Winston Salem | Mastering the Move: How to Create a Moving Out Timeline That Won’t Drive You Up the Wall

Moving out is one of those life moments that walks the fine line between exciting and exhausting. 

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, moving in with a significant other or just craving four walls painted your color, one thing’s for sure — chaos is the last roommate you want. 

Enter the glorious, sanity-saving moving-out timeline. A well-crafted moving-out timeline isn’t just a pretty checklist. Rather, it’s a strategic plan, a roadmap, a holy grail for keeping your head on straight while packing up your life. 

With the right schedule, you’ll dodge last-minute disasters, maximize your deposit return and maybe even have time to breathe. Without further ado, let’s break down how to create a stellar moving out timeline that covers all your bases without breaking your spirit.

Get the rest of the article and steps to follow, read the rest of the article moving out

Thinking of moving?  Contact me if you need any help.  No obligation consultation!

Winston Salem - New Kitchen Trends for Your Home

 

What’s Out for 2025 in Kitchen Design

The NKBA report calls out these fading styles:

• All-white and all-gray kitchens are giving way to more earthtone kitchen hues, like greens and browns.
• Overly minimalistic, impersonal designs are being swapped out for lived-in, layered spaces.
• Uniform finishes and match-everything designs are being pushed out for textured materials and bolder colors.

Read the rest of the article with recommendations at Nar.Realtor

As always, please feel free to Contact me for a no obligation consultation.

Winston Salem | New Listing - Great Starter Home For Sale

 4958 Pinewood Rd.  Winston Salem 27105

  

SOLD IN TWO DAYS!

Great starter home or investment property!

Professional pictures are coming at end of week.   

This is a nice 3 bedroom 1 bath home with huge yard.

1 car carport with 2+ parking spaces

List price $180,000

HVAC is approx. 6 years old

Check out the map of it's location.

More to come... contact us if interested.

Winston Salem | Consumer Guide: Preparing to Sell Your Home

 

Information courtesy of Roby Robertson and National Assoc. Of Realtors

Do I need to have my home inspected before putting it up for sale? 

No, a pre-sale inspection is not required. However, an inspection can be used to identify potential issues in your home that you can consider repairing before showing your home to potential buyers and use as a differentiator for your property. If you choose to conduct a pre-sale inspection, an inspector will assess your home’s condition, including its structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, interiors, ventilation / insulation, and fireplaces. It may also include tests for problems that can affect human health like mold, radon gas, lead paint, and asbestos. Sometimes buyers may also conduct their own inspection as a contingency in their purchase agreement. If you uncover possible issues that may appear during a buyer’s inspection, you will have time to make any necessary changes that could impact your home’s asking price. You should also talk to your agent about disclosure requirements in your state if a pre-sale inspection uncovers an issue.

What should I do if something in my home needs to be fixed or replaced soon? 

If something in your home requires a significant repair—such as a roof, a system such as HVAC, or an appliance like a dishwasher or washer / dryer—you should determine how much the repair will cost, even if you do not plan to fix it before selling the home. These estimates will help sellers determine the costs that buyers might take into consideration when negotiating a purchase agreement.

Am I required to make any cosmetic updates to my home before putting it up for sale? 

No, but you may want to clean the windows, carpets, lighting fixtures, and walls, and store away clutter before showing your home to potential buyers. Sellers may also look for ways to improve “curb appeal”—how the home looks to a potential buyer when viewed from the street—by updating aspects such as landscaping, the front entrance, and paint jobs. These steps may help improve the home’s appearance in photos, which can play an important role in attracting potential buyers.

Do I need to provide information about appliances that will stay in the home after it’s sold? 

You should locate warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer / dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliances or systems that will stay in the house with a new buyer. It is recommended that you find these items now to avoid any lost paperwork causing an issue with a potential buyer when you reach the time of finalizing, or “closing,” the transaction.

What does it mean to stage my home? 

Staging is the process of cleaning a home and temporarily filling it with furniture and decorations that may help buyers better see themselves living in the home. While it is not required, some sellers may work with a stager to focus on certain key areas of their home that are important to buyers. Some agents may also include staging in the services they provide you.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

Winston Salem | Consumer Guide: Buyer's vs. Seller's Market

 

Information here courtesy of National Association or Realtors.

Call me to discuss your real estate needs.  Never any obligation!

