Technically a home is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, when you are trying to price your Scottsdale AZ home to sell you may want more specific guidance however.  Comparative market analysis (CMA) is a standard way to price real estate to sell. 

When doing a CMA to price a home, a broker or individual will examine the current Scottsdale AZ real estate market, evaluating what types of homes are selling for what and averaging the price per square foot.  Of course certain factors can affect the price of a given home, its condition, neighborhood, and upgrades to name a few.

During a hot market, when demand is high and inventory is low, a house could very easily sell for more than its value.  When the market is suffering, demand is low and inventory is high, houses stay on the market longer and often go for below asking price. 

In any market, if you want to sell your home the best bet is to price it fairly and in accordance with current market conditions.  A qualified Scottsdale real estate professional, such as Tony Marriott, can provide the best information for pricing your home appropriately, but in the end it will come down to what someone is willing to pay.  The Tony Marriott Team can be contacted for further information on selling your Scottsdale property at 602-445-6299 or by email.

When looking at Scottsdale AZ real estate statistics, don’t forget to remember your basic math.  Median prices have been going up in some areas, down in others.  The median is the value that occurs in the middle of everything that has sold.  For example, if seven apples have sold for $1, $1.25, $1.5, $1.5, $1.5, $1.75 and $2.  The median price would be $1.5.  The median value is the middle price, it does not represent the size, quality or type of apple.

In real estate it is important to remember that the median sales price represents the average price of what homes are selling for in a given area.  It is not representing the size, condition or value of a home.  The median sales price can be offset by Scottsdale foreclosure property that is selling in an area as well as by luxury property that is selling in an area.

The best way to determine the value of your Scottsdale AZ real estate is to get it analyzed by an experienced Phoenix area real estate professional such as Tony Marriott.  There are many factors in determining real estate values today and picking an average out of the air could hinder the sale of your home.  In today’s Arizona real estate market it is more important than ever to price your home appropriately.

To search for Scottsdale AZ property for sale or if you have questions when selling your Scottsdale home, contact Tony Marriott at 888-577-6585 or by email.

In Scottsdale AZ real estate green improvements can mean more energy efficient appliances like refrigerators, stoves, toilets and lighting fixtures to major improvements like adding solar heating, recycled materials and wind energy.  Green improvements are not only becoming more popular but they are also becoming more attractive financially due to tax savings and long term cost effectiveness.

Choosing renewable products and making environmentally friendly decisions when it comes to your Scottsdale AZ property can make a big difference.  While being green is often a state of mind, for people who dedicate themselves to recycling, turning off lights, and bicycling instead of driving a car, making green improvements in the home has proven to make quite a difference.

For information about green choices for the home click here to read a recent article from Realty Times.

Tony Marriott, a Scottsdale real estate agent, can help you find green Scottsdale homes for sale or other Phoenix area property.  The Tony Marriott Team would love to speak to you and can be contacted at 888-577-6585 or by email.

Check Out the Neighborhood (photo courtesy of jamesjordan on flickr.com)

While many people seem to think that it is not wise to think of your home as an investment, the reality is that the opposite is true. 

That being said there are some things to keep in mind when setting out to buy a Scottsdale AZ home, the least of which is getting to know the different Scottsdale neighborhoods that would meet your needs.  If you do your neighborhood homework, selecting your home properly can insure more of a return on your investment when you decide to sell at some point in the future.

Research which Scottsdale real estate area that you want to live in.  Aside from knowing the schools and amenities that are available, take a close look at the Scottsdale property levels.  Which streets hold more value?  Is one edge of the neighborhood closer to a more upscale neighborhood, or is one side closer to a less desirable neighborhood? 

According to Realty Times, less is more.  They say purchasing the lessor home in the best neighborhood will give you the greatest return every time versus buying the best house in the neighborhood.

While you may not look at your primary residence as an investment, in the long run it may be the best investment you have, so do your research to come out ahead.

Click here to read buying advice from Realty times.

Tony Marriott, a Scottsdale AZ Real Estate Expert, can help you find the best Scottsdale home for sale to fit your needs.  Tony Marriott can be reached at 888-577-6585 or by email.

It is a buyer’s market when it comes to AZ real estate.  The seller’s market came and went, and now it is the perfect buyer’s market conditions.  Low interest rates, home values and inventory all point to buy, buy, buy.  The only thing standing in the way is money, but if people can get funding, and they are in the right place at the right time, buying real estate is a great idea.

If the AZ real estate market were a car, the first time home buyer would be in the driver’s seat.  Not only to first time Arizona home buyers get to take advantage of low mortgage rates, low home values, and a decent inventory of homes for sale, but they also don’t have to sell a home before they buy a home.

There may not be a better time to be a home buyer, especially a first time home buyer, for a long time.  The first part of 2010 displays ideal conditions to get out there and start looking.

Tony Marriott, a Phoenix AZ area real estate agent, can help you start looking for Phoenix AZ and Scottsdale AZ property for sale today.  Tony Marriott is a great Phoenix AZ area home buyer’s resource and can be reached at 888-577-6585 or email him to schedule an appointment today!

Home Inspections Help Sell Scottsdale AZ Homes

Home inspections can often make or break a deal.  Hopefully sellers should have an inspection done ahead of time so repairs can be made, and their Scottsdale AZ home can be in its best possible condition.

However, often a seller does not do a home inspection first and is caught off guard by a long list of repairs presented in the due diligence portion of the contract process.

The most common home ailments that show up in the home inspection process are:

• Faulty Electrical Wiring
• Roof Damage
• Plumbing Issues
• Poor Drainage
• General Lack of Upkeep

These are issues that can really add up, especially to a potential Scottsdale home buyer.  These repairs could result in the potential buyer walking away if a seller is unable to step up and make the repairs or commit the money to make the repairs.

Examine these aspects of your home yourself. If you know everything is in good condition, and the work that has been done to your home has been completed by professionals, then you can rest easy. Otherwise, be prepared to make repairs in order to sell your Scottsdale AZ home.

Tony Marriott, a Scottsdale AZ Realtor, can help you prepare your Scottsdale home for sale.  Contact Tony Marriott today with any questions on improving you Scottsdale property at 623-910-8988 or by email.

To view an article on home inspections by Realtor Magazine, click here.

Now might be the best time to lock in a low mortgage rate

Low interest rates have been gracing the real estate market with their presence for the past year, but the word on the financial street is that they won’t be here much longer.

While mortgage rates aren’t going to skyrocket out of sight, it is doubtful that they will decrease and certain that they will steadily begin to rise. For those wishing to lock their Scottsdale home in at below 5%, the time just might be now or never (or at least for a very long time).

This past beginning week in the new year, the average 30 year fixed mortgage rate was 5.09%. The general sentiment among economists is that rates are not going anywhere but up from here. The strengthening of the AZ real estate market and the national economy equals less chance for discounted rates.

If you want to refinance or purchase Scottsdale AZ real estate, now might be the best time to do so.

For more information on mortgage rates click here to look at a recent article from CNNMoney.com.

Tony Marriott, a Scottsdale real estate agent, can help you find your perfect Scottsdale AZ property for sale or can give you more information about how to lock in the current low interest rate.

Tony Marriott can be contacted at 602-445-6299 or by email.