Arizona Real Estate Agent > Phoenix
Category: Phoenix
Home / Financials and Real Estate /
April 22, 2019

Phoenix Housing Market Predictions for 2019

Phoenix housing market predictions 2019 are looking good! While previously a crash was looming, a recent weigh-in from real estate experts reveals that in fact, the Phoenix housing market forecast is sunny. In Arizona, the market suggests home prices will even continue to rise throughout the year. With the market still cooling overall, price gains are expected.

Is the Forecast Sunny for the Phoenix Housing Market in 2019?

Phoenix is a city that recently climbed to the top ten list of the best markets for homebuyers. If you are a new homebuyer or are looking to invest in real estate to flip a profit, you are in luck! The 2019 median home value is approximately $240,000 which shows an 8.7% increase from 2018.

Research teams project that the gains will remain over the course of the year however, they are predicted to be small (around 2.4% over the next 12 months). Only time can tell how supply and demand will affect the gains in home prices, and many analysts suggest it is more likely to be somewhere between 3% and 5% for 2019.

Is 2019 the Year for Homebuyers in Phoenix?

The Phoenix housing market is always fluctuating, but 2019 is still fresh. The year could include some of these reasons why it’s a good year for homebuyers in Phoenix.

  • Historically, mortgage rates are still some of the lowest ever seen and remain hovering. In mid-January, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.45%. However, rates are not expected to stay this low all year.
  • The Phoenix housing market inventory is growing, so there are more properties than ever. This makes it an ideal time to enter the real estate market for new homebuyers and investors alike.
  • Loan limitations have been increasing in the Phoenix housing market for some time, however, Federal housing officials are continuing to notice increased limits for both, VA and FHA loans.
  • Record low unemployment rates promote a stable US economy. With rising job opportunities, the Phoenix housing market also has improved over the years, allowing homebuyers to see more purchasing confidence.

Other Factors Affecting the Phoenix Housing Market

keys to new home

There has been a steady upward trend in the Phoenix housing market after 2012. With a drop in 2009, the recovery simply continued after the housing collapsed and then, from 2012 on, Phoenix real estate has only continued to rise in median home value.

Here are other factors that affect the Phoenix housing market so you can make an accurate investment in real estate for 2019.

  • Increase in Supply

In Spring 2018, the Phoenix housing market dropped, reaching a dangerous low of only a 2-month supply of homes for sale. The levels recently improved, however, a “balanced” real estate market offers between 5 – 6 months of homes for sale.

Conditions have recently improved, but, the Phoenix real estate market only offers about 3.5-months supply of homes. If 2019 continues to move in this direction, 2019 inventory growth could be a deciding factor for Phoenix homebuyers.

  • More Homebuyers

The city of Phoenix is the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country by population. With about 4.7 million residents, it continues to grow in population, employment, and housing opportunities. Population growth is just one factor, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for the Phoenix metropolitan area was recorded down to 3.9% at the end of 2018.

But, younger residents are finding places to work, and thus, boosting the overall housing marketplace. Attracting older residents also increases homebuyers in the Phoenix housing market, stabilizing the economy over other areas in the country.

The general consensus among economists and real estate analysts is favorable for the 2019 Phoenix housing market. While it is still a seller’s market, homebuyers in Phoenix can look forward to taking advantage of an increase in homes for sale and a balanced forecast. Call the office of Jeff Barchi to talk to real estate professionals who can help you make the homebuying process enjoyable and lucrative in 2019.

August 6, 2018

The Five Best Phoenix Suburbs

Whether you’re looking to escape the bustling city limits or moving to the city for a fresh start, the Phoenix metropolitan area has a tremendous selection of suburbs to choose from. Depending on what you’re looking for, where you’ll be working, the amenities that are important to you and most importantly price range, you can be guaranteed that you will find exactly what you want.

Now, the tricky part is knowing where to look but luckily for you, I have compiled a list of the 10 best suburbs around Phoenix and what makes each of them great. This should help kick off your search for your next home!

Paradise Valley

It’s easy to see how a suburb with paradise in its name makes the top of the list but Paradise Valley is a special place. Nestled between northcentral Phoenix and Scottsdale, Paradise Valley is one of the more affluent communities around Phoenix.

