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Scottsdale AZ Luxury Home Market – July 2022

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– Scottsdale Luxury Home Market Performance for July 2022 –

Things continued to taper off in July. Sales and contracts were down in most cases.

In this report, we examine the luxury home market in Scottsdale. Each of the homes was listed at a minimum price of $1 million. And since there can be a lot of variability in different price points, we separated the data into four price bands.

Each month, we track the following things:
Active – How many homes were on the market at the end of the month.
UCB (Under Contract Accepting Backup Offers) – How many homes were under contract, but still accepting backup offers at the end of the month.
Pending – How many pending sales there were.
Sold – The number of home sales.

– July 2022 –

Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $1,000,000 – $1,499,999

Scottsdale Homes for Sale between $1 and $1.5 million July 2022

– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: There was a 20.4% increase in the number of homes for sale between the end of June and the end of July. This is 2.5 times over the 12 month average of 95 homes for sale.
– UCB Scottsdale Home Sales: UCBs fell to their lowest levels of the past year.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales: The number of pending contracts was down slightly compared to the previous month.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: After several months of 100+ home sales, sales activity fell to 71 in July.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 97.4%- On average, buyers saw a discount of 2.6% off of list price.

Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $1,500,000 – $1,999,999

Scottsdale Homes for Sale between $1.5 and $2 million July 2022

– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: Inventory actually decreased in July when compared to June.
– UCB Scottsdale Home Sales: The number of UCBs fell to the lowest we have seen in the past year, dropping into the teens for the first time.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales: Pending sales were up in July, coming off a June with lackluster performance.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: After an incredibly active sales month in June, sales in this price point fell significantly.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 97.0% – On average, buyers saw a discount of 3.0% off of list price.

Scottsdale Homes Priced Between $2,000,000 – $2,999,999

Scottsdale Homes for Sale between $2 and $3 million July 2022

– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: Inventory decreased slightly in this price range after spiking in June.
– UCB Scottsdale Home Sales: UCB contracts were down in July, but still came in ahead of January and May.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales: Pending sales were also down slightly.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: Home sales in this price range were the lowest we have seen in the past year.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 98.5% – On average, buyers saw a discount of 1.5% off of list price.

Scottsdale Homes Priced $3,000,000+

Scottsdale Homes for Sale over $3 million July 2022

– Active Scottsdale Homes on the Market: As we saw in the other two price bands, inventory was down slightly between the end of June and July.
– UCB Scottsdale Home Sales: UCB’s were up in July, closing out the month with twenty-two contracts.
– Pending Scottsdale Home Sales: The number of pending contracts fell to thirty-three, putting this in line with where the they were in August of 2021.
– Scottsdale Homes Sold: There were twenty home sales in June which is still a solid performance.
– Sales Price to Listed Price: 95.7% – On average, buyers saw a discount of 4.3% off of list price.

If you would like additional detail on home sales activity, please visit our Scottsdale Luxury Home Market Reports page and click on the downloadable “Scottsdale Market Trends” report.

Search Scottsdale Luxury Homes for Sale

Disclaimer: Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information were pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 8/1/2022 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at single-family luxury resale homes in Scottsdale AZ over the last 12 months. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. This blog represents the opinion of the author. No warranties expressed or implied.
Copyright ©2022 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

What Sellers Need To Know in Today’s Housing Market

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What Sellers Need To Know in Today’s Housing Market | MyKCM

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard about the housing market slowing down in recent months. While it’s still a sellers’ market, the peak frenzy the market saw over the past two years has cooled. Inventory is up in Scottsdale and all over the Valley.

If you’re asking yourself if you’ve missed your chance to sell your house and make a move, the good news is you haven’t – motivated buyers are still out there. But you do need to price your house right for today’s market. Here’s why.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“Homes priced right are selling very quickly, but homes priced too high are deterring prospective buyers.”

