What did we all do before the internet?  While some of us may have picked up the phone (gasp!) and called a friend or turned to an expert we could talk to in person, today we rely on google.  Here are some of the most googled questions about real estate, and, most importantly, the answers to the questions by this Locust Grove REALTOR ®.

Is now a good time to buy or sell a home?  

I’ll be honest with everyone…the answer to the question depends on the individual buyer or seller.  While there are more traditionally active times of the year for the market, most buyers and sellers can’t wait until the perfect time of the year to begin their home journey.  If you are in the unique position of having some flexibility, then I would strongly recommend chatting with an agent (hey I know a great Locust Grove REALTOR ®) to talk strategy.  Your agent can talk to you about the local housing market, the average amount of time it is taking to sell a home, or point you in the direction of a lender to help get you started.

How can I increase the value of my home before selling?

Selected home improvement projects, like finishing a basement to add more livable square footage to a home or completing a moderate kitchen remodel, can add value to a home.  Another important aspect of adding value to a home is through small changes that make your home more appealing to buyers.  In a competitive market, having fresh paint on the walls, a completely organized pantry, or new fixtures at sinks may not add a ton of value to the overall list price of a home, but these changes will make your home stand out among others.  This can lead to multiple offers and buyers who recognize the value of your home.

What does a real estate agent do?

As a Locust Grove REALTOR ® I work throughout central Virginia helping both buyers and sellers navigate the home buying and selling process.  As a buyer’s agent, REALTORS® show properties, write contracts, negotiate contracts, and ensure that all obligations in the contract (financial, home inspections, appraisals) are completed within the designated time frame.  In addition to these responsibilities, for sellers, real estate agents market properties, can coordinate repairs, make suggestions to improve a home’s saleability, and handle home showing requests and feedback.

What are mistakes to avoid when selling a home?

Inaccurate pricing is the most common mistake that sellers make; sometimes sellers learn towards pricing a home based upon their emotional attachment to the property or according to a few prices they see on the internet.  Instead, pricing of a home should stem from a comparative market analysis, the condition of the house, and any upgrades that have been made.  Another mistake I see as a Locust Grove REALTOR ® are sellers who do not put effort into maintaining the show ready state of their home.  Yes, it is not an easy task to keep a home looking picture perfect, but it really does influence buyer’s opinions.

How can I negotiate the price for a house?

Buying a home is a big commitment and you want to make sure that you are getting a great investment.  It is important for buyers to be open and honest with their agents concerning what is their maximum budgets, if and how much closing costs are needed, and what any deal breakers are.  Knowing this information allows your Locust Grove REALTOR ® to enter negotiations with your best interests in mind.  Different buying scenarios, like entering into a multiple offer situation versus writing an offer on a home that has been on the market for a long time, require different negotiation tactics.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs are fees associated with buying or selling a home that are settled during settlement.  Both buyers and sellers can have closing costs.  Some closing costs include county taxes, title company fees, loan origination charges, and appraisal fees.  

What are current real estate market trends in 2025?

When most people are googling this question, the results may give them an answer for the nation, but not their specific location.  Real estate market trends can be very different from area to area.  What is happening in a more rural setting, like Orange County, Virginia, is not always the same when compared to an urban area like Washington D.C.  While being aware of national trends is important, it is equally, if not more, important to be aware of your local housing market.  Ask your agent to share information with you about the number of homes on the market and how long homes are taking to sell to get a realistic idea of how long selling your home could take.

If you are looking for more information about real estate, I am here to help! Feel free to contact this Locust Grove REALTOR ® to get answers to all your real estate related questions.