2021 Green Valley News INSIDERS

We never want to think about it, but there comes a time when your home becomes too much. Whether you are moving back closer to family or going to a smaller place, the question is, “What will I do with all my stuff?” The good news is the estate sale companies are back to work-as-normal, ready to sell your stuff for you. 

Hiring a professional estate sales company can make this tough chore a lot easier, plus they keep up on the current pricing of items. Here are a few tips:

● Decide what you want to keep and remove those items. Remember once it’s gone, it’s gone. 

● Invite your family to take what they would like, especially among family keepsakes they will treasure.

● Interview several estate sale companies. Their fees are usually around 30% of the sales. 

● Remove anything that’s not for sale, because they will sell everything. 

● If you’re selling for a deceased family member, check every item for money and valuables that may be hidden in books, clothes and furniture.

● After the sale, donate what’s left to a thrift shop that will pick it all up. Be sure to get a receipt so you can claim a tax deduction for the donations.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

If you need REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Associate Broker, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com 

Many people go to the doctor for annual checkups and keep their cars maintained but forget about one of their biggest investments – their homes!

The adage, ‘Pay a little now or pay a lot later’ applies to your home. Proper maintenance now can save you a lot in the long run.

Whether you’re trying to sell or not, it’s worthwhile to have a fall and spring checkup of areas such as:

• Heating and Cooling System. Changing the filter is not enough. Hire a professional to ensure it’s working safely and efficiently. If you need a new system, you may find your best deal in the fall when heating/cooling companies aren’t as busy.

• Roof. The blazing sun and high heat of summer can be tough on your roof. Did you know that roofers will give you a free inspection?

• Kitchen and Safety. Clean your range hood filter and the refrigerator’s compressor coils. Inspect fire extinguishers to make sure they’re in good condition. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace their batteries.

• Termites. Check for termites several times a year and call a professional if you see signs of infestation.

I have over 40 years of experience selling homes in southern Arizona, so if you need REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Associate Broker, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

I hear this question every day. Sellers are getting a bit nervous, thinking at some point prices will come down, and of course buyers are hopeful. At some point home prices will come down; it always happens. The best way to find out is to look at the current housing numbers.

Currently, 45 single family homes, 17 townhomes and 8 condos are for sale in Green Valley, and Quail Creek has another 15 homes for sale. Meanwhile, 60 single family homes, 44 townhomes and 5 condos are under contract in Green Valley; with 16 homes under contract in Quail Creek. In the past 6 months, a total of 644 homes sold in Green Valley and 91 in Quail Creek.

Only 3 single family homes/townhomes under $200,000 are for sale. Now that’s slim pickings!

If you compare the numbers from a few months back not much has changed. We do have a bit more inventory since some of our recently returned snowbirds have decided to sell while prices are high.

Prices in Green Valley are at an all-time high, so if the market is slowing down, I don’t see it.

I have over 40 years of experience selling homes in southern Arizona, so if you need a REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Associate Broker, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

In a seller’s market, most sellers believe that all you need to do is put up a “For Sale” sign and their home is SOLD. But it’s not that easy. If you want to get top dollar for your home, condition still means everything.

Clean, remove and repair.

The condition of your entire property has a huge impact on selling your home at the highest price in the quickest time. To do that, it’s important to clean, remove and repair.

Clean - Give your home a thorough cleaning. The shine and fresh smell of a crisp and clean house cannot be overstated.

Remove - Take out excess furniture, personal photos, and any fixtures that aren’t included with the sale. Clean out pantries and hall and linen closets. Organize the garage. Make the kitchen inviting by removing all the clutter.

Repair - Fix items that aren’t in good working order. Don’t forget about the roof! Buyers in Green Valley avoid properties with lists of little repairs. If you can swing it, a fresh coat of paint and new carpet works wonders for appearance and freshening stale smells.

Make it bright and inviting.

When potential buyers walk through your front door, they should be greeted with a clean, bright, nice smelling space.

I have over 40 years of experience selling homes in southern Arizona, so if you need REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Associate Broker, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

Looking to buy a home here in Green Valley? With the lack of homes for sale, what’s a buyer to do? It might be time to think about buying a newly constructed home.

