28. February 2008 by Teri Ellis.

I love Arizona! I love being able to open my doors and windows and let the fresh air in. I love the smell of my gardenias and roses. During this time of year, more often than not, our air conditioning is off and our windows and security screen doors are open. There is something special about this wonderful state! Beautiful mountain north, east, south, west views as I travel the freeways east to Mesa and drive around the Phoenix area.

If you’re longing to live in a state that allows you to shop, to travel, to be outside any day of the year, come to Arizona!! You’ll be glad you did.

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27. February 2008 by Teri Ellis.

I learned today from the Arizona Department of Real Estate that yet another builder is having financial problems. The notice reads as follows:

“1.       The Department has been notified that Randall Martin Homes’ subdivision lot holdings are going into foreclosure.  According to Randall Bury, owner of Randall Martin Homes, the company is “walking away” from its holdings in Marley Park, Roosevelt Park,  Valley at Dobson Crossing (aka Portello at Dobson Crossing) and Higley Park.  It is anticipated that the lien holder(s) will assume ownership. 

No complaints have been filed regarding Randall Martin Homes; however, we believe that it is important to alert Consumers and Industry of the company’s intentions. ADRE is proactively taking steps to ensure consumer protection.  Should consumers have questions or concerns, please contact Cindy Ferrin, Manager-Development Services at cferrin@azre.gov.”

It is so important that buyers purchasing new homes be aware of the status of builders in this market. Several builders are struggling, and problems can be felt along the way by the buyers of those homes. I subscribe to the email alert from the Arizona Department of Real Estate in order to be aware of problems in our industry.

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26. February 2008 by Teri Ellis.

As a child, I remember our family building a large basement home (yes that’s right a basement) around 35th Sreet and McDowell Roads. My dad purchased an acre of land, and built a huge home. You see, there were eight children, so we needed lots of room. BUT to begin with, he built a basement with two bedrooms, one bath and a kitchen/family room combination. That’s where we lived until my brother was born who was number six. Yep, two parents, six children living in about 1000 square feet. Two sets of bunk beds in one bedroom, another bed across the top, and a crib in my parent’s room.

Today, things can be a bit different. You see, I grew up in Phoenix in the 50’s. I actually walked a mile to school - yep, I did. And our mom would drop us off downtown to see movies and cartoons. I think a quarter covered the movies, and popcorn and drinks. Now - those were the days.

Phoenix has grown in the last 50 years spreading out almost to Florence, past Mesa, past Tempe, and Queen Creek. This is a great place to live and raise your families.

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24. February 2008 by Teri Ellis.

For 70 years, on the grounds of the Mesa Temple, an Easter pageant has been presented. The work behind the scenes is amazing and requires many donated hours of labor and time. The finale of the pageant is not to be missed. It is a beautiful and spiritual experience.

One of the special events this year is held in the Visitor’s Center - one that everyone should make time to visit - a gallery of photographs (mostly black and white) - amazing photographs. After viewing the photographs, there is a short film showing the viewer just how the photos were taken. It is beautiful and awesome. You will want to go back and see the photos again after seeing the short film.

The Visitor’s Center is closed on Sunday, and it will be more and more crowded as Easter nears. Try and go in the afternoon - say one or two o’clock. 

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23. February 2008 by Teri Ellis.

If you are searching for a home, thinking of listing your home, or looking for a Realtor in the Valley of the Sun - Phoenix, Arizona - call Teri Ellis. Stop by my websites at: www.MoveToSunnyAz.com, www.TeriEllis.com, www.AzLadyInRed.com or www.MoveToMesaAz.com for photos of homes or information about the areas in our beautiful Valley. Wherever - in Maricopa County or Pinal County - I can help.

Give me a call at: 480.216-3334 or email me at: Teri@TeriEllis.com.

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