Our clients are our number one priority! Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about the buying process. Have a question not answered here? Feel free to contact us directly by phone or email and we will be more than happy to answer any question you may have.
Q. HOW DO I SCHEDULE A VIEWING?
A. Scheduling a viewing is easy! Just give us a call, send us an email, or use our online booking form. Let us know the property you’re interested in and a few dates and times that work for you. We’ll confirm your appointment and make sure one of our agents is available to show you around.
Q. Do you help with financing or mortgage options?
A. Absolutely. We understand that financing can be overwhelming, so we’ve partnered with reputable lenders who offer competitive rates. We’ll guide you through each step—explaining terms, breaking down interest rates, and ensuring you find a mortgage that fits your budget.
Q. What is the typical timeline for buying a home?
A. Every situation is unique, but on average, it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days from the moment you submit an offer to the final closing date. This timeline accounts for inspections, appraisals, finalizing loan details, and any other necessary paperwork.
Q. What should I know about closing costs?
A. Closing costs usually include fees for things like home inspections, appraisals, title insurance, and legal documentation. They typically range between 2% and 5% of the property’s purchase price. Your agent or lender will give you a detailed breakdown of these costs before you finalize the sale.
Q. Are there any warranties or guarantees on the property?
A. This can vary by property. Some newly built homes come with builder warranties, while older properties might not. If a warranty is available (through the builder or via a home warranty plan), we’ll make sure you have all the information to decide if it’s right for you.
Q. Can I negotiate the price, or is it fixed?
A. We totally understand the need to stay within your budget. Most sellers are open to reasonable negotiations, especially if the property has been on the market for a while. We’ll help you draft an offer that’s fair and competitive, and we’ll negotiate on your behalf to try to get you the best deal possible.
Q. What happens if the home inspection reveals issues?
A. It’s normal for an inspection to uncover a few minor (or sometimes not-so-minor) issues. Depending on the severity, you can request that the seller fix them, ask for a price reduction, or even back out of the deal if the repair costs are too high. We’ll help you weigh your options and negotiate with the seller.
Q. Do you offer virtual tours?
A. Yes! We know schedules can be busy—or you might be relocating from out of town—so we’re happy to arrange virtual tours via video call. This way, you can get a feel for the property without physically being there, and you can still ask questions in real-time.
Q. How soon can I move in after closing?
A. Typically, you can move in as soon as the transaction closes and the deed is recorded, which can be the same day or the day after closing. We’ll give you a clear timeline and help coordinate the logistics so you can settle in quickly.
Q. What if I need to sell my current home before buying a new one?
A. No problem! We can assist with listing your current property, advising you on pricing, and helping with marketing. By coordinating both the sale of your existing home and the purchase of your new one, we aim to make your transition as seamless as possible.
Q. Do you handle properties outside of Cambridge?
A. Our primary focus is on Cambridge/Somerville, but we do handle properties in surrounding areas. If you’re looking further afield, let us know, and we can either help directly or refer you to a trusted partner in that location.
Q. Do you handle properties outside of Cambridge?
A. No problem! We can assist with listing your current property, advising you on pricing, and helping with marketing. By coordinating both the sale of your existing home and the purchase of your new one, we aim to make your transition as seamless as possible.
Q. Do you handle properties outside of Cambridge?
A. Our primary focus is on Cambridge/Somerville, but we do handle properties in surrounding areas. If you’re looking further afield, let us know, and we can either help directly or refer you to a trusted partner in that location.
A. No problem! We can assist with listing your current property, advising you on pricing, and helping with marketing. By coordinating both the sale of your existing home and the purchase of your new one, we aim to make your transition as seamless as possible.
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