Home Buyers | Kristin Graziano Group

5 Tips to Consider in a Real Estate Transaction

March 26, 2020 By admin

The Kristin Graziano Group is your go-to source of knowledge for all real estate matters! Check out our downloadable English or Spanish versions of 5 Valuable Things Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About a Transaction, like crafting a smart offer or staging the home for showings. This is a very practical piece to demystify the real estate process and help those who were hesitant to jump in feel more comfortable. Especially in today’s market.

This home is a great value for the market and with so many homes selling quickly it’s a rare opportunity. We have lots of homes like this one and we are ready to talk with you about your goals. Call us today at 480-229-6569.

Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Buying a Home

December 1, 2019 By admin

Woman accountant or bank worker uses calculator in the office to calculate house loan credit bureaucracy.

There are many unique factors when you make a decision to purchase a new home. It all is unique to you and we are here to help guide you in the process. Never hesitate to call us and talk us through your plan we may be able to help and share resources and when you know it’s time, you will know it’s time. Check out some frequently asked questions from previous clients.

1. Should I buy instead of rent?

The benefits of buying a house rather than renting can be:

Tax breaks
Financial gains
Appreciation in value
Equity
Freedom
Security
A sense of pride

2. Am I ready to buy?

Ask yourself the following questions when considering whether you’re ready to buy:

Do I have a steady job?
Have I been steadily employed for the last two to three years?
Is my current income reliable for the foreseeable future?
Do I have a positive bill-paying history?
Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?
Have I saved for a down payment?
Can I afford to pay a mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance?

3. Does my credit score impact my ability to buy?

A credit score numerically summarizes an individual’s credit history and gives a snapshot of their financial standing to a lender. Mortgage lenders use the score to decide who receives loans and at what interest rate. The higher the score means the better the chance of getting a loan with an attractive interest rate.

If your score is low, it is not impossible to get a loan but it will take longer. These three different companies keep credit histories: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Before applying for a loan, get reports from all three companies. Fix any errors you might see in order to improve your score and put your best foot forward with lenders.

4. How much do I need for a down payment?

This all depends on the home you are buying, if you have a home to sell and a few other factors that are unique to your situation. Lenders expect between 5% to 20% for a down payment. It varies depending on the loan type, and length of the loan. Make a budget, set a goal, and stick with the plan. Saving and sacrificing is how most people come up with their first down payment.

5. What are the homeowner’s tax benefits?

Typical deductions are mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
In most cases, loan discount points and origination fees are deductible.
Read Publication 530 titled Tax Information for Homeowners found on the IRS website.
There are capital gains benefits, but don’t worry about that until you buy your first home.

6. What is the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualification: Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage gives first-time homebuyers an indication of how much they “might” qualify to borrow. This mortgage amount is not guaranteed because no information has yet been verified. A letter from the lender may only state that you are “likely” to be approved for a mortgage.

Pre-approved: Better yet is getting pre-approved for a mortgage, which is based on a real credit score, and it also puts real estate agents and home sellers at ease. The buyer has more to offer when making a deal and in a competitive market this can be a definite plus.

7. How do I get the best mortgage?

It is time consuming to learn about the various rates and terms of mortgages. Once you find your dream home, there is not always adequate enough time to do your research. So do your homework prior to searching. We work have a network of lenders that have different options depending on your situation.

Call us at (480) 229-6569 anytime to discuss your needs.

Is buying a fixer upper more cost effective than buying a move-in ready home?

November 5, 2019 By admin

Many people buy fixer-upper homes because they think it will save them money in the long run—but is that actually true?

According to recent data, not necessarily.

According to a recent survey from remodeling resource Porch, the majority of people who bought fixer-uppers did so in an effort to save money on the purchase price—63 percent of millennial buyers, 61 percent of Gen X buyers, and 59 percent of buyers from the baby boomer generation. But nearly half (44 percent) went over their budget during the renovation process—and ultimately, there was little difference between the average cost of what buyers paid for a move-in ready home ($250,000) and the average cost of renovating a fixer-upper ($247,000).

So, what does that mean for you? If you enjoy renovating homes, then purchasing a fixer-upper can be a fulfilling experience—but if you’re just looking to save money, you’re likely going to be disappointed.

If you are ready to buy, we are always open to show you properties. Call us today and let’s get you going in the right direction to a new home (480) 229-6569.

Want to Sell Your Home Faster? Schedule a Home Inspection Before You List

October 6, 2019 By admin

When you put your home on the market, you want it to sell quickly—and profitably. And one of the best tricks you can use to sell your home faster and for a higher price? Scheduling a home inspection before you list.

