Our Love/Hate Relationship with HOAs

Written by: Catherine Foland with Desert Heritage Real Estate Upon first meeting with buyer clients, they are anxious to share their wish lists for their new homes—open floor plans, quartz countertops, wood floors and large backyards with pools.  We rarely hear a buyer say they would love a next-door neighbor with a weed-ridden front yard… Read more »

Mortgage Loan Pre-Approval Process Explained

You have decided it is time to buy a home. Excited to start the search you contact your real estate agent and want to start viewing homes. But wait! You have forgot the most important first step! You need to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan by your lender. I am often asked several questions about… Read more »

Ready to purchase a new home but short on cash?

With an FHA mortgage loan and  Home in 5 my last client was able to purchase a home for 270K, ZERO down, seller concessions, plus a 1 year home warranty plan, and $1000 earnest deposit returned at close of escrow!  Too good to be true? I’m happy to say it’s TRUE!“What is this Home in 5 you speak… Read more »

Do I really need a Home Inspection?

The answer is always YES, even if you are a super hero with special powers to see through walls! You need to know what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line. There can be issues that your seller is unaware of. There may be problems you will want fixed prior to purchasing… Read more »

New Year – New Home? Part 3: Location, location, location!

How to Choose a Lot When Buying a New Home In part 2 of this blog series, I encouraged you to “do your homework” by researching home builders before leaving a deposit or signing on the dotted line. All builders are different and you deserve to make an informed decision when buying a new home…. Read more »

New Year – New Home? Part 2: Do Your Homework!

How to Research Builders Before Buying Your New Home in the West Valley In part 1 of this series, I touched on some things to consider before you buy a new home. One of the first things I mention is to research home builders. In the Phoenix area’s West Valley, there are dozens of builders… Read more »

New Year – New Home?

2015 is going to be an exciting year for home buyers. Builders are back and the West Valley is once again breaking ground! According to Homebuilders Marketing, Inc., an independent firm that collects data and analyzes the housing market, new home sales in the Phoenix area are on the upswing with positive growth expected over… Read more »

Buyer vs Seller Expectations

Buyer and seller expectations are rarely the same, especially in an ever changing market. Buyers look for the best deals and Sellers want the highest price for their homes. Really it all evens out if you are selling your home and purchasing a new home in any market. You may get less for your home… Read more »

Arizona Republic’s article doesn’t tell whole story

In response to Catherine Reagor’s article in the Arizona Republic on September 3, 2014, “Buy or Rent, What choice is right for you?” http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/catherine-reagor/2014/08/24/phoenix-homeownership-levels-drop/14520313/ – I have a couple of points to suggest when reading her article. First the “article” is more like a point counter point tilted towards renting.   She flung stats around with… Read more »

BUCKEYE HAS A LOT TO OFFER!

  Buckeye, AZ is at the western reaches of the Phoenix metro area.  Buckeye has a variety of housing options ranging from family friendly communities to active adult developments.  In this article I’m going to highlight two of the latest developments. If you’re from another state and are nostalgic for a small town feel with… Read more »