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Selling a Home

Everything to Know When Selling a Luxury Home in Paradise Valley, AZ

In 2022, among people who are wealthy enough to afford a high-end property, 67% say they are interested in purchasing a luxury property.

Selling a luxury home will take more than just listing it online. There are many steps and things to consider.

To get the most profit out of your sale, you will have to commit your time, energy, and money. If you’ve never sold a luxury home in Paradise Valley, you may feel overwhelmed.

We are here to give a little advice and explain the process to you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about creating a home-selling strategy.

Find a Realtor

There are thousands of realtors out there, but that doesn’t mean just anyone is going to be able to help you sell your property. Working with a realtor who specializes in luxury homes will make all the difference.

They will not only be experienced and know what works best, but they will also understand your expectations. Your privacy may be your top priority, and someone who has previously dealt with high-end properties will acknowledge and respect that.

Selling luxury real estate can require extra marketing and someone with connections in the industry will increase your chances of selling your home. When you’re looking for a real estate agent, be sure to ask some of your friends and neighbors who also have high-end properties. They may have some recommendations.

Pricing Luxury Homes

Pricing can make or break your sale. You’ll want to get the most profit possible for the property, but pricing it too high could be detrimental. The longer a house sits on the market, the harder it is to sell.

If you list it for too much, it’s likely to sit for a while. You will also deter a group of potential buyers. If your house is overpriced, some people won’t see it when they are searching, because it’s priced out of their range.

You also don’t want to price it too low and risk not getting the amount it’s worth. You and your realtor will need to do some research and make a plan for pricing it out.

Look around the area and see what other properties that are similar to yours are selling for. Pricing correctly from the beginning will help ensure a smoother and faster process.

Know When To List

There are times when you can’t wait to list your home. Jobs and family emergencies require us to move quickly sometimes. However, if you have the luxury of time, there are certain times that are better for listing a high-end property.

Typically, the summer months, May and June, are the best time to sell. The amount of days a home sits on the market is lower and many people are moving so you’ll be able to get more for your property. Your agent will also be able to advise you on market trends and tell you when the best time to list is.

Private Viewings vs Open Houses

Open houses are great for non-luxury properties. It allows the home to get a lot of exposure. Things are a little different for high-end properties.

Private viewings are beneficial for several reasons. They allow you to maintain your privacy. You won’t have a bunch of strangers coming in and out all day.

Another great thing about private showings is you won’t be wasting your time. If you open your home up to the public, you’ll likely have noisy neighbors stopping by, who aren’t actually interested in buying. With private showings, you know you won’t be wasting your time.

Luxury buyers will also like the privacy that a scheduled appointment will bring. It will show potential buyers that your property is exclusive, thus increasing their desire.

Consider Virtual Tours

The majority of buyers look online for a house first before contacting a realtor or looking in person. It’s crucial that you showcase your property online properly. That’s where people are going to have their first impression.

Luxury buyers aren’t always looking for their primary residence. They may be purchasing the property as a second home or an investment property.

If they live in another state, they may not want to fly in to see the property right away, or even at all. Some people prefer to purchase completely online.

Offering virtual tours, photos, and videos will appeal to some of your potential buyers. It’s a nice touch and could help you reach out-of-town clientele.

Marketing Tips

Marketing is so important. Without it, how will people know your property is for sale?

If you don’t know much about marketing, hiring a professional can be extremely helpful. They will have knowledge about where and how to advertise your property so it gets the most exposure.

A professional will know which designs and colors look best together and will know the most effective ways of advertising luxury homes. Someone who knows the industry will have connections and resources that you may not have.

Be sure to focus on graphic design, photography, and copywriting. You’ll also want your online content to be easy to navigate, find, and share.

Below are a few features that are popular in today’s market. If your home has any of these items, be sure to use them in your marketing.

  • Multi-care garage with a showroom or lifts
  • Outdoor living area
  • Eco-friendly appliances
  • Smart tech-automatic window shade, charging station, home theater

Hire a Professional Photographer

The iPhone does take some good photos these days, but they still don’t compare to a professional’s. When you’re selling a luxury home, you want it to look the best it possibly can.

