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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about buying, selling and investing in Alabama Gulf Coast real estate. Our comprehensive FAQ guide reflects our commitment to transparency and ensuring you have the information needed for a successful real estate journey.

What should I look for in a real estate agent?

Look for an agent with local market knowledge, a strong track record, good communication skills and positive reviews from past clients. It’s also essential to find someone you feel comfortable working with.

A real estate agent can conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to evaluate recent sales of similar properties in your area. This analysis considers factors like location, size and features to help set a competitive price.

Closing costs and Pre-paids are fees associated with finalizing a real estate transaction. These fees are normally referred to as Closing Cost, encompassing both closing cost and pre-paids. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and can include loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, attorney fees, Homeowners insurance and property taxes. Your closing cost and pre-paids do NOT include your down payment.

It is a percentage of the total sales price that the buyer brings to closing. Depending on the type of loan, the down payment can range from 3.5% to 20%. Some loan types such as VA and USDA have a 0% down payment for qualified buyers.

The time it takes to sell a home varies by location and market conditions. On average, homes can sell within 30 to 90 days, but properties in high-demand areas may sell faster, while others may take longer.

Depending on the type of loan a buyer is using, it typically takes between 30-40 days from contract to close.

Start by decluttering and deep cleaning your home. Consider making minor repairs, updating fixtures and enhancing curb appeal. Staging your home can also help potential buyers visualize living in the space. Your agent should be able to guide you through preparing your home.

A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property’s condition by a qualified inspector. They check for issues with the structure, systems, minor and major components. The inspection report can help buyers negotiate repairs or adjustments to the sale price.

Pre-qualification is an informal assessment of your creditworthiness based on self-reported financial information. Pre-approval involves a more thorough evaluation by a lender, including credit checks and income verification, which provides a stronger indication of your borrowing power.

Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common contingencies include financing, home inspections, and the sale of a buyer’s current home. If these conditions aren’t met, you could potentially cancel the contract.

Yes, you can sell your home as a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO), but it may require more effort and knowledge of the market. You’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, negotiations and paperwork yourself. Many choose to hire an agent for their expertise and resources.

If your home isn’t selling, consider reevaluating your asking price, improving marketing strategies or making necessary repairs or updates. Consulting with a real estate professional can provide insights into market trends and buyer preferences that could help you sell more effectively.

McCarron Real Estate specializes in residential properties, including single-family homes, condos and townhouses, as well as commercial real estate and investment properties.

McCarron Real Estate primarily serves Mobile and Baldwin Counties, but we also have expertise in surrounding regions to meet diverse client needs.

McCarron Real Estate is distinguished by its commitment to personalized service, in-depth local market knowledge and a dedicated team that prioritizes clients’ needs throughout the buying or selling process.

While it’s not mandatory, having an experienced agent from McCarron Real Estate can greatly enhance your experience. Our agents provide valuable insights, negotiation skills and support throughout the transaction.

You can request a property valuation by contacting our office. One of our agents will assess your property and provide you with a comprehensive market analysis.

You can subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, browse our home listings or visit our blog for the latest market insights. Our team regularly shares valuable information to keep you informed about real estate trends.

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McCarron Real Estate is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Alabama Association of Realtors (AAR), Mobile Area Association of REALTORS®, and Baldwin County Association of REALTORS®. All information provided on our website is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and subject to errors, price changes, prior sales, cancellations, or withdrawals at any time. Square footages, acreages, and lot sizes/dimensions are approximate, and consumers should verify all information deemed important. Data relating to properties for sale may come from IDX programs associated with the MLS, and properties listed by brokerages other than McCarron Real Estate may be displayed with detailed information, including the listing brokerage’s name. We fully support Equal Housing Opportunity, the Fair Housing Act, and the Equal Opportunity Act, pledging to conduct our business in alignment with the Code of Ethics established by the National Association of REALTORS® and state and local boards. Please note that McCarron Real Estate does not provide financial or legal advice and is a licensed real estate brokerage in the state of Alabama.

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