Home Ownership | Kristin Graziano Group

Frequently Asked Questions BEFORE You Sell Your Home

November 5, 2019 By admin

Q: How much needs to be done to my house before putting it on the market?

Our best advice, before spending months and millions (figuratively) upgrading your place—or just throwing up your hands and giving up before you begin—show your home to a Realtor. You might be pleasantly surprised by your current sales prospects. A lot of times there are things that don’t need to be done and sometimes there are important things you want to address before listing your home. Our team can help guide you in the direction and offer advice for your listing.

Q: How much is my house worth?

While the median home price in the Phoenix area is about $273,000 (According to azcentral.com in 2018), including new homes, the exact price of your own home will depend on its size, neighborhood, and lots of other factors. Further complicating matters is your own skewed perspective: We tend to mentally inflate our home’s positives and airbrush out the flaws that are all too apparent to the cold, calculating eyes of buyers. Be careful to not compare your property to the highest price home in your neighborhood, but rather price your place strategically. Stay realistic.

Q: How long will it take to sell my home?

According to Zillow, in 2018, homes in the Phoenix area were on the market an average of 68 days. However, the sales time varies wildly based on area and price. Pricing competitively and make sure that you and your agent are getting the place in front of as many eyeballs as possible.

Q: Is staging really important?

On average, a staged home sells 88% faster—and for 20% more money—than a home that’s left as is. The reason it works, of course, is it gives buyers a “stage” onto which they can play out their home-owning fantasies and envision themselves living in your home. We have an amazing staging designer who stages all our homes when needed and our listings do not sit on the market for long when they are staged and priced properly. This service is part of what we do and we never charge for it.

Q: Should I be present when buyers view my house?

We recommend you are not present but you can come by when there is an open house, it’s just better to not claim ownership so potential buyers are not uncomfortable. A solid real estate team will share questions, comments and surveys from showings with you. At KGG, we have a list of questions we ask each and every potential buyer then that feedback is relayed to our sellers and the seller can make adjustments on items as necessary.

Q: What is the agent’s commission?

While the commission can vary, it is typically 6% of a home’s sale price —and that’s usually shared with the buyer’s agent. But what’s implied by this question is “What are Realtors doing to earn that fat check?” Here are some facts to keep in mind: Unlike lawyers who get paid by the hour, or doctors who are paid by the appointment, listing agents don’t get paid unless they make a sale. For every hour an agent spends with a client, he or she will typically spend nine hours on average working on that client’s behalf doing everything from networking to finding potential buyers to filling out paperwork. And no, not all agents are created equal. It’s no different from choosing an attorney, accountant, or the doctor who will deliver your baby. You want to be sure that you trust that person and are comfortable with them.

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.

12 She Sheds Cheryl Should See

September 20, 2019 By admin

Oh, Cheryl! Our collective hearts melted for you, right along with your she shed. Good thing Zachary from State Farm has your back, though. Thanks to him, you’re getting another one!

(For those of you living under a rock, this all went down in a commercial — one that’s gone quite viral, mind you. Check it out below.)

Via State Farm Insurance

To ease the burden of finding a replacement, Cheryl, here’s a list of potential she sheds for you to choose from.

#1 Ahh, serenity. You can almost hear the birds chirping next to this one can’t you, Cheryl?

#2 Your shed. Your rules. Suggested Rule #1 of your shed: No men allowed.

#3 OMG. This can be your yoga studio, Cheryl! And by “yoga studio” – this is where you can drink wine in your yoga pants!

#4 This one has plenty of room for you and ALL your girlfriends!

#5 “She Shed is where the heart is.” ‘Nuff said.

#6 Note to Cheryl: When Victor’s in front of the TV watching the game, it’s time to escape to your she shed. This one’s not a bad choice!

#7 This beachy one looks right up your alley, Cheryl!

#8 Don’t let your husband, Victor, turn this into a tool shed?! Really… TOOLS? What a waste!

#9 Thumbs don’t become green by themselves, Cheryl! They need the right environment!

#10 This one’s perfect for Victor to cook (and serve you) your favorite meals! 🙂

#11 Ohhh Cheryl. You’d look so beautiful and peaceful in this one!

#12 Hmmm… if only I could fit you a hot tub in here…

Alright Cheryl, good luck in finding the perfect replacement!

5 Things to Help Your Move Be Smooth

September 16, 2019 By admin

It’s inevitable when you move to be stressed and out of sorts. We have compiled a list of things to help it be a little smoother and keep you a little saner.

1. Accept Help.

Hire a helper or enlist a family member or friend who loves to pack. Treat them with their favorite food and drinks. Pull out the Sharpies and write on all the boxes what room they belong and if it’s an important item – Mark Open 1st on the outside to help expedite your unpacking when you get settled in.

2. Hire Movers.

If you plan on using U-Haul, they offer helpers when you get book your truck. Companies like Just in Time Moving or Muscular Men Moving can help save the day. Most of the time, if you are packed, the moving help can focus on the bigger items and keep you “moving” along (no pun intended). Having movers also keeps you working on time which if you have ever moved, which most of us have, then you know how painful the entire day can be.

3. Don’t Forget Your Food.

Use coolers and insulated bags to transport your fridge food to your new home. If you have items that can be donated, take them to a local food bank in your area.

4. Professionally Clean.

If you have a house you are selling or have to leave an apartment in a clean condition in order to get a deposit back, be sure to hire a professional real estate cleaning service in your area. You can do the work yourself but unless you are meticulous, the services are usually better and pretty affordable.

5. Change Your Address Promptly.

The United States Post Office will forward your mail, so long as you have completed a Change of Address Form online. It’s a good idea to go into online bank accounts, subscription services and recurring bill websites and change your address manually. Notify friends and family of your new address as well buy a simple email.

The Takeaway:

Our Takeaway: