Your Top Questions and Answers About
Buying & Selling in Hampton Roads
Q: What are the steps to buying a home in Hampton Roads?
A: We start with a quick chat to clarify your goals and budget, then get you pre-approved so you know your price range. From there we search, write a strong offer, and manage inspections, appraisal, and final loan approval. Most closings take about 30–45 days from an accepted offer, and I’ll keep you updated the whole way.
Q: How much do I need for a down payment?
A: You don’t need 20%. Many buyers use 3%–5% down with conventional loans. Qualified military buyers can use 0% down with a VA loan, and FHA allows as little as 3.5% down. The right number depends on your budget and comfort; I can connect you with trusted local lenders to compare payments and options.
Q: What are closing costs, and how much should I budget?
A: Closing costs are typically 3%–5% of the purchase price and cover items like appraisal, title insurance, lender fees, and attorney or escrow services. Sellers pay a different set of costs, mainly agent compensation, transfer taxes, and prorated taxes or HOA dues. We can often use seller credits or lender credits to lower your cash to close, and I’ll provide a clear estimate for your price range.
Q: Do I need pre‑approval before house hunting?
A: Yes, get pre-approved before you start touring. It sets a clear budget and makes your offer stronger to sellers. I can connect you with responsive local lenders who pre-approve quickly and outline monthly payments and loan options.
Q: What should first‑time home buyers know?
A: Talk to at least two REALTORS® and choose the one who communicates clearly, knows Hampton Roads neighborhoods, and can explain their plan for offers, inspections, and timelines. Get pre-approved with a reputable local lender; local teams know our appraisers, closing attorneys, and HOA quirks, which keeps underwriting and closing on track and can make your offer stronger. I’m happy to share smart interview questions and introduce you to solid local lenders so you can compare options.
Q: I’m in the military and relocating to Hampton Roads. How can you help me?
A: As an MRP and Air National Guard member, I move military families on tight PCS timelines. I’ll help you leverage your VA loan, set up virtual tours with e-signing, and coordinate appraisal, title, and closing so you can buy from anywhere. Ask me about the Military on the Move® program for potential closing credits. When it comes time to move on from Hampton Roads, I can connect you with a vetted REALTOR® at your next duty station.
Q: What are the steps to selling my home?
A: 1) Pricing review & Comparative Market Analysis to develop a strategy. 2) Prep: declutter, deep clean, quick fixes, curb appeal. 3) Marketing launch: pro photos/video, MLS syndication, targeted social media, email blasts and web marketing. 4) Showings & feedback with rapid tweaks. 5) Negotiate price, terms, and timelines. 6) Contract‑to‑close: inspections, appraisal, title, and deadlines. I manage the moving pieces and keep you updated at every step.
Q: How do we determine the right list price?
A: I prepare a data‑driven Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using recent local sales, current competition, and trends by neighborhood. We adjust for your home’s features and condition, then match pricing to your goals and timeline. As a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), I recommend a number that attracts serious buyers without leaving money on the table.
Q: How should I prepare my home before selling?
A: Focus on the highest‑ROI items: declutter and depersonalize, deep clean, repair small defects, add fresh neutral paint, and improve curb appeal. Consider targeted staging for key rooms or virtual staging for vacant homes. These steps boost photos, showings, and offers. I can refer reliable cleaners, contractors, painters, and stagers.
Q: How will my home be marketed?
A: Your listing gets pro photography, compelling copy, and MLS syndication to major portals. I run targeted social ads, feature the home on my site, email my buyer and agent networks, and host open houses when appropriate. Thoughtful follow‑up and weekly reporting keep us aligned.
Q: How long does it take to sell a home in Hampton Roads?
A: It depends on: price, condition, location, and overall market demand. The single biggest lever is pricing it right from the start, a data-driven list price that matches recent comps and current competition draws more showings and stronger offers; overpricing leads to stale days on market and price cuts. I’ll analyze neighborhood sales and buyer activity to recommend a strategy for your specific property.
Q: What if I need to sell and buy at the same time?
A: We can align both moves with options like a home sale contingency, a seller rent‑back, buying first with a bridge loan, or using short‑term housing to remove contingencies. The best path depends on your finances and risk tolerance. I coordinate both transactions so dates, funds, and keys line up with minimal stress.
Q: Why work with a REALTOR®?
A: You get market expertise, skilled negotiation, and full‑cycle project management of a complex legal and financial process. I price with data, market aggressively, solve problems before they escalate, and connect you with vetted lenders, inspectors, and contractors. The result is less stress and, in many cases, a stronger financial outcome than going it alone. I stay accessible by call or text and remain a resource long after closing.