Virtual Homebuying Program with Shea Preferred Real Estate Group!
Is there really a benefit to having a REALTOR with you when you tour new homes?
By Ben Leeson & T.J. Kelley
Should you use a Realtor if you are buying new construction from a builder? The answer is YES, and there are many reasons why. Buying a new home is one of the most expensive investments of your life. Having an experienced Realtor on your side isn’t expensive, it’s priceless. Many of you know I started my real estate career as a new home sales representative for Encanterra in 2008. Working for a company like Shea Homes was one of the best decisions I ever made for my career. It also helped me get to where I am today – working alongside Ben Leeson at Shea Preferred Realty Group. If you have ever met Ben, you know he is a walking encyclopedia of real estate and especially new home construction. His knowledge of residential construction and energy efficiency is hands down the best in the business. He is so well respected in the real estate industry and by fellow Realtors.
What can our team provide you if you are looking to build a new home? Everything we do at Shea Preferred Realty, my partner Ben is involved. We believe that having an experienced realtor sign you in upon our first visit to a new home community is important. But more importantly, having an experienced realtor guide you during the construction process and having industry knowledge is the most important thing when purchasing a new home. And the coolest part, it’s free to have a REALTOR represent you, FREE! Builders pay real estate agents and its part of their costs in doing business. In fact, many builders rely on agents to bring them clients so there is no downside or cost to have an agent represent you. In order to take advantage of this FREE service, please advise your family, friends, and co-workers to contact us before visiting the models.
Everything you buy, you must sell someday. Our team is always thinking about what will be desired by the next buyer. We consult at the highest level. We have represented over 400 buyers in new construction throughout the Valley. We have attended nearly every single design center appointment, walked every homesite, and offer expert advice on design options based on the hundreds of resales we have sold in the community. We assist in selecting that perfect homesite, sun exposure, architectural line of site and even design recommendations. Let us give you a professional opinion that will be enticing to the next buyer. The new build process takes approximately 8-10 months. We will be your eyes and ears for walking your new home during the entire construction phase. We will perform a detailed pre-drywall walk through on your behalf ensuring everything meets our high standards and an even more detailed final walk through. All to ensure your new home is delivered perfectly.
So, the next time you step foot in a new home sales office, tell the builder on your very first visit that you are working with an agent. Let our team be your guide in making great decisions that will last for many years. This past month we have helped three different clients with their new builds at Encanterra. Check out what Bill and Kari had to say about us:
We are always available to talk about your real estate needs. Feel free to stop by the onsite resale office to discuss new homes, construction or anything real estate related.
Staging, the absolute #1 most important factor in Real Estate!
At Encanterra we’re usually dealing with a buyer not facing their first buying rodeo. No, they won’t look past your personal belongings or individual creative designs. A home must be 90% free of personal items. 
Bathrooms need to be spotless, counters empty, landscaping fully trimmed top to bottom, garage needs to be baseboard to baseboard, finished garage flooring is always a plus, always good to eliminate furniture, move items around to make the rooms look open and inviting, all closets and pantry’s should be organized and spotless, many homes need a professional tile and grout cleaning, full painting to get in line with today’s color schemes, and many other fine details. Keep in mind nearly every buyer visits the models first before looking at resale. Want to sell quickly at top dollar? Reach out to your only full time onsite resale team located in the model gallery for more information regarding importance of professional staging.
What creates value in resale?
Honestly, this varies across the Valley but nothing compares to the drastic design center options and features at Encanterra. Across the entire Phoenix area, an average buyer will spend around 15-18% in total design center options. Most builders want a second deposit for any items that exceed 20% of the base purchase price. 
Builders feel you’re out building the neighborhood and if a buyer walks away, they will likely be stuck with a home until a buyer likes the exact features the previous buyer selected. 
