Monsoon season has officially begun, which means heavy rains and high winds are on the horizon. Before the storm season kicks into high gear, it’s important to prepare your property to minimize potential risks and ensure proper water management. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your property and contribute to Arizona sustainable water practices.

1. Identify the drainage style for your property:

Understanding your property’s drainage style is crucial for effective water management. Determine whether you have a self-retention or U-drain lot. This knowledge will help you plan structures and walls without obstructing the natural flow of water. Seek professional guidance if you’re unsure about your property’s drainage style.

2. Create a dry creek bed:

Constructing a dry creek bed, also known as an arroyo, helps control water flow during heavy rains. By digging a shallow trench and filling it with rocks or stones, you can guide rainwater safely through your property without causing soil erosion. Enhance your landscape by planting shrubs and plants along the arroyo, creating an attractive focal point.

3. Use the right plants:

Choose desert-adapted plants that absorb ground water effectively. Perennials, shrubs, and cacti are great options for absorbing rainwater. If feasible, consider incorporating saguaros into your landscape as they can extend their roots to seek out water. Minimize water consumption by opting for these plants instead of maintaining a grass lawn.

4. Check your irrigation system:

During monsoon season, adjust your irrigation system to account for the increased rainfall. Cut back on water usage by aligning irrigation schedules with the forecasted rain events. By doing so, you’ll save water and reduce your water bill. Take advantage of timers and settings in your irrigation system to optimize its efficiency.

5. Install and clear out gutters:

If your home lacks gutters, consider installing them to direct water flow during storms. Properly positioned gutters and downspouts will ensure water is directed away from your home’s foundation, preventing pooling and potential damage. Regularly inspect and clear out gutters to avoid blockages caused by debris or nesting birds.

” Water Conservation: Harvesting Rainwater “

Active Rainwater Harvesting:

Active rainwater harvesting involves collecting rainwater in containers, tanks, or barrels for later use. Gutters direct rainwater into these containers, which should have screens to keep out debris and pests. Consider using a first flush device for cleaner water. Underground storage tanks can also be utilized, requiring a pump to bring water to the surface for use in irrigation systems or water features.

Passive Rainwater Harvesting:

Passive harvesting focuses on shaping the landscape to slow water flow and promote infiltration into the soil. Features such as berms, basins, contours, and swales help retain rainwater, ensuring it benefits your landscape and reduces runoff. This technique supports the deep watering needs of desert-adapted plants while conserving water

Preparing your home and yard for monsoon season is crucial to safeguarding your property and conserving water. By identifying your property’s drainage style, creating a dry creek bed, using appropriate plants, checking your irrigation system, and installing/clearing out gutters, you can mitigate potential risks and ensure water flows safely. Additionally, consider active and passive rainwater harvesting techniques to conserve water and support sustainable practices. For personalized guidance and professional assistance, consult experts in the field. 

@SHEAPREFERREDREALTY

SOURCES: Town of Queen Creek Az , Queen Creek Sun Times , Arizona Cooperative Extension

Save this if you’ve started the home search or are considering a move in the future. If you will be obtaining a mortgage – you’ll need it! It’s important to follow these rules as not doing so could have serious financial implications for both you and your future home. 

1. No changes to employment: Stability is key when it comes to securing a mortgage. Avoid changing jobs or making significant changes to your employment situation during the homebuying process.
2. Don’t buy a car: Taking on new debt, such as financing a car, can negatively impact your debt-to-income ratio and affect your mortgage eligibility. Hold off on major purchases until after you’ve closed on your home.
3. Don’t excessively use credit cards: High credit card balances can increase your debt load and affect your credit score. It’s best to keep your credit card usage low and make timely payments.
4. Don’t spend closing funds: As you approach the closing date, it’s crucial to avoid spending the funds you have set aside for closing costs. Keep those funds accessible and ready for the closing process.
5. No furniture on credit: While it may be tempting to furnish your new home before closing, avoid making large furniture purchases on credit. Wait until the mortgage is finalized to avoid any potential issues.
6. Don’t co-sign a loan: Co-signing a loan for someone else can increase your debt obligations and impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. Refrain from co-signing any loans during the homebuying process.
7. No changing banks: Maintaining consistent banking history helps streamline the mortgage application process. Avoid changing banks or opening new accounts during this time.
8. Don’t omit debts from your loan application: It’s essential to be transparent about your financial situation when applying for a mortgage. Omitting debts or liabilities can lead to complications and potential loan denial.
9. No large bank deposits: Unexplained large deposits in your bank account can raise red flags during the mortgage underwriting process. Be prepared to provide documentation for any significant deposits.
10. No new credit inquiries: Multiple credit inquiries can negatively impact your credit score. Avoid applying for new credit cards or loans while going through the homebuying process.