Hiring someone who specializes in luxury home photography will make a big difference. They will know what angles to get and which lighting is best for each room.

Don’t be surprised if the photographer wants to take photos at different times during the day. A room can look very different in the morning than in the late afternoon.

You’re going to want your photographer to get quality photos, but don’t forget about quantity. Both are essential when it comes to highlighting luxury home features.

The photos should showcase what’s unique about the house. Think about the other homes in the area, what does your property have that they don’t?

Work With a Stager

A home stager can really help elevate your luxury home. They will be able to draw attention to your home’s best assets while putting the not-so-great features in the shadows.

When you’re looking for a realtor, consider if they have a background in staying or design. While staging alone won’t sell your home, it will make an impact.

They will likely decorate your home in a way that appeals to high-end buyers. This will help potential home buyers envision themselves there.

A stage will be able to create a look that doesn’t overwhelm the buyers and also doesn’t push one style too much. If privacy is a concern, be sure to remove personal items, such as pictures.

When you’re staging your home or having a professional do it, you don’t want too much emphasis on the furniture. It’s likely the pieces in the house aren’t staying there.

Try to put the focus on the home’s features. For example, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the open concept, or the recent upgrades.

Make Your Luxury Home a Brand

Making your home stand out against others is important, too. If there are a lot of luxury homes in your area for sale, you want people to recognize and remember yours.

Creating a brand isn’t as complicated as it sounds. You can create a logo or slogan to go along with your home. You’ll then be able to use that signature on material materials, online social media pages, and brochures.

This isn’t a must, but you may find it beneficial. If you’re a property investor, you could potentially use the logo later on for another house, too.

Tips For Selling a Luxury Home

When you’re selling a luxury home, it needs to be done right. Small mistakes like listing too high or a poor marketing strategy can take a chunk out of your profits. If your home doesn’t sell as fast as you thought it would, it can become a burden and a stressor.

If you’re considering selling your property, contact us. We have worked with many buyers and sellers and we are confident we can help you sell your luxury home.

Categories
Selling a Home

What to Look for When Buying a Luxury Home in Paradise Valley, AZ

Luxury homes. They are some of the best homes that the United States has to offer and you may try everything that you can think of to get your hands on one. 

In the United States, 8.2% of the homes in the real estate market were worth over $1 million in 2021. Perhaps this is a price range you feel comfortable buying a home with. 

If you are new to the luxury home market, you are probably wondering how to buy one in Paradise Valley, AZ. This guide should give you a good idea of what to look for. 

Research the Location 

Just like buying a normal home, you should consider what location you are looking to buy a home in. In this case, it is Paradise Valley, AZ. 

Let’s take a closer look at this location. According to the 2020 Census, the median home price in this town is over $1.6 million. That should give you an idea of how much money you will need and how much you are willing to spend. 

However, the price of the house should not be your only factor when it comes to location. If you have kids, how good is the school system? If you are older or in poor health, do you have close access to good doctors and hospitals? 

These are some things that you need to take into consideration. You may also want to look into what kind of people are you going to have as neighbors and residents of the same town. 

Does political allegiance matter to you? Does a diverse population matter to you? Do you want to be in a location that has more males or females? What about an area that has more families or people that are retired? 

Consider what you want when it comes to these questions and decide what matters most to you if anything. 

In Paradise Valley, about 30% of the people who live there are 65 and older. About 87% of the people who live there are white and nearly 19% of people who live there are 18 or younger. 

Another thing that may be good to know when it comes to Paradise Valley is that it has a decent veteran population. It makes up over 5% of the town’s population, so this area could be appealing to veterans. 

Know What You Want 

The next thing that you have to do is figure out what you want in a luxury home. There are all different types of designs and assets that can make a home be defined as luxurious. 

However, there are going to be things that you do not like or do not care about. In contrast, there will be things that you fall in love with, so you need to have an idea of what those things are. 

For example, let’s say that you are someone that demands to have a big backyard with an in-ground pool in it. That will be something that you look for and are willing to invest in compared to a place that has a below average backyard. 

