Most of the time most buyers and sellers have a lot of questions they want and need to have answered throughout the process of conducting a real estate transaction. There are some differences, though, in the sets of questions. Buyers usually have questions for the seller while sellers typically have questions that only their agent can answer. So let’s examine the top Chicago buyer and seller questions and some possible answers.
Top Chicago Buyer Questions and Answers
WHAT’S THE NEIGHBORHOOD LIKE?
This is that old emphasis on location. Buyers have a certain kind of neighborhood personality in mind, and the way you answer this question depends on what you can discover about what they want. Certainly, you should be honest and forthcoming, but the way you frame your answers is often more important than the actual information conveyed.
WHAT ARE THE SCHOOLS LIKE?
For buyers with children, especially young kids, the way you answer this question will be highly important. And if you don’t have kids in school yourself, don’t fake it. You can always direct the buyer to the local district office or online review sites for answers. But if you can honestly say favorable things about the schools, you need to do so. In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to do some research about local schools before listing your house.
HOW MUCH DO UTILITIES RUN AND HOW MUCH ARE PROPERTY TAXES?
This is a legitimate buyer question because people don’t want to waste money on heating bills in a poorly insulated house or throw money away in an area with outrageous property taxes. But keep in mind that this question is often as much a test of your honesty in answering as it is a way to get information. So just answer accurately and succinctly without any unnecessary commentary. Besides, if buyers are simply after information, they can get all this themselves.
IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE HOUSE?
Of all the Chicago buyer questions, this one may be the trickiest to answer. Of course, there are certain things you are legally bound to disclose, and there are others that you don’t have to mention. And those in the second class can cause problems further along when the inspection turns up things you didn’t mention. If you have made any repairs or renovations, mention those. And for the rest, defer to your agent.
Top Chicago Seller Questions and Answers
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SELL?
Understandably, sellers want to sell at the best possible time for the sake of a quick sale and a top sale price. Traditionally, spring has been the best time to sell a property. But that varies from region to region and from local market to local market. So, really, the best time to sell is when it’s right for you. A good agent can help you sell your property at any time and in any season.
WHAT’S THE MARKET LIKE RIGHT NOW?
This is one of the Chicago seller questions that comes up a lot when people decide to sell, they want to know what the current state of the market is. Is it hot, and is it a good market for sellers? You will need an experienced local agent if you want an accurate answer to this question. Market conditions fluctuate and can even be different from neighborhood to neighborhood.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET MY HOME READY TO SELL?
This is an important one of the seller questions because many sellers really don’t know what to do or where to begin. Your agent can give you a ton of guidance and valuable advice here. You do, of course, need to make your home look its best, but you also have to ensure that what you do will yield a good return on investment.
WHAT SHOULD I DISCLOSE TO BUYERS?
Of all the {market_city] seller questions, this one is probably the most ticklish. Certainly, you should disclose everything you are legally obligated to disclose, but what about the rest? There’s the rub. Again, this is an area where only your agent will know the best course. You don’t want to disclose too much if it will kill the sale, but then it’s also good to be perceived as honest and willing to accommodate. So, in the end, consult your agent.
The Easy Way to Answer Chicago Buyer and Seller Questions
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, it’s hard to have all the information ready to hand that will answer Chicago seller questions and buyer questions. Your best bet, then, is to let your agent answer them for you. That’s her job after all.