FAQs

How should I prepare my home before selling it?

The first impressions matters in business, but more especially in real estate. Anyone walking through a house or touring it virtually will be looking for the pros and cons to pass or negotiate down on the price. It’s important to help clients make sure that the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system all work properly. Each room should look clean and decluttered with no overt damage insight.

How long does it take to sell my home?

Once your house is on the market, it may take anywhere from a four to eight weeks to sell. However, if the market is hot, a seller could see their house off the market within a few days. On the flip side, if there is a lull in the market or some issues arise such as negotiation, lack of exposure, or house conditions then the property can sit on the market for months.

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

Public tax assessor gives the assessed value for a property. These assessment typically occurs yearly for taxation purposes. Market value is agreed-upon price between a willing buyer and seller. There is usually a difference between the assessed value and market value. Homeowners, assessed value is a double-edged sword. Because, if their annual assessed value increased then their yearly taxes will also be raised. On the flip side, when selling a house, it can help boost its market value.

Real estate prices negotiable?

Yes, everything in real estate is negotiable. Most times, there is a difference between a home’s list price and how much it actually sells for. The current market’s saturation will also determine how much wiggle room there is for negotiation. If you’re on the buyer’s side, expect the homes to be purchased for less if there is a lower demand than supply on the market. Vice versa, if you’re on the seller’s side expect it to usually sell for less. That being said, you never know who else is house hunting. Sometimes people will swoop in and offer the exact asking price.

Should I order a home inspection?

A pre-sale home inspection is never a bad idea, especially to get you the best price for your home. Most homebuyers will feel uncomfortable purchasing a house without a home inspection. Many buyers will often hire their own inspector. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

What is the selling price of my home?

A selling price of a home can fluctuates depending on different scenarios. Most common ones are the neighborhood and what similar-sized homes are currently selling. Another thing will have to be the age and condition of the home. Does the home have major repairs that need to be done? If so, that might lower the property. Like everything else, home prices vary depending on supply and demand. My job as a realtor is to do my very best to inform my clients about these different factors and accurately list their house.

What is the agent’s commission fee?

A real estate transaction, the agents are usually paid by the seller via commission as opposed to a flat free. Most typically, a real estate commission fee is 5–6% of the home’s final sale price. Most cases, both the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent split the commission fee 50/50. Both receiving 2.5–3%. Also, to be aware some real estate agencies will work at a discounted rate of around 3% or for a flat service fee. This discounted rate and flat fee can be cheaper, but can also result in a lower quality of services.

Are you a part-time or full-time agent?

Being a part-time agent might take a lower commission fee. However, most part-time agents might not be as experienced or have the time to attend multiple services to benefit or deliver when you need it. If it’s a full-time or part-time agent, make sure you’re clear about expectations early on with the agent and what your weekly schedule is.

Have you sold houses in this price range?

Agents should know the national and local real estate market very well. If you have sold in a certain price range then you have more expertise and knowledge towards our clients’ needs and what is a fair price. If an agent have not sold within a certain price range, investigate the broker or team to see if they have the resources to help and support.

Can I see your real estate license?

Making sure the agent are up-to-date on all state and local training and that agent have all the credentials to practice as a licensed real estate agent or broker.

Are real estate prices negotiable?

Yes, everything in real estate is negotiable. There is a difference between a home’s list price and how much it actually sells. The current market’s saturation can determine how much wiggle room there is for negotiation. If you’re on the buyer’s side, expect the house to be able to be purchased for less if there is a lower demand than supply in the market. Vice versa, if you’re on the seller’s side expect it to usually sell for less.

What is the best way to contact you?

As a realtor, communication should be one of your top skills. When purchasing a home or selling a home, people want the absolute best service. An agent should be in touch almost 24/7 and if you can’t get back to a client or are out of the office, make sure the agent has systems in place to support you and promptly. To provide answer of any of their questions or concerns.

Do you have a recommendation network?

Experienced listing or buying agent should be able to recommend other real estate professionals often found in the industry. These professionals might consist of an attorney who practices in real estate, a mortgage advisor, general contractor or handyman, moving companies, professional home stagers, and cleaning services. Part of being in the real estate industry means using your vast network to assist your better.

Are you familiar with this neighborhood?

Communities and neighborhoods differ greatly in terms of types of homes, amenities nearby, or access to popular highways and roads. Before hiring an agent, a client might want to know if you have either sold or helped purchase homes in a specific neighborhood. It is a nice advantage to have experience in the neighborhood in question.

Do I work with you directly or your team?

Building trust with your client is key for any successful agent. If the agent is working with a team, it’s best to introduce each team member early on in the client communication and onboarding process.

How many sellers do you currently represent?

A client’s main concern is that you might not have the time to meet their personal needs, especially if you’re juggling too many listings. Just reassure that you are always a high priority. Again, be clear about the process and expectations early on.

What are your listings’ average days on the market?

A home sellers are often interviewing and in talks with multiple real estate agencies and agents before deciding on one. They might choose you based on how long your listings are on the market. They want to know how long it will take for you to sell their house.

What is your list-to-price ratio?

List-to-price ratio is the difference between what the house was listed as and actually sold for. It is a good idea to keep a quickly accessible log of your previous listings and their list-to-price ratio. A strong list-to-price ratio often depends on the market and location, but an agent wants ideally to be above 90%. Ironically, you do not want to be well over a 100% ratio — being this high over usually signifies an underpricing of homes to pad the ratio.