Staying on Budget When Househunting

In this market, becoming a homeowner can seem out of reach. Many properties are expensive, and interest rates keep going up. But with these steps, you can create a budget to help you find the right home!

Step 1: Add Up Your Income. Make sure to capture ALL income sources, not just the income from your full-time job.

Step 2: List Your Household Expenses. Get all the bills and expenses you usually have to pay listed in one spot. It’s not the most fun, but it’s an important step!

Step 3: Calculate Homeownership Costs. Owning a home can come with extra expenses outside of your mortgage payment, like repairs and maintenance. Be prepared for these expenses by budgeting them in.

Step 4: Give Your Budget Room to Grow. Budgets aren’t meant to be one-and-done, so give your budget a little space to grow–both on the income and expenses side.

Step 5: Make Adjustments. Take a look at your budget. Can you afford a house? If it’s a little tight, see what you can take out. If yes, then awesome! You’re ready to reach out to a real estate agent. I

f you follow these steps, you’ll develop a great budget that will put you on the path to homeownership–without busting your budget! Call us today to find your new home!

Preparing for Holiday Guests

Are you planning for holiday visitors? Think about what you’d expect to find at a five-star hotel and use that as inspiration for the perfect guest room oasis.

  • Add extra plush accents, like quilted shams, a chunky knit throw blanket, or even a fur or sequined one for a touch of glam.
  • Stock the bathroom with essentials like extra toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel, body lotion, and a festive scented candle.
  • Be sure there is ample storage — especially if your guests have winter gear like coats or boots.
  • You don’t have to deck all of the halls, but a little seasonal greenery goes a long way toward adding holiday cheer.
  • Make sure there are plenty of clean, fresh towels on hand. And — a warm, comfy guest bathrobe to add that extra touch of hotel luxe!

Are you hosting holiday guests this year, or are you traveling?

What to Ask Your Lender

When it comes to buying a home, there’s one person who’s just about as important as your agent: your lender! Lenders are a wealth of knowledge, so take advantage of that and make sure you ask these six questions. Getting these questions answered will ensure that you get the best mortgage with the best terms possible. Future-you will be super happy that you took the time to get all the details on mortgages while buying your home.

1-What is the best type of loan for me and why?

2- Do I qualify for any special loan programs or discounts?

3- What interest rates can you offer?

4- When can you lock in my rate?

5- What fees will I need to pay you?

6- What will my closing costs be?

 

Staging to Sell – Kids’ Rooms

Getting the kids to clean their rooms can be hard enough on a regular day, let alone during the stress of a big move. Here are 3 quick tips:

DITCH THE THEMES Remove the princess or superhero theme and opt instead for neutral bedding and cheerful accent colors. It’s only temporary and you can unpack their favorites when you get to the new home.

KEEP PRIVACY IN MIND Strangers will be wandering through your home, so pack away any pictures of your kids or references to their names or where they attend school.

KEEP IT SPACIOUS​ Consider packing away any toys that sit on the floor to create more space. Keep them in the playroom or put them in storage while your home is on the market.

Create a Welcoming Entryway

First impressions are everything and an organized entryway can impact the entire experience a buyer has when they tour your house. Even if you’re not on the market and simply want to present your home well to guests, here’s how to create a foyer or entryway that says “Welcome Home!”

ADD AN INVITING AROMA The way your home smells is just as – if not more – important than how it looks because it is one of the first things your buyer will notice.

KEEP THE FLOOR CLEAR Create the illusion of more space by keeping the floors free of boots, shoes, backpacks, and other clutter. A clear path can help make the entryway appear cleaner and larger.

MAKE IT PLUSH Rugs instantly add a layer of coziness and placing a rug will make the space feel inviting and welcoming.

Preparing for Cooler Months

Here are a few of our favorite fall home decor tips:

???? Light some autumn-scented candles – we love the Brown Sugar Chestnut from Chesapeake Bay Candle Co.

