Today, more Americans are renting their homes than have at any point in the past 50 years.

There are a variety of reasons why many couples, families, and individuals continue to rent rather than purchasing a home. Sometimes, buying isn't financially possible. Or a family isn't sure whether they'll be in an area long enough to buy.

But purchasing a home offers benefits as well, including a return on your investment.

If you're trying to decide between buying a home or choosing rental homes in Yuma, Arizona, keep reading for a few tips to help you make the right choice.

Buying a Home in Yuma, Arizona

Buying a home in Yuma, Arizona offers a number of perks. To start, there are far more homes for sale in the area than there are for rent. This means far more options when it comes to choosing your location, the size of the home, and the amenities.

Yuma is home to a variety of styles of homes, as well as options for every price range. Whether you're looking to finally buy your dream home or are searching for a more affordable starter home for your family, you'll find tons of options throughout the city.

One of the biggest arguments in the discussion of buying vs renting a home is making the most of the money that you spend each month.

If you're in a financial position that allows you to buy, purchasing also offers a better return on your investment. Unlike rent that is paid each month but doesn't impact you long-term, paying your mortgage builds credit and also turns into a home that's yours later on.

Rental Homes in Yuma, Arizona

When you buy a home, you might have more options to choose from. But when you rent a home, you'll also take a big load off your shoulders.

A big renting vs buying pro is that as a renter you are not responsible for maintenance and upkeep. Whether your air conditioning goes out on a hot day or your fridge suddenly no longer cools, your landlord will be responsible for taking care of the problem, at no expense to you if those appliances are included in your rental.

Another benefit of renting a home is the ability to easily move in a year or less. If your job requires you to relocate frequently or you haven't decided whether Yuma is where you'd like to stay, this is a great way to get a home without making a big financial commitment.

Short-term, renting is more affordable than buying as well. While you may need to make a security deposit and pay for your first and last month's rent, that's much less than the cost of a downpayment, closing costs, and other expenses that come with buying a home.

Should You Buy or Rent Homes in Yuma, Arizona?

Choosing between purchasing a home or shopping rental homes in Yuma, Arizona is a big decision. Your family's financial situation, future plans, and what you want in a home should all be taken into consideration in order to make the right choice.

If you've made your decision, check out our homes for sale or our homes for rent in Yuma today!

There are a number of reasons why you might find yourself needing to move quickly.

Perhaps you or your spouse has gotten a new job and needs to relocate. Or maybe you've already purchased a new home or found the right one, but need to sell your own.

Whatever the case, selling your home can sometimes be a lengthy process. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent this.

To learn how to sell my house fast in Fortuna, keep reading.

How Do I Sell My House Fast in Fortuna?

The average home is on the market for around 56 days. But if you need to offload your home faster or want to ensure that you meet that deadline, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process.

Get Realistic About Your Home's Value

One thing that can slow down a home's sale is asking too much for it. If you haven't already, start the process by finding out exactly what your property is worth. 

You can also compare your home to others in your area that have sold recently to get a better idea of how much you should be listing for. Homes priced properly sell faster than those that are overpriced.

Choose the Right Agent

When it comes to learning how to sell a house as quickly as possible, the best thing that you can do is choose the right real estate agent.

An experienced agent who knows the Fortuna market will be better equipped to prepare your home, price it right, and more. They'll likely have clients already waiting to look at new homes as they hit the market. They'll also be able to make any open houses or showings more effective, by showcasing exactly what they know that clients want in a home.

Don't Wait to Prep Your Home for Sale

If you know that you are going to sell your home, another thing that you can do to speed up the process is to start prepping it right away.

Houses for sale can be lived in while also being shown to buyers. But having a messy home or even one that is cluttered with your personal belongings can make it tough for potential buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space.

Start by packing up as much as you can. Any items that you won't need between now and when you plan to move can be packed away and put into storage while your home is being shown to buyers. Not only will this make your home easier to market, but it will also speed up the moving process once your home does sell.

Selling My House Fast

If you want to sell my house fast in Fortuna, these tips can help. Prepping your home allows its features to shine through and saves you time packing later on. Pricing your home correctly can help reduce the time it stays on the market.

And choosing the right real estate agent can help you increase your chances of a fast sale--not to mention also fetch you more money than you'd get selling on your own!

If you're ready to sell your house fast, start with a free property valuation check.

Did you know that language, spelling, and grammar matter just as much as the high-quality images you post of your home online? In fact, it matters so much that up to 44 percent of buyers are put off touring your home if they spot a spelling or grammatical error in your listing description. 

