Your Neighborhood Real Estate Show

Relocation statistics reported that more than 60 000 people move from other states to Arizona in a year. This makes this state one of the fastest growing in population in the whole country. This is creating a high demand for real estate, which is impacting the housing market and how buyers and sellers have to navigate the market.  In this episode, REMAX Alliance agent, Mark Toon shares how he’s helping buyers and sellers in this market, what he loves about East Mesa and why Arizona is growing so quickly.    Key Points  In low inventory markets, people need to adjust expectations  A good amount of inventory is a 90-day supply, and many markets in Arizona are way below that. In a low inventory market, buyers have to be prepared for multiple offers, and also for price adjustments.  Why people want to move to Arizona The Arizona market promises to continue on an upward trajectory because of the growth of the population. It’s an attractive market for many reasons including lower property prices and taxes and a continued growth in income.  Well-maintained homes attract buyers This is a great market for sellers, even if you don’t have the newest home, if it’s well-maintained, it will attract buyers. Most buyers want the home already done, they want it to be fixed up. If the client has a nice home, and it has been kept in a great condition, it’s going to sell pretty quickly.

A real estate listing isn’t just a representation of the home on sale, it’s a showcase of the ability, attention-to-detail and client service of the agent. Even in a market where inventory is selling rapidly, the ability to list a home well is still needed.  Agents who can successfully navigate a challenging market need to do the job at a higher level in order to gain the reputation that makes them stand out in a crowded market.  What are the other key factors that separate ordinary agents from the experts when it comes to buying and selling a home? In this episode, Tiffany Mickolio talks about Queen Creek, East Mesa and Gilbert and how she runs her business.  Key Points  Community Events in Queen Creek Queen Creek is a huge city with a fun country town feel. There are many great community events and opportunities to bring everyone together. For example, they have  Trunk or Treat, Food truck Friday and many great events.  Listings are a business card A listing is a reflection of the standard a seller can expect to get when they work with an agent and their team. Photos are the first impression of the home, but the description and positioning of the home is what’s going to make them want to call an agent.  Consumers have options so good service matters more than ever 5-star reviews are so much more important right now. There are so many agents out there, and the internet makes them easy to get in touch with. Because consumers have so many options, agents with 5-star reviews and a high level of service will stand out.

When a buyer or seller works with an agent who brings value, market knowledge and relationships to the table, their experience is different. It helps them get the outcome they want, and even allows them to get in front of the market and circumvent challenges they might experience.  In this episode, I talk to Tia Moore, a Valley agent who prioritizes giving clients a quality experience from state to finish. She talks about the work she does, shares client experience stories and how she stands out in the market.    Key Points  How Do iBuyers Work? In the last 18 months, companies like Open Door have come to the fore in real estate. These companies, known as iBuyers, collect home information through the internet and make an offer it, sight unseen. It’s an option that suits certain options, but it’s important to know how much of a fee the iBuyer takes. If you’re selling it’s critical to talk to a real estate professional so they can at least give you every single option available. Positioning a home serves a specific purpose How you live in a house is completely different to how you present a house to sell it. Some homes need decluttering and depersonalization and others need more changes. It’s about removing things that will distract away from the home. A highly-decorated home can actually be intimidating to people walking through it.   Don’t trust agents who offer to discount their fee  Many real estate agents try to get the edge on competition by promising a higher price point and offering discounts on their fee. These are agents who can’t negotiate properly for themselves or stand up for the value and expertise they bring. If they can’t negotiate for themselves, they can’t negotiate for their clients.

There’s a lot of information about buying and selling a home out there, but in a market that’s constantly changing, clients can go into the transaction with stale information. This is where an agent who prioritizes client communication can step in with information that’s relevant to the specific market, and the current market conditions.  Why does communication matter in a market like the one we’re in right now? Even in a market where inventory is selling fast, why do agents still need to put effort into positioning a listing effectively? What are some of the great things 85037 and Marley Park have to offer?  On this episode, husband and wife team, Thomas and Danielle Devor discuss their neighborhood real estate and how they are driving value in a crazy market.    Key Points  Prepare buyers to focus on their end goals  If there’s multiple offers, the goal isn’t to get the best deal on the house, but rather to focus on the true end goal, which is for clients to get the home they want.  Focus on positioning the listing correctly  Pictures can be the difference between something selling fast and it sitting on the market. With everything being online, people go through pictures and look online before they look at the home in person. They’ve already made up their mind by looking at the online listing. Even in a great market where homes are selling quickly, positioning a home correctly is still important.  Communication is key One of the biggest issues in this business is that agents don’t communicate enough. They are more focused on the transactions, the wins and the awards and the problem is right now, the relationship with the client, and communicating with them is far more important in this market. 

