Springfield Lakes Community Video

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Sun River Community Video

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Sun River Community Photos

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Vista Del Oro Community Video

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Vista Del Oro Community Photos

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Vista Dorada Community Video

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Vista Dorada Community Photos

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It’s not uncommon for first-time sellers to lose sleep over choosing the best selling price. Even experienced sellers struggle to find the right spot in the market, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you keep these pricing guidelines close at hand.

• Have at least two recent appraisals. It’s always best to have a second opinion when it comes to appraisals. Keep in mind, however, that appraisals are an estimated value, not what someone is willing to pay. That said ….
• Know the market in your area. Appraisals mean nothing if they don’t reflect the current market. Shop around as if you were a buyer, attend open houses, check real estate guides, and price your home accordingly.
• Don’t price above the market with the idea of dropping down low. The current real estate market is a buyer’s heaven, so going with the old tactic of starting high then “making a sweet deal” by dropping down to the home’s actual value will `leave you high and dry. With an abundance of reasonably priced homes already in the market to choose from, you’ll likely never even get a chance to offer that sweet deal to a buyer.
• Check prices on homes that have recently closed. This is the best possible pricing information available, because it reflects actual selling prices as opposed to asking prices. Most real estate agents are happy to offer up such information, even if you’re selling on your own.
• Consider your motivation: Good things come to those who wait, so if you can afford some time, starting out at the high end of the market may work to your advantage. If the sale needs to happen yesterday, however, plan to lowball right from the beginning. In this competitive market, it’s the only way to garner the attention needed for a quick sale.

More Information…

• Questions? Contact a Show Appeal Realtor today.
• Request a free Phoenix market research report.
• Search for homes for sale in the Phoenix metro and the ARMLS.

Between record foreclosures, job losses, and an economy in shambles, it goes without saying that the real estate market is a vicious place for folks trying to sell. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to take a wicked gut-punch to sell your home, but it will take some special effort to make your home more appealing than the others on your block.

• Make it pretty. Real pretty. Forget about listing your home as a fixer-upper unless you want to give it away. Take care of every major issue and all the minor ones as well, because the house for sale down the street is exercising the same due diligence. That goes for outside the home as well as inside.
• Have it professionally inspected. Most buyers will pay for their own inspection anyway, but knowing ahead of time what inspectors might find will give you a chance to address any issues before they become a problem.
• Don’t go it alone. Having your home listed with a professional agent is almost a necessity in this market. Aside from the added exposure, agents offer a level of expertise that appeals to many buyers.
• Offer incentives to buyers as well as agents. Offering to cover closing costs or providing a warranty on the home can go a long way in enticing buyers. And throwing in extras to your agent, like a paid three-day weekend at a resort or a commission bonus will have them working harder to not just sell a house, but to sell YOUR house.
• Know the market and be realistic on price. If you’re priced well above other homes in your neighborhood, nobody will give you the time of day. Pretend you’re a buyer, go to some open houses, and check out the competition. See what they’re selling for, see what they’re offering, and then price your home accordingly.

More Information…

• Questions? Contact a Show Appeal Realtor today.
• Request a free Phoenix market research report.
• Search for homes for sale in the Phoenix metro and the ARMLS.

In the current real estate market, selling a home is about as popular—and sometimes as painful—as pulling teeth. If you’re looking to sell, observing these seven steps may help ease the pain.

• Fix the big stuff: These days, the only people selling fixer-uppers are giving them away for pennies on the dollar. A new roof and carpeting may cost $10,000, but not tending to those issues could cost double that on the sale.
• Fix the small stuff: Pretty houses sell, so trim the trees, fix cracks in the sidewalk, and consider paying a landscaper to dress up the front yard. Inside, replace worn or stained carpet, repaint the walls, and address even the smallest of flaws.
• Keep in neutral: Neutral colors give buyers the opportunity to visualize how they might turn your home into their home, and that’s a major step on the road to making a sale.
• Keep it clean: Vacuuming, dusting and scrubbing are no-brainers, but also keep the home clutter-free. This might entail renting a storage unit to move out all but the basic necessities, but the result will be a home that feels much more open and comfortable.
• List your home with an agent: Going solo is a tempting measure, but the fact is most people purchase homes through a real estate agent, and with such a saturated market, you’ll need every possible advantage.
• Be realistic on price, and be prepared to deal: Research the real estate market in your area, see what comparable homes are selling for, and be prepared to match those figures. Incentives like warranties or offering to help with closing costs can sweeten the deal.
• Stay current on the market: Prices can swing quite drastically in a relatively short time frame. Monitor local trends and keep your home priced accordingly. Such diligence can help you get the most from your home sale.

More Information…

• Questions? Contact a Show Appeal Realtor today.
• Request a free Phoenix market research report.
• Search for homes for sale in the Phoenix metro and the ARMLS.

Just because you can make a certain monthly payment on a fabulous home doesn’t mean you can truly afford it, or that you’re ready for the responsibilities of home ownership. Consider these guidelines to help you decide whether or not you’re ready to take the plunge.

• Be as debt-free as possible. Take care of outstanding credit card balances, and make sure your bills are up-to-date. Having a car payment or a monthly cell-phone bill won’t kill you, but if you can’t even pay off credit cards or cover your obligations, lenders will question your ability to pay a mortgage.
• Save up for a down payment. Though homes can be purchased without a down payment, having cash to put down will get you a better mortgage, and you’ll save a healthy chunk of interest in the process. Making a 10 percent down payment is a good rule of thumb.
• Have an emergency fund before you purchase. It only takes one major problem such as a burst pipe or a furnace failure to instantly set you back thousands of dollars. If you’re not responsible enough to prepare for the worst, then you’re probably not ready to purchase a home.
• Consider all the expenses. Don’t forget about things like property taxes, utilities, maintenance costs, and insurances. These are just some of the ongoing costs associated with buying and maintaining a home.
• Decide on what you can afford before house hunting, and then stick to it. Don’t be wooed into a higher price bracket by a pretty home—decide on a price before house hunting. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed 30 percent of your income on your mortgage payment. Don’t base your figures off combined incomes if you’re married; being able to stay in your modest home should you or your spouse become unemployed is far better than losing your extravagant mansion because you overextended your budget.

More Information…

• Questions? Contact a Show Appeal Realtor today.
• Request a free Phoenix market research report.
• Search for homes for sale in the Phoenix metro and the ARMLS.