Posts in category 'Buying Selling'

The good news is, as a homeowner, you've probably built up some equity in your home, making it possible to buy a bigger, better home. But it isn't like that money is sitting in your bank account waiting to be spent the minute you find a house you want to buy. Many people need to sell their current home in order to buy another one.

So if that's your situation, perhaps it'll help to know that you're not alone, and plenty of people have managed to pull it off. Check out these 5 common concerns people have when they need to sell before buying, and some tips on how to deal with them:

1) "What if I don't find a house I want to buy?"

Being concerned that you won't find a house you like is a legitimate concern. Unfortunately, waiting to list your house until your dream house appears on the market isn't a recipe for success. Doing that will usually lead to rushed decisions which can cost you money on the sale of your home, and/or the house you were rushing to buy ends up getting scooped up before you're in a solid position to make an offer.

The best approach is to have your agent show you the data for recent home sales, and help you analyze if what you're looking for is something you can reasonably expect to find in your price range once your home is sold. If there tends to be at least a few homes you'd like on the market in your price range at any given time, you should be in fine shape to find one you like once your home is under contract.

2) "What if the specific house I want to buy sells before mine does?"

As mentioned above, falling head over heels for a house before your current home is even ready to be listed for sale can cost you money… and heartache. Regardless, a lot of people list their house for sale hoping they can manage to get their house sold faster than the seller of the one they want to buy.

If you choose to go this route, the best approach is to price your house aggressively and hope you can get yours under contract before the one you love is. But you can try to make an offer contingent upon the sale of your home. Just be aware that many sellers aren't too keen on accepting a contingent offer. Think about it: would you want to take your home off the market for a buyer that needs to sell their home, and hope that they manage to do so in a timely manner? It's a big ask, so you can certainly try, but just don't bank on most sellers being agreeable to it.

3) "What if I get stuck with two mortgages?"

Some people can handle paying two mortgages, at least for a little while. But even if you can, it's probably something you'd like to avoid, or keep to a bare minimum.

In order to avoid this, don't go under contract to purchase a house until yours is under contract, and all of the contingencies have been met by your buyer. This will minimize the chances of something going wrong. But you can also try to add some language into your contract that makes your purchase contingent upon the closing of your home, just to be safe.

4) "What if I sell too soon and the market changes?"

Some sellers worry that as soon as they sell, the market will take off right after, leaving them thinking, "I could've gotten so much more!"

Is it possible? Sure. Is it likely? Probably not. The real estate market usually isn't as volatile as the stock market. Of course your house could be worth a lot more in the future… if you wait long enough! But waiting a few weeks or months (or even a year) probably won't line your pockets with that much more cash. And remember, the opposite could happen—if you wait, the market could also go down! Base your decision on what the current value of your home is, and don't get caught up trying to time the market.

5) "Where will I live if my house sells and I haven't found or closed on a house I want to buy?"

The idea of selling your home and being left with no place to call your own can be terrifying. Will you be left living out of your car, or worse, your in-laws' guest room? (Kidding! They probably love having you.)

The good news is, you've got options. Sometimes the best option is crashing with family! But you could also find a short-term rental, or stay in a hotel if you just need a little bit of time between closings. But you can also try and negotiate with the buyer of your house to give you a flexible closing date, or make the sale contingent on you finding a house to buy. And you can always try to make a deal with your buyer to stay in the house after closing and pay them rent until you find a place.

Well, actually—kind of a lot.

Even the friendliest transactions can get tricky, emotional, or legally murky. That's where having a real estate agent on board can make all the difference. Here's why hiring a pro is still a smart move, even when the deal stays in the family.

1) Ensures the Price Makes Sense

Even if you're offering a "family discount" or trying to make the deal work for someone you care about, it's important to understand what the property is actually worth. Your real estate agent can provide up-to-date market data and comparable sales so the price makes sense—so no one ends up overpaying or underselling without realizing it.

2) Prevents Awkward Money Conversations

Negotiating directly with someone you care about can get… tense. Should you knock a little off the price because it's family? Is asking for repairs too much? A real estate agent can handle those conversations professionally—so you don't have to haggle with your sister over price, repairs, or who pays for what. It keeps the transaction businesslike, and your relationship intact.

3) Offers a Buffer When Things Get Bumpy

If the inspection turns up issues or the appraisal comes in low, emotions can run high—especially when people already know each other. An agent helps manage the fallout, smooths over rough patches, and keeps the deal alive without anyone storming off. Family dinners are much more enjoyable when no one's secretly stewing about who got the better end of the deal.

