Kristin Graziano Group

Park Scottsdale Experts

Multiple Offers! Now What? 

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We have seen it time and time again – the first open house and the doors are steady with buyers! An hour goes by and the offers start arriving. It’s normal for Sellers to feel anxious and excited – and ready to accept an offer the moment it comes in! As your agents, we’ll go over each offer together and help you make the best possible decision.  It’s more than top-dollar when reviewing offers. Whether you are entertaining two offers or 12 offers, the concept of how to decide is the same. 

Together we will discuss each offer, and we’ll provide our professional guidance throughout the decision process. 

  • Offer Strength – How close to the asking price? What is the amount down?
  • Financial Terms – What are their financing needs? Is it all cash?
  • Contingencies – Does the buyer need to sell their home first?
  • Closing Terms – Does it match your closing date desire?

Unique circumstances are bound to happen in every real estate transaction. We’re ready to advocate for you. We’re ready to work with the other agent on your behalf. We are ready to help you complete your home purchase or sale. Are you ready to take the next step? 

To start your home search or learn your home’s value Give us a call and let’s get you going in the right direction! 

 

Median Listing Price In The US Hits All-Time High

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Most people want to list their home for the highest price possible when they sell their house. While a seller can always decide to list their house for as much as they want, ultimately, the market dictates how much it will actually fetch from a ready, willing, and able buyer.

Well, it looks like it’s a great time for any seller who wants to try and list their house for the highest price possible.

According to realtor.com’s August 2020 Monthly Housing Trends Report, the median listing price in the US increased 10.1 percent year-over-year in August. That’s a substantial increase from the 8.5 percent year-over-year growth seen in July—and the first time that listing prices have seen double-digit growth since 2017. And that 10.1 percent growth took the median listing price to $350,000—the highest on record.

The Takeaway:

So, what does this mean for you? With listing prices at an all-time high (and buyer demand at a high to go along with it), it’s an incredible market for sellers—so if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is a great time to make a move.

Buyer Demand Driving Up Listing Prices Across The Country

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The current real estate market is an excellent example of the law of supply in demand. After a period of slowed activity due to COVID-19, buyers have emerged strong and ready to buy, but the lack of inventory is creating serious demand for properties—and driving up prices in the process.

According to realtor.com’s July Monthly Housing Trends report, the national median listing price in the United States is now $349,000. That’s an 8.5 percent increase year-over-year—and the highest listing price on record.

The Takeaway:

So, what does that mean for you? With listing prices at an all-time high, if you’re thinking about selling your home, now is the great time to make a move, take advantage of the buyer demand, and fetch top dollar for your property.

Saving with a Budget

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Vector by Vecteezy

Now more than ever people are looking to save money. Whether it’s to create a nest savings, purchase a home, new car, college or just to save some dough. We collected some helpful information and included a free printable budget worksheet to help you find your way in the savings game.

Ways to get started with a budget:

  1. Look at your spending – you have to know what you spend money on and how much in order to figure out what in your spending is NEEDED and WANTS you have in your budget. Sometimes wants don’t have a place in a budget until you have established a stable savings.
  2. Budget what you will spend – once you know where your money is going, you can give allowances to certain things that like in the first step are NEEDS vs. WANTS.
  3. Create savings goals – be realistic, if you can afford to save $20 a week, then it’s $20 a week. If you can do $5 do $5. Every little bit will add up over time, this is important step – paying yourself first means you are paying your savings something so the financial burdens are less of financial burdens in the future. A little can go a long way and it takes time to build up a solid savings.
  4. Write it down – use a budget worksheet like this one from Savings Dollars & Sense or a spreadsheet of your own to track and hold your spending accountable. Update it often and stay focused with your eye on the prize. Whether you want to save $1,000, or $100 you need a plan.

 

Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Buying a Home

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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.

Another Inventory Shortage May Be On The Horizon

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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.

What Our Clients Say

Highly Likely To Recommend   

Kristin was phenomenal to work with to sell my home. She was communicative, knowledgeable, and understood the market. We were able to sell my house above what I initially thought it would go for, in a shorter time frame than I expected, and the process was about as painless as possible. I will absolutely be recommending her to anyone I know moving to Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

Remarkably Responsive   

Kristin and her team sold my home in Park Scottsdale in the very short time and helped us find a new home. Kristin and her team was remarkably responsive, attentive, and supportive. She is so knowledgeable and experienced in providing realistic information which helped us to plan and prepare to sell our home. Aaron was very professional and looking in our interests as a customer. He always responded to our texts and phone calls promptly and answered to our questions and concerns. My husband and I highly recommend Kristen and her amazing team. Thank you Kristen and Aaron!

Fabulous Team That Knows Park Scottsdale   

Kristin and her fabulous team sold my home in Park Scottsdale in the exact time frame I had hoped for. From start to finish, Kristin was remarkably responsive, attentive, and supportive. She is so knowledgeable and experienced!! She provided realistic information which helped me to plan and prepare to sell my home. I am extremely happy to have chosen KGG and couldn't be more pleased and satisfied with the results.

AMAZING!   

Kristin and her team are amazing! They did a great marketing and negotiating the sale of our home. I highly recommend using Kristin when you sell your home, I would recommend her to anyone.

Kerri Was What We Needed   

Kerri is an excellent agent who is responsive, experienced & kind. She made the home buying process very easy. She is an expert in the Scottsdale area & works with a team therefore she or team member was quickly available to help us with whatever we needed.