Tucson Real Estate & Tucson Home Search

6 Things Home Sellers Are Legally Required To Disclose

Sellers Are Legally Required to Disclose This Information

When In Doubt Put It in the SPDS

When selling a product, whatever it may be, sellers don’t like to talk about its flaws. A great salesperson knows how to present their product in the best light, highlight its advantages, and make it seem flawless. But for homes, disclose, disclose, disclose!

However, if something significant is wrong with it, letting a potential buyer know is the right thing to do.

When it comes to selling homes, you do not have much choice.

It is the home seller’s obligation to disclose certain information about the house, even if the buyer does not ask for it.

Failing to disclose specific facts about your property can cause serious legal issues. Here are six things home sellers are legally required to disclose.

What is a disclosure statement?

If there are any known issues that affect the home’s quality, buyers must be informed on time. A disclosure statement should reveal any defects or issues a home currently has. If you plan on selling a home in Arizona, this part of the process may not be your favorite, but it’s certainly necessary.

Thinking that the buyer won’t notice the flaws just because the property is in one of Arizona’s most prominent places buyers loves is the wrong mindset.
The easiest way to disclose all relevant details and make sure you don’t leave out anything important is to fill out a disclosure form drafted under the law.

The Arizona Association of Realtors has a standard form that facilitates the process of disclosure. The Residential Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) is one of the first documents your agent will send you.

This is a standard part of the transaction that will help you learn what kind of information home sellers must disclose and prepare it on time. If done correctly and per Arizona law, the disclosure statement will help you avoid legal issues.

Things home sellers are legally required to disclose.

As mentioned, home sellers must inform buyers about any known facts and any defects/issues affecting the property’s quality. Some significant problems are not easy to notice, especially when buying a home remotely, but the law is there to protect the buyer.

Most first-time sellers will have questions regarding what must be disclosed. As laws can be confusing, some essential pieces of information may seem irrelevant. So, if you are putting your home on the market, here’s what you need to have in mind.

There are six sections sellers must fill out:

Ownership and Property – This section asks about the property’s ownership, location, age, occupancy, easement or use restrictions, and other general and legal information.

Building and Safety Information – This section includes questions about the house’s structural integrity. It covers plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical and other related systems, roof problems, chimney or fireplace issues, the condition of water features such as pools and spas, the existence of pests such as termites, bed bugs, reptiles, scorpions, etc. Also, it covers information about home improvements, including un-permitted construction.

Utilities – This section is dedicated to the provided utilities. It contains information about the property’s electricity provider, water services, fire services, trash collection, Internet, cable, etc.

Environmental Information – This section includes a variety of environmental information. The home seller must reveal any known problems relating to drainage, erosion, soil settlement, odors, asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold. In this section, you should mention any issues with landfills, traffic, noise from nearby airports or highways, and toxic waste disposal near the property.

Sewer/Wastewater Treatment – This section of the SPDS covers questions about the property’s sewer system or wastewater treatment system. Sellers must disclose if the sewer system has undergone any repairs, as well as information regarding the latest inspection done on the system.

Other Conditions and Factors – The final category covers all other things home sellers are legally required to disclose. This section is dedicated to any additional necessary information concerning the property that doesn’t belong in the previous sections that might affect the home’s value or its use.

What Else?

Apart from these property disclosures, additional disclosures may be required. If the home you are selling was built before 1978, federal law requires you to disclose all information regarding the use of lead-based paint and provide any lead paint inspections or reports.

In Arizona, home purchase contracts include the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report (CLUE) that contains the last five years of insurance claims or less if the seller has owned the home for less than five years.

Things home sellers do not have to disclose.

One of the things sellers do not need to disclose is if there has been a death in the home, regardless of the cause of death.

Also, home sellers do not need to disclose if any of the home’s previous residents have or have been exposed to diseases that cannot be transmitted through common occupancy.

What if you fail to disclose any of the things home sellers are legally required to disclose?

Tricking an inexperienced home buyer to get your home sold as fast as possible may seem easy, but it’s not worth the risk. In some cases, sellers fail to disclose potentially material facts unintentionally.

Whatever the reason, if you violate the disclosure requirements, misrepresent any crucial information, or in any way mislead the buyer, they could sue you. If the court rules in the buyer’s favor, damages can involve a large amount of money or the contract’s voiding.

All things considered, it is best to keep it honest and professional. The last thing you want is to put yourself in legal jeopardy during a real estate transaction. When in doubt, it is better to disclose than to withhold information.

In case you have any questions regarding your legal obligations, always consult a reliable real estate agent or attorney.

The Above Article Is a Guest Post

Conclusion

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541.

We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.

We are a top Realtor team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials.

Are we the Tucson Realtors you have been looking for?

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Reverse 1031 Exchange

Reverse 1031 Exchange – The Opposite Of The Delayed 1031

Understand The Details Before Pulling The Trigger

A “delayed” 1031 exchange allows a person to sell a property before buying a new property. Its should be no surprise that the Reverse 1031 Exchange allows a person to do the opposite.

A Reverse 1031 Exchange allows a person to buy a new investment property before selling an existing one.

