Planning to Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Make a Move!

Reaching retirement is a significant milestone in life, bringing with it a lot of change and new opportunities. As the door to this exciting chapter opens, one thing you may be considering is selling your house and finding a home better suited for your evolving needs.

Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few reasons why.

Consider How Long You’ve Been in Your Home

From 1985 to 2009, the average length of time homeowners stayed in their homes was roughly six years. But according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), that number is higher today. Since 2010, the average home tenure is just over nine years (see graph below):

This means many homeowners have been living in their houses even longer in recent years. When you live in a home for such a significant amount of time, it’s natural for you to experience changes in your life while you’re in that house. As those life changes and milestones happen, your needs may change. And if your current home no longer meets them, you may have better options waiting for you.

Consider the Equity You’ve Gained

And, if you’ve been in your home for more than a few years, you’ve likely built-up substantial equity that can fuel your next move. That’s because you gain equity as you pay down your loan and as home prices appreciate. And, the longer you’ve been in your home, the more you may have gained. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) illustrates that point (see graph below): 

While home prices vary by area, the national average shows the typical homeowner who’s been in their house for five years saw it increase in value by nearly 60%. And the average homeowner who’s owned their home for 30 years saw it almost triple in value over that time.

Whether you’re looking to downsize, relocate to a dream destination, or move so you live closer to friends or loved ones, that equity can help. Whatever your home goals are, a trusted Real Estate Agent can work with you to find the best option. They’ll help you sell your current house and guide you as you buy the home that’s right for you and your lifestyle today.

Bottom Line

As you plan for your retirement, let’s connect so we can find out how much equity you’ve built up over the years and plan how you can use it toward the purchase of a home that fits your changing needs. @SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP

Age of Smart Homes – Home buyers, Beware!

In the age of smart homes and advanced technology, it’s essential to be aware of the potential privacy pitfalls, especially when buying or selling a home. A few months ago, I delved into the world of nanny cams and recording devices discreetly placed in homes, and it’s a topic that deserves your attention. Here’s your warning: your conversations might not be as private as you think.

Hidden recording devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and not all of them are easy to spot. Some may be cleverly concealed in plain sight, leaving you unaware of their presence. So, before you step into a seller’s home or invite potential buyers into your own, consider these crucial points.

1. Watch What You Say Inside the Home:

  • Avoid discussing sensitive matters like price negotiations or the terms of your offer while inside the property.
  • Keep your opinions about the seller’s decor or style to yourself. Making negative comments can sour the atmosphere and create unnecessary tension.

2. Be Mindful of Where You Speak:

  • Save potentially sensitive conversations for the driveway or your car. This ensures your discussions remain private and away from prying ears.

In an era where technology can easily breach personal boundaries, it’s crucial to exercise discretion and protect your privacy. Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, remember that not everything should be said within the four walls of a home. Save your candid discussions for when you step outside and can be assured of privacy.

For Home buying or selling referrals, message us! @ SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP

Is Your Home Ready to Sell?

 

Selling your home is an exciting journey, but it comes with its share of responsibilities. First impressions matter, and potential buyers often make judgments about your property before they even step inside. So, is your home truly ready to sell? Let’s explore some essential aspects to consider.

 

Landscaping:

Your front yard sets the stage for what’s inside. A well-maintained and inviting landscape can make a significant difference. Start by cleaning up the front yard. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, mow the lawn, and remove any dead plants. Adding fresh flowers can bring color and vibrancy to your home’s exterior, creating an appealing first impression. Remember, a tidy and attractive yard can set a positive tone for the entire viewing.

The Garage:

When was the last time you took a good look at your garage? It’s a space that often accumulates clutter over time. Buyers want to envision their own belongings in the space, so a cluttered garage can be a major turn-off. Consider investing in a storage unit to temporarily store items that don’t need to be on display. If you’re not ready to part with some belongings, start cleaning and organizing the garage. A well-organized garage not only appeals to buyers but also helps you present your home in the best possible light.

Questions About Prepping Your Home?

Preparing your home for sale involves more than just landscaping and decluttering the garage. If you have questions or need advice on how to make your home shine in the competitive real estate market, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Leave a comment or send us a message, and our experienced team will be happy to assist you throughout the selling process. We’re here to help you achieve a successful home sale!

