So you've decided you're going to buy a new home, built with the options you want, a home that no one else has lived in. It's all so exciting. Off you go to look at model homes from various builders with a salesperson right there.
Why would you need your own real estate agent? After all, the sales agent at the door will know all the information on the builders' products, lots and pricing. They can also put you in touch with a lender! So... what's missing?
Your own representation! Someone who is, first and foremost, working for you!!
Things for you to know:
* Builder's salespeople are real estate agents
* While most are helpful and knowledgeable, they represent the builder's interests
* All the preprinted contracts are specifically written by, and to the advantage of the builder
Advantages for bringing along your own real estate agent:
* Your own real estate agent is just that... your agent!!
* Your agent can share resale information on the area that will assist you in decisions for things such as upgrades that give the highest return or what buyers in the future may be looking for
* Your agent can help with incentives and other negotiable items
* Your agent can ask the questions you may feel uncomfortable asking about on your own
It doesn't cost you more money to have your own agent and it doesn't make the process any longer.
You'll also want to have an agent familiar with new home sales, which I am! I sold new homes for a well known area builder and learned the tricks of the trade that I can now use to help you!
Remember to call me before you head out to the models so I can accompany you on your first visit.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Compare Phoenix Cities
The Arizona Republic just put out a great comparison of cities in the greater Phoenix area. Click the link below to see how your city ranks or to compare areas you may be thinking of moving to!
City Comparison Guide
City Comparison Guide
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Magazine ranks Gilbert as Arizona's best place to live
by Parker Leavitt - Aug. 21, 2012 11:14 AM
The Republic | azcentral.com
Gilbert rates as Arizona's best place to live in 2012 according to CNN and Money magazine, which praised the fast-growing community for "shaking off the doldrums of the housing crash and working toward a brighter future."
Money ranked Gilbert as the nation's 33rd best "small city" for its growing health-care industry, rising education and "cheap homes, safe streets and sunny skies," according to an online magazine feature released Monday.
Chandler was the only other Arizona city included in the rankings, coming in at No. 50. Carmel, Ind. won top honors.
Gilbert climbed three spots from its most-recent ranking as No. 36 in 2010. The town was not ranked in 2011 because Money magazine only looked at small towns with populations between 8,500 and 50,000 people that year.
This year, Money examined 744 communities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. The magazine first eliminated 343 communities that had poor education and crime scores, median household incomes well above or below the state average or more than 95 percent of residents of the same race.
The top 100 rankings also excluded retirement communities and cities with major job losses. The remainder were ranked based on factors such as job growth, home affordability, safety, school quality, health care, arts and leisure and diversity.
"To be ranked 33rd is just fabulous," Gilbert Mayor John Lewis said. "As I'm talking to people outside of Gilbert, they are just buzzing about how everyone wants to move to Gilbert. I think it's just a very positive statement of the clean, safe, vibrant community."
While the magazine recognizes Gilbert's recent successes in developing a strong health-care sector, anchored by Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, the publication offers one point of criticism: "For now, however, the city still lacks a sizable downtown."
Lewis said he understands how an outside group might consider Gilbert's downtown Heritage District small but contends they might feel differently after visiting in person.
"It is small, quaint and vibrant, and we will continue to look for ways to expand on that," Lewis said. "Once you get here you see that it is a very key asset to the community."
Lewis said the arrival of several popular restaurants, such as Postino East, Liberty Market and Oregano's Pizza Bistro has drawn diners to the Heritage District, but the area needs more retail shops. There have also been discussions about adding to the area's entertainment offerings and possibly looking to bring in a university, Lewis said.
Former Mayor Steve Berman, who is challenging Lewis in next week's mayoral election, said the top 100 ranking is "wonderful news" and stressed the importance of funding town programs that promote a higher quality of life.
"We need to continue to pay attention to those quality of life issues that keep us there," Berman said. "That includes allocating proper funding for public safety, parks and recreation and social services for seniors and children."
During the campaign, Berman has pointed out that Gilbert was ranked No. 28 in 2008, during his last four-year term as mayor. In an e-mail debate organized by The Republic, Berman said that Gilbert had dropped out of the rankings during Lewis' tenure.
But Gilbert was excluded from the 2011 rankings because the magazine only considered smaller towns for its rankings that year, not because of a poor evaluation.
Still, Berman said there seems to be a movement on the current Town Council away from the programs that elevate residents' quality of life. "The top 100 ranking is not based on who has the lowest taxes; Gilbert already has low taxes," Berman said. "It's about quality of life."
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/20120820gilbert-ranked-arizona-best-place-live-magazine.html#ixzz24Dq28TGJ
The Republic | azcentral.com
Gilbert rates as Arizona's best place to live in 2012 according to CNN and Money magazine, which praised the fast-growing community for "shaking off the doldrums of the housing crash and working toward a brighter future."
Money ranked Gilbert as the nation's 33rd best "small city" for its growing health-care industry, rising education and "cheap homes, safe streets and sunny skies," according to an online magazine feature released Monday.