4) They Have a Handle on All the Paperwork

The paperwork is no joke. It's more than just signing a napkin that says "Deal!" Agents handle everything from disclosures and contracts to amendments and inspection reports. They also make sure deadlines aren't missed, which can keep the deal from falling apart.

5) Manages the Timeline

Letting your brother-in-law "handle the timing" might work for barbecues, but not real estate transactions. Inspections, appraisals, financing milestones, and closing dates all come with deadlines. Real estate agents keep everything moving on schedule, making sure timelines are met, contingencies are cleared, and that everyone is doing what they're supposed to—so the deal doesn't fall apart.

6) Avoids Risky (and Expensive) DIY Mistakes

Even the friendliest, most straightforward deals come with a mountain of legal requirements—contracts, disclosures, timelines, and more. It's easy to miss something critical, like a form, a deadline, or a required disclosure. And in real estate, even small mistakes can lead to big (and costly) consequences.

7) Adds Professional Credibility

No offense to your uncle who "knows a lot about real estate," but experience matters. Lenders, title companies, attorneys—they all appreciate working with someone who knows the process. When a real estate agent is involved, it helps avoid the need to explain the process to someone unfamiliar with it, prevents misunderstandings, and helps the process run more smoothly.

8) Preserves the Relationship

At the end of the day, the goal isn't just to buy or sell a house. It's to do it without creating tension, resentment, or regrets. Real estate agents help protect the deal and the relationship, which is probably worth more than any amount of commission you'll pay them.

Moms have a signature way of getting their point across — usually in one-liners that are equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and impossible to forget. Turns out, a lot of those classic "mom-isms" translate perfectly into real estate advice.

Whether you're house hunting, prepping to sell, or knee-deep in negotiations, a little classic mom wisdom can go a long way. Just like mom, a good real estate agent is there to keep you safe, smart, and maybe even out of a little trouble along the way.

Here are 12 things moms say that translate especially well when it comes to buying or selling a home:

1) "Don't go getting your hopes up."

Translation: Don't fall in love with listings you can't afford.

Scrolling through dream homes that are way over budget might be fun… until reality crashes the party. Getting emotionally attached to features that aren't in reach can make it harder to appreciate the homes that are. Stick to looking at homes within your budget, no matter how tempting it is to just see what bumping up your budget could get you.

2) "Because I said so."

Translation: Sometimes your agent just knows best.

You might not immediately understand why your agent is insisting on certain paperwork, timelines, or strategy, but there's probably a good reason. Years of experience come with instincts that don't always need explaining.

3) "If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?"

Translation: Just because someone you know sold their home without an agent—or bought without one—doesn't mean you should.

Every home, every market, and every situation is different. What worked for them might be a disaster for you. Skipping out on professional guidance can mean missing crucial details, missteps in negotiation, or major legal headaches. Just because someone else went it alone doesn't mean it's the smart move for you.

4) "What am I, your maid?"

Translation: Your agent isn't there to clean up after you — even if it's tempting.

Whether it's showing up for listing photos or getting ready to host an open house, agents often face a moral dilemma: to clean, or not to clean.

In principle, they shouldn't have to lift a finger; they're there to market and sell your home, not scrub the countertops. But they also want your home to shine, and sometimes that means straightening a pillow or hiding a laundry basket. Help them help you: a clean, photo-ready home makes everyone's job easier (and your sale more successful).

5) "I'm going to count to three."

Translation: If you love a house, don't wait to make an offer.

In a competitive market, dragging your feet can cost you. If your gut (and your agent) says it's a good fit, act quickly—or someone else will.

6) "Don't make me turn this car around!"

Translation: Stay focused and don't derail your own deal.

Getting distracted by impulse buys, last-minute cold feet, or dramatic detours (like switching lenders mid-process) can take everyone off course. Stay on track so you don't have to start the journey all over again.

7) "What part of 'no' don't you understand?"

Translation: If your offer is too low, it's gonna be a no… no matter how you spin it.

You can try to justify a lowball offer with creative comps, taking jabs at the condition, or citing market trends, but if the offer feels like an insult, most sellers won't bother entertaining it. In many cases, it's a hard no—not a starting point for negotiation. If you're serious about the home, come in with an offer that shows it.

8) "My house, my rules."

Translation: Respect sellers' preferences during showings.