Why would someone want to do this?

Simple. A great deal presents itself and there isn’t time to sell an existing property to get it. Or, a someone is looking to buy an investment property in a hot real estate market. For instance….Tucson.

The Reverse 1031 Exchange is a way to get this done.

But —- Danger – Will Robins – Danger!

Before diving into a Reverse 1031 Exchange consider this……

A reverse exchange is more complicated than a standard 1031 exchange. A lot more.

So get an expert involved…….early. Yes, that means paying some professional fees! But if the rules aren’t followed, it can cost you money.

Revenue Procedure 2000-37

Reverse Exchanges took place for decades before formal Revenue Procedure guidance was published. But the Revenue Procedure created very favorable “safe harbor” benefits for investors doing them.

The “safe harbor” requires a Qualified Exchange Accommodation Arrangement (QEAA). With that in place, the IRS will not challenge the qualification of property in the transaction. Whether it is a “replacement” or “relinquished” property.

The requirements of the QEAA are:

1. The property is transferred to an exchange accommodation titleholder (EAT). The EAT in the form of a LLC. The purpose of the transfer is so that the taxpayer is not the holder of the property.
2. At the time of transfer to the EAT, it is the taxpayer’s intent that the property held by the EAT represents either the replacement and/or relinquished property.
3. No later than five business days after the transfer of the property to the EAT, there must be a written Qualified Exchange Accommodation Agreement.
4. No later than 45 days after the transfer of the replacement exchange property to the EAT, identification of the relinquished property or properties is required. The identification must be consistent with the existing delayed rules.
5. The combined time period that the relinquished and replacement properties are held in the Qualified Exchange Accommodation Agreement is not to exceed 180 days.

Now keep this in mind, the Exchangor cannot receive property they already owned as replacement for property to be relinquished.

Two Key Considerations

> Funding

First, the Exchangor needs to have the finances to buy the replacement property.

This is due to not yet relinquishing a property to have the cash available.

The Exchangor must draw upon other financial resources for the acquisition. Any loan from a commercial lender requires them to lend the money to the EAT.

> Parking

Parking refers to the EAT taking and holding title to the property during the exchange. (“Warehouse”, “station”, “place” would also be apt descriptions, but the IRS uses “park” as its metaphor.)

Parking allows the Exchangor to meet the requirements of Revenue Procedure 2000 – 37. It prohibits ownership of the relinquished and replacement property at the same time.

There are two parking approaches for completing a Reverse Exchange.

1 – Park the replacement property or

2 – Park the relinquished property.

Deciding which property to park will be based on;

The funding source to pay for the acquisition.
Liens on the relinquished property, and
The equity in the relinquished property.

However, no matter what the circumstances are, if the replacement property needs improvements, it gets parked.

Further, the ownership of the replacement property must take place after completion of the improvements.

Costs & Risks of a Reverse 1031 Exchange

The costs of doing a Reverse 1031 Exchange are higher then a traditional exchange because it’s impossible to do it yourself.

You will need to have a Qualified Intermediary involved in the transaction. And the QI fees are higher because the Reverse 1031 Exchange process is more complex.

The Qualified Intermediary acts as a liaison between buyers, sellers and the IRS. They oversee the process to ensure every thing is correct.

Along with extra costs, there are additional risks associated with a reverse 1031 exchange.

For example, what happens if –

You can’t sell your property within the set time frame.
Your loan doesn’t get approved for the new property.
You don’t have enough cash on hand to buy a replacement property.
You don’t have enough time to make the necessary improvements on the property you wish to sell.

There are lots of considerations related to deciding which property to park. Unfortunately, there aren’t any simple answers.

If you have done a Reverse 1031 Exchange you probably know many of them already. If you haven’t, then find an expert to guide you through the process.

Considering A Home in Tucson, AZ?

Are you thinking of buying a home in the greater Tucson area? Using a 1031 Exchange or Reverse 1031? Finding the right home can be a challenging process. But we can make the process much less stressful for you.

We have been Tucson Realtors since 2002. We know Tucson and the Tucson Real Estate market. As a top Realtor duo, we invest the time to understand your home buying interests and desires.

At our first meeting, we will review the current real estate market with you. Show you the market data and then walk you through the Arizona home buying process.

Why? We want you to know what to expect. And what to plan for.

Interested in new construction? We’ll brief you on buying a new construction home. And what’s unique about the process.

For us, you are not another real estate transaction. You are a client and, future friend. We strive to create a relationship that continues long after you move into your home. Our goal is to provide insight, advice and the highest level of professional services to you. We want you to be proud to recommend us to your family, friends and acquaintances.

Review our profiles. Check out our backgrounds, education, and certifications.

We are here to help you “know what you need to know” to buy a home in Tucson, AZ. We provide you information on Tucson events, places to shop and restaurants. Our resources include contractors, electricians, and home services.

But most important, our professional service backgrounds mean we put you first!

Selling Your Home in The Greater Tucson Area?

Whether you are using a form of 1031 exchange or not, selling a home requires more than listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

And the photos on the mls make a difference. You can spend lots of money on home staging, but if the photos aren’t great it doesn’t matter. Staging and stunning photos make it all come together.

