steven larson's Blog

Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:51:52 -0700

If you aren’t one to sit at home and are always looking for something fun and exciting to do, Phoenix, Arizona is the place to be. As the 6th largest city in the United States, things to do in Phoenix are abundant and can be found around every corner. With an average of 300 sunny days every year, outdoor recreational opportunities are numerous. No matter if you’re looking for a night out on the town, museums and culture, family friendly activities or a day outside, you’ll find fun things to do in Phoenix in every direction.

Museums and Culture
Phoenix is a hot spot for arts, culture and museums, with a number of excellent attractions and events to choose from. A couple of the top museums in Phoenix include the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the Arizona Science Center. Among the newest additions includes the Musical Instrument Museum. You can also get a taste of the Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden, or view the work of Frank Lloyd Wright at the Taliesin West.

Outdoor Attractions
With near perfect weather almost year round, outdoor enthusiast will love the recreational things to do in Phoenix. Take advantage of the hiking and biking trails at Camelback Mountain, Phoenix Mountain Preserve and the South Mountain Park and Preserve. You can also take guided tours from above in a hot air balloon or on land with a Jeep, Hummer or horseback riding tour.

Lifestyle
The Phoenix area is always buzzing with a diversity of lifestyle activities. Phoenix is well known for its abundance of shopping and dining opportunities, as well as night clubs, comedy clubs and theatrical performances. With many concerts, street performances and much more, you’ll find entertainment while you shop outdoors, visit specialty stores or stop for some coffee at a local café.

Family Friendly
Phoenix also offers many perfect opportunities to spend time as a family. Take the family for a trip to the Phoenix Zoo, Mystery Castle or one of the many skate parks and water parks. There’s something to do in Phoenix for all ages, no matter your interest.

There are so many things to do in Phoenix, you’ll never get bored when living in the area. With year round attractions, annual and seasonal events and much more, you’ll find something fun and exciting to do in Phoenix everyday of the week.

If you’re interested in relocating to Phoenix, contact Steven Larson today!

Guide to Buying Your First Home

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:45:57 -0700

Buying your first home is an exciting time, but often causes a lot of anxiety as it’s a large commitment to make. How do you know if your getting a good deal? How do you know whether or not you’re making a good investment? Are you getting in over your head? Where do you even start? By educating yourself prior to purchasing your first home, you will ease much of the worries first time home buyers face. With this guide to buying your first home, you’ll rest easy knowing where to start and how to choose the best house.

Outline Your Goals
Before you buy your first home, you need to take many factors into consideration, such as your long term goals for purchasing a home, what type of home will suit your needs and what features you’d like to have. Of course, you need to find out if you qualify for a loan. Then, you need to determine if the loan you’ve been approved for actually fits your budget. By finding a reputable real estate agent, they will be able to help you find a home you can afford that meets your needs.

Buying Your First Home
After you’ve figured out if buying a home that meets your needs is even possible, it’s time to start looking for your perfect house. Don’t jump into the first house you find. Evaluate all of your options prior to taking the plunge. Once you’ve found a house you’re interested in be sure to investigate all of your financing options to secure the property. As you make an offer on the house, your agent will help you determine who will cover the closing costs and help you understand the escrow process. You’ll definitely want to have the home inspected prior to making a final agreement to purchase a home. After the inspection and biding process is complete, you’ll need to determine if you’re ready to close on the home or if you’re going to move on.

During the final stages of buying your first home, your purchase will include an appraisal, title search, mortgage insurance and mortgage paperwork. Your real estate agent will help you understand and complete the process needed to buy your first home.

Your First Home
After you’ve purchased your home, you need to keep saving your money as homeownership is full of unexpected expenses, even if your home passed the inspection. Create an emergency fund so you won’t be caught off guard by any repairs or regular maintenance. By performing regular maintenance on your home, you’ll keep your repairs small and manageable.

When you buy your first home, there is a high level of satisfaction and pride that takes place along with the anxiety over whether or not you’ve made a good investment. After you’ve purchased your new home, try to ignore the housing marketing. Don’t stress over whether or not it’s a good time to sell until you need to relocate or are in financial distress.

If you’re interested in buying your first home or would like to learn more, contact Steven Larson today!

Tips to Sell Your House Quick

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:36:25 -0700

Although houses are selling in a shorter period of time than this time last year, you can speed up the time it takes to sell your house even further by following a few simple tips. By following these tips to sell your house quick, you’ll increase the number of interested potential buyers as your house becomes more appealing. When selling a house, it’s important to remember the first impression, stage your home, make necessary repairs and setting the right price.

First Impressions
The saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover” isn’t always true when it comes to selling a house. A potential home buyer’s first impression of your home goes a long way when it comes to selling a house. Take your home’s curb appeal into consideration when trying to sell your house quick. Make sure the yard is well kept and the exterior of the house is painted prior to trying to sell your house. If your yard is overgrown with weeds and paint is chipping off, it’s not going to be very appealing no matter how well the interior of the house looks.

Stage Your Home
When selling a house, you want to stage your home if possible. According to a recent survey, 95 percent of staged homes sell quicker when compared to homes that aren’t staged. Your house should be cleaned very well, including decluttering and arranging furnishings. Try to depersonalize the house if possible. Make sure your walls are painted, your counter tops are clean and all of the kids’ toys are picked up from view.

Make Repairs
Even the smallest of repairs are important when you want to sell your house quick. The simplest of things, such as a cracked baseboard or leaky faucet tells a potential home buyer that your house may not have been well maintained. No matter if the project is big or small, make all necessary repairs prior to selling a house.

