Pete Dorinsky Real Estate · reafco

Client ResourceGuides for every step

Everything I share with my clients, all in one place. Open any guide to read it right here, or download a PDF copy to keep. If anything raises a question, I'm always happy to talk it through.

Buyer Resources

For Buyers

From building credit to getting the keys: the full roadmap, answers to the questions I hear most, and what to know about radon.

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Home-Buying Process: Start-to-Finish

The 21 steps from establishing credit to post-closing.

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This is a general breakdown of the home-buying process. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if you would like additional information.

  1. STEP 01

    Rent & Establish Credit

    Work on building strong credit and maintaining consistent payment history.

  2. STEP 02

    Create a Budget

    Common guidelines typically suggest 30% of your income if financing.

    Determine how much you can comfortably afford to pay each month towards your mortgage. If you are paying cash, what is your maximum purchase price?

  3. STEP 03

    Decide How Much Money to Put Towards a Down Payment (If Financing) and Begin Saving

    Build reserves for your down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses. This is also a good time to budget for unexpected expenses you may encounter after closing on your home or costs of improvements/renovations you would like to make, if any.

  4. STEP 04

    Collect Paperwork & Talk to a Lender

    Gather financial documents and begin conversations with potential lenders.

  5. STEP 05

    Credit Check & Pre-Approval

    After connecting with a lender you trust, now is the time to obtain your pre-approval letter. This is essential for submitting offers.

  6. STEP 06

    Connect With a REALTOR®

    Now is a good time to connect with a Realtor who will guide you through the homebuying process and sign a buyer's agency contract.

  7. STEP 07

    Compare Properties

    Review listings that match your criteria.

  8. STEP 08

    View Properties

    Tour homes in person or virtually to identify your top choices.

  9. STEP 09

    Make an Offer

    Your Realtor will take care of preparing all of the paperwork based on the terms that you provide.

    Include: pre-qualification or pre-approval letter · letter to seller (optional)
  10. STEP 10

    Possible Negotiation

    The seller may counter your initial offer. Some back and forth with the seller may be necessary in order to reach terms that can be agreed upon by all parties.

  11. STEP 11

    Sign the Real Estate Contract

    Once terms are agreed upon, both parties sign the purchase agreement and you are officially in contract!

  12. STEP 12

    Set Up the Inspection

    Schedule a home inspection as soon as the contract is executed. It is very important to do this as soon as possible in order to maximize your time to review the findings in the inspection report and allow time for possible negotiations within the inspection period.

  13. STEP 13

    Review Inspection Summary

    Evaluate the inspector's findings.

  14. STEP 14

    Negotiate Repairs / Ask for Concessions

    Ask for repairs or concessions based on inspection results and the terms of your purchase contract.

  15. STEP 15

    Make Amendments to the Purchase Agreement (If Any)

    Finalize any amendments and move forward out of the inspection period.

  16. STEP 16

    Submit Loan for Processing

    Your lender begins verifying your financials and the contract.

  17. STEP 17

    Bank Orders Appraisal

    Your lender schedules an appraisal to confirm property value.

  18. STEP 18

    Title Commitment

    A title company reviews ownership history and issues a title commitment.

  19. STEP 19

    Final Walk-Through

    Verify the condition of the home before closing.

  20. STEP 20

    Closing Day!!!

    Sign all documents, transfer funds, receive the keys.

  21. STEP 21

    Post-Closing

    Move in and receive final documents from your lender and title company.

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Homebuyer FAQ

Answers to the questions I hear most: closing costs, contingencies, earnest money, and more.

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01Where Do I Start?

If you are completely new to the homebuying process, the best place to start is to determine what you can afford. Most first-time homebuyers do not buy their home outright with cash, so financing is typically necessary. Speaking with a lender is the most practical first step; they can quickly determine whether or not you can be pre-qualified for a loan based on your finances. If a lender is unable to pre-qualify you, they can provide constructive guidance on what to improve in order to qualify you in the future. Once you have obtained your pre-qualification letter with the amount the lender is willing to lend to you, this will help establish a budget. From there you can further refine your property criteria and begin looking at homes!

02What Are Closing Costs?

Your closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay in order to complete the purchase of your home. These costs are reflected on the "ALTA" Settlement Statement, which is issued by the title company shortly before the closing date. These buyer fees typically include title fees, lender fees, pro-rated property taxes, third-party fees (e.g., appraisal fee, survey fee, etc.), and government fees (e.g., recording and transfer fees). Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around 2–5% of the purchase price in closing costs, not including the down payment.