The job of a real estate agent isn’t just to buy or sell homes, it’s to make sure the people they help get the best outcomes.  Our guest today has carved out a unique niche helping FSBOs earn more money and avoid falling into the trap so many FSBOs find themselves. Bringing this level of service is important at a time like this where real estate inventory is more competitive than ever, and homes are flying off the market. Buying and selling a home in this market can be challenging and what’s needed are agents who are up to the task of going the extra mile to help people.  How is the Old Town Scottsdale getting affected by the current market conditions? How can agents make sure that their clients get the best outcome? In this episode, “Scott From Scottsdale”, Scott Marlow discusses how he brings value to clients and working at eXp.  Key Points  The challenge of FSBOs Studies have shown that FSBOs get up to 14% less than agent-listed homes. By working with an agent like Scott Marlow, FSBOs can get the benefits of self-listing with the expertise of an agent. He helps net them more money even after paying a commission.  Why Buy in Old Town Scottsdale? Old Town Scottsdale offers the small town feel of being within walking distance to everything you need. It also has a lot of commercial development on the rise making it an area set to attract more buyers.  Build relationships across the transaction Sending the offer to the listing agent is just the first step to increase the chance of the offer being accepted. Many agents just fire off an offer and don’t actually get in touch with the listing agent afterwards. It’s important to go the extra mile for the offer to go through

The success of a real estate relationship and transaction is greatly reliant on laying the groundwork. Agents need to put effort into building rapport, communicating, being a point of support and preparing the client for the market they want to buy or sell in.  Prioritizing the communication piece at every interaction is key to this success. One agent has made that and put the comfort of clients first, even in the most uncomfortable part of the process - open houses and getting an offer accepted.  In this episode, 85028 Phoenix agent Robyne Reveccio talks about the market she serves and how she drives value for clients.  Key Points  Why Buy in 85028 85028 Phoenix is a hub with a lot to offer. There’s a lot of acreage and lots of land in the area at very good prices. Because there’s a lot more affordable space, buyers don’t have to be forced into a cookie cutter home.  Lay the groundwork Meeting with buyers before even going to look at homes is key. If you meet with the agent upfront, ask them questions and get information from them, it makes the home search process a lot smoother and helps agents get you exactly what you want.

Home buyers and sellers have more information at their fingertips than ever before; but this can be in direct conflict with the lack of information they get from their agents.  It’s critical for agents to keep people informed about the trends, shifts and changes in the market because that helps them make better decisions.  Communicating and applying strategy in a low inventory market matters for both buyers and sellers. Communities like Verrado are selling fast because they offer so much value to buyers. Our guest today is an agent who lives and works in the Verrado community, and she shares what makes it such an appealing market and place to live.  Key Points  What Verrado Has to Offer  Located 35 minutes West of Phoenix, Verrado is something truly different to anything you’ll find anywhere else in Arizona. There are 78 parks in the community and every home in the community is located within 2 blocks of any park.  Community Insight Makes a Difference  When it comes to buying a home in a really great community, it’s important to talk to an agent who lives in that community so that you can get the insider’s scoop, and learn what makes it a great place to buy into.  Keeping Clients Informed Helps Mitigate the Challenge of a Crazy Market  In a low inventory market, informing buyers is more necessary than in any other type of market. Agents try to keep their cards close to the vest, but it’s important to keep buyers in the loop on the history and trends of the market.

Authenticity is an important value to have for real estate agents working in a market with tens of thousands of agents. There are many people buying and selling homes, all looking for an agent who can connect with them and make them feel understood.  This is true in the case of the agent who has become known as The Tattooed Realtor, an agent who went after his goal of getting into real estate and didn’t let negativity stop him.  In this episode, he shares his story, how he overcame negative backlash and how he drives value in the real estate market.  Branding helps clients connect with the right agent for them Branding is a great way to filter and draw in the clients who would want to work with an agent. An agent’s messaging can help people get to know them beforehand so they can zero in on who they want to hire.  Overcoming negativity Justin was on the receiving end of some negative backlash because he looked different. He didn’t let that stop him because real estate was the career he wanted to have, he knew he could add value and that there are people who would want to work with him because he’s different.  A little fixing goes a long way in open house success  There are simple fixes you can make to home to make it more appealing for open houses. You want your windows to be open and the home to be bright, and to make sure smaller details like lightbulbs are working.