It is true that buyer demand has slowed over the past few months as higher home prices and mortgage rates made it more expensive to buy a home. The result is fewer bidding wars and less competition among buyers (see visual below):

What Sellers Need To Know in Today’s Housing Market | MyKCM

But don’t forget – that’s compared to the severely overheated market we saw over the past two years. According to the latest Confidence Index from NAR:

“. . . 39% of homes sold above list price, down from 51% a month ago and 50% a year ago.”

While this is a slower pace than even one month ago, serious buyers are still actively in the market, and they’re buying homes that are priced right. In fact, the Confidence Index also notes the average home is selling in just 14 days.

If you’re aiming to sell your house, be sure you’re working with your agent to price it for today’s housing market. As buyer demand softens, it’s important to understand this isn’t the same market as last year. It’s not even the same market as just a few months ago. But it is still a sellers’ market.

If you’re ready to sell your house, seek the advice of a real estate professional. In some cases, you’ll need to adjust your expectations accordingly to meet the market where it is today. Selma Hepp, Interim Lead, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains what’s happening and what it means when you sell:

“Signs of a broader slowdown in the housing market are evident, . . . This is in line with our previous expectations and given the notable cooling of buyer demand due to higher mortgage rates. . . Nevertheless, buyers still remain interested, which is keeping the market competitive — particularly for attractive homes that are properly priced.”

Bottom Line

While the housing market has cooled from its overheated frenzy, it’s still a sellers’ market. Let’s connect so that we can share what’s happening with buyer demand and home prices in our local area as you get ready to enter the market.

Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Luxury Condo Sales – July 2022

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Luxury Condo Sales in Scottsdale and Phoenix – July 2022

Luxury condo sales were down in July, but there was still decent activity on new and pending contracts. 

This report analyzes sales and sales activity of luxury condos that were being offered for $1 million or more.  

ACTIVE LISTINGS AT THE END OF JULY

Inventory was down at the end of July. We dropped from fifty-eight units at the end of June to fifty-one at the end of July. A vast majority of the condos, (forty-six,) were located in Scottsdale. 

The highest-priced unit for sale was in Ascent at the Phoenician. This is a new development that is bring built out. This condo has three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms and has 3,985 square feet. It was on the market for $4,450,000.

The least expensive luxury condo for sale was a carryover from last month. Located in Scottsdale’s Gateway at Main Street Plaza, this unit has two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms and 2,393 square feet. It was on the market for $1,000,000. 

UCB* LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

June closed out with four homes in UCB status. This figure doubled to eight by the end of July. Six of the eight were located in Scottsdale. 

UCB Condos in Scottsdale

  • Optima Camelview – Two bedrooms and bathrooms, 1,984 square feet. Asking price was $1,150,000.
  • Portico Condominiums – This is a new development in North Scottsdale.
    • Three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,090 square feet. Asking price was $1,188,000.
    • Three bedrooms and bathrooms, 2,396 square feet. Asking price was $1,650,400.
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Residences – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,041 square feet. Asking price was $1,550,000.
  • Seven at Desert Mountain – Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,950,000.
  • ICON in Silverleaf – Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,157 square feet. Asking price was $2,750,000.

UCB Condos in Phoenix

  • Fairway Lodge at the Biltmore
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,616 square feet. Asking price was $1,350,000.
    • Three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,329 square feet. Asking price was $1,415,000.

PENDING LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

Pending sales saw another slight fall in the number of pending contracts. Pendings were down to forty-five in July compared to forty-eight at the end of June. Of these, forty-two were located in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Pending Luxury Condos