With the median home price coming in just below $1.75 million, it does cost a little bit more to live here but the serenity, natural beauty and amenities that come with Paradise Valley’s location are unmatched.

Short commute to downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale, yet far enough isolated to escape the downsides of the congested city. Filled with luxurious resorts, golf courses and restaurants, living here is like being on vacation year round.

Scottsdale

Located just east of Phoenix (and Paradise Valley), Scottsdale is the 45th largest city in the U.S. by area. It runs 31 miles north to south and 11.4 miles wide, with this large of an area it allows the city to differentiate sections very easily. Scottsdale offers a three “districts” that have totally unique vibes.

South Scottsdale is going to be more apartment-based living with a working-class population. Old Town (central) is the young professional/nightlife cultural center of the city where you’ll find the museums, hip restaurants, exciting clubs and trendy shopping.

North Scottsdale basically starts once you stop hearing the clubs at night and continues all the way up towards Cave Creek. Scottsdale is a diverse city that offers numerous amenities, a wide range of housing choices and some of the best schools in Arizona. So if you’re looking for a suburb that has it all, Scottsdale would be a good place to start your search.

Fountain Hills

This seemingly isolated and scenic town has become a very popular destination for those looking to live a quiet life while still being only a few miles from all the action. Located directly east of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills used to be known for being a retirement community but since experiencing a great amount of growth during the early 2000’s it has now become one of Phoenix’s top suburbs.

World-class golf, hiking, casinos, restaurants, shopping and of course, the world-famous fountain all make Fountain Hills a first thought for homeowners that are looking for a place close, quiet and active.

Gilbert

Gilbert is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and with this tremendous growth comes a vast number of new housing options, restaurants, schools, jobs and so much more. Just a handful of years ago, Gilbert was a farming community with vast, empty fields. But now, to accommodate the growth of the Valley, Gilbert has exploded into a place where families are looking to settle because of the amenities available.

Chandler

Neighboring Gilbert to the west, Chandler has long been one of the best Phoenix suburbs due to its location, fantastic schools and opportunities for work. Just a short drive from either Phoenix or Scottsdale, where you work really isn’t an issue if you live in Chandler thanks to the convenient highway system that connects the Valley.

If you are looking for a place to settle down with your family, slightly lower housing prices without sacrificing any quality, Chandler is where you should start looking.

Notable Runner-ups

Ahwatukee

Cave Creek

Glendale

Mesa

Queen Creek

Carefree

 

I have been helping homeowners (first-timers included) throughout the Valley for nearly 20 years and believe that my track record of client satisfaction speaks for itself. Truly understanding what is important to my clients allows me to find the best possible opportunities for them because buying a home is a major life milestone and should be treated as such.

To start your search today, visit https://homesellerarizona.com/area/paradise-valley-realtor/ or contact me today at jbarchi@fineprop.com.

July 5, 2018

7 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix

Phoenix is hot. Everyone knows that however you may not know that the rumors of tumbleweeds, mountain ranges, running rivers and wild horses is also true around Phoenix. These are some of the first thoughts that come to mind for people considering moving to Phoenix. If you are wondering why you should move to one of the hottest places in the U.S, there are a few things to think about before you take the leap.

Here are the top 7 things to know before moving to Phoenix:

It’s Flat

Although there are many mountain ranges around the Phoenix metropolitan area, its suburban topography is mostly flat. Unlike older cities and towns built the city streets of Phoenix are laid out in a grid system with numerical streets and avenues. With clearly labeled street signs it is easy to know which direction you are going without the use of a GPS (Global Positioning System). In Phoenix, many people invest in a hybrid vehicle (gasoline/natural power) because they have to drive everywhere due to the spread out infrastructure.“

Phoenix” is a Relative Term

What most people call “Phoenix” includes many cities. Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Carefree, Chandler, Apache Junction and other areas are commonly integrated in searches for homes in the area. Also known as the Valley of the Sun, from the east side of Mesa to the west side of Glendale and beyond, everyone in Arizona uses the terms “Phoenix” and “The Valley” interchangeably.

phoenix arizona

It’s a Dry Heat

Those who have many years of Phoenician living under their belt often roll their eyes when hearing the phrase, “It’s a dry heat.” People considering Phoenix as a new residence should know that although temperatures get as high as the 120’f – it is actually tolerable.

