Monday, December 30, 2013

Credit Card Protection Pointers for Fountain Hills!

By now you've heard the news about the financial data security breach at a major retailer. What you may not know, is that this type of problem occurs more often than you hear about - to the tune of nearly three billion dollars a year!

In fact, the weeks surrounding the holiday season are the most popular for credit and debit card fraud. This is because busy shoppers are less inclined to read over their statements, and more likely to disregard transactions that they don't remember.

Data thieves take advantage of this fact, so now is the time to be extra vigilant! Here are some pointers to help Fountain Hills residents!

1. Get receipts. Some businesses only issue receipts by request. Be sure to get a receipt and take a moment to verify that your total is correct. Keep your receipt for verification against your billing statement or bank account.

2. Check your account activity. Reconcile your receipts against your online transaction record or billing statement. It only takes a few minutes a day! Make a habit of checking your accounts, even if you have not made any purchases lately.

3. Question transactions you don't recognize. Your bank or card issuer can provide more details to help you verify the legitimacy of the charge. Don't be embarrassed about verifying small transactions! Thieves often try a small "test" before hitting you for more.

4. If you suspect that your card data is at risk, take action. Why wait for a problem? If you have good reason to believe that your card information has been compromised, close the account and open a new one. Your bank or card issuer can make sure that pending, valid transactions are still honored.

5. Don't carry all your cards with you. The fewer cards you carry along, the better. Plan your shopping trips ahead of time and only bring the cards that you need. Lock away the rest.

6. Never leave the tip line blank. If you are not leaving a tip, strike a line through this area. Do not fill in the tip line with zero, because someone could write numbers around it. Read the receipt, and make sure the total charge is correct.

7. Avoid card skimmers. Data theft devices can be placed on ATMs and gas station card readers. Whenever possible, complete your transactions inside with a clerk.

8. Watch your card, and watch your back. Smart phones are everywhere, and thieves can easily photograph your credit or debit card once you hand it over. Pay attention to whoever is handling your card.

Also watch the area behind you. If you are about to ring up a transaction, but the customer behind you seems to be a little too close - and they have a phone in hand - excuse yourself and exit the line. Pay attention to your instincts!

If you are thinking of buying a Fountain Hills home in the near future, take extra precautions with your credit! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

As your Accredited Buyer Representative for Fountain Hills, I will always look out for your best interests! Please contact me whenever you have questions regarding Fountain Hills real estate!

Wishing you all the best in the New Year,

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

FHA "Back to Work" Mortgage Helps Buyers Return to Home Ownership

If you previously lost a home to foreclosure, or experienced a bankruptcy or short sale, there's good news: you might be able to buy a home again, sooner than expected!

A new mortgage loan program by the Federal Housing Administration paves the way for a return to home ownership. This is great news for Fountain Hills real estate!

The "Back to Work" mortgage program is designed for prior homeowners who experienced foreclosure, or other adverse action, because of a temporary income loss. This is not a miracle cure for every situation - but it should help a significant number of people. Here are the basic requirements:

  • Documentation to prove the cause of the income loss. 
  • Loss of income must have been involuntary in nature. 
  • The income loss must have accounted for at least 20% of household income. 
  • The income loss must have lasted for at least six months.  
  • Proof that your income has recovered enough to afford a new mortgage.

The lender will review your credit history before and after the income loss period. They will be checking to see if your credit was good before the income loss - and if the income loss caused the foreclosure, bankruptcy, or short sale. There are a couple more requirements:

  • Credit history must show no late payments during the past 12 months.
  • You must complete housing counseling through a HUD-approved agency. The counseling can be completed in person, by telephone, or through online sessions.

The standard FHA mortgage conditions also apply. While the Back-to-Work mortgage program shortens the timeline to return to home ownership - it doesn't shorten the mortgage process! However, it gives former Arizona homeowners a good opportunity to buy a home again, before home prices and mortgage interest rates climb further.

Let me provide you with professional guidance for our Fountain Hills real estate market! As your  Accredited Buyer Representative, I will refer you to trustworthy mortgage lenders, and help you throughout the home buying process. I have helped Arizona home buyers for over 30 years, and I'd like to help you too!
 

Friday, October 11, 2013

How Home Inspections Help Buyers Avoid the Money Pit



You’ve made an offer on a Fountain Hills home and it’s been accepted, but before you start packing boxes for your move there’s one more important step in the home-buying process – the home inspection.

