the handful of improvements that return more than they cost, plus the ones to skip. With an investor's eye, the goal is the highest net in your pocket, not spending for appearances.

Q. What if my home doesn't sell?

Usually homes that don't sell aren't listening to the market's feedback. We reassess together, early and honestly — I track showing feedback and market response continuously. If something isn't landing (price, presentation, or marketing), I'll bring you the feedback and a clear recommendation to adjust. You'll never wonder where things stand.

Q. Do I need professional staging and photos?

Professional photography is built into my service — most buyers begin online, where photos make the first, and often only, impression. Staging is a separate, optional step. I'm glad to walk through and offer staging guidance using what you already own, at no cost. For full professional staging (furniture and decor), I'll refer reputable companies — typically $1,700–$3,500 depending on home size. Staged homes statistically sell faster, but the choice is yours, and I'll give my honest recommendation either way.

Q. What does it cost to sell besides your commission?

Beyond commission, plan for a few standard items: title and closing fees, prorated property taxes, any agreed-upon repairs, and sometimes a buyer concession. I'll prepare a clear net-proceeds estimate before we list, so you know roughly what you'll walk away with — and you're never surprised at the table. A rough estimate to use is 7.5-8.5% of the sale price of your home.

Q. How will you actually market my home for sale?

Every listing gets a core foundation: professional photography, full syndication to the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin and partner sites, agent-network outreach, open houses (if desired), and designer print collateral. From there I add the strategy-based tools that fit — video and drone, social campaigns, or online ads. Not every home needs all of it, so we decide the right mix together, aiming for maximum exposure in the critical first weeks.

Q. How and how often will we hear from you as our agent?

As often as you'd like — call, text, or email. I'm genuinely available, return messages quickly, and proactively update you after showings and at every milestone rather than leaving you to wonder. Persistent, honest communication is a big reason my deals stay on track.

Q. Do I need to leave for showings and open houses?

For private showings, yes — plan to be away. Buyers relax and picture themselves at home when the seller isn't present, leading to more honest feedback and stronger offers. We'll coordinate around your schedule with advance notice. Same for open houses: it's best you're not there, and I'll handle everything — signage, sign-in, and follow-up with every visitor.

Q. What happens once we accept an offer?

Accepting the offer kicks off the next phase, which we'll manage start to finish. I'll coordinate inspection, appraisal, title work, and paperwork with the buyer's agent, track every deadline, and head off issues before they become problems. Most closings run 30–45 days, and I'll keep you informed at each step through to handing over the keys.

Q. Do I need to pay your commission?

Contractually, yes buyers are responsible for paying their agent's commission. But, typically, no — we always structure our offers to have the seller's pay the buyer's agent commission. I'll always be upfront about how I'm compensated before we write an offer.

Q. Do I need an inspection?

I strongly recommend it. A qualified inspector catches things a walkthrough won't, and gives you real leverage — and protection, if needed — before you're locked in. I will do my best to help you see everything we can during our showing so you have a good sense of overall condition, age of roof and utilities, defects, etc. But, an inspection is a much more thorough check on all of these items and is always recommended. 

Q. What if I'm not sure what I want to buy yet?

This is completely normal. Touring a few homes together is often how buyers figure out what actually matters to them — I'll help sharpen your criteria as we go. Once I start hearing your feedback when we see homes, I will help to narrow down exactly what you're looking for and help you to see the potential in the future homes we see and how they might work for you.

Q. How much house can I actually afford?

Your first step in your home buying journey is getting Pre-Approved with a lender. Your lender will walk through your financial picture and help determine what you can qualify for. But often what you are approved for, is not how much you'd want to spend. I'll help you think it through beyond the pre-approval letter — monthly payment, reserves, and what still leaves room to breathe.

Q. Should I buy now or wait?

There's rarely a perfect moment. I'll walk you through current rates and inventory so you can decide with real information, not a guess about timing the market. Although history tells us it rarely pays to wait. Timing the market is a losing battle, so we will focus on finding you what you want, at a price you can afford, versus trying to find "a deal". 

Q. What is earnest money and how much will I need?

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit — typically 1–2% of the purchase price — that shows the seller you're serious. It's held in escrow and credited back to you at closing, applied toward your down payment or costs. There are instances, based on how the purchase agreement is written, that this could be forfeited if a buyer fails to perform on the contract, but we will walk through that while putting the offer together. 

Q. Can I back out of a purchase agreement?

It depends on your contingencies. With inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies in place, you have clear, protected ways to walk away if something isn't right — which is exactly why we build them in.

Q. Can I bring friends and family with to see houses?

Absolutely — a second opinion from someone you trust is always welcome. Just know that in the end, it's your decision, and I'm here to make sure it's the right one for you. Any decision makers in your life should be present to streamline the process and help support you along the way. 

Q. Can I buy a house before I sell my current house?

Yes, and there are a few ways to structure it — a sale contingency, a bridge loan, or timing the closings close together. We'll map out the option that fits your finances and timeline.

Q. What happens if the appraisal comes in low?

A low appraisal is more common than you'd think, and it doesn't mean the deal is dead. We can renegotiate the price, you can cover the gap in cash, or in some cases challenge the appraisal — I'll walk you through the best option for your situation. Basing your offer on market data will help to minimize the risk of this happening.