  • Portico Scottsdale – Three bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,090 square feet. Asking price was $1,188,000.
  • Plaza Lofts at Kierland – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 1,942 square feet. Asking price was $1,399,000.
  • Optima Kierland – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 1,483 square feet. Asking price was $1,595,000.
  • The Reserve – This community is under construction.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,639 square feet. Asking price was $1,004,500.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,639 square feet. Asking price was $1,011,500.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,639 square feet. Asking price was $1,012,450.
    • Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 2,675 square feet. Asking price was $1,026,500.
    • Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 2,675 square feet. Asking price was $1,063,000.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,020 square feet. Asking price was $1,075,000.
    • Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 2,675 square feet. Asking price was $1,159,000.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,639 square feet. Asking price was $1,271,450.
    • Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 2,675 square feet. Asking price was $1,279,900.
  • Ascent at the Phoenician – This is another fantastic development underway.
    • One bedroom, one and one-half bathrooms, 1,698 square feet. Asking price was $1,475,000.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 1,847 square feet. Asking price was $1,600,000.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,374 square feet. Asking price was $2,050,000.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,679 square feet. Asking price was $2,285,000.
    • Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,679 square feet. Asking price was $2,395,000.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 3,867 square feet. Asking price was $3,975,000.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 3,996 square feet. Asking price was $4,100,000.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 3,996 square feet. Asking price was $4,750,000.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 3,996 square feet. Asking price was $4,895,000.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 3,945 square feet. Asking price was $4,950,000.
  • Seven at Desert Mountain – This community is also under construction.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,536,004.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,612,768.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,809,900.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,835,850.
  • ICON at Silverleaf – Currently under construction.
    • Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,752 square feet. Asking price was $1,995,000.
    • Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,752 square feet. Asking price was $2,150,000.
    • Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,752 square feet. Asking price was $2,900,000.
    • Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,752 square feet. Asking price was $2,500,000.
    • Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,752 square feet. Asking price was $2,625,000.
    • Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,157 square feet. Asking price was $2,700,000.
    • Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,157 square feet. Asking price was $2,800,000.
    • Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,752 square feet. Asking price was $2,900,000.
    • Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,157 square feet. Asking price was $2,900,000.
    • Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,157 square feet. Asking price was $3,175,000.
    • Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,157 square feet. Asking price was $3,200,000.
    • Three bedrooms, four bathrooms 3,157 square feet. Asking price was $3,350,000.
    • Four bedrooms, four and one-half bathrooms, 6,288 square feet. Asking price was $6,900,000.
    • Four bedrooms, four and one-half bathrooms, 6,288 square feet. Asking price was $7,700,000.
    • Four bedrooms, four and one-half bathrooms, 6,288 square feet. Asking price was $7,718,000.
    • Four bedrooms, four and one-half bathrooms, 6,288 square feet. Asking price was $8,350,000. 

Phoenix Pending Luxury Condos

  • One Lexington – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,288 square feet. Asking price was $1,295,000.
  • Fairway Lodge at the Biltmore – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,329 square feet. Asking price was $1,375,000
  • The Residences at 2211 Camelback – Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,875 square feet. Asking price was $1,650,000. 

LUXURY CONDO SALES IN SCOTTSDALE AND PHOENIX

Sales fell from twenty-two in June to nine in July. All of the sales were in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Luxury Condo Sales

  • The Reserve – Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, 2,675 square feet. Asking price was $1,016,000 and it sold for $1,119,970.
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Residences – Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,503 square feet. Asking price was $2,500,000 and it sold for $2,100,000.
  • Troon North Golf Villa – Three bedrooms and bathrooms, 3,017 square feet. Asking price was $1,225,000 and it sold for $1,200,000.
  • Optima Kierland – Two bedrooms and bathrooms, 1,290 square feet. Asking price was $1,600,000 and it sold for $1,525,000.
  • SOHO Scottsdale – Two bedrooms, two and one-half bathrooms, 2,330 square feet. Asking price was $1,400,000 and it sold for $1,375,000.
  • Seven at Desert Mountain
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,530,700 and it sold for $1,491,436.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,414 square feet. Asking price was $1,505,002 and it sold for $1,498,519.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,774,200 and it sold for $1,754,626.
    • Three bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, 2,716 square feet. Asking price was $1,787,350 and it sold for $2,067,031.

Phoenix Luxury Condo Sales

  • There were no luxury condo sales in Phoenix during July.

