Answers by Gerard Jerry McManus

Hello Lisa, A buydown is a fee paid to lower a buyer's interest rate, but only temporarily. Since you are selling, offering to pay a point (to lower the rate for the life of the loan) as an incentive may set you apart from other sellers and help you sell your house for more money. Feel free to reach out. I have been licensed in New Jersey for 23 years. Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ

Hello Andrea, I would say the most important things to know are: 1) Is the agent "FULL TIME"? If they are not, the time you can communicate with them may be severely limited. Plus, you will not be the focus of their attention. This is feedback I have received over my 23-year career 2) What level of experience do they have IN YOUR AREA? Have they bought or sold any other houses in your area? This is important as the agent needs to be able to differentiate features that either add or detract from value Caution: asking about stats can be misleading. Getting $20,000 over asking can sound good, but if they underprice the house by $50,000, is it? Feel free to reach out. I have been licensed in New Jersey for 23 years. Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ

Hello Kylie, If it were me, I'd move into it and sell my current primary. In a few years (check with an accountant). By then, it will be your primary, and you can sell later with a lower tax burden. I have had a couple of clients do precisely that and save a bundle. Feel free to call or text Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ

Hello JJ, It really does matter who is asking the question. You can have a "market value" (a real estate agent helps you with that), an appraised value (an appraiser), and an assessed value (Your local tax assessor). I would say the online calculators really aren't that accurate. When you go to sell, hire a good local real estate agent who has sold in your area and knows it well. Please make sure they have time in the business. They can also help you maximize your net proceeds. Feel free to call or text Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ

Hello Chad, A lot of times, when a buyer sees a house "As Is," the first question they ask is, "What is wrong with it?" With a well-maintained house, you shouldn't run into the hassle you are pointing to. I would even go a step further; offering a home warranty tells the buyer you have a nice house now, AND you stand by it for the next year. Feel free to reach out. I have been licensed in New Jersey for 23 years. Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ

Hello George, Short answer: Yes Caution: Since you're the only one on the deed and title, you're still RESPONSIBLE as the home's owner. Feel free to reach out. I have been licensed in New Jersey for 23 years. Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ

Hello Anonymous, IMHO, you NEED an agent. Doing a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) opens you and your family to many risks. Agents vet the potential buyers. They also help you price your home properly, market it effectively, and handle the disclosures. When a buyer sees a FSBO, the first thing they do is knock 6% off the price. Knowing you aren't paying agents. Agents also bring a network of other agents, often knowing who is looking for what. That helps you lower your carrying costs as well as opportunity costs (where you would go from here) Feel free to reach out. I have been licensed in New Jersey for 23 years. Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ

Hello Anonymous, Short Answer: Yes Unless you have a signed agreement, you are still at the mercy of the market or the seller in this case. Feel free to reach out. I have been licensed in New Jersey for 23 years. Jerry McManus Keller Williams, Sewell, NJ