FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions?

We have the answers.

Home Buyer

  • How much can I afford to spend on a home?

    The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your income, expenses, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and the amount of money you have available for a down payment. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a monthly mortgage payment that is no more than 28% of your gross monthly income.

  • How do I choose the right real estate agent to work with?

    When choosing a real estate agent, it's important to look for someone who has experience working in your desired area and who has a track record of success. You should also look for an agent who is responsive, communicative, and who you feel comfortable working with.

  • How much commission do buyers have to pay?

    Buyers do not pay any commissions. Commissions are paid solely by the seller.

  • How much money do I need to put down to purchase a home ?

    The amount you'll need to put down to buy a home in Florida will depend on a variety of factors, including the purchase price of the home, your credit score, and the type of mortgage loan you're obtaining. Typically, lenders require a down payment of at least 3% to 20% of the home's purchase price. 


    In Florida, there are also some down payment assistance programs available that can help reduce the amount of money you need to put down. These programs are usually administered by local or state government agencies or non-profit organizations.


    It's important to note that in addition to the down payment, you'll also need to budget for closing costs, which can range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. These costs can include fees for things like home inspections, title searches, appraisals, and more.

  • What are the closing costs associated with buying a home?

    Closing costs can include things like appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, and other expenses associated with the purchase of a home. The exact amount of closing costs will depend on the purchase price of the home and other factors.

  • What should I look for during a home inspection?

    During a home inspection, you should look for any issues with the property that could potentially cause problems down the line. This might include things like structural issues, plumbing or electrical problems, or issues with the roof or HVAC system.

  • What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval for a mortgage?

    Pre-qualification is an initial assessment of your creditworthiness based on basic financial information, while pre-approval involves a more thorough review of your finances and credit history. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can be beneficial when buying a home, as it can help you determine how much you can afford to spend and make your offer more attractive to sellers.

  • How much should I offer on a home?

    The amount you should offer on a home will depend on several factors, including the current market conditions, the property's location and condition, and how much you can afford to pay. Your real estate agent can help you determine a fair offer based on these factors.

  • How can I negotiate a better deal on a home?

    Negotiating a better deal on a home can involve a variety of tactics, including making a lower offer, asking for repairs or improvements to be made, or requesting that the seller pay for closing costs. Your real estate agent can help you determine the best negotiation strategy based on the specific circumstances of the sale.

  • What's the best way to find a home that meets my needs?

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to find a home that meets your needs will depend on your individual preferences, budget, and location. Working with a real estate agent can be helpful, as they can provide you with access to listings that match your criteria and help guide you through the home buying process.

  • What are the pros and cons of buying a new vs. an older home?

    The pros of buying a new home may include modern amenities, energy efficiency, and a builder's warranty, while the cons may include higher costs and the need to wait for construction to be completed. The pros of buying an older home may include charm and character, lower purchase prices, and established neighborhoods, while the cons may include maintenance and repair issues and outdated features.

  • What are the most important things to consider when choosing a neighborhood to live in?

    Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing...

Have Questions?

We have the answers.

Home Buyer

  • How much can I afford to spend on a home?

    The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your income, expenses, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and the amount of money you have available for a down payment. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a monthly mortgage payment that is no more than 28% of your gross monthly income.

  • How do I choose the right real estate agent to work with?

    When choosing a real estate agent, it's important to look for someone who has experience working in your desired area and who has a track record of success. You should also look for an agent who is responsive, communicative, and who you feel comfortable working with.

  • How much commission do buyers have to pay?

    Buyers do not pay any commissions. Commissions are paid solely by the seller.

  • How much money do I need to put down to purchase a home ?

    The amount you'll need to put down to buy a home in Florida will depend on a variety of factors, including the purchase price of the home, your credit score, and the type of mortgage loan you're obtaining. Typically, lenders require a down payment of at least 3% to 20% of the home's purchase price. 


    In Florida, there are also some down payment assistance programs available that can help reduce the amount of money you need to put down. These programs are usually administered by local or state government agencies or non-profit organizations.


    It's important to note that in addition to the down payment, you'll also need to budget for closing costs, which can range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. These costs can include fees for things like home inspections, title searches, appraisals, and more.

  • What are the closing costs associated with buying a home?

    Closing costs can include things like appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, and other expenses associated with the purchase of a home. The exact amount of closing costs will depend on the purchase price of the home and other factors.

  • What should I look for during a home inspection?

    During a home inspection, you should look for any issues with the property that could potentially cause problems down the line. This might include things like structural issues, plumbing or electrical problems, or issues with the roof or HVAC system.

  • What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval for a mortgage?

    Pre-qualification is an initial assessment of your creditworthiness based on basic financial information, while pre-approval involves a more thorough review of your finances and credit history. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can be beneficial when buying a home, as it can help you determine how much you can afford to spend and make your offer more attractive to sellers.

  • How much should I offer on a home?

    The amount you should offer on a home will depend on several factors, including the current market conditions, the property's location and condition, and how much you can afford to pay. Your real estate agent can help you determine a fair offer based on these factors.