You could also be someone that wants to have a great view of nature or close access to nature. Knowing that in advance can help you narrow down your choices when it comes to purchasing a luxury home. 

Create a Budget 

Along with knowing what you want, you also need to know how much you are willing to spend. You have to remember that this is a luxury and not a necessity. 

So, make sure you go over finances and reassure yourself that you can afford it. 

However, do not just factor in the price of the house. You need to prepare for future maintenance fees of the house, the added cost of utilities for a bigger home, the larger property taxes on a luxury home, and an emergency fund in case you have a rainy day. 

In other words, if you have nearly $2 million in your bank account, perhaps it is not the best idea to buy a home that costs $1.6 million. You have to decide how large of a percentage of your assets you feel comfortable putting into a house and then make sure that you can afford to do this. 

Negotiate 

While it is a luxury home, you still have wiggle room to negotiate in certain markets. Know what conditions could get someone more willing to negotiate and do not be afraid to put up a counteroffer. 

For example, let’s say that someone is looking to sell their house for $1.8 million. You do not want to spend more than $1.6 million. So, what you need to do here is feel out the market and see if it is something that can be priced down. 

However, if you are willing to spend $1.6 million in this situation, you do not want that to be your counteroffer. You need to leave yourself room to negotiate or maybe even get a surprise deal and spend less than anticipated. 

So, say you countered with an offer of $1.5 million. In this situation, the seller may counter you back and show you that they are willing to lower the price of the home. Then, you can go from there and work out a number that you both can agree to. 

There are pros and cons to this situation. The pro is that you are probably going to have to compete with fewer buyers since only a small percentage of the population has this kind of money. 

In the United States, there are about 22 million millionaires across the country. That is less than 10% of the population and that represents the entire country. Essentially, you have much fewer people with access to this home. 

The con is that your competition may have enough money where they see no reason they need to negotiate. 

Prepare for Cash Offers 

Do you know how a lot of people buy a mortgage in the United States? Well, when it comes to luxury homes, it is very unlikely that buyers are going to need to finance this type of home. 

A lot of people buying these types of homes already have the capital to pay for them. This is because it is a want rather than a need. 

What does that mean for you? It means that you need to prepare to have an offer in cash. This is why it is essential to make sure that you have the money to buy a house because, with these types of houses, you have an increased chance of losing the bid if you need financing. 

However, while that is typically the rule, do not think that it is gospel. It is possible to buy a luxury home with financing, especially if the seller meets certain criteria. 

Times when you may be able to do this are if the seller has no other buyers interested, no other buyer is making a high enough cash offer, or the seller simply wants to get rid of the house as quickly as possible. If your seller meets any of that criteria, they may be more willing to accept an offer on finance. 

However, knowing what the typical rule is for this market, try to make sure that you can make a cash offer if you have to. 

Photos Aren’t Everything 

Finally, you may look at a luxury home online and fall in love with it before you even see it for yourself. Try not to do this because professional photographers are very talented at what they do. 

This is not to insult them but rather to tell you that homes can look better than what they are through photos. Photographers can edit any negative imagery out of photos, they can take photos at certain angles to make the house look better, and you have more of a scripted setting in photos. 

What this means is that your eyes can play tricks on you and a house in real life may not turn out to be what it seems. So, keep an open mind until you see the house for yourself. 

Buy a Luxury Home in Paradise Valley, AZ 

These are just a few things that you should keep in mind when attempting to buy a luxury home in Paradise Valley, AZ. Keep in mind the average income and demographic of this area set a strict budget, and figure out what you want in a home. 

Do you want to buy a house? Message us today to get started. 

Categories
Selling a Home

14 Reasons to Move to Scottsdale, AZ

There’s a reason why nearly 250,000 people live in Scottsdale, AZ. This reasonably small community has always been a bit of a gem in the state of Arizona.

However, each year more people are discovering the beauty that it holds. If you’re considering moving to Arizona, there are a lot of reasons why you should consider Scottsdale.

In this article, we’ll go over fourteen compelling arguments for settling in this area. That way, you can decide whether Scottsdale, Arizona, is suitable for you and your family. Let’s get started!

