In the past prospective buyers would look at homes that were "Traditional Owned" (not short sales or bank owned, owner owned so to speak) and would focus on the owners bad wallpaper or paint color. As their Agent is was my job to try to get them to use their imagination and look past the clutter, nick nacks, photos, collections, etc and see the bones of the homes. Cosmetic fixes are easy and personalize the home to your taste after you move in.
Today 90% of the homes I show are foreclosures and most often the previous owners were not always so happy when they moved.....leaving homes at best needing a deep cleaning and maybe new carpeting. The deals are out there, but buyers today must look past the furniture and trash left in the empty pools, kitchens stripped of appliances and sometimes even the counters, sink and cabinets removed!
Again I must encourage their imagination to visual what the home can become for them. What might be needed? Paint, flooring, maybe drywall patches and good 'ol elbow grease! So if you are buying your first home, maybe a second.....the deals are out there. Are you willing to look beyond what was left and what the home can become? Are you up to the challenge?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
First Time Home Buyer
How do we find our perfect new home?
Yesterday I spoke a little about interviewing/hiring your REALTOR. I just wanted to encourage first time buyers, or second, etc to make a list of your 5 or so "must haves" in a home. Make this clear to your agent. Only you as the Buyer know what is important to you.
Your list of must haves may include price, # of bedrooms, # of baths, single or 2 story, town(s) desired or more specifically the schools. Perhaps you need a home that is equipped for special needs or one that may be in an age restricted area. These first few items on the list again should be your priorities. Then we move to the extras you would like to have such as granite counter tops, a pool, etc.
Your agent will search hundreds (perhaps thousands in this market)to narrow the field and show you what you are looking for. If you cannot find what you are looking for from your initial search, your REALTOR may suggest looking outside the target area of your first choice. Be open to this as it may offer more homes that meet your criteria.
How many homes will I be shown prior to making my decision?
In our current market the inventory of homes available is huge. Another question up front is to ask your prospective Agent how many homes they are willing to show you. I have heard that some agents may offer only 6 or so and expect you as a Buyer to make a decision.
A REALTOR should be willing to work with clients until their perfect or best home is found, which could be days or even months.
I know I sure do!
Yesterday I spoke a little about interviewing/hiring your REALTOR. I just wanted to encourage first time buyers, or second, etc to make a list of your 5 or so "must haves" in a home. Make this clear to your agent. Only you as the Buyer know what is important to you.
Your list of must haves may include price, # of bedrooms, # of baths, single or 2 story, town(s) desired or more specifically the schools. Perhaps you need a home that is equipped for special needs or one that may be in an age restricted area. These first few items on the list again should be your priorities. Then we move to the extras you would like to have such as granite counter tops, a pool, etc.
Your agent will search hundreds (perhaps thousands in this market)to narrow the field and show you what you are looking for. If you cannot find what you are looking for from your initial search, your REALTOR may suggest looking outside the target area of your first choice. Be open to this as it may offer more homes that meet your criteria.
How many homes will I be shown prior to making my decision?
In our current market the inventory of homes available is huge. Another question up front is to ask your prospective Agent how many homes they are willing to show you. I have heard that some agents may offer only 6 or so and expect you as a Buyer to make a decision.
A REALTOR should be willing to work with clients until their perfect or best home is found, which could be days or even months.
I know I sure do!
Friday, September 5, 2008
First time home buyer? Where do I start?
Ever thought about buying Real Estate (maybe your first home) but don't know where to start?
Ask friends for a referral to a REALTOR that they have used. Ask them straight up if they would use that person on their next transaction. REALTORS that are worth their commissions want not only to be your REALTOR for now, but your REALTOR for life!
That's my philosophy anyway. I want a successful closing with each of my clients that leave them wanting to give my name and phone number out for referrals!
Chat with prospective REALTORS, ask questions, get some answers and once you do, ask yourself if you feel you can work with that person over the next few months. Do your personality types work together well. Some agents will want you to sign a Buyer Broker agreement with them. (this is basically an agreement saying you will employ that agent to work for you, and you will use only THAT REALTOR to represent your transaction whether you buy a New Build or pre-owned home) Remember you are hiring a professional to provide a service for you. That means you can fire them too! Prior to signing any agreement, ask if the agent has a problem voiding the agreement if things don't work out.
Home ownership is usually the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime. Make sure you hire someone who will work FOR you and help you along the process.
Ask friends for a referral to a REALTOR that they have used. Ask them straight up if they would use that person on their next transaction. REALTORS that are worth their commissions want not only to be your REALTOR for now, but your REALTOR for life!
That's my philosophy anyway. I want a successful closing with each of my clients that leave them wanting to give my name and phone number out for referrals!
Chat with prospective REALTORS, ask questions, get some answers and once you do, ask yourself if you feel you can work with that person over the next few months. Do your personality types work together well. Some agents will want you to sign a Buyer Broker agreement with them. (this is basically an agreement saying you will employ that agent to work for you, and you will use only THAT REALTOR to represent your transaction whether you buy a New Build or pre-owned home) Remember you are hiring a professional to provide a service for you. That means you can fire them too! Prior to signing any agreement, ask if the agent has a problem voiding the agreement if things don't work out.
