FAQ’s

Am I ready to buy a home?

Consider these questions to determine if you’re ready:

  • Are you in debt?
  • Do you have a steady, reliable, long-term job?
  • Do you plan to move cities in the next 5 years?
  • Have you saved enough for a down payment? (5-20% of the price of the home)
  • Can you afford a mortgage, taxes, utilities, insurance, and maintenance?

  • A knowledgeable real estate agent will guide you through the selling process and ease your stress during the transition.
  • They can expedite the selling process by selling your home correctly and get you more money for your home.
  • They will handle almost all of the complicated paperwork, develop your marketing plan, provide market insights, and offer advice to boost your home value.

Ways to estimate your home’s value

  • You can use an online valuation tool.
  • Get a comparative market analysis or evaluate comparable properties.
  • Hire a professional appraiser.
  • Ask me!

  • It depends on your financial situation, preferences, and other factors.
  • Pros: You can remodel and make changes before moving in and you could sell for more in a fast market.
  • Cons: You could end up carrying 2 mortgages and managing 2 homes at the same time.
  • You can always add a contingency to your contract.
  • Ask an experienced agent and they will guide you in the right direction.

The benefits of buying a home with a licensed agent:

  • You can buy your home without an agent, but it usually takes longer, research shows you may end up spending more money, or get into legal issues by misinterpreting the contract.
  • An experienced agent can set up walkthroughs of listings, negotiate the price and contingencies, recommend services, provide guidance through paperwork, provide you a website that will keep your contact and budget information confidential during your search, and more.

  • You can sell your home without an agent, but it usually takes longer, you could sell for less money, and you could get into legal issues.
  • Marketing your home, finding a qualified buyer, managing the selling process, completing all the complicated paperwork is time consuming and can be expensive without an agent, but it is an option if you have time and money.

The benefits of buying a home instead of renting:

  • Tax breaks (Interest and property taxes)
  • Financial gains (Home value increases)
  • Equity
  • Capital gains
  • Security / Privacy
  • More stable and predictable than rent
  • Closer ties to your community

  • Before listing your home, you need to prepare it for listing photos and walkthroughs.
  • Cosmetic touch ups on the exterior and interior of the home.
  • Fix leaks, electrical issues, structural issues, and anything else damaged or broken.
  • Stage your home and increase curb appeal to boost value.

Yes! Here are some benefits of talking to a banker:

  • You can get pre-approved and better understand your spending limits.
  • Check to see if you qualify for a first-time home buyer program( varies by market).
  • You will discover the costs associated with buying a home.
  • A mortgage professional can give you advice on financing.

  • It depends on your financial situation, preferences, and other factors.
  • Pros: You can remodel and make changes before moving in and you could sell for more in a fast market.
  • Cons: You could end up carrying 2 mortgages and managing 2 homes at the same time.
  • You can always add a contingency to your contract.
  • Ask an experienced agent and they will guide you in the right direction.