Stages Of The Home Buying Process

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Central Scottsdale home photoBuying a home, whether it’s your first time or your fifth, is a complicated process with a lot of different stages to keep in mind. When you go shopping for a house, it’s not as easy as just looking at a few, picking the one you want and then purchasing it. There are things you need to do before you can ever look at a house in the first place, and there are stages that take place after you pick the house you want to buy, too. If you find yourself confused about these stages or wondering where you are on your own personal homebuying journey, check out the information below.

Qualifying for a Loan:  The first thing you have to do before you can buy your home is to qualify for a loan. And in order to do this, you need to speak with your bank or a lending company. The place where you go to get your loan depends entirely on your needs as well as which lenders will offer you a loan at a reasonable rate. While it’s okay to check around with a couple of different lenders for mortgage loan quotes, make sure you don’t do this too much, or it will reflect negatively on your credit report. (If you get a few quotes in a short amount of time and then apply for a loan, the lender will usually forgive the flag on your credit report because it is clear you’re shopping around.)

Finding a Realtor and a Home:  Once you know how much you’ll be able to spend on your home, you should find a realtor you can work with. It’s okay to try a few realtors before you find someone you get along well with and someone who is really focused on helping you find what you need. With your realtor, you’ll check out several homes before you find the one that’s right for you. Don’t be afraid to take your time with this process!

Making an Offer:  Next, you’ll make an offer on the home. The realtor you’re working with will help you negotiate with the seller and will make sure you include specifics in your offer, such as a home inspection. There may be a lot of back-and-forth during this time, and it’s important to remember that the first home you offer on may not be the home you end up purchasing.

Signing:  When the offer is accepted, you’ll meet with your realtor, the seller, their realtor, and any lenders who need to be present. Everyone will sign all the appropriate documents and the homebuying process will be complete. You will receive the keys after signing.

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5 Most Common Mistakes When Shopping for a House

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Scottsdale house photoWhen you’re looking for a new home, it’s easy to fall into some of the mistakes many other homebuyers just like you have made countless times before. If it’s your first time buying a home, the risk of making a mistake is a lot higher, but even old pros who have been through the routine a few times already may hit a pitfall without even realizing it. It’s important to know what you’re up against when you’re going shopping for a house, and it’s especially a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most common mistakes made by people in your position.

Unrealistic Budget:  This is probably the worst and most common mistake made by homebuyers. If you don’t know how much you can spend on your home, you’re going to be in a bad situation from the very beginning.  Start with getting pre-qualified with a lender and communicate with your realtor clearly that you cannot go over this price. In a best-case scenario, you’ll have to find another home when you try to qualify for a loan you can’t afford. And in a worst-case scenario, you’ll end up buying a home you can’t pay for and will have a lot of financial trouble down the line.

Forgetting Expenses:  Don’t forget that the cost of the home isn’t the only expense you’ll have at closing. Closing costs, taxes, and a host of other expenses will come your way. If this is your first home, you’ll also need to factor in home insurance; if you’ve already been owning a home, this may be an expense you’re used to.

Pickiness:  Being too picky may mean you’ll never find the right home. If you have a specific budget, you can’t be so choosy that you turn down every home that doesn’t meet every item on your checklist. Prioritize a few items that are most important to you (no major renovations needed, big backyard, located in town) and leave off the ones that you can live without (updated bathroom, fence around the yard, already landscaped).

Emotional Investment:  It’s hard not to get attached to a home you feel is perfect for you, but the truth is that you’re probably not going to get the first home you fall in love with. Try not to get emotionally attached to a home until you’ve signed the contract.

Ignoring Home Inspections:  Some buyers just ignore what the home inspection says and only have one done because it’s required, either by the law in their state or by the contract they have. It’s always a good idea to pay close attention to what the inspection tells you so you can decide whether or not to progress with the purchase.

We have local area experts in the northeast valley.  We can connect you with a trusted lender and find a home that fits your needs and budget.  Contact us today!

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

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Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for November 2017, which shows 7,410 homes sold in the month of October compared to 7,104 homes in October 2016. This is a 4.2% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 4.3% year over year. The amount of listed homes is down by 8.9% to 19,235 from 21,093 in October 2016. Inventory of listed homes is starting to rise as it does this time of year, but is still well below last year at this time. And demand continues to remain strong going into the Fall/Winter. The average days on market is down 12.2% from October 2016 to 65 days. (Click on the link below or the image to view the full Market Report)

Click here to see the full October 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/winter, 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.

Storage Tips for Small Kitchens

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small kitchen photoDo you have a small kitchen? Are you looking for ways to spruce up your space and make the most of what you have to work with? Whether you live in an older home with a more old-fashioned kitchen design or you live in an apartment without a lot of space to work with, don’t worry. You have options when it comes to figuring out the best way to put your kitchen storage to work for you. Check our tips below to help you find the best options for your needs.

Tall cabinets

There’s no reason why you can’t stack cabinets or install tall ones that go all the way to the ceiling. Although this may be a unique design option, it’s sure to give you plenty of space to store everything you need in your kitchen. Just make sure you put the items you don’t use as frequently up on those high shelves, and don’t forget to keep a stepstool or ladder close by so you can reach the higher items as needed.

