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Brian DiMaggio

Answers by Brian DiMaggio

42 answers · 222 pts

Can i make a real estate sale with zero interest?

Asked by Joe | Naples, FL | 01-27-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

A local realtor would be able to handle most of the sales process for you.

Kitchen updates for selling?

Asked by Zach | Chicago, IL | 01-27-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

Kitchens and bathrooms definitely have the most impact on value when doing renovations. Get some quotes. There are also companies like curbio that will renovate for you and then take the payment off the top of the sales price.

Does a swimming pool add value to a house?

Asked by Maggie | Appleton, WI | 01-27-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

I would say it is not a dollar for dollar return, and it depends on the condition of the pool.

Should I buy a house in the mountains or flatland?

Asked by Community | Long Pond, PA | 01-24-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

Depends on what your goals are! I would pay more attention to the economy and growth surrounding the area.

Do all homes need sump pumps?

Asked by Joan G | Hiseville, KY | 01-24-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

Generally, if the home or basement is below street level it will need a sump pump.

If I buy a fixer upper where can i get money to renovate?

Asked by Tu F | Kill Devil Hills, NC | 01-24-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

There are some loan programs that will help with this, so be sure to ask your lender. Hard-money may be an option, albeit an expensive one.

How long does a seller have to respond to my offer?

Asked by Shannon | Springfield, MO | 01-20-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

In Georgia, it is typically 24 hours. Although, in some situations more or less time is allowed.

How to report real estate sale on tax return?

Asked by Carl B | St. Louis, MO | 01-19-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

There are a lot of variables that go into answering that questions. I would definitely recommend finding a good CPA

Is it offensive to negotiate the commission?

Asked by Aaron B | Boise, ID | 01-11-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

I would find an agent that will do what it takes to negotiate and get you the most for your property. Typically, the more you make the more they do, so that is incentive for them to get the most they can on your behalf. If they accept less commission, they may be less motivated.

How can I tell if an area is up and coming?

Asked by Gabriel R | Chicago, IL | 01-11-2023

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

If you see a lot of new construction in the area that can be a great sign that growth is coming. Redoing the streets, adding sidewalks, etc are all good signs as well.

When is the best time to sell my house?

Asked by Damien T | Madison, WI | 12-28-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

Depends on you and your situation/goals. Typically the market is the most active in Spring going into the Summer.

How should I price my house for sale?

Asked by Gill Miller | Commerce, GA | 12-22-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

Competitively with the recent sales comps in your area. A local agent should be able to guide you on this. I am in the area and Commerce is growing so it should garner a lot of attention.

Why would a house sit on the market for a while?

Asked by Ricky Hasan | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 12-20-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio01-27-2023 (3 years ago)

It all comes down to price. If a home is priced correctly it will sell. Even if it has major major issues. If the price reflects that then it should sell, given it may take a little longer than usual.

Does the value of my home affect the commission that I pay?

Asked by Mark Johnson | Buffalo, NY | 12-15-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-19-2022 (3 years ago)

Not necessarily the value, but the sale price yes.

What is a patio home?

Asked by Blaze White | Greensburg, PA | 12-14-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-15-2022 (3 years ago)

Hey Blaze, from my understanding it means an attached home, also know as carriage homes, garden homes, cluster homes, and courtyard homes.

Where do I find the water shut off for outside?

Asked by Jahon D | Gorham, NH | 12-12-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

This is going to vary on the home, but usually it will be located just inside the home opposite of the spigot. Sometimes there is an access panel if it is in finished space. Hope this helps!

Do I need a lawyer to buy a home?

Asked by Henry Fisher | Boulder, CO | 12-09-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-15-2022 (3 years ago)

Some states require attorneys, other require title companies. Best to contact a local realtor and find out what yours requires.

If I meet with an agent am I required to hire them?

Asked by Joan Crowley | New Troy, MI | 12-08-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Not at all as long as there is nothing signed!

Can I negotiate the commission rate?

Asked by Hannah O'Neil | Madison, WI | 12-07-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Yes, but typically you may be different levels of service for varying commission rates. An agent should work for their commission so find out what they are doing for you.

Who pays closing costs?

Asked by Javier Raos | San Antonio, TX | 12-07-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

In my state (Georgia) closing costs are negotiable, so it depends on other aspects of the offer. I.e How competitive you want to be, purchase price, terms etc. Commission is typically paid by the Seller.

What can I do if I have concerns with my agent?

Asked by Michelle Johnson | Mount Prospect, IL | 12-07-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Explain that you are unhappy and would like to go a different route.