You see, the heat is not as unbearable as it may seem due to almost non-existent humidity levels. Still it’s so important to know that the sun never takes a rest in Arizona and the summer months can bring disastrous consequences. Staying hydrated and protected from UV rays is the best way to reduce risks of Arizona heat.

Haboob

Phoenix is almost bone dry in the summer so it may be hard for anyone considering moving to Phoenix that intense windstorms take place. But they do! Known as haboobs, these gnarly dust storms are usually apart of the regular monsoon season. One of the most important things to know before moving to Phoenix is that they commonly strike without warning. Never underestimate the power these violent and rapidly occurring dust storms.

Flip Flops

Phoenix is a resort town known for its flip-flop culture. Most companies in Phoenix consider business casual attire to include flip-flops, so go ahead and leave the suits and slacks behind!

Pink Sunsets

Once the chaos of relocation is over, it is not hard to see the beauty in the starkness of the desert. Learning about the plants and animals of Arizona is a great way to reconnect to nature in an urban environment. One of the most important things to know before moving to Phoenix is that you can always count on stunning pink, orange and purple sunsets resting over the landscapes. No matter where you are in the Valley, they will be equally spectacular.

Orange Blossoms

There is an over abundance of citrus trees in the Valley so invest in a high quality juicer and fruit picker. You can enjoy fresh squeezed OJ or grapefruit juice every morning for a majority of the year for free! Not only is it ultra-healthy but the unmistakable and highly fragrant orange blossoms on the trees are a signature smell of Phoenix in the summer.

So, what are you waiting for? This is just a small taste of what Phoenix has to offer. Pack it up and head out to Arizona! If you’re already looking for a good real estate agent in phoenix, we’re here to help!

May 14, 2018

What is the Cheapest Time of Year to Buy a House?

 

If you’re looking to buy a house and aren’t in a rush to buy, you’ve probably wondered what would be the cheapest time of year to buy a house.

I’m presuming, of course, that you already know where you want to buy.

And assuming that you’re cost-conscious, you probably want to focus on when the market is most favorable to buyers. Good move: there are times when it is cheaper to buy a house.

Winter is Generally the Cheapest Time of Year to Buy a House

Winter Home Front DoorAs a rule, the number of houses that go on the market start to rise in the autumn and usually drop to their lowest in January.

Does this mean you should wait until December to look? No!

Start looking while inventories are high so that you become familiar with neighborhoods you like. That cute house that was “snatched up” in September probably isn’t all that unique. Chances are, similar homes will be available a few months later and at a better price after a house-hunting season ends.

A 2016 Nerdwallet study on home sales found that in most metropolitan areas, winter home prices can drop by almost 8.5% compared to peak summertime prices. That’s quite a bit, particularly for first-time buyers whose average down payment is five to ten percent according to SmartAsset.

Won’t The Winter Housing Inventory Be Low?

I know what you’re thinking: all the good places will be gone by winter.

I won’t gloss over this. There are fewer homes on the market as the winter holidays approach, but that hardly means there aren’t any.

Many houses are on the market in the winter because the sale needs to be done quickly. Their owners aren’t interested in bidding wars and are likely to list their homes at realistic prices so a sale will happen quickly.

Furthermore, if you’re a first-time buyer, you’re in good company to buy a solid starter home in the winter. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported earlier this year that first-time buyers made up almost a third of all homebuyers in December 2017. Moreover, 44% of homes that sold in December were on the market for a month or less, another indication that they were priced to sell.

How Do I Know Winter Sellers Want to Sell Quickly?

Let’s look at this from the seller’s point of view.

  • Open houses are annoying and disruptive. Multiply this by 10 in the winter.
    • In most of the country, people prefer to stay home in the winter which, of course, they can’t do if their realtor is showing their house. A day “out” usually means a crowded mall or inviting yourself to someone else’s home.
    • In warm weather states, winter open houses mean leaving home to join the crowds at spring training or waiting in lines at restaurants and attractions.
  • Curb appeal is challenging in winter. Curb appeal just doesn’t work as well in winter. The front yard is probably dormant, with patches of dull snow or ice on the grass. Snow quickly turns to slush and there’s only so much shoveling a homeowner can do.
  • It’s harder to keep a house clean and fresh in winter. Windows are kept tightly shut. More time inside means more clutter to clean up. Prospective buyers want to see closets so even those must be kept neat!

