Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions, this is a great place to start.
Welcome to the Happy Home Real Estate Help Center. I’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions from my clients for your convenience. This is an ongoing project, as new questions come up every day. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, feel free to reach out anytime. And if you’re ready to start your home journey, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Do I need a real estate lawyer as well?
When you buy or sell a home, you will need to hire a lawyer. There are many different lawyers to choose from, but I recommend finding one you like and trust, who specializes in real estate transactions. The cost of a lawyer can vary significantly, so it is important to ask your lawyer about any additional fees you may encounter. Remember, the cheapest lawyer may not always be the best option, and may have additional fees not openly advertised. If you are looking for a recommendation for a real estate lawyer, we can provide you with a couple of names of trusted professionals in our area.
What Does The Timeline Look Like When Buying a Home?
The timeline can vary for each buyer, but it is typically a 60-90 day process.
From your initial meeting with your real estate agent, you will set the outline of your search criteria and expectations. Once you begin looking at homes, the time between finding a property and making an offer can vary based on the uniqueness of the home and how often you are willing to view properties. On average, a buyer will see around 10-20 homes before deciding to purchase one. Once you have an offer on a home, you will spend the next week fulfilling any conditions, and after that, the closing date is usually 45-60 days from when the offer becomes firm.
What happens on closing day?
A lot of things are in the works prior to the closing date to ensure a smooth transaction. Leading up to the closing date, you will need to have a commitment letter for your mortgage and proof of home insurance sent to your lawyer (usually two weeks before closing). Your lawyer will also reach out to you a few days before closing to schedule a day and time to sign papers, either in person or electronically. On the day of closing, you will receive a call from your lawyer anytime between 9 AM and 5 PM to inform you that the property has transferred and to provide you with access details for the keys to your new home.
What Do I Do Once I Get The Keys?
Even though you just completed your final walkthrough a few days ago, I recommend going back to the house on the day of closing for one last check. The day of closing is the last day the sellers are responsible for the condition of the home. For example, if you find that the fridge isn't working on the day of closing, contact your lawyer and realtor, as the seller is responsible for the fridge to be in good working order. However, if you wait until after closing to do your final check and the fridge isn't working, it is no longer the seller’s responsibility.
Please note that the terms and conditions of each offer may differ; this is just an example of why it’s important to check the home on the day of closing.
*For a checklist of things to do once you move into your new home, check out our blog.