Shopping for Homes in Every Season

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There is much debate as to whether any particular season is better for purchasing a home. Potential buyers in the market for downtown Phoenix condos might want keep a couple of things in mind as they browse the tempting array of Scottsdale condos currently for sale throughout the seasons.

Generally, the housing market wakes up as winter ends and along with it the annual sales and inventory lows of December and January. People start looking seriously in throughout the end of winter and early spring, with peaks of search activity in March and April, slight dips in May and peaks in June and July.

Winter

For buyers, winter can be a great month to purchase a new home. During the holiday season, far fewer people are out looking, giving you a better chance to snag one of the Scottsdale condos of your dreams. With less buyers to deal with, realtors can be more flexible with their schedules and have the time to really get to know you and understand exactly what you’re looking for. Incredibly, the best day of the year to buy a home is actually Christmas day: sellers are more inclined to be feeling generous, fewer other buyers are out looking and home prices are at their 12-month December low.

Spring

In spring, flowers push up towards the sun and the housing market blooms with scores of new listings and for- sale signs. This could be the perfect time to scout around for downtown Scottsdale condos. Everyone is looking for a deal, and the market is flooded with inventory, more than at any other time of year. Spring brings a lot of activity because both buyers and realtors are glad to be back out after the long winter, and a purchase in spring can mean a timely move after school is over. Amazingly, Easter Sunday is the second best day of the year to buy a house. However, spring isn’t always the best month for buyers, as the competition for properties is high, meaning multiple offers may cause you to pay more than you planned for Phoenix condos.

Summer

The housing market continues to be strong throughout the summer, with listings tailing off a bit towards the end of the season. Often, people who are relocating want to be sure they’ve sealed the deal and closed on the home in time to move and get their kids settled before starting a new school in September. There’s plenty of inventory, but, as in spring, prices tend to be higher and there’s lots of competition for desirable properties, which could mean a stressful bidding war. Homes look their summer time best, with colorful shrubs and flowers and plenty of friendly neighborhood bustle.

Fall

Autumn brings falling leaves and falling inventory, particularly toward late November, but early fall is the busiest season next to springtime for home sales. Buyers are often looking toward tempting autumnal benefits. Property taxes and mortgage interest are both deductible from gross income, providing tempting year-end tax breaks, and the season’s temperate weather is perfect for moving. Many realtors have found that autumn’s buyers and sellers tend to be more serious and motivated, unlike the “window shoppers” of spring.

Whatever season brings you within reach of your ideal home, always remember to stick to your budget and only make an offer that you can reasonably afford. Getting prequalified for a mortgage will enable you to act quickly if you find the Scottsdale condo of your dreams.

If you are looking for a condo to buy in Tempe, We Know Urban Realty will help you find the perfect place. Their realtors are experts when it comes to urban living. Visit the site to see what's available right now: http://weknowurban.com/

How to Know When You Are Ready to Buy a House

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Owning your own home is one of the prime goals of most adults in America. However, the events of the recent mortgage crisis also taught buyers to avoid jumping into a home purchase too quickly. 

Owning a house has many benefits, but it also comes with many responsibilities. Potential homebuyers should take a close look at a number of factors before making the move into home ownership. These factors can help you decide whether to look at single-family homes or downtown Phoenix condos to suit your needs.

Financial Readiness

Before considering purchasing a home, you should do a careful review of your financial condition. You should have a steady income with a minimum amount of personal debt. If you have outstanding debt, such as student loans, car loans or other indebtedness, try to pay it off before making your home purchase. Check your credit score to ensure there are no unpaid bills on your record. Your credit score should reflect your ability to pay bills reliably so that lenders will offer a good interest rate.

Consider How Long You Expect To Stay

If you plan to stay in the area for at least five years, home ownership provides better financial incentives than renting. However, the costs of financing, moving to, furnishing and decorating a new home can add up quickly. It will take at least five years in a new home to make up for these expenses. If you plan on staying in the area less than five years, it may be more financially savvy to continue to rent for the duration.

Willingness To Take on Maintenance

Home ownership also brings along with it the need for regular maintenance of exterior features. The thought of constant home maintenance chores can deter individuals from making this investment. They may not want to spend time and money on lawn care, roof maintenance and other issues.

After-Tax Cost of Ownership

Potential homebuyers should also look at additional expenses that affect the cost of home ownership. Taxes and insurance premiums can be expensive in some areas. If you are trying to stay within a budget, consider these expenses, as well as tax benefits that will accrue from home ownership.

Lifestyle Factors

Individuals who own a home generally spend a great deal of time at home. They may enjoy being away from crowded urban areas and want a large home for entertaining and houseguests. However, other people enjoy the hustle and bustle of the urban scene, and tend to spend their leisure time away from home at the theater and in restaurants. These individuals may find that a Scottsdale condo or Phoenix condo better suits their social and leisure tastes.

Real Estate Market Conditions

Another factor that can influence your ability and timing in purchasing a home is the local real estate market. Prices can vary greatly within one area or even one city. Different types of housing can also vary in price. The value of condominiums in many urban areas can often be much more stable than housing in outlying areas. This trends makes Phoenix condos or Scottsdale condos worth considering for many homebuyers.

If you are looking for a condo to buy in Tempe, We Know Urban Realty will help you find the perfect place. Their realtors are experts when it comes to urban living. Visit the site to see what's available right now: http://weknowurban.com/