A professional home inspection is key in making sure your new home doesn’t have any hidden flaws or major repairs that may have gone unnoticed at first glace. Plus, an inspection can give you added confidence and peace of mind in your decision to purchase a particular home. That’s why it’s so important to find a reputable home inspector who is licensed and current on local building codes. All of the professional home inspectors I work with are certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and carry general liability as well as errors and omission (E&O) insurance.

During a home inspection, the inspector will take a thorough look at many areas of the home including:
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Windows
  • Interior plumbing
  • Doors
  • Electrical systems
  • Floors
  • Foundation and substructure
  • Signs of wet or dry rot
  • Other damage or neglect
  • Walls
  • Signs of termites
Once the inspection is complete, the home inspector will write up a detailed report of their findings. This will give you an accurate picture of the overall “health” of your home and any potential issues or major repairs that may need to be done. Remember, no house is perfect. Finding out any potential issues early can let you know what to expect and give the seller a chance to correct them. All of my inspectors guarantee their work and offer extended advice or service long after the inspection is over.

Home inspections are an important part of the home-buying process. As a Fountain Hills real estate agent, it’s my job to give you all the information you need to make the right home-buying decision. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned veteran, I’m happy to answer any questions you have and discuss your real estate goals. Give me a call and I can help you get started.

Tina Nabers
Nabers Property Management & Real Estate

Monday, September 23, 2013

How to buy a home: steps for the first time home buyer

How To Buy A Home In Fountain Hills Arizona

If you are thinking about buying a home for the first time, you may be a little baffled about where to start. That's understandable. The process can be more than a little intimidating. Obviously, being a real estate agent in Fountain Hills, AZ, my first piece of advice would be to enlist the help of a real estate agent. If your budget is tight, don't worry because your buyer's agent is paid through commission when you eventually purchase a home, so their services are free to you!

Besides getting a real estate agent, here are the steps I recommend you follow when buying your first home:

1. Figure out what you can afford.
Common wisdom is that your mortgage payment shouldn't exceed 25% of your annual income. Start by calculating this figure and compare it to your current rent payment. If 25% is more than what you currently pay, it can be wise to spend 6 months saving the difference between your rent payment and your potential mortgage payment to see how you do. From there, you can adjust accordingly. Once you know the mortgage payment you can afford comfortably, then you can factor in current mortgage rates and how much you have saved for a down payment and closing costs to get a general idea of the price of the home you can afford. There are several good online calculators available for this. I recommend the one at CNN Money.

2. Shop around to get pre-approved for a home loan. 
In today's financial environment, it is very important to get a lender pre approval letter before you start making offers. You can begin this research on the internet. Most banks post their current interest rates online. There are even sites like BankRate.com and LendingTree.com that will bring up rates for several lenders at once. Once you have it narrowed down to a few lenders, you can go ahead and apply for approval with them to see who actually gives you the best rate and closing cost combination. Most financial institutions have friendly agents that are happy to walk you through this process. If the research stage of loan shopping seems too overwhelming, another option is to look for a local mortgage broker that can do the footwork for you.

3. Determine Where You Want to Live
When you start shopping for homes, it can be easy to get caught up in the luxuries of a nice home that's in a bad neighborhood. Remember community contributes just as much to quality of life as the home itself - and I would argue MORE then the house itself! If you haven't nailed down exactly what community you want to live in, (perhaps you are looking at a large metropolitan area like Phoenix), you need to spend some time really considering this. Think about distance from your employer, the quality of school districts, crime rates and traffic congestion in the areas you are considering. Fountain Hills is a just a quick 25 minute drive from major employers in Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe and we boast low crime rates and quality school districts. We also have a sense of community here that just can’t be found anywhere else in the valley.

You might also consider outdoor recreation, entertainment, places of worship and community events. In Fountain Hills, we have the several outdoor festivals throughout the year that bring the community together – not to mention our famous annual Thanksgiving Day parade. We also have quick access to hiking in the McDowell preserve, mountain biking in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, boating on Saguaro Lake, and cool weather camping just an hour north near Payson.

Think about what you need quick access to, and what you are willing to drive for. After narrowing down your search to a particular community, this is a great time to contact a Realtor that specializes in that area if you haven't already done so.

