By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team When you factor in the formulaic legal documents, generic 20-minute interview, and perfunctory tour of the apartment and its amenities, it’s not unusual for renters to feel like they must either take it or leave it. It may not seem like there is room to negotiate the residential lease agreement. That might be true — sometimes. But renters may actually be in a better bargaining position than they realize. Often, potential renters are able to negotiate some aspects of the lease agreement, especially when the landlord is eager to rent a particular unit. Here are five aspects of your lease agreement you may have more control over than you think.

1. Security deposits

If a security deposit requirement seems unreasonable, counter with a more sensible figure. Taking into account deposit limits set by statute in some jurisdictions, renters may be able to negotiate a lower figure, particularly if they can offer references and a record of responsible rental maintenance. If a landlord really needs to get a unit under contract, he or she might be willing to budge on this issue.

2. Pet policies

Although more of a longshot, pet policies and fees are negotiable in some situations, particularly if an animal is small, quiet, and has never shown signs of aggression. Likewise, if an apartment allows pets of a certain size or species only, savvy renters may be able to get their Newfoundland through the door by offering a few extra dollars in rent each month.

3. Access to amenities

If the building has certain amenities — such as a gym, pool or on-site wellness center — that require additional monthly fees, renters may be able to negotiate for these to be included in the cost of monthly rent. As with security deposits, renters gain leverage by showing a stellar record of on-time payments and by providing a list of previous landlords willing to vouch for their predictability and consistency. Also, potential renewal tenants may benefit from negotiating with the landlord for the inclusion of amenities for the new rental term.

4. Parking passes and guest policies

Landlords understandably discourage renters from hosting large numbers of guests. However, tenants should not feel unnecessarily burdened by a cumbersome guest policy or insufficient parking for visitors. For instance, if a landlord is willing to offer just one parking pass, it may be worth negotiating for two or three passes so visitors can park safely and close by. Likewise, if a lease agreement imposes limits on overnight guests, be sure to assert that this unduly restricts the number of close friends and family members who can stay over. Then, mention that it might be better to continue your search. You may be surprised how quickly this lease term evaporates from the agreement.

5. Monthly rent

This is one of the biggest — and most difficult — lease agreement terms to successfully negotiate. However, it’s in the landlord’s best interest to keep units filled and profitable, and the introductory rent is likely much higher than the landlord or owner actually needs to realize said profit. If you are a tenant with no history of eviction, late rent, damage, civil judgments, or general rental issues, you stand a strong chance of getting a rental rate reduction. When negotiating this term, be reasonable and understanding of the landlord’s position. Also keep in mind that a low-ball counteroffer will quickly turn the discussion sour. It may also help to research comparable rental rates in the area to show the landlord just how diligent you really are. It could definitely pay off in the end.

What not to negotiate

As your mother used to say, some things are simply not up for discussion. A landlord can’t offer leniency on any policy rooted in local, state or federal laws, so don’t ask. Landlords also can’t allow tenants to exceed maximum occupancy requirements, as these are often set by local fire codes and are designed for tenant safety. Other non-negotiable terms may include prohibitions against smoking indoors, installing fixtures, painting, engaging in substantial construction, remodeling, subletting, or arranging a lease assignment. On the other hand, landlords are not permitted to negotiate anything that could be considered discriminatory in nature. For instance, a landlord cannot charge extra for a service animal, the presence of small children, or reasonable accommodations for a disabled tenant. In all these scenarios, the terms are protected by state and federal fair housing laws, and are not up for discussion. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team If you’re going to make the splurge (whether a small or large investment), think about whether the product will actually make it easier to access your belongings, and whether you’re likely to use the item over the long term. With those qualifications in mind, here are some of my personal favorite organizing tools.

Matching hangers

No matter the cost, investing in matching hangers can give you instant gratification. They turn a hodge podge closet turns into a sleek, uniform hanging system. Lose the wire hangers, and pick one color (and brand) to stage your wardrobe quickly in a clean and visually appealing way.

