Improvements are constantly being made to this space but I wanted you to be aware of the most recent one. I have added a nice new MLS Search feature. If you click the tab on the top that says Search AZ MLS it will take you to this page where you can search all the homes for sale in the Phoenix Metro area. It is a mapping technology complete with the pictures, prices, descriptions and even virtual tours if they are available. Take a look at it and let me know what you think. I am looking at a Pro-version of this technology that would have more bells and whistles but for now it is a great home searching tool. Enjoy!
30-year fixed FHA and Conventional rates just hit 5%!!!
So, in this DISCOUNT BUYER’S MARKET (notice that discount part, not even just a buyer’s market) with interest rates like 5% what the heck are you waiting for? Who do you know that should be investing in a home for their family or building their investment portfolio while the time is right?
It appears that in the hubbub of moving I have forgotten to tell everyone that we have moved. Here is the announcement that details some of the excitement going on at Keller Williams Integrity First:
Steve Chader and Jennice Doty are excited to announce the Expansion Plan of Keller Williams Integrity First Realty. “We are in a three phase expansion”, says Chader. “The first phase began in October with the acquisition of two Scottsdale franchises, one in North Scottsdale and the other in the Paradise Valley area. Phase Two will merge our existing Fiesta office location with our Red Mountain/Las Sendas office. Phase Three will transfer the Fiesta franchise to a new SanTan location south of the 202. This expansion will allow us to continue to grow with more efficient operations resulting in a positive impact on agent’s careers, businesses and lives.”
The merger is a part of the company’s business plan to gain market share as they implement the strategies outlined in Gary Keller’s new book, Shift: How Top Agents Tackle Tough Times, to increase profit margins.
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty employs 515 agents, ranks in the top 10 by Phoenix Business Journal, and in the top 350 brokers in the United States by Real Trends. Integrity First Realty is an independently owned and operated franchise of Keller Williams Realty International, the fourth largest real estate franchise operation in North America.
It is an exciting time to be a part of this great brokerage! With the change, I will actually be moving my office INTO the office rather than working from home quite as much. (Now, anyone who decides to visit us will have a room and bathroom of their own downstairs–feel free to visit!) The new office location is: 2836 N. Power Rd. #114 (NW corner of Power & McDowell). We have a Starbucks in the parking lot as well as Red, White & Brew. And d’vine is just across the street! Stop in sometime and see the new digs.
Then we can head out for a drink!
The holiday season is upon us and each year I have people ask me if they should postpone buying or selling during this time frame. The answer is IDK (I don’t know). It lies in the fact that I can’t EVER tell you if it is a good time to buy or sell. There are so many variables to factor in that there should NEVER be a hard and fast rule not to buy &/or sell during any season. Things to factor in include: the market, the interest rates, the competition, your motivation, your needs, your goals with a move…you get the idea. I CAN tell you that historically December has been one of my best months in business. Somebody must be buying and selling something during that time frame.
I do have a few thoughts for you to ponder…
- Showings are fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.
- Many people have vacation time around the holidays allowing more time to look for a home.
- Most December and early January buyers are particularly serious and very likely facing some sort of deadline.
- Buying before the end of the year is beneficial for financial and tax reasons. Investors usually want to close by year-end for tax purposes.
- January is the biggest transfer month of the year and job transferee’s use the holidays to house hunt.
- By selling now you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market.
- Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the warmth and good feeling they receive when viewing your house.
- The expansion of the Internet and the numbers of people who use it have added a significant off-season dimension to real estate sales.
- Fewer home sales translate into less demand for mortgage money during the holiday season.
- Sellers who failed to make sell before the holidays will be extra motivated now, especially if their houses have been on the market for several months.
- With fewer active house-hunters out there, buyers have even more selection and less competition with offers.
- Less wait time for home inspectors and appraisers. Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation and other services are more available and at less of a premium.
- Interest rates are very attractive. If you’re ready to buy, waiting until Spring could be disastrous. The historic low rates = more house for your money.
- If a house went on the market after the peak season ended, the seller may have a pressing reason to sell, such as a job transfer, financial problems, divorce or illness.
And the most important reason…
- Best Realtors: All the part time Realtors have taken the month off!
