7. December 2008 by Teri Ellis.

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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2. December 2008 by Teri Ellis.

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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26. July 2008 by Teri Ellis.

Sellers, when you decide to list your home, here are two suggestions - yes, only two:

1.  List it at a price that fits the market - not for what you “want” or “need” out of it. Buyers don’t care, and neither do appraisers. It’s all about what other home - like your home - in your area - or within a mile - have SOLD for - not what they are listed for!

2.  Plan on waiting for AT LEAST SIX MONTHS! If you sell it before then, that’s wonderful! But don’t expect to sell it at all - UNLESS it is priced effectively!

Just some words to think about.

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13. June 2008 by Teri Ellis.

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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9. March 2008 by Teri Ellis.

If  you’ve never ventured to the “far west” side of Phoenix - to Waddell - and to Romola of Arizona or Clearwater Farms area…….then take a drive to this area if you are looking for irrigated acreage. Many of the properties have horse stalls and plenty of room for those calves you want to take care of so they can grow nice and big. Bing Davis, the Realtor of Choice on the west side of Phoenix, is definitely the one to call for more information on this area. His number: 602.370-1383. You can email him at: Bing@HomesAzRE.com for more information. Incidentally, he has several available listings of his own, but will show you whatever you need!!! Give him a call. He is an excellent Realtor!!

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8. March 2008 by Teri Ellis.

Brother and sister will  tackle the entire Phoenix Valley. Currently we live about 50 minutes apart - Bing on the west and I on the east. Everything in between will within easy reach to one or both of us. Bing will specialize on the west side of Central Avenue, and I will focus on the east side of Central. Whether you are thinking of selling OR purchasing a new home, acreage, horse property, or a single family home, we are here to help you. Just give me a call at: 480.216-3334.

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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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