Have licensed real estate agents in answer your questions

What's the benefit of a pocket listing?

I have a friend that did a pocket listing and it seems like a good idea. What is a pocket listing? What's the benefit of a pocket listing? And is it better than just listing the house?

How can I beat a cash offer when buying a home?

I'm looking to buy a place, but my offers keep getting beat by cash offers. I have to have a loan. How can I beat a cash offer?

Does a good school boost property value?

I'm considering 2 areas. One has better schools and I'm wondering if I will have better resale value in the area with better schools.

Is a loan for a condo different than a house loan?

Is a mortgage for a condo different than a mortgage for a house?

with a quick sale, do I pay realtor commission in Michigan?

What does selling "subject to completion" mean?

What does selling "subject to completion" mean? The house I saw had projects that weren't finished. Does that mean the seller will finish the projects and then sell it?

Should I remodel my kitchen prior to selling??

Why does the seller pay all the commission?

It seems unfair that the entire commission falls on the seller. Why do they have to pay their agent and the buyer's agent?

Capital gains tax- how long can I wait to buy a home?

How long can I wait to buy a home and avoid capital gains tax?

How do I avoid paying capital gains tax?

Can I avoid paying capital gains tax? If so, how? I'm planning to sell and buy within the next year or so, but not immediately.

Do I need to disclose if there was a death in the home?

Death due to sickness. Do I need to disclose that when selling?

Should I get rid of my popcorn ceiling before selling?

Old popcorn ceilings throughout the home. Will I get a better value if I remove them? Seems overwhelming, so I prefer to leave it, but I also want to get the best value for my home.

Should I avoid an ARM loan?

If I get an adjustable rate loan, my interest rate is lower. But my family tells me I shouldn't get an ARM loan. This is my first home purchase, so I'm figuring all this out.

Selling as is?

My wife and I were contacting contractors when Covid first hit, now my custom built log house is in desperate need of attention what should I do? It’s still difficult to find a contractor who can do the job. Should we sell as is? Or is it better to complete the renovation?

Can I divide my property and sell only part of it?

We have 5 acres of land. We'd like to keep our house and sell some of the land. Is it possible to divide our current property and sell part of it? We'd like an acre but could be flexible.

How do I take my house off the MLS?

I've decided not to sell my house at the moment. How do I take my house off the MLS? If I tell my agent I don't want to sell, will she take my house off the MLS? Am I locked into any kind of agreement with my agent if I decide to sell in the future?

How do I cancel a listing agreement?

I'd like to cancel my listing agreement with my agent. I want to make sure that it's done correctly. How do I cancel a listing agreement?

Can I ask that people wear no shoes during showings?

I have small kids and we don't wear shoes in the house. I also don't want someone tracking in dirt and then someone else coming later and thinking our house is dirty. How do I politely ask that people not wear shoes during showings?

How can I protect my home during an open house?

How can I protect my belongings during an open house? While I certainly won't leave jewelry out to take, I'm wondering about other items, even basic things. With a lot of people walking through, I worrying about someone taking something.

Candles or cookies for an open house?

I've heard conflicting opinions on scents for an open house. Should I light a candle? Or I've heard of something with heating up vanilla for an open house? Do I bake cookies? Or do people not want to eat a stranger's cookies?

How do I find a home inspector to test for lead paint?

Do all home inspectors know how to test for lead paint? If not, how can I find a home inspector to test for lead paint?

How do we sell our home?

What can I keep on a kitchen counter during showings?

I know I need to remove clutter, but what can I keep on my kitchen counter? Is the coffee maker, knives and spoon container ok? Should I put out some decoration or is that clutter?

What questions should I ask about a home warranty?

What questions should I ask about a home warranty? What's generally covered and for how long? Thanks!

Why aren't many homes for sale?

We're looking to move, but it seems like there's not many homes for sale. Why is this?

Are outbuildings required to be "broom ready" same as house?

