Real Estate Secrets: 11 Things You Need To Know Before Buying Or Selling

Most people assume your agent is required to receive a standard six percent commission, but according to antitrust laws for real estate brokers, it would be a violation to have a fixed fee across the board.

We all get used to the odors around us, so if you're trying to sell your home, make sure you're giving your abode a fresh aroma for perspective buyers.

There's no need to go crazy with the cleaning supplies before an open house or showing — you want folks to know they can be just as cozy and comfortable in the house as your family has been.

However, that doesn't mean you should leave your laundry thrown around or dishes piled in the sink.

You're trusting them with a very important job, so it's only fair to see how they've done in the past with their previous clients. If they refuse, it's probably not a great sign.

Before anyone signs any paperwork while buying or selling a home, make sure you have a clear conversation about whether or not the refrigerator will be going with the seller or staying put. Sometimes sellers wait until the paperwork is printed to reveal their intentions, which can lead to some deal-breaking heated discussions.

It might be tempting to ask for a slightly larger loan from the bank or cut some of your personal spending to get your hands on your dream home, but you ultimately could end up wasting everyone's time and even more frustrated than the arduous search process has already made you feel.

Even if the house is nowhere near a body of water, the path might make its way toward your new home, which is, of course, something to consider when it comes to insurance and protecting your belongings.

Even if you get an all-clear from an inspection, you might find your new home infested with termites, carpenter ants, and several other nasty critters you didn't realize weren't included in the routine checklist.

Though the phrase makes it sound like you're getting a sturdy structure, it really just means the house meets the bare minimum requirements and could be secretly on shaky legs.

Not only do they need to make sure to tell your home inspector of what you'd like to remodel, just so they can verify the foundation is actually able to sustain your plans, but their information can also sometimes be used as leverage to negotiate a lower price on your offer.

People often think they're done shelling out dough after making their offer, but there's always a two to five percent closing cost before they can hand you the keys. It depends on the final price tag, but on average, you can expect a sum around $3,700.

Did we miss any insider tips you've heard about buying and selling a home? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!