4. Determine What You Need in a Home
This is where you make your needs/wants list. Number of rooms, parking, yard space, square footage, kitchen space are probably the most vital things on this list. You might also consider how move in ready the place needs to be (do you need to move quickly or do you have the time/funds to fix up the home before you move?). Here in Arizona, a pool is often a requirement. Style, fixtures and flooring are also considerations, especially if you aren't planning on doing any major remodels. Fountain Hills has homes built in every decade since the 70’s, so you will encounter a wide range of architectural and interior design styles during your home search here.  Couples, get ready to put on your negotiating hats! Once you have your needs/wants list, share it with your Realtor so they can research homes on the market that might meet your needs.

5. Visit Homes
Once your realtor has found some potential homes, it's time to start the touring process. It's often good to bring a notepad and a camera when checking out potential homes since it can sometimes be hard to remember one home from the next, especially if you are seeing more than one in one day. Make a list of the pluses and minuses of each home as you tour.

6. Start the negotiation process.
This is where you really need a Realtor that knows what they are doing. Negotiations can be tricky and can sometimes take several weeks or more, so work with your Realtor and don't buy the furniture until you actually have the keys! After a price has been agreed upon, make sure to have the house inspected. The contract is usually written so that the price can be re-negotiated or backed-out of if the home inspection reveals that significant repairs need to be made.

7. Move into your new home!
When all the negotiations are complete, it's time to sign a whole bunch of paperwork and load up the moving truck! You are now a homeowner!

If that process sounds a bit stressful, don't be overwhelmed. Home buying doesn't have to be stressful! For home buying success in our competitive Fountain Hills real estate market, use the services of an Accredited Buyer Representative! I have helped Arizona home buyers for over 30 years, and I'd like to help you too!

I will provide you with expert, professional representation throughout the home buying process. Contact me today for complete home buying help in Fountain Hills!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Cool weather is just around the corner!

Fountain Hills: "A welcome oasis on the outskirts of a metropolis"

It's finally that time of year here in Fountain Hills, Arizona when I allow myself to start anticipating the cool weather.  August always seems a little too soon to get my hopes up. We had a nice taste of fall-like weather this weekend when some storms rolled into town, dropping the temps quite a bit and bringing some much needed rain. This morning I actually sat out on my porch and felt a slight chill as the rain came down! Hurray!


With the fall weather just around the corner, I know that the town will soon be coming to life with lots of outdoor activities. In just a short few weeks on September 27th and Saturday September 28 the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest will once again be filling Fountain Park with lots of German music, great food and of course, BEER.  The atmosphere is fun and festive, and with the evening temperatures falling into the comfortable range, you can sense the excitement of the coming change of seasons and the end of the relentless summer heat.

Fountain Hills Oktoberfest
Fountain Hills Oktoberfest


Cheering on our high school football team is another traditional activity here in Fountain Hills this time of year. We are a small town with a lot of local pride and that shows at our local football games. Head on out to the football field at Fountain Hills High School to experience the traditional High School festivities, complete with spirited cheerleaders and a talented marching band. In Fountain Hills we take our Falcon Pride seriously! Here are the dates of this season's home games so mark your calendars and make sure to wear your blue and silver!


Fountain Hills High School Football - Go Falcons!


September 20th, 7:00 pm   
vs. Estrella Foothills

October 4th, 7:00p   
vs. Payson (Homecoming)

October 18, 7:00 pm   
vs. Show Low

October 25, 7:00 pm   
vs. Globe

Finally, if things are still a bit to warm for you, stay inside and catch our fabulous community theater who will be presenting a comedy called "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"  September 13 through October 6. I can't wait to see this hilarious musical which has been described as a "non-stop laugh fest". Now who doesn't need a good laugh?  Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children and seniors.

As a long time resident and real estate agent specializing in Fountain Hills, Arizona, I have to admit that fall is one of my favorite times of the year here, and we are so close, I can nearly taste it! We have such a vibrant, close-knit community and when you add our fantastic fall and winter weather our community truly shines. If you aren't a resident here I'd love to show you around town and talk to you about getting you in to the home of your dreams. I have been helping home buyers for over 30 years, and it would be my pleasure to provide you the same service.

Contact me today for complete home buying help in Fountain Hills!

