Arizona Real Estate Agent Marc Perea Serving Mesa & Gilbert

Feeling the SQUEEZE? It may be time to upsize. Here are 4 pretty darn good indicators:⁣
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Your house felt spacious when the kids were little. Now that they’re bigger (and ahem—louder), your house feels way smaller...like Alice in Wonderland smaller.⁣

You, your partner, and maybe the kids are home more—and you don’t see an end to that “new normal” any time soon.⁣

You’ve done all the decluttering and rearranging you can do—and you still feel like you're bumpin' into walls and people ALL. DAY. LONG.⁣

Your dreams for the future include the pitter-patter of (more) little feet, hosting gaggles of teens, welcoming aging parents, growing your supper club, or running a business from home. ⁣
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While small house living is a "thing," it's not for everybody. If you’re on the fence about whether to stay put or sell, let’s connect. I’d love to show you a few homes with a little more wiggle room so you can see firsthand how they fit!⁣

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QUIZ: WHAT DOES YOUR 🏡 DECOR STYLE SAY ABOUT YOU?⁣
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In the kitchen, you prefer:⁣
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A) Clear countertops, a shiny (and empty) kitchen sink, and modern dishes resting on airy, open shelves⁣
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B) An open concept kitchen (you’ve got serious FOMO) with an expansive island perfect for impromptu hangouts and chattin' it up⁣
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C) A private space separate from the dining and living rooms with plenty of under-cabinet lighting, speakers to set the mood, and the biggest wine cooler your space will allow ⁣
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In the bedroom, you gravitate towards: ⁣
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A) A platform bed, minimal pillows, even fewer knick-knacks, and a neutral color scheme ⁣
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B) A huge bed (the bigger the better) piled high with an array of pillows in brilliant shades ⁣
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C) The bed is of little significance. It’s the lighting that matters most. You do your best reading late into the night⁣
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In your home office, you’ll find:⁣
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A) A functional desk, free of “extras,” except your family’s most recent photo ⁣
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B) Coordinated desk accessories, a plush and stylish office chair, and plenty of seating for anyone who pops in to say hello⁣
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C) A solid wood desk with bookends from your alma mater flanking well-read memoirs, professional handbooks, and inspirational favorites⁣
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Your backyard oasis has:⁣
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A) A medium-sized patio area with Adirondacks for all, a charcoal grill, and a hose nearby for easy cleaning⁣
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B) A pool and hot tub offset with co****le boards on one side and an outdoor kitchen on the other⁣
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C) A hammock in the shade enveloped by bird feeders, wind chimes, and strings of lights ⁣
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In the living room, your must-haves include:⁣
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A) Clean lines, natural textures, and calming hues⁣
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B) An eclectic mix of furniture and accessories purchased whenever the mood struck⁣
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C) Fabrics, textures, and trinkets from all over the world that tell bits and pieces of your story⁣
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THE RESULTS ARE IN! ⁣
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If you answered mostly As: You are down-to-earth, pragmatic, and fancy a minimalistic feel.⁣
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If you answered mostly Bs: You are the life of every party, light up every room, and never pass up an opportunity to shoot the breeze friends—and strangers!⁣
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If you answered mostly Cs: You are contemplative, curious, and regularly look for ways to sneak in some peace, quiet, solitude.⁣
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Whatever your style, there’s a home for you! Let me help you track it down—send me a DM today.

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

With record sales volume & record prices in “The Valley of The Sun,” it’s still an astounding time to list your 🏠! The average sales price is up over 27% year over year for July, 2021.

If you’re on the fence and would like any information, give me a call so we can talk about your real estate plans and figure out if now really is a good time to list your home.