For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel your home. Their “new” home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting. We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis.

Then we will meet with you to review our analysis. We will go over our Comparative Market Analysis for your home in detail. And the review our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Conclusion

If you are an investor looking for homes in the hot Tucson real estate market, the reverse 1031 exchange should be considered. Why? Homes are selling fast and this type of exchange works.

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541.

We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.

We are a top Realtor team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials.

Are we the Tucson Realtors you have been looking for?

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Back to – HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN ARIZONA

Fair Market Value

Fair Market Value Is What Your Home Is Worth – Today

Understand What FMV Means to You

Fair Market Value is the answer to the question; “What is my home worth”. Fair market value (FMV) is an estimate of the market value of a home or other property.

Or the amount a knowledgeable buyer will pay to a knowledgeable non-pressured seller. In the current market conditions!

Fair market value differs from the “intrinsic value”. That is the value a homeowner may place on their home based on their circumstances or desires.

Every rational owner wants the very best home price and terms for their or her home.

But current market conditions and interest rates will affect what homes sell for. The desire is to get the highest price and best terms during the time your home is on the marketed.

It should be recognized that selling a home isn’t straight forward math. 2 + 2 may not always equal 4 in the real estate market. Each transaction is different. Each seller has different objectives when they want to sell their home.

And every buyer has different financial considerations and personal wants that need to be balanced.

What’s The Right Value

What is your home worth? Fair Market Value during the time it is being sold in the then current market conditions!

Every home has a price the home is sold at. However, when it is initially being listing for sale, there may be three prices for the home. The price homeowners want, the price a buyer is going to offer and the price a willing buyer and a willing seller agree upon.

In determining a home’s fair market value, several factors come into play:

The fair market value of a home is relative to the local market. The same home, in another location, would most likely have a different fair market value.

One of the top factors is the overall economy and the supply and demand for homes.

In a city with a growing population and a limited housing supply, it’s very likely home sale prices will be rising. Known as a sellers’ market.

If the area is losing jobs and people are moving out, then you’ll likely see home values declining. A buyers’ market.

Homeowner needs will also have a significant effect on fair market value. If a homeowner “must” sell quickly, they will have little leverage or negotiating power. When a homeowner has no need or incentive to sell quickly, they will have stronger negotiating power.

Homes prices are not based on what owners’ “needs” out of the sale. An owner may want to sell for $300,000 in order to net $100,000 for their next home purchase.

However, the $300,000 price tag needs to be a “reasonable” fair market value in the eyes of the buyer. If similar homes in the local community have been selling for $250,000, the seller may not get what they want unless their home has a greater perceived fair market value.

Other Factors Effecting Fair Market Value

A few key factors include the type of home, where it is located, how many homes have sold in the area, home sale prices and when they sold.

For illustration, suppose you might be selling your townhouse. Suppose also that there have been five recent sales of the model you own and that sale values have ranged between $200,000 and $210,000.

You and any buyer could probably estimate the price your home would sell at. In a strong market a seller might ask for $210,000 or a bit more. If the market weak, $210,000 may be a reasonable listing price, but the actual fair market value sales price could be lower.

As a second example, consider that you are living in a neighborhood of Victorian-style historic homes, the majority of which were built in the 1920s. Each the homes is different in terms of size, condition, upgrades, details and features.

In such a neighborhood, an average home sale price is just a number without much useful meaning. In one block a home may sell for $400,000 and another nearby home listed at more than $1 million.

Understanding what the fair market value is for your home, in your neighborhood, in the current market conditions is key to getting your home sold.

Thinking About Selling Your Home In The Greater Tucson Area?

We have been Tucson Realtors since 2002. We know Tucson and the Tucson Real Estate market. As a top Realtor duo, we invest the time to understand your interests and desires.

At our first meeting, we will review the current real estate market with you. Show you the market data and then walk you through the Arizona home selling process.

Selling a home requires more than determining its fair market value and listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

And the photos on the mls make a difference. You can spend lots of money on home staging, but if the photos aren’t great it doesn’t matter. Staging and stunning photos make it all come together.

For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel your home. Their “new” home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting. We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis.

Then we will meet with you to review our analysis. We will go over our Comparative Market Analysis for your home in detail. And the review our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Conclusion

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541.

We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.

We are a top Realtor team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials.

Are we the Tucson Realtors you have been looking for?

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Back to – HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN ARIZONA

Escrow Process

Escrow Process Overview

From Accepted Purchase Offer To Close Of Escrow

The escrow process starts when the seller and the buyer agree to the buyers offer. “Agree” means both buyer and seller have signed all documents.

Once done, the buyers Realtor will deliver the buyers “earnest money” to the escrow company. The earnest money check and the executed contract trigger opening the escrow account.

An escrow account used to receive and disperse all monies for the transaction.

The terms of the executed contract guide the escrow company through the process.

The Arizona Offer To Purchase identifies what each party to the contract must do and by when.

Home Inspections

In Arizona a home inspection is a standard event in the purchase process. The buyer will need to schedule an inspector, have the inspection completed and report prepared within 10 calendar days after contract acceptance.

