4 Ways to De-Clutter- Going Back to Basics

At some point in our lives many of us have had to move. Whether it’s from mom and dad’s house to our first apartment or from a home where we raised our children to a smaller home. It can be heartbreaking to part with items that we've hung on to just to de-clutter for the next move but we've got to do it.  One way to to off set that is to do it from year to year, so starting  this year why not try de- cluttering your home to give it new life and perhaps you will fall back in love with it? 

Here are my De-Cluttering 101 Tips:

1.) Organize. Designate four empty bins where you will put items to keep, throw away, give away, or recycle. There is no “maybe” pile. [You can have a “sell” pile if you have a plan to sell the items such on eBay or at a yard sale. Once the sale is over, you must get rid of unsold items.]

2.) Go slowly. Start with the refrigerator then a closet or drawer per day. Place each item in one of the four designated bins. No cheating except items that you need to keep in the fridge. Everything has a place.

3.) Stop buying. You can’t de-clutter if you’re bringing in more items, especially if you’re moving to a smaller home.

4.) Storage boxes don’t equal de-cluttering. When I was a kid, I considered my room clean if all of the stuff on the floor was shoved into my closet. My parents did not agree and as an adult I can see their point. Putting stuff in a closet or into boxes – or renting a storage space - isn’t de-cluttering. It’s just putting clutter in a new place. You’ve got to open the boxes and start throwing away, giving away, selling, or recycling.

5.) Everything has a purpose. Don’t keep things that you’re not using. Each item has to serve a purpose. Good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it in a year- you don’t need it! Keep extra bedding for when company visits but give away books that you’ve already read.

For some of us, stuff isn’t just stuff. De-cluttering can be a stressful time filled with emotions. I often think of it as a new beginning rather than an ending especially when sorting through sentimental items. Ask a friend or family member to help, take time to do it right and it will be the breath of fresh air you just might have needed, or hire a professional organizer to help you as a gift to you for the New Year.

If you have de-cluttered and you decide you just need a new place to call home, the team at Beery Realty is here to help! Contact me and we can get you started on the right path.

 480-570-1912 is direct line/emailBeeryRealty@gmail.com or on the Web at www.AzBuysHomes.com will allow you to see what is available on the actual MLS just click “Map Search”.

The Top 6 Things to Find the House Right for You

You have dreamed about owning a home. You have saved for the down payment. Now it’s time to start looking for a house that’s right for you. It seems overwhelming to think about location, features, and other factors and that’s okay. That’s why you hired a full-time real estate agent; they can help you find a place to call home.  Here are 6 top things to consider:

       Budget. No matter how badly you want the big house on the hill overlooking the lake, if it isn't in your budget, it’s not the house that’s right for you. Stay within your budget so you’re not house poor after purchasing your home. You will still have moving expenses, furniture purchases, and possible renovations, not to mention date night or nights out with friends and family.

       Lifestyle. Think about how you live your life. If you travel a lot, you might purchase a condo because it is less upkeep. If you have dogs, you might want a yard and if you have kids you might opt out of a home with a pool. The home has to fit your lifestyle or it won’t be right for you.

        Location. Real estate agents are known for saying, “Location. Location. Location,” as the top factor in purchasing a home and to some extent that’s true. If you’re looking to purchase in northeast Mesa but your friends and family are in Chandler, you might want to rethink your home search. You want to spend time with loved ones, rather than drive time to see them.

      Family. This includes future family whether you’re planning to have children or your parents living with you. If grandma is living with you, consider a one-story home or a home with two master suites. If you’re planning on children consider a split floor plan with the master on one side and bedrooms on the other side of the house.

      Features. Think about what kind of kitchen you want or the number of bathrooms, do you need a 3 car garage, these are all important things to sit down and think about. Having an idea of the features you want in your home will help your real estate agent narrow the search.

      The intangible- You have to LOVE the house. It is that feeling when you walk into the home and can see it as yours!  Remember, a house is a long-term investment no matter what the market is doing. But the right house will be your Home that you can enjoy for that long term. So, just because you've been looking for what feels like a long time, it doesn't mean you should buy a house that you LIKE. You've got to see yourself making the house a home. If you don’t, then this isn't the house that’s right for you. 

Are you ready to get started? Contact the team at Beery Realty today! BeeryRealty@gmail.com or on the Web at www.AzBuysHomes.com will allow you to see what is available on the actual Arizona MLS just click “Map Search”.

