Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Jan. 8, 2023

Is Yuma, Arizona a Good Place to Live?

Is Yuma, Arizona a good place to live? Yuma has experienced a 0.52% growth rate since 2020 but is often overlooked when considering the best cities in Arizona.

If you're interested in buying a new home in Arizona, Yuma is an up-and-coming city to consider. Explore the many reasons it's worth checking out and what it has to offer.

Life in Yuma

Yuma is located in southwest Arizona and boasts a population of just under 100,000 residents. The city has a diverse job market with a strong presence in health care and military jobs.

Residents experience short commute times, weather in the 60s-80s, no snowfall, and very little rain.

Cost of Living

In Yuma, the cost of living is below the national average, making it an ideal location for those looking to relocate somewhere where they can have more disposable income. If you enjoy city life without the price tag, Yuma's home prices cost much less than other major cities.

Find out the best areas in Yuma to buy real estate here.  

Why Move to Yuma?

Relocating somewhere new is a big decision, but Yuma has a lot to offer new residents. There are several pros that help Yuma stand out among other options.

Location

Yuma is located between Phoenix and San Diego, providing the opportunity for day trips, weekend adventures, or necessary travel to these major cities. The city also has access to five major highways, making it an excellent home base.

Diversity

The population of Yuma contains a diverse mix of people, many of them being young adults. The area has a combination of ethnicities and cultures while maintaining a steady sense of community.

Weather

If you want to live in the sunniest city on earth, Yuma is the place to be. There are 11 hours of sunlight per day in the winter and 13 hours per day in the summer.

The weather is clear almost year-round and residents experience warm summers and dry, cool winters. Arizona is often one best places to retire due to the climate, and Yuma is no exception due to the abundance of sunny days.

A Nature Lover's Paradise

Nature lovers in Yuma have plenty of options to get outdoors in the sunshine. Nearby you'll find the Colorado River, several lakes, sand dunes, the Sonoran desert, wildlife refuges, hiking, and golf.

Livable

When deciding the liveability of an area, crime rate, education, and healthcare are all important factors. Yuma County has a variety of public and private school options to offer students with three college campuses for continued education.

In addition to a lower cost of living, the crime rates in Yuma are also low. Crime in the city has been on a steady decline since 2017. Healthcare options are widely available, even for those who are uninsured.

Is Yuma, Arizona a Good Place to Live? 

So, is Yuma Arizona a good place to live? We say yes. It's an up-and-coming area that's low on cost with a lot to offer residents. At Yuma Realty Professionals, we'll help you find your dream home in Yuma. Search for available properties today. 

Posted in Blog
Jan. 8, 2023

Is Rental Property a Good Investment?

Did you know that more than 40 percent of all U.S. realtors are located in California, Florida, Texas, and New York?

One of the first things individuals typically consider when they have money to invest is buying real estate. Rental properties have the potential to increase in value. They also produce additional income and provide tax advantages.

On the other hand, owning property isn't as simple as it would appear to be. To find out if buying rental property is actually a good investment, continue reading.

Is Rental Property a Good Investment?

The short answer: yes! Real estate investments are becoming a better alternative to other types of investments.

Many investors are considering rental property as an alternative to traditional securities like stocks and bonds due to rising inflation, unrest in China and the Middle East, and the Federal Reserve's pledge to begin tapering.

Investment volatility is the ups and downs in price over time of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate. An asset is riskier the more volatile it is because investors frequently make illogical judgments under the influence of volatility that could cost them money.

Some Advantages of Buying Real Estate

As you can imagine, there is an abundance of benefits to investing in real estate.

For one, real estate investments have the potential to provide ongoing cash flow following the payment of a mortgage, operational costs, and tenant rents. Also, a property's potential for long-term value growth gives owners the chance to sell at a profit when the time is appropriate or refinance to convert equity into cash to buy another rental.

