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FAQs

FAQs - Your Real Estate Questions, Answered!

Common Real Estate FAQs

Whether you’re seeking your first residential rental, need property management services, or have commercial land for sale, Partners Realty is here with the real estate expertise you need. Learn more about our services below, or get in touch to find out how we can help you!

At Partners Realty we work with buyers and sellers alike to match every client up with the real estate transactions most suited to their needs. Our local market knowledge and years of experience help us deliver the best value for our clients, whether they have a single home for sale or multiple properties. Contact our caring and supportive team today to find out how we can help you.

Whether you’re selling or buying, Partners Realty offers you the advantage of our experience and resources to deliver the most value for your property investments. We provide innovative solutions, technological savvy, and local market expertise across the state. Your transactions will be handled knowledgeably by our professionals, eliminating guesswork, answering your questions, and ensuring that you see the best results.

Whether you’re upsizing or relocating, our team can help you with selling and buying your home. Selling your house is a great opportunity for your future and your personal growth. Many homeowners choose to rent their current home, turning it into an investment property for additional income. When renting real property, it’s important to consider the legal and financial aspects involved, such as lease agreements, landlord responsibilities, and tax implications. However, you may find that it’s necessary to use the built-up equity of your current home in the downpayment on your new home, which will require you to sell it.

Make your home selling process easier by partnering with the Partners Realty team—we can help you analyze your options and support you on the path that you choose, moving forward.

There is no “perfect” number of homes you need to view—finding a home is a process that’s up to you. Luckily, with the help of the internet, shopping for a new home is easier than ever, and Partners Realty puts the advantage of technology to work for our clients in addition to personal knowledge and experience.

Our experts can make your home-buying process as streamlined and targeted as possible. Not only will our local market knowledge direct your search more efficiently, we’ll also be able to tailor your search to find your ideal home quickly and easily. Get in touch today!

At Partners, our strong infrastructure and diversely experienced staff are ready to assist you with property management services as soon as possible. We’re here to make your life easier with our professionalism and real estate expertise. Contact us today to get started!

Land Investment & Development FAQs

Land purchases require careful evaluation of intended use, zoning, access, utilities, environmental factors, and long-term development potential. Partner’s Realty helps buyers assess these factors early to avoid costly surprises and ensure the property aligns with their goals.

Zoning laws determine how land can be used, including residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes. Partner’s Realty assists buyers in reviewing zoning classifications and local regulations so the land can be used as intended.

Due diligence for land typically includes reviewing zoning, access, surveys, environmental conditions, utilities, and title history. Partner’s Realty guides buyers through this process to help confirm feasibility and reduce risk before closing.

In many cases, yes. Surveys confirm boundaries and access, while environmental or soil testing may be necessary for development, septic systems, or regulatory compliance. Partner’s Realty helps buyers determine which reports are appropriate based on the property and planned use.

A title search confirms ownership history and identifies liens, easements, or restrictions that could affect use of the land. It also helps confirm and protect ownership rights for the buyer by ensuring the deed properly transfers legal ownership and that all records are accurate. Partner’s Realty strongly encourages clear title review to protect buyers from future ownership or access issues.

Without title insurance, buyers may assume responsibility for unknown ownership disputes, liens, or legal claims tied to the land. Partner’s Realty recommends title insurance as an added layer of protection for land purchases.

Partner’s Realty provides market insight, access to land listings, and guidance through due diligence, negotiations, and closing. Our Land Division works with buyers seeking development land, industrial lots, timberland, hunting land, and recreational property across Alabama.

Real estate attorneys are strongly recommended when purchasing land, particularly for development or investment purposes. Real estate attorneys help guide clients through the legal aspects of land transactions, addressing crucial aspects such as legal compliance and proper transfer of ownership. Attorneys assist with title review, contracts, and legal considerations, helping protect the buyer’s interests throughout the transaction.

Commercial Real Estate FAQs

Partner’s Realty assists buyers and investors with a wide range of commercial properties, including office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, and development-ready land. Our Commercial Division works with both owner-users and investors seeking income-producing or long-term growth opportunities.

Commercial buyers should evaluate factors such as location, zoning, property’s condition, income potential, operating expenses, and long-term market trends. Partner’s Realty helps clients assess these considerations to reduce risk and support informed decisions.

When it comes to commercial real estate for lease, commercial land for sale, and other real estate transactions, buyers and sellers face a number of risks both personally and financially. Analyzing these risks is crucial to ensuring the best results possible. Common mistakes include: misunderstanding regulatory risks, ignoring market risk, misreading investment potential, devaluing a property’s condition or environmental risk, and overlooking property flaws—especially in a seller’s market where buyers may pay more and ignore issues due to high demand.

These can all be minimized with the keen aid of a Partners Realty team member. Contact us today to learn more about these mistakes and how we can help you make the best real estate deals possible

Zoning laws dictate how a commercial property can be used and developed. Partner’s Realty assists buyers in reviewing zoning classifications and local regulations to help ensure the property supports their business operations or investment plans.

Commercial properties may be subject to environmental regulations, usage restrictions, or compliance requirements depending on past and current use. Partner’s Realty encourages careful evaluation of these factors and recommends involving qualified professionals when needed.

A real estate attorney is strongly recommended for commercial transactions due to contract complexity, regulatory exposure, and higher financial risk. Real estate attorneys are especially important in complex real estate transactions or those involving unusual aspects, as they can clarify legal ramifications and ensure proper handling of all legal requirements. Attorneys assist with legal review, title matters, and transaction structure to help protect the buyer’s interests.

Yes. Partner’s Realty supports clients with both commercial property purchases and leasing, helping business owners and investors evaluate options, negotiate terms, and move forward with confidence.