Lenders require the buyer and the property meet various conditions before granting a loan. They will want to receive a preliminary title policy, title insurance to protect the lender against title errors, termite inspections and an appraisal to assure that the home has sufficient value to secure the loan.

The buyers Realtor will typically arranges required inspections. The sellers Realtor will normally be on-site during the inspection.

How long does it take to close the escrow process?

Here again the Arizona purchase contract requires a close of escrow date be specified. It can be change should circumstances require it. However, both parties must agree to any change in writhing.

Today’s mortgage process will typically take 5 to 7 weeks. Accordingly, the seller should have ample time to be packed and ready to move on or before the close of escrow date.

What happens?

Closing or “closing escrow” as it is known in Arizona is the submission of all transaction documents to the responsible county office. In almost all cases this is done electronically by the escrow company.

Both the buyer and seller will meet with the escrow officer to execute the documents required to transfer the home to the buyer along with all mortgage loan documents. Upon execution the loan documents are sent to the lender for review. When all documents are complete the lender will fund the loan at the escrow company.

The escrow closing officer will review the sale agreement and determine what payments and credits the owner should receive and what amounts are due from the buyer. The closing agent also assures that certain transaction costs are paid (taxes and title searches).

When everything is complete, the sale is recorded at the Pima County Recorder’s Office. This is actually done electronically.

Selling Your Home in The Greater Tucson Area?

Selling a home requires more than listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

And the photos on the mls make a difference. You can spend lots of money on home staging, but if the photos aren’t great it doesn’t matter. Staging and stunning photos make it all come together.

For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel your home. Their “new” home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting. We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis.

Then we will meet with you to review our analysis. We will go over our Comparative Market Analysis for your home in detail. And the review our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Conclusion

Needless to say, the process outlined above is a summary of the key events and steps in the escrow process. Our job as your Realtor – either buyer or seller – is to work with you in the process.

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541.

We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.

We are a top Realtor team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials.

Are we the Tucson Realtors you have been looking for?

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Back to – HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN ARIZONA

Zillow Zestimate

Are Zillow Zestimates Accurate?

Zillow Zestimate Data Isn’t the Same as The Tucson MLS

What To Know About a Zillow Zestimate

As Shakespeare may have said in today’s Real Estate internet world; “To Zillow Zestimate or Not to Zillow Zestimate, that is the question.”

Zillow, the creator of the Zillow Zestimate, is a significant force in today’s real estate market. A major internet provider of information on Tucson homes for sale as well as every market across the United States.

Does Zillow provide a lot of information to home buyers and sellers – Absolutely! Is the information useful? That depends on what you are looking for. Are the Zillow Zestimates of home values accurate? Not very often!

In fact, a homeowner in Illinois has filed suit Zillow, claiming the company’s controversial Zestimate tool repeatedly undervalued her home. And that created a “tremendous roadblock” to its sale. The suit states Zestimates constitute “appraisals”. Read more on this – HERE.

Many people believe that Zillow and Realtors are using the same information. That is NOT True my friends, not true. Zillow obtains information from public records data. That means the data used for Zillow Zestimates may be from a few weeks to many months old. This suggests that a Zestimate may not accurately reflect the current state of any local real estate market.

Zillow actually discloses this on their website on a page entitled Zestimates. The information on Zillow Zestimate accuracy is WAAAAY down at the bottom of the page. Zillow states “the Zestimate’s accuracy depends on location and availability of data in an area.”

Check the latest Zillow indication for their overall accuracy.

For Pima County – where Tucson, AZ is located – the variancy in actual sales prices is,

The Zillow Zestimate is within 20% of Sale Price 91.1% of the time

This is the percentage of transactions in a location for which the Zestimate was within 20% of the transaction price.Nationally, Zestimates are currently within 20% of the final sale price 91.1% of the time.

The Zillow Zestimate is within 10% of Sale Price 82.0% of the time:

This is the percentage of transactions in a location for which the Zestimate was within 10% of the transaction price.In the U.S. as a whole, Zestimates are currently within 10% of the final sale price 82.0% of the time.

The Zillow Zestimate is within 5% of Sale Price 63.0% of the time:

This is the percentage of transactions in a location for which the Zestimate was within 5% of the transaction price. Nationwide, Zestimates are currently within 5% of the final sale price 63.0% of the time.

What Does That Mean To You?

Let’s sell your home based on the Zillow Zestimate based on the highest level of accuracy – 91.1%.

As shown in the data above for a Zestimate is within 20% – YES 20% – of the final sales price only 91.1% of the time.

So what does that really mean? Simply, for a home worth $200,000, the Zillow Zestimate could be between $160.000 (20% below) to $240,000 (20% above) 83.1% of the time. That is a $40,000 range for low to high.

Unfortunately for users, the Zestimate isn’t a range, it is a single value. So how do you know?

To illustrate, say you want to sell that home worth $200,000 (If you haven’t talked with a local Realtor you won’t know that) to the friend of your neighbor. If the Zillow Zestimate is $165,000. Would you sell it?

