Answers by Lori Lynn

That is totally up to you. Think of it as an unplanned open house where there are several people in the house.

That really is unfortunate. Most likely your contract is based on the buyer obtaining financing. If this would have been a cash deal, then the higher cost of insurance should not have affected the contract.

On our mls for Central Ohio, it does say that information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Once you realize there is an error, I would let your agent know immediately. Mistakes do happen.

That 3.4% interest rate is fantastic, but it shouldn’t be the only reason you stay in a home that no longer fits your family. Since you don’t want to become landlords and need the equity for your next purchase, I would first determine what your home could realistically sell for and how much you would net after closing costs. Then have a lender show you the actual monthly payment on the type of home you’d want to move into, so you can compare the numbers side by side. I’ve helped many Columbus area homeowners make this same decision, and sometimes the right financial choice is staying put, while other times the equity they’ve built makes moving much more achievable than they expected. Before giving up that 3.4% rate, I’d want you to know your exact equity, buying power, and new payment so you can make the decision based on real numbers rather than the interest rate alone.

She shouldn’t be offended. It’s important that you understand who you are hiring. Maybe in the past, she has only worked with close family members.

Yes you do have to sign a listing agreement to hire an agent, but you do NOT have to agree to any specific buyer agent compensation. This is negotiable. However, because all agents are now required to have a buying representation agreement signed, it is highly likely that a contract may be written for the seller to pay some or all of the buyers agent fee.