Tina Nabers
Nabers Property Management & Real Estate
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See Homes for Sale in Fountain Hills
Become a Fan on Facebook
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Monday, August 5, 2013

New Art around the Town of Fountain Hills

I usually take my 9 year old Australian Shepherd to the fountain park most mornings around daybreak all year long. We've seen alot of sightings in the past few years from javelina families to bald eagles. But one morning we were coming around the corner going down to the amphitheater when I saw a large animal bending over getting a drink out of the fountain lake. I thought
is was a very large coyote. As we got closer, the animal picked up its head, saw us and took off so fast I was shocked it could move like that. As I stood there with my mouth open, my dog was pulling on her leash wanting to chase the animal down. Of course, I held on to her tightly. I knew the 80-100 lb. bobcat that was running into the desert at about 50 miles an hour, would have torn my 70 lb. dog apart. I wish I had my camera with me to capture the speed and grace of that animal. Needless to say, last week we were at the park and I noticed a few new sightings and I can take a picture of these sightings anytime. New art structures are popping up all over town and a few down at the fountain park. If you haven't walked the fountain lately, you should. You never know what you might encounter!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Homeownership is a Top Priority

Americans overwhelmingly believe owning a home is a good financial decision and a majority of renters say homeownership is one of their highest priorities for the future, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. The 2013 National Housing Pulse Survey also found that renters are thinking more about purchasing a home now than in past years, while the number of people who say they prefer to rent has declined. The survey, which measures consumers' attitudes and concerns about housing opportunities, found eight in 10 Americans believe buying a home is a good financial decision and more than two-thirds (68%) said now is a good time to buy a home. I agree!! With the interest rates staying low and the prices going up, it is "the" good time to buy! The respondents' top reasons why home ownership was important; building equity, a stable and safe environment and the freedom to choose where they want to live. With Fountain Hills being voted one of the "Best Places to Live, Work and Play", I think we have that covered. Any thoughts or questions??

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Fountain Hills' Eateries

There are a lot of great restaurants in Fountain Hills and I wanted to specifically mention a few of my favorites. 
Always a favorite of the Fountain Hills' locals and visitors alike, is The All American Sports Grill on the corner of Saguaro Blvd. and Avenue of the Fountains.   The location is perfect with the views of the famous fountain across the street, beautiful mountains in the background and people watching walking the park or playing frisbee.   This great bar has way too many flat screens to count but everyone in your party is sure to catch whatever sporting event they wanted to watch in this place.  Did I mention the awesome drinks and grub?  With a great Happy Hour menu and generous portions you can never go wrong at this establishment.
Phil's Filling Station a couple of blocks north from the All American Sports Grill on Saguaro Blvd. is another great Fountain Hills' restaurant with down home cooking and the largest menu in town.  They serve different ethnic food just about every night of the week plus a huge menu all the time.  Sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.  Again generous portions at very affordable prices!
We love visiting the Euro Pizza Cafe in Fountainside Plaza on the weekends for breakfast after a brisk walk and after dark anytime for the awesome fountain views and great Italian fare.  Again, lots of good food at reasonable prices.  Dining on the patio by candlelight watching the fountain glowing with a full moon behind it is an unbelievable site not to be forgotten.
A new establishment in an old location is the Hao Restaurant where the old Ha Ha China used to be.  It has been completely updated and remodeled.   We have dined there a couple of times for lunch and dinner and have found the food and service to be very good.   Nice ambience too. 
Another new restaurant which is getting raving reviews is Kimmie's on Saguaro where Edgewater used to be.  I have only tried their Friday night Fish Fry but found it to be very good and filling.  Generous portions and great atmosphere.  Always seems to have a crowd and dining outside overlooking the fountain park too!
If you haven't tried any of these Fountain Hills'favorites, you should!!!  Plus, there are alot more great restaurants in town that deserve a try.  Fountain Hills has more to offer than a famous fountain, great mountain views and awesome people.  It has great places to eat and make memories for a lifetime!!

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Fountain Hills, AZ!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the first official days of summer! Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday we were taking down holiday decorations? It’s amazing how time flies, and yet again we’re in the midst of one of the busiest times of the year. From soccer practice, to summer camp, to family vacations, summer tends to disappear before it’s begun.

As a Fountain Hills real estate agent, one of my goals for this blog is to keep residents and visitors in the know about local events and places to explore around town. There is so much going on this season that it can be challenging to soak it all in! With our nation’s birthday upon us in a couple of weeks, I thought it was only appropriate to fill Fountain Hills, AZ residents in on our very own Fourth of July celebration.