03How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home?

The typical residential real estate transaction takes approximately 30 days. While many factors can cause this timeline to vary, 30 days is standard for most purchases. If you are financing your home, this timeframe allows your lender to process your loan through underwriting, the title company to conduct a title search to ensure there are no outstanding liens or judgments against the property, and it provides time for you as the buyer to complete your inspection (if applicable), provide necessary documents to both the lender and title company, schedule the transfer of utilities into your name, and complete other essential tasks. It is certainly possible to close sooner than 30 days; however, if you are financing the purchase, it is important to check with your lender prior to entering into contract to ensure they can accommodate a quicker closing.

04What Are Contract Contingencies?

Contract contingencies are conditions that must be satisfied in order for a sale to proceed to closing. These contingencies offer protection to the buyer and may allow them to terminate the contract if the conditions are not met. The most common contingencies in a residential purchase contract are the financing contingency (which allows the buyer time to obtain a loan) and the inspection contingency (which allows the buyer to perform a home inspection to determine whether they are satisfied with the condition of the property). These are standard contingencies in most purchase contracts. While a buyer is not limited in the number of contingencies they may include in a purchase contract, fewer contingencies generally make an offer more attractive to a seller.

05Do I Need a Home Inspection? What Inspection Services Are Available?

It is always recommended that you perform a home inspection when purchasing a home. While not required, conducting a thorough inspection is an important part of your due diligence, especially because Ohio is a "buyer-beware" state. This means it is primarily the buyer's responsibility to inspect a property and identify any potential defects.

A home inspection provides an additional layer of protection by uncovering issues with the property and giving the buyer the option to either terminate the purchase contract based on the findings or negotiate repairs or concessions with the seller. A general home inspection includes a visual evaluation of the home's exterior and interior, as well as testing the appliances and mechanical systems included in the property.

Inspectors often offer additional services beyond the general home inspection, which may include a wood-destroying insect inspection, radon testing, sewer line inspections, and more. It is recommended that you ask your inspector for details on what is covered in the general inspection and the additional services they provide.

06What Is an Earnest Money Deposit?

An earnest money deposit, sometimes called a good-faith deposit, is money the buyer submits to the escrow agent (typically the title company) after going under contract to purchase a home. This money is held in escrow to demonstrate the buyer's intent to follow through with the purchase and is later credited to the buyer at closing, reducing their total closing costs. If the purchase contract is terminated due to a contingency, the earnest money will be refunded by the escrow agent to the buyer. However, if the contract is terminated due to "cold feet" or for any reason outside of the established contingencies, the earnest money will be forfeited to the seller.

The earnest money deposit is typically 1% of the property's purchase price. While it can be more or less, 1% is the most common. Including earnest money as part of your offer is highly recommended, as it signals to the seller that you are serious about purchasing their home.

07What Are the Most Competitive Terms on an Offer When Multiple Offers Have Been Received on a Property?

The most attractive offers to sellers are typically those with the highest purchase price and the fewest contingencies. It is common for offers to include both a financing contingency and an inspection contingency, and most sellers expect to see these. This is not to say that you cannot—or should never—include additional contingencies when submitting an offer; however, generally speaking, fewer contingencies tend to make an offer more competitive.

Additionally, an earnest money deposit of at least 1–2% of the purchase price and a closing timeline of no more than 30 days are often viewed favorably by sellers (check with your lender to confirm whether a faster closing is possible). You may also want to ask your agent whether the seller has any preferred terms, such as post-closing possession if the seller needs additional time to move after closing.

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What Is Radon?

A quick guide to the invisible gas every Columbus home buyer should test for.

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What it is and where it occurs

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas with no color, odor, or taste. It forms as uranium breaks down and is released from rocks, soil, and water. Radon can enter any home, whether it has a basement or not, is sealed tight or drafty, brand new or decades old. Without proper mitigation, it can build up in the air inside your home over time.

Health risks

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. The radioactive particles from radon gas can become trapped in your lungs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends remediation if radon levels are 4 pCi/L or higher.

Reducing the risk: before you buy

  • Order a radon test on the home you plan to purchase, whether or not a mitigation system is already in place.
  • If results show 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends remediation.
  • Remediation is typically done by installing a radon mitigation system.
EPA Action Level
4
pCi/L

At or above this level, the EPA recommends fixing your home.

Pete's Tip
Schedule the radon test alongside your home inspection so results come back within your inspection window. If levels are high, we can negotiate a mitigation system with the seller before you close.