That's a whole lot of missed potential -- almost half of the legitimate buyers in your area could skip past your house listing if you don't take the time to put real effort into how your description is written. So, what does it take? This blog offers important tips on how to do your home justice with the written word. 

1. Your Home Listing Should Include Highlights and Specifics

Believe it or not, statistical data in a listing description is not the only thing your average home buyer wants to read about. After all, they can learn about your home's square footage and the number of bedrooms in your listing's data fields. 

What a potential home buyer really wants to read about is specifics about your home and its best features. It's wise to point out the desirable points of your home that a picture might not be able to offer. It's all about creating a mental image and sparking the imagination of a home buyer. 

You'll need to carefully consider which items to highlight though. You want to mention any recent upgrades you've made to your home, such as new hardwood flooring or a remodeled kitchen. Add in specifics about the upgrades you've made i.e. the exact type of flooring you've installed or any brand-name appliances added to your kitchen. 

You want to highlight your neighborhood's best features, too. This could include nearby family-friendly parks, hiking trails, access to transport routes, etc. 

2. Be Selective With Adjectives and Buzzwords

Don't write your listing with the fear of being overly descriptive, even if your home is pretty standard. You aren't misleading your average home buyer, but creating a descriptive portrayal of what your home means to you, and can mean to them. 

Despite how modest your home may be, there is a myriad of ways to describe it without sounding bland -- that is the beauty of language. The best way to do this is with the right adjectives and buzzwords to capture their attention. 

Speak with your agent about the vibe and personality of your home, then select your adjectives to match. You can also hop online and do some research on the MLS for other well-written home descriptions for inspiration and reference. 

Take special note of the buzzwords used in similar descriptions in your area and don't hesitate to apply them to your description where you can. 

3. Ensure Your Description Aligns With Your Images 

There's no use in painting a picture of your home in your description that doesn't match up with the images you've posted. Sure, you can and should use words to embellish certain features, but if your listing is just a jumble of over-the-top adjectives, it will look like you're trying too hard. And it will seem completely inauthentic.

Essentially, you want your listing to be descriptive, but it must also be grounded in reality. In order to achieve this, you want to arrange your descriptions so that they echo the order of the photos you've included of your home.

By matching your wording according to the flow of your home, your listing will sound realistic, without losing the personality of your home.  

In Need of Real Estate Expertise For Your Home Listing? 

Writing the perfect house listing depends on a few key factors, so keep these in mind: you want to be descriptive, but not obnoxious. Ground your description in reality, but don't be afraid to highlight your home's best features. And always do research on industry terms, buzzwords, and adjectives that offer a good click-through rate. 

If you're in need of expert help on selling or listing a home, be sure to check out this blog for more.

You're ready for your next adventure! Oh, but the thought of a new purchase or sale of your existing home is a little scary. Make your next move a breeze with professional assistance from the best realtor in your area.

Whether you are buying or selling a house, a great real estate agent is essential.

Learn how to choose the best realtor with these insider tips.

Local Experience

When moving to a new area, a local realtor who has lived in the area for a long time can be an incredible asset. Why choose a longtime resident as your best realtor?

Your Community Needs

We all have different needs we like to have met by our community.

If you are continuing your education or have children, a local realtor that has been in the area for a long time will be able to steer you to neighborhoods that offer the types of schools or universities you are looking for.

A realtor that is a long-time resident of the area will also have relationships they have formed within the real estate industry. From lending institutions to home inspectors, your local realtor will provide a personal experience. A personal connection to other community members means a smooth transition with additional professionals.

This local experience is beneficial to sellers as well. A top realtor that has extensive knowledge about the area will get to highlight not only your home's best features but also community resources that are unique to your location. 

Specialties

Just as properties are different, real estate transactions are not all the same. Look for a licensed realtor that also has experience with unique types of property sales. 

• Foreclosure
• Short Sale
• Commercial Investment
• 1031 Exchange

A top realtor with additional experience in special transactions can clearly explain the process for these types of sales.

Technology Skills

When considering what makes the best realtor, technology may not be a thought that has crossed your mind.

In today's market, your realtor must have extensive knowledge and experience with the latest software and applications used in the industry today.

If you are selling your home, you want a realtor that has the ability to access the most up-to-date technology for market analysis. Quickly accessing changes in market trends in your neighborhood and surrounding areas will yield the best price and make your sale as quickly as possible.

A technology-literate realtor will also have experience creating an outstanding listing that will gain hits on searches from their website. Visit their website and look at how they list properties.

Find the Best Realtor in Yuma, AZ

As a long-time resident, Yuma Realty Professionals is invested in our community and is here to meet your real estate needs with care.

