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Kristin Graziano Group

Park Scottsdale Experts

New decade, new home decor trends

February 14, 2020 By admin

2020 decor trendsA new decade is upon us. And with the dawning of this new decade comes the opportunity to embrace the interior design trends that will make your home feel fresh and new—and, just as importantly, leave behind the trends that feel tired and dated.

In a recent article from realtor.com, design experts shared their picks for the interior design trends you may want to leave behind in the new year. Some of the trends to ditch in 2020 include:

  1. Accent walls. Accent walls were all the rage—but instead of going bold on a single wall, 2020 will see bold, rich hues and fun, patterned wallpaper expanding to cover all four walls. As the old saying goes, go big or go home!
  2. Rose gold and millennial pink. Millennial pink and rose gold were go-to hues in 2019—but design experts expect to see bolder shades of pink take center stage in 2020.
  3. All things farmhouse. Farmhouse style has been everywhere in recent years (in large part thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame). But it looks like this trend has finally run its course—and homeowners will be ditching their farmhouse decor for more unique, eclectic interiors in the upcoming year.

So, what does that mean for you? If you’re thinking about selling your home, it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s trending (and what’s not) in interior design. That way, you can stage your home in a way that feels fresh, modern, and on-trend—which will appeal to buyers and help you sell.

Filed Under: Articles, Remodeling & Renovations Tagged With: buy a home, decorating a home for sale, dreams, for sale, getting a house ready to sell, home to dos, ready to move, sell your home

Are we heading for an early Spring?

February 14, 2020 By admin

Here comes an early spring! A  recent article on CNBC suggests spring will arrive early this year—at least when it comes to the housing market. In fact, some are speculating that January was very well the new April.

What’s causing this already-busy buying season to kick off ahead of schedule? Low inventory and rising home prices are spurring house hunters to come out of hibernation months before they previously would have.

With that in mind, whether you’re buying or selling, or both, it’s time to get moving. The following checklists will help you prepare yourself or home property so don’t get left behind!

Getting Ready To Sell

If you’re hoping to put your place on the market and capitalize on those early bird buyers, you want your property to be in the best possible shape. That means you’ll want to tackle the following tasks:

Clean: Scrub like you’ve never scrubbed before! Some recommend hiring a cleaning service as new eyes will find old stains and smudges you no longer even notice.

Paint: Nothing brightens up a room like a fresh coat of paint. Don’t forget the moldings and trim. Buyers notice every detail.

Declutter: You’re going to have to pack up anyway, so why not do it sooner rather than later? As you go through each room, start storing non-essential items that you plan to take with you to your new address. If you find items you no longer want or need, donate them or try to sell them online for a quick influx of cash you can spend on your new place.

Tackle repairs: Take care of anything that would pop up on a home inspector’s report. Chances are you’ll need to fix it before you move, so why not do it now and enjoy these improvements for as long as you remain in the home?

Work on your curb appeal: Your home’s exterior is what’s going to make that all-important first impression on buyers. If your lawn boasts more weeds than grass, your shrubs are dead, and your fence is falling apart, you can count on that prospect driving on to the next house.

Find the right real estate agent: Often sellers want to hire the agent who says they’ll list the property for the highest price. Or, they’re tempted to select one who’s willing to take the lowest commission. But, really, you want an agent with a track record of success who is familiar with the area and comparable listings, and has a marketing plan that will help you realize the maximum value. A sky-high listing price sounds great, but not if it takes you three years to sell, right?

Preparing To Buy

If you’re ready to purchase a new home, there are several things you can do before you hit your first open house to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Clean up your credit: Your credit score not only impacts your ability to secure a mortgage at all, but it will also determine the interest rate you’ll pay. If you’re worried about your credit score, start working toward raising it by paying all your bills on time and making sure your balances are low. Check your credit report by contacting the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You’re entitled to a free report from each agency once per year. If you spot an error, having the report amended will boost your score.

Pro tip: Speak to an experienced mortgage professional. Sometimes they can advise you on what (and what not) to pay down or off, in order to improve your credit score.

Save for a down payment (and then some!): Being able to put 20% of the purchase price down at your closing isn’t necessary, but it could help you in terms of better rates and overall monthly payments. It can also help you to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI). It’s also wise to save for emergencies because once you’re in your new home you never know what may suddenly need repair.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Getting preapproved lets sellers know you’re the real deal. And, it let’s you know what you can afford, so you focus on the right price points, and can choose the perfect one to go after with confidence.

Rather than just prequalification, which is more like an estimate of what you can borrow, a pre-approval means the loan is much more likely to get through underwriting once you get a home under contract, because the lender has already assessed your credit, income, debts, and assets.

Plus, if you find yourself competing for a property, being able to tell a seller you’re pre-approved can give you the advantage you need against others who are not.

Do your due diligence: Think you’ve found an area you like? Check out neighborhoods at different times of day, and be sure to notice traffic patterns. For example, is the home you like on a street drivers use to dodge traffic on Main Street. Will you encounter school drop-off or pick-up congestion that will make getting in or out of your driveway a hassle? How about early morning church bells or that fire house whistle? Consider all these factors, and anything else that may appeal to you, or bother you personally, as you’re driving past potential homes.

Find the right real estate agent: Whether this is your first or fiftieth home purchase, it’s still wise to enlist the help of a buyer’s agent. After all, it doesn’t cost you anything out of pocket typically, and a good agent will help you by sharing their inside knowledge not only of the neighborhood, but also help establish what’s a good value in your price range.

At KGG we arrange showings on your behalf and they may also be able to alert you to red flags you’d otherwise miss while touring properties. We are seasoned experts and are happy to refer you to other pros you’ll want on your side, such as home inspectors, attorneys, and lenders.

Whether you’re planning on selling, buying, or both, you may be competing with plenty of other buyers and sellers once Spring is in full swing. So, taking care of the items listed above can help you get the edge you need. Especially with the Spring real estate market getting it’s own head start!

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: buy a home, coming soon home, getting a house ready to sell, home for sale, home purchase, home sale, ready to move, ready to sell, real estate, scottsdale

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

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.

Filed Under: Articles, Home Buyers, Home Ownership, Remodeling & Renovations, Scottsdale Real Estate Tagged With: buy a home, financial goals, fixer upper, home purchase, ready to move, renovation

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.

Filed Under: Articles, Home Buyers, Home Ownership, Mortgages, Moving, Scottsdale Real Estate, Selling a Home Tagged With: buy a home, home for sale, home inventory, market, ready to move, real estateshortgage, sell your home, shortgage

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.

Filed Under: Articles, Community, Home Buyers, Home Ownership, Mortgages, Moving, Park Scottsdale, Scottsdale Real Estate, Selling a Home Tagged With: home sale, ready to move, ready to sell, real estate

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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.

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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!

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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.

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