Melissa Stary Realtor Services

Real Estate Agent · Nebraska Realty · Columbus, Nebraska

1:35 AM in Columbus Directions

Here is what working with Melissa Stary in Columbus typically covers, from the first consultation to closing day. Services and terms vary, so confirm the details in your written agreement.

Buyer services

First buyer meeting

A conversation about price range, neighborhoods around Columbus and the buyer agreement you sign before tours.

Home tours and listing alerts

Setting up searches for Columbus area listings and arranging showings as soon as homes go live.

Offers and counteroffers

Contract terms, earnest money, inspection and appraisal contingencies explained step by step.

Getting to the closing table

Coordinating with the lender, title or escrow office and the other agent so nothing slips.

For home sellers

Pricing analysis (CMA)

A comparative market analysis based on recent sales near your Columbus home.

Pre-listing checklist

Which repairs are worth doing, decluttering and photo-day preparation.

MLS listing and marketing

Listing on the local MLS and syndication to the major home-search sites.

Showings, offers and closing

Scheduling showings, reviewing offers and managing the contract to closing.

How a typical transaction works

ConsultA first conversation about goals, budget and timing — and a written agreement that spells out services and compensation.
PrepareBuyers get pre-approved; sellers review a pricing analysis and prepare the home for photos.
Market & tourListings go live on the MLS; buyers tour homes and compare recent sales.
NegotiateOffers, counteroffers, inspection requests and appraisal issues are worked through.
CloseFinal walk-through and signing with the title or escrow company under Nebraska rules.

Typical costs on a Columbus home

Illustrative figures for a home at the local typical value of $271,400. Real numbers depend on your agreement, lender and title company.

Item	Rate	On $271K
Listing-side commission (negotiable)	2.5–3%	$6,785–$8,142
Buyer-side compensation (negotiable)	2–3%	$5,428–$8,142
Buyer closing costs (lender, title, escrow)	2–5%	$5,428–$13,570
Home inspection	flat	$350–$600

Every percentage above is negotiable and is set in the written agreement. Typical value from the Zillow Home Value Index (August 2026).

Areas around Columbus

Norfolk, NE41 mi · $259K Fremont, NE45 mi · $258K

Questions about these services

How are real estate agents paid in Nebraska?

Compensation is negotiable and set out in writing. Sellers sign a listing agreement; since August 2024 buyers sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes with an agent, stating what the agent will be paid and by whom.

Does Melissa Stary work with both buyers and sellers?

Most agents and brokerages represent both, but not in the same transaction without written consent. Ask how Melissa Stary handles dual agency or designated agency under Nebraska law.

What should I prepare before the first meeting?

Buyers: a mortgage pre-approval, a target budget and a list of must-haves. Sellers: your mortgage payoff estimate, a list of upgrades with dates, and any HOA or survey documents.