???? Layer up your chairs and couches with cozy throws.

???? Swap your linen and cotton summer bedding for flannel sheets and a down blanket.

???? Bring on the fall florals. Swap the summer blooms for mums and line your mantel heirloom pumpkins and rich autumn-hued flowers.

???? Take the sweaters out of storage! If you have to swap your winter and summer clothes, it’s time to take out the sweaters and warmer wear. Even if you don’t need it *quite* yet, you’ll be glad you did as soon as those chilly mornings arrive.​

Are You Ready for an Investment Property?

Have you ever thought about buying an investment property? ​Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to build generational wealth, but as with most major investments, getting started can certainly be daunting in the beginning. Before purchasing your first investment property, here are a few things to consider:

-Financial situation. Are you financially stable, and can you afford the upfront costs of an investment property?

-Investment goals. Have you discussed your plans with a financial advisor? As with any investment, investing in real estate does carry some risk.

-Time commitment. Do you have the time to manage your property? Being a landlord can be time-consuming, so be sure you can dedicate the time to managing your property (or can hire someone who will).

-Pre-approval. As with any property purchase, you’ll need to go through the pre-qualification and pre-approval process with a reputable lender.

If you’re considering purchasing your first investment property, give us a call and we can discuss some options!

Is it Cheaper to Rehab or Build New?

Many buyers are wondering if it’s cheaper to buy a fixer-upper or build a new home from scratch. If you’re in this boat too, here are some things to consider:

-If you can find a home with good bones for a good price, a fixer-upper might be just the thing for you. However, material and contractor costs are high right now, so rehabbing a house can take more cash than it used to.

-Building right now requires patience on top of cash. Because supply lines are still reduced and labor costs are rising, you have to account for extra costs and extra time needed to build, which bumps the average price of building to around $332,000. That said, building new can save you in maintenance costs since everything is new.

The best option for you depends on your location and your real estate goals. Give us a call, we are here to help! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

How to Know When You’re Ready to Sell

Here are a few things to consider when you are preparing to sell your home.

1) How fast are you willing to move? Although there are no guarantees that your home will sell quickly, don’t list it “just to see what happens” and then find yourself scrambling to find an Airbnb while you finish up your home search. If you are planning to sell, what is the next step? And are you ready to make a move if you get an offer right away?

2) What is your budget for a new home? If you’re selling – and especially if you’re selling for the first time – remember that you will be responsible for the costs involved with selling – including any necessary home repairs, closing costs, and moving expenses.

3) What will you need to do to prep your home for sale? If you’ve lived in your home for years and haven’t made any updates, you may need to do some minor renovations. Think about what you’re willing to change, and if you make all of these changes, if you’ll still want to sell or if you’d instead enjoy your updated home for a few more years.

Once you’ve considered all three, give us a call, and let’s get your home sold! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477

Scottsdale Celebrates the 4th of July!

Be Red, White, and COOL at WestWorld of Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration!

★ Bull Riding is back for 2022!
★ Mutton busting for children
★ Mayor Ortega presents “The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show” featured on America’s Got Talent
★ Live Performances of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from feature film Encanto and more!
★ Lively games such as the Cha Cha Slide, chicken dance, & more!
★ Balloon Artists and face painters!
★ Good old-fashioned cake walks ​
★ Parade of Heroes honoring outstanding community leaders in the fields of Safety, Fire Safety, Veterans, Neighborhood, Healthcare and Community
★ And of course, at the end of the night, the largest fireworks display in Scottsdale!

For 2022, WestWorld of Scottsdale in McDowell Mountain Ranch is excited to work with Scottsdale Community Partners. If you would like to leave a donation on their website, you could assist people in the local Scottsdale community with healthy food, emergency services, and more. DONATE HERE

For parking and details, visit: scottsdale4th.com

Ready to move to McDowell Mountain Ranch in North Scottsdale? Give us a call to preview homes for sale! Chris 480-754-9077 & Cheryl 480-754-9477