Ask Team Haigh: Your Real Estate Questions Answered
We've helped 360+ families buy and sell homes across NW Metro Atlanta. Here are the questions we hear most, and the answers.
Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in NW Metro Atlanta, you deserve clear, honest answers. Campbell and Beth Haigh of Team Haigh Realty have helped 360+ families across Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, and Bartow counties navigate life's biggest real estate decisions. Browse our most asked questions below, or reach out directly for a personalized conversation. For a deeper look at how we prepare homes for sale, check out our home staging services.
Should I get a pre-listing inspection?
A pre-listing inspection gives you the upper hand by uncovering issues before a buyer's inspector does. The $300--500 investment typically pays for itself in fewer surprises and smoother negotiations.
Read MoreList price vs sale price: What's the difference?
List price is what you ask. Sale price is what a buyer pays. In a balanced market the two are close, but pricing strategy heavily impacts which one you end up with.
Read MoreHow do I handle repair requests after inspection?
After inspection, buyers typically submit a repair request. We categorize each request as critical, moderate, or cosmetic and negotiate accordingly to protect your bottom line.
Read MoreShould I price high and come down?
This is the most common pricing mistake. Pricing high hoping to negotiate rarely works. Buyers search by price range, so an overpriced home misses its real audience entirely.
Read MoreShould I price below market to create a bidding war?
This strategy works when inventory is low and demand is high, which describes much of our market. Pricing slightly below market can attract more showings and spark multiple offers.
Read MoreWhat's a CMA and how do you use one?
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) uses real FMLS data to price your home accurately. It is far more reliable than Zillow's Zestimate.
Read MoreHow do I compete with new construction?
Resale homes offer what new construction cannot: established neighborhoods, mature trees, larger lots, and no waiting. They are move-in ready today.
Read MoreDo I have to pay capital gains tax on my home sale?
If the home is your primary residence, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain (single) or $500,000 (married filing jointly) if you have lived in the home for two of the last five years.
Read MoreHow do I calculate my net proceeds?
Sale price, minus mortgage balance, minus broker compensation, minus transfer taxes, minus closing costs, minus concessions, minus prorated taxes. We provide a custom Net Proceeds Worksheet before you list.
Read MoreWhat if I owe more than my home is worth?
If you owe more than market value, you are in a negative equity position. Options include waiting for appreciation, a short sale, or a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
Read MoreShould I hold my rental or sell?
The answer depends on your cash flow, appreciation outlook, and personal goals. We analyze your rental's numbers and compare them to the current seller's market to help you decide.
Read MoreHow do I find good tenants?
A thorough tenant screening process including credit checks, income verification, rental history, and background checks is the foundation of finding reliable tenants in NW Metro Atlanta.
Read MoreWhat's the rental market like in NW Metro Atlanta?
The rental market across our service area varies significantly by city. We track rental rates, vacancy trends, and demand so you know exactly what to expect as a landlord.
Read MoreWhich city is appreciating the fastest?
Appreciation rates vary across Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, and Bartow counties. We analyze FMLS data to identify which cities are seeing the strongest year-over-year gains.
Read MoreWhat's the housing inventory like?
Inventory levels vary by city and price point. We track months of supply across our service area to give you a clear picture of current market conditions.
Read MoreHow competitive is the market for buyers?
Competition varies by price point and location. Well-priced homes in top-tier areas still sell quickly, while higher-priced homes may have less competition and more negotiating room.
Read MoreWhy should I list my home with Team Haigh?
360+ homes sold, $106M+ in sales, nearly 300 five-star reviews. AI-driven marketing, walkthrough videos, dedicated listing websites, and empathy-first guidance from a family with 100+ years of experience.
Read MoreWhat's the difference between a real estate agent and a broker?
A real estate agent in Georgia holds a salesperson license earned through 75 hours of pre-license education and works under a broker. A broker holds an additional 60-hour course, has at least three years of experience, and can operate independently. REALTOR is a membership designation, not a license level.
Read MoreWhat does a listing agent actually do?
From pre-listing preparation and marketing to offer negotiation and closing, a listing agent handles every phase of the sale. Without one, you lose MLS access, negotiation expertise, and legal protection.
Read MoreWhat's the Georgia real estate transfer tax?
Georgia charges a documentary stamp tax of $1 per $1,000 of sale price, paid by the seller. Combined with Georgia's attorney-closed system, total closing costs are lower than most states.
Read MoreHow does selling affect my retirement accounts?
Selling your primary residence generally does not affect Social Security, Medicare, or retirement accounts. The $250K/$500K capital gains exclusion covers most retirees, and proceeds can fund your next chapter.
Read MoreHow do open houses work in Georgia?
Open houses are scheduled public tours of a listed home, typically held weekends from 1-4 PM. The listing agent hosts, answers questions, and collects feedback. Team Haigh promotes each open house digitally and follows up with every visitor.
Read MoreCash offers vs financed offers: What's the difference?
Cash offers close faster and have more certainty, while financed offers can be higher in price. The right choice depends on whether you value speed or maximum sale price. Team Haigh's CashOffer+ program gives sellers a guaranteed cash option.
Read MoreHow do multiple offers work?
Multiple offers mean more than one buyer wants your home. Your agent presents all offers, and you can accept the strongest, ask for highest and best, or counter. Evaluate beyond price: terms, contingencies, financing strength, and closing timeline.
Read MoreHow long is the due diligence period in Georgia?
The typical due diligence period in Georgia is 7 to 14 days, though it can be shorter or longer depending on the property and market conditions. The length is negotiated and written into the purchase agreement.
Read MoreHow do I declutter before selling my home?
Remove at least 50% of items from each room so buyers can visualize themselves in the space. Clear countertops, pack away personal photos, and store excess furniture offsite. A decluttered home sells faster and for more money.
