Answers by Kelly Marugg

Although permitting every step of the way is amazing ... if you have not permitted ... make sure you properly disclose all items you know aren't permitted or aren't sure of. The more you disclose the better. This is when hiring a good realtor is best. Always refer to an attorney for legal advice as well.

Obviously this is tiered response base. #1 try to get seller to reduce. #2 attempt a 50/50 negotiation. #3 look at type of loan and see if you can rework a 10% down payment to 5% and so on. If it is truly the case where you have no money to come in with difference , offer to show that to seller and reassure them you will close on time or early. Maybe offering a few days free rentback can also sweeten deal for them.

I often hire an electrician since traditional home inspectors will only perform basic inspection. Make sure it's an electrician whose license is in good standing and who is used to performing electrical home inspections.

Your realtor is required to post alterations and originals using AI. However, look at the positive side... they will know potential but not have disappointment when they view the home in person.

Contact a trust attorney immediately and your realtor partner can provide you with referrals. Rely heavily on them during your difficult time.

I like to drive through and look for strip malls and new construction. Anchor businesses like Costco and other big box stores as well as quaint boutiques often show a move up for the neighborhood.

A good realtor partner will only choose professional photos and often will pick up the tab on them. They give a better first impression than cell phone photos.

We all want a deal, including realtors. We see discounted photography, staging and it feels appealing but good realtors that stand by quality also pay more for quality services. Shouldn't you as well?

Your home inspection is your first line of defense. Once you get through that, you may need additional inspections like roof, termite, electrical, solar and septic. Main thing is to keep asking questions and hire a good realtor who can help you look for red flag items.

Home warranties are like any other insurance policy. If all new appliances are in the home, the home warranty will require you reach out to manufacturer to submit a claim before them so there isn't one right answer.

Condos can be a great investment for someone looking to do little exterior maintenance of their own. Determine your lifestyle and what works best for you. You may also consider a condo that needs flooring and paint and hopefully score a great deal under market value.

For sellers, no. For buyers, if you are willing to put in some sweat equity, deals are out there. Don't hesitate to look outside of Turnkey based on your comfort level.

Your realtor partner should be an experienced expert in this realm. When viewing online valuations, go to 3 or 4 minimum. You may see a trend to help you determine value.

I would not trust one online valuation system. These online valuations are a great starting point. Check at least 3 or 4 to see a trend. They are not a substitute for professional appraisers and realtors but they are a good place to start

You can absolutely buy a home on your own. You can also defend yourself in court without an attorney. Hiring an expert can only help.

Although you don't want to lose a great offer, consider allowing multiple offers to come in. This is when a quality realtor will shine in their negotiating skills. Contracts often allow for 3 days so take advantage while being considerate of a buyer's timeline.

Speak to your realtor partner and see if they can aid in negotiations.

They are often not as real as you would like. Always ask your realtor partner to review them and advise whether the home should be sold off market or put on mls. You often get more money on an open mls sale but your personal needs should be discussed first.

This is a CPA question and agents should not advise on tax issues. However, keep good details of all your expenses and hire a good cpa or tax attorney.

I like to look under sinks, in crawl spaces, on the roof, in the electrical panel, on ceilings for stains. Look anywhere not in plain sight. It often tells a good story.

I like to drive around communities at different times. Pick rush hour traffic, nights and weekends. You can tell alot seeing these different times.

Although it is an amazing community, open your mind to others. Have a realtor who will take the time to introduce you to other communities and compare and contrast locations based on your needs. A spreadsheet with your needs and grades for communities can be helpful.

Love letters to the seller often violate fair housing laws. They are still encouraged but make sure they don't mention anything that would violate the law. Have your realtor partner review with you and often they can submit to their broker as well for review.

Professional cleaning, staging and photos are great starters. Consider cosmetic upgrades as well.

Although AI is amazing, it cannot replace a reputable and experienced agent. We will assist you in using AI to your advantage.

As soon as possible. I have clients call me up to a year ahead to start the discussion of preapproval and getting everything lined out. You can't be too prepared for your largest investment.

I'm a lender in addition to a realtor. Each loan product may have different requirements so make sure you are discussing with an experienced loan officer before any money transfers hands.

Your realtor partner can work with you. If your contingencies are removed, it may be more difficult. However an experienced realtor can help approach sellers with care and concern.

Both work is valuable and different. Different scenarios require different work. There is not one answer because each scenario is unique.

Hone prices are down in some markets and up in others. Work with a strong realtor to find great deals in up and coming neighborhoods.

Cleaning, staging and minor repair. Sounds simple but they make huge differences.

An attorney can assist in this. However, we often have parents using a trust to secure generational wealth for their minor children. Your realtor partner can refer you to a trusted attorney.

Backup offers are common. As an agent, we will contact the listing agent and let them know we have an anxious buyer who cwn perform should there be an issue. Your realtor partner can check in every few days to ask about original buyer. Often issues come up and you can show your interest early.