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Ready to Sell Your Home? Know What You are Choosing

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When selling your home, you have many options.  One of those options is an investor.  Investors come in all shapes and sizes and call themselves by many different names.  Whatever they choose to call themselves, they are still investors, and as such, pay lower than market value for your home.  After all, if they weren’t going to make money on it, they wouldn’t buy it.

My sister has a friend who recently chose to sell her house to one of those investors.  She needed to move quickly, and so she found the choose-your-own-closing-date, no-hassle, no-open-houses, no-blah-blah-blah option appealing.  Being a previous realtor and now in the lending industry, she was not shocked that they offered her approximately 80% of the home’s market value.  What was shocking was when in the 10-day inspection period, you know the period where the buyer can back out for any reason or no reason at all, they came back with a list of items they wanted repaired and the cost to repair them, what they called “deferred maintenance” of $90,000 to replace the roof, the AC, and other various repairs including the cost to update.  Thankfully, because of her previous experience, she was able to negotiate that list and ended up paying $16,000 for the deferred maintenance.  That amount came off of their original purchase offer, so she ended up selling her house to them for much less than she could have sold it otherwise.

When selling your home,  it is important to know what you are choosing, and have someone who knows the ins and outs of negotiating a purchase contract and who has your best interest at heart.

 

Mesa Historic Museum Reopens the old Lehi School built in 1914

2/8/19. The day the Mesa Historical Museum reopened the old Lehi school circa 1914. This crew of less than 15, is more than proud to present Gizmos, Gadgets, and Greatness, our newest exhibit, featuring the “technology” of our founding families dating back to the late 1800’s.

Now open to the public until June 1st 2019.

For more information on the Mesa Historical Museum visit: http://www.mesahistoricalmuseum.com

For more information on Mesa Historic Homes visit: https://mesahistoricdistricts.com

Tips for Finding a Rental in Arizona

I get the question from a lot of people on how to find a rental if their credit is less than stellar. It’s ok, we’ve all been there! No need to be ashamed. Here’s my best advice to help you find a home to rent.

1) Fill Out a Mortgage Application

You’re probably like…what?! Jen, I told you I just wanted to rent. Yes, I know! Here’s the deal. Most people I talk with want to buy a home at some point. It’s a great idea to chat with Ryan Gilliam to get an idea of your credit situation (it may not be as bad as you think). I once put off applying for a car loan because I thought my credit was too low and it turns out my score was 80 points higher than I was seeing on popular credit tracking websites. Even if you decide not to buy a home in the future, Ryan can give you a game plan to get your credit in tip top shape. He doesn’t bite… I promise.

Mortgage Application

2) Write a Letter

When preparing to apply for rental homes, write a letter explaining your situation (include a family photo). If you’re worried about your credit, write about what you are doing to improve. It also helps to talk about your family and how this home would be great for you.

3) Start Your Search Here!

Start by checking out the Team EvoAZ website to search rentals from the MLS. These are properties that we can show you and we know there won’t be any issues with scams (we’ll talk about that in a minute). You can save favorites! These properties may be either managed by owner or through a property manager.

4) Search Homes By Owner

This Facebook group has been helpful to many of my clients. Arizona Rentals Homes By Owner Please make sure to do your due diligence to verify that the owner is the actual owner of the property and you’re not getting scammed.

5) Avoid Scams

There are MANY scams out there where they want you to put down your deposit and first month’s rent and then you don’t get the keys. You can search the owner name of a home on the County Assessor website. Never give money without seeing the home! If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t go for it and if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. If you find a 4 bedroom home that is $800 a month in Gilbert, it’s probably a scam.

6) HotPads

I have had clients use HotPads to find a home for rent. You can search homes, apartments, and rooms for rent. To find a room for rent, search for homes for rent and be sure to select “Filter” and scroll down. Then you can filter to just homes with a room for rent.

7) Be Flexible

Most rentals will only hold the home for you for a MAX of 30 days. If you’re able to be flexible and start your lease earlier you may have a leg up on someone who needs a full 30 days. Be sure to check your current lease to see how much notice you need to give. Most require a 30-60 day notice. Be prepared to put down an earnest money deposit to secure a rental. That will go toward your first month’s rent or security deposit.

8) Resources for Families Getting Back on Their Feet

MOMnationAZ posted an amazing resource to help families who are having a temporary hardship. Check out this post to see what resources are available.

I also love Maggie’s Place for Moms who are pregnant or have littles who need help getting back on their feet.

House of Refuge is another great housing program that helps families with transitional housing and employment support.

If you have any questions about finding a rental contact us [email protected].

Happy 2019 for Home Buyers!

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We are preparing for a busy spring as buyers have started flooding back into the market taking advantage of decent interest rates and all the new pretty listings that have entered the market in the last few weeks. Call or text 480-250-0023 for information on buying or selling this spring.

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