Learn More About Phoenix and Scottsdale Luxury Condos

Search Phoenix and Scottsdale Luxury Condos for Sale

Disclaimer: Days on market figures are cumulative days on market. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data and information were pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 8/1/2022 and can change at any time. The analysis looks at resale luxury condos in Scottsdale and Phoenix over the past 12 months. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.  There may be new condo inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. This post represents the opinion of the author. No warranties express or implied.
Copyright ©2022 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

Selling Your House? Your Asking Price Matters More Now Than Ever

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Selling Your House? Your Asking Price Matters More Now Than Ever | MyKCM

There’s no doubt about the fact that the housing market is slowing from the frenzy we saw over the past two years. But what does that mean for you if you’re thinking of selling your house?

While home prices are still appreciating in most markets and experts say that will continue, they’re climbing at a slower pace because rising mortgage rates are creating less buyer demand. Because of this, there are more homes on the market. And in a shift like this one, the way you price your home matters more than ever.

Why Today’s Housing Market Is Different

During the pandemic, sellers could price their homes higher because demand was so high, and supply was so low. Things are shifting this year, so your approach to pricing your house needs to shift too.

Because we’re seeing less buyer demand, sellers have to recognize this is a different market than it was during the pandemic. Here’s what’s at stake if you don’t.

Why Pricing Your House at Market Value Matters

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers. If you price it too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers.

When that happens, you may have to lower the price to try to reignite interest in your house when it sits on the market for a while. But be aware that a price drop can be seen as a red flag for some buyers who will wonder what that means about the home or if in fact, it’s still overpriced. Some sellers aren’t adjusting their expectations to today’s market, and realtor.com explains the impact that’s having:

“. . . the share of listings with a price cut was nearly double its year ago level even as it remains well below pre-pandemic levels.”

To avoid the headache of having to lower your price, you’ll want to price it right from the onset. A real estate advisor knows how to determine that ideal asking price. To find the optimal price, they balance the value of homes in your neighborhood, current market trends and buyer demand, the condition of your house, and more.

Not to mention, pricing your house fairly based on market conditions increases the chance you’ll have more buyers who are interested in purchasing it. This helps lead to stronger offers and a greater likelihood of selling quickly.

Why You Still Have an Opportunity When You Sell Today

Rest assured, it’s still a sellers’ market, and you’ll still get great benefits if you plan accordingly and work with an agent to set your price at the current market value. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“Homes priced right are selling very quickly, but homes priced too high are deterring prospective buyers.”

Mike Simonsen, the Founder and CEO of Altos Research, also notes:

“We can see that demand is still there for the homes that are priced properly.”

Bottom Line

Homes priced right are selling quickly in today’s real estate market. Let’s connect to make sure you price your house based on current market conditions so you can maximize your sales potential and minimize your hassle in a shifting market.

Quick Video Update of the Scottsdale Real Estate Market – July 2022

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– July 2022 Scottsdale Housing Market Video –

Here is a one-minute video overview of the Scottsdale, Arizona real estate market that covers the month of July.

July 2022 – Video


Scottsdale Active Listings

Scottsdale homes for sale July 2022

Inventory has been on the rise for the past few months. This is great news for buyers ad we approach a more balanced market.

The number of homes for sale was up 68% in July when compared to July 2021. And it was up 6% between June and July of this year.

Median List Price for Scottsdale Homes

Scottsdale homes median list price July 2022

The median list price shows you the midpoint of home prices. Half of the home prices will be higher and half will be lower.

The median list price in July was $1.17 million. This is up very slightly from July 2021’s $1.15 million, but down from the previous month’s $1.25 million.

Days on Market

Scottsdale homes days on market July 2022

Days on Market (DOM) is a metric we consult to get a sense of how the market is doing. If you see a high number or the number is increasing, things are moving more slowly. If the DOM is low, homes are selling at a faster pace.

July’s DOM was 38 days. This is slightly higher than it was at the same time last year, but this is still a pretty low number.

Median Sales Price for Scottsdale Homes

Scottsdale homes median sales price July 2022

Now we will take a look at the median sales price for July’s homes sales.

The median sales price of homes in Scottsdale in July was $1.06 million. Although it came in lower than June’s $1.1 million, it is well above July 2021’s $853K. Scottsdale and the Phoenix Valley saw significant price appreciation over the past year.

Number of Homes Sold

The final two images cover home sales activity.