  • How can I negotiate a better deal on a home?

    Negotiating a better deal on a home can involve a variety of tactics, including making a lower offer, asking for repairs or improvements to be made, or requesting that the seller pay for closing costs. Your real estate agent can help you determine the best negotiation strategy based on the specific circumstances of the sale.

  • What's the best way to find a home that meets my needs?

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to find a home that meets your needs will depend on your individual preferences, budget, and location. Working with a real estate agent can be helpful, as they can provide you with access to listings that match your criteria and help guide you through the home buying process.

  • What are the pros and cons of buying a new vs. an older home?

    The pros of buying a new home may include modern amenities, energy efficiency, and a builder's warranty, while the cons may include higher costs and the need to wait for construction to be completed. The pros of buying an older home may include charm and character, lower purchase prices, and established neighborhoods, while the cons may include maintenance and repair issues and outdated features.

  • What are the most important things to consider when choosing a neighborhood to live in?

    Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing...

Home Owner / Seller

  • What is the current market value of my home?

    Your home's market value can be determined by conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA) that looks at recently sold homes in your area. A real estate agent can assist you in determining the current market value of your home.

  • How long will it take to sell my home?

    The length of time it takes to sell a home can vary depending on factors such as the local real estate market, the condition of your home, and the asking price. On average, homes typically stay on the market for 30 to 60 days before being sold.

  • What fees and costs should I expect when selling my home?

    When selling a home, you can expect to pay fees such as real estate agent commissions, closing costs, and any necessary repairs or upgrades. A real estate agent can help you estimate these costs and determine your net proceeds from the sale.

  • Can I sell my home without a real estate agent?

    Yes, you can sell your home without a real estate agent, but it can be more challenging and time-consuming. A real estate agent can help you navigate the selling process and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly.

  • How can I ensure a smooth and successful closing?

    A smooth and successful closing can be achieved by working with a qualified real estate agent, staying organized throughout the process, and being responsive to any requests or inquiries from the buyer's agent or lender.

  • Should I make any repairs or upgrades before putting my home on the market?

    It's a good idea to make any necessary repairs or upgrades to your home before putting it on the market. This can help increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

  • How should I price my home?

    Pricing your home correctly is crucial to attracting potential buyers. A real estate agent can help you determine a competitive asking price based on factors such as the current market, the condition of your home, and recently sold homes in your area.

  • How should I market my home?

    A real estate agent can help you market your home by listing it on popular real estate websites and social media platforms, hosting open houses, and reaching out to their network of potential buyers.

  • Do I need to stage my home before showing it to potential buyers?

    Staging your home can make it more appealing to potential buyers and help them envision themselves living in the space. While it's not necessary, it can be helpful in certain situations.

  • What is the best time of year to sell my home?

    The best time to sell a home can vary depending on the local real estate market. In general, spring and summer are popular times to sell a home, but it's important to consult with a real estate agent to determine the best time based on your specific circumstances.

SMART Homebuyer Events

Buy SMART, Never Retail.

Learn how simple and affordable it is to buy a home with the special programs available, and why homeownership is one of the fastest paths to wealth creation!

REGISTER FOR AN EVENT NEAR YOU

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

These are real people and real reviews!

All can be verified on my Realtor.com profile.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

These are real people and real reviews!

All can be verified on my Realtor.com profile.

"Jeannie was an amazing shoulder to cry on and lean on in tough situations. Jeannie is a fighter for her clients and hardly takes no for an answer. When we are ready to sell our "starter" and find our forever home she is the only one we will be calling."

Jessica

"The perfect realtor does exist! I have used many realtors in the past and by far Jeannie is the most responsive, personable, and effective agent I have worked with. I am lucky realtor.com just happened to pair me up with her. She's the best!"

Matt

"Throughout the entire process Jeannie was very professional, responsive, and proactive. We would recommend Jeannie to anyone. Jeannie gave us hope and helped find our home when we almost gave up looking in the hot Florida housing market."

Kevin & Merli

"Jeannie was an amazing shoulder to cry on and lean on in tough situations. Jeannie is a fighter for her clients and hardly takes no for an answer. When we are ready to sell our "starter" and find our forever home she is the only one we will be calling."

Jessica

"The perfect realtor does exist! I have used many realtors in the past and by far Jeannie is the most responsive, personable, and effective agent I have worked with. I am lucky realtor.com just happened to pair me up with her. She's the best!"

Matt

"Throughout the entire process Jeannie was very professional, responsive, and proactive. We would recommend Jeannie to anyone. Jeannie gave us hope and helped find our home when we almost gave up looking in the hot Florida housing market."

Kevin & Merli

“As Canadian buyers, we were grateful to have Jeannie walk us through the process of buying real estate in Florida. She was always available, listened to our needs and was able to find us answers when we needed them.

We really appreciated Jeannie's
professionalism and commitment.

We highly recommend Jeannie and look forward to working with her again in the future.”

JoAnna

"What I liked most about Jeannie is that she listened intentionally to get a good understanding of what I wanted. She was there from beginning to end making sure the lender, title company, and home insurance agent did what was required and in a timely manner to close. I loved how she was able to maintain her composure in any situation, be professional, and make the process fun."

