Answers by Keith Jean Pierre

Brian, transparency is key to insurance companies, so yes, make sure to give them a heads up. Some insurance policies can deny claims when they are not awar of changes made since policy issuance. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Sonja, you do not "need" a home inspection, but I would highly recommend one. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Della, speaking with your local building / zoning board is the proper play here. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Theo, renovations that make the home look better should be your primary focus. Remember, buyers like buying the "HGTV" style turn-key homes rather than doing renovations on their own; primarily because they cannot afford to do renovations, and secondly, they do not want to deal with the headache. When a buyer buys a home that is completely done, all is included in their mortgage, versus purchasing a home that needs work and then they have to finance the renovations on their own, which 99% of the populus does not have. Best of luck with your sale. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

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

Mary, typically this is not the case, but it is 100% market dependent. If you are purchasing in an over developed neighborhood, there is a possibility that this might happen either short or long term. I would highly suggest looking into the market history and statistics to get a good idea of what to expect. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Julie, was this outlined in your listing agreement? Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Randon, this is going to be heavily dependent on your local zoning ordinances. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Chris, a real estate agent is typically not also a site manager. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Lesia, a good agent from the area will be able to assist in this matter. Feel free to reach out if you need a recommendation. Best of luck with your situation. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Harriett, the closing cost different is not style dependent but price dependent. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Brandon, this is completely dependent on what you qualify for as it can range from 0% to 20% down minimum. I would highly suggest speaking with a mortgage professional to get an idea of what is expected. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Khai, in order to determine the buildable parameters, you would need to speak with the local municipal board. They will probably require a formal inquiry which would require plans and such. Good luck with your project! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Charlie, speaking with a local agent will get you pointed in the right direction. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Ryan, closing costs vary from state to state and property to property as there are MANY factors that come into play. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Noah, speak with a mortgage lender to determine what you qualify for as there is no generic answer to this question. Down payments can range from 0% to 20% typically. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

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

Claire, 20% is not required, but there are advantages to a larger down payment. Depending on what you qualify for, you might be able to do 0% down, 3.5% down, 5% down, 10% down, or 20% down. Obviously, you can always do over 20% as well, but I would suggest speaking with a mortgage professional as they can go over your options as they will be tailored to your income and credit score. We do not have access to your personal information and therefore cannot give you an accurate assessment. Best of luck with your purchase. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Charity, this is a rather vague question. We would need to know where you are purchasing and what your desired home style and preferences are. Being that this is California, pricing can be all over the map. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Josh, a home inspection will be able to determine this for you. Best of luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Scott, California is one of the most competitive housing markets in the country, so income is an important factor in many of our markets. This question is completely a personal decision. I would suggest speaking with a mortgage broker to see what your options are. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Sara, 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. If you are outside these ranges, you will need to focus on repairing your credit first. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Steven, this is completely a personal decision, but logistically to give you the best buying position you want to have your house sold first as. Given the competitive market, many sellers are not entertaining contingent offers; i.e. offers that require you to sell your home first. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Taylor, typically unless the title is in your name, you have power of attorney, or are the executor, your father would need to sign off to have this done. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Hannah, you can purchase a home being a UK resident but there are criteria and restrictions that must be met. I would highly recommend speaking to a real estate attorney in the market you are looking to purchase in. They will be able to shed light on what would be needed in order to acquire. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Only option that I am aware of to do this, would be with the assistance of an attorney and through a trust. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Kristin, I assume you are looking to finance your purchase? I would suggest speaking to a mortgage professional to get an idea of what is expected. Best of luck with your purchase! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Chen, I HIGHLY suggest speaking to a real estate attorney in NYC who can get you all squared away as there are complications that must be met in order to do this here. Let me know if you need a recommendation. Best of luck with your property search! https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-ten-questions-to-ask-a-sellers-agent

Jan, I assume you are speaking about mortgage qualifications. 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. Additionally, income requirements exist. I would suggest you speak with a lending professional as they can discuss your specific situation. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Michael, this is often done with a home equity line. I would suggest speaking to a mortgage professional so that you can discuss your specific situation. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Juan, 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. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Jason, this is completely dependent on what you qualify for as it can range from 0% to 20% down minimum. I would highly suggest speaking with a mortgage professional to get an idea of what is expected. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Meagan, if you have identified a home and are paying cash, closing can be rather quick (14-30 days). The timeline increases depending on how long you search for, seller/buyer timelines, inspection issues, and if you are financing or paying cash. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Ed, yes this is possible but there are certain criteria that must be met. I would highly suggest speaking with a legal professional. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Angelica, yes, you can absolutely establish legal residency in a state while renting, as residency is based on your physical presence and intent to remain, rather than property ownership. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Cheryl, most states consider you a resident for tax and legal purposes if you live there for more than 183 days (roughly six months) in a year. While 183 days is the standard "statutory resident" rule, establishing legal domicile—your permanent home—often requires physically living there combined with steps to sever ties with your old state. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Yes, but I would highly suggest speaking with a legal professional as there are criteria that must be met to do this successfully. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Michael, Zestimates do not see the interior of a home, and only uses exterior data and tax record data such as square footage and number of bedrooms/bathrooms. It can give you a ballpark, but it cannot hone in on exact value. I have regular occasions of their data being off by 10% or more. It's also ironic that when you list a home, the Zestimate changes almost immediately to a number relatively close to the list price of the home. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Sonja, after a home inspection, you can ask for repairs, a reduced purchase price, or seller credits to cover future costs, focusing on major structural, safety, or system issues like HVAC, roof repairs, electrical hazards, or plumbing problems. While no repairs are legally mandated, you can negotiate for fixes that ensure the home is safe and functional, or request that the seller pay for repairs via a Seller Credits negotiation Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Keep everything to yourself until you exit the home. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Yes, you can get a new job while house hunting, but it is high-risk during the mortgage approval process and requires immediate lender notification. While a lateral move with higher pay in the same industry is usually acceptable, switching to a new career, changing to commission-based pay, or quitting during closing can cause significant delays or loan denial. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Michael, you can relist the next day, there is no rule to this. If you are referring to the resync on the real estate websites so that you show up as a "new" listing, that is typically 60-90 days. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Charles, typically they sell for more, but pocket listings tend to only be highly successful in HOT markets that also typically offer higher price points. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Susan, you want the most current reflection of the home possible, so yes. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Sonja, in most popular markets, the cash play no longer has the large leverage it once had. In many markets cash is favored for a quicker closing, but there is no significant discount for the "privilege." Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

As we can tell, it continued to appreciate in many popular markets. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

No. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Candice, enlisting the assistant of a successful realtor with a proven track record. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Juan, this is typically done with your lender and not your realtor. Your realtor will then receive a copy of your pre-approval letter which would suffice. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

PRICE PRICE PRICE! Make sure you are priced appropriately! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States