Need help paying your mortgage?

In Arizona, there is a program called Save Our Home, it is Federally back program that looks at your situation and can help you pay down your principal, or reduce your monthly mortgage payments.


  Are you or someone you know struggling to pay your mortgage? Well there is help!! http://www.azhousing.gov/ There is a program that could help with lowing monthly payments, or perhaps reducing principal. Take a quick survey and you could get help! Click here to find out more!

There is a survey you must take to see if you qualify;

https://www.saveourhomeaz.gov/self-assessment/

I hope this helps you or someone you know-- for further information to see the value of your home so perhaps you could sell it please contact me and I will be happy to go over your options.

3 reasons to keep your home on the market during the holidays.

As the holidays approach, home sellers are often tempted to take their homes off the market until spring—or even wait until spring to list. After all, buyers are too busy now to search for houses, right? In a word, no. As a rule, you should list your home when you want to sell it, not when you think it will sell, because no one can predict with any certainty when the right buyer might show up at your door. In fact, canceling or postponing your listing may actually prove counterproductive. Here are three reasons why:

1. Motivated Buyers
Buyers who take time from their holiday preparations―and their holiday time off work―to house-hunt tend to be serious buyers who are ready to move. Although some buyers prefer to move in warmer weather, those who are relocating or who are purchasing upon expiration of their leases don't have a choice. Furthermore, buyers who have no children, and buyers already living in your school district, may not have a seasonal preference.

2. Less Competition
Winter inventories tend to decline, so the homes that are listed during the holiday months have less competition. And, as buyers hold off for lower prices and sellers hold off for higher ones, pent-up demand creates an urgency that can benefit holiday sellers.

3. Your Home is Already Staged
Despite temporary disarray when you're in the process of decorating for the holidays, your home looks more inviting than ever after the work is finished. The warm, festive atmosphere encourages prospective buyers to linger, as they imagine celebrating their own holidays there. If you're worried that showing requests might catch you off-guard, have a five-minute family clean-up each morning to prepare your home for the day. You also may alter your showing instructions to accommodate changes in your routine. Beyond that, leave the details to your agent as you enjoy the season and look forward to a successful sale.  Return to Newsletter

Renting? You are still paying a mortgage- why not reap the benefits?

Either Way, You’re Still Paying a Mortgage

November 4 2014

There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage- or perhaps you can't because of a short sale or a foreclosure. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either your mortgage or your landlord’s. There are programs out there to help get you back on your feet and start reaping the benefits that you deserve!
As a paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: 
“Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That’s yet another reason owning often does—as Americans intuit—end up making more financial sense than renting.”
Also, if you purchase with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, your ‘housing expense’ is locked in over the thirty years for the most part. If you rent, the one guarantee you will have is that your rent will increase over that same thirty year time period.
As an owner, the mortgage payment is a ‘forced savings’ which will allow you to have equity in your home you can tap into later in your life. As a renter, you guarantee the landlord is the person with that equity.
Bottom Line
Whether you are looking for a primary residence for the first time or are considering a vacation home on the shore, owning might make more sense than renting since home values and interest rates are still at bargain prices.

If you are paying your landlord’s mortgage, you are giving him some of the benefits of ownership that should fall to you since you are paying for it.  Why not find out how to reap the benefits and in some cases pay less to own your home than what that landlord is charging you? Contact me today to find out how to start!  

This home is the complete package-- Better than a New home $264,900!

The pride of ownership shows in this well-appointed highly upgraded 3 bedroom --Much nicer than a new home –it is the complete package! 2 baths, 2 car extended garage. It boasts beautiful 18in tile throughout the home, custom interior paint, with carpeting in all bedrooms & upgraded carpet in the split master bedroom and large walk-in- closet, and a wonderful great room feel with kitchen and living room area wired for surround sound. The kitchen has many upgrades; with pull out shelves, pendant lighting, granite counter tops, under cabinet lighting, Stainless steel appliances (fridge in garage conveys not one in kitchen) double ovens are ready for the holidays. Plantation shutters and faux wood blinds are throughout the home. This backyard is well equipped, too! Pavers extend the patio to lead you to a wonderful sitting area by the gas fire pit, perfect for those winter gatherings, overlooking the mature plants, and trees, grass with nice curbing to finish it off. The covered patio is also plumbed for a gas BBQ.  The cabinets and hanging storage racks in the garage convey.  The fully equipped Clubhouse offers heated pool, full fitness room, child center, meeting rooms, full kitchen, and locker room. HOA fee includes full of use of Clubhouse and amenities. This is the home you need to see, contact me for an appointment, you will not be disappointed!