Price Matters
As there’s a large inventory of homes for sale, you want to make sure your home is listed for the best price possible. Have your home appraised before selling it to make sure you are setting the right price. You’ll want to set the price slightly higher than the appraisal value, yet slightly lower than comparable homes. If you want to sell your home quick, your goal won’t be to make a huge profit.

Now that you have the tips to sell a house quick, begin spreading the word to help your house sell faster. Advertise as much as possible to reach as many people as you can. By putting in a little extra effort with these tips and marketing your home, it will really pay off with how quickly your home will sell.

Contact Steven Larson today to learn more about selling your home.

Tips for Hosting For Sale by Owner Open Houses

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:35:00 -0700

Hosting For Sale by Owner (FSBO) Open Houses are a great way to sell your investments as is allows you to effectively market your home, but only if it’s done correctly. By making a few simple mistakes or overlooking key points, you can hurt your chance of selling your investment property. By following a few simple tips for hosting FSBO Open Houses you’ll increase the chance your home sells quicker without having to pay for the assistance of a real estate agent. To ensure your open house is successful, here are a few key tips to follow:

Prior to hosting an open house, you need to spread the word and generate as much interest as possible. Create advertisements and flyers to attract potential buyers to your home. Be as prepared as possible, as well as include important information about your home to the visitors of your open house. Make sure your home is staged for the open house too.

When your guests arrive at your open house, you want them to be as comfortable as possible; therefore, provide snacks and refreshments. Keep a detailed log of the guests so you can follow up with the potential buyers after the event. Also, make sure you have information printed about the house, schools, demographics and any other necessary information on hand for the open house attendees.

When your guests arrive, you don’t want to seem desperate when selling your home or you may come off as pushy, which will detour potential buyers. Don’t try to make any on the spot agreements or commitments, as well as provide any information you aren’t certain about, such as warranties. Most importantly, be honest. Don’t try to hide any information from the potential home buyers.

If you’re looking to sell your home without the aid of a realtor, hosting an open house is a great way to potentially receive multiple bids on your property. By putting in a little extra effort yourself, you can effectively sell your property while avoiding Realtor commissions.

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:45:14 -0700

In 1974, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) was passed to protect consumers from unnecessary cost increases for settlement services, as well as to promote the shopping experience when using these services. The act covers loans that have been secured with a mortgage for one to four family residential properties, which is enforced by the Interstate Land Sales and HUD’s Office of RESPA. Most often, this includes loans, refinances, assumptions, property investment loans, and equality lines of credit.

The act requires borrows to receive disclosures at various times, such as the costs associated with the settlement. It may also include the lender servicing, escrow account practices and business relationships between settlement service providers. It also limits certain practices that will increase the cost of settlement services, such as requiring home buyers from purchasing title insurance from a particular company.

The disclosures are required at various times throughout the buying process, such as at the time of the loan application, before closing occurs and after the settlement. During the loan application process, the act requires mortgage brokers or lenders to provide borrowers with a Special Information Booklet, a Good Faith Estimate of settlement costs and a Mortgage Servicing Disclosure Statement.

Prior to closing, an Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure (AfBA) is required if a settlement service provider involved a RESPA covered transaction, referring the customer to a provider when an ownership or other beneficial interest is involved. The HUD-1 Settlement Statement may also be provided, which outlines all modifications involving the borrowers and sellers connection with the statement.

During the time of settlement, the HUD-1 Settlement Statement is provided to show settlement costs of the loan transaction, which can be provided on separate forms for the seller and borrower. The Initial Escrow Settlement is also provided to itemize the estimated taxes, insurance premiums and other changes that may have to be paid from the Escrow Account during the first twelve months of the loan.

After the settlement, the loan services must provide borrows with the Annual Escrow Statement each year to summarize the escrow account, including deposits and payments. It’s used to notify borrowers of any shortages or surplus of the account, as well as any action that needs to be taken,. Should the loan service sell or assign the servicing rights of the borrower’s loan to another service, a Servicing Transfer Statement is required.

For the full RESPA or for more information, visit U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

If you'd like to learn more about RESPA, contact Steven Larson today!

Understanding Your Tenant Rights in Arizona

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:54:23 -0700

Under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Art, you’re entitled to certain rights when renting in Arizona. You’re also responsible to follow guidelines and regulations in order to comply with the Arizona tenant rights, just as landlords must abide. The rights and obligations for both landlords and tenants are in place to protect both parties. For example, you can’t be denied renting a property based on your age, race or the fact you have children unless the residence is located in an age restricted community.

Tenant Rights in Arizona
When you’ve rented a property, you have the duty to pay your rent on time or the landlord has the right to take eviction action. You can’t withhold rent due to a disagreement or broken oral promise with the landlord. To further protect your tenant rights in Arizona, keep copies of all of your payments and notice exchanges with your landlord, including signatures and dates.

As a tenant, you must follow certain tenant obligations, such as keeping the residence safe and clean. You must also properly remove and dispose of trash and keep all plumbing fixtures clean. You must use all electrical appliances, air-conditioning and heating systems and plumbing in a safe and responsible manor. You can not deliberately damage the property, and you must follow any other obligations and requirements set by the landlord.

Your landlord is required to keep the residence safe with utilities, including electric and water. The landlord must repair any safety hazards in a timely manor, such as heating and cooling problems. However, in order to enter the premises, you must be given at least 2 days notice, unless it’s an emergency.

