How Will the Election Impact the Scottsdale Market?

Many people are worried about the impact of the upcoming election on the real estate market, but how much of an effect will the election actually have?

Today I want to talk about what’s in store for the housing market during this election year. With the election coming up soon, many of you are probably wondering if it’s a good idea to buy or sell a house right now. 

It is common knowledge that the real estate market tends to soften during election years. The market falters mainly because consumer confidence dwindles. The fact that a new leader will be elected makes many buyers and sellers uncomfortable and uncertain. 

What does this mean for you? The truth of the matter is that the real estate market is constantly in a state of flux. If you are deciding to buy or sell a home, it doesn’t really matter who the President will be. 

It doesn’t really matter who the President will be.

Your best bet is to give me a call. We can discuss your personal situation and help you make a rational decision about buying or selling a home. If you have any other questions about our current market, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would be happy to help you!

5 Things You Should Know about Home Inspections

If you’re about to purchase a home, I recommend getting a home inspection before closing. What should you know about home inspections as a buyer?

1. You can choose your own home inspector. Your Realtor should have recommendations for you, but you’re free to research potential home inspectors online for yourself.
2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions in the home, not cosmetic flaws. At the end of the inspection, you should definitely meet with the home inspector so that he or she can walk you through the home and call your attention to any flaws. Realize during this time, though, that there will be flaws in the home; no home is perfect.
3. A home inspection report includes only the basics. During an average inspection, the inspector will consider hundreds of items in and around the interior of the home as well as the exterior. The foundation, porches, decks, chimney, and roof will all be inspected, in addition to any electrical components, plumbing, central air and heat, the attic, and garage inside the home. Having a detailed report like this will help you become more comfortable with the home you’re buying.
4. You’ll need to pay for the home inspection. You won’t want to negotiate with a seller to hire an inspector seller’s choice because you want the home inspector to work for you and give you the most unbiased opinion possible.
5. Inspectors are not responsible for the condition of the home. Inspectors won’t look under the carpet or inside the walls where other potential issues may arise.

If you have any questions regarding the home inspection process or you’d like a referral for a great home inspector, please give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to speaking with you!

Scottsdale Real Estate: Top 5 Mistakes Sellers Make When Selling Their Home

What are the five biggest mistakes that sellers may make when trying to sell their home?

1. Hiring the first Realtor that they meet. Always be sure to do your due diligence so that you find the right agent. If you already know someone, that’s great. If you’re just meeting someone, it’s best to get recommendations from friends, coworkers, and family members and go from there.
2. Ignoring market conditions. Sometimes we assume that our home is better than the one next door. In reality, we have to take into consideration what each home in the neighborhood is selling for. All of this can impact your sale price, your days on market, and whether or not your home sells. It’s very important to go over the comparative market analysis with your Realtor so that you can be mindful of market conditions.
3. Hiding foundational problems. It’s very important that you disclose any and all problems with the property on the seller property disclosure statement, which you can get from your Realtor. When buyers come along, they’re going to want to see receipts or some kind of proof that you’re trying to correct these problems.
4. Overpricing. Pricing is key, and the price of your home has to be in line with market conditions. As I said, it’s natural to assume your home is always worth more, but if it’s not at the right price point, then it can stay on market for an interminable length of time and cause you all kinds of headaches.
5. Ignoring agent advice. Unfortunately, I see a lot of this. Whatever your agent recommends that you do before listing, just do it. 

If you have any other real estate questions, please don’t hesitate to call me or send me an email. Thanks, and have a great day.