Arizona has flourished over the last couple of decades. It’s become the land of Golf Courses, resort quality Retirement neighborhoods, dessert Ranches and mountainside Horse Properties, a seemingly endless supply of New Construction, mind-boggling planned community developments and intimate luxury enclaves. The Phoenix Valley in particular has so much to offer the contemporary home buyer… Read More
Real Estate
Income Tax: 10 Ways You Can Pay Less This Year
Nobody wants to pay more taxes than they need to. Some of us are confident preparing our own Income Tax every year, I’m keenly aware that that’s way outside my wheelhouse. I am more than happy to tuck away enough money in the budget to retain an accountant. Maybe you opt for the EZ form,… Read More
Average 30-Year Fixed Rate for Home Loans Above 4 Percent
How much will mortgage rates increase? Rumor has it, mortgage rates are on the rise. The economy is undeniably healthy… have you checked your retirement accounts lately? Unemployment rates have dropped considerably, nationwide unemployment is at its lowest in over a decade. And low interest rates have remained on the charts much, much longer than… Read More
The Wide World of Woods – Add Warmth and Value to Your Home
Can You Transform Your Home’s Interior With a Few Wood Accents? Wood as an interior design element never seems to go out of style. Wood floors are always in demand, wood adorned furniture has been trendy for decades. But it’s looking like 2018 might be the year of wood’s comeback as a decorating focal point…. Read More
How Much Home Can You Buy? Depends on Where You Look
The article below addresses the average size home that $300,000 will buy you in 20 different states, none of which is Arizona so I’ve done a little digging in my own area. $300,000 is higher than the median sales price in several East Valley cities and Phoenix. Gilbert and Chandler median home prices are currently… Read More
Real Estate Q & A: Is it Possible to Schedule Showings Only When We’re at Work?
Question: Is it possible to schedule showings only when we’re at work so our evenings, weekends and family time are not disturbed? I hear this question in one form or another all the time; only when we’re at work, only when we’re at home, only when the kids are at school, only when the dog… Read More
Video: Home Repair Before, During and After a Home Sale
Most home buyers recognize the value in a home inspection during the buying process. It helps you solidify your decision to buy the home, and prepare you for what you’ll need to watch for in the future. When the home inspector sums up his report after your home inspection, don’t just begin making your list… Read More
Retirement Expenses Begin with Housing
What’s at the top of your retirement expense checklist? For most of us it’s housing. The first thing many retirees consider is reducing their budget by downsizing their home. This helps with more than just mortgage payments, taxes, maintenance, and insurance costs can also be reduced by moving to a smaller home. Medical and transportation costs… Read More
5 Housing Trends for 2018 Include Increased Inventory
When will we see a balanced Real Estate Market? Our market is just beginning to pick up for 2018 after the usual holiday falloff. I haven’t yet seen evidence of increased housing inventory here in Arizona, but I am cautiously optimistic that the experts know what they’re talking about. An extended lack of inventory generally… Read More
FIRPTA – A Tax on Home Seller’s that Home Buyer’s May be Liable For
FIRPTA – A Tax on Home Seller’s that Home Buyer’s May be Liable For FIRPTA has been around awhile but I ran up against it so many times in the past year that I’ve learned a lot more about it lately. The friendly folks at Pioneer Title were especially knowledgeable and helpful, explaining the finer… Read More