HomeFrequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

A Buyer’s Agent is a Real Estate Agent who works on your behalf to guide you through the process of buying a new home at Smith Mountain Lake, VA. They are there to help you each step of the way from the time you begin looking for the perfect property, till you sign the final paperwork. A Buyer’s Agent can save you a lot of time and money as they aid you in avoiding pitfalls as well asĀ  understanding the best way to accomplish your goals. They explain pros and cons of various homes or neighborhoods; write and negotiate contracts; refer you to the appropriate home inspectors, mortgage brokers, moving companies; give advice on all things related to buying a home in the Roanoke, VA area…and much more!

A Listing Agent (or Seller’s Agent) is crucial to the process if you are selling your home because they will represent your interests during the entire process of finding the right buyer for your Smith Mountain Lake property. A Listing Agent will provide all the information that you need to prepare your home for potential buyers, help you determine how to price your Roanoke, VA home, how to list it for sale on the market, how to schedule showings and negotiate offers. A listing agent will have current knowledge in every area necessary to help you get the best price for your home in the shortest amount of time.

In a Seller’s Market there is a high demand for real estate that drives the prices higher so the Seller gets the highest possible price for their property. Some of the things that cause a Seller’s Market are growing economy, low interest rates, low home inventory, etc.

In a Buyer’s Market there is a reduced demand for real estate which causes property prices to drop and allows the Buyer to get much better deals on homes and land. Some of the things that can cause a Buyer’s Market are high interest rates, high interest rates, natural disasters or disruptions to the economy.

The statistics show that spring and summer are the optimal seasons for a more rapid sale of your home. Some studies have shown that about 50% of all home sales occur during May through August! Early spring and fall are slower but may still see some good activity regarding real estate sales. When winter temperatures drop, so do property sales. The dead of winter is the worst time to list and sell a home.

For the most part the answer to this question is entirely up to you and your particular situation. There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider regarding whether you should sell your current home before buying another. Property Sale proceeds provide readily available resources for purchasing a new home and you will not end up having to pay for mortgages on both places. On the other hand if your current home sells before you have found a new one you may feel pressured into buying before you have found exactly what you want. Also you may have to find temporary housing (and make 2 moves) if your house is sold before you have decided on another.

When it comes to getting a Home Inspection it is always better safe than sorry. It may be an extra expense, but when you are putting hundreds of thousands of dollars into a new home you will want to know if there are unseen issues that will cost you money down the road. A Home Inspection can help to locate and identify insect infestations, structural problems or defects, issues with the roof, plumbing, HVAC, basement, electrical, foundation and many other areas of the home.