Read MoreCan I sell my home without an agent?
FSBO is legal in Georgia, but you lose MLS access, professional marketing, and negotiation expertise. FSBO homes typically sell for 10% to 20% less than agent-represented homes, even after accounting for compensation savings.
Read MoreWhat if I have already signed with another agent?
You are generally bound to the listing agreement until it expires or is terminated. Most Georgia agreements are 3-6 months. Try talking to the agent first, then escalate to the broker. A termination clause may allow early cancellation.
Read MoreWhat is the emotional side of selling a family home?
Selling a family home is deeply emotional. Grief, anxiety, guilt, and relief are all normal. The key is to acknowledge those feelings, prepare for them, and work with an agent who understands your home is more than a listing.
Read MoreHow does the listing process work step by step?
Ten steps: consultation, pricing, home prep, photography and video, listing website, MLS and marketing blitz, showings, offers, due diligence, and closing. Most homes sell in 2-6 weeks in our market.
Read MoreWhat happens when I get an offer on my home?
Your agent presents and explains every term, not just the price. You evaluate contingencies, financing, earnest money, and timeline, then accept, counter, or negotiate. In Georgia, most sales close 30-45 days after an accepted offer.
Read MoreWhat's the closing process like in Georgia?
Georgia uses an attorney-led closing, not a title company. The attorney handles title, the deed, and fund disbursement. You sign documents, settle funds, and hand over keys, typically 30-45 days after contract.
Read MoreDo I need to stage my home before selling?
Staging helps most with vacant homes, empty rooms, and older properties. Full professional staging runs $2,000-$5,000. If your home is already furnished or the market is hot, a thorough DIY declutter may be enough.
Read MoreHow do I prepare my home for photos and video?
Declutter every room, deep clean, remove personal items, stage key rooms, boost curb appeal, and turn on all lights. Professional photos and a walkthrough video make your listing stand out online.
Read MoreWhat happens if my home doesn't sell?
When a listing agreement expires, the contract ends and you are free to choose your next step. The fix is usually the strategy, not the house: a pricing adjustment, better marketing, or a different agent. Team Haigh gets expired listings sold by addressing the causes before they become a problem.
Read MoreCan I sell my home and buy a new one at the same time?
Yes. The most common strategies are contingent offers, bridge financing, rent-back agreements, and simultaneous closings. Timing is everything, and a team that handles both sides can coordinate the closing dates perfectly.
Read MoreWhat's the advantage of using one team for both selling and buying?
One team means perfectly synced closing dates, a single point of contact, no miscommunication between agents, potential compensation advantages, and less stress. One team knows both your selling market and your buying market, so you negotiate from a stronger position on both sides.
Read MoreWhat's your compensation?
Compensation is a negotiable percentage of the sale price, paid at closing from your proceeds, and it covers your full marketing plan, photography, video, listing website, MLS, negotiation, and closing support. Team Haigh is transparent about pricing with no hidden fees.
Read MoreHow does Team Haigh differ from other agents?
Team Haigh pairs AI-Certified marketing with a professional walkthrough video and dedicated website for every listing, backed by 360+ homes sold, $106M+ in sales, nearly 300 five-star reviews, and 100+ years of combined family experience. It is technology plus empathy that most agents cannot match.
Read MoreWhat credit score do I need to buy in Georgia?
Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum credit score, while FHA loans go as low as 580. The higher your score, the better your rate and terms will be.
Read MoreWhat are closing costs for buyers?
Buyer closing costs in Georgia typically total 2% to 4% of the purchase price and include loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal, attorney fees, and prepaid items.
Read MoreHow do I make an offer in Georgia?
Making an offer in Georgia involves submitting a GAR (Georgia Association of REALTORS) purchase agreement with your offer price, earnest money deposit, and proposed terms and contingencies.
Read MoreHow do I evaluate school zones before buying?
School zones directly affect your child's education and your home's resale value. We show you how to verify boundaries before you buy.
Read MoreShould I buy new construction or resale?
Both have distinct advantages. We compare the pros, cons, and price differences across NW Metro Atlanta to help you decide.
Read MoreIs it better to buy in an established neighborhood or new construction?
Established neighborhoods offer character and proven value. New construction communities offer modern amenities and low maintenance.
Read MoreWhat's happening with interest rates?
Interest rates fluctuate based on economic conditions. We track current mortgage rates and help you understand how they affect your buying power in today's market.
Read MoreHow does NW Metro Atlanta compare to Atlanta proper?
NW Metro Atlanta offers more space, better schools, lower crime rates, and more home for your money compared to inside-the-perimeter Atlanta, while still being within commuting distance.
Read MoreWhat happens during a home inspection?
A licensed inspector examines the structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and foundation over 2-4 hours, then delivers a detailed report. In Georgia, the inspection happens during the due diligence period and often leads to repair negotiations.
Read MoreWhat if the appraisal comes in low?
A low appraisal means the lender only finances up to the appraised value. Sellers can reduce the price, challenge the appraisal, or split the gap. Buyers can pay the difference in cash, renegotiate, or walk away.
Read MoreWhat is due diligence in Georgia?
Georgia's due diligence period (typically 7-14 days) lets the buyer inspect the property, review title, and confirm financing. The buyer can terminate for any reason and get earnest money back, while the seller keeps a non-refundable due diligence fee.
Read MoreLooking for the Best Real Estate Agent in Acworth?
Team Haigh Realty is ranked in the Top 0.71% of Acworth agents with 360+ homes sold, $106M+ in career sales, and the all-time Brookstone record sale. Explore our complete Acworth track record.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you are looking for? Text us at (770) 575-7339 or schedule a consultation.