26. December 2008 by TeriE.

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24. December 2008 by TeriE.

Great news! For new home buyers, here’s an opportunity to save money on your appliances!

Purchasing a super-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer, before December 31 comes with a $20 to $75 cash rebate. Be sure to stop by www.srpnet.com/appliancerebate for a list of qualifying appliances and a rebate application. For even more information, call 602.236-2075.

For a chance to win a Whirlpool high-efficiency clothes washer and dryer, be sure and visit the SRP booth at the Maricopa County Home Show from January 16-18. The newest Cabria laundry pair is donated by Whirpool.

Complete an SRP entry form at the Home Show for a chance to win. Visit www.srpnet.com/powerwise for the contest rules, and more information about the washer and dryer.

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20. December 2008 by TeriE.

As of January 1, 2009, all vehicles in the state of Arizona MUST clearly display in which state the car has been registered. All of those cutsie license plate “frames” saying - who knows what -  frequently cover the top of the plate that displays the state. There will be no exceptions - fines will be imposed - therefore, stand behind your vehicle and check it out! Can you clearly see the name of the state, or is it partially obscured?

As I’ve been driving around since I became aware of this new law, I have been noticing how many of the names of the states are not clearly visible.

Please make sure to tell your friends and especially our winter visitors. Everyone must comply - else they will be subject to a citation.

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11. December 2008 by TeriE.

In the Phoenix Valley, many/most of the newer communities have a Home Owner Association. That means, for those who don’t know, that there are “Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions” governing the community. Buyers when you purchase a home in Phoenix or in Mesa, or in Phoenix Valley, you will be given a copy of the By-Laws and CC&R’s for your community. Generally title will mail them to you within ten days of opening escrow.  It would behoove each buyer to actually review and/or read the CC&R’s to make sure they are aware of the rules and regulations set forth therein. I’ll cite some “for instances” below:1.  Say, for instance, you the buyer, purchase a home and move into a family community. You have 4 children, and of course want to install a trampoline (with a net for safety reasons) and a swing set with a fort at the top and a slide, swing, etc. Have you read your CC&R’s?

2.  Next, you want to utilize your RV gate, and park an RV trailer, or a boat alongside your home, or even in the back if the lot is large enough. Have you read your CC&R’s?

3.  How about this one: You realize you need extra storage in your back yard, so you build a storage shed (which is 6-10 inches above the wall).  Have you read your CC&R’s?

4.  Since your children love to play basketball, you install a basketball hoop in the backyard…..again, have you read your CC&R’s.

5.  You’d like to paint your home a different color….

I’ve just cited a few problematic situations. You, the buyer, will quickly learn what the rules of the HOA are when you attempt to do any of the above without getting Board approval. Many times the Board will be able to approve certain requests based on the contents of the CC&Rs.  Keep in mind that the Board did not structure the rules. They are merely serving on the Board to carry out the rules you agreed to when you purchased your new home. As a former member of the Board of Directors in my community, I was privy to all of the behind the scenes’ action. Most of the problems could have been resolved before ever being presented to the Board if only the Buyer had read the CC&R’s.

The builders and their attorneys are the ones that typically put together the CC&R’s - and from what I’ve seen, they are pretty much boiler plate…..

Learn to work within the boundaries of the CC&R’s, and offer to join the Board to help make your community one in which everyone will want to live.

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7. December 2008 by TeriE.

Each year, I am asked the question about the advisability of listing a home during the holidays! My answer is always a resounding ‘YES’. During this period of time, we have many coming to Phoenix and Mesa to visit their loved ones or to get warm-er for the holidays. Many decide they love the climate and surroundings, decide to go and visit open houses, and/or preview homes, and decide to either purchase a winter home or a permanent home.

Another good reason to list a home during the holidays is: many sellers and their agents feel that they’d like to be free of the hassle of showing their homes during the holidays, thus less competition.

Typically in the middle of January, our Phoenix Valley and Mesa, Arizona listing numbers jump up!! Why not get a head start?

Just some food for thought!

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5. December 2008 by TeriE.

The holiday season will be ushered in at the annual APS Electric Light Parade on Saturday (tomorrow) the 6th of December. This will be the 22nd annual parade featuring illiminated floats, marching bands and helium balloons. The parade will begin on Central Avenue north of Montebello Avenue at 7:00 p.m., move south on Central to Camelback Road, turn east to Seventh Street and then south to Indian School Road. This event is produced by the Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by APS, ABC 15 and 99.9 KEZ.

For more information, call: 602.534-3378 or 602.261-8069. OR you can click on the link above for lots of great information.

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2. December 2008 by TeriE.

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR®

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you. On a side note, I am familiar with new homes and builders in the Phoenix Valley.

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