The real estate market constantly shifts, and knowing whether conditions favor buyers or sellers can help you make smarter, more confident decisions. Here’s how to recognize which type of market you’re in and what each means for you:

What is a buyer’s market?

A buyer’s market is when there are more homes for sale than there are people looking to purchase a home. With a greater selection of homes on the market and less competition, buyers typically have more time to shop, negotiate better terms, and may even see price reductions or other purchase incentives.

What is a seller’s market?

In a seller’s market, there are fewer homes available than there are buyers looking to purchase a home, creating a competitive environment where bidding wars and quick sales can be common. While sellers can often secure higher prices and more favorable contract terms, preparing the home properly and setting a strategic asking price at the outset are still key to attracting strong offers and ensuring a smooth closing.

How can you tell which market you’re in?

The market type you are in is usually reflected through the pace of sales, how many homes are available, and how close the sale price of a home was to its listing price. In hot markets, homes may sell within days, often well above their asking price. In slower markets, listings stay active longer and require more negotiation. An agent who is a REALTOR® can advise you on these trends in your specific market and help you interpret how they affect your goals.

What should buyers do in a seller’s market?

Buyers facing heavy competition should come prepared with a mortgage pre-approval letter, move quickly when a good listing appears, and make strong offers. Waiving contingencies or offering flexible closing terms can also help strengthen your offer. Especially in fast-moving markets, setting a firm budget and walkaway point beforehand helps to ensure you don’t overextend yourself when the process gets competitive. When selecting a buyer’s agent to help you, be sure to ask these ten questions to ensure you are working with the agent who is the best fit for your needs.

What should sellers do in a buyer’s market?

When there are more homes than there are interested buyers, sellers should look to prioritize ways of making their property stand out. This could include competitive pricing, investing in curb appeal or staging, and being flexible on timelines or terms. While it may take longer to sell, a well-presented and appropriately priced home can still draw strong interest even when the overall pace of sales slows. Consider asking potential seller’s agents these ten questions to better understand how they can help you maximize your home’s appeal.

Can market conditions change quickly?

Yes—markets can quickly shift due to interest rate changes, job growth, seasonal trends, or shifts in consumer confidence. What was a seller’s market last year could easily become more balanced, or even buyer-friendly, within months. Staying informed about local trends helps you better anticipate these changes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Should I wait for a better market?

Trying to time the market perfectly can be difficult. In most cases, personal factors—such as lifestyle changes, financial readiness, or long-term plans—are more important than short-term market fluctuations. If you’re prepared, working with a trusted professional can help you navigate conditions as they are and make the best possible decision for your future.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and / or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

Winston Salem | Turn Up the Heat on Offers When Selling Your Home.

 

Four Ways to attract buyers during the summer

✔️ Lower the A/C. It’s easy for a house to become stuffy and warm during the summer, especially with exterior doors frequently opening and closing, so make sure that you have the air conditioning running whenever you’re hosting potential buyers.

✔️ Update Curb Appeal. Your home’s curb appeal is its first impression, and the summer months can be harsh on your home’s front lawn. Frequent watering and adding seasonal plants can make a huge difference.

✔️ Showcase Outdoor Living. If your home has a pool, a large deck or an outdoor kitchen, summer is the perfect time to highlight them, and a Realtor® can advise you on the value these generally bring.

✔️ Embrace the Season. The housing market has been hot for a long time and now that summer is upon us, it’s time to turn up the heat if you’re serious about selling or buying a home. A Realtor® can help quench your thirst for homeownership or help cool down the pressure of selling and finding your next home.  Consult your Realtor® today for a refreshing approach to selling or buying a home.

For more ways to showcase your home to potential buyers during the summer, contact a local me for  a consultation with no obligation.

Winston Salem - 4 Ways to Negotiate Repairs After an Inspection - How to handle repairs and avoid disputes

 

Here is a great real estate video.   It is provided by: The Real Estate Lawyer Tiffany Webber is a real estate attorney in Mooresville, NC

If you have ever bought and sold real estate around Winston Salem, you know that the nervous time of the transaction, is during the Due Diligence period and inspections.   

It is my job as your Realtor to guide you through this but by watching the video,  you will get very good insights into the process.

If at any time, you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me to get your questions answered.  

C L U E Report - What is it and is it necessary

What does C.L.U.E stand for? Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange

CLUE is a claims-information report generated by LexisNexis®, a consumer-reporting agency. The report generally contains up to seven years of personal-auto and personal-property claims history.  

