Covid 19’s wide-ranging impact sadly involved much more than our health. Just over 10 Million homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage, were forced to enlist forbearance (a temporary interruption in monthly payments) to tide them over until the employment market and their financial position improved. Forbearance however does not mean forgiveness. Those deferred payments are… Read More
What’s My House Worth?
Do Veterans make the best Realtors?
Do Veterans make the best Realtors? I’ve always thought so. In a recent article written by Forbes leadership and management contributor Kate Cooper, it was noted that Military Veterans develop valuable skills while serving, and in spite of their extensive training in areas such as project management, teamwork and leadership, many Veterans struggle to find… Read More
Video: 5 Money Saving Tips for Cooling Down Your Home
Though Summer temps in the Phoenix area routinely register in triple digits, there are ways to survive the heat. The Phoenix.org website cautions that we all should know the signs of heat illness, and take some basic precautions when Summer sizzles. Suggestions range from staying hydrated to, believe it or not, covering your head, arms… Read More
Static Mortgage Rates Fit the Pattern
Early, alarming predictions for a dramatic surge in mortgage rates in 2018, have so far fallen flat. True, home buyers have seen incremental increases in rates for home loans since January, but in more of a one-step-forward-and-two-steps-back pattern. I’m cautiously optimistic that this might continue for three significant reasons. First, the country’s economy appears to… Read More
Unemployemnt Lowest in Nearly 2 Decades
Unemployment statistics are promising but it may not be what you think. So far this year, job growth has actually been slower than anticipated, yet employment numbers continue to drop… more on the reason for that below. So what does this mean for our Real Estate market? Higher unemployment was one of the main factors… Read More
Home Sellers, Time to Get Off the Fence as Mortgage Rates Ease Off
With the recent rise in mortgage rates beginning to level off, and Real Estate’s busy season fast approaching, conditions are ripe for Home Sellers to get off the fence. Properties in first-time-buyer range are flying off the shelf, as are more expensive homes… priced right. If that weren’t enough good news for Home Sellers, more… Read More
Property Taxes 101 for Home Buyers or New Home Owners.
When you sign your closing documents as either a home seller or a home buyer, there will be a notation on the Settlement Statement regarding property taxes. There’s always a bit of a kerfuffle over property taxes so it helps to understand how they work. If you’re a homeowner here in Arizona you’ve probably just… Read More
Video: Breathe Easier at Home
Arizona doesn’t have many of the moisture and mold issues that plague the rest of the country, but in and around our three major cities, we most definitely experience dangerous air-quality concerns. Of the three major metro areas in Arizona, Phoenix is by far the most prone to problematic air quality- notably car exhaust and… Read More
Style, Species, Surface and Selection, Wood Flooring Trends to Watch
Real wood flooring is gaining popularity in every room of the house for New Construction or remodeling. Hardwood adds style as well as value, is easy to care for and eco-friendly. Both inside and outside your home, the environmental benefits are undeniable. According to the nwfa, “Wood flooring is the most abundantly renewable flooring material available…. Read More
Video: Easy Energy Efficiency Hacks for Your Home
There are loads of simple, inexpensive ways to save money on energy bills. I think we’re all looking to save a little something around the house, whether it be energy or cash or both. There are tons of simple, inexpensive updates you can do yourself, that will greatly affect both. It might seem obvious, but… Read More