Home
Meet the Team
Featured Properties
Past Transactions
Neighborhoods
Buyer's Guide
Seller's Guide
Testimonials
Contact Us
My Search Portal
Buying or selling a home can feel exciting — and a little overwhelming. Between contracts, inspections, mortgage terms, and negotiations, there’s a lot to process. The truth is, most people have questions they’ve always wanted to ask a realtor but never have, either because they feel embarrassed or they’re worried it’s too “basic.”
Here’s the secret: there are no bad questions in real estate. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or someone selling their family home after 30 years, asking the right questions is one of the smartest things you can do. In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain and answering some of the most common — and important — questions people in Cincinnati ask me every day.
This is one of the most common questions, and it’s an important one to understand. In most cases, realtors work on commission — meaning we don’t get paid unless your home sale or purchase is complete.
Here’s how it usually works in Cincinnati:
For Sellers: The commission is typically a percentage of the final sale price and is agreed upon before the home is listed. This commission is split between the listing agent (representing the seller) and the buyer’s agent (representing the buyer).
For Buyers: You usually don’t pay your agent directly. The seller covers both agents’ commissions as part of the transaction.
This means that as a buyer, you can have professional representation throughout the process without having to pay upfront fees.
It’s possible to buy or sell a home without one, but here’s the reality — real estate is a complex process, and having a professional on your side can save you time, money, and stress.
A local Cincinnati realtor brings:
Market Knowledge: We know which neighborhoods are up-and-coming, which ones have the best schools, and where you’ll get the most for your money.
Negotiation Skills: We help you get the best possible price — whether that’s negotiating the purchase price, repairs, or closing costs.
Paperwork Expertise: Real estate contracts are detailed and legally binding. We make sure nothing gets missed.
Local Connections: From home inspectors to mortgage lenders, we have trusted contacts to make your transaction smoother.
Without a realtor, you risk overpaying for a home, missing important details, or struggling to find buyers.
It’s a situation many buyers face: you’ve found your dream home, but it’s a little out of reach. That doesn’t mean it’s time to give up.
Options to explore:
First-Time Buyer Programs: Ohio offers programs that can help with down payment assistance or lower interest rates.
Adjusting Your Search Area: Expanding your search to nearby Cincinnati suburbs like Anderson Township, West Chester, or Milford can get you more space for less money.
Considering Homes That Need Cosmetic Updates: Sometimes, a home that needs a little TLC is priced lower and can be transformed into your dream home over time.
Working with a Lender Early: A trusted mortgage professional can help you understand exactly what you can afford and show you creative financing options.
The Howell Home Team can connect you with local lenders who are great at finding solutions.
This depends on several factors:
Pricing: Homes priced competitively often sell within days or weeks.
Condition: Move-in-ready homes tend to sell faster than those needing major repairs.
Location: Highly desirable Cincinnati neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Oakley, and Mount Lookout often attract buyers quickly.
Market Conditions: In a seller’s market, where demand is high and inventory is low, homes can go under contract within a weekend.
We’ve had listings in Cincinnati sell in as little as 48 hours because they were well-priced, beautifully staged, and marketed aggressively.
Closing is the final step — and the most exciting one — because it’s when the home officially changes hands. But there’s more to it than just getting the keys.
Here’s what you can expect:
For Buyers: You’ll review and sign all loan documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and get the keys to your new home.
For Sellers: You’ll sign the deed and transfer ownership to the buyer. You’ll also pay off any remaining mortgage balance from the sale proceeds.
Who’s There: Usually, you, your realtor, the other party’s realtor, a representative from the title company, and sometimes your lender.
In Cincinnati, closings typically take place at the title company’s office and last about an hour.
This depends on the terms of the contract and why you’re backing out. Buyers often have “contingencies” built into the agreement — like financing, inspection, or appraisal — that allow them to cancel without penalty if certain conditions aren’t met. Sellers have fewer opportunities to back out once they’ve accepted an offer.
That’s why it’s important to fully understand the contract before signing. Your realtor will walk you through every clause so there are no surprises later.
Not all realtors work the same way. You want someone who:
Knows your target area inside and out.
Has a proven track record in the Cincinnati market.
Communicates clearly and regularly.
Has positive reviews and client testimonials.
The best realtor for you is someone who listens, understands your goals, and puts your interests first.
The real estate process is full of moving parts, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By asking questions — even the ones you think are “too small” — you can make better decisions and feel confident every step of the way.
If you’re buying or selling in Cincinnati and want honest, straightforward answers, the Howell Home Team is here to help. Contact us today — no pressure, just friendly guidance from local experts who know this market inside and out.
