Stephanie Hansen

REALTOR®
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Should You Stay or Should You Go?

By Stephanie Hansen - February 21, 2026
Should You Stay or Should You Go? Meaning, should you sell your home now or rent it first? The answer is, “It depends.” Rather than obsessing over the title of this blog and why it sounds familiar, you can make an objective decision with a little math and a few considerations. What would you net if you sold your home? Consider your mortgage payoff and selling costs. Would renting

Ready Set Sell: Top Ten Things to Do Now

By Stephanie Hansen - December 28, 2025
Do you know how to prepare your home for the market? Here are 10 things you can do to get set up for success.  10. Gather documentation of home improvements and upgrades. Organized documentation accelerates negotiations and reduces questions for buyers. 9. Pack up and store personal items on applicances, walls, and shelves. You want the buyer to picture their family in your home. 8. Consi

Mortgage Rate Highs and Lows

By Stephanie Hansen - October 23, 2025
Are mortgage rates high? Mortgage rates in the United States have experienced significant fluctuations over the last 50 years. Tracking 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, Freddie Mac data shows the highest rates occurred in 1981 with weekly rates peaking at 18.63% in October of that year. However, an average or median calculation for a similar decades long time period would put mortgage rates closer t

10 Questions to Ask During a Home Inspection

By Stephanie Hansen - October 23, 2025
Make the most of your buyer inspection period. When purchasing a home in Arizona, comprehensive inspections are crucial. While a standard home inspection evaluates structural integrity, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and the roof, several specialized inspections are highly recommended due to the state's unique climate and common issues. Key inspections to consider include: General Com

Buying vs Renting

By Stephanie Hansen - October 22, 2025
Rent versus Buy-- Buying a home can offer several benefits, including building equity and long-term financial stability. As you make mortgage payments, you're investing in an asset that can appreciate over time, contributing to your wealth. Homeownership may also provide tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes. Additionally, owning a home offers predictabilit

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