Frequently Asked Questions
Your Guide to Buying, Selling, and Everything In BetweenWhether you’re buying your first home, selling your property, or just exploring your options, we’ve compiled answers to the questions we hear most often. From timelines and costs to marketing strategies and local insights, our goal is to make the process clear, simple, and stress-free.
Buying A Home
Do I need to get pre-approved before looking at homes?
Yes. A pre-approval shows what you can comfortably afford and strengthens your offer. If you need lender recommendations, we can provide trusted local contacts.
How much money do I need upfront?
Most buyers need:
- Earnest money: typically 1-2% of the purchase price.
- Inspection(s): $400-$800 total.
- Down payment: ranges from 0-20% depending on the loan type.
- Closing costs: typically 3-5% of the purchase price.
We'll walk you through all this clearly so there are no surprises.
How long does the buying process take?
On average:
- Pre-approval: 1-3 days
- Home search: 1-8 weeks
- Under contract to closing: about 30 days
We move at your pace.
Can you help with new construction?
Absolutely. Builders have their own agents, you deserve someone who represents you.
What happens after my offer is accepted?
We guide you through:
- Inspections
- Negotiations
- Appraisal
- Final walkthrough
- Closing day
We keep everything organized so the process feels smooth.
Selling A Home
How do you determine listing price?
We us a detailed market analysis comparing recent sales, current competition, upgrades, and neighborhood trends. Our goal is to list strategically so you get top dollar without sitting on the market.
How should I prepare my home before listing?
We provide a pre-listing checklist and personalized recommendations. Common steps include:
- Decluttering
- Touch-up paint
- Minor repairs
- Staging or rearranging
- Deep cleaning
How long does it take to sell a home?
It depends on the market, price, and condition. Most homes in our area sell within 1-6 weeks.
We'll give you realistic expectations based on your property.
What marketing do you provide?
Every listing includes:
- Professional photography
- Staging guidance
- Online exposure across major platforms
- Social media marketing
- Open houses (if you want them)
- High-visibility signage
General Questions
Why choose Lafayette Listing Realty?
Because we combine strong local expertise with a personalized, relationship-first approach.
You'll always feel support, informed, and confident.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Lafayette and surrounding communities.
I'm not ready yet - can we still talk?
Yes! Whether you're 2 months or 2 years away, we love helping you prepare.
Do you work with investors?
Yes. We can help analyze deals, find rentals or flips, and build a long-term strategy.