Answers by Jessica Sauls

Hi Yvette! Yes! This is definitely something that you might be able to do with the right lender. And it sounds like an amazing opportunity for you all! Many Lenders offer Bridge Loan options. This is not the same as recasting your loan when the house sells, so if a lender only offers that- then they more than likely don't carry a bridge. Best of luck to you all!

Hi Peter! I love this question! If I was thinking about selling, and not sure when to list, I would first make sure that my home was ready to list at any given moment. You should already have your Realtor in place with an excellent marketing campaign and drive to work hard for your sale! Know your price range, your Realtor will go over the Comps with you. Then, go find Open Houses in your price range. Are they busy? Dead? What's the condition of the home? Is it overpriced? You can also reach out to some local lenders. What have their application rates been over the past 30 days? You can't possibly time the market. But you can gage local activity based on statics, data and what you can see by just going out and visiting open houses. Enjoy the process! Jess

Hi Renee, Selling your home first will definitely give you an advantage in several ways. However, a lot of Sellers - especially families, find it much easier to move first and then sell. I have a lot of people use a Bridge Loan for this. The Bridge loan allows my Sellers to use the equity in their home to purchase their next home. They move in, leaving me with an empty home to stage and sell, sometimes to fix up as well depending on what's needed. It's a lot easier to refinish hardwood floors and paint when the house is vacant. I would speak with a Realtor and several local lenders to learn about your options. Moving is already a stressful process, the more information and options you have, the better decisions you can make. Jess

Hi Min! It's very different state to state. I find that a lot of my Clients that move to Maryland from the South come with their own washer and dryer! A lot of them have told me that they even need to provide their own washer and dryer in rentals. Maryland is one of those states where the appliances (all of them) stay most of the time. I also work in Pennsylvania, where it is not assumed that the appliances stay and if the Buyer wants them we write it into the contract. Maryland has an inclusions addendum that we use for every sale that tells the Buyers what stays and what goes. Reach out to your agent so they can explain the best way to determine which houses come with the appliances. Best, Jess

Hi Elizabeth, You can technically switch lenders as long as you don't delay closing and your contract allows it. Have you spoken to your Realtor about it? 3 weeks is normally plenty of time to close. Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

Hi James! You probably have some equity after 3 years! I would suggest reaching out to a local expert, like Tiffany Fykes, and have her/her team run comps for you. They can also give you an estimate on what you'll make at the time of sale. Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group Serving Maryland and South Central Pennsylvania

Hi Donna, It sounds like you're really going through it, and like it's not a great fit. It's probably best to speak with an attorney to go over everything in your contract.

Home Equity Lines are great options for some, but not always the best course of action. They're definitely not your only option. I would highly suggest for you to speak with a local Realtor and ask them who their top lenders are. Go over ALL of your options with each lender, and make sure you speak with at least 3. Not all banks carry the same products. Then bring those options to a financial advisor if needed. The best option is going to be the one that is right for your personal budget, credit score, timeline and comfort.

Hi! I'm a Realtor in Maryland, we can have some harsh winters, but probably not as snowy. I do personally have great turnouts for our Open Houses, especially in the winter. We have a lot of people stationed here, so turnover happens year round for us. Winter Buyers are serious buyers. They are the ones that have to move and are willing to pay a fair price to get into a home. I would reach out to your top local realtors and ask them what the trends are, ask them for the data that backs it up- not personal opinions. They should have no problem bringing local trends and reports based on the past 3 years of data.

That’s such a common concern right now, especially for families who locked in those ultra low rates a few years ago. The good news is: a low interest rate does not automatically mean you should stay put if your home no longer fits your life. Buyer demand is definitely different than it was in 2021–2022, but well-priced homes in desirable areas are still selling, especially homes that are move-in ready and appropriately updated. Inventory is still relatively tight in many markets, which continues to support sellers even with rates in the 6% range. What we’re seeing nationally is a more “normal” market: Buyers are more cautious. Homes can take a little longer to sell. Pricing strategy matters much more. But serious buyers are absolutely still purchasing homes every day. In fact, many growing families are making the same decision you’re considering right now: they’re realizing that staying in a house that no longer works for them just to keep a low rate may cost them more in stress, space limitations, or missed opportunities over time. What we are seeing LOCALLY, in Maryland, is very different depending on the location. Some homes are selling in 3 days or less with multiple offers. Especially in the $400-$500,000 price range. The bigger question usually isn’t: “Will buyers still buy our home?” It’s: “Does the payment difference to move make sense for our long-term lifestyle and goals?” Here's the thing. If your home is prepared to sell for your market and priced correctly for your market, the house WILL sell. If interest rates drop, you're going to spend a lot more on a house because you're going to be fighting off every Tom, Dick and Harry who also waited for interest rates to drop - rather than just refinancing. No one can predict the market. But you can take control of your situation right now and do what fits you, your budget and your lifestyle.

