Holly Koester

Hi Mark: Commissions are usually a percentage rate of the sale price of the home and are negotiable. There are even some agents that have a fee schedule based upon the level of service for each rate. Real Estate markets across the country are not all the same. Just as a caution, sometimes cheaper is not always better. Experienced, excellent real estate agents are worth every penny!

Samantha: Steven and Jennifer have provided you with excellent information. The first step is to get with a lender who can examine your financial situation and let you know what you can afford. Look for lenders that come highly recommended. If you are not able to afford a home right now, or your credit score does not qualify, a great lender will help you put together a plan to improve your credit score and to save for a down payment and closing costs. They can also educate you on various down payment assistance programs for which you might qualify. Take care.

Maggie: I would advise that you work with a trusted lender and find out if you have the option of keeping the home. It may be that you would not qualify for another home loan until you sell your current home. If you can qualify, rental properties are a good way to build wealth, however, not everyone is cut out to be a landlord. I would speak with a friend who has rental homes, or a friend of a friend etc., to do some research on what it means to be a landlord. Do the research to make sure you know what you would be getting into. Take care.

Bill: Various real estate markets are different, and it could be that your market is traditionally slower this time of year. Let your agent know your concerns and ask them to run a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to make sure you are priced properly based upon recent sales and the condition of your home compared to those recently sold. I would also as you agent to reach out to the agents that have shown your home for some feedback on why their buyers were not interested. There may be some changes you could make that would be effective.