1. Excellent Downtown Scene

An influx of new condos and urban apartments from a bustling economy has helped contribute to the vibrant downtown in Scottsdale. Those looking for exciting nightlife won’t be disappointed by the downtown offerings.

There are also a huge array of dining, art installations, and shopping options.

So, couples looking to enjoy an occasional day or night out will have no problem finding options.

Make sure to check out the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts to see the beautiful fountains. There are also some great restaurants found nearby. 

2. Abundant Sunshine

This fact is certainly true for almost all of Arizona. But it should come as no surprise that there is no shortage of sunshine in Scottsdale.

This makes it a great location for people that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Even in the winter, there are still warm and sunny days. So you can plan outdoor activities year-round.

Plus, all of the sun makes Scottsdale a great location for solar energy. If you’re considering installing a system on your new home, you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth here.

It’s true that the weather can sometimes get above one hundred degrees. But remember that it’s a dry heat, so it’s not as uncomfortable as it would be in more humid areas. 

3. Affordable Housing Market

When you compare housing prices in areas like Scottsdale to places in California, the difference is astronomical. It’s much more affordable to settle in an area like Scottsdale than in major urban cities.

That means you can get a bigger bang for your buck. In California, you might be able to buy a modest house. But, for that same price, you can have a luxury house in Scottsdale.

What’s more, Arizona enjoys lower taxes both for income and property. So, you can actually save money every year by living in Scottsdale. 

4. Great For Young Families

If you’re one of the forty million Americans that move every year, then your family is likely at the forefront of your mind. So, is Scottsdale a good place for families?

In the past, the city had a bit of a reputation as a good place for retirees. However, that’s rapidly changing. These days many young people are choosing to start families in Scottsdale and for a good reason.

First, the schools in Scottsdale are incredible. And, in-state higher education options like Arizona State University means there are always potential choices down the road.

Plus, there’s plenty for families to do. From local sporting leagues to entertainment options, it certainly won’t be challenging to fill your weekends. So, there is no shortage of reasons to live in Scottdale with your family. 

5. Fun Special Events

Special events in Scottsdale are often popular enough to bring all sorts of folks in from out of town. One example is the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction that comes through every January.

You don’t need to be a car buyer to enjoy the huge range of vintage cars. It’s one of the best car events in the country. Plus, there’s the Phoenix Open for PGA Tour fans.

You don’t need to be a huge gold fan to enjoy the incredible music that’s played at this event.

And that’s not even mentioning the countless cultural and art events that happen every month. In Scottsdale, there’s truly something for everyone. 

6. Booming Art Scene 

There’s a reason why Scottsdale is currently considered one of the top art markets in the country. The rise of the downtown has caused an explosion of art.

Currently, there are more than seventy galleries you can visit, with more on the day. Whether you’re a casual art fan that wants to support a local artist or a serious collector, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a piece that speaks to you.

If you want to get a taste of some modern art, you can also visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. 

7. Fantastic Golfing

We mentioned that there’s a PGA Tour stop in Scottsdale, so it should come as no surprise that it’s a bit of a golfer’s paradise. The wide open space and the year-round good weather mean you can play every day if you want to.

There are plenty of good clubs to choose from at every budget level. So, whether you want a luxury country club, or something more affordable, you’ll have plenty of options.

And if you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to get involved. The golf community in the area is quite welcoming. 

8. Outdoor Environment For Exploring

When most people think of living in Arizona, they don’t picture water. But the Scottsdale canals that run through the area prove that wrong. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a great place to explore them fully.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be Arizona without a desert. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve gives you the opportunity to fully explore all the wildlife in the surrounding area. 

9. Fun Professional Sports

Not a golf fan? Don’t worry; there are plenty of other professional sports to enjoy in the area. If you want to see major league teams warm up before the season starts, you can visit Cactus League Spring Training.

Or, catch a minor league game at the Scottsdale Scorpions’ home stadium. If you’re an NFL fan, then Phoenix is a short drive away to catch the Cardinal’s games.

The same goes for basketball fans that want to catch a Suns game. Back in Scottsdale, you can also enjoy local soccer and hockey teams. 