By crafting the right client experience from the beginning real estate agents can educate and empower clients. This means they get into the market with the right mindset and this will also help their outcomes. In a very hot real estate market it’s important for both buyers and sellers to be prepared for what will come with the process.  In this episode, West Valley agent, Andrew Monaghan talks about living in and serving Fletcher Hills, why the area is so amazing and how he is driving value in the real estate experience of both buyers and sellers.  Why Buy in Fletcher Hills? Fletcher Hills is a master planned community in the Western Valley. It’s an intentionally built community with homes that flow well together, and a highly desirable market because of the great schools and proximity to all that Arizona has to offer. For people who live in this area it's not just about living in a house, it’s about living within a great area with a lot to offer.  A Focus on What Clients Value  When dealing with sellers, it’s important to determine what the most important thing is for them. For some it’s getting the most money out of the transaction, and for others, it’s peace of mind. Remember the top line doesn’t always matter as much as what the client gets on the bottom line and along with having peace of mind.   Options Empower Sellers in a Market With Fast Moving Inventory  In a market with limited inventory, sellers worry about their home selling too fast and having nowhere to go. A good real estate agent will help sellers find options, including exploring iBuyers, but it’s important for the seller to know how that could affect how much money they get out of it.

The combination of an in-demand real estate market and a historically low inventory means that the agent you choose to work with can greatly impact the outcome of the transaction.  Clients need agents who not only give a good service, but also help the clients' offers stand out above the noise. Queen Creek is one of Arizona’s booming markets and agent Shannon Gillette is an agent built for where the market is, and what the clients need.  In this episode, she shares what makes Queen Creek such a magnet for buyers, and how she meets the market’s demands.   Queen Creek is the place to buy right now  Queen Creek is booming. When you include new builds, Queen Creek is selling and closing more homes than any other part of Arizona. It’s a place that draws in so many people because it has a lot to offer.  Why buy in Queen Creek? The further out from Phoenix, the more home you’re going to get for your money. You’ll also get newer homes, so more energy efficiency. You get the close knit feel of a small town paired with the convenience of a big city.  The agent you work with matters  There are over 55 000 real estate agents in Arizona, but not all agents bring the same value to the table. A really good, experienced and dedicated agent isn’t just critical for the buyer they represent, but it can actually make an impact on the offer the seller is going to accept.

The Arizona real estate market is experiencing a confluence of low in interest rates, and high demand. Val Vista Lakes is an in-demand area that’s being impacted by these trends.  Such a market presents opportunities for both homeowners, and the agents who have positioned themselves well enough. With 43 years in real estate under her belt and a local area expertise that sets her apart, Cindy Flowers has never seen a market this good. In this episode, she shares how we can maximize in this market to help clients get what they really want and why Val Vista Lakes is a great place to call home.  Why buy in Val Vista Lakes? Val Vista Lakes is a unique water community master-planned and built in the late 1980s. It’s a community with a lake just about everyone can access at an affordable cost. With over 2000 homes, it’s one of the biggest water-based communities in Arizona.  Homeowners have room to get what they actually want in this market Cindy’s advice for home sellers in a high-demand market: sell what you don’t want because everything is selling right now, and buy what you really want. This market is very attractive for moving into the home you actually want.  The market we’re in right now is very unique  There’s never been a time like right now where we have the combination of low interest rates and good market factors. For agents who have taken the time to prepare and nurtured their database, this is a great time to grow the business.