This is a great question! I work with a lot of sellers that think that they will get top dollar if they completely renovate the home. And some will. However, a complete renovation might cost you more than you will get back. So then the question is, do you update the home and live there to enjoy it? Or are you just updating it to fit what you think are trends, only to realize that they are outdated by the time you finish everything and you're ready to sell? Was it worth the time and money? You're very best resource right now is your top local Realtor. Preferably one that knows the costs of improvements like the back of their hand. One thing I offer to my clients is a 3 stage summary of how much money they should expect to make on their home based off of the market right now. I run those numbers so they can see what they will make if they put absolutely nothing into the house (except a good cleaning, no one is off the hook for that!), if they invest $10-$20,000 into improvements and what they would expect if they do a complete rehab. I price out everything so they can see the actual numbers and then make a decision based on what is best for them and their return. I also have a pay it back program, this is when my Sellers need to make some repairs and renovations and we go in and get them all done. Paint, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, roof, windows, etc. I pay for the repairs and updates and then my Sellers pay me back when the house settles. It works out great for everyone. They don't have to pay anything upfront and they make a substantial amount more on their home. I keep my guys busy and get referrals from my Clients. Win - Win! You probably have someone local that do that as well!

Hi Zofia, I would check with at least 3 local lenders recommended by your Realtor. Not only are there 3% down Conventional products, but most states have first time buyer programs that help with down payment, lower interest rates, grants and/or other great programs to help get you into a home. Especially in high-cost areas like Seattle. Best, Jess

Hi Vernon, You should speak with a local Mortgage Broker, and speak with at least 3 of them. I always recommend speaking with at least 3 of them. There may be programs available to you. Jessica Sauls, Realtor Memory Lane Property Group

Hi Olga! I would ask your national lender if they can run you through Underwriting before you even make an offer. An underwritten approval can close faster and looks better to a Seller. You can also ask you national lender to call the listing agent and email them, let them know that they are available if they need anything and give them their personal cell. As Agents, we have all had experiences with a lender or 5 that fell short, but at the end of the day, we work with people. If your Lender is willing and able to reach out and advocate on your behalf, then you should have no problem. Best of luck! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group Serving Maryland and South Central Pennsylvania

Hi Annie! You should have no problem selling your home to your son! In Maryland, we use Title Attorneys to transfer the sale. You may need an escrow attorney. I would start there.

That sounds awful! Start by reaching out to your local expert Realtors. Great Realtors WILL reach out to you and follow up- you definitely don't want a Realtor that leaves you alone, good luck finding them when you need them. If you fill out a form on-line, your information is going to be Sold to every Realtor that's willing to pay for your information, so keep that in mind. Do your research, read reviews and call each Agent to speak with them or their assistant directly.

Hi CT! The first thing you should do is research your local Realtors. You might be able to find one that wants to purchase your property themselves and rehab it to put it up for resale later. That would help you eliminate the 1000 calls around the clock. Some Sellers prefer a quick and easy cash sale. Others want to put their home on the market to see how much they can get for it. At the end of the day, it's not about anyone but you. What works best for you? Best of luck! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group Serving Maryland and South Central Pennsylvania

Hi Veronica, It's never easy for a Realtor to tell someone that their house has a smell to it. It doesn't mean that your house smells bad, but that Agent is out with a lot of Buyers on a regular basis. They know when a house smells like anything a Buyer will comment on it and it will sway their decision. I can tell you from experience, I have had many Buyers complain about the smell of curry- one of my favorite ingredients. I know the smell won't last, and I'll feel irritated and hungry when I leave that showing- because that could be the right house for them and they couldn't get past the smell! It's our job to make sure that our Clients are in the very best position to sell their home for top dollar. And sometimes that means telling them something that they don't want to hear. Smells will keep buyers away. If and when that happens, Sellers will lose money. Ozone machines work great when removing smells from homes. Best of luck to you! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

Hi Charles! There are Federal Grants, such as the FHLB Grant. The first thing you should do is speak to at least 3 local lenders. Different lenders have different options. Your lender can recommend lenders to you, or you could do some research on your own based on reviews and stats. Speaking to local realtors might be the easiest solution though, they know who carries the best products for your personal situation. Best of luck! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

