Frequently Asked Home Selling Questions

Here at Real Simple Housing, we understand you will have a lot of questions when selling your home. If you have a question not found below, click here or call to contact us directly!

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General Home Selling Questions

Understanding Financing

Closing On A Home: The Basics

General Home Selling Questions

When should I sell my home?

This is only a question the Seller can answer.  The best response is when it makes sense.  Several reasons include a life change, job change, or an opportunity.  We can be that resource which provides you with good information so you can make a good decision.  If you are looking at a rental property, Real Simple Housing can provide you with a high quality rental analysis spreadsheet to help you with your decision.

Do I need to use a Realtor to sell my home?

As a homeowner, you can sell your home by yourself.  Keep in mind you assume all of the liability from the sale if something were to go wrong.  Using a licensed Realtor like Real Simple Housing reduces your liability.  We ensure you utilize all of the required state documents to keep you out of harms way.  In addition, our marketing channels are developed and expansive, complete with a call center, pre-existing buyer pools and direct national access to Keller Williams’ 940 offices and 180,000 agents.  Contact us and we can provide you with a listing proposal.

What Should I Do To Prepare My Home For The Market?

In 25+ years working in the real estate industry, Real Simple Housing has seen what works and what doesn’t work to sell homes.  Making sure the home is clean and shows a pride of ownership is the most important action a Seller can take.  We have developed a list of best practices for Sellers to get their homes ready for sale.  If you are short on cash to make improvements, a number of our preferred companies can be paid at closing.  Contact us for more information.

Can I get a cash offer on my home?

Yes.  There are a number of companies which provide cash offers with a number of different terms.  Real Simple Housing has access to a Keller Williams $10MM fund to purchase homes.  We can offer competitive pricing and extended rent back terms.  For qualified Sellers, rent back terms can go as long as 3 years.   Just click the Cash Offer Now button to get started.

Understanding Financing

What Are The Costs to Sell My Home?

The Seller typically pays the commission fees for both the Seller’s agent and the Buyer’s agent.  These fees are negotiable and are paid at closing from the Seller’s equity.  Additional fees will come in title closing fees as defined in the Purchase Agreement.  Real Simple Housing will work with you to reduce these fees as much as possible.  We can tailor a program that works best for you and your home.  Contact us so we can get started reducing your selling fees.

Do I have to sell if the appraisal is low?

Long answer short, No.  If the Buyer is unable to pay the difference from the appraised price and the contract price, the Seller can negotiate a mutually agreeable price or terminate the contact.  Often times, it is in the Seller’s best interest to work with the Buyer.  We provide our Sellers with all of the options to help them make the best decision.

Do I have to pay for a home warranty?

No.  Many payments in the sale of your home are negotiable.  Purchasing a home warranty for a potential buyer shows that you believe in the condition of the home now and in the future.  During the inspection process, a home warranty can reduce the discussions on life expectancy of mechanical systems of the home.  To all parties involved in the transaction, a home warranty can be cheap insurance and save a lot of headaches down the road.  Ask us about our discounts on home warranties.

Do I have to fix all of the repairs on the home inspection?

No.  Once the home inspection is completed, the Buyer can request specific repairs be made by the Seller.  The Seller can negotiate these repairs and either make the repairs or provide the Buyer with a Seller Concession which can be used towards closing fees.  Repair items identified in the appraisal, which are conditions of funding, will need to be repaired prior to closing.

Closing On A Home: The Basics

Who picks the title company?

This is mutually agreed upon by the Seller and the Buyer.  Often times, the Seller chooses the title company and the Buyer agrees to it.

Who sets the closing time?

Usually the Buyer schedules the closing time in conjunction with the lender.  The Seller can either sign at the same time as the Buyer or sign at a time prior to the closing date, which ever works better for the Seller.  This time can be multiple days in advance of the home closing.

Do I have to sign documents with the Buyer?

No.  A Seller can sign either at the same time as the Buyer or at a time in advance of the closing.  The title company will let you know when the Seller documents will be ready for signing and find a time that works best for the Seller.

What if I am out of town?

Title companies will work with clients to facilitate the signing.  Notifying the title company early in the transaction about an out of town signing will make the process easier.  Remote notaries, electronic signings or power of attorneys can be used to ensure your home sells on time.  If necessary, a re-negotiation of the contract to move the closing date can be done.

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