The Fountain Hills area North East of Scottsdale is an attractive real estate market that offers a great lifestyle for families. What are some of the key features and attractions of the area? What do real estate agents leverage in the market to appeal to potential buyers? On this episode, Barker Team owner, Rich Barker shares on 85268, what makes the market unique and how he markets it.  Key Points  Fountain Hills  North East of Scottsdale.  Full-time population of about 22 000.  Average age is 56.  Snow bird community takes it up to about 30 000 people. Roughly 13 330 doors in the area. The fountain operates 7 days a week, on the hour for 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fountain operates 7 days a week, on the hour for 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is one of the largest fountains in the world, going up to as much as 800 feet.  The area is known for stunning views and tons of unique events.  A housing market that has something for everyone.  Unique homes that have a custom feel to them.  It has the designation of International Dock City.   Sell a lifestyle, not just a home  We’re not selling a home, we’re selling a lifestyle. In a place like Fountain Hills, it’s first about matching with the lifestyle, the entertainment and the commute. If the buyer matches with this, the next step is a simple as buying a home that fits their needs.  Give yourself a lot of time for the home buying process When you’re ready to buy a home, you’re naturally going to feel stressed, but this is especially true when we start the process late in the game. If we feel like we’re in a rush to get the house, we will inevitably get overwhelmed. If we get ahead of the game things won’t feel as stressful. Getting ahead means getting preapproved and already having a relationship with the agent.

The Lindsay Ranch market in Arizona is a vibrant community South-East of Phoenix with a lot of attractive features and amenities that draw in buyers. Even in the most attractive market, market forces can lead to tight inventory, which is felt by buyers. How can agents help their clients still get the home they want? Why is it so important for agents to remain clued up on everything happening in the market, and how do we educate our clients? On this episode, COO and Owner at Barry Home Group, Kevin Barry shares on him market, and how he is helping buyers navigate market challenges.  Key Points  Info on Lindsay Ranch Lindsay Ranch is one of the newest communities South-East of Phoenix. Built in the early 2000s, the area has about 573 homes, low crime rates, good schools, parks and really strong community local businesses. Average home price is $330k to $350,  depending on seasons.  In a tight inventory market, it’s key to educate buyers  In a tight inventory market, it’s important for us to counsel buyers and prepare them for multiple offers. It’s important to make sure our clients are pre-approved, and when we show the property, take a photo of them in the kitchen or backyard to create an emotional connection, and write a letter to the seller.  Preparation breeds success  We want to empower people to make sure they are making the best decisions for them and their families. There are so many different things that are part of buying a home, and agents have to be prepared. It’s not just about the finances and the paperwork, it’s also about what is happening in the buyer’s life. Agents who are prepared for this, and changes in the market are actually able to help their clients benefit from it.

The Cave Creek area North of Scottsdale is a great community with activities, great homes and amenities. What are some of the unique features that the area has? How do you grow a team that allows you to focus on strengths, provide a great service to clients and balance family? How is real estate going to change when the market shifts? On this episode, top-rated Cave Creek agent and team owner, Jennifer Wehner shares on her local area and how they are delivering a great service.  Key Points  Real estate isn’t the way TV and social media makes it look  Social media and HGTV make real estate look easier than it is. When the market is good, a lot of people come into the business, but when the market inevitably shifts they will transition out.  More about 85331 - Cave Creek Equestrian lifestyle  Bartlett Lake  Space and people are more spread out  Fitness focused community  Great Views  A shift is coming, but not a catastrophic one A market correction is coming but it won’t be as bad as 2008. The market conditions now aren’t the way they were before so the correction won’t be catastrophic as before. We will however see a slow down in sales, and price depreciation.

A big part of being in the real estate industry is contributing to the community, consulting and being of service. This is what the We Deal Real Estate team does in the markets they serve, including Freeman Farms. How do make sure they are always leading with value? How do they guide buyers to help them get their dream homes in a highly competitive market? In this episode, Gary Smith and Brandon Morgan share this and more.  Key Points  We are meant to be consultants, not salespeople. Being a consultant means being able to educate people on the choice they are making, instead of trying to steer them in a certain direction without letting them know what they are getting into.  In a tight market, it’s important that buyers are prepared and move quickly. If they don’t buy the house they want quickly, there’s a big chance they will miss out.   We Deal Real Estate employs a buyer questionnaire to help narrow down to the home they really want. If the buyer doesn’t find their dream home after looking at a lot of them, it’s because they didn’t complete the questionnaire, they didn’t tell the truth or the agent didn’t hear you right, or something has changed.