Rita

"We didn’t realize just how crazy the market truly was during 2021 and as a first time home buyer, we were feeling the pressure. Jeannie was extremely knowledgeable, quick to respond, empathetic, and full of positivity!! It’s because of her we found our new home and we are so happy to now call her a friend! Seriously, she’s a rockstar who knows this area really well. If you need a realtor, she’s your girl!"

Megan

“As Canadian buyers, we were grateful to have Jeannie walk us through the process of buying real estate in Florida. She was always available, listened to our needs and was able to find us answers when we needed them.

We really appreciated Jeannie's
professionalism and commitment.

We highly recommend Jeannie and look forward to working with her again in the future.”

JoAnna

"What I liked most about Jeannie is that she listened intentionally to get a good understanding of what I wanted. She was there from beginning to end making sure the lender, title company, and home insurance agent did what was required and in a timely manner to close. I loved how she was able to maintain her composure in any situation, be professional, and make the process fun."

Rita

"We didn’t realize just how crazy the market truly was during 2021 and as a first time home buyer, we were feeling the pressure. Jeannie was extremely knowledgeable, quick to respond, empathetic, and full of positivity!! It’s because of her we found our new home and we are so happy to now call her a friend! Seriously, she’s a rockstar who knows this area really well. If you need a realtor, she’s your girl!"

Megan

"Jeannie is such a great realtor and an even better person. She went above and beyond to make sure all my needs were met. She is truly the Jeannie that makes your real estate dreams come true. I will definitely recommend her to all my friends and family. She has such a kind heart and spirit."

Tracy

"Jeannie was very helpful, thoughtful, detailed oriented and made the whole process seamless. We would highly recommend her to anyone. We established a great relationship and felt like we were her only clients. She was in constant contact and helped us step by step right down to signing day."

Darren & Suzanne

"Jeannie was wonderful. We are from Pennsylvania so trust was a huge factor. Jeannine is trustworthy and did multiple virtual tours with us. She is very accommodating and has super bubbly personality. Very easy to get along with and always has your best interest at heart!"

Kathleen & Irfan

"It was an absolute pleasure working with Jeannie - we were on a tight timeframe to get to market and she accommodated us without hesitation. She provided feedback on the property and recommended a price that was reasonable for the market. She was very communicative throughout the process as we are from TN. she worked with the outside contractors to ensure necessary fixes were performed as needed."

Rob

"Jeannie was wonderful! She helped us determine the right price to list the house based on the market. She explained the process and kept me informed every step of the way.

Once we received an offer she made sure the process went smoothly and efficiently. If you are looking for a realtor that is proactive, communicative and knowledgeable

I would recommend you contact Jeannie."

Carrie

"I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Jeannie. She never made me feel uncomfortable and helped me every step of the way! She really care about her clients as well as the community and neighborhood she lives in. I started looking for a
home in March and closed in April.

She did a great job matching me with a seller. I would definitely recommend her."

Jeanette

"I highly recommend Jeannie Jacobson for all your realtor need she is the best realtor we have every used. She made sure the communication was top priority. She stayed on top of everything to make sure our buying processing was as smooth as
possible. We thank you for everything."

Charity

"As a new home buyer I was very nervous and had many questions. Jeannie was amazing at answering all of my questions and easing my concerns. She was always available and able to answer all of my questions. Buying my first home was such an
easy experience with Jeannie and could not have gotten through it without her!"

Jheri

"Such a blessing to have Jeannie in our corner through this whole process!

Her dedication and determination to get this house didn’t go unnoticed.

She fought for us and constantly kept us updated every step of the way!

My family couldn’t have done this without her."

Amanda & Trevor

"Jeannie helped me buy my first house. She was extremely helpful in guiding me through the process.

She answered all my questions and always replied quickly. When it came time to show me houses, she went above and beyond to help me find
a house that was right for me."

Gladys

"Jeannie is an absolute jewel! I started my new home search during a very difficult season of my life. Jeannie and I hit it off on the fist day of showings. I felt very comfortable sharing my story and she was so supportive. Jeannie is knowledgeable,
professional, and patient. She is honest and will keep you abreast every step of the home buying process. She was a true blessing to me and my kids. I highly recommend her! This Jeannie will help make you home buying wish come true!!"

Roderica

"Jeannie is an amazing realtor!

She found my family and I the perfect house."

Heather

Book a consultation

Have questions before

beginning your home search?


Call now or schedule a call

at a time that is convenient

for you below.

Book a consultation


Have questions before beginning your home search?


Call now or schedule a call at a time that is convenient for you below.

What Does Your Ideal Home Look Like?

What Does Your Ideal Home Look Like?

Please take a minute to help us understand your current situation and what your ideal home looks like.

We will call you within minutes of submitting your form and we can't wait to meet you!

Ideal Home Website Form

Please take a minute to help us understand your current situation and what your ideal home looks like. We will call you within minutes of submitting your form and we can't wait to meet you!

Ideal Home Website Form

Share by: