Robbie Holycross

Once the inspection period has ended, the terms of the offer contract are generally set, and making changes can be more complicated. However, it's not impossible to request repairs or financial concessions after the inspection period if new issues come to light. The key is that both buyer and seller must agree to any modifications. If you've discovered additional problems after the inspection period, the best step is to communicate openly with the seller or their agent. Explain your concerns and see if they are willing to negotiate repairs or a credit toward the cost of repairs. Keep in mind the seller is under no obligation to agree once the inspection contingency has expired, but many are willing to work with motivated buyers. Your real estate agent and possibly your attorney can help guide you through this process to find a solution that works for both parties.

Buyer's agents and seller's agents have different roles, but both do important work to help their clients through the transaction. A seller's agent focuses on marketing the property, pricing it right, and negotiating offers. A buyer's agent helps buyers find the right home, advises them throughout the process, coordinates showings, and negotiates on their behalf. While the tasks differ, both agents invest significant time, expertise, and effort. Typically, the seller pays the commission, which is then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. So, buyer's agents are compensated through the seller's proceeds, but their commitment to the buyer's success is just as strong.

Yes, a buyer can represent themselves when purchasing a homeaEUR"this is called " going unrepresentedaEUR? or " buying as a self-represented buyer.aEUR? While it's possible, it can be challenging because you'll need to handle everything from searching for homes to negotiating terms, managing inspections, and navigating contracts without professional guidance. For For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties, buyers can still make offers directly to the seller, but the process may be more complex since there's no listing agent facilitating the transaction. Regarding showings, many sellers or their agents prefer buyers to be represented by an agent for security and professionalism, but some may allow unrepresented buyers to tour the home. It varies by seller and market. Working with a buyer's agent can provide valuable expertise and protect your interests throughout the process.

While home prices have been high due to strong demand and limited inventory over the past few years, prices have started to stabilize recently thanks to increased inventory. More homes on the market are giving buyers more options and easing some of the upward pressure on prices. That said, it's still important to know about resources like down payment assistance programs and new build financing options with low interest rates, which can make buying a home more affordable. Remember, the first home you buy usually isn't your dream homeaEUR"it's about getting your foot in the door, building equity, and positioning yourself to upgrade when the time is right. With the right guidance and strategy, homeownership is achievable in today's market.

To stand out and attract the best offers, it's important to focus on both presentation and marketing. Start by making sure your home is clean, clutter-free, and well-staged to highlight its best features. Small improvements like fresh paint, updated lighting, and landscaping can make a big impact. Professional photography and, if possible, video tours or 3D walkthroughs can showcase your home online in the best light, reaching more potential buyers. Pricing your home competitively based on current market data is also key. Finally, working with an experienced agent who knows your local market will help create a tailored marketing strategy, including online advertising, open houses, and outreach to buyers and agents, to ensure your home gets maximum exposure.

Zestimates and Redfin estimates are automated valuations based on public data, recent sales, and algorithms. They can give you a general ballpark of your home's value, but they aren't always precise because they don't account for unique features, recent upgrades, or current market conditions. If you're thinking of selling, the best way to know your home's true value is to work with a local real estate professional who can provide a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA). This takes into account your home's condition, neighborhood trends, and the latest sales to give you a more accurate and realistic price expectation.

If you want your home to appear as a brand-new listing and reset the Days on Market (DOM) in Arizona, you'll need to wait 45 consecutive days after canceling or withdrawing it from the MLS. Once that 45-day period has passed, you can relist the property and it will show up as a new listing with zero days on market, giving it a fresh start in the eyes of buyers.

There's no one-size-fits-all answeraEUR"it really depends on your financial situation and long-term goals. A 15-year mortgage will save you a significant amount in interest and help you build equity faster, but the monthly payments are much higher. A 30-year mortgage offers lower monthly payments, which can give you more financial flexibility or allow you to qualify for a higher purchase price, but you'll pay more in interest over time. If you're focused on paying off your home quickly and can comfortably afford the higher payments, the 15-year option can be a great choice. If you prefer a lower monthly payment or want more room in your budget for savings, investments, or unexpected expenses, the 30-year may be the better route. It's all about what fits best with your lifestyle and financial goals.

