Frequent Asked Questions
Are you a full-time or part-time realtor?
I am a full-time realtor with 98% of my listings sold under 30 days. This is important because I am always up to date with the latest market status and working on your behalf.
What’s the best price you think we can get for my house?
For each listing, a thorough analysis of your home’s condition and upgrades is done, along with comparable sold and market condition to determine a price range. It's all about pricing right from the start. Research (>12 million homes since 2010) has shown a home that is overpriced at the beginning typically ends up selling for less than it would have if priced right to start.
What makes you different than other realtors?
My strength is recognizing value in real estate. When selling, I look to create and highlight your home features to maximize the price sold.
Can I trust Zillow's Zestimate for my house's value?
There are various websites that provide a quick estimate, such as Zillow's zestimate. However it is shown to have inaccuracies up to 21% of the value, which is significant. Ask me for an advanced Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) if you're interested in listing your home.
What will my closing costs be? How much will I walk away with at this price?
Your closing cost is estimated based on the price of your home and the jurisdiction. Ask me for an estimated proceed letter.
What is your commission rate?
I have two full-service packages available for sellers: Premium and Value package, each with a different rate. Premium package at the full commission rate is designed with all the premium services, such as social media target advertising and google adwords, which increase visibility up to 65%. Value package at a discounted commission rate is designed with all the essentials, plus a few premium services. During the consultation, I am happy to provide more details.
Do you have any contractor recommendations?
Yes I have used a variety of contractors that I used for my own home and investment properties. Happy to recommend them.
What will you want me to sign?
There is a listing agreement, county specific forms and disclosure paperwork.
Why did you get into Real Estate?
The same reason I was in Healthcare for 12 years: to make a positive difference in the communities. Real Estate provides a rare opportunity to start my own business and work with my clients to achieve success.
5 Tips for Selling
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1. The first step is TIMING
Timing often drives the plan. This includes why you're selling, when to list, set a price, who to hire and determine your next move.
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#Timing #Planning #Preparation
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2. Starting price sets the PACE
Pricing a home is more than comps and Zillow's zestimate, it takes an advance Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and a constant market monitoring.
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#Pace #CMA>zestimate #ChangingMarket
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3. Price is just ONE of many variables
Quick closing, low/no closing cost, rent-back are some of the variables that may also be important to both sellers and buyers. Setting priorities of these variables is key.
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#Price #OtherPriorities
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4. First impression sets the TONE
First three weeks on the market is when potential buyer traffic is the highest. Listing a home in move-in condition vs. fixer-upper condition attracts different type of buyers.
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#FirstImpression #WowFactor
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5. Most of the work is done BEFORE going on market
This includes all the points above plus filling out paperwork, cleaning, decluttering, staging, photographs, video tour, creating marketing brochures, social media campaign and so on.
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#Work #CreateHighROI
Frequent Asked Questions
Are you a full-time or part-time realtor?
I am a full-time realtor who specializes in Montgomery, Frederick and Prince George County in Maryland, Washington DC NW region and Northern Virginia.
Is now a good time to buy?
Yes, the interest rate is at a historic low and Washington Metro Area has many communities with appreciation potential. During our consultation, we will establish a strategy base on your criteria and timeline.
What makes you different than other realtors?
My strength is recognizing value in real estate: when buying a home, I take the time to understand my client's goals and budget, develop a home search strategy, set expectations and then execute until goals are met.
What will my closing costs be? How much will I walk away with at this price?
Your closing cost can be estimated based on the price of home and its jurisdiction. There are title related and tax considerations at closing. During the initial consultation, I can better estimate your closing cost.
Do you have any lender and home inspector recommendations?
Yes I have worked with a number of wonderful lenders and home inspectors, all with their own strengths. I am happy to provide them as options to consider.
What is your commission rate?
My commission is generally paid by the sellers. At the consultation, I will explain the process and answer any questions.
What will you want me to sign?
There is a buyer agency agreement and county specific forms.
5 Tips for Buying
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1. The first step is PLANNING
Figure out what you're looking for. Walk to metro? Privacy with plenty of yard space? Townhouse for hybrid living? Knowing what fits your lifestyle will help tremendously. Bonus: obtain a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter before looking at houses.
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#Lifestyle #KnowWhatYouWant
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2. There is no PERFECT time to buy
Good homes at a reasonable price will go under contract at any month or season.
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#Imperfection #GoodHomesSell
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3. Bargain hunters BEWARE
Bank-own, foreclosure and auction properties may be a good investment, but they typically come with no inspection and may be priced high in certain areas.
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#BargainBin #Case-by-Case
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4. Don't forget about TAX
Renting enables freedom of movement but it does very little from a tax perspective. Depending on your income tax bracket, consult a tax consultant to find out if there is significant tax savings to be had.
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#Opportunity #CPA
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5. Try the COMMUTE
When considering a neighborhood or an area, test out the commute to work, family, friends, establishments on both weekdays and weekend. What constitutes a good commute is subjective and the best way is to try it.
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#Commute #Lifestyle