We are experienced in special sale transactions and provide service by trained and certified professionals.

Whether you are selling or buying, the best realtor may be just a click away. Start your search today for a great realtor and properties in Yuma, AZ. 

Did you know that Yuma County boasts a population of just 200,000 residents? 

During winter, this number increases by almost 90,000 because of people coming in search of the sun and warmth. 

Now, getting your home to sell in a close-knit community such as Yuma can be overwhelming, especially if you're looking to get the best price you can. 

Owners of houses for sale in Yuma, AZ should take the following advice for getting the price they want, keep reading to find out exactly how! 

1. Clean and Declutter 

This may sound like an obvious one, but your Yuma home should be shiny, sparkling, and clean before a potential buyer walks up to your front door. 

Take the time to declutter your home, clear the mess on countertops and tabletops. Remove all one hundred of your pot plants and opt for cleaner, less busy shelves, and rooms. 

You want your potential buyer to be able to envision his own personal things in your home, and not be overwhelmed with all the things you have scattered around. 

2. Fix the Obvious Things

If you have a leaky faucet that constantly echoes with dripping noises, that's one thing you'll want to fix right away! 

Small things that need attention will add up and potential buyers will notice, and they will see dollar signs as they try to calculate how much repairs will cost them. It could cause them to offer lower than the asking price! 

3. Focus on Curb Appeal 

The way your home looks from the street matters a great deal, as we all know, first impressions count! You need to place some priority on making sure your front lawn is mowed and looking neat. 

Consider planting some nice shrubs and flowers, and repainting your front door just to spruce up the first look. 

4. Get Paperwork in Order

That deck you built in the backyard may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but if it wasn't approved, it could land you in hot water with potential buyers. 

Ensure that all the paperwork for your property is in order, your Yuma home should be paperwork-ready so that potential buyers can simply sign the dotted line. 

5. Choose the Right Yuma Realtor 

One of the most important parts of selling your property at the price you're hoping for is making sure that you have a realtor who understands and knows what you want. 

Meet with a few realtors nearby before you decide on the right one, and don't be afraid to ask why they think they're right for the job. Take time to get to know the team, and check their references. 

Houses for Sale in Yuma, AZ 

There are a number of houses for sale in Yuma, AZ, so one of the best things you can do is compare your home to others that are on the market. 

This will give you a good idea of whether your asking price is realistic and how likely you are to sell your home at your current price. 

If you're still confused about pricing, we have the answer, just use our property valuation tool! 

You're searching for the perfect home to call your own in the new year. And you've set your sights on Yuma, AZ, in particular.

The problem is, buying a new home--even if it's not your first time--can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you're seeking a new home in a city you've never lived in before.

The good news? With the right strategy, it is indeed possible to pick a winner when house hunting in Yuma. Here's a rundown on everything you need to know when looking for homes for sale in Yuma, AZ.

Let's get started!

Know Your Priorities First

As you embark on your Yuma home search, it's critical that you establish the criteria you want for your new home. For instance, maybe you prefer a lovely older home. Or, maybe a chic, more modern abode would fit your tastes better.

An older home in Yuma offers the benefit of placing you in a community that is well established. For instance, in Yuma, you can easily access restaurants and shopping from older homes.

In addition, older homes generally stand out for their higher-level construction quality compared with more recent homes.

Still, a newer home would be a winner in your situation if you're searching for an abode that will not require as much repair or maintenance work.

A newer home in Yuma will also more likely come with built-in technology, like smart thermostats, cable, and alarm systems. 

Comfort

In addition to deciding how old or new you want your home to be, you need to determine your level of comfort when you first walk into your prospective home.

Ideally, your winning home will embrace you as soon as you enter it. You will know within three seconds whether the house feels comforting and warm to you. If it feels like you're home right away, it's likely a winner.

Ticks the Most Critical Boxes

To secure a winning home in Yuma, make sure that the home you decide to go with ticks most of your boxes. 

No, the house you choose may not come with every single amenity on your wish list. However, if it meets your basic requirements, it's most likely a winner.

For instance, make sure that the home comes with the right amount of space and number of bedrooms you need. And if you think you can get by without a garage, then don't let the lack of a garage on a property be a deal breaker.

How We Can Help You When Shopping for Homes for Sale in Yuma, AZ

We offer a wide variety of homes for sale in Yuma, AZ. However, we don't just point you to the top homes for sale. We also provide extensive information on home values, community happenings, and local housing market statistics.

In addition, on our site, you can learn tips for hiring a real estate agent. You can also learn how to get the best deal when buying a house, as well as how to sell a house.

