Monthly Archives: June 2021

Know what Rory Knows

Posted on by

Celebrating the History
Rory Huff, Realtor, ERA Young Realty
by Susan Campbell, Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce

Like most desirable areas, the Rim Country’s real estate market is HOT! Rim Country Realtors must be “crazy busy”, right? How does long-time REALTOR® Rory Huff at ERA Young Realty & Investment see it?

Rory’s credibility is solid after 20+ years as a Rim Country REALTOR®. His extensive knowledge of market conditions and impeccable customer service make him a go-to person for real estate questions.

Competition is keen for the few properties currently on the market and among the 500+ Realtors in the Payson area. Multiple offers, many over asking price, and back-up offers drive the boom in the Rim Country. The St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank reports median United States home prices for 2021 Quarter 1 at $347,500. Arizona Real Estate Notebook lists Arizona’s first quarter median home price at $360,000.

In case you hadn’t noticed, Rory advises, “California has discovered us…We are really affordable to California buyers.” A desire to move from cities and suburbs to rural areas make Payson and the Rim Country, the first choice for many homebuyers.

Can we meet the demand? Currently we are experiencing far more buyers than properties available for sale. There is still undeveloped land for new homes. The Town of Payson plans for a maximum population of 37,000. Rory doesn’t see Payson achieving quite that much, but we have the infrastructure needed to do it, including the C.C. Cragin project, guaranteeing a stable 100-year water supply. Few communities in the West can offer that precious resource.

Rim Country checks the boxes for the intangibles homebuyers want: “security, quality schools, services, medical access and proximity to a major metropolitan area”. Toss in “pine trees, views and elbow room” and it’s a prime target for relocation.

What about the challenge of affordable housing? Rory observes that “most towns just do lip service to affordable housing.” He believes the Town of Payson must participate in the affordable/entry level housing crisis that postpones or prevents the American dream of home ownership. Waiving fees and giving tax incentives are a start.

Now you know a fraction of what Rory knows about Rim Country’s real estate market. There’s even more to Rory Huff.

He served two terms on the Payson Schools Governing Board, bringing a new Julia Randall Elementary School and an upgraded Rim Country Middle School online through a bond issue. He has served on the TOP Parks and Recreation Board, Friends of Payson Parks and Recreation and Payson Schools Override Committee. He also coaches and referees youth sports.

It’s easy to see why Rory Huff is so successful. And if you intend to purchase a home, Rory says stick to the basics: “establish good credit, save money, live below your means”.

How to Prepare for the Challenge of Home Buying

Posted on by

For most families, the purchase of a home is the most significant investment they make in their lifetime. When you are making that purchase, having your financial affairs in order is essential for securing the most advantageous position to qualify for the lowest rates available. To be sure you are in the most stable position possible, follow the 10 steps below to assure you are on the straight and narrow path to a successful home loan.

Your Ten Personal Steps for Purchasing a Home

1. You should not change jobs, become newly self-employed, or quit your job.
2. You should not buy a new vehicle. (You could end up living in it if financing falls through, should you choose to ignore this step!)
3. You should not use credit cards unnecessarily or in excess. You should not let current credit accounts fall delinquent.
4. You should definitely not think of spending the money set aside for closing costs.
5. You should not leave out any debts or liabilities from your loan application. (Be transparent.)
6. You should not buy furniture on credit before your home loan finalizes.
7. You should not make any inquiries on your credit. Now is not the time to apply for any other credit cards, loans, or application processes that will require a credit check.
8. You should not make large deposits without consulting your loan officer first. No transactions should be made in any amount out of the ordinary from your normal banking activity in deposits or purchases.
9. You should not change bank accounts.
10. You should not co-sign a loan for anyone. (Good advice always, but particularly during this season in the home buying process.)

Following these steps along with having all financial documentation located and sorted in an organized manner should have you on your way to a happy ending for your successful loan application. As always, if any assistance is needed, be sure to contact your real estate expert or mortgage representative. They are always available to help you through this exciting process.