Sources: EPA · CDC · TPI

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Seller Resources

For Sellers

Your step-by-step home selling guide, from the first consultation to moving day.

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From Listed to Sold

Pricing, prep, staging, marketing, offers, inspection, appraisal, disclosures, closing, and a moving checklist.

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Seeing Beyond the Surface of Your Home

Pete Dorinsky

Before I became a licensed agent, I spent several years in the trades, working hands-on in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and full-scale remodeling. That experience gives my sellers a real advantage.

When I walk through your home, I'm not just looking at finishes. I'm looking at the quality of the workmanship, spotting what a buyer's inspector is likely to flag, and helping you separate what's cosmetic from what actually matters. That means smarter prep, fewer surprises after inspection, and a stronger position at the negotiating table.

My background in Consumer and Family Financial Services from The Ohio State University means I think about your sale financially, too. Not just "what will it sell for?" but "what's the right move for you and your family?"

I pride myself on being upfront, honest, and aligned with my clients every step of the way. My goal is for you to feel 100% confident your best interests are protected from our first conversation to the closing table.

An agent who understands homes structurally, financially, and strategically, not just contractually.

Listing Consultation

Our first meeting is all about you: your goals, your timeline, and your questions. You'll leave with a clear, customized plan to sell for the best possible price in the right amount of time.

1. Your Goals & Timeline

Why you're selling, when you need to move, and what matters most, so the strategy fits your life.

2. Market Analysis (CMA)

A Comparative Market Analysis showing how your home stacks up against recent sales and current competition.

3. A Condition Walkthrough

With my trades background, I'll point out what's worth fixing, what to leave alone, and what an inspector is likely to notice.

4. Marketing Strategy

Professional photography, MLS exposure, major search sites, social media, and my agent network: exactly how buyers will discover your home.

5. The Road to Closing

The full timeline from listing and showings to offers, inspections, appraisal, and closing. No surprises.

The Ten-Step Process

  1. STEP 1

    Initial Consultation & Goals

    • We'll talk through your timeline, your reasons for selling, and what matters most to you.
    • I'll explain how I work and how I'll guide you from listing to closing.
  2. STEP 2

    Home Evaluation & Pricing Strategy

    • I'll walk your home and prepare a CMA based on recent sales, active competition, and buyer demand.
    • Together, we'll set a price that attracts buyers and protects your bottom line.
  3. STEP 3

    Listing Agreement

    • We'll complete the listing paperwork together.
    • I'll explain every term in plain language so you move forward with confidence.
  4. STEP 4

    Home Preparation Guidance

    • I'll recommend repairs, updates, and staging that are worth the money, and flag what isn't.
    • You'll get a customized checklist to get your home market-ready.
  5. STEP 5

    Photography & Marketing Assets

    • We'll schedule professional photography and, when it fits, video or a virtual tour.
    • Your home will be captured in a way that highlights its best features.
  6. STEP 6

    Launch the Marketing Campaign

    • Your home goes live on the MLS, major search websites, and targeted social media.
    • I'll share it directly with my network of buyers, agents, and investors.
  7. STEP 7

    Showings & Open Houses

    • I'll coordinate private showings and host open houses when they make sense.
    • You'll get buyer feedback so we can adjust quickly if needed.
  8. STEP 8

    Receive & Negotiate Offers

    • I'll present every offer with its strengths, weaknesses, and net proceeds to you.
    • Then I'll negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.
  9. STEP 9

    Under Contract

    • I'll guide you through inspection, appraisal, and any repair negotiations.
    • I'll make sure every deadline is met and keep you informed at each stage.
  10. STEP 10

    Closing Day & Celebrate!

    • We'll sign the final documents, hand over the keys, and celebrate your sale.
    • Even after closing, I'm your real estate resource for whatever comes next.

The Importance of Pricing

Of all the decisions in a sale, price matters most. Price too low and you leave money on the table. Price too high and your home sits, costing you in mortgage payments, upkeep, and stress, and often selling for less in the end.

Most buyer activity happens in the first two weeks on the market, when buyers and agents are watching new listings closely. Together, we'll review recent sales, active competition, and listings that expired or were pulled, then set a price that positions your home to win.

A Timely Sale

Most homes eventually sell at fair market value. Starting there means fewer days on market, less inconvenience, and a stronger return.

Competition

Buyers tour many homes and learn quickly what's fair. If yours isn't competitive with others in its price range, they'll move on.

Momentum & Multiple Offers

A well-priced home draws more showings early, which can lead to stronger offers and better terms.