What a Gem of a home in Queen Creek all for $179,900

You have been looking for this home!  Such pride in ownership…this 3 bed+ den 2 bath home has many features including a great kitchen island, all kitchen Stainless steel appliances, including the gas stove with convection oven convey along with the washer and dryer, a walk in pantry and pull out shelves will have every cheering!  Looking for convenience, with 3 linen closets, remote ceiling fans, programmable thermostat, tile throughout the house, surround sound, separate tub and shower and to top it off a 20 amp service in the garage and it is extended by 2 ft, and for the cherry on top a new AC and Hot water heater—this home is calling you!

http://www.visualshows.com/edit_show.php?user_id=8210&show_id=158715

Contact me if you would like to see it!!  :)

Elaine Beery-- 480-570-1912  BeeryRealty@gmail.com

Living by an airport

Well as we all know living near an airport can be very challenging.  But when the air port changes it's flight patterns it can be a nightmare. 

Hundreds — possibly thousands — of Phoenix residents took notice when the Federal Aviation Administration changed a flight path last month for some planes departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Those central Phoenix residents in the new path can hear (and feel) more than a hundred planes at all hours of the day and night----And now those residents are making their own noise.

See what AZCentral has to say about it!  

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2014/09/30/phoenix-neighbors-protest-sky-harbor-flight-path-change/16514411/

South Mountain Freeway--Adot update

The proposed Loop 202 freeway, also known as the South Mountain Freeway, would run east and west along Pecos Road and then turn north between 55th and 63rd avenues, connecting with Interstate 10 on each end. A video simulation of the proposed freeway is provided below. The South Mountain Freeway is the last piece to complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system necessary for high-quality regional mobility.

This is the needed last connection for the loop 202.  Folks form Laveen and Buckeye have been long waiting this.  But there are many folks  in Ahwatukee that this will impact poorly.  

Click here to see what exactly Adot has to say about this project.

http://www.azdot.gov/projects/phoenix-metro-area/loop-202-south-mountain-freeway 

Great home in San Tan Valley

Wow, you have to see this one!  4 bedrooms, with an office/den and a loft 3.5 bathroom 3 car garage it has a very comfortable floor plan. The kitchen is equipped with s. s. appliances, corian countertops, lots of storage and a nice pantry and a large kitchen island. The master suite has enough room for a cozy sitting area & master bath has a separate shower and a garden tub, double sinks and a generous walk-in closet. 2 of the other bedrooms have a Jack and Jill bathroom between them; the last bedroom has access to the hall bathroom.  Also, boasting a very large loft and a 3 car garage.  Don’t hesitate you need to see this one, call and schedule your appointment soon, it is not going to last!   

For more information and lots more pictures click here

http://listings.realbird.com/F8A2E2F7/353501.aspx

Why the next time you sell you should do a pre-inspection to sell your home!

All homes talk. Sometimes it just takes a trained ear to hear what they’re saying. Some real estate professionals maintain that having a home inspection prior to listing offers several benefits to the seller. Identifying possible property related “red flags” early in the transaction could potentially save the transaction from menacing roadblocks that threaten to send everyone back to the negotiating table.
While a pre-inspection will not head off every potential issue, most will agree that early detection is beneficial to all parties involved.

•             Identify defects and make repairs ahead of time. By identifying possible defects early on, the seller is in a position to handle repairs prior to listing, making the listing more attractive and the property more saleable. This may mean more money to the seller and a faster sale. Making repairs ahead of time will limit objections over defects during the negotiations. If the seller elects not to repair certain defects that turn up in the inspection, they can disclose the defects to potential buyers in the disclosure documents. State disclosure laws vary, and sellers should consult with their attorneys on state disclosure laws.

•             Aid as a pricing tool. Having a completed inspection report from a certified inspector will help you (the seller) arrive at a realistic list price. If you find out, for example, that your HVAC system shows significant wear and tear and will need to be replaced  right before summer, you should take that into consideration when pricing your home for sale.

