Frequently Asked Questions from Buyers

This question is difficult to answer, due to each area of the Austin real estate market being different. Generally speaking, the spring is the best time to sell a home, but that specific timeframe varies depending on the area/neighborhood. However, the fall and winter might also be a good time to sell your home, due to not as many homes being on the market during those holiday months and also that there are buyers looking for homes year round. You should discuss with your Realtor what the best time is to sell your home.

This is a very common question, and one that a top producing Realtor can answer for you to explain exactly what the real estate market in your area is currently doing. Some of the important indicators are the average days on the market (this can indicate to both Sellers and Buyers just how quickly homes are being sold), average sold prices, as well as comparing the average list prices to the average sold prices.

A home that is well prepared for showings will likely sell faster than the competition. Making sure a home is cleaned, decluttered, bright, and that no foul odors are present are just a few things a Seller must to do prepare for showings. Most Realtors should offer staging the home for a pristine showing.

A Seller should always disclose all they know about the home to potential Buyers. A Seller Disclosure will be given to all potential Buyers and should be filled out by the Seller properly with any details they know about the home.

Most home owners want to know how much their home is worth. This frequently asked question should be answered by asking a top Austin Realtor and interviewing top Realtors and choosing the one right for you.

The most common method to determine the value of a home is a comparative market analysis. A comparative market analysis is an in-depth evaluation of recently “sold” comparable homes within the past six months in a certain area and price. A professional “CMA” will take into account many features of the home and result in the value and list price.

The list price is the price the home is currently listed for sale. The sales price is a price the buyer pays for the home after reviewing comparables in the area.

A well-priced home will sell quickly. A Seller may not want to leave too much room for negotiations and actually price the home to reflect the suggested market value in order to price to sell quickly. It also depends on the needs of the Seller.

The length of the listing is negotiated between Seller and Realtor and should be long enough to market and sell the home within the local market statistics.

Commission is what a Realtor charges to market and sell the home and a portion is taken out to pay a Buyer Agent commission. The Seller primarily pays the commission through the Multiple Listing Service.

A comprehensive marketing plan is something you should expect from your Realtor when selling a home. A top Realtor should have a quality website, strong social media presence and a brochure at a minimum, with professional photos.

In most cases, the appliances that are considered built-in would stay and any others would be negotiable.

An estimate of closing costs is usually given by the Title Company and will include the title policy, commissions, prorations and miscellaneous fees, along with the pay-off of any liens at closing.

A Seller should not be present during showings. The primary reason is a potential Buyer can feel uncomfortable to talk openly and freely with their Realtor about the home. The best idea is to leave for showings.

Open houses are the choice of the Seller. Some Sellers do not feel comfortable opening up their home to strangers. Broker open houses are a good way to get exposure for the home. Ask your Realtor their thoughts on open houses and make sure you are comfortable.

The market will determine the time it takes for the home to sell. If a home is priced well within the market and is in pristine condition, it will sell quicker than homes without those conditions.