Meredith Kronenberg

Start with your county property appraiser or auditor's website to review ownership history and any recorded details about the original construction. Next, check the building department for permit records, which often list the builder or contractor who constructed the home. Your original deed, closing documents, or title insurance policy may also reference the builder by name. If those don't turn anything up, a local title company or the city building department can usually help track down this information for you.

Most real estate contracts include built-in " kill switches,aEUR? meaning there are specific deadlines and contingencies that must be met by certain dates. Whether a contract can be canceled depends entirely on the terms of the contract you signed and where you are in the timeline. If all contingencies have been satisfied and the contract is active, you generally cannot cancel it unilaterally. There are important factors and exceptions to consideraEUR"such as whether the buyer has submitted earnest money or missed a required deadline. Because every contract is different, it's strongly recommended that you have a real estate attorney review your contract and provide legal guidance. As Realtors, we are not permitted to give legal advice, but an attorney can clearly explain your options and risks.

It depends on the specific terms of the buyer agreement you signed. Many of these contracts include limits such as a set time frame, defined geographic area, and sometimes a termination clause. Some agreements also only apply to properties that were directly introduced to you by that agent. The best next step is to review your agreement and have an open, honest conversation with your agent. In many situations, contracts can be amended or ended by mutual agreement. If this involves a personal relationship or a unique opportunity, most agents are open to discussing options and working toward a solution that feels fair to everyone involved.

A home inspection gives you a clearer picture of the property before you fully commit. An inspector can uncover issues that aren't obvious during a showing, like roof concerns, electrical or plumbing problems, HVAC issues, or safety items. Even in well-maintained or newer homes, inspections often reveal maintenance needs or future repairs that are helpful to know upfront. An inspection also gives you options. Depending on what's found, you may be able to negotiate repairs, request credits, or simply move forward with peace of mind knowing exactly what you're buying. There are rare situations where buyers choose to waive an inspection to strengthen an offer, but that comes with added risk. If you're considering that route, it's important to understand what you're giving up and whether it truly makes sense for your situation. Bottom line: a home inspection is one of the best tools you have to protect yourself and make an informed decision.

The key to getting the most money for your home starts before it ever hits the market. Preparation is everything. Begin by decluttering and doing a thorough deep cleanaEUR"inside and out. Simple steps like pressure washing, fresh landscaping, and a tidy entryway go a long way in creating a strong first impression. Take care of minor repairs ahead of time and aim for a neutral, move-in-ready look so buyers can easily picture themselves living there. Most importantly, hire a knowledgeable local REALTOR to guide you through the process. A local expert can help you prioritize what matters most based on what buyers in your specific market are looking for, so your home is positioned to sell quickly and for top dollar.

Pricing your home is based on recent comparable sales, the home's condition, location, upgrades, and current market demand. A licensed real estate agent can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to identify a realistic price range and recommend the best pricing strategy. When a home is priced accurately from the start, it typically sells faster and closer toaEUR"or aboveaEUR"its true market value.

If you're purchasing a home, your lender will order the appraisal as part of the financing process, and the cost typically falls in the $500"$600 range. If you're having an appraisal done solely to establish a home's value, the fee may sometimes be lower. Pricing is influenced by recent comparable sales, the home's condition, location, upgrades, and current market demand. A licensed real estate agent can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine a realistic value range and recommend an effective pricing strategy. When a home is priced accurately from the start, it typically sells faster and for a stronger price. As an alternative, if you're simply looking for an estimate of value rather than a formal appraisal, a local real estate expert who works in your community can often provide a market-based value at no charge using current market data.

If you're purchasing a home, your lender will order the appraisal as part of the financing process, and the cost typically falls in the $500"$700 range. If you're having an appraisal done solely to establish a home's value, the fee may sometimes be lower. Pricing is influenced by recent comparable sales, the home's condition, location, upgrades, and current market demand. A licensed real estate agent can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine a realistic value range and recommend an effective pricing strategy. When a home is priced accurately from the start, it typically sells faster and for a stronger price. As an alternative, if you're simply looking for an estimate of value rather than a formal appraisal, a local real estate expert who works in your community can often provide a market-based value at no charge using current market data.

