Answers by Tammi Montgomery

A home inspection is meant to identify the condition of the property; not to create a “perfect house.” Almost every home, even new construction, will have an inspection report with some findings. The key is focusing on the items that truly matter. I encourage my clients to prioritize health and safety concerns, structural issues, roof problems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and anything that could significantly affect the home’s value or future maintenance. Cosmetic items are usually better handled separately. There are several ways to negotiate after an inspection. The seller may agree to make repairs before closing, offer a credit toward your closing costs, reduce the purchase price, or a combination of these options. The best solution depends on the market and the goals of both parties. This is where having an experienced Realtor really makes a difference. A good negotiator knows which requests are reasonable, how to present them, and how to keep the transaction moving toward a successful closing without creating unnecessary conflict. Buying or selling a home is a negotiation from beginning to end. My job is to help my clients protect their interests while keeping the deal together whenever possible. Tammi Montgomery Associate Broker | RE/MAX Real Estate Experts Licensed in Louisiana, Texas, Florida & Oklahoma Over $1 Billion in Career Sales 2024 Northwest Louisiana Realtor of the Year RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals #1 Large Team in Louisiana by Sales Volume

I get this question all the time, and my answer is almost always the same: don’t spend a dollar until you’ve talked to a Realtor. I’ve seen sellers spend $20,000 on improvements that barely moved the needle, and I’ve seen others spend a few thousand dollars and dramatically increase their offers. Things like fresh paint, new carpet, a deep cleaning, and good landscaping often make a great first impression without breaking the bank. But when it comes to bigger projects, like repairing wood rot or remodeling a kitchen, every situation is different. Sometimes it makes sense. Sometimes it doesn’t. The only way to know is to compare your home to others that have recently sold in your area. That’s something I do for my clients every day. My goal is never to get you to spend more money. My goal is to help you net the most money when it’s all said and done. Sometimes that means making repairs before listing. Sometimes it means pricing the home correctly and selling it as-is. Every house is different, which is why I always recommend getting advice before writing checks. Tammi Montgomery Associate Broker | RE/MAX Real Estate Experts Licensed in Louisiana, Texas, Florida & Oklahoma Over $1 Billion in Career Sales 2024 Northwest Louisiana Realtor of the Year RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals #1 Large Team in Louisiana by Sales Volume

First, I’m sorry you’re going through this. Selling a home during a divorce can be emotional, but having a clear plan can make the process much easier. Before putting the home on the market, make sure you and your former spouse are on the same page about a few important things: * Who will be the primary contact with the Realtor? * Will both of you need to sign the listing agreement and closing documents? * How will repair decisions be handled? * Have you agreed on how the proceeds will be divided? Once those decisions are made, the process is much like any other home sale. I recommend having an experienced Realtor walk through the home and identify any simple improvements that could help it sell faster or for more money. Then, price the home based on today’s market—not what you hope it’s worth. My biggest piece of advice is to keep business separate from emotions. The smoother everyone works together, the easier it is to get the home sold and move on to the next chapter. I’ve helped many clients navigate this situation over the years, and my goal is always to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Tammi Montgomery Associate Broker | RE/MAX Real Estate Experts Licensed in Louisiana, Texas, Florida & Oklahoma Over $1 Billion in Career Sales 2024 Northwest Louisiana Realtor of the Year RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals #1 Large Team in Louisiana by Sales Volume

I’m sorry you’re going through that. Fortunately, an 8-month-old home is still very attractive to many buyers, especially if you’ve added upgrades that aren’t included in the builder’s base price. The first thing I’d recommend is finding out what similar new homes are currently selling for, as well as what the builder is offering. Builders sometimes provide incentives like closing cost assistance or interest rate buy-downs, and those incentives can affect what buyers are willing to pay for a resale home. Your upgrades may absolutely add value, but not every upgrade returns dollar-for-dollar. The key is pricing the home so it stands out while still allowing you to maximize your net proceeds. I wouldn’t list it until you’ve had a knowledgeable Realtor prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA). That will give you a realistic idea of what your home is worth today and the best strategy for getting it sold. I wish you the very best during this difficult time. Tammi Montgomery Associate Broker | RE/MAX Real Estate Experts Licensed in Louisiana, Texas, Florida & Oklahoma Over $1 Billion in Career Sales 2024 Northwest Louisiana Realtor of the Year RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals #1 Large Team in Louisiana by Sales Volume

A flat-fee Realtor charges a fixed amount for their services instead of a percentage of the home’s sale price. Depending on the company, that fee may include anything from simply placing your home in the MLS to providing full-service representation throughout the transaction. The key question isn’t, “How much does it cost?” It’s, “What am I getting for that fee?” Before hiring any agent, ask: * What marketing is included? * Are professional photos and video provided? * Who handles negotiations? * Will someone coordinate inspections, appraisals, and closing? * Are there additional fees for services that aren’t included? A flat-fee model can be a good fit for experienced sellers who are comfortable taking on more of the work themselves. For many homeowners, however, a full-service Realtor can often generate a higher sales price or negotiate better terms that more than offset the difference in commission. My advice is to compare the overall value, experience, and results—not just the fee. Selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make, and choosing the right representation can have a much bigger impact than simply choosing the lowest cost.