Get in touch with us today to quickly and efficiently find the perfect home for you and your family in Arizona.  

Coming up with a real estate down payment of 20% is difficult for many first time home buyers. It’s enough to make many people feel like they can’t afford to buy a home. 

But did you know you can buy a home 7% down or even 0% down? It’s true! This article will go over some best practices and things to consider when trying to get the best deal on a real estate down payment. 

1. What Is the Down Payment on a Home?

Most people do not put 20% down on a home. For most first-time homebuyers who financed their home, the average down payment is around 7% and for a repeat homebuyer, the average down payment was around 16% according to the National Association of Realtors. 

But most people still believe that you need at least 20% for a down payment on a home in order to qualify for a loan. 

2. What Is the Minimum Down Payment on a Home? 

The minimum amount you will need for down payments really depends on the type of home loan you qualify for. 

• Convention loans can have down payments as low as 3% for qualified buyers. Some lenders even offer special assistance and may grant loans with an even lower down payment. 
• FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. These loans require a minimum OF 3.5% down. FHA loans allow applicants to have a lower credit score than you would need to apply for a conventional loan. 
• VA loans are given to military veterans and service members. These loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and usually do not require a down payment. 
• USDA loans are available for certain rural buyers. Like VA loans USDA loans are backed by the federal government and usually require no down payment.

3. Is a Down Payment Necessary to Buy a Home?

As you can see from the breakdown of loans above, a down payment isn’t always necessary. VA loans and USDA loans both have zero down payments. The FHA has allowed home loans to go through with as little as 5% down since the mid-80s. 

These days there are many different first time home buyer programs that can provide assistance and reduce the cost of the real estate down payment. 

4. How to Buy a House Without a Down Payment? 

If you are looking to buy a home without a down payment visit VA loans if you are a veteran or service member. They will give you the information you need. If you are not a veteran or service member you can still check out loans given out by the USDA. 

5. Should I Put Down 20% Anyway? 

Even though it may not be required for you to put down 20% it is still a good idea. Here are a few of the reasons why. 

• You won’t have to pay for mortgage insurance
• Your monthly payments will be lower
• You’ll probably have a lower interest rate

What Is a Good Real Estate Down Payment?

The right amount for a real estate down payment is different for everyone. Deciding how much to put down depends on your financial situation, the housing market in your area, and the home you want to buy. 

Yuma Real Estate Professionals can help you find a home in Yuma, Arizona. We specialize in residential, investments, and land. Meet our professional team of agents and let us help you make your dream of owning a home a reality. 

Selling a house can be challenging. This is especially true when it's a little older.

After all, many people prefer buying a new home so that they can enjoy the benefits of being the first to live there. And yet older homes also offer plenty of benefits, including the fact that they provide more value for the money.

This article takes a look at tips that can make selling your old house fast a little easier. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on the best ways to sell a house as quickly as possible in a competitive real estate market.

1. Update Your Kitchen and Bathrooms

It's no secret that home buyers love gorgeous kitchens and bathrooms. Especially when those rooms of the house feature update hardware, lighting, and faucets. In fact, you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to make a huge difference.

Just keep in mind that small improvements can go a long way in appealing to potential buyers. It's also important to make small touch-ups in the paint, fix cracks in tile flooring, and make sure that all lighting fixtures work properly so that you make the best impression possible.

You might also want to consider updating your kitchen and bathroom countertops. This is a great way to add a fresh look while adding overall value to your home.

2. Make Needed Repairs

When it comes to selling your home, always make as many repairs as possible before showing it to potential buyers. After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

This could be anything from patching holes in the drywall to fixing leaky faucets or even replacing broken light switch covers. In fact, the possibilities are endless. Just remember that when buyers are touring your home, the goal is to keep them excited without giving them a reason to hesitate before making an offer.

Fortunately, most minor repairs are inexpensive to fix, will add value to your home, and will help keep potential buyers interested.

3. Have Your Home Professionally Staged

Another effective tactic that experienced real estate agents use to sell a house as quickly as possible is staging. In fact, this is one of the best house selling tips on this list.

Staging involves temporarily removing most of the seller's furniture and then replacing it with carefully selected furniture that will help make the house more appealing to buyers.

The idea is to help the buyers invasion the living space as their own. After all, they are interested in seeing the potential of what they could do with it.

4. Work with an Experienced Realtor

You'd also be wise to hire a skilled real estate agent. This is a real estate professional who possesses a firm grasp of the local housing market and will be able to sell your house fast, at the best price possible. 

5. Make the Most of Social Media

Don't forget about using social media to spread the word about your house. After all, social media is one of the most powerful marketing tools ever created and allows you to maximize your target audience of potential buyers.

