Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Answer

A comprehensive marketing plan is something that you should expect from your Realtor when selling a home. The days of placing a sign in front of a property and waiting for someone to buy it, are over. With the evolution and impact of the internet on the real estate industry, it’s critical that not only is your property marketed through “traditional” avenues, such as newspapers and mailings, but it must also get maximum exposure online. An experienced Realtor should have a quality website, creative marketing ideas, and a strong social media presence.

Question 2

Answer

Preparing a home for showings can be a job in itself. That’s why you should leave it to the professionals. A great Realtor will have a team of cleaners, movers, stagers and other professionals to ensure your property is showing at its best. A home that is well prepared for showings will absolutely sell faster than its competition.

Question 3

Answer

Easy question to answer – No! There are many reasons why sellers should not be present during showings. The primary reason why you should not be present at showings of your home is that potential buyers can feel uncomfortable talking openly and freely with their Realtor about the property. They do not want to say something that could offend you, the seller. The best idea is to leave shortly before the scheduled showing and come back once you are certain the buyer and their Realtor have left your home.

Answer

Easy question to answer – No! There are many reasons why sellers should not be present during showings. The primary reason why you should not be present at showings of your home is that potential buyers can feel uncomfortable talking openly and freely with their Realtor about the property. They do not want to say something that could offend you, the seller. The best idea is to leave shortly before the scheduled showing and come back once you are certain the buyer and their Realtor have left your home.

Question 4

Answer

You should get pre-approved for a mortgage; this will let you know how much of a mortgage you can borrow. Knowing this allows you to narrow your search to suitable properties and not waste time on properties outside of your buying power. The mortgage estimate also gives insight into how much money will be required for the down payment and closing costs. With a pre-approval, property sellers will have confidence that you are a serious buyer.

Question 5

Answer

It doesn’t cost you anything. Agents who represent buyers are compensated by the listing broker for bringing a buyer to the property. When the property is sold, the listing broker splits the listing fee with the buyer’s agent.

Answer

It doesn’t cost you anything. Agents who represent buyers are compensated by the listing broker for bringing a buyer to the property. When the property is sold, the listing broker splits the listing fee with the buyer’s agent.

Question 6

Answer

Sellers can simply accept or reject any offer. But there is a third path that is quite common, sellers can initiate a counter-offer. You and your agent would review the counter-offer to determine whether or not it is acceptable. If you accept it, then approving it closes the deal immediately. Keep in mind, offers and counter-offers can go back and forth many times; this is not unusual, and negotiations are a part of what Realtors do as a matter of routine. Each revision should bring both parties closer together on the terms of the deal.

Question 7

Answer

Closing costs will typically range from 1.5 – 4% of the home’s purchase price. These include things like legal and administrative fees and are payable on closing. You can expect to pay for your property inspection, mortgage default insurance, if your down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price, the Land Transfer Taxes, lawyer fees, appraisal fee, and property taxes, among other things. Make sure you budget for this! On a $500,000 property, closing costs can range from $7,500 – $20,000.

Answer

Closing costs will typically range from 1.5 – 4% of the home’s purchase price. These include things like legal and administrative fees and are payable on closing. You can expect to pay for your property inspection, mortgage default insurance, if your down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price, the Land Transfer Taxes, lawyer fees, appraisal fee, and property taxes, among other things. Make sure you budget for this! On a $500,000 property, closing costs can range from $7,500 – $20,000.

Question 8

Answer

A condo is short for “condominium” and is typically a residence owned by a family or individual in a community building. Condos are different from a standard apartment because they have shared common areas which include gyms, garages, spas, pools, yards and even shops, depending on location. These amenities are maintained through dues paid by condo owners to an elected condo board. These fees are for the up-keep of common areas and not for repairs that happen inside of your condo such as a leaky faucet or broken fridge.

Answer

A condo is short for “condominium” and is typically a residence owned by a family or individual in a community building. Condos are different from a standard apartment because they have shared common areas which include gyms, garages, spas, pools, yards and even shops, depending on location. These amenities are maintained through dues paid by condo owners to an elected condo board. These fees are for the up-keep of common areas and not for repairs that happen inside of your condo such as a leaky faucet or broken fridge.

Answer

A condo is short for “condominium” and is typically a residence owned by a family or individual in a community building. Condos are different from a standard apartment because they have shared common areas which include gyms, garages, spas, pools, yards and even shops, depending on location. These amenities are maintained through dues paid by condo owners to an elected condo board. These fees are for the up-keep of common areas and not for repairs that happen inside of your condo such as a leaky faucet or broken fridge.

Question 9

Answer

In a condo, you own the actual structure of the building with other owners in the association. A townhouse refers to a style of a building and has nothing to do with associations or management of the property. When someone lives in a condo it is assumed they have an association and rules that regulate the common areas. A townhouse can belong to an association, but it is not assumed since it only refers to the style of construction (typically two stories with shared walls to other townhouses in the row).

Answer

In a condo, you own the actual structure of the building with other owners in the association. A townhouse refers to a style of a building and has nothing to do with associations or management of the property. When someone lives in a condo it is assumed they have an association and rules that regulate the common areas. A townhouse can belong to an association, but it is not assumed since it only refers to the style of construction (typically two stories with shared walls to other townhouses in the row).

Answer

In a condo, you own the actual structure of the building with other owners in the association. A townhouse refers to a style of a building and has nothing to do with associations or management of the property. When someone lives in a condo it is assumed they have an association and rules that regulate the common areas. A townhouse can belong to an association, but it is not assumed since it only refers to the style of construction (typically two stories with shared walls to other townhouses in the row).

Answer

In a condo, you own the actual structure of the building with other owners in the association. A townhouse refers to a style of a building and has nothing to do with associations or management of the property. When someone lives in a condo it is assumed they have an association and rules that regulate the common areas. A townhouse can belong to an association, but it is not assumed since it only refers to the style of construction (typically two stories with shared walls to other townhouses in the row).

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying Or Selling A Property

When is the best time to sell my property?

What steps should I take to prepare my property for sale?

How do you plan on marketing my property?

What should I do to prepare my home for showings?

Should I be present during showings at my property?

I think I’m ready to buy a property, what’s my first step?

How much does it cost to have an agent help me buy a property?

What if my offer is rejected?

How much will I need for closing costs?

What is a condo?

What is the difference between a condo and a townhouse?

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