The short answer is yes. But the best answer is that it depends on the situation. So much goes into pricing a home: its condition, the season, the market, the economy, and so much more.

As your agent, I help you develop your selling strategy which gives you the best chances for success. In doing so, you’re able to anticipate future problems with the home that could affect its value. You can look at location, upcoming economic shifts and neighborhood activity, plus home amenities to see how the value will weather any storm. So while your home may depreciate during a down market, you can make choices now that can protect its viability: condition, amenities, features, and so much more can be controlled by the homeowner to maximize value.

It can be! In a thriving economy, the cost to build a new home is more expensive because materials and labor are more costly. However, new homes take at least a few months to build, so it’s not always an option for buyers needing something immediately. New construction will always be competition for resale properties, and often a greater value is found in resale homes. A professional agent can help you weigh your options in your specific situation so that you’re confident in your decision.

In the most simple terms, a broker is an individual (or entity like a brokerage) who is legally permitted to bring two parties together for their mutual benefit. Home sellers need to sell, and home buyers need to buy. A broker helps keep all parties within legal boundaries, helps keep focus on the transaction/goal, and negotiates on their client’s behalf with their best interest in mind. 

If you are a client, your broker owes you complete confidentiality- nothing you say can be shared without your express permission.

I honestly believe “Zestimate” should be considered a swear word! Many large real estate companies will try to price your home, usually in an attempt to gain your business themselves. So why should you trust a person over a large company who is obviously successful? Because Zillow’s never been in your home! They take recent sales, even foreclosures and “For Sale by Owner” properties, into account when pricing your home. Only someone who knows our specific market can really accurately price properties. 

There are a few different phases of selling a property. The first is the prelist phase in which you decide when you’re going to list, how much to ask, and who you’re partnering with to sell it.

The second phase is the most unpredictable- this is your marketing/actively listed phase… this can take anywhere from half a day to half a year (or more, depending!). I prepare my sellers on what to expect so far as listing period.

The third and final phase is the escrow phase. This time is when the attorney is performing the necessary duties to ensure the property can be sold and by the person who signed the contracts. This time can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 8 weeks, and usually the time taken depends on the lender and type of loan being obtained.