While not required, a realtor provides expertise in pricing, negotiations, contracts, and market trends, ensuring a smoother and often more profitable transaction.

Look for experience, market knowledge, strong communication skills, and positive client reviews. A good agent should understand your needs and work in your best interest.

Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage to determine your budget. Then, work with a realtor to find homes that fit your needs and negotiate the best deal.

Spring and summer are generally the best times, as more buyers are actively looking. However, the right time depends on market conditions and your personal situation.

It depends on the loan type, but conventional loans typically require 5-20%, while FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down. VA and USDA loans may require no down payment.

A seller’s market happens when demand exceeds supply, leading to higher prices and faster sales. A buyer’s market occurs when supply exceeds demand, giving buyers more negotiation power.

Closing costs are the expenses, over and above the asking price of the property, that buyers and sellers normally incur to complete a real estate transaction. Costs incurred may include loan origination fees, title searches, title insurance, surveys, taxes, deed-recording fees, and credit report charges. Prepaid costs are those that recur over time, such as property taxes and homeowners' insurance. The lender is required by law to state these costs in a "good faith estimate" within three days of a home loan application. Typically these costs will range between 2% and 3% of the mortgage amount.

The process usually takes 30-60 days from offer acceptance to closing, but finding the right home can take weeks or months, depending on the market.

Yes! A home inspection helps identify potential issues before you buy, giving you the opportunity to negotiate repairs or back out if needed.

It varies based on market conditions, but homes typically sell within 30-90 days. Pricing competitively and staging your home can help speed up the process.

Small updates like fresh paint, fixing minor issues, and decluttering can increase your home’s appeal. Major renovations depend on your return on investment.

Earnest money is a deposit made to show a buyer’s commitment. If the deal closes, it goes toward the down payment. If the buyer backs out for an approved reason (like a failed inspection), they may get it back.

Escrow is a neutral third party that holds funds and documents until the transaction is complete, ensuring all terms are met before closing.

On closing day, buyers and sellers sign final documents, funds are transferred, and ownership of the property is officially transferred to the buyer.