A Homeowner's Guide to Selling Your Old House Fast

There's nothing more exciting than relocating to a new house. Fortunately, these tips for selling your old house fast will help you speed up the process.

Keep reading to discover more great real estate advice on our blog.

Are you in a rush to sell your home to move on to the next phase of your life? Do you feel overwhelmed and want to sell your home as quickly as possible. If so, then you need to learn all you can about the mistakes to avoid when selling houses fast. 

Doing so can help ensure that you get the maximum return on your home. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to sacrifice pricing to sell your home faster. All it takes is the right realtor to do the job.

See below for an in-depth guide highlighting the top mistakes to avoid as you go through this process.

1. Selling Your Home for Too Little

As previously mentioned, you don't have to sacrifice the asking price of your home to sell it faster. All it takes is a trusted realty professional to pick up the pace.

Most home sellers sabotage their own wallets by asking too little for their home. They aren't sure how to accurately price their houses in Yuma and, in doing so, sell for far less than they deserve.

There are many factors that you should use to price your home such as its location, sizing, condition, age, neighborhood, renovations, and so forth. Hire a trusted realtor to help you price it correctly.

2. Attempting to Sell the Home Yourself

You wouldn't go through a trial without hiring a lawyer. You wouldn't build the home without hiring a contractor. Why do any differently when selling a home?

Doing so is just asking for a disaster. Most buyers will have hired realtors to help them, so you're essentially pairing yourself up against an experienced and trained professional. That's a fight you can't possibly hope to win.

Instead, hire a realtor to help sell your home. They'll help you set up an ideal asking price, list the property, stage the property, negotiate with buyers, and so forth. It will be worth every penny!

3. Selling at the Wrong Time

As with any other type of sale in this world, there's a right time and a wrong time for you to be selling your home. The wrong time typically hovers around winter, which is generally a buyer's market.

Why? Because you'll have fewer interested parties. The fewer buyers you have looking at your property, the more momentum you lose in negotiations. 

Even if you're moving abruptly because of a job, it might be best to sit on the house for a few months to maximize your return. Your realtor can shed more light on this tricky situation.

Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Houses Fast

The art of selling houses fast can be a fickle beast. If you're too pushy, a buyer can either be turned off to your property or use your urgency against you in negotiations.

Be sure to read this article to learn more about how the best real estate agents in Yuma are handling coronavirus and selling houses in Yuma.

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out on our about us page and one of our amazing team members will be happy to assist you further!

Are you trying to find the best real estate agents in Yuma, AZ? To find a real estate agent you can trust to produce great results, it's important to put some thoughtful consideration into finding a professional in your area. 

For some key tips and tricks that can help you find a great real estate agent that can lead you towards your dream home, keep reading. In this guide, we'll go over some factors that can help you find an amazing real estate agent in no time. 

1. Find a Great Communicator 

To find a real estate agent that you will be able to work with effectively, you want to make sure you find an agent with great communication skills. You also want to find a professional agent that is available to you for any questions or concerns you may have as you search for your new home. A great communicator that is professional on the job will allow you to feel confident that you are in good hands during the home hunting process. 

2. Find an Expert 

It's important to review a real estate agents' experience to make sure that they know what they are doing and that they are experts in their field. Ask an agent how long they've been in the industry and make sure that they have the reliable experience that you can feel confident in. It's best to find a realtor that has an impressive track record and a great reputation. 

It's also helpful to find someone who has great market knowledge, especially in your local area. Every market is different, so it's best to find an agent that has experience in your location. This will allow you insight and knowledge regarding your area's market trends and patterns. 

3. Find an Agent With Great Reviews and Ratings 

A great way to see what you can expect when working with certain real estate agents is to check their online reviews and ratings. A real estate company may have testimonials and reviews available on their site, but you can also look on local listing sites such as Google and Facebook. This will allow you to see what others have to say about their experience working with a particular realtor which can give you insights into their professionalism, communication skills, as well as what kind of results they tend to get. 

If you are trying to narrow your options, consider asking realtors that you're interested in for references from their past clients. This will allow you to have a conversation with a past client that can help you find out more about how the agent works. 

Top Tips for Finding the Best Real Estate Agents 

To find the best real estate agents in your local area, it's best to do some research by looking at their experience, reviews, and ratings. This will allow you to find a professional agent that you can trust to guide you in the right direction when buying or selling a home. Find the best real estate agent for you with these tips and tricks. 

Are you looking for real estate agents that are experts in the Yuma, AZ area? If so, contact Yuma Realty Professionals today to get started.