What will my closing costs be?

Closing costs vary depending on the price of your home.  Many other factors come into play as well, such as inspection costs, if the buyer asks for a credit and if you have a prior title policy that could save you some money.  Whether you try to sell your home on your own or you use a realtor, some expenses include but are not limited to:

- Title Insurance
- Wisconsin Transfer Tax ($3.00 per $1,000)
- Deed prep
- Property Tax proration
 

Can I negotiate a commission?

Yes. Commissions are not a fixed rate as that is not allowed in our industry.  Many factors come into play when looking at the commission dollars such as:

- Marketing
- Special marketing paid boosts
- Professional photography
- Drone photography
- Social media reach
 

Do I need to leave during showings?

Yes, it would be best if you left your home during showings. There are several reasons for this, but mainly because it puts the buyer at ease when they feel they can take their time while viewing your home. You want them to feel free to open cabinets and closets to check out storage space, and buyers tend to feel less comfortable doing that when a seller is there. It is also important to give the buyer ample time to relax in your home and envision themselves there.

How can I protect my home when people are showing it?

We advise securing firearms, knives, or similar items before showings. We also recommend putting valuables such as jewelry in a secure location. Prescription drugs should be stored appropriately and not visible as well. Agents are responsible for the people in your home and should not be negligent and allow the potential buyer to be in your home without the agent present.

Who pays for Inspections?

Inspections are negotiated in the offer to purchase.  Buyer and seller have ability to negotiate these fees when they are arriving at an agreeable contract. Typically a home inspection is a buyer expense.  Septic, well and water inspection costs can be negotiated between buyer and seller.

What do I need to do to get my home ready for showings?

The best advice we can offer on this question is to step back and look at your home through the eyes of a buyer. Take time to deep clean, and fix the small items you have neglected. When buyers walk into your home and see things that need attention, they see dollar signs. When they see a home that isn’t clean and tidy, they see neglect. Our agents will give you tips and tricks to prepare your home for showings.

What happens to Earnest Money?

Earnest money is the good faith money that the buyer puts down on your home. Earnest money is held in a trust account until closing. At closing, that money is applied toward the home’s purchase price. If the deal falls apart, the buyer and seller negotiate to whom the earnest money returns. Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer as to who receives the earnest money when a deal goes south. Our agents are diligent about communicating clearly in the contract with the written direction of the earnest money. However, the buyer and seller must negotiate how the earnest money shall be distributed in a deal that does not close.

Can I require a buyer to put a certain amount of Earnest Money down?

Yes, you can ask your agent to include verbiage in your listing contract that states that you require a specific dollar amount for earnest money. You can also address the earnest money amount in the offer to purchase with the buyer.

Why should I work with Castle Rock Realty?

We are the leading listing company in our area. Our agents are skilled in their craft and continue to educate themselves and the quickly changing real estate market. We are the highest-rated company on Google and Zillow, which speaks volumes about what our customers see in our value. We have an entire administrative team working behind the scenes to promote your property so our agents can be in the field listing and selling properties. When selling your home, you want someone who will advocate protecting your most significant financial investment.

How can a real estate agent help me sell my house?

A real estate agent can provide you with a range of services to help you sell your house. Some of the ways a real estate agent can assist you include:

- Determining the right asking price for your home by providing you with a comparative market analysis (CMA)
- Marketing your home to potential buyers through a variety of channels, such as online listing platforms, social media, and print advertising
- Showing your home to interested buyers and providing them with information about the property
- Negotiating offers from buyers and working with you to decide on the best offer for your home
- Coordinating the various tasks involved in the home selling process, such as scheduling inspections and appraisals, and overseeing the transfer of the title and keys to the new owner
- Providing you with guidance and advice throughout the home selling process to help ensure a smooth and successful sale.

Overall, a real estate agent can provide you with the expertise and support you need to sell your house quickly and for the best possible price.