Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about buying, selling, and working with our real estate team.

General Questions

How do I get started working with your team?

Simply contact us or book a consultation call. We’ll discuss your needs, answer your questions, and create a customized plan. There’s no obligation and the consultation is completely free.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, and surrounding areas in Scandinavia. Our team has deep local market knowledge and extensive networks throughout the region.

Do you charge for consultations?

No, initial consultations are always free. We’ll meet with you to understand your situation, provide market insights, and explain how we can help—with no pressure or obligation.

What makes your team different from other real estate agencies?

We combine deep local market expertise with personalized service. Our agents average over 10 years of experience, we use cutting-edge marketing technology, and we’re committed to transparent communication throughout your journey.

For Buyers

How much do I need for a down payment?

Down payments typically range from 3.5% to 20% of the purchase price, depending on the loan type:

  • Conventional loans: 3-20%
  • FHA loans: 3.5%
  • VA loans: 0% (for qualifying veterans)
  • USDA loans: 0% (for qualifying rural properties)

We can connect you with lenders who offer various programs to fit your situation.

What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on self-reported information. It gives you a general idea of what you might afford.

Pre-approval is a formal evaluation where the lender verifies your financial information, checks your credit, and provides a conditional commitment. Pre-approval carries much more weight with sellers and is highly recommended before making offers.

How long does it take to buy a home?

The typical timeline is 2-4 months from start to finish:

  • Pre-approval and search: 2-8 weeks (varies greatly)
  • Under contract to closing: 30-45 days

However, timelines vary based on market conditions, financing, and individual circumstances.

Should I get a home inspection?

Absolutely yes. A professional home inspection (€300-500) is one of the best investments you can make. It reveals potential problems with the property’s structure, systems, and components, giving you leverage to negotiate repairs or walk away if issues are too severe.

What are closing costs and how much should I expect to pay?

Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing the home purchase, typically 2-5% of the purchase price. They include:

  • Lender fees (origination, underwriting)
  • Title insurance and search
  • Appraisal fee
  • Home inspection
  • Attorney fees
  • Recording fees
  • Prepaid property taxes and insurance

We provide detailed estimates early in the process so you can budget accordingly.

Can I buy a home with student loan debt?

Yes, many buyers successfully purchase homes while carrying student loan debt. Lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, so as long as your total monthly debts (including the potential mortgage) don’t exceed 43-50% of your gross monthly income, you can qualify.

What if the appraisal comes in low?

If the appraisal is below the agreed purchase price, you have several options:

  1. Renegotiate the price with the seller
  2. Increase your down payment to cover the gap
  3. Meet in the middle with the seller
  4. Challenge the appraisal if you have evidence it’s inaccurate
  5. Walk away if you have an appraisal contingency

We’ll guide you through the best approach for your situation.

Should I buy new construction or an existing home?

Both have advantages:

New Construction:

  • Modern features and efficiency
  • Little maintenance initially
  • Warranties included
  • Customization options
  • May take months to build

Existing Home:

  • Immediate availability
  • Established neighborhoods
  • Mature landscaping
  • Potential for negotiation
  • Character and uniqueness

Your choice depends on your priorities, timeline, and budget.

Can I buy a home if I’m self-employed?

Yes, though the process requires additional documentation. You’ll typically need:

  • 2 years of tax returns
  • Profit and loss statements
  • Business bank statements
  • CPA letter verifying income

We can connect you with lenders experienced in working with self-employed borrowers.

For Sellers

How do you determine my home’s value?

We conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which examines:

  • Recent sales of similar properties in your area
  • Current active listings (your competition)
  • Market trends and conditions
  • Your home’s unique features and condition
  • Location factors

We provide a detailed report with a recommended pricing strategy. Request your free valuation.

When is the best time to sell?

Spring and summer typically see the most buyer activity, but the “best” time depends on:

  • Your personal circumstances
  • Current market conditions
  • Local factors
  • Property type

We can analyze current market data to recommend optimal timing for your situation.

How should I prepare my home for sale?

Key preparation steps include:

  1. Repairs: Fix obvious problems and maintenance issues
  2. Deep cleaning: Professional cleaning of carpets, windows, entire home
  3. Decluttering: Remove excess belongings, personal items
  4. Depersonalizing: Neutral decor helps buyers envision themselves there
  5. Staging: Arrange furniture and add touches to maximize appeal
  6. Curb appeal: First impressions matter tremendously

We provide a detailed checklist and can recommend trusted service providers.

What’s your commission structure?

Our commission is typically 5-6% of the sale price, split between the listing and buyer’s agents. This covers:

  • Professional marketing and advertising
  • Photography and virtual tours
  • MLS listing and syndication
  • Open houses and showings
  • Negotiation and transaction management
  • Coordination with all parties

We’ll discuss our services and fees in detail during our initial consultation.

Should I make repairs before listing?

It depends on the repair type and market conditions:

Usually Worth Making:

  • Safety issues
  • Obvious deferred maintenance
  • Curb appeal improvements
  • Minor cosmetic updates

Often Not Worth Making:

  • Major renovations
  • Purely aesthetic preferences
  • Expensive system replacements

We’ll advise you on which repairs offer the best return on investment.

What if I need to sell quickly?

We specialize in quick sales when needed. Strategies include:

  • Aggressive pricing
  • Enhanced marketing efforts
  • Flexible showing schedules
  • Pre-marketing to our network
  • Working with cash buyers if appropriate

However, we’ll be honest about market realities and help you make informed decisions.

Can I sell if I owe more than my home is worth?

