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 [...]

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 [...]
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.
When to Contact a Realtor to Sell Your House (Now or Later?)

In this seller’s guide, you’ll learn the best time to work with a realtor based on factors like your sale timeline, home repairs, and local market trends.

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!