Author: Aaron Jones

Real estate agents are usually paid through commission, which is a percentage of the home’s sale price paid after the deal closes.

A full-time real estate agent does more than friends or family can. They use proper marketing, pricing, and strategy to help sell your home.

First-time buyers often put 5–10% down. 15–20% lowers monthly payments. 20%+ may avoid PMI, saving extra monthly costs.

In a short sale, expect long approval times, lender review, possible delays, property sold as-is, and no guarantee your offer will be accepted.

A short sale occurs when the homeowner can no longer pay the remaining mortgage balance and wants to sell the house.

An REO is a home the bank owns after foreclosure. A short sale is a home still owned by someone, but the bank lets it sell for less than the mortgage.

Foreclosure: legal process where a lender repossesses a home due to unpaid loan. REO: property owned by the bank after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction.

Almost every home inspection finds some problems. That’s normal. The point isn’t to find a perfect home. It’s to know what you’re buying or selling so there are no surprises later.

Some common inspection issues found during home inspections would be structural, HVAC, plumbing, water or drainage, pest infestations, and sometimes even more.

A home inspection is very important because it uncovers the parts that buyers don’t usually know right away.

Selling a home as a short sale means negotiating with your lender to sell for less than you owe. Expect paperwork, lender approval, and longer closing times.

Aaron Jones is a top-rated REALTOR in Okoboji, known for expert guidance and local market knowledge.