Real estate also creates tax benefits, such as the ability to write off operational costs, real estate taxes, and mortgage interest, as well as owner expenses like travel and continuing education, which can frequently be used to lower taxable net income.

What's more, real estate investments allow an option to carry out a 1031 exchange in order to buy and sell rental properties within a set timeframe and postpone paying capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes.

Owning rental property allows investors entire control over what kind of property to buy and where, selecting the most eligible tenants, and managing the home to maximize returns, unlike the stock market where investors are dependent on Wall Street.

How to Invest In Real Estate

If those benefits sound good to you, you may be wondering how to invest in real estate. We've listed some simple steps below that may guide you in your investment journey:

  • understand your financial stage
  • select an investment strategy
  • determine your market
  • establish investment property standards
  • create a team
  • finance
  • save for down payments
  • research deals
  • plan your timeline

If these steps are over your head, it's a good idea to start conducting more research about getting into real estate investment. Understanding what you will need to do is the best way to ensure a successful return on investment (ROI).

Consider Investing In Real Estate Property

Buying a rental property can be a smart investment as long as purchasers have reasonable expectations and understand the basics of investing. Like other investments, real estate is risky, but a good rental property can generate consistent cash flow, appreciate in value over time, and provide tax benefits.

For more insight and to learn more, check out our helpful market reports by clicking the link. Happy investing!

Posted in Blog
Jan. 7, 2023

Homes in Yuma, AZ: Why Buy a Newly Constructed Home

Did you know more than 1.5 million new houses are built each year?

Numerous factors make new construction homes desirable. For starters, they give customers a blank canvas to design the home of their dreams. Everything from floor plan designs to building materials are available as possibilities!

Are you considering looking at new construction homes in Yuma, AZ? If you're on the fence, we're here to share the benefits of new construction homes.

Customization

One of the most exciting aspects of developing new construction is being able to customize your new home. A unique chance for builders to display their artistic flair and expertise is a personalized, tailored home. You can also express yourself with finishes that are a reflection of your likes, tastes, and personalities.

Existing homes rarely provide you with the option to alter the design of the space. You can rebuild and, at best, replace the outdated finishes and fixtures. A customized new home may be quite alluring for you if personalizing your next home is at the top of your desire list.

Cleanliness

Want to live a healthy lifestyle with your family? The most hygienic housing option is a newly built home. It is fantastic to move into a new house knowing that nobody has ever lived there.

It is impossible to find a cleaner alternative because new homes come equipped with all of the most modern materials and sealants.

Overall, any unpleasant surprises you could find while purchasing an existing older home will be eliminated if you reside in a brand-new home that has never been occupied.

Less Maintenance

Compared to older existing homes, new build homes require less maintenance. You won't have to be concerned about a leaky roof during a rainstorm or a broken air conditioner in the heat of the summer.

You may take advantage of all the benefits of living in a brand-new house without worrying about maintenance. When something does malfunction, it's usually covered by the builder's warranty, which we'll explore next.

We advise conducting a third-party home inspection even when a new build home has brand-new everything. The majority of consumers simply request house inspections for pre-existing properties.

Who wants to spend money on a home inspection after the cost of construction? A home inspection typically costs between $350 and $500. If anything is proven to be defective, you might end up saving ten times that amount.

Energy Efficient

The new energy-efficient homes that are currently being built can greatly ease daily life. In 2021, rising utility bills are a problem.

Utility expenses are below average due to new construction's efficiency advantages. Homeowners are less concerned about their monthly gas and electricity expenses as a result of this benefit.

These modern homes are particularly energy-efficient for a variety of factors. Among the causes are the use of vinyl windows, fresh door trim and seals, and improved wall insulation that prevents drafts.

These items can significantly lower the amount of heating and cooling that is required for your house. Long-term, the savings assist in offsetting the greater price of a new home.

