Answers by Keith Jean Pierre

This is personal preference between the listing agent and the owner, but we communicate at a minimum, after every showing to forward the feedback from said showing. If there is none after a particular period of time, weekly check-ins occur. Initially in the process there obviously will be more frequent contacts due to all the activity but if it has been weeks, there is something wrong. We never want our client to have to "guess" what is going on. I think that is a fair expectation. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Prioritize fresh neutral paint and updated lighting fixtures over quartz countertops. Lower cost and less "custom." Additionally, if the cabinets are outdated, new countertops won't change much opinion. Focus on simple cosmetic updates that make the home feel "move-in ready" rather than extensive, personalized renovations. Best of luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You can get a good-faith estimate to determine what position you are in. That will give you a very clear outlook. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Running the number on both the sale and rental options would be the best play here. Keep in mind, when having a mortgage, that eats into the "profit." Additionally, you need to determine if you are open to being landlords; which in my opinion is the first concern. Best of luck with your decision. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Put yourself in the buyer's shoes, would you look at a house that did not present itself in the best possible light? Photos are the first thing the potential buyer is going to see. If those are horrible, then you have a much lower chance of selling for your desired figure. And the fact that photography is so inexpensive in relation to the value these days, I have no idea why I still see some agents or homeowners doing it themselves. If I see a homeowner or agent in a bathroom photo, I know they have no idea what they are doing and can probably negotiate a great deal for my client or myself. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

The first step in this process is to speak with a lender before an agent. This way you will have a strong understanding of what you can afford and expect in the market. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Speaking with a lender would be the first step in this process. This way you will have a clear understanding of what you can afford and what to expect in the market. Best of luck with your search. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You most likely will not recoup the complete kitchen renovation in terms of cost during resale but the home will sell much quicker. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

As long as you do not go overboard, you typically recoup the majority of a basement completion. The biggest problem to watch out for is in the quotes; #1, they will be all over the place so make sure you pay close attention; and #2, don't get lost in the "upgrades." If you are primarily doing this for future resale and enjoyment until then, throwing insane amounts of money into a small basement will ruin you. I did my basement about 15 years ago and it was 800 square feet, the quotes ranged from $10,000 to $50,000 in New Jersey; the variances were insane! Good luck with the project.

Terms are what is going to get you to the finish line. Unfortunately, that does bring additional risk, but you can minimize if you work effectively. The key here is to primarily minimize risk to the seller, therefore making your offer more appealing. A fully underwritten pre-approval, shortening closing timelines (some lenders with fully underwritten pre-approvals can be as quick as 7 business days), and waiving contingencies like appraisal or inspection. Offering higher earnest money, covering appraisal gaps, and writing personal letters can also improve competitiveness against cash. I would also say larger down payment helps as well, but given you are going with FHA I gather that is not an option. Best of luck with your search!

Yes, painting with a neutral palette significantly speeds up a home sale and can even increase the final offer price. Research from many different outlets including Zillow shows that choosing the right colors can reduce time on the market significantly. In all the markets we operate in, a perfect staged and painted home sells in a weekend.

The lowest credit score needed to buy a house is typically 500 for an FHA loan with a 10% down payment. For conventional loans, a minimum of 620 is generally required. While some government-backed loans have very low requirements, most lenders impose their own higher minimums, often requiring at least 580 to 620

An FHA loan is often better for first-time buyers with lower credit scores (as low as 500) or higher debt-to-income ratios, as they require only a 3.5% down payment and have more flexible underwriting. Conversely, a conventional loan is usually better if you have a strong credit score and can afford a higher down payment, as it offers the potential to eliminate private mortgage insurance which now is for the life of the loan and will require a refinance and the current rate at the time to eliminate.

There used to be a federal nationwide program years ago and many people still believe it exists. That was only during the downturn of the economy after the housing crisis. For your particular area, there are a few programs available for down payment assistance. Key options include the NIFA Homebuyer Assistance Program, which offers low-interest mortgages and down payment assistance, and the Bridges to Homeownership Program from the Omaha Housing Authority for qualified individuals. Best of luck

Buying a fixer-upper is a viable strategy to enter a better neighborhood but there is SIGNFICANT risk. The pros are you have a lower barrier of entry, less competition for the home, and the ability to build sweat equity. It is ideal for those comfortable with renovations, but the risk of hidden costs, budget overruns, and most importantly, high stress and strain on your relationship (if applicable) tend to make the decision tough. Personally, if you do not have a handy background, I would steer clear.

Luxury vinyl plank in particular is not something that is necessary but nice flooring that does not look worn out is the most important; whether it is carpeting, hardwood, vinyl or tile.

Prioritize high-impact, low-cost exterior updates—like cleaning, painting, and landscaping—over major renovations to maximize ROI before listing. Focus on a clean, well-maintained look: power wash siding and walkways, apply fresh mulch, plant flowers, and paint the front door. A few thousand dollars in improvements can significantly boost appeal and speed up sales. Remember, the first impression is everything and if a possible buyer does not want to stop to tour the house, they you already lost.

Buyers are typically drawn to the HGTV style home which means something that has renovations as many buyers do not have the capital to take on a project themselves, nor want to.

Pre-Approval is more in-depth and carries more weight in comparison to a Pre-Qualification.

You always want your property to show in the best light so offering a flooring allowance will not do this and, although desirable to some, will not get you the best return. I would suggest either replacing the floors or a good steam cleaning with the flooring allowance.

Transparency is key. You can either use her and have her shadow the more experienced realtor and they split the commission or use someone else entirely. Best of luck!