The security deposit you provide can be returned to you upon relocating, but if any repairs need to be made based on the move-out inspection, the landlord can withhold the security deposit if an itemized list of repairs is provided. The security deposit or the remainder of the deposit after repairs must be paid to the tenant no later than 14 days after vacating the property.

The Arizona Tenant Rights also includes eviction procedures, noncompliance by landlord protection, lease provisions and more. To learn more about your tenant rights in Arizona, visit www.AzLawHelp.org

To learn more about your rights as a tenant, contact Steven Larson today!

Understanding Your Rights as a Landlord

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:20:24 -0700

As a landlord in Arizona, you have certain rights and obligations, just as tenants have tenant rights and regulations. The Arizona Landlord Rights are in place to allow you to evict bad tenants and help you recover from losses due to renting a residential property.

Rights and Regulations of Landlords

As a landlord in Arizona, you have the right to collect and receive your rent in a timely manor. You can also set in place reasonable and explicit rules and regulations to be abided by the tenants. Unless your property is in an age restricted subdivision, you must rent to families with children. You also can’t deny a tenant based on race, sex or disability. As included in the Arizona landlord rights, you may withhold a portion or all of a security deposit if damage has occurred, but you must provide the tenant written itemizations of any damage costs. Unless you state in writing, all deposits are refundable.

If you’re renting for 12 months or less, you don’t need a written rental agreement; however, if renting for longer than 12 months, you and the tenant will need written and signed rental agreements. If there’s no set length for the rental agreement, the agreement will be based on a month-to-month agreement, which is due on the first day of each month. Only with a month-to-month agreement and at the end of any previous agreements may you raise the rent.

Your obligations as a landlord involve providing a clean, safe and habitable residence with everything in working order, including running water and heating and cooling units. The residence must also have gas or electrical utilities.

Only on the basis of an emergency can you enter the tenant’s property without permission. If you’re going to make repairs, alterations, conduct inspections or maintenance, you must provide the tenant with at least two days advance notice prior to entering the property.

You have the right to enforce the rules and regulations involving your rental property, and if you should happen to change a rule or regulation, 30 days notice is needed for existing tenants. As a landlord, you maintain the right to require your tenants to act in a way that doesn’t cause disruptions to the neighborhood.

Interested in learning more about your rights as a landlord? Contact Steven Larson today!

There are times when rental agreements don’t work out and you or the tenant may want to end the renting relationship. Included in your rights as a landlord, there are certain times you may end the agreement, as well as time a tenant can end the agreement if you haven’t met your obligations as a landlord. You can learn more about ending rental relationships and your rights as a landlord from the Arizona Department of Housing.

Skyline Regional Park

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:21:02 -0700

Residents of Buckeye, Arizona and the surrounding Phoenix Metro area have something new to be excited about-- Skyline Regional Park. The nearly 9,000 acre regional park will begin construction in 2014, with an estimated $3 million price tag. With ramadas, an observatory, interpretive gardens, recreational trails and muck more, the park will be one of the Southwest Valley’s largest parks.

According to the master development plan, the park will include hiking trails, areas for picnicking and camping, mountain biking, horseback riding and possibly four-wheeling. The fist phase of the project will include improvements to existing trails, ramadas, kiosks, camping and parking areas.

“Hopefully we will have at least a couple of trailheads open by 2015,” said Robert Wisener, Buckeye conservation and project manager.

Skyline Regional Park is also hoped to build a lodge for environmental education programs for school, churches and Scouts. The lodge will be unique with dorm-style quarters, restrooms and a kitchen with a cafeteria. Teaching and instructional opportunities will also be available as there will be graded, flat areas with seating. Estimated between 2021 and 2035, the second phase of the development will begin, which may include a visitor center, amphitheater and playground.

“I think it’s going to be a real jump-off point for the overall development of the park and the attraction that it is going to have for the community itself,” Larry Harmer, Buckeye planning and zoning manager

Not only will Skyline Regional Park offer numerous recreational opportunities, but it will also preserve the pristine desert. The Bureau of Land Management and Buckeye have reached an agreement to allow Buckeye to develop on a maximum of 73 acres, as the area is home to the endangered Sonoran Desert Tortoise. 15 acres will be used to develop new trails, while 48 acres will be used for park attractions in the Watson Road area. Right now, it’s unclear whether or not off-road vehicles will be permitted in the park; however, the Arizona Off Highway Vehicle Coalition is advocating for rock-crawling.

Ideally located near northern Watson Road and the White Tank Mountains Regional Park, the Skyline Regional Park will offer recreational opportunities that will be a great benefit to residents of nearby communities, including the master-planned communities Verrado and Tartesso, as well as Buckeye. Skyline Regional Park will make the surrounding areas highly desirable due to its opportunities and accessibility.

Mortgage Default Rates on the Rise

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:26:43 -0800

When you fail to make several payments on your mortgage, your loan is considered to be in default. According to S&P Dow Jones/Experian, mortgage defaults are on the rise nationwide. New information shows an alarming trend among mortgage default rates and a consumer’s overall debt. Consumer debt has increased for three consecutive months since December, reaching 1.72 percent.

"The national composite rate was 1.72% in December, eight basis points above the November rate and 26 basis points above September’s post-recession low," said David M. Blitzer, managing director and chairman of the index committee for S&P Dow Jones Indices. "It was primarily driven by the first mortgage rate at 1.68% in December, ten basis points above the previous month's rate and 32 basis points above September's post-recession low."

The trend of mortgage default rates rising has many anxious to avoid falling into a mortgage default. There are a number of things you can do to help avoid a home mortgage default.