I view the winter home sale market as a great opportunity to find a great home at a reasonable price. Give me a call at 602-483-6800 and let’s talk about winter home buying opportunities!

May 10, 2018

The Future of Real Estate Tech

We live in the age of technology and it continues to adapt and change on what seems to be a daily basis. The news is filled with self-driving cars and cryptocurrency, technology impacts almost every part of our lives. Now, even the real estate industry has emerging startups and technologies that are changing the way people buy and sell homes.

Here are some of the best examples of real estate tech: 

  • Rentals

    The rental home market was forever changed when Airbnb started in 2008. Now, homeowners can manage their rental properties from their computer states or even countries away. This new way to rent accommodations has really put pressure on the hotel industry and continues to grow. More and more people are turning to investment properties and renting as a second source of income.

  • Artificial Intelligence 

    When homeowners search online, real estate agents can utilize artificial intelligence technology to engage with potential clients. When a customer requests information on a listing, AI can send and answer many questions all while the agent could be working with other clients. Now, listing information can be accessible 24/7 for a relatively little cost.

  • Virtual Reality

    While still a relatively young technology, virtual reality has the potential to shake up the way that people shop for homes. We are seeing now that more and more cars can be purchased online without the customer ever seeing the car in person. Why can’t that process be extrapolated to the real estate industry? Virtual reality could allow those shopping for homes to experience a walk-through without ever stepping foot inside.Home virtual reality

  • Automated Valuation Models

    This technology applies more towards the real estate investors but automated valuation models can dramatically increase the time and effort spent deciding on the value of properties. In an industry where decisions need to be made in a timely manner, competitive investors benefit from these automated valuation models greatly.  

  • Smartphone Applications

    Applications like Craigslist and Zillow allow customers to browse listings from their phones and connect with the selling agents instantly. While this helps users create a list of potential properties, a knowledgeable agent is still essential to the process.  

  • Drones

    Capturing unique images and videos of properties and homes can really enhance the listing that potential buyers see. Using every advantage possible can dramatically affect the outcome in a very competitive market like Phoenix.

While new technology can enhance and simplify the buying and selling experience, nothing replaces the personalization and knowledge of an experienced real estate agent. Jeff Barchi has proven to be the most trusted name in real estate in the East Valley with nearly 20 years of success and client satisfaction. Experience is one aspect that technology may never replace, so let Jeff Barchi help you with buying or selling your home. Visit Home Sellers Arizona to learn more about Jeff and his communities of expertise.

April 19, 2018

Successful Real Estate Agent Relationship Tips

The real estate industry is often viewed as extremely competitive where everyone looking to save or make the most money possible. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned home-buying veteran, tensions and emotions can sometimes get the best of us. It is important to remember that there are written and unwritten rules when it comes to working with an experienced real estate agent that can help the process go more smoothly.

Here are some real estate agent etiquette tips and rules to keep in mind when you start your home buying or selling journey:

How Agents get Paid

It is sometimes easy to forget that real estate agents are almost always paid on commission, meaning if they don’t complete a sale, they do not make money. With this being the case, real estate agents are often very motivated to perform well and do everything in their power to see the home transaction go through.

Be Punctual

Unless you’re extremely lucky, your real estate agent won’t solely be dedicated to you and your needs. Depending on your agent’s workload and schedule, their time may be extremely valuable and hard to come by. This means that keeping scheduled appointments and being on time is crucial. Be respectful and courteous because their success depends largely on their clients.

Signing the Dotted Line

Real estate sales contract with keys and penYou can expect to sign a buyer’s broker agreement and an agency agreement. These are documents that lay out the duties and responsibilities of both parties. The broker agreement is a contract that creates a relationship between you and the agent and if you become dissatisfied, you may ask your agent to terminate the contract.

