Frequently asked questions

1

I'm looking for a home, where is the best place to start?

It's best to start by contacting a qualified real estate agent. Why? Because hiring someone to work for YOU, and put YOUR best interests first can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches.

2

I want to sell my home, where is the best place to start?

Just like buying a home, it's best to start by contacting a qualified real estate agent. Why? Because hiring someone to work for YOU, and put YOUR best interests first can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches.

3

Should I sign a "Buyer Agency Agreement" with the agent I choose to help me buy a home?

At Wisconsin Family Realty, we believe every buyer should become a "Client" of a real estate agent. It's not well known outside of real estate professional circles, but if you enlist the help of an agent without this agreement, the agent actually works for the listing broker (ultimately the seller) as a "sub-agent", not you! They must put the best interest of the seller ahead of yours.

4

How do I find out how much my home is worth on the market?

Your real estate agent will do a comparable market analysis, looking at homes that are on the market in your area, those that have recently sold, and how their features compare to yours. They will also add knowledge about the buying trends in your market, financing conditions, and many other factors to give you a solid recommendation on a selling price for your home. Use that expertise!

5

What do I need to do BEFORE I can put an offer on a property?

It's best to talk to your agent about what is needed, but deciding ahead of time WHERE you would like to live, HOW much you are willing to spend, WHEN you would like to close, and WHAT you want in a home are very important.

6

How much will an agency charge to sell my home?

There is no set fee that all agencies charge for selling a home. Many offer different levels of service, different features and different pricing structures. Our advice is to shop around. See what each Brokerage brings to the table with service, features, and pricing, and then feel free to go with a one that you're comfortable with.

7

Do I need to talk to a lender before starting the buying process?

YES! you should also talk to a mortgage lender to find out how much money you're qualified to borrow, and... get a loan "pre-approval" letter. This letter tells the seller that you're not only "qualified" for a home loan, but the lender has pre-approved you for a loan amount. This makes your offer more appealing than those that only have a "pre-qualification", and means less unexpected issues for you!

8

How can I make my home appealing to a buyer?

In general, you should clean everything, freshly paint any room that has not been painted in a while, reduce clutter, as well as any other recommendations your agent may have. It is VERY important to listen to your agent and not take offense to their suggestions. They are there to get you a good price for your property, and need to be brutally honest in what you can do to improve the appeal.