Frequently Asked Questions
SELLERS
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We conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to evaluate similar homes in your area. Pricing considers location, condition, size, recent sales, and current market trends to help you list competitively and attract the right buyers.
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It depends on the market, your home’s condition, and pricing strategy. We’ll help you set expectations based on real-time data and local insight.
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Minor repairs and cosmetic updates can improve your home’s appeal and potentially increase its value. We’ll walk through your property with you and offer recommendations on which improvements are worth making before you list.
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Staging is the process of arranging furniture and decor to highlight your home’s best features and help buyers visualize themselves in the space. It can lead to faster sales and stronger offers. We’ll help you decide what may be right for you.
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Once you accept an offer, the buyer will typically schedule a home inspection and move forward with finalizing their financing. You’ll also begin working through any contingencies in the contract, such as repairs, appraisal, or title review. We’ll guide you through each step and handle communication between all parties to keep things moving smoothly.
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Absolutely. Many sellers do! We'll create a schedule that works for your lifestyle. If you're concerned about privacy or timing, we can discuss strategies like limited showing windows or pre-scheduled open houses.
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You’ll be responsible for keeping the property in agreed-upon condition, providing any required disclosures, responding to repair requests, and making the home available for inspections and final walk-throughs. We’ll help you stay organized and informed every step of the way.
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Seller closing costs typically include real estate compensation, title insurance, and prorated property taxes, HOA dues, and SIDs. Costs can vary based on the contract and local fees, but we’ll give you a clear estimate upfront so you can plan accordingly.
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An exclusive listing agreement means you agree to work with just one real estate agent or team to sell your home. That agent earns the compensation regardless of who brings the buyer. A non-exclusive (or open) listing allows you to work with multiple agents, but only the one who brings the buyer gets paid. Most sellers choose exclusive agreements for the added marketing, service, and commitment it provides.
BUYERS
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The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This helps determine your budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. We can connect you with trusted local lenders to get started.
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Affordability depends on your income, debts, credit score, and down payment. A good rule of thumb is to keep your monthly mortgage payment under 28% of your gross monthly income.
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Earnest money is a good faith deposit made by the buyer after a purchase agreement is signed. It shows serious intent and is typically held in escrow. If the deal closes, it’s applied toward your down payment or closing costs. If the sale falls through due to a contingency, you may get it back.
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Contingencies are protections built into your offer. Common ones include:
Inspection contingency – allows the buyer to have the home professionally inspected. If issues are discovered, the buyer can request repairs, ask for a price reduction or credit, or even choose to terminate the contract. The seller can accept, decline, or negotiate those requests. If an agreement isn’t reached, the buyer may walk away with their earnest money.
Financing contingency – protects the buyer if they're unable to secure a loan. If financing falls through, the buyer can cancel the contract without penalty.
Appraisal contingency – ensures the home appraises at or above the agreed price. If it comes in lower, the buyer can negotiate a price reduction or exit the deal.
Insurance contingency – allows the buyer to back out if they are unable to obtain homeowner’s insurance on acceptable terms. This is especially relevant in areas prone to wildfire, flooding, or other insurance limitations.
Sale of current home contingency – gives the buyer time to sell their current property before completing the purchase. If the home doesn’t sell in time, the buyer may terminate or renegotiate.
Special provisions – this is where any unique terms are added to the contract. Common examples include leaving specific furniture, allowing a rent-back period for the seller, or setting expectations for a final walk-through. A final walk-through (typically within 24–72 hours before closing) ensures the property is in the agreed-upon condition and that any requested repairs have been completed. Special provisions must be clearly written and mutually agreed upon.
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When submitting an offer, the buyer can include a deadline for the seller to respond—often 24 to 48 hours. This creates a sense of urgency and gives the buyer a clear timeline. However, sellers aren’t required to respond by the deadline.
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While it's possible to buy a home without an agent, having a REALTOR® gives you access to local market knowledge, skilled negotiation, and guidance through every step of the process.
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Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing a home purchase—such as lender fees, title insurance, and the appraisal. They usually total 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and may include some or all of the following:
Loan origination fee – a fee charged by the lender for processing the loan application
Title search fee – cost to research property ownership records to ensure clear title
Appraisal fee – fee paid to a professional appraiser to determine the property’s market value
Prepaid property taxes – portion of property taxes due for the remainder of the year that the buyer needs to pay upfront at closing
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