Answers by Tracy Perusse

Zillow Zestimates are a very broad estimate based on the bare bones basics of a property when comparing bed/ba/sq footage to every other home with similar facts. Most homes have many other unique features that can add or detract from value. That is something that can only be evaluated by a real human (who understands real estate values) that physically looks at the home, the quality of any upgrades (or not) location in proximity to other homes etc. It\'s a nuanced analysis, but can make a big difference in price to the seller and a buyer. Use Zillow etc as a baseline, but not the true value.

“I think it’s a fair question—selling on your own can work in certain situations. The real question is whether it actually nets you more money and less stress in the end. If you have the time to prep, get home marketed, take calls, showings, negotiations, paperwork, disclosures and know how to qualify a buyer then pick the right escrow/title company - maybe it\'s worth a try. You could try on your own and see how it goes.

Hi Alexa, I know that most people are more open and willing to respond to their neighbor\'s interest than if let\'s say an agent or investor was approaching them. Write a note and drop at the door is probably the easiest way to direct communication. Good luck!

Hi Kylie, there is the \"2 year rule\" for investment properties, before some protections kick in. Also, I would check with a 1031 expert who can also give accurate guidance on selling and limiting your tax liability based on your own situation. I can certainly refer a couple of excellent companies that are 1031 specialists to assist with coordination if you need.

Hi Jon, I see a lot of answers with the standard \"it\'s about 2% of purchase price\" which is a good general rule of thumb with the average financed buyer. You can ask for what\'s called a buyer cost sheet from your lender. This will give you a much more accurate number for what you will ultimately end up paying for a home purchase on top of purchase price.

Hi Sara, it\'s easy to get distracted by the \"shiny objects\" when touring a home, especially an updated or beautifully staged home. I would suggest trying to focus on the house as an empty room and visualize it that way. Look for how the layout feels, the light in the rooms and of course any odd or musty smells. Paint and new carpet/flooring are relatively easy and inexpensive fixes. It\'s the structural or very, very outdated kitchens and baths, windows and roof - those are the big items to think about. I also ask my buyers to think of how the house will feel living in it in 2 or 3 years - if they plan to expand their family. Is the yard enough? Is the street a busy street, how do the other homeowners take care of their property? Take it all in and go back another time or two to see the house at different times of the day if you need.

I think you can see a theme here with the answers :)) It all begins with finding an experienced lender who can give you all the options available to you for qualifying for the best loan product. These days it doesn\'t take long to fill out the application and get your paperwork done to get pre-approved. Once you know your number, you can begin the hunt for your home. Good Luck!

Chelsea, at least here in CA the once popular \"love letters\" to sellers are now discouraged and often the listing agent will state in the MLS notes that \"letters to sellers\" will not be accepted. There can be some exposure to liability for discrimination is the reasoning per NAR and CAR. Just submit your strongest offer and make sure your agent is communicating directly with listing agent to be clear on what seller\'s preferred terms are. That will usually win the day in getting an accepted offer.

AI can definitely assist a person who is thinking of selling in some of the prelisting marketing aspects, but it still takes time to properly get a home on market so that it looks good and is priced right. The complicated part of the process begins once the parties are in escrow. Residential real estate is an emotional business for people. This is where AI isn\'t going to be able to help (at least yet). Direct communication with the other agent, escrow officer, title officer, inspections etc. during the process is important because inevitably there will be problems along the way that need agent experience to resolve.

Each state is different, but in California we have the 3 year rule which states that if a death occured on the property(natural, accidental, or homicide) within three years of the offer to purchase, lease, or rent it must be disclosed. If a death occurred more than three years ago, there is no legal obligation to disclose it voluntarily. However, if a buyer or agent specifically asks, \"Has anyone died in this house?\", agent or seller must answer truthfully regardless of how long ago it happened.