Answers by Kira Taylor

First things first — are you working with a realtor? If not, you should seriously consider it! A buyer's agent works in your best interest. A good agent brings market knowledge, negotiation experience, and can save you far more than you might expect — especially as a first-time buyer. If you already have a realtor, great Lean on them! Here's what to work on together: Know your comps: your agent can pull recent sales data to see what the home is actually worth Use the days on market to your advantage: a home sitting for 30+ days signals seller motivation Get fully pre-approved: not just pre-qualified; this makes your offer much more credible Never skip the inspection: it's your best tool for negotiating price reductions or repair credits Ask for closing cost help: sellers covering 2–3% is common and keeps cash in your pocket Be flexible on closing date: sometimes timing matters more to a seller than price Know your walk-away number: set your ceiling before emotions take over You're already ahead of the game by asking the right questions. Go get that house!

Such a great question to be asking — and the good news is that finding out is easier than you might think. Hi Tammy, There are free online tools like Zillow's Zestimate that can give you a rough idea, but they are just a starting point. They don't know the condition of your home, recent updates you've made, or what makes your neighborhood unique — so they can be off, sometimes significantly. The best way to get a real answer is to connect with a local real estate agent in your area. A good agent will pull actual sales data from homes similar to yours that have recently sold nearby and walk you through what your home is likely worth in today's market. That conversation is typically free and comes with no obligation.

What you're describing isn't just a real estate transaction — it's the sale of a legacy property, and it deserves to be treated that way. Seventy acres of mature white pine, abundant wildlife, and over fifty years of life lived on the land. That story is part of the value, and the right agent will know how to tell it. Here's what I'd look for in an agent for a property like this: Someone who understands land and lifestyle buyers. This isn't a typical residential sale. The buyer for this property isn't just purchasing acreage and they're purchasing a way of life. Your agent needs to understand what motivates that buyer, where to find them, and how to speak their language. Someone with a marketing vision that matches the property. Stunning land deserves stunning presentation. Professional photography, drone footage, and a compelling narrative about the property's history and character are essential. Cookie-cutter MLS marketing won't do this justice. Someone who will honor the legacy. After fifty years, you deserve an agent who takes the time to truly understand what this land means to you — and who will be thoughtful about finding a buyer who will steward it well. Someone with patience and the right network. Unique properties like this one attract a specific buyer. It may take time to find the right match, and that's okay. The goal isn't just to sell — it's to sell to the right person. My advice: interview several agents, ask specifically about their experience with land and rural properties, and trust your instincts about who genuinely connects with what you've built here. The right agent will feel less like a salesperson and more like a partner.

Selling a home involves a lot of moving parts and a good listing agent should be managing most of them on your behalf. Here's what you should expect: Pricing Strategy A listing agent's first responsibility is helping you price your home correctly. This means pulling comparable sales data, analyzing current market conditions, and recommending a price that attracts buyers without leaving money on the table. Overpricing is one of the most common and costly mistakes sellers make. Preparing the Home for Market Before a home goes live, a good agent will advise on repairs, staging, and presentation. First impressions — especially in photos — drive buyer interest more than almost any other factor. Make sure your agent is hiring a professional photographer. Marketing A listing agent is responsible for getting your home in front of the right buyers. This includes professional photography, MLS exposure, digital marketing, social media, and agent-to-agent outreach within the local real estate community. The quality of marketing varies significantly between agents — it's worth asking specifically what their plan includes. Showings and Open Houses Your agent should coordinate and manage all showing activity. Open houses can be part of the marketing strategy, though it's worth knowing that most homes sell through the MLS and agent networks rather than open house foot traffic. Negotiation When offers come in, your agent's job is to protect your interests — evaluating not just price but terms, contingencies, financing strength, and closing timeline. Negotiation is where experience makes a real difference. Transaction Management Once you're under contract, there's still significant work ahead — inspections, appraisals, title, and coordinating with all parties to keep the transaction on track through closing. A good agent stays engaged through the finish line, not just until the offer is accepted. Communication You should never have to wonder what's happening with your home. Expect frequent updates when the listing first launches and at minimum a weekly report on showings, feedback, and market activity as the process continues. Your Role as a Seller While your agent handles the process, you're still a key part of the team. Being available, keeping the home show-ready, and communicating openly with your agent about your priorities will directly impact the outcome. The best agent relationships are built on clear expectations from the start — so don't be afraid to ask your agent exactly how they work before you sign a listing agreement.