Jim & Connie Erickson 

"Your Friends in Real Estate"

Showcase of Homes Realty (612) 382-6925

Frequently Asked Questions

Home Buyer's Questions

1. Do you charge for helping me find and purchase a home?

2. Can you help me buy a home being sold By Owner?

3. Can you give me an idea of how much home I can afford?

4. Can you show me the cost comparison between renting and owning?

5. Can you give me an idea of the closing costs involved when purchasing a home?

6. What markets do you serve?

7. I really like a certain neighborhood but there are no homes for sale.  

Home Seller's Questions

1. How will you market my home and what is your commission rate?

2. I am having trouble making house payments. What can I do?

3. Can you give me an idea what the market value of my house is?

4. Aside from the commission I will pay you for marketing my home, will you be charging me any additional fees?

5. What markets do you serve?

6. Can you give me an idea of the closing costs involved from selling a home?

Have a question that is not here?

Go to our Contact Us page and let us know. We will answer all questions!

 Questions/Answers about buying a home

1. Do you charge for helping me find and purchase a home?

In most cases no! The seller will pay the listing agent a commission. The listing agent will share a portion of their commission with a Buyer's agent who brings a buyer to the closing table. Some Buyer's agents will charge additional fees to buyers called transaction fees, compliance fees, etc. This is simply a way for the real estate company to make additional money. We do not charge these "junk fees".

2. Can you help me buy a home being sold BY Owner?

Yes! Some For Sale By Owners (FSBO's) offer buyers agents a compensation at closing. Some do not have any idea that this is an option until we talk with them about it. Basically, once they know that our clients are interested in seeing their property, they will sign a One Time Showing Agreement. This provides us with compensation should you decide to purchase the property. This also protects you from raising the home price to compensate for the commission. 

3. Can you give me an idea of how much home I can afford?

Yes! We can quickly give you an idea of the affordable price for a home by asking you a few questions about your income, debt, etc. Speaking with a lender will be the next step and will confirm the home you can afford with full backup from the lender.

4. Can you show me the cost comparison between renting and owning?

Yes! All we need is your rent information & home value you can afford. We will calculate your cost comparison. Go to our RENT vs OWN page.

5. Can you give me an idea of the closing costs involved when purchasing a home?

Yes! Based on the value of the home you can afford and the amount of the loan, we can give you a pretty good idea of your closing costs.

6. What markets do you serve?

We are licensed in the State of Minnesota and assist our buying clients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Area.

7. I really like a certain neighborhood but there are no homes for sale.

Why wait until they go on the market. We will drive through the neighborhood with you, you point out the homes you like and we'll make the calls to those homeowners. There is always a good chance that a homeowner may decide the time is right to sell knowing someone is interested in their home.

Questions/Answers about selling your home

1. How will you market my home and what is your commission rate?

We have a variety of marketing plans to choose from. Each plan shows the services and compensation. You choose the marketing plan that you think will work best for you.

2. I am having trouble making house payments. What can I do?

Be Aware of Predators! They will smell a foreclosure and will try to profit by dishonesty! We will work with you to help you keep your home and maintain your credit standing. At the very least, you have every right to get the fair market value out of your home.

3. Can you give me an idea what the market value of my house is?

Yes! We can give you a idea of your market value. Go to our HOME VALUE page.

4. Aside from the commission I will pay you for marketing my home, will you be charging me any additional fees?

No... and why should you? You are already paying us for marketing your home. Some agents will charge additional fees to sellers called transaction fees, compliance fees, etc. This is simply a way for the real estate company to make additional money. We do not charge these "junk fees".

5. What markets do you serve?

We are licensed in the State of Minnesota and serve our selling clients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Area.

6. Can you give me an idea of the closing costs involved in selling a home?

Yes! Based on the sale price you may get for your home , we can give you a pretty good idea of your closing costs.

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