Got questions?…
I've got you.
After 26 years and hundreds of homes, I've answered just about every question there is — especially about selling and buying at the same time. Here are the ones I hear most often.
Buying & Selling Simultaneously
How do I sell a house and buy a house at the same time?
This is one of the most common situations I help with. There are several approaches: you can make your purchase offer contingent on selling your current home, arrange a bridge loan, negotiate a rent-back agreement to stay in your home after closing, or time the closings back-to-back. I'll analyze your financial situation, the current market conditions, and your timeline to create the best plan for you.
Should I buy first or sell first?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and that's what we'll figure out together. Sell first and you avoid carrying two mortgages, but you may need temporary housing while you look. Buy first and you give yourself more time to find the right home, but you take on more risk if your current place hasn't sold yet. A bridge loan can help cover the gap when the timing overlaps, using equity from your current home to move you into the next one. I walk my clients through the numbers so the decision feels clear instead of scary. When you work with me, we map out the timing step by step, deciding whether to buy first, sell first, or structure both to close back-to-back, so you're never stuck holding two payments or racing a deadline.
How do I avoid carrying two mortgages?
The key is timing. We can structure the transactions to close close together, negotiate a rent-back agreement so you stay in your current home after it sells, or explore bridge financing. I'll create a timeline that minimizes your risk.
What if my home sells before I find a new one?
It happens more than you'd think, and it's not a crisis. We can negotiate a rent-back agreement so you stay in your home longer, or line up a temporary place while we keep searching. The worst-case scenario is actually manageable with the right preparation.
What if I find a new home before mine sells?
We can structure your offer to minimize risk. Many sellers will accept a contingent offer, meaning the purchase only goes through once your current home is under contract. It takes some strategy, but it's very doable.
How long does it typically take to sell and buy at the same time?
In Medina County, the median home goes under contract in about 22 days when it's priced right and shows well, though every home is different. The full timeline from listing to closing on your new home is usually 3 to 6 months. I'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
How do I use the equity from my current home to buy my next one?
Your equity can go toward your down payment, closing costs, or reducing your new mortgage. We'll work with your lender to make sure the timing lines up so those funds are available when you need them. It's one of the biggest advantages of selling before you buy and one of the reasons good planning matters.
Is now a good time to make a move?
The best time to move is when your life calls for it. Whether that's a growing household, an empty nest, a job change, or just wanting something different. The market will always have ups and downs, but with the right strategy, there's almost always a smart way to make your move. Let's talk about what's going on locally and what it means for you.
What does downsizing actually cost?
Downsizing is usually less expensive than people fear, but it's not free. You're looking at moving costs, a few small updates to help your home sell well, maybe staging, and the timing of it all. The good news is that most of these are one-time costs, and a lot of what you spend can come back in what your home sells for. I help clients put the whole budget on paper before we ever list, so there are no surprises. You'll know what you're spending, what you're saving, and what you're walking into.
Selling Your Home
How much is my home worth?
In Brunswick, the median sale price is $325,000, up 7.4% year over year, and the market is very competitive. In Medina County, the median sale price is $330,000, down 4.4% year over year. I offer a free, no-obligation home evaluation that uses current market data, recent comparable sales, and my deep knowledge of your specific neighborhood. Online estimates are a useful starting point, but they rely on automated data and can miss the mark, especially on homes that aren't currently listed. My evaluation is based on real numbers and local expertise.
Source: Redfin
How long does it take to sell a home?
In Medina County, homes are selling after a median of 22 days on the market, and in Brunswick the market is very competitive. It really comes down to price and condition. A home that's priced right and shows well can attract an offer fast, sometimes within the first week or two. From accepted offer to closing, you're usually looking at roughly 30 to 45 days, give or take a little depending on inspections, the appraisal, and the buyer's financing. Your home's condition, location, and the current market all play a role too. I'll give you an honest, realistic expectation for your specific home during our initial conversation.
Source: Redfin
Do I need to stage my home?
Staging can make a significant difference, especially in a competitive market. I'll provide specific recommendations tailored to your home — sometimes it's a full staging, sometimes it's simple decluttering and depersonalization. The goal is to help buyers envision themselves living there.
Do I need to do repairs before selling?
Not everything needs fixing, and I'd never tell you to renovate the whole house. Start with the simple things that have the biggest impact: declutter, deep clean, and knock out the small repairs you've been putting off, like a leaky faucet or a sticky door. Curb appeal matters more than people realize, so tidy the yard and freshen the entryway. Beyond that, I'll walk through your home with you and give you an honest, prioritized list of what will actually pay off when you sell. I pay special attention to the things an inspector is likely to flag, because those are the ones that can stall a sale or cost you at the negotiating table. Spend your money where it matters, and price the home accordingly.
Buying a Home
How much money do I need to buy a home?
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans may require as little as 3% down, FHA loans need 3.5%, and VA or USDA loans may require nothing down. On top of the down payment, plan for closing costs, which typically add a few percent of the purchase price. I can connect you with trusted local lenders who will walk you through your specific options and give you the exact number for your situation, line by line, so there are no surprises.