That's a great question, Sophia! I don't know how comfortable you are with it if you're asking, though. While most of the time, it is perfectly legal depending on the state you're purchasing in, it's only ok if you're comfortable moving forward. Do you feel like that Agent has your best interest in mind? I have a great friend that is an amazing Realtor and Advocate in Tempe, AZ. Chelsea Anderson. 602-748-6136. If you want a second opinion or are looking for a great Realtor, she's a great place to start! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

Hi Em! This is a very common request from Sellers. A lot of Sellers need to Sell their home before they purchase the next home so they can be in a stronger position to buy. This is a very personal choice, and you need to talk to your Agent about all of your options. Can you extend the settlement date, rather than rent to them? What kind of deposit will the Seller have? Are they paying rent? Or are you in a multiple offer situation and you really want the house so you are willing to give them 30 days for free to win the contract? These are just some of the questions that you should go over with your Realtor. It's not necessarily a bad idea, but if you're uncomfortable with it, you should ask some more questions and get some more clarity around it. Your Realtor is the best resource for that. Best, Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

Hi Rose, You can absolutely still purchase a home at 72! You have so many options to purchase, including a Reverse for Purchase Option! The first thing you should do is speak to a local Realtor that is has an SRES designation. They can help you find the right lender that can go over ALL of your options. That way you are informed on each loan type available to you and you can make the right decision for you based on your needs and wants. I just had a Buyer settle on her first home at 78. She used a Reverse for Purchase loan, put 38% down and she will never pay a payment. What was really great about the home she purchased was that it had an in-law suite with a separate entrance for a live-on caretaker for her if she were to ever need someone. Right now, she rents it out and the tenant cares for the lawn and exterior maintenance for her. You can have up to 3 units with a reverse mortgage. Reverse Mortgages aren't your only option of course, but it is one option that works great for a lot of Buyers. Best of luck to you! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

Hi Maggie! I would call the local zoning office and ask. Sometimes it was perfectly fine when the Seller completed the work and it will be grandfathered in. I have sold many just like that. I ALWAYS call zoning to check though. If it wasn't permitted and it wasn't grandfathered in, then it could mean some serious fines and work to get it to where the county/city requires it to be. Best of luck! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group Serving Maryland and South Central PA

Hi Judy! This is actually one of my favorite questions! I have a lot of Buyers come to me that are worried about purchasing in a 55+ community for all sorts of reasons. Here are some of the things that I have found: The Buyers that were worried about their kids found that a lot of their kids felt relieved with their parents in a 55+ Community. There was less maintenance for their kids to help with. No shoveling the snow, no replacing the roof, windows, siding, etc. (Depending on the community of course) Their parents were free to do just about anything that they wanted! When they didn't have to worry about the exterior maintenance of their homes, the parents were free to travel and do whatever they wanted. Their parents had a whole new community with new friends and activities. Community Gardens, poker games, shopping trips to New York (big deal for our Rural Community), golf, pickle ball. The list goes on for days. Resale is about the same for 55+ in our area, but you should definitely check with a local Agent (preferably one that has an SRES Certification) that can show you your local trends and resale history for the communities that you are interested in. The fees usually cover your master-in policy for insurance and most exterior maintenance. However, all communities are different, so be sure to check with your Agent and read the bylaws and agreements with the HOA/COA. Uploading them to ChatGPT or another AI can help give you a good summary, but still not as great as reading them yourself. I would recommend having your agent take you to all of your options. You're going to want to make a move that fits your goals, and your goals should include your financial and lifestyle goals. I wish you the very best with your next move! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group Serving Maryland and South Central Pennsylvania

Hi Peggy! It might be a hot market, but your Agent definitely isn't trying to just make her job easier. She's telling you what you need to do to earn top dollar for your home. Most Agents are working with Buyers and Sellers. They see and hear first hand what Buyers in your area are looking for. They're basing their recommendations off of data. You don't have to do anything. However, if someone told me that I would make more money and sell my home faster, I would grab my tupperware bins and start packing up my "clutter", lord knows I've accumulated my fair share of it! It happens to the best of us! I can also tell you that Selling the home quickly isn't the hard part for most agents. Pricing it right and making sure it's market ready means it will go under contract. The hard part getting the transaction to settlement avoiding any major roadblocks along the way. And if and when they do come up, handling them with professionalism, bringing solutions and protecting your best interest- that's what your agent is working hard for. I wish you an excellent move! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group