Jeremy Navarro

There are three main types of solar: owned (or financed), leased, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Leases and PPAs are similar in that you don't own the system, and both can impact resale. In most cases, the buyer would need to qualify for and assume the lease or PPA, but that's not guaranteed, which is why they can make a home harder to sell. Sometimes the seller ends up buying it out to make the deal work. A lease is usually a fixed monthly payment. A PPA means you're required to buy all the power the system produces, whether you use it or not, so the cost per kWh really matters. I've seen some where the solar power actually costs more than the utility, so it's something we'd want to review closely. As far as your next purchase, yes, that monthly lease or PPA payment can count against you when qualifying for a mortgage, since it's considered a recurring debt. If the system is transferred to the buyer before you close, then it typically wouldn't impact your approval.

That's a great spot to be in. Start with a pre-approval so you know exactly what you qualify for. As a first-time buyer, you may have options like conventional, FHA, or down payment assistance depending on your situation. Definitely shop lenders, local credit unions often have some of the lowest rates and fees, but it's still worth comparing a few to be sure. Even though it's off-market, the lender will still require full property details and an appraisal. Getting with a lender early puts you in position to move quickly and structure the deal the right way.

With bad credit and a 3-week deadline, contact multiple mortgage lenders immediately and get pre-approved. FHA loans are commonly used for lower credit scores, with a 580 minimum for 3.5% down and 500"579 requiring 10% down. Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac don't have a strict minimum score in guidelines, but most lenders still look for around 620+ in practice due to overlays. Shop banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers, brokers often have more flexibility since they can access multiple lenders, while banks follow their own guidelines. A 3-week closing timeline is very tight and will require full documentation, income verification, and an appraisal. If qualifying is difficult, consider adding a co-borrower or requesting more time. Acting quickly and comparing lenders is critical.

This is called dual representation (sometimes referred to as dual agency, depending on the state), and your concern is completely valid. When one agent represents both the buyer and the seller, they have to stay neutral and can't fully advocate for either side the way they normally would, especially when it comes to pricing, negotiation strategy, or pushing terms. In general, it's usually better for the buyer and seller to have separate representation so each side has someone fully in their corner. A buyer coming through your listing agent can sometimes be an advantage, but if that agent already has a relationship with the buyer, it can create potential conflicts. You always have the option to decline dual representation and request that the buyer work with a different agent or have another agent step in. The goal is making sure you feel protected and not pressured during the process.

Unpermitted basement work comes with real risks. Insurance coverage depends on the cause, flood is usually a separate policy, and claims for things like leaks or electrical issues can be denied or limited if tied to non-permitted work. It may not count toward square footage or value, which can affect appraisal and financing. The city can require permits after the fact, inspections, or even opening walls to verify the work. You'll likely need to disclose it when you sell, and buyers may push back or ask for credits. Best move is to get an inspection and understand the cost to bring it up to code so you know exactly what you're dealing with.