For the third year running, Maricopa County is the fastest growing county in the U.S. For those of you who are not residents (yet), Maricopa County is commonly referred to as “The Valley of the Sun”. It is essentially Central Arizona and encompasses some of the most recognizable cities in the state: Phoenix for one,… Read More
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Housing Affordability Up as Incomes Rise and Builders Shift Gears
A recent piece originally posted by Phoenix Business Journal, cites home builder’s lack of confidence in move-up buyers as strong motivation behind the latest construction movement toward ‘affordable’ housing. Builders are noticing that more young families and first-time home buyers are expressing an interest in purchasing New Construction homes. — Check out our New Construction… Read More
No Credit Score? No Problem, You Might Just Need a ‘Boost’
First-time home buyers often have an issue with their credit score, not because it’s bad but because it’s non-existent. No worries you’re not alone, somewhere close to 50 million adults do not have a credit score. Nevertheless, an acceptable credit score is crucial if you plan on applying for a mortgage. Before you begin the… Read More
Will Homestead Exemption Protect You From Forced Sale of Your Home?
So what does the term Homestead Exemption mean and how does it apply to you? A homestead generally refers to one’s owned, primary residence, and is a protection of the value or a predetermined portion of the equity in your principal dwelling place from some creditors and/or forced sale of your home.
Utility Scams are on the Rise, Home Owners Beware
As if IRS and Banking scams, computer and cell carrier hustles, census fraud and government grant hoaxes weren’t enough, there are scams perpetrated via every communication device, by mail, phone, text and email and sadly, in person as well. A recent addition to the ever-growing profession of scam-creation, are utility scams. The government tracks known… Read More
Video: Wasting Energy is Wasting Money, Tips to Save Both
No matter your region’s season of highest energy use, there are a few things including some routine home maintenance and repair, that everyone can do to cut energy costs in their home. Changing out filters regularly in heating and cooling systems is one of the simplest and least expensive steps you can take right now…. 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
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
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
Style, Species, Surface and Selection, Wood Flooring Trends to Watch
Real wood flooring is gaining popularity in every room of the house for New Construction or remodeling. Hardwood adds style as well as value, is easy to care for and eco-friendly. Both inside and outside your home, the environmental benefits are undeniable. According to the nwfa, “Wood flooring is the most abundantly renewable flooring material available…. Read More