Do Open House Events Still Work?

Cave Creek home photoHaving an open house can often go a long way toward helping you sell your home, but there are some pros and cons you’ll want to consider before you plan to go this route. You can expect a lot of  traffic from potential buyers and agents if the event is staged effectively, correctly and at the right time.

The goal of an open house is to bring traffic to your home from people who are looking to buy a home in your area.  A seasoned agent will schedule the event shortly after your home is posted for sale to take advantage of the “new listing” status.  Your realtor will post the open house date in MLS, social media and real estate websites such as zillow.com and realtor.com so that buyer’s agents and anyone who may be interested is aware of the upcoming event.

Open houses offer low-pressure opportunities for buyers to take a look. Your realtor should let people look around while being close enough to answer questions but not to overpower the potential buyers. This usually encourages buyers to think fondly of your home when they look back on the properties they’ve visited. Keep in mind, some visitors may be looking on behalf of their friends and/or family.

Your realtor will be able to talk to new potential buyers who may be coming back for a second look.  This is also the opportunity to share information about the home that is not specified in the listing information.  Interested buyers will connect with their agents, who will communicate with your realtor to get more information about the home and your motivation to sell.

Go above and beyond to make sure your house looks at its best while it is on the market.  Your agent will guide you as to how to make your home attractive to buyers and may suggest home staging services to show your home’s best features.

It is not very common to make a sale during the open house itself. This is an event that’s more about gaining interest and getting the word out about your home rather than necessarily finding a buyer that day.  Of course, you never know what could happen!

Tatum Highlands Open House Sunday 10/22/17 from 11am-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 10/22/17 from 11am-4pm in the Desert Ridge/Cave Creek area Tatum Highlands neighborhood at 4016 E Prickly Pear Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This immaculate, updated home has just been listed, and has 2 master suites and a pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.

Is the First Offer Always the Best Offer?

Desert Ridge home photoHave you ever sold a house before? Are you going through the process of selling your house right now? Whether you’ve been through it before or this is your first time dealing with the ups and downs of home selling, you probably fully understand the temptation to take the first offer you get on your home. You may have even heard the myth that the first offer is always the best offer you’re going to get. But how true is this? Should you wait around for a better offer to come along?

If the offer comes right away…

Then it may not be the best offer. If you get an offer on your home within 24 hours of listing it for sale with your realtor, that offer may come from someone who is trying to see how low you’re willing to go on the property.

On the other hand, it might come from a potential buyer who has been shopping around for a long time. That buyer’s agent may have shown them your home knowing it’s perfect for what they’re looking for. And if this is the case, you may get a great offer.

If you get an offer at or very near your asking price right away, chance are you probably won’t get something higher later on.

If the offer comes delayed…

Then it probably is the best offer you’re going to get. If your home is priced above the usual asking price for properties in your neighborhood, most buyers are probably passing on making any offer at all, thinking you won’t accept what they may be willing to pay.

After a while, a serious buyer may come along and put in an offer after watching the market in your area for a few weeks. If this happens, you’re probably not going to get a better offer at your current asking price, so it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and take that offer.

So IS the first offer the best offer?

Most of the time, yes. Of course, it is your choice to wait and see if you get something better, especially if the offers you’re getting are coming in significantly under your asking price.  However, you may end regretting for not taking one of those initial offers, especially if your house stays on the market for weeks and even months to come. Don’t settle for a price you know is far below the value of your home, but don’t be afraid to take that first offer, either.   A seasoned real estate agent that knows your area well and has done homework, will advise you on how to get the most dollar for your home and develop an effective marketing strategy.

We have are local area experts in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, North Phoenix and surrounding area.  Are you looking to sell you home?  Do you know the value of your home?  Click here to get started with a free, no obligation home value estimate.

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market October Update- September 2017 Stats

Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for September 2017, which shows 7,496 homes sold in the month of September compared to 7,411 homes in September 2016. This is a 1.2% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 4.4% year over year. The amount of listed homes is down by 7.7% to 18,645 from 20,199 in September 2016. Inventory of listed homes is rising but still well below last year at this time. And demand continues to remain strong going into the Fall. The average days on market down 8.4% from September 2016 to 66 days. (Click on the link below or the image to view the full Market Report)

Click here to see the full September 2017 Market Report & Statistics

Give us a call or text us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this fall, as the strong market continues to be good for both buyers and sellers, or if you have questions about this information. And don’t forget to explore our website AzDreamHomesScottsdale.com to see Scottsdale area homes and helpful articles.

How to Choose A Neighborhood For Your Needs and Lifestyle

Rotary Club Park photoWhen you’re buying a home, you’re probably going to spend some time considering the part of town—or the part of the state—where you want to be located. It’s normal to want to consider the location of your new home, but what exactly should you be looking for? It may be challenging to figure out the factors you need to consider when looking for the perfect new place to live. Sure, you know you want to be close to work or near your family, but what else? What could help you find the neighborhood of your dreams? Check out our tips below to help you decide.

School Districts

If you have children or are planning to have children, make sure you pick a neighborhood with high rated school.  Some neighborhoods with an average school grading may suffice, but stay away from those that don’t generally perform well in your area.

Home Style

Do you want a specific architectural style in your home? Or do you not really care as long as it has the amenities you’re looking for? Think about whether or not the style factors in your decision and you may narrow down your neighborhood from there.

Up-and-Coming Communities

Communities that are still developing may be more affordable when you’re looking to buy a home. As long as you’re willing to have a little patience for a few years as the neighborhood grows, you may get a great deal on a home in an area that you like.

Walking Distance

Does walking distance matter to you? If so, an up-and-coming community probably isn’t right for you. On the other hand, if you prefer to be further away from noise and busy streets, you may do well in the suburbs or even further out and get more home for your money.

Quiet vs. night life

Once again, you’ll have to consider whether you want to live on a street that’s quiet at night or one that has lots of nearby night life to enjoy. Many times, college areas will be noisier at night as well, although they may also be generally safer than other night life areas.

Proximity to Hobbies

Do you love hiking? Boating? Going to the dog park? Hitting up the mall every weekend? No matter what your hobbies might be, make sure you choose a location that won’t leave you sitting in traffic for hours to get to them.

Neighborhood Safety

Drive around the neighborhood you’re considering in the afternoon or early evening. Do you see people outside working on their lawns or playing with their kids? If so, this is probably a safe neighborhood. If you don’t see anyone outside at all, you may want to figure out why that is.

Drive through the neighborhood at night. See if there are any streetlights in the area or if it’s just dark everywhere. Do you see people out walking their dog or taking a nighttime bike ride, or is everything closed up and quiet? This can be a good indicator of the type of neighborhood you’re looking at, too.

We are local area expert in Scottsdale, North Valley, Fountain Hills and surrounding areas.  We can help you find a home that is right for you.  Click here to learn about neighborhoods and view homes for sale or call us at 480.754.9477 / 480.754.9077

 

Tatum Highlands Open House Sunday 10/15/17 from 11am-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 10/15/17 from 11am-4pm in the Desert Ridge/Cave Creek area Tatum Highlands neighborhood at 4016 E Prickly Pear Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This immaculate, updated home has just been listed, and has 2 master suites and a pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.