When you begin to experience a financial difficulty that may harm your mortgage, act quickly to develop a solution. Don’t wait until it’s too late to begin working on the problem. Put a plan of action into place to avoid mortgage default before you’ve missed your 2nd or 3rd payment.

Let your lender know about the hardship you’re going though by writing a hardship letter. You need to include specifics about the cause of your delinquency, including dates and time frame.

Also, to avoid home mortgage default, work with the lender to find a solution that works for both parties. You may be able to extend the repayment period and track your missed payments onto the back of your loan.

Most importantly of all, don’t just give up and walk away. Foreclosure or a short sale may not be your only options and should only be used as last resorts. Research your options carefully after you’ve suffered a home mortgage default. By taking the time to work out a solution before it’s too late, you’re more likely to keep your home and avoid a tarnish on your credit score.

What are the Advantages of a Short Sale?

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:33:09 -0800

When facing foreclosure, a short sale is often the best option, which does have a few advantages. If you owe more on your home than it’s worth and you really can’t wait for your property value to rise, the benefits of a short sale may just be what you need to recover from your financial burden. The advantages of a short sale include a shorter wait time, possibly less damage to your credit score and protecting your psychological comfort.

When you choose to short sale, you may be able to buy another home even though the information remains available to creditors for up to seven years. The short sale will appear on your credit report as a debt that was discharged, but hasn’t been paid in full. As a result, you’re more likely to qualify for a new home sooner than if your home was foreclosed. For example, Fannie Mae regulations state you can become eligible for a home purchase after only 2 years, when compared to 5 years that occurs with a foreclosure. Plus, lenders are more favorable to those who have gone through a short sale instead of a foreclosure. One short sale advantage is that is shows you at least made an effort to pay off the debt instead of giving up. A short sale gives you a little more credibility.

You will also be more likely to buy a home sooner after a short sale as there’s possibly less damage to your credit score. Although there’s debate about the subject, your credit score will be based on your history of timely payments, so try to stay current on your mortgage until after the short sale. If you miss payments or are late, it will certainly drive down your credit score.

Trying to remain current with your payments when facing the loss of your home is hard. The loss of your home carries a high level of moral and social stigma, which may influence your happiness. However, a short sale can provide you with a little more satisfaction as you didn’t just walk away from your financial responsibility.

A short sale isn’t easy, no matter how many benefits of a short sale you might receive. When facing the loss of your home, you need to consider all of your options, including the advantages of a short sale. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of a short sale, contact Steve Larson today.

Is Home Ownership Losing Its Appeal?

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:52:30 -0800

With the state of the real estate market over the past few years, many are wondering if home ownership is losing its appeal? According to the Census Bureau, the rate of home ownership fell over the last decade by the largest decrease since the Great Depression. However, even with the decline, the number of Americans who own their homes remains the second highest on record. With these contradictory results, is owning a home still appealing? Are Americans still attracted to the benefits of owning a home?

"People's perceptions of likely future home prices have been altered in a negative fashion," says Thomas Lawler, an independent housing economist in Leesburg, Va. "People buy a home not just to live in but because it's an investment. Combine that with a lousy economy and it becomes a lot harder in today's world to qualify for a mortgage to buy a home than to qualify to rent one for the next year."

Despite the low interest rates as home prices continue to fluctuate and the state of labor markets, many people just aren’t interested in purchasing a home right now. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year fixed loan rates fell below 4 percent for the first time, but many Americans remain hesitant to consider owning a home as economic times remain tough.

"We've been renting because it's affordable," says Ms. Caswell, an executive assistant at an ambulance company. "We're like the rest of the country, living paycheck to paycheck. The majority of the time, we just feel like we are playing catch-up."

Unfortunately, cases like Ms. Caswell’s aren’t unique, which is why the rate of home ownership may have declined by 65 percent from 2000 to 2010. This doesn’t necessarily mean the American Dream has disappeared. Some areas of the Nation have high rates of home ownership, such as in Sumter County, Fla.

Although many Americans don’t see the benefits of home ownership at the present time, there are still many who are in the market to purchase a home due to the low interest rates, large inventory and discounted home prices. In fact, a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors involving 1,209 adults indicates 77 percent say purchasing a home is a good financial decision.

Where do you stand on the benefits of home ownership? Is owning a home losing its appeal?

Best Places to Live in Arizona

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:51:29 -0800

Recently, AreaVibes released a list of the top cities in Arizona that are the most desirable neighborhoods for livability, employment, education, housing, weather and more. Among the best places to live in Arizona include: Litchfield Park, Carefree, Gold Camp, Queen Creek and Gilbert.

Litchfield Park
Coming in at number 1 for the top cities in Arizona is Litchfield Park, with a livability score of 87. Litchfield Park, AZ has exceptional livability with many top amenities, low crime, high education, ideal employment and housing, great weather and a decent cost of living. With a population of over 5,000, and a median house value of $336,100, Litchfield Park is the perfect place to raise a family, with a 96 percent high school graduation rate and 80 percent lower crime than other Arizona cities.

Carefree
Carefree is one of the best places to live in Arizona, with a great livability score of 86 as amenities are close and crime, education, employment, housing and weather are next to perfect. Although the cost of living is 28 percent higher than other cities in Arizona, crime rates are 84 percent lower than the Arizona average. With a median home value of $798,900, it’s the perfect place to raise a family.

Gold Camp
Gold Camp reigns number 3 for the top cities in Arizona due to its exceptional livability. Although local amenities are fewer, the city has almost perfect cost of living, crime, education, employment, housing and weather. With an average summer temperature of 91 degrees and a crime rate 67 percent lower than the Arizona average, Gold Camp is the perfect location for those who enjoy a wonderful community, great weather and security.

Queen Creek
Queen Creek is the ideal location for those looking for an area with a great cost of living, low crime, ideal employment, housing opportunities and exceptional weather. With a median home price of $319,600 and a population of 26,361, you’ll love the sunny and warm weather in Queen Creek. Many accommodations and amenities are located just a short drive away when residing in this city.

Gilbert
Rated number 5 as one of the best places to live in Arizona is Gilbert. With a growing population of over 208,453, this area maintains 49 percent lower crime than other cities in Arizona. The median household income in the area is just under $80,000 with the median home value resting at $298,400-- offering perfect housing and employment.

If you’re looking for one of the top cities to live in, look no further. The best places to live can be found right here in Arizona!

Is Now a Good Time to Sell a House?

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 18:14:36 -0800

For the past 7 years, it has been considered to be a home buyers market. But, with the rising home prices and decreased inventory, many are wondering-- is now a good time to sell a house? According to CoreLogic, a real estate analytics company, national home prices increased by over 8 percent in December when compared to the same time period the previous year. It was the largest increase since 2006, which is good news if you want to sell a house.

Should I Sell My House?
Home sellers have been stranded on the sidelines for the past few years, but many home sellers are now taking the plunge to put their home on the market. In fact, a new survey released by Fannie Mae indicates one in four homeowners say now is a good time to sell your house.

"You will unambiguously see more people test the water," says Thomas Lawler, an independent housing economist in Leesburg, Va.

If you factor in local market conditions and recent sale prices before placing your home for sale, you’re more likely to find a buyer. Although housing trends are varying by region, buyer activity generally peaks around March or April, with seller listings peaking in July.

Chief economist at Trulia.com, Jed Kolko says, “Most sellers would be better off if they pushed the process up a couple of months.”

It’s best to sell your home now as the supply of homes for sale and mortgage rates are likely to jump over the next few months, increasing your competition when selling your home. However, if you sell your house now, don’t expect to make a killing. Even after recent gains with home prices, they are still 27 percent below the 2006 highs, according to CoreLogic.

Many home sellers are selling now because they are looking to buy a more expensive home at a discount. As Craig Beggins, president of Century 21 Beggins Enterprise in Tampa Bay, Fla. states, "The only reason I would sell today is if I wanted something more than I currently have,"

Despite whether or not you’re looking to upgrade to a more expensive home, there are fewer existing homes on the market right now. According to the National Association of Realtors, there were 1.74 million fewer homes on the market in January when compared to the previous year-- meaning there’s less competition for you. Plus, houses are selling faster.

If you’re considering selling your home, call Steve Larson today to discuss your options.

Tips for Buying a Residential Investment Property

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:51:06 -0800

If you’re considering buying your first residential investment property, now is the perfect time to do it. When looking for investment properties, you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal that will pay off, but how do you know which property is best? How do you determine if a property is a good investment property? Here are some tips to help you determine the best residential investment property.

Location is Everything
When searching for an investment property, the location you pick means everything. You want to invest in an area that’s the best you can afford. Why? The location you pick will determine the tenants you’ll attract, as well as the amount you can charge to rent your residential investment property. Desirable locations are more likely to appreciate overtime and aren’t as likely to suffer as much from the ups and downs of the real estate market.

Look to the Future
When looking at investment properties, think about long-term ownership. By doing so, your rental income will be a nice complement to your everyday job. Don’t purchase an investment property just to turn around and flip it. Hold onto the property until the market has fully stabilized before selling.

Know What You’re Getting Into
Be sure to look at the property for what it really is. Look past the old paint and worn carpet to see the potential a property possess. But, be careful of major expenses. Cosmetic fixes are a small price to pay when compared to new plumbing, roofing and electrical. When renovating your residential investment property, only hire skilled workers because you don’t want to end up paying for a job that wasn’t conducted correctly the first time.

Cost of Ownership
When purchasing an investment property, you’ll need to calculate all of the costs of ownership, not just the monthly mortgage payments. Take into account the insurance, taxes, maintenance, utilities, repairs and vacancies to make sure you aren’t getting in over your head.

When purchasing an investment property, you’ll need to read your rights as a landlord and screen your tenants carefully. Don’t forget to look into the tax benefits you may receive from owning an investment property as well. Be sure to consider all of your options when looking at investment properties. If you’d like to learn more about a residential investment property, contact Steve Larson today.

Living in Phoenix, Arizona

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:41:23 -0800

Life in Phoenix, Arizona offers great weather year round, a vibrant community and the top accommodations all in one place. The Phoenix Metropolitan area consists of several cities, including Glendale, Tempe, Buckeye, Mesa, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Sun City and many more-- all within Maricopa County. As the Nation’s second fastest growing state, with more than 4.2 million people, there’s amble opportunities offered when living in Phoenix.

Life in Phoenix is full of things to do as the area covers nearly 1,000 square miles. With more than 180 private and public golf courses, 67 man-made and natural lakes, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Opera Company and more than 30 museums, there’s always something to do when living in Phoenix.

If you’re considering residing in the Phoenix Metro area, there are an abundance of housing options. As of 2011, the median new home price in the Phoenix Metro area was $225,000, with a median resale home price of $103,000. The average home in the Phoenix Metro area sells for $143,358 as of 2011.

Not only is Phoenix, Arizona home to affordable housing, but a wonderful lifestyle due to the exceptional weather and the availability and quality of arts and culture-- ranking 5th in the Nation. With an average rainfall of less than 8 inches annually and more than 300 sunny days per year, whether you’re working, playing or living in Phoenix, it’s the ideal place to be.

The Phoenix Metro area is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes and the Phoenix Suns. Seven Major League Baseball Teams hold their Spring training in Phoenix, Arizona too, including the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs.

Extending over 80 miles east to west and 40 miles north to south, there’s a variety of nature surrounding every area of Phoenix Metro, each offering adventure. Life in Phoenix is full of wonder and natural beauty as there are numerous mountains, plains, lakes and rivers for you to explore while living in Phoenix.

No matter where you choose to live in Phoenix Metro-- Buckeye, Avondale, Gilbert, Mesa, Surprise, Paradise Valley and more-- you’ll love the community and lifestyle the area has to offer.

To learn more about residing in one of the Phoenix Metro areas, give Steven Larson a call to discuss your options.

What are short sales?

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:45:18 -0800

When a homeowner struggles with financial difficulties and is no long able to afford their mortgage payments, they often face foreclosure. Foreclosure destroys credit and often causes a homeowner embarrassment as their home is stripped away. When facing bankruptcy or foreclosure, there may be another option-- short sales. A short sale in real estate may save the homeowner from going through a foreclosure, but it isn’t always a pleasant event.

What are short sales?
A short sale is an opportunity some homeowners use when the lenders they have borrowed from provide an option of selling their home to a third party, which is usually the lender. The home is sold at a significantly lower price than what is still owed on the home loan. When a homeowner wants to avoid foreclosure, the approval from the lender to short sale allows the opportunity to sell their home at a very low rate, which may not be the best option when compared to foreclosure.

A short sale in real estate is often complex, and there are a few reasons why a lender may be willing to approve a short sale. The main reason a lender approves a short sale is because it will cost less than a home foreclosure. Short sales allow lenders to recover at least part of what they would end up losing should the home fall into foreclosure.

There are a couple of different options that are often offered when a short sale is obtainable-- a deficiency judgment and a payment in full without pursuit of deficiency judgment. With a deficiency judgment, the homeowner remains liable to pay the difference between the short sale and the balance of their mortgage loan. The deficiency judgment will remain on the homeowner’s credit report until the remaining balance has been paid, which often takes many years.

A payment in full without pursuit of deficiency judgment is the most popular choice as the homeowner isn’t required to pay any money after the short sale. They can walk away obligation free upon short selling their home.

Although a short sale in real estate may seem like the easy way out when facing foreclosure, there are certain drawbacks to short sales and it may not be the best option for everyone. If you’d like more information about the benefits and risks of a short sale, contact Steven Larson today.

Is now the time to purchase an investment property?

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:07:54 -0800

As home prices and interest rates are the lowest in years, many property investors are wondering if now is the time to purchase an investment property? According to the experts, now is the perfect time to purchase investment properties. Purchasing an investment property right now is ideal because, not only are home prices and interest rates low, but there are a surplus of houses to choose from. As the real-estate market begins to recover, rental property experts recommend you act fast to purchase your investment property before home prices and interest rates begin to climb.

"We haven't seen home prices this low in so many years, coupled with the rates being so low," says Jill Sjolin, an agent with Windermere Real Estate in Woodinville, Wash., specializing in investment properties. "When the money is cheap to borrow and the houses are cheap to buy, it's absolutely the best time to invest."

Investment properties are extremely attractive as there are many distressed sellers who are selling their homes at deeply discounted prices. With a wide selection of homes for sale and foreclosures, it’s a buyers market. The historically low financing costs, combined with the abundance of low priced houses offer the perfect opportunity to buy that investment property you’ve been wanting.

Although, no one can say for sure whether or not the real-estate market is fully recovering, it has bottomed-out. While home prices and interest rates continue to fluctuate, it’s certain rates will never be this low again in the near future. By purchasing your investment property now, when the market does recover, you could quite possibly be sitting on a huge profit.

As J. Paul Getty said, "Buy when everyone else is selling and hold when everyone else is buying."

Even as the current time is considered to be a buyer’s market, there’s still little competition as there are an abundance of properties to choose from. By purchasing an investment property now, you’ll stay ahead of the competition as the demand for homes has yet to spike.

When purchasing investment properties, be prepared as you’re going to be competing with like-minded people looking for speedy wins. Therefore, be patient. If you don’t find what you’re looking for right away, the perfect investment property is out there. Stay focused on your targeted property and don’t compromise with a distressed property.

If you’re interested in learning more about purchasing an investment property, contact Steven Larson.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:28:11 -0800

According to a recent report in Forbes, 98 percent of people who rent hope to buy a home in the future. With the current housing market and the state of the economy, many are wondering-- is now a good time to buy a home? As the housing market begins to recover, there’s a greater confidence in purchasing a home as interest rates and prices are lower than they have been in years. With the economy growing stronger, this is good news for consumers and home builders. If you’re qualified to buy a new home and it makes sense financially, there are 4 very good reasons to seriously consider purchasing a new home.

1. Affordability

The National Association of Realtors reports houses are more affordable now than when the group originated in 1970, according to the housing affordability index. The housing affordability index involves the relationship between mortgage interest rates, family income and home prices-- all indicating, now is a good time to buy a house.

2. Large Inventory

Although right now may not necessarily be a seller’s market, there are many new homes, existing homes and foreclosures to choose from when purchasing a home. The large selection provides more choices, which helps lower prices due to stiff competition. As home sellers become desperate to sell their home, home buyers can take advantage of the situation by buying a new home for a great price.

