FAQ
Questions people ask me
These are the questions I get on the phone most weeks, answered the way I would answer them in the car on the way to a showing. If yours is not here, call me at (320) 219-2488.
6 questions
Working with Home Match Realty
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a broker?
In Minnesota a salesperson must work under a licensed broker. A broker has passed the higher licensing exam and is legally responsible for the brokerage. I am a broker and the owner of Home Match Realty, so I am accountable for every file personally.
Do you charge any fees beyond commission?
Commission and any other charge go in writing before you sign anything, so you can compare them with any other brokerage line by line.
How quickly do you respond?
Personally, and as soon as I can; if I am in a showing, as soon as it ends. My cell is (320) 219-2488 and texts are fine.
Do you have a team?
You work with me from the first call to closing. One broker is responsible for every file. I use a title company, inspectors and lenders I trust, and I make those introductions myself.
What areas do you serve?
West Central Minnesota around Alexandria, including Douglas, Pope, Todd, Stearns, Kandiyohi, Otter Tail, Grant, Morrison, Swift, Meeker, Stevens and Renville counties. The communities page lists every town.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes. As a solo broker I keep my client list at a size where everyone gets my attention, and right now there is room.
7 questions
Buying
How is a buyer's agent paid?
How I am paid is set in a written buyer agreement you sign before touring, and it is negotiable. Ask me anything about it before you sign. Details on the buy page.
Should I get pre-approved before looking?
Yes. Sellers here usually will not consider an offer, and sometimes will not allow a showing, without a pre-approval letter. I can introduce you to local lenders.
How much below asking should I offer?
It depends on the house, not a rule of thumb. Ask me for the current comparable sales in your town or on your lake, and I will show you what similar homes listed at, what they sold for and how long they took before we talk about an offer.
Can you show me homes listed by other brokerages?
Yes. NorthstarMLS is shared across every brokerage in the region and I show other companies' listings as readily as my own.
What should I know about buying a lake home?
Shoreline setbacks, septic compliance, well condition, dock rights, and who plows the road. Each lake and county differs. Start with the Lake Finder and the buying a lake home guide.
Is a USDA loan an option here?
Often, yes. USDA Rural Development loans offer zero-down financing in eligible rural areas, which includes most towns in my footprint outside Alexandria itself. See the VA and USDA guide.
Can I buy from out of state?
Yes. I have packed a dozen showings into two days for a couple relocating from California, and I handle the lender, inspector and closer introductions. Most buyers visit once to see the finalists. The relocation page explains how I handle it.
7 questions
Selling
How do you decide what my home is worth?
From closed comparable sales, adjusted line by line for the differences between those homes and yours. You see the comparables and the math. Start with the home value form.
Why is your number different from Zillow's?
Zillow reports a nationwide median error of roughly 7% for homes that are not listed (Zillow). On a $400,000 home that is $28,000 either way, and rural lake markets with few sales are harder for an algorithm than a suburb.
Do I need to stage my home?
Some staging almost always helps. I walk the house with you and tell you specifically what to move, paint or fix, and what to leave alone. Full furniture staging is rarely needed here.
How long will it take to sell?
It depends on the town, the price band and the season, so ask me for current comparable sales near you and I will show you how long similar homes took to sell. Well-prepared, well-priced homes often go under contract faster.
What is your marketing plan?
It depends on the house. It starts with staging advice before photos and the NorthstarMLS listing. Depending on the property, it can also include 8K drone photos and video and, once the listing is live, social media posts, open houses (sometimes paired with a nearby listing, and with food) and personal calls to agents with buyers waiting. The full plan is on the sell page.
Can I sell my current home and buy the next one at the same time?
Yes, and I do it often. Contingent offers, timed closings and a coordinated move are all normal.
Do I have to fix everything the inspection finds?
No. You can repair, credit, or decline and let the buyer decide. I will tell you which response makes sense for the specific issue.
If your question is not here, it probably has a short answer and I would rather give it to you now than have you guess. Call or text (320) 219-2488, or send it through the form.
Ready when you are
Still have a question?
Janet would rather answer it now than have you guess.