FAQs

Seller FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why should I work with a trusted advisor when selling my house?

“Buying or selling a home involves a series of requirements and variables, and it's important to have someone in your corner from start to finish to make the process as smooth as possible . . .” - Leslie Rouda Smith, 2022 President, National Association of Realtors

Here are few reasons why you'll want a trusted Rinehart Realty real estate professional on your side:

  • Industry experience: We're well versed in the housing market and know the ins and outs of the entire process for both buyers and sellers
  • Pricing and market value: We help you understand today's real estate values when setting the price of a listing
  • Negotiation experience: We act as a buffer in negotiations with all parties throughout the entire transaction
  • Expert insights: We simply and effectively explain today's market conditions and what they mean for you
  • Contracts and fine print: We help with all the disclosures and documents necessary in today's heavily regulated environment
  • Latest technology: We know how to use the latest tools to make the process - and your life - easier

What repairs or improvements should I make before selling?

Not all renovation projects are equal and in addition to making sure your house makes a good first impression, you’ll also want to consider the return on your investment (ROI) for any renovations. Some of the projects that could net you the best return when you sell your house are:

  • Refinishing hardwoods
  • New flooring
  • Upgrading insulation
  • Roofing
  • Garage doors
  • Vinyl siding

Your Rinehart Realty real estate advisor is your best resource. When your agent comes to your house for a walk-thru and consultation, they’ll use their expertise to offer any insight into what you may need to repair, replace, or refinish. They also know what other sellers are doing before listing their homes and how buyers are reacting to those upgrades to help steer you in the right direction. For any projects you’ve already completed or for those you plan to do before listing, make sure your real estate professional knows. They’re not just an advisor to help you decide where to focus your efforts, they’re also skilled at highlighting any upgrades in your listing. That way, potential buyers know about the features that may help sell them on the house.

Why is pricing your house is essential for a succesful sale?

When it comes to pricing your house, there are a lot of factors to consider. The only way to ensure you price it right is by partnering with a local Rinehart Realty real estate professional. To find the right price, real estate professionals use their experties on the value of homes in your area, the condition of your house, where prices are headed and current buyer demand. These things ensure you're not over or underpricing your home for the market. Underpricing your house decreases your future buying power, leaves money on the table and risks buyers assuming something's wrong. Overpricing your house may deter buyers due to the high price tag, it may likely cause it to sit on the market longer and may need a price drop which could raise red flags.  Pricing the house correctly will make it more likely to get an offer, will boost interest in the house and it is likely to cause it to sell quickly.

How will my house be marketed by a Rinehart Realty professional?

To successfully promote your property in the real estate market, a comprehensive plan of targeted activities is essential. The Rinehart Realty marketing program has three targeted tasks:

  • Promote directly to prospective buyers: these activities may include digital marketing (social media networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram), print advertising (flyers, postcards, door hangers), yard signage, open houses and other marketing materials
  • Enlist the efforst of other real estate professionals: these activities may include the Rinehart Realty network of professionals, referral and relocation networks, MLS (Multiple Listing Service), direct promotion to other real eastate professionals and the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
  • Maintain communication with you: review and discuss results of our marketing activities as well as our marketing strategy and any necessary adjustments

Buyer FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why should I work with a trusted advisor when buying a home?

If you’re a homeowner or are planning to become one soon, you’re probably looking for clear information about today’s housing market. The best way to make sure you get what you need is to work with an expert. With any big milestone in life, it’s wise to seek advice from people who are experts in their field. While you likely want that advice to be perfect, perfect simply isn’t possible. But professionals have the knowledge and experience to be able to provide you with the best advice for your situation. The job of a trusted real estate professional is to give you the best advice possible. We use our knowledge of the homebuying process to explain both the national headlines and what’s happening in our local area. That way, you have the best of both worlds and can feel confident in your decision to buy a home. With our expertise, we can anticipate what could happen next and work with you to put together a solid plan. Then, we'll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the way. That’s the very definition of getting the best - not perfect - advice. And that’s the power of working with a Rinehart Realty real estate advisor.

What are some of the first steps in buying a home?

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are a few things you can do to help prepare for your purchase:

  • Get pre-approved. If you’re planning tobuy a homethis year, one of the first steps is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will look at your finances to determine what they’d be willing to loan you. Our in-house lending partners can get you going in this process. From there, your lender will help you understand your true price range and how much money you can borrow. In a higher mortgage rate environment, that can make it easier when you set out to search for homes because you’ll know your overall numbers.
  • Expand your search area and criteria. If you’ve been looking for a home in the city center or a specific area that’s starting to feel out of your price range, you may want to try looking a little further out in a location that could be more affordable. Expanding your search or re-prioritizing the items on your wish list can open upopportunities you haven’t considered, and that could help you afford more of what you need (and want) in a home. A Rinehart Realty trusted advisor can guide you in the search process to ensure the best options are on the table.

What should I avoid after applying for a mortgage?

Consistency is the name of the game after applying for a mortgage. Be sure to discuss any changes in income, assets, or credit with your lender, so you don't jeopardize your application. Here are few things you must consider:

  • Don't change bank accounts
  • Don't apply for new credit or close any credit accounts
  • Dont' deposit cash into your bank accounts before speaking with your bank or lender
  • Don't make any large purchases
  • Don't co-sign other loans for anyone

The best plan is to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your lender before you do anything financial in nature.

What are some of the non-financial benefits of homeownership?

One reason homeownership is viewed so highly is because owning a home is a significant wealth-building tool, and it provides meaningful financial stability over renting by locking in your monthly housing payments for the length of your home loan. Over time, owning a home not only helps boost your own net worth, but it also sets future generations up for success as you pass that wealth down. While the financial aspects are important to consider, there are also powerful non-financial reasons it may make sense to become a homeowner:

  • Homeowners can make their home truly their own. Owning your home gives you a significant sense of freedom because it’s a space you can customize to your heart’s desire. That can bring you added happiness. And as a homeowner, unless there are specific homeowner’s association requirements, you typically won’t have to worry about the changes you can and can’t make. If you rent, you may not have the same freedom. And if you do make changes as a renter, there’s a good chance you’ll need to revert them back at the end of your lease based on your rental agreement. That can add additional costs when you move out.
  • Owning a home can give you a greater sense of achievement. There’s no denying taking care of your home is a large responsibility, but it’s one you’ll take pride in as a homeowner. You’re not taking care of a living space that belongs to someone else. The space is yours. As an added benefit, you may get a return on investment for any upgrades or repairs you make.
  • Homeownership can lead to greater community engagement. That sense of ownership and your feelings of responsibility can even extend beyond the walls of your home. Your home also gives you a stake in your community. Because the average homeowner stays in their home for longer than just a few years, that can lead to having a stronger connection to our local area. If you’re looking to put down roots, homeownership can help fuel a sense of connection to the area and those around you.

Other Resources in About

Careers with Rinehart Realty
Get to know us
Offices
Our agents
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Vendor Partners

Property Search

Download Our App

Text Sent
Download Millions Mapped

Areas We Cover

Show More...