Home ownership is usually the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime. Make sure you hire someone who will work FOR you and help you along the process.
Friday, August 29, 2008
If it sounds too good to be true....
I receive calls and inquiries daily from people that are interested in the homes available for 50-75k! The way the media is reporting to folks outside of the state of Arizona regarding our housing crisis astounds me. Of course things are not good, that is stating the obvious, but the inquiries I receive are sometimes completed off base! Potential clients are looking for the Scottsdale luxury homes that are being sold for pennies!
The current Phoenix area housing market does have a huge inventory of homes, many at prices that have not been seen for years. Some banks are willing to negotiate prices even lower than listed on foreclosed properties. Programs for down payment assistance are available and sellers are offering to assist with closing costs and other incentives.
That being said, when it comes to the media proclamations, do your homework. Come on people, didn't your parents ever tell you if it sounds too good to be true.....it probably is!
The current Phoenix area housing market does have a huge inventory of homes, many at prices that have not been seen for years. Some banks are willing to negotiate prices even lower than listed on foreclosed properties. Programs for down payment assistance are available and sellers are offering to assist with closing costs and other incentives.
That being said, when it comes to the media proclamations, do your homework. Come on people, didn't your parents ever tell you if it sounds too good to be true.....it probably is!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Moving to Goodyear, AZ
If you are thinking of moving to Goodyear, Az......I am your Resident REALTOR ready to help with information and answers about our GREAT community! Amazing home deals are available in this area!
Friday, August 22, 2008
First Time Home Buying with Ceil
First time home buying can be a very scary road to travel if you don't have a guide to help out with the hurdles, twists and turns along the way.
One of the things I enjoy most about being a REALTOR is the satisfaction I receive when I help someone else achieve their dream of home ownership. First time home buyers especially. They are so excited when a lender has approved them and now they get to go house hunting!
Step one is finding a REALTOR that you feel comfortable with since you will be in daily communication with that person. Make sure your personalities are compatible and each of you is clear on what you want. Step two is finding a lender, again, someone who will take or return your calls promptly and answers your concerns along the way. A reputable lender will find the correct loan package for you the buyer and walk you through the process. A good relationship with both of these professionals helps the home buying process go a lot smoother.
That's the beginning.......Even before the house hunt begins! Then the journey continues once the home is found, offer is made and accepted and you begin the Escrow process......who WOULDN'T want a friend and REALTOR (like me!) to assist them!
One of the things I enjoy most about being a REALTOR is the satisfaction I receive when I help someone else achieve their dream of home ownership. First time home buyers especially. They are so excited when a lender has approved them and now they get to go house hunting!
Step one is finding a REALTOR that you feel comfortable with since you will be in daily communication with that person. Make sure your personalities are compatible and each of you is clear on what you want. Step two is finding a lender, again, someone who will take or return your calls promptly and answers your concerns along the way. A reputable lender will find the correct loan package for you the buyer and walk you through the process. A good relationship with both of these professionals helps the home buying process go a lot smoother.
That's the beginning.......Even before the house hunt begins! Then the journey continues once the home is found, offer is made and accepted and you begin the Escrow process......who WOULDN'T want a friend and REALTOR (like me!) to assist them!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Estrella Mountain Ranch
We are coming up on our 3rd Anniversery date of moving back to Arizona. Since we settled in Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear so much has changed in this area. Where we once had only the Safeway Shopping Center and our little Market and Gas station up here, commerce has come and is filling in our city.
Thats a good thing! The other good thing that our neighbors will agree with is the little extra time it takes to travel to our community each day is well worth it. For example, last night driving home from a movie on the freeway we noticed that when we moved here Litchfield Road pretty much was it for lights until the Buckeye area.......now we see a thriving area. But the good news was that Estrella is still not visible from the I-10 freeway! I think that is what we all love about our hidden community. Estrella is growing up, 3 shopping areas are already planned and we even have our first traffic light! The teenagers refer to it as the Estrella "Bubble" which does makes sense since we like to stay in our own little world at times, but I can happily say that after 3 years I am so glad we chose this "Bubble."
Thats a good thing! The other good thing that our neighbors will agree with is the little extra time it takes to travel to our community each day is well worth it. For example, last night driving home from a movie on the freeway we noticed that when we moved here Litchfield Road pretty much was it for lights until the Buckeye area.......now we see a thriving area. But the good news was that Estrella is still not visible from the I-10 freeway! I think that is what we all love about our hidden community. Estrella is growing up, 3 shopping areas are already planned and we even have our first traffic light! The teenagers refer to it as the Estrella "Bubble" which does makes sense since we like to stay in our own little world at times, but I can happily say that after 3 years I am so glad we chose this "Bubble."
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