Seller FAQ’s

Selling A Home?

We’re here to help! Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We believe an informed client is an empowered client. Our goal is to give you honest, straightforward answers and will help you understand the real estate process from start to finish. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you understand what to expect and feel confident throughout the process.

At Ardmore Realty, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Selling a home is a big step, and we want you to feel supported and informed at every stage.

It starts with understanding your home’s true market value and building a strategy around your goals — whether that means preparing the property, professional photography, or deciding how best to market it. From there, we help you navigate showings, review offers, and negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible outcome.

Once you accept an offer, we stay closely involved through inspections, appraisals, and all the details between contract and closing — so you can move forward with confidence.

Whether this is your first time selling or your fifth, we’re here to make the process feel manageable.

Your Questions, Answered

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who has completed the required education and licensing requirements and works under the supervision of a broker-in-charge.

A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and is subject to NAR’s Code of Ethics.

In simple terms, being a REALTOR® is about professional association membership—it is not a different type of real estate license. A person can be a licensed real estate agent without being a REALTOR®. (NAR)
How do I know if I’ve found a good real estate agent?

Ask questions—and plenty of them.

Ask about their experience, communication style, marketing plan, knowledge of the local market, and how they handle challenges during a transaction. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or testimonials.

Pay attention to whether the agent listens to you. Buying or selling a home should not feel like the agent is simply trying to get you to the closing table as quickly as possible.

You want someone who takes the time to understand your goals, communicates clearly, follows through on what they promise, and helps you make informed decisions.

At Ardmore Realty, we believe our job is much more than putting a sign in the yard. We represent and guide our clients through a detailed transaction where the right advice, preparation, negotiation, and attention to detail can make a significant difference.
Are large real estate firms better than smaller, locally owned brokerages?

Not necessarily.

The size or name of a brokerage does not automatically determine the quality of service you will receive. Whether you work with a national franchise or a small local brokerage, your day-to-day experience often comes down to the individual professionals handling your transaction.

At Ardmore Realty, we are proud to be a small, family-owned real estate company. We believe that gives us the opportunity to provide the personal attention and accessibility that many buyers and sellers appreciate.

We know the Ardmore area exceptionally well, but we also serve clients throughout Winston-Salem and the surrounding Triad communities.

For us, you’re not just another transaction number. You’re our client, and we want to know what matters to you.
If I’m unhappy with my real estate agent, can I fire them?

It depends on the terms of your listing or agency agreement.

Real estate agency agreements are contracts, and the terms regarding cancellation or termination can vary. In North Carolina, listing agreements must be in writing, and agency relationships have specific requirements under North Carolina Real Estate Commission rules. (NCREC Bulletins)

If you’re unhappy with your agent, we recommend having an honest conversation first. Sometimes the problem is a misunderstanding or a communication issue that can be resolved.

If the relationship cannot be repaired, review your agreement carefully and discuss your options with your broker. If an agreement is terminated, getting the cancellation or release in writing is a good practice.
Aren’t I the best judge of what my house is worth?

You certainly know your home better than anyone.

You know the memories you’ve made there, the improvements you’ve completed, and the things you love about the property. But determining a home’s market value requires looking at the property from a different perspective.

Buyers compare your home with competing properties. Appraisers consider comparable sales and other relevant factors. Your agent looks at recent sales, current competition, market conditions, property condition, location, features, and buyer behavior.

One of the most difficult parts of selling a home is separating its emotional value from its market value.

Pricing too high can cause a home to sit on the market while newer listings attract the attention of buyers. Over time, a property can begin to look “stale,” even when there is nothing wrong with it.

Our job is not simply to tell you what you want to hear. Our job is to help you understand the market and develop a pricing strategy designed around your goals.
Are Zillow “Zestimates” accurate?

A Zillow Zestimate can be a useful starting point, but it should not be treated as a professional appraisal or a definitive market value for your home.

