6 Signs It’s Time to Move!

Moving can be a hassle and it’s no easy feat, but sometimes it’s very necessary. Uprooting your life and starting a new chapter can leave you flooded with a mixture of emotions: you might feel hesitant, optimistic, nervous, excited, sad or all of the above. Take a deep breath- this is normal. If you are experiencing any of the following, it’s a sign it’s time to move!

You’re stacking people into rooms

When you first moved into your adorable two bedroom condo you had all the room you thought you’d ever need. But as time as gone by and your family has grown, you’re finding yourself stacking babies into different corners of the room. The line to use the restroom has put you over the edge and you just can’t take it anymore. Is this you? According to Trulia.com, one of the top reasons for selling your home is to move into a larger home to accommodate a growing family.

Neighborhood 

Remember the good ole days of quiet and serenity when you’d sit on your porch and listen to the sweet sound of silence? Are barking dogs or screaming children interrupting your sleep at all hours of the night? A neighborhood going downhill can be a tell tale sign that it’s time to move and get back that beauty sleep.

Shorter Commute

Yay, you got a new job! Boo, it’s 20 miles away! If the perfect job opportunity has knocked on your door, don’t let a commute chaise it away. Long commutes force you to sacrifice precious time you could be spending with your family or doing a hobby. If you feel like you’re wasting hours a day in a car, but you don’t want to sacrifice your great new job, then it’s a sign it’s time to move closer!

Empty Nest Syndrome

Remember when you couldn’t wait for your last teenager to fly the coup and head off to college? Now that everyone’s gone do you find yourself wandering into rooms wondering whether to keep your child’s posters on the wall or turn it into the art studio you always wanted? Is the lack of noise a sad reminder all of your babies have grown up and on? Then downsizing is the perfect time to sell your home.

You Haven’t Lived Anywhere Else

Ever dreamed of better weather, less of a commute, being closer to family, or having different scenery? If you aren’t absolutely certain that your childhood town is the place you want to grow old, then it can’t hurt to try something new. Moving to a new neighborhood, city, state or country can be one of the most exciting adventures of your life. Don’t regret the opportunity to seize the day and start a new journey. The worst that can happen is you decide you don’t like it. At least you’ll be able to say you tried instead of wondering “What if?”.

You Hate the Weather

Last winter did you swear you’d never stay through another holiday season? Now that the holidays are swiftly approaching it may be time to move. Don’t find yourself dreaming of sunny skies while shoveling snow from your driveway this season. It’s not too late to get out before you hit a “freezing point”!

Unexpected Upsides to Off-Season House Hunting

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to sell your house! Traditional real estate  wisdom has advised buyers and sellers to get cozy and settle in for the fall and winter seasons. But just because the suns not shining as bright in some cities doesn’t mean we need to go into hibernation mode.

Extremely Motivated Sellers

Active buyers and sellers in this market are highly motivated! The sellers who are willing to keep their home clean and move their family out when prospective buyers are coming through are extremely dedicated to getting their home sold. And, they may be ready to entertain your offer to make it happen. Although there are less buyers actively looking, they are also very motivated creating a win-win situation for both sides.

Lower competition to find your DREAM home

Typically the summer months are the hottest months of the year for real estate. Families with children are anxious to move and be settled into their new home before the school year begins. House hunting in the off season can mean less competition from other buyers, less likelihood of multiple offer situations or being outbid.

Tax breaks

Who doesn’t like to save money? Many buyers purposely choose to purchase a home before January 1 to receive a tax write off. Closing before the end of year gives you eligibility for tax credits such as real estate taxes, deductions for home mortgage interest and PMI premiums. Also, interest rates tend to drop at the end of the year.

Vendors aren’t as busy

While all the malls and retail stores are overwhelmed with excessive shoppers and excess hours, Lenders and title companies aren’t as busy and can process loans faster. This can give a buyer leverage to offer a shorter close of escrow and make their offer more desirable for the seller.