#Encanterra #SellingTips #HomeSelling #HomeSales #HomeSellingTips #RealEstateTips #RealtorTips #EastValley 

3 Signs of Home Having a Good Resale Value

 

You wouldn’t buy a car without checking under the hood, right? Well, the same principle applies when it comes to buying a home. There’s one aspect of homeownership that’s essential to consider if you want to make a smart investment, but many buyers overlook it entirely. Let us show you why you need to pay attention to resale from day one if you want to avoid buyer’s remorse.

1. Location

You want to live in an area with a strong housing market, good schools, and desirable amenities!

2. Well-Maintained

A home that’s been taken care of and doesn’t need any major repairs or updates is a good sign that it will have good resale value.

3. Unique Features

A home with unique features, like a pool or custom built-in storage can help set it apart from the rest of the homes on the market.

 

If you want to know your home’s value or for Real Estate referrals, message us! @SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP

The Cost of Convenience

The cost of Convenience.

Paying just a little more towards your principal each month can really add up fast! Here’s a look at not only how fast the interest savings add up, but also how many years you could shave off of your loan!

 

Contact us to see how much you could save! @SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP

 

#extramortgagepayment #smartbuyer #homeowner #expertanswers #stayinformed #staycurrent #powerfuldecision #confidentdecisions #realestate #realestatetips #realestatelife #realestateagent #realestateexpert #realestatetipsoftheday #realestatetipsandadvice

 
 

 

The Importance of Choosing a True Expert in the Encanterra Housing Market

The housing market is constantly changing, and in today’s fast-paced environment, it’s more important than ever to work with a trusted real estate agent. Whether you’re buying a second home or selling your current one, an experienced agent can help you navigate the process and make the best decisions for your needs.

Not all agents are created equal. Some may be more focused on closing deals than on providing you with the best possible service. Others may not have the in-depth knowledge of the Encanterra market that you need to make informed decisions.

That’s why it’s important to choose an agent who is a true expert in the Encanterra housing market. They should be able to:

  • Understand the current trends in Encanterra
  • Provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about home prices, inventory, and what design center options bring the most value. Prices vary greatly in Encanterra & the “price-per-square-foot” approach does not work here.
  • Help you find the right home for your needs and budget.
  • Whether you are buying or selling, your agent should be able to negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible price.
  • Guide you through the entire home buying or selling process.

A good agent will also be a valuable resource for you throughout the process. They can answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you avoid making costly mistakes.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Shea Preferred Realty Group. We can help you make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Buying or selling a home is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. By working with a trusted real estate agent at Shea Preferred Realty Group, you can make the process as smooth and successful as possible.

The Value of Home Inspections

The home buying process can take time and involve quite a few steps. Finding the perfect property, from size to location to price range, is one major milestone. And once that’s done, initiating a home inspection is quite possibly the most important next step for every buyer! 

A home inspection, an expense of about $350 to $700 handled by the buyer, is conducted by a professional who evaluates the integrity of the home — from its structure to its HVAC system to its roof, electrical, plumbing and beyond from a visual perspective. Potential problems lurking under the surface can be costly down the road if a buyer goes in blind, which is why a home inspection is so valuable 

FOUNDATION + ROOF

The foundation of a home is critical to its integrity, which is why an assessment of it is vital when considering a purchase. When it comes to the roof, lifespans can stretch to 25 years and beyond, but an inspection should identify if any shingles are damaged or missing and if any leaks are present.

HVAC + VENTILATION

Home inpections should include an analysis of the property’s HVAC system, the condition of the cooling and heating units, a chimney check if needed and an assesment of the system’s air filters. Replacement of units can be costly, so a thorough evaluation of the state of the HVAC system is essential.

MOISTURE + WATER DAMAGE

Basements, bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms should be evaluated for water stains and evidence of leaks. Cabinetry near plumbing should also be looked at to see if there is any evidence of exposure to excessive moisture or leaks.

LANDSCAPE + OUTDOOR SPACE

The most important part of an inspection of landscaping, beyond understanding the work that it may entail to maintain or update the property’s current landscaping, is evaluating the drainage of water from the structure. Improperly graded landscaping will allow water to pool in places it shouldn’t, so ensuring proper drainage away from the home is important.

 

Have more questions about inspections and the buying process? Reach out to us today! @SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP

#homeinspections #inspections #homebuying #homebuyingprocess #homeownership #queencreek #queencreekrealtors

Top Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Are you planning to sell your home? Avoid these four common, non-price-related mistakes that many sellers make. Remember, these slip-ups could cost you!