Fourth at the Fountain will be held on July 4, 2013 at picturesque Fountain Park. A nominal fee ($5 per person, 12 and under are free) grants you access to an evening of patriotic fun. The event kicks off with a live musical performance by local favorite, “Ageing Hipsters,” at 5:30pm. At 8:30pm, stick around for a spectacular nighttime demo by the Arizona Skyhawks Parachute Team featuring music and flares. A bounce house, fun slide, and dunk tank will provide entertainment all evening long. And, what Fourth of July celebration is complete without great food? If you don’t plan on participating in the hot dog eating contest, you can still fill up on food and drinks available for purchase from on-site vendors.

Fountain Hills, AZ is an incredibly tight community that comes together throughout the year to celebrate local events big and small. In particular, the Fourth of July is one of those holidays where family traditions are sparked and carry on for years to come. If you’ve decided to buy a home in Fountain Hills, I hope the Fourth at the Fountain celebration becomes something you look forward to each and every summer.

In the midst of all of the barbecues and pool parties, this season is significant for those who are looking to buy a home in Fountain Hills before the school year begins. If you have yet to start your home search, don’t panic! As a Fountain Hills real estate agent, I have extensive experience helping Arizona homebuyers achieve their goals of homeownership from the initial planning stages through closing. When you’re ready, please contact me and I’d be happy to help you get started.

Happy Fourth of July! 

Friday, June 7, 2013

Mortgage 101 for First-Time Homebuyers

Have you finally made the decision to quit the renting game and buy a home in Fountain Hills? Congratulations! This is a huge milestone that I promise you won’t regret. You’ll always look back at this time in your life and remember feeling independent, excited, and a little bit overwhelmed. With how complicated the home buying process has become over the years, I’m sympathetic to how daunting the task can seem. However, it is my job as a Fountain Hills real estate agent to make this experience as stress-free and as fun as possible for you.

A very important step in the home buying process is to secure financing. It’s uncommon that a homebuyer pays for his or her new home in cash, and even more rare when a first-timer does so. Here’s where a mortgage comes in. For those who are completely new to the home buying process, a mortgage is a loan you take out to finance the purchase of your new home. You have many options when it comes to selecting a mortgage, which is a process your Fountain Hills real estate agent can guide you through from start to finish.

You are generally required to have 20% of the purchase price up front as a down payment. You will pay the remainder of the purchase price in monthly installments over a period of 15 or 30 years, depending on the mortgage you select and get approved for. You also have the option of choosing an adjustable mortgage rate or a fixed-rate loan. Typically, homebuyers will select an adjustable mortgage rate in a seller’s market when interest rates are high. The mortgage rate will be fixed for a number of years, and then change over time as interest rates fluctuate. A fixed-rate loan is your best bet in a buyer’s market. You’ll lock in a low interest rate that will remain consistent over the lifetime of your loan.

Once you have decided to buy a home in Fountain Hills, it can be difficult to ignore the impulse to start shopping immediately. A little bit of online browsing never hurt anybody, but I strongly suggest that every homebuyer first pay a visit to his or her local bank to discuss financing. While getting preapproved for a mortgage isn’t a requirement to buy a home, it does give you a realistic idea of how much you can afford. This way, you’ll start your Fountain Hills home search on the right foot and in the right price range.

While there’s a lot more to it, I just wanted to provide a few basic principles to help you start thinking about your approach to obtaining a mortgage. As a
Fountain Hills real estate agent, I am available to you at any point in the home buying process whether you have a quick question or would like an experienced professional to assist you all the way through closing. One of the best parts is that there is no obligation and my services are completely free of charge. What’s not to love? When you’re ready to take the next step in the home buying process, please give me a call. I look forward to helping you become a homeowner in Fountain Hills!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Keep Cool in Fountain Hills This Summer!


If you haven’t noticed, the temperatures are rising in Fountain Hills, AZ! As I’m sure you know, running the air conditioner on a consistent basis wastes a lot of energy. Not to mention, it will make your jaw drop when you get your electric bill each month! Rather than sit in an icebox and watch the summer unfold from inside your Fountain Hills home, get out and explore what the city has to offer. There are plenty of things you can around town that promise to keep you cool, and I’ve rounded up a couple of my favorites below.