Even in a market with low inventory and high demand, sellers are often offering concessions to help buyers manage affordability. With higher interest rates and rising home prices, many buyers are stretched thinaEUR"so concessions like closing cost assistance, rate buydowns, or repair credits can help bridge the gap and keep deals together. While sellers with low mortgage rates may not be highly motivated to move, that doesn't always mean they have all the leverage. Today's buyers are more cautious, and many homes still sit longer if they're overpriced or need work. Concessions can make a home more attractive, create goodwill, and lead to a smoother, quicker saleaEUR"especially if the property isn't turnkey or priced aggressively. It's less about " giving inaEUR? and more about being strategic to reach the finish line in a market where affordability is one of the biggest hurdles for buyers.

Owner financingaEUR"also known as seller financingaEUR"is when the seller acts as the lender instead of a bank. The buyer makes payments directly to the seller, usually based on agreed-upon terms like interest rate, payment schedule, and loan duration. It can be a great option if a buyer doesn't qualify for traditional financing or if the seller wants to create income from the sale. Are there any concerns or hesitations with owner financing? Yes, there are a few. For buyers, the interest rate might be higher than a traditional loan, and there may be a large balloon payment due after a few years. For sellers, there's risk in trusting the buyer to make payments and maintain the property, especially if there's no large down payment. How do I know if this is an option? It depends on the seller. Most traditional sales won't offer it unless the home is owned free and clear or the seller is open to creative financing. If you're interested in owner financing, your agent can help identify potential properties and negotiate terms that protect both sides. It's a creative strategy that can benefit both buyer and selleraEUR"but it's important to structure it properly with the help of a knowledgeable agent and real estate attorney.

Selling a fully furnished home is absolutely possibleaEUR"and in many cases, it can be a unique selling point, especially for second-home buyers, investors, or out-of-state buyers looking for a turnkey property. If you don't want to deal with piecing out the furniture or taking it with you, the best approach is to include it as part of the offering, but keep a few things in mind: Yes, you can include furniture in the list price, but it's best to treat the furnishings as a separate bill of sale or included " at no additional valueaEUR? in the contract. This helps avoid appraisal issues, since lenders typically won't finance furniture as part of the home's value. Disclose clearly in your listing that the home is being sold fully furnished. Highlight it as a convenience and value-add, not a complication. Avoid listing it item-by-item. Instead, say something like " home is being sold fully furnished as shownaEUR? to make it clear you're not open to negotiating individual pieces. Your agent can position this as a lifestyle sale, which may appeal to the right buyeraEUR"especially if the furnishings are stylish and in good condition. While some buyers may not need the furniture, others will see it as a huge bonus. The key is working with an agent who can market it the right way and position the furnishings as added convenience, not added cost.

What you're referring to is called a seller rent-back or post-possession agreementaEUR"and it's a common strategy when you need a little extra time to transition after closing. Here's how it works and how to negotiate it: Negotiate It Upfront: Bring it up earlyaEUR"ideally when negotiating the purchase contract. Let buyers know you'll need to stay for a set period (e.g., 1"2 weeks) after closing. Put It in Writing: Your agent will help draft a short-term lease or post-possession agreement. This outlines the length of your stay, rent amount (if any), deposit, insurance, utilities, and responsibilities during that time. Set a Daily Rate or Flat Fee: Some sellers stay rent-free as part of the negotiation (especially in hot markets), but it's common to pay a daily rate based on the buyer's PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) or fair market rent. Offer Security: Buyers might worry about damage or delays. Offering a refundable security deposit or setting clear move-out terms can ease those concerns. Insure Accordingly: You'll likely need renter's insurance during this period since you no longer own the property, and the buyer's homeowner policy may not cover you. A rent-back can be a win-win if it's clearly agreed upon and professionally documented. Your real estate agent and escrow/title company will help make sure it's handled properly.