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Kristin Graziano Group

Park Scottsdale Experts

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.

Filed Under: Articles, Home Buyers, Home Ownership, Mortgages Tagged With: buy a home, financial goals, financial planning, goal setting, home for sale, home purchase, home sale, mortgage, park scottsdale, ready to move, ready to sell, scottsdale

Fully Renovated “Penthouse” Tri-Level with Bonus Room

November 9, 2018 By admin

Coming soon in 85250! Prime Park Scottsdale location, “Penthouse” floor plan with added bathroom on main floor. Light and bright inside with many updates throughout. White kitchen cabinets with granite countertops. Large kitchen space with great appliances. Dual pane low e windows and 200 amp electrical panel. Brand new carpet flooring and ceiling fans throughout. Great bedroom sizes with updated doors and hardware. Large master bedroom with spacious master walk in closet. Bonus living space in lower level with gorgeous updated bathrooms and so much more! This will go fast—soon on MLS!

8326 E. MALCOMB DRIVE, Scottsdale 85250

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2.5 Bathroom
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • 2,268 Square Feet
  • Price $ 474,900

 

Filed Under: Coming Soon Properties, Community, Home Buyers, Park Scottsdale, Remodeling & Renovations, Scottsdale Real Estate Tagged With: Hallcraft Home, homes for sale in 85250, Large Lot, park scottsdale, penthouse floor plan, Pueblo Elementary real estate, remodeled home, renovated, scottsdale real estate, updated

Thinking About Selling Your Home?

November 9, 2018 By admin

There’s a decent amount of debate in the real estate community about what, exactly, is the best time to sell—but according to recent research from Zillow, if you’re thinking about listing your home, the time to make a move is right around the corner.

In the article, Zillow claims the best time of year to list your home for sale is in late spring, specifically in the first two weeks of May. According to their research, people who list their home for sale during this window sell their homes two weeks faster and for an average of $2.4K more than any other time of year. This stands to show some serious increases thanks to the current housing shortage.

Because there are so few homes on the market, chances are many buyers won’t be able to find property at the start of the spring selling season—which, as it gets later into spring, can push them to make higher offers in order to land a home before summer hits.

The Takeaway

If you want to make the most money on your home sale, the time to make your move and list your property is right around the corner. So mark your calendar!

Filed Under: Articles, Scottsdale Real Estate, Selling a Home Tagged With: park scottsdale, scottsdale

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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.


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