•             Provide a feeling of confidence to potential buyers. With a clean inspection in hand after viewing a property, potential buyers may feel more comfortable in moving ahead with an offer. When a buyer can see there are no major defects in the property to be addressed, it is easier for them to determine how much they can comfortably spend on the house. If there is a problem that needs to be addressed, they buyers can write an offer that will reflect the cost of the needed repairs, or they can ask the sellers to remedy the defect.

But keep in Mind the Buyer has the right and should do their own inspection as it is their duty to make sure they find everything out about the home that is important to them during their inspection period.

Additionally, here are 3 Ways to use a Pre-Listing Inspection to Benefit Sellers:

•             Create a unique selling advantage; because most home owners will not have one done, so your home will look more appealing because you took the extra step!

•             Early resolution of any differences of opinions about price vs condition

•             You (the seller) have time to fix any conditions identified (if you choose to) or simply reflect it in the purchase price (attach repair estimates or paid invoices to the inspection report).

I hope this helps you sell your home quicker- and please contact me if you want to find out more!  

Here is true help to buy a home in Arizona...

Lender's are expanding requirements taking the stress out of using gift funds to purchase a new home. Gifts/grants are now allowed to be considered part of the borrower's own funds.

• Entire 5% down payment can be gifted by another person.
• Private mortgage insurance is required, yet premiums are lower than on a comparable FHA loan.  Meaning your monthly payment is lower!  
• Seller or lender credits for closing costs are allowed.
• Gifts of equity are allowed.

Wow- now is the time to start looking for the home you have been dreaming of, no matter if you are a first time home buyer, or just want to change to a different home--this program is for you!  

Contact me today to put your gift funds to good use in purchasing a new home!

Ever wonder should I hire a handyman or a contractor?

No matter if you are under contact  to sell your home or not you need some work done, some of it is plumbing, a bit of electrical…you know if you call out a plumber and an electrician this is going to cost you some big bucks, so you’re considering hiring a handyman.  Well make sure you know the law and what exactly a handyman can do legally! 

First, understand the differences.  A handyman only has a business license, so he is not licensed through the Registrar of Contractors http://www.azroc.gov/ (this is where you can go to see if the person you are considering hiring is licensed to perform these services). They are allowed to do very minor repairs, like patch a hole in drywall, or install a ceiling fan, change door locks and such things like that.  

Here is the actually Arizona law: 

ARS 33-1121(A)(14) says who is exempt from the requirement of a contractor’s license. There are a lot of people who misunderstand this exemption. 

The exemption applies to individuals who perform minor repairs or installations to do so without being licensed. To qualify for the handyman exemption, the following conditions must be met:

1. The work cannot require a building permit; and

2.  The total cost of the project, including labor, tools and material cannot not exceed $1000.00; and

3. The nature of the work cannot be anything related to plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, structural alterations or anything that is "attached by a nail, screw or other fastening device to the frame or foundation of any residential structure."

The bottom line is that in many cases an unlicensed handyman is not legally able to do much of the repair work called for in the BINSR- (Buyer inspection report)- so should you as the home owner want to use someone that you have no recourse against, if something were to go wrong?   I  completely understand the desire to save a few dollars; however, you are giving up valuable protection if you use unlicensed contractors. 

I hope you find this helpful! J If you are considering selling your home, consider contacting me to help you do it the right way! 

Note- click here to see when you need a building permit http://www.cityapplications.com/building-permits/AZ-Arizona/bldg-Arizona.html

Rentals-- there is a new scam that Scammers are doing

If you or someone you know is looking for rentals there is a new scam that Scammers are doing it is like this; They copy and paste legitimate listings (either for sale or for rent), and then after getting inquiries and questions, try to get victims to wire them the deposit.

"They're marketing it for up to $500 less (than the original listing amount) or what the normal amount is going for in the area.

A scammer will even suggest to an interested renter drive to the property and view it for themselves.  If there is a sign on the property- call the number in front of the home!!  If it is not the number you called the first time- it is a scam!! 

I have just had this happen to 2 of my listing, it is getting bothersome.  One gal had even wired $500.00 to the scammer just so she could save it- without filling an application or any other procedure.    I feel bad, but there are so many warning signs- or so I think!! 

The old adage is: if it sounds too good to be true, then it is!