Decorative drop zone

We all need a place to drop our keys, phone, wallet, credit card, necklace, or glasses when we walk in the door. My advice? Select a lovely decorative bowl or plate — but pick a small or medium-sized one so it doesn’t overwhelm your entryway. The point is to see something when you walk in the door that is beautiful and can double time as an organizing tool.

Hooks that attach to hinges

These clever hinges take advantage of unused space behind the door. While this secret storage idea doesn’t require investing much time or money, it’s a great little space-saving tool that most doors can accommodate. Installation is easy. Just pop the door hinge pin and drop the hook in. These hooks swivel for easy access in the bathroom (for towels), in the bedroom (for robes or belts), or in the office (for earphones with cords).

Slide-out cookware storage

If you’re tired of heaving pots and pans out of the lower kitchen cabinet, here’s a splurge that will bring a gleam to your eye. Consider installing a pull-out cabinet cookware organizer, designed to fit any standard-depth base cabinet. The organizer is fully adjustable, has removable hooks, and accommodates different shapes and sizes of cookware. By extending the organizer outward you will avoid having to bend, stretch or struggle to access cookware.

Gift wrap organizer

In minutes, you can eliminate the rolls of wrapping paper sliding around the floor of your hall closet, and keep scissors, tape, ribbon, bows and bags at your fingertips. No more going from room to room hunting for supplies! Several gift wrap organizers on the market are easy to store and carry, and quick to use. Just grab the case from under the bed or garage, take it to the dining room table, unzip and wrap.

Under-the-stairs storage

While many homes have a door with access to unused area under the stairs, it is often the most misused space in the home. Why? Because the area is often poorly lit, and you can’t stand up easily in the space. It should be much easier for us to retrieve our stored items. Slide-out drawers and cabinets bring our stuff directly to us in the well-lit, easy-to-stand-in hallway — plus it’s effortless to see all at once what you’ve got stored.

Cord control

You might be thinking that these twisty organizing cables could double as a hair accessory, but the truth is these colorful ties can organize cords for consumer electronics, home entertainment systems, kitchen appliances, computer systems, power tools, extension cords, holiday lights, and more. Flex and twist the ties to contain your cords, and simply unwind to release. They are reusable for repeated use. While these cord organizers won’t break the bank, they can break the frustration we experience from having a drawer full of devices tangled in cords. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Buying or selling a home at the ‘right time’ is tougher than it sounds. People usually take these actions because of a life event or financial issues. The economy and real estate forecasts tend to be secondary considerations. Yet both buyers and sellers often pose the question, “When is the best time to buy or sell?” If you have the luxury of choosing when you enter the real estate market, here are some points to consider when timing a home purchase or sale.

Every market is different

There’s no longer one national real estate market or forecast like there was 20 years ago. And just because the 24×7 national news outlets tell stories of hot real estate markets with multiple offers and quickly rising prices doesn’t mean that’s happening in your neighborhood. In fact, real estate activity can vary widely within the same county. One town can see record-breaking activity, while another 10 miles away has a glut of inventory. If you want to purchase or sell, dig deeper, look around and get as much local information as possible. Meet with a good local agent early and often to stay informed about shifts in the market.

Interest rates fluctuate

Most people need a mortgage to purchase a home, and long-term interest rates are a major factor. For many years, we’ve been living with historically low mortgage rates. But while we might be living in a time of three- or four-percent rates today, remember that in the 1980s rates were 12 percent or higher. It’s not uncommon for buyers to get off the sidelines and into the real estate market when they hear news of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates. It’s very likely that when rates do start to creep back up again (and they eventually will), would-be buyers will turn into active customers.

