30. July 2011 by Teri Ellis.

First of all, did you know? 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® even when the market isn’t as convoluted as it is today!

1. REALTORS® Navigate a complicated process. Unbelievably complicated transactions with Banks require the REALTOR® to know what he/she is doing.  Many of the Buyer agents are dealing with so many bank-owned listing agents along with negotiators, along with automated and online purchase agreement submittals that it’s mind-boggling. 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. REALTORS® provide Invaluable Information and opinions. REALTORS® can and do 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 ALL of your important questions and concerns!

3. REALTORS® Help find 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. Many REALTORS® – especially neighborhood specialists – are aware of something coming on the market and can help you find the best property to suit your needs and desires.

4. REALTORS HAVE GREAT 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.  Typically there is a ten day inspection period after all parties have signed the contract. Your REALTOR® should be aware of that and inform you the minute you have an accepted contract. The price for the home inspection generally runs about $350 depending on the size of the home.

5. REALTORS® provide the best property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due 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.  If you are present when a REALTOR® is showing your home be careful not to share personal information with the REALTOR® or the Buyers.

6. REALTORS® speak the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a CC&R, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional REALTOR® who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. REALTORS® 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. AND “listen” to their advice and counsel – that’s another reason you hire them.

8. REALTORS® have an Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying 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.

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

22. July 2011 by Teri Ellis.

The Wildflower Walk at the Lost Dutchman State Park is a beautiful and close in place to visit. Whenever we have a great winter rain, the flowers are particularly beautiful.  If you are into photography, bring your camera. There will be plenty of beautiful vistas of poppies in hues of orange and yellow. Last year, I took this stroll/hike and shared some of my photos.  I will plan to go again next year sometime in March as the Superstition Foothills begin to bloom. Located just east of Mesa, Arizona at Highway 88, this is definitely worth the trip. For more details, you can log on to azstateparks. This site has a plethora of information about the State Park.

Another place I recommend nearby, is located in Sedona, Arizona. If you’ve not been to Sedona, you are truly missing out. Red rocks, red mountains, and beautiful, beautiful scenic views. From Phoenix, you would head north on the I-17, and then exit on 89A which takes you right through Sedona. If you were to continue on this highway, through Sedona, you would end up in Flagstaff at the top of about 17 miles of a switchback mountain climb. Breathtaking! Along the way, you would pass by a popular state park, Slide Rock. I’ve shared pictures from Sedona, Jerome and Slide Rock as well. Just click on the link. Also available in Sedona, are Hot-air balloon rides. Check out the information at: NorthernLightBalloon and RedRockBalloonAdventures.

The third place to visit is The Grand Canyon….there is a trail requiring the visitor to be physically fit called the Grandview Trail. For those of us not quite as athletic, spend the day strolling along the paved Rim Trail, and be sure to bring your camera for a snapshot of the beautiful sunsets and vistas. Here’s a link to find more information on visiting the Grand Canyon. I’ve not got photos to share, but I plan to visit there soon and will post photos of our beautiful canyon with all of you.

There are myriad places to visit and stuff to do in Mesa, Arizona and beyond. I am constantly shooting photos of areas I visit. Arizona is truly a beautiful state!

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

25. May 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Crismon Creek is a small community located in East Mesa. Situated just east of Crismon Street and north of Baseline, this popular spot in Mesa sports three parks/tot lots, retention basins, a great mix of families and retirees, is 1/2 mile from the 60 Freeway and only one mile from the 202. Just east of Crismon Creek is the Mesa Swap Meet and Superstition Gateway which boasts such big stores as Wal-mart, Kohls, Best Buy, restaurants, theaters and more.

One of the favorite activities that the HOA Board oversees each year is the Easter Egg Hunt. I’ve heard that even  some of the streets have an Easter Egg Hunt totally put together by the homeowners. I’ve included some photos of our recent “Hunt.”

The community also holds two garage sale events during the year. For current and up to date information on Crismon Creek, check out the CrismonCreekBlog. For a search of homes in Crismon Creek simply click here – Crismon Creek. To search the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area including Mesa, Gilbert, Gold Canyon, Chandler, Queen Creek, click here – MLS. For any questions or information requests regarding Crismon Creek or surrounding areas, just call me, Teri Ellis, at Homes Arizona Real Estate - 480.382-8711. OR you can email me at: Teri@TeriEllis.com, follow me at Facebook – Mesa Arizona Real Estate, or Twitter – MesaAzHomes!

Posted in Arizona, four bedroom pool home, Mesa, Homes Arizona, Buyers, Real Estate Market, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

11. May 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Just yesterday morning, a landmark located in northern Arizona, burned down. Fortunately, I’ve been one of the many who had the opportunity to visit this pristine area.  I’ve taken several photos of the Lodge and the area, and share them here.

Located about three hours north and east of Mesa, Arizona, this mountain community is special. Scattered around the “former” Lodge are cabins, catch and release fishing, green, green meadows and lakes, streams and trees and mountains.

Truly this amazing Lodge will be missed sitting as a reminder that a community such as this still is alive and well. I’ve heard the owner will rebuild, and I, of course, will continue to visit and enjoy the beauty of northern Arizona.

