Top 5 Real Estate Questions Answered
Let’s not mix words. Real estate can be confusing, intimidating, and stressful. And as a REALTOR®, it’s my job to put my clients at ease and answer any questions they have! As you can imagine, some questions come up more than others. So whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a real estate vet who needs a refresher, here are the top 5 questions about real estate.
What’s the first thing you need to do when buying a home?
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approval. Why? Because you won’t know how much home you can afford until you talk to a mortgage agent. After all, nothing is more disappointing than to find your dream home and then realize you don’t have enough money or don’t qualify for a loan! Find out more about pre-approval with my blog, “Homebuying with Guro: Demystifying the Pre-Approval.”
Should I FSBO my home?
The short answer is no. Even in a “seller’s market,” selling your home alone can be tricky. You must navigate multiple offers, price your home, and market it. That means a lot of time spent working to sell your home when you could have just trusted a real estate agent. Working with a REALTOR® with the sale of your home not only puts someone in your corner but can be a vital resource.
Should I order a home inspection?
Alabama is a buyer-beware state, so you must do your due diligence. So you want to know the condition of your new home and be prepared. But remember that the home inspection might lead to more in-depth inspections of, for example, roof, electrical, and plumbing.
Typical ‘additional inspections’ specified in the contracts you see in the Birmingham area are termite inspection and sewer line/septic tank inspection. There is an agreed-upon inspection period; after that, you have a certain number of days to request the seller to do repairs.
How do you determine the price of my home?
REALTORS® are experts in pricing your home and negotiating with potential buyers. When working with a seller, I analyze their local market, the condition of their home, and any features that could add value to determine the price.
How should I prepare my home for the sale?
When selling your home, make sure it’s clean and clutter-free. Clean your home or bring in some professional cleaners, and check all the lightbulbs, switches, and faucets to ensure they’re all in working order.
Staging your home is also a great way to prepare your home for sale. Homes show better with less furniture or when arranged to maximize space. This allows potential buyers to move around and envision themselves living in your house!