Seasons change

Traditionally, spring has been the big real estate selling season. Flowers bloom, the grass is green, pools are open and homes show in their best possible light. Parents with school-aged children also wanted to purchase in the spring or summer so the kids could start a new school in the fall. While the spring is still a strong selling season, today’s buyers are looking online and searching on their phones every day, no matter the season, and transactions happen from New Year’s Day to Christmas Eve. If you have a home to sell and aren’t in a rush, consider doing so at a traditionally “off” time. There will be fewer homes for sale, which means less competition. Don’t try to time the market based on antiquated assumptions about seasons. It’s more important that you show your home in its best possible condition and choose the right list price. If it’s priced right and shows well, it will sell anytime.

Money isn’t everything

If a real estate purchase were purely financial, then we would see every renter who has money saved up and a solid job getting in the market. But there are practical and emotional considerations. I’ve worked with buyers for months, sometimes years. They were always qualified to purchase, but never pulled the trigger. Why were they gun shy? Because it doesn’t make sense to put down 20 percent and take on a mortgage if their job with an hour commute isn’t steady, their marriage is on the rocks, or their aging parents live across the country. Renting and keeping with the status quo is totally acceptable if there is any uncertainty in your future. While these buyers are free to shop and learn the market, they may not make a move. Since the financial crisis, many buyers have been hesitant to get back into the real estate market. And for good reason: some of those buyers probably were never qualified to be in the market. But in many parts of the country, we’ve seen a comeback. Some markets are better than others. If you think home buying is in your future, do your research. Take your time, get your ducks in a row and start to feel the market. Just know that nobody can predict when the right house will come along, and you can’t time a real estate market. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team  

Don’t give them a golf course

First of all, buyers today aren’t necessarily looking for homes with front yards that are covered in uniform grass, and that’s good news for you as a house flipper. The golf course look takes a lot of watering and maintenance to keep up. A front yard with less grass and more water-wise landscaping can save buyers money on their utility bills, and it can save them time on mowing, too. Not only that, but they won’t have to worry about their lawns dying if their area is under a water restriction.

Small changes can make a big difference

You don’t have to completely get rid of grass or go with some crazy landscaping design that looks totally out there. Even the smallest water-saving changes can make a huge difference. For example, plant a few water-conserving shrubs around the front of the house and in an island in the yard, then lay mulch around them so your buyers have less grass to mow. A stone garden can do the same — and it’ll save even more water since rocks don’t need any moisture.

Use water runoff for thirstier plants

Everyone loves to see greenery and blossoms in their yards, so I’m a huge fan of this particular tip. Take a look at the yard and find the places where you get the most water runoff. Do you have a low corner of the yard, or does the lawn slope down to the sidewalk? Plant your shrubs and flowers here, surrounded by a bed of mulch or gravel. And be sure to group thirstier plants together in the lowest spaces so that they can soak up the most moisture.

Don’t forget the architecture of the house

As you start to choose plants, mulch, gravel, and other details, don’t forget about the design of the house itself. Choose landscaping elements that match the architecture of the house and highlight its features. You want to have a front walk and entryway that flow and draw people in, so you may want to plant a couple of bushes at each end of the walk or along each side leading up to the house. Landscaping details should create borders and edges along the walk, yard, and house to draw attention and make the property look cohesive and attractive.

Create a park-like backyard

Of course, your front yard won’t be the only place you’re landscaping. You also have to think about the backyard, and how you can make it really inviting to your buyers. People love having a park-like backyard where their kids can play, and they can have friends and family over on weekends and special occasions. You don’t have to plant a bunch of water-thirsty trees and shrubs to get this effect, though. I’m a big fan of adding a patio and/or some hardscaping instead of traditional landscaping with plants. For example, you could place a fire pit in the middle of a circular area where you lay gravel, then edge that gravel with bricks or flat stones. The effect is cozy and attractive, and it doesn’t require any watering at all. Plus, it gives your buyers a place to gather and enjoy each others’ company.

