Real Estate FAQs 

Home Buyer FAQs 

Buying a home is a big commitment and one of the biggest financial investments you'll make throughout your life. There are many things to consider before deciding to buy a house. Do you have a steady job? Have you been employed for the past two to three years? Do you have a reliable income? Do you pay your bills on time? Do you have any long-term debt? Can you afford a mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, and other bills? All of these are questions to consider before purchasing a home.

Home Seller FAQs

Before you decide to sell your home, you need to know how much it's worth. If you decide to hire a real estate agent, they'll use comparables to come up with an accurate price of your home. Agents use their experience and the neighborhood to price your house. If you're going to sell your home on your own, you can come up with a listing price by searching for homes in your neighborhood or on home-buying sites. Compare your home to others for sale or recently sold to come up with a price.

Buying and Selling a Home FAQs

Many people sell their old house before buying a new one. This eliminates having to pay mortgages and closing costs on two properties at once. The downside to selling first is that it leaves you without a home until you find a new one. The positives to selling a home before buying are that it leaves you with less financial stress, avoids two mortgage payments, gives you cash for your next home purchase, and may help you qualify for a new mortgage.

Working with a Lender FAQs

A mortgage lender is a financial institution that offers and underwrites home loans. Lenders will establish critical aspects of your mortgage, such as the terms and interest rate. A direct mortgage lender makes the final decision for your home loan and serves as your primary contact when closing on a home.

Working with an Agent FAQs

Hiring an agent who has experience in your neighborhood will help the home buying and selling process go more efficiently. The more experience an agent has, the better they'll handle problems and negotiate with buyers and sellers. An experienced agent will help you contact other real estate professionals you'll need to close on a new home or the one you're selling.