We Know the BEST Agents in Prescott, Pinetop & Flagstaff !!!

As the temperatures rise, you and your friends may want to make your dream of having a vacation home in Prescott, Pinetop or Flagstaff a reality.  Did you know that we know EXCELLENT Keller Williams Realty agents in all of these cool locations?  Prescott even has 2 Keller Williams offices to serve you. Call us and we will introduce you to the best agents in these offices.

Here are some tips for buying a vacation home:
1.Stay within your budget.  Be sure to keep in mind the mortgage payment, the insurance, the taxes, the assessments, the maintenance and a caretaker to watch over the place when you are gone.
2. Determine the frequency of use.  Make sure the location is practical for your lifestyle.  Want to share the place with your children and grandchildren? Consider where they live as well.  No one wants to spend their vacation driving a long distance.
3. Pick the right location.  Pick a locale that matches your interest. Like to golf? Visit wineries? Ski? Beaches? Casinos?
4. Understand the upkeep.  A big lawn means mowing.  A big house means cleaning. You don't want to spend your weekends working.
5. Research rental potential. If you plan on renting your vacation home, find out if the HOA allows rentals , children and pets. Research the costs of having a rental service or property manager. Is the place winterized?
6. Think about resale and changing needs. If the market changes, is the house or condo desirable for resale.  It may be worth the extra money to invest in the 3 bedroom vs. 2 bedroom house.

Bankruptcy, Short Sale, Foreclosure ? An FHA Loan Is The Only Way To Go...

The majority of real estate offers that cross my desk are showing that  the buyers are obtaining FHA loans to purchase the property.
FHA is the only option for borrowers who have marginal credit. (as low as a 580 credit score)
Even if the buyer has good credit and lots of money to put down. if the buyer has had a recent bankruptcy, short sale or foreclosure, FHA will be the only option for a loan. 
So, the upside is the FHA loan requirements are more forgiving.  The downside is there is a price for that forgiveness in the form of monthly mortgage insurance.

AZ Real Estate Update: VA Loans Are Currently The Way to Go!

AZ Real Estate Update: VA Loans Are Currently The Way to Go!: Some home buyers mistakenly think that the qualifications for a VA loan are too strict.  Not in today's mortgage world. VA is by far th...

VA Loans Are Currently The Way to Go!

Some home buyers mistakenly think that the qualifications for a VA loan are too strict.  Not in today's mortgage world.
VA is by far the best option for borrowers who are VA eligible.
Why?  VA has made no changes in the way they underwrite (scrutinize) loans in the past 20 years.  VA also has the most awesome Jumbo Loan Product for loans over $417,000.
Eligible for a VA loan?  Then use it!