If you are going to sell a car, or furniture- most of us would go find out how much it is worth and then list it for around that price as you want to get the most you can for the item, right??  Well, why would someone rent their home (one of the most expensive items they own for less than they could) speaking for the majority or perhaps all of us—they wouldn't!!

 So there is your first clue.  Another good tip off they don’t ask for any ID, references, nothing (sometimes they say- “send the money just to hold it for you” or I can’t get all the paperwork done right now so just send me the earnest money of $XXX.XX  and we will take care of the rest later.…If you were going to rent your home- would you handle it this way?  Wouldn't you want to know; the potential tenant’s name, where they work, some references, bank accounts, etc???  Which now leads me to ---DO NOT GIVE OUT THAT TYPE OF INFORMATION UNLESS YOU KNOW YOU ARE DEALING WITH A LICENCE AGENT/BROKER or PROPERTY MANAGER.  THESE ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO PROTECTING AND STORING THAT TYPE OF DATA.

If you give it to a person that just owns the home, there is no way to know what they are doing with that information. So just be careful out there!  The rental market is very competitive out there right now, but stop and think before you act.  It could save you lots of money and headaches!!   

It is best to look out for dramatic changes in listing prices- comparable to the neighborhood. Also it's helpful to check the county assessor's office to make sure the person you're talking to is the current owner of the property.  If not, make sure they have the legal right to show you the property—you should NEVER go through someone’s home without having the agent or landlord present. 

Looking for the Diamond in the Rough

There are many homes for sale in Arizona.   Finding a great deal is the hard part, some have great features but there is something wrong structurally, or structurally it is sound, but there are so many other factors that are not desirable. Here are 4 things you can do to quickly find the diamond in the rough.

1.       Find a full time Realtor to have them help you in your search.  (Yea, I know this seems self -serving but REALTORS are educated in the market and the ins and outs of purchasing homes and can help so much through the entire process).

2.         Get pre Qualified (different than pre-approved) by a licensed mortgage broker, they are held to a higher standard than the regular (big Bank ) loan officers.  Make sure you will be dealing with one person the entire time during the process. This is a real factor that I have seen become quite frustrating for many a buyer- as once the loan is going through it’s process they are passed to different people and no one knows the whole story. Not to mention licensed lenders can show you some great options from many different programs out there-- that are out there to help you, not the bank.

3.       Have your realtor start up a portal for you so you are looking at just the homes for sale on the ACTUAL MLS, so many other websites will show you homes that have sold or have offers on them- what is the point of finding the perfect home if you can’t make an offer on it.

4.       Look on goggle maps to see if the location is desirable, Drive by the homes you think you will like- factors like power lines, backing to a road, too close/ or not close enough to a school, the overall feel of the neighborhood all can be factors for you to consider and can be determined just by doing a drive by. 

If it passes this test then;

5.       Use the Buyer’s Advisory it is chock full of valuable information for someone looking to purchase a home in Arizona.  It has schools, crime rates, fissures locations, Airport traffic reports and so much more.  http://www.aaronline.com/documents/buy_advis.pdf

6.       Now is the time to go take a look at the ones you have narrowed down.  Schedule some time to meet and go into each home so you can really see the home’s plus / minus.  Evaluate what it is you are concerned about and what it is you like about the home.   From there, you will know if you are on the right track to find the home you will really enjoy living in.     

I hope that helps you in your pursuit of the Diamond in the rough and if you have any questions, I would be happy to help you!! 

Elaine Beery CNE, ABR, CSSN, SFR

United Broker’s Group

480-570-1912

BeeryRealty@gmail.com

www.AzBuysHomes.com

With Rates & Prices on the Rise, Do You Know the True Cost of Waiting?

A great perspective is this on how to break down the opportunity that exists now for Millennials who are willing and able to purchase a home NOW... Here are a couple other ways to look at the cost of waiting.

Let’s say your 30 and your dream house costs $250,000 today, at 4.41% your monthly Mortgage Payment with Interest would be $1,253.38.

But you’re busy, you like your apartment, moving is such a hassle...You decide to wait till the end of next year to buy and all of a sudden, you’re 31, that same house is $270,000, at 5.7%. Your new payment per month is $1,567.08.

The difference in payment is $313.70 PER MONTH!

That’s like taking a $10 bill and tossing it out the window EVERY DAY!

Or you could look at it this way:

§ That’s your morning coffee everyday on the way to work (Average $2) with $12 left for lunch!

