Real Estate

Frequently Asked Questions

This page is provided for people who have questions regarding real estate.  If you have a question, please send an e-mail to SheriHipsley@mris.com or use the contact me page on my website.  I will do my best to answer your question and post it in this section. 

Do I need a Realtor when purchasing a home? 

You SHOULD have a Realtor when purchasing a home.  Is it required? No. But the truth is there should be a professional looking out for your best interest.  Your Realtor will assist you with writing your offer, negotiate on your behalf, assist with your lender, schedule and attend your inspections, make sure you are prepared for settlement and attend settlement with you.  Your Realtor will also be available along the way to answer any questions you have regarding the home buying process. 

Does using a discount broker mean I will get less services? 

Not with Advance Realty.  Advance Realty is the Full Service, Discount Experts.  You will get the same full service for a discounted price.  Our listing fee is only 1.75%*.  This could potentially save you thousands when listing your home.  If a another brokerage is charging you 7% to sell your home, typically, 3.5% goes to the Buyers Agent and 3.5% goes to the Listing Agent.  If you list that same home, for the same price, with Advance Realty, you would save 1.75% on the listing fee.  Based upon a home sale of  $300,000, that is a savings of $5250.00. Just be careful, there are brokerages offering to sell your home for 1.75% that do not provide full service for that fee. 

Will I save money if I use the listing agent to assist me with the purchase of a home.

The answer is probably no.  The listing agent has a negotiated fee with the seller.  The agent and the seller may have negotiated a discounted fee if the buyer does not have a buyer's agent representing them.  So in reality, it is the seller who may save money if you are not represented by a buyer's agent. 

Can the listing agent/seller's agent represent me also in the purchase of a home they have listed? 

The answer is no.  In Maryland, the listing agent/seller's agent can only represent the seller in the transaction.  If you do not have a buyer's agent representing you, you will be unrepresented.  While the the listing agent/seller's agent can assist you with the paperwork, they have an obligation to only look out for the best interest of his/her client, which is the seller.  You will not have any one looking out for your best interests unless you are represented by a buyer's agent.  

Does it cost anything to have a Realtor represent me when purchasing a home?

It depends.  Your Realtor's fee is something you negotiate with your Realtor.  However, most times, the seller offers compensation for the buyer's agent. Most agents are willing to accept what the seller is offering for compensation.  In most situations, it should cost you nothing to start your home search.  There is often an administrative fee charged by the broker, usually between $200-$500.  This fee is generally collected at settlement, so to get started, it should cost you nothing.

How do I search homes for sale?

You can search all Maryland homes for sale and homes for sale in other states on SheriHipsley.com.  It cost nothing to search and there is no log in required.  Just click on SheriHipsley.com and property search and you will be on your way.  Of course, if you have any questions regarding the homes for sale, please feel free to call me @ 443-756-5041. 

Check back frequently as new questions and answers will be added.  Don't forget....if you have a question that you would like answered, please send it to SheriHipsley@mris.com or use contact me on the website. 

Sheri Hipsley, Realtor

Advance Realty Direct, Inc.

Cell:  443-756-5041

Office:  410-288-6700

E-Mail:  SheriHipsley@mris.com

Web:  www.SheriHipsley.com

*Listing fees are negotiable between each agent and their client and may vary depending on the circumstances of the listing.