AZ Home Buyers

Are you looking for that special home?  Trying to find that great investment property?  Find out how we can help you find that dream home AND at a dream price!  Call us at (480) 776-5214 or Click here to contact us!

Whether you are relocating or have lived in Arizona for a while, we can help you find your special home.  The Thompson Group serves the Phoenix Metro area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe.  All the homes available in MLS are searchable using our MLS Map Search, which is free to use.  Not only can you search by city and price but you choose among the many home features that you are looking for!   We believe this is the best home search available, start today!

Free Home Buyers Consultation

Is this your first home purchase?  New to the Phoenix area?  Not sure if it’s the right time for you to buy?  If you have any questions concerning the home buying process or local area information, we can help!  We offer a free, no obligation consultation.  Contact us today.  Call (480) 776-5214 or Click Here.

Popular Home Searches

Here are a few of our most popular Arizona home searches. Are you looking for a foreclosure, luxury home, special home in a golf course community, a new build, a condo or even a pre-foreclosed home? View the results of these searches and narrow down even more by including your price range, number of beds and baths, etc that you want. Find the home of your dreams here.

AZ Luxury Homes

Arizona New Homes

Golf Communities in Arizona

AZ Pre Foreclosure Listings

Arizona Foreclosures

Condos in AZ

Recent Home Buyers Posts:

• Arizona Home Buyers: To Do or NOT To Do?

  Many potential buyers of Phoenix Homes for Sale are often unaware that many of their actions in other parts of their lives can have a significant impact on the home buying and financing process. As a prospective buyer looking for a home in the Phoenix Real Estate market, keep in mind these questions:

  • I have a new job offer, should I change jobs? Changing jobs as an upward movement in the same line of work is okay. Changing jobs into a different line of work can be an issue, and changing jobs for less money is a red flag, depending on the circumstances. Regardless of the reason, pay stubs covering the last 30 days will be required for loan approval.
  • We just sold our classic car for a pretty high price. Is it okay to deposit that money? Moving money around is okay as long as you can paper-trail the money. If you move it from one account to another it’s pretty easy to show the money coming in and out of the accounts. Making large deposits that can’t be paper-trailed is a bigger issue – for example, selling items from around the house (like a garage sale) and then depositing those funds into the bank. These funds are nearly impossible to prove their source (especially if it’s a large deposit) and, therefore, would not be included in available funds for closing. Literally, the money is excluded from your qualifying assets. Any deposits outside of payroll deposits (usually over a few hundred dollars) need to be sourced from an acceptable source (i.e. no selling drugs to qualify!).
  • How much money should I save? Generally, savings of 3.5% of the purchase price is enough to qualify for an FHA loan for Phoenix Arizona Homes. However, saving more money to put down is always a great idea. A larger down payment will allow for a better financing, and the extra money could help with purchase of new appliances and potential repairs at your new home.
  • Should I make big purchases before closing escrow? No, no, no – not without speaking to your loan officer first. Large purchases made on credit for a new car, appliances, or even furniture for your new home may push your debt level too high and prohibit the financing of your new home.
  • I was planning on taking a trip out of town – is that a good idea? Probably not, if you can avoid it. But if your trip has already been planned for months in advance, our Phoenix AZ Realtors can help work out the logistics. With faxes and email available throughout the world, most escrows can continue while you are away on business – or enjoying fun in the sun.
  • I have a bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale on my credit, can I still buy? Most times when a borrower had a past issue on their credit, a good loan officer will be able to give good advice about corrective steps to take. Most borrowers’ past mistakes may be repaired through the passage of time and by establishing new credit. Situations vary, so speak to a good loan officer about your situation.

  As you prepare to begin the process of buying a home, it will help you greatly to make sure that actions you take aren’t detrimental to your financing and buying process. Give us a call today at 480.776.5214 – we will not only help you search through the prospects in the Phoenix MLS, but we’ll also help you strategize and avoid potential pitfalls to financing.

• Buying a Home: Flipped Homes Provide Opportunity!

  Over the last few years and considering the large number of foreclosed homes, short sales, and bank-owned properties, the purchase of a new home at times has seemed like a real pain in the neck for our buyers. However, as time has marched on, one type of property is re-emerging in the Phoenix Real Estate market as a favorite of our buyers: “fix-n-flip” properties are making a big comeback.

  A “fix-n-flip” property is defined as a property where an investor purchases a home that needs a significant amount of work done to be livable or (or sellable). The investor fixes up the property to almost new condition and then resells (“flips”) the property to a new home owner. The process takes about 90 days or less for the investor. In the ideal world, the investor hopes to make a profit and the new home owner gets a property that is professionally remodeled and move-in ready.

