Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from Sellers

  • Some factors to consider when deciding on the best time to sell a house in San Diego include seasonality, interest rates, and housing inventory levels. The Heller Team can discuss your personal circumstances and provide options that are specific to your situation and help you determine the optimal time to sell based on your individual needs and goals.

  • The Heller Team can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you determine what your home is worth. We will consider various factors, including recent sales of similar homes in your area, similar homes on the market that would be competition, and provide an estimate based on our 34+ years of professional expertise.

  • It may be beneficial to make repairs or upgrades to your home before selling to make it more attractive to buyers. However, it's important to consult with a real estate agent to determine which improvements will provide the most return on investment. The Heller Team can provide tailored recommendations based on your unique situation.

  • The time it takes to sell your home can vary based on factors such as the local real estate market, the condition of your home, and the pricing strategy. Some markets see homes sell in just days and others it could take 30-60 days to sell.

  • Look for a real estate agent with experience in your local market, good communication skills, and a proven track record of success. You can also ask for referrals from friends and family or read online reviews.

  • A home appraisal is an assessment of your home's value by a licensed appraiser. It is typically required by a lender to ensure that the home is worth the amount being borrowed. The cost and responsibility typical lies with the buyer.

  • Yes, you can sell your home on your own without a real estate agent. However, it can be challenging and time-consuming to market your home, negotiate with buyers, and navigate the legal and financial aspects of the transaction. The Heller Team can provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the home selling process.

  • If you receive multiple offers on your home, you have a few options. You can accept the best offer, counter one or more offers to try to get a better deal, or reject all offers and continue to market your home. The Heller Team can help you evaluate each offer and determine the best course of action.

Questions from Buyers

  • Buying property can offer the potential for long-term financial benefits, such as building equity and potential appreciation in value. Additionally, owning a home provides a sense of stability and the freedom to make changes to the property as desired. However, the decision to buy versus rent should be based on individual circumstances and financial goals, and it's important to carefully consider the costs and responsibilities of homeownership before making a decision.

  • This can and will vary for each buyer. Some of the more common things that buyers look for is that the home has enough bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage to meet their families needs.

  • Your affordability will depend on factors such as your income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit score. You can use a mortgage calculator to get an estimate of your affordability. Connecting with a mortgage professional would be the best first step.

  • The best time to talk to a lender depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Generally, it's a good idea to talk to a lender as early as possible in the home buying process to get pre-approved and understand your financing options.

    Just as important as when, is who. Working with the right lender can make all the difference in winning your dream home. The Heller Team has partnered with the Gaylord-Hansen Team at CrossCountry Mortgage.

  • A pre-approval letter is a statement from a lender indicating that you are approved for a certain mortgage amount based on your creditworthiness and financial situation. It can make your offer more attractive to sellers.

  • Upfront costs may include a down payment, closing costs, appraisal cost, and home inspection fees.

  • The home buying process can take several weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as the local real estate market, your financing options, and the complexity of the transaction.

  • Yes, a home inspection is highly recommended to identify any potential issues with the property and ensure that you are making an informed decision when buying a home.