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

In real estate, payday can seem a little puzzling—especially for your buyer’s agent. ⁣After all, if you’ve ever bought a house, you know your agent never asked for a dime during the entire process. (Truth is, real estate agents can't accept money directly from buyers.) ⁣

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One of the craziest parts of selling is prepping for showings —especially on short notice! Use this 8-step checklist to simplify the process and make a killer first impression on buyers.⁣
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A quick heads up — a top-to-bottom deep clean of your house before it hits the market goes a long way in keeping no-notice prep doable. I highly recommend it - even if you have to hire it out. It's worth every penny!⁣
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Remember buyers are looking at your house — not your housekeeping skills. But you still want your home to look spectacular for every single buyer. ⁣
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If you'd like more tips on how to get your home ready to sell, I'm here. Let's chat or meet for coffee!

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

“Move-in ready” is like 🎶 to a buyer’s ears. I mean, just hang a few pictures on the walls, and you’re done, right? Well, not so fast. Why, you ask? Because not everyone uses the same set of criteria to declare a 🏠“move-in ready.” 😞
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So what should you be striving for as a seller—and what should you be looking for as a buyer—when a home is listed as “move-in ready?” If it were up to me, it’d include these 8 things: ⁣
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-All of the electrical work is up to date and electrical outlets and switches are modern.⁣
-The plumbing is in good condition with no signs of leaks or water damage.⁣
-The roof has a substantial life span remaining. That goes for the siding and windows, too. They have no signs of warping or water damage.⁣
-The water heater, furnace, and HVAC system are in good working order and have been recently serviced.⁣
-Kitchen appliances are functional as are kitchen faucets, lights, and outlets.⁣
-Bathrooms are clean with working plumbing and clear drains. Toilets flush, drains drain, and showers have the correct pressure.⁣
-Hardwood floors are clean and free of warping or buckling. Same goes for carpeted floors, too.⁣
-Painted walls are free of chips, dents, and marks.⁣
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Are you looking for a “move-in ready” home? I’d love to find you one that checks ALL these boxes! Send me a message and let’s get started!⁣

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

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Sure you see the signs in the yard and the listings live on major real estate websites, but what does it look like to list YOUR 🏡 with ME? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look so you can know exactly what to expect.⁣
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After you reach out to me in the way that’s most convenient for you—text, DM, phone, email, or my fave, in person—I’ll get back in touch within 24 hours if we should miss each other. We’ll have a quick introductory chat and schedule a face-to-face at your home.⁣
In prep for our meeting, I’ll run a market analysis, look at recent comps, and check out any online records I can find.⁣
During our meeting, I’ll bring my findings to share and we'll do a walk-thru of your home. We’ll discuss your selling timeline, profit goals, and any minor repairs or upgrades that might be worth doing prior to selling. I’ll be happy to linger as long as needed to answer all your questions.⁣
Afterward, I’ll combine the data I’ve gathered along with your feedback and compute a suggested listing price.⁣
At that point, if you’re ready to list, I’ll schedule a photographer, write your listing description, get it all okayed by you, and start networking with other agents to track down your buyer.⁣
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One thing I love love love about real estate is that the selling process can be customized to fit your needs. At any of these steps, we can slow down, pause, or speed up—it's 100% in your court. I'm just here to help.⁣
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If you or someone you know is thinking about selling, I'd love to connect. Send me a message, and I'll be in touch! ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

Ready to go big, bold, and beautiful in your home without breaking the bank? Do it with hardly any effort (or Benjamins!) with these 5 statement pieces:⁣
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An accent wall: Even if you aren’t ready to go totally "off-the-wall," darkening a neutral you already have will give your space depth and create a rich, layered, look.⁣

Pillows: A pop of color here and a patterned pillow there are two of the easiest ways to add some interest to your decor. Plus, you can switch ‘em out for the seasons or whenever you get tired of them.⁣

An area rug: Love your neutral sofa but want some oomph somewhere? Opt for a colorful or geometric area rug. It’s like artwork for your floor!⁣

An ottoman: An ottoman is oh-so-functional but can also make a statement in your living room. Choose one that’s oversized, oddly shaped, or just plain funky.⁣

Light fixtures: Lighting can be an afterthought when decorating but it makes a huge impression on the way your home feels. A gorgeous chandelier or a trio of pendant lights are always eye-catching but affordable, and carefully placed canned lights can create an equally dramatic atmosphere. ⁣
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Don’t be afraid to give new trends a try—especially if the price is right and you're feeling bold and brave!