Reputation

Homes that linger get noticed for the wrong reasons. Buyers start to wonder what's wrong, and long time on market usually means a lower final price.

Preparing Your Home to Sell

A clean, well-kept home draws more buyers, sells faster, and commands a better price. Start this checklist 2–4 weeks before listing. Anything left unrepaired will show up on the buyer's inspection report, and a long list gives buyers a reason to negotiate or walk away.

Pre-Listing Checklist

  • Declutter surfaces, closets & storage
  • Deep clean kitchens & bathrooms
  • Replace burnt-out bulbs with matching ones
  • Touch up chipped or scuffed paint
  • Clean windows & mirrors; repair screens
  • Pressure wash siding, walks & driveway
  • Service the HVAC; replace air filters
  • Clean carpets or refinish hardwoods
  • Repair any ceiling stains or leaks
  • Remove personal photos & bold décor
Pete's Trades Tip
Fix the small stuff an inspector will notice.
Dripping faucets, loose handles, dead outlets, and cracked caulk cost little to fix but read as "deferred maintenance" on a report. I'll walk the house with you and flag what's worth tackling before photos.

Return on Your Home Improvements

The goal is to improve appearance and function without over-investing. Big renovations rarely pay for themselves before a sale, and most buyers would rather personalize major upgrades themselves.

Usually Worth Doing

  • Interior paint in warm, neutral colors
  • Minor landscaping and fresh mulch
  • Fixing obvious defects: leaky faucets, loose handles, broken outlets
  • Updating dated light fixtures
  • Replacing worn or cracked caulk in kitchens and baths
  • Cleaning or repainting the front door

Small fixes make a home feel fresh, cared for, and move-in ready.

Usually Not Worth It

  • Full kitchen remodels
  • Major landscaping projects
  • Luxury upgrades beyond neighborhood standards
  • Adding rooms or major structural additions

Not sure where a project falls? Ask me. I can usually give you a realistic sense of cost and likely payoff on the spot.

Helpful Pros to Have on Call
Professional Cleaners · Handyman Services · Painters · Landscapers · Photographers · Junk Removal
Reliable vendors keep prep on schedule. Ask me for trusted recommendations in any category.

Home Staging, Room by Room

Staging helps buyers connect emotionally. The goal is a clean, neutral space where buyers can picture themselves living. Well-staged homes photograph better and feel more spacious.

Living Room

  • Remove excess furniture for an open feel
  • Keep pillows and décor simple and neutral
  • Open curtains and blinds for natural light

Kitchen

  • Clear counters except one decorative piece
  • Tuck away trash cans and small appliances
  • Organize cabinets and pantry (buyers look)

Bedrooms

  • Use crisp white or neutral bedding
  • Remove bulky or extra furniture
  • Keep décor minimal and calming

Bathrooms

  • Hang fresh, clean towels
  • Replace a tired shower curtain
  • Clear counters and put away toiletries
A simple rule of thumb: if it doesn't help a buyer picture their own life here, pack it.

First Impressions

Buyers start judging your home from the street and decide how they feel within moments of walking in. Two things carry outsized weight: the exterior and the way the home smells.

Curb Appeal

  • Add fresh mulch to landscaping beds
  • Trim bushes and trees
  • Edge sidewalks and garden beds
  • Power wash driveways and walkways
  • Clean or repaint the front door
  • Add a new welcome mat
  • Place simple potted plants at the entry

Smell & Air Quality

  • Aim for clean and neutral, not perfumed
  • Skip strong candles and heavy fragrances
  • Open windows when the weather allows
  • Deep clean carpets and upholstery
  • Address pet odors and litter boxes
  • Use subtle air fresheners only if needed
Unkempt lawns, burned-out bulbs, sticky locks, lingering odors: the little things are rarely little to a buyer.

Preparing Your Home to Show

Photo Day Checklist

Most buyers see your home online first. Great photos are the most important marketing you have.

  • Turn on every interior light
  • Open all blinds and curtains
  • Move cars from the driveway and street
  • Hide trash cans and yard tools
  • Put away pet bowls, beds, and toys
  • Close toilet lids
  • Turn off ceiling fans (they blur)
  • Mow the lawn and tidy landscaping

Before Every Showing

Showings can come with little notice. A quick reset keeps every visit at its best.