How insurance companies use CLUE reports

An insurer may request a CLUE report when you apply for coverage or request a quote. The company uses your claims history, or the history of claims at a specific property, to decide if it'll offer you coverage and how much you'll pay. Insurance company studies show a relationship between past claims and claims you report in the future.

Why ask for a report?

For buyers and sellers of real estate, this is a good way to check the history of the property for previous claims/problems.   Sellers do not have to report issues that have been corrected but a buyer doing his due diligence, this is another layer for checking things out further.

You can check for inaccurate or unrelated information that could be making you pay higher premiums. If you find mistakes, contact LexisNexis Consumer Center at 888-497-0011. They'll verify your information with the reporting insurance company and notify you of the results within 30 days. You can also add an explanation to an item in the report that will show in all future reports.

Winston Salem - Is Due Diligence fee a SCAM?

 

What are Due Diligence Fees with regard to buying and selling real estate?  This video is courtesy of Tiffany Webber a real estate attorney and owner of Thomas & Webber, a real estate law firm in Mooresville, NC

Because here’s the thing:

In North Carolina, Due Diligence is non-refundable. It’s basically a “we’re serious” deposit to take the home off the market while you inspect, appraise, and second-guess everything.

Withing real estate transactions when writing an offer to purchase, there are 2 options for putting money 'down' while inspections completed and/or getting loan approval.  One is called due diligence and one is called earnest money deposit.  One is refundable to the buyer (earnest money) and one isn't ( due diligence).   These are negotiable with the seller.  It is common practice for buyers now to pay up front due diligence funds but they are no mandatory.  However, you will find that most sellers require some due diligence money depending on how long they are being asked to essentially take the property off the market while you do your 'due diligence'.    I hope this video helps and if you need assistance with this, as always, I am open to no obligation questions. 

Winston Salem | NAR Ruling Explained

 

Please talk to me before Listing Your Home!

The **NAR ruling** refers to a major legal settlement involving the **National Association of Realtors (NAR)** and its policies regarding real estate agent commissions. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

### **1. What Was the Lawsuit About?**

   - The lawsuit (*Burnett v. NAR et al.* and *Moehrl v. NAR et al.*) alleged that **NAR and major brokerages** conspired to keep real estate agent commissions artificially high by enforcing rules that disadvantaged home sellers.

   - The core issue was the **"cooperative compensation" rule**, which required sellers to offer compensation to buyer's agents when listing a home on a **Multiple Listing Service (MLS)**.

### **2. Key Allegations**

   - **Mandatory Buyer Agent Commissions**: Sellers were effectively forced to pay fees (typically 2.5–3%) to the buyer’s agent, inflating costs.

   - **Lack of Negotiation Transparency**: Critics argued that buyers were unaware they could negotiate agent fees, leading to higher overall costs.

   - **Anti-Competitive Practices**: The plaintiffs claimed NAR’s rules stifled competition by keeping commissions high even as technology (like online listings) reduced agents' workload.

### **3. The Settlement (March 2024)**

   - NAR agreed to a **$418 million settlement** to resolve the lawsuits.

   - Major changes include:

     - **Ending the "cooperative compensation" rule**—sellers no longer have to pre-set buyer agent commissions in MLS listings.

     - **Written buyer agreements required**—buyers must now sign agreements with their agents outlining compensation terms upfront.

     - **More negotiation flexibility**—buyers and sellers can now discuss commissions more openly.

### **4. Impact on the Real Estate Market**

   - **Lower Commissions**: Experts predict commissions may drop (possibly to 1–1.5% per side) due to increased competition.

   - **More Transparency**: Buyers will know exactly what they’re paying their agents.

   - **Potential Shakeup for Agents**: Some agents may leave the industry if fees decline significantly.

   - **Possible Lower Home Prices**: If seller costs decrease, some savings could pass to buyers.

### **5. When Does It Take Effect?**

   - The new rules are expected to go into effect in **mid-July 2024**, pending court approval.

### **6. Controversy & Pushback**

   - Some argue the changes could make it harder for **first-time buyers** (who may struggle to pay agents directly).

   - Others believe it will **modernize** the industry and reduce inflated costs.

### **Final Takeaway**

The NAR ruling is one of the biggest shifts in real estate in decades, potentially saving sellers billions but also disrupting traditional agent compensation models. If you're buying or selling soon, expect more negotiation on fees and clearer contracts.

