Prescott's Best Homes Real Estate Blog

March 9, 2023

Removing Mortgage Fear

 

Many potential buyers put off the home-buying process because of the uncertainty of the real estate market and the fear of the steps involved in qualifying for a mortgage. However, it doesn't have to be daunting. Below we have broken down what you'll need to qualify to purchase a home and easy steps you can follow to apply.

 

To qualify in today's market, you'll need the following:

 

  1. A Down Payment: The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the median down payment is 13% of the home's price, while the median down payment for first-time homebuyers is 7%. Programs are also available to put less or no money down.
  2. Good Credit: You'll need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a conventional loan. If your score is below that, you may still be able to get an FHA loan, which requires a minimum credit score of 580.
  3. Income and Employment History: Lenders want to see steady employment history and income. They may require documentation such as W2s, tax returns, and pay stubs. 

 

If you are ready to apply, here are five easy steps you can follow:

 

  1. Find out your current credit history and credit score. This can be easily done by requesting a free credit report.
  2. Gather your documentation. This includes income verification (such as W-2 forms or tax returns), credit history, and assets (such as bank statements to verify savings).
  3. Contact a real estate professional. A real estate professional will help guide you through the home-buying process and can put you in touch with a mortgage lender. 
  4. Consult with your lender. Your lender can help you determine how much you can afford and what type of loan is best for you.
  5. Get pre-approval. A pre-approval letter estimates what you might be able to borrow (provided your financial status doesn't change) and demonstrates to home sellers that you're serious about buying.

 

With these steps, you can ease your way into the mortgage process and be on your way to owning your dream home. Do your research, reach out to professionals, stick to your budget, and be sure you're ready to take on the financial responsibilities of becoming a homeowner.

 

About John Gorden

John Gorden with Better Homes and Garden BloomTree Realty is your Realtor (and ex-Southern Californian). John has specialized knowledge of the greater Prescott area's diverse communities.

John's Real Estate education has taken him through residential and Commercial Real Estate transactions. Trained as an Accredited Buyers Representative with the National Association of Realtors, this ABR designation lets him share positive insights with Buyers regarding the potential purchase of Real Estate. In addition, John holds a CNE, a Certified Negotiation Expert by the National Association of Realtors. On the commercial side, John has a CCSS "Certified Commercial Sales Specialist" awarded by the commercial Real Estate Institute.

Recently John earned a certification as a Retirement and Second Home Specialist, helping buyers find suitable properties during the retirement or Second Home process. All these designations and certifications show hundreds of hours of ongoing training that make John a valuable asset when representing you in either a buying or seller environment.

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Buying a Home
Feb. 13, 2023

Ideas to Free up your Kitchen Space

Kitchen Storage

 

 

Have you ever heard the saying, "the kitchen is the heart of the home?" If that's true, then it is more accurate to say that the kitchen is the powerhouse of your home. From hosting birthday parties and holiday dinners to enjoying casual lunches with family members, a thoughtfully designed kitchen can help bring your dream home alive. And while this space may require a significant investment upfront, in terms of both time and money, its benefits will quickly become evident when looking at the potential return on investment. Below we compiled a few tips and advice on creating an impressive kitchen oasis.

 

Did you know that the kitchen is the most expensive room in your home to renovate? An article by Master Remodelers states that in upscale kitchen remodels in Pittsburgh, homeowners spend around $128,000. That's a significant investment that isn't always an option for most homeowners.  

 

So, what's the solution? Does revamping your kitchen require a total renovation? Not always. Fortunately, I have some kitchen hacks to open up your kitchen without you having to do a complete makeover that will not require you to spend thousands of dollars. 

 

Hack #1: Hang it high. With an appropriately-installed ceiling rack, long-handled pots, pans, and other utensils can be hung high, making them easily accessible. Use your longest-handled pan as a guide and install a hanging rack high enough above your head.

 

Hack #2: Play all the angles. Pay attention to the unutilized space in the corners. Typically, you will find a chunky wooden knife block tucked into these corners. Consider installing corner shelving or even placing a magnetic knife strip near a convenient corner.

 

Hack #3: Shelve it for later. Counters and cabinets don't have to do all of the storage work. Nesting shelving in windows or even on the surrounding backsplash and walls can be a great solution. 

 

Hack #4: Save the sink space. Seldom are you using the sink while prepping veggies, so why not get a large cutting board and lay it across the surface? This way, you turn a sink into a temporary counter.

 

Hack #5: See the studs. Open up a wall or two in your kitchen to access the recessed space between studs. Subdividing this space with shelves or hanging hooks can be a space saver. Properly finished, these shelves add creativity and simultaneously serve the valuable purpose of creating storage.

 

Hack #6: Jar it up! Take a mason jar lid and screw it to the underside of an existing shelf or overhang. Now, put items in the mason jar and screw the jar into the lid. Bingo! New hanging storage.

 

These are just a few ideas to help you make the most of your kitchen space. If you're ready to move to a larger kitchen or want to talk about ways to remodel your current one, we'd love to chat. Our team can help you find the perfect home for sale with the ideal layout and amenities for your needs. Give me a call today, and let's get started!

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

 

Posted in Home Maintenance
Jan. 12, 2023

Buyer Beware: 3 Home Buying Misconceptions

3 Big Myths About Home Shopping

 

There are numerous rollercoasters in life, and buying a home can be one of them. But, when done correctly, the 'real estate rollercoaster' doesn't need to be terrifying. Instead, a real estate transaction should resemble riding the gentle curvy track at the carnival.  

 

There are myths about the home shopping experience that I like to educate my clients about when it comes to buying a home. As a realtor, my goal is to save pain and stress for both the buyer and seller. I strive to make the home-buying process end with a smooth transaction and skip the scary ride. The tips below, plus several other tools I have up my sleeve, will help you make a successful home purchase.

  

Myth #1: "That house has been on the market so long I bet we can easily work the seller down."

 

Maybe, but not necessarily. Days On the Market, abbreviated as DOM, is the time between listing a home on the MLS and the date it is sold or removed from the market. In Prescott, a house is currently on the market for an average of 72 days. There were times in the past when the average days on the market were much lower and when it was a little higher. A home on the market for 100 days isn't necessarily going to go for a 'bargain' just because of the days on the market. Exceptionally high days on the market could mean almost anything. The seller could be unrealistic about their price. Alternatively, the seller may not be particularly motivated to sell for emotional or other personal reasons. At this point, the experience and training of your realtor are beneficial to a successful transaction.

 

Myth #2: "I want to look at foreclosed homes because they're a real bargain and the banks need to unload them."

 

Unfortunately, there are several reasons a home may arrive in foreclosure. It could be a death in the family, illness, or divorce. Once the house is in the hands of the banks, the rules of negotiation change. It may be challenging to determine why a bank rejects an offer for a foreclosed or distressed property. 

Financials can cause rejection, which seems counterintuitive. Many distressed sale transactions can be longer and more stressful than regular sales. If you are looking for a bargain or a fixer-upper, contact me. I can set up a personalized search that will alert you when inventory that meets your criteria becomes available.

 

 

Myth #3: "I liked this house a lot, but with this market, I bet it will still be there if I decide to buy it."

 

It is excruciating to see a client fall in love with a home but fail to make a move to purchase that home. If you fall in love with it, someone else will likely fall in love with it as well. Just because a property has been on the market for a little while doesn't mean it will stay on the market. If you don't make an offer on a home, are you comfortable losing this home?

 

My job as an agent is to represent your interests and do my best to protect you along the way. If you're pursuing a home purchase soon, please get in touch with me today at (928) 308-0101. There are many other ways I can lower your stress and help you find a great home.

 

Prescott Valley Homes For Sale

 

Prescott Homes For Sale

Posted in Selling Your Home
Dec. 15, 2022

Tips to Sell Your Home Faster

 

Ways to Sell Your House Faster

When selling your house, there are a few key things you can prioritize to have the most significant impact for a faster sale:

 

1. Make Buyers Feel at Home

 

Declutter your home! Pack away all personal items like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. Removing these items will make buyers feel like they belong in the house. According to the 2019 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors, "83% of buyer's agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home."

 

Not only will your house spend less time on the market, but the same report mentioned that "One-quarter of buyers' agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered between 1 – 5%, compared to other similar homes on the market that were not staged."

 

If you don't have time or the budget to stage the entire house, the four rooms you should focus on are the Living Room, Kitchen, Master Bedroom, and Dining Room. The kitchen should appear decluttered and functional, and the living room should have the accessories kept to a minimum. For example, for the dining room, make sure the dining table is the right size and the paint is light and bright. For the master bedroom, ensure all the clothing is appropriately hung and remove unnecessary furniture.

 

2. Keep It Organized

 

Since you took the time to declutter, keep it organized. Before buyers arrive, pick up toys, make the bed, clear off the fridge, toss the newspapers, and put away clean dishes. As mentioned above, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to stage to attract more buyers. Put out a scented candle or some cookies fresh from the oven. Buyers will remember the smell of your home.

 

3. Price It Right

 

More inventory coming into the market guarantees there will be some competition. You want to make sure your home gets noticed. A key to selling your house is ensuring it is Priced to Sell Immediately (PTSI). Proper pricing means you'll drive more traffic to your property and ultimately create more interest in your home.

Realtors have valuable resources available to help find the right selling price; this is one of the many benefits of using a realtor.

 

4. Give Buyers Full Access

 

We all have busy lives, but access is one of the top four elements when selling your home. If your home is available anytime, that opens up more opportunities to find a buyer. For some buyers, especially those relocating, time is limited. If they cannot get into the house, they will move on to the next one. Let's chat about how we can make your home accessible.

 

Bottom Line

 

If you want to sell your home, in the least amount of time, at the best price, and with as little hassle as possible, you need to enlist the help of a seasoned real estate professional. Let's connect today to determine what you need to do to sell your home as quickly as possible.

 

 

Posted in Selling Your Home
Nov. 14, 2022

What Makes a Real Estate Agent "Great"

 

When purchasing a home, there are many things to consider, such as location, price, and size. A qualified realtor can help you find the right home for your needs and budget. They can also provide advice on inspections, financing, and closing costs. When it comes time to sell your home, you want to ensure you have the best chance of getting the most money. Making the most significant profit is where having a qualified real estate agent comes in. A great realtor can help you price your home correctly and market it in a way that will entice buyers. 

 

Thousands of people have a real estate license, but essential details separate the "great" from the merely "qualified". Here’s what every great agent should promise you:

 

Available when you need them: Full-Timer Realtors work full-time for you. Those with in-depth real estate experience have graduated from the part-timer status to the ability to support themselves with their income in real estate.

 

A network of industry contacts: A great agent will have a vast network of contacts in the real estate industry, which can help sell your home or find the perfect property. A true professional is also open to working with lenders, insurance brokers, inspectors, and other companies that make you feel most comfortable. Real Estate professionals may recommend those they know and trust, which is incredibly helpful, but a great agent will never confine you to their network of associates. They’ll also let you know if someone you recommend may not meet their professional standards.

 

Honesty and integrity: A professional real estate agent is engaged, concerned, and will give you the best counsel when it comes to serving your needs. Sometimes, this advice may not be easy to hear, especially regarding pricing, budget, or repairs. An agent who doesn’t give advice may well be checked-out and giving you less-than-ideal representation.

 

In-depth knowledge of the market: A great agent will have an intimate knowledge of the market, including trends, prices, and neighborhoods. This knowledge can be vital in helping you make the right decisions about buying or selling a home.

 

Strong negotiation skills: A great agent will be a skilled negotiator, able to get you the best possible price for your home or help you find the perfect property at a fair price.

 

Strong communication skills: Communication is fundamental to a working relationship. A great agent knows that a buyer or seller may have questions and concerns that need addressing as soon as possible. Be respectful of your agent’s schedule, but you should never feel that your real estate agent is missing in action.

 

Patience: Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process. A great agent will be patient with you and help to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

 

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, it’s essential to have a qualified realtor. We can provide you with all the resources and information you need to make informed decisions about one of the most significant investments of your life. Contact me today for more information on how I can help you achieve your real estate goals.

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Selling Your Home
Oct. 11, 2022

Why Prescott is So Popular

 

 

 

There's no doubt that Prescott, Arizona, is a beautiful place. Nestled in the mountains, this northern Arizona town is truly a sight to behold. But there's more to Prescott than just its good looks. Here are four reasons why people are flocking to this vibrant community.

 

1. The Weather is Perfect

 

Prescott has the perfect climate for you, whether you're a fan of hot summers or cool winters. The average high temperature in July is only 86 degrees, while the average low in January is a chilly 27. These temperatures make Prescott an ideal place to live for people who want to avoid extreme weather conditions.

 

2. An Abundance of Outdoor Activities

 

If you love being outdoors, Prescott is the place for you. From hiking and camping to fishing, mountain biking, and golfing, there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun. And with four mild seasons, you can enjoy these activities year-round.

 

3. A Growing Arts Scene

 

Prescott is home to a growing arts community. The town offers several art galleries and a performing arts center. Prescott is also home to the annual Prescott Jazz Festival, which attracts top jazz musicians from all over the country.

 

4. A Friendly Small-Town Feel

 

Despite its growing popularity, Prescott has maintained its small-town feel. The community is close-knit and friendly, and you'll often see people enjoying the town's many shops and restaurants.

 

Popular Prescott Events

 

  1. Prescott Frontier Days: This event celebrates the city's western heritage with rodeos, concerts, and other activities. 
  2. Prescott Jazz Festival: This annual event features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.
  3. Prescott Comic Con: This pop culture event is a must-attend for comic book and cosplay fans.
  4. Prescott Fine Arts and Wine Festival: This event features wine tastings, art exhibits, and live music.
  5. Prescott Balloon Classic: This annual event is a great way to see the city from above as hot air balloons fill the sky. 

 

Things to Do in Prescott

 

In Prescott, Arizona, you will find countless activities to do, including horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, local breweries, restaurants, and shopping. Living in Downtown Prescott means living just steps from the Old Town Square, providing a feeling of nostalgia mixed with modernity. You can also find a more private and secluded lifestyle in the rolling hills of the Prescott National Forest.

The historic downtown district of Prescott is nothing short of charming. Old Town Prescott feels like it was pulled right from the Wild West, showcasing an old-fashioned town square with a beautiful historic courthouse and quaint storefronts selling new and old items. 

 

Prescott is home to Embry Riddle Aeronautical UniversityYavapai College, and Prescott College. The community has been referred to as "Everybody's Hometown" because it is a fabulous place to retire and raise a family and a great place to call "Home."

There are around 43,000 people in Prescott, and the surrounding "Quad-City" area of Dewey-Humboldt, Chino Valley, and Prescott Valley and the smaller towns of Mayer, Paulden, and Wilhoit, comprise around 103,000 people.

 

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

 

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates, and home buyers and sellers. The growing Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network includes more than 12,000 independent sales associates and approximately 360 offices serving home buyers and sellers across the U.S., Canada, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. In 1978, Meredith Corporation, one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies and publishers of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, launched the former Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service. Meredith Corporation owned and operated the company for 20 years and grew the business into a highly respected name in the real estate industry. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. 

If you're looking for a beautiful, welcoming community to call home, Prescott, Arizona, is the perfect place. You won't be disappointed! Come see why this vibrant town is so popular.

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Prescott, AZ
Sept. 14, 2022

Clever Design Upgrades to Help Sell Your Home

Home upgrades to sell your home

 

How to Make Your Home Stand Out for Less

 

If you want to sell your home, you may consider some design upgrades. After all, a fresh coat of paint or hardware can significantly affect how potential buyers view your home. But before you start spending money, it's essential to consider what will help you sell your house. Here are a few clever design upgrades to help you get the most out of your property.

 

What is it about a home that catches a buyer's eye? What makes a home "feel right"? When two homes are comparable, why will one edge the other out?

 

The difference is in the details. Small little touches will give a home a significant edge in the market. Below is a list of a few clever design upgrades that will provide your home with an overall feeling that it is of higher quality than the competition:

 

  • Custom Home Address: A custom home address plaque is a commonly overlooked upgrade by homeowners. It is an affordable killer upgrade that will add curb appeal to the home. For between $50 and $100, create the plaque to include the home's numbers and the street name spelled out. Use Pinterest to research the design that will best fit your home.  
  • Upgrade Light Switch Plates: Freshen up each room in the house by splurging a few extra bucks to swap out old switch plates. Upgrading dirty, chipped, or cheap-looking switches are a fantastic way to spruce up the look of your home. In the bathroom and kitchen, match the color of your new switch plates to the tile.  
  • New Cabinet and Drawer Hardware: Modern drawer handles work wonders in rejuvenating tired or outdated cabinets. Concentrate first on the kitchen because it is the home's central location, then look for options to upgrade the bathroom.  
  • Paint the Front Door: The front door is the first thing buyers will see. Create a welcoming environment with some extra plants, and add a fresh look by painting the front door.  
  • Dimmers in Major Rooms: Create a bright and warm environment with lighting. Utilize natural lighting by opening your blinds and updating light fixtures. A simple solution is increasing the wattage in your lamps and fixtures. On the other hand, adding dimmer switches in major rooms creates a little sense of luxury. If you're looking to install the dimmers yourself, Home Depot has a quick tutorial. Click here to view their YouTube Video.   
  • Neutral Paints: Bold paint colors can throw off potential buyers. Instead, freshen up the design of your home by sticking with light neutral wall colors. Light colors add freshness and style. 
  • Crown molding: Tasteful crown molding can make a plain room feel high-quality. The key is adding molding, which doesn't seem flashy or inappropriate given the room's size and decor. Better Homes and Gardens has a great tutorial on How To Transform a Room with Crown Molding.

 

You might not be able to quantify the exact return these clever upgrades will net you, but you can bet they will help your home stand out from sellers who won't take the time to make some simple changes. Remember, success is in the details!

 

If you are looking to sell your home, consider giving it a little refresh with these clever upgrades. These small changes can significantly impact the market and help get your house sold fast. If you want more advice or want to talk about selling your home, don't hesitate to call me – I would be happy to chat with you!

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Selling Your Home
Aug. 11, 2022

Simple Fixes Before You Sell Your Home

 

Pre-listing Home Improvements

 

When you're getting your house ready to sell, there are some easy fixes you can do to help it sell faster. Even the most minor details count, especially when buyers are looking to purchase a home. Lots of everyday wear and tear that you don't even notice can deter potential buyers. Here's my list of simple improvements you can do to help your home sell faster:  

 

Spruce Up Your Baseboards: Day-to-day wear and tear can mess up your baseboards. Repainting the baseboards after repairing scratches with putty can make the border of any room look new. Click here to view an article by Abby Lawson that gives simple steps to freshen up your baseboards.

 

Fill in Nail Holes: Part of interior repainting should be careful attention to nail holes from pictures, shelves, and other wall-mounted objects. Click here to learn about multiple DIY ways to fill in nail holes. 

 

Review the roof: Do you have missing shingles or broken tiles? Do some cleaning and spot replacement. Missing shingles could cause mold and moss to grow. 

 

Reinforce your gutters: To reduce staining, damage, and keep water off of the siding of the home, reinforcing your gutters is vital. Clean them out, dry them out, then caulk them to prevent leaks. 

  

Replace Bad Vinyl Floors: Vinyl flooring is durable and stands up to heaving foot traffic. However, when cracked or cut, it can look dingy. Along with this, a cracked vinyl floor may cause the buyer to believe that there is water damage. 

 

Carpet Cleaning: Unless your carpets are in total despair, cleaning your carpets can bring new life into your home rather than replacing them. While you can hire a professional for a reasonable fee, another option for carpeting cleaning is stopping by your local grocery store or hardware store and renting a machine.  

 

Repair Dripping Faucets: Buyers will turn faucets on and off. Therefore, before listing, you do the same. Turn on and off your faucets in the kitchen, bathroom, tubs, showers, and even outside hose bibs.  Buyers will view dripping faucets as future headaches. Call a plumber, or even consult YouTube for repair instructions. 

 

Reseal Wobbly Toilets: If the toilet bowl moves when you sit on it, there are rusted, or the bathroom floor is damp and discolored around the commode, replace the toilet or at the very least reseal it. 

  

Clean up your yard and landscaping. Pull weeds, trim bushes and trees, and add fresh mulch or flowers. First impressions matter, so make sure your yard is looking its best.

 

Give your front door a makeover. A new coat of paint or a new doormat can go a long way in giving your home a fresh look.

   

Freshen up your paint. A fresh coat of paint can brighten up any room and make it feel cleaner and inviting.

 

Make sure your home smells fresh and clean. Open the windows, light some candles, or bake some cookies before showings. Bad odors can turn off potential buyers, so make sure your home smells its best.

  

These simple tips can help your home sell faster and for a higher price. Buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes, so to be competitive make sure your home is in tip-top shape before putting it on the market.

 

After finishing these minor improvements, contact me to list your home to sell. These repairs are a significant step to a quick sale.

 

John Gorden

(928) 308-0101

Posted in Selling Your Home
July 12, 2022

Top 10 Open House Foods

Open House Food To Impress Buyers

If you're hosting an open house, you'll want to ensure you have some food available.  Here are 10 open house food ideas that will make your open house a success:

 

1.  Finger foods.  Finger foods are always a hit at any party, and an open house is no exception.  Consider offering some bite-sized appetizers that your guests can quickly grab and go.

 

2.  Fresh fruit.  Having some fresh fruit available is a great way to ensure your guests have something healthy to nibble on.

 

3.  Veggies and dip.  Another healthy option that your guests are sure to love is veggies and dip.  Offer a variety of chopped veggies, along with a variety of dips.

 

4.  Cheese and crackers.  Cheese and crackers is another classic open house food option that your guests are sure to love.  Be sure to offer a variety of cheeses, as well as some gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.

 

5.  Sandwiches.  Sandwiches are always a good option if you want to offer something a little more substantial.  You can either make them ahead of time or have everything set up so your guests can build their own.

 

6.  Soup.  Soup is another excellent option for an open house, especially if it's chilly outside.  Set up a crockpot with your favorite soup and let your guests help themselves.

 

7.  Chili.  Chili is another great option for an open house, especially if you're expecting a lot of people.  Set up a crockpot with your chili and let your guests help themselves.

 

8.  Dessert.  No open house is complete without some dessert!  Offer a variety of cookies, brownies, or other sweets for your guests to enjoy.

 

9.  Coffee and tea.  Make sure you have coffee and tea available for your guests and some sugar and milk if they want it.

 

10.  Water.  Don't forget the most important beverage of all: water!  Be sure to have plenty of water for your guests to stay hydrated.

 

By following these open house food ideas, you're sure to make your open house a success!

 

Selling homes is my specialty!  When you are ready to sell, give me a call, and together we can make your home sale a smooth and successful process!  John Gorden, 928-308-0101

 

Posted in Selling Your Home
June 15, 2022

6 Things Buyers Forget to Check During a Home Search

Homes for sale in Prescott Arizona

Home Hunting Tips

Do you think you have found the perfect home? Hold on and reevaluate; it might not be as perfect as you think.

Six little details can turn an ideal house into a purchase you may regret. Before you make your offer, take into account these six small but surprisingly essential details:

#1: Check Your Cell Reception

Does your future dream home have cell reception? Check your signal when you’re on the property and see if it has dead spots, poor/limited data connections, or flat-out “NO SERVICE” messages. Poor reception is critical if you telecommute or had planned on skipping a landline entirely. While you can try and live on VoIP connections, WiFi, and other options, the hassle of a hole-in-cell coverage can wear on you.

#2: Calculate Your Commute

It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and you decide to see how long the drive is from your potential dream home to your office. It doesn’t seem too bad. Now try it during rush hour on a Monday (in bad weather if you can swing it). You might be surprised how school zones, backed-up interstate ramps, new construction, and peak transit schedules extend that commute. These obstacles apply to urban commutes as well. So, even if you don’t drive to work, you’ll want to evaluate the commute in real-world conditions.

#3: Check the Delivery Zone

Did you just now find out that there’s no food delivery to your new address? Don’t assume that just because you’ve seen pizza delivery cars whipping through the neighborhood means they stop there. Restaurant delivery areas vary, so if you can, check out what the local food delivery options are ahead of time. Look up a few places, call them, and verify they deliver to your address. 

#4: Do a 24/7 Check

The home may be in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood on a Saturday afternoon, but what was it like on Friday night? What kind of traffic is there in the mornings? There may be an excessive number of children playing in the street in the afternoons after school. It is wise to do a drive-by at various times of the day and multiple days of the week to ensure you don’t have surprises pop up.

#5: Give it the Sniff Test

Do you smell sewage, gas, or anything equally unpleasant? Sewage systems in older homes can get clogged or damaged by tree roots. Luckily, some sewer or plumbing companies can send a camera through the pipes to detect any breaks or blockages. 

How does it smell outside? Some neighborhoods have distinct odors from nearby farms, landfills, water treatment plants, and industrial parks. It is vital to give it the sniff test inside and out.

#6:  Touch EVERYTHING

Buying a house is a big step, possibly one of the biggest, and you need to know how everything works firsthand. Turn on every faucet and light switch, open every window and door, and flush the toilets. Don’t forget to taste the water. There are water treatment options, but water quality is something you will want to know before becoming a homeowner.

Markets can be super competitive, but remember that you’re planning on living in this new house for a considerable time. Perhaps your priorities don’t include these six details, but they might be important to other buyers when you’re ready to sell.

As a realtor, I truly respect the time it takes to find the best home that meets your needs. I diligently do my homework for you to find what you are looking for. Contact me at (928) 308-0101, I’d be happy to show you around homes for sale in the Prescott area.

John Gorden Prescotts Best Homes

 

 

Posted in Buying a Home