Home Buying FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home

Why do I need an agent if I’m buying a home?

You should have your own buyer’s agent, who is not also the home’s listing agent, to ensure that someone is representing only you. A buyer’s agent at Solidarity Realty will work solely to protect your interests through the transaction. This way they can help you find the right home, negotiate the best purchase price and terms, anticipate any possible problems, and tell you the truth. We are not interested in getting you into a home that doesn’t make sense for you. And, the best part is that in over 99% of all cases, it won’t cost you anything — the fee is paid by the listing agent directly to your agent for finding the right buyer.

But BEWARE: Do NOT call the listing agent’s number on the sign outside the house to show you the house! (Unless its a Solidarity Realty sign — those are safe!)  Once you have seen the property with the listing agent, you would have to pay out of pocket to hire a buyer’s agent to represent your best interests. Click here for more info. 

So, do it right and hire a buyer’s agent right from the beginning. It will save you a lot of time and stress.

How do you choose between buying and renting?

Home ownership offers the freedom to make decisions about your home, including whether you can have pets. An advantage of renting is not worrying about maintenance and other financial obligations associated with owning property.

There also are a number of economic considerations. Unlike renters, home owners who secure a fixed-rate loan can lock in their monthly housing costs and make prudent investment plans knowing these expenses will not increase substantially. They are also tax benefits to owning a home.

In short, after 30 years of paying rent, you have saved yourself a lot of chores.  After 30 years of paying a mortgage, you own your home outright, usually a substantial asset.

Is a buyer’s agent different from a real estate agent?

No, any real estate agent can become your buyer’s agent after you have hired them to help you buy! 

What are the pros and cons of adding on or buying new?

Before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or buying a larger one, consider these questions:

  • POST-COVID UPDATE: Can you secure a reliable contractor within a reasonable period of time?
  • How much money is available, either from cash reserves or from borrowing from the equity in your property, to remodel your current house?
  • How much additional space is required?
  • Would the foundation support a second floor or does the lot have room to expand on the ground level?
  • What do local zoning and building ordinances permit?
  • Are there affordable properties for sale that would satisfy your changing housing needs?                                                                   

Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual needs, the extent of work involved and what will add the most value.

What items should I expect to stay in a home I am buying?

It depends. Fixtures, any kind of personal property that is permanently attached to a house (such as drapery rods, tv mount, built-in bookcases, tacked-down carpeting or a furnace), automatically stay with the house unless specified otherwise in the sales contract. But, as a rule of thumb, if the seller can remove it without a tool, you should assume they will remove it.  If it is a substantial item such as a washer, dryer, or refrigerator, your agent will make sure it is negotiated into the contract unless you or the listing specify otherwise.