FAQ
General Real Estate Questions
You’re not legally required to use an agent, but having one protects your money, your time, and your leverage. An experienced agent handles strategy, negotiations, deadlines, and paperwork so costly mistakes are avoided.
Traditionally, sellers paid both their listing agent and the buyer’s agent a split of the total commission. But after the 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, that default expectation changed. Sellers are now generally only required to pay their own listing agent’s commission — typically around 2.5%–3% — and they can choose whether or not to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent. Buyers are responsible for agreeing up front with their own agent on how that agent will be paid, either by the buyer, by the seller as part of negotiations, or a mix.
Buying usually takes 30–60 days once under contract. Selling timelines vary depending on pricing, condition, and market demand.
Buyers should start with a lender to get pre-approved. Sellers should start with a pricing and strategy consultation.
The right time depends on your personal goals, finances, and timeline—not market headlines alone.
Yes. Commissions have always been negotiable, and that remains true. The settlement reinforces transparency and requires that all compensation terms are clearly discussed and documented upfront.
The home buying and selling process remains largely the same. What’s changed is how agent compensation is disclosed and agreed upon. Buyers still receive representation, and sellers still benefit from professional marketing and negotiation.
This shift promotes transparency, informed decision-making, and clearer expectations. Clients now know exactly what services they’re receiving and how their agent is being compensated—no assumptions, no confusion.
Buyer Questions
Affordability depends on income, debts, credit, and comfort level. Just because a lender approves a number doesn’t mean it’s the right number for you.
Yes. A pre-approval strengthens your offer and shows sellers you’re serious.
Yes. Buyers are now required to sign a written buyer representation agreement before an agent can show homes. This agreement outlines the services provided and clearly explains how the agent will be compensated, ensuring transparency and alignment from the start.
Most loan programs require a score of 620 or higher, though some options exist below that with different terms.
Down payments can range from 0% to 20% or more, depending on the loan type.
Closing costs include lender fees, title services, taxes, and insurance. They usually total 2–5% of the purchase price.
Waiving inspections increases risk. Inspections protect buyers from unexpected repair costs.
You can renegotiate the price, bring cash to closing, or walk away depending on contract terms.
Yes, with the right timing and strategy in place.
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit that shows commitment and is held in escrow during the transaction.
Enough to understand value and recognize the right fit. Quality beats quantity.
Seller Questions
Home value is determined through a comparative market analysis, not just online estimates.
Overpricing usually leads to fewer showings and price reductions. Correct pricing attracts serious buyers.
Focus on high-impact improvements like paint, lighting, curb appeal, and safety issues.
Staging helps buyers visualize the space and often leads to stronger offers.
Well-priced homes often sell quickly. Overpriced homes tend to sit longer.
The strategy is adjusted—pricing, marketing, or positioning—or the listing is paused and reassessed.
Yes, though pricing should reflect the condition.
Sellers typically pay agent commissions, title fees, and certain taxes.
Not automatically. Sellers may choose to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent as part of their overall strategy, but they are no longer required to do so. Buyer agent compensation is now a negotiation point and can be structured in different ways depending on the transaction.
Yes. Buyers need space to view the home comfortably and imagine themselves living there.
Documents are signed, funds are transferred, and ownership changes hands.
Financing & Market Questions
Fixed-rate loans offer payment stability. Adjustable-rate loans may start lower but can change over time.
Yes, as long as your debt-to-income ratio meets lender guidelines.
It’s the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward debt payments.
Yes. Even small rate changes impact monthly payments and overall buying power.
Yes, refinancing is an option if rates drop or your financial position improves.
Process & Legal Questions
A contingency is a condition that must be met for the contract to move forward.
That depends on the contract terms and timing.
As your agent, I am responsible for coordinating the process while you review and sign documents.
Title insurance protects against ownership or lien issues tied to the property.
Yes, but strong strategy and communication reduce the risk.
Yes. Buyers can request that seller-paid compensation be included as part of their offer. This is negotiated just like price, repairs, or closing costs and depends on market conditions and seller flexibility.
Buyers now have clearer visibility into agent costs and must plan for how representation will be paid. In some cases, buyers may pay their agent directly. In others, compensation may still be negotiated into the deal. The key change is clarity and choice.
Sellers have more control over how their listing is structured. While offering buyer agent compensation can increase exposure and buyer interest, it is no longer mandatory. Sellers can decide what makes the most sense for their pricing and marketing strategy.
Working With Me
You’ll receive consistent updates via text, phone, or email—no guessing, no silence.
Using market data, leverage, and timing—not emotion.
Clear strategy, honest advice, and treating your transaction like a business decision.
Yes. Transparency saves clients money and stress.
Schedule a consultation to build a personalized game plan.
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