Would the friend of the neighbor pay $230,000, if that was the Zillow Zestimate?

Therein lies the problem with Zillow Zestimates. The data is very suspect. As a colleague once said, “without good data, you are just another person with an opinion!” People don’t buy or sell homes on opinions.

They need or should want, reliable data from a reputable source – a Realtor in the local market.

To illustrate the accuracy of a Zillow Zestimate that is within 5% of the final sales price. Let’s travel on an airline from Chicago to San Diego. When you take off from Chicago and head west you will have a 38% chance of landing at a location that is within 5% of the distance to San Diego.

For the 2000 mile trip that means within 100 miles of Lindberg Field on the San Diego bay. Habla español? Can you swim?

A coin toss is a correct 50% of the time. So, a Zillow Zestimate within 10% accuracy is slightly better that a coin toss at 63.6%. The coin toss wins almost always time against a Zillow Zestimate having a value within 5% of the final price.

Where To Get Accurate Data?

As Tucson Realtors we receive our information from the Tucson Multiple Listing Service or Tucson MLS. In Tucson AZ, that data comes from the Tucson Association of Realtors MLS or TARMLS for short.

The TARMLS is updated every 15 minutes. That makes all listing very current and accurate.

All of the home search information on our website comes directly from the TARMLS system and is updated twice a day.

What About The Agents Shown On Zillow?

Zillow generates revenue by selling ads to real estate agents. The agents who pay to advertise are highlighted next to every Zillow home listing. The highlighted agents shown are not necessarily the listing agent.

They may not even know anything about the neighborhood where the listing comes from. They are paying to get your lead information.

The director of communication for Zillow makes the statement on the Zillow website, “So while you can email questions to those agents, you’re usually better off finding your own Real Estate Agent.

Direct questions and requests for showings to the local Realtor you have selected to work with you.”

Conclusion

Zillow is here and isn’t going to go away and neither are Zillow Zestimates. Zillow just purchased Trulia, another large real estate internet website, so their influence is going to increase even more.

However, Zillow Zestimate data isn’t going to be any more accurate unless it comes directly from local MLS services – ON a timely schedule.

We became a professional Tucson Real Estate Team since 2002. We know Tucson and Tucson Real Estate.

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541.

We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.

We are a top Realtor team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials.

Are we the Tucson Realtors you have been looking for?

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Back to – HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN ARIZONA

Selling A Tucson Home Key Steps

Planning On Selling A Tucson Home?

Tips And Key Steps To Success

Selling a Tucson Home may be different then in other areas of the United States. Two big exceptions are –

First, if you are selling a home in Arizona you do not need an attorney. Arizona State statutes give a licensed Realtor the authority to act as an attorney on behalf of a client.

This authority is very narrow. It ONLY covers the buying or selling Arizona real estate.

Second, even though a Arizona Licensed Realtor has “legal” authority, they ONLY need to:

Be 18 years old
Complete a 90 hour licensing course
Pass a real estate school and State examination

Anything missing?

How about a related educational background & meaningful EXPERIENCE !

A critical question to ask yourself when selecting a Tucson Realtor is “how qualified are they to understand my real estate interests and objectives?”

In most cases selling a Tucson home has big financial impact on your future. Who do you want working for you when selling a Tucson home?

Is 20 years in real estate REALLY being qualified or just 1 year of real estate experience 20 times?

We believe as Tucson Realtors we provide our clients a lot more! Much More!!

If you want a Tucson Realtor with the background and experience that will really help you in selling a Tucson home – Check us out About Ben & Kim.

We provide a level of professional experience unmatched in Tucson Real Estate.

Now The Process

Selling A Tucson Home – Buyer & Seller Process

Buyer
1	Considers purchasing a home
2	Selects a real estate agent
3	Determines needs and wants
4	Discusses financial issues
5	Views & researches target homes
6	Makes an offer to buy

Seller
1	Decides to sell property
2	Selects a real estate agent
3	Determines Listing Price
4	Prepares home for marketing
5	Agent markets the home
6	Accepts, rejects or counters offer

7	Offer Accepted

8	Loan Application
9	Inspections
10	Title Search
11	Appraisal
12	Loan Approval

13	Closing Papers Signed
14	Documents Recorded
15	Funds Available To Seller

16	Seller Moves Out

17	Buyer Moves In

Thinking about selling a home in the Tucson area?

Selling a home requires more than listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

We use multiple online marketing channels to showcase your home. We will build a stand-alone website built to show your home. Our marketing program targets key cities in the U. S. based on the season. For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel in your home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting.

We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis. Then we will meet with you to review our analysis and our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Conclusion

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients say that, not us.

Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541. We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.

We are a top Realtor duo in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Read our client testimonials. Give us a call. We look forward to making your home buying or selling a home an enjoyable experience for YOU!

Here is a PLACE to learn more about Tucson Arizona.

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Tucson Home Sellers Market Competition

Know Your Competition

Spy on the Competition When Selling Your Home

When it comes to selling a home, it’s important for Tucson home sellers to be aware of their competition. Research on homes currently listed in the seller’s area provide valuable insights. Checking out recently sold homes is also worthwhile.

