Frequently Asked Questions
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While buying and selling a home isn’t easy, I work hard to make it SIMPLE for my clients. I believe in empowering my clients and making sure they’re knowledgeable throughout the process, so they feel comfortable and confident with such a major purchase and decision.
I provide step-by-step checklists tailored to their situation with clear, actionable steps that we work through together. I help them gain clarity about what they need with diagnostic assessments and strategic printables. I send weekly updates, frequently make sure we're on the same page, and make myself completely accessible by phone, text, or in-person 24/7.
My favorite resources for my buyers: My FAQ Packet and First-Time Homebuyers Checklist.
My favorite resources for my sellers: My Seller-Under-Contract Timeline and Preparing for Your Listing Photoshoot Checklist.
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Zero. Zip. Nada.
Meaning...my services to you as a buyer's agent are free, even if you want to rent or lease instead of buying!
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Get Pre-Qualified.
Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage is the first step of the home buying process. Getting a pre-qualification letter from a lender get the ball rolling in the right direction. Knowing how much home you can afford narrows down online home searching to suitable properties within your budget.
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Great question! If you don’t know where to start or who to contact, I’m happy to refer you to my favorite lenders - just contact me and I can offer my recommendations.
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The listing price isn't the only expense to consider. Other costs & fees may include:
A down payment: 3-20% depending on the type of loan
Home inspection fees: $300-500
Appraisal: $300-400
Underwriting and application fees: 0.5% of the loan
Escrow fees: 1% of the loan (sometimes split between buyer and seller)
Mortgage insurance: 0.5-1.5% of the loan
Prepaid property taxes & homeowners insurance
HOA fees
Keep in mind fees vary and can often be rolled into your mortgage at closing. Ask me for an updated loan estimate or disclosure, so there won’t be any surprises at closing.
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In sellers’ markets, increasing demand for homes drives up prices. Typically signs of this include;
Fewer for sale signs around town and available homes on the market
More ForSaleByOwners because some think they don’t need an agent to sell
Homes selling through word-of-mouth before they are even listed
Low inventory levels and shorter days on market
Job growth above average
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A buyer’s market is characterized by declining home prices and reduced demand. Typically, signs of this include;
Lots of for sale signs around town and homes on the MLS
Homes selling below listing price with several price cuts along the way
Rising inventory levels and increase in days on market
Population and job growth trending downward
Sellers offering to pay points or closing costs or give allowances for new flooring or appliances
Sellers regularly taking their home off-market for a few weeks, then re-listing it, in an effort to make it appear “fresh”