When a home is marked pending, it usually means the seller has already accepted an offer and the buyer is moving through inspections, appraisal, and financing. At that stage, the seller is contractually bound to the first buyer and generally cannot accept a new offer outright. That said, sellers can often accept a backup (secondary) offer. A backup offer positions you next in line if the current contract falls apartaEUR"which does happen, especially during inspections, appraisal, or financing. Because of this, backup offers can make sense in competitive markets where deals don't always make it to closing. Making an offer on a pending home only makes sense if you're comfortable waiting and understand there's a chance the home may never become available. It's also important that your offer is clean and competitive, as sellers will typically only sign a backup offer if it strengthens their position. One critical detail to keep in mind: if the seller does accept your backup offer and it becomes active, be sure to formally rescind that backup contract before submitting an offer on another property. You do not want to be under contract on two homes at the same time. Timing and expectations matter. Some sellers welcome backup offers for peace of mind, while others won't consider them at all. Your agent can usually find out quickly how solid the current deal is and whether a backup offer is even being considered. In very competitive markets, this may be the best way to get a home you love.

I start every seller relationship by providing a general preparation checklist, then I walk each homeowner through their specific needs at the time of listing. Every home and every goal is different, and the strategy should reflect what will help you sell for top dollar in today's market. Curb appeal comes first. Freshen up landscaping, trim shrubs, and clean up the exterior. In most cases, a thorough pressure wash of the home, driveway, walkways, decks, and patios makes a huge differenceaEUR"both for first impressions and for listing photos. Inside, a deep clean is essential. Declutter and organize with the mindset that you are already moving. Clear countertops as much as possible, organize cabinets, and pack away anything you won't need in the next few monthsaEUR"including off-season clothing. Wipe down baseboards, have carpets professionally cleaned, and consider repainting walls in neutral tones to give the home a fresh, move-in-ready feel. Less is truly more. Depersonalize the space so buyers can focus on the homeaEUR"not family photos or personal dA(C)cor. The goal is for buyers to picture their life there. Proper stagingaEUR"tailored to the home and the local marketaEUR"can make a dramatic difference, which is why I always bring in a professional stager for a consultation to ensure every room shows its best. I also strongly recommend a pre-listing home inspection. Addressing safety, fire hazards, and major repair items upfrontaEUR"along with servicing the HVAC system, water heater, and inspecting the roofaEUR"gives you time to gather quotes and choose contractors without the pressure of an inspection contingency. From an ROI standpoint, fresh paint, deep cleaning, and exterior power washing consistently deliver some of the strongest returns. Fresh mulch and seasonal plantings just before photos and video help the home shine online. Another key step is providing buyers with a clear list of recent updates and improvements. Highlighting items like a newer furnace, A/C, roof, or major systems helps buyers understand the value of the home and why it is priced as it isaEUR"especially when those big-ticket items won't need attention for years. This is just the starting point. The most important step is meeting with a knowledgeable local REALTOR early in the process. A walkthrough allows for personalized guidance and a step-by-step plan tailored specifically to your home, your market, and your goals.

If you're enjoying your pool, that's what truly matters. A pool should be viewed as a lifestyle upgrade rather than a dollar-for-dollar investment. But it does add value in terms of enjoyment and how you use your outdoor living space. When working with buyers, I find that a pool holds strong appeal for those who are specifically looking for one. To those buyers, having a pool already in place can be a major advantage. On the other hand, buyers who don't want a pool will often skip the home entirely. If the pool is well designed and well maintained, it can absolutely enhance a property's appealaEUR"especially for buyers looking for an outdoor entertaining space and a private backyard retreat. That said, the impact also depends on the home's price point and the surrounding market before the pool was added. Bottom line: a pool isn't typically a full return-on-investment upgrade, but it can be a strong selling feature for the right buyer. In markets where few homes offer pools or outdoor entertainment spaces, it may even work to your advantage when it's time to sell.

When it comes to price adjustments, a good rule of thumb I use is 10 days or 10 showings. The feedback from those showings is extremely valuable and usually tells us exactly how buyers are perceiving the home. If you're getting showings but no offers, the feedback helps us fine-tune the strategy. If you're not getting any showings at all, the issue is almost always price. Pricing correctly from day one is critical. A home's initial launch sets buyer expectations, and perception drives interest. When the price aligns with the market, buyers respondaEUR"and that momentum early on can make all the difference.