What can I do if I disagree with the home appraisal?

Asked by Natalie Morales | San Francisco, CA | 12-05-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

May be different in your state. Here in Georgia we would find comparable sold listings form the past 6 months, no more than 5 miles away from the subject property, and resubmit them to the appraiser. There are no guarantees unfortunately.

What neighborhood factors should I consider when buying?

Asked by James Bennett | Boston, MA | 12-05-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

I always advise my clients comb though google streetview, visit the neighborhood at night, and do local shopping in the area.

What are red flags when considering a home purchase?

Asked by Amber Nelson | Grand Junction, CO | 12-05-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Everyone has a different tolerance level and budget so this depends. I typically advise my clients to avoid situations with foundation issues, major termite damage, issues with neighboring properties, bad locations, mold or water damage.

How do I get my house listed on the MLS?

Asked by Paul Frederick | New Brunswick, NJ | 12-05-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

You will definitely want to reach out to a local agent

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-15-2022 (3 years ago)

You could offer that as an option for buyers.

Does a finished basement count in house square footage?

Asked by Blayne Moriarty | 11-29-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Typically, yes.

Does a ranch or two story home have better resale?

Asked by Steve Forensio | 11-28-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

I think this depends on the location, but I find that the one story is the better of the two.

What does it cost to list property ?

Asked by Randy | Crane, MO | 10-10-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Typically just to get it listed may not cost very much if any. I would say it is more elbow grease in getting the property de-cluttered and cleaned. The agent should cover all photos and marketing expenses. Upon closing, there is typically a 6% commission (here in Georgia) prorated taxes, and any closing costs that were negotiated (lender fees, attorney/title fees etc)

what are flat fee realtors?

Asked by Harvey | Philadelphia, PA | 09-29-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-15-2022 (3 years ago)

Instead of charging commission as a percentage of the home sale price, they charge a flat fee.

Are closing costs negotiable?

Asked by Taylor | Hampton, VA | 09-29-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Here in Georgia closing costs are negotiable and the down payment is not included. That is a separate buyer expense.

What would be my options to sell ?

Asked by Viviana | Westchester, IL | 09-27-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Contact some local realtors. Ask friends for a good realtor!

How can I purchase a home from out of town?

Asked by Robert | Kingman, AZ | 09-02-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

I think you will get better service from agents if your provide proof of funds. You can then have them do virtual tours and you could visit during the due diligence period. It is always best to see them in person or have a trusted partner on the ground though.

How long should you keep a house before selling?

Asked by Ella | Monroeville, PA | 08-26-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Personally I hold all my real estate, its my retirement plan! Overtime, real estate trends upward. So regardless of the dips your investment is good. Two years the market can dip and you could lose money, but if there is a large increase and you are looking to pocket cash then sure why not!

If I sell my house for 100,000 how much does realtor get?

Asked by Ginger | Pikeville, KY | 06-23-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Here in Georgia it is typically 6% total paid by the Seller to be split in half with the buyers agent.

Do you assist in selling vacant commercial lots?

Asked by Matthew | Marietta, GA | 05-05-2022

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Hey Matthew, I live in the area and have worked in the business for 8 years. Would love to help. 404-788-7946

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-15-2022 (3 years ago)

Each home sale situation is unique. Definitely contact a local agent to see what challenges you may encounter

How much do I qualify for on a home loan?

Asked by Ricardo | West Orange, NJ | 11-25-2021

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

You will definitely want to speak with a lender. Typically they are looking for no more than a 50% monthly debt to income ratio, often called DTI.

How do I find the value of a home?

Asked by Roget | Omaha, TX | 10-31-2021

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-15-2022 (3 years ago)

The best way is to contact a local agent and ask for a CMA (Comparable Market Analysis) you may be able to get an idea by going online and looking at recent sales near your home that are similar in size, age, style, and square footage.

What is the value of my home?

Asked by Sharon | Wheaton, IL | 10-23-2021

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-15-2022 (3 years ago)

I would recommend reaching out to a local agent to give you that value. One thing you could do on your own is look online for recent sales in the area that match the style, size, age, and square footage of your home. best of luck!

Where can I find a real estate agent in NC?

Asked by Cynthia | Charlotte or Asheville, NC | 09-03-2021

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

I always recommend asking friends for trusted realtors.

Can a realtor sell a lake property?

Asked by Roger | Mancelona, MI | 08-24-2021

Brian DiMaggio
Brian DiMaggio12-14-2022 (3 years ago)

Absolutely. Some agents specialize in lake property.