Would you like details on how this affects your specific situation?

Winston Salem | What is going Rate for Property Management Fees?

Carolina Living Real Estate is a full service Real Estate Brokerage and Property Management Firm. Are fees are fair and we have Zero extra fees throghout the management relationship. Let us know what you are paying. If you are just thinking about hiring a Property Management Firm, let us know what you believe is the going rate.

Contact us to discuss our services and rates!

Winston Salem | Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions - Buyers, Sellers and Investors

 

Here are some of the **most frequently asked real estate questions**, along with concise answers to help buyers, sellers, and investors:

### **For Buyers**  

1. **How much house can I afford?**  

   - Lenders typically recommend spending no more than **28-36% of your gross income** on housing. Use a **mortgage calculator** to estimate based on income, debt, and down payment.  

2. **What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?**  

   - **Pre-qualification**: A rough estimate based on self-reported finances.  

   - **Pre-approval**: A lender verifies your credit, income, and assets, giving you a stronger buying position.  

3. **How much should I put down on a house?**  

   - Conventional loans usually require **5-20% down**, but FHA loans allow **as low as 3.5%**. A **20% down payment** avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI).  

4. **What are closing costs, and how much are they?**  

   - Typically **2-5% of the loan amount**, covering fees like appraisal, title insurance, and taxes.  

5. **Should I buy now or wait for prices to drop?**  

   - Market timing is difficult. If you find a home you love and can afford, buying sooner may be better than waiting for uncertain price drops.  

### **For Sellers**  

6. **How do I determine my home’s value?**  

   - A **comparative market analysis (CMA)** from a realtor or an **appraisal** provides the most accurate estimate.  

7. **What repairs should I make before selling?**  

   - Focus on **curb appeal, minor fixes (paint, leaks), and kitchen/bath updates**—major renovations don’t always pay off.  

8. **How long will it take to sell my house?**  

   - Depends on the market, but the **average is 30-60 days** (faster in hot markets, slower in buyer’s markets).  

9. **Do I need a real estate agent to sell?**  

   - While **FSBO (For Sale By Owner)** is an option, agents help with pricing, marketing, and negotiations, often securing a **higher sale price**.  

10. **What’s the best time to sell?**  

   - **Spring and early summer** are peak seasons, but low inventory in winter can also attract serious buyers.  

### **For Investors & General Questions**  

11. **Is real estate a good investment?**  

   - Real estate can provide **cash flow, appreciation, and tax benefits**, but it requires research and management.  

12. **What’s the 1% rule in rental properties?**  

   - Monthly rent should be **at least 1% of the purchase price** (e.g., a $200K home should rent for $2,000/month).  

13. **What’s the difference between a buyer’s and seller’s market?**  

   - **Buyer’s market**: More homes for sale, lower prices.  

   - **Seller’s market**: High demand, low inventory, higher prices.  

14. **How do I negotiate the best deal?**  

   - For buyers: **Get pre-approved, research comps, and be flexible on closing dates**.  

   - For sellers: **Price competitively, highlight upgrades, and consider incentives**.  

15. **What are the biggest mistakes to avoid?**  

   - Buyers: **Skipping inspections, overextending budget**.  

   - Sellers: **Overpricing, neglecting repairs**.  

   - Investors: **Underestimating expenses, not screening tenants**.  

Winston Salem | When Can a Landlord Evict You: A Quick Guide

Carolina Living Real Estate offers helpful information courtesy of:  Service Members Civil Relief act.   While the site is specific to active service members, it also explains general eviction reasons.

Sometimes, things don’t go according to the original plan. You sign a lease agreement only to realize months later that you can’t afford to make payments or other circumstances lead you to get evicted from the property.

But when can the eviction process commence? We’ll discuss the legal timeline for eviction to take place.

Below are subjects summarizing these common reasons for evictions.  You can click anywhere in the link to get the full article. 

