Steve Nicastro Managing Editor

Steve Nicastro has been part of the Real Estate Witch team since 2021. He brings a unique consumer-first perspective to the platform, and with three years under his belt, Steve has become a trusted voice for readers seeking clarity and empowerment in their real estate decisions.

Steve’s path to becoming Managing Editor at Clever Real Estate was paved with real-life experiences as a real estate consumer. His hands-on approach in Charleston, SC, where he closed over $6 million in transactions between 2020 and 2021, has given him a deep understanding of buyers and sellers’ challenges and victories.

He previously worked as a personal finance writer for NerdWallet for over six years. His insights have been featured in prominent publications like the Associated Press, MarketWatch, and USA Today.

When he’s not writing or thinking about real estate, Steve can often be found embracing his passion for golf at the local course, sipping on ice coffee at Starbucks, channeling energy at the gym, or enjoying quality time with his family.

Expertise

Real estate commission
Selling a house without a realtor
Finding a realtor
Cash home buyers
Home value estimates
Real estate investing
Rent to own homes

Media appearances

U.S. News: What the $2 Billion Realtor Lawsuit Means for Home Buyers and Sellers
The Mortgage Reports: Buyer’s Market vs. Seller’s Market
ApartmentTherapy: Kitchen Renovations with Low ROI
Consumer Affairs: Zillow Launches 1% Down Mortgage Plan

Pre-Listing Appraisal: Should I Get One Before Selling?

What is a pre-listing appraisal? | Who it works best for | Other home value options | How appraisals work | Next steps A pre-listing appraisal or pre-appraisal is a professional home value estimate a seller gets before listing a home for sale to set a fair price. In most cases, a pre-listing appraisal isn't worth the [...]
What is a Listing Agent? Everything You Need to Know

Listing agents represent home sellers. Learn more about what they do and how they get paid.
15 Mind-Blowing FSBO Tips to Help You Win at Real Estate!

These FSBO tips and tricks from real-life FSBO buyers and sellers will help you get the most for your money!

Zillow For Sale By Owner Fees: Is It Really Free?

Listing your house on Zillow for sale by owner (FSBO) can be a great way to get your home in front of potential buyers, but you should know what you're getting yourself into. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about posting your house on Zillow for sale by owner: fees, pros and cons, improving your listing, and more.
Prevu Review: DIY and Save Money (2024)

Prevu is a discount real estate brokerage that advertises large rebates for eligible home buyers and a 1.5% listing commission for sellers. Prevu offers these savings by connecting buyers and sellers with its salaried agents who do many — but not all — of the tasks of a full-service agent. Here's what you should know.
Seller Closing Costs: Here’s What You Need to Know

Sellers owe a number of fees at closing, including realtor commission fees, transfer taxes, recording fees, title insurance, and more. Here’s what they are, how much you can expect to pay, and how to save on many seller closing costs.

Xome Reviews: Is This Auction Platform Legit?

Xome (pronounced zōme) is an online real estate auction platform. Sellers can benefit from a fast sale at their desired minimum price while avoiding paying commission. Buyers can find unique or distressed properties that aren’t on the open market and buy them quickly. For many distressed property owners seeking a fast cash sale, using Xome is [...]
72SOLD Reviews 2024

72SOLD claims to sell homes for top dollar within just a matter of days. But what do 72SOLD customer reviews have to say? Find out here.
UpNest Review: Customers Love It, But Will It Save You? (2024)

We mystery shopped UpNest and reviewed hundreds of online reviews to find everything you need to know about signing up with the service. Read this before choosing to work with an UpNest agent!