Listing Agents

If you are working with an agent as a buyer, one of the most important aspects to remember is that the listing agent works for the seller. Do not expect them to show preferential treatment but if they show you the property, they will expect to represent you. If you hire the listing agent to represent you, the agent will be working with a dual agency (for the buyer and seller) and conflict of interests can occur.  

Open House Protocol

There are a few tips to help make the most of an open house at a property you are interested in:

  • Ask your agent if it is proper to attend an open house alone, going unescorted is sometimes frowned upon.
  • Bring your agent’s business card to hand to any agents (whether they are the listing agent or agents looking for unrepresented homebuyers).
  • Let your agent ask the questions, refrain from asking the host any questions regarding the seller and the seller’s motivations.

Expectations

Being clear and upfront from the beginning with your expectations and goals can help eliminate any confusion or misdirection during the process. Timeframe, communication guidelines, house-specifics and more all should be addressed to help both you and your agent get the most out of the home buying process.

 

Finding and working with the right the right real estate agent can make all the difference in the world when searching for your dream home. In the Phoenix market, Jeff Barchi is the most trusted and experienced name in the business. With nearly 20 years of experience and a track record of success and satisfied clients, Jeff Barchi will work for you and turn your dream of becoming a homeowner into a reality. To start your search today,  contact Home Sellers Arizona.

March 28, 2018

Sell Your Home During Peak Season

Purchasing a home is the single largest investment that an individual will make in their lifetime and that means there should be some significant amount of thought and planning involved. Becoming a homeowner is typically a dream-come-true for most people due to the time involved in saving, searching and finally purchasing a home that they love and can truly call their own. The process of buying a home is a complicated and involved process alone, but the focus of this informative piece is to look at the selling aspect of a homeowner’s journey.

Real Estate Agent Handing Over the House Keys in Front of a Beautiful New Home and For Sale Real Estate Sign.

Let’s fast forward and say that you are a homeowner but are looking for something new. Whether you started a family, decide to move closer to work or any other number of reasons, you decide to sell your home. There are several factors that now come into play in order to maximize the return on your investment. Choosing the right time to list your house is crucial to gain the most that you can in order to set yourself up for purchasing your next home. Before now, you may not have put in much thought as to when the best time to list your home but luckily for you, there has been a copious amount of research and analyzing done to answer this question.

When to Sell Your Home

You may have heard of the online company called Zillow, well according to a study of listings and closings, they found that best time to sell your home is between May 1st and May 15th. The study found that homes listed in this timeframe sold (on average) 18.5 days quicker than homes that weren’t. While that might now seem like a significant amount of time but a lot can happen in 3 weeks, especially in the housing market. The study also found that the homes sold for about 1 percent more than the average listing ($1,700). Again, this money may not seem like a huge deal but that could be a few car payments, a family vacation or money for some renovations/redecorating of your new home. Keep in mind that these figures are national, will vary and ultimately depend on a variety of factors within each specific market.

Spring shouldn’t be much of a surprise, especially for most of the country, because no one wants to drive around looking at homes when the weather is miserable and dreary. However, Phoenix and other temperate regions of the country don’t show as drastic of fluctuations in the housing market because the weather is great year round. While the weather may be an obvious reason, a more concrete underlying reason for why spring is typically the busiest home buying/selling season is because those homeowners with families are looking to relocate while the kids are out of school.

Looking at the housing market in Phoenix, the historical data points to the middle to late April being the best time to list your home for sale. This makes sense because April here in Phoenix is late spring, which coincides with the national season for home listings. Breaking it down even further, Saturday has shown to be the most promising day of the week to list a home.

Some of the benefits that come from trying to sell your home during the high season include:

  • More sales mean better comparison of market prices
  • More buyers in the market increase your chances of selling
  • More competition means quicker offers and sometimes higher offers

If you have been considering listing your home on the market, the season is right around the corner. Let Jeff Barchi and his years of experience and expertise in the metro Phoenix market help you sell and find the home of your dreams. With a track record of success and satisfied clients, Jeff is second to none when it comes to capitalizing on the unique markets found in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Visit https://homesellerarizona.com/area/phoenix-real-estate-agent/ to begin the process of selling your home today.