• 1 Common Reasons for Eviction from a Rental Property
• 2 Special Considerations and Exceptions
  • 2.1 They Cannot Evict Active Duty Members
  • 2.2 Eviction Before Lease Expires
  • 2.3 Eviction in Rent-Controlled Areas
  • 2.4 Retaliatory Evictions
  • 2.5 Eviction Due to Health or Safety Hazards
• 3 How Does a Proper Eviction Work?
  • 3.1 #1: A Written Notice is Given to the Tenant
  • 3.2 #2: The Tenant Leaves the Rental Unit Within Reason
  • 3.3 #3: An Eviction Trial Commences
• 4 Possible Defenses from Eviction
• 5 Special SCRA Protections for Service Members
• 6 Conclusion
• 7 FAQs
  • 7.1 How long does it take to evict a tenant?
  • 7.2 What’s the fastest a landlord can evict you?
  • 7.3 Can breaching the lease agreement lead to eviction?
  • 7.4 What if the landlord needs the property back after the lease ends?
  • 7.5 Are there other valid reasons for eviction besides non-payment and breach of contract?

Wonderful Home In Winston Salem Just Listed

 Under Contract in Under a week!

Just Sold by Carolina Living Real Estate

4605 Olivine Lane - Pfafftown Lane

List price - 434,900

All Brick home that offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a large loft area. Reagan Point is a neighborhood tucked away in the highly convenient Pfafftown area. The rock fireplace with natural gas logs in the living room is beautiful. This kitchen is spacious with a large island to host and open to living room. The primary sits on the main floor with an attached bathroom with a large tub and walk-in shower. Upstairs find 3 additional bedrooms with walk in closets, a full bathroom and a loft area for flex space with 2 additional closets for storage. You will find a screened in porch to enjoy a warm cup of coffee. The backyard is flat and fenced. Just 2 miles from Regan High School!

Offered by Carolina Living Real Estate and Roby Robertson

More pictures at Realtor.com

Winston Salem | Roby Robertson Your Realtor For Life

Roby Robertson - Realtor / Property Manager

Contact Info

Mobile 704 451 7051]

Email carolinalivingrealestate@yahoo.com   

**Professional Summary**  

Licensed real estate professional with 21+ years of experience specializing in residential properties in the Greater Winston Salem and Lake Norman areas. Consistently ranked in the top 15% of agents for sales volume, with a proven track record of closing over $50M in transactions. Skilled in negotiation, market analysis, and client relationship management.   Also built a successful Property Management Business in 2006 that operates in Winston Salem and Charlotte areas.   

**Key Skills**  

- Real Estate Sales and Negotiation  

- Market Analysis and Pricing Strategies  

- Client Relationship Management  

- Property Marketing  

-  Excellent at communication through all phases of transactions.

- Property Management Proficiency with numerous clients.   Many clients are 10+ years satisfied. 

**Professional Experience**  

**Real Estate Broker**  

*Carolina Living Real Estate   

*January 2005 – Present*  

Century 21 - Lake Norman

*January 2003 – Dec 2005*  

- Closed over $25M in residential real estate transactions.  

- Consistently ranked in the top 15% of agents for sales volume in the region.  

- Created long lasting relationships with clients, resulting in many client referrals repeat business.  

**IT Consultant**  

*Various IT Consulting Firms ( VA., NC)*  

*Feb 1980 – December 2002*  

- Traveled throughout the US assisting corporations with various IT projects

**Education**  

**East Carolina University**  

*Greenville, NC 

**Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)**  

*Graduated: December 1979*  

**Awards and Achievements**  

- Rookie of the year C21 Lake Norman 2003  

**Professional Affiliations**  

- National Association of Realtors (NAR)  

- NC Association of Realtors (NCAR)  

Winston Salem Real Estate - Sellers Frequently Asked Questions

 Here’s a comprehensive FAQ for real estate sellers to address common questions and concerns:

As always:   Have any questions, please feel free to ask me here (Roby Robertson email)

### **General Questions**

1. **How do I determine the value of my property?**

   - A professional appraisal or a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent can help determine your home’s market value. Online tools like Zillow or Redfin can provide estimates, but they may not be entirely accurate.

2. **Should I sell my home myself or hire a real estate agent?**

   - Selling your home yourself (FSBO) can save on commission fees, but a real estate agent can handle marketing, negotiations, and paperwork, potentially securing a higher sale price.

3. **What costs are involved in selling a home?**

   - Common costs include agent commissions (   NOTE: remember sellers are not required to pay buyers agent commissions and the amounts are always negotiable)!   Revenue stamps paid by seller is (contract price  / 1000) x 2.  Misc. costs associated with attorney ( few hundred dollars ) and any agreed upon repairs.

4. **How long does it take to sell a home?**

   - The timeline varies based on market conditions, location, and pricing. On average, it takes 30-90 days from listing to closing.

