Real estate is full of excitement, questions, and unexpected twists — especially if it’s your first time buying or selling a home. Whether you’re browsing listings or prepping for an open house, you’re not alone in wondering what’s normal, what’s next, and what to avoid. Buyers and sellers alike turn to Google with the same pressing questions, searching for clarity in a process that can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why this guide has gathered the most commonly Googled real estate questions and provided helpful insights to guide you through each step of the journey.

Financial preparation is one of the most crucial steps before you begin the home-buying process — and it starts long before you schedule your first showing. First, take a close look at your credit score. Most lenders consider 620 the minimum for conventional loans, but a higher score can lead to better interest rates and lower monthly payments. If your score needs work, aim to start paying down debts, make all payments on time, and avoid opening new credit accounts.

Next, build up your savings. In addition to a down payment, you’ll need funds for closing costs, inspections, moving expenses, and possible repairs or renovations once you move in. Creating a dedicated home savings plan can help you stay on track financially. If you’re not sure how much you need, your lender can walk you through estimates based on your desired price range.

It’s also smart to reduce or eliminate unnecessary debts when possible, as lenders use your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to evaluate how much mortgage you can afford. A lower DTI means that you may qualify for a higher loan amount or more favorable terms. By paying down credit cards, student loans, or car payments in advance, you’re putting yourself in a stronger position when it’s time to apply for a mortgage.

Finally, it’s vital to get pre-approved. This involves submitting financial documents like W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements to a lender, who will then issue a pre-approval letter indicating how much they’re willing to lend. This step helps define your budget and gives sellers confidence that you’re a serious and well-qualified buyer.

This is one of the most frequently Googled questions, and for good reason — down payments can vary widely. Many buyers think they need to save 20%, but that’s not always required. Depending on the loan type, you could qualify with as little as 3% down or even zero down for some government-backed loans.

That said, a more considerable down payment generally means lower monthly payments and better loan terms. Talk to a lender early on to see what’s possible for your situation. They’ll help you understand what you can afford, which programs might be available, and what kind of monthly mortgage payment you’ll be looking at based on different down payment amounts.

For buyers, the timeline from the home search to closing will typically range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the market and how quickly you find the right home. Once your offer is accepted, most closings take about 30 to 45 days. That includes time for inspections, appraisals, loan underwriting, and any necessary renegotiations.

For sellers, how quickly your home sells depends on pricing, condition, competing inventory, and current demand. In a competitive market, you might receive offers within just days of listing. Your real estate agent will provide a realistic estimate based on market data and help devise a strategy to attract qualified buyers quickly.

This is one of the trickiest decisions sellers face. If you sell first, you’ll know exactly how much you have to spend on your next home, and you won’t be stuck with two mortgages at the same time. The downside, however, is that you may feel rushed to buy quickly or find temporary housing once your current property sells.

If you buy a new home first, you can take your time finding the perfect next residence, but it may be challenging to carry two mortgages at once. Your real estate agent can help you weigh your options and explore strategies like lease-backs, bridge loans, or contingent offers to ease the transition.

Yes — staging is one of the most effective ways to make a great first impression and help buyers imagine themselves within the space.

Start with decluttering, removing any distracting personal items, and rearranging the furniture to make each room look open, neutral, and inviting. Your real estate agent may also suggest straightforward updates like fresh paint, new lighting, or adding a few modern accents to create a warm, polished look that photographs well in listing images.

Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the sale to go through. Common contingencies include:

• Home inspection – Allows the buyer to back out or renegotiate if significant issues are found
• Appraisal – Protects the buyer and lender if the home’s value is lower than the purchase price
• Financing – Gives the buyer time to finalize mortgage approval
• Sale of current home – Enables the buyer to make the deal contingent on selling their existing property

Contingencies give buyers flexibility and protection, but including too many can make your offer less attractive. Your real estate agent will help you decide which contingencies are essential and how to structure them wisely.

Closing is the final step, in which all documents are signed, payments are made, and ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer. You’ll review and sign a stack of paperwork, including the loan agreement, title documents, and final disclosures. The buyer pays closing costs, the seller receives the proceeds from the sale, and the keys are exchanged.

Before closing, a final walkthrough ensures the property is in the agreed-upon condition. Once everything is signed and the funds are transferred, the transaction is complete. Your real estate agent and title company will guide you through each detail to make sure that everything goes smoothly.

Real estate may be full of questions, but it’s also full of solutions — especially when you’re working with the right professionals. Whether you’re just beginning your home search, getting ready to list your property, or somewhere in between, knowing what to expect puts you ahead of the game.

With a knowledgeable real estate agent in your corner and a solid understanding of what lies ahead, you’ll be ready to navigate the market with confidence, clarity, and a clear plan of action. For expert guidance as you begin your real estate journey in Washington, GA, Jenny Brown Strother at J Brand Realty is by your side. Reach out today to begin.