There are currently two home builders here in Green Valley and Quail Creek: Fairfield Homes and Robson. Both are quality home builders specializing in the Active Adult market. The new home market has been crazy with the fluctuation on the cost of material and labor, but they do have plenty of inventory.

Benefits of buying a New Home

• Personalize/Customize – make it your way

• Home Builder Warranties - no unexpected repairs

• Very energy efficient, lower energy bills

• “That New Home Smell”

The builder’s site agent represents the builder and not you. But you should be represented, too, so make sure you take your REALTOR® with you on your first visit. This will give you the peace of mind that everything was done correctly from the start.

Green Valley Housing Numbers

There are currently 54 single family/townhomes for sale in Green Valley/Quail Creek; 8 of these have three-car garages and four have swimming pools.

I sold new homes in Green Valley for 13 years for both Fairfield Homes and Meritage, so I know a thing or two about buying a new home in Green Valley. Call me if you need help, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Associate Broker, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

With such a crazy housing market, do you really need a REALTOR®?

A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®, follows their Code of Ethics and has a fiduciary relationship with their clients.

This code requires them to serve the best interests of their clients, to act with professionalism and protect the public.

REALTORS® provide many benefits

• Housing experts. Local REALTORS® know the market and will save you time.

• Professional negotiators. They will fight for your best interests, prices and terms.

• Access to the MLS. The Multiple Listing Service has all the vital information on homes for sale to help you get a fair price.

• Know and follow the laws. Knowledge of real estate law ensures your transaction is legal in every way.

• Handle all paperwork. REALTORS® understand the complex contract and all the disclosures.

• Worry-free transaction. You will know everything was done right.

Green Valley’s current housing numbers

Currently, there are just 37 single family homes, 17 townhomes and 4 condos for sale in Green Valley and 10 homes in Quail Creek. Combining both areas, 124 homes are under contract right now. A total of 851 homes have sold in the past 6 months.

Have a Happy 4th of July and May God Bless America

I have over 40 years of experience selling homes in southern Arizona, so if you need a REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Associate Broker, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

Buyers used to think that the best deals on Green Valley homes occurred in the summer months. The thinking was that, due to fewer people looking to buy and a lack of showings, panicked sellers would slash their prices.

Times are a’ changin’! Our inventory is at an all-time low and home prices are still surging.

Currently, there are just 29 single family homes, 13 townhomes and 7 condos for sale in Green Valley. Quail Creek has another 6 homes for sale. In both areas there are 172 homes under contract right now.

What’s a Buyer to do?

Tips for buyers on competing in this seller’s market:

• Submit your best offer up front. Don’t play the low-ball game.

• Make your offer as clean as possible; don’t ask the seller to pay for anything.

• If you are looking online, don’t request information from the website. These agents pay for these leads. The agent you talk with is probably not the listing agent and might not even be familiar with these Green Valley homes.

• Get a local Realtor to represent you. This is the best way to get all the information and the property you want.

I have over 20 years of experience selling homes in Green Valley, so if you need help, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

Spring has come and almost gone, our snowbirds are leaving and so will a lot of our Green Valley real estate agents. Whether you’re staying this summer or leaving, you need to get your home ready for summer.

Here are a few tips if you are leaving:

• Turn off the water to your home.

• Set your thermostat to around 87 degrees.

• Have someone watch your home.

• Let the Green Valley sheriff’s office know your home will be vacant. They’ll keep an eye on it at no charge.

If you’re staying for the summer, have your AC unit serviced; it’s always better to be safe than sorry in July.

A lot of Green Valley Realtors also leave town over the summer months. With cell phones and computers, these agents can make it seem like they never left town. BUT it’s always best to hire an agent who’s here in Green Valley for the summer instead of hundreds of miles away. They can meet you at the property quickly, attend Open Houses and give your home personal attention.

It’s all about getting the best possible service. You wouldn’t hire an agent who is summering in Wisconsin to show you homes here in June, so why would you list your home with that same agent?

I will be here all summer, so if you need a Green Valley REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

Spring is here with its warmer days, but the real estate market is as hot as June. The question I get every day is, “What is happening in the real estate market, NOW and in the future?” This is a great question.