 

March 8, 2018

How Long Does it Take to Sell a House in Phoenix?

Selling a house involves a lot of variables that you need to juggle.  But which variables do you need to attend to most in order to get the price you want within your desired time frame?  Honestly, these variables that you need to consider vary drastically depending on which housing market your property is located in.  Since we are focusing on Phoenix and the surrounding metropolitan area, let’s take a look at some principles that will help you sell your house in a timely manner for the price that you want!

House in fall

The first thing to check for is to determine whether or not you are in a seller’s housing market or a buyer’s housing market.  A seller’s market occurs when there is a limited supply of homes for sale while there also a ton of buyers competing to buy those homes.  In essence, this describes the housing market when there is more demand for houses than there is an available supply. This type of market causes the houses to cost more and can mean more profits if you are a seller during these times.  A buyer’s market occurs when the exact opposite trend occurs. It is characterized when there are too many houses for sale and not enough buyers in a particular area. A buyer’s market allows for buyers to make offers on houses that may be drastically undervalued.  If you are a seller you are going to want to avoid selling properties during these times.

Well, how do you figure out if you are in a buyer’s or seller’s market?

 The easiest way to determine which phenomenon is taking place is by paying close attention to the trends that are occurring in your housing market.  The first trend to consider is how quickly houses are selling in your market in the first place. Luckily, this number is pretty consistent throughout the country.  According to most studies, it takes a house an average of roughly 60-70 days after being listed to sell.

It should also be noted that the season that a house is being sold in can also drastically change the time it takes for it to be bought.  Traditionally, as the temperature rises so do the prices of the houses that are being sold. Therefore, it is usually a great idea to start hunting for houses in the fall (rather than the spring or summer) if you are a buyer because house prices are usually dropping.  However, in Phoenix, this common housing trend is reversed! The reason for this is quite obvious if you have lived in the city for awhile. As a result of the fact that so many Phoenix residents head out of town to avoid our extremely intense summers, many houses often go up for sale much cheaper than they would normally be priced.  This, in turn, causes a buyer’s market. So if you want the most bang for your buck, you might want to avoid selling your house during the hot months here in Phoenix.

There are also several minor things to keep in mind that can give you an edge in selling your house quickly.  Making sure your house is show and move-in ready often greatly decreases the time it takes for a house to sell no matter where you are in the country.  Also, using an experienced real estate agent can help quite a bit, not only because they can list your house on the MLS but because they deeply know the ins and outs of the housing market.  If you make sure that you consider all of the variables mentioned above closely, you should have no problem selling your house in a timely fashion!

Hopefully, this information here helps you understand how long it can take to sell a house for the price you want in Phoenix.  If you have any more questions or feel like you need some help during this process feel free to call my office and ask for Jeff Barchi.  It would be our pleasure to help you maximize your profits in the shortest amount of time!

January 4, 2018

Average Cost of Living in Phoenix

Besides the seemingly endless sunshine, outdoor activities and all that Phoenix has to offer, there is another benefit you may not have heard of. Phoenix is surprisingly affordable in comparison to other large cities, especially on the West Coast.

Phoenix-area real estate, and other categories used to calculate the cost of living, are well worth considering.

A cost of living index is used when comparing areas of the country to the national average. To calculate the overall cost of living, goods/service equate 33%, housing is 30%, groceries are 13%, utilities are 10%, transportation is 9% and health is 5%. These six categories provide further points of comparison when researching cities. Phoenix’s score of 95 puts it 5% below the U.S. average and 2% below the Arizona average. Within the state, Flagstaff raises the average with a score of 113.6. As a point of reference, LA is above 140 points and Manhattan sits in the mid 120s.

Here are a few other average prices of items to note when looking at the cost of living in Phoenix:cost of living in phoenix

  • Basic taxi fare (5 miles) – $14
  • Brief visit to private doctor – $96
  • Basic dinner out for two – $40
  • Movie tickets (2) – $21
  • 1-month gym membership – $20

The important area to note is that the housing score in Phoenix (91) is well below the national average. As of 2017, you can expect to pay just shy of $1,300 per month for a furnished, 900sqft apartment in the “expensive” areas. Compare that to the $1,000 you will likely spend on a furnished, 900sqft apartment in the “normal” area. Home prices in the valley are also affordable with a large price range to suit any budget.

