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. 

Are you looking for a home in the close-knit community of Yuma, Arizona? Whether you're craving that small-town feel or a military family looking to live close to the base, you will love this diverse, agricultural city.

In order to get into a home, you love at a fair price, you will need a good real estate broker. You will work closely with this person, potentially for an extended period of time, so you want somebody you like and trust. 

Do you know the right questions to ask when choosing your realtor? Read on to learn!

1. What's Your Experience as a Real Estate Broker?

Asking this question will help you make an informed decision when choosing your agent. With real estate experience comes tricks of the trade that can help you lower your costs and even find your dream home faster in a tricky real estate market.

On the flip side, agents new to the trade may come out full force with wide-eyed intentions to be the best, while more experienced agents may lose that drive. To get a better picture, you need to ask further questions.

2. Do You Work Full Time in Real Estate?

While real estate makes a great side-hustle for many realtors, you need to decide if you want your transaction to come after another career. A part-time realtor may feel spread thin.

A fulltime realtor, on the other hand, may offer more flexibility with meeting you to look at homes since they focus their attention on real estate.

3. How Many Homes Did You Sell Last Year?

This question will help clarify the first. Talking to agents about their history gives you a sense of their eagerness to sell.

The average real estate agent completes about 12 transactions each year. If they sell much less than this, then this person may not put much effort into it.

4. Why Should We Choose You?

When finding a new home, you want somebody with confidence and excellent communication skills. They should nail this question for you.

Listen to the agent talk about their negotiating skills. You want a broker who can work flexibly with you but drive down price and get you into viewings ahead of others through negotiation.

Also, listen for them to talk about what drives their passion for real estate. If helping people find home does not make their way into this and they seem cut-throat, they may not deliver exactly what you need.

5. Can Your Provide References and Reviews?

After you listen to all of their answers, see if others agree. They should provide you with a few solid references who have bought or sold with them previously.

Look on the internet for reviews as well!

Welcome to Yuma!

Buying a home can feel exciting or it can overwhelm you. Your real estate broker can really make the difference.

We are excited to help you find your dream home in Yuma, AZ. Our agents are ready to help! Check out the home search on our website!

In 2018, Yuma, Arizona has a population of around 104,000. 

If you have a business, it gives you an idea of how many people you're marketing to in Yuma. Now you have to break it down further in terms of demographics, interests, jobs, family, and more. 

Segmenting your audience is key to marketing in any city. 

When it comes to advertising homes for sale in Yuma, Arizona, you need to know your market. You need to know who's most likely to buy a home. 

As you develop a marketing strategy, you also need to make sure you avoid critical mistakes. 

Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when advertising homes in Yuma, Arizona. 

1. Now Knowing Your Target Market

One of the critical mistakes you can make when selling homes in Yuma, Arizona is not knowing your target market. 

If you're real estate, you should have a complete understanding of the buyer's persona in that area. That means understanding what age the typical buyer is in Yuma, Arizona, how much they typically make, etc. 

When you understand your target market, you know what homes they are looking for. You understand what is in their price range. 

2. You Didn't Research

If you don't know your target market, it's probably because you haven't done enough research. 

If you want to sell a lot of homes in Yuma, Arizona, you need to do research on the home buyers as well as the homes in that area. It can give you a basic understanding of how to develop your marketing strategy. 

You can always check out our market research reports as a starting point for your research. 

3. Terrible Copy

Another mistake that you can make is writing terrible copy. 

Good copy should get someone to take action. It should appeal to their problems and drive home the point of missing an opportunity to buy a home. 

4. Not Using Social Media Platforms

You should use social media to spread awareness of the homes for sale. 

However, if you don't use social media, you are missing out on an opportunity. Social media offers great platforms to advertise on and post on. 

5. Not Spending Enough Money on Advertising

If you do advertise on social media, you need to have a spending limit. Don't underspend because it may not show to enough people. 

While there is no perfect limit to how much you spend, you should always should look at how your Facebook ads, for instance, are doing every 1000 impressions.

Don't Make These Mistakes When Advertising Homes for Sale

When you advertise homes for sale, you want to do the proper research. You want to know who marketing to and what they are looking for in a home when it comes to Yuma Arizona. 

If you lack in this area, your competitors will have an advantage. They will have better targeting and better copy that gives them more of an opportunity to sell more homes. 

If you have more questions about selling homes in Yuma, Arizona, you can contact us here. 