Here are the current Green Valley housing numbers:

There are fewer than 35 single family homes, 16 townhomes and 10 condos currently for sale in Green Valley, and Quail Creek has another 10 homes for sale. Meanwhile, 108 single family homes, 70 townhomes and 17 condos are under contract in Green Valley; Quail Creek has 38 homes under contract. In the past 6 months there were a total of 638 total sales in Green Valley and 124 sales in Quail Creek.

If you are looking for a single family home/townhome under $200,000, there are only 7 to choose from; and another 9 under $250,000. Our inventory of homes is at record lows.

The Green Valley real estate market is hot! What the future will bring is anybody’s guess.

Agents who don’t work in Green Valley don’t know our neighborhoods, home values or the GVR. Before hiring anyone, ask if they are members of the Green Valley/Sahuarita Board of REALTORS®.

I’ve been selling homes in Green Valley for 20+ years, so if you need a Green Valley REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

 You’ve probably seen commercials from a title lock company, saying that people are losing the titles to their homes to fraudulent scammers and you need a title lock to protect yourself. Is this true? Do you need this service?What title lock is, and is notTitle lock is a deed monitoring service costing about $15/month. All it does is notify you if there’s a change to the title on your home. It is NOT Title Insurance.It is a fraud. The scammers forge your signature(s), get it notarized and record the deed at the county. But you will still legally own your home. Many things need to happen to legally transfer the title of your home.To be clear, I have not seen this happening in Green Valley, but we need to be extra careful because these scammers often target seniors and vacation home owners.How to protect yourself• Check the title on your home periodically from the Pima County Assessor (This is very easy to do online).• Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.• Never give out any personal information. (e.g. date of birth, hometown, etc.)If you believe you have been scammed, contact law enforcement immediately and get legal advice.I have over 20 years of experience selling homes in Green Valley, so if you need help buying or selling, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com. 

In the past, the selling season in Green Valley began in February. January lookers became February buyers.

But this year is different.

Buyers are skipping the looking phase.

There is a low inventory of homes for sale, and COVID-19 has changed how homes are being sold. This has caused more buyers to skip the looking phase and go straight to buying. In the past, buyers would look at a home two or three times before making an offer. Now, buyers feel more pressure to buy fast or lose the house to another buyer.

Pressure to buy leads to buyer’s remorse.

This has caused more buyer’s remorse than ever before. Sellers should not be alarmed; this is what happens when buyers purchase homes under these market conditions.

Tips for Sellers:

• Don’t overprice your home.

• Keep your home looking great during the inspection time.

• If the contract on your home cancels, be patient - there will always be another buyer.

Your home WILL sell.

We are seeing contracts cancel for all sorts of reasons, but most of the time it is probably just buyer’s remorse. Be patient. Your home will sell because it’s a great time to sell!

I have over 20 years of experience selling homes in Green Valley, so if you need help, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.

Looking back over the past year, you might be surprised about how strong our real estate market stayed. More homes were closed in Green Valley in 2020 than in 2019. Over this past year, there were more than 1,300 homes sold in Green Valley and Quail Creek.

The coronavirus turned out to be more of a health crisis and not as much of a financial crisis in 2020. One of the major factors in keeping our housing market so strong is that Green Valley is one of the best places to retire; it’s a very safe place to live.

Current Green Valley Housing Numbers

Approximately 69 single family homes, 20 townhomes and 10 condos are currently for sale in Green Valley. Quail Creek adds another 16 homes for sale. Combining both areas there are 145 homes under contract. Every month there seem to be fewer homes for sale. For an example, in the Las Campanas neighborhood, where I live, there are currently only 4 homes for sale out of about 1,450 homes.

Home prices have gone up, but they are still quite affordable. So if you are looking to buy or sell, now is the time.

May 2021 bring you much Joy and Happiness !!!

I have over 22 years of selling homes in Green Valley, so if you need a Green Valley REALTOR®, call me, your Local Green Valley Real Estate Expert, Scott Chancellor, Realty Executives Arizona Territory at 520-360-6973, Scott@MrGreenValley.com www.MrGreenValley.com.