Automated valuation models use available data and algorithms to estimate a property’s value. They may not fully account for the condition of your home, renovations, unique features, location-specific factors, or the most recent comparable sales.

When you’re preparing to sell a home in Winston-Salem or Ardmore, a local real estate professional can look at comparable properties, current competition, market conditions, property characteristics, and other factors to develop a more meaningful pricing strategy.

Your home’s value is more than an online estimate.
How long does it typically take to sell a home?
Are there construction or environmental issues common in older Ardmore homes?

Yes. Ardmore is known for its beautiful, established homes, and many older homes have unique construction characteristics that buyers and sellers should understand.

Every home is different, but some issues that may come up during a home inspection include:

Buried Oil Tanks

Older homes may have buried oil tanks that are no longer in use. If you believe your property has a buried tank, it is important to address the situation early rather than waiting until you’re under contract.

The requirements surrounding underground storage tanks can be specific, so we recommend discussing the situation with your real estate professional and the appropriate licensed environmental or tank-removal professional.

Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks are not uncommon in older homes, but not every crack indicates a serious structural problem.

The location, size, direction, age, water intrusion, and other characteristics of the crack can all matter. If you have concerns, a qualified structural professional should evaluate the situation.

Also pay attention to water drainage around your home. Gutters, downspouts, grading, and water runoff can all contribute to moisture problems around a foundation.

Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Some older homes may still contain knob-and-tube wiring.

If you discover this type of wiring in your attic, basement, or other areas, have a qualified electrician evaluate it and explain your options. Electrical conditions should be addressed by licensed professionals rather than assumed to be safe or unsafe based solely on age.

Windows That Don’t Open

Windows that have been painted shut are common in some older homes.

In addition to being inconvenient, non-operational windows can raise safety concerns. Before putting your home on the market, walk through the house and make sure windows operate as intended.

A small repair before listing may prevent an unnecessary inspection issue later.

Unpermitted Improvements

Have you added a deck, finished a room, built an addition, or completed another improvement without knowing whether a permit was required?

It’s worth finding out before putting your home on the market.

Unpermitted work can create questions during a buyer’s due diligence or inspection process. If you suspect an improvement may not have been properly permitted, talk with your real estate professional about the appropriate next step.

Older Electrical Outlets

Older homes can have outlets or wiring that don’t meet modern expectations.

A home inspector may identify ungrounded outlets or other electrical concerns. While some issues may be relatively simple to correct, electrical work should be evaluated and performed by a qualified electrician.

The best time to discover potential problems is before a buyer does.

If you’re considering selling your Ardmore or Winston-Salem home, we’d be happy to walk through potential concerns with you and help you determine which issues may deserve attention before listing.
Can I limit the times agents show my house?

Yes, you can establish showing restrictions and communicate your preferred times.

However, there is a balance between protecting your privacy and making your home accessible to potential buyers.

The more restrictions you place on showings, the fewer opportunities buyers may have to see your property. This can be especially important in the Winston-Salem and Ardmore markets when buyers may have limited schedules or may be traveling from out of town.

We understand that having your home on the market can be stressful. Keeping a home clean and “showing ready,” allowing strangers into your personal space, and accommodating last-minute requests can be difficult.

Our job is to help you sell your home while being respectful of your time and privacy. We’ll work with you to establish showing guidelines that make sense for your situation while still giving your home the best opportunity to be seen by qualified buyers.
Are open houses worthwhile?

Sometimes they are—and sometimes they aren’t.

An open house can create additional exposure for a property and may attract potential buyers, neighbors, or people who are just beginning their home search. However, an open house is only one part of a successful marketing strategy.

For some homes, professional photography, online marketing, targeted exposure, private showings, broker-to-broker networking, and strong pricing may be more important than simply holding an open house.

At Ardmore Realty, we believe the marketing strategy should be based on your property, your market, and your goals rather than simply checking a box because “that’s what you’re supposed to do.”