This information will provide sellers insights on pricing, upgrades, and curb appeal. Knowledge is power in the market.

By understanding what other sellers are offering, sellers can make informed decisions.

Tools To Help

Our convenient Tucson Listings MAP Search feature, you can “zero” in on your community or neighborhood to identify current Tucson Listings.

Understanding your competition will help you and “YOUR TUCSON REALTOR” to better position your home for sale in the Tucson Real Estate market.

Tucson Home Sellers MLS Map Search

Tucson MLS Search With Your Home Specifications

Talk To a Realtor – First!

Are interested in getting a “Professional” opinion on what your home is worth? Give us a call OR complete our CMA REQUEST. We will prepare a FREE Comparative Market Analysis on your home.

Tucson Home Sellers can also set up a Tucson Listing search in your community & neighborhood and receive daily updates on new Tucson listings or price changes of your potential Tucson Listings competitors.

One More Thing

One more “BIG” Thing. NOT ALL Tucson Realtors are alike.

We believe you should select the Tucson Real Estate Agent the same way you would an – attorney, accountant, tax preparer or trusted business adviser.

Simply, you know THEY WILL PROVIDE THE LEVEL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND HAVE THE RELATED EXPERIENCE YOU RECOGNIZE AS BEING IMPORTANT TO YOU!

Selling Your Home in The Greater Tucson Area?

Selling a home requires more than listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 90% of all home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

And the photos will make a BIG difference. You can spend lots of money on home staging, but if the photos aren’t great it doesn’t matter. Staging and stunning photos make it all come together.

We use multiple online marketing channels to showcase your home. We will create pages on our top ranked website to showcase your home. Our marketing program targets key cities in the U. S. based on the season.

For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel your home. Their “new” home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting. We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis.

Then we will meet with you to review our analysis. We will go over our Comparative Market Analysis for your home in detail. And the review our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Conclusion

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

We are a top Realtor team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials. Maybe we are the Tucson Realtors you have been looking for.

We look forward to making your home buying or selling experience enjoyable YOU!

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Would you believe there is fishing in Tucson? Check out Dankworth Pond!

5 Home Improvement Projects

Top 5 Home Improvement Projects That Add Value

Make Your Home Standout – For You and When You Sell

Put these home improvement projects at the top of your “to do” list if you are thinking of selling your home? Or giving it a face lift?

Consider upgrades that will boost your home’s value and make it more appealing to buyers.

Here are five home upgrades you won’t regret and are well worth the investment.

Home Improvement Project #1 – A Bathroom Renovation

The bathroom is one of the most valuable rooms in the house. And the second-best room to renovate. Right after the kitchen.

If you choose to undergo a full bathroom remodel, you could recoup 63.8% of the cost in resale value. Maybe more, if you spend wisely!

Is it worth taking out a loan to help pay for your renovation? That depends how long you will live in the home before selling. And update the flooring, shower area, and fixtures may not cost all that much.

Don’t want to spend a ton of money on a bathroom renovation? Make smaller changes first—start with new shower fixtures and a new sink faucet.

You could also swap out your old shower curtain for a more modern one. Or upgrade your bathroom storage to woven baskets for a farmhouse-chic feel.

Home Improvement Project #2 – New Paint

Upgrading your walls with a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest upgrades. And for cost-conscious homeowners it provides plenty of opportunities to showcase your personality.

The average cost to paint a 120-square-foot room is about $100. Not much cost for a big impact. So consider painting all high-impact spaces like the master bedroom or living room.

Additionally, if you’re trying to sell your house, opt for a neutral color. This will make your home more enticing to potential buyers.

Home Improvement Project #3 – Cabinet Upgrades

Invest in some decorative liner to give your cabinets a new look or swap out old knobs for new ones. This simple project is a good way to give your home a luxurious, modern feel.

If you live in the southwest consider tile for your floors. The trend in the southwest is tile and area rugs. Or NO rugs at all. Bedrooms tend to be the exception.

Also consider laying down tiles in the cabinet underneath your sink. Many people ignore this area, but you could make it a usable space with minimal effort.

Home Improvement Project #4 – Energy Efficient Appliances

Another cost-effective home upgrade is replacing your old appliances. New appliances save energy and are a lot more reliable.

And buyers don’t want to buy a home and then start spending money on appliances.

Look for appliances that are ENERGY STAR certified. They use less energy and will save you money in the long run by reducing your electricity bills.

If you don’t want to drop a ton of money on a new appliance, check your home warranty to see if it covers a replacement.

Most warranties will cover appliances that have broken down due to normal wear and tear. So if you have one that’s starting to lose function, this may be your best bet.

But be aware most will “fix” the problem but not replace the appliance unless it is not repairable.

Home Improvement Project #5 – Improved Curb Appeal

It doesn’t take much to enhance curb appeal. Schedule a weekend or two and spruce up the outside of your home.

Tackle these easy tasks. Trim dead branches from trees in your front and backyard.

While you’re at it, be sure to trim hedges and overgrown bushes.

Stain your porch or deck. Pressure wash your driveway, sidewalk, and home’s exterior.

Replace loose or missing shingles on your roof. Clean your gutters. Get rid of weeds and plant a small garden if you have the space.

These items will depend on where you live. In Tucson and much of the southwest, we don’t have hedges and bushes.

Cactus and natural desert foliage is the norm. And crushed granite and boulders a primary landscaping style. Water conservation is a state of mind.

Most southwest homes don’t have decks. Why not. Termites. Wood decks are food carts to termites. But if you have a Ramada over your patio, get it cleaned, repaired and painted.

The Above Article Provided By Kay Carter

Thinking About Selling Your Home in The Greater Tucson Area?

Selling a home requires more than listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

And the photos on the Tucson MLS make a difference. You can spend lots of money on home improvement projects and staging. But if that effort isn’t correctly shown in the MLS photos, you are not getting the full benefit.

For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel your home. Their “new” home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting. We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis.

Then we will meet with you to review our analysis. We will go over our Comparative Market Analysis for your home in detail. And the review our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Considering A Home in Tucson, AZ?

Are you thinking of buying a home in the greater Tucson area? Finding the right home can be a challenging process. But we can make the process much less stressful for you.

We have been Tucson Realtors since 2002. We know Tucson and the Tucson Real Estate market. As a top Realtor duo, we invest the time to understand your home buying interests and desires.

At our first meeting, we will review the current real estate market with you. Show you the market data and then walk you through the Arizona home buying process.

Why? We want you to know what to expect. And what to plan for.

Interested in new construction? We’ll brief you on buying a new construction home. And what’s unique about the process.

For us, you are not another real estate transaction. You are a client and, future friend.

And best of all, our professional service backgrounds mean we put you first!

Conclusion

These home improvement projects will help you home stand out to buyers. Today’s buyers don’t want to take on projects after they purchase a home. So having the “right” things done before you list your home is a big step to getting it sold.

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients say that, not us.

Our website provides information on communities and neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area.

Want more? Give us a call – 520-940-4541.

We are ready to answer your questions and help you get the information you are looking for.

We are a top Realtor Team in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Take a few minutes to read our profiles and client testimonials.

Perhaps we are the Realtors you have been looking for!

We look forward to making your home buying or selling a home an enjoyable experience for YOU!

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Tucson Home Showing Tips

Tucson Home Staging and Showing Tips for Home Sellers

Tips From The Professionals In Tucson Real Estate

Home Showing Tips will help to get your Tucson home sold. Selling a home in today’s Tucson real estate market takes planning and preparation. Tucson Home Sellers need a Tucson Realtor with many skills.

Getting the listing into MLS and having a sign put up isn’t enough. Using these home showing tips and Tucson home staging is essential.

Find a Realtor that understands the Tucson Real Estate Market and has training and experience to offer home showing tips. Tucson home staging and using helpful Tucson home showing tips will “package” your home for sale.

Using a Tucson Realtor who can do Tucson Home Staging expertise and offer home showing tips will get you more home showings. More Tucson Buyer Home showings means a faster sale at a higher price!

Kim not only has selling experience she has specific home staging training. Her Tucson Home Staging knowledge and Tucson Home showing tips will to help sell your Tucson Home FASTER! Review Kim’s Profile.

Read what our clients have to say about us.

Tips To Do Before Each Home Showing –

Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes).
Open shades and curtains to let in light.
Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view.
Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
Keep toys in the children’s rooms.
Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards.
If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.

Tips To Make The Tucson Home Showing A Great Buyer Experience –

When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area not being shown by the sales associate.
Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent’s professional skills in selling your home.
Don’t mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house.
Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
Keep children quiet and in one area.
Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.

There are more Tucson home showing tips then these suggestions. These suggestions will help. Having the RIGHT Tucson Realtor with the RIGHT staging and home showing tips will do even more.

Thinking About Selling Your Home In The Greater Tucson Area?

Selling a home requires more than listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

And the photos on the mls make a difference. You can spend lots of money on home staging, but if the photos aren’t great it doesn’t matter. Staging and stunning photos make it all come together.

For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel your home. Their “new” home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting. We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis.

Then we will meet with you to review our analysis. We will go over our Comparative Market Analysis for your home in detail. And the review our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Conclusion

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

We are a top Realtor duo in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Read our client testimonials. Give us a call. We look forward to making your home buying or selling experience enjoyable YOU!

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!

Make Buyers Fall In Love With Your Home

New Ways To Make Buyers Fall In Love With Your Home

Selling a home can be stressful and lengthy, with most people wanting to be done with it as soon as possible. You can follow these easy tricks and tips to make buyers fall in love with your home.

By making these affordable and quick changes, you will speed up the process of selling your home. They will make your home stand out to buyers, and you can sell it much faster. You might even be able to sell it for a higher price, too!

Brighten up your home

Buyers will prefer to purchase a home that is bright and airy. Brightening up your home doesn’t just make it look beautiful. Instead, it has many different effects. You will create the illusion of a larger space if you open up all the blinds and curtains. It will also look much cleaner and cozier.

There are many easy ways to make your home feel brighter. First, you can repaint the walls in your home to make them fresh.