Consider Looking at New Construction Homes in Yuma, AZ

As you can see, there are many great benefits of purchasing one of the many new construction homes in Yuma, AZ. Whether you're searching for a new home that's energy efficient or just more customized to your needs, you're sure to find what you're looking for in a brand-new home.

Ready to buy a new construction home and sell your existing home? Click here to learn more about selling your home with us!

Posted in Blog
Jan. 7, 2023

Best Neighborhoods for Rental Homes in Yuma, AZ

Do you want a high standard of living? And a place you're proud to call home?

If the answer is yes, you must be searching for rental homes in Yuma, AZ!

Yuma is arguably the most desirable spot to rent a home in Arizona. The region is home to over 96,000 inhabitants, and it continues to grow at a rate of 0.26% annually.

There are plenty of reasons why Yuma's population is growing. The area is blessed with natural wonders, a year-round warm climate, and a low cost of living.

You can be part of the rising population. But before you do so, read on to uncover the best neighborhoods to live in Yuma County.

Fortuna Hills, AZ

Fortuna Hills is the first area on every list of the best neighborhoods in Yuma. It's no surprise as it's constantly rated the best place to live in town.

The neighborhood is 16 miles east of downtown Yuma. It's far enough away to feel like a rural district, but it's close enough to reach the hustle and bustle in 15 minutes. 

Fortuna Hills is perfect for families. You can find large homes at low prices and some great public schools nearby.

Somerton, AZ

Buying a home in Somerton is popular with newcomers to the city. Its proximity to Yuma makes it a good location for commuters traveling here for work.

Housing prices are a little higher than in other areas on this list, but they are still affordable. The houses may cost you a bit more, but there are plenty of facilities in the area. You'll find leafy walkways, green spaces, stores, medical facilities, festivals, and more.

San Luis, AZ

San Luiz flies under the radar with the best areas to live in town. 

Its best traits for locals are the outdoor activities, nightlife, and good value for money. But most importantly, the low crime and high safety.

More than half of the people living here own their homes rather than rent. The median home price is $182,100, almost $100,000 below the national average.

Wellton, AZ

If you like a small-town feel and a tight-knit community, look no further than Wellton. 

The neighborhood has a suburban yet rural feel, where most people own houses. Around 40% of people living here are over 65, while under a quarter of people are below 24 years of age.

Although the area has an older population, it's still a place to raise a family. Wellton is one of the safest communities in Arizona, and there are public schools within a short distance.

Begin Your Search for Rental Homes in Yuma, AZ

Yuma is a fantastic spot to relocate to in Arizona. From the friendly locals to safe streets at night, you'll feel welcome here from day one. 

You'll be satisfied no matter what part of town your search for rental homes in Yuma, AZ is. But if you want to get the most out of this golden opportunity, move to the area that best suits you!

So start searching for Yuma real estate, and get a headstart on your house hunt!

Posted in Blog
Dec. 22, 2022

8253 S 37 E | Mother-in-Law Suite | 10 Acre | Yuma County

Incredible 10-acre property with breathtaking views, located at the foot of Antelope Hill. 3027 SQFT, 5-bedrooms, 4-bathrooms, 2 car garage, vaulted ceilings throughout, mother-in-law suite, animal barn & covered animal pens. Massive covered patio, amazing front and back landscaping, manicured lawn with an automatic sprinkler system. Enormous laundry room with a utility sink and tons of cabinet space. Must view in person to appreciate. Schedule your viewing today!

Looking to sell your home in Yuma, AZ? Contact us today! We love creating beautiful listings!

 

 

Posted in Featured Propeties
Dec. 2, 2022

The Top Tips to Finding Homes for Sale in Yuma, Arizona

Last year, there were nearly 7 million home sales in the United States.

Buying a home in Yuma is very similar to going shopping. You can focus on the property you want at the best price if you know exactly what you want and do some research!

If you're searching for great homes for sale in Yuma, Arizona and are unsure of how to find the perfect one, you're in the right place. Use these suggestions to help you navigate the home-buying process!

