FAQ | My Site

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Buyers

1. “How do I start the home buying process?”
The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage so we know your budget and can act quickly when the right home appears. From there, we’ll define your goals, tour properties, and craft a strong offer strategy.

2. “Do I need to be pre-approved before looking at homes?”
Yes — pre-approval strengthens your position as a buyer and helps us move fast in a competitive market. It also gives you a clear idea of your price range.

3. “How long does the buying process take?”
On average, 30–60 days from offer to closing. Timelines can vary based on financing, inspections, and negotiations, but I’ll guide you through each step to keep things smooth.

4. “What costs should I expect besides the down payment?”
You’ll want to budget for closing costs (2–5% of the purchase price), inspection fees, appraisal, and moving costs. I’ll help you estimate these upfront so there are no surprises.

5. “Can I buy a home if I haven’t sold my current one yet?”
Yes — we can explore options like bridge loans or offer contingencies. I’ll help strategize based on your financial comfort and timeline.

6. “What neighborhoods should I consider?”
That depends on your lifestyle — proximity to work, schools, nightlife, or lakefront access. I specialize in areas like Old Town, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Evanston, and more, and can help match you to the right community.

7. “Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home?”
Technically no, but having an agent gives you market expertise, negotiation power, and insider access to listings — at no cost to you as a buyer.

Sellers

1. “What’s my home worth?”

I’ll provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using real-time data from Compass to estimate your home’s current value and position it strategically in the market.

2. “How should I prepare my home to sell?”

Simple updates, decluttering, and professional staging can make a huge difference. I’ll guide you on what to prioritize to get the best return on investment.

3. “How long does it take to sell a home?”

Timing depends on location, price, and market conditions — but in Chicago’s active market, well-priced homes can move quickly, often within 30 days.

4. “Do I need to make repairs before listing?”

Not always. Some repairs may boost value, while others aren’t necessary. I’ll help you determine what matters most to buyers in your price range and area.

5. “What are typical closing costs for sellers?”

Expect costs like broker commissions, title fees, transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes. We’ll go over a full estimate before listing so you know exactly what to expect.

6. “Should I be present during showings?”

It’s usually best not to be. Buyers feel more comfortable exploring the space freely, and I’ll be there to highlight your home’s best features.

7. “Can I buy and sell at the same time?”

Yes, and many clients do. We’ll create a customized plan — whether it’s contingent offers, temporary housing, or bridge financing — to make the transition seamless.

General
(For Both Buyers & Sellers)

1. “How do you get paid as an agent?”

Typically, the seller pays the agent’s commission, which is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. As a buyer, you won’t owe me a fee directly in most transactions.

2. “Why should I work with you instead of going it alone?”

I combine strong market knowledge, a trusted network, and detail-oriented strategy to give you an advantage in any market — plus, I handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your goals.

3. “Can we do everything virtually?”

Yes — from virtual tours and electronic signatures to video consultations and market analysis, we can handle the entire process remotely if needed.

4. “What makes you different?”

As a licensed agent in both the US Virgin Islands and Chicago, I have a unique perspective on the home buying/selling process, am well connected not only in my personal community, but within the agent networks as well. As a part of the Allie Payne Group & Compass, I also have access to exclusive listings, cutting-edge marketing, and a powerful support network that elevates every transaction.

Cereyna Jade Bougouneau and the Allie Payne group are an agent & team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass Real Estate. Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL, and abides by all applicable equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

SITE MAP

Home