Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm thinking about buying a home. What's the very first step I should take?

The best first step is to have an initial consultation with us, completely free of charge. However, right alongside that, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. Here's why: Sets Your Budget: A pre-approval from a lender tells you exactly how much you can realistically afford, which helps us narrow down your search to the right homes. Strengthens Your Offer: In a competitive market, sellers are much more likely to accept an offer from a buyer who is already pre-approved, as it shows you are serious and financially prepared. We can connect you with trusted local lenders to get this process started. Once you have your pre-approval, the fun part of house hunting can begin!

I want to sell my property. How do you determine the right asking price?

Pricing your home correctly from the start is the most critical factor for a successful sale. We determine the optimal list price through a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This isn't just a guess; it's a data-driven process where we analyze: Comparable Sales: What similar homes in your immediate area have sold for in the last 3-6 months. Current Competition: The prices of similar homes currently on the market. Property Condition: The unique features, upgrades, and overall condition of your home. Market Trends: Whether it's currently a buyer's or seller's market. Our goal is to find that "sweet spot" that attracts qualified buyers and maximizes your return on investment. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation CMA for your home.

How do real estate agents get paid? What does it cost me?

This is an excellent and important question! The process differs for buyers and sellers. For Buyers: In most cases, our services are at no direct cost to you. Our commission is typically paid by the seller from the proceeds of the home sale. This means you get full professional representation, from the search and negotiations to closing, without having to pay out of pocket. For Sellers: The commission is a percentage of the home's final sale price, which is agreed upon when we sign a listing agreement. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when your home successfully sells, which means our goals are perfectly aligned with yours. We believe in 100% transparency and will review all the details with you during our initial meeting.

Is this a good time to buy or sell in our area?

The real estate market is constantly changing due to factors like inventory levels, interest rates, and the local economy. While we closely monitor these trends, the "best" time to buy or sell is ultimately a personal decision based on your life circumstances and financial goals. The right question is often, "Is now a good time for me?" We can help you answer that. By discussing your specific situation, we can provide a personalized analysis of the current market and help you strategize how to use the conditions to your advantage, whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or selling an investment property.

Why should I choose you over a larger, national brokerage?

Choosing a real estate partner is a big decision. At Massie Realty, we combine deep local expertise with a truly personal touch that larger firms often can't match. With us, you get: Personalized Attention: You're not just another file number. We are dedicated to your unique journey and are directly accountable for your success. Unmatched Local Knowledge: We live, work, and are deeply invested in this community. We know the neighborhoods, the market nuances, and the key contacts to ensure a smooth transaction. Agility & Modern Marketing: We use cutting-edge marketing strategies, from professional photography and social media campaigns to targeted digital advertising, to make sure your property stands out. For buyers, we are agile in finding off-market opportunities and negotiating creatively. We offer the sophisticated tools of a large agency with the dedicated, client-first approach of a trusted local business.

How long does the home buying or selling process usually take?

The timeline can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and market conditions. However, here’s a general guide: For Buyers: From the initial search to getting the keys, the process typically takes 30 to 90 days. The home search itself can be quick or take several months. Once you have an accepted offer, the "escrow" or "under contract" period (inspections, appraisal, loan finalization) usually takes about 30-45 days. For Sellers: The timeline depends on how long it takes to receive an acceptable offer. In a fast-moving market, this could be just a few days. In a slower market, it could be a month or more. Once you accept an offer, you can expect another 30-45 days until the closing date. Our job is to manage this timeline efficiently, keeping you informed and prepared every step of the way to ensure a seamless and stress-free closing.

I'm thinking about buying a home. What's the very first step I should take?

The best first step is to have an initial consultation with us, completely free of charge. However, right alongside that, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. Here's why: Sets Your Budget: A pre-approval from a lender tells you exactly how much you can realistically afford, which helps us narrow down your search to the right homes. Strengthens Your Offer: In a competitive market, sellers are much more likely to accept an offer from a buyer who is already pre-approved, as it shows you are serious and financially prepared. We can connect you with trusted local lenders to get this process started. Once you have your pre-approval, the fun part of house hunting can begin!

I want to sell my property. How do you determine the right asking price?

Pricing your home correctly from the start is the most critical factor for a successful sale. We determine the optimal list price through a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This isn't just a guess; it's a data-driven process where we analyze: Comparable Sales: What similar homes in your immediate area have sold for in the last 3-6 months. Current Competition: The prices of similar homes currently on the market. Property Condition: The unique features, upgrades, and overall condition of your home. Market Trends: Whether it's currently a buyer's or seller's market. Our goal is to find that "sweet spot" that attracts qualified buyers and maximizes your return on investment. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation CMA for your home.

How do real estate agents get paid? What does it cost me?

This is an excellent and important question! The process differs for buyers and sellers. For Buyers: In most cases, our services are at no direct cost to you. Our commission is typically paid by the seller from the proceeds of the home sale. This means you get full professional representation, from the search and negotiations to closing, without having to pay out of pocket. For Sellers: The commission is a percentage of the home's final sale price, which is agreed upon when we sign a listing agreement. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when your home successfully sells, which means our goals are perfectly aligned with yours. We believe in 100% transparency and will review all the details with you during our initial meeting.

Is this a good time to buy or sell in our area?