If you are considering making the move to the Phoenix area, or are already there and would like to change locations, Jeff Barchi is the best real estate agent you can pick. Since 1999, he has ranked been in the Greater Phoenix area so his familiarity with markets, both buyers’ and sellers’, will make your next home buying experience stress free. Ranking in the top 1% of all Phoenix agents and the top 3% of all agents nationwide, there is no better choice when it comes to navigating the market in the valley.

He will take into consideration all of your criteria, and suggestions, when assisting you in finding your next home. Going through the process alone can cost you headaches, thousands of wasted dollars and countless hours spent trying to comb through listings. Company listings are extensive and overwhelming for those without experience but Jeff Barchi knows the Phoenix market better than anyone.

Contact Jeff Barchi, P.C. Realtor, with RE/MAX Fine Properties today to start on your path towards a new Phoenix home. With homes constantly becoming available and sellers eager to buy them, assistance is needed. Whether you, personally, are buying or selling, his expertise and unmatched service will save you time and money. Take advantage of the affordable city that Phoenix is and call the best realtor in the area. 

November 10, 2017

First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Home

Do you need a first-time home buyers’ guide? If you are reading this article, odds are you have decided that your days of renting a place to live are over. You’re tired of landlords, busy apartment complexes and paying too much for a small space. Buying a home for the first time can be a stressful and scary endeavor but this first-time homebuyer’s guide will hopefully provide tips to help navigate the process. You want your first home to be the perfect one, so keep this guide in mind to make the right decision.

1. Plan Your Budget

first time home buyer guide 1

Before you can even begin searching for a home, it is critical that you know your budget. Be very realistic about what you can afford to save yourself the stress and financial issues later. A tip is to determine a comfortable monthly payment, given your finances, and then use an online mortgage calculator to determine a home price that works for you. Then, contact a lender to determine if pre-approval is available for your intended price. This saves time later and shows sellers that you are serious.

Also, allow a cushion in your budget to cover other costs associated with home buying. These include moving costs, closing costs, renovations or repairs if necessary and other items.

2. How Many Bedrooms Do You Want?

first time home buyer guide 2

Once you have a budget set, you can begin actually looking at homes. When determining the ideal size of a home, picture how many bedrooms you’d like to have. This is a very helpful tip for families or those planning on starting a family. Proactive thinking now will make sure the home is one that works for years. Staying within your budget may limit options with the ideal number of bedrooms but watch for other spaces that could be converted. Office spaces are commonly converted into guest rooms so do not be immediately discouraged if a home you are looking at falls short in the bedroom category.

3. How Many Bathrooms Do You Want?

first time home buyer guide 3

Another consideration should be the number of bathrooms. Although there are numerous ratios that work, perhaps you want a bathroom for each bedroom. If you have children, could they share a bathroom? Would you like a guest bathroom for when you entertain? Keep in mind how many full bathrooms and half-bathrooms you want. Deciding these seemingly small things now will yield benefits down the road.

4. How Big Does the Kitchen Need to Be?

first time home buyer guide 4

Outside of the bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen needs should be considered when looking at homes. If you are a homeowner who would rather go to a restaurant than cook, the size and function of the kitchen will likely not be a major point of concern. On the other hand, someone who enjoys cooking and hosting dinner parties should be attracted to homes with large and functional kitchens.

5. Location

Not to be overlooked is the location of the home. The area can change quickly from one street to the next so research the area and make sure it has everything you want. Families should focus on the schools offered in the area and the neighborhood. Convenient bus stops or excellent public schools will not go unnoticed once you move in. Crime-rate is another serious consideration and these stats are available online. Other enticing qualities may be close shopping centers, grocery stores or public transportation.

There are many criteria to consider when buying a home and this brief article touched on five of the main ones. First-time homebuyer checklists are available online but realtors in Arizona are there to help during every step of the process. Contact Jeff Barchi with ReMax Fine Properties today to make the home buying experience easier. Scottsdale, AZ, as well as the entire Phoenix area, real estate is in a buyer’s cycle, so now is the time to make the move!

Skip to toolbar