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So far this week, we’ve covered the English, math, and science behind real estate. Today it’s time to turn back the pages of history and take a peek at what it used to look like to buy a home in the U.S. ⁣
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I think you’ll find this info from J.D. Roth of the blog, Get Rich Slowly, fascinating—just like I did!⁣
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For a long time, homeownership was the exception rather than the rule. Sure, farmers owned a bit of land and a small home, but most Americans did not.⁣
During the 1800s, many didn't have the piles of cash needed, and banks weren’t any help. They wouldn't lend money for ordinary people to buy.⁣
Mortgages didn't become commonplace until the U.S. banking system stabilized following the National Bank Acts of the 1860s. But a mortgage in the early 1900s looked way different than a mortgage today. It might have had a 5-year term and required a 50% down payment!⁣
These early mortgages worked fine until the Great Depression, when nearly 10% of homes fell into foreclosure.⁣
The G.I. Bill of 1944 ushered in an era of escalated demand for housing and the development of the suburbs.⁣
As the housing market boomed during the 1940s and 1950s, so did the real-estate profession.⁣
Increased home prices and ownership rates brought increased mortgages. Just consider: The median size for a new home built in 1973 was 1525 square feet. By 2016, that number had jumped to 2422 square feet. ⁣
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Homeownership in the U.S. has had a wild and bumpy history. The good news for prospective buyers today is that owning a home is within reach of many more Americans than it used to be. ⁣
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If you’re thinking of buying and curious about what the process looks like in today’s market, I’d love to discuss. Send me a DM, and I’ll be in touch soon.

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

Knowing how to sell a 🏠 quickly—and for top 💵 —is an art, but don’t think there’s not a whole lotta science mixed in! ⁣
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Grab a seat and let's get started with today's science lesson. Check out these data-backed stats and facts:⁣
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80% of buyers know if they want a home within a matter of seconds. Translation: Spice up your entryway but keep your foyer clean and clear of clutter.⁣
One study shows 32% of shoppers stayed in stores with simple smells longer than stores with complex smells. Translation: Stop it already with all the air fresheners. Instead, choose one “soft” fragrance to fill your home before a showing. Think citrus or cinnamon.⁣
Buyers don’t like 9s at the end of a home price—looks like you’re trying too hard to make a deal. Nix the nines, BUT…⁣
Buyers don’t like round numbers either. A round number with lots of zeros comes off fabricated and cookie cutter. Specific numbers show you know exactly what your home is worth. Instead of $300,000. Try $298,895.⁣
Buyers love a staged home. A study by the Real Estate Staging Association looked at 63 homes on the market for 143 days. After staging, they sold within 40 days. Translation: Whether large scale or small, staging is always the right move.⁣
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The buying and selling process is full of emotions, but you can also break it down to a science. If you’d like more info on how you can improve the chances of selling your home in our town, I’d love to help.

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

Class is back in session, and today, we’re diving into all things math. But don't worry, it's none of that algebraic mumbo jumbo. We’re getting street-level practical with one of real estate’s most asked questions: How much home can I afford?⁣
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Lenders recommend spending no more than 28% of your monthly gross income on your mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. ⁣
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Here’s a quick example:⁣
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Say your monthly gross income (pre-tax) is $5,000. To find 28% of $5,000, multiply 5,000 by 0.28 (28%). In this scenario, your total mortgage payment should not exceed $1,400. ⁣
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There are all sorts of tools and calculators out there, but this is a good starting point. The last place you want to be in a new home is in over your head. ⁣
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Run the numbers and interested to see homes that fit your recommended mortgage payment? Send me a DM—I’d love to connect and show them to you.