Yuma Arizona is a beautiful city known for its proximity to the Colorado River and the plethora of outdoor recreation activities that has to offer.

Chances are, if you have visited, you will soon be looking for a house for sale in Yuma AZ. Finding the best realtor in Yuma can seem like a challenge, but it is essential to finding the perfect house to fit your needs.

Looking For A House For Sale In Yuma AZ?

Your best bet is to contact a real estate agent with deep roots in the community. You want someone who is a great communicator and also is an expert in their field. The following tips can be helpful throughout the selection process.

You may be looking for a home in a specific neighborhood of Yuma or be willing to live outside of city limits. An accredited realtor can help you narrow down your choices. They can also be flexible enough to help you navigate your changing wants and needs.

Check online review sites to check your prospective agent's reviews and make sure they are up to your standards. That way you will know that you are getting the best realtor in Yuma AZ.

You Found the Best Real Estate Agent, Now What?

Once you have selected your agent, it is time to begin visiting homes. Since COVID-19 exists, you may find it safer to schedule a virtual tour. Any professional real estate service should be able to facilitate this request with ease.

If you prefer to visit homes in person, a real estate agent can set this up as well. Many added safety measures have been put in place throughout the home touring process to limit your exposure to the virus.

Most real estate showings are done via appointment only so make sure to schedule one well in advance. You can consult the National Association of Realtor's open house guidelines for more information on how the virus is affecting in-person showings.

The best realtor in Yuma will be able to listen to what you want and match you with an existing property that they know is a great fit. Sometimes, the only way to know what works best for you is to jump right in and start touring.

Other times you may have a specific listing in mind, or unique characteristics you wish to see in a home. A real estate agent can help you with a more targeted approach as well.

Build Your Nest Today

Yuma Arizona is a great place to settle down and start a new life. The first step in planting your roots is to find a house for sale in Yuma AZ. The Colorado river beckons and the desert is calling you home.

Accept nature's grand invitation and begin your home-search journey today. Start here with a map of recent listings. For all of your other Yuma real estate news, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

We get it. Money is tight and selling your home may be your only option to keep your family afloat financially during these uncertain times. The real estate market in Yuma, AZ is somewhat competitive. Don't let it deter you from putting your home on the market. You are sure to have offers on your home sooner than you may think.

The sooner you begin the process, the sooner you will feel a bit of financial relief. 

Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about the current Yuma, AZ real estate market.

Yuma Realty Professionals

If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the time to get that balling rolling. The first thing you need to do is to get Yuma Realty Professionals on your payroll. We will work with you to figure out what your home is worth with an instant property valuation and then work on getting it on the market as soon as possible. 

At Yuma Realty Professionals, you will find that we specialize in all types of properties. This includes investment, residential, and land. We have a reputation of trust because we will work tirelessly to get you the sale amount that you deserve. We strive to treat all of our clients as if they were our own family. You can count on us to do the same for you while keeping you informed every step of the way.

On our website, you will find that you can create a market report for Yuma, AZ real estate trends in your neighborhood so that you know what to expect in the area where you are trying to sell your home for the right amount of money. 

Current Trends in Real Estate

After a slight hitch in the real estate market during a worldwide pandemic, it was expected that the real estate market would be impacted indefinitely. However, those in the real estate business hunkered down and braved the chaos to keep selling homes for those who were dealing with financial turmoil.

The real estate market in Yuma is already making a comeback.

Current real estate trends in Yuma show that the overall prices of homes have gone up. The average price of a typical home in Yuma, AZ is currently $186,490. This is an increase of nearly $30,000 since 2019 and an overall growth of 68% in the last twenty years. As 2020 comes to an end, you will find that the market is going to increase over the next year.

Don't Wait to Sell Your Yuma, AZ Real Estate

You don't have to dread the home selling process when you have experienced real estate agents working with you. We can help you sell your Yuma, AZ real estate property in no time at all.

Contact Yuma Realty Professionals today to see how we can get you on your way to selling your home.

Did you know that summer is the best time to sell a home? Even if you've planned the best time to sell, there are still plenty of factors that go into listing your house.

Many first-time sellers struggle to find the perfect asking price. So, how can you best price your home in Yuma, Arizona?

We're here to help you discover how to price your home in Yuma. Check out the tips below to learn more!

