Frequently Asked Questions
Purchasing or selling a home is a huge, exciting, and sometimes scary decision. As such, you are bound to have questions throughout the process. We are here to help every step of the way. Below we answer the most frequently asked Tuscaloosa real estate questions.
How long is the buying process?
Two months, start to finish, is typically how long it takes our clients to buy a home. The first thirty days are spent looking for a house, and then it takes around 30 days to close on the home once an offer is accepted. You may find your dream home on the first showing appointment, or you may want to take your time. Whichever category you fall into, we are happy to help as long as needed.
How long will it take to sell my house?
Your home’s location, condition, and price, all contribute to how long it will take to sell. We have homes that sell before they are even listed, and some sit on the market longer waiting for the right buyer. On average though, homes in Tuscaloosa are on the market for 74 days before they go under contract. We work hard to sell homes faster, and our listings are averaging only 53 days on market.
Do I need a home inspection?
Yes! Alabama is a caveat emptor state which basically means “buyer beware”. The seller is not required by law to disclose any defects in the property unless they can cause harm or are a health hazard, and unless asked by the buyer. It is up to the buyer to find any problems with the home.
How do I know what the school zone is for an area?
If you are looking at neighborhoods in the city limits, you can use Tuscaloosa City Schools zoning map to determine school zones. Simply type in the address you are interested in and click search. For areas located outside the city limits, use Tuscaloosa County School System’s zoning map. Our agents are all up-to-date on county and city school zoning and feeder patterns, so give us a call if you need help.
What will my property taxes be?
We will use the Courthouse Retrieval system to provide you with property tax history for the home you intend to purchase. You will be able to see what the current home owners paid the previous year, and it is a very close estimate of what you can expect to pay.
What do I need to do to get my house ready for the market?
If you are selling your home, we recommend you do the following: declutter, have carpets professionally cleaned, remove magnets from the refrigerator, replace burned out light bulbs, paint where needed, mulch flower beds, clear off counter tops (the more visible counter space the better), and remove any pet or smoke odors. If you list your property with our team, we will also provide you with advice specific to your home.
How quickly can I close?
If a mortgage is involved, 30-45 days is standard. If you are paying cash, you can close as quickly as one week!
When can I back out if I change my mind?
Once you are under a written agreement, you cannot back out unless one of the contingencies in the contract is not met within a certain time frame. For example, if the home inspection comes back and you and the seller cannot agree on repairs, you can walk away. If the home does not appraise or your financing falls through, you can terminate the contract.
Have more questions? Give us a call at 205-579-8963.