  • Make the beds
  • Quick vacuum or sweep
  • Empty trash cans
  • Wipe kitchen and bath counters
  • Turn on lights; open blinds
  • Secure or take pets with you
  • Keep showing windows flexible
  • Step out; buyers relax when you're not home
Leave the house for showings, but keep your phone handy so I can reach you with questions or feedback.

Your Prep Timeline

4

WEEKS OUT

  • Declutter and start packing
  • Complete minor repairs and maintenance
  • Book professional cleaning if needed
2

WEEKS OUT

  • Finish staging adjustments
  • Schedule professional photography
  • Finalize listing details and marketing
1

WEEK OUT

  • Final deep clean
  • Exterior touch-ups
  • Prep for photos and launch

Pack Early

Selling is the perfect excuse to get a head start on moving. Less stuff makes rooms feel larger and makes moving day easier: off-season clothing, family photos & memorabilia, collectibles & extra décor, extra furniture, kids' toys you can live without, and extra kitchen appliances & gadgets.

How Buyers Will Find You

A sign in the yard is only the beginning. Here's how we'll get you seen.

Professional Photography

Bright, magazine-quality images that make your listing stand out in online searches.

MLS Exposure

Full listing on the Multiple Listing Service, reaching every active agent and their buyers.

Major Search Websites

Syndication to the home search sites where today's buyers start looking.

Social Media Campaigns

Targeted posts and ads that put your home in front of local buyers.

Agent Network

Direct promotion to my network of agents, buyers, and investors in Central Ohio.

Open Houses

Hosted when they make sense for your home and your schedule.

When an Offer Arrives

Once buyers start touring, offers follow. Here's what to expect, and how I'll help you weigh each one.

The Purchase Contract

The buyer's agent prepares a written offer with the price, earnest money, financing type, contingencies, and proposed closing date, then sends it to me to present to you.

Comparing Offers

The highest price isn't always the best offer. I'll walk you through the strengths and risks of each: financing strength, contingencies, timing, and the likelihood it actually closes.

Your Net Proceeds

For each offer, I'll prepare an estimated net sheet showing your costs to sell and what you'll actually walk away with.

Accept or Counter

You can accept, decline, or counter. If you counter, the buyer can accept, decline, or counter back. I'll negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.

Under Contract

Once both sides sign, the closing process begins: inspection, appraisal, and title work, with me tracking every deadline.

The Home Inspection

After you accept an offer, most buyers hire a licensed inspector to examine the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliances. The buyer receives a written report, and that report often shapes the next round of negotiation.

Not Pass / Fail

Every home, even a new one, has findings. The question is what's reasonable to address.

Negotiation Leverage

Buyers may request repairs, a credit, or a price adjustment based on the findings.

Potential Deal-Breakers

Major issues like roof damage, foundation cracks, or serious electrical problems can cause a buyer to walk away if unresolved.

How to Prepare

  • Knock out simple fixes in advance: leaky faucets, dead bulbs, loose handles
  • Clear access to the attic, basement, crawlspace & electrical panel
  • Service major systems if they're overdue
  • Have repair and service records handy
  • Plan to negotiate fairly: buyers want safety and function, not perfection
Where my trades background helps most. When a report comes back, I can tell you which items are genuinely serious, which are routine, and what a repair should realistically cost, so you negotiate from facts instead of fear.

The Appraisal

If your buyer is financing, their lender will order an appraisal: a licensed, third-party opinion of value based on your home's size, condition, location, upgrades, and comparable nearby sales. The bank won't lend more than the home is worth.

If It Comes in Low

An appraisal at or above the contract price keeps things moving. If it comes in below, there are a few common paths:

  • You agree to lower the price
  • The buyer brings extra cash to cover the gap
  • You meet somewhere in the middle
  • The buyer may be able to walk away, depending on contract terms

How to Prepare

You can't control the final number, but you can influence it:

  • Have the home clean and presentable
  • Give the appraiser a list of upgrades and improvements, with dates and costs
  • Make every area easy to access
  • Let me provide supporting comparable sales
Bottom line: pricing well from the start is your best protection against a low appraisal.

When in Doubt, Disclose

Ohio law requires most sellers to complete a Residential Property Disclosure Form, sharing known material defects with buyers in writing. Honest, thorough disclosure protects you and builds buyer confidence.

What to Disclose

Known issues you're aware of: water intrusion, roof or foundation problems, mechanical defects, and similar concerns. If you're unsure whether something counts, ask me. When in doubt, disclose.

Maintenance Records

Gather records of service, warranty work, and improvements, especially roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliance work. Good records read as pride of ownership.