Posted in Day Trip from Mesa, Arizona, Mesa, Buyers, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

6. March 2011 by Teri Ellis.

Yes, our Phoenix Valley and Mesa do have areas that can AND will flood!

Arizona Homeowners - Do you need flood insurance? Do you know if you live in a flood hazard area?

Years ago, before the newer communities began setting up those
retention basins - you know - the ones that fill with water during the
monsoon or rainy seasons, the water would flood homes and backyards,
etc. As a child growing up in Phoenix, I knew the monsoons were here
when the wind would blow and the dust would smell like rain.
Fortunately, the home I lived in was not in a flood area. We had berms
around our property, and my dad irrigated our yards, and we had no
flooding problems!

BUT,
certain areas of our valley are still in a flood zone. The water has to
go somewhere, and since we are so flat, it runs from the higher areas
down to the lower areas. Just a FEW tips for those who DO live in a
flood zone:

• Make an itemized list of personal property and take pictures of your home to assist your insurance adjuster in settling claims; 
• keep your insurance policies, list of personal property and pictures in a safe place;
• know the name, phone number and location of your insurance agent;
• identify the safest route from your home to
  high ground in case you have to evacuate in a hurry and keep a working
  portable radio and flashlight on hand;
• have sandbags and other materials readily available to use for protection if you live in a frequently flooded area
  

If you are not sure, and/or you now live in an older
area of Phoenix or Mesa, call the Street Transportation Department’s
flood plain management section at: 602.262-4960. If you do live in a
flood zone, you will need to make sure you have flood insurance!

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

13. October 2010 by Teri Ellis.

I recently “happened” upon an article about Special Warranty Deed vs. a Warranty Deed. I began to wonder? In our real estate markets, do those purchasing a property understand just how each of these Deeds protect them? The simple explanation?

Arizona’s standard residential contract provides for a general warranty deed from the seller.

So, whether buyers purchase a bank owned or a seller owned property, generally the title insurance covers any defect in title. This is yet one more reason to have good title insurance.

Related articles

• The ABC’s of Deeds (stroupecondoblog.com)

Posted in Arizona, Buyers, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

9. June 2010 by Teri Ellis.

Image via Wikipedia

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is offering flights to smaller towns across the US.

More and more flights are being added to Allegiant Air’s schedule.  Keep in mind that airline flight schedules are subject to change without notice via their web site. Please contact the airline directly to confirm arrival and departure times and to make reservations.

Please check-in a minimum of two hours prior to your scheduled
departure time or check with the Airline to confirm minimum check-in
time.

Allegiant Air

Reservations: www.allegiantair.com
or 1-702-505-8888

For flight status please visit Allegiant’s
flight
status Web page

To check-in for your flight visit Allegiant’s
Web
check-in page

Bellingham, WA 

Billings, MT

Bismarck, ND

Cedar Rapids, IA

Eugene, OR

Fargo, ND

Grand Forks, ND

Grand Island, NE

Grand Rapids, MI

Great Falls, MT

Medford, OR

Missoula, MT

Pasco, WA

Peoria, IL

Rapid City, SD

Redmond-Bend, OR

Rockford, IL

Sioux Falls, SD

South Bend, IN

Springfield, MO

Wichita, KS

Related articles by Zemanta

• Allegiant to acquire six Boeing 757-200 aircraft. (planegrazy.com)

Posted in Arizona, Mesa, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

17. March 2010 by Teri Ellis.

Image by alancleaver_2000 via Flickr

There is help out there for working families and those needing help filing their federal income taxes and obtaining the Earned Income Tax Credit.  The program is offered by the City of Phoenix, Arizona in cooperation with several partners and the IRS.

Last year, this special tax preparation assistance helped more than 5,000 families receive Earned Income Tax Credit payments of $7.39 million, and is available at more than a dozen sites in the city.

Those who earned less than $13,440 and married couples filing joint returns who earned less than $48,279 may be eligible for credits of $457 to $5,657. Additional credits might also be available such as child care expenses and education costs.

Call 602.263-8856 for more information about the location of the more than 13 sites and their schedules.

Related articles by Zemanta

• 5 IRS Tax Credits You May Qualify For (directoryofkansascity.com)
• IRS offers help to those eligible for earned income tax credit (timesunion.com)
• What is the Earned Income Tax Credit? (bargaineering.com)

Posted in Arizona, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

10. March 2010 by Teri Ellis.

Searching For Homes in Mesa, Arizona!!!

I am including live links to several communities in the Phoenix and Mesa Valley. This is a work in progress, so if you know of one that you would like more information on, please just let me know!

Mesa

Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »

27. February 2010 by Teri Ellis.

Image by Teri Ellis via Flickr

I’ll be posting most of my new information on AzLadyInRealEstateBlog.com.   This will contain good information for buyers and sellers in the Phoenix real estate market. Searching for a home, searching for a specific community? Then watch carefully. I will be setting up one-click links to properties throughout the valley. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if you would like me to set you up on a portal specific to your searches.

Posted in Arizona, Buyers, Blogroll | Print | No Comments »