Not necessarily a scam, there is a home for everyone; and in this case, most likely an investor. Investors purchase homes like this all the time but keep in mind, you will not be getting full market value of a renovated property selling in this avenue as the renovations take time, money and risk.

Each township and state is different, I would suggest speaking to your town code office to determine exactly.

A turnkey property will also produce a better outcome than an as-is sale, but time and money are major factors in this decision and that would be up to you to determine if you want to take that risk.

Pardon me, but what is the exact question here?

I would suggest you start with what you mentioned. You want a desirable curb appeal that will make people want to get out of their car. A green lawn, powerwashed facade, siding and curb/front porch, some bright colored plants for spring, fix any obvious cracks or visible holes, paint your foundation if it is cracking, paint the front door, make sure your lights are bright and bulbs are all working for night showings, clean windows, etc. This should be a good start.

Contact a lawyer Bruce, this is a case you want to make sure you are 100% in the right as this can come back to haunt you later if done improperly.

You do not NEED to sign a representation agreement to tour an open house. There will typically be a disclosure for you to sign to cover both parties but some people sign those and some people don't. It is on display to cover the agent holding the open house.

Not a requirement but highly desired, especially if you are in a starter home (2 or 3 bedrooms) because many will start a family there and need a bathtub for their small child.

Not a requirement but highly desired, especially if you are in a starter home (2 or 3 bedrooms) because many will start a family there and need a bathtub for their small child. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Offer to split the difference 50/50 or to some degree, but keep in mind, there is no guarantee. Before you make the offer, determine if you are willing to accept the property and pay the full difference if the seller says no.

Peter, typically you would need to prove that the seller deliberately concealed the incident. I would highly suggest you reach out to a real estate attorney to determine your options as we can't provide legal advice here. They should be able to get you pointed in the right direction. Best of luck with everything. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Highly suggest speaking with a real estate attorney regarding the matter. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

I am a little confused regarding the "two" deeds. If your purchase deed says there is only one lot, I would imagine there is little recourse. I would suggest speaking to an attorney regarding the matter as we can't give legal advice here. Best of luck with your resolution. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Yes, they can and they can also lien the property preventing any future sale. You want to make sure you always respond expeditiously to any notices from the HOA. Many of them tend to be somewhat reasonable.

Yes, Homeowners Associations have legal rights and authority, primarily derived from a binding contract signed upon purchasing a property. They are legally empowered to create and enforce rules, impose fines, manage common areas, and place liens on properties for unpaid dues. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Depends on the property line, more information would be needed here. You can refer to your survey to get a clearer picture of the situation.

A fence between two houses is typically owned jointly by both neighbors if it sits directly on the property boundary line, making them equally responsible for maintenance and costs. If the fence is located entirely on one person's property, that person usually owns it. I would suggest checking the deed / survey to confirm ownership. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Max, typically school boundary changes are due to population growth from new housing or housing turnover. Although a change might be likely in heavily shifting markets, I would not look at it as a guarantee. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Yes, buying in a high-concentration rental area (a Build-to-Rent community) can make financing harder due to lender risk, and it often creates a transient, apartment-like atmosphere with lower "pride of ownership". You risk being an isolated homeowner, as investors often treat neighborhoods as managed assets, potentially causing high turnover and lower curb appeal compared to owner-occupied streets. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Lifestyle easements provide access for a specific purpose. I always tell our clients to think of it as if you lived on the beach. The beach is public access but typically the traffic is minimal at night. Best of luck with your purchase! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Have you spoken to them on the matter? The easiest escalation but will most likely cause problems is to get the township involved. Most townships fine homeowner for untidy front yards.

Have you considered speaking to your local township? Typically, the township fines people for these types of instances. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Yes, unless it is a completely transitional neighborhood. But even there, there is risk because if the other homes do get renovated, you are left holding the bag. I have seen this happen to a few clients over the years and one of our clients lost BIG in Detroit.

Buying the nicest house on the block is generally considered a risky investment because it limits appreciation potential, as your property value is capped by smaller, surrounding homes. While it makes a great long-term "dream home," it often yields poor returns and is harder to sell. Generally, the worst house on the block is the better investment. Best of luck with your purchase! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Consumers tend to be more narrow-minded and simple tasked, especially when it comes to areas that are not their expertise. As such, I would say a large pool of buyers will not even know what a 2-1 buydown is, which will create further confusion and backfire in regard to the message you are trying to convey. A price reduction is definitely the more appropriate play for the majority of consumers.

I always tell clients, if the photos seems like they are meant to deceive, you probably have done something wrong.

As others have said, buy out or sell the home all together and split the proceeds are the only two logical plays. Selling to a completely different individual adds further complications that I have a feeling neither of you would want.

Wire transfer is always easier. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

What is the contingency you are specifically referencing?

A simple call to the district will ease your concerns. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

A probate sale means the property is being sold by an estate representative (executor/administrator) under court supervision because the owner passed away, often without a will or with instructions to sell. These types of properties are usually sold "as-is" with 6–12 months for court approval timelines. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Kicking the can down the road is the expression that is applicable here. A 30 year mortgage is already an insanely long term, 40, if planning to pay off close to the term length, is literally forever; not to mention the additional interest you will pay on a 30 vs 40. Personally I would steer clear from a 40, but everyone's situation is different.

Always seek a qualified individual to answer your legal questions. With the advent of AI and misinformation running rampant these days, you always want to make sure you are making the right decisions when it comes to your hard earned money.

Yes, very easily. Just source a real estate agent that is familiar with the process. You can easily find this using Google.