Answers by Keith Jean Pierre

Ashley, we seem to be missing a few material details to determine the root of the cause. What is the current property condition and pricing compared to the immediate comps on the market? What marketing is taking place for the property? Have their been any offers? Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Spring/Summer is the most popular timeline for sale because consumers tend to like to be in a new home for their children's new school year. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Barbara, I always use the tax method and keep everything for at least 7 years. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

What does your contract say? If they are affixed to the property, then they are a fixture and must stay unless you get other approval. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

This is definitely a personal choice, but if you already feel uncomfortable spending your pre-approval amount, I think you have your answer. Best of luck with your purchase. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You should be able to find an agent on here with the agent section. Best of luck with your search! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Katey, I HIGHLY suggest you speaking with an attorney to discuss your options as unfortunately we do not have your contract to review and we are not attorneys on this platform, therefore we cannot give legal advice. If you require any further help, please do not hesitate to reach out. Best of luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Whomever paid for the photos, which is most likely your agent and the photographer. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Finished additional square footage tends to increase property taxes. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Commission, unless otherwise specified, is paid upon the successful closing. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You can either co-sign a loan with them or purchase the home in your name and allow them to live there and make the payments. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Mortgage assumptions are not common place, you will most likely have to sell the property, and they have to qualify for their own mortgage. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

If the value goes down, you are still responsible for the mortgage amount. If your financial situation changes and you cannot afford the mortgage, you might qualify for a short sale which would allow you to sell the property for less that the mortgage amount. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

A bigger down payment does make it highly likely to close, but the ultimate goal for a seller is cash. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Having your realtor run the comps will give you a good idea of the value of the property. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

This would be between you and your agent. I am sure you can come to an agreement, perhaps a short timeline at your price point and if not garnering the proper activity / offer, then you drop to their recommendation? Best of luck with the sale. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Speaking with a mortgage lender will get you pointed in the right direction. Best of luck with your search. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Yes. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

A home gym, unless of major significance won't have much a difference on sales price. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

There are mobile home parks and in remote locations this can be acceptable in some instances. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

The Midwest tends to be the most affordable sector of the United States market. The further away from major cities, the more your dollar goes. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Yes, but it is not recommended. If you elect to choose this option, an attorney is highly recommended. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Signs that an area is declining include rising crime rates, increased property vacancies, neglected maintenance (broken windows, overgrown yards), and businesses closing down. Other indicators include high rental turnover, declining school quality, reduced public transit, and increasing local taxes without improvements. A "downhill" area often shows a visible lack of community pride or economic investment. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You can obtain a lower interest rate for 15 years vs 30 but the payment will be higher than the 30-year option. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Yes, real estate agents are getting paid differently following August 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement changes. Compensation is shifting toward more transparent, negotiable, and upfront agreements, with a decrease in the pre-determined, automatic sharing of commissions between listing and buyer agents. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Best time to sell historically tends to be Spring and Summer but given the limited inventory in many markets across the country, this tends to not be as important as it used to be, but given you are in Pennsylvania, winter cold and winter months should be avoided. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Houses are expensive primarily due to a severe, long-term shortage of available homes failing to meet high demand, exacerbated by low construction rates since 2008. High mortgage rates, restrictive zoning regulations, high construction costs, and increased competition from institutional investors have driven up prices even further. And don't forget inflation! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Mortgage recasting is a cost-effective, non-refinancing option to lower monthly payments. By paying a large lump sum—often $5,000 to $10,000+—directly to the principal, the lender re-amortizes the loan, reducing future payments while keeping the existing interest rate and term. This is ideal for using proceeds from a home sale, inheritance, or bonus, but typically requires a conventional loan. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

There is no legal waiting period to buy another house, so you can technically buy a second home immediately if you have the funds. However, lenders usually require you to live in a home for 6 to 12 months to qualify for a new primary residence mortgage, or you must qualify for a second mortgage while paying the first. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

I assume you are referring to a foreclosure property, and these days, a significant discount is rare on these given the limited inventory of the market. There are also additional complications like the often as-is component and often cash deals. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You are allowed to offer anything you would like for a property. Just keep in mind, that does not mean the seller has to accept. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

If you do not have a mortgage, this might be an option, but it is HIGHLY ill-advised. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Do not see her as well. I would suggest selecting an agent from the FastExpert profiles. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

E-Signature is relatively normal these days. If there is a major concern, you can always hire an attorney to review the transaction. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) offer benefits like maintained property values, premium amenities (pools, landscaping), and enforced neighborhood standards, but come with mandatory monthly fees, strict, often restrictive rules (CC&Rs), and potential for fines or liens. They are best for those seeking low-maintenance living and consistent aesthetics, but may not suit those desiring high personal autonomy. Good luck with your decision! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

To compete with cash offers, you must offer certainty and speed by getting fully underwritten pre-approval, shortening or removing contingencies (like inspection or appraisal), and closing quickly. Boost your appeal by offering a higher price, a larger earnest money deposit, or by offering seller-friendly terms such as a rent-back option. Good luck with your purchase! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Safest way would be to use an escalation clause in your contract. Best of luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Mortgage points, or discount points, are fees paid directly to the lender at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate, essentially prepaying interest to reduce monthly payments. One point typically costs 1% of the total loan amount. Good luck on your purchase. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Alicia, there are several, you need to speak with a mortgage professional to determine which you are eligible for and what costs would be associated. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Alex, I would suggest speaking with a lending professional. They can go over your options based on your credit, desired monthly payment, and long term goals. Unfortunately, we would only be able to answer this at face value, which would be a disservice to you. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Angela, speak with an established real estate agent in your market and they will get you steered in the right direction. Good photography, good staging, excellent listing descriptions, and a firm marketing strategy are essential. Feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Levi, it really depends on your situation and your market. Given that you are in San Diego, I feel if you are priced right, you should be able to garner multiple offers, therefore, not necessarily needing to accept a contingent offer. Best of luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Tom, you really can't "spin" a disclosure as it's all about complete transparency. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

There is a form called a Sellers Disclosure or Sellers Statement that will most likely be required to sell your home. Anything that happened during your ownership is typically subject to disclosure. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Antonietta, a real estate agent might be able to offer value but is not required. A real estate attorney, also, also not required, is HIGHLY recommended. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Adian, a simple Google search can get you pointed in the right direction. I gather you are asking this question as you think there is an opportunity to get a "deal" on a foreclosure property. Just keep in mind, those are few and far between these days, and the ones that exist are cash only deals. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Clayton, this solely depends on your market but I will say, DO NOT purchase a short-term rental property based only on Airbnb. Regulations are everchanging and short-term rentals can end overnight, ensure you have a backup plan. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Bethany, typically this is the case but each agent has different processes. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Nathan, in order to sell you property in this nature, the probate process would have to be completed or at least near completion. Once all is resolved on your end, then your sale can be just like any other sale. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Melanie, this is definitely a personal decision, but just keep in mind, renting, unless you have a plan, will quickly deplete any funds you receive from your sale. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA