Frequently Asked Questions

Price it right based on a Comparative Market Analysis, stage and photograph it professionally, and list on MLS with broad online exposure. We help you do all three.

Value is set by recent comparable sales nearby, condition, location, and current demand. We provide a complementary, no-obligation CMA for your address.

Sellers typically pay 6–10% of the sale price, which includes agent commissions, title fees, transfer taxes, and any seller concessions agreed upon.

Not always. Minor cosmetic fixes usually pay off, but major repairs depend on the market. We'll advise which repairs add value and which to skip.

Selling as-is is faster and avoids repair costs, but it usually means a lower price and a smaller buyer pool. It works well for inherited or distressed properties.

On average 30–60 days from listing to accepted offer, plus 30–45 days to close. Pricing, condition, and local market dictate the speed.

Legally no, but an agent typically nets sellers more — even after commission — through better pricing, marketing, negotiation, and contract handling.

Deed, mortgage payoff statement, property tax records, HOA documents (if applicable), disclosures, and the purchase contract. We guide you through every form.

Yes. The remaining mortgage balance is paid off at closing from the sale proceeds, and you keep whatever equity is left.

It depends on your finances. Selling first avoids carrying two mortgages; buying first avoids temporary housing. We can map out both options for you.

Get pre-approved, define your budget and must-haves, tour homes with an agent, make an offer, complete inspection and appraisal, then close. We guide each step.

Depending on the loan program the rule can be for housing up to 45% and for total debts up to 50% of your gross monthly income. We will help you calculate your current financial position.

620+ for most conventional loans, 580 for FHA (or 500 with 10% down), and VA/USDA loans have flexible requirements. In most cases you will need 640+ to request DPA (Down Payment Assistance). Higher scores get better rates.

Conventional: 3–20%. FHA: 3.5%. VA & USDA: 0% for eligible buyers. Less than 20% down usually requires mortgage insurance.

Typically 3–8% of the purchase price, depending on lender fees, discount points (a fee to lower your interest rate), title insurance, appraisal, escrow, and pre-paid taxes/insurance (escrow account).

From pre-approval to keys, usually 60–90 days. House hunting takes 2–6 weeks, then 30–45 days to close after an accepted offer. Sometimes it can be less than 30 days depending on the loan program.

To make the process smoother it is recommended, because the process involves complex legal contracts, escrows, negotiations, and deadlines, which is why the vast majority of buyers choose to use a licensed professional.

A good-faith deposit (typically 1–3% of price) submitted with your offer. It's credited to your cash to close, which covers down payment and closing costs.

It depends on your financial situation and plans in life. Buying builds equity and locks in housing costs; renting offers flexibility.

Your first home, investment properties including multifamilies, vacation homes, Airbnb rentals, and more.

An independent inspection of the property's condition before closing. Highly recommended — it can reveal costly issues and give you negotiation leverage.

A lender's written commitment, based on verified income and credit, of how much you can borrow. It makes your offers stronger and shows sellers you're serious.

Your rate is set by market conditions, your credit, loan type, down payment, and loan term. Even 0.25% lower can save thousands over the life of the loan.

Often worth it if rates drop 0.5–1% below yours, you want to change term, drop mortgage insurance, tap equity, or pay off credit cards that carry a higher interest rate than your mortgage rate. We'll run a complementary break-even analysis.

FHA: low down payment, flexible credit. VA: 0% down for veterans. Conventional: best rates with strong credit and 5%+ down.

Lenders look at income, debt, credit, and down payment. A safe target keeps total monthly debt under 50% of gross income.

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans when you put less than 20% down, and is removed once you reach 20% equity. MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) applies to FHA loans and usually stays for the life of the loan unless you refinance. You can avoid PMI by putting 20% down or choosing a VA loan.

Fixed is predictable and best if you'll stay long-term or rates are low. ARMs start lower and suit shorter ownership plans or expected rate drops.

Pre-approval: 1–3 days after all documents have been provided to your MLO. Full approval, from contract to close, typically takes 21–45 days depending on other factors.

To start the process: last 4 consecutive pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns (2 years), bank statements (2 months), and ID. Self-employed buyers need extra documentation.

Yes — FHA accepts 580 (or 500 with 10% down), and some lenders work with lower scores. Expect higher rates; improving credit first usually saves money.