The housing market remains strong here in the East Valley at the start of 2020. We are not quite into home buying/selling season yet but our inventory is still very low (averaging less than 2 months in most areas), keeping us in a "Seller's Market". What does this mean for you? Buyers: It doesn't mean that it's not a good time to buy. But it does mean you need to be prepared Continue Reading
Smart Windows Are Here
Everything’s getting smarter these days. Everything. Not only are smart appliances, smart outlets, smart light bulbs and smart TVs gaining traction, smart windows are all the rage among the techy types. They can also be a really useful part of your home automation setup. They’re not for everybody and there are differences in what various types can do, though, so pay attention and Continue Reading
Something You Should Know Before Looking At A New Construction Model Home
Picture yourself out for a drive one weekend. You see a sign that says: New Construction Homes! Models Starting At $XXX,XXX Next Right! Maybe you’re actively looking for a house, or maybe it’s just a spur of the moment urge, but you follow the signs to the model home. You park. You walk into the model home. The builder’s sales rep asks you to please sign in. You sign Continue Reading
Why Fall Might Be The Best Time To Buy A Home
A lot of people think the best time to buy a house is during the Spring market. And, it is... ...in the sense that more houses are listed for sale in the Spring. But, there's also a heck of a lot more buyers trying to buy those listings. The thing is, some of the houses listed back in the Spring don't end up selling. (Usually just because they were overpriced.) Now, it isn't like new Continue Reading
Should I Buy or Should I Rent?
Some people don’t think buying a home makes sense. They feel like renting is a smarter move. On the other hand, some people think renting doesn’t make any sense. For the most part, arguing it one way or another is about as useful as arguing politics or religion — whatever “side” you’re on, you have your point of view, feelings, and reasons. But there are also people who are open to Continue Reading
New Build Home or Resale Home: Which is the Better Option?
Maybe your dream home has the intricate details that you usually find only in older construction - wainscoting and crown molding in the interior, the front porch with a swing, an older tree shading the back yard, and the white picket fence. Or maybe your dream home has all the conveniences of modern living - open floor plan in the living and dining spaces, large windows, connected, Continue Reading
Are you covered? A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide
No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowner’s insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if Continue Reading
How to Avoid the Top 8 Home Inspection Mistakes
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying a home. Once you’ve had an offer accepted on your dream house, you’ll probably be anxious to move in. However, before you make a significant financial commitment, it’s best to know exactly what you’re buying. When you hire a home inspector, you get a professional, in-depth examination of the property’s structures and systems. It’s Continue Reading
Mortgage Pre-qualification vs Pre-approval
One of the first questions I get from a first time homebuyer is "Why do I need to get a pre-qualification from a lender before we go look at houses? Is it really necessary?" The short answer: YES! The why behind: Our standard Arizona purchase contract (section 2a) states that "an AAR Pre-qualifiction Form IS attached" with the offer. Therefore, in order to abide by the Continue Reading