3. Low Mortgage Rates

Not only are home prices affordable right now, but mortgage rates-- providing low monthly payments. Recently, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit a level that hasn’t been seen in decades. Although the low mortgage rates and housing prices are appealing, lenders till require good credit and background information prior to approval.

4. Builder Discounts

Many people interested in purchasing a home think completed new homes are just out of the question due to cost. But, this isn’t necessarily the case. Home builders have become quite aggressive with their pricing, offering steep discounts.

"Builders want to save their credit, save their brand, save their reputation and clear out inventory," says Jay Papasan, author of Your First Home.

Is now a good time to buy a house? Yes, if it makes financial sense. As the economy and housing prices recover, home prices and interest rates will increase as well. If you wait to buy a new home, you’re likely to end up with less for your money than if you begin buying a new home today.

If you’re interested in learning more about purchasing a home, give Steven Larson a call today!

The Best Realtor in Buckeye Arizona Can Make All The Difference

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:13:02 -0700

There are many available options for first time buyers in Buckeye Arizona. Trying to navigate your way through them can feel even more overwhelming when you have never done so before. Working with a Buckeye real estate broker can make your task less difficult.

Deciding on the best realtor provides a benefit when looking for your next home. Having the ability to use their professional contacts, knowledge and experience of the local market, and also their advice and feedback can certainly make short work of your next search. Finding the right professional would be the first step you take while looking for the perfect property.

Taking your time to search through all of your available options for Buckeye Arizona real estate agents may feel as an extra step on your pursuit. However, there aren't many other real estate decisions which can have this kind of sweeping effect on the end result. With the right agent at your side you may find yourself looking at the market in a totally new way.

Going it alone with your next search is always a possibility but without a proper real estate broker to show you the way you might just be wasting your efforts. Having to duplicate the time and effort to look for and schedule a house viewing can be slowing you down in the long run. Making the most of the right professional will help make viewing, touring, and then finally bidding for the right house much simpler for you personally.

Because of so many facets in the real estate market it may be a real challenge to obtain the most from your quest without the help of the best real estate broker. Finding and choosing the realtor in Buckeye that is best for your ought to be the 1st step in every search.

Enjoying Buckeye AZ

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:43:03 -0700

One of the true pleasures of living in Buckeye are the mountains and the wildlife. Usually everyday I take break from from my Buckeye Real Estate duties and go for a short hike in the surrounding mountains of Buckeye. A few days ago I observed some Javelinas and was fortunate to get some great pictures. These pictures were taken only five minutes from my home next to the Sundance neighborhood.

Professional Realtors in Buckeye

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:20:33 -0800

Using the helpful guidance of a professional and resourceful, yet accessible Buckeye Realtor is highly recommended and beneficial for anyone seeking to purchase or looking to even lease out Real Estate property in Buckeye, Arizona as they can assist you through the process in many ways, and some ways you may not expect!

Save Time, Money & Stress By Way Of Buckeye Realtors

Locating the perfect home, that suit your individual needs and desires for a home, as well as your budget is a priority, as is a much easier and less stressful process with the assistance of Buckeye Realtors! It can be a difficult task to manage and understand all of the required documents involved in buying or leasing a home, and the a top goal of Buckeye Realtors is to create a smoother, even enjoyable experience, as well ensure all is done in your very best interest!

Properties Available Through Buckeye Realtors

There are a large array of property types, and Real Estate opportunities locates throughout many different kinds of great communities found in Buckeye, Arizona. Through the assistance, and implemented experience and knowledge of Buckeye Realtors, determining what you are looking for, as well as your budget will help narrow down the extensive search for you, as well as allow you really inspect the options that suit you best! Equestrian properties with large land, barns, and amenities that benefit you and your horses lifestyle including misting systems, are offered, as well as cute, quiet cottages located near the mountains and amongst the natural desert. Single family homes perfect for first time buyers or people looking for second homes, and can be found with the help of a local Buckeye Realtor. Larger elegantly designed homes in master planned neighborhoods, as well a excellent and affordable fixer-upper project homes, that make for great investments can be found in plenty! For more information on locating the home or property for you using Buckeye Real Estate Agent, give us a call today at (623)271-0011!

Commercial Real Estate In Buckeye

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:24:51 -0800

Commercial Real Estate In Buckeye

If you are looking to purchase, rent out or even make a financial investment by buying commercial real estate in Buckeye, there is plenty to offer in many different types of neighborhoods and communities throughout Buckeye, Arizona!

Buckeye Commercial Real Estate Property

Finding the right kind of property in an area you desire is easily done with our real estate listings, as there is number of great communities as well as types of commercial real estate in Buckeye to choose from at an affordable price, including rental property including homes and apartments, as well as real estate that would be an excellent start for your business or even extensions or additions to your current businesses. Choose from commercial real estate properties for purchase or lease throughout Buckeye, in small quiet neighborhoods as well in master planned communities. Office building space available for your business to flourish, as well as other great properties available for purchase or lease, whether you'd like it in town, or nestled in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains with the beautiful natural desert scenery, and even properties with excellent nearby shopping opportunities, in addition to the hustle and bustle of Phoenix only being 35 miles away!