10. Burgeoning Dining 

The influx of people coming to Scottsdale has helped promote an incredible food scene. In fact, there are currently nearly eight hundred restaurants found in the city.

It will take you a while to explore them all fully. But, if you’re new to Scottsdale and need a recommendation, consider checking out: 

  • Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
  • Cafe Monarch
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Goldwater Brewing Co.
  • Talavera

All of these locations offer incredible food and drink to enjoy. 

11. Bustling Business Climate

Those looking for job opportunities are sure to find them in Scottsdale. This is true for two reasons. First, there’s the proximity to the local airport, which makes it a good hub.

Second, the tech sector in Scottsdale is growing exponentially.

This is thanks, in part, to a partnership with ASU for the Scottsdale Innovation Center. However, many people consider Scottsdale a more affordable version of Silicon Valley. 

12. World-Class Parks

The Scottsdale Parks and Recreation department goes out of its way to create paths throughout the city for cyclists and walkers alike.

In fact, there are forty-five miles of paved paths and one hundred fifteen miles of trails to explore.

These paths work through multiple parks and lead into the heart of the city. So, no matter where you’re located, it won’t be hard to find one. 

13. Excellent Farmer’s Market

Those looking for organic, local fruits and vegetables are sure to find it at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. The farmer’s market takes place every Saturday from eight in the morning to one in the afternoon.

During Fall, you can find delicious seasonal offerings like apples and cider. Not to mention all of the delicious cheese, eggs, baked goods, jams, and meats you could ever want.

So, if you’re ready to support over one hundred local farmers, then learn more about the weekly event here

14. Safe Area to Live

If you’re worried about crime in Scottsdale, don’t be. The prevalence of suburbs in the areas helps keep crime rates consistently low.

Whether you’re a renter living alone or a family with kids, you can be confident that you’ll be safe at night. This is especially true when compared to urban areas with high crime rates. 

Thinking About Moving to Arizona? Contact Segovia Property Group

We hope this article helped convince your to move to Scottsdale, Arizona. If you’re ready to move to this bustling community, your next step is to find your dream home.

For this, look no further than the Segovia Property Group. We connect our clients to the best luxury homes found in Scottsdale.

That way, you can enjoy this great community in style. So, if you’re thinking about moving to Arizona, make sure to contact us today

Categories
Selling a Home

The Benefits of Buying a Luxury Home in Scottsdale, AZ

If you love being near luxury golf courses, high-end shopping districts, and quaint old towns, then Scottsdale, AZ, is the place that you want to be.

Not only is it close to all of that, but you are also close to some of the country’s coolest National Parks and so many other outdoor places to explore.

The best part about it all is that Scottsdale is full of neighborhoods with luxury homes. Buying a luxury home will make your time living in Scottsdale feel even more like home – a place you never want to leave!

On top of that, there are many other benefits to moving to Scottsdale and living in a luxury home. Ready to find out what they are? Keep reading! 

Pleasant Ambiance 

One of the best reasons to move into a luxury home is because there is a pleasant ambiance about the home that makes it so much more relaxing than just a typical home.

Making your home feel like your ‘home’ is actually beneficial for your mental health. And because luxury homes already have a more pleasant feel to them and a relaxing ambiance, you will have less stress and enjoy your space more.

In addition to having a pleasant ambiance that benefits you in multiple ways, it will also be beneficial for any guests that you have come into your home. It makes a great impression, but it also makes them feel comfortable in your home.

Safety 

Most luxury homes come outfitted with a lot of safety features to keep you feeling safe and secure in your home.

Here are a few that your luxury home may have:

  • bullet-proof doors
  • digital locking system 
  • security sensors and cameras
  • secure vault
  • panic buttons

There are many other security features that may be on a luxury home as well. One of the biggest upgrades from a more traditional home is that a luxury home has a digital locking system.

These systems are typically safer as you can lock them from your phone, from a pin pad, and in other ways besides just having the key.

Additionally, if you forget something or need someone to get into your house for a specific reason, you can give them the digital key code to get in. With a normal key, you wouldn’t be able to do that.

Then, if it makes you feel safer, you can change the key combination so that you are the only one who knows it again!

