A quick reference for buying and selling with Staircase Partners. Don't see your question? Reach out and we'll walk you through it.
It depends on the loan program. Conventional loans can go as low as 3–5% down, FHA loans typically require 3.5%, and VA loans can offer 0% down for eligible buyers. We can connect you with a trusted lender who can walk you through what you qualify for.
Yes — pre-approval tells you your real budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. In competitive markets, an offer without pre-approval is unlikely to be taken seriously. We can refer you to lenders who move quickly.
From your first search to closing, most buyers are looking at 30–60 days once an offer is accepted, though the search itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on inventory and how specific your criteria are.
Plan for closing costs (typically 2–5% of the purchase price), a home inspection, appraisal fees, and prepaid items like homeowners insurance and property taxes. We'll walk you through a full estimate before you write an offer.
It depends on the contingencies written into your contract — financing, inspection, and appraisal contingencies all give you an exit if something doesn't check out. This is one of the many reasons having an experienced agent negotiate your contract terms matters.
We start with a comparative market analysis — looking at recently sold homes, active competition, and current market conditions in your area — then combine that data with our read on your home's condition and standout features to recommend a strategic price.
Decluttering, minor repairs, and a deep clean go a long way. We'll walk your home with you and give specific, prioritized recommendations — and our marketing approach includes professional photography and staging guidance to help your home show its best.
Time on market varies by price point, condition, and local demand. We'll give you a realistic estimate based on current comparable sales in your specific area when we do your home valuation.
Not necessarily. Some sellers choose to sell as-is, while others make targeted repairs to maximize value. We'll help you weigh the cost of repairs against the likely return so you can make the call that makes sense for your timeline and budget.
The main cost is real estate commission, split between the listing and buyer's agents. Sellers may also cover certain closing costs, transfer taxes, and any agreed-upon buyer concessions — all of which we'll outline clearly before you list.
See our full Areas We Serve page for the towns and neighborhoods we cover. Don't see your area listed? Reach out anyway — we may still be able to help.
Staircase Partners is a team brokered with Samson Properties, combining local team-level attention with the resources and compliance backing of a full-service brokerage.
Reach out through our contact section, or start with a free home valuation if you're thinking about selling. We'll take it from there.
We're happy to talk through your specific situation — no pressure, just information.