Price to Be Compatible with Search Engines

Often when buyers or agents are searching for listings, they will search within certain parameters. For example, a buyer might cap their budget at $300,000. This means that if your home is listed at $302,000, it won't show up in searches that fall under clean cut-off marks.

It's important to research price points and understand how buyers search for listings. For the most part, you can assume that price points fall at every five or ten thousand dollar mark.

Make Comparisons to Learn How to Price Your Home

When deciding how to price a house, one of the first things you should do is investigate nearby listings.

Consider how much houses in your specific neighborhood sell for. If you live in a neighborhood with more amenities, for example, chances are the houses will run for a higher price.

Additionally, look at listings for other houses in Yuma with a similar build to your own. Houses with the same number of rooms that are similar in quality tend to be around the same price, so you can get an estimate for your own price through research.

Competitive pricing is important because it will give buyers a sense of the quality of your home before they view it. Too high of a price will drive buyers away. By contrast, a price that's much lower than nearby homes will make buyers suspicious of the quality of your home.

Consult an Agent

Whether it's your first or fiftieth time selling a home, it's wise to get a professional's opinion. A real estate agent can give you a property valuation and help you price your home accordingly.

When choosing an agent, it's best to stick with someone local. A real estate agent familiar with the Yuma area will best be able to price your home.

Price with Flexibility in Mind

There is a high chance buyers won't offer your asking price. Since buyers tend to pitch offers lower than the property sell price, you might consider bumping up the asking price just a little bit than you actually want when you first list it.

Keep in mind that too high a price will keep buyers away. If your house sits on the market too long, you will have to keep dropping the price. If it gets too low, buyers might wonder if there's something wrong with the house that's keeping it from selling.

Be Smart When Pricing

It can be difficult to know how to price a house to sell, but the tips above will help you get started with your house-selling process. As long as you are realistic and do your research, you'll have no trouble appropriately pricing your home!

Check out the rest of our website for more articles and information on real estate in Yuma, Arizona!

Considering a move to Yuma, Arizona? Congratulations!

There are lots of benefits to living in Yuma, AZ. This small desert city has all the benefits of a small town including a low cost of living.

Keep reading to learn why Yuma the best place to live in Arizona and which neighborhoods are great for families and retirees. 

The Cost of Living Is Low

There are pros and cons of living in Yuma, AZ but one of the best pros is the low cost of living.

Yuma is cheaper than the average American city. The average home costs $156,300 well below the United States average of $231,200. The best neighborhoods in Yuma, AZ all have affordable homes. 

Transportation expenses like gas and bus fare are also cheaper in Yuma making Yuma a great place for families to settle.

The Climate Is Comfortable

Do grey skies get you down? That’s not an issue in Yuma. Yuma holds the Guinness World Record as the sunniest city on Earth. Yuma receives sunshine 91% of its total daylight hours. 

There are no bad hair days in Yuma because of the humidity. This desert city is dry and the least humid city in the United States. 

But this doesn’t mean that they are the hottest city. Miami and Key West both have Yuma beat in the heat category. Yuma nights are cool during the winter and people wear layers. Hard freezes are rare. Yuma enjoys comfortable mild temperatures for most of the year. 

Settle in Fortuna Foothills

Fortuna Foothills is a neighborhood of Yuma County. It is considered one of the best places to live in Yuma, AZ. This neighborhood has a suburban and rural feel to it. It’s a diverse neighborhood and its public schools are above average. 

Families and retirees mostly live in Fortuna Foothills. Most people own their homes. This laid back area is similar to Palm Springs but without the price tag. It is just a 15-minute ride east over to Yuma if you work in the city center. 

Live in Somerton

Somerton is located in Yuma County. Many consider it the best place to live in Yuma, AZ and it is easy to see why. Somerton has lots of parks and quiet neighborhoods. They have excellent schools, a relatively low crime rate, and all the essentials to raise a family. 

There are lots of clinics, hospitals, and easy access to medical services. People who live there consider the quality of care to be quite good. 

Residents enjoy the local festivals such as the corn fest, pet-palooza, and tamale festival. Somerton has lots of charm and a cute little main street downtown area. 

You’ll Love Living in Yuma, AZ

Is Yuma, AZ a good place to live? We think so! Visit Yuma to and find out why living in Yuma, AZ is a great lifestyle. 

Meet the team of Yuma Realty Professionals. We can help you find a house in Yuma that will become your family’s next home. We are a team of experienced agents who will treat you like family and put you first.