Fountain Hills Splash Park
12925 N Saguaro Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Many would argue that the best (and most fun) way to stay cool during the summer is to get wet. As Fountain Hills, AZ is best described as a luxury desert community, it’s only appropriate that a beautiful oasis awaits you at Fountain Hills Splash Park. Pack up a towel and sunscreen and get ready for hours of fun in the sun every day this summer from 9am until sunset.

Oyo Frozen Yogurt
12645 N Saguaro Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
When you’re looking for a tasty treat to cool you down this summer, a trip to Oyo Frozen Yogurt is in order. Oyo is relatively new to Fountain Hills, AZ and has been well received by the community. Just a short jaunt from the Fountain Hills Splash Park, a bite of frozen yogurt at Oyo provides a convenient relief from the afternoon sun. How does some refreshing Pink Lemonade Sorbet sound right about now?

If you’ve been a longtime resident of Fountain Hills, AZ, what are some of your favorite ways to keep cool during the summer? We’re so fortunate to live in such a vibrant and welcoming community that provides us opportunities to get outdoors, mingle with our neighbors, and enjoy nature. Are you thinking about buying a home in Fountain Hills? If you’re new to the area or are still in the planning stages of organizing your move, make a summer bucket list and have fun exploring Fountain Hills, AZ. If you need expert assistance navigating the Fountain Hills real estate market, please contact me! I have guided Arizona home buyers for over 30 years, and it would be my pleasure to provide you the same service.

Tina Nabers
Nabers Property Management & Real Estate
Check Out My Website
See Homes for Sale in Fountain Hills
Become a Fan on Facebook
Find Out More About Investing on Facebook
Connect With Me on LinkedIn
Contact Me

Friday, May 10, 2013

Will Fountain Hills Home Prices Continue Momentum?

The Phoenix Business Journal recently reported that Phoenix home prices were up by 30% in March 2013, and that home inventory remained low at roughly a one-month supply. Is this pace sustainable? And how closely are these trends tied to Fountain Hills real estate?

Our local market isn't moving as fast, but home prices are still trending higher than last year. Fountain Hills homes are spending an average of 76 days on market.

A year ago, home sales in Fountain Hills were running about the same pace. Consistent demand from home buyers is allowing us to absorb new listings in a reasonable timeframe.

The median price for a Fountain Hills home is running 28.4% higher than a year ago. In this sense, we are echoing some of the trends in the Greater Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Our homes spend a little more time on the market as we do not have as many investors. All the same, sales are brisk, and homes under $300,000 are getting a lot of activity.

We do not yet have a balanced market, due to the fact that home owners have been reluctant to place their homes for sale. Despite our improved home values, the market is still below the price peaks of 2005-2007. Some home owners may be holding out hope that values will draw closer to those highs in the near future.

However, we do not have the same brand of rocket fuel available today that placed home values on the moon several years ago. Mortgages are much more difficult to obtain today. While there are investors influencing the market, they are cash buyers, and not speculators leveraged with easy debt. At the same time, home builders are gearing up to fill demand, which will improve home inventory.

When it comes to future home prices, no one has a crystal ball. Knowing when to sell your Fountain Hills home is more a matter of information rather than market timing! If you are interested in obtaining the current market value of your home, I would be happy to help you!

If you are thinking about selling your Fountain Hills home, my 30+ years of experience in Fountain Hills real estate will be your advantage. I will provide you with a complete home sale consultation to help you price your home correctly, and net top dollar from the sale.

Why wait? Contact me today for expert assistance!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Want Top Dollar for Your Fountain Hills Home? Don't Sell on Your Own!

Whenever the Arizona real estate market is on a roll, Fountain Hills homeowners can be tempted to try and sell a home on their own. Especially when for-sale-by-owner services spring back up, promising big results for an up-front fee. But the truth is, you rarely do better going it alone! Here are just a few reasons why!

1. Trust. Real estate professionals adhere to a code of ethics and standards of conduct that protect home sellers and buyers alike. We are licensed and regulated. We are educated in many different areas of specialty. As resources for the community, we provide market information and guidance free of charge through websites, blogs, social media and more.

2. Price. Automated, online home values are very generalized and can be "off" by thousands of dollars! This is because they do not take condition and amenities into consideration. These values are a starting point for discussion, but should not be used as a price basis when selling - or buying - a home! Only an experienced real estate professional can provide an accurate comparative market analysis and insights on sales trends.