  In our current market – with many Phoenix Arizona Homes going to trustee sale on a monthly basis – the investor picks up the property directly from the bank, clears the title and then remodels the home. With the number of trustee sales remaining high, fix-n-flip properties should continue to be a great source of move-in ready homes.

  For buyers that don’t want to be hassled with repairs, it’s of interest to note that many fix-n-flip properties may come with granite counters, upgraded flooring, new interior and exterior paint and other nice upgrades.

  Beware, though: if the property is considered a fix-n-flip property, there may be some additional hoops to jump through:

  • The buyer’s lender will likely require a second appraisal verifying the home value.
  • The second appraisal will be charged to the seller who may not want that additional expense.
  • The buyer’s lending underwriting will require review of the property inspection.
  • Currently, only one lender in the valley is offering financing on fix-n-flip properties – which is limiting financing options.
  • Processing the loan usually takes longer than the traditional 30 days, and may take up to 45 days.
  • The buyer’s lender will require the seller to perform repairs before approving the financial package.
  • Some sellers over-improve the properties. By paying too much to improve the property, the seller may be unable to sell the home for the amount of money invested.
  • Many times a buyer will need to plan for backyard landscaping, the purchase of window coverings and blinds, and other move-in items.

  Are you wondering if a fix-n-flip property is right for you? Are you in need of an expert to navigate the process and protect your interests? We at the Thompson Group are ready to help. Our  Phoenix AZ Realtors are experts at working the Phoenix MLS  specialists in helping comb through Phoenix Homes for Sale to find just what you’re looking for. Contact us at 480-776-5214 or www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com today!

• Home Buyers: How to Survive the Bidding Wars

  Since October 2010, the local real estate market has seen reductions in housing inventory of over 40%.  With price points remaining similar to 2010, buyer demand continues to be very strong.  Combining this strong demand and lack of supply, the Phoenix Real Estate market is seeing multiple offers (or “bidding wars”) on hot Phoenix Arizona Homes.  While our clients are glad that their new home purchases should result in immediate appreciation of the property, that feeling does not go very far in offsetting the pain of trying to win a bidding war or losing bidding wars on multiple occasions.  So here are a few thoughts on how to win a bidding war:

  • Be Prepared – Do anything up front that can help prepare for fast decision-making.  Getting homework items out of the way up front should also allow for better decision- making at the time of contract.  Completing items such as loan prequalification with a lender, completion of real estate disclosures, and anything else that would prevent the writing of a real estate contract will allow your Realtor more time to focus on getting and presenting your offer to purchase a property.
  • Avoid Under Priced Homes – Unfortunately, in any market there are items that are overpriced and items that are under-priced.  A savvy Realtor should be able to point out the overpriced and under-priced properties.  With low inventory, under-priced properties inevitably end up in bidding wars.  By focusing on properties priced more at the market, home buyers are likely to avoid the bidding war and get better terms in the contracts that are negotiated.
  • House Shop During the Week – In real estate the primary time for buyers to shop Phoenix Homes for Sale is Saturday and Sunday due to weekly work schedules.  However, most buyers forget about that lunch break or an extra 30 minutes before or after the work day where the viewing of a couple of properties is possible.  Many times buyers can get a hot property under contract before the weekend and before any other buyer ever sees the home.
  • Don’t Hesitate – Last but not least, when you see that great property, don’t hesitate.  While one buyer is hesitating, another buyer is likely to be writing the contract.  If it is a Saturday or Sunday, then there could be two buyers writing a contract.  However, if you hesitate and don’t get an offer accepted on a home, asking why you hesitated is a great idea!  Solving the reason for the hesitation will likely yield a better decision when the next fantastic home comes on the market.

  Maybe you are a first-time home buyer needing help understanding the logistics of your first home purchase.  Or, maybe you are looking to move up to a bigger, more spacious home.  We at the Thompson Group pride ourselves in helping you search the Phoenix MLS to find that special home that will be enjoyable for years to come!  Please contact any of our Phoenix AZ Realtors for your private, no-obligation consultation at www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com or 480-776-5214.

• Purchasing a Home: How Fast Can I Close?

  After a few weeks to a few months of preparation, searching the internet for Phoenix Homes for Sale, writing contracts and coming to terms on that new home purchase, our buyers always find a special home. Then, the next inevitable questions arise: “When is the Big Day? How fast can I close escrow and move in?” Well, here are a few items to consider that will help guide you to that big day if buying in Arizona.