Chandler was the only other Arizona city included in the rankings, coming in at No. 50. Carmel, Ind. won top honors.
Gilbert climbed three spots from its most-recent ranking as No. 36 in 2010. The town was not ranked in 2011 because Money magazine only looked at small towns with populations between 8,500 and 50,000 people that year.
This year, Money examined 744 communities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. The magazine first eliminated 343 communities that had poor education and crime scores, median household incomes well above or below the state average or more than 95 percent of residents of the same race.
The top 100 rankings also excluded retirement communities and cities with major job losses. The remainder were ranked based on factors such as job growth, home affordability, safety, school quality, health care, arts and leisure and diversity.
"To be ranked 33rd is just fabulous," Gilbert Mayor John Lewis said. "As I'm talking to people outside of Gilbert, they are just buzzing about how everyone wants to move to Gilbert. I think it's just a very positive statement of the clean, safe, vibrant community."
While the magazine recognizes Gilbert's recent successes in developing a strong health-care sector, anchored by Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, the publication offers one point of criticism: "For now, however, the city still lacks a sizable downtown."
Lewis said he understands how an outside group might consider Gilbert's downtown Heritage District small but contends they might feel differently after visiting in person.
"It is small, quaint and vibrant, and we will continue to look for ways to expand on that," Lewis said. "Once you get here you see that it is a very key asset to the community."
Lewis said the arrival of several popular restaurants, such as Postino East, Liberty Market and Oregano's Pizza Bistro has drawn diners to the Heritage District, but the area needs more retail shops. There have also been discussions about adding to the area's entertainment offerings and possibly looking to bring in a university, Lewis said.
Former Mayor Steve Berman, who is challenging Lewis in next week's mayoral election, said the top 100 ranking is "wonderful news" and stressed the importance of funding town programs that promote a higher quality of life.
"We need to continue to pay attention to those quality of life issues that keep us there," Berman said. "That includes allocating proper funding for public safety, parks and recreation and social services for seniors and children."
During the campaign, Berman has pointed out that Gilbert was ranked No. 28 in 2008, during his last four-year term as mayor. In an e-mail debate organized by The Republic, Berman said that Gilbert had dropped out of the rankings during Lewis' tenure.
But Gilbert was excluded from the 2011 rankings because the magazine only considered smaller towns for its rankings that year, not because of a poor evaluation.
Still, Berman said there seems to be a movement on the current Town Council away from the programs that elevate residents' quality of life. "The top 100 ranking is not based on who has the lowest taxes; Gilbert already has low taxes," Berman said. "It's about quality of life."
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/20120820gilbert-ranked-arizona-best-place-live-magazine.html#ixzz24Dq28TGJ
Thursday, March 8, 2012
How Soon Can You Buy After a Distressed Sale?
I received this chart from a lender today. Thought everyone would find it interesting!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Curb Appeal 101
Thinking of selling? First impressions are everything!
Here are ten great curb appeal tips:
1. Act like a buyer... walk around your house and make notes of things that look a little "off"
2. Look up to the sky... give your roof a second glance to make sure it isn't missing any tiles or shingles
3. Shiny, happy numbers... make sure your house numbers look good!
4. Get a second opinion... it helps to have an outsider's opinion
5. Under pressure... pressure wash the driveway, patios and sidewalks
6. Plant some color... colorful flowers and plants give your house an instant lift
7. Open up... open blinds and curtains. Homes that are brighter, sell faster!
8. Lighten up... outside lighting helps too!
9. Add some polish... make sure your front door and trim are freshly painted. Also consider adding a cheerful welcome mat.
10. Curb appeal starts online... make sure your house is spic and span for the photos I will take when listing your house!
Here are ten great curb appeal tips:
1. Act like a buyer... walk around your house and make notes of things that look a little "off"
2. Look up to the sky... give your roof a second glance to make sure it isn't missing any tiles or shingles
3. Shiny, happy numbers... make sure your house numbers look good!
4. Get a second opinion... it helps to have an outsider's opinion
5. Under pressure... pressure wash the driveway, patios and sidewalks
6. Plant some color... colorful flowers and plants give your house an instant lift
7. Open up... open blinds and curtains. Homes that are brighter, sell faster!
8. Lighten up... outside lighting helps too!
9. Add some polish... make sure your front door and trim are freshly painted. Also consider adding a cheerful welcome mat.
10. Curb appeal starts online... make sure your house is spic and span for the photos I will take when listing your house!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Rate on 30-year mortgage drops to record 3.89 percent
Associated Press, by Derek Kravitz - Jan. 12, 2012 10:48 AM
WASHINGTON - Fixed mortgage rates fell once again to a record low, offering a great opportunity for those who can afford to buy or refinance homes.
Freddie Mac says the average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages fell to 3.89% this week. That's below the previous record of 3.91% three weeks ago.
The average on 15-year fixed mortgages ticked down to an average 3.16% from a record 3.21% three weeks ago.
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