Answers by Julianne Clark

Yes DEFINITELY! Worth mentioning is that vacant home insurance is different than occupied home insurance. The reason for that is when a home is occupied -- the insurance company is assuming someone is present and any issue (such as a leaky refrigerator waterline) will be discovered quickly. With a vacant home -- it can continue to leak much longer before discovered. So premiums are higher for vacant homes. Also, if there is a claim and the its discovered that the home was vacant at the time -- there may be coverage issues. Contact your insurer to make sure the home is properly covered until the closing paperwork is completed!!

Firstly, the primary benefits of a pocket listing are a level of privacy and exclusivity for sellers who may not want to publicize their property sale, as well as the potential for faster, more discreet transactions. Secondly, the drawback of a pocket listing can include limited exposure to potential buyers that can result in a lower selling price. You will need to weigh the options for your particular situation.

Yes, proximity to good schools can often have a positive impact on property values as well as make it more desirable to families with school age kids. Many homebuyers, especially with families, consider the quality of nearby schools when making purchasing decisions. A highly-rated school district can make a neighborhood more desirable, leading to increased demand for homes in that area. This increased demand can drive up property prices and reduce time on market.

Financing for condos is different than a single family home. Because you are buying from the walls in -- the Lender will need a greater amount of information about the condo association, regime fees, special assessment, any pending lawsuits and other condo documents. They will want to make sure that they have plenty of money coming in and set aside for future building repairs/claims, they are carrying adequate property/flood insurance for the building and of any future special assessments. It can sometimes take a little longer to close on the property and your lender may also require a larger $$ down towards the purchase. If you are considering a condo purchase -- verify with your lender that it is an option for your pre approval qualifications.

Selling "subject to completion" means selling a property with the condition that certain tasks or improvements will be finished before the sale is finalized. Sometimes this is used for new construction or remodeling. House is put on market prior to all work being done. Sometimes this allows the Buyer to choose their own colors and fixtures to have a little opportunity for personalization.

This is not a yes or no question. The condition of your current kitchen and listing price point play a factor in the answer. Sometimes new kitchen countertops, a backsplash and fresh paint can be just enough to spruce it up for sale. It also depends on how much the remodel will cost. You may want to discuss with a local real estate professional to get an idea if the remodel cost, all the construction dirt and the extended inconvenience will increase your sale price enough to be worth the effort...

Yes, you can potentially avoid paying capital gains tax through strategies like the Primary Residence Exclusion, 1031 exchange, or offsetting gains with losses. You really need to consult a certified tax professional for advice based on your particular situation.

It depends on where you live. Some states require disclosure -- others do not. (There are probably many more deaths in homes than anyone ever know about.) If the death in the home was or was not a brutal event -- the neighbors would surely tell the new owners anyways.

Something else that should be mention is that if your house is uncompleted and you sell it in "as-is" condition -- the property may not qualify for financing. One of those lending guidelines. This may greatly reduce the Buyers that are able to purchase it and the inevitably the end sales price. Does your area have a Nextdoor.com? If so, maybe post on there for recommendations of local contractors. Best wishes!

By adding a second laundry room to your finished basement can potentially add value to your house, but the impact on value can vary based on factors such as your local real estate market, buyer preferences, and the overall layout and size of your home. You may also want to consider costs involved and consult experts before deciding. The convenience for your family may justify the additional expense.

The NACA Home Buying Program is a non-profit initiative that offers affordable mortgages with no down payment or closing costs to low-to-moderate income individuals, along with credit counseling and member advocacy support. Their aims is to provide access to affordable loans and promote fair lending practices for underserved communities.

I hadn't heard of this program before and had to look it up. Wondering if it may be something available in certain locations outside of my market or new. Here is the breakdown. NACA is kind of like the “cheat code” for homeownership. 🏡 No down payment, no closing costs, no PMI, and they don’t even look at your credit score. Instead, they focus on whether you can actually afford the monthly payment. It takes patience (lots of paperwork and counseling), but for renters who feel locked out of the market, it can be a game‑changer. Still not 100% sure it's a good thing -- give a man a fish and he eats for a day -- teach a man to...

Hi Teresa -- FastExpert will pair you with an awesome local agent. That agent will discuss their Brokerage fees with you based on your home and services required. FastExpert does not charge you as the Seller any fee. Good luck!!

Hi Paul -- if you are buying a home, your lender will schedule the appraisal for your financing and it can run $500-$600 range. If you are looking to have your home appraised just to establish a value -- that price is sometimes reduced. As an alternative -- if you are just looking for a value -- a local real estate expert that works in your community can give you an estimate of value based on current market conditions at no charge. Best wishes!

Retaining air rights means you legally control the space above your property to a certain height. This can affect neighboring development, views, and potential for future construction. The rules & regulations governing air rights can vary significantly from one location to another -- as well of what is possible in one city might not be the same in another. You really need to consult a legal professional to understand local regulations and create agreements if needed.