For any additional questions or concerns regarding the buying or selling process, we highly recommend reaching out to one of our professional real estate agents. Our team possesses the expertise and knowledge necessary to provide you with effective assistance and guidance.
The most important things to do to your home itself are cost-effective repairs and design changes that make your home feel neutral and spacious. These changes can include: Painting the interior Installing new kitchen hardware Power washing the exterior of the home Moving infrequently used items to storage to declutter Depersonalizing your home by removing family photos
The first step in deciding your home’s list price is to get a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent. A great agent will be an expert in their local neighborhoods, so they’ll be able to price your home to sell without sacrificing your hard-earned equity
The best way to sell your home quickly is to hire a real estate agent, present the home well, and list it for an appropriate price. On average, it takes about 60–70 days to sell. Part of this time will be a 30-to-45-day closing period. These numbers vary greatly depending on location, market conditions, and the time of year. The buyer’s financing situation can also affect how quickly you close.
Most agents don’t get paid a salary and work on commission; they only get paid when the home sells. This model incentivizes the selling agent to sell the home for the highest price possible, which also benefits you, the seller.
If you sell your house for more than you bought it, you may be required to pay taxes on the difference, which is known as a capital gain. However, most homeowners are exempt from paying taxes on their home sale.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is generally a good idea. Pre-approval involves a firm promise on the part of the lender to issue you a mortgage, following an exhaustive investigation into your finances. Pre-approval thus shows sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer and gives them confidence you won’t run into problems getting financing during the home purchase process. This can give you an edge in a competitive housing market.
Your down payment — the money you pay upfront to your mortgage lender — gets calculated as a percentage of the total value of the home you’re purchasing. With most lenders, you’ll need a down payment of at least 3% of the home’s value. But your minimum down payment will vary based on numerous factors, such as your income, credit score, and the loan type.
Yes, this is a good idea. Home inspections aren’t required by law, but they allow you to learn about any defects or potential hazards in the home before you close on the purchase. Home inspections can be used as a contingency in the real estate contract, giving you the chance to back out of the purchase if the inspection uncovers a major problem. As the buyer, you’ll be expected to pay for the inspection, because it’s your responsibility to make sure the house you’re buying is in satisfactory condition. Home inspections cost an average of $338, but the price can range from $250–400 or more, depending on the size of the house.