James Leonard

Hi Marlene, You don't ever have to hire a real estate agent. However unless you buy and sell homes regularly, you don't know what you don't know. Would you work on the engine of your car, or would you take it to a mechanic that has experience? A RealtorA(R) has pledged to follow a code of ethics and is obligated to put your best interests first. An experienced RealtorA(R) has the knowledge, experience and expertise to protect your best interest and make the whole process very smooth. Weather you are buying or selling an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors is a go to advisor.

Hi Jailene, Your best bet for an accurate Market Comparison would be to contact a local RealtorA(R) and ask them to do one for you. It is free and the agent can get you pretty close to what your house would sell for. Pick an agent with good reviews. Call them on the phone, and leave a message if they don't answer.

Hi Steve, you can pay for an appraisal, that will not be able to be used by a Buyer, or you can find a good RealtorA(R) that will perform a Comparative Market Analysis for you for free. That CMA should get you a really great idea of Fair Market Value.

Hi Tony, In most markets of the country this is a "Sellers Market". The strongest sellers market I have ever experienced during my lifetime (I'm on the backside of 58). Have your agent negotiate a lease back after close of escrow. This will allow you to stay in your home after closing and make the transition to your new home very easy. Negotiate it up front before accepting a contract. Once the contract is accepted, the Buyer is in control of the transaction.

Hi Gina, Sorry to hear about your dilemma. There is hope. Even today in this fast moving market there is an opportunity for you to own a home for less than what you would be paying in rent. My first suggestion would be to contact one of your local lenders. Have a good conversation and let them access your credit. Have a straight up conversation regarding your debts and liabilities, (they will find out anyway). If you qualify, you can find a great agent or have your lender recommend one. If you don't qualify for a loan you will be looking for a rent to own or a rental. Here in Arizona, we have down payment assistance programs and a couple of lenders that will buy a house and rent it back to you with the agreement to sell it to you in two or three years. Talk to a reputable lender first.

Yes, you are making one of the largest purchases of your life. Hire a professional to come in and take a look at it. If there is a big problem, you should be able to back out. If it is a small problem you should be able to either overlook it or get the seller to fix it. Once you are out of your inspection period you are obligated to complete the transaction.