One of the best parts about working with a REALTOR to buy a home is all the support and resources you can access after you’ve moved into your new home. While this isn’t a standard part of the REALTOR relationship, if you’ve chosen to work with a great agent – one who prioritizes your relationship over the transaction – you’ll have a great go-to resource for all things related to houses/condos/neighborhood/real estate.
Here are just some of the questions we regularly get asked by our past clients (and are more than happy to answer):
House/Condo Questions
- Can you recommend a good handyman/plumber/electrician/roofer/drywaller/pest control company/general contractor/floor installer/cleaner/painter/etc.? Your realtor is intimately involved in pre-sale renovations and can connect you with their top home service people.
- Should I renovate my bathroom/kitchen/basement? If you’re renovating for the sheer sake of enjoying it more yourself, go for it…but if you’re hoping your renovation will add value to your home too, check in with your REALTOR. They know your house, your neighbors’ houses and neighborhood.
- Should I build an addition/install a pool/add a room over the garage? Big renovations are big decisions and impact the value of your home. If you’re considering a big renovation and wondering if it’s worth the $$, ask your REALTOR.
- Should I buy or rent a new furnace? While part of that decision will depend on your financial situation, rental contracts affect the eventual sale price of your home, so it’s probably worth a conversation with your agent.
- What should I do if my neighbor is always hosting loud parties/illegally Airbnb-ing their condo/otherwise being obnoxious? If you’re having neighbor problems, your agent can likely give you some options – we’ve seen a lot.
- What color should I paint my living room/entrance/front door/etc? Your agent knows your home and knows the colors that help or hinder a future sale.
- My house got re-assessed for taxes – what do I do? If you’ve been re-assessed (this is common after big renovations), you have options – and your REALTOR will be able to provide resources and point you in the right direction.
- There’s a problem with XYZ….REALTORS know houses (and house issues!) and you’ll be surprised at the help they can provide, whether it’s helping you diagnose the issue or figure out what kind of home professional to call.
- Do you have a copy of my paperwork? Mine is in storage! Sometimes, you need to access your real estate paperwork after the sale has closed. Fear not, agents keep everything for a really long time.
- I’m thinking of selling my home in 1-2 years. How should I prepare? This is literally one of our favorite questions! Sure, you can get your house or condo ready to sell in a week or two, but it’s way less stressful if you plan for it in advance.
- How much is my house worth? Yes, can you ask your REALTOR this question, even if you’re not thinking of selling. It’s always a good idea to stay on top of the value of what is likely your biggest investment.
Neighborhood Questions
- Where’s the best pizza/craft brewery/oyster spot for a date night/cafe in my new neighborhood? REALTORS live and breathe where they work and know the hidden neighborhood gems (and there’s nothing we love more than sharing!).
- My 3-year-old will be in school next year. What are my options? Your agent can be a resource about the schools in your neighborhood, from public to private and everything in between.
- I’m having a fence dispute with my neighbor – where is my property line? Your agent can refer you to surveyors.
- How much did the house down the street sell for? Sure, you can look sold prices up online if you’re willing to part with your personal info (and risk getting stalked and spammed), but your agent can do a lot more than just give you the price – they can help you understand why it sold for the price it sold for- and provide perspective on the demand in your neighborhood and how that affects the value of your home. Note: you don’t need a reason to ask for the sold price…just being curious is OK too.
Real Estate-Related Questions
- Should I buy an investment property? Your agent will be able to give you a sense of what’s happening in the investor market right now, help you understand how much it will cost (and the kind of returns to expect) and recommend specific neighborhoods and types of properties that can be profitable.
- Should I upgrade to a new home? Contrary to popular belief, the answer is not always ‘yes’, even when you ask a REALTOR. Making a move is a huge decision, and if you trust your REALTOR, they’ll be able to add a different perspective to help you make a decision.
- I’m moving in with my partner – should I sell my condo or rent it? Real estate moves are often triggered by life changes…moving-in together/breaking-up, weddings, divorces, new babies, etc. We’ve seen it all, and while there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, you may find it helpful to discuss with your REALTOR.
- Should I buy a second home? Experienced REALTORs will be able to discuss the pros/cons of buying a second property.
- I’m getting divorced but I want to keep living in my home. It’s totally normal to call your agent for help, even if you aren’t planning on selling it. Your agent can give you a sense of how much it’s currently worth and put you in touch with appraisers, lawyers, and mortgage brokers to help you make the transition.
- Should I renovate or move? Love it or list it? Your agent can help you understand your options and the potential costs.
- My teenager is going to college in another city next year..should I buy a home there? While it may be cheaper to buy than to rent, it’s a big decision with a lot of potential pitfalls. Talk to your trusted agent about the options and ask them to connect you with a local agent in your kid’s new city.
- Can you help my parents/sibling/friend sell their home? If you have a great agent that you trust, don’t keep it to yourself! With so many agents in our area, finding a REALTOR can be overwhelming. If your agent isn’t the best fit for their needs, they’ll likely be able to recommend someone who is.
- How can I help my grown kid buy a home in the Bluffton/Hilton Head Island/Beaufort area? Many parents have the means to help. Your agent can take you through your options (even if that purchase is years away).
- How’s the market? You don’t have to be buying or selling to ask your agent about the market. Understanding the headlines you see can help you plan your next move or help guide a friend or family member in theirs.
Financing and Money Questions
While your mortgage broker/lender is who you should direct your financing questions to, your REALTOR is a great person to ask general financing questions in between mortgage renewals.
- Should I lock in my variable-rate mortgage? If interest rates are low and expected to increase, you may want to consider the costs to lock in your rate.
- Should I refinance my home? If you’ve owned your home for a while and prices have increased, you may want to consider refinancing it to access the equity in your home to spend in other ways.
- Should I get a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)? Most mortgages allow you to secure a credit line against the equity in your home, up to 80% of the value of your home. HELOC’s are often used to access a downpayment for an investment property or vacation home or make major renovations.
- It’s time to renew my mortgage. Should I find a different lender? If you want to shop your mortgage renewal around for better rates, terms or service, ask your agent to recommend you to their top mortgage partners.
- How will my income taxes be impacted if I sell my home/my investment property/my second home? Sure, you’ll need to talk to your accountant – but your agent can give you the 101.
- How much should I be saving now, for my next real estate upgrade? Let’s say you’re living in a one-bedroom condo right now and want your next move to be to a 3-bedroom house with a yard. What steps can you take now to help you make that dream come true?
- I’m planning on retiring in the next 3 years…what can I do to maximize the equity in my home? There are so many good answers to this question! Talk to your agent.
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