### **Preparing to Sell**

5. **What repairs or upgrades should I make before selling?**

   - Focus on curb appeal, minor repairs (e.g., fixing leaks, patching walls), and cost-effective upgrades like fresh paint or updated fixtures. Avoid over-improving; not all upgrades provide a good ROI.

6. **Should I stage my home?**

   - Staging can make your home more appealing to buyers by highlighting its potential. It’s especially helpful in competitive markets.

7. **Do I need professional photos?**

   - Yes, high-quality photos are essential for online listings, as most buyers start their search online.  I use professional photographers.

8. **How do I set the right listing price?**

   - Work with your agent to analyze comparable homes (comps) in your area and consider market trends. Overpricing can deter buyers, while underpricing may leave money on the table.

### **Marketing and Showings**

9. **How will my home be marketed?**

   - A good agent will use a mix of online listings, social media, open houses, and professional photography to attract buyers.

10. **How do I prepare for showings?**

    - Keep your home clean, decluttered, and well-lit. Consider leaving during showings to make buyers feel more comfortable.

11. **What if my home isn’t getting offers?**

    - Reevaluate your pricing, marketing strategy, and condition of the home. Consider making adjustments or offering incentives.

### **Offers and Negotiations**

12. **What should I look for in an offer?**

    - Consider the offer price, contingencies (e.g., financing, inspection), and the buyer’s financial qualifications.  Due Diligence Fee may be key!  

13. **Can I reject an offer?**

    - Yes, you can reject or counter any offer. Your agent can help you negotiate terms that work for you.

14. **What is an escalation clause?**

    - An escalation clause automatically increases a buyer’s offer if there are competing bids, up to a specified maximum.  We do NOT use these!

15. **What happens if the appraisal is lower than the offer?**

    - The buyer’s lender may not approve the loan for the full amount. You can renegotiate the price, ask the buyer to cover the difference.

### **Closing the Sale**

16. **What is the closing process?**

    - Closing involves signing documents, transferring ownership, and paying fees. It typically takes 30-45 days after accepting an offer.

17. **What documents do I need to provide?**

    - Common documents include the deed, property tax records, title report, and any disclosures required by law.

18. **What are seller disclosures?**

    - You must disclose known issues with the property, such as structural problems, pest infestations, or environmental hazards, as required by law.  Also, mineral and gas rights disclosure is required in NC.

19. **How are closing costs split between buyer and seller?**

    - Sellers typically pay negotiated agent commissions and transfer taxes, while buyers cover loan-related fees and title insurance. This can vary by location and agreement.

20. **When do I get paid from the sale?**

    - You’ll receive the proceeds from the sale after deducting fees and paying off any existing mortgage. This usually happens after closing and sale is recorded at courthouse. 

### **Tax and Legal Considerations**

21. **Do I have to pay taxes on the sale of my home?**

    - If you’ve lived in the home for at least 2 of the last 5 years, you may qualify for a capital gains tax exclusion ($250,000 for single filers, $500,000 for married couples).

22. **What if I’m selling an inherited property?**

    - You may owe capital gains tax on the difference between the sale price and the property’s value at the time of inheritance.

23. **Can I sell my home if it’s in foreclosure?**

    - Yes, but you’ll need to act quickly. A short sale may be an option if you owe more than the home is worth.  Working in conjunction with bank is imperative.

### **Special Situations**

24. **What is a short sale?**

    - A short sale occurs when you sell your home for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, with the lender’s approval.

25. **Can I sell my home while it’s rented?**

    - Yes, but you’ll need to coordinate with your tenants and follow local laws regarding notice and showings.

26. **What if I need to sell quickly?**

    - Consider pricing competitively, offering incentives, or selling to a cash buyer or investor, though this may result in a lower sale price.

27. **Can I back out of a sale after accepting an offer?**

    - Backing out can have legal and financial consequences. Consult your agent or attorney before making any decisions.

### **Miscellaneous**

28. **What is a home warranty, and should I offer one?**

    - A home warranty covers repairs to major systems and appliances. Offering one can make your home more attractive to buyers.

29. **What happens if the buyer backs out?**

    - If the buyer backs out due to a contingency (e.g., inspection or financing), you may keep their due diligence funds and Ernest monies if after due diligence date and relist the property.

30. **Should I sell before buying a new home?**

    - This depends on your financial situation and market conditions. Selling first ensures you have funds for a new purchase, but you may need temporary housing.