The real estate market is constantly changing due to factors like inventory levels, interest rates, and the local economy. While we closely monitor these trends, the "best" time to buy or sell is ultimately a personal decision based on your life circumstances and financial goals. The right question is often, "Is now a good time for me?" We can help you answer that. By discussing your specific situation, we can provide a personalized analysis of the current market and help you strategize how to use the conditions to your advantage, whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or selling an investment property.

Why should I choose you over a larger, national brokerage?

Choosing a real estate partner is a big decision. At Massie Realty, we combine deep local expertise with a truly personal touch that larger firms often can't match. With us, you get: Personalized Attention: You're not just another file number. We are dedicated to your unique journey and are directly accountable for your success. Unmatched Local Knowledge: We live, work, and are deeply invested in this community. We know the neighborhoods, the market nuances, and the key contacts to ensure a smooth transaction. Agility & Modern Marketing: We use cutting-edge marketing strategies, from professional photography and social media campaigns to targeted digital advertising, to make sure your property stands out. For buyers, we are agile in finding off-market opportunities and negotiating creatively. We offer the sophisticated tools of a large agency with the dedicated, client-first approach of a trusted local business.

How long does the home buying or selling process usually take?

The timeline can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and market conditions. However, here’s a general guide: For Buyers: From the initial search to getting the keys, the process typically takes 30 to 90 days. The home search itself can be quick or take several months. Once you have an accepted offer, the "escrow" or "under contract" period (inspections, appraisal, loan finalization) usually takes about 30-45 days. For Sellers: The timeline depends on how long it takes to receive an acceptable offer. In a fast-moving market, this could be just a few days. In a slower market, it could be a month or more. Once you accept an offer, you can expect another 30-45 days until the closing date. Our job is to manage this timeline efficiently, keeping you informed and prepared every step of the way to ensure a seamless and stress-free closing.

I'm thinking about buying a home. What's the very first step I should take?

The best first step is to have an initial consultation with us, completely free of charge. However, right alongside that, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. Here's why: Sets Your Budget: A pre-approval from a lender tells you exactly how much you can realistically afford, which helps us narrow down your search to the right homes. Strengthens Your Offer: In a competitive market, sellers are much more likely to accept an offer from a buyer who is already pre-approved, as it shows you are serious and financially prepared. We can connect you with trusted local lenders to get this process started. Once you have your pre-approval, the fun part of house hunting can begin!

I want to sell my property. How do you determine the right asking price?

Pricing your home correctly from the start is the most critical factor for a successful sale. We determine the optimal list price through a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This isn't just a guess; it's a data-driven process where we analyze: Comparable Sales: What similar homes in your immediate area have sold for in the last 3-6 months. Current Competition: The prices of similar homes currently on the market. Property Condition: The unique features, upgrades, and overall condition of your home. Market Trends: Whether it's currently a buyer's or seller's market. Our goal is to find that "sweet spot" that attracts qualified buyers and maximizes your return on investment. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation CMA for your home.

How do real estate agents get paid? What does it cost me?

This is an excellent and important question! The process differs for buyers and sellers. For Buyers: In most cases, our services are at no direct cost to you. Our commission is typically paid by the seller from the proceeds of the home sale. This means you get full professional representation, from the search and negotiations to closing, without having to pay out of pocket. For Sellers: The commission is a percentage of the home's final sale price, which is agreed upon when we sign a listing agreement. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when your home successfully sells, which means our goals are perfectly aligned with yours. We believe in 100% transparency and will review all the details with you during our initial meeting.

Is this a good time to buy or sell in our area?

The real estate market is constantly changing due to factors like inventory levels, interest rates, and the local economy. While we closely monitor these trends, the "best" time to buy or sell is ultimately a personal decision based on your life circumstances and financial goals. The right question is often, "Is now a good time for me?" We can help you answer that. By discussing your specific situation, we can provide a personalized analysis of the current market and help you strategize how to use the conditions to your advantage, whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or selling an investment property.

Why should I choose you over a larger, national brokerage?

Choosing a real estate partner is a big decision. At Massie Realty, we combine deep local expertise with a truly personal touch that larger firms often can't match. With us, you get: Personalized Attention: You're not just another file number. We are dedicated to your unique journey and are directly accountable for your success. Unmatched Local Knowledge: We live, work, and are deeply invested in this community. We know the neighborhoods, the market nuances, and the key contacts to ensure a smooth transaction. Agility & Modern Marketing: We use cutting-edge marketing strategies, from professional photography and social media campaigns to targeted digital advertising, to make sure your property stands out. For buyers, we are agile in finding off-market opportunities and negotiating creatively. We offer the sophisticated tools of a large agency with the dedicated, client-first approach of a trusted local business.

How long does the home buying or selling process usually take?

The timeline can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and market conditions. However, here’s a general guide: For Buyers: From the initial search to getting the keys, the process typically takes 30 to 90 days. The home search itself can be quick or take several months. Once you have an accepted offer, the "escrow" or "under contract" period (inspections, appraisal, loan finalization) usually takes about 30-45 days. For Sellers: The timeline depends on how long it takes to receive an acceptable offer. In a fast-moving market, this could be just a few days. In a slower market, it could be a month or more. Once you accept an offer, you can expect another 30-45 days until the closing date. Our job is to manage this timeline efficiently, keeping you informed and prepared every step of the way to ensure a seamless and stress-free closing.