Homes for Sale Payson AZ – 5 Tips Most Home Buyers Overlook

So, you are in the market to purchase a home or perhaps you are a first time home buyer. You are probably overwhelmed with the entire process of looking for homes for sale Payson AZ and unsure of where to even begin. Before you get too involved with the house hunting make sure you review these five tips below which most home buyers overlook.

Tip #1 – Think Long Term & Even Resale – It’s easy to make a spur of the moment decision and purchase a home that fits your needs today. However, keep in mind your future needs. For instance, you will want to live in an area with a good school district if you are thinking of having kids someday. A good school district will also help with your homes resale value in the future.

Tip #2 – Make a Checklist – When you are searching for a home to buy you may forget the features you are really needing in a house. So, it’s a good idea to make a list that will have all your must-haves along with optional wants and desires so you can refer to your list while house hunting. This will help you stay on track and to make sure you don’t fall for a house that has only your wants and doesn’t full fill all your needs in a home.

Tip #3 – Calculate All Your Costs – It’s easy to just look at the sale price of a home and think you can afford it. However, it’s important to calculate all the costs involved not only in the purchase like the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance but also utilities and any home improvements that need to be done. It’s a great idea to call the utility companies and get an estimate of monthly bills so you can examine your budget. No sense having a large house if you can’t afford to heat and cool it comfortable.

Tip #4 – Impact of an HOA – A home owners association fees also need to be considered as well. But even a greater consideration needs to be taken with the HOA contract itself. It is very important to know before you make your home purchase what the HOA requires and allows. The best time to find this information out is after you have attended an open house in an area and before you get too attached to a home.

Tip #5 – Don’t be fooled by Home Staging – Sellers stage their home to sell. But as a home buyer, it’s your job to look beyond the staging. Really look at the layout of the house and its structure. You can always repaint ugly walls after you move in.

So keep these tips in mind when you are looking for homes for sale Payson AZ and if you have any questions just call Rory at 928-595-0136

Homes for Sale Payson AZ – Moving Checklist for Home Sellers Today!

Ah, you are selling your house and getting ready to move. Now comes the treaded part of packing up all your belongings and everything else that comes along with moving. This task may be a big one but remember the good things of moving to a new home. However, here is a checklist to help you with your move.

It’s important to notify the post office and provide them a forwarding address for all your mail about two to four weeks before you move. You will also want to contact your credit card companies and your bank telling them about your address change. Also cancel your newspaper subscription or just notify them of your address change as well. Also, think about friends, family, and business contacts which you should notify of your address change, too.

You will want to have your utilities disconnected at your old house and connected at your new home in a timely fashion.

If you are using a moving company, you will want to check your insurance policy as they usually only cover what they (the movers) pack. If you pack a box yourself, you may be held responsible for damages in case something happens. And speaking of movers, look out for companies who overuse padding and other packing materials just to add weight, if you are paying by the pound to be moved.

Prepare an “Open First” box with essentials you will need right away at your new home. These items will include toilet paper and soap for the bathroom, trash bags and paper towels for the kitchen, along with plates and glasses. Have your cosmetic or shaving kit well stocked with needed medication, toothpaste, and other essential personal items. Also, a small tool box will come in handy with a hammer, screwdriver, and a pair of pliers.

If your new home is out of town, you will want to obtain school records for your kids along with any medical and dental records for the family including transferring your prescriptions to a new pharmacy before you leave your old home.

If you have questions about selling your home or homes for sale Payson AZ, please contact Rory at 928-595-0136

Homes for Sale Payson AZ – Step by Step Checklist for Home Buyers

So, you are in the market to buy a home. You may be thinking, “How do I even start this Process?” Well, our buyer’s checklist below is here to help. In this checklist, it will cover everything from the first stages of the process like how much home you can afford and getting pre-approved for a mortgage all the way through making an offer and closing the deal.

Step #1 – How Much Can You Afford: The first step of the home buying process is to determine how much house you can afford. This is the time to calculate your debt, monthly expenses as well as your monthly income. Take a look at your credit report and FICO score. Also, use a mortgage calculator and figure out your down payment needed for a home in your budget.

Step #2 – Mortgage: Now is the time to get pre-approved and pre-qualified for a home mortgage. You will want to choose the mortgage type right for you. And make sure you talk to at least three to five different lenders while shopping around for the best rates and programs available to you as a home buyers.

Step #3 – What you Want & Research Neighborhoods – You will want to determine not only the location of where you want to live but the size and type of home you want to purchase along with your price range and style of home. Remember to research the neighborhoods you are interested in living in, too. Look on the internet for schools and any zoning issues.

Step #4 – Select an Agent & Search for Homes – You will want to also get referrals when choosing a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the neighborhoods you are interested in. Use the internet to search for homes online, pick up home flyers, and attend open houses in the area. Research all homes you are interested in buying and ask your agent for comps in the area. And remember to ask the seller why they are selling the home.

Step #5 – Make an Offer, Negotiate, & Close the Deal – Once you’ve done your research and settled on a house, it’s time to make an offer. Determine the purchase price, make any special requests and repairs clear, and define a move in date. Once you the buyer and the seller agree to all the terms, it’s time to sign the purchase and sales agreement. From here it’s time to get a home inspection and reports. You will want to complete the home loan process and do a final walk thru inspection prior to closing. Be sure to set aside some cash for closing costs and your down payment because you will need to bring a cashier’s check for these to the closing.

If you have any questions about the home buying process or homes for sale Payson AZ, please contact Rory at 928-595-0136

Homes for Sale Payson AZ: 3 Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell this Fall

Ah, Fall is in the air. The mornings are nice and cool and the days are getting shorter. You may be wanting to sell your home this season and be wondering how you can stage your house to sell this Fall. Here are three tips you can use to stage your home for potential buyers.

Fall Colors: Fall colors are so warm and inviting. You can use them to make potential buyers feel right at home in your house. Place a fall bouquet of flowers on the kitchen table or even on an end table in the living room. An orange afghan or blanket draped over a chair and a couple red and brown throw pillows on the couch will tie the entire room together. A bowl of apples and pears on the kitchen counter in various colors is also attractive.

Fall Scents: Now is a great time to light a scented candle during an open house. Consider a harvest apple or pumpkin spice scent to bring the sense of fall into the air. Or a pot of simmer water on the stove with oranges, cinnamon, and cloves can also set a calming mood lingering throughout the home. Cinnamon scented pine cones are another option in a basket by the fireplace.

Fall Warmth and Light: Speaking of a fireplace, if your home has one, be sure to have a nice roaring fire going during an open houses. A bucket of aspen logs by the fire hearth always look attractive as well. Along with a fire, the light of candles throughout the house also give a warm and inviting feeling to potential buyers as they tour your home.

So, as you can see, Fall is a great time of year to use colors, scents, and light throughout your house to better stage your home for potential buyers who are looking for homes for sale Payson AZ. If you are looking to sell your home or looking for homes for sale Payson AZ, give Rory a call at 928-595-0136