1. Why do I need a real estate agent?

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and having a trusted real estate agent by your side makes all the difference. Real estate agents bring expert knowledge of the market, strong negotiation skills, and local connections that help streamline the process from start to finish. We handle the paperwork, marketing, pricing strategies, inspections, and more so you can focus on your next move with confidence. 

2. How long will it take to sell my property?

The timeline for selling a property can vary depending on several factors, including the current market conditions, your home’s price and condition, and how competitively it's marketed. On average, homes in our area can go under contract within a few days to a few weeks when priced right. The Chuck Honabach Team works strategically to position your property for a fast and successful sale by combining smart pricing, high-quality marketing, and local expertise. We’ll walk you through the entire process and keep things moving smoothly from listing to closing.

3. Do I need a down payment to buy a house? If so, how much do I need for a down payment? 

Most home purchases do require a down payment, but the amount can vary widely depending on the type of loan you qualify for. While many people think you need 20% down, that’s actually a myth. Some loan programs allow for as little as 3–5% down, and certain buyers, like veterans or eligible first-time buyers, may even qualify for zero-down options. We can connect you with trusted lenders who’ll walk you through your options and help you find a plan that fits your budget and goals.

4 . How do I know what I can spend on a home purchase?

The best way to determine your home-buying budget is to start with a mortgage pre-approval. This gives you a clear picture of what a lender is willing to finance based on your income, credit, debt, and other financial factors. It also shows sellers you’re serious and ready to move forward when the right home comes along. Our team can help connect you with experienced local lenders who will guide you through the pre-approval process, so you’ll know exactly what you can comfortably afford before you start shopping.

5.  What is the selling/buying process like?

Whether you're buying or selling, the process involves several key steps,  and we’re here to guide you through each one. For buyers, the journey typically starts with getting pre-approved, then working with us to find homes that match your needs and budget. Once you find “the one,” we’ll help you make a strong offer, negotiate terms, and manage inspections, appraisals, and paperwork all the way through to closing.

For sellers, we start with a home evaluation and pricing strategy. From there, we prep and market your home, manage showings, negotiate offers, and coordinate everything through settlement. No matter which side you're on, The Chuck Honabach Team takes care of the details so the process feels smooth, informed, and as stress-free as possible.

6. Is now a good time to sell? 

In many cases, yes! Inventory remains low in our area, which means motivated buyers are still out there competing for well-priced homes. That gives sellers an edge, especially if your home is in good condition and priced strategically. Even with shifts in interest rates, the demand is still strong in many price ranges. The Chuck Honabach Team can help you evaluate current market conditions, compare recent sales in your neighborhood, and decide if now is the right time for you to make a move. There’s no pressure, just honest advice backed by experience.

7. How long do you think it will take to sell my house?

That depends on a few key factors, like your home’s location, condition, pricing, and the current market demand in your area. Some homes go under contract within days, while others may take a few weeks or more. Once we see your property, we’ll give you a realistic timeline based on local trends and comparable sales. The Chuck Honabach Team works proactively to get your home in front of the right buyers fast,  and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

8.  How much experience do you have in real estate?

The Chuck Honabach Team brings years of real estate experience, deep market knowledge, and a strong track record of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Chuck himself has been in the business for over a decade and has built a trusted team of professionals who share a client-first mindset. We’ve successfully guided hundreds of clients through the buying and selling process, and we’re proud to have many of them come back to us for their next move or refer friends and family. Experience matters, and we use ours to make your experience smooth and successful.

9. What are some things I need to do to get my house ready for sale? 

Preparing your home for sale is all about making a great first impression and helping buyers envision themselves living there. Start by decluttering and deep cleaning every room. Consider small repairs like fixing leaky faucets, patching holes, or replacing broken fixtures. Fresh paint in neutral tones can brighten up spaces and appeal to more buyers. The Chuck Honabach Team can also recommend trusted local professionals for staging, repairs, and inspections to help your home show its best. Remember, the goal is to make your home look move-in ready and inviting!

10. Would it be wise for me to have a home inspection done before listing my house? 

Yes, having a pre-listing home inspection can be a smart move. It helps you identify and address any potential issues before buyers see them, which can speed up the sale process and reduce surprises during negotiations. Knowing the condition of your home upfront allows you to make informed decisions about repairs or price adjustments. The Chuck Honabach Team can recommend trusted home inspectors and guide you through the process to help your listing stand out with confidence.

11. What’s the initial step in purchasing a home? 

The very first step is usually getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This means a lender reviews your financial information and lets you know how much you can afford to borrow. It sets a clear budget, shows sellers you’re a serious buyer, and helps guide your home search. The Chuck Honabach Team can connect you with trusted lenders to start the pre-approval process and walk you through every step after that.

12. What are my options if my offer is turned down? 

If your offer isn’t accepted, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the road. You can consider revising your offer by adjusting the price, terms, or contingencies to better meet the seller’s needs. Sometimes sellers counteroffer, which opens the door for negotiation. Alternatively, we can help you keep looking for other great homes that fit your criteria. We want you to stay informed and confident no matter the outcome.