Utility Costs

Buyers will ask about monthly costs. Pull 12 months of gas, electric, water, sewer, and trash bills, or request a summary from your providers.

Warranties

Collect any warranties still in effect, particularly for the roof, major systems, and appliances. Transferable warranties are a selling point.

Start a Seller Folder Now
✓ Completed disclosure form   ✓ 12 months of utility bills   ✓ HOA documents (if any)   ✓ Repair & service receipts   ✓ Active warranties   ✓ Permits for past work

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your specific disclosure obligations, consult a real estate attorney.

Understanding the Closing Process

In Ohio, a title company typically acts as the neutral third party, holding funds and documents and coordinating everyone until the property officially changes hands.

1TITLE COMPANYReceives the signed contract and earnest money, opens the file, and orders the title search
2BUYERCompletes inspections; any repair requests are negotiated
3LENDERProcesses the loan: credit, employment and asset verification, and the appraisal
4TITLE COMPANYIssues the title commitment and orders payoff figures for your mortgage and any liens
5LENDERIssues final loan approval ("clear to close") and sends loan documents
6TITLE COMPANYPrepares the settlement statement for review by all parties
7BUYERDoes a final walkthrough to confirm the home's condition
8SELLERSigns the deed and closing documents (often possible in advance)
9BUYERSigns loan documents and wires remaining funds
10TITLE COMPANYRecords the deed with the county, pays off your loan, and disburses your proceeds
11TITLE COMPANYIssues owner's and lender's title policies; keys change hands

Title Insurance Explained

Before closing, the title company searches public records to confirm you legally own the property and that nothing (called a title defect) stands in the way of the sale.

What It Is

A policy that protects the buyer and their lender against financial loss from problems with the property's title. Unlike most insurance, it covers past issues that could surface after closing.

What It Protects Against

  • Legal claims to the property
  • Undisclosed liens, judgments, or ownership disputes
  • Mistakes in past deeds or records

Common Title Defects

  • Unpaid property taxes or liens
  • Errors in public records or legal descriptions
  • Unknown heirs or competing ownership claims
  • Fraudulent signatures on past documents
  • Undisclosed easements or restrictions

Any defects found must be resolved before closing. The earlier we know, the better.

Bottom line: title insurance assures the buyer of clear ownership and helps keep your sale on track.

Seller FAQ

Should we be home for showings?

It's best to step out. Buyers feel more comfortable exploring and talking openly when the seller isn't there.

How long does it take to sell?

It depends on the market, but a well-priced, well-prepared home typically sees its strongest interest in the first few weeks. If there's plenty of traffic but no offers, that's usually a signal to revisit price.

Is there a "best" season to sell?

Homes sell year-round. Timing matters, but your goals and the local market matter more. I'll help you weigh both.

What happens after we accept an offer?

The buyer typically completes inspections, financing approval, and an appraisal. I'll track every deadline and keep you updated at each step.

What repairs are negotiable?

Nearly anything the inspection turns up. Requests may come as repairs, credits, or price adjustments. I'll help you decide what's reasonable and what to push back on.

How flexible should we be on showings and financing?

The easier your home is to see and the more open you are to different financing types, the more buyers you reach. Restrictive access is one of the most common ways sellers slow themselves down.

Moving Checklist

Plan the Move

  • Book movers at least 3–4 weeks ahead
  • Collect boxes early; pack non-essentials first
  • Label boxes clearly by room

Address Change

  • File a USPS forwarding address 2–3 weeks before moving
  • Update banks, credit cards, and accounts
  • Update subscriptions and deliveries
  • Let friends and family know

Utilities

  • Schedule shut-off or transfer: gas, electric, water, sewer, trash, internet
  • Start service at your new home before move-in
  • Request refunds on any deposits
  • Return cable or internet equipment

Insurance

  • Confirm homeowner's coverage on your new home
  • Update auto and other policies with your new address
  • Keep coverage on this home until closing

Medical & Records

  • Transfer prescriptions; get referrals if relocating
  • Gather medical, dental, and vet records
  • Keep birth certificates and passports with you

Pets & Schools

  • Check local license and vaccination rules for pets
  • Request school transcripts (some districts require they come directly from the prior school)

Disclosure: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate transactions vary based on individual circumstances, and buyers and sellers should consult with their real estate agent, lender, attorney, and other qualified professionals before making decisions related to a purchase or sale.

Pete Dorinsky
Let's Connect

Questions? Let's talk.

Whether you're just starting to think about buying or selling or you're ready for next steps, I'm just a call, text, or email away.

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