Based on current data, it appears the Tucson housing market is experiencing an adjustment period. Low interest rates and the availability of homes provide a wonderful time to buy.

You should choose a Realtor® who is experienced in every aspect of a real estate transaction and has good listening skills and patience to provide all the necessary information and services required for a first-time home buyer.

The first step is to make contact with a mortgage lender in order to be prequalified. This takes about ten minutes on the phone and is free of charge. Depending upon your price range and amount of down payment, there are numerous mortgage programs available. If you are a conventional buyer with 20% down, you can avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). There are several experienced lenders I work with on a regular basis.

Most of my business is concentrated in the Foothills and Central areas of Tucson. However, because at least 90% of my transactions come from referrals and repeat business, I have assisted buyers all over the Tucson valley.

Title companies serve as an impartial third party entity to assist buyers and sellers during the escrow process. Once your contract has been accepted and escrow is opened, your earnest money will be deposited and then deducted from your total closing costs. You will receive a preliminary title report which will indicate any outstanding loans or clouds / liens against the title. Prior to signing documents, the title company will provide you with a settlement statement listing all of your charges and credits. A bank check is required for your closing funds.

If you don’t have a favorite Realtor® where you presently live, I can assist you with names of Realtors® with designations similar to mine. I have been a Certified Relocation Counselor since 1993 and assist several families each year with their relocating requirements. Furthermore, I can provide you with a no-cost relocation package, which includes a 46-page guide containing comprehensive information about the Tucson valley.

The two best methods for selling a home are a sign in front of the house and exposure to the Multiple Listing System, which is a database accessible by over 6,000 real estate agents citywide. Advertising expenses are incurred by the real estate company. Realtors® and buyers are busy and prefer viewing homes accessible by lockboxes instead of having to schedule an appointment. Networking with other Realtors® provides valuable additional exposure to your home. Marketing strategies are discussed below.

You should choose a Realtor® who works full-time, has been in the business for several years and has earned advanced designations such as Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtor® Institute and Advanced Buyer’s Representative. These designations indicate commitment to providing the finest representation to clients by keeping at the cutting edge of current real estate information and technology.

The first step is to provide a comparative market analysis of your neighborhood. When we meet, we will discuss any special features that you feel affect the value of your home and can make any necessary adjustments to the price. Preparing your home for sale and pricing it properly is crucial to a timely sale.

Real estate commissions are negotiable, however in most instances the commission ranges between 6 and 7 percent.

How will you market my home?

Realtors® have many different approaches to marketing. A list of strategies I’ve found to be successful is available here