Scottsdale Home Sales July 2022 versus 2021

Using a year-over-year comparison, home sales were down 48%. This is a big drop.

I would attribute this drop to slower summer activity paired with higher interest rates and an increase in the price of homes.

Scottsdale home sales June versus July 2022

On a month-over-month basis, sales were down 36%. This is a pretty large drop from June.

We hope that you found this video and commentary helpful as you gather more information to make smart informed real estate decisions.

For more Scottsdale real estate information or if you have any questions about the local area, feel free to contact Joyce at (480) 209-7843 or Joyce@LiveBetterinScottsdale.com.

Click to watch other videos on our Live Better in Scottsdale YouTube Channel.

Interested in other stats for our market? Visit our Real Estate Market Update page.

Disclaimer: Data deemed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move

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The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have quite a bit to do before you can begin the process of settling into your new place.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with us to sell or purchase a home, you’ll have an ally by your side long after your transaction has closed. We’ll continue to be a resource, offering advice and referrals whenever you need them on packing, hiring movers and contractors, and acclimating to your new home and neighborhood.

When it comes to a life event as stressful as moving, it pays to have a professional by your side. Here are some of our favorite pro tips to share with clients as they prepare for an upcoming move.

1. Watch out for moving scams.

Maybe you receive a flyer for a moving company in the mail. Perhaps you find a mover online. Either way, never assume that you’re getting accurate information. According to the Better Business Bureau, moving-related fraud is on the rise. In 2021 alone, individuals and families reported more than $730,000 lost to moving scams, an increase of 216% over the previous year.1

How can you tell if a moving deal is too good to be true? Trust your instincts. If the price appears too low or you can’t pin down the mover’s physical business address, try someone else. The same goes for any moving company representative who dodges questions. Reputable movers should offer transparent pricing, conduct in-home estimates, and provide referrals and copies of their insurance documents upon request.2 For help finding trustworthy movers, reach out. We’d be happy to share our recommendations. 

2. Insure your belongings.

Your moving company promises to take care of your custom piano or your antique furniture. But don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see how much insurance they carry and talk about how the claims process works. That way, you’ll know what is (and isn’t) covered in case of loss or damage.

Of course, some items are priceless because they’re irreplaceable. You might want to move your more sensitive valuables (jewelry, documents, family heirlooms, etc.) in your own vehicle just to be safe. For added peace of mind, call your rental or home insurance provider if you’re moving anything yourself. You might already be protected or be able to purchase extra insurance to cover your move. If those options are unavailable, you could opt for moving insurance from a third-party carrier.3

3. Start packing when you start looking for a new home.

As soon as your house hunting begins in earnest, think about packing away things you won’t need for the next few months. These could include seasonal or holiday decor, clothing, and books. Tackling just one or two boxes a day will give you a head start.

If you’re going to put your current home on the market, you’ll want to declutter anyway. Decluttering will make your home seem larger, and depersonalizing helps buyers envision their own items in the space. Consider selling, donating, or throwing out possessions you no longer need. The things you want to keep can be placed in storage until you officially start moving to a new place.

4. Pack to make unpacking easier.

Have you ever opened a packed box only to find that it’s filled with an assortment of items that don’t belong together? This isn’t efficient and will only make unpacking harder. A better way to pack is to bundle items from a single room in a labeled box. Labels can let movers know (and remind you) where to place each box, whether it’s fragile, and which side needs to be up. Some people like to assign colors to each room in their new home to make distributing color-coded boxes a breeze.

Feel free to unleash your inner organizer with this project. For example, you could create a spreadsheet and assign each box a number. As boxes are packed, simply fill in the spreadsheet with a list of contents. Anyone with access to the spreadsheet can log in and quickly find the desired item.

5. Think outside the box when transporting clothes.

Who wants to worry about boxing up clothes? If you plan on hiring professional movers, ask if you can leave clothing in your dressers. In many cases, they will use plastic to wrap the dresser so the drawers don’t fall out during transport. If keeping your clothes in your furniture makes it too heavy, the movers might be able to wrap and move drawers by themselves.

