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.

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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

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22. July 2008 by TeriE.

If you’ve been searching for a home in Chandler, close to the 202, located in a prime area, check out this beautiful property: http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=314141 - and give me a call with any questions you may have.

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2. July 2008 by TeriE.

These new policies include: if you own another home and are planning to rent it out and are considering purchasing another one, the time to purchase might be now.  Buyers purchasing as of August 1, 2008 will need to qualify for both mortgages or have 30% equity in their primary home.  Just thought you’d like to know!

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30. June 2008 by TeriE.

Stop by www.HomesAzRE.com for a look at my newest listing or, simply click: http://www.realestateshows.com/flyer.php?id=306847 - This is an absolutely beautiful townhome/condo, one bedroom, and one bedroom with a loft, one bath, pergo floors, fireplace, garage and private entry, located at Southern just east of the 101. 15 minutes from anywhere. Excellent condition and location. Give me a call if you’re in the market. Goes on the MLS on July 3!!! Pictures should be up tomorrow, the 30th….. Listed at only $159,000……

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26. June 2008 by TeriE.

This property is fabulous. Be sure to drop by and see it at: www.HomesAzRE.com. Listed at 1,060,000….unbelieveably perfect views of the White Tank Mountains. More details and photos can be seen at the above link….call me if you have any questions…..

Over ten acres and zoned R-43…..can be split…grandfathered irrigation rights.

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13. June 2008 by TeriE.

The Wall Street Journal reports that many homeowners having difficulty with their “present” mortgages for many reasons are purchasing smaller, less expensive, homes in their neighborhood - after which they let the bank foreclose on their larger home and move into their new home. All of this is, of course, completely illegal! The lenders are becoming aware of this new tactic - so sellers or buyers beware! Do not lie on your loan documents! It is considered FRAUD!! Don’t do it!

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11. June 2008 by TeriE.

Many buyers apparently seem to think that prices will continue to go down. There are so many opportunities. Now is the time to find your investment property, purchase your first home, or buy your retirement home.

Our active listings are going down - yesterday to 52,863, and our pending (under contract) are going UP. Yesterday, 7,402.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! For horse properties, check out Waddell, in the far west valley, at the base of the White Tank Mountains. If you’re looking for acreage, irrigated and at great prices, be sure to include in your search. Whether it be a townhome to fix up, furnish and rent out, or a home in which to retire, the prices may NEVER again be this good!

Give me a call ~ I’ll help you find that perfect property.

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14. May 2008 by TeriE.

Comparing the Phoenix, Arizona Valley Market April 2008 home sales with April  2007 5,586 homes sold in 2008, and 4,855 in 2007. Today there are 54,305 active listings - 2074 less than two months ago - and 7,477 pending (or under contract) today - 1,822 more than on March 14.

Banks are aggressively trying to offload foreclosure and bank owned properties as quickly as possible, and investors are also getting back into the game according to an Arizona State University Report in today’s East Valley Tribune.

Each day since the beginning of the year, our inventory continues to go down and our pending goes up. This is exactly what happened in 2004 until in January 2005, we had less than 7,000 active listings in our Phoenix Multiple Listing Service.

The message for qualified buyers waiting for the market to bottom out? There may never be another buyer’s market like this one. Give me a call so I can represent you in your purchase of a new or resale home at: 480.216-3334.

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8. May 2008 by TeriE.

In the Phoenix Valley, there are so many new home builders with builder agents ready to assist you, that it doesn’t occur to many homebuyers - that THEY need a professional Realtor to help them with the transaction and purchase of a brand new home. I’ve listed just “some” of the reasons I believe that a buyer needs a professional Realtor to help them purchase a resale or new home, or sell their home.

For instance:

1.  Buyers, are you aware that the agent sitting at the new home site works for and represents the builder? They do not represent you as the buyer. So that means, if there are any misunderstandings or concerns on your part, that you - alone - must work it out - somehow - with the builder. I have sat in many new home sales transactions where the builder’s agent will say: “I do not represent you - I represent the builder.”  It’s a disclosure to you, the buyer.

2.  Are you aware that the builder pays the agent? It has no reflection on what you pay for the home - that commission is paid by the seller (builder) to the buyer (your agent) agent.

3.  Are you aware that if you walk into a new subdivision to just check out the models, that you will no longer be able to have buyer representation? Many times, without thought, the looker/buyer signs a little card with their name and address. The builder then keeps track of who has been in their homes. That prevents you from bringing in a Realtor to represent you.

4.  Are you familiar with all of the builders, their customary practice, their customer service, the reputation of the builder? Do you think this might be important to you, the buyer?

5.  Are you aware, as a buyer, that the builder has their “own” contract? It is not the one that has been sanctioned and is used by the Arizona Association of Realtors and is used always or almost always, on a resale contract. Many builder contracts (most) are slanted to favor the builder - not the buyer.

Bottom line: if you are not a professional Realtor, and familiar with the basics of building a new home, your rights, your remedies - never mind the recommendations made by a Realtor as to the areas that could be affected by potential freeways, potential growth, etc., then my suggestion: find yourself a professional who you feel comfortable with, trust, and one that knows the builders, the areas, and will be of assistance to you in deciding which floorplan and why, how many bedrooms, garage size, lot size and location, etc.

The market is turning. Don’t wait too long because many of the builders are offering great incentives to buy their homes. Granite countertops, appliances, landscaping, and huge discounts for their inventory homes. Call me…….I’ll be happy to help you find your next home - and list the one you live in, marketing it all over the internet as well as the MLS.

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