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

It’s that time again, folks! Time to break out the backpacks, sharpen those , and wrangle the kiddos out of bed and out the door at the crack of dawn. ⁣
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To celebrate or commiserate—you pick—I’m taking YOU “back to school” to tackle a different real estate “subject” every day this week. Here’s where we’re headed:⁣
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Monday: English⁣
Tuesday: Math⁣
Wednesday: Science⁣
Thursday: History⁣
Friday: Pop Quiz!⁣
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So sit up straight, put your thinking cap on, and let’s get started...now! ⁣
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First up? English. Today’s lesson: What does the language “AS IS” mean in a real estate contract?⁣
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According to the law, when a house is purchased "as is," a buyer agrees to accept the property in the condition reasonably observable by them. ⁣
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The seller, however, remains liable for any failure, whether negligent or intentional, to reveal known concealed defects. An “as is” clause does not shield the seller from the common law duty to disclose known defects.⁣
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If you are looking to buy or sell soon, and you’re open to an “as is” contract, be sure to consult an experienced realtor and real estate lawyer to ensure you fully understand the language behind those two little words. ⁣
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That’s it for today—class dismissed!⁣

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"I want to buy a home, I just don't even know where to start."⁣
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Does this sound like you? Or, what about...⁣
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"I'd really like to sell and move in to something bigger. I just don't know where to begin."⁣
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I hear these things all the time. A real estate transaction is a big deal, and it's important that the timing is right for you. ⁣
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To kick off the new month, I'm going to leave you with a motivational quote I love by Mark Twain:⁣
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“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.”⁣
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My clients tell me one of the things they love about working with me is the way I break down the transaction step-by-step, and make sure they are informed and comfortable along the way. ⁣
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Fall is coming quickly, if you're looking to be in a new home by the holidays shoot me a message and I'll help you figure out your first step.

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Buying a home is easy when you have a realtor who knows how to break it down into bite-sized steps... that's me!⁣
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Here's a behind-the-scenes peek of how I simplify the process for my first-class clients.⁣
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• I provide step-by-step checklists tailored to their situation with clear, actionable steps that we work through together.⁣
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• If their wish list is a little foggy, we dig deep together so they can gain clarity about their must-haves and their deal breakers.⁣
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• I check in with weekly status updates and to make sure we're on the same page.⁣
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• I make myself easily accessible by phone, text, or in-person. My clients are always top-of-mind!⁣
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Some of my fave resources for buyers are my FAQ packet and my First-Time Homebuyers Checklist. Like to see one or both of these? Drop me a message with your phone or email and I’ll zip it over today!⁣

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

Ranging from a no-nonsense declutter to a complete interior transformation, staging is top of mind for today’s seller. So if you’re thinking of selling (or know someone who is), here are a handful of staging stats from the 2021 Profile of Home Staging from the National Association of Realtors. I think they’ll prove why staging is almost a must in the summer 2021 market:⁣
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• After staging, 23% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1-5% of the dollar value offered by buyers, in comparison to unstaged homes. ---- That's more cash in your pocket!⁣
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• The average cost for a staging service was $1,500, compared to $300 when a sellers’ agent personally staged the home. ---- I can do this!⁣
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• 82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. ---- And that’s what you want!⁣
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• Staging the living room was most important to buyers (46%), followed by the master bedroom (43%) and the kitchen (35%). ---- Focus staging efforts on the largest rooms!⁣
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Here’s what else—staging doesn’t have to be costly or complicated! Here are a few of my fave, FREE staging tips for all sellers are:⁣
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✓ Declutter, declutter, declutter⁣
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✓ Clean the entire home top-to-bottom⁣
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✓ Improve curb appeal with fresh mulch and pops of color⁣
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✓ Depersonalize the home⁣
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✓ Eliminate pet presence (and smells)⁣
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Want to know what you should do to get your home ready for the market? Send me a message and let’s chat. I’d love to help you sell quickly and for top dollar!⁣

