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.

Posted in Sellers, Buyers, Blogroll | No Comments »

27. November 2008 by TeriE.

I don’t know that I ever did the “Black Friday” thing, but I guess lots do. On the news last evening, there were tons of people sitting in line at Best Buy (since Tuesday night) in order to catch a good deal! WOW!!! I guess if I had to wait in line to feed my family, then I would consider such an action, but to get a “deal?”

While at the doctor’s the other day, the girl who was getting me ready for the doctor was all excited about: going at 4:00 in the morning tomorrow to get a deal. She told me that she had witnessed people grabbing things out of the hands of others, etc. She was so excited! I told her I would see her next time to see how she made out.

WOW! Now that would be interesting, huh? Fly on the wall might be fun.

I found some good links for searching for deals online before you brave the myriad mobs on Black Friday:

www.BlackFridayAds.com

 www.BlackFriday.fm

 www.black-friday.net

 www.theblackfriday.com

 www.blackfriday.info

 www.dealtaker.com/blackfriday.html

 http://bfads.net

 http://gottadeal.com

If that isn’t enough information, how about “Cyber Monday?”

Yep, on the Monday after Thanksgiving, online retailers offer many of the same deals offered by stores on Black Friday. This is often the same merchandise for the same prices….but you get to stay home and shop. Check out these web sites:

www.cybermonday.com

 www.cyber-monday.org

 www.bestcybermondaysales.com

 www.dealio.com/cyber-monday.html

 I like to shop online; however, this year, I’m trying to shop in Mesa, Arizona to help with the tax revenue needed.

Posted in Out and About in Town, Blogroll | No Comments »

10. November 2008 by TeriE.

Today, I have a rant I want to share. I don’t know how to stop this, or even to protect the consumer, but here goes:

In just the past few weeks, in our Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona valley, I have heard of two instances where a tenant signs a lease, pays a deposit, and then moves into their home - only to find out months later, that the rent they have been paying to the landlord has not been paid to the lender; therefore, a Notice of Trustee’s Sale is delivered to the owner. 30 days before the Trustee’s Sale, a notice is posted or mailed to the present tenant notifying them they have 30 days to move. Gone is the deposit and tenant must find a new place to land within 30 days! These landlords must be guilty of some law, don’t ya think?

This is absolutely ridiculous, and I, for one, am trying to figure out a way to prevent this from happening. The tenants should be able to receive notification of payments being made to the lender.  Must I suggest there be included in the lease -a stipula

tion that the tenants are privy to the lender information and will be notified if they are in arrears? As a holder of a second, I have that right.  There must be a way to protect these tenants.

What will the crooks think of next? (I really don’t want to know).

Please tenants, protect yourself. Do your research….work with a reputable Realtor, homeowner or property management company. Beware of the unscrupulous ground huggers out there just waiting to rip you off!

How do I “really” feel about this? Greed has gotten way out of hand. No wonder our country is in such shambles financially and morally!!!

Posted in Real Estate Market, Out and About in Town, Blogroll | No Comments »

27. October 2008 by TeriE.

Things are definitely looking up for our market. Keeping in mind that 6 months is considered a healthy market, I am enclosing a graph of Inventory and Solds in our entire MLS as well as a graph depicting our inventory and solds as of September 30, 2008:

I love this stuff ’cause it helps me get a feel of what is really going on. Yes, we still have REO’s and Short Sales, but things WILL improve, and in, fact, by the looks of these numbers, IS.

Posted in Real Estate Market, Buyers, Blogroll | No Comments »

4. October 2008 by TeriE.

Just about one and a half hours north and east of Mesa, Arizona you enter the beautiful Salt River Canyon. High cliffs, red dirt, and from the top to the bottom - about 4.5 miles where you come to a close up view of the river and the historical Salt River Canyon bridge. Along the way down or up are pull outs, and at the bottom, a beautiful bridge, red water running through the Salt River, white clouds, and amazing views.

As a child - here I am reminiscing again - we drove through the Salt River Canyon to reach the White Mountains for our family summer vacations. The roads are MUCH nicer than they were in the 50’s - and there are passing lanes as this is a main artery and many trucks are seen traveling through the Canyon.

Posted in Out and About in Town, Buyers, Blogroll | No Comments »

31. August 2008 by TeriE.

For those of us living in Arizona, we realize what a great state it is. One prime example: Phoenix Valley offers assistance to those struggling economically.

With the cost of groceries these day, I found this very cool deal….St. Mary’s Food Bank Club is offering groceries worth $100+ for $30.  No identification is required - these food packages are open to everyone! No proof of citizenship, income, identification are required. Go to ABC15.news for detailed information online. I’ve included some of the information from their website below.

“Pantry Package, $13: includes 14 to 16 meal staples, such as canned vegetables and fruit, pasta and beans.
 
Meat Package, $16-$20: includes four to five meat items, such as pork chops, beef patties and chicken breasts.
 
If you buy both the pantry and meat packages combined it will cost just $30 and you will get two bonus boxes, which includes the donated surplus items.”