In addition to acquisition guidance, Partner’s Realty can assist with leasing strategy, property management coordination, and future sale planning to help investors protect and maximize the value of their commercial assets.

Residential Real Estate FAQs

Market conditions, such as a seller’s market or a buyer’s market, influence pricing, competition, and negotiation leverage. In a seller’s market, buyers often compete for homes, driving up property costs and resulting in bidding wars, which gives sellers a definite advantage. Conversely, in a buyer’s market, sellers are forced to lower their prices to be competitive and attract more potential purchasers interested in buying. Partner’s Realty helps clients understand local conditions before making decisions.

Homes may sell above asking price when demand exceeds supply, especially in competitive markets. In these situations, bidding wars—where multiple buyers compete for the same property—can drive the final sale price above the asking price. Strong location, condition, and pricing strategy can also contribute. Partner’s Realty helps sellers position homes competitively and buyers navigate offer strategies.

From initial search to closing, the process often takes about two months, though timelines can vary. Once an offer is accepted, closings typically occur within 30–45 days for financed purchases and sooner for cash transactions.

After signing a contract, a buyer generally cannot withdraw unless a contract contingency—such as financing, inspection, or appraisal—is not met. Partner’s Realty helps clients understand contract terms before moving forward.

Alabama is a caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) state, meaning sellers are not required to disclose defects unless they pose health or safety risks. Because of this, Partner’s Realty strongly encourages buyers to conduct inspections.

Yes. While not always required, a home inspection is often included as a contingency in real estate transactions. This allows buyers to identify potential issues before closing and, if necessary, renegotiate or even terminate the contract based on the inspection results. Partner’s Realty recommends inspections as part of a buyer’s due diligence process.

Closing costs may include inspections, appraisals, title services, and commissions. Partner’s Realty helps clients understand typical costs and responsibilities before entering a transaction.

Commission structures may vary and are fully negotiable. In Alabama, commissions are typically shared between the listing agent and buyer’s agent. Partner’s Realty discusses compensation clearly before representation begins.

Pre-approval is often recommended and may be required before viewing certain properties. It helps confirm budget, strengthens offers, and ensures an efficient home search process.

A real estate lawyer is not required in Alabama for residential transactions, but their legal services can be valuable, especially in complex situations. A real estate lawyer assists with the legal aspects of a real estate transaction, including the title search and closing process. Partner’s Realty works alongside attorneys when appropriate to help protect client interests.

Property Management FAQs

Our commercial and residential property management services deliver innovative, streamlined solutions that make your life easier and improve the value of your properties. Partners Realty offers all the many services property owners need, from tenant screening to maintenance and financial reporting. Partners Realty provides professionalism and high-quality service to simplify your management strategies and take tedious landlord duties off your hands, helping you make time for the important things in your life.

Avoid the hassle of late-night emergency calls or maintenance scheduling—rely on the resources and support of our experienced team at Partners Realty to handle all your property management needs.

Professional management helps reduce the time and stress associated with property ownership while protecting asset value. Partner’s Realty provides structured oversight and coordination that allows owners to remain hands-off while maintaining control over key decisions.

Maintenance and repair needs are addressed through coordinated service providers to resolve issues efficiently and minimize disruption to tenants. Partner’s Realty oversees this process to help protect the condition of the property.

Rent collection is handled on behalf of property owners using organized processes designed to support consistent payment tracking and clear communication with tenants.

Yes. Partner’s Realty provides property management services for both residential and commercial properties, tailoring management approaches based on property type and owner goals.

Regular property inspections help identify maintenance concerns early and ensure the property remains in good condition. Partner’s Realty coordinates inspections as part of ongoing property oversight.

Property taxes impact operating costs and investment performance. Partner’s Realty helps owners understand how taxes factor into overall property strategy and when professional guidance may be needed.

Property owners are encouraged to consult a real estate attorney for matters involving leases, disputes, title issues, or legal compliance. A lawyer assists property owners with legal compliance, dispute resolution, and title issues, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the process. Partner’s Realty works alongside legal professionals when appropriate to help protect owner interests.

Property owners are encouraged to consult a real estate attorney for matters involving leases, disputes, title issues, or legal compliance. A lawyer assists property owners with legal compliance, dispute resolution, and title issues, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the process. Partner’s Realty works alongside legal professionals when appropriate to help protect owner interests.

Rental Property Leasing FAQs

The leasing timeline depends on market conditions, property type, pricing, and demand. In many cases, well-positioned residential and commercial rentals can lease within a few weeks, while specialized properties may take longer. Partner’s Realty helps landlords evaluate market conditions to set realistic expectations.

The leasing process typically includes property marketing, applicant review, lease negotiation, and move-in coordination. Understanding the process flows—how each task and responsibility is organized and sequenced—helps ensure a smooth transition from listing to move-in. Partner’s Realty manages each step to help ensure a smooth transition for both landlords and tenants.

Lease terms are negotiated based on market demand, property condition, lease length, and tenant qualifications. Partner’s Realty works on behalf of property owners to structure lease terms that protect their interests while remaining competitive.

Responsibilities are defined in the lease agreement and typically address maintenance, utilities, repairs, and use of the property. Partner’s Realty helps ensure lease terms clearly outline these responsibilities to minimize disputes.

Yes. Partner’s Realty supports clients with both residential and commercial transactions, including leasing, helping property owners and tenants navigate the process with clear communication and market-based guidance.

Partner’s Realty assists landlords by coordinating marketing, lease preparation, tenant communication, and move-in logistics, helping streamline the leasing process and reduce administrative burden.

Make A Connection

Contact Partners Realty today to learn how we can help you with your property sales, investments, and management. Whether you’re searching for a rental for personal use or you’re looking for your next commercial property, our experienced real estate team can help.

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