Frequently Asked Home Seller Questions
How much does it cost to list a home for sale?
Free to list so nothing due until close when you would pay
the commission out of proceeds from the sale. If no close, no fee.
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Should I get my home inspected before it goes on the market?
I don’t advise it. Different inspectors find different things. I’ve
found it best to work from the inspection the buyer pays for.
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How long is a listing contract?
Usually 3 to 6 months depending upon the market conditions.
I always work with my sellers on a term they are happy with.
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What if I want to end my listing contract?
I have an Easy Exit listing agreement. If you are unhappy with the
service I will cancel the contract with no cost or obligation to you.
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What fees other than commission do I pay to sell my home?
There are a few fees all sellers pay to the title company like a
transfer fee, deed prep, closing fee, tax proration and a few
others I can go over with you on a net sheet, so you know
upfront what you’ll be looking at.
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What do I have to disclose about my property?
As a seller you’ll fill out a 5 page property disclosure form that
covers things like the roof, water intrusion, structural issues,
mechanical issues, etc. Disclose any material issues you are
aware of. You NEVER get in trouble when you disclose.
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This is being sold to settle an estate. Do I have to
fill out a property disclosure?
No. However, if you are aware of any material issues
you need to make buyers aware of them.
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How do I prepare my home for sale?
In general it’s all about clean and clutter-free with repair
projects taken care of. Ever go to the store and pick an
item that was further back on the shelf because the one up
front was dog-eared, worn or wrinkled from people
handling it? Home buyers do the same thing – they are
attracted to the well- kept properties.
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Will the bank require repairs to my home?
This is ultimately up to what the appraiser flags on the appraisal.
It depends largely on the type of financing used (Conv, FHA or VA)
but safety issues like lead based paint, over 3 steps without a
handrail, broken window glass, etc. can create problems.
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Do I need to call an appraiser before I sell my house?
Generally, no. In my experience, in the Dayton area, about 95% of home sellers
do not call an appraiser before they list. Home sellers rely on the valuation from a local
Realtor for determining market value. If a property has some
unique characteristics like acreage, outbuildings, odd floorplan, odd location,
etc. that make it difficult to value, then an appraiser could be beneficial
to help determine an asking price. Although sellers more often than not skip calling
an appraiser when they list their home for sale, it’s worth noting that most buyer’s lenders will
require an official appraisal to finance the loan.