Ahwatukee is an area in Phoenix the locals consider the hidden gem of the valley. With community, activities and many other things to offer, it’s an attractive real estate market. What is the history of the area, and how did our guest stumble upon this gem? What are the systems he has put in place to provide a high level service to both buyers and sellers? How can real estate agents work on making the selling process less stressful for homeowners? In this clip, Erik Kelly shares insights on his local area, and what makes a great real estate agent in the market.  Key Points  Every real estate buy or sell has a story behind it; first home, raising children, dream home, retirement home or investment property. Real estate agents are a big part of these stories, so it’s important that we contribute to them in a good way.  We sell a home twice. First we present it to the market in a way that’s going to attract buyers but then we also have to justify the price so that an appraiser can look at the home logically and agree with the price.  Listing success comes down to 3 things: price, positioning and promotion.    There are so many parts of selling a home that are stressful for a homeowner and the longer it gets drawn out, the more miserable their experience will be. When we list a home, the goal is to create a lot of momentum at the beginning and get massive exposure out front to attract more than one interested party.

South Mountain Village is an incredible area of Arizona, with a beautiful mountain and tons of community and outdoorsy activities. What are some of the things that make it such a unique and great place to call home? How are agents in that market preparing their clients to buy in a low inventory market? On this episode, South Mountain Village agent and resident, Carlie Back shares on why she loves where she lives and sells.  Key Points  South Mountain Village AZ  South Mountain Village boasts a great location. There’s easy access to the freeway, a mountain in their backyard and lots of roots, history and community activities. The average home price is $300k.  Be ready to move strategically in a low inventory market For buyers who are looking for a home in a tight inventory market, it’s important that they are prepared for competing offers. It’s important to make a strong offer with the least amount of contingencies possible.   How to prepare homes for a sale If it’s an older house, clean it up but leave it as is because the buyer will probably renovate. A newer house just needs to be polished up to look good so the seller can get the most for it.

The Warner Ranch area is an attractive area in the South East Valley. It boasts greenery, parks, schools and so much more. It only makes sense for an area with so much to appreciate has a former architect selling in it. What are some of the things that draw buyers in? How does our guest today help buyers get the home of their dreams in a tight inventory market? How does she help sellers prepare for a frenzy in this market? In this episode, agent Brooke Bogart shares on her unique career journey and the work she does now.  Key Points  Price range of homes in that area is $200K to $600K. The area offers; Custom homes Horse properties  Elementary school right in the middle  2 city parks in a square mile  Lots of greenbelts  If the different offers are comparable and the same numbers across the board sellers will take the family that they liked. Personal letters to the home seller will make an impact in that case.  Selling a home in a seller’s market doesn’t mean we shouldn’t present a polished house. If you hit the market well initially, and the house is perfect and pristine it will sell.   Buyers are still seeing imperfections so it’s important to deal with them.

Gilbert, Arizona is a place so great it has been named the third safest city in the whole country. Its growth and progression has come from the momentum of the locals investing in it. What are the features of the area that make it such an attractive place to buy property? Why is hyper-local knowledge so important in today’s real estate business? How can agents make sure they present a buyer’s home well?  On this episode, Ann Schude shares on the area she serves, and what makes it so great.  Key Points  What makes Gilbert AZ So Great? Gilbert, Arizona has got lots of positive media and is gaining momentum. It’s the third largest city in the US. Even with a population of over 250,000 people the city still manages to have a local feel to it. Many farmers have also invested in the growth of the area, and Gilbert offers great restaurants, activities and entertainment.  Hyperlocal information is key  Buyers are insisting on working with agents with hyperlocal information. We need to be able to give insights on the specifics of different neighborhoods, insights on amenities that are specific to the area. If agents can’t give that, buyers might as well just go on the internet. The highest value an agent offers is being a true expert on the local area.  Presentation matters  It’s important to clean and polish up a home for viewings. A potential buyer will overestimate how much a certain change will cost when they are viewing the house, so if the seller can make those inexpensive changes, it can increase the value of a home.

Fireside, Norterra is an area so great that our guest today went from just selling homes there to buying her own home in the area. What are some of the things that attract buyers? How can agents look at a property through the eyes of an appraiser and what is the benefit of that? On this episode, broker owner Andrea Crouch shares on her local area and how she helps clients buy and sell their homes more effectively.   Norterra, AZ Norterra has about 1400 homes, lots of trails that aren’t too crowded, plenty of shopping and great community events and engagement.  An appraiser’s perspective on selling a home Look at the property through an appraiser’s eyes. A client is looking at current and forward, at the current sale prices on the market. An appraiser is looking at the last few months so they are looking in the rearview, while the buyer is looking through the windshield.  How to price a house to sell fast The sweet spot of selling a property is where it’s going to be able to sell quickly but still get a client top dollar. You want the highest price that benefits the seller, but will still appraise and still attract the buyer.