A pre‑approval shows you exactly how much a lender is willing to loan you. You would begin this process by meeting or speaking with a lender or mortgage broker. I work with many lenders that offer all sorts of programs.

Some lenders offer immediate credit repair and can get you where you need to be within a couple of weeks.

Getting an inspection is recommended. Home and termite inspections can uncover issues that aren’t visible to the average buyer. Even brand‑new construction can have hidden problems, so an inspection is always a smart step.

There are different options. If the seller turns down your first offer, you can come back with a higher price or adjust the terms. You may even ask for a counter. However, if the sellers are not willing to negotiate, simply move on and continue your search for a different property.

First and foremost, commissions are—and always have been—negotiable. When a seller pays the buyer’s agent commission, it’s typically divided four ways: between the listing agent, their broker, the buyer’s agent, and their broker. However, every agreement is different. Some sellers may choose not to offer a buyer’s agent commission, in which case the buyer would be responsible for paying their agent directly.

The exact value of your home depends on a multitude of factors, not limited to just size and neighborhood, but also improvements made and repairs needed. An agent should perform and present a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) of similar sized home recently sold in your area. This will determine a better market price. 

That depends on the market. If there is a high demand, you may receive multiple offers, perhaps entering a bidding war. However, if the market is cold or there is an ample supply of homes, you may have to lower the listing price to acquire more interest. 

This also depends on the market. The average home statistically stays on the market for about 100 days (3 to 4 months). However, when there is a high demand, you may find your house receiving multiple offers within days of “going live” while some homes are an “acquired taste” and takes that special someone to pique an interest.

A staged home sells faster. Potential buyers can envision themselves living in the home if staged. If the house is occupied, remove all family photos and declutter what you can. This allows potential homebuyers more of a blank canvas.

The short answer is no. Situations like this often make buyers feel awkward and hesitant to ask important questions. Technology today allows plenty of time for homeowners to exit in a timely manner. Showings typically last 30 minutes to an hour with open houses two hours.

Why age matters.
Structural concerns: Older homes may have foundation problems, uneven floors, or water damage. Foundation repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for small cracks to $15,000–$25,000 for severe issues.
Outdated systems: Electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC units in older homes may not meet modern standards, leading to safety risks or expensive upgrades.
Materials used: Homes built decades ago may contain lead paint, asbestos, or outdated insulation.
Maintenance history: A well-maintained 1940s home can be in better shape than a poorly maintained 1990s home. Age alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals suitable for use in many industrial applications, not excluding the construction of homes. It can may be found in products like floor tiles, roof shingles, and cement. Electrical, plumbing, acoustical, and structural insulation applications are also very common. The fibers are released into the air when these products are disturbed. The overall health effects of oral asbestos exposure are unclear. There are professional inspectors that can determine this for you and remove. This is called asbestos abatement. 

Knob and tube wiring is a pre-1950s electrical system that is outdated and can be a fire hazard due to brittle insulation, lack of grounding, and inability to handle modern electrical loads. While not always illegal, it’s often required to be replaced for insurance purposes and is not permitted in new construction. The replacement of knob and tube wiring can be quite costly.