Buying or selling a home can bring up a lot of questions. And sometimes it's the little questions that can make the process feel confusing or overwhelming.

After nearly 20 years in real estate, I've learned that there really aren't any silly questions. If you're wondering about something, chances are another buyer or seller has wondered the same thing.

That's why I created Ask Jacque—a place where I answer common real estate questions in plain, everyday language.

Whether you're buying your first home, preparing to sell, or simply curious about how the real estate process works, I hope you'll find something here that helps.

Local knowledge. Real experience. Personal service.

Should I Get Pre-Approved Before Looking at Houses?

In most cases, yes.

Getting pre-approved before you start seriously looking at homes can make the buying process much easier.

A pre-approval gives you a better idea of what you can comfortably afford and helps you understand what your monthly payment might look like. It also allows you to focus your search on homes that fit your financing.

There's another important reason: when you find the right home, you'll be in a better position to make an offer.

I recommend talking with a lender early—even if you're just beginning to think about buying. It doesn't mean you have to buy a house tomorrow. It simply gives you a better understanding of your options.

Jacque's tip: Don't automatically assume the maximum amount a lender approves is the amount you should spend. Your comfortable monthly budget matters, too.

Is a Home Inspection Really Necessary?

I strongly encourage buyers to have a home inspection.

A home inspection is an opportunity to learn more about the condition of the property before completing the purchase.

An inspector may identify issues involving things such as the roof, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, foundation, drainage, or other components of the home.

An inspection doesn't mean the house needs to be perfect. Every home has some maintenance and imperfections, especially older homes.

The important thing is understanding what you're buying so you can make informed decisions.

Jacque's tip: Don't think of an inspection as a test the house has to pass. Think of it as information that helps you understand the property.

How Much Should I Offer?

There's no single formula that works for every house.

The right offer depends on several factors, including:

• The asking price
• Recent comparable sales
• How long the property has been on the market
• The condition of the home
• Current market conditions
• Whether there are competing offers
• Your financing
• Your goals as a buyer

An offer isn't simply about choosing a number. The terms can matter, too.

Inspection provisions, financing, closing date, earnest money, and other terms can all affect the overall strength and suitability of an offer.

My job is to help you understand the information available so you can make a decision that makes sense for you.

Should I Sell My Current Home Before Buying Another?

It depends on your financial situation, timing, and comfort level.

Some homeowners prefer to sell first so they know exactly how much money they'll have available for their next purchase.

Others may have enough financial flexibility to purchase before selling.

There are also options that can sometimes help coordinate the two transactions.

The important thing is to think about the entire process before making a decision.

I'll help you look at questions such as:

• What is your current home likely to sell for?
• How much do you owe on it?
• How much equity do you have?
• What can you comfortably spend on your next home?
• How quickly do you need to move?
• What happens if your current home sells before you find your next one?

Jacque's tip: Before you fall in love with your next house, let's figure out the plan for your current one.

What Happens If My House Doesn't Appraise?

An appraisal is an opinion of value prepared by a licensed or certified appraiser for the lender.

If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, it doesn't automatically mean the transaction is over.

Depending on the circumstances, the buyer and seller may have several options. These could include renegotiating the purchase price, addressing the difference between the appraised value and purchase price, challenging the appraisal when appropriate, or considering other contractual options.

The specific options depend on the contract, financing, appraisal, and circumstances of the transaction.

Jacque's tip: This is one reason pricing a home appropriately from the beginning can be so important. Good pricing isn't just about attracting buyers—it's also about supporting the transaction through the appraisal process.

Can I Sell My House Without Making Repairs?

Yes, you can.

Not every home needs to be completely updated before it goes on the market.

In some situations, making a few strategic improvements can make sense. In others, spending thousands of dollars on renovations may not provide enough benefit to justify the cost.

Before you start making repairs, I recommend looking at the property objectively.

Ask:

• What will buyers notice immediately?
• Are there repairs that could affect financing or inspections?
• What improvements would actually add value?
• What can simply be disclosed rather than repaired?
• What will the likely return be on the money spent?

Sometimes the best strategy is a thoughtful combination of cleaning, decluttering, minor repairs, and presentation rather than a major renovation.

Jacque's tip: Don't spend $20,000 trying to turn your house into something it isn't if the market isn't going to give you that money back.

Have a Real Estate Question?

If you're wondering about something that isn't covered here, ask Jacque!

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, selling a longtime family property, investing in real estate, or simply trying to understand what's happening in the Jackson-area market, I'm happy to help.

You don't have to be ready to buy or sell to ask a question.

Sometimes the best time to start a real estate conversation is before you're ready to make a move.

Jacque Harris, REALTOR®

Howard Hanna | Jackson, Michigan

Local knowledge. Real experience. Personal service.

Have a question you'd like to see answered on Ask Jacque? Send it my way.