Always think of families

Family is really important to me and Tarek, and not just because we have two great kids who we love to watch playing in the yard. We’ve created a space in our backyard that’s a huge hit with our extended family when we have them over on Sundays. When I worked with our landscapers to design our backyard, I considered shade and seating, space for the kids to play, and an overall aesthetic that’s warm and inviting. You can do the same with your flip-house backyards if you consider a few important factors: Where is the traffic in the yard? Wherever you have people walking through a yard, you’re going to have worn down, ugly grass unless you plan for that traffic. Look at the paths people will be using in the yard and create water-conserving landscaping solutions around them. This could mean having a paved or gravel walkway from the back patio or deck to the fire pit. It could also mean planting sturdier, heartier grass in your high-traffic areas, then planting drought-tolerant decorative grasses, like Japanese bloodgrass, along each side. Will the buyers have pets in the backyard? Next, consider how the yard will look if the buyers let their pets hang out in the yard on a regular basis. You can’t predict whether someone’s dog will dig holes all over the yard or not, but you can avoid choosing really delicate plants that will get ruined when the family cat decides to chew on them or take a nap on them. Other animals in the area Speaking of animals, your buyers’ pets aren’t the only ones to worry about. If the area where you’re flipping in has moles, rabbits, deer, or other wildlife, you should take a minute to get to know what they eat and what they’ll avoid. In a drought, these animals are going to come looking for food and water, which means you could be creating a haven for pests if you put in a water feature or a lot of thirsty plants. Instead, do some research on plants that repel animals and bugs. For example, did you know that mosquitoes hate lavender? It’s a beautiful plant with a sweet smell that most people like, but it’s a natural pest deterrent. Sounds like something you might want to consider planting around the patio, doesn’t it?

Consult a landscape architect, contractor or local garden center

You don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. If you plan on having the pros do your landscaping, talk to your landscape architect or contractor about droughts, thirsty plants, and other factors. If you’re doing the landscaping on your own, ask the people who work at your local garden center for advice. They have a lot of knowledge about this kind of project, and they can help you make the right choices for attractive front- and backyards that won’t guzzle a ton of water every week. Good luck and happy landscaping! Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Ever bought something special and later realized you didn’t need it or like it after all? Usually, returning it is as simple as boxing it back up, locating the receipt, and taking it back to the store for a full refund. But unlike store merchandise or even a car, you can’t return a home with a receipt, which makes the decision to buy even more stressful. You also don’t get a chance to “try before you buy” the home. You need to do as much homework ahead of time as possible, because in real estate “All Sales are Final.” In a busier real estate market, with competitive bidding and limited inventory, you may feel compelled to go the extra mile to “win” a home. And then, it’s entirely possible that, within hours or days of getting the deal, you cool off and second guess yourself about any part of the home or the transaction. You decide you want to pull out of the contract.