If they ask you to take off your shoes, do it. If a room is off-limits or they don't want you to try and pet their adorable (but feisty) chihuahua, honor that. It's still their home, so act accordingly while sizing up whether or not it's your future home.

9) "I don't care who started it, I'm finishing it."

Translation: Negotiations shouldn't turn into finger-pointing contests.

When tensions rise, the goal isn't to assign blame—it's to keep the deal moving forward. A good agent (and a little mom-style authority) can help smooth things over when both sides dig in.

10) "You better wipe that look off your face."

Translation: Don't let your emotions show during showings… someone might be watching.

When looking at a home, keep your poker face until you're safely back in the car. Don't gasp, cheer, or grimace during a tour, especially if the seller or their agent is nearby. But cameras are everywhere these days, so keep your cool even if nobody is there. .

11) "I'm not a taxi service."

Translation: Agents are there to help—not to chauffeur.

Years ago, it was common for buyers to hop in their agent's car and go from house to house. These days, most buyers meet their agent at each property or follow in their own car. It's nothing personal, it's just that many agents no longer offer rides due to insurance, liability, and safety concerns.

12) "I love you."

Translation: Agents truly care about their clients.

It's not just about closing a deal—it's about protecting your best interests every step of the way. Whether it's steering you away from a risky decision, negotiating hard on your behalf, or giving you a little tough love when it counts, a good agent is in your corner from start to finish. And if you want to show them a little love in return… send them referrals! That's the real estate equivalent of a great big hug.

There's something about the phrase "as-is" that feels powerful when you're selling a house. Two little words, and—poof!—no more haggling, no more repair requests, no more back-and-forth. Just agree on a price up front, collect every penny at closing, and let the buyer handle any issues once they own it.

At least, that's what many sellers hope will happen…

Unfortunately, "as-is" doesn't always have the effect sellers imagine. The way it comes across depends entirely on the buyer's mindset—and in some cases, it might even scare off the perfect one.

Here's a look at 7 ways buyers might interpret those two little words, so you can decide if it's the right move for you:

1) "As-If! We'll See About That…"

Some buyers will treat as-is as a challenge. They may agree to take the house "as-is," but also retain their right to a home inspection saying they just want to make sure there's nothing major wrong with the house. In theory, this just lets them walk away if the issues are too much to handle. However, don't be surprised if they present a list of things they want you to repair or give them a credit to fix themselves. You can always say no, but it may make sense to work with them on the issues, because you could end up getting the same requests with another buyer anyway.

2) "Ahhh, So you want Me to Come in With a Lowball Offer, Right?"

Other buyers will immediately knock 30% off the price in their head—before even seeing the house. Even if the home is perfectly livable, they'll assume it's a financial disaster waiting to happen. Rather than let them do fictional math in their head before making an offer, you may be better off letting them do some actual repair calculations once they get a home inspection done.

3) "Nope."

It could also entirely scare a buyer off before they even click past the first photo online. If they're not handy, and don't have the budget (or desire) to fix things that may be wrong with the house, you might never know they could have been interested in your house if it weren't for those two little words in your listing.

4) "For That Amount of Money?"

There are also buyers who don't mind a fixer-upper, but they'll expect a break on the price in return. Unlike the lowballers, these buyers won't even bother making an offer—they'll just wait until the price drops to what they feel is reasonable.

5) "What Are They Trying To Hide?"

It could also cause some buyers to assume you're trying to hide something. They may not be entirely scared away—and they may even offer you a great price for the house—but don't be surprised if they're skeptical and just looking for problems that may not even exist.

6) "How Bad Could It Be?"

This type of buyer is misleading. They start out optimistic, but deep down they're just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Honestly, it can go either way for this type of buyer. They're hopeful enough to come look at your house, but they're also kind of looking to see if they can answer their own question with something along the lines of, "Oh it can be bad… really bad!"

7) "Perfect… I'll Take It!"

These are the buyers every as-is seller hopes to attract. So there's always a chance that putting "as-is" in your listing won't bother some buyers a bit. But are they truly the best buyer you could've gotten—or did those two little words scare off an even better one?

Buying a new home when you already own one is tricky in almost any market.

But when there's limited inventory or a flood of buyers competing for the same properties, it gets even trickier. Even in a slower market, the logistics can still be stressful.

Plenty of homeowners start out thinking, I'll just keep my eyes open, find something I love, make an offer, and it'll all fall into place. Once I have another home lined up, I'll sell my current place quickly—it shouldn't be a problem.

It's an optimistic approach, but reality often plays out differently.

Why Not Just Ask a Seller...