BLOG

You may have heard your lender or realtor say, “Now is a good time to buy, it is a buyers market.” At first this can sound confusing, especially if interest rates feel high. But here is why that advice makes sense and how it can work for you. Negotiations Are in Your Favor In a buyers market, sellers are often more willing to make a deal. That means buyers have stronger power to negotiate things like:• The purchase price (the principal balance of your loan)• Closing costs or seller help with fees• Repairs and upgrades These options can save you thousands of dollars up front. Rates May Be High Now, But They Will Not Stay That Way Forever Markets change. Rates go up and down. When you buy in a buyers market, you can use the negotiating power you have today. Later, when rates go down, you can refinance into

When it is time to sell, first impressions matter. Buyers today have plenty of options, so presenting your home in the best possible light can make all the difference. Here are key tips to help your listing stand out. Curb Appeal Matters Start with the outside. Clean the windows, trim the bushes, and sweep off the porch. A neat entryway sets the tone for the entire showing. Declutter and Brighten Inside, make your home feel open and inviting. Declutter every room to give buyers a sense of space. Start packing early. Anything you are not currently using can be boxed up. This makes your home feel larger and helps buyers picture themselves moving in. Keep It Fresh Avoid cooking foods with strong odors before showings. Even if your home looks perfect, an unpleasant smell can turn buyers away. Neutral, clean air is best. The Pricing Strategy The most important factor

Cartoon man stands with hands on hips, frowning at a broken sewer pipe that is leaking brown sludge, with yellow lightning bolts highlighting the damage.

The White Mountains of Arizona offer a unique lifestyle—cooler temps, tall pines, and a true four-season experience. But owning a home here comes with responsibilities that are different from buying in the Valley. If you’re considering a mountain property in Show Low, Pinetop, Torreon, or beyond, here are a few key things to know before you buy. In the Valley, termites are the big worry. But up here, carpenter ants tend to cause more headaches for homeowners. Termites prefer the dense forests, while carpenter ants will go after wood structures, they can make a big mess. A good home inspection should include a pest check specific to mountain conditions. If you’re buying in Torreon, chances are your home relies on a grinder pump for wastewater. These pumps require annual inspection and ongoing maintenance. A failed grinder pump can quickly turn into an expensive problem, so factor this into your regular

Batteries aren’t the only thing to change—every detector has a 10-year lifespan, so check the date before it overstays its welcome. Why It’s Time to Do More Than Just Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries: We’ve all been there: it’s 1:00 AM, and the smoke detector starts chirping. While most people know they should replace their smoke detector batteries twice a year, what often gets overlooked is that the detector itself has a lifespan of about 10 years. Batteries Aren’t the Only Maintenance: Changing batteries regularly is important, but the detector itself contains sensors that wear out over time. After a decade, those sensors can fail to detect smoke as effectively—even if the unit still powers on. Look for the Expiration Date: Every smoke detector has a manufacture date and expiration date printed on the back or inside the unit. Most expire at 10 years, regardless of whether the batteries are