Check Out Neighborhoods

Make a list of the characteristics you want most in a house and categorize them into requirements and bonuses. Choose three to four neighborhoods based on commute time, schools, recreational opportunities, crime, and cost.

Then, do some online research to get a sense of the houses for sale in your budget range in your preferred communities.

Hire a Realtor

Request recommendations for a trustworthy real estate agent from people you can trust. Consult with agents to find out who is knowledgeable about the areas and styles of homes you're interested in. A lot of emotions are involved in buying a home, so think about if your personality and the agent's style are compatible.

Ask the agent if buyer representation is one of her areas of expertise. Buyers' representatives, despite often being paid by the seller, serve exclusively your interests, in contrast to listing agents, whose primary obligation is to the seller.

Think About Your Future

The kind of house you buy could be determined by your future ambitions. Are you searching for a starting home with the intention of upgrading in a few years or do you intend to live there for five to ten years?

You may need to modify your expectations when playing with a beginning. If you intend to nest, make sure your priority list aids in finding a house you'll still adore in a few years.

Get Your Financials In Order

According to some lenders, you can often buy a home that costs two to three times your gross income. Make a budget so you can determine how much you can comfortably spend on housing each month. Don't put off looking into finance until after you've chosen a house and made an offer.

Bring your financial documents with you when you meet with a lender to receive a prequalification letter outlining the maximum amount you are qualified to borrow.

Your ambitions to start a family or buy a new automobile won't necessarily be taken into account by the lender, so shop in a price range you're comfortable with. Additionally, if you make an offer that depends on financing, sellers will find your price less appealing.

Find Homes for Sale in Yuma, Arizona

The househunting journey is incredibly daunting to some people. When searching for homes for sale in Yuma, Arizona, you can use these tips to help you navigate the path.

Are you ready to begin searching for Yuma, AZ homes for sale? Click here to find just what you're looking for!

Posted in Blog
Dec. 2, 2022

What to Look For in Real Estate Agents in Arizona

Did you know that Yuma County is the third largest producer of vegetables in the nation? This small, but mighty county attracts homeowners from everywhere.

Whether you want to buy or sell a home in Arizona, you need a real estate agent. Keep reading to learn what to look for in real estate agents in Arizona.

Easy Communication

Any relationship requires communication and this is no different than a relationship with a real estate agent. Open communication allows you to state where you are at in your process and what you expect from the partnership.

Asking questions is key to figuring out a real estate agent's communication style. Even if they don't immediately know the answers to every question you have, you can tell if they are open to communicating further.

Establish how you prefer to be communicated with to see if an agent's style matches your preferences. Communication via email, text, or phone is common.

Experience

Some real estate agents in Arizona are buyer's agents and some are seller's agents. There are professionals that can do both. This is important to know when you are checking for experience.

A listing agent will represent the home seller. Unless an agent does both, you'll want to work with a buyer's agent when looking for a home.

Real estate is an industry where experience reigns supreme. An experienced agent has local market knowledge, connections, negotiation skills, and communication.

You can best gauge experience in a real estate agent by learning how many times they've renewed their license. This gives you a sense of how many years they have in the industry.

Good References

When finding a realtor in Arizona, a good place to start is with family and friends. You likely know someone that has moved in your area so ask them for Yuma realtor recommendations.

Recommendations from a source you can trust are beneficial, but you can also look into online reviews.

Good real estate agents will have good references. However, it's best to take some of these with a grain of salt. Some reviews might omit the entire truth.

Testimonials and speaking to former clients are great ways to learn about the client experience. Ask real estate agents you are interested in working with for past client information, if available.

Affordable Fees

Yuma real estate agents charge fees based on location and other factors. Although you don't want to go with the cheapest option, because it will reflect in their work, choosing services you can afford is essential.

Property transactions come with a list of charges, so it's best to have a budget in mind beforehand.

Contracts will vary based on the company you work with so read the fine print closely.

Hire Real Estate Agents in Arizona

Whether you need to buy or sell your home, a professional realtor can help. With this guide, you'll know exactly what to look for in real estate agents in Arizona.

For all of your needs met, contact us today to start the selling process now.

Posted in Blog
Nov. 20, 2022

5 Tips to Making Your House Hunt Easier

Did you know that the top mistakes that people make when searching for a home to buy include not working with a real estate agent, not applying for preapproval early enough, and not properly inspecting houses they want to purchase? 

For most people, going on a house hunt is one of the most thrilling aspects of buying a home. When you set out on a house hunt in Yuna, chances are that your emotions will take control of you. Unfortunately, this makes it easy to skip over important steps in the home buying process. 

To help you find the home of your dreams, we've written a guide. Keep reading and we will tell you everything that you need to know. 

1. Develop a Plan

Before you start house hunting, you should make sure to figure out what you want and need from your new home. The easiest way to do this is by setting aside a few moments to write these things down. This is an especially helpful thing to do if you are house hunting with a partner or loved one. 

For example, if you are interested in buying a house in Yuma that's located in the foothills, you should make sure to share this with your spouse. 

2. Know Your Budget 

If you start searching for a new home without an idea of what your budget is, you'll be making your job more difficult. Chances are that you'll feel overwhelmed by all of the possibilities. 

Once you know what your budget is, you'll be able to quickly eliminate all of the homes that are too expensive. 

3. Get Mortgage Pre-approval as Early as You Can 

If you wait until the last minute before applying for a mortgage, you might miss out on the opportunity of purchasing the home of your dreams. Once you get pre-approval, you'll have an idea of what homes you qualify for and how much they cost. 

4. Choose the Right Location 

If you go on a house hunt in Yuma without first thinking about what area you'd like to live in, you might make the mistake of buying a home that's located in an area that isn't right for you. This is why you should always identify where you want to live before you start searching for a home. 

5. Find a Trusted Real Estate Agent

If you are a first-time buyer, it's a great idea to work with a real estate agent. They can help you find homes that you otherwise might not know about. 

Start Your House Hunt Today

If you are ready to get started with your house hunt, it's important to know about the right tips and tricks so that it will be easy to find the home of your dreams. Before you go searching, make sure that you make a plan and set a budget. 

If you are planning to buy a home in the Yuma area, our team of realty professionals is ready to assist you in finding the home of your dreams. Please contact us today if you are ready to get

Posted in Blog
Nov. 20, 2022

A Guide to Calculating Closing Costs

You can't overlook closing costs when shopping for a new home and considering what you can afford. Closing costs are in addition to your down payment and can add considerably to the amount you need to buy a home. According to Business Insider, the average closing costs in 2021 were $6,905, including transfer taxes.

Closing costs don't just concern home buyers. Most home sellers typically incur higher closing costs than buyers, but sellers usually have the profits from the home sale to cover their closing costs. Since buyers often pay the closing costs upfront, calculating closing costs is often necessary when looking for a home and mortgage.

If you're shopping for a new house, here's how to determine the cost of closing.

What Are Closing Costs?

A home closing involves the transfer of a home from a seller to a buyer. It requires several services and professionals. Closing costs are simply all the fees for the services that come with the closing of a home.

Home buyers and sellers typically incur closing costs unless a deal has been negotiated for one party to pay all the closing costs associated with the sale.

Sellers can typically cover closing costs with what they make on the home sale. On the other hand, home buyers must pay their closing costs up front or may be able to roll them into their mortgage. However, not all lenders or loans allow the buyer to include closing costs in the mortgage.

As a home buyer, regardless of when and how you pay your closing costs, you need to determine the price of closing on a potential home so you can plan accordingly. So how much are closing costs?