  • Disclosures – In Arizona, the real estate contract calls for the seller to make seller property disclosures, insurance claims disclosures and to delivery a copy of the title report for review. Each should be delivered within five days of contract and each allows for a review period of five days.
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – If the buyer is purchasing a home built prior to 1978, the Arizona contract allows for a 10 day risk assessment or inspection period. The risk assessment period begins upon delivery from the seller of the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure which may happen as late as 5 days after contract acceptance or requiring a full 15 days to determine Lead-Based Paint risk at a property.
  • Home Inspections – Most buyers prefer to have a general home inspection and a termite inspection of a potential home purchase to uncover unseen problems. While most home inspections don’t turn up deal-breakers, some issues can arise such as termites, roof replacements or mold. When these larger repair issues arise, the buyer and seller generally will have a second negotiation as to who will cover which repair costs. When selling Phoenix Arizona Homes, the Arizona contract calls for this 2^nd negotiation to begin no later than 10 days after acceptance and to end at 20 days after contract acceptance.
  • Home Owner Association (HOA) Disclosures – While the Arizona contract calls for delivery of all HOA information to the buyer, state law allows HOAs 14 calendar days from the time of the request to delivery to provide all necessary information. Normally, the title agency involved will make the request for HOA documents at 5 days after contract acceptance, so delivery of these documents may not happen for 19 days.
  • Cash or Financing? – The good news here is that if a buyer is paying cash and does not need financing, close of escrow can happen as soon as all above items are complete and the buyer feels comfortable. In Arizona, some buyers may close within 10-15 days if all vendors are on top of their game. However, if a buyer requires financing, closing may happen as soon as 23 days for conventional loans and 30 days for FHA loans. Situations do vary, so be sure to consult your Arizona mortgage consultant to determine how long of a close of escrow will be needed.

  So… are you:

  • Tired of just reading and talking about a new home purchase?
  • Itching to get started finding that special home?
  • Ready to find out how to get a great deal?

  …then the Thompson Group is ready to help!

  Our Phoenix AZ Realtors are specialists in combing the Phoenix MLS and knowing the Phoenix Real Estate market to find the perfect home for you. Don’t wait! Give us a call today at 480-776-5214 or www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com to get going and find your new home.

• Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

  
  Good news! You finally saved up for the down payment on your new home and it is time to start your house search. You go out and hit the internet and start looking at virtual tours. Wow, there are some fantastic houses spread out all over the place! How do you decide which ones to look at first and which neighborhoods are the best?

  Unlike most purchases in life such as a TV, car, boat, or RV, the enjoyment of a Phoenix Real Estate

  purchase has a whole lot more to do with location and the neighborhood than most realize. Crime statistics, schools, proximity to parks and freeways are just a few important details that are controlled by the location of your home. Not to mention the quality of your neighbors! These factors all add up to determine value of your home will appreciate in the long term.

  So, when determining the neighborhood you would like to live in, first consider its overall location approximate to your job as well as schools, public transportation, shopping, museums, theaters and other attractions that might interest you. Consider the major pluses and minuses of the location, before narrowing to specific neighborhoods. If you are too close to an airport, jail or superfund site, then you might want to review other locations. If you are finding good freeway access, your favorite restaurants, and are able to manage the commute to work, then you may be narrowing your search to a great location.

  In a general location, there can be 10-100 different neighborhoods. Some will be fantastic and some will not! One great way to learn about your location is to drive around the neighborhood and talk to residents. If you find a higher volume of smart soccer moms you might find a strong indication that the long term value of the neighborhood is headed up.

  As you are pinning down your favorite neighborhoods, view lots of homes in those neighborhoods. Builders tend to build the same floor plans when developing neighborhoods, so if you don’t like the floor plan in a neighborhood or are not finding what you like, then keep looking for new neighborhoods. However, if you find home that is perfect floor plan but lacks in other qualities, take note! Even though one house may not be  your perfect home, if you like the floor plan, a new property could be coming on the market that may have the other qualities you will love.

  Some other great questions to ask about your Phoenix Arizona Homes neighborhood:

  • Where are the closest parks?
  • How good are the local schools?
  • What is the neighborhood like at night?
  • Do all the homes have large lots or small lot sizes?
  • Are there any special features that draw you and others to the neighborhood?
  • Does it include all of the minimum amenities for your lifestyle?

