Does It Cost Money to Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan? (Short Answer: No)One of the most common questions buyers ask at the start of the home buying process is whether it costs money to get pre-approved for a mortgage. The answer is no—getting pre-approved does not cost anything. A mortgage pre approval is simply a lender reviewing your income, credit score, assets, and debt to determine how much home you qualify for. This step helps buyers understand their purchasing power before they begin buying a home and allows them to shop confidently in today’s real estate market. Buyers who LEARN how the loan approval process works are far more prepared from the very beginning.Pre-approval is different from a loan application or appraisal, both of which happen later in the transaction and may i... 01/01/2026

When your listing attracts several buyers, the goal isn’t just to pick the highest bidder—it’s to choose the strongest offer. During selling your home, I review not only price but financing type, contingencies, and timelines.A cash offer might close faster, but a conventional loan with flexible terms could be smarter.Understanding the full picture means fewer surprises later. My strategy helps sellers stay in control and maintain peace of mind during the process. Learn how to evaluate competing bids effectively and select the best buyer for your home. To see this in action, watch my real estate negotiation tips where I walk through real offers and outcomes.#MultipleOffers #SellerStrategy #ArizonaRealEstate #ChrisDunhamRealtor #HomeSellingTips multiple offers, real estate negotiations, o... 11/10/2025

I missed this week’s Tuesday call about North Carolina’s economy and real estate, and Debe Maxwell, CRS’s presentation. However, I caught up by reading the recap blogs from other members — and I especially loved Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist’s post “Welcome to North Carolina.”One thing I learned from those posts really surprised me: sweet potatoes are grown in North Carolina!Sweet potatoes happen to be one of my favorite vegetables — though, a few years ago, I didn’t even know they existed. Growing up, I had only read about them in books and assumed they were something eaten mostly in South America.That changed one October day when my husband came home from the Prepared Foods counter at Whole Foods with a container of something that looked like potato salad — except the c... 10/26/2025

Experience the ultimate in luxury living at Bridgeview at Hayden Ferry Lakeside. This stunning single-level condo offers breathtaking waterfront and mountain views, paired with modern sophistication and comfort. With 1 spacious bedroom, 1.5 baths, and a versatile den, the home is designed with high-end finishes throughout—perfect for both relaxing and entertaining.This condo makes it easy to embrace the lock-and-leave lifestyle, while enjoying direct access to Tempe’s vibrant energy. You’re just steps from ASU Stadium, the dining and nightlife of Mill Avenue, and plenty of opportunities for people-watching along the waterfront. Looking for real-time Tempe listings? Click here to explore.Bridgeview is widely recognized as one of Tempe’s premier concierge buildings. Residents enjoy resort... 10/03/2025

Are you considering housing options for your student attending Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, Arizona? Instead of paying for expensive campus housing or off-campus rentals, why not explore the option of buying a property that can save you money and even turn a profit when your ASU student graduates? Why Buy a Home for Your ASU Student?Purchasing a home for your student can offer significant financial benefits, including: Cost Savings: Avoid high dormitory costs and rent hikes in off-campus housing. Equity Growth: Build equity in a property that can appreciate over time. Credit Building: Add your student as a co-borrower to help them build their credit score. Rental Income: Rent out extra rooms to other students, helping cover the mortgage.  Current Tempe Real Estate Market (20... 09/03/2025

If you’re considering purchasing an investment property in Tempe, Arizona, let me give it to you straight—it’s one of the smartest plays in the Valley.Why? One word: ASU.Arizona State University pumps out a steady stream of tenants year-round. Dorm life isn’t for everyone, and students (or their parents) are always looking to rent nearby. That creates consistent rental demand, month after month, year after year.But before you rush to throw an offer at the first four-bedroom near Mill Avenue, let me offer some boots-on-the-ground perspective.Here’s what you should know before buying an investment property in Tempe:✅ Location = Profit – The closer your property is to ASU, the more rent you can charge. Period. Tenants pay a premium to walk to class, campus events, and Tempe nightlife.✅ Tur... 08/26/2025

