FAQs
Do I need a Realtor to buy or sell real estate?
1
No, you are not legally required to use a Realtor to buy or sell real estate, but the vast majority of people (around 90%) do because agents provide crucial expertise in pricing, marketing, negotiation, and paperwork, helping you avoid costly mistakes, though you can save on commissions by going it alone (For Sale By Owner - FSBO) if you're prepared to handle the complex process yourself, potentially with a real estate attorney or title company
Why use a Realtor?
2
Realtors know local market conditions, comparable sales, and can help you price competitively or make a strong offer. They have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and can quickly find relevant properties, schedule showings, and alert you to new listings faster than public sites. Realtors guide negotiations, advise on contingencies (like inspections), and help you understand complex contracts, while managing paperwork, deadlines, inspections, and coordinate with lenders and title companies, saving you significant time and stress
What does it cost to use a Realtor?
3
Realtors are paid with commissions based on a percentage of the home's sale price in total. Both buyer's and seller's agents receive a negotiated percentage of the home’s sales price. Commissions are paid at closing, and up until late 2024, both sides were covered by the seller. Recent changes made by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), require mandatory buyer agreements. Realtors must have a written agreement with buyers before showing homes, detailing compensation which means buyer's agents' compensation is agreed upon in a buyer-broker agreement, and not automatically offered by the seller. For more information please click here
Do I have to be pre-approved for a home loan before touring a home?
4
No, you don't have to be pre-approved to tour a home, but it's highly recommended because it shows sellers you're serious, helps you stay within budget, and gives you a competitive edge, with many agents and sellers requiring it before scheduling showings or accepting offers, especially in competitive markets. Without it, you risk wasting time on homes out of your price range, and your offers might be overlooked in favor of pre-approved buyers.
Our brokerage is a member of Northern Indiana Realtor’s Association (NIRA). When you are ready to start looking for your home, We will perform a search in NIRA ‘s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find Active Listing that meet your criteria. This search can be saved and set to automatically notify you the moment a home comes on the market.
Click here to learn more about the MLS. Click here to search the MLS!
Contact your Realtor. You should generally use one dedicated realtor when buying in the same area for streamlined communication, focused effort, and easier coordination, especially if buying and selling simultaneously.
If you view a home during an open house you should disclose that you are working with a Realtor. Just be clear and brief, stating you're already represented, and be cautious about signing anything that looks like an exclusivity agreement.