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.

Simple and Affordable Ways to Enhance Curb Appeal

Selling a Scottsdale home? Get a free home value report 

Buying a Scottsdale home? Search all homes for sale

The summer selling season is here, but you still have a little work you need to do in order to attract qualified buyers to your home. The inside of your home is probably clean and ready to go, but you cannot forget about the exterior of your property.

1. Clean homes always sell well, and I cannot stress the importance of cleaning enough. Remove any eyesores and possibly even rent a power washer to clear your walkways of debris. You also want a clean and orderly lawn.
2. You also need to check on the condition of the paint outside your home. Repainting is one thing that often returns value if you invest the money into it.
3. One other simple fix to curb appeal is to improve your lighting. You can change the feel of your home and your entryway by installing new fixtures and replacing burnt-out bulbs. Accentuating certain trees and shrubs can create a whole new dynamic around your home.
4. I think hiring a professional landscaper is a must. You want all branches and limbs at least three feet from your home. Hiring a landscaper is often worth the extra costs.

"Repainting almost always returns value."

If you have any more questions or want any extra tips, please just reach out to me!

Three Quick and Easy Home Selling Tips

Selling a Scottsdale home? Get a free home value report 

Buying a Scottsdale home? Search all homes for sale

Today we’ve got three quick tips to help you sell your home for top dollar this spring in Scottsdale.

1. Amp up your curb appeal.

Walk around the outside of your home and see what needs sprucing up in order to impress buyers. Trim those bushes, rake gravel, cut grass if you have it, and add a fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home to really spruce it up.

2. Fix it, don’t forget it.

If your air conditioner needs servicing or your floor needs replacing, it’s smart to get that fixed before you sell. A lot of times, we recommend a home inspection before you list so you’re aware of what’s going on and can be proactive about fixing things. Now we can market this home as a pre-certified home, and it’s that much more appealing to buyers.

3. Market like you mean it.

The spring is a great time to list your home, but you need to have good marketing in order to sell. That’s what we are here to help you with.

If you’re in the market to sell your home, or if you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We would love to help you out!

Great Ways to Sell Your Arizona Home Quickly in 2016

Selling a Scottsdale home? Get a free home value report 

Buying a Scottsdale home? Search all homes for sale

Today, we’re talking all about great ways to sell your home quickly in 2016.

First of all, price your home right. Meet with your real estate agent to compare your property to similar homes in the neighborhood. Ensure you’re in the appropriate price range.

Next, stage your home. Remove all clutter. Take out all personal photos and anything with a personal touch. You’re moving anyway, so box them up; it’s better to do this ahead of time. Make your home as neutral as possible. That way, when a buyer walks in, they can envision their personal items in the home.

 

You should also strategically time the sale. In Arizona, spring and early summer are great times to list your home. If you’ve been waiting to sell, now is a great time to get your home on the market.

Finally, market to the millennials. Many millennials are at a time in their lives where they are seriously considering buying a home and settling down. Make sure your real estate professional is truly aware of how they’re marketing to certain groups, including millennials. 

If you have any questions about today’s video, or about real estate in general, give us a call or send me an email.