Remember, following these guidelines will help ensure a smoother homebuying experience and increase your chances of securing the home you desire. Our team is ready to assist you every step of the way, providing expert advice and answering any questions you may have. Connect with us today to make your homeownership dreams a reality! 

Note: When it comes to financial matters and mortgages, it’s always recommended to consult with a professional for personalized guidance.

info@ENCBrokers.com

Unfortunately, real estate scams are prevalent in today’s digital age. From fraudulent rental listings to bogus investment opportunities, scammers continue to exploit unsuspecting individuals. That’s why it’s crucial to trust your gut and stay alert when something seems off or too good to be true. In this blog post, we’ll share a recent incident involving a home listed for sale that was fraudulently advertised as a rental. By sharing this story, we aim to raise awareness and help you protect yourself from falling victim to similar scams.

The Unfortunate Incident:

A few months ago, we listed a beautiful home for sale. We diligently took high-quality photos, posted it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and shared it on social media platforms. Everything seemed perfect until about a week into the listing when our seller encountered an unexpected situation.

While taking out the trash bins, our seller was approached by a family who excitedly mentioned they were moving in next week and had rented the home. Bewildered, our seller clarified that the property was not for rent. It turned out that someone had illicitly posted the home’s photos on a website, advertising it as a rental property.

The Scammer’s Tactics:

The potential renters were deceived into believing that they needed to wire funds to gain access to the interior of the home. Fortunately, our seller’s quick thinking and skepticism prevented any financial loss. Sadly, many others have fallen victim to similar scams, losing their hard-earned money and experiencing significant emotional distress.

Trust Your Gut:

This incident serves as a reminder to trust your gut instincts when dealing with real estate transactions. If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, it likely is. Be cautious and question any unexpected or irregular requests during the buying, selling, or renting process.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

1. Verify Listings: Always double-check the legitimacy of listings. Cross-reference information with reputable real estate websites and consult with licensed professionals to ensure accuracy.
2. Conduct In-Person Visits: Whenever possible, schedule in-person visits to the property before making any financial commitments. Insist on a physical tour to confirm its authenticity and condition.
3. Use Trusted Platforms: Rely on well-established and reputable platforms for property searches, rentals, and sales. Research the platform’s security measures and user reviews to gauge their reliability.
4. Beware of Wire Transfers: Never wire money without thoroughly verifying the recipient’s identity and authenticity of the transaction. Legitimate professionals will offer secure payment options and provide proper documentation.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you come across a potential scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement, real estate regulatory agencies, and online platforms. Your vigilance can help protect others from falling victim to scams.

Real estate scams are an unfortunate reality, but by staying alert, trusting your instincts, and following the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from falling prey to fraudulent schemes. 

Are you in need of reliable real estate services? Contact us today for professional assistance and peace of mind. @SHEAPREFERREDREALTY

Does your home have a Curb Appeal?

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter—a lot! The front of your house is the first thing potential buyers see, and it sets the tone for their entire viewing experience. While we often focus on perfecting our backyards, neglecting the front yard can be a missed opportunity. 

Let’s explore the importance of curb appeal and share some smart design choices and maintenance tips to enhance the appeal and value of your home.

1. Enhance the Entrance:
   • Start by sprucing up your front door with a fresh coat of paint that complements the overall exterior color scheme.
   • Consider adding stylish and inviting elements such as a decorative wreath, a welcome mat, or potted plants to create a warm and inviting entryway.
2. Maintain a Tidy Lawn and Garden:
   • Regularly mow the lawn, trim bushes, and weed flower beds to keep your front yard looking well-maintained and neat.
   • Add colorful flowers or plants in strategic locations to add vibrancy and visual appeal to your landscape.
3. Lighting Matters:
   • Install outdoor lighting fixtures to illuminate your front porch and walkway, creating an inviting ambiance and ensuring safety during evening showings.
   • Consider incorporating low-voltage landscape lighting to highlight architectural features or focal points in your front yard.
4. Attention to Detail:
   • Keep an eye on small details that can make a big difference, such as repairing or repainting fences, gates, and mailboxes.
   • Replace worn-out house numbers and ensure they are clearly visible for potential buyers.
5. Clean and Declutter:
   • Remove any debris or clutter from the front yard, including children’s toys, gardening tools, or excess outdoor furniture.
   • Pressure wash the driveway, walkways, and exterior surfaces to give them a fresh and clean appearance.
6. Emphasize Symmetry and Balance:
   • Create a sense of harmony by arranging plants, lighting, and decorative elements in a symmetrical and balanced manner.
   • Use matching planters or urns on either side of the front door or along the pathway to enhance the overall visual appeal.