If you’re “underwater” on your mortgage, you have options:

  • Short sale: Sell with lender approval for less than owed
  • Wait: If possible, wait for values to increase
  • Bring cash to closing: Pay the difference

We can help you explore all options and work with your lender if needed.

Should I be present during showings?

No. Buyers feel more comfortable and stay longer when the seller isn’t present. They can:

  • Imagine themselves living there
  • Speak freely about the property
  • Ask candid questions
  • Take their time exploring

We recommend leaving during all showings and open houses.

How do you market my property?

Our comprehensive marketing includes:

  • Professional photography and virtual tours
  • MLS listing with syndication to major websites
  • Social media advertising and posts
  • Email marketing to our extensive network
  • Print materials (brochures, postcards)
  • Yard signage
  • Open houses and broker previews
  • Targeted online advertising
  • Video walkthroughs
  • Drone photography (when appropriate)

We create a custom marketing plan for each property.

About Financing

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

Minimum scores vary by loan type:

  • Conventional: 620+
  • FHA: 580+ (3.5% down) or 500+ (10% down)
  • VA: No minimum, but lenders typically want 620+
  • USDA: 640+

Higher scores get better interest rates. If your score is lower, we can recommend credit improvement strategies and lenders who work with various credit profiles.

What’s better: fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage?

Fixed-rate mortgages:

  • Same rate for entire loan term
  • Predictable payments
  • Better if rates are low or you’re staying long-term

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs):

  • Lower initial rate
  • Rate adjusts after initial period
  • Better if you’re moving within a few years

Your choice depends on your plans, risk tolerance, and market conditions.

How much home can I afford?

A general rule: your monthly housing payment shouldn’t exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debts shouldn’t exceed 36-43%.

Example:

  • Gross monthly income: €6,000
  • Maximum housing payment: €1,680 (28%)
  • Maximum total debts: €2,160-2,580 (36-43%)

However, just because you qualify for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it. Consider your lifestyle, savings goals, and comfort level.

Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your budget.

If you’re pre-approved, your rate isn’t locked until you’re under contract. If rates rise during your search:

  • Your buying power may decrease
  • You may need to adjust your budget
  • You could pay points to buy down the rate
  • Consider an ARM if you plan to move within a few years

Once under contract, you can lock your rate for 30-60 days.

Do I need mortgage insurance?

You’ll need private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you have a conventional loan with less than 20% down. PMI typically costs 0.5-1% of the loan amount annually.

FHA loans require mortgage insurance regardless of down payment.

PMI can be removed on conventional loans once you reach 20% equity.

About the Transaction Process

What are contingencies?

Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common contingencies include:

  • Financing: Buyer must obtain approved financing
  • Inspection: Property must pass inspection or repairs negotiated
  • Appraisal: Property must appraise at or above purchase price
  • Sale of buyer’s home: Buyer must sell current property

Contingencies protect buyers but can make offers less attractive to sellers.

What is earnest money?

Earnest money is a deposit (typically 1-3% of purchase price) showing the buyer’s serious intent. It’s held in escrow and applied to your down payment and closing costs at closing.

If you back out for reasons not covered by contingencies, you may forfeit the earnest money.

What happens during the closing?

At closing, you’ll:

  • Sign all required documents
  • Transfer funds (buyers) or receive proceeds (sellers)
  • Transfer ownership via deed
  • Receive keys (buyers) or hand them over (sellers)
  • Get copies of all documents

The process typically takes 1-2 hours. We’ll be there to guide you through it.

Can a sale fall through after being under contract?

Yes, transactions can fail for several reasons:

  • Buyer can’t obtain financing
  • Low appraisal
  • Failed inspection revealing major issues
  • Title problems
  • Buyer or seller backs out
  • Deadline not met

Having strong contingencies and working with experienced professionals minimizes these risks.

What if something breaks between contract and closing?

The seller is typically responsible for maintaining the property in the same condition. If something breaks:

  • Minor issues: Usually seller’s responsibility to fix
  • Major issues (like HVAC): Negotiable, may require amendment
  • Acts of God: May be covered by insurance

This is why the final walk-through is crucial.

Working with Our Team

Do I have to sign an exclusive agreement?

For buyers: No, you’re not required to sign an exclusive buyer agreement, though it can provide benefits and strengthen your representation.

For sellers: Yes, we require a listing agreement which specifies:

  • Listing price
  • Commission structure
  • Agreement duration
  • Marketing plan
  • Responsibilities of each party

This protects both parties and ensures we can effectively market your property.

Can I communicate directly with the other party?

We strongly recommend all communication goes through the agents. This:

  • Prevents misunderstandings
  • Maintains negotiating strength
  • Ensures proper documentation
  • Protects legal interests
  • Reduces emotional conflicts

We’ll keep you informed of all communications.

What if I’m not satisfied with your services?

Your satisfaction is our priority. If concerns arise:

  • Communicate with us immediately
  • We’ll work to resolve the issue
  • Our broker is available if needed

For listing agreements, there may be terms for termination if you’re unsatisfied, which we’ll discuss upfront.

How often will you communicate with me?

We maintain regular communication throughout your transaction:

  • Updates: After every showing, offer, or significant event
  • Scheduled check-ins: Weekly or as preferred
  • Availability: We’re accessible via phone, email, and text
  • Response time: We aim to respond within a few hours during business hours

We adapt our communication style to your preferences.

Still Have Questions?

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Additional Resources

These FAQs provide general information. Real estate transactions are complex and vary by situation and location. Always consult with qualified professionals for your specific circumstances.