Mortgage Rates: Rise or Fall? One of the key factors influencing the real estate market is mortgage rates. Currently, in 2023, experts anticipate a gradual rise in mortgage rates. The era of historically low rates that characterized the past few years is slowly coming to an end. As the Federal Reserve continues to normalize monetary policy, mortgage rates are expected to increase incrementally.     Experts forecast that the increase in mortgage rates will be gradual rather than sudden, allowing homebuyers and sellers to adapt and plan accordingly. However, it is important to keep in ..read more

On May 1, 2023, new Federal mortgage rules went into effect that will affect many homebuyers across the country. The new rules may have a different impact on people with high and low credit scores. The impact of the new rules may vary depending on the lender and the specific terms of the mortgage. While borrowers with higher credit scores may face higher costs, those with lower credit scores may be able to avoid a new fee in the revised rules.      The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced this new fee, called the Adverse Market Refinance Fee, which will be charged to ..read more

Buying a home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One issue that buyers in Phoenix, Arizona may encounter is the purchase of a home on leased land. While there are some pros to this arrangement, there are many cons that buyers should be aware of before making a decision. Pros of Buying a Home on Leased Land One of the main benefits of buying a home on leased land is affordability. Because the buyer only owns the physical structure of the home and not the land it sits on, the purchase price can be significantly lower than that of a trad ..read more

If you’re visiting or moving to Phoenix with a dog, the Valley of the Sun has no shortage of dog-friendly establishments that will welcome both you and your pooch. Here are some of the best dog-friendly bars, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and stores in Phoenix that you and your furry friend can enjoy together.     Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants Phoenix has a thriving food and beverage scene, and many bars and restaurants are happy to welcome dogs on their patios. Here are some of the top dog-friendly bars and restaurants in the city: O.H.S.O. Brewery has three locations in P ..read more

  If you’re considering buying a home in Phoenix, you may have heard the saying that there are two types of homes in the area—those with termites and those that will get them. Unfortunately, this is a fair description of the prevalence of termites in the Phoenix area. However, don’t let that discourage you from buying your dream home in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.  Why are termites so common in Phoenix? Termites thrive in warm, dry climates, making Phoenix a perfect environment for them. Many of the homes in the area are built with wood framing and stucco exteriors, which are susc ..read more

Randy Stopher’s real estate blog at ListWithRandy.com/blog has been named the #2 blog among the top 30 Arizona real estate blogs by Feedspot, a popular blog reader that allows users to track and read their favorite blogs in one place. Feedspot’s recognition of Randy’s blog is a significant achievement in the highly competitive world of real estate blogging. As a leading blog reader, Feedspot regularly tracks and ranks thousands of blogs across different industries and niches. Being named among the top 30 Arizona real estate blogs is a testament to Randy’s expertise, dedication, and commitment ..read more

Are you on the fence about selling your Phoenix home? Are you waiting for the perfect moment to list your property? Well, the wait is over! Realtor.com says the best time to list your home in 2023 is quickly approaching, and you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.   The week of April 16-22 is expected to have the perfect balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers more than any other week in the year. As a seasoned realtor in Phoenix, I can assure you that this is not a sales pitch. This is a fact based on data and research that  ..read more

The summertime in Phoenix is very hot. They say “it’s a dry heat” but, well, so is a sauna. Many people like to escape Phoenix when the temperatures are above 100 degrees for weeks on end, 24/7. Some head North to the so-called “high country.” Others, called snowbirds, go back to their primary homes somewhere else. But lots of us love Phoenix in the summer when temperatures can be as high as 120 degrees and the water in our backyard swimming pools is body temperature.   Things you’ll notice about how people and businesses have adapted to the heat. Life is organized around air conditioni ..read more

Are you ready to sell your home quickly in Phoenix? Staging your home can be the key to attracting buyers and getting offers fast. Here are some tips to help you stage your home for a quick sale in Phoenix: Declutter and Clean: First impressions are important, and a cluttered or dirty home can turn off potential buyers. Declutter by removing excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal items. Clean your home from top to bottom, including windows, floors, and carpets. Don’t forget to organize closets and cabinets, as buyers will likely look inside. Let There Be Light: Lighting can make a big d ..read more

Buying a home for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are many things to consider, from your budget and desired location to the type of home you want. If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the Valley of the Sun, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the process smoother. Here are some tips to help you get started: Start with a budget: Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to know what you can afford. Start by calculating your monthly income and expenses, including any debt payments. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spe ..read more