There are three of these food banks located in our Phoenix west valley. I’ve provided a list with addresses and times as well as a link to the website for additional information:

1. 4211 N. 43rd Avenue in Phoenix (43rd Avenue and Indian School Road) - Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-3pm
2. 13050 W. Elm Street in Surprise (south of Dysart Road and Bell Road) - Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-3pm
3. 5605 N. 55th Avenue in Glendale (55th Avenue and Bethany Home Road) - Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm

Have additional questions? Contact the foodvalueclub@firstfoodbank.org or (602) 415-5474, or log onto to their website at http://firstfoodbank.org/.

Be sure to contact each location for additional information.

Posted in Out and About in Town, Blogroll | No Comments »

29. August 2008 by TeriE.

I just discovered this really cool document entitled the Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights for home buyers and renters in Mesa, Arizona.  The Bill of Rights’ for consumers in Arizona begins with a statement as follows:

“THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE, IN COOPERATION WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLIC, CREATED THIS “BILL OF RIGHTS” TO HELP EDUCATE YOU, THE CONSUMER, OF YOUR RIGHTS WHEN PURCHASING OR RENTING PROPERTY.  AS A REAL ESTATE CONSUMER IN ARIZONA, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW MATERIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPERTY.

THE FOLLOWING LIST REPRESENTS SOME OF THE IMPORTANT MATERIAL FACTS YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BEFORE PURCHASING ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY IN ARIZONA.”

In an effort to better acquaint home buyers and renters with their “rights”, I have included a link to the information above, and shared the material below as well.

BUYERS AND TENANTS: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW:

• If the property is located in an incorporated city or unincorporated part of the county.
• If title insurance is available and if fire insurance can be acquired.
• If you will have fire and police protection and, if so, who provides this service.
• If the roads provide access for fire protection and police service.
• If the roads are maintained, and by whom.
• If utilities are available, and who provides them. (Water, Electric, Gas, Sewer, Trash)
• If the water supply is adequate.
• If the jurisdiction the property is located in has conservation restrictions and policies.
• If the property is located in a school district, and the distance to the closest schools.
• If there are any natural or geological hazards, pests or wildlife.
• If there are essential services near the property such as grocery and medical services.
• If there is crime in the area and the crime rate.
• That you have a right to equal housing opportunity free of discrimination.
• If the property is affected by a military installation.
• If there is an Arizona Subdivision Disclosure Report, an Affidavit of Disclosure or a Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement.  You should read these disclosure documents before you purchase or rent.

THERE MAY BE OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED ABOVE THAT YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BEFORE BUYING OR RENTING PROPERTY.  FOR A LARGER LIST, PLEASE REFERENCE THE BUYER’S ADVISORY GUIDE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

Visit www.AZRE.gov to begin answering your questions! We are here to protect you and the public.

The more informed the buyers are here in the Mesa, Arizona and surrounding areas are, the more informed their decisions can be.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog.

Posted in Real Estate Market, Buyers | No Comments »

26. August 2008 by TeriE.

I received an email from a home buyer recently asking me whether I’d heard anything about problematic radon in kitchen granite countertops. I replied that I had not heard, but would do some research. I was surprised when I googled it because there were several articles dealing with that issue, most of them dated July 2008.

I searched around and came across an article in snopes.com, the website that provides us with the inside information of whether a rumor is true or not true. Well, it is true; however, I wanted to know if there was a test, or a way to tell whether the granite you have in your home/and in mine, is emitting this radon. This article provides information for inexpensive kits ($20-$30) to determine whether your granite is “hot.”  These kits can be purchased from hardware stores or online as indicated in the article.

This is great information to share with your buyers who are considering purchasing a new home into which they will be adding granite, or resale homes with granite.

As with many other things in this world, I had no idea. If you google “granite countertops radar,” you will find a bevy of related articles.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog.

Posted in Blogroll | No Comments »

20. August 2008 by TeriE.

The Official Website of the Arizona Department of Real Estate has placed on its website a list of builders experiencing financial difficulties. I’ve provided a link of the pdf file provided by the Department of Real Estate for those purchasing new homes - Builders Experiencing Financial Difficulties. As Realtors, it’s our duty to be “informed.”  This list is particularly useful for potential buyers of new homes. Checking the website of the Arizona Department of Real Estate regularly will help us stay aware of what is going on in our State.

This is not just happening in Maricopa County, but throughout our state.

Yet another good reason for buyers to use the services of a Realtor instead of going out on their own.

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate.

Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog.

Today’s market August 19, 2008: Active listings - 52,574  Pending/Under Contract - 7,037

Posted in Real Estate Market, Buyers, Blogroll | No Comments »

7. August 2008 by TeriE.

Just last evening, I heard of another scam artist taking money from a “renter.”  Problem is, the home didn’t belong to the scammer, and they advertised the property on Craig’s List. Somehow they - the scammer - got a key to the house which was vacant, and rented it to an unsuspecting tenant who paid a $1,500 security/rental deposit. Unbeknownst to them, the real owner shows up surprised that someone is moving in.

In Maricopa County, you can check on the Maricopa County Recorder’s website to find the REAL owner. So many people out there waiting to grab unearned income by scamming.

Be careful, and check to make sure that the home you are renting is (1) owned by the real owner, and (2) check to see if there are any foreclosures pending on a potential rental. There are many people collecting rent for a home they are not making payments to their lender, and thus, it goes into foreclosure. Be very wary!!!

Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix Valley? Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. OR visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com.

Posted in Real Estate Market, Blogroll | No Comments »