13. What if I sell my home but I’m not able to find a new one to buy? 

This is a common concern, and The Chuck Honabach Team can help you plan ahead to avoid this situation. One option is to negotiate a lease-back agreement, allowing you to stay in your current home for a short period after closing while you search for your next home. Another strategy is to carefully time your sale and purchase closings to align. We’ll work closely with you, your lender, and other agents to create a seamless transition and provide solutions if the market gets tight. Our goal is to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

14. How would you market my house for sale? 

At The Chuck Honabach Team, we use a comprehensive marketing strategy tailored to highlight your home’s best features and reach the right buyers. This includes professional photography and virtual tours to make a great first impression online, targeted digital advertising across platforms like social media and real estate websites for maximum exposure. We also leverage our extensive local network, host open houses, and use email campaigns to connect with active buyers. Our goal is to create buzz and attract competitive offers, all while keeping you informed every step of the way.

15. What is a seller’s market? 

A seller’s market happens when demand for homes exceeds the available supply. This means there are more buyers looking than homes for sale, which often leads to quicker sales and higher prices. In a seller’s market, sellers have the advantage and can often receive multiple offers. We help sellers capitalize on these conditions to get the best possible price and terms.

16. What is a buyer’s market? 

A buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes for sale than buyers looking to purchase. This typically means more choices, longer time on the market for listings, and often lower prices. In a buyer’s market, buyers have the upper hand and can negotiate better deals. We help buyers navigate these opportunities to find the right home at the best value.

17.  How long does it take to buy a home? 

The home-buying timeline varies depending on factors like market conditions, how quickly you find the right property, and how fast your lender processes your loan. On average, once you find a home and your offer is accepted, the closing process takes about 30 to 45 days. Before that, the search time can range from a few weeks to several months. 

18. How much do I have to pay an agent to help me buy a house? 

The cost to buy a home is three percent (3%); however, with our expertise, we can often negotiate for the seller to pay a portion, if not all, of that cost. This cost is typically paid by the seller from the sale proceeds. This means you get expert guidance, negotiation, and support at no direct cost to you. The Chuck Honabach Team is dedicated to helping you find the right home and navigate the process smoothly, with no surprises on fees. If there are any unique circumstances, we’ll be upfront and transparent from the start.

19. What kind of credit score do I need to buy a home? 

Credit score requirements can vary depending on the type of loan you’re applying for. In general, a score of 620 or higher is a common minimum for most conventional loans. However, FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580, and some programs are even more flexible. That said, a higher credit score can help you qualify for better interest rates and loan terms. We can connect you with experienced lenders who will review your credit and help you explore the best financing options based on your unique situation.

20. Should I sell my current home before buying a new one? 

It depends on your financial situation, the market, and your comfort level. Selling first can give you a clearer budget and reduce the risk of carrying two mortgages at once. But if you sell too soon without a new home lined up, you may need temporary housing. On the other hand, buying first ensures you have a place to go,  but it may require a strong financial plan or loan approval that accounts for both properties.

We’ll help you weigh your options, understand current market conditions, and create a strategy that works best for your timeline and goals. We’ve helped many clients successfully navigate this exact situation,  and we’ll do the same for you.

21. What is earnest money? 

Earnest money is a deposit you make when your offer on a home is accepted,  it shows the seller you’re serious about the purchase. Think of it as a good-faith gesture. The amount can vary but is usually around 1–3% of the purchase price. This money is typically held in an escrow account and later applied toward your closing costs or down payment. If the deal goes through, it counts toward the purchase,  and if not, what happens to the earnest money depends on the terms of your contract. We’ll make sure you're protected and fully understand the terms before any money changes hands.

22. How long can the seller take to respond to my offer? 

In most cases, offers include an expiration date,  typically within 24 to 48 hours,  which gives the seller a set window to respond. However, sellers aren’t legally required to reply within that timeframe unless specified in the contract. Some respond quickly, while others may take a bit longer depending on their situation. We follow up promptly, keep you informed, and guide you through next steps whether the seller accepts, counters, or doesn’t respond by the deadline.

23. Do I need a home inspection? 

While a home inspection isn’t legally required, it’s highly recommended,  and often one of the smartest steps you can take as a buyer. A professional inspector will evaluate the home’s structure, systems, and overall condition, helping uncover potential issues before you finalize the purchase. It protects you from costly surprises and gives you the opportunity to negotiate repairs or back out if serious problems are found. 

24. Do I need to do a final walk-through? 

Yes,  a final walk-through is an important last step before closing on your new home. It usually takes place within 24–48 hours before settlement and gives you the chance to confirm that the property is in the agreed-upon condition, any negotiated repairs have been completed, and nothing unexpected has changed. It’s not a time to reopen negotiations, but it is your opportunity to make sure everything looks as expected. 

25. What are “closing costs”? 

Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay at the end of a real estate transaction,  in addition to the down payment. They typically include things like lender fees, title insurance, appraisal costs, taxes, and attorney or escrow fees. For buyers, closing costs usually range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. For sellers, costs can include agent commissions and transfer taxes.