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eXp Realty Crimsyn Bailey Real Estate

FAQ

The questions sellers and buyers ask before calling.

Straight answers to the questions Greg hears every week. If your question is not here, ask directly: every situation has a real estate solution.

For Sellers

Top 10 questions home sellers ask.

01 How much is my home worth in today’s market?

A property valuation compares your home against recent comparable sales, competing inventory, condition, and current buyer demand. Metro-wide averages like the $405,000 July 2026 median are a starting point, but your home’s value is neighborhood-specific. Greg provides a confidential property and pricing consultation with real numbers for your address.

02 How much will I actually walk away with after selling my home?

Your net proceeds are the sale price minus the mortgage payoff, closing costs, listing commission, prorated taxes, and any liens or judgments. Greg prepares a net sheet estimate before you commit to anything, so you know what the sale is actually worth to you.

03 Should I make repairs or sell my house as-is?

It depends on the numbers. Compare the as-is value, the repaired value, and the real cost of the work, including carrying costs like taxes, insurance, and utilities. When repairs clearly increase net proceeds, Greg coordinates them. When they only cost time and money, he prices and markets the home as-is to the right buyers.

04 How long will it take to sell my home?

The Metro Atlanta median is around 50 days on market, but your timeline depends on price, condition, location, and season. Homes priced correctly against real comparables attract qualified offers fastest. Greg’s pricing strategy is built to minimize days on market, not to chase a number.

05 What does it cost to sell a house in Georgia?

Sellers typically pay the listing commission (negotiated, commonly 5 to 6 percent of the sale price split between the listing and buyer’s agents), closing costs, title work, and prorated property taxes. Greg provides a complete cost estimate and net sheet before you list.

06 Should I sell now or wait for the market to improve?

The Metro Atlanta market is stable, with prices up 2.5 percent year over year as of July 2026. But the right time to sell depends on your situation, not the headlines. If you need to move, sell when it makes sense for you, with a strategy built for today’s market.

07 Can I sell my home if I am behind on my mortgage or facing foreclosure?

Yes. Options include a short sale, a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or a traditional sale before the auction date. Georgia’s foreclosure process can move in as little as about 60 days, so acting early is critical. Greg is a Certified Distressed Property Expert with more than 60 completed short sales.

08 How do I sell an inherited or probate property in Georgia?

In Georgia, a will alone does not transfer real estate. The property generally must go through probate, and the executor or administrator must hold Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration before the sale can close. All heirs typically must agree to sell. Greg works with executors, administrators, heirs, and estate attorneys through the entire process.

09 What happens if I need to sell my current home before buying another one?

There are several strategies: sell first and negotiate a closing date that lines up with your purchase, use a bridge loan, or structure a contingent offer. Greg coordinates your sale timeline with your lender and your next purchase so the pieces fit together.

10 How do I choose the right Realtor or listing agent to sell my home?

Look for experience with your exact situation, a verifiable track record, a real marketing system, and clear communication. Greg brings 24 years in real estate, 500+ homes sold, 60+ short sales, and the CDPE designation. Experience matters when the sale gets complicated.

For Buyers

Top 10 questions home buyers ask.

01 How much house can I realistically afford?

Lenders evaluate your income, debts, credit, and down payment. A common guideline is housing costs around 28 percent of gross monthly income and total debt around 36 percent, but every situation is different. Greg connects buyers with lenders who can give you a precise pre-approval number.

02 How much money do I need for a down payment and closing costs?

Down payments commonly range from 3 percent (FHA) to 20 percent (conventional), and VA loans can require zero down for eligible buyers. Closing costs typically run 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price. New-construction builders often offer incentives that can offset some of these costs.

03 Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?

Yes. A pre-approval tells you exactly what you can buy, makes your offer stronger, and is required before a new-construction contract can move forward. Greg can connect you with lenders who know the Metro Atlanta market.

04 Is now a good time to buy a home?

The Metro Atlanta market is stable, with a median price of $405,000 in July 2026 and roughly 5.4 months of supply. New construction offers fixed pricing, builder incentives, and the ability to buy on your timeline. The right time to buy is when you are financially ready and the numbers work for you.

05 What credit score do I need to buy a house?

FHA loans commonly accept scores around 580 to 620, and conventional loans typically prefer 620 or higher. Every lender has its own guidelines, so the fastest way to know your number is a pre-approval conversation.

06 How much should I offer on a house?

For new construction, the price is usually set by the builder, so the negotiation is about incentives, upgrades, and closing costs. For resales, offers are built on comparable sales and condition. Greg structures offers that are competitive without overpaying.

07 Can I ask the seller to pay some or all of my closing costs?

Yes, seller-paid closing costs are common and negotiated as part of the contract. New-construction builders frequently offer incentive packages that cover closing costs or rate buy-downs. Greg negotiates the full deal, not just the price.

08 What inspections should I get before buying a home?

A general home inspection is the baseline, plus specific inspections for the roof, HVAC, foundation, and pests when warranted. For new construction, a pre-drywall inspection and a thorough final walkthrough before closing protect your investment.

09 Should I buy a new-construction home or an existing home?

New construction gives you a builder warranty, modern efficiency, and the chance to customize finishes. Existing homes offer established neighborhoods and mature lots. Greg’s buyer practice focuses on new-construction communities across Metro Atlanta, where he can negotiate builder incentives and protect your interests.

10 How does a buyer’s agent help me, and how is my agent compensated?

A buyer’s agent negotiates on your behalf, coordinates inspections and financing, and protects your interests in the contract. In most new-construction and resale transactions, the agent is compensated by the seller or builder, so working with Greg costs you nothing extra.

Your question deserves a direct answer.

Call Greg at 678-698-2656 or request a confidential consultation. No pressure, no obligation.

Ask Greg