Calculating Closing Costs: Buyers

So many fees go into the closing cost total. They vary widely based on where you live, the property, and loan type.

Plan on closing costs being 3% to 6% of your mortgage. If your mortgage is $300,000, closing costs would be about $9,000 – $18,000.

The more accurate way to estimate costs is to use a closing cost calculator. Here is a closing cost calculator for Arizona. You can estimate some of the requested information and still get a good idea of what your closing costs will be.

While some closing costs are fixed, others you can shop around to find the best price. Your real estate agent can often recommend who to go to for things like title insurance or the home inspection to get the best prices. 

Calculating Closing Costs: Sellers

Home sellers will also have some closing costs. Sellers can typically plan on 6% to 10% of the sale price.

Three days before the home closing, the seller and buyer will get a closing disclosure that lists all the costs. This allows for any errors to be corrected before the closing.

Be Prepared for Your Closing

Buying a home can require a significant amount out-of-pocket between closing costs and the down payment. By calculating closing costs upfront, you'll know how to better plan when shopping for a house and a mortgage, so there are no unpleasant surprises.

Contact Yuma Realty Professionals today for more information on closing costs or your other real estate needs and allow our experienced agents help you find the right home for you and your family.  

Posted in Blog
Sept. 12, 2022

Top 5 Steps to Get Your House Ready to Sell in Arizona

When you need to sell your house fast, you'll do just about anything. Many people think that they need to complete a full renovation or spend a great deal of money to make their home appealing. Perhaps you're even thinking that you need to have perfect weather to make the home look more appealing. 

While late spring and early summer is the best time to sell a house, with the right preparation, you can sell your home in just about any season. But what does a person need to do to get a house ready to sell? 

You don't need to spend a lot of money to make your home ready for the market. You just need a little know-how and some elbow grease. Here is a basic check of five simple things you can do to make your house market ready. 

1. Deep Clean and Declutter

Begin by deep cleaning and decluttering your home. When you deep clean your house, you do what you're going to have to do eventually after you sell the home. You clean out every nook and cranny of the home. 

Thus, to sell your house to start with, you basically need several garbage bags and maybe a dumpster. 

Look at windowsills, tables, counters, and all visible areas. Then move to hidden places like closets, cupboards, and drawers. You want to make your home look as spacious as possible, so get rid of your clutter. 

2. Depersonalize

You want buyers to picture themselves in your home. It's difficult to do that when a family picture is hanging on the wall or sitting on the mantle. So depersonalize your home by taking down family pictures first. 

Remove the sentimental items as well like trophies. Create a blank canvas for prospective buyers. 

3. Neutralize Your Home

To make your home as appealing as possible, repaint the walls in as neutral colors as possible. Use warm beige and light colors to create a bigger space and a neutral canvas for your buyers. 

You can make your buyers feel most at home by creating a space where they can picture themselves. It's difficult to do that when the walls are bright colors that only a few people would like. 

4. Touch Up the Details

Go through your home with a fine-tooth comb to touch up all the details. Fix scuff marks on doors and walls. Tighten screws on door knobs. 

Look at your home through a visitor's eyes. Sometimes we get so used to seeing the imperfections that we don't see them at all. Have a real estate agent walk through your home and give you their opinion on what you need to fix. 

5. Add Natural Color

After you've created a neutral palette with simple, light colors on the wall, bring in a few plants. 

Plants make the home look alive without over-personalizing it. You don't want a jungle of plants, but a plant here and there will make the home look warmer and less sterile. Plus, green will pop out against the neutral walls and add some extra color. 

Get a House Ready to Sell Today

You need only do a few small things to get a house ready to sell. You'll have a cleaner, less cluttered home in the end as well as a clean, fresh look with your neutral colors. Spend some time freshening up your home, tightening a few screws, and preparing your home for buyers. 

Are you wanting to sell your home? Contact us today. We work hard to help our clients get the best prices for their homes. 

Posted in Blog