Buying a home together has long been an economical solution for singles and couples alike. There’s the obvious financial upside, but there are also social, eco, safety and security benefits. Co-Living has grown in popularity in the past decade among people in all age groups. But according to a study sponsored by AARP, the Boomer… Read More
What are closing costs?
6 Ways to Avoid a Delayed Closing
Gone are the days of the guaranteed 30-day closing. Though not impossible, in light of tighter mortgage regulation a 30-day closing is no longer the norm. Realistically you’re probably looking at 45 days from contract to close, and that’s without additional contingencies. Even with this extended contract period there are a number of things that… Read More
Are New Home Sales in Free-Fall?
More New Construction listed in MLS can only mean one thing. Numbers for the sale of brand new homes are down. Developers do not typically welcome the necessity to list their properties in MLS (more on that later). Recently I’ve noticed a considerable uptick in MLS listings for New Construction homes. I would suggest this… Read More
Static Mortgage Rates Fit the Pattern
Early, alarming predictions for a dramatic surge in mortgage rates in 2018, have so far fallen flat. True, home buyers have seen incremental increases in rates for home loans since January, but in more of a one-step-forward-and-two-steps-back pattern. I’m cautiously optimistic that this might continue for three significant reasons. First, the country’s economy appears to… Read More
Moving? There’s an App for That… or 10
The purchase of a new home is really big deal. The sale of your home carries both financial and emotional weight. But how much thought have you given to the actual act of moving? For instance, have you considered the best way to label your boxes for the most convenient and efficient unpacking? How big… Read More
Property Taxes 101 for Home Buyers or New Home Owners.
When you sign your closing documents as either a home seller or a home buyer, there will be a notation on the Settlement Statement regarding property taxes. There’s always a bit of a kerfuffle over property taxes so it helps to understand how they work. If you’re a homeowner here in Arizona you’ve probably just… Read More
Teachers are at Ground Level of Housing Affordability Stats
We are all for the sentiment behind the “Red for Ed” movement. Not only is compensation for Arizona teachers near the bottom of the barrel, but student test scores for the state are among the lowest in the country. Admittedly not every problem is solved by throwing money at it, but there is irrefutable evidence… Read More
Chandler, Arizona’s on the Short-List for Single Home Buyers
According to SmartAsset, Chandler, Arizona is one of the cities chosen most often by Single Home Buyers, and I’m not surprised. Chandler has an animated vibe and a progressive philosophy. The downtown area has grown from one sleepy laid-back main street to a whirlwind of eclectic activity in just the past few years. Chandler’s relative… Read More
Is This Why You’re Not Buying a Home? No.1 Hurdle and How to Conquer It.
In a Zillow report (below), research revealed that coming up with a down payment is the number one hurdle for home buyers. I have found that it’s a common misconception among potential buyers, that you must have a 20% down payment to buy a home. I’m here today to let you know that is CATEGORICALLY… Read More
Infographic: The Millennial First Time Home Buyer Looks Like This
The closing was earlier this morning. The location is an in-demand community in Chandler, Arizona. The sales price was in the upper $200s, and the first-time home buyers and excited new homeowners, Chris & Tiffany, are Millennials. The above is a common scenario in Arizona’s busy 2018 Spring real estate market, indeed throughout the country… Read More