Homes for Sale Payson AZ – Your House is Not Your Home: Emotionally Detaching from the House You Want to Sell

When it comes to selling a house, the first thing any potential seller needs to come to terms with is separating their emotional attachment from the house they are trying to sell. Once you can detach from the “home” you have put on the market, the selling process can truly begin. It can be difficult to disentangle from all those memories made in a home, but those thoughts subconsciously discourage a seller’s ultimate goal: to sell their house.

Detachment is definitely number one when it comes to selling a home. A reliable Realtor is essential, but it will be difficult to get the ball rolling until the emotional chords have been cut. Think of this detachment like clearing out a messy garage. As soon as you make room, you can work on that project you’ve been putting off for weeks or now you can finally park your car out of the sun. Our emotions can be like rooms in a house, places that suddenly have all kinds of possibilities when we “clear” them out.

Of course, thinking about your home this way can be challenging. After all, there had to be good reasons for purchasing the house that you are currently trying to sell. Now, the focus just needs to be shifted so you can proactively put energy into a successful sale.

A good way to do this is to look at your house not as your home but as something else you might sell like your old car. After all, selling a car probably means a new car is on the horizon, so it’s actually something to be excited about, just like looking forward to moving on and into a new home soon.

Another way to sever the emotional connection with the house you’re trying to sell is to list all the great memories you’re thankful for and have experienced in that place. It might feel silly at first, but acknowledging all the good times you’ve had and that you’re moving on to bigger and better things can make an invisible shift in your mind that transforms the whole selling process. Besides, nothing puts our minds in a more positive, can-do state than gratitude.

Homes for Sale Payson AZ – 3 Reasons Why October, November, and December are Great Months to Sell Your House

Many people believe now is not the time to try and sell your house. However, the last three months of the year can be a great time to sell your house and sell it fast. Studies have shown that houses listed in November on average are more likely to sell and sell quickly. There are even advantages to buyers to make a home purchase prior to the end of the year.

Less Competition – Because the majority of people may think the last three months are a bad time to try to sell a home and are waiting for springtime to list their home, there will be less competition in the real estate market. With less inventory means less competition and more of a chance that a potential buyer will come and tour your home.

More Motivated – If a potential buyer is looking to purchase a home at the end of the year, they probably have their own reasons to purchase a home which makes them highly motivated home buyers. This again is in the favor of the home seller as people looking at homes during October, November, and December are just not your typical passive home buyers; they really want and need to purchase a home if they are braving the weather and taking time away from their holiday preparations.

Tax Benefits – Then there are the tax benefits at the end of the year which are attractive to some buyers. These tax benefits also motivate a buyer to make a home purchase before the end of the year.

So, as you can see, now is a great time to list your house on the Payson real estate market and have your home for sale. If you are interested in listing your house please contact Rory at 928-595-0136

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

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

Homes for Sale in Payson AZ: Help Sell your House with these Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is here! You know what that means “Spring Cleaning”. But what should you really focus on if you have a homes for sale in Payson AZ this spring? Paint, floors, your front door along with the kitchen and bath are the main areas you want to address when spring cleaning.

Paint: Well, this may be a little more than cleaning but a fresh coat of paint on the interior walls can really clean up your home. If you just try to spot clean your painted walls, it can make it look almost worse than before cleaning.

Floors: Call the carpet cleaners or rent a unit to clean your carpet throughout the house. You will also want to do a deep cleaning on all tile surfaces as well as the grout because it can become very dingy over time. You may consider hiring a professional to clean your tile. Wood floors require a special wood-cleaning product to safely clean them.

Front Door: You may want to give your existing door a fresh coat of paint if buying a new one is not in your budget. You can polish existing hardware or replace it to add a little sparkle to your entryway.

Kitchen & Bath: Begin by removing all the clutter from the counters. Polish all sink and bathroom fixtures. For the cupboards in your bathroom and kitchen, give them a good wipe down and a new coat of paint. Don’t forget to re-caulk showers and bathtubs is needed.

These spring cleaning tips may be a bit of an undertaking but the results will be well work it with potential buyers. If you have any questions about listing your homes for sale in Payson AZ , contact Rory Huff at 928-595-0136