Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes it is pretty close but more often it is too high or low.
It is a mathematical algorithm so Zillow does not know if you have
granite countertops or worn out laminate.
Who pays the real estate commission?
The Seller pays the commission.
How much does it cost to list a home for sale?
Free to list so nothing due until close when you would pay
the commission out of proceeds from the sale. If no close, no fee.
Who pays for the inspections?
The buyer pays for their own inspections.
Who pays the closing costs?
Typically the buyer but it can be negotiated to have the seller
help or even pay all in certain cases.
Should I get my home inspected before it goes on the market?
I don’t advise it. Different inspectors find different things. I’ve
found it best to work from the inspection the buyer pays for.
Do I work with you directly or with a member of your team/staff?
Directly with me. I choose not to work on a team as I like to keep
in direct contact with my client to avoid communication problems.
How long is a listing contract?
Usually 3 to 6 months depending upon the market conditions.
I always work with my sellers on a term they are happy with.
What if I want to end my listing contract?
I have an Easy Exit listing agreement. If you are unhappy with the
service I will cancel the contract with no cost or obligation to you.
How long have you been in the business?
28 years and counting!
Does the company brand (i.e. Remax, Coldwell, Bastion Realty,
Bennett Realty) make a difference?
You’ve heard of the first two but maybe not the last two.
Yes, a strong brand brings with it more tools, more reach,
more tech, attracting better agents and more brand
awareness all contributing to the end result of a sale.
What does CRS stand for?
Certified Residential Specialist. I earned it to separate myself
from the other 3000 agents. This is the highest designation
you can earn in the real estate field with about 3% of the
agents earning it.
What fees other than commission do I pay to sell my home?
There are a few fees all sellers pay to the title company like a
transfer fee, deed prep, closing fee, tax proration and a few
others I can go over with you on a net sheet, so you know
upfront what you’ll be looking at.
How much does it cost to have you represent me as a
buyer in a transaction?
We have a 149.00 transaction fee charged at closing.
If no close, no fee. The buy side commission is
collected from the listing real estate company at closing.
Is it less expensive to just call the Listing Agent on a
home for sale vs calling my Buyer's Agent?
No, because the listing agent already has a signed agreement
with the seller regarding the commission paid regardless of
the number of agents involved. The listing agent represents the
seller and you'll likely lose money in negotiation, terms and repairs
working with someone that does not represent you.
Is it less expensive to just work with the builder's
rep on a new home build?
Typically no. Production builders (like Fischer, Drees, Ryan, etc.)
have set aside funds in their marketing budgets to compensate
Buyer's Agents as they look to us to help bring them work.
The home cost is the same with or without an agent. The
exception to this are some high-end custom builders
that may not have a Buyer's Agent fees 'baked in the cake'.
The friendly builder's rep at the model is just that - a builder's
rep and they are not going to structure anything toward your
advantage. It's important to call your Buyer's Agent BEFORE speaking with a builder
What do I have to disclose about my property?
As a seller you’ll fill out a 5 page property disclosure form that
covers things like the roof, water intrusion, structural issues,
mechanical issues, etc. Disclose any material issues you are
aware of. You NEVER get in trouble when you disclose.
This is being sold to settle an estate. Do I have to
fill out a property disclosure?
No. However, if you are aware of any material issues
you need to make buyers aware of them.
How do I prepare my home for sale?
In general it’s all about clean and clutter-free with repair
projects taken care of. Ever go to the store and pick an
item that was further back on the shelf because the one up
front was dog-eared, worn or wrinkled from people
handling it? Home buyers do the same thing – they are
attracted to the well- kept properties.
Will the bank require repairs to my home?
This is ultimately up to what the appraiser flags on the appraisal.
It depends largely on the type of financing used (Conv, FHA or VA)
but safety issues like lead based paint, over 3 steps without a
handrail, broken window glass, etc. can create problems.
What if the appraisal comes in low?
Everything stops until that is worked out because the bank
won’t loan on the home. The seller can come down, the buyer
can make up the difference, buyer and seller can split it or you
can try and challenge the appraisal.
What is a sale contingency?
This is when you have to sell your home first before you close
on the new house. This strategy won’t work in a Seller’s Market
simply because the seller won’t want to wait on the buyer to sell
if they have other buyers that don’t have the contingency.
What is a Hard Money Loan?
This is often used by investors for quick buy/flip properties. A hard
money loan can often be obtained within a week! They are provided
by individuals or companies not banks or mortgage lenders. They
are high interest and short term.