HomeSmart Lifestyles Blog

Thursday, May 8, 2025 / by Diane Breard

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona

Are you considering relocating to Arizona? With its sunny weather, booming economy, and diverse landscapes, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to call the Grand Canyon State home. Whether you’re drawn by the desert beauty, the affordable cost of living, or the world-class amenities, Arizona has something for everyone.

Here are the Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona:

1. Gorgeous Weather Year-Round

If you’re tired of harsh winters, Arizona’s mild, sunny weather might be exactly what you need. The state is known for its warm, dry climate, especially in cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Arizona is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to golfing and simply enjoying the beautiful desert landscapes.

While summers can be hot in some areas, the evenings are often much cooler, and the lower humidity makes the heat more tolerable. If you enjoy the sun, Arizona offers thea ...

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Wednesday, January 26, 2022 / by Diane Breard

Should I use a Realtor if I’m buying new construction from a builder?

Building your dream home from the ground up can be exciting. You get to choose your lot, the floor plan, the exterior design, the interior finishes and any upgrades. But it’s a common misconception when you’re buying a new constructed home that you don’t need to work with a Realtor®. However, that’s not necessarily true. Below are some good reasons why it makes sense to have a real estate agent represent you when building your new home.

The sales agent works for the builder.

The real estate representative in the builder’s sales office represents the builder’s best interest not yours. An independent real estate agent represents your interests and advocates on your behalf. Additionally, a real estate agent will help you get the most value for the least amount of money and make the real estate transaction easy and frustration free.

Your real estate agent is your advocate.

Your Realtor is obligated to work tow! ...

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Thursday, June 24, 2021 / by Diane Breard

How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House?

You can buy a house with less than 20% down, but other factors determine the exact down payment you need.

Before you start shopping for a home, you need to know what you can afford – and a big part of that depends on how much you can afford as a down payment.

But how much down payment do you need to be able to afford the house you want? The answer isn't the same for everyone, but key information can help you determine the right amount to save, the mortgage programs to explore and other resources to consider to help you buy the right home.
What's a Typical Down Payment Amount?

Beyond being able to buy a home with cash, many lenders and consumers view a 20% down payment with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage as ideal.

However, the typical U.S. homebuyer is putting far less money on the table at closing. The median down payment is 12%, according to the National Association of Realtors 2021 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends report. Broken out into age ...

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Saturday, August 8, 2020 / by Kaitlin Delles

The Most Important Questions You Need to Ask Before Selling Your Home!

There comes a time in every home owner's life when he or she realizes: “I am not the same person I was when I bought this place.” Maybe your lifestyle or your family configuration has changed, or maybe the house just isn’t as appealing as it was when you signed that ream of paperwork on closing day.

If you’re thinking about moving on, then there are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you take the plunge and list the house. When you can answer these questions, you’ll know you’re in the right place emotionally and financially to move on to your next space.

What is my home really worth?

You can find almost anything on the internet, and that includes an estimated value of your home. How convenient!

But before you try to figure out how much your house is worth on your own, take a deep breath and resolve to remember one thing: “I shouldn’t believe everything I read on the internet.”

It’s possible that an t ...

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Monday, August 3, 2020 / by Kaitlin Delles

Steps For Downsizing Your Home!

Nothing lasts forever — including a home where you raised a family or lived most of your working life. And it’s a fact of life that suddenly, a place that was perfect for you a decade or two ago might start to feel cavernous and empty (or just contain more square footage than you really want to clean regularly).

If you’re starting to dream about trading in your rambling old house for a smaller cottage or new condo, then it’s probably time to seriously consider downsizing from your current home. Before you start shopping and put your home on the market, though, there are a few things you need to think about and discuss with any family members who’ll be making the journey with you.
CONSIDER YOUR FINANCES
It’s tempting to look up your home on a website like Zillow or Redfin and revel in how much money it’s worth today. So finances might not be top-of-mind when you’re thinking about downsizing — you may believe that you’r. ...

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HomeSmart Lifestyles Blog

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona

Should I use a Realtor if I’m buying new construction from a builder?

How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House?

The Most Important Questions You Need to Ask Before Selling Your Home!

Steps For Downsizing Your Home!

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HomeSmart Lifestyles Blog

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Arizona

Should I use a Realtor if I’m buying new construction from a builder?

How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House?

The Most Important Questions You Need to Ask Before Selling Your Home!

Steps For Downsizing Your Home!

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