§ There goes Friday Sushi Night! ($80 x 4)

§ Stressed Out? How about 3 deep tissue massages with tip!

§ Need a new car? You could get a brand new $22,000 car for $313.00 per month.

Let’s look at that number annually! Over the course of your new mortgage at 5.7%, your annual additional cost would be $3,764.40!

Had your eye on a vacation in the Caribbean? How about a 2-week trip through Europe? Or maybe your new house could really use a deck for entertaining.  We could come up with 100’s of ways to spend $3,764, and we’re sure you could too!

Over the course of your 30 year loan, now at age 61, hopefully you are ready to retire soon, you would have spent an additional $112,932, all because when you were 30 you thought moving in 2014 was such a hassle or loved your apartment too much to leave yet.

Or maybe there wasn’t an agent out there who educated you on the true cost of waiting a year. Maybe they thought you wouldn’t be ready, but if they showed you that you could save $112,932, you’d at least listen to what they had to say.

They say hindsight is 20/20, we’d like to think that 30 years from now when you are 60, looking back, you would say to buy now…

Make Your Home Green This St. Patrick’s Day

You’re ready to make some changes to your home, but you want to be smart with your money and see a positive return on your investment.

While most homeowners don’t see that return until they sell their home, you can start seeing the benefits now through conserving energy by making your home green.

So in honor of the upcoming green holiday, stop searching for that pot of gold. Get inspired by St. Patrick’s Day to go green to cut your energy costs with the environmentally friendly renovations below. You’ll soon see the savings building up at the end of the rainbow.

·  Use Reclaimed Wood For Flooring

Instead of chopping down more green for your floors, reclaim wood that’s already been cut. While prices vary depending on the type of wood and how it was transformed, you can get a unique look and conversational piece that no one else will have.

Just think, you could be standing on the Jackson’s old barn or a dismantled ship.

·  Green Your Latrine

Install a low-flow toilet, which according to www.ConsumerReports.org could save you money. Older toilets use about 3.5 gallons per flush, while newer low-flow toilets can use less than 1.3 gallons.

If you don’t want to dish out the dough for a new toilet, then add pebbles or a sealed water bottle into the back tank to displace water and reduce consumption.

·  Install A Programmable Thermostat

This is something you can easily do on your own. Purchase a programmable thermostat at any home improvement store for around $50, shut off power to the room you’ll be replacing it in, unscrew your old one and connect the wires to the new one.

Finished! Now you won’t have to worry about remembering to turn the air down at night and you’ll save money monthly.

·  Replace Old Kitchen Appliances

If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, then consider replacing them with newer energy efficient models. Look for appliances that have Energy Star labels, as these machines have passed strict energy requirements.

While this upgrade might cost you up front, you’ll quickly be saving energy and leaving greener in your bank account. Don’t get pinched this St. Patrick’s Day! Instead of just wearing green, surround yourself in it by making environmentally friendly renovations.

For more information on how to "go Green"  check out  http://www.nari.org/homeowners/tips/greenremodeling.asp 

By taking your home green, you’ll reduce your energy usage and see savings in your monthly bills!

8 tips to Get the Full Asking Price When Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a complex process and there are a lot of factors that you will need to consider. Your goal will be to sell your home in a timely manner, while getting the highest price you can.

However, many properties sell at a discount because the buyer is able to negotiate a lower price on the property.

Although it is impossible to guarantee that you will receive your full asking price when you sell your home, there are things that you can do to increase the likelihood of this happening. You will need to have a strategy that attracts highly motivated buyers and improves competition.

Here Are Some Tips To Keep In Mind That Will Help You To Get The Full Asking Price When You Are Selling Your Home:

• First of all, make sure that you have a reasonable asking price to start with. Research your local real estate market and find out what other buyers paid for homes comparable to yours.
• Hire a home inspector to perform a full inspection of your home, so that you can fix any problems. If you can show the buyer the repair receipts and inspection report, you will be in a better position to ask for full price.
• First impressions are very important and can improve a buyer’s perception of your home’s value. Make sure that your property has plenty of curb appeal and feels welcoming.
• De-clutter and clean your home – this makes it appear more spacious and luxurious and will make a buyer willing to pay more.
• Ask your real estate agent to create a flyer that compares your home’s price to other similar listings in the area – showing that your home is a great deal. This will convince buyers that your asking price is already discounted.
• Schedule your property tours as close together as possible. This can mean that you get multiple offers at around the same time, which will encourage the buyer who is eager to seal the deal to pay full price.
• If you have any rooms with bright colors that might not appeal to the average buyer, give them a quick makeover with neutral tones. These are safe colors that will increase the odds that your home will sell.
• If you have the budget to renovate one of the rooms in your home, it should be the kitchen or the bathroom. Studies have shown that renovations and upgrades in those two rooms have the most impact on the potential selling price of the home.