  1. Forgetting First Impressions Matter:

    Don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. A neglected exterior can hinder your property from standing out in the competitive market. Give your home the attention it deserves!

  2. Underestimating the Art of Staging:

    You may love your furniture, but a cluttered or personalized space can distract potential buyers. A professionally staged home not only highlights its potential but also helps buyers envision their future in the space.

  3. Ignoring Repairs and Maintenance: Buyers gravitate towards a turnkey home that’s ready for them to move in. Overlooking necessary repairs and maintenance can be a major turn-off and potentially stall your sale.

  4. Overlooking the Power of Online Marketing
    Failing to establish a strong online presence can reduce your home’s visibility and limit your pool of potential buyers. Leveraging online marketing – including high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and engaging content – is essential for a successful sale (I can help with this!)

Considering selling your home?  Let’s chat about your unique goals and how we can avoid these common mistakes. Send us a message and let’s get started! @ SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP

Creating Lasting Memories: The Unseen Value of Investing in Your Home

When we embark on vacations, we often return with cherished memories that stay with us forever. However, these memories aren’t something physical we can hold onto. Similarly, when it comes to our homes, investing in them might not always yield a direct financial return, but it can provide something just as valuable – lasting memories. In this article, we explore the notion that while you might not recoup every dollar spent on home improvements when it comes time to sell, the memories created can add intangible value and make your home stand out in the market.

Investing in Memories: More than Just Dollars and Cents Often, the decisions we make about our homes are influenced by the potential return on investment (ROI) when it’s time to sell. While it’s true that certain home improvements can increase the resale value of your property, there’s another aspect to consider – the emotional value created by those improvements. For instance, that beautifully landscaped garden where you hosted countless barbecues, or the cozy nook where you spent evenings reading stories to your children – these experiences become embedded in your home’s history.

The Emotional Resonance of Home Homeownership is more than just a financial transaction; it’s an emotional connection. Every room has witnessed milestones, celebrations, and even challenges. Prospective buyers often pick up on the vibe a house exudes – a warm, lived-in feeling that makes it stand out from sterile, cookie-cutter spaces. The memories etched into your home’s walls and corners can be subtly felt by those who walk through it, making them more likely to envision their own lives and memories there.

Tales of Home: A Unique Selling Proposition When it comes time to sell your house, you might not recoup every cent you invested in renovations. However, consider this: buyers don’t just purchase the physical structure; they’re buying into a lifestyle. A beautifully renovated kitchen isn’t just a kitchen – it’s where holiday feasts were prepared, where kids learned to bake cookies, and where friends gathered for laughter-filled evenings. These stories provide a narrative that elevates your home above others on the market.

Creating a Lasting Legacy While the financial aspects of home improvement projects are important, it’s equally essential to focus on the intangible rewards. The memories created within your home become a legacy that can be passed down through generations. A family home isn’t just a collection of rooms; it’s a vessel that holds the echoes of laughter, love, and connection.

In the end, the value of investing in your home goes beyond dollars and cents. It’s about the cherished memories you create within its walls. 

 

Watch our YouTube video!

Instant Offer Companies

Let’s break it down. Instant offer companies provide a quick cash offer on your home, bypassing the traditional home-selling process. However, what you gain in speed, you might lose in other areas. Here are some points to ponder:

• Selling Price: Instant offer companies can make quick offers, but these may not match your home’s market value. In contrast, a real estate agent aims to secure the best possible price by effectively marketing your property and negotiating for you.

• Trust: Partnering with a real estate agent means having a professional advocate dedicated to your best interests. Instant offer companies offer a streamlined selling process, but they may not provide the same level of personalized guidance or advocacy.????

• Expertise: A real estate agent gives personalized attention and utilizes their local market knowledge to help maximize your home’s value. Instant offer companies offer speed and convenience but may lack the in-depth local market knowledge.

 

 

 

Instant Offer Companies may provide you quick cash offer, BUT there are several downs to it. These may be more of a Cons than a Pros for you. 

If you’re considering your options for selling your home, we’d love to connect. Send us a message and let’s chat! @ SHEA PREFERRED REALTY GROUP

 

Ben Leeson and TJ Kelley

Arizona Experience Realty Group Resale Broker for the SHEA Preferred Program

480-677-8170

Info@ENCBrokers.com

 

36460 N Encanterra Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140