Additional Amenities

When you live in a luxury home in Scottsdale, you will most likely have access to additional amenities that you wouldn’t have in another home or neighborhood. 

For instance, you may have access to a clubhouse that you can get into to work if you don’t want to work from home. You may even be able to go to a business center to print materials or make calls to separate work from home (especially in today’s post-COVID world).

If you don’t want to use that space for a meeting or to make calls for work, you could even consider hosting your next event in one of the banquet halls that may be available to you as part of the amenities! 

Some luxury neighborhoods also have access to a fitness center and a pool.

Location 

Typically you are not going to find a luxury home in a place that you would not want to be. And that’s exactly how it is with Scottsdale and the luxury homes there. There is so much to do in the area, so location really is everything with these homes!

While the luxury homes are in Scottsdale itself, you may even want to look further into it to find one of the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale where you feel comfortable and happy calling it home! 

It Will Continue to Appreciate

Just like any home, homes tend to appreciate over time. However, when you buy a luxury home, they are going to appreciate it more quickly as they stay ahead of the times with technology, decor, location, and so much more.

When it comes time to sell your beautiful home, you know that you will get more back than what you put in when you first got the home.

You Can Rent It Out

Not only does owning a luxury home pay off for you and what you get to experience, but you can also rent it out to others to use if you have a second home or decide to go on vacation.

You can charge a lot of money to rent out a luxury property since they are more luxurious and offer more than a traditional home.

You may even have bought this home as an investment property in the first place. If that’s the case, you will be sure to get a bang for your buck since you are renting a place that has everything a renter could possibly need.

More Privacy 

When you opt to purchase a home in a luxury neighborhood instead of a traditional neighborhood, you are most likely going to get more privacy at your new home.

This is because more luxurious and bigger homes are typically built further apart from one another so that each one has more land.

Not only are they further apart, but typically there are other forms of privacy that are built onto the property, like different types of landscaping, fencing, pergolas, and other structures, etc.

Community 

One of the best and biggest benefits of living in a luxury home in Scottsdale is knowing that you are part of a larger community that cares about the area and where they are living.

Residents who choose to live in a luxury community tend to take pride in where they live. This means that they are respectful of the neighborhood and the surrounding community members. To them, having this place is a privilege that they do not want to take for granted. 

Living around others with a similar mindset to you is also beneficial as it means you live in a place where others respect you and want to make sure you feel safe and comfortable just like them.

Endless Activities

One of the reasons for buying a luxury home in Scottsdale is that it is so close to so many different types of activities that you can be a part of. 

From great dining to amazing shopping and everything in between, Scottsdale has it all.

Luxury Shopping

If you are a shopaholic, then you will quite literally be in heaven in Scottsdale. 

If you enjoy shopping at malls, you can head to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall to hit up many different stores in one day. There are several other popular malls in the area as well.

The Scottsdale Quarter is another popular shopping destination and one of Scottsdale’s busiest – for locals and tourists alike! The Shops at Hilton Village are also similar in style. They are outdoors and you can walk from one boutique to the next to find exactly what you are looking for (or just have fun browsing!).

Outdoor Activities

If you love spending time shopping and dining but love to mix in outdoor activities, you will have plenty to see and do.

For starters, you can check out Camelback Mountain for some fun hiking and beautiful views of the surrounding area from the summit. You can find many other hikes in the area as well – some of which are even dog-friendly if you have a furry pal!

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can try out a hot air balloon ride or go on a segway or jeep tour of the surrounding desert areas.

Let’s put it this way – you won’t be bored for the entire time living here!

Buying a Luxury Home in Scottsdale, AZ

Choosing to buy a luxury home in Scottsdale, AZ is one of the best decisions you could make as a homebuyer.

There are many benefits that come along with buying a luxury home, and even more benefits of buying one in the Scottsdale area! You’ll have the benefits of having plenty to do around the area, having a community, knowing you are safe and secure with advanced technology, and feeling overall happier with a luxury home ambiance.

Ready to buy? At Segovia Properties, we are here to help you find the home of your dreams. 

So what are you waiting for? Reach out to us today to get started!