Arizona real estate

Even though you feel you may have found the perfect home, it’s vital to look at the big picture and make sure you haven’t overlooked anything that could be a potential pitfall. When buying Arizona real estate, here are 5 questions you should ask yourself before buying a new home:

1. Do I qualify for the loan?
Many inexperienced homeowners will swoon over a home and then discover they don’t qualify for the loan to purchase. Before looking at Arizona homes, talk with a mortgage broker FIRST and find out how much your down payment will be, the amount needed for closing costs and what type of home you are qualified to purchase. (for example, some lenders won’t give out loans for certain manufactured homes) Knowing how much you qualify for from the get-go allows you to focus on homes in your price range and it makes you more appealing to the seller.

2. Is this the right community for me?
Evaluating certain neighborhoods before looking at Arizona real estate is essential in the home buying process. Looking at neighborhood profiles can be done by the homeowner online or by a trusted Arizona realtor. Factors to consider are property taxes, commute time for work and errands, median age, and safety. It won’t matter how much a home is perfect for you, if the neighborhood has a poor quality of life.

3. Can I really afford this home?
The house many be in your price range and have an affordable mortgage payment, but there are additional expenses that can sometimes shock first-time homeowners. Details you should analyze include: price fluctuations with property taxes, monthly utility costs, and condo or homeowners association dues. Failure to budget for additional costs can break your bank if you don’t plan for them.

4. Will my furniture fit?
There is nothing worse than moving into your “dream home” and then discovering that your bed won’t fit in the bedroom, or your living room will now be overcrowded with furniture. When looking at Arizona homes, always measure the dimensions of each room. Comparing total square footage and visualizing how your furnishings will look in each room can keep you from spending money on new furniture that wasn’t planned for in your original budget.

5. Are there any major flaws with the home?
It’s extremely important for homeowners to have a home inspection before the close of the sale. Many homeowners let emotions override sensibility and miss infrastructure problems that can cause potential heartache in the long run. If the inspector discovers issues such as mold, water damage, poor wiring or a weak foundation, talk to the seller to see if they will fix the problem. If not, it’s probably best just to walk away.

1. Your realtor doesn’t listen
If your realtor doesn’t listen to your wants and needs and continually shows you homes that are out of your price range or chosen neighborhoods, it’s time to move on. A good realtor will go over the process with you, conduct thorough research on the Arizona MLS and attempt to preview the homes he wants to show to you, so he doesn’t waste your time. Your realtor should ask you a variety of questions before looking at homes such as: how much can you afford? What type of house will fit your lifestyle? Have you already pre-qualified for a loan? And how many months have you been searching? Realtors who are truly interested in their clients ask an abundance of questions and then seek to fulfill the answers.

2. Your realtor is immoral
A realtor who will pull a fast one just to get you a potentially better deal is someone you should get rid of immediately. Your Arizona realtor should be professional and never try to manipulate you into doing something unethical. Although a realtor make suggest using a particular mortgage broker or home inspector he has worked with in the past, he should also never insist that you use someone he knows.

3. Your realtor is too busy
If your Arizona real estate agent is slow in returning calls and procrastinates in the midst of negotiations, that could mean losing out on the home of your dreams. Timing is everything when buying a home and a realtor who leaves you hanging all the time is doing you a disservice.

4. Your realtor divulges personal information
Any personal information you choose to tell your realtor should be kept private. A realtor who reveals personal information in order to make the deal such as “my client is getting evicted” or “my client just got divorced and would be willing to pay more because they are in a rush to find something” is not the way a professional realtor should do business. An experienced real estate agent will only disclose your offer and terms of financing. Negotiating skillfully does not demand a realtor to betray their client’s confidential information.

5. Your realtor is pushy and abusive
Having a realtor who is persistent is vital; but a realtor who offends other people, makes ultimatums or is combative with you or other realtors will put you at a disadvantage. They should never talk down to you, make you feel bad that you have a small budget, or talk you out of a home you really want so they can sell you a more expensive home. A great agent isn’t passive but can also get things done by being diplomatic and cordial.

Are you looking to buy a home in Arizona and need an experienced Arizona real estate consultant? Contact Anthony Boydston today at 602-904-1496 or visit his website at: www.anthonyboydston.com