Good questions. Written answers.

Typically 1–3% of the purchase price, held in escrow and credited to you at closing. A larger deposit can strengthen an offer; it is also money at risk if you miss a contingency deadline, so we set the amount with your timeline in view.

That a lender has reviewed your income, assets and credit, not just run a calculator. Sellers read it as "this buyer can close." A pre-qualification without documents carries much less weight.

Contingent means an offer is accepted but conditions remain (inspection, financing, appraisal). Pending usually means the conditions are satisfied and the sale is moving to closing. Kip shows both so you can decide whether a backup offer is worth your time.

Compensation is negotiated and written down before you tour. Sometimes the seller offers it, sometimes you pay part or all, and sometimes it is built into the offer. We put our terms on page one in plain language.

You have choices: ask the seller to lower the price, cover the difference, split it, or walk away with your earnest money if your appraisal contingency is intact. We model each before you decide.

Usually 30–45 days with financing, faster with cash. Inspection, appraisal and loan underwriting set the pace. We give you a dated checklist on day one.

Rarely. There are ways to compete without blind risk, such as a pre-inspection or a shortened window. We will tell you when a waiver is reckless and when it is a calculated bet.

Clean terms, realistic dates, a strong pre-approval, and knowing what the seller actually needs (timing, rent-back, certainty). Price is one lever of many.

An accessory dwelling unit: a permitted secondary living space (detached, attached or basement). Buyers ask Kip for them for family, rental income or a home office. Permitting matters; we check it.

Dues fund shared costs and reserves; rules can limit rentals, pets and changes. We read the resale certificate with you before the contingency expires.

Lender fees, title and escrow, prepaid taxes and insurance, and recording. We give you an itemized estimate from your actual file, never a generic percentage.

Some buyers tour once and write; others watch the market for a season. Kip's saved searches and alerts make the waiting productive instead of exhausting.