3. Negotiation. The objective of selling your home is to obtain the best possible sales price in the shortest amount of time. There's much more to it than listing a price and then sticking to your guns! Sales contracts and contingencies get complicated, and without tactful negotiation, deals don't happen. Real estate professionals are trained negotiators and skilled diplomats.

4. Exposure. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) provides a database of homes for sale that is unmatched by any sale-by-owner service. Homes on the MLS are distributed to the largest and most popular real estate websites in the country, and can be viewed by home buyers worldwide!

Getting top dollar for your Fountain Hills home begins with using an experienced real estate professional! My 30 years of experience in Fountain Hills real estate is your advantage when you are selling a home. From market guidance, to home staging advice, to expert sales strategies, my proven methods will help your home stand out from the competition!

I have helped home sellers succeed throughout all market conditions! When you have questions about selling your home, call me! I will be happy to help you! 
 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Preparing Your Purchase Offer For A Fountain Hills Home!

Fountain Hills real estate is in demand! Reduced home inventory has resulted in higher prices throughout the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Cash buyers and investors remain active in the market, creating competition for home buyers who must rely on a mortgage for their home purchase.

Fortunately, there are ways for first-time buyers and others who rely on a mortgage to complete with cash offers. It all comes down to doing your homework, and presenting a well-structured offer. Here are some tips to help you!

1. Have a mortgage approval letter in hand. An approval letter is provided by the lender after all loan paperwork has been submitted and a mortgage underwriter has given the loan a green light. It shows the home seller that your financing is solid, and all you need is the right house! One caveat: the home must meet the required appraisal value to support the loan.

2. Keep your contingencies brief. You want to protect yourself, but gone are the days when a seller could be pushed backwards. An offer that has too much "red tape" will not get very far.

3. Make your best offer first. In a competitive market, you may not have the opportunity to enter "round two" of negotiations and offer a little more later. This doesn't mean you should over-pay; but it does mean you should be aware of market conditions and base your offer accordingly.

4. Make it easy for the seller to say "yes" to your offer, by making it simple, and by being flexible on certain negotiable points. It's okay to give a little! Don't sweat the small stuff.

Home buying doesn't have to be stressful! For home buying success in our competitive Fountain Hills real estate market, use the services of an Accredited Buyer Representative! I have helped Arizona home buyers for over 30 years, and I'd like to help you too!

I will provide you with expert, professional representation throughout the home buying process. Contact me today for complete home buying help in Fountain Hills!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Fountain Hills Home Buyers Challenged by Changing Market

Arizona first-time home buyers face some tough questions in today's real estate market. Should you buy a home now, before home prices escalate further? Should you wait and see if home inventory improves and prices level off?

The New York times weighed in on this with a recent article, illustrating that housing recovery has been strongest in western "sunbelt states" such as Arizona, Nevada and California.

Phoenix, for example, has seen a 23% increase in median home prices from a year ago. While this has delighted homeowners who are anxious to recover equity, it has taken some home buyers by surprise!

Why are homes in the metro Phoenix-Scottsdale area seeing double-digit price gains, while most states are seeing a much slower recovery? Simply put, our home buyers are a blend of retirees, real estate investors, first-time home buyers and international buyers. We also have Fortune 500 companies in the area that are attracting relocation buyers.

This diversity of demand gives us a larger pool of buyers who keep the market moving. It also keeps the pressure on Fountain Hills home buyers!

In fact, those to put off their home buying decision could find it backfiring. The combination of rising home prices, along with increases in mortgage interest rates, could affect a buyer's ability to qualify for a mortgage. Most real estate analysts believe that home prices will continue to increase through 2013. Mortgage interest rates are expected to rise by one-quarter to one-half percent in the upcoming months.

The good news is, you can still buy a Fountain Hills home at a reasonable price today and take advantage of the low mortgage interest rates that are available! As your Accredited Buyer Representative, I will work to protect your interests, and negotiate the best possible home price for you. I can also help you handle multiple offer situations and counsel you on fair market value.

Ready to learn more? Let me be your guide to the Fountain Hills real estate market! I have helped Arizona home buyers for over 30 years, and I'd like to help you too! I will provide you with expert, professional representation throughout the home buying process!