If you’re considering purchasing an investment property in Tempe, Arizona, let me give it to you straight—it’s one of the smartest plays in the Valley.Why? One word: ASU.Arizona State University pumps out a steady stream of tenants year-round. Dorm life isn’t for everyone, and students (or their parents) are always looking to rent nearby. That creates consistent rental demand, month after month, year after year.But before you rush to throw an offer at the first four-bedroom near Mill Avenue, let me offer some boots-on-the-ground perspective.Here’s what you should know before buying an investment property in Tempe:✅ Location = Profit – The closer your property is to ASU, the more rent you can charge. Period. Tenants pay a premium to walk to class, campus events, and Tempe nightlife.✅ Tur... 07/09/2025

Buying a home in Arizona isn’t just about falling in love with the kitchen or backyard—it’s about protecting your investment, and that starts with due diligence.In the Arizona Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract, Section 6a (Lines 213–224) outlines one of the most important parts of the transaction: the Buyer’s Inspection Period, also referred to as the Due Diligence Period.If you’re buying a home in the Phoenix Metro or East Valley, here's what you need to know—straight from someone who's been guiding clients through this for over 25 years.🔎 What Is the Due Diligence Period?This section gives the buyer a default of 10 calendar days (unless otherwise negotiated) to investigate everything they deem material to the purchase of the home. That includes: Home inspection Termite/... 05/11/2025

#TempeHomes #LiveInTempe #ArizonaRealEstate #TempeRealEstateAgent #EastValleyHomesLooking for a city where you can truly have it all? Welcome to Tempe, Arizona—a vibrant, energetic hub that blends culture, education, entertainment, and opportunity. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating for work, or just looking for a home that’s close to all the action, Tempe should be at the top of your list.Why Tempe?Nestled in the heart of the East Valley, Tempe is home to Arizona State University, one of the largest public universities in the nation. This college town energy infuses the city with life—think paddleboarding on Tempe Town Lake, catching a live show at Gammage Auditorium, or enjoying some of the best tacos in the state along Mill Avenue.Tempe isn’t just for students or weekend w... 04/28/2025

This blog is about Jacki Tait, CLHMS, a wonderful ActiveRain blogger and real estate agent, living and working in Flagstaff AZ. Last year Jacki wrote a memorable blog post, "What to Love about Flagstaff AZ". When you click on the link, you will immediately know why it is memorable - sincere, friendly writing, well-researched content and videos. Evergreen content.For people like me, living in the Phoenix metro area, Flagstaff Arizona is an attractive getaway destination in all seasons. It allows for a spontaneous day trip. I remembered Jacki's post when I decided to go cross-country skiing at my favorite Nordic Center this April. I was getting frustrated why I cannot find anywhere cross-country ski rentals and finally decided to call Jacki. She picked up the phone right away; she knew wh... 04/15/2024

Navigating the Credit Maze: Best Practices to Establish or Repair CreditIn today's financial landscape, a good credit score is more than just a number; it's the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. Whether you're looking to secure a mortgage, apply for a credit card, or even land that dream job, your creditworthiness plays a crucial role. If your credit score is not where you want it to be, fear not – there are practical steps you can take to establish or repair your credit. Let's explore some best practices that can pave the way to a healthier credit profile.1. Check Your Credit Report Regularly:Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your credit. Obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – and review the... 01/20/2024

For years, our hearts have been captivated by the enchanting spectacle of this beautifully decorated home that is practically the homeowner's holiday card for the neighborhood. A tradition so cherished that it has become a timeless beacon of joy for both young and old. Back in December 2014, I penned a blog about this festive masterpiece, and now, in 2023, it's time for an update.The inspiration for this blog post came from a comment made in our neighborhood Facebook group by a lady, now 37, who fondly recalled this dazzling Christmas display since the age of 5. For an impressive 32 years, this beautiful display has been a steadfast tradition, eagerly anticipated and celebrated by generations.Upon approaching, the iconic sight of Santa Claus and his eight reindeer pulling a sleigh greet... 12/23/2023

Another favorite destination of ours is the Nordic Village Flagstaff - cross country skiing experience.This photo was taken in early March 2023, and that's about the time when we see the last snow in the Nordic Village. The nearby downhill skiing place Snowball has snow a little bit later, until April-May. We like to make the trip to the Nordic Village a day trip because it fits well with our work schedules, I can have a 3-hour work day - 1.5 hours before we leave and 1.5 hours after we are back. When we visit during the weekday, the ski-trails have fewer skiers than on week-ends. The drive from the Phoenix metro area takes us about 2.5 hours on Hwy I-17 and then through Flagstaff. We found out that the optimal time is to start about 8-9 a.m. from Tempe, AZ. The Nordic Village offers cr... 09/29/2023

