Hi Property Owner...

1. How should I prepare my house before selling it?

First impression is crucial when it comes to selling your home. When a buyer is searching for a home, they are looking at the space and imagine themselves living in it. Each room should look clean and decluttered removing all personal photos and religious items.  I can give you ideas on how to stage your home properly and with ease; this way, your home appeals to most buyers. 

 

2. Should I order a home inspection?

Getting a pre-sale home inspected can put you in a better position to know "before the buyers home inspection" the issues that could arise and if feasible, gives you time to fix or repair before listing your home on the market. If your home is being sold "As Is" then I as your agent will market the home as such; however, you must understand that certain things that come up in buyers home inspection that would cost them hundred or thousands of dollars to fix, could discourage the buyer and buyer will have the choice to terminate the contract during the "inspection period" if the home is "too much work" for their budget to handle. 

 

3. How long will it take to sell my home?

Once the house is on the market, it may take anywhere from 30, to 45, to 60 days to sell. Cash sales usually take less than a month to close. However, if you are selling during a "seller's market" and there is not a lot of inventory to compete with, you could see your property sold and off the market within a week. On the flip side, if the market is a "buyers market" and your home is competing with an excess amount of "available homes/inventory" than as your agent, I will help you market and price the home best for a faster sale in this type of competitive market. It is not uncommon or unusual for a home to sit for months in a "buyers market." The key is listening to and taking the advice I give you as your expert agent. 

 

4. What is the selling price of my home?

Like everything else, home prices vary depending on supply and demand. The selling price of a house fluctuates depending on multiple factors. The most common ones are the neighborhood, condition of the home, age, and what similar-sized properties/houses are currently selling for. I Do major repairs need to be done? If so, that might lower the property. And again, the type of market you are selling your home in, matters. 

 

5. Is there a reason my home’s assessed value differs compared to the market value?

A public tax assessor gives the assessed value for a property. This assessment typically occurs yearly for taxation purposes. The fair market value is an agreed-upon price between a willing buyer and seller. There is usually a difference between the assessed value and market value. For homeowners, the assessed value is a double-edged sword. Because, if their annual assessed value increased then their yearly taxes will also be raised. Florida offers "Homestead" and there are several benefits to applying for Homestead; lowers your price and protects your home from a creditor because they cannot force the sale of one's home to satisfy a judgment. On the flip side, when selling a house it can help boost its market value.

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6. What is an agent’s/REALTOR'S® commission fee?

In a real estate transaction, the agent is usually paid by the seller via commission as opposed to a flat free. Typically, a real estate commission fee is 5–6% of the home’s final sale price. In most cases, both the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent split the commission fee 50/50. Both receiving 2.5–3%. For Example: If you sold your home for $300,000 with a listing agreement of 5%, the listing agent (your agent) and the buyers agent (agent who produces the buyer) will each receive 2.5% ($7,500 each agent). Some brokerages charge a separate office brokerage fee of a flat fee ranging from $250-$550.

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7. What will your REALTOR® (ME) provide you for this commission fee?

I am a licensed real estate professional, a REALTOR® who can help you sell your home or property. But it’s not just about buying and selling real estate – REALTORS® live by a code of ethics which ensures that they act in the best interest of their client and all parties involved in the real estate transaction. It’s important to work with a REALTOR® not just a real estate agent, because the level of professionalism and expertise REALTORS bring to the table will not only help you sell your home, but will "take the weight of worrying" off your plate of "things to do" because as your realtor, I will carry the weight of so much.

There are a few reasons why this is important:

1. Education – a REALTOR® typically more educated, professional and well equipped to help a seller and a buyer with a reatl estate transaction

2. Market Knowledge – REALTORS have a deep understanding of the local real estate market and can provide valuable insights on recent home sales and current market conditions to help you price your home competitively.  REALTORS know how to market your home. They can suggest repairs or maintenance, staging, and create an effective marketing strategy for your home, including professional photos, virtual tours, and open houses. 

3. Code of Ethics – As mentioned earlier, realtors live by a code of ethics, which ensures that they act in the best interests of their clients and all parties involved.

4. I will handle the negotiations, contracts, deadlines, and communicate with title company and lenders, to help bring the transaction to a successful closing.

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