Seller’s Questions
When is the “Listing agent” paid?
A: As your agent, you will not be responsible in paying until the actual closing of your home is done. In most case it is a percentage of your proceeds, the payment pays the listing agent, the buyer’s agent, both brokerages, and the marketing done on the property. The escrow company can you help understand all the details clearly once they prepare the documents at closing.
Q: Will you lower your commission?
A: A skilled negotiator can save you thousands of dollars. Each step of the way from the original offer to the possible re-negotiation after home inspection to the possible cancellation of deal if there is a trouble appraisal. In today’s market you need someone who can set the right price and negotiate on your behalf. A Full Price fee ensures full price service. You need a true expert to guide you from day one.
Q: Home much time do I have to move out?
A: This will all depend on your closing date which is stipulated on the purchase and sale agreement that is signed by both parties. Closing typically occurs on that date, but in all technicalities you are responsible in moving out by 9pm of the day that the “funding and recording of title” happens. Your keys will be given to your agent and the house needs to be vacated.
Q: What is a Buyer’s Agent and why do I need one?
A: Not long ago, all brokers represented the seller in a real estate transaction and “let the buyer beware.” Today most buyers want a good agent to represent them during a home purchase. A buyer’s agent works for the buyer and can show the buyer all properties listed by any broker, for sale by owners, or even properties not currently on the market.
A buyer’s agent can offer professional advice on selecting a property and negotiate to get the property for the buyer at the best price and terms. And, best of all, since sellers generally pay the brokers’ commissions, these services are free to the buyer.
A buyer’s agent can tell you things the Internet never will such as: Is the property involved in litigation? Are there noise or crime problems? How are the schools? How much have homes in this neighborhood been selling for?
Surfing the net to look for houses is fine but you need an agent to help you decide which properties are really a good match for your specific needs. And, since you can use the services of a buyer’s broker for free, why wouldn’t you? If you see a home on the Internet or while driving around, and want more information, please contact me!
Q: Can you help me buy a new home from a builder?
A: You Bet! Anyone considering the purchase of a new construction home should work with a Realtor ® that can represent you in negotiations with the home builder. Remember, the sales agents in the model homes work for the builder and represent his interests. We can protect your interests. There’s no cost to you for this service (the builder pays our commission fees). For more info on assistance with new homes and new home builders, including incentives that are available, please contact me.
Q: Can you help me with homes for sale by owner?
A: Yes! Home owners selling their own homes are usually very happy when a real estate agent brings them a buyer. In addition, we can provide you with invaluable assistance in negotiating the price and terms of the sale and helping you through a process that can sometimes be confusing. It’s always best to have a buyer’s agent looking out for your interests. Just contact us with the address and phone number of the owner and we’ll take it from there!
Q: I would like to preview a home for sale. How do I do that?
A: If you have not already signed a buyer agency agreement with another real estate agent, I can show you any home listed for sale in the area – including new build homes. Regardless of where you find a home (on the internet or driving by), you can call me to find out all the details and schedule a preview. Call Sara at (509) 308-9320.
Q: What programs are available for first-time home buyers?
A: There are several low-interest grants and down payment assistance programs available to first-time homebuyers in the area. The programs vary depending on your location, your mortgage source, and your income. The requirements and benefits of each program will also vary. Please contact me for more information on what’s available in the area you are interested in.
Q: If I call or e-mail you, will I be pressured?
A: NO WAY. Like you, I despise high-pressure sales tactics and people. You have my assurance that neither I nor my team members will ever pressure you to do anything. We are here to provide real estate advice and hopefully earn your business. And we won’t promise something we can’t deliver.
Local Area Questions
Q: What’s the weather like in Tri-Cities?
A: The climate for Tri-Cities is mostly dry with four distinct seasons. Snow falls periodically in the winter, but usually melts quickly because of the sunny days. We averages 300 days of bright sunshine a year, which is more than Miami or San Diego!
Q: What are average home prices in the Denver market?
A: The average price of all homes sold (single family and condo combined) is currently at $200,000.
Real Estate Transactions in Washington
Q: What is earnest money?