With these tips, you should be more likely to achieve the full asking price when you are selling your home. For more tips, contact me and we can go over a plan to make sure you get the most out of your home, As there are a lot of factors that you will need to consider. Your goal will be to sell your home in a timely manner, while getting the highest price you can.

February Newsletter- what you need to know this month

National Home Prices Continue to Rise Median home prices are showing strong year-over-year growth. Annual prices reached the highest rate in the past eight years in November, when the national median existing-home price climbed to $196,300. The median time for a home to stay on the market in November was 56 days—a slight drop from October's median of 54 days but a significant improvement over November 2012's... Read More

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Real Estate There is money to be made in real estate, but you need to think about real estate investing as the business it is. Here are some common mistakes that beginning investors should avoid.  1. Getting emotionally involved. This is the biggest and most common mistake beginning investors make. Emotions and business do not mix well. In this case, falling in love with a property will almost always ensure that... Read More

What a Home Inspection Can Do for You While giving a new $900,000 home a thorough going-over, Salt Lake City home inspector Kurt Salomon found a problem under the deck. The builder had cut corners, using the wrong kind of fasteners to secure the deck to the house. Yet, the municipal building official had approved the work.  "In some cases, a building inspector is not going to crawl underneath the deck looking at the hardware. A good home inspector will," says Salomon... Read More

10 reasons you will love living in Arizona

#1 Weather- With over 300 days of sunshine a year….you can’t really go wrong.   I can assure you though, that we are ok braving the heat for 3-4 months out the year and being in the 70-80’s the rest of the rest of the year.

#2 Golf- If you are a golf fanatic….I don’t know why you aren’t here already.  Phoenix has over 185 golf courses in just the metro area. 9 months a year of perfect weather…3 months of dirt cheap rounds….no brainer.

#3 Natural Wonders- Home of the Grand Canyon…but we don’t stop there.  You are missing out if you don’t go see Kartchner Caverns, Petrified Forest, Lake Havasu, Sedona, Lake Powell, Saguaro National Park, Ciricahua National Monument, and Antelope Canyon, Boyce Thompson Aroretum.

#4 Spring Training Games- It’s that time of year...where we just want to lay out in the sun, grab an ice cold beer and hot dog and watch our favorite baseball teams.  We love it…because we get to watch The San Francisco Giants, Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers and (many more teams) all for the low, low cost of a $7 ticket. Love it.

#5 Sunsets- Most everyone will agree you can’t find a more beautiful sunset as Arizona.

#6 Snow- I have often had clients tell me that they are unsure about living in a place that doesn’t have 4 seasons, or snow I can assure you that we have both…if you want them.  Three hours north of Phoenix is Flagstaff, and The White Mountains, 1-1/2 hours to Mt Lemon.  Each of these places gets 4 seasons and snow…if you ever decide you get homesick and want to see it.

#7 Location- Phoenix is in one of the best locations.  We constantly get cheap flights to LA, Las Vegas, Hawaii and Mexico….or if you are feeling up to it…it is just a 5.5 hour drive to LA or Vegas, and only a 3 hr. drive to the beach in Rocky Point, Mexico

#8 Zero Yard Work- No shoveling snow off the driveway, no mowing the lawn on the weekend.  Most of us go for “desert landscaping” which requires practically no work at all….maybe a weed or 100 if you care to take care of it… but for the gardener, you can grow many of your favorites with little to no effort...Just ask and I can provide a list!

#9 Jobs- According to a recent Forbes article, Phoenix is listed as #1 for job growth for the next 5 years.  No matter if you are looking for a new job or if you are thinking of Starting up a company, there are many perks to do it in Arizona.

#10 Affordable Living/Housing- With low property taxes and average home prices hovering around the $200,000 to 230,000 it is the perfect place to move to, have a second home, or retire to.