Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor shares important questions when choosing a real estate agent

If you find yourself embarking on your first Prescott real estate transaction, you might not know that using the right real estate agent is critically important to a smooth process. Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor recommends several questions to help you find the right realtor for you.

How long have you been selling real estate?
Real estate is a commission-based enterprise, therefore, an agent providing poor service probably wouldn't survive very long as a realtor. Look for someone with some real estate history. Also, experienced agents are less likely to be shaken by unexpected turns.

Are you a Buyer or a Seller's Agent?
How well can you expect your agent to anticipate what a buyer might be thinking if he’s only worked with sellers, and vice versa? If you're looking to not only sell your current home but buy another, a realtor experienced in both will be able to seamlessly meet and coordinate all your needs.

Where do you sell?
You want your agent to have a thorough and intimate knowledge of your preferred areas.  Make sure your realtor is someone who has experience working in and around your primary area of interest.

Do you have references?
No agent is going to refer you to anyone who will not provide a glowing report so it's important for you to ask specific questions about their transaction according to your priorities.

Do you have any questions for me?
You want an agent who wants to get to know you, your preferences and your priorities. An agent who knows the kind of life you want to live will be able to help you find the perfect home.

Are you thinking of buying a home in Prescott? Remember to ask the right questions to make sure your realtor is the right one for you. If you're looking for a successful, experienced realtor, call Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor today at 928-710-0643. For more information visit http://www.budsellsprescotthomes.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Real Estate
Homes for Sale in Prescott
Helpful Real Estate Articles

Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor shares signs that your Prescott home will have good resale value

It might seem premature to think about selling a home before you even buy it, but it's important to remember that a house is an investment. Bud Jones -Prescott Realtor shares indications that your Prescott home will have a good resale value.

In an ideal world, investments make money, not lose it. For this reason, resale value should be an important consideration when looking for a home, even if other considerations are prioritized. When considering resale value, consider such things as:

• Your surroundings in the neighborhood you are considering. Is the area walkable to a grocery store? Are there restaurants nearby?
  
• How is your potential new home’s health? Get a rundown from your inspector and keep a close eye on the roof, water heater, HVAC system, windows, and foundation. Give close attention to the electrical and plumbing, too. Problems with these systems can be very costly.
  
• Quiet streets are great. On the one hand, you want close proximity to stores, restaurants and entertainment, but you don’t want them in your backyard!
  
• Good lighting. A home in a neighborhood that has good lighting sells! Good lighting brings a feeling of safety, warmth, and a sense of belonging.

These tips from Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor should help you recognize some of the factors that will affect resale value when shopping for your Prescott home. With Bud Jones’ 20-plus years of service as an LA County Deputy Sheriff, and his 30-plus years in real estate, Bud can expertly guide you through buying and selling your Prescott home. Contact Bud Jones today at 928-710-0643 to schedule an appointment. Learn more at http://www.budsellsprescotthomes.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Professional Realtor
Real Estate Sales in Prescott
Helpful Real Estate Articles

Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor shares what to watch for on the walk-through of your Prescott home

The day you’ve waited for has finally arrived. You’re almost the new owner of your home and all that’s left to do is the final walk-through. Let Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor put his experience to work for you to help you navigate through the final steps of your Prescott home purchase. 

First and foremost, don’t stress! Most walk-throughs don’t reveal any serious issues. We’ll help you know what to look for, before you get the keys to your new home!

Create your walk-through checklist
Create your checklist with your Realtor. Go through room by room and make notes.  General things to have on your list would be the status of appliances, plumbing, outlets and lights. Look at windows, doors, handles, and cabinets. Notify your Realtor if any items need to be fixed.

Double check to see if repairs were completed
Usually sellers intend to be honest - some might take a shortcut. Pay attention to the details.
A good rule of thumb is asking for receipts of these repairs in advance of the walk-through or ask them to send you a photo of completed work.

Don’t forget hard-to-reach areas
You may not have had the time to check out details such as rugs hiding damage to a floor, or a piece of furniture blocking holes in the wall. Boxes may be stacked up in a move, so check behind things.

Make sure nothing has been removed
Be sure you have the same appliances and fixtures that were first present. Anything that was connected by wires or pipes should still be there. Also check fixtures and pulls to ensure they’re in the same condition before the home changes hands.

Don't get upset if it’s a bit messy
Most contracts ask for a place to be ‘broom clean’. What this means is a tidy place, but you can’t expect it to be super clean. That’s going to be left up to the buyer. Minor issues can be fixed.
Don’t worry, be happy.  You’ve got one step left now, moving in.

Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor wants you to know what to look for on the final walk-through of your Prescott home purchase. With his 30-plus years in real estate, Bud can expertly guide you through buying and selling your Prescott home. Contact Bud Jones today at 928-710-0643 to schedule an appointment. Learn more at http://www.budsellsprescotthomes.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Professional Realtor
Real Estate Sales in Prescott
Helpful Real Estate Articles

Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor discusses how down payments affect private mortgage insurance

If you’re in the market for a new home in Prescott, you have likely been discussing your down payment and mortgage terms. There are a number of factors that will impact your monthly mortgage payment. Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor discusses how the down payment will affect private mortgage insurance.

Consider these questions:

• How does the amount of my down payment affect private mortgage insurance or PMI?

• How much do I have to put down to avoid paying PMI?

If you take out a loan to purchase a home, and your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will likely be required to pay for private mortgage insurance. These policies are usually required when the loan-to-value exceeds 80%. That’s the industry standard.

As to the second question:

• You may be able to avoid PMI by making a larger up-front investment. But, to be clear, a 20% down payment isn’t always necessary. Your real estate professional can provide you more information. 

• Another advantage of making a larger down payment is that your monthly payment will be reduced. The more you pay up front, the less you are financing. This results in a smaller mortgage payment each month.

Bud Jones - Prescott Realtor wants you to be aware of how the down payment amount for your Prescott home purchase will affect the requirement for private mortgage insurance. You can trust the knowledge and experience of Bud Jones. After two decades of service as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, Bud began his 30-plus year real estate career, following in the footsteps of his mother whose vast experience and knowledge in the real estate industry played a monumental role in his training. Call Bud Jones at 928-710-0643 and experience the excellence in real estate services he provides. For more information, a free consultation, or to peruse the available properties in and around Prescott, visit http://www.budsellsprescotthomes.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Real Estate in Prescott
Prescott Professional Realtor
Helpful Real Estate Articles