A: Earnest money shows good faith and that you are serious about buying the property. Typically, sellers ask for one percent of the sales price, and it is credited toward the purchase, unless there is 100% financing. The contract will spell out the conditions for when earnest money is refundable and when it is not.
Q: If I buy a house through you, who pays you?
A: Since the seller generally pays the brokers’ commissions, our services are free to the buyer.
Q: Should I get prequalified or preapproved for a loan?
A: When you submit a purchase offer, unless you will pay cash, you must provide evidence that you qualify for the loan. Otherwise the seller won’t take your offer seriously. There are two types of evidence you can provide:
Prequalification. This means you have spoken with a lender and, based solely on the information you told them, the lender is willing to provide a written statement that they believe you will qualify for a loan. It only takes a few minutes and can be done over the phone. This is not as strong as preapproval.
Preapproval. If you are serious about buying, this is the way to go. You get preapproved for a loan by submitting a formal loan application and having the lender verify your credit, employment, etc. Once you are preapproved, all that is needed is an appraisal on the property that you choose. Preapproval makes you look like a cash buyer in the eyes of a seller and gives you more negotiating clout.
To get preapproved or prequalified, call our mortgage consultant, Gretchen Beck with Wellsfargo at (509) 528-8413, and tell them I referred you. She will treat you with the utmost in integrity and service.
Q: How much do I need to put down?
A: The greater the down payment, the less the monthly mortgage payment will be and the more immediate equity you will have in your home. The lenders we work with offer programs that feature down payments as low as 0% to qualified individuals.
In most cases a down payment ranges between 0% and 20%. This amount will vary depending on the cash you have available and what payments are affordable for you.
For 97% loans and 100% loans, rates really jump up, so be ready. If there is anything you can do to get at least 5% down, you will save quite a bit of money down the road.
Q: How much will my Closing Costs be?
A: In addition to the down payment, the amount of closing costs will depend on several factors, such as the selling price of the home and the type of mortgage. As a rule of thumb you will have closing costs of approximately 2 to 3 percent of the sales price.
Q: How much are Property Taxes in the Tri-City area?
A: Taxes vary by location, but a good rule of thumb is 1% of the value of the house. Taxes are typically included in your mortgage payment along with insurance.
Q: Should I get an inspection on the home I’m thinking about purchasing?
A: Definitely! You need to know exactly what you are buying. It could be very disappointing to find out after you have purchased your new home that you are going to have to spend lots of money for unexpected repairs.
The cost of a professional home inspection could be the best money you ever spend on your house. Not only does the home inspector look for any defects from the roof to the foundation, but the inspector will often give you tips on maintaining and repairing your house. Home inspections are also recommended for newly constructed homes.
Q: When should I begin searching for a home?
A: If you have a specific date that you must be in your next home, you should begin your search at least two months prior to that date. Two months will allow enough time to find the perfect home and enough time for inspections, loan approval and processing. If you have a home to sell, you should list your home for sale before starting your search.
Q: How long does it usually take from the time I find a house until I can move in?
A: It depends on the situation! A home can close in less than 10 days if the buyers have met all of their lender’s requirements. Generally, you should allow between 3 to 6 weeks; maybe longer, depending on how soon the seller can vacate the house and how quickly you can close on the home.
Q: What is an appraisal? Will I need one?
A: An appraisal is a detailed analysis by a licensed appraiser of the market value of the home you want to purchase. Lenders will require an appraisal as part of the loan approval process.
Q: What is a contingency?
A: A contingency is a provision included in a sales contract stating that certain events must occur or certain conditions must be met before the contract is valid. A common example would be requiring that an existing home be sold first.
Q: What is title insurance?
A: Title insurance is insurance that protects the lender and buyer against any losses incurred from disputes over clear title of a property.
Q: What is a Short Sale?
A: A short sale is when the mortgage holder agrees to accept a payoff that is less than the amount owed. Mortgage holders are more and more leaning towards short sales, rather than foreclosing. Foreclosure is usually the last thing anyone involved wants to do. The mortgage holder may 1099 the borrower for the difference between the actual payoff and the short sale amount. If this happens there will be tax implications. This is still usually a better situation for the borrower then a possible judgment filed against them for any short fall in a Foreclosure Sale.
Profession Realty
