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

Pros and Cons of Selling Your Own Home (With No Realtor)

✅ Pros: No listing agent fee | Total control | ❌ Cons: Lower sales price | Time-consuming | Legal risks Selling your home without a realtor may sound great since you could save up to 3% on listing agent commissions. But selling without a real estate agent doesn’t guarantee more money in your pocket. The potential savings [...]
How Much Do Zillow Listing Fees Cost? Guide for Home Sellers

Do you have to pay Zillow listing fees to sell your home? Discover how Zillow makes money, and learn how to get the most out of your listing.
FSBO vs. Realtor Statistics: What You Need to Know in 2024

Most FSBO sellers think they can save money or time by not using an agent when they sell their home. But is this true? Get the facts and data about FSBO vs. realtor transactions.

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.
How to Sell a House for Cash Without a Realtor

How to set an asking price | Ways to sell for cash | How to compare offers | Closing a cash sale Selling a house for cash and without a realtor are both complicated processes. We recommend getting cash offers from multiple sources to get the best price. Set an asking price based on fair market value Determine [...]

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.
7 Warning Signs of a Bad Real Estate Agent

Imagine listing your home with an inexperienced realtor, and watching it sit on the market for months with no offers. Every call to the agent goes straight to voicemail. You're pretty sure they're busy working another job or helping other clients. These are just a few signs of a bad real estate agent. Whether you're buying [...]