Locating Commercial Real Estate In Buckeye

It can be a difficult task to locate the kind of commercial real estate you are looking for, but with the wide variety of properties to purchase and lease in Buckeye, you are certain to find something that fits your needs, within your budget. Having the assistance from a knowledgeable real estate agent can also be beneficial in finding exactly what you need, as they often have access or knowledge to commercial real estate that aren't listed. Buckeye real estate agents can also assist you with purchasing or leasing the property, as well as helping you fill out and complete any necessary paperwork and requirements free of charge, as they get paid from the property owner as the purchase is made! Check out the unique and plentiful real estate listings for excellent and affordable commercial real estate in Buckeye!

Purchasing Buckeye Real Estate

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:11:09 -0800

Purchasing Buckeye Real Estate

If you are considering purchasing real estate in Buckeye Arizona, it's advisable to consider the services of an informed real estate agent, as they can present you with a plethora of options for many different kinds of property, including properties that may not be listed!

Your Real Estate Needs

Determining your specific needs and wishes when it comes to purchasing homes in Buckeye, whether it's your first home, or an investment purchase, it is possible to find the perfect home or property for you, within your budget! There are a wide variety of homes and other properties available in beautiful Buckeye, Arizona, that can suit or conform to your specific desires and needs, whether it's extra space, financial budget, or perhaps horse friendly property! There are many single family, one and two story homes available in Buckeye, featuring many different amenities such as private pools, spacious rooms, large and small yards, as well as equine property for horse owners. These homes and other properties are located all throughout Buckeye, in excellent neighborhoods featuring great schools, highway access, fantastic shopping areas, as well as lovely homes settled in the foothills of the gorgeous White Tank Mountain range, allowing you to fully take advantage of your beautiful natural desert surroundings, which is perfect for active people!

Buckeye Real Estate Broker

An experienced and professional Buckeye real estate broker is extremely beneficial to helping you find the home or property you seek, as well as offering you useful assistance in filling out paperwork, negotiating costs, as well as other fantastic services. Typically these services are gratis, until you purchase the home, in which case the real estate broker would be paid a percentage of the total, through the seller. Real estate brokers in Buckeye Arizona know the area well, and can offer you options that are publicly listed, as well as listings that aren't public. Real estate in Buckeye has a lot to offer anyone, and certainly has homes and properties to suit any real estate need! Contact Buckeye real estate for further information on the options beautiful Buckeye, Arizona has to offer you!

Finding The Right Property For You

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:49 -0800

Finding The Right Property For You

It can be a stressful task to find the right home or property for you and your family, within your budget, that fits your requirements, but with the abundance of gorgeous homes and properties available for purchase and lease in Buckeye, Arizona, we are certain you will find something you love!

Real Estate Opportunities In Buckeye, Arizona

There are many excellent options of homes for sale in Buckeye, whether it is your very first home or you are looking to purchase an investment home, or fixer-upper home as a personal project or business project to resell. Buckeye Real Estate offers hundreds of listings of inexpensive homes of all varieties, including one and two story homes, as well as small cottage style properties to elegant homes in completely master planned communities!

There is something for everyone when it comes to Buckeye Real Estate, including short sales and foreclosure homes, that are inexpensive but feature many of the same amenities as new homes! All of our homes and properties offer fabulous features outside the home, including safe and friendly neighborhoods, wonderful schools as well as great shopping areas!!

Features of Buckeye Real Estate

Located only 35 miles from the excitement of the city of Phoenix, you can enjoy all of the perks of living in a rural area, without losing the in-town feel. The city of Buckeye offers an amazing sense of community, with it's friendly residents, as well as festivities that bring the whole town together, like the Fourth of July Festival, including fireworks! The natural, beautiful desert environment caters to people who love the outdoors and being active, as well as people who just want to have a lovely view from their own home!

With all of the benefits and options of properties that Buckeye can provide, we are certain you will find something that suits your requirements! Our helpful Buckeye Arizona Real Estate Agents will take the time to learn your specific needs, and help you find the perfect home! For more information about Buckeye Real Estate, contact us today!

Variety of Property in Buckeye

steven larson (REALTY EXECUTIVES) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:43:00 -0800

There is a vast array of different types of real estate offered to you for purchase or lease in the Buckeye area that fit any need and desire, ranging from smaller one story homes and building up to exquisitely designed homes, built by the best, and organized in wonderful master planned communities throughout Buckeye! Our professional Buckeye real estate agents can help you through the process of finding the perfect home or property for you and your family!

One and two story homes in Buckeye can offer three to four bedrooms, in different layouts and floor plans. These affordable homes can be found in our real estate listings and shown to you as well! Aside from design, our variety of three and four bedroom homes that also vary in size, and neighborhood, including Verrado, Sundance and Westpark to name a few with different amenities offered for each home such as multiple master suites, swimming pools, gourmet kitchens, and split floor plans. The spacious living areas offer great places to host guests, whether it's family or friends!

Equestrian property and real estate listings are also offered to the residents of Buckeye, allowing for them and their horse or horses to live comfortably, with the extra room they need. Some of the equestrian property listings offer stables, or barns, as well as more acreage. Certain parts of the community are incredibly horse friendly, providing washing and misting stations for your horse, as well as training areas to keep your horse in top shape!

Along with our horse friendly property, we also offer homes and listings that cater to the active lifestyle, ranging from small yet cozy cottages, to elegant, featured homes in the best master planned communities, and allow you to revel in the beauty of the great outdoors and natural desert scenery in Buckeye. Some of these properties are also found nestled in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains, as well as throughout Buckeye in many different communities. Buckeye Real Estate has a lot to offer to promote a happy future for any individual or a whole family! Check out our listings and contact our knowledgeable Buckeye realtors for more information on listed properties and showings!