  After you’ve narrowed your search down to a few great neighborhoods, we will help point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint. Once we weed out the homes that do not interest you, we‘ll  consider the details of the ones you like, including the amount of work that needs to be done if you purchase the home. Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? Find out if the seller will do these things or offer an allowance for the buyer to do them. If you are happy with the details, we should go back to the final contestants for a second look. This will help us select the perfect home for you. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find what you want right away. On average, buyers of Phoenix Homes for Sale will walk through fifteen houses before selecting one.

  Are you ready to start looking for that special neighborhood? Need assistance searching the Phoenix MLS? We can help! Please feel free to contact me – or any of our Phoenix AZ Realtors – with any questions or concerns. We can be reached at 480-776-5214 and ask4jamie@cox.net.
   
  

• Arizona Home Buyers: To Do, or NOT To Do?

  Many potential buyers of Phoenix Homes for Sale are often unaware that many of their actions in other parts of their lives can have a significant impact on the home buying and financing process. As a prospective buyer looking for a home in the Phoenix Real Estate market, keep in mind these questions:

  I have a new job offer, should I change jobs?

  Changing jobs as an upward movement in the same line of work is okay. Changing jobs into a different line of work can be an issue, and changing jobs for less money is a red flag, depending on the circumstances. Regardless of the reason, pay stubs covering the last 30 days will be required for loan approval.

  We just sold our classic car for a pretty high price. Is it okay to deposit that money?

  Moving money around is okay as long as you can paper-trail the money. If you move it from one account to another it’s pretty easy to show the money coming in and out of the accounts. Making large deposits that can’t be paper-trailed is a bigger issue – for example, selling items from around the house (like a garage sale) and then depositing those funds into the bank. These funds are nearly impossible to prove their source (especially if it’s a large deposit) and therefore would not be included in available funds for closing.  Literally, the money is excluded from your qualifying assets. Any deposits outside of payroll deposits (usually over a few hundred dollars) need to be sourced from an acceptable source (i.e. – no selling drugs to qualify!)

  How much money should I save?

  Generally, savings of 3.5% of the purchase price is enough to qualify for an FHA loan for Phoenix Arizona Homes. However, saving more money to put down is always a great idea. A larger down payment will allow for a better financing, and the extra money could help with purchase of new appliances and potential repairs at your new home.

  Should I make big purchases before closing escrow?

  No, no, no — not without speaking to your loan officer first. Large purchases made on credit for a new car, appliances, or even furniture for your new home may push your debt level too high and prohibit the financing of your new home.

  I was planning on taking a trip out of town – is that a good idea?

  Probably not, if you can avoid it. But if your trip has already been planned for months in advance, our Phoenix AZ Realtors can help work out the logistics. With faxes and email available throughout the world, most escrows can continue while you are away on business – or enjoying fun in the sun.

  I have a bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale on my credit, can I still buy?

  Most times when a borrower had a past issue on their credit, a good loan officer will be able to give good advice about corrective steps to take. Most borrowers’ past mistakes may be repaired through the passage of time and by establishing new credit. Situations vary, so speak to a good loan officer about your situation.

  As you prepare to begin the process of buying a home, it will help you greatly to make sure that actions you take aren’t detrimental to your financing and buying process. Give us a call today at 480.776.5214 – we will not only help you search through the prospects in the Phoenix MLS, but we’ll also help you strategize and avoid potential pitfalls to financing.

• Urban Legends: Finding the Perfect Home

  Does the “perfect home” exist? I guess if you have an unlimited budget, then probably so. For the rest of us – those who aren’t rock stars or professional athletes — the perfect home for us may exist in the Phoenix Real Estate market, but finding it requires a little preparation. Here are some steps to take to get you there.

  1. Meet with a Realtor for a buyer consultation. Good Realtors start by meeting with you to identify your needs and to inform you about the current marketplace. Understanding what Phoenix Arizona Homes are available and how they may meet your needs can save hours of time otherwise wasted looking at homes that don’t work.
  2. Meet with a reputable lender. Getting qualified and knowing what the monthly cost of your new home will be is an important step to take. Looking at Phoenix Homes for Sale in a price range that is too high, with monthly payments you can’t afford can waste a lot of time — and cause a lot of heartache if you decide on a home you like only to find out later that you cannot afford it.
  3. Determine your primary and secondary locations for your home. A primary location is generally determined by the ideal maximum distance you would consider living from work, family and other social functions. For example, “I would really prefer to live within five miles of the office and the kids’ school.”  Your secondary location is generally based on how far you’re willing to live, if a home in the primary location isn’t available: “I’d be willing to live up to ten miles away if it was a great home.”
  4. Decide what type of home will meet your needs, and then determine if any homes that meet your needs are available in the primary location. If not, are there any available in the secondary location? Remember, the number one factor in determining real estate values is location. Sometimes tough decisions need to be made based on whether or not you want a specific home or if it’s more important to be in a preferred location.
  5. Last but not least, once you have an idea of what type of home and what location will work for you, go look at homes.

