Tony Mastricola - Scottsdale Realtor

06/10/2026

A vacation home can be a great investment. Here's how you can make your vacation home dreams come true on a budget.

Vacation home buying can be fun and affordable in these locations.

10/25/2025

I once toured a home with clients in October – plastic skeletons on the lawn, cobwebs on the porch, full haunted house vibes which was exciting to see. But the real scare wasn’t the décor. It was the water stains hiding under fresh paint in the basement.

Not every spooky showing involves creaky floors. Sometimes the scariest parts show up in the fine print – or the foundation.

Here are a few “haunted house” red flags buyers should never ignore:

⚠️ A too-good-to-be-true price (there’s usually a reason)

⚠️ Sellers dodging inspection questions (that silence speaks volumes)

⚠️ Cracks, stains, or smells you can’t explain (trust your senses)

⚠️ Missing permits or incomplete disclosures (what’s left unsaid can cost you)

Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also emotional and one of the biggest investments you’ll make. Having someone in your corner who knows the red flags makes all the difference.

If something feels “off” during a showing and you want another set of eyes, I’d be glad to help. Let’s set up a quick coffee or call to go over it together.

10/24/2025

The type of loan you choose, your down payment, property taxes, insurance, and your overall debt picture all play a role in what you’ll actually pay each month.

So while a lower rate can be a win, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best option. And a higher rate? It’s not always a deal-breaker – especially if the rest of the equation works in your favor.

If you’re unsure how it all adds up, I can help you break it down and build a plan that supports your long-term goals. Let’s find a time to chat this week and walk through your options together.

10/23/2025

I’ve worked with buyers who felt an instant sense of relief after getting pre-approved. And that’s fair. It IS a big milestone. But here’s where many unintentionally stall:

💪 They assume the hard part is over.

🚫 They pause their search, thinking time is on their side.

😴 They forget pre-approval is the starting line, not the finish line.

The reality? Financing might be lined up, but the market keeps moving. Sellers are still reviewing offers, and the best-fit homes still go quickly.

This is where a good agent makes all the difference. It’s not about “just finding a house” – it’s about turning pre-approval into a plan that keeps you clear, confident, and ready to act.

If you’ve been pre-approved but feel stuck, let’s map out your next steps. Reach out and we’ll turn that piece of paper into a strategy that gets results.

10/22/2025

A home inspection can feel overwhelming, especially when the report is pages long.

I’ll never forget the first time I sat down with buyers after their first inspection. The report was 40+ pages long, and their faces said it all – overwhelmed!

Here’s the truth though: you’re not expected to fix everything on that list. What matters is knowing how to sort it:

🔹Minor maintenance – normal wear and tear, part of owning any home

🔹Future upgrades – things to budget and plan for down the road

🔹Big-ticket issues – the ones worth negotiating or investigating further

An inspection isn’t about perfection, it’s about perspective. It gives you the clarity to make smart choices instead of reacting out of fear.

If you’ve just had a home inspection (or one is coming up), don’t try to parse it alone. Let’s set up a time to walk through the report together so you know exactly what matters most and what’s just background noise.

🏡 📑✔️

10/21/2025

I’ve met so many homeowners who wrestled with the question: “Is now really the right time to sell?”

There’s no perfect answer, but there are signs that tell you when it might be the right moment for you. Sometimes it’s not about the market at all. It’s about alignment with your life, your energy, and your next chapter.

If you’ve been second-guessing yourself, here are 6 quiet signals that can bring clarity.

And if you’re still unsure after reading them, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out and I’ll help you clarify your options so you can move forward with confidence, whether that’s now or later.

10/20/2025

I worked with a seller recently who was focused on one goal: the highest price. Totally fair as they’d poured years of work and love into their home.

But when the offers arrived, something surprising happened.

One buyer came in slightly lower on price, but offered a flexible closing date, no contingencies, and a letter that resonated deeply with the sellers.

Guess which offer won?

It wasn’t the top-dollar one. It was the one that created a smoother transition and honored the home for what it meant to them.

Here’s the truth:

💡Price matters.

💡But terms, timing, and trust can matter more.

💡And the best offer is the one that supports both your financial goals and your next chapter.

If you’re preparing to sell, let’s look beyond the numbers. Send me a message and we’ll talk through what really makes an offer the right fit for you.

10/19/2025

I’ve worked with buyers who felt more stressed with their agent than without. Why? Because they were only hearing pressure and sales talk, not the guidance that actually helps.

The best agents don’t just open doors they say the things that give you clarity and confidence. Here are three phrases I wish every buyer heard more often:

1- You don’t have to rush this.

The pressure to “act fast” can be overwhelming. Sometimes the best move is to pause, reassess, and make sure you’re buying for the right reasons – not just because it’s available.

2- It’s okay to walk away.

Even if the home is almost perfect. Even if you’ve written an offer. Even if it’s been a long search. Your peace of mind is more important than pushing through just to close.

3- You’re allowed to ask more questions.

You’re not supposed to know everything. That’s our job – to educate, guide, and explain the steps until it feels clear, not confusing.

If you’ve ever felt unsure or unheard, you’re not alone. A better experience starts with a better conversation.

Want to feel more supported this time around? Let’s talk about what matters most to you and build from there. Send me a quick message and we’ll take it from there.

10/18/2025

Most buyers start with a checklist:

✔️ Updated kitchen

✔️ Room for guests

✔️ Good neighborhood

All important. But I’ve watched buyers walk into a home that checked every box and still walk away. Why? Because it didn’t feel right.

Here’s what rarely makes the list, but matters most:

That moment when your shoulders drop.

When your partner says, “This feels like us.”

When you stop comparing it to everything else because it just… fits.

I had clients once who almost skipped a showing because the photos didn’t wow them. But when they walked in, the sense of calm was immediate. That home ended up being their perfect match – not because of the features, but because of the feeling.

If your search feels overwhelming, it might be time to slow down and focus less on the checklist and more on the experience. Send me a quick note and we’ll talk through how to find the home that feels like “the one.”

10/17/2025

Selling a home is personal, even when you know it’s time to move on.

You’re not just parting with a property. You’re closing a chapter, detaching from memories, and navigating a process that’s both emotional and financial.

But here’s the catch: decisions made in the moment, especially from frustration, nostalgia, or urgency – can cost you time, stress, and serious money.

That’s why the savviest sellers prepare not just for the logistics of listing…

They prep for the emotions that can creep in too.

From pricing to negotiations to walking away at the right time, these are a few of the five common emotional traps that can throw even experienced sellers off track.

Here is how to avoid them!

And, if you’re looking for a plan that helps you move forward with clarity and peace of mind, let’s map it out together. Reach out and we’ll create a listing strategy that supports both your goals and your heart.