Another easy transport trick involves turning clean garbage bags into garment bags. Poke a hole in the bottom of a garbage bag, turn the bag upside down, slide it over five to seven garments on hangers, and lay the items flat in the back seat or trunk of your vehicle. The bags will help prevent wrinkling, and your clothes will be ready to hang up when you get to your new home.

6. Document prior to disassembling appliances and furnishings.

Few things are as confusing as looking at a plastic baggie filled with nuts, bolts, and screws from your disassembled dining room table or sorting through a box of electrical wires and cords to see which ones fit your TV.

The best workaround to easier reassembly is to document the disassembly process. Take photos and videos or thorough notes as you go. Whether it’s your headboard or treadmill, be very precise. And just a tip: Construct your beds first when you get to your new home. After a long moving day, the very last thing you want is to be assembling beds into the wee hours of the morning.

7. Prioritize unpacking kids’ rooms.

Children can become very stressed by a big move. To ease their transition, consider prioritizing unpacking their rooms as their “safe zones.”4 You aren’t obligated to unpack everything, certainly. However, set up your children’s rooms to be functional. That way, your kids can hang out in a private oasis away from the chaos while you’re running around and moving everything else.

Depending on how old your youngsters are, you might want to give them decorating leeway, too. Even if it’s just letting them choose where furniture goes, it gives them a sense of buy-in. This can help ease the blues of leaving a former home they loved.

8. Be a thoughtful pet parent.

Many types of pets can’t handle the commotion of moving day. Knowing this, be considerate and seek ways to give your pets breaks from the action. You might ask a friend to pet-sit your pooch or keep your kitty in a quieter room, like a guest bathroom.

Be sure to check in on your pet frequently. Pets like to know that you’re around. Give them treats, food, and water throughout the day. When it’s time to transport your pet, do it calmly. At your new property, give your pet access to just a room or two at first. Pets typically prefer to acclimate themselves slowly to unfamiliar environments.5

9. Plan for your move like you’re planning for an exciting vacation.

When you plan vacations, you probably look up local restaurants, shops, and recreational areas. Who says you can’t do the same thing when moving? Create a list of all the places you want to go and things you want to do around your newly purchased home. Having a to-explore list keeps everyone’s spirits high and gives you starting points to settle into the neighborhood.

And don’t feel that you have to cook that first night. Once the moving trucks are gone, you can always pop over to a local eatery or order DoorDash for major convenience. The first meal in your new home should be a happy, welcoming treat. And if you’re relocating to our neck of the woods, we would love to introduce you to all the hot spots in town and recommend our local favorites.

10. Pack an “Open Me First!” box.

You won’t be able to unpack all your boxes in one day, but you shouldn’t go without your sheets, pillows, or toothbrush. Designate some boxes with “Open Me First!” labels. (Pro tip: Keep a tool kit front and center for all that reassembling.)

Along these lines, use luggage and duffel bags to transport everyone’s personal must-have items and enough clothing for a couple of days. That way, you won’t have to rummage through everything in the middle of your move looking for sneakers or snacks.

When packing your “Open Me First!” boxes, think about which items you’ll need in those first 24 hours. For example, toilet paper and hand soap are musts. A box cutter will make unpacking a lot easier, and paper towels and trash bags are sure to come in handy. Reach out for a complete, printable list of “Open Me First!” box essentials to keep on hand for your next move!

LET’S GET MOVING

Getting the phone call from your real estate agent that your bid was accepted is a thrilling moment. Make sure you keep the positivity flowing during the following weeks by mapping out a streamlined, efficient move. Feel free to get in touch with us today to help make your big move your best move.

Sources:

  1. Better Business Bureau – https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/24198-bbb-scam-alert-avoid-moving-scams-this-national-moving-mont
  2. Move.org –
    https://www.move.org/how-to-tell-moving-company-scam/
  3. Forbes –
    https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/moving-insurance/
  4. New York Times –
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/13/parenting/moving-tips-kids.html
  5. ASPCA –
    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/moving-your-pet

Scottsdale AZ Single Family Home Sales – July 2022

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– July 2022 Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Home Sales –

We are definitely seeing a slowdown in the market, which is great news for weary buyers. Inventory continued to increase and we saw a slowdown in contracts and sales.