The shut off can be in a number of places: 1-Inside the basement Look on the wall directly behind the outdoor faucet 2-Crawl space (if you don't have a basement) Follow the pipe from the outdoor faucet inward 3-Utility room or mechanical area Near the water heater, main water line, or boiler

Real estate commissions are not fixed by law. They are negotiable, and the amount is agreed upon before you sign a listing agreement. Keep in mind, what are you getting for that commission price. Is the agent just putting a sign in the yard and entering it into the MLS? What type of marketing, how often, open houses, their data base, their network of contractors...the list goes on and on. And they don't get paid until your home sells...meaning all of their marketing, professional photos ect comes out of their pocket. If the home doesn't sell, they are out significant funds. Hire a cut rate realtor and get cut rate service. You are most likely selling your most valuable asset. Do you want to trust someone that is willing to do it for way less than someone else. Ask yourself "Why".

Square footage is determined by measuring the outside dimensions of the home, not by measuring each individual room and adding them together. An appraiser measures the home's exterior and calculates the total above-ground living space. Only above-grade (above ground) space is included in the official square footage. Basements are excluded, even if they are finished, though finished basement space is often noted separately because it still adds value. Because square footage is based on the exterior measurement of the living area, closets are included in the square footage.

Mortgage pre-approvals typically last between 60 and 90 days, depending on the lender. This is because key factors like credit, income, interest rates, and loan guidelines can change. Even if a pre-approval expires, it's usually easy to renew by updating pay stubs, bank statements, and re-checking credit. If your pre-approval expires while you're still home shopping, your lender can quickly issue an updated letter so you're ready to make an offer when the right home comes along.

The typical time frame from going under contract to closing is about 30 to 45 days. This allows time for inspections, appraisal, loan approval, and final paperwork. That said, the exact timing can vary based on: Type of financing (cash, conventional, FHA, VA) Inspection negotiations Appraisal timing Title work Whether the buyer or seller needs extra time to move Cash purchases can close faster (sometimes in 2"3 weeks), while some loans or complex transactions may take a bit longer.

A county tax assessor cannot give a private evaluation without creating a public record. Any value determined by an assessor is part of the public record and is used for tax purposes. If you're looking for an honest, private evaluation, you can hire a licensed appraiser to complete a personal appraisal of your property. That appraisal is done for your information only and is not submitted to public records unless you choose to share it (for example, with potential buyers, be aware that any lender will order their own appraisal though). This can be a helpful option if you want a professional opinion of value without triggering any tax reassessment or public documentation.

Refinancing can lower your mortgage payment aEUR" but it depends on a few key factors. Refinancing typically helps if one or more of the following apply: dY"? Lower interest rate If current rates are lower than your existing rate, refinancing can reduce your monthly payment by lowering the interest portion of the loan. dY--" Longer loan term Extending the loan term (for example, going from a 20-year loan back to a 30-year loan) can lower the monthly payment aEUR" though it may increase total interest paid over time. dY'3 Removing mortgage insurance If you now have enough equity to eliminate PMI or MIP, refinancing can reduce your payment even if the rate change is small. dY?! Improved financial profile Higher credit score, increased income, or lower debt can help you qualify for better loan terms than when you originally purchased. When refinancing may not help Refinancing may not make sense if: Current interest rates are higher than your existing rate Closing costs outweigh the monthly savings You plan to sell the home in the near future Important to remember Refinancing isn't just about the monthly payment aEUR" it's about the overall cost of the loan and how long you plan to stay in the home. Bottom line Yes, refinancing can lower your mortgage payment, but it's not automatic. You should talk with a local lender to see if it makes sense for you and your situation. Try with Free and Go, or enjoy 2x rate limits on all other plans for a limited time. Download for macOS

You are not required to volunteer your reason for moving Sellers move for all kinds of reasons aEUR" job change, downsizing, timing, lifestyle. You're allowed to keep your personal motivation private. If you'd rather not share, it's perfectly acceptable to say something neutral like: " We're relocating for personal reasons.aEUR? " It's just time for a change.aEUR? " We're moving for lifestyle reasons.aEUR? Your agent doesn't need more detail than that to do their job well. What does matter legally Issues with neighbors are generally not considered a material defect of the home unless they involve: Ongoing legal disputes Formal complaints or lawsuits Documented issues tied to the property (easements, zoning, shared access problems, etc.) Noise, behavior, or personality conflicts aEUR" while frustrating aEUR" are usually subjective, not something you're required to disclose.