Question 1

Am I ready to buy a home?

Accepted Answer

You might be ready to buy a home if you have a stable income, manageable debt, and savings for a down payment and closing costs. Getting pre-approved by a lender is a great first step.

Question 2

What’s the first step in the home buying process?

Accepted Answer

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This helps you understand your budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.

Question 3

What does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

As a buyer, you typically don’t pay your agent’s commission—it’s usually covered by the seller. As a seller, the commission is negotiated upfront and paid at closing.

Question 4

How long does it take to buy or sell a home?

Accepted Answer

It varies, but on average, buying takes 30–60 days after an offer is accepted. Selling can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the market.

Question 5

How do pre-qualification and pre-approval differ?

Accepted Answer

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you might afford, while pre-approval is more in-depth and shows lenders have verified your finances.

Question 6

Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your financial situation and market conditions. I can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your goals.

Question 7

How do I prepare my home for sale?

Accepted Answer

Start with cleaning, decluttering, and small repairs. I’ll guide you on staging and what improvements can boost your home’s value.

Question 8

What’s included in closing costs?

Accepted Answer

Closing costs can include lender fees, title insurance, taxes, and more. They typically range from 2–6% of the purchase price.

Question 9

Can I buy a home if I have bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can still buy a home with bad credit. It might limit your loan options or increase your interest rate, but I can connect you with lenders who specialize in helping buyers improve their credit scores.

Question 10

Why should I work with a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

An agent brings market knowledge, negotiation skills, and guidance through every step of the process—saving you time, stress, and often money.

Kristi Packer, Realtor ®

Your Trusted Local Realtor®

FAQ's for Buying and Selling a Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I ready to buy a home?

What’s the first step in the home buying process?

What does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

How long does it take to buy or sell a home?

How do pre-qualification and pre-approval differ?

Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?

How do I prepare my home for sale?

What’s included in closing costs?

Can I buy a home if I have bad credit?

Why should I work with a real estate agent?

Kristi Packer, Realtor®

FAQ's for Buying and Selling a Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I ready to buy a home?

What’s the first step in the home buying process?

What does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

How long does it take to buy or sell a home?

How do pre-qualification and pre-approval differ?

Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?

How do I prepare my home for sale?

What’s included in closing costs?

Can I buy a home if I have bad credit?

Why should I work with a real estate agent?

Kristi Packer, Realtor ®