Questions & Answers About Buying / Selling a Home

FAQ's for Buyers

How do I know what price range I can afford?
The best way to determine affordability is to talk with a lender who will pre-qualify you. Your agent with Sharon Sink Homes will give you names and numbers of reputable lenders that she has worked with in the past.

The lender will need your monthly income and monthly debts to work with your budget. Your agent with Sharon Sink Homes can explain financing programs and the lender will give you a "good faith estimate" that includes interest rates, closing costs, taxes, insurance and all fees along with payment.

Who pays the agent?
Typically the seller pays a commission to the agency that has the property listed. That commission is split between the listing company and the selling company. Your agent will be paid by the selling company.

How do I find out which houses are on the market and the prices?
Sharon Sink will guide you and give you access to a website so that as she searches for homes for you, you also can see what is available in the area you like and the price range.

As you drive through neighborhoods and search on the internet, contact your agent with homes that are of interest to you. It is also important to be as candid as possible when looking at homes and tell your agent what you like or dislike about that particular home. This will help her guide you in the right direction.

How do I determine which agent to work with?
It is important to have a good rapport with an agent. Sharon Sink is qualified to work as a buyer's agents and give excellent guidance in purchasing a home. Sharon will fully explain the "Exclusive Buyer's Agent Agreement" which contractually obligates her to represent your best interests.

What if the house is listed with the buyer's agent's company?
Your buyer's agent may fall into a dual agent position and still be able to represent you as your "designated dual agent". The agent will fully explain all company policies along these lines so that your position is not jeopardized.

Will Sharon Sink tell me what to offer when we find the right house?
Sharon will give you guidance in negotiating and back that up with comparables of sold properties in the area where the property is located to help you make your offer.

Where do I start now?
Give Sharon Sink Homes a call to schedule a time to come in to talk with Sharon or send us an email. Also, be sure to download a complimentary copy of Buying A Home and Working With Real Estate Agents (PDF format).

FAQ's For Sellers

Answers to frequently asked questions for sellers will be posted soon.

In the meantime, we invite you to download a complimentary copy of Selling Your Home and Preparing Your Home to Sell, both in PDF format.