Hanging Pots

Hang up your pots and pans suspended from the ceiling to maximize the storage space you have in your cabinets. This will help you keep everything much more organized and will give you plenty of room to store other items, such as your dishes or your slow cooker.

Drawer organization

Purchase some low-cost draw organizers to help you keep your utensils in the right place at all times. Don’t waste a drawer in your kitchen on a “junk drawer,” and try to maximize the amount of drawer space you have to work with.

Wall-mounted shelves

Hang shelves on the wall and use them for storing things like mugs, dishes you use frequently, and other items you’ll want to reach on a regular basis. This is also a good place to keep spices if you don’t have a specific spice cabinet, but take care not to let it look too cluttered or end up overflowing with spices, either.

Try an island

Some kitchens are too small for an island, and if that’s true of your kitchen, there’s no need to try to squeeze one in. However, if you have enough room for it, put in a small island and be sure to choose one that has built-in shelves, drawers, or both. This will give you a chance to store even more using the new space you’ve created. Try a rolling island that you can move out of the way as needed if you’re having trouble finding space for a stationary one.

Are you looking to purchase a condo or downsize?  Contact us today  or click here to create a custom home search 

 

 

Do Open House Events Still Work?

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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!

Is the First Offer Always the Best Offer?

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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

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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

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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

 

Pet Travel Tips

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Unlocking a front door photo

Do you take a lot of trips? Do you live bringing along the furry members of your family? Have you ever tried to travel with more exotic or unique types of pets? There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re planning a trip with the pets in your household, and it’s always a good idea to be completely aware of the safety and travel tips that can help you make the most of the experience. Below, we’ve put together a list of our top four favorite tips to help make traveling with your pet safer and more comfortable for everybody involved.

Practice First

If you’re driving, practice taking your pet on car trips ahead of time to get everyone used to the experience. Start with short trips around town and work your way up to an hour or more in the car to make sure your pet will be able to handle a longer trip.

Bring Everything

Make sure you pack everything you think you might need for your pet during your trip. Bring extra food, towels, bedding, a leash and collar, ID tags, vet records, treats, and favorite toys. It’s better to be too prepared than not prepared enough!

Pick the Right Crate

Whether you’re flying or driving, make sure your pet is secured in a safe, sturdy, well-ventilated crate. For flying, you’ll need a crate approved by the USDA for animal shipping. Freeze some water and put it in the crate before boarding the plane or loading up the car. This way, the water won’t get spilled before the trip begins and it will melt slowly, providing your pet with a drinking source through the whole experience.

Different Needs for Different Pets

If you’re not traveling with a cat or dog, but instead with a different type of animal, remember that there are other considerations you’ll need to keep in mind. For example, if you have a pet snake, you can transport your snake in a cloth pillowcase inside a ventilated plastic container. Birds can often be kept in ventilated cat carriers, but not always, so research your specific bird for more information. Fish should be removed from their tanks and placed in individual baggies or cups before travel.

With the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to have an enjoyable trip with your favorite furry family member without worry. There’s a lot more to learn about traveling safely and effectively with your pets, however, so don’t forget to read up on information about the specific type of animal you’ll be traveling with when the time comes.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Contact us!  We are local area expert in Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas.

Where To Stay When Visiting Scottsdale

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Hyatt hotel photoIf you’re planning an upcoming visit to Scottsdale, you probably want to know where to stay while you’re there. While there are plenty of incredible options for you to choose from, some of these stand out from the crowd considerably more than others. Below, we’ll walk you through four of the most popular resorts in the Scottsdale area so you never again have to wonder about where to stay or what to do while you’re in town.

Talking Stick Resort & Casino

Located in south Scottsdale, Talking Stick Resort includes a spa, casino, entertainment every night and so much more. You’ll love the views of the desert and city surrounding this luxury resort, and you can relax at the on-site Talking Stick Golf Club when you feel like truly enjoying everything Scottsdale has to offer.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is one of the most important claims to fame of the Scottsdale area, so why not get up close and personal with it and stay awhile on the mountain itself? This resort provides some truly spectacular views of the surrounding desert from beautifully-appointed upscale rooms. You’ll enjoy the on-site bar and restaurant as well as the short driving distance to many of the area’s most popular attractions.

Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Everything you could ever want and more is available on-site at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Take a stroll around the area and check out the spa itself before you visit the championship golf course located on the premises, too. Visit the Scotch Bar or stop by the beautiful family-friendly pool area, featuring plenty of poolside games and activities to keep the kids happy all day long.

Omni Scottsdale Resort

Inspired by European getaways, the Omni Scottsdale Resort in the Paradise Valley area includes a luxurious spa and an elegant on-site restaurant that perfectly complement the mountain and city views you can enjoy from your lavish room in this excellent resort. You’ll love the quick and easy access to some of the area’s best shopping, nightlife, golf and outdoor activities all from the comfort of this beautiful accommodation.

There are plenty of other excellent resorts to pick from, too, so don’t forget to check out the variety of accommodations and upscale lodging available when you visit Scottsdale. You’re sure to find the perfect place to stay to give you everything you’re looking for and so much more!

Click here to learn about Scottsdale’s neighborhoods and surrounding areas.