Thinking it through

How do you avoid getting into this situation? To avoid buyer’s remorse, stay grounded by asking yourself the following questions throughout the home-buying process. Must I ‘own’ this house or must I ‘win’ this house? Often, in a competitive situation, a buyer just wants to win. If you’re competing and forced into a multiple-offer situation, step back and ask yourself: Is this the home I really want, or do I just want to beat out the other buyers? Also, has the potential purchase price exceeded the list price? Putting an offer on a home at $475,000 is one thing. But a few rounds of counter offers may bring the price up over $500,000. A price $25,000 higher can create an entirely different set of circumstances, and the home may no longer be right for you. Have I seen the home more than once? There are hundreds of buyers who saw a house only once. Some international customers even purchase sight unseen. But this is the exception, not the norm. No matter how much you think you love a home, if you’ve only seen it once, you could be heading for buyer’s remorse. Going back in the evening or a different time of day provides another perspective. Also, you may see things differently the second time around. Often, you miss something in your first pass that stands out the second time around. Have I seen the home from every angle and spent time in every room? A quick tour of the home provides a basic understanding of the floor plan, condition, and size. But to really know a home, dig deep. Walk to the end of the lot and look at the back of the home. Open every closet and go in the attic, basement, and garage (park your car in there, if you can). And look at the neighboring houses, too. Have I seen a floor plan? Reviewing an architectural floor plan provides an opportunity to see the home in a different context. It’s possible you’ll pick up on things you might have otherwise missed. Have I reviewed the photos after seeing the home? Going back to the listing photos helps jog your memory. Seeing the pictures, which are snapshots in time, will give you a different perspective. Was the shade closed in the picture, and if so, why? Did you ever look out that window? Does the photo remind you that the bedrooms are small because there are only twin or queen-sized beds without any nightstands? These types of questions are a great way to evaluate if a home will work for you. Have I toured the home privately? Visiting a home with other buyers isn’t the best way to see it. You may feel cramped or rushed. You might want to sit in one of the rooms in silence for a few minutes, but it’s often not possible to do so at an open house. You may just want the time and attention of the listing agent, or maybe you don’t want anyone there but your agent. If you’re serious about a home, go back for a private showing, because it reveals more when you have time alone there. Have I done due diligence? If you haven’t seen or heard about any disclosures before making an offer, it could be a red flag. In many markets, disclosure packages are available before making an offer. If not, a good listing agent will reveal the major disclosure items verbally. Make sure the town sees the home as it is being presented to you, that all the rooms and renovations are legal and permitted. If you’re too busy to review the disclosures, you shouldn’t make an offer. Also, find out if there have been previous contractor’s inspection, termite, or other reports you haven’t seen yet. Is this home what I set out to look for in the first place? Sometimes your path changes once you’re in the market. You realize that another area will give you more for your money. Or a home that’s in the school district you want needs a lot of renovation, which you hadn’t counted on doing. You may discover that with lower rates and being open to a new or emerging area, you can afford a better home. When buyers are in the throes of a competitive home market, it’s easy to settle for a home that “kind of” works, or to lapse into autopilot mode. You may just be ready to buy and be done with it. You don’t think about things like the commute from the new neighborhood to your job, that you aren’t the renovating type, or that you never signed up for the lawn mowing and maintenance issues associated with homeownership. A good agent will bring you back to your original plan before you sign a contract. You and your agent should review all the reasons why the home isn’t the right option. It’s better to flesh that out in advance than to ignore the warning signs and cancel. If your agent tries to talk you out of a house, that’s a sign of a good agent.

The contingency safety net

To help protect you from buyer’s remorse, always have an inspection contingency in your purchase agreement. Reserve the inspection contingency for something serious about the property you didn’t know before signing on the dotted line. Some agents call it the “cold feet” or “buyer’s remorse” contingency. It allows you to exit the agreement if something comes up. If you think you’ve found the home of your dreams but have the littlest doubt, or you can’t answer all of the above questions, think twice about accepting that final counter or even making the offer. Ultimately, never sign an agreement if you aren’t completely convinced this is the home for you. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Summer is our favorite time of the year to work with clients. Whether we’re curating an outdoor kitchen or styling a beautiful new deck, something about the warm weather makes us want to blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors with thoughtful design and fashion-forward functionality. Here are some of our favorite ways to create an inspirational outdoor space this season.

The rooftop deck

Those of us who aren’t blessed with the square footage to have a backyard, need to get clever to find other solutions. If you live in a townhouse or apartment in the big city, don’t hole yourself up in the living room. Head to the roof! Rooftop decks are making a comeback with stylish sunproof fabrics and durable appliances perfect for an outdoor soiree or afternoon sipping cocktails. With a smaller area to work with, every detail counts, right down to the trim on the cushions. Each piece should speak to your style, whether you’re going for a Hamptons retreat or Miami Beach-inspired entertainment area. Make sure you have plenty of seating with umbrellas available for an afternoon siesta. We love the way bright citrusy colors and patterns help brighten outdoor decks made of concrete or stone. Add a summery vibe with plenty of greenery potted in patterned vases, and flowers on every bistro table to greet your guests.

