Real Estate frequently asked questions (FAQs)

To purchase a home, buyers typically need to provide the lender with the following:

• Proof of income: Pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns.
• Employment verification: Contact information for your employer.
• Asset documentation: Bank statements and proof of other assets.
• Identification: A driver's license or passport.
• Credit history: Permission to pull your credit report and score.
• Letters: A pre-approval or pre-qualification letter.
• Contract: The signed purchase agreement.
• Deposit: Proof of your Earnest Money Deposit (typically 1-3% of the purchase price).

Your monthly mortgage payment is usually made up of four parts (PITI):

• Principal & Interest: Determined by your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term (e.g., 15 or 30 years).
• Property Taxes: Paid to your local government. Note that taxes can increase annually.
• Homeowners Insurance: Your premium is often included in the mortgage payment.
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): If your down payment is less than 20%, you may be required to pay this monthly fee.

Budgeting goes beyond the listing price. You should be prepared for:

• Closing costs: Typically 2-5% of the purchase price (lender fees, title insurance, attorney fees).
• Pre-paids: Upfront payments for property taxes and homeowners insurance.
• HOA fees: Monthly or annual fees if the home is in a Homeowners Association.
• Maintenance & Repairs: An emergency fund for immediate repairs or eventual system replacements.
• Moving expenses: Costs for movers, trucks, and setting up utilities.

A conventional mortgage is not insured by the government. Compared to FHA or VA loans, conventional loans typically have:

• Stricter credit requirements: Higher credit scores are usually needed.
• Higher down payments: Often require more money upfront, though some programs allow as low as 3-5%.
• PMI rules: PMI is required if you put down less than 20%, but it drops off once you reach 20% equity (unlike FHA loans where it may stick for the life of the loan).
• Loan limits: They often allow for higher loan amounts.

These are programs offered by government agencies or non-profits to help buyers afford a home. Benefits include:

• Reduced upfront costs: Grants or low-interest loans to cover the down payment.
• Increased purchasing power: Helping you afford a home sooner.
• Better terms: Some programs offer favorable interest rates to eligible buyers.

Yes, compromise is often necessary.

• Budget Constraints: You may need to trade a specific location for a larger house, or vice versa.
• Inventory: In a tight market, finding a "perfect" home is rare. Being flexible with cosmetic issues (which can be fixed later) increases your chances of finding a good property.

Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and week. Look for:

• Proximity to amenities: Grocery stores, parks, and hospitals.
• Transportation: Access to highways or public transit.
• Future development: Check city plans for upcoming construction that could affect traffic or property values.
• Vibe: Talk to locals to get a genuine feel for the community atmosphere.

A professional assessment of the property’s condition. It helps you:

• Uncover hidden issues: Find structural, electrical, or plumbing defects.
• Ensure safety: Identify hazards like mold, asbestos, or faulty wiring.
• Negotiate: Request repairs or a price reduction based on findings.
• Plan: Understand the future maintenance needs of the home.

An appraisal is a valuation ordered by the lender to ensure the home is worth the loan amount.

• If it appraises at value: The loan proceeds as planned.
• If it appraises low: You may need to renegotiate the price with the seller or bring more cash to the closing table to cover the difference.

Determining the right price is a mix of data analysis and strategy. We start by researching comparable sales (comps) in your area, evaluating your home's unique features, and assessing current market demand. I provide a custom Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to identify the "sweet spot"—a price that is competitive enough to attract buyers but high enough to maximize your net proceeds.

Your home’s true market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay in the current market, influenced by inventory levels, interest rates, and property condition. Online estimates are often inaccurate. I use live local data and analyze buyer behavior to give you a realistic valuation, rather than relying on algorithms.

Overpricing can kill a sale by letting the listing go stale, while underpricing leaves money on the table. The best strategy is to position your home within the highest-activity price band to generate strong demand. This often leads to multiple showings and gives us leverage during negotiations.

Market conditions vary by city, price point, and property type. While spring and summer are traditionally busy, serious buyers are active year-round. I analyze absorption rates and interest-rate sensitivity to advise you on the optimal timing for your specific goals.

Not all updates deliver a return on investment (ROI). I guide sellers on cost-effective improvements—like paint, landscaping, or minor fixture updates—that enhance appeal without breaking the bank. In many cases, strategic pricing and marketing can eliminate the need for major renovations.

This depends on your timeline and financial goals. Selling "as-is" appeals to investors and bargain hunters, often resulting in a quicker but lower-priced sale. Making improvements usually attracts owner-occupants willing to pay a premium. I help you compare the estimated net proceeds of both scenarios so you can make an informed choice.

Yes. Staging helps buyers envision themselves living in the space, highlights the home's best features, and improves the "flow" of the layout. Staged homes tend to photograph better, attract more online clicks, and often sell for a higher price than vacant or cluttered homes.

While not mandatory, a pre-listing inspection can be a strategic move. It allows you to identify and fix issues before a buyer finds them, preventing surprises that could derail a deal later. A clean inspection report can also instill confidence in buyers and justify your asking price.

My strategy is multi-channel and buyer-focused. It includes:

• Professional Photography: High-quality images are non-negotiable as buyers judge homes within seconds online.
• Digital Exposure: Targeted advertising on social media and major real estate platforms.
• Networking: Direct outreach to other top agents who represent active buyers.
• Compelling Copy: Listing descriptions that highlight the lifestyle benefits of your home, not just the specs.

Time on market depends on price, condition, and location. With the correct strategy, most homes attract serious interest within the first few weeks. I set clear expectations based on real-time data for your specific neighborhood.

Negotiation is about protecting your bottom line. I manage the conversation regarding price, inspections, appraisals, and timelines. My goal is to find solutions that keep the deal moving while ensuring you get the best possible terms.

You should be prepared for:

• Commissions: Fees for the listing and buyer's agents.
• Closing Costs: Title fees, escrow fees, and recording fees.
• Taxes: Prorated property taxes.
• Concessions: Any costs you agree to pay on behalf of the buyer (e.g., to buy down their rate).

I provide a clear "Net Sheet" upfront so you know exactly what you will walk away with.

Absolutely. Coordinating a sale and a purchase simultaneously is common. I help manage the timing, financing options (like bridge loans), and contingencies (such as rent-backs) to ensure a seamless transition to your new home.

Most buyers will use one of three loan types:

• Conventional: Standard bank loans, usually requiring higher credit scores.
• FHA: Government-backed loans often used by first-time buyers with lower down payments.
• VA: Government-backed loans for veterans, often requiring $0 down.

It is critical. You must verify the financial performance of the property, check for legal liens, review HOA rules regarding rentals, and conduct thorough physical inspections. Skipping due diligence is the fastest way to lose money on an investment.

Questions and answers for First Time Home Buyers will be updated shortly.

Questions and answers for Downsizing Sellers will be updated shortly.

Questions and answers for Moving Up buyers will be updated shortly.