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Welcome to the Tyche Real Estate Blog — your go-to source for insights, trends, and tips in today’s ever-changing real estate market. Here, we share expert guidance on buying, selling, investing, and everything in between, while keeping you updated on local community highlights and the opportunities that matter most. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or simply curious about the latest housing market developments, our blog is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and one step ahead on your real estate journey.

Why Getting Prequalified is the Smart First Step Before Buying a Home

A promotional graphic features a warm-toned illustrated house on the left with a blue roof and orange siding. In front of the house is an oversized check and gold coin symbolizing financing. On the right side, large text reads “Ready to Buy a Home? Get Prequalified Before House Hunting!” Below the text is the Tyche Real Estate diamond-shaped logo with a large “T” in the center. At the bottom, the contact information for Sarah Luzi, Designated Broker at Tyche Real Estate, is displayed along with her phone number (480-227-3696). The background is light with soft clouds for a clean, friendly design.

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A close-up view of a terracotta tile roof in bright Arizona sunlight. Several tiles near the foreground are cracked and displaced, revealing the underlayment below. The background sky is clear and blue with the sun high and intense. The Tyche Real Estate diamond logo appears in the upper-right portion of the sky with a subtle drop shadow. No people are present; desert plants are faintly visible along the roofline.

Tile Roofs in AZ: What Really Wears Out (and When)

Tile Roofs in Arizona: The Two-Minute Guide The gist:Most AZ tile roofs go 20–30 years. The tiles usually survive. It’s the underlayment and flashings underneath that fail first. That’s the costly part. Regular inspections mean fewer surprises. What actually fails Underlayment dries, cracks, or tears, especially at valleys and penetrations Flashings or valley metal lift or corrode Broken or slipped tiles expose felt and accelerate damage When to inspect Baseline at year 10–12 Every 2–3 years after year 15 After big wind, monsoon, or hail events Repair vs. “lift and relay” Repair: replace broken tiles, re-seat flashings, patch small areas Lift and relay: remove tiles, install new underlayment and flashings, replace any damaged wood, then re-install tiles Common around the 20–30 year mark What drives costRoof size and pitch, number of valleys and penetrations, clay vs. concrete tile, wood replacement, and the underlayment spec and warranty. Seller tipA recent roof

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A friendly, cartoon-style illustration of a termite next to a small adobe-style house in the desert. Mud tubes are shown climbing the base of the house, and a tall cactus stands nearby. The Tyche Real Estate logo is placed at the bottom corner.

Termites in Arizona: Common, But Nothing to Fear.

If you’ve lived in Arizona for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the word “termites” come up in real estate. For new buyers, the idea of termites can sound scary—but here’s the truth: in Arizona, termites are extremely common and, most of the time, very manageable. Termites in Arizona Are Normal Arizona’s warm climate and dry soil are perfect conditions for subterranean termites. In fact, it’s not unusual for most homes—whether brand new or decades old—to eventually show signs of them. Finding evidence of termites doesn’t mean a home is falling apart. It just means it’s Arizona. Why You Shouldn’t Panic Unlike the horror stories you might hear from other parts of the country, Arizona termite issues are usually slow-moving and treatable. Routine inspections and preventative treatments keep them under control. Licensed pest control companies deal with termites here every single day. How to Spot Them One of the

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The image is a bright, cartoon-style illustration of a smiling homebuyer holding up a paper that says “OWNER’S TITLE POLICY” with the word “CLEAR” stamped across it. The buyer looks happy and confident, wearing an orange shirt, and standing against a simple blue circle background. The overall style is cheerful and playful, highlighting the positive feeling of receiving clear title.

What Is an Owner’s Title Policy and Why Do Sellers Pay It in Arizona?

When you sell a home in Arizona, one of the line items you’ll see on your settlement statement is the Owner’s Title Policy. Many sellers are surprised by this charge, so let’s break down what it is and why it matters. What Is an Owner’s Title Policy? An Owner’s Title Policy is a type of insurance that protects the buyer. It guarantees that the buyer will receive clear ownership of the property—free from past claims, liens, or legal disputes. If someone were to come forward later with a claim on the property, the policy would cover the buyer’s legal defense and financial losses up to the amount of the purchase price. Why Do Sellers Pay for It in Arizona? In Arizona, it’s customary for the seller to provide this policy at closing. Here’s why: It gives the buyer confidence that they are receiving clear title. It’s a show of good

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Cartoon illustration of a woman with reddish-brown hair wearing a navy shirt, sitting at a table and comparing countertop samples. She looks uncertain while holding one sample in her hand, with a question mark floating above her head. Three countertop samples are lined up on the table in front of her. The Tyche Real Estate logo is in the bottom-right corner

Countertops Showdown: Granite vs. Quartz, Quartzite, and Concrete…Which should I choose for my house?

When it comes to remodeling or designing a kitchen, countertops are one of the biggest investments you’ll make. They set the tone for the space, impact daily function, and play a big role in resale value. With so many options out there, let’s break down four of the most popular: granite, quartz, quartzite, and concrete. Granite The Basics: Granite is a natural stone cut straight from the earth. Every slab is unique with its own veining and color variations. Value: Granite has long been the gold standard in kitchens, adding instant appeal for buyers. It’s still one of the top choices for resale value. Durability: Heat-resistant and fairly tough, but it does require sealing once a year to prevent staining. Quartz The Basics: Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals and resins. That means it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns—including ones that mimic

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Cartoon of a realtor and lender sitting at a table telling a buyer that now is a good time to buy in a buyers market. A yellow house with a for sale sign is shown in the background.

Why Realtors and Lenders Recommend Buying in a Buyers Market

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

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A bright Arizona backyard with a perfectly manicured, lush green lawn of winter ryegrass. A tall saguaro cactus stands to the left, while a desert-style stucco home with a terracotta tile roof sits on the right. In the distance, desert shrubs, a beige block wall, and rugged mountains rise under a vivid blue sky scattered with soft white clouds. The scene contrasts the deep green grass with Arizona’s warm desert tones, creating a fresh and vibrant look.

Planting Winter Grass in Arizona: What Homeowners Should Know

One of the unique things about living in Arizona is our two-season lawns. In the summer, our Bermuda grass thrives in the heat. But once temperatures drop in the fall, many homeowners overseed with winter ryegrass to keep their yards green year-round. When to Plant Winter Grass The best time to plant winter ryegrass in Arizona is usually late September through mid-October. The key is waiting until daytime highs are consistently below 95°F, which gives the Bermuda a chance to slow down and lets the ryegrass take root. How to Do It Scalp Your Lawn: Mow the Bermuda grass very short so the rye can make good soil contact. Spread Seed Evenly: Use a broadcast spreader to cover the yard with ryegrass seed. Water Frequently: For the first 7–10 days, water lightly several times a day to keep the seeds moist. Mow & Maintain: After about 10–14 days, you’ll see

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Cartoon-style yellow house with clean windows, trimmed bushes, and a bright red ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard under a sunny sky.

Tips for Listing Your Home to Get the Best Exposure

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

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