What areas do you serve?
I serve Northeast Ohio communities including Brunswick, Medina, Hinckley, Valley City, Strongsville, Middleburg Heights, Berea, North Royalton, Columbia Station, Parma, Parma Heights, Broadview Heights, Brecksville, Brook Park, Olmsted Falls, Medina County, and Southwest Cuyahoga County. My typical price range is $250,000 to $1,000,000.
What's the home buying process?
The basic steps are: get pre-approved, define your needs, tour homes, make an offer, complete inspections and negotiate repairs, and close on your new home. I'll guide you through every step so there are never any surprises.
Can I buy new construction in Medina County before selling my current home?
Yes, many Medina County buyers make this exact move. We look at your equity, your timeline, and whether a contingent offer or bridge financing makes sense for you, and we structure the sale so you aren't left without a place to live.
What do property taxes actually cost in Medina County vs. Cuyahoga County?
Property taxes are one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a home, and they vary noticeably from county to county. Per SmartAsset, Cuyahoga County carries an effective property tax rate around 1.80%, with a median annual payment around $3,822, the highest effective rate among Ohio counties. Medina County's taxes generally run lower, but the exact rate depends on your town, school district, and millage. For a specific home I can pull the exact tax history and millage so you know the real number before you make an offer.
Source: SmartAsset
What's the age of the roof, HVAC, and water heater?
Ask about the big-ticket items first, because those are the things that cost real money if they're near the end of their life. Find out the age and remaining life of the roof, furnace, air conditioning, water heater, and windows, and check whether past repairs were done with permits. We can also order a full home inspection so you're never surprised after closing.
Do I need to get pre-approved before I start looking?
Yes. Pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford, and it shows sellers you're serious, which matters in a competitive market like Brunswick. It takes one short call with a lender and a few documents, and once you have it we can move fast when the right home comes on the market. I work with local lenders who can get you pre-approved quickly.
About Working With Lisa
What makes you different from other agents?
For starters, I've been doing this for 26 years and have sold hundreds of homes, so there isn't much I haven't seen. But what really sets me apart is how I approach every client. Each person I work with is going through a transition, and I take the time to genuinely understand what matters most to them. My clients will tell you that what they value most is that I actually listen. I'm not here to push you into a deal. I'm here to guide you through one of life's biggest transitions with a clear plan and honest advice. My business has always been built on relationships, not transactions, and I treat every client like a neighbor, because most of the time, they are.
What's your commission?
I'd be happy to discuss compensation in our initial conversation. Every situation is different, and I'll be transparent about fees from the start. What I can promise is that my expertise and dedication will more than pay for itself in the outcome of your transaction.
Do you work with first-time buyers?
Absolutely! First-time buyers are some of my favorite clients because I get to guide them through the entire process from start to finish. I'll make sure you understand every step and feel confident in your decisions.
How do I get started?
Just give me a call at 440-567-1362 or send me a message through my contact page. We'll have a conversation about what's prompting the move, your timeline, and what you're working with. No pressure, no obligation, and no pushy sales talk. From there, we'll figure out whether this is the right season to make a move or whether it's smarter to wait, and you'll leave with a clear plan either way. That's how I like to start every relationship.
What do clients say about working with Lisa?
Clients consistently tell me that what sets me apart is how much I truly listen. I don't just help people find a house. I help them find their next chapter. The note featured on this page is from a couple I helped make exactly that move, and there are more of their words to read on my reviews page.
Community Questions
What's it like to live in Brunswick?
There's a reason Brunswick keeps coming up when people talk about great places to live around here. It has that classic built-up suburban feel, with plenty of parks, good schools, and an easy commute. You get a real sense of community, with events and local spots that make it easy to run into people you know, and conveniences close at hand. Just up the road, Brunswick Hills keeps more of that quiet, country-ish feel, with bigger lots and a slower pace. Together they really do offer something for everyone, from young families to empty nesters to multi-generational households. I love helping clients figure out which side fits their life best.
What's it like to live in Valley City?
Valley City is one of those hidden gems people fall in love with once they find it. It's small and quiet, surrounded by farmland and country roads, yet still close enough to the highways to get where you need to go. If you want space, privacy, and a slower pace of life, it's hard to beat. It's the kind of place where neighbors look out for one another.
What's it like to live in Medina?
Medina has a charm you don't find just anywhere, and it all starts at the historic square. That square is the heart of town, with shops, restaurants, and events that bring the whole community together throughout the year. You'll find beautiful older homes and newer neighborhoods, plus parks and trails for family-friendly weekends. There's a real community feel here, the kind of town where you'll wave to someone you know no matter where you go. There's something for every stage of life, and once you visit, you'll understand why folks are so proud to call it home.
What's it like to live in Hinckley?
Hinckley has that small-town feel that's getting harder and harder to find. You've got Hinckley Lake and the Metroparks right in your backyard, which means outdoor life is part of everyday life here. It's quiet, it's beautiful, and the pace is easy. If you love nature and privacy but still want neighbors who know your name, this is your place.
Still have questions?
I'm always happy to chat. Call, text, or send a message. There's no question too small.