A lighter color will reflect light as it comes in. Adding a couple of mirrors will help significantly with the smaller rooms in your home.

Create an excellent first impression

Creating better curb appeal for your home is crucial to selling your home fast and for a reasonable price. The outside of your home is the first thing buyers will see, so keeping it clean and tidy is essential. Organize everything you keep outdoors neatly so it doesn’t look cluttered.

Make a clear pathway to your front door. It’s best to tidy up the entryway, so dirt doesn’t get inside when buyers enter your home. You can update and decorate the hallway of your home to create a better impression, as this is the first room inside that the buyers will see.

Add plants and an air freshener to your entryway to make the room feel clean and bright. There’s no better way to make a room cozy than to add plants. This piece of décor is popular and fits into any space.

Plants can never clash with any interior design style. Besides this, you can add other new pieces of décor to make this space shine.

You can add a decorative rug to add a finishing touch. It’s best to find one you can wash in the washing machine to keep it clean more efficiently.

Stage your home

When selling your home, you should present it in the best way possible. If you’ve already moved into your new one, you can get creative in staging the old one. You can do this yourself, or you can make this process easier by hiring a professional to do this for you.

So, how does staging a home help buyers fall in love with it?

The reason why this step is essential is that it better helps buyers imagine their future lives inside your home. They can look at the staged home and better see how their personalities fit into it.

When people sell homes, they usually leave personal items and photos behind. That is a mistake that is important not to make, as it can prevent buyers from being able to imagine what their own lives would be like in this space.

De-clutter and clean your home

A thorough cleaning is one of the first and most essential steps in preparing your home. If you haven’t moved yet, it’s best to deal with the clutter before you start packing. You will reduce the number of things you need to pack, making this process easier and faster.

Doing a deep clean before you begin will be much easier. One of the things that buyers pay attention to is the amount of storage room that is in your home. You can easily add more storage. Your closets and cabinets will feel larger if you don’t overcrowd them with things.

Take some items out of storage and leave some shelves empty to make them feel larger.

Repair what you need to

The value of your home can be significantly hurt if you don’t make essential repairs. Some easy maintenance, such as fixing a leaky faucet, can be done independently. Call a professional and let them do the repairs for repairs you know you can’t do on your own.

Check to see whether any bigger problems in your home need to be taken care of.

Mold is one of the most common and dangerous things found in homes, so check whether there is any in the house you sell. Even though you will spend some money on these repairs, your investment will be worth it. It will come back through the successful sale of your home for a higher price.

You can even take the opportunity to add features that will make buyers fall in love with your home. When buyers compare your home to someone else’s, they will consider the features that come with it.

Make buyers fall in love with your home by presenting it well

You can try to market your home in the best possible way to attract buyers. Start by taking excellent, high-quality photos of your home. You can do this after you’ve cleaned, de-cluttered, and staged it.

You want to make the best first impression possible on the buyers.

Make sure you show all the amenities in the photos to attract buyers. Organize an open-house event so people can easily see your home.

In Closing

Selling your home can, in some cases, take a while. However, if you follow this simple and accessible advice, the time needed to sell it may be cut short. Once you make buyers fall in love with your home, it’s all just a matter of time before the sale finishes.

Your efforts to make your home look perfect will soon be worth it. You will quickly earn back any money you spend on home repairs and upgrades.

The Above Guest Article Is Provided By – Sally Norton – miamimovingguide.com

Thinking About Selling Your Home In The Greater Tucson Area?

Selling a home requires more than listing it in the Tucson MLS system. It’s about marketing. Marketing through multiple online channels.

To no one’s surprise, 80% of home buyers start their search on the internet. Homes must be visible on multiple internet channels. The more visible a home is, the faster it will sell.

And the photos on the “MLS” make a difference. You can spend lots of money on home staging, but if the photos aren’t great it doesn’t matter. Staging and stunning photos make it all come together.

For luxury listings, our drone service provides video of your home and neighborhood. This video along with professional photos helps the online buyer see and feel your home. Their “new” home.

To learn more about how we can help you sell your Tucson home, call us – 520-940-4541 – to arrange a meeting. We will visit your home and prepare a comparative market analysis.

Then we will meet with you to review our analysis. We will go over our Comparative Market Analysis for your home in detail. And the review our marketing program to “get your home sold!”

Conclusion

Selling your home can be stressful and frustrating. But the above tips and an experienced Realtor duo will help make the process easier…..and SUCCESSFUL!

Thank you for visiting www.premiertucsonhomes.com! It’s one of the top real estate websites in Tucson. Our clients tell us that.

We are a top Realtor duo in Tucson, AZ since 2002. Read our client testimonials. Give us a call. We look forward to making your home buying or selling experience enjoyable YOU!

Sign UP to receive daily HOME TRACKER UPDATES - OR - Our Monthly NEWSLETTER. And get regular updates on the Real Estate Market and events in Tucson, AZ.

Questions about the Tucson Real Estate Market or Tucson Homes for Sale? Call Us - 520 940 4541 OR complete the - CONTACT FORM - and we will get right back to you!