The California room

Here in California, we can’t imagine a home without a space that easily transitions into the great outdoors. Enter the California room: a space perfectly situated just outside a sliding glass door with transitional elements like interior furnishings and exterior fabrics. This space usually consists of a small outdoor kitchen and dining area for nights when the weather is too beautiful not to enjoy. The California room is often home to an entertainment center like a television for the big game, or speakers to enjoy relaxing music. The key to creating the perfect California room is to keep it fluid. Use gauzy curtains and outdoor fabrics to maintain a soft vibe while also adding elements usually found indoors like couches, chaise lounges, and coffee tables for an interior-inspired look.

The outdoor kitchen

Last but certainly not least, the outdoor kitchen is the epitome of an inspired space. Whether you’re enjoying a dinner for two or a summer-themed fete, an outdoor kitchen is key to keeping your guests happy all evening long. An outdoor kitchen usually consists of a few major components. First, you need a grill and complementary appliances. We love a great stainless steel grill with multiple features for when you’d rather serve fish than burgers, or vegetable skewers instead of tri-tip. Equally stylish and useful features could include a built-in wine fridge or drink cooler, a sink, and a food prep station. Next, pick materials that are both durable and fashion-forward like stone and quartz to help make after-meal cleanup that much easier. Finally, choose accessories that help create a dining area suitable for families and guests like placemats, centerpieces, and plenty of lighting. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Searching for a home and engaging with a real estate agent today is not the same as it was a generation ago. The space (both physical and virtual) between the buyer and the real estate agent was much larger, and coming together was slower and more methodical. If a buyer saw a For Sale sign or an ad in the paper, they might call the real estate agency’s office, get some information, and move on. Or they could walk into an open house solo. They could be rather anonymous. But today’s home buyers live online. They can click, text or email with agents, and seriously engage within hours. But does that mean they are active and serious buyers ready to transact? Not necessarily.

The real estate agent’s experience

Meanwhile, real estate agents, who are commission-only independent contractors, will sometimes drive around for hours showing homes. They may take these buyers around for days or weeks, thinking they have a live client they can help. They might make an offer or two on behalf of the customer, even be present at a two- to three-hour-long home inspection … all before the buyer decides to back out. They may buy a different house from the agent, or they may not. Well-intentioned, hardworking agents can end up feeling like their time isn’t valued — particularly when they never hear from that buyer again.

Who’s responsible?

Is it incumbent on the agent to be better at time management and qualifying their potential buyer clients? Or should the buyer be clear with the agent early on if they aren’t serious just yet? I think that the consumer comes first, and it’s up to the agent to better qualify — as best they can. But it’s also part of the business, and par for the course. Agents sign up for a sales job, and they can’t win every deal. They need to ask lots of questions of their new “client” before offering up their time and cashing a paycheck that doesn’t exist. Some consumers relish the attention they receive from this new “friend” who will drive them places, show them around, and teach them something new about the world of real estate. If the buyer isn’t paying for the agent’s time, the reasoning often goes, why not take a few rides and see some great houses? But soon-to-be homeowners should be mindful of their intentions, and considerate of the resources the agent is delivering.

So what’s a buyer to do?

Should everyone stop looking online or clicking the “Contact Agent” button? No way. Consumers should always feel free to click away, ask questions and gather information. But they should be mindful of how things work once they start seriously engaging. Most buyers don’t realize that there is a process to buying a home, and that it rarely happens overnight. From the time they first click on the photo of the killer master bathroom until they get the keys, it might be one year and three dozen (or more) house tours. And if things don’t feel right with the agent with whom you engage early on, move on. Keep researching independently, or get a referral for a good local agent. Or, better yet, just go with the flow and the right agent will come along organically.

And what about agents?

Real estate professionals need to understand that one text, click or email does not make an active buyer. A good agent has a handle on the sales process, and asks buyers lots of questions to get a read on them. A good agent fills their sales funnel with a mix of folks in all parts of the home buying process. Early on, an agent needs to be a guiding light, resourceful and ready to answer questions. As some of their buyers get more serious, smart real estate pros know where to direct their attention. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.