Homes show better

In the fall and winter months homes are beautifully decorated to welcome the seasons. The smell of cookies baking and a roaring fireplace gives your home a “warm and cozy” feeling. Stick to tasteful and simple decorations that don’t cover up your homes best features.

Holiday sales and specials

During the holidays people become so consumed in buying gifts for other people that they completely overlook all the great holiday sales and specials on home appliances and hardware. Home services such as decorating, remodeling, and appliance installation become more available and at less of a premium.

Get Pre-approved BEFORE House Hunting! Here’s why…

If you are seriously considering purchasing a home, pre-approval is your first stop. When you meet with your lender, you will be educated on the different loan options, and your pre-approval can save you time, money, stress and heartache.

Imagine you are selling your home. Two potential buyers submit their offers: Buyer A is a cash buyer and offers you $3,000 below your asking price. Buyer B offers full price, however they haven’t been pre-approved for a loan. Buyer B “thinks” they can afford the home but hasn’t met with a lender to verify the facts. Which offer would you accept? Buyer A, of course. Even though they are offering slightly less than your asking price, CASH IS KING in winning an offer and sellers have more assurance that their home will be sold because the finances are in place.

Become a cash buyer!

The great news for you is that when you are pre-approved, you’ve essentially turned yourself into a CASH buyer! Sellers will respect that you have been responsible enough to go through the process of working with a lender to get approved for a specific amount. A pre-approval letter shows the seller that you are already working with a lender that is ready and able to finance your loan.

Gain leverage!

Getting pre-approved also gives you leverage in a multiple offer situation. When going up against other offers you want to be able to put your best foot forward. Use your pre-approval to show sellers you are serious about buying and use this to your advantage.

Feel confident moving forward!

Knowing how much you can afford will equip you with major confidence. It will save you time by limiting your search to only the homes you can realistically afford. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial purchases you will make, and you want to be confident that you can actually afford what you are buying! Lenders are amazing at crunching numbers and giving you multiple options for homes depending on your price range, down payment and monthly bottom line. Your lender will educate you on the different loan options and you’ll be able to make an educated decision on what’s best for you.

Get the home you want FASTER!

The last thing you want is to miss out on the “perfect house” because you weren’t prepared. Having your pre-approval upfront allows you to put offers in immediately. Getting pre-approved can take time. You’ll want to meet with different lenders to compare their products and once you’ve gone through the whole process that perfect home may be gone.

Contact me today for more information about getting pre-approved and finding your next home!

Scottsdale, AZ- today, tomorrow, and yesterday.

Scottsdale, Arizona has become famous as a great destination spot in the off season months where snow birds flock for warmth and R & R. This beautiful city offers an abundance of things to do for visitors and residents including hiking, golfing, art galleries, fabulous dining, spas and shopping. With so many great things to see today, it’s easy to forget about the past and how this city got its roots. Would you believe that the city was actually founded in A.D. 1 by the Hokoham! Who knew??

Now, have you ever wondered how Scottsdale got it’s name? Well, sure enough, it was named after the Unites States Army Chaplain Winfield Scott in 1894. Scott purchased 640 acres of land for a whopping $3.50 per acre! Today that would be equivalent to about two months rent for a single family home or upscale apartment in the same area, but that’s besides the point. We have Mr. Scott to thank and now decades later we are able to appreciate the once unsettled desert for it’s beauty.

The City of Scottsdale has clearly emerged since it’s beginning into a flourishing community with neighborhoods and people of all different shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Scottsdale was ranked the #1 place to raise children by MyLife.com in spring 2014 and name the 5th best place to retire by Wallethub in Fall 2014. It’s no wonder that people are flocking to this city to start a new chapter in their lives. Check out the Phoenix New Times “Best of” list for events and venues that critics touted as must sees in Scottsdale.

Clearly this booming town has a lot to offer. Whether you live in Arizona or are looking for a great get-a-way spot, look no further. Visit www.downtownscottsdale.com on how to get around, events, dining, and much more. And if you’re thinking about moving to the area, contact me for any of your real estate needs!