Frequently Asked Questions

Down payments typically range from 3% to 20% of the home's purchase price. First-time homebuyers may qualify for programs with as little as 3% down. FHA loans require 3.5% down, while conventional loans can require as little as 3-5% with good credit. We'll help you explore all available options to find the best fit for your financial situation.

Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on basic financial information you provide. Pre-approval involves a thorough review of your financial documents by a lender, resulting in a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount. Pre-approval carries more weight with sellers and shows you're a serious buyer.

The typical closing timeline is 30-45 days from the time your offer is accepted. This includes time for loan processing, home inspection, appraisal, and final underwriting. Cash purchases can close faster, sometimes in 2-3 weeks. We'll keep you informed throughout the entire process.

Absolutely! A professional home inspection typically costs $400-600 but can save you thousands by identifying potential issues with the home's structure, systems, and safety features. Even on new construction, inspections can catch problems before they become expensive repairs.

Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the home's purchase price and include items like loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal, inspection, and attorney fees. Both buyers and sellers have closing costs, though some can be negotiated. We'll provide a detailed estimate early in the process so there are no surprises.

We'll conduct a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) looking at recent sales of similar homes in your area, current market conditions, and your home's unique features. This gives you an accurate picture of your home's current market value and helps us price it competitively to attract qualified buyers.

Focus on repairs that offer the best return on investment: fix obvious issues like leaky faucets, replace burned-out bulbs, touch up paint, and ensure all systems work properly. Major renovations rarely pay for themselves in resale value. We'll provide a prioritized list based on your specific situation and budget.

In our current market, well-priced homes typically sell within 30-60 days. Factors affecting timing include pricing, condition, location, and market conditions. Homes priced correctly from the start tend to sell faster and for better prices than those that start high and require price reductions.

Seller closing costs typically range from 6-10% of the sale price, including real estate commissions, title insurance, transfer taxes, attorney fees, and any agreed-upon buyer closing cost assistance. We'll provide a detailed net proceeds estimate so you know exactly what to expect at closing.

Yes! When you receive multiple offers, we'll help you evaluate not just the price, but also terms like closing timeline, contingencies, financing type, and buyer qualifications. The highest offer isn't always the best offer. We'll guide you through comparing all aspects to choose the offer that best meets your needs.