Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Zestimate accurate?
Zestimates are automatically generated based on the home facts, location and market conditions. Most of the time this number is not accurate (key word: estimate). A more accurate home value estimate can be determined by a licensed Real Estate Professional conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA).
How do I handle Showings?
LEAVE THE HOUSE: It is easier for buyers to look around and see themselves living there if you aren't right behind them. PUT AWAY PERSONAL ITEMS: This will help the buyer to envision themselves living there. It's best to keep decor neutral and all personal items away. NEUTRALIZE AND FRESHEN UP AIR: Handle pet odors and take out the trash before showings. CLEAN AND DE-CLUTTER: Make sure all everyday countertop clutter is stowed away.
What does the selling timeline look like?
All transactions are different, but here is a general timeline of the process: 1. Set up first meeting with your real estate professional (me!) 2. Establish a price and marketing plan 3. Prepare your home for the market 4. List home for sale 5. Offers and negotiations 6. Go under contract 7. Final details 8. Closing day - hand over the keys and collect your funds! The listing agent must sell your home a total of three times—first to the buyer, then to the buyer again after inspection reveals no home is perfect, then to the appraiser. There are about 80 touches to all parties involved in a typical transaction.
Should I Offer A Home Warranty?
A home warranty helps your buyer with the cost of appliances or major systems if they fail after you sell your home. Should you include one when selling? Things to consider: Your home’s age—if your home was built more than ten years ago, it’s more likely to need repairs soon. A home warranty gives your buyer a safety net in case the unexpected happens. The buyer’s mindset—First-time buyers may have a few jitters about purchasing a home. A home warranty could be the exact assurance they need to make that offer.
What is a Home Inspection?
So what exactly is a home inspection? Usually requested by the buyer, a home inspection is simply an assessment of the “health” of your home. A qualified home inspector conducts the inspection and provides your buyer with a detailed report outlining necessary repairs. Seventy-five percent of real estate contracts include a home inspection as part of the offer. Additional inspections may include the pool, elevator, radon, HVAC, etc.
Why Should I Hire a Real Estate Agent?
Buying and selling real estate is a lot like a game of chess. Chess is a game in which the winning strategy is dynamic and requires complex thought across many turns. Chess requires a player to understand the context behind the moves rather than just the risks offered by each individual turn. The process of buying or selling real estate and what happens between contract to close is complex. There are a minimum of 80 critical tasks (turns) and communications to complete. Detail management, expectation management in addition to the emotional aspect of the transaction can get overwhelming. Strategy must play a key role. Buying or selling real estate without a strategy can become very expensive, very quickly. As a full-time experienced agent I will work with you to develop a strategy, identify potential risks and I am prepared ahead of time to defend against them. Let’s set a time to talk about your real estate goals and how we can work together to achieve them.
What happens at Closing?
What does happen on closing day? Here’s the rundown on what to expect: Who will be there? Situations vary, but you can expect some combination of these people: real estate agent, closing attorney, mortgage lender, and title company representative. What will we do? Stretch those fingers and get ready to sign, sign, and sign some more! At closing, the seller will sign ownership of the property over to you, and you’ll sign to receive possession. You’ll also pay any closing costs with a certified or cashier’s check (I will tell you exactly what to bring) and sign your new mortgage documents. Make sure to bring a photo ID. Take possession of the keys and celebrate! The closing process is relatively simple, but it includes a ton of paperwork…but no worries, I am here to keep the process organized!
How will you Market my Home?
You only get one chance to make a first impression…so you have to get it right. With ninety percent of home buyers relying on the web for home searching, those listing photos and additional media matter! With a background in professional photography I understand the importance of professional, clean, and bright listing photos. Along with standard images I will take drone images (when applicable) and have a virtual walk-through (when it makes sense) for buyers to view your home online. Other ways your home will be marketed— MLS Online Listing, Email Blast to over 4,000 plus REALTORS® in Middle Tennessee, Social Media Promotions, REALTOR® Networking, and Advertisement on Online Real Estate Forums and Groups.
Should I Sell or Renovate?
The first step in selling your home, is well, deciding if you're ready to say goodbye. Are you ready to move on, or would a renovation make all the difference? If you're debating between the two, ask yourself the following questions—Is the real estate market a buyer or seller's market (Send me your address and I can answer this for you!), What do you dislike most about your home? Is it something that cannot be changed like location or land? Is your home one of the more modest ones in the neighborhood, or is it in much better shape and bigger? If you renovated your home, could you see yourself living there for over five years? Or could you be moving in a couple of years? Do you think your household will grow? What is the first thing you would want to do if you remodeled? Which rooms would you want to update? Or would you want to remodel the whole house? How do you feel when you think about your home? My job is to consult you through your decision - regardless if you want to sell or renovate!