I sold my house and have an old abandoned cabin without any services used as a storage facility. The buyer is requiring me to pay $1600 for cleanup of abandoned items stating it is also required to be broom clean. Nothing in contract states broom clean. Left house broom clean but not cabin. They are threating taking me to court. I don't believe I am responsible for this condition. What is your opinion?

Who is responsible for tree removal?

Is the buyer or seller responsible for tree removal? Nothing came up in the inspection report, but the buyer is requesting tree removal. How do we handle this?

USDA home help?

Hi, I need a realtor that specializes in selling USDA homes. Are there specific requirements for selling a USDA home? I'm in Tennessee.

Are home repairs tax deductible when selling?

Are home repairs tax deductible when selling? If so, what would be included?

Buying commercial real estate ?

What advice do you have for buying commercial real estate?

How do I find a CCIM Realtor?

Looking for a Certified Commercial Investment Member for a Realtor. How do I find a CCIM Realtor?

Buying an investment property in a college town?

What should I consider before buying an investment property in a college town? Are there any unique considerations with college town rentals? Positives? Negatives?

How is owning better than renting?

I rent and it's nice to not worry about fixing anything. But people keep telling me I should own a place. How is owning better than renting?

How do I go from renting to owning?

I'm hoping to buy a place in a couple years. Currently I rent. How do I go from renting to owning?

Does a sunroom add value?

Does a sunroom off the house add value to a home? We're thinking of adding on a sunroom/3 seasons room and wondering what our return on investment might be. Thanks!

What are property values around Lubbock, TX/ West Texas?

Curious what housing runs in the vicinity South Woodrow. Near Lubbock, TX or West Texas.

How do I rent back my house after it's sold?

How do I rent back my house after it's sold? I'm hoping to sell and then stay for a couple weeks to do work on a new place. What are strategies for negotiating this?

Is land a worthwhile investment?

Thinking of buying land near a desirable area. Just a small lot that's buildable for a home. Not sure if we'll ever be able to build, but thinking about buying the land for potential resale down the road. Is land a worthwhile investment?

Thoughts on rent to own?

Hi, I've heard of rent to own. How does rent to own work? Is it still an option? How would I find a rent to own property?

If my landlord sells the house will I be forced to move?

My landlord is selling, do I have to move? I have about 6 months left on my lease and I've lived here for years. I don't know what the buyers plans are. If the buyer doesn't want renters, will I be forced to move?

What are some green flags for a real estate agent?

What are some green flags for a real estate agent? What positive characteristics should I pick up on or note when choosing an agent?

Does an unpermitted basement count in square footage?

DIY finished basement. No permits were used. Does this basement count in square footage? Do you forsee any issues down the road?

Can buyer/seller real estate agent collude?

Hi. Wondering if the buyer real estate agent and seller real estate agent can collude to get a higher price for a home. We're looking to buy a place, and our agent is friends with the seller's agent. Sometimes it feels like our agent is collaborating with the seller's agent to get the place sold at a higher price rather than working in our best interest. We're first time buyers and the agents are similar ages to us. I hope that our agent is advocating for us, but sometimes I wonder.

What adds value a loft or bedroom?

We have a loft that we could wall off and make into a bedroom (it has a window and closet). We like the look of the loft, but are wondering if making it into a bedroom will add value to the home?

How do I get a value on property?

My mother inherited property and an older double wide trailer....we sunk some money into it but she wants to sell it ....how do I come to a price to sell?

What is FIRPTA?

Can someone breakdown what FIRPTA is in a basic way?

Do you get residency if you buy a property in the USA?

Do you get residency if you buy a property in the USA as a foreign buyer?

Can Boyfriend legally get money off my sale of the house?

Hi we moved to FL in Aug 2021. He gave me 20k to put down on the house. I put down the other 120k. He’s not on the title or the loan. Does he have the legal right to any proceeds from the sale?

What kind of a housing market is it right now?

What kind of a housing market is it right now?

Should I replace my outdated light fixtures before selling?

Should I replace my outdated light fixtures before selling? Will something that small add value and help me sell for more? Or should I just leave them and let the next person replace them?