A well-maintained and visually appealing front yard can significantly impact potential buyers’ perception of your property. By following these smart design choices and maintenance tips, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal, increase its value, and leave a lasting first impression. So, invest some time and effort into your front yard—it’s an investment that pays off when it comes time to sell.

For home selling process, message us! @SheaPreferredRealtyGroup

Why is buying a home make more sense than renting today?

1. RENTS TREND UP OVER TIME

Rental affordability is still a challenge and has been for years. That’s because, historically, rents trend up over time. Data from the Census shows rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 1988.

“In March 2023, the U.S. rental market experienced single-digit growth for the eighth month in a row…the median asking rent was $1,732, up by $15 from last month and down by $32 from the peak but is still $354 higher than the same time in 2019 (pre-pandemic).”

In contrast, homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage can lock in a monthly mortgage payment for the duration of their loan.

2. OWNING A HOME COULD BE MORE AFFORDABLE IF YOU NEED MORE SPACE

Depending on how much space you need, it’s typically more affordable to own than to rent if you need two or more bedrooms.

3. HOMEOWNERSHIP ALLOWS YOU TO START BUILDING EQUITY

In addition to shielding you from rising rents and being more affordable when you need more space, owning your home also allows you to start building your own equity, which in turn grows your net worth.

And, as home values typically rise over time and you pay off your mortgage, you build equity. That equity can set you up for success later on because you can use it to help fuel a move to an even bigger space down the line.

Connect with us today thru Shea Preferred Realty Group and let’s discuss the equity you could have as a homeowner in today’s market!

Purchasing a home at a young age can be an overwhelming prospect, especially with the increasing property prices and stringent lending criteria. However, there’s a lesser-known financing option that can give young homebuyers a head start on their real estate journey: Kiddie Condo Loans. Let’s delve into the world of Kiddie Condo Loans, explore their benefits, and outline the steps to avail them.

What are Kiddie Condo Loans?

Kiddie Condo Loans, also known as non-occupying co-borrower loans or parent-child loans, are a specialized type of mortgage financing that allows young individuals to purchase a property with the help of a co-borrower, typically a parent or guardian. This unique arrangement provides a solution for young homebuyers who may not meet the income or credit requirements on their own.

Benefits of Kiddie Condo Loans

1. Easier qualification: Kiddie Condo Loans offer more lenient qualification standards compared to traditional mortgage loans, making it easier for young buyers to secure financing.
2. Access to homeownership: With a Kiddie Condo Loan, young individuals can enter the real estate market sooner than they might have been able to on their own, providing an opportunity to build equity and invest in their future.
3. Establishing credit history: By obtaining a Kiddie Condo Loan, young buyers can start building a credit history, which can be advantageous for future financial endeavors.

Steps to Avail Kiddie Condo Loans:

1. Research lenders: Start by researching lenders who offer Kiddie Condo Loans. Check their eligibility criteria, interest rates, and terms to find a suitable match for your needs.
2. Gather necessary documents: Prepare the required documents, such as identification proofs, income statements, credit reports, and any additional information requested by the lender. Both the primary borrower (young individual) and co-borrower (parent or guardian) will need to provide these documents.
3. Find a suitable property: Identify a property that meets your requirements and falls within your budget. Ensure that the property meets the lender’s guidelines for Kiddie Condo Loans.
4. Submit the loan application: Complete the loan application process, providing accurate and up-to-date information. Include the co-borrower’s details and specify the nature of the co-borrowing arrangement.
5. Wait for approval and review terms: Once the application is submitted, the lender will review your application, assess your financials, and determine the loan terms. Be prepared to negotiate or provide any additional information if required.
6. Close the loan: If approved, you’ll move forward with the loan closing process. This involves signing the necessary documents, paying any required fees, and completing the transaction.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We have a Great Professional Lender whom you can chat with for advice. Message us! Shea Preferred Realty Group