  Questions? Our Phoenix AZ Realtors are experts in scouring the Phoenix MLS to find the perfect home for you, your budget and your situation. Call us today to get started!

• Grrreat Time to Buy a Home – Consider an FHA 203(k) Streamline Loan

  Never has there been a better opportunity to buy a home than in today’s Phoenix Real Estate market. If great interest rates, low price points and tons of available Phoenix Arizona Homes are still is not reasons enough for you to start looking at a purchase,  here is one more reason:  Federal Housing programs now allow buyers to finance up to $31,121 in repairs/improvements to their new home.

  This loan program is known as a FHA 203 (k) Streamline Loan. This program gives buyers of Phoenix Homes for Sale  several great benefits:

  1. Avoid construction costs
  2. FHA guidelines (640 FICO – no reserve requirements)
  3. Allows for 100% cosmetic improvements
  4. A loan down payment of only 3.5%.  (The 3.5% down payment is based off “As Is” appraised value plus repairs.)
  5. Allows up to $31,121 in repairs/improvements to be included in the loan

  The types of improvements that borrowers may make using 203(k) Streamline financing include:

  • Repair/replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
  • Repair/replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
  • Repair/replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems
  • Repair/replacement of flooring
  • Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs
  • Painting, both exterior and interior
  • Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
  • Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens
  • Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
  • Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
  • Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches
  • Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs
  • Basement waterproofing
  • Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
  • Septic system and/or well repair or replacement

  Would you like to learn more about buying a home, or about the FHA 203(k) Streamline Loan program? Our  Phoenix AZ Realtors not only specialize in searching the Phoenix MLS for your perfect home, they’re also experts in financing and working with Federal loan programs.  Contact us at 480-776-5214 or www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com today and we’ll help you get on your way!

• Low-balling – Should You Make a Low-Priced Offer?

  Likely, more than once in your life you will admit to “low-balling” or offering an obscene low amount for an appliance, car, or other item. How did it go? Sometimes the transaction may have gone through, but in many cases nothing may have happened. When considering Phoenix Homes for Sale, think carefully about making a low-ball offer.

  In real estate the term “low-ball” is often associated with writing an offer that is significantly below the seller’s list price. In the Phoenix Real Estate market, an offer is consider a low-ball offer when the offer price is 10% under the list price. So, is low-balling a good idea? Here are a few situations to consider.

  Consider a situation where the seller’s list price is significantly higher than the overall market. When a listing is significantly overpriced, the seller is either unrealistic about what the market will bear or the seller is unable to sell for less due to the debt owed on the property. In either case, the low-ball offer is unlikely to result in an accepted contract due to the unrealistic expectations of the seller.

  However, in rare situations the low-ball offer may find a desperate seller ready to make the deal happen. Instead of reducing the list price incrementally over time and seeing increased showing traffic with a lower list price, the seller maintained the original list price and is worried the home will never sell. The result is a seller ready to take the first offer received. In this rare situation, the buyer with of the low-ball offer gets a great deal.

  Now consider a situation where the seller’s list price is at market value or below market value when compared to similar offerings on the Phoenix MLS. If you like the house, low-balling is rarely a good idea. Many times the low-ball offer results in the seller being offended. Additionally, if the home is at or below market price the seller may be getting significant showing traffic. Since the seller and listing agent are aware of this, both are generally willing to wait for a more realistic buyer. As a result, the low-ball offer will not work.

  Do you want to learn more about buying Phoenix Arizona Homes? Our Phoenix AZ Realtors can help. Call 480-776-5214 today and set up a buyer consultation.

• Kitchen Sink and All!
  

  Buyers Beware!

  Wow, I stumbled across this home in the MLS today for the ‘bargain basement’ price of $314,900. From the outside the house looks great! However, the previous homeowner removed most of the kitchen including the kitchen sink which should be in the far left of the picture. While I am very glad to have not packed the sink into the car, some caution should be advised in this situation. A new owner may get to install their own dream kitchen, but it is unlikely that a lender or bank will be willing to loan money on the property until after the new kitchen is installed! This means that the buyer likely needs to purchase the home with cash or non-traditional financing. With the seller being a bank, the buyer’s earnest deposit is most likely non-refundable 15 days after contract and the bank will want 30 day close of escrow. Buyer’s get prepared if you want this one, or you may be waiving your earnest deposit good bye.