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

So you’re kickin’ around the idea of renting your home on Airbnb or VRBO?⁣
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Before packing your bag and dreaming of a stash of cash, here are a few questions to ask and things to consider. The more you know, the better!⁣
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1. Will you need a special permit? Are there short-term occupancy rules or licensing requirements in your city?⁣
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2. How will renting affect your property taxes or homeowners insurance?⁣
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3. Which platform is best for your type of listing? Airbnb or some else?⁣
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4. If listing your primary residence, do you have a reliable place to stay when renters book? Are you willing to take on the inconvenience of cleaning and packing up every time you get a booking?⁣
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5. Can your cover initial costs (extra sheets, towels, first aid kit, smoke detectors, etc.) and ongoing costs (soap, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.)?⁣
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If you’ve done the research and are ready to generate some rental income, give me a call or send me a message. The short-term market is booming, and I’d love to help!⁣

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

IT’S A SELLER’S MARKET! ⁣
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IT’S A BUYER’S MARKET! ⁣
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IT’S A BUYER’S & SELLER’S MARKET! ⁣
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I mean, seriously. What does all the jargon even mean? What exactly IS a “buyer’s market” or a “seller’s market,” and how does anyone know which one we’re in? ⁣
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Wonder no more, good friends. The next time you hear the oft thrown-around term, here’s what to call to mind:⁣
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A BUYER’S MARKET⁣
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• Lots of for sale signs around town and homes on the MLS⁣
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• Homes selling below listing price with several price cuts along the way⁣
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• Rising inventory levels and increase in days on market⁣
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• Population and job growth trending downward⁣
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• Sellers offering to pay points or closing costs or give allowances for new flooring or appliances⁣
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• Sellers regularly taking their home off-market for a few weeks, then relisting it, in an effort to make it appear “fresh”⁣
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A SELLER’S MARKET⁣
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• Fewer for sale signs around town and homes on the MLS⁣
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• More FSBOs because some think they don’t need an agent to sell⁣
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• Homes selling through word-of-mouth before they are even listed⁣
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• Low inventory levels and shorter days on market⁣
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• Job growth above average ⁣
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But here’s the good news: whether you need to buy or sell, I can help! Send me a message and let’s chat about your real estate goals. Don’t put it off any longer—I can't wait to connect with you.

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

Here’s who SHOULD sell FSBO —— Homeowners who have extra time on their hands, money they’re willing to leave on the table, liability and risk they’re willing to take on, and contract and logistics details they’re willing to wade through.⁣
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Not something that piques your interest? Don’t blame you one bit.⁣
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If you want to save time, price your house correctly, maximize your profits, and have an agent shoulder the majority of the liability, risk, contract details, and logistics, you need a top-tier agent on your team—especially when you consider 90% of FSBO attempts fail altogether.⁣
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Get your home sold easily with an agent you trust. If you’re thinking of selling, reach out and let’s talk—no strings attached!⁣

ColdwellBankerHomesAZ.com

What got YOU through 2020? For most of us, it was family, friends, and our loyal 🐶’s.
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But now, with a little space between the pandemic and our current perspective, I’m wondering if we’ve overlooked another MVP of 2020—HOUSEPLANTS!⁣
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Miss out on the 2020🪴 craze? It’s not too late! Get on board with one of these easy-peasy, extremely forgiving houseplants ➡️➡️
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• Z**i Plant: I’m convinced, these plants almost enjoy being ignored.⁣
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• Rubber Plant: Handsome and bold, enjoys low-medium light.⁣
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• Dracaena: Also called lemon-lime plant, this vibrant shrub adds a pop of color to any corner drab corner.⁣
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Don’t be afraid to jazz up your space with houseplants! There are a million blogs, podcasts, and tutorials out there to help you get started.

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