The housing market for Tempe, Arizona,  85283 feels like a repeat of early 2022!   Sales are quick and there are very few homes for sale in 85283.   The focus of this report will be for homes about 1500 square feet that are priced between $400,000 and $600,000.   The zip code 85283 is south of Arizona State University, with a student population of over 74,000 students in Tempe.   ASU also has campuses in downtown Phoenix,  Glendale, Mesa and a new Innovation Center being built near Mayo Hospital in Phoenix. So the total student population is well over 100,000.  Rental homes are common in the Tempe area and in demand.  The population of the City of Tempe is over 118,000 people not including ASU students.  Tempe is a diverse city with plenty of entertainment options.  These include activi... 09/26/2023

Here is the most recent Tempe AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for July 2023: After decreasing last month, the average sales price of Tempe homes saw a significant increase this month, going from $556,250 in June to $610,289 in July. This is the 4th increase this year, and the average sales price is approaching the all-time high of $627,613 we saw in July of 2022. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Tempe Arizona real estate market.   After slightly decreasing last month, the average sold price per square foot of Tempe homes jumped up this month, going from $297/sf in June to $317/sf in July. After Tempe days on market increased last month, the DOM has decreased this month, going from 52 DOM in June to 49 DOM in July. Homes in Tempe are ... 08/24/2023

Home for sale in Tempe, AZ with swimming poolGorgeous remodeled Tempe home for sale in a great location! This open concept floor plan features tile floors in all the right areas. This home for sale in Tempe was built in 1960 and is located just off College and McKellips, making it a quick drive to ASU.The amazing Home for sale in Tempe, has a kitchen, which offers ample cabinet and counter space, tile backsplash, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a oversized island with a breakfast bar.The primary bedroom features an en-suite bath and a spacious closet with sliding mirror doors. Step into the large backyard with a covered patio, seating area, and a sparkling pool (resurfaced in 2022) - perfect for hot summer days! Better call today, this Home with a swimming pool is pric... 08/13/2023

Here is the most recent Tempe AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for June 2023: After significantly increasing last month, the average sales price of Tempe homes saw a decrease this month, going from $584,163 in May to $556,250 in June. This is the 3rd decrease in the last 6 months. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Tempe Arizona real estate market.   After increasing last month, the average sold price per square foot of Tempe homes has slightly decreased this month, going from $300/sf in May to $297/sf in June. After Tempe days on market decreased 3 months in a row, Tempe DOM has increased, going from 43 DOM in May to 52 DOM in June. Homes in Tempe are still selling reasonably fast, and sales should pick up through the spring, which is ... 07/28/2023

Here is the most recent Tempe AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for May 2023: After decreasing last month, the average sales price of Tempe homes saw a large increased this month, going from $519,685 in April to $584,163 in May. This is the 3rd increase in the last 4 months. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Tempe Arizona real estate market.   After decreasing the last two months the average sold price per square foot of Tempe homes has increased this month, going from $282/sf in April to $300/sf in May. After Tempe days on market increased 8 months in a row, Tempe DOM has now decreased 3 months in a row, going from 79 DOM in February to 43 DOM in May. Homes in Tempe are still selling reasonably fast, and sales should pick up through th... 06/28/2023

Here is the most recent Tempe AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for April 2023: After increasing the last 2 months, the average sales price of Tempe homes has decreased this month, going from $532,043 in March to $520,809 in April. This is only the 2nd time that the average home prices have decreased in April in the last 5 years. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Tempe Arizona real estate market.   After increasing the last two months the average sold price per square foot of Tempe homes has decreased for the second straight month, going from $292/sf in February to $282/sf this month. After Tempe days on market increased 8 months in a row Tempe DOM has now decreased 2 months in a row, going from 79 DOM in February to 61 DOM in April. Ho... 05/24/2023

Here is the most recent Tempe AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for March 2023: After slightly increasing last month the average sales price of Tempe homes decreased to begin 2023, going from $539,099 in December to $521,542 this month. This is the first January that Tempe average home prices have decreased since before at least 2019. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Tempe Arizona real estate market.  After increasing the last two months the average sold price per square foot of Tempe homes has decreased in March, going from $292/sf in February to $287/sf this month. After Tempe days on market increased 8 months in a row Tempe DOM decreased this month, going from 79 DOM in February to 74 DOM in March. Homes in Tempe are still selling r... 04/21/2023