At Encanterra, times are changing and we seeing buyers cut way back on average features as the design incentives are no longer available. What sells and what does not? Seems most buyers want an upgraded non-standard kitchen to start, lot choice at Encanterra is critical especially for buyers looking at a price range of $400,000 plus, a well thought out backyard for entertaining which usually includes built in grills, fire pits, and other features, non-standard flooring types and sizes, neutral updated color schemes, garage space, and a “wow†factor. Items that may turn off a buyer include over grown and over planted landscape, cluttered homes and garages, too many basic features throughout, dark and dated color schemes, bathrooms with no updates including all cultured marble vanities and showers, and less than amazing appliances. For more information, reach out to Ben & TJ in the model gallery, your true Encanterra experts.
The Price is Right
There are many important variables when getting ready to list your home. But one of the most critical things to consider is price and pricing it right the first time. Inside the gates of Encanterra, the resale market has entered more of a neutral state. As of today, we have 52 resale homes and that number continues to grow. Homes are sitting on the market much longer than last year. When a home is not priced properly, it will sit for awhile and become stale. Potential buyers might be thinking, “There must be something wrong with this home since it’s been on the market 200+ days?” When the market shifts like this, it gets harder to sell. A good agent can take your home to the next level in terms of staging, getting it market ready and selling it in the least amount time. Our team is all about the little details and it shows in all of our listings. Ben Leeson, owner and Realtor at Shea Preferred Realty Group was recently featured to the show Real Estate Pros. He sat down and shared some of our teams strategies on what we do differently. Whether you live inside or outside the gates of Encanterra, and you have been thinking of selling, reach out to our team and hear about what we can do for you.
April 2019 | Real Estate Market Report
Dual Agency; what is it & what does this mean for you?
Inside the gates of Encanterra, our Shea Preferred team has sold nearly 65% of our listings and closed over 228 sales. Yes, 228 sold Shea Preferred listings. This is a huge win/win for you the seller as it puts us in the driver’s seat for many factors relating to the transaction.
If no agent is involved we eliminate an outside agent who perhaps is generally new to the area or has limited experience in the community. They rarely understand the HOA related fees, bring in home inspectors who have zero knowledge about solar or cathredralized insulation and often cloud the issues. They also work with outside lenders and title companies further complicating the process. Add the Encanterra issue of comps where they compare your 3 year old Shea Xero on open space to a standard lot and home that’s 9 years old and we have problems from the start. List with us and there is a 75% chance, according to the last 12 months, we will also represent the buyer as our walk in leads in the model gallery bring in an average of 50 buyers a week. We can then use our extremely experienced home inspector with over 50 Encanterra inspections, one of our preferred lenders if needed, our preferred title company that offers all our Encanterra related clients investor rates, add our onsite office that’s staffed 6-7 days a week and no need to go anywhere else. Please reach out to our team located across from the design center in the model complex. We always have pocket buyers looking for specific properties.
EXCLUSIVE LISTING I Beautiful open concept Nice Plan!
167 E. Citron Court
San Tan Valley, AZ
2 bed + den + 2 bath + 1,928 SQ FT
This beautiful Nice plan features an open-concept floorplan that is ideal for entertaining. The kitchen is beautiful with built-in stainless steel appliances, staggered cabinets, custom tile-work and spacious kitchen island. This home was a former designer home so attention to detail is everywhere. The rolling wall of glass leads you outside to a private oasis. Expanded stone pavers, gas fireplace and built in BBQ grill create a perfect outdoor space. Beautiful tile-plank flooring make this home look and feel like a model home. This home is a short walk to the new Algarve adult pool and restaurant. Start enjoying the good life at Encanterra today!
OFFERED AT $409,000
Join TJ at the Building Wealth with Real Estate Seminar!
Have you thought about buying real estate as an investment but just don’t know where to start? Join TJ Kelley at this seminar to learn more about how you can begin! The author is one of our past business associates & the owner of our old brokerage at Keller Williams, Steve Chader.
Space is limited & you must pre-register! Just let us know if you would like to join us or you can register on your own here: Click here to register
We hope you will join us or that we see you there!
