FAQs | The Essick Realty Team

Question 1

How do I know if I'm ready to buy a home?

Accepted Answer

A good starting point is talking with a lender to get pre-approved. Pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Beyond finances, ask yourself whether you plan to stay in the area for at least a few years — buying makes the most sense when you have stability and a long-term horizon.

Question 2

What does a buyer's agent do, and is it free?

Accepted Answer

A buyer's agent represents your interests throughout the entire purchase — from searching for homes and scheduling showings to writing offers, negotiating, and guiding you through closing. In most transactions, the seller pays the buyer's agent commission, so our services typically cost you nothing out of pocket. We'll always be transparent about how compensation works before we start.

Question 3

How long does it take to buy a home?

Accepted Answer

From the day you start seriously searching to the day you close, most buyers take 30–90 days. Once you're under contract, closing typically takes 30–45 days depending on your loan type and any inspection or repair negotiations. Having your pre-approval in hand before you start looking can speed things up significantly.

Question 4

What is earnest money, and how much do I need?

Accepted Answer

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit you put down when your offer is accepted — it shows the seller you're serious. In our area, earnest money is typically 1–2% of the purchase price, though it can vary. This money is applied toward your down payment or closing costs at closing. If the deal falls through for a reason covered by your contract contingencies, you generally get it back.

Question 5

Do I need a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend it. A home inspection gives you an independent, professional assessment of the property's condition — roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more. It typically costs $300–$500 and can save you from expensive surprises after closing. If the inspection uncovers issues, you may be able to negotiate repairs or a price reduction with the seller.

Question 6

What are closing costs, and how much should I budget?

Accepted Answer

Closing costs are fees paid at the end of the transaction to finalize the purchase. They typically include lender fees, title insurance, attorney fees, property taxes, and prepaid homeowner's insurance. Buyers generally pay 2–5% of the loan amount in closing costs. Your lender will provide a Loan Estimate early in the process so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 7

How do you determine the right listing price for my home?

Accepted Answer

We perform a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) — looking at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, current competition on the market, and market trends. Pricing is both a science and an art. We'll walk you through the data and give you our honest recommendation. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market and ultimately sell for less; the right price from day one attracts the most buyers and the best offers.

Question 8

What do you do to market my home?

Accepted Answer

We go well beyond a sign in the yard. Every listing gets professional photography, a video walkthrough, and a full digital marketing campaign across major real estate platforms, social media, and targeted email outreach. We also leverage our network of local buyers and agents to generate early interest. Our goal is maximum exposure so your home sells quickly and for top dollar.

Question 9

Should I make repairs or updates before listing?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the repair and your budget. Small cosmetic updates — fresh paint, new light fixtures, deep cleaning — almost always pay off. Major renovations rarely return their full cost. We'll walk through your home with you and give you honest, practical advice on what's worth doing and what buyers in today's market will overlook. Our goal is to help you net the most money, not spend unnecessarily.

Question 10

How long will it take to sell my home?

Accepted Answer

In a well-priced, well-marketed listing, many homes in our area go under contract within the first two weeks. The overall timeline from listing to closing is typically 45–75 days. Factors like price, condition, location, and current market conditions all play a role. We'll give you a realistic expectation based on what's happening in your specific neighborhood right now.

Question 11

What happens after I accept an offer?

Accepted Answer

Once you accept an offer, the buyer typically has an inspection period (usually 10–14 days) to conduct due diligence. After inspections, there may be a round of repair negotiations. The buyer's lender will order an appraisal. Once financing is confirmed and all contingencies are cleared, you'll schedule a closing date — usually 30–45 days after the contract is signed. We'll be with you every step of the way.

Question 12

What are your commission rates?

Accepted Answer

Commission is always negotiable and we're happy to have that conversation with you directly. What we can promise is that our marketing, negotiation, and service are designed to net you more money — not just sell your home faster. We'd rather show you our value than compete on price alone. Reach out and let's talk about what makes sense for your situation.

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