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

15 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in 2024

Thinking of selling your home FSBO? These are the best FSBO websites to check out!
Selling Your House on Craiglist: Is it Really a Good Idea?

Selling a house without a realtor limits your options for listing, as you won't have access to your local multiple listing service (MLS). Many cost-conscious FSBO sellers instead turn to Craigslist, leveraging its free listing feature. However, while Craigslist offers ease and cost-effectiveness, selling on the platform doesn't make sense for everyone. While it generates a [...]
What Percent Commission Should I Pay A Buyer’s Agent in FSBO?

Buyer agents typically earn 2–3% of a home's final sale price. If you're selling your home without a realtor (also known as "for sale by owner," or FSBO), but your buyer is working with an agent, you may still need to pay their commission. Buyer's agent commission in FSBO: Key facts How much should I pay the [...]

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 [...]
How to Sell A Condo Without a Realtor

Prep your home | Set your asking price | Market online | Negotiate offers | Close on the sale Selling a condo is a lot like selling a single-family home, with one key difference — condos generally belong to homeowner’s associations (HOAs). This means there are extra rules you need to adhere to when selling your [...]

Redfin vs. Zillow Estimate: Which Is More Accurate?

Redfin Estimates and Zillow Zestimates provide an easy way to get a rough estimate of your property value, but how accurate are they? Are they a good substitute for an appraisal or an estimate from a real estate professional? Read on to find out more!
How to Sell a House to a Family Member

Avoid a family feud and read this BEFORE you sell your house to a relative.
How to Choose a Realtor: Expert Secrets

👉 Sections: How to choose a realtor to sell | How to choose a buyer's agent | Realtor red flags | Choosing for your situation | FAQs Choosing a realtor is one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make. While most people commit to the first real estate agent they interview, we recommend [...]