A recent article on Realtor.com broke down the benefits of having your home inspected before you start showing it to potential buyers. Scheduling a home inspection before you put your home on the market gives you a heads-up on any necessary repairs that could lower your home’s selling price (or kill the sale entirely). Knowing what’s wrong with your home gives you extra time to find the right team and schedule repairs (instead of scrambling at the last minute to find anyone who can take the job before you close). And once you have those fixed, it can help you fetch a higher asking price and increase your profit from your home sale.

The Takeaway:

If you’re thinking about selling your home, do yourself a favor and schedule an inspection before you list. Not only will this give you key insights into any necessary repairs, but it can also help you sell your home faster (and for a higher price) once you do put it on the market.

Another Inventory Shortage May Be On The Horizon

September 30, 2019 By admin

It was just a few years ago that the US was in the midst of the worst inventory shortage in history, creating fierce competition for available properties—and driving up prices in the process. And while the market has become more buyer friendly in recent months, some experts predict another inventory shortage may be on the horizon.

According to a recent article from realtor.com, new home listings are either declining or staying the same in markets across the country. If that trend continues, it could mean another historic inventory shortage. “It was only 18 months ago that the number of homes for sale hit its lowest level in recorded history and sparked the fiercest competition among buyers we’ve ever seen,” said Danielle Hale, realtor.com’s chief economist, in the article. “If the trend we’re seeing continues, overall inventory could near record lows by early next year. So far there’s been a lackluster response to low mortgage rates, but if they do spark fresh buyer interest later in the year, U.S. inventory could set new record lows.”

Our Takeaway:

Today, there isn’t the fierce competition for property that the market saw a few years ago—but that could change with another inventory shortage. So if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, now’s the time to make a move.

8 Ways A Great Real Estate Agent Can Change Your Life

August 28, 2019 By admin

A real estate transaction can be an exciting thing to experience, but it can also be nerve-wracking and stressful. Your experience will largely depend on the circumstances surrounding your transaction and, perhaps more importantly, the team you’re working with.

A great agent will not only get you over the finish line to the best of their ability, but they can also change your life for the better. Here are eight ways:

1. We will show you we care

In today’s fast-paced world, it seems like everyone’s attention is in short supply. A great real estate agent will show you that’s not always the case, by listening and caring about you and your needs. Not only will being a good listener help an agent do their job, but it’ll also show you that even in business, there are still people out there who care.

2. We can save you a lot of money

There’s an old expression, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” Hiring a great agent can save you literally thousands of dollars, as the right agent will not only negotiate effectively, but also know what pitfalls to look for as the transaction moves along, saving you money in the process.

3. We can help you see things in a different way

One of the most overlooked aspects of hiring a great agent is just how much of an effect they can have on your perspective. For instance, you might think that you’re looking for something in particular, but a great agent can take what you asked for and find something that’s even better than anything you’ve ever considered. A great agent is like an expert matchmaker.

4. We will do more than help you buy or sell a home

A great real estate agent will go above and beyond for you. They’ll help you find contractors, give recommendations on design (if you’re open to them), and even help you navigate the restaurants in your new neighborhood. Great agents provide so much value because they want to be your go-to resource for anything to do with real estate.

5. We can find you something that no one else can

Great real estate agents aren’t necessarily miracle workers, but they’re close. A great agent will surprise you with something no one’s ever thought of before, whether it’s finding a property that you didn’t know about, or a solution to an otherwise complex problem. A great agent is proactive and instead of sitting around waiting, will make things happen for you.

6. We can take a lot of stress away

One of the best things about a great real estate agent is the peace of mind that comes from working with them. There are lots of things that can go wrong during a real estate transaction, and a great agent knows this and will not only anticipate issues ahead of time, but will shoulder the burden and solve problems for you, making it a low-stress experience.

7. We will go to battle for you when it counts

The right agent is like a general you can depend on when the going gets tough. From searching for the right property or buyer, to negotiating, to pushing the deal through despite all obstacles standing in the way… a great real estate agent won’t back down from adversity and will battle for your best interests at all times.

8. We can become a friend for life

Maybe your real estate agent is already your friend, but if not, with a great agent you might eventually become one. Real estate is much more about relationships than it is about individual transactions, and great agents know this. They also usually have the kind of infectious personality that you always want to be around. So don’t be afraid to form a lifelong friendship with your real estate agent, it could truly change your life.

If you are ready to make a move with your home, consider giving our team a call (480) 229-6569, we will take great care of you.

The Takeaway:

Our Takeaway: