Commonly Asked Questions
What's my home worth?
I don’t rely on online estimators like Zillow, they’re often off by a significant margin because they can’t see your home’s condition or recent updates. Instead, I’ll run a Comparative Market Analysis, pulling recent sales of similar homes in your area, current active listings you’re competing against, and anything that expired without selling. That gives us a realistic price range, not just a guess.
How long will it take to sell my house?
It depends on your specific neighborhood, price point, and the time of year, so I’d rather give you real numbers than a generic average. I’ll show you the average days on market for comparable homes in your area right now, and we’ll talk about how pricing and presentation can speed things up or slow them down.
What are closing costs, and who pays for what?
Typically, buyers cover things like the loan origination fee, appraisal, inspection, and title insurance, usually 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price. Sellers usually cover agent commissions and sometimes a share of transfer taxes or title fees. Some of this is negotiable, and what’s customary can vary by state, so I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect before we get to the closing table.
Should I make repairs or renovations before listing?
Cosmetic updates like fresh paint, decluttering, and landscaping almost always pay for themselves. Bigger projects like a new roof or HVAC system are more case-by-case, sometimes worth doing, sometimes better to price the home accordingly and let the numbers reflect it. I’ll walk your home with you and tell you honestly what’s worth fixing and what isn’t.
Do I Need To Be Home During Showings?
Not at all, and honestly, it’s better if you’re not. Buyers open up more and linger longer when the seller isn’t standing there. I’ll coordinate every showing directly with buyers’ agents, keep you updated on feedback after each one, and give you plenty of notice so you can plan around them.
What's The Difference Between List Price And What I'll Actually Net?
Your list price isn’t your take-home number. Once you factor in agent commissions, closing costs, any agreed-upon repairs, and your remaining mortgage payoff, the number that hits your bank account looks different. I’ll walk you through a full net sheet upfront, so there are no surprises at closing.
What Happens If My Home Doesn't Sell Right Away?
If we’re not seeing the activity we expected within the first couple weeks, we look at the data together, not guess. Sometimes it’s price, sometimes it’s presentation, sometimes it’s just market timing. I’ll bring you real feedback from showings and adjust our strategy accordingly instead of just waiting it out.
Do I Have To Accept The First Offer?
Never. You’re never obligated to accept any offer, even a strong one, if the terms don’t work for you. My job is to help you evaluate every offer against price, contingencies, timeline, and buyer strength, so you can negotiate from a position of confidence, not pressure.
What If I'm Selling And Buying At The Same Time?
This is more common than people think, and it just takes coordination. I’ll help you structure the timing, whether that’s a rent-back agreement, a contingent offer, or aligning closing dates, so you’re not stuck without a place to live or juggling two mortgages.
How Involved Will I Actually Need To Be?
As involved as you want to be. Some sellers want updates on every showing and offer detail, others prefer I handle the day-to-day and just loop them in on decisions that matter. Either way, you’ll always know exactly where things stand, and nothing moves forward without your sign-off.