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

Homes for Sale – Do’s and Don’ts for Your Bathroom Remodel

It is always said, “Don’t do a major remodel just before selling your home.” But how about a bathroom remodel? If you remodel your bathroom, you will typically recoup over 72% of its cost. Buyers love homes for sale which have newly remodeled bathrooms. This makes remodeling your bathroom a wise decision but here are some do’s and don’ts to remember.

First the Do’s:

1. Do Assess Your Skill Level – Of course, you may think it may be cost effective to do all the work yourself but in the long run hiring a professional is always best. But perhaps you can handle the new paint job and just need to hire a plumber and someone to do the tile.
2. Do Pick the Best Fixture Finishes – It is very easy for finishes to go “out of style” so it’s best to choose inexpensive fixtures if you are going for a trendy look or neutral if you want a timeless look.
3. Do Maximize Storage – A home can never have too much storage space so try to plan in extra storage into your bathroom remodeling plan. Think about built in wall shelving to put towels, sheets, and extra toiletry items along with cleaning supplies.

Now the Don’ts…

1. Don’t Move the Plumbing – If you get into moving the plumbing and ventilation in your bathroom it can become a costly affair. It’s best to plan your remodel around your existing plumbing fixtures.
2. Don’t Forget the Design Plan – And speaking of plan, it’s important to not skip the design plan when starting your remodel. The layout and function of the bathroom can vary depending whether it’s a guest, master, or kid’s bathroom. For instance, guests may appreciate extra shelving to store their items while visiting and a double sink in a kid’s bathroom may help getting ready in the morning quicker and easier.

So you will want to remember this Do’s and Don’ts when doing your next bathroom remodel. And if you have any questions about selling your home in the Payson real estate market, contact Rory Huff at 928-595-0136

Homes for Sale Payson AZ – 3  First Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

Are you in the market for your first home? Then, you will want to make sure you avoid these three first time home buyer mistakes.

First mistake is regarding money. You will want to make sure you are pre-approved for a home loan before you start shopping around. Along this same line of thought, you will not want to take the first mortgage you are offered. Make sure to get some different quotes from various mortgage lenders so you can get the best rates and terms. On a final note regarding money, just because you can afford a particular amount of money for a house doesn’t mean you should strap yourself. You will want to make sure the home meets your needs and keep in mind property taxes and insurance costs.

Second first time home buyer mistake is about being too picky of a buyer. You may know that no house is going to be perfect for you. So, you need to keep that in mind when you are shopping for your first home. Know that you need to be flexible and know that you can change certain things like wall cover and flooring once you purchase the home. The main thing is asking yourself does the house meet your needs now and in the future.

The third mistake is regarding a home inspection. If you are really serious about a house you certainly don’t want to skip or get a cheap home inspection. You want a reputable home inspector to perform a complete inspection of the house. It will definitely save you money in the long run by allowing you to use any problems as leverage with the seller regarding the price of the house.

By avoiding these mistakes you will be well on your way to owning your own home. Of course, the most important thing to do is use a professional real estate agent who has the knowledge and experience of working with buyers and listening to their advice. If you have any questions about homes for sale in Payson AZ , contact Rory Huff at 928-595-0136