SCOTTSDALE HOME SALES ACTIVITY – JULY 2022

We track each of the following sales metrics on a monthly basis:

– Single-family homes for sale – Orange Line – How many homes were for sale at the end of the month.
– Under contract, but accepting backup offers (UCB) – Gray Line – How many homes were in UCB status at the end of the month.*
– Pending home sales – Yellow Line – How many pending sales there were at the end of the month.*
– Home Sales – Blue Line – How many homes sold during the month.

JULY 2022 RESULTS

Scottsdale home sales July 2022
  • Scottsdale Homes for Sale: Inventory was up between the end of June and July. The number of homes for sale has more than doubled since the end of April.
  • UCB (Under contract, accepting backup offers): UCB contracts were down again in July. This could be a combination of the changing market as well as our seasonal slowdown during the summer months.
  • Pending Homes Sales in Scottsdale: Pending sales were actually up slightly in July. But they were still low compared to pending sales numbers from previous months.
  • Scottsdale Home Sales: Home sales fell to their lowest number in the past year, dropping into the 200 range for the first time.

Here are two more items we look at to get a better understanding of the market.

Scottsdale housing market July 2022

Percent Change Month Over Month – The top image shows month-over-month performance compared to the previous month. For example, the number of homes on the market was up 12.2% between the end of June and the end of July.

Sales Price to List Price – Here, we are looking at what homes sold for relative to what they were listed for. For several months, buyers were (on average) paying a premium over list price. However, things moved in the opposite direction over the past two months. In July, buyers saw an average discount of 2.5% off of list price.

*Figures for active homes for sale, UCB sales and pending sales are based on the numbers at the end of the month.

Curious about your buying power? Click on the link to learn more.

Search Scottsdale AZ Homes for Sale

Here is a sampling of some of the homes on the market, or click the link above to see all of the homes for sale.

Disclaimer: Data and information were pulled from the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) as of 8/1/2022. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. There may be new home inventory in these figures if the developer is using the MLS to market its homes. This post represents the opinion of the author. No warranties express or implied.
Copyright © 2022 Heather Tawes Nelson | Joyce Tawes

Why Pre-Approval Is a Game Changer for Homebuyers

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Why Pre-Approval Is a Game Changer for Homebuyers | MyKCM

If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you might have heard that pre-approval is a necessary step to take before starting out on your journey. But why is that? And is it still important in today’s shifting market?

The truth is, getting a pre-approval letter from your lender is critical, and when it comes to your home search, it can be a game changer in so many ways.

To better understand why, it’s important to know what pre-approval is. Freddie Mac defines the process like this:

“A pre-approval is an indication from your lender that they are willing to lend you a certain amount of money to buy your future home. The lender you work with will provide you with a pre-approval letter, which is an official document that states the maximum amount they are willing to lend you, . . .”

Put simply, pre-approval from a lender helps you understand your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. That can make it easier when you set out to search for homes. And since you’ll know what you’re approved for, it’ll also help once it’s time to submit an offer on the home of your dreams.

Another added benefit is that pre-approval lets the seller know you’re qualified to buy their house. Paul Centopani, Editor for the Mortgage Reports, explains:

“. . . most sellers won’t even consider an offer unless the buyer is pre-approved at the right price point. Sellers and their agents want to know you’re ready and able to finance your offer amount. So you’ll want to have your preapproval teed up as soon as you’re serious about bidding on a home you like.”

Every advantage you can gain as a buyer is crucial in a market that’s constantly changing. You’re going to need guidance to navigate these waters, so it’s important to have a team of professionals, such as a real estate advisor and trusted lender, on your side. They’ll help make sure you’re ready to put your best foot forward.

Bottom Line

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage helps you better understand what you can borrow and shows sellers you’re serious about purchasing their home. Let’s connect so you have the tools you need to succeed as a homebuyer in today’s shifting market.

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