Frequently Asked Questions
when selling your home
How do I find a great inspector, stager, contractors, closing attorney, etc.?
I have a full list of contacts that I work with very regularly and know do an incredible job for my clients! I will have great recommendations for you every step of the way. You are never required to use a specific professional I recommend, however, if you have your own preferences.
How many showings will there be before receiving an offer?
I will review with you some specific market statistics to give you an idea of how many days you can expect your home to be on the market before receiving an offer at our consultation. Pricing your home correctly and preparing it properly for showings will ensure you receive an offer as soon as possible.
How long does it usually take to close once a buyer is under contract?
This will vary a bit depending upon whether the buyer is getting a loan and what type of loan, but in most cases it takes somewhere between 30-45 to close on a home after an accepted contract.
What appliances are included with the home as part of the sale?
All kitchen appliances except for the refrigerator are considered “fixtures,” which mean they stay in the home unless otherwise specified in a contract. Refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers are not considered “fixtures,” but a buyer may request they stay in the home as part of the sale. We will discuss this further prior to you accepting an offer.
Do I have to make all of the repairs from a buyer’s home inspection?
The contract does not obligate a seller to make any repairs – in fact, it states that the home is being sold in it’s current condition. The buyer, however, also has the option to walk away from the purchase if they are unhappy with the condition of the home, so there may be some repairs that you will agree to make. I will assist in negotiating with the buyer’s agent what repairs you will agree to or what concession you will offer for repairs if necessary.
Will I have to pay for the buyer’s closing costs?
There is a place in the offer where a buyer can request you to pay a particular dollar amount towards their closing costs, which can be some or all of the total, but not all buyers will request this. It is simply one term of an offer, and you will then have the option to accept, counter, or decline just like any other term that is offered.
What if the home does not appraise for the contract price?
If the property appraises for less than the contract price, that could be a problem as the bank will only give the buyer a loan for the appraised value. That means the buyer would have to come up with cash at closing for the difference between the appraisal price and the contract price. If that does happen, the buyer may ask you to renegotiate the final sales price of your home.
What happens if the buyer terminates the contract on my home?
At any point during the buyer’s due diligence period, they may terminate the contract for any or no reason at all by providing you with written notice. If this happens, you simply retain the buyer’s due diligence money. If the buyer terminates the contract after the due diligence period has expired, however, you will also be entitled to retain their earnest money.