Ultimately, the decision to hold an open house is yours, and we’ll help you determine whether it makes sense for your home.
As a seller, do I have to accept a full-price offer?

Not necessarily.

A full-price offer does not automatically mean that a seller is required to accept it. A real estate offer can contain many terms and conditions beyond the purchase price, and the parties generally are not bound until the requirements for an enforceable contract have been satisfied.

However, sellers must comply with applicable fair housing laws and may not reject a buyer because of a protected characteristic. Federal Fair Housing law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. (HUD)

Because real estate contracts and individual circumstances can vary, sellers should discuss specific questions about an offer with their real estate broker and, when appropriate, an attorney.
Why isn’t my house getting any offers?

Sometimes there isn’t one simple answer. But there are several common reasons a home may sit on the market without receiving an offer.

1. The home may be overpriced.

Today’s buyers have access to an enormous amount of information. They can easily compare your home with other properties currently for sale and recently sold homes.

If competing properties offer more value at the same or lower price, buyers may simply choose another home.

2. The home may need updating or better presentation.

First impressions matter.

Today’s buyers often respond to homes that are clean, decluttered, well-maintained, appropriately staged, and easy to envision living in.

That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars remodeling your home. Sometimes relatively simple improvements—cleaning, decluttering, fresh paint, landscaping, repairs, or rearranging furniture—can make a meaningful difference.

Before spending money, talk with your agent. Not every improvement provides the same return, and the wrong project can waste both time and money.

3. The home’s location may be affecting buyer interest.

Sometimes the issue has nothing to do with the house itself.

Traffic, road noise, nearby properties, surrounding development, neighborhood conditions, or other location factors can influence a buyer’s decision.

Unfortunately, some of these factors cannot be changed. The key is understanding them, pricing appropriately, and presenting the property honestly.

4. The market may have changed.

Real estate markets change. Buyer demand, interest rates, inventory, competition, and seasonal trends can all affect how quickly a home sells.

If your home isn’t generating showings or offers, it’s important to look at the available market data rather than simply waiting and hoping something changes.
Selling a Home in Winston-Salem?

Let’s Talk.

Selling your home is more than putting a sign in the yard. It’s about understanding the market, preparing the property, pricing it appropriately, marketing it effectively, negotiating on your behalf, and navigating the many details between listing and closing.

At Ardmore Realty, we bring local knowledge, personal attention, and years of real estate experience to every transaction.

Whether you’re selling a home in Ardmore, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, or the surrounding Triad area, we’re here to help you make informed decisions and move through the process with confidence.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Wondering what your home could sell for in today’s market? Skip the guesswork of an online estimate — fill out the form below, and we’ll follow up with a personalized home value estimate based on your property’s actual condition, features, and current market conditions in your area.

There’s no cost and no obligation — just an honest, informed starting point for whatever you decide to do next.

Happy Sellers, Real Results

These are just a few of the sellers we’ve had the privilege of helping through a successful sale.

What Our Sellers Are Saying

L.G.

“We appreciate Robert so much! He was helpful during a huge transition for our family and was super responsive to family members who were involved in the sale of our home. He was knowledgeable, reassuring, patient and again very responsive.”

Robert Newman

Broker

M. Strupe

“I strongly recommend Ardmore Realty! Allison was a HUGE help in selling my house! If you need to sell your house quick, or you’re looking to buy your forever home, Ardmore Realty is the way to go!”

Allison Della Vecchia

Broker

Jennifer

“We listed our house with Reiner and it was sold in 2 days ! He was very professional, approachable , and quick to respond to any issues. Definitely would recommend him to list your house .”

Reiner Kamper

Broker

Curious What’s on the Market?

Whether you’re timing your sale around what’s available or just want to see what’s out there, browse our current listings or search the full Triad MLS.

View Available Homes

Ready to talk about selling your home? We’d love to help you get started.