Scottsdale Real Estate Blog - News & Articles

Buying a House in Arizona Remotely—a Step-by-Step Guide

House shopping can be a wonderful experience, especially if you are not in a rush and can have some fun browsing and visiting all your potential dream homes. However, for those moving between states who cannot physically be present for viewings, it can be somewhat challenging and stressful. If you are buying a house in Arizona remotely, you will need some guidance and help from experts in the field.

Where to begin?

You have taken the first step and chosen Arizona as your destination—good for you. If you have already decided on a specific city or area, one of the most complex parts is over. Whether your relocation is a joyous occasion or a necessity, it is bound to cause anxiety. Like with any big undertaking, it is a good idea to start planning…

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Why Arizona Attracts Homebuyers from California

This is an article from a guest writer, see his bio below. Arizona and California are similar in a lot of ways. They are two neighboring states that share the same climate, with summer temperatures all year long and plenty of things to see and do. Both states are also very multicultural, with many developing cities. Living in either of these places offers a lot of education and business opportunities. Still, many Californians have been buying properties in Arizona in recent years, especially in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Buckeye, and Tucson. So, if you were wondering why Arizona attracts homebuyers from California, you're in the right place. Keep on reading to find out.

Arizona has a variety of different architectural styles

Californian homes are…

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Top Smart Tech Gadgets to Upgrade Your Home

After the difficult year that was 2020, and with all the time we’ve spent indoors, a lot of people have been taking this opportunity to change things up, take up some DIY projects, or otherwise upgrade their homes. Some choose to focus on the backyard, others are adding home offices, but one way you can add the most value is by introducing smart tech into your home.

Whether with smart security devices or smart appliances, smart tech makes life more comfortable and convenient. Plus, it is highly sought-after by homebuyers, who are often willing to pay more for these features. That’s a great incentive, especially if you’re planning to sell. Here are the top smart tech gadgets to upgrade your home.

Smart Security Devices

The most popular smart…

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What Not to Do When You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, a wide range of household pests can infiltrate your home, making you feel anxiety or nervousness. Some pests can simply be a nuisance. Others can be harmful and pose a threat to your health and wellness. Bed bugs can fall into both categories. These tiny creatures can be a big problem for any homeowner. They can be difficult to dispose of if you do not follow effective measures. Pay attention to the right and wrong ways to get rid of them, so you can sleep easy tonight.

An Overview of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that bite exposed skin and feed on the blood of humans and animals. Both you and your pets can be at risk when bed bugs are present. These insects…

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Why Arizona Is a Great Destination for Remote Workers

With so many people working remotely this year and the en-masse relocation that’s been going on, chances are you may be looking for a great new location. While one of the major advantages of remote work is the flexibility you gain, this lifestyle also comes with some specific needs that should be met.

Some locations are more suited to a remote lifestyle than others, and Scottsdale, Arizona just so happens to be a great destination if you’re working from home. Here are the top 7 reasons why remote workers love Arizona.

1. A large remote work community

Remote work can be very lonely if none of your friends can relate to your lifestyle, so it really helps to have a built-in community of fellow remote workers who understand the intricacies of the…

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Home Maintenance Calendar

I'm not sure why Spring is designated as the time to clean your house and do needed repairs. I guess because in many areas the weather is more agreeable, although that isn't always the case!

Let's face it, in most areas when the weather is cold with snow and ice, people really don't feel like having to deal with extra trash to take out to the curb. One of my friends broke her leg badly in Illinois when falling on ice while taking her trash can out.

But if it's just interior cleaning, even painting, winter might be the best time to do certain things. We're stuck in our homes more in the winter (even without a pandemic), so I'm not sure why it wasn't called "Winter cleaning."

Keeping up with your home isn't just to make it comfortable for you…

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Phoenix, Az Number 7 on Best Performing Cities List 2021

Phoenix Jumped 5 Slots on the Milken Institute's List of Best-Performing Cities 2021

First, who is the Milken Institute?  According to their report, "The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank. We catalyze practical, scalable solutions to global challenges by connecting human, financial, and educational resources to those who need them.  Our goal is to help people build meaningful lives in which they can experience health and well-being, pursue effective education and gainful employment, and access the resources required to create ever-expanding opportunities for themselves and their broader communities."

I was informed of this list through one of my many real estate resources.  It might have been our local Association of…

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Home Decor Trends for 2021

I always wonder how trends and fashion get started.  I know clothing designers have their fashion shows, but how long does it take for those fashion trends to drip down to the public?

I feel the same with home decor trends.  Who starts these trends?  How long does it take for a specific design to take hold?  I also know there are design shows, but those aren't always for the public.  I guess a lot of home decor trends get to the public through home magazines sold in supermarkets and stores.

Another way for these trends to be discovered by the general public is to visit new construction models.  That's where the gray and white trends started, along with white cabinets (usually Shaker style, but not always), and different wood or wood laminate…

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New Year, New House?

It's still not too late to make some homeowner's real estate resolutions for 2021.  Inventory and interest rates are at historic lows and prices keep climbing.  But even with higher prices, the low-interest rates still help with your buying power.

Home Buyer Resolutions

Work on getting mortgage-ready - figure out your current home buying power.  Your credit score is a big part of qualifying for a mortgage.  Ask for a free credit report from the annualcreditreport.com website. 

Your credit will need to be at least 740 for most lenders, and the lower the score, the higher your interest rate might be.  This is why you need to do this before you start actively looking at homes.  Many agents won't even take you out to see places unless you've been…

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What do Historically Low Interest Rates Mean for Scottsdale Real Estate?

When I purchased my first house at the age of 22, we didn't bat an eye at the 10.5% interest rate for my first mortgage.  We were also required to put down 20% and it was only a 10-year mortgage (not our choice).  That house also only cost $18,300, and our monthly payment was around $210.00 total (including taxes).

I didn't think I'd ever see rates this low. And I'm talking about 6%, 5%, 4%, and 3%.  So I never expected less than 3%, but that's what happened in July of 2020.

Did you know that in 1971 the average mortgage rate was 7.31%?  I was a